Wedding Planner 2013

2013

Wedding Planner from the editors of

Josephine magazine

Plan your work and work your plan Getting all those ducks in a row can lead to a more perfect wedding

Tips for pulling off that gorgeous wedding look without a hitch When it comes to food on that special day, it’s all about the cake From rings to other pieces, brides are opting for vintage-style jewelry

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2013

Wedding Planner from the editors of

Josephine magazine

Presentation editor Paul Branson paul.branson@newspressnow.com Photo editor Todd Weddle todd.weddle@newspressnow.com Designer George Stanton george.stanton@newspressnow.com

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Cover photography by Matt Reid | Josephine magazine 4 WEDDING PLANNER | January 2013

inside Bridal beauty Follow these tips to pull off your wedding look

05

Cakes and catering What you serve is a big part of your celebration

08

Celebration spaces Settling on a space should be among the fi rst decisions

11

Flowers and decor Finishing touches make a wedding your own

14

Gowns and tuxes Wedding attire is a focal point of the day

17

Honeymoons A few quick tips can save you from big hassles

20

Planning makes perfect Getting all your details down leads to smooth wedding

22

Jewelry Brides are opting for vintage-style pieces

26

Photography and videography Photos and video can let your big day live on

29

Transportation Limos, horsedrawn carriages let you make an exit in style

32

Wedding planner

35

Bridal beauty

That special glow Follow these tips to pull off your wedding look without a hitch

By ERIN WISDOM Josephine magazine

O

n her wedding day, a woman’s beauty choices should be anything but business as usual.

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CONTINUED FROM Page 6 This is one piece of advice Karis Morrow, a Mary Kay independent beauty consultant in Maryville, Mo., gives all brides-to-be who come to her for help in planning their makeup for their big day. She’s found, however, that some are hesitant to embrace a look that deviates from their day-today — especially if they aren’t accustomed to wearing much makeup.

“I point out that they’re not going to walk around in their wedding dress every day, either,” she says.

Similarly, Bobbi Jo Hughes, the manager of Bliss Salon in St. Joseph, recommends brides choose a hairstyle that will make their wedding day feel different.

“If women wear their hair down a lot, I suggest they wear it up,” she says. “Or vice versa.”

Taking risks like this on such an important day may seem scary, but there are ways to go about them safely: Think context. Both women note that beauty decisions should be made with other elements of the wedding in mind.

“If you have a theme, you want to keep your makeup in line with that,” Morrow says, adding as an example that she once did makeup for a bride whose wedding details were styled in a ’20s fashion and that, therefore, she made sure her makeup followed suit.

When it comes to hair, Hughes suggests keeping the wedding dress in particular in mind. One with beads or sequins for hair to catch on, for example, would work better with an updo.

Along the same lines — and in the spirit of Hughes’ earlier advice for brides to choose a hairstyle uncommon for them — it might be helpful for a bride to have a general hairstyle in mind while dress shopping to ensure the dress she picks is compatible with it.

Consult a professional. In addition to having the skill to pull off wedding-worthy styling, someone who works professionally with hair or makeup may be up on the latest trends and have ideas concerning what would look best on a bride, as well.

Speaking of trends: Hughes notes that waterfall braids and beachy waves are popular wedding hairstyles, and Morrow says the makeup industry often takes its cues from the fashion industry — meaning teal 6 Wedding Planner | January 2013

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has been big for both and has shown up in a Mary Kay gel eyeliner. Some women have been reluctant to try it, she says, “but I say you’ve got to give it a try. It really is fun and different.”

Morrow adds that another benefit of working with a professional is having help in investing in products that can be used even after the wedding is over. Some makeup products, for example, can be played up to create a dramatic wedding look, then used for a more neutral, everyday look afterward so they don’t go to waste.

Practice makes perfect. It’s a good idea to try out a wedding hairstyle and makeup before the big day.

Hughes notes that this often is good for the bride’s peace of mind, and Morrow says it can benefit the professional, as well. She personally experienced this payoff with a bride whose trial-run makeup session took place a couple of months before her wedding, and in that in-between period, Morrow opted to have her back a second time to try a different look.

“I just kept thinking something wasn’t right; I wasn’t over-the-moon excited” about the initial makeup job, she says, adding that in the end, both she and the bride were happier with the second look she created.

Another instance in which preparation is key is when brides plan to do some aspect of their hair or

makeup themselves and to incorporate a technique they haven’t used before — something Morrow says is becoming increasingly common as

false eyelashes grow in popularity.

“You have to practice,” she adds.

“You don’t want your wedding day to be the first day you put on eyelashes.”

Know the rules. Most beauty professionals have a set of to-dos and not-todos for brides. At the top of Hughes’ list: Do wear a button-down shirt to your hair appointment, and do not wash you hair immediately beforehand.

“We don’t like super clean hair,” she says. “Oils help keep curls in place.”

Another major do-not: Do not switch beauty products within a couple of weeks of the big day. This is the first piece of advice Morrow gives brides-to-be, noting that skin goes through an adjustment period — which may include breakouts — whenever introduced to a new product. There’s also the risk of an allergic reaction.

And for anyone doing her own makeup, Morrow offers another basic rule: Choose just one feature to emphasize.

“Play up the eyes, but go more natural on the lips. Or vice versa,” she says. “It’s OK to do both natural, but a dramatic look on both can be over-the-top.”

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Taking the cake

What you serve is a big part of your celebration

By SYLVIA ANDERSON Josephine magazine

W

hen Christy Shafer got married in 1995, the reception was much different than her mother’s generation where all that anyone expected was a white wedding cake, some punch and maybe a few nuts and mints.

“We were feeling we were really thinking outside the box, but this generation is taking it to a whole new level,” Shafer says. “Anything typical or standard you can throw out the window.”

Shafer and her mother, Kate Parsons, operate Eventful at Locust Grove on the outskirts of Weston, Mo. It’s a “rustically elegant” venue for meetings, parties and weddings, with indoor and outdoor settings.

And so far, all the weddings have been one-of-a-kind, especially the food.

“There hasn’t been a norm,” Shafer says. “We have one who is using a barbecue joint, another is using heavy appetizers from a restaurant in Weston, another is using Mexican food. It’s really anything goes.”

If Shafer were to redo her own wedding today, she says she would keep the ceremony outdoors at sunset, “It’s such a special time of day,” but she might try one of the new trends — having more than one Please see Page 10

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CONTINUED FROM Page 9 cake.

“I love the idea of having different kinds of cakes,” Shafer says, “with lots of choices on antique cake stands on a table full of different heights.”

It’s an idea that has spread like wildfire on Pintrest.com, she says, which allows brides to share pictures of ideas from all over the globe and “pin” them on their own virtual board for future reference.

“With the addition of Pintrest, it is all over the spectrum,” agrees Cheryl George, owner of Delish Bakery and coffee shop in Downtown St. Joseph and inside the St. Joseph Public Library outside East Hills Shopping Center. Delish is known for making intricately decorated cookies, pastries and cakes, and the staff does an average of three to five custom wedding cakes every weekend.

Vintage, country and extremely modern are the styles brides are requesting, George says. Another trend is recreating the cake their mother had.

“One thing I’ve noticed is the wedding cake used to be about the couple,” George says, “but now it’s more about the bride.”

White is still the most popular color for the cake, but only 10 percent want vanilla flavoring, she says, and most brides want each layer to have a different flavor. The top three flavors are lemon-raspberry, almond

and triple chocolate.

“Triple chocolate is the most popular cake of everything we do,” she says.

Brides can request a “tasting” event to pick the flavors they want, George says. The $25 fee is applied to the cost of the cake.

The most requested cake of all has been a vintage style with four layers covered in fondant. The bottom layer is designed to match the bride’s wedding dress.

“When they see the skirting, they think it is fabric,” George says.

“That’s how beautiful it is.”

Grooms are not being left out of the picture, however. More than half of the brides also order a groom’s cake, and those cakes are all about the groom. The design can be anything he is in to. She’s had requests for a cake to look like a Chiefs helmet, a guitar, Captain America and even the Bumblebee Transformer from the movie “Transformers” in the form of a yellow Camaro.

“The wedding cake gets all of the photos taken of it, but the groom’s cake is a conversation piece,” she says.

Whatever you choose for your cake or catering, put your order in early, the experts say. The venue needs to be booked first, with the cake and catering arrangements made at least four to five months ahead of the date, or longer if you are wanting a particular baker on a busy wedding weekend.

This is a once-in-a-lifetime event, so you can be choosy.

Ask lots of questions and get references before you sign a contract.

Here are some questions to start with:

■ What is their specialty?

■ Can a tasting be arranged before a commitment is made?

■ What is the average price range? Does that include taxes and gratuities?

■ Do they provide staff for serving? (If you are only having cake, a bakery sometimes can arrange this for an hourly or specific cutting fee.)

■ Do they need kitchen facilities at the venue? Not all venues have this available.

■ Do they supply tables, equipment, silverware, table linens or chairs?

■ Do they have a payment plan? This can be helpful for budgeting, especially if you make your reservations a year or several months ahead of the date.

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Celebration spaces

Location, location, location

Settling on a space should be among the first wedding decisions

By JOURDAN RYAN Josephine magazine

O

nce you have the chair covers, you need a place to put them. Once you have the dress, you need a place to wear it. And once you have the getaway car, you need a place to drive away from.

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CONTINUED FROM Page 11 The wedding venue is a very important piece of a couple’s wedding day puzzle. It’s got to be big enough to seat all of your guests, pretty enough to be the backdrop in all of your wedding ceremony photos and affordable enough to not throw you into debt before you’ve even made it to your honeymoon destination.

For the average couple, comparing all of the potential wedding venue options can be overwhelming. Couples can get married in a church, at the beach or in a garden. Where they share their first wedded kiss is up to them.

One of the most stunning churches in town is First Presbyterian Church, located in Downtown St. Joseph. The church was dedicated in 1872 and, after being torn down and rebuilt, the present sanctuary was dedicated in 1911. The historic architecture of the building outside is just as beautiful as what lies inside. “Our church offers a unique, beautiful setting for weddings with its high-arched ceilings, 10-foot mahogany doors and Tiffany stained glass window,� wedding coordinator Leanne Davis says. “It doesn’t require much decoration, which saves on the budget, and it is a stunning sanctuary that easily seats 300 people.�

As far as the cost goes, First Presbyterian offers a wide array of options to fit any budget. The basic option provides the building to the couple to be used for both the rehearsal and the wedding. This option also includes security and custodial service, as well as a sound technician and a wedding coordinator. The basic option will set a couple back $1,325, plus a $400 refundable deposit. For an extra cost, the couple can opt to be married by the church’s pastor, utilize the church’s organist or rent out certain fellowship areas throughout the church. The organist, who happens to be Davis’ father, played the music for her wedding when she got married at First Presbyterian years ago. “I got married here. Growing up, it was the setting that I always dreamed of for our service,� Davis says. “We had tons of room for people to get ready and relax beforehand 12 WEDDING PLANNER | January 2013

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For some couples, getting married in a church is not ideal. One interesting location a couple could consider is the Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art. This venue features an auditorium that seats up to 144 guests or an outdoor setting that is as enchanting as it is beautiful. The rose garden is the perfect outdoor venue for a couple with a minimal guest list who is on the hunt for a unique place to say “I do.”

“It’s a beautiful setting, especially in the spring and summer,” special events receptionist Ali Dalsing says.

“The fountain is going, the flowers are blooming and it’s kind of like a movie version of a wedding venue.”

The rose garden at the Albrecht-Kemper costs $500 to rent for

a wedding or reception. The garden can hold about 75 guests, so for a couple aiming for an intimate ceremony, this venue would be perfect.

For that price, the couple gets to use the garden for up to 3½ hours with limited use of the indoor facility for preparation before the ceremony.

This price also includes assistance from the wedding receptionist, who is provided to the couple by the museum.

“I personally am an artist, and art museums are very special places to me so I do love the idea of a wedding in a museum,” Dalsing says. “All the people, caterers and receptionists are women who put in a lot of work to make sure everything goes smoothly, so that’s another plus.”

According to the Bridal Association of America, the average wed-

ding location costs around $435 for the venue alone. Some, including First Presbyterian Church and the Albrecht-Kemper Museum of Art, offer the added bonus of a wedding coordinator or event receptionist, which could easily prevent some wedding day headaches and panic attacks for the couple tying the knot.

Ultimately, a couple will remember where they got married for the rest of their lives. They’ll drive by that church for years to come, smile up at it and let the nostalgia of their wedding day flood back into their memories. They’ll walk through that garden hand in hand with their children. Where a couple gets married is important. After all, it is in that building, that garden or on that beach, that their journey together first began.

January 2013 | Wedding Planner 13

Flowers and decor

Finishing touches Flowers, decor make a wedding your own

By JOURDAN RYAN Josephine magazine

W

hen it comes to weddings, there are basics that need to get covered. The bride needs a dress. The groom needs a tux. The couple needs a place to tie the knot. Beyond that, there are details that add together to make a wedding ceremony and reception beautiful.

The bride and her maids need bouquets of fresh flowers. The groom and his men need boutonnières on the lapels of their tuxes.

The tables need tablecloths.

The chairs need covers. The tabletops need centerpieces.

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All of these little elements are important, not to mention time-consuming. Special event decorator Katie Peterson knows that firsthand.

“I think (wedding décor) is so important because although it is just one day, it is one of the most important days of your life. It should look as beautiful in the room as the love shown between the newlywed couple,” Spectacular Settings owner and decorator Peterson says.

“At the end of the day, the only things taken from the big event are the memories and the pictures, and having decorations in your pictures really adds a special touch.”

Spectacular Settings has been around for 11 years, Recently, Peterson purchased the business from her mentor, Teresa Hayes. Peterson has been a part of the company for two years. She interned for Spectacular Settings while she attended Northwest Missouri State University. After graduation, she started working there. Peterson hopes to continue Hayes’ vision for Spectacular Settings that she started when she started it out of her home 11 years ago.

Another business that has made itself a home in St. Joseph is Sansone Floral and Gifts. Sansone Floral is owned by Dawn Marti.

She has a passion for making every bride’s bouquet dreams come true.

Sansone relies on the use of fresh flowers. Because of this, the product created for brides is obviously quite temporal. The beauty of the arrangements may fade, but on the wedding day, Sansone’s floral arrangements will shine.

“Each arrangement is different.

Each bride is different,” Marti says.

“They want their own personal touch and style, and I just think that that is the most fun part, coming up with ideas to please the bride and make her vision come to life.”

It’s not all fun and games when it comes to making a wedding ceremony or reception look perfect, though. Wedding decorators and florists spend countless hours pushing flowers into Styrofoam, wrapping tulle around posts, trimming stems and creating reception table centerpieces. The average Please see PAGE 16

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CONTINUED FROM Page 15 time it takes to set up and decorate for a wedding is about five hours for Peterson. For those who choose to make the weddings of others beautiful, the long hours are worth the payoff of a happy couple.

“I love my job because this is what I have always wanted to do.

My goal has been to own my own business and be in the wedding industry. I love decorating for an event and transforming a space for the client,” Peterson says. “To see the look on their face and see how happy it has made them really is the best part of my job. I like making people happy.”

Marti knows a thing or two about making people happy. Whatever the budget, they are happy to work within it. These days, according to Marti, brides seem to be leaning toward a more homemade, inexpensive, simplistic type of floral design.

“The modern bride is really after hand-tied, ribbon-wrapped bouquets. They’re veering away from cascading bouquets and the big holders. They are a little more simplistic but just as elegant.”

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“Every bride is individual and wants something individual. She wants her wedding to be a reflection of her style, and her satisfaction is our biggest concern and joy.”

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Gowns and tuxes

Saying yes to the dress Wedding attire is a big part of the day

By JOURDAN RYAN Josephine magazine

W

hen it comes to weddings, there is one choice a bride must make that is universally the most important one of all. The pinnacle of crucial wedding decisions has to be the dress.

Will you go with a tight bodice, a sweetheart neckline or an empire waist? Do you want a veil? If so, do you want a traditional one made of lace, a modern one made of tulle or a vintage one in a birdcage style? What about a sash? Do you want classic satin in a coordinating wedding color or chiffon with fabric flower appliqués in the center? The options seem neverending, which is why a bridal consultant can guide a bride Please see Page 18

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CONTINUED FROM Page 17 through the fog of the most important decision of her wedding day: what she’s going to wear.

“Our modern bride looks for detail in lace, beading or even crystals. She wants something that flatters her figure with some ruching or a corset back,” Shannon Renee’s Formal Wear owner Shannon Beemer says.

“Some of our most popular gowns right now are the lace A-line with the keyhole back and cap sleeves or a ball gown with tucks or pick-ups in the skirt and ruching in the bodice with a sweetheart neckline.”

In order to understand the world of wedding dresses, a bride must learn some key vocabulary terms to determine what kind of dress she is really after. For example, cap sleeves are short sleeves that begin at a woman’s shoulder and end before the underside of the forearm.

Think modern-day Disney princess. Then there’s ruching, which is the bunching up of fabric to create folds and creases. An empire waist hits just below the bustline, and a mermaid-style gown features a tight skirt that flares out at the knee. The list goes on and on. Each of these terms are important, because they help bridal consultants narrow down what the perfect dress looks like in a bride’s head.

The price of the dress is a huge factor to consider, especially if mom and dad aren’t forking out the cash for it. Nationally, the average price of a wedding gown fluctuates around $1,100. Knowing how high the numbers on a price tag can rise, where does a bride begin? In Northwest Missouri, Shannon Renee’s is one

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place to start. There are stores in both Maryville and St. Joseph.

“We have every price range for any bride. We currently have well over 50 wedding gowns in store, over 50 bridesmaid dresses and, of course, mother of the bride and flower girl dresses as well. Many more styles are available to order,” Beemer says.

“You can make changes to the gowns on the floor or even assist in designing your own gown.”

Megan Schuman is the boutique’s in-store designer and manager. She designs custom wedding dresses for brides who just can’t seem to find that perfect gown. Schuman loves to hear the ideas that brides come in with, and she works hard to make what she designs meet their wishlist.

“Custom wedding gowns are very popular. I look at it this way; it is your big day, so shouldn’t you be wearing exactly what you want?”

Schuman says. “A lot of my clients have looked and looked for ‘the dress’ and can’t seem to find it. So I work with them to create their own design.”

Shannon Renee’s also sells popu-

lar wedding accessories like shoes, veils, jewelry, ceremony and reception accessories, products from a brand new cosmetic line, and of course, tuxes that can be either rented or purchased.

“Grooms usually go along with whatever the bride prefers. The two-button slim fit black tux is the most popular right now,” Beemer says.

Every bride has a different idea of what the perfect dress will look like. No two are exactly the same.

When the search for the dress of her dreams is under way, a bride will try on dozens, model them for family members in the mirror, frown at the ones she hates, smile at the ones she likes and hopefully, she’ll eventually take one home and wear it when she marries the one she loves.

“The best part about working with our customers is seeing a smile on their faces and knowing that we were a part of their special day,” Beemer said. “It’s a very rewarding business.”

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January 2013 | Wedding Planner 19

Honeymoons

Preparing for the honeymoon A few quick tips can save you from big hassles

By SHEA CONNER Josephine magazine

W

hether you’re taking your honeymoon trip to Aruba, Australia or Alaska, there are a few things you can do to make your flight less stressful and your stop at the airport a little more manageable.

Bob Cotter of Cotter Travel Associates in St. Joseph recommends booking morning flights. In doing so, you can withstand any mechanical or weather-related delays and still leave the same day, rather than afternoon and evening flights which may be delayed until the next day.

Cotter also recommends booking flights on weekdays rather than weekends.

“Most people leave on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, but those days in the middle of the week are hard to fill,” Cotter says. “The airlines are going to give everyone a discount on Wednesdays and Thursdays, and the airports won’t be so crowded.”

Before you leave, Cotter recommends making a few quick calls. Call 20 WEDDING PLANNER | January 2013

the airport to re-confirm your flight departure times. Call your credit card company and inform a service associate that you are traveling, so the company doesn’t suspect theft of your card. And if you’re traveling overseas, call your cell phone provider to check international rates and service. Phone cards may be a more affordable option.

Attach a luggage grabber or other brightly colored item on the handle of your baggage to help with retrieval at the luggage carousel. Also, be sure to attach a baggage tag with your full address and a phone number where you can be contacted.

“If your luggage gets lost, this will help ensure it makes its way back to you,” says Orbitz.com travel expert Jeanenne Diefendorf.

Each time airport security searches a carry-on, it slows down the line. So remember the 3-1-1 liquid rule, which was made a widespread restriction in 2009. Passengers are allowed to carry on three 3.4-ounce (100 ml) bottles of liquid in a single quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag. Each passenger can bring only one bag. Anything larger than 3.4 ounces has to be placed with checked luggage. This is a rule some tend to ignore when transporting gifts and food items to and from their honeymoon destination.

“The ‘3-1-1’ liquid rule remains in effect, so liquid filled items ... and numerous food items — sauces,

jams, wine — must still be packed in checked luggage,” says Kathleen Hefner, spokeswoman for Kansas City International Airport.

If you’ve purchased a special gift for your new husband or wife, the best plan is to ship it to the honeymoon destination. This will cut down on luggage you have to carry with you. If it does fly with you, your package may be opened by a screener, so leave it unwrapped. Pack valuables and fragile items, like laptops or jewelry, in your carry-on bag.

Visit www.tsa.gov for more information about flight security and the 3-1-1 rule.

Traveler’s Joy (www.travelersjoy. com), an online honeymoon registry, offers a few additional tips to make your honeymoon the ideal getaway:

■■ Once you and your soon-to-be spouse agree on a honeymoon budget, list ideas for possible destinations. Gather brochures and search guidebooks, magazines and the Internet. When you decide on a location, purchase a guidebook to study your destination in detail.

This also will help you customize your honeymoon registry.

■■ Check the Internet for special events at your destination during the time of year you will be traveling.

■■ If making flight connections in Europe, bypass major airport hubs such as Charles de Gaulle in Paris and Heathrow

in London. Instead, switch planes in less-trafficked airports in Dublin, Brussels or Zurich.

■■ Many honeymoon destinations offer all-inclusive packages that can reduce the overall cost of your trip. When you inquire, ask specifically whether taxes, gratuities and alcoholic beverages are included.

■■ If you plan to travel internationally, be sure to leave yourself ample time to get a passport. This can take six to eight weeks. If you already have a passport, check that it is not expired.

In addition, some international destinations require that your passport not expire within three to six months of your return date.

■■ When checking in at the airline desk, mention that you are on your honeymoon. Complimentary business or first-class upgrades are possible if there is availability. Similarly, contact hotel concierges once you arrive at your destination to remind them that you are honeymooners and request suggestions for special tours or events. Many hotels enjoy pampering newlyweds with special attention.

■■ Book your activities and adventures after arriving at your honeymoon destination, not before you leave. Often local tour operators will offer better rates.

■■ Relax and enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime vacation with the love of your life!

January 2013 | Wedding Planner 21

Planning makes perfect Getting all your details down leads to smooth wedding

Story by JENNIFER GORDON | Josephine magazine

22 WEDDING PLANNER | January 2013

Photos by MATT REID | Josephine magazine

W

When Britani Rush Manthe met her husband, Joe, she couldn’t have imagined they’d spend the rest of their lives together.

They were introduced through mutual friends at Missouri Western State University. They started off as friends before they started dating.

“He was a dork,” she says with a smile.

They’ve been together six years and got married in November.

Please see Page 24

January 2013 | WEDDING PLANNER 23

Their wedding planning hit a hitch not long after it started. Joe proposed in January 2011, and a month later, Britani learned she was pregnant.

They extended their engagement until after the birth of their son, Mason. He served as the ring bearer at their ceremony, which was held at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in front of almost 300 friends and family.

Joe said the size of the wedding was the only thing he and his now-wife disagreed on. He wanted a smaller wedding, but he conceded.

“All in all it’s her day,” he says.

“They do talk about girls planning this since from the time that they’re 5, and it’s absolutely the truth.”

Britani put Joe in charge of the groomsmen’s tuxes and making sure they showed up, and that’s about it, he says.

Decision-making proved to be the hardest part of the process, Britani says. She doesn’t consider herself decisive, and she had a lot of ideas she liked, thanks to websites like The Knot and Pinterest.

The price of some elements of the wedding surprised her a little bit, Britani says. They made their own centerpieces and aisle decorations. Britani expected the move to save money, but the homemade centerpieces ended up costing the same as readymade pieces.

She did know how she’d wear her hair, though. She wanted it to be in the same style she always wears it, because she’s never had long hair.

The last-minute coordinating with the photographer and the DJ and the church proved a little stressful, but the ceremony itself went smoothy.

“It was almost like we ran out of time. Everything just went really, really fast,” Britani says.

Joe even got to surprise her, which was something he didn’t think he’d be able to do. Because Britani made a lot of the decorating decisions, she also knew how much the ceremony cost.

Her husband wanted to buy her a necklace to keep in line with a tradition her father had started with Britani’s mother.

Her mother had received a

single-pearl necklace the night of their rehearsal dinner, and Joe wanted to get Britani something similar.

“I had to sneak around through my parents and my sister and different people to get that done. We did get it done, and it was a good thing,” Joe says.

If she could have done something differently, she says, Britani would have nailed down the bridesmaid dresses earlier. She decided to pick a color and let her six bridesmaids pick out their own style of dress.

Britani recommends brides-tobe make all the big decisions as soon as possible. She thinks the bridesmaid-dress choice would have made her planning a little bit easier.

As for the grooms-to-be, Joe jokes that they should steer clear of the planning process. And make it as easy as possible for the bride-to-be.

He also recommends using friends and family for help with the process. He says it’s the best way to get what you want incorporated in the ceremony.

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Jewelry

From rings to other pieces, brides are opting for vintage-style jewelry

By JOURDAN RYAN Josephine magazine

W

hen it’s time to shop for some sparkle for your girlfriend’s ring finger, where do you start? Most people would say that an engagement ring should cost three paychecks worth of dough, but when it comes to that special diamond ring, beauty really is in the eye of the beholder.

Buying an affordable, old-school engagement ring can mean a lot more than buying one with 18 karats of diamond-encrusted goodness. That’s why, in today’s jewelry market, a lot of brides are going the more traditional or full-on vintage route.

“I don’t think it is the cost of an item for the bride. It’s finding something that is unique and stunning,” The Lucky Tiger store owner and buyer Amy Heath says.

“I find a lot of brides are making their bouquets with rhinestoned and flowery broaches and clip-on earrings. With vintage jewelry, you’re recycling the past and making it into something modern.”

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Brides opting for vintage-style jewelry CONTINUED FROM Page 27 to a whole new level by opting for vintage-style wedding jewelry for their big day. With the economy on the fritz, 21st century brides are taking note and conserving their wedding budgets by setting their sights on classic, throwback rings instead of more elaborate, modern styles. In today’s market, most brides are after a more lived-in feel when it comes to their wedding bling, opting more and more often for rings with filigree details, cushion-cut settings or simple silver bands.

“The modern bride is into the vintage pave wedding bands, with a large center surrounded by small rows of glitter,” Niche of Time jeweler Lori Boan says. “The biggest sellers are still the traditional Tiffany style solitaires. That is a style that will never go out.”

With websites like Pinterest and etsy, ogling over antique wedding jewelry has never been easier. There are old-fashioned gold lockets, monogrammed charm bracelets and vintage Edwardian engagement rings.

There also are a ton of handmade options constructed out of materials like burlap, lace and twine. With all this eye candy out there just a mouse click away from today’s brides on the hunt for the perfect wedding pieces, it’s no wonder many are being drawn to the kind of jewels they’d find in grandma’s attic.

“In a world where everything is mass-produced and of poor quality, vintage stands out,” Heath says.

“You can find beautiful, well-crafted pieces on a small budget. In fashion, everything is circular, and designers have always borrowed from the past. A lot of the jewelry I am seeing in high fashion has an antique and heirloom quality about it.”

Based on the national average, a typical diamond engagement ring costs between $2,000 and $4,000. At Niche of Time, the prices range from $499 all the way up to nearly $20,000.

The average engagement rings in the store sell at between $4,000 and $7,000. All these numbers can be

overwhelming, especially for a future groom with a budget that’s a lot smaller than the hole in his wallet.

When it comes down to it, the price, size and age of the ring is not what makes it important. The relationship that paved the way for its purchase is what really matters.

“These rings matter because they are a symbol of love and devotion,” Boan says. “And every time a bride looks down at hers or feels it on her hand, she will be reminded of all the love and tenderness in her relationship. It is a beautiful thing.”

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Photography and videography

A moment in time

Photos and video can let your big day live on

By JOURDAN RYAN Josephine magazine

W

hen a couple is planning a wedding, every detail matters. Every decision becomes imperative. One of the biggest decisions a couple has to make is who they’ll hire to photograph their big day. After all, those pictures will be collected into an album that will sit on the coffee table. Some will hang on walls. Others will be mailed to their family and friends. Those photos are a window to the past, the easiest way to recall all the happy memories from a wedding day.

Please see PHOTOS/Page 30

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Photos and video can let your big day live on CONTINUED FROM Page 29 So how do you decide? A decision that important cannot be taken lightly. When it comes to wedding photography, there is a lot to consider.

For starters, how much does it cost? Nationally, the average wedding photographer charges around $2,500 for an eight-hour wedding day shoot. And how does a couple find a photographer they like? Most photographers have websites where prospective customers can view their body of work to decide if their photography style lines up with what they are after. Finding the perfect wedding photographer is crucial, because that relationship could 30 WEDDING PLANNER | January 2013

make or break a couple’s wedding day photos.

“Each photographer is an artist and therefore has a unique creative style and perspective,” photographer Atley Marks says. “Find a photographer whose work and creativity you are in love with. It’s a day you’ll remember forever, so finding the right photographer for you is definitely worth the time and effort it takes to research and evaluate photographer portfolios.”

Marks has been a professional photographer for just over two years.

Her photography business, called Atley Fotographie, is her full-time job. Marks believes that it’s experience and confidence in both your equipment knowledge and skill level

that help to ease your nerves as a wedding photographer. Her love of photography keeps her interested in the craft, and her love of capturing special wedding day moments keeps her in love with what she does.

“I love everything about weddings,” Marks says. “Weddings are all about celebrating a commitment to love and loyalty, a day of beautiful fabrics, flowers, music, laughs and happy tears. Because photography is all about capturing moments forever, wedding days are like the mecca of magical moments.”

Once a couple finds a photographer, they’re not done yet. They also have to decide who they want to film their wedding. Most couples appreciate having a video memento of their

special day to watch and re-watch as often as they please. These days, edited wedding videos set to music are very popular. An enhanced package like that, with edited footage of both the wedding ceremony and the reception, costs an average of $1,200 to $1,500. Package prices fluctuate around that number, depending on what components each one offers to the couple.

Jake Southard spends a lot of his time capturing special wedding moments from behind his video camera.

Southard works for Beau Vaughn Photography. He also runs his own videography business, entitled 3B Productionz. Southard has been a videographer for three years, and he shot his first wedding when he was just 18 years old.

“At that time, I didn’t really understand what went into wedding videography or what to expect, so it was very nerve-racking,” Mr. Southard says. “I’ve learned that the relationship between the videographer and the couple is minimal. I’m shooting video documentary style, as if they don’t even know I’m there. The

videographer stays in the shadows, so to say.”

When it comes to who to choose to fill the spots of photographer or videographer, the decision is completely in the couple’s hands. No matter how much experience a photographer or videographer has, there are always challenges with a fast-paced wedding day.

“The hardest thing is the strict time schedule weddings follow,” Southard says. “Shooting video at a wedding by yourself requires the operation of at least four cameras and I’m the only one doing it. It can get pretty stressful if you’re running behind. The last thing you want is to miss a critical shot because you were trying to get a camera set up.”

For Marks, the devil is in the details. She spends a good chunk of her time editing the photos she takes, attempting to make them perfect for the couple she will give them to. It takes her approximately six weeks to sort through the 2,000 to 3,000 shots she takes at a wedding and edit the best ones from a couple’s collection.

After they’re edited, the shots are

uploaded to an online gallery for viewing, downloading and printing.

“To me, the hardest part of wedding photography would have to be the extensive work of editing a wedding collection,” Marks says.

“While it’s one of my favorite parts, it is a ton of work, all be it insanely fun work.”

A couple’s wedding day is one of the most important days of their lives, and every moment counts. The special ones ought to be captured, and thanks to talented photographers and videographers, they can be. Every couple is different. Every couple is drawn to different types of photography, different kinds of art, different filming styles. The choice can be difficult, but at the end of the day, the choice is up to them and them alone, and that’s what makes it special.

“More than anything, I love seeing couples excited when they feel like I’ve given them something beautiful to remember their day,” Marks says.

“Knowing your photographer helps that photographer find and capture what’s most beautiful about you.”

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Transportation

Making your getaway Limos, horse-drawn carriages let you make an exit in style

By Andrew Gaug Josephine magazine

I

t’s that special day. You have everything scheduled, everything planned for the wedding ceremony, now all you need is a way to get to the reception.

For that one day, it’s not out of the question to roll away from the place where the marriage took place in style, whether it be a limo or horse-drawn carriage.

Two seasoned veterans in the business, Yates Limo in St. Joseph and Duncan Carriages in Savannah, Mo., are fueled by marriages and know what it’s like to deal with people with questions.

The most important of all queries – when to book the ride.

“It’s kind of that extra ‘If we have money left over after everything else that we’re doing, then we have money to get a limo,’” Shelia Yates, owner of Yates Limo,

32 WEDDING PLANNER | January 2013

says.

For Yates, it all depends on the month when people are getting married.

Requiring a minimum of two hours, the limousine service needs time to plan out its schedule, especially in months when they’re busiest.

“If they’re getting married June-July, the hot months where the weddings are big, then you might want six months,” Yates says.

During seasons like prom, Yates suggests planning ahead at least close to a year.

“If you’re getting married

March through May, it’s prom season. There’s a whole ‘nother ballpark. So we have to say a minimum of five hours because if we took weddings during prom season, it defeats the purpose. Everybody wants a limo for prom,” she says.

The good thing for people without many details — those who know the rough date of the wedding and not much else — is they can throw down a $50 deposit for a date and it will be there when they’re closer to nailing it down.

“Once you put down your deposit, someone could say ‘I have $500, cancel the wedding, I want you to take my kid’s prom.’ (We’re) like ‘No, we’re professional,’” Yates says Those at Duncan Carriages, a horse-drawn carriage business in operation since 1989, suggest reservations closer to six to eight Please see Limos/ Page 34

January 2013 | Wedding Planner 33

Limos, horse-drawn carriages let you make an exit in style CONTINUED FROM Page 32 months in advance.

“To get the carriage, we need to figure out how far they want to go, how many people they want to take, that’s the main thing. And then I can work out whatever plan we need to do,” Wayne Duncan, owner of Duncan Carriages, says.

Once that’s done, it’s all about what people want to do. Both businesses will offer packages and advice.

“I don’t recommend getting a limo just for the pictures because it ties up way too much time,” she says.

“Usually they come out of the church, we ride them around the block, take them back. Usually they already have a big bulk of the pictures, they might take a few pictures afterward.”

It’s a different case sometimes for the carriage business, as little kids all want a ride on a horse.

“What we’ll do lots of times is we’ll bring the bride and groom in, then we’ll take them for a ride after the ceremony, bring them back, let them throw rice and birdseed at them again and the time they have left, we’ll give rides to the guests,” Duncan says.

The main difference between the two options is weather coverage.

While a limo protects from all elements, a carriage can’t.

In the more than 600 weddings Duncan has done, he’s only had to cancel one due to treacherous conditions. Sometimes this worries more emotional members of the bridal party, but he says he does his best to calm them down.

“I have mothers of brides call two days before the wedding – ‘They’re calling for rain!’ (I say) ‘Probably.’

‘What if it rains?’ ‘We’ll get wet ...

You know, I haven’t melted yet and it’s never been deep enough to where I floated. We’ll be all right,’” he says.

34 WEDDING PLANNER | January 2013

Wedding planner checklist Bride’s to-do timeline 6 to 12 months before the wedding [ ] Determine budget. [ ] Decide type of wedding: formal, semi-formal or informal. [ ] Choose ceremony location. [ ] Discuss dates with clergy or officiant. [ ] Choose attendants. [ ] Select gown style. [ ] Select veil style.

[ ] Select attendants’ apparel. [ ] Compile bride’s and groom’s invitation list. [ ] Select reception site. [ ] Select caterer. [ ] Select wedding planner. [ ] Plan details of reception. [ ] Select photographer. [ ] Have engagement photos taken.

[ [ [ [

] ] ] ]

Select music for reception.

Select videographer.

Select florist.

Discuss gown colors and styles with mothers of bride and groom. [ ] If composing own vows, inform officiant.

Please see Page 36

January 2013 | WEDDING PLANNER 35

Bride’s to-do timeline continued

4 to 6 months before wedding [ ] Select men’s formalwear and arrange for final fitting a few days before wedding. [ ] Select ceremony musicians and music. [ ] Make honeymoon plans. [ ] Print map to include with invitations. [ ] Reserve hotel rooms for out-of-town guests. [ ] Have physical exams and update immunizations. [ ] Buy wedding rings and order engraving. [ ] Finalize invitation list with families. [ ] Visit hairdresser and manicurist; make wedding day appointments for bridal party. [ ] Order all printed items, including invitations, thank-you notes, programs and napkins. [ ] Order needed utensils, which may include engraved cake knife, personalized champagne glasses and a box for monetary gifts.

2 to 4 months before wedding [ ] Reserve rental items: candelabra, arches, canopy, linens, etc.

36 WEDDING PLANNER | January 2013

[ ] Arrange rehearsal dinner. [ ] Shop for trousseau and apparel for honeymoon and prenuptial parties. [ ] Reserve limousine, carriage, trolley or coach transportation. [ ] Review florist’s arrangements and finalize order. [ ] Buy attendants’ gifts. [ ] Experiment with hairstyle and makeup changes. [ ] Buy bride’s and attendants’ shoes; send to be dyed. [ ] Order wedding and groom’s cakes. [ ] Plan the ceremony and select music for the service. [ ] You should receive your invitations at least three months before the wedding; send them out immediately. Don’t forget to request a reply date of at least five weeks before the wedding. [ ] Register for wedding gifts at the stores of your choice. [ ] Decide on reception menu and select beverage options; decide if there will be an open bar.

1 to 2 months before wedding [ ] Final bridal fitting. [ ] Final attendants’ fittings.

[ ] Confirm honeymoon reservations. [ ] Select reception decorations: balloons, candles, table favors, etc. [ ] Select ceremony accessories: unity candle, ring pillow, guest book, etc. [ ] Select personal accessories: handbag, garter, engraved goblets, guest mementos, etc. [ ] Finalize arrangements with officiant. [ ] Finalize arrangements with musicians taking part in the ceremony. [ ] Arrange bridesmaids’ lunch or brunch. [ ] Finalize arrangements with photographer and videographer. Discuss any special shots you want. [ ] Finalize arrangements with musicians, disc jockey and master of ceremonies for the reception. [ ] Finalize arrangements with florist, specifying time and place of delivery. [ ] Finalize transportation arrangements. [ ] Make sure all clothes for bridesmaids, groomsmen and ushers will be ready on time and that they have the appropriate accessories.

Bride’s to-do timeline continued [ ] Apply for marriage license. [ ] Formally inform employer of leave of absence.

2 weeks before wedding [ ] Invite guests to rehearsal dinner. [ ] Move your belongings into new home. [ ] Review reception seating and place cards. [ ] Confirm lodging for out-of-town guests. [ ] Record gifts as you receive them and write thank-you notes. [ ] Arrange for gown cleaning and bouquet preservation after the wedding. [ ] Finalize arrangements with hall and caterer, confirming final number of guests (preferably in writing). [ ] Finalize arrangements with baker regarding cake. [ ] Pick up wedding dress and bridesmaids’ dresses. [ ] Groom or best man arranges final fittings for men in the wedding party. [ ] Prepare envelopes with payments for the officiant, reception hall, musicians, disc jockey, etc. [ ] Ask officiant when he/she would like to receive your marriage license. [ ] Begin packing for honeymoon.

Please see Page 38

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Bride’s to-do timeline continued

1 week before wedding [ ] Pick up wedding rings and check engravings and sizes. [ ] Final consultations with florist, musicians, photographer, videographer, etc. [ ] If you are having a rehearsal, present attendants with gifts. [ ] Men have final fitting two to three days before the wedding and pick up formalwear and shoes. [ ] Make a wedding day schedule and give everyone copies at the rehearsal dinner.

38 WEDDING PLANNER | January 2013

[ ] Relax the day before; keep personal appointments; finish honeymoon packing.

[ ]

Day of the wedding [ ] Give payment envelopes to the best man, who will deliver them after the ceremony and at the reception. [ ] Go to hairdresser, makeup artist and manicurist. [ ] Make sure the car keys, wedding rings, marriage license, keys to the new house, airplane tickets, hotel confirma-

[ ]

[ ]

[ ]

tions and honeymoon spending money are all assembled.

Arrange for your car, your going-away outfits and your luggage to be delivered to the reception hall.

Arrange for someone to bring tissues, lipstick and any other personal items to the reception.

Be dressed and ready for the picture-taking two hours before the ceremony or according to the arrangements made with your photographer.

Relax and enjoy your big day.

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BUDGET

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CEREMONY Site fee Officiant fee ceremony music

WEDDING ATTIRE Bridal gown Headpiece and veil Undergarments, garter Accessories Alterations Hair/makeup Groom’s tux

BUDGET

PRINTING Invitations Save-the-date cards RSVP cards Wedding programs Wedding favors Napkins Announcements Place cards Thank-you notes

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RECEPTION Site rental Caterer/food Liquor/beverages Cake/sweets table Gratuities/taxes Rentals Band/disc jockey

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CATEGORY/ITEM

BUDGET

COST

FLOWERS/DECORATIONS Ceremony site Bridal bouquet Attendants bouquets Boutonnières Reception site

GIFTS Bride/groom Bridesmaids Groomsmen Ushers Parents

MISCELLANEOUS PARTIES

Rehearsal dinner Bridesmaids’ lunch

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COST

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Wedding checklist

Bridal registry [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [

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Other Master bed linens Master bath linens Guest bed linens Guest bath linens Cookware Carving knives

[ [ [ [ [ [

Honeymoon

[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [

Clothing ] Pants/shorts ] Swimsuit ] Parka or coat ] Shirts/sweaters ] Undergarments ] Socks ] Pajamas ] Shoes, dress and casual ] Belt ] Evening attire

Toiletries [ ] Toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash [ ] Comb, brush 40 WEDDING PLANNER | January 2013

[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [

] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]

Curling iron, hair dryer Shampoo, conditioner Deodorant Soap Shaving cream, razors Unbreakable mirror Cosmetics Contact lenses/glasses Vitamins, medications

[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [

Extras ] Alarm clock ] Camera and batteries ] Cell phone and charger ] Insect repellent ] Sunblock ] Pain reliever ] Maps, guidebooks ] Cash/foreign currency ] Credit, debit cards ] Passport ] Drivers’ license ] Insurance information

[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [

] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]

Reception

Private room Staff Catering service Head table Guest tables Linens China Stemware Glassware Flowers Cake Cake knife Cake table Guest book table Gift table Stage Sound system Piano Bar Bartender Decorations Clean-up Champagne Parking Taxes/gratuity Receiving line area

CLOTHING [ [ [ [

BRIDE ] Gown ] Headpiece/veil ] Shoes ] Accessories

BRIDESMAIDS [ ] Dresses [ ] Shoes [ ] Accessories GROOM/GROOMSMEN [ ] Formalwear [ ] Shoes [ ] Accessories OTHERS [ ] Flower girls’ dresses [ ] Ring bearer’s suit [ ] Mothers’ dresses [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [

] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]

PRINTING

Invitations Save-the-date cards Thank-you cards Stationary Wedding programs Napkins RSVP cards Wedding favors Place cards Directions

FLORAL

[ ] Bride’s bouquet [ ] Bride’s tossing bouquet

[ ] Bridesmaids’ bouquets [ ] Flower girls’ baskets [ ] Floral headpieces [ ] Hostess’ flowers [ ] Mothers’ and grandmothers’ corsages [ ] Groom’s boutonnière [ ] Fathers’ and grandfathers’ boutonnières [ ] Groomsmen’s and ushers’ boutonnières [ ] Ring bearer’s pillow [ ] Altar or chuppah flowers [ ] Aisle/pew decorations [ ] Reception room flowers [ ] Head table centerpiece [ ] Guest table centerpieces [ ] Cake and buffet table decor [ ] Miscellaneous (aisle runner, candles, etc)

PHOTOGRAPHY

[ ] Bride dressing for the ceremony [ ] Bride, full-length solo [ ] Bride with parents [ ] Bride with mother

[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [

and father separately ] Bride with sisters and brothers ] Bride with maid/matron of honor ] Bride with bridesmaids ] Bride with flower girl, ring bearer ] Garter belt being put on ] Groom dressing for the ceremony ] Groom, full-length solo ] Groom with parents ] Groom with mother and father separately ] Groom with sisters and brothers ] Groom with best man ] Groom with groomsmen ] Parents being seated ] Bridesmaids walking down aisle ] Flower girl, ring bearer walking down aisle ] Bride and father walking down aisle ] Father giving bride’s hand to groom

[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [

] ] ] ] ]

Exchanging of vows Ring ceremony The kiss Recessional Formal bride and groom together ] Newlyweds and parents ] Newlyweds and entire bridal party ] Newlyweds with officiant ] Close up of rings ] Wedding cake ] Couple cutting/eating cake ] Best man toasting couple ] Newlyweds’ toast ] Couple’s first dance ] Father’s dance with daughter ] Wedding party dancing ] Decorating of couple’s car ] Bride tossing bouquet ] Groom removing/ tossing garter ] Guests throwing rice/blowing bubbles ] Newlyweds getting in car ] Post-reception party

Every Wedding or Event Is Unique, but our goal is always the same...

Exceeding your Visions and Expectations.

Total Events & Wedding Florist 816-232-8682 3002 LaFayette St., St. Joseph, MO January 2013 | WEDDING PLANNER 41

Attendants’ checklist

Bridesmaids and groomsmen

[ ] Complete fittings of gowns or suits. Pay for attire. [ ] Assist in all pre-wedding festivities. [ ] Attend pre-wedding parties. [ ] Attend rehearsal and rehearsal dinner. [ ] Perform tasks assigned by the bride or groom. [ ] Fill cups with confetti, rice or rose petals to throw for the getaway. [ ] Decorate the car.

Ushers/attendants

[ ] Pay for own wedding attire. [ ] Involved in all ceremony festivities. [ ] Make sure principals have flowers before being seated. [ ] Distribute wedding programs. [ ] Greet guests at ceremony and seat them accordingly. Bride’s family and friends sit on the left side of the aisle, and groom’s guests sit on the right. [ ] When all guests are seated, unroll aisle carpet (usually after bride’s mother is seated). [ ] Responsible for rolling the aisle runner back up after 42 WEDDING PLANNER | January 2013

ceremony. [ ] Check wedding venue for any items left behind. [ ] Transport gifts from wedding site to reception.

Maid or matron of honor

[ ] Responsible for her own gown and accessories. Pay for her own wedding attire. [ ] Organize bridesmaids’ fittings and details. [ ] Attend all pre-wedding parties. [ ] Help arrange/host bridal shower. [ ] Arrange bridal bachelorette party or lunch. [ ] Attend rehearsal and rehearsal dinner. [ ] Keep record of shower and wedding gifts. [ ] Take charge of groom’s ring during ceremony. [ ] Act as official witness and sign wedding certificate. [ ] Help bridesmaids on wedding day. [ ] Rearrange train before recessional. [ ] Hold bride’s bouquet and gloves during ceremony. [ ] Care for bride’s things at cere-

mony and reception. [ ] Assist bride in changing from wedding dress to going-away attire. [ ] Deliver bride’s gown to designated place after the wedding.

Best man

[ ] Responsible for his tuxedo.

Pay for own attire. [ ] Arrange groom’s bachelor party. [ ] In charge of groom’s arrival at church. [ ] Supervise groomsmen regarding their dress and duties at ceremony. [ ] See that ushers’ duties run smoothly. [ ] Sign and witness the marriage certificate. [ ] Give first toast and special speeches at reception. [ ] Keep rings, license and honeymoon tickets in a safe place. [ ] Act as toastmaster at bridal table. [ ] Plan for transportation from the reception. [ ] Return groom’s tuxedo to rental shop.

Share your happy news!

Announce your engagement and wedding in the and on .

Contact Sydney at 816.271.8547 for information or go to newspressnow.com/celebrations.

We request announcements in our office at least two weeks prior to requested publication date.

A Reception to Remember

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