Sunday LOVELAND REPORTER-HERALD/I Do January 30, 2011 3
countdown
to i do Page 18
inside Tuxedos: Rent or buy?
Video Stars: Wedding videography catches on
Page 5
Page 7
Just Married: Featuring local newlyweds
Ceremonies: Individuality & faith On the cover: Daniel and Katie Bartle, married on Dec. 29, 2008 in Estes Park St. Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church. Photo by Sarah Lee Welch Photography.
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less is
more Page 14
wedding
day
beauty tips Page 9
road trip honeymoon Page 12
I Do is produced by the Loveland Reporter-Herald. For advertising information, call 970-669-5050. For editorial information, e-mail editor Jade Cody at jcody@ reporter-herald.com or call 970-635-3656. Contact reporter Jennifer Lehman at jlehman@reporterherald.com or 635-3684.
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Sunday LOVELAND REPORTER-HERALD/I Do January 30, 2011
"Can You Feel the Love Tonight" and "Lady in Red" are the two most popular first dance songs (even though 87 percent of brides wear white). Ancient Romans broke a cake over the bride's head to symbolize fertility.
88
In a recent survey released by Visa Inc., 88 percent of couples believed they overspent on some aspect of their wedding.
By Jan Pelton
19
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Weddings in Iowa and Nebraska are the biggest in the U.S., averaging 200 guests.
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rent
or buy? TIMOTHY R. SCHULTE CTW FEATURES
R
ent or buy your wedding tuxedo? It’s a simple question without a simple answer. Here, Rik Ducar, proprietor of eponymous formalwear shops in both Atlanta and Los Angeles that both sell and rent tuxedos, offers some insight for grooms’ style choices: Price: Tuxedo packages, when all is said and done, can come out to around a little under $200, Ducar said. For purchase, tuxedos — just the jacket and pants — can start around $400 and reach upward of $1,000 on designer labels. It’s all about budget — but more so with rentals “because the groom also has the groomsmen to think about,” said Ducar, noting that around 9 of 10 groomsmen do not live in the same area as the groom, which can make coordination
tricky. “That would be a good case for a rental,” he says. Still, buying has its bona fides. “From a pure economic sense, tuxedos are the only part of the wedding on the man or woman side you’ll be able to wear again. It’ll pay for itself after one wear,” he said. Fit: It’s night and day, Ducar said. On a 1-to-10 scale, Ducar said he could get a rental jacket to fit an 8, but he said he can get a perfect 10 fit on a purchase. But it’s the pants where you run into problems, he says. It’s the always the same cut — whether the guy is 5’ 5” or 6’ 5” — so short guys will get a long rise in the pants. “They’re always voluminous,” he said. If you rent and the guys are being measured from afar, try to get them into the shop a day or two before the wedding to make any last-minute sizing tweaks. Even if renting, Ducar likes to get the guy in for-purchase clothes just to find out what would be the best options in terms of a look. “There’s nothing wrong with using a for-purchase product to paint the picture of what they might like on the rental,” Ducar said. From there, Ducar likes to build the tuxedo from the top down. The jacket’s lapels will influence collar length; the collar length will influence the tie style and width, etc.
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Sunday LOVELAND REPORTER-HERALD/I Do January 30, 2011
Three important factors in choosing a ring
rules of the
ring
choosing process. “Now days there is a definite swing on her having an influence on the style of the ring,” she said. “Very rarely do they come in blind anymore,” she said, referring to guys who surprise their girlfriends with an engagement ring without her knowing beforehand. More commonly the couple will come in together to pick a ring out, or she’ll go in beforehand and choose several styles or rings that he can pick from later, she said per jealous. Choosing a ring has become I was fortunate, however, to much more difficult, Sather spend some time in jewelry said, because of the large numstores this Christmas when I ber of styles available today, a went necklace shopping for change from years past. “It’s a her. I don’t know if I am like completely overwhelming exmost men, but I might as well perience if they come in be picking out 4-H chickens blind,” she said. when shopping for jewelry. I Today’s bride has changed, have not even a little clue as well, she said. The average about what looks good or bride is older today, and she stylish. Thankfully I had Kim’s usually works and is very style sister to help guide me to a conscious. good one, and Kim ended up Sather said Hollywood liking it. trends have become a strong Guys (talking about myself influence on the popularity of and the fellas I happen to certain ring styles. The recent know) just don’t get jewelry. engagement of Prince William We do understand that diaand Kate Middleton, and the monds are always a plus in the late princess Diana’s sapphire girls’ viewpoint, especially ones ring she received, have made not made of plastic. sapphire/diamond rings popuWhile I’m not currently lar again, as they did 30 years ready to pop the question to ago. my girl, when the time comes I The rings that Hollywood will need some serious help. stars are wearing also impact what the public wants, Sather Julie Sather, owner of said. Fortunately, the same Sather’s Leading Jewelers in rings the stars wear can be Fort Collins, said these days most guys have help from their found in local stores. significant others in the ring When choosing an engage-
Tips for picking out an engagement ring JADE CODY SPECIAL SECTIONS EDITOR
A
fter dating for eight months, I finally gave my girlfriend, Kim, a
ring. A probably ring. Promises just didn’t fit the bill yet, so I went with a probably. She’s one lucky girl. The great thing about a probably ring is that it doubles as a probably not ring. When she is mean to me, like the time she beat me in fantasy football right in front of everyone and then posted the score of our matchup on my Facebook wall, it was probably not. When she’s sweet, it’s probably. Recently it was even upgraded to a most likely ring. Again, lucky girl. Anyway, picking out the probably ring was pretty easy, cause it came in a six-pack at the dollar store. It is a pretty giant specimen, probably at a minimum a hundred carats, so let’s just say her friends are su-
1. Teamwork: Either become extremely familiar with your significant other’s tastes in rings, or let her go into the jewelry store ahead of time to choose a few rings she likes. 2. Lifestyle: Choose a ring that fits her lifestyle. If she works with her hands frequently, choose a durable metal such as platinum and a low-profile setting. 3. Use your eyes: “I think the most important thing is to make sure you physically see the diamond before purchasing to see its light performance,” said Julie Sather, owner of Sather’s Leading Jewelers in Fort Collins.
ment ring, it is important to choose a metal that will match up with the woman’s lifestyle. The three most common metals used are as follows. White gold: Tends to showcase diamonds well, and is one of the most popular choices. Platinum: The most durable of the three metals, platinum is more pure and excels on showcasing diamonds. Yellow gold: Sather said there is a resurgence in yellow gold rings, led by Hollywood trends, because it is a warm, classic looking metal. When choosing diamonds, here are the terms you will need to know:
CLARITY How clear the stone is and whether there is the presence of any inclusions, or birthmarks.
COLOR Diamonds are graded based on how close to colorless they are, with colors D, E, and F being nearly colorless
CARAT The weight and size of the diamond.
CUT The craftsmanship used in cutting the facets of the stone to maximize reflection of light.
SHAPE Two of the most popular shapes of diamonds are round and princess (square).
Sunday LOVELAND REPORTER-HERALD/I Do January 30, 2011 7
Video Stars Changes in quality and technology ups demand for videographers JENNIFER LEHMAN SPECIAL SECTIONS REPORTER
H
eidi Liles, of Cheyenne, watched her wedding video several times soon after receiving the final cut from the videographer she and her husband Joe hired for
their Fort Collins wedding in October, 2009. “All those memories just float back,” Liles said, like who was there, changing expressions on faces as she walked down the aisle and the vows she and her husband said to each other. “Videographers are in the
business of creating family heirlooms that couples can watch years later and share with their future families,” said Mike Diehl of Legacy Event Video in Fort Collins and the videographer for the Liles’ wedding. Videography captures the moments you didn’t get to see
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on a day that can go by so fast while capturing the day for friends and family members would couldn’t attend, said wedding planner Cory Elam of Cory Elam Weddings in Loveland. Hiring a professional videographer for the wedding day is a I See Video/Page 8
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Sunday LOVELAND REPORTER-HERALD/I Do January 30, 2011
Video From Page 7
growing trend. A shift in the quality and style of videography over the last decade and more recently the ability to stream and share high quality videos online has given rise to the profession in the past few years. Elam said over 50 percent of her clients now seek a professional videographer for their wedding. Professional videographers used to be a rarity, Elam said, some photographers would provide it as an additional service. Now videographers have their own production studios, some creating wedding videos with cinematic-style narrative and quality. In the past, wedding videos were pretty amateur looking, said Tom Pehrson of Sophie Films in Loveland. Pehrson has seen increased demand for wedding videos, something he credits to the greater number of skilled videographers and the share capabilities of the internet and social networking sites. Video sharing sites like Vimeo allow videographers to post their clients videos so newlyweds can e-mail the link to friends and family or embed videos in Facebook pages and blogs. Heidi Liles posted her wedding video on her Facebook page right away to share with friends — faster than shipping out a bunch of DVDs, she said. And with video streaming going mobile via smartphones and tablet computers, couples and recipients of the video can view it anywhere, Diehl said. Pehrson said the ability to post and stream high quality videos has impacted his business because people can see the product and get familiar with his style ahead of time. About half of his clients in the last year hired him before hiring their photographer, which he believes is a significant shift
A screenshot of a streaming wedding video created by Sophie Films on their website. Tom Pehrson of Sophie Films said the ability to post high quality streaming videos helps drive business, allowing couples to see a videographer’s style and skill in advance. in how couples are prioritizing videography in their wedding budget and plans. Like wedding photography, professional videography is an investment. Prices vary between videographers, the amount of content couples want to include and how creative and cinematic they want the video to be, but can range from the mid-upper hundreds to tens of thousands of dollars. “Video and photo are two things From Legacy Event Video’s Vimeo page people will take away from their newly weds can link to their video or emwedding,” Pehrson said, they will last for the rest of their lives and bed the videos on social networking sites need to be a priority. and blogs. Liles said she talked to people ing replaces the look on my husband’s planning their wedding who are face as I walked down the aisle and we hesitant about doing a wedding video. spoke the vows to one another, it’s just re“I really believe it’s an investment on ally special.” your future memories,” Liles said. “Noth-
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look beautiful on your
big day CTW FEATURES
I
t doesn’t take a beauty professional to unlock great looks. It just takes a little practicality — and maybe a trip to the local grocery and drug stores. Here’s a bridal party’s worth of no-nonsense beauty tips courtesy of InStyle magazine’s new beauty bible, “InStyle Ultimate Beauty Secrets” (Mechler Media, 2010).
EYES Fix messy, cracked eye shadow by popping it out of its tray, putting it into a makeup palette, and crushing it. Add a dab of Vaseline or eye cream until you’ve gotten the right consistency. After tweezing, swipe brows with rubbing alcohol to prevent ingrown hairs, then reduce redness by applying cold cucumber slices or chilled green-tea bags.
CHEEKS Pick cheek colors that complement your skin tone. warm complexions look best in yellow-based blush shades like peach and terracotta; cool undertones are flattered by blue-based pinks and berries. Not sure if you are warm or cool complected? Find the perfect cheek color this way: At the hardware store, pick up paint chips in colors that you think could work as blush. Hold the chips up to your face in front of a mirror in natural light; you’ll instantly see what brightens your complexion vs. what makes it look sallow or gray.
LIPS Apply a balm immediately after getting out of the shower, when your lips are still a little moist; this will create a smooth surface once you’re ready for color. For lips extra dry. Combine 1 teaspoon honey with 1 teaspoon sugar to exfoliate them, said makeup artist Kristofer Buckle, who helped polish looks for Christina Aguilera and Jennifer Connelly. He blends the two ingredients in his hand, then applies the mixture in a circular motion for 90 seconds before wiping it off.
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Sunday LOVELAND REPORTER-HERALD/I Do January 30, 2011 SKIN If you have dry skin that is flaky, change up your routine and wash your face with dandruff shampoo instead of your regular cleanser once a month, suggested Wellesley, Mass., dermatologist Elissa Lunder; this reduces the yeast levels that cause scaly skin. The day before a party, don’t risk a facial that can leave you red and raw. An at-home mask made with one teaspoon raw oatmeal and one teaspoon honey is a much safer bet. Let it sit on the skin for five minutes, then rinse. Drink a glass of ice water if your face
tends to get splotchy. Doing so will tone down your redness. The cold causes blood vessels to constrict and cool you from the inside out, said dermatologist Ellen Marmur. To control oil and shine, splash your face with cool black tea, but do not rinse; it’s a natural astringent, said dermatologist Peter Kopelson. Refresh your complexion by dipping a washcloth in soy milk and resting it on your face for 10 minutes once a week, suggested dermatologist Debra Luftman. Soy is a skin brightener and contains phytoestrogen, a plant-derived es-
trogen that is thought to help prevent wrinkles. Reduce a pimple’s redness by spritzing a small amount of nasal decongestant on the blemish, said dermatologist David Bank. The spray, designed to lessen inflammation, will do the same for a pimple. Keep your skin hydrated on cold nights with a make-it-yourself humidifier. Dermatologist Nicholas V. Perricone suggested hanging a wet towel from the doorknob overnight (wring out the edges to prevent drips); by morning, the towel will be dry but your skin won’t.
NAILS No emery board. Celebrity manicurist Elle, said the striking surface of a matchbook works in a pinch. To keep cuticles from drying and cracking, run lip balm into them (and all over your nails) each time you apply the balm to your lips. Cool weather can make nails brittle and polish chip faster, so protect your polish by wearing gloves every time you step out. To restore moisture to extra-dry nails, try an at-home soak of lemon juice, olive oil, and vitamin E oil. To maximize its absorption, remove nail polish, buff nails gently with a towel to exfoliate, then soak for five minutes. Afterward, slip on a pair of cotton spa gloves to keep moisture sealed in all night. ID-322966
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Ann Depperschmidt & John Baker Married on Sept. 5, 2010 at First Congregational Church in Loveland.
Lacy Jo Shaffer & Wade Ryan Schlenker Married on July 24, 2010 at Brookside Gardens in Berthoud.
Amanda O’Connor & Justin Rowlison Married on Nov. 24, 2010 in South Bend, Ind.
Kacey Studer & Cody Young Married on Aug. 14, 2010 at The Courtyard in Loveland.
Kelsie Willis & Justin Raddatz Married on Sept. 4, 2010 at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Loveland.
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Sunday LOVELAND REPORTER-HERALD/I Do January 30, 2011
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Sunday LOVELAND REPORTER-HERALD/I Do January 30, 2011 13 ful during the early spring wildflower season but less-thanperfect in August.” Don’t limit yourself to big cities. Bond suggests avoiding them. “Go outdoors, in nature, Yosemite, national parks, state parks. It lends itself to doing things where you aren’t just going to run around and spend money,” she said.
LOCATE LODGING
— not to mention shrinking passenger space and growing luggage fees — have taken a bit of the glamour out of jetsetting, staying stateside — within your time zone even — and embarking on a road-trip honeymoon can create memories out of the journey itself. The pressure is off of having the “well-planned, show-youpictures” honeymoon, Brancatelli said. Now, it’s more about making it what you want — not what society tells you it should be. “You are on your honeymoon, the moment you’re in the car. You can pack whatever you want; tailor it to be anything you want,” he said. “‘The Great American Road Trip,’ to some degree, is back,” he said. Road-trips are certainly easier to tailor to your schedule than airline travel, but that doesn’t mean you can just hit the road, tin cans trailing, without putting some thought into. Here’s how to do it:
DO YOUR HOMEWORK “Don’t just pile up your things in a car and go somewhere. Google places in the areas you’d like to drive to; don’t be an information-virgin,” Brancatelli said. “Don’t lock yourself in, or plan yourself within an inch of your life but, give it some thought.” “On a car trip it’s a temptation to go too far, but if you only like driving for three hours, only go that far. Think of your partner and what they really love to do,” said Marybeth Bond, author of “50 Best Girlfriend Getaways” (National Geographic, 2007). Take ad-
vantage of the chance to make some dreams a reality. Jamie Jensen, author of “Road Trip USA: Cross-Country Adventures on America’s Two-Lane Highways” (Avalon Travel Publishing, 2009), suggests simply going somewhere you’ve always wanted to go — whether it’s a romantic tour of New England in fall foliage season, or something a little wild and rowdy like New Orleans for Mardi Gras.
DON’T FORGET THE SEASON “Depending upon when the wedding is, the list of possible honeymoon road trip locations simplifies itself,” Jensen said. “The Arizona desert is wonder-
However, bed and breakfast accommodations are popular and book quickly. “Don’t assume just because it’s not ’high season’ weatherwise that the inn that you want will not be booked,” said White. She suggests calling ahead to ensure availability.
RULES OF THE ROAD
Even the most unforgettable honeymoon comes with a few “You don’t necessarily need do’s and don’ts. to arrange all your accommodations in advance, but de“You have to work to make it pending on your tastes, your romantic,” Bond said. “Keep road trip accommodations up the work to make the trip could be anything from a special, take some heartdeluxe bridal suite in a Big Ap- shaped chocolates, some sexy ple hotel to a tent in a backlingerie, pack a bottle of chamcountry campsite — even a pagne, make a playlist of ’your’ combination of these, on difsongs to take on the trip.” And ferent nights,” Jensen said. don’t over-extend the driving For many couples, stays at a part of the road trip. bed and breakfast are a happy With endless possibilities medium. and options of where to go and “Unlike a hotel, where what to do, it’s easy to forget you’re only paying for a place that there are definite things to sleep, breakfast is includto avoid on your newlywed aded,” said Mary White, author of ventures. “Running a Bed & Breakfast “Check your e-mail only For Dummies” (Wiley Publishonce a day,” Bond said. “That’s ing, 2009). “Innkeepers are right, you’re on your honeythe local area experts and are moon, take your honeymoon. available to make restaurant suggestions or suggestions on Check your e-mail in the morning but otherwise leave the the best spot for a romantic BlackBerry or iPhone off.” picnic.”
Sunday LOVELAND REPORTER-HERALD/I Do January 30, 2011
simply
stylish Brides have enough to stress about on their wedding day. Having paid thousands for an uncomfortable dress should not be one of those reasons. Here's a guide to gowns that look great, feel great, and come without the great, big price tag. NOLA SARKISIAN-MILLER CTW FEATURES
T
here’s a new sense that less is more in the bridal gown world, both in terms of style and price. Fuss-free gowns in columns, sheaths
and cocktail styles, are getting their due as brides scale down their version of their dream dresses, maybe because they’re older brides or are tying the knot in a more casual environment. In step with the mood, some brides are slashing their fashion budgets in these not-soflush times.
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“Even though brides don’t want to spend a huge portion of their budgets on their dress, they still want that shopping experience and we’re looking to make it fun and posh for her.” — Marci Milito, director of public relations for The Limited
As a result, a number of brides are embracing “non-bridal” styles, per se, made by the likes of contemporary designers, such as BCBG Max Azria and Sue Wong — not your typical go-to bridal resources but ones that are creating “sexy, romantic and feminine” gowns that are “absolutely suitable for weddings,” according to Wong. The shift has prompted other designers and retailers into rolling out their own wallet-friendly bridal options that are less showy and more sophisticated. In spring, White House/Black Market unveiled a strapless dress with a high-low hem for $499, and now it has added three more looks all for under $700. After hearing that its customers were buying its dresses for bridesmaid functions, The Limited debuted a two-dress collection online this summer for under $300, with plans to expand the line to seven looks by January 2011 (four styles currently are available). Higher-end designers joined the mix this summer when the likes of David Meister and Carmen Marc Volvo signed on with New York-based Designer Bride Inc. to license bridal gowns for $1,500 to $3,000 that are not over-the-top. “Brides want to tone it down,” said Jill Giordano, co-owner of San Francisco-based
CTW photos
Above, the Victoria ecro tulle and satin gown with mermaid skirt from White House/Black Market. Right, nylon/silk beaded strapless dress with applique swirl and ruched bodice from Sue Wong.
gr.dano, a contemporary line of architecturally inspired clothes. “They want their dress to match their style versus their age. You can still wear something that’s nontraditional and look spectacular.” Giordano recently outfitted a violinist for her wedding. The musician had picked out a gr.dano skirt made of crinkled nylon for a press tour and opted to wear it along with a custom-made knit blouse for her special day. The possibility of catering to more bridal customers is on Giordano’s radar, especially with her spring line that includes a white halter maxi dress in cotton poplin for under $400. “We’re definitely trying to hit the events market but keep it in line with what we do — clean, approachable, flattering styles,” Giordano said.
FUN AND POSH White House/Black Market got a plug for its new wedding dress collection in the September 2010 issue of O, The Oprah Magazine, which highlights its elegant strapless Victoria bridal gown in ecru tulle and satin with a floor-sweeping mermaid skirt. The collection also features a mix of accessories, such as satin slingback heels and a clutch. Along with three bridal gowns priced at $298 (and one at $398), The Limited’s wedding collection offers two bridesmaid dresses under $100, plus accessories, such as teardrop earrings and bobby pin sets. Its strapless ruffled wedding gown in crinkle chiffon generated positive reviews online, many from secondtime brides and those having casual weddings. Based on the feedback, The Limited is planning to test the dresses in stores in the next year, said Marci Milito, director of public relations for The Limited. “Even though brides don’t want to spend a huge portion of their budgets on their dress, they still want that shopping experience and we’re looking to make it fun and posh for her,” Milito said. Los Angeles-based David Meister, whose eveningwear has graced celebrities such as I See GOWN/Page 16
Sunday LOVELAND REPORTER-HERALD/I Do January 30, 2011
GOWN From Page 15
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Emmanuelle Chriqui and Diane Lane, is injecting glamour in his bridal gowns hitting about 20 stores in November, including Neiman Marcus, Couture Bridal in Bal Harbour, Fla. and Bridal Images in Rockville, Md., according to Erin Haggerty, senior manager of public relations for Kellwood Company, parent company of David Meister. A tulle ballgown with a tiered skirt and a one-shoulder silk wool Mikado gown are a couple highlights from the 12-style collection, which hit the bridal market in October. Meister’s gowns, along with those of his contemporaries at Designer Bride, are targeting a “new bride,” said Sol Baratech, marketing manager for Designer Bride. “More independent and more mature, she now pays for her gown,” Baratech said. “She is also more sophisticated and fashion savvy. Today’s bride wants a designer gown, which is more fashion-forward compared to the princess-like dresses worn by brides years ago.”
ACCESSIBLE HIGH FASHION That designer touch is arriving at David’s Bridal in February 2011, when Ÿber-bridal designer, Vera Wang, debuts her line, White by Vera Wang, with the national retailer. The collection, priced from $600 to $1,500, gives fans a chance to buy a Vera Wang-influenced look without the sticker shock. Other high-profile names, like Nordstrom, have entered the wedding business. The Seattle-based department store has added a wedding section on its website devoted to gowns made by contemporary designers, such as Laundry by Shelli Segal and Nicole Miller, all of which retail for under $1,000. Full-service bridal boutiques have also noticed an uptick in interest from brides seeking gowns with down-to-earth styles and prices. “There’s growing interest in that price point,” said Allyson Marshall, manager of Bridal Boutique. “About 60 percent of our business is devoted to that category compared to 40 percent a couple of years ago.” Boutique owners caution, however, that the dress a bride chooses should mirror the vibe of the wedding.
Silk empire waist dress with crinkle chiffon ruffles and ivory satin sash from The Limited. “About 10 percent of the wedding budget should be devoted to the wedding gown, so if you’re having a swanky, $50,000 affair and your gown doesn’t measure up, you may not look right,” said Bobbie Lopez, owner of All Brides Beautiful in Hudson, Ohio.
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Sunday LOVELAND REPORTER-HERALD/I Do January 30, 2011 17
Ceremonies: Individuality and faith
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senting each faith, Morris said, but again, couples will need to confirm each officiant is open to ThinkStock Photo participating in a wedding ceremo- The sand ceremony is used by Chrisny for an intertian and non-religious couples alike. faith couple, because some will refuse to particinterfaith background of the ipate in such ceremonies, she bride and groom. said. Robertson said the bride or Couples that consider themgroom might have strong ties selves non-religious or want to to one faith and that while the incorporate a variety of tradiother person may not they can tions and philosophies into be open to incorporating those their ceremony can find officiants that create personalized traditions, something that can bring couples closer together. ceremonies. If couples use a tradition or Rev. Kent Robertson of Loveland officiates traditional Chris- ritual particularly unique or tian ceremonies and non-tradi- that guests may not be familiar tional ceremonies, often incor- with, Raymer recommends explaining the significance in the porating traditions from world program so guests will feel they religions and has worked with other officiants to represent the are a part of it.
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their family and friends. “It’s become less about religion and more about a representation of the what they want arriage brings people to show their friends and family together often because about their marriage,” Morris of shared religious and said. cultural beliefs, but in spite of Family can play a significant them as well. part in the decision behind inThe wedding ceremony is a cluding certain traditions. way to illustrate shared or difIf a bride and groom have no fering beliefs and cultural back- religious affiliations but one or grounds and is increasingly a both sides of the family attend means of presenting a couple’s church on a regular basis, the individuality, said Becky Morris, couple may choose to honor wedding planner and owner of that by getting married in a Paper Moon Weddings in Fort church, Morris said. Collins. For interfaith couples, the “Not to keep tradition for tra- ceremony is a joining of two dition’s sake,” Morris said, but faiths, and can provide greater something the couple identifies understanding of each other’s with. religious backgrounds, said One tradition, the sand cere- Berit Berndes Raymer, wedding mony, is often used in Christian planner and owner of Berndes weddings, Morris said. Three Weddings By Design in Fort types of sand are combined, Collins. But they are also doing representing two people comit for their families and their ing together with the third sand parents and to honor those traadded by the pastor representditions, she said. ing the presence of God. HowFor couples looking to repreever, the ceremony is popular sent different faiths in a cerefor non-religious couples as mony, Raymer recommends well, combining two types of speaking to family members sand instead, symbolic of their about traditions they consider unity, Morris said. to be especially important. Last summer Morris planned Incorporating traditions from a wedding for a couple married a different faith does not fly by their Navajo friend. The cou- with all officiants so couples ple chose to incorporate a Nava- should confirm their preferred jo marriage tradition, the wrap- officiant is open to such a cereping of the bride in a blanket by mony, Raymer said, or seek anthe groom. The couple identiother officiant. fied with the tradition, Morris Couples from different relisaid, and it signified the expec- gious backgrounds can also tations of their marriage to seek to have an officiant repre-
JENNIFER LEHMAN SPECIAL SECTIONS REPORTER
Weddings Receptions Reunions Parties Business Meetings & Luncheons 3050 67th Ave., Suite 200, Greeley Laurie Beam
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Sunday LOVELAND REPORTER-HERALD/I Do January 30, 2011
Countdown to I Do CONTENT THAT WORKS
J Schedule any beauty treatments you’re planning on having leading up to the wedding.
GETTING STARTED
4-6 MONTHS BEFORE
J Share the news of your engagement with your family and friends, and announce it in the Reporter-Herald. J Discuss finances with everyone contributing to the event and set a budget. J Set the date and ceremony/ reception locations. If you’re set on getting married at a certain time of year, choose the date first, then the location. If you have your heart set on a specific venue, let that drive your decision. J Meet with the officiant or the clergy at your church/ temple/mosque. J Establish a guest list. J Start interviewing wedding planners/events designers, if you’re thinking of enlisting the help of one. J Start thinking about the style and theme of your wedding. J Start shopping for a gown. J Oh yeah ... If your parents haven’t met, now would be a good time for that.
6-9 MONTHS BEFORE
J Mail out save-the-dates J Interview and book your vendors; don’t forget to get a signed contract. J Choose your attendants; shop for their dresses. J Caterer J Baker J Florist J Photographer/videographer J Musicians/DJ J Transportation J Order your stationary — invites, envelopes, thank-yous, etc. J Start looking into honeymoon locales. J Register for gifts. J Get your wedding website up and running, if you’re having one.
J Book your hair/makeup help. J Plan the rehearsal and the rehearsal dinner. J Help the moms shop for their wedding day attire. J Shop for wedding bands with your fiance. J Reserve a block of hotel rooms for your guests. J Finalize your honeymoon plans.
2-4 MONTHS BEFORE
J Start addressing invitations. J Buy attendants’ gifts. J Get the men’s fashions in order. J Choose readings/music for the ceremony. J Check marriage-license requirements. J Meet with your caterer to discuss menu and drinks, make sure contracts are complete. J Order the cake. J Pick out favors. J Plan and shop for welcome bags. J Arrange party rentals, if necessary. J Book your wedding night room.
ThinkStock Photo
Six-to-nine months before the wedding, book musicians and DJs as well as other vendors like the photographer, florist and baker.
4-8 WEEKS BEFORE
J Mail out your invites. J Do a hair/makeup runthrough. J Discuss insurance/bank account changes you’ll need to make. J Send ceremony programs, reception menu and place cards to be printed. J Write vows.
2-4 WEEKS BEFORE
J Submit a shot list to your photographer and setlist to your DJ. J Finalize the seating chart and prepare escort/place cards.
J Update registry. J Call anyone who hasn’t RSVP’d J Confirm details with your vendors. J Get your final dress fitting. J Write a toast for the rehearsal.
1 WEEK BEFORE
J Give your caterer the final headcount. J Pick up your dress; break in your shoes. J Give scripts to your readers. J Pack for your honeymoon. J Find someone to transport heirlooms (candles, glasses,
cake knife) to and from the reception site. J Organize your payments and decide who will distribute them.
1 DAY BEFORE
J Get a mani-pedi. J Enjoy the rehearsal and dinner. J Get plenty of sleep.
THE BIG DAY
J Keep your meals small and light. J Give yourself plenty of time for hair/makeup before the photographer arrives.
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