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February 15, 2014
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10 Wedding budgeting Organizing the invites, a personal touch 12 save-the-dates and other stationery How to make the dessert 14 of your dreams a reality Photography 16 A show stopping wedding look & Videography 17 Put a ring on it 18 Tell your love story through song How to find your 21 Welcome home the newlyweds dream venue 22 2 steps to a stylish meal Bouquets with
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February 15, 2014
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February 15, 2014
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Something old is new again in bouquets with personal touch These aren’t your usual wedding bouquets, boutonnieres or table centerpieces. They’re full of personality and, if done right, they are memorable.
By Josette Keelor
Underneath its bright floral colors the bridal bouquet looked real -and tasty too.
The trend suits couples looking for creative ideas that will save them money and also give them a hand in the design of their own arrangements, said Kristen White, an employee at Fussell Florist in Front Royal. “I will tell you the turquoise color is everywhere,” she said. “[It’s] not only a trend for weddings, it’s a trend for proms, anything like that.” Monochromatic bouquets are also in, hailing from TV shows like “Downton Abbey” and movies like “The Great Gatsby,” according to Heather Merchant, owner of Love Flowers Shenandoah in Winchester.
Designed by Farozan Jivraj, owner of Cupcake Novelties in Stephens City, cupcakes iced like colorful fall mums sat in a bed of grass leaves.
“It looked like fresh flowers, but it was edible,” Jivraj said.
As part of an attempt by brides to do something different, Jivraj said cupcake bouquets are reflective of a trend by couples to make their big day stand out from the rest.
Courtesy photos
RIGHT: A bride holds a bouquet of cream and light pink flowers including roses and callas lilies for a romantic look designed by Kristen White of Fussell Florist in Front Royal. CENTER: A bouquet
featuring peacock feathers with white roses and blue orchids also designed by Kristen.
“Baby’s breath is coming back, which was kind of outdated before,” she said. It used to be used more for filler or left out entirely, but now, “I’ve seen it be like a focal flower.” Courtesy photo
A bouquet of cupcakes was decorated by Farozan Jivraj, owner of Cupcake Novelties in Stephens City, to look like mums for a wedding last fall.
Evocative of English-style gardens pinks, whites, nudes, champagnes and blushes
Photo by Joy Rahat/ All About Emotions
A bridal bouquet designed by Heather Merchant of Love Flowers Shenandoah for the Blue Ridge Bridal Show is handstitched with blue, pink and champagne fabric flowers detailed with white pearls and beading, brooches, lace and tulle. It was inspired by a recent trend for old English wedding design.
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have overtaken brighter colors. “And then hydrangeas,” she said. “They’re huge this year.” They were big before, but now they figure in 80 percent of her weddings. airing with the theme are bell jars, which White has used for holding centerpiece flowers at country farm weddings.
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that include lace, crystals and a shift away from pure white to off-white and ivory. Topping off the look are crowns of flowers. “TV definitely has an impact on it,” Merchant said. “Culture as a whole is really big. It all kind of fits together.”
“They’re coming in and really trying to make an impression,” she said.
Metallic flower holders inspired by “the whole old Hollywood glam” are reflected in bridal gowns and bridesmaid dresses
Contact Community Engagement Editor Josette Keelor at 540-465-5137, ext. 176, or jkeelor@nvdaily.com
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“We’re seeing a lot of mercury glass as centerpieces,” Merchant said.
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In other themed-weddings, White said brides will bring her extra material from their maids’ dresses to use around the Merchant has made bouquets using tattered fabric or burlap that she burns on the stems of bouquets, or they’ll add in butends to add to the vintage look. A bouquet tons, pearls or gem stones to give fresh flowers more texture. she featured at the recent Blue Ridge Bridal Show used hand-stitched blue, pink Couples also bring pictures they found and champagne fabric flowers detailed online to illustrate what they’re looking to with white pearls and beading, brooches, incorporate into their own weddings. lace and tulle. White notes that most brides are coming She custom designs them for each bride in to order flowers to show their personaliand explained brides sometimes include ty. That could mean anything from soft, their own family brooches, lockets or other romantic flowers like peonies, ranunculus trinkets along with fabric their mothers or and roses to “playful, arty, bright” bougrandmothers wore in their weddings. quets with gerbera daisies and fruit, she said. But more than that goes into the look.
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February 15, 2014
Photography & Videography
Unforgettable Moments By Taniesha Robinson CTW Features
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oday’s brides are pinning, liking, sharing, posting (and still flipping through pages of glossy magazines) while on the hunt for inspiration as they plan for the big day. And not only are they gathering ideas from photos on Pinterest, Facebook and other social media sites, they’re eager to share their own. According to a recent survey conducted by online media companies The Knot and Mashable, 1 in 3 brides update their relationship status on Facebook within hours of their engagement. And an online spread of engagement photos usually follows. “I think that people’s style has improved and their expectations have heightened because of Pinterest, blogs and Facebook,” says Lindsey Orton of the Provo, Utah-based Lindsey Orton Photography. She also says couples may even feel pressure to match or outdo photos their engaged or married friends have published online. So what does (and doesn’t) make for great engagement and wedding photos
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hiring a professional makeup artist. “[They] understand the difference between an everyday look and what you’ll “For us, style means real, authentic, genwant and need on your wedding day from uine moments,” says Kristyn Hogan, a Nashville, Tenn.-based photographer. “The longevity to how it shows in photos,” she ability to look at a photograph and remem- writes on her blog. “You’ll have these photos for the rest of your life and you want to ber what it felt like to be there, to feel a connection with the moment and the mem- look your absolute best!” ory, that’s what we always strive for and For photos on the big day, Hogan tells that’s what our brides come to us for.” brides to “get ready somewhere awesome.” If brides want to capture the preparation Many of today’s brides are turning to before walking down the aisle, a messy themes and creative story lines in their hotel room or bathroom won’t provide the engagement and wedding photography to best setting. She also says that the differcreate memorable, standout images. “I think if it relates to the couple, then it’s ence between pretty reception photos and breathtaking photos is lighting: candles, a really great thing,” Orton says. “But chandeliers, dance floor lighting, etc. unless it does, it’s kind of unnecessary.
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brides will want to pin, post, print and share right away?
And, in twenty years people would look at it and be like, ‘What’s that?’” Hogan loves styled shoots but echos Orton’s precaution that the theme should have a purpose and connection to the couple. “If the theme or story connects with the couple and brings out their personalities and unique relationship, I love it!” Hogan says. Hogan’s tips for the best photos includes
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The most important element for great photos, however, may be to enjoy the day and let your photographer and others think about the details.
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“It doesn’t have to be a stressful time,” Orton says. “You’re married and in love and you can just take pictures about you guys. You don’t need to have all these props. It’s just about you.”
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February 15, 2014
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THE PERFECT PLACE By Anna Sachse CTW Features
Before you make an appointment to check out a potential wedding venue, chances are you’ll do a lot of online reconnaissance: Read every word on their website, click through photos and search for other couple’s reviews of the space.
Online and off, here’s how to find your dream location
Here’s what you should keep in mind when doing your not-in-person first pass, and the details you can’t know outside of an in-person meeting.
Online Goals A venue’s website or Facebook page often gives a taste of the location’s style and vibe, and it should include a lot of practical information that can help narrow down the search. “It’s very important for a bride to know exactly what type of atmosphere and environment she wants for her wedding before look-
ing at venues,” says Kimberly Schlegel Whitman, a Dallas-based party and lifestyle expert and author of “Wedding Inspiration: Ideas & Advice for Your Perfect Wedding” (Gibbs Smith, 2012). “It’s also important to know details like how many guests you’re aiming for, and if you want a venue that allows outside caterers or if you’re happy with one that takes care of every element of the event for you. These factors help a bride know what to watch out for and what to ignore.” The price and availability also are key elements
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to search for, as there’s no point in visiting if it’s way over your budget or you aren’t able to adjust your wedding date, says Marsha Heckman, a San Francisco-based wedding planner and floral designer, and author of “A Bride’s Book of Lists: Everything You Need to Plan the Perfect Wedding, Revised and Updated” (Welcome Books, 2013). In addition, Heckman advises seeing what they say about available parking (do you have to pay a valet service?), noise restrictions, cleanup and what, if any, furniture, linens, dishes, etc., are included in the price. Definitely scan all the photos on the site and feel free to ask the venue for more, Heckman says. It’s extremely helpful to know what an outdoor space looks like in the actual month you plan to get married (flowers, furnishings, exterior lighting), she notes, or if an indoor space will have seasonal decorations that you’ll either love or hate.
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their insight, Whitman says. “Florists and caterers often know what works and what doesn’t at each spot.”
In-Person Particulars When a venue seems to meet your wish list, make an appointment, Heckman says. It will be obvious right away if it doesn’t look like it did in pictures, but you also want to make sure it’s clean and well-kept inside and out, that it meets the “sniff ” test and that the restrooms are acceptable. And don’t minimize the importance of the venue staff and/or included event coordinator’s personality, Whitman adds. You’ll likely be working with these people quite a bit throughout the planning process and during your wedding, so it’s essential that you’re compatible and that they understand your vision. You also can’t get a true sense of the flow of a space until you visit it inperson, Whitman says. Walk the path that your guests will take so that you know exactly what their experience will be.
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At the end of the visit, ask yourself if you Independent review sites (think Yelp or a local bridal publication) also may be help- can envision the space as the location for ful, but be sure to read the specifics of any your beautiful day, Heckman says, but give complaints, as they may not apply to you. yourself at least a day to decide if it is. Even better, ask other wedding vendors for © CTW Features
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February 15, 2014
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Money Management Planning and paying for a wedding can be daunting, but couples can take control by budgeting smart fter “Bottoming out” at around $22,000 a couple years ago, the average cost of a wedding has settled somewhere between $25,000 and $26,000, according to according to The Wedding Report, the Tucson, Ariz.-based wedding market research company.
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Yes, that’s a hefty number, but remember that that number is an average, not a target. More than the number is how couples are behaving with the. With couples using savings and on-hand cash — read: not going into debt! —to pay for their weddings, they’re being more cautious on how they deploy their dollars. In short, they want to be sure that they and their guests get the most out of what they spend.
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For example, a groom might decide it’s a better to invest a few hundred dollars in a suit he’ll wear for years rather than spend $100 to rent a tuxedo he’ll wear for one day. Couples might decide not to overdo it on reception decorations and instead invest more in the dinner and drinks
The Basics of the Budget To establish your magic number, look at your designated savings, contributions from parents or other relatives, and what of your regular income you can devote toward the wedding, without sabotaging your dayto-day budget. When you’ve come up with your number, plug it in a budget formula to see how much you have to spend in each area of your wedding. Follow these estimates to get started. Remember, the figures are just estimates, so adjust as necessary to fit your wedding’s needs: • Reception – 50% • Music – 10% • Flowers – 10% • Wedding Attire – 10% • Photo/Video – 10% • Stationery – 5% • Miscellaneous – 5% © CTW Features
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February 15, 2014
Coming Up Glamorous
Makeup Artistry By Design For All Occasions
By Nola Sarkisian-Miller © CTW Features
Long before she says “I do,” a bride has a pretty good idea of her dream dress.
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Whether she’s just Type A or accesses the wealth of information on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest boards galore, she’s pretty much decided if it’s Vera Wang or Amsale, strapless or one-shoulder.
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But the journey to find what she really wants may be fraught with detours. After all, what she sees on the computer screen — a sinewy number on a 5-foot, 10-inch supermodel — may not go over well on her 5-foot, 4-inch curvy frame. Or, the price of her favorite online gown may not be in the same league as her budget. “Pinterest and social media are a blessing and a curse for bridal shops,” says Ty McBrayer, owner of Twirl Lexington, a bridal boutique in Lexington, Ky. “What they see may be a $10,000 dress, and they have a $1,000 budget. It sets standards that can’t be met with certain subjects.”
Bridal stores know that everything is about research these days when planning a wedding, especially because a typical client is of the social media generation. (One of the first wedding blogs out there, Style Me Pretty, notes that the median age of its user is 27.) But, at the end of the research day, the ideas are someone else’s and not yours. Do what’s best for you. Picking the color purple for your wedding because it looks pretty online may not be the best idea if it’s not a color you really like.
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To navigate the road to her special purchase, bridal experts offer ways to keep the dream in check.
Getting Hitched?
“I’ve had brides say that ‘I hope my real wedding is as pretty as my Pinterest wedding,’” says Anne Davis, co-owner of Bliss Bride in Del Mar, Calif. “They may find the ultimatelooking wedding online, but it may not work in reality for them.”
By all means, buy your dress in person. Feel free to canvass designer websites and social media platforms for dress options and to pester them with questions, including that of the gown’s price. Then, gather your ideas on your Pinterest page and email the link to the local bridal boutique before your appointment, but don’t buy online. If you want to get a head start on fittings, try using an iPhone app like The Knot’s Wedding Dress Look Book, which edits the dress-browsing process by body type, personality and wedding style.
“We wouldn’t recommend ordering gowns from websites because you’re never sure if the quality of the gown is up to par,” says Lynn Annatone, marketing director for Modern Trousseau, based in Woodbridge, Conn. “You want to touch and feel it. It’s a once in a lifetime purchase so make sure you’re getting what you want. “
That’s how a number of brides shop for their gowns at Kleinfeld Bridal in Manhattan, says Jeylan Yolac, social media marketing manager for the store, noting that many of the store’s online followers give feedback on gown collections Kleinfeld posts.
“Their comments provide us with great insight into what they want to see when they come in,” Yolac says.
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One of the biggest benefits of the Internet information overload is that you can save money. Finding out about sample sales used to be more of a hush-hush affair. Now, designers and store owners use Facebook and Twitter to alert followers about upcoming events, including trunk shows, which often involve discounts or extra perks.
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February 15, 2014
Guest Alert!
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The invites, save-the-dates and all the other essential stationery. Here s how to get your paperwork in order. By Timothy R. Schulte CTW Features acebook added a “Weddings and Celebrations” feature to the little box at the top-right corner of the site last year, which put engagement and wedding notifications alongside birthdays and other events. The moment you change your relationship status to engaged, every one of your “friends” know about it (and some will probably send you a congratulatory note just as meaningful as the obligatory Facebook birthday wish).
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However, the ability to mass-communicate instantly — with just a few taps of a
touch screen, you can broadcast anything to every single person you know — does not mean people should take an eapproach to their wedding invitations. After all, there still is a sense of decorum to be had, even in the digital age.
Getting Started Still, social networks and electronic communication can be a big help before you get to ink-and-paper invites. Your guest list isn’t truly finalized until you have mailing addresses for all the guests to whom you’ll send an invitation. Facebook, email and even text messages are quick and easy ways to track down info
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from aunts, uncles, cousins and old college friends who’ve job-hopped around the country. Just don’t make your request via a status update; you don’t want to broadcast the message to folks who will not be invited to your soirée.
addressed and stamped) is where guests will accept or decline invitation and, if you’re having a seated dinner, mark their dinner selection. List a date by which you’d appreciate their reply, usually four weeks before the wedding date.
Google also has a suite of Google Docs-based wedding planning tools designed to help tech-savvy couples stay on top of their “I Do” to-dos, including a collaborative guest list. Just email the document to your guests, and they can fill in their information. Check out google.com/weddings for more details.
Although all the pertinent details may be on your wedding website, it’s still customary to include a card separate from the invitation that lays out the wheres and whens for the reception venue (if separate) and accommodations.
With these finer points out of the way, it’s time to get into the paper details. Whether you’re getting your stationery professionally designed or going the DIY route, take a trip to a local stationery shop to get your hands on some paper and check out design styles. Typically, expect to spend around 5 percent of your budget on your stationery, including postage, but adjust as necessary depending on your guest list and paper preferences.
Save-the-Date
As soon as your venue is booked, send all your guests a save-the-date. It doesn’t matter if it’s a year out from the wedding — the point is, you want your guests to get your wedding on their schedules as soon as possible.
You don’t need to go overboard on details; just your names and the date to keep open. If you have a wedding website already set up with details about the ceremony, reception and accommodations, include the URL. And of
Day-of Pieces The invitation might be the main attraction, but there are still some paper pieces you need for the big day:
course, you can mention that a formal invitation will follow.
Wedding Invitation and Enclosures
• Programs: If you’re having a ceremony in a house of worship, this will list information on the officiant, readings, the wedding party, etc. • Table numbers/names
• Escort cards and Place cards: Escort cards tell the Etiquette 101: Do not include registry information on guest at which table they are seated. Place cards show the invitation – anywhere! You’re inviting your friends and them in which chair they are sitting. family to join in your wedding celebration; you’re not • Menus: An outline of dinner, set with each place card, inviting them to bring you gifts. (But yes, they do want to is a nice touch. give you gifts, so list registry information on your wed• Thank-yous: If you want to get a jump on showing ding website.) your gratitude, it can be worthwhile to invest in stationery The actual wedding invitation is where you officially that features your newly married name. invite your guests. Plan to put these in the mail around two months prior to your wedding. The RSVP card (self-
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Taking the Cake How to make the dessert of your dreams a reality By Megan Patsavas © CTW Features orgeous-looking wedding cakes are almost ubiquitous — they grace the pages of glossy magazines, are featured in reality shows and are especially present online on wedding blogs and social sites like Pinterest. But scoring that divine, delectable cake for your own wedding might prove a little more difficult.
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Brooke Allison/Design: Erica O’Brien Cake Design
Sarah Chancey, owner of Chancey Charm, a wedding planning and design company based in Atlanta, suggests that brides-to-be start thinking about their wedding cake as soon as possible. “I recommend that they start looking into cakes as far out as they can, as far as choosing a baker and reserving a date, because if they want an exceptional baker, they want to make sure that they’re on their books in plenty of time,” she says. Erica O’Brien of Erica O’Brien Cake Design in Hamden, Conn., recommends securing your venue first, adding that the bride also needs to know the approximate number of guests, which “will determine the size of the tiers, the number of tiers and the cost of the cake.”
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The bride’s inspiration is the next part of the process. O’Brien, who has been a professional in the wedding cake industry for seven years and does about 75 wedding cakes a year, says that it is helpful for brides to have some design ideas of cakes they like as a “jumping-off point.” She estimates that nearly 85 to 90 percent of the brides she works with have an idea, if not for their cake, at least of a general theme or feel for their wedding.
“When I first started, brides would come in with their folder or portfolio, and they clipped photos from magazines. Now, they’ll more than likely come in with an iPad and just sort of flip through some pictures,” O’Brien says.
With the right planning and the help of a great baker, brides-to-be can have the cake of their dreams.
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The plethora of online inspiration available has “expanded bride’s creativity and expectations,” O’Brien says, and helps “fuel the trends.” For example, O’Brien says that in the back (that no one sees) to serve to last summer, she had many brides ask for your guests. cakes with a chevron pattern on them. “It’s more economical,” O’Brien says, but But bringing your baker a photo or two she cautions brides to make sure the size of the cake you love doesn’t necessarily of the display cake looks proportional to mean she can — or will — copy it for you. the number of guests. “Each artist puts their own touch on it,” “Having a smaller cake or doing multiple O’Brien says, and bakers have different cakes or pies, more of a dessert bar kind of philosophies on whether or not they will thing, is also a great option for budget replicate each other’s cakes. brides,” Chancey says. It’s also important to remember that phoLast, but definitely not least important, is tos of cakes you see in magazines or the taste and flavor of the cake. online might not be realistic — for your “You want to get a cake people are going location or budget. to want to eat,” O’Brien says. “A lot of what you see online in photo If couples are having trouble choosing shoots are often faux cakes, and sometimes those designs are a bit more challenging to the flavor of the cake, she suggests going execute on a real cake in the middle of July with a more classic choice, such as vanilla, which will appeal to more guests. with 95 percent humidity,” O’Brien says.
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Northern Virginia Daily
Picture-Perfect How to turn your beauty inspirations into a show-stopping wedding look By Anna Sachse CTW Features
From InStyle and People to The Knot and Pinterest, there’s no shortage of websites with photos to help you formulate your idea of big-day beautiful.
Find examples of your desired look (as well as ones you don’t like), ideally on someone who looks like you.
“We all want to look like Beyoncé,” Garmers says, “but if your skin tone and hair type are more like Nicole Kidman, only a small fortune and a really good plastic surgeon can help you.” Of course, you also can point out aspects of pictures Austie Eckley, a Portland, Ore.-based hair that appeal to you, such as flawless, glowand makeup artist, says many of the brides ing skin like Beyoncé’s, Garmers adds. But she works with find inspiration in celebrity if you, say, have short and thin hair, underimages because starlets typically have top stand that a large bun would require extenstylists creating their picture-perfect looks. sions.
The key thing, however, is to know yourself, says Megan Garmers, founder of MG Hair & Makeup, which provides services nationwide.
the trial.”
Garmers also offers an iPhone/iPad app called iLook Beauty Book, which includes numerous hair and makeup images that you can filter through for specific beauty Print photos or store them on your phone profiles, such as red lip, up-do, short hair, hair accessories, etc. It also links through or tablet and bring them to your consult, Eckley says. “Or you can email a ... link to to the artist/stylist’s website so that you your stylist to help her or him prepare for can ask how they did the look, get product
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recommendations or inquire if they provide bridal services in your area or know of someone who does. That said, days or even months of online research and photo accumulation only go so far. “It’s important for brides to come in with an open mind,” Eckley says, “and take advantage of your stylist’s opinion.” © CTW Features
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February 15, 2014
Put a Ring On It! Timothy R. Schulte © CTW Features oday, your love story lives online. Take the engagement, for instance.
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Nearly 60 percent of brides-to-be share their “we’re getting married” news by posting a picture of their engagement ring on Facebook (though about one in five of their Also keep in mind design elements. Maybe fiancées think doing so is tacky!), according your engagement ring is a full or partial to a proposal survey from The Knot and eternity band, or maybe it features pavé diaMen’s Health magazine. monds or accent gemstones. You can carry But on your big day – and every day there- on these elements into your wedding band. after – your wedding band will have equal White gold also is popular for the groom, billing alongside your engagement ring, with about one-third of grooms picking a even if it may be less sparkly. You’ll want to blanco band. However, alternative metals make sure it is cohesive with your engagelike tungsten and titanium (think golf clubs!) ment ring and, of course, that it fits your have grown in popularity in recent years, not style. just because of their unique look, but their Start with the metal. According to a study lower price point. of wedding jewelry by The Knot, 73 percent Another trend for guys is “man-gagement of engagement rings are white gold, which also makes up 70 percent of wedding bands. rings.” According to the Men’s Health/The Whether your ring is white or yellow gold or Knot survey, 17 percent of men said they platinum or something else altogether, you’d would (not necessary that they do) wear a be in good company sticking with the same ring to let the public know they are “off the base metal for your wedding band. market.”
At Kernstown Commons Winchester, Va. 540-869-7657 www.countryinns.com/winchesterva
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February 15, 2014
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THE PAINTED PONY WOMEN’S APPAREL, FINE CONSIGNMENTS & GALLERIA
Tell your love story though song
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a classic,’ he said.
By Moazama Rafiqzad Daily Correspondent
From Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley to Christina Perri and Norah Jones, when it comes to picking the right songs for your wedding, the choices are immense. Whatever song you pick sets the tone for your wedding. According to DJ Casey, of Casey Entertainments in Winchester, despite changing music trends, some songs never get old. ‘Couples pick all kinds of songs for their first dance, but the song that seems to be requested most is ‘At Last’ by Etta James,
As you take your first steps toward the rest of your life and onto the dance floor for your first dance as a couple, keep in mind that this song should tell your love story. To help ease the decision-making process when there is so much to think about, here’s a list of best-loved, most-requested songs for your joyous occasion.
First dance • ‘Marry Me,’ by Train, 2010 pop/rock from the album ‘Save Me’ • ‘I Cross My Heart,’ by George Strait, 1992 country from the album ‘Pure Country’ • ‘Could I Have This Dance,’ by Anne Murray, 1980 county from the album ‘Anne Murray’s Greatest Hits’
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• ‘Marry Me,’ by Jason Derulo, 2012 pop A wedding begins a new chapter in a from the album ‘Tattoos’ bride’s life. As your father walks you down • ‘A Thousand Years,’ by Christina Perri, the aisle to give you away, it signifies the transition from childhood into adulthood. a 2011 pop single through Atlantic, Chop The traditional father-daughter dance is a Shop chance for you to honor the man who has • ‘Come Away With Me,’ by Norah Jones, a 2001 blues/jazz/folk single through Blue been there for you, the first man in your life that you loved and respected. This is Note your way of thanking him for all that he • ‘You and Me,’ by Lifehouse, 2005 alterhas done. native rock from the album ‘Lifehouse’
• ‘From This Moment,’ by Shania Twain, 1998 pop/country from the album ‘Come On Over’
• ‘Reason to Believe,’ by Rod Stewart, 1971 rock from the album ‘Every Picture Tells a Story’
• ‘I Won’t Give Up,’ by Jason Mraz, 2011 folk rock from the album ‘Love Is a Four Letter Word’
Picking songs to honor those that have guided and supported you through your life can be a challenge. The thing to keep in mind during this process is the generational gap. So, pick a song that tells the person you are honoring how you feel about them, but also pick a genre that they are comfortable dancing to.
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! d e g a g n E t o G t s u J You Now What?!?
Father-daughter dance • ‘Butterfly Kisses,’ by Bob Carlisle, 1997 contemporary Christian from the album ‘Shades of Grace’ • ‘Daddy Dance With Me,’ by Krystal Keith, 2013 country from the album ‘Whiskey and Lace’ • ‘Cinderella,’ by Steven Curtis Curtis, 2007 contemporary Christian/pop/rock from the album ‘This Moment’ • ‘Never Gonna Be Alone,’ by Nickleback, 2009 alternative rock from the album ‘Dark Horse’ • ‘Daddy’s Hands,’ by Holly Dunn, 1986 country from the album Holly Dunn’ Continued on Page 20
The Wholehearted Marriage Seminar DR. GREG & ERIN SMALLEY Executive Director of Marriage & Family Formation at Focus on the Family
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• Participate in relationships with a fully engaged heart • Increase passion and deepen intimacy in your marriage • Create new levels of safety and trust CHILD • Strengthen your commitment to each other CARE • Communicate more effectively PROVIDED (Pre• Cultivate healthy conflict in ways that make your differences work FOR you rather than against you registration
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February 15, 2014
Continued from Page 19
2010 contemporary Christian from the album ‘La Voce’. ‘I.O.U.,’ by Jimmy Dean, 1976 country from the album ‘I.O.U.’
• ‘For My Dad,’ by Nancy Sinatra, 2006 pop from the album ‘For My Dad’
• ‘My Wish,’ by Rascal Flatts 2006 country from the album Me and My Gang’
• ‘When You Need Me,’ by Bruce Springsteen, 1998 rock from the 1998 ‘Bruce Springsteen Compilation’
• ‘A Mother’s Prayer,’ by Melissa Manchester 2004 vocal from the album ‘When I Look Down The Road’
• ‘Father and Daughter,’ by Paul Simon, 2006 pop from the album ‘Surprise’
• ‘I Loved Her First,’ by Heartland, a 2006 country single by Lofton Creek Records Inc.
• ‘Blessed,’ by Elton John, 1995 rock from the album ‘Made In England’ • ‘What a Wonderful World,’ by Louis Armstrong, 1968 jazz from the album 'What A Wonderful World’
• ‘My Little Girl,’ by Tim McGraw, 2006 country from his ‘Greatest Hits’
Mother-son dances are not a common tradition, informs DJ Casey. Still, embracing this rare tradition recognizes a mother’s hard work in raising a gentleman. It’s a perfect way for a groom to celebrate his mother. Show her that while you now have your bride by your side, you still remember the woman who taught you love and affection. Consider honoring her with one ‘Evolution’ of these songs. • ‘I Hope You Dance,’ by Lee Ann Mother-son dance Womack, a 2000 country single
• ‘A Song For Mama,’ by Boyz II Men, 1997 R&B/soul from the album
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• ‘Wind Beneath My Wings,’ by Bette Midler, from the 1988 soundtrack to the
Whatever direction you choose, be sure that picking music for your special day is a decision you make as a couple. Keep your guests in mind and include something for everyone.
movie ‘Beaches’ • ‘Because You Loved Me,’ by Celine Dion, 1996 pop from the album ‘Falling Into You’ • ‘A Mother’s Love,’ by Mark Masri,
‘Book early,’ says DJ Casey. ‘The center of your entertainment is music. And take your time consulting your deejay to make sure they are the right fit for you.’ To contact DJ Casey, call 540-303-1988, email dj.casey@comcast.net or visit www.djcasey.net.
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Welcome home the newlyweds By Moazama Rafiqzad Daily Correspondent
Newlyweds, be aware! How comfortable are you handing your house keys to the trusted friend who will take care of everything while you are away enjoying your honeymoon?
Are you prepared to come home to a prank they may have in store for you? How would you feel if you came home and found all of your canned foods stripped of their labels, or shaving cream on your pillows?
True, the pranks are harmless and funny, but in the end, it is an inconvenience to the couple. An alternative is to do something nice.
Calling all bridesmaids and groomsmen. Join forces and come up with an idea that will help the couple come home to more romance. Help them take their first steps in to their new life with love and without a fight about whose friend pulled a prank.
February 15, 2014
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Alternatives to pranks:
• Prepare a candlelight dinner at home, put together by friends or family members -this beats what the couple will find at a fast-food joint on the way back from the airport. • Clean and organize their home, and leave vases of flowers.
• For crafty friends, thread flowers and hang the strands on the walls like you would streamers.
• Leave his and hers gift-baskets in their bedroom. Friends can gather and share the cost of a specially ordered gift basket or make the gift basket themselves by putting personalized items in it.
• Perhaps a surprise welcome home party with all of their loved ones surrounding them would be just the transition they need.
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February 15, 2014
Bridal
Northern Virginia Daily
2 Steps to a Stylish Meal
Vow to make your wedding day hassle free.
By Anna Sachse © CTW Features he wedding meal and bar typically are your top wedding expenses, and with never-ending online photos and magazine editorials featuring lavish stations, chic small bites and couture cocktails, it can be easy to get ahead of yourself and your pocketbook. Here, two wedding-planning experts offer tips to balance your dream dinner-and-drinks spread with your budget realities.
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Step 1: E-xplore
“Online resources put tons of options at your finger tips,” says Wendi Hroncich, founder of Seattle-based Ethereal Events. “You’re exposed to so much more than just what’s in your area, allowing you to pull ideas from experts around the world!” Use the images and ideas you find to build
a dream menu that you can then share with your caterer and bartenders, Hroncich says. “Pinterest is amazing for helping you clarify your vision.” Of course, inspiration shots and menu requests are one thing, but you don’t want to go too far, to the point where you are directing
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Not sure if you’re feeling macaroni-andcheese cupcakes and mugs of spiked cider or a raw bar and saketinis? Do a google search for different wedding reception styles and see what pops up.
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Need help finding the actual caterer? A google search or wedding website may offer leads on caterers in your area. However, the best companies are typically found via referrals from past clients or other wedding vendors, Lewis says. Put out a request for suggestions on Facebook or Twitter (ask about food quality, price and how easy they were to work with) and email a florist or baker you love to see who tops their catering list.
(Riesling to Chardonnay and Zinfandels to Merlots) and both a domestic and import beer. Kick it up a notch by offering regional products, cava or prosecco for your bubbly, and one or two favorite cocktails that you found during your online research. If you really want it all and don’t mind a little DIY, make sure you pick a venue that doesn’t charge you to bring in your own liquor, Lewis says. “That can save a few thousand dollars on your bar tab.”
Hroncich advises keeping costs down by choosing one or two things you truly fell in love with during your research that also will make a big impact. For example, you could have that gorgeous signature cocktail with a candied-fruit stir-stick and an elegant dessert Step 2: Edit Yourself table, but skip the 20 cute appetizers that Couples can definitely get carried away try- caught your eye. Or if you’re truly obsessed with small bites, focus on options that will ing to do everything they see online, Hroncich says. The result can lack cohesion satisfy guests faster. “Cheese and fruit will (sushi and fried chicken and a taco bar and not fill people up for the night, but risotto sangria …) and get very expensive. balls and meat skewers will,” Hroncich says. Rein yourself in by deciding on your priori- And you can always ask your caterer to sugties. If your goal is a big party, an ample bar gest unique and memorable dishes that are surprisingly budget-friendly, like gourmet will help, Lewis says, but even “ample” doesn’t have to break the bank. She suggests renditions of stews, curries or even a hearty offering a selection of white and red wines but stunning salad.
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At RCK Weddings & Design we are all about the Do-It-Yourself Bride. We let you take center stage on your wedding day. As a DIY bride, it’s easy to get overwhelmed with all the things you’re trying to juggle on your own. But doing it yourself doesn’t mean you have to do it alone.
YOUR Vision, YOUR Day, All planned YOUR way! gAre YOU overwhelmed with ideas? Find out how we can help you narrow down your ideas and choose the right projects for you and your budget. gAre YOU falling behind in your planning deadlines? Find out how we can help you get back on track and finish your projects without falling through the cracks. gWant to relax on YOUR big day? Find out how you can primp, socialize and fully enjoy all the hard work you put in to planning your wedding day. Renee C Krejci, PBC – Professional Bridal Consultant (540)327-8426 • www.rckweddings.com
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your chef on how to cook.“That’s a no-no!” says Andrea Lewis, founder of Memphisbased Andrea Lewis Events. But most caterers will be open to working with you to create a special dish or two, or design a menu in the style you want that also plays up their talents.
February 15, 2014
Be prepared for your First Dance, Father/Daughter Dance and Wedding Reception.
Get ready for that once in a lifetime moment.
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