2020 Reception to Follow Bridal Magazine for Central Wisconsin by Second Opinion

eceptionfollow 2019-2020 ♥ gratis

BRIDAL

MAGAZINE &

WORKBOOK

Serving couples in Central Wisconsin and surrounding communities Renée Barth w w w. re c e pt i o n t o f o l l ow.com | 1 Photography

To Get Your Lucky Break!

Mole Lake

is more than just great games and hot casino action. It’s your complete entertainment destination! Mole Lake Casino, Lodge & Conference Center is located seven miles south of beautiful Crandon on Hwy 55, with access to several of the areas ATV/UTV and Snowmobile trails.

CASINO

At Mole Lake you’ll find and enjoy slot machines with denominations of 1¢ up to $5, fast paced Bingo games, and Table Games with 2 Deck Pitch Blackjack or 6 Deck Shoe Blackjack. To take advantage of even more rewards, sign up for our free Player’s Club.

DINING

What better place to eat than at Café Manoomin, located just inside the main entrance of Mole Lake Casino, Lodge & Conference Center. We offer a menu including breakfast, lunch and dinner. Café Manoomin is a smoke free environment.

WINDTALKERS LOUNGE

For a quick bite to eat try the Windtalkers Lounge offering your favorite fried foods. Dance the night away to free live entertainment on Saturdays!

LODGE

We offer 75 spacious rooms and suites in a serene Northwoods atmosphere. Our Lodge offers many amenities such as all non-smoking rooms, an indoor pool, jacuzzi, fitness center and gift shop.

CONFERENCE CENTER

The Conference Center offers up to 3,300 square feet of adjustable space. Our professional staff is waiting to accommodate your every need, from large weddings and conferences to small business meetings and social events. For a more personal gathering, we offer 2 additional rooms featuring a patio and separate serving area.

RV PARKING

Enjoy a relaxing stay in the comfort of our own bed while utilizing our RV parking. Sites are free, that include electrical hookup, and are on a first come first serve basis.

SOKAOGON CENEX GAS STATION, C-STORE, & SMOKE SHOP

Sokaogon Cenex is your go to store offering a wide variety of products for people on the go including gas, grocery items, cold and warm beverages, discount cigarettes, snacks and more.

1-800-236-WINN (9466) • molelakecasino.com • 3084 State Road 55, Crandon, WI 54520 CONFERENCE CENTER: sales@molelake.com 715-478-3200 ext. 4154 LODGE: 1-877-478-5772 715-478-7544 OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK 6AM - MIDNIGHT 2 | w ww.r ec eption tof o llo w.coC-STORE: m

Professional, full-service catering and event company

Wedding Dinner The

From Elegant China to Paper Plate Casual... Delicious food and professional service to fit any budget

Call or email us for a free consultation

715-843-7673

info@cjscateringwausau.com Visit our website at:

cjscateringwausau.com

Your First Dance... Make Magic! We make lifelong memories one dance at a time. Make your first dance last forever... Wedding packages available, Call for details

Get Out & Dance 6307 Schofield Ave Weston, WI 54476

715.571.4180

In this issue

Something Blue, Something Green 5 Wedding Countdown Checklist 8 Is a Destination Wedding Right for You? 12 Unveil Beautiful, Glowing Skin for the Big Day 14

Real weddings Alyssa & Trevor 7 David & R yan 9 Jordyn & Sean 13

Publisher/Owner: Arwen Rasmussen Graphic Design: Brigit Olson Advertising Sales: Arwen Rasmussen Reception to Follow Bridal Magazine All Rights Reserved ÂŠ 2015â&#x20AC;&#x201D; 2020 Published by AKRE Enterprises 3315 Nimitz Street, Eau Claire, WI 54701 beginningsbridalmagazine@ gmail.com

www.receptiontofollow.com @receptiontofollow on Facebook Editor: Becky Streeter Writers: Becky Streeter, and local wedding professionals Printer: Page One Printers, Slayton, MN Materials in Reception to Follow Bridal Magazine including artwork and articles may not be reprinted without permission of the publishers. w w w. re c e pt i o n t o f o l l ow.com | 3

Say “Yes” to the dress! Let Us Perfect Your Wedding Day Smile. Call Today for Your Free Consultation!

No Referral Necessary | Flexible Payment Options | Customized Care 715.842.5459 | Wausau & Merrill | kristoorthodontics.com

Your Adult Party Store! Ignite the Flames of Passion

Darlings

4 Mile S. of Minoqua on Bus. 51 Minocqua/ Hazelhurst 715-358-5683

Visit Our Super Store

15 Miles S. of Eau Claire in Osseo 715-597-5683

Eldorado’s

1 Mile S. of Downtown on Bus. 51. Next to BP Station Stevens Point 715-343-9877

Monday-Thursday 9am-10pm | Friday & Saturday: 9am-Midnight | Sunday: Noon-9pm 4 | w ww.r ec eption tof o llo w.co m

Something Blue, Something Green Buy Local D id you know that in the United Sates the wedding industry is estimated at $72 billion (1)? With approximately 2.5 million weddings held each year, negative impacts to the environment can add up quickly. However with a little planning and a little (more) attention to detail, you can still have your dream wedding while being eco-friendly and creating less waste. We broke down the do’s and don’ts into categories to help you, regardless of what stage in the planning process you are.

Know Your Numbers

Before you start any planning, create have a budget. Decide how much you and your fiancé can afford to spend, and ask if family members may be contributing as well. Keep a running budget of estimated and actual expenses. Also, estimate the number of people you want to invite as this impacts the cost of the wedding significantly at the reception. Eco-friendly products may cost more, while other options may save you money. Either way, you don’t want to go broke trying to have the “perfect” wedding day, so a budget is key.

Get the Word Out

Tell your family, friends, wedding party and guests about your plans for a “green” wedding. Look for save the date and invitation options that are sustainable: ones that have a high-recycled content, or are from producers with sustainable certifications like SFI or FSC. Some papers are embedded with wildflowers or other seeds to plant. Just check the UW Extension Horticulture website to make sure the flowers you are purchasing are native. A wedding website is a great way to reduce the amount of materials you need to send with your invitations. Maps, hotels, agendas and registries can all be distributed through a free website. You could even start a new trend: #greenwedding #notrashdashtothealter #greenbridebrigade.

Something Borrowed

by Brianne Markin, Beaver Creek Reserve

Locally made goods tend to be better for the environment because they typically require less energy to create and distribute. Plus, buying local helps your friends, neighbors and the local economy grow.

Less is More, More or Less

By now, most people should know the “Three R’s.” Pay close attention to the first one: Reduce. While weddings seem to be getting more and more extravagant, they are also creating more waste. Do less. Keep your decorations simple and natural. Don’t buy crepe paper and balloons, neither of which can be reused or recycled. Instead of giving away wedding favors, consider having a donation made in honor of your guests. While little tins of candy, personalized lip balm and candles are cute, they also create a lot of waste. We would like to think that our guests will keep these mementos forever, but that is rarely the case. I am fairly certain no one but my mom saved her combination bookmark/name card. If you really want to go the favor route, look for products with recyclable containers, items that are reusable, items with a high-recycled content, or locally made goods.

Don't Let it Go

Don’t have butterfly, balloon or bird releases. Butterflies raised for sale to the wedding market can carry diseases that can be spread to local populations. Balloons eventually come back to the ground. In addition to being litter, they can cause harm to birds, fish and other wildlife who ingest them. As for releasing doves or pigeons, often these birds have been caged and domesticated and, if they were to get loose, have no survival skills.

Final Thoughts

Don’t make yourself too crazy trying to make your wedding day perfect. Take the time to appreciate your hard work and planning at some point during the day. Remember that the most important impact your wedding should have is creating happy memories for you and your guests! 1. https://blog.marketresearch.com/the-wedding-industry-in-2017-and-beyond

Reuse items when you can. Men rent suits, so why not consider having your bridesmaids or other wedding party members rent their dresses? Also look for brides selling decorations on Facebook marketplace or Craiglist. (I recently purchased gently used tablecloths and napkins from a bride for only $75!)

Trash Talk

Don’t use single use plastics! Make a statement and outlaw plastic water bottles and plastic straws. Set up a cute water station with reusable or biodegradable cups. Go without straws or look for paper ones in sure-tomatch-your-theme colors at local craft supply stores. Make sure that your reception facility has clearly marked recycling bins. In most areas plastics marked 1-5 & 7 are recyclable. Don’t use Styrofoam; instead bring reusable containers for taking home wedding cake and any other leftovers (if allowed by your catering facility). Opt for reusable cloth napkins and tablecloths over disposable ones.

BRIDAL EXPO SUNDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2019 SUNDAY, JANUARY 26, 2020 Central WI Convention+Expo Center 11 am - 2 pm Tickets: $5 in Advance | $7 at the Door

On sale at Midwest Communications Office in Wausau as well as Elegant Occasions in Rib Mountain

w w w. re c e pt i o n t o f o l l ow.com | 5

Melanie Lukens | Wedding Coordinator

(715) 845.8800 melanie.lukens@greatdanepub.com

6 | w ww.r ec eption tof o llo w.co m

Alyssa Trevor AND

ALYSSA & TREVOR June 2, 2018

Bride's Dress: Bella Bridal Makeup: Ashlee Potaczek at Glow Day Spa

Hair: Holly Bauer at Sapphire Salon and Studios

Tuxes: Men’s Warehouse Flowers: Ele’s Flowers Rings: Rogers & Holland’s Venue: Paradise Shores 4, Holcombe DJ: Austin Witt from Pulse Entertainment

Videographer: Walter Mueller Studios

Decorations & Cake: Bride's family & friends

Catering: Paradise Shores 4

All photographs by

narvoldphotography.com w w w. re c e pt i o n t o f o l l ow.com | 7

Wedding Countdown Checklist

12-18 Months Before

�� Determine wedding style �� Select location and reserve dates for ceremony and reception �� Decide on budget and expense sharing �� Begin compiling guest list �� Select your attendants �� Select caterer �� Select reception entertainment

9-12 Months Before

�� Register at bridal registries �� Reserve rental supplies �� Visit officiant to discuss ceremony plans �� Choose gown and accessories �� Choose bridesmaid dresses and accessories �� Select and book ceremony musicians �� Select and book florists �� Select and book photographer �� Select and book videographer �� Discuss honeymoon plans

4-6 Months Before

�� Select men’s formalwear �� Order wedding invitations and stationery �� Finish compiling guest list �� Check marriage license requirements �� Select baker and order wedding dessert �� Reserve accommodations for out of town guests �� Help mothers select dresses �� Make final floral decisions �� Arrange wedding day transportation

2-4 Months Before

�� Start addressing invitations �� Confirm ceremony plans with officiant �� Plan rehearsal and rehearsal dinner �� Arrange for decorations �� Finalize honeymoon plans �� Plan ceremony music with musicians 8 | w ww.r ec eption tof o llo w.co m

1-2 Months Before

�� Mail invitations to arrive 4-6 weeks before wedding �� Confirm details with all contracted services �� Have final gown fitting �� Have final fittings for attendants �� Get marriage license and blood tests (if necessary) �� Purchase gifts for attendants �� Get your accessories ready: ring pillow, candles, guest book, etc. �� Maintain record of gifts received and mail thank you notes immediately �� Confirm pre-nuptial dinner arrangements

2 Weeks Before

�� Confirm rehearsal time and date with all wedding party members �� Arrange name and address changes on bank accounts, credit cards, drivers license, etc. �� Contact guests who have not yet R.S.V.P.’d �� Keep up with thank you notes

1 Week Before

�� Provide final guest count to caterer �� Plan seating arrangements �� Confirm honeymoon reservations, pick up tickets �� Pick up wedding attire and check fit

Wedding Day

�� Rings and marriage license �� If pictures are being taken before the ceremony, the entire wedding party should be ready two hours before �� Bring all accessories and an emergency kit including spare stockings, sewing needs, safety pins, etc. �� Give officiant’s fee to best man for presentation after the ceremony

Love Story at the Capitol...

Like many, Ryan and David met in college, while attending UW-Stevens Point. After their first cup of coffee (which they now consider to be their first date, even if they didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t at the time), they totally hit it off. Through the friends and classes they shared, and their election as the student body president and vice president their senior year at USP, the two developed a deep and lasting friendship. That relationship blossomed while David attended graduate school at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Ryan moved to the University of Iowa. After two years of daily Skype calls and many weekend visits, Ryan proposed to David on top of the Wisconsin State Capitol in Madison, where they wanted to start building a future together. They married in August of 2018 at the Wisconsin Capitol Building.

David Ryan AND

w w w. re c e pt i o n t o f o l l ow.com | 9

David

DAVID & RYAN August 25, 2018

Ryan

Attire:

AND

Express

Flowers:

Sarah Lopez of Simply Glamorous Designs at Oregon Floral

Rings: Etsy

Ceremony Venue:

Wisconsin State Capitol Senate Parlor

Reception Venue:

Badger Prairie Park, Verona WI

DJ:

Juke Box Bandstand

Caterer: Qdoba

All photographs by

wildwonder.photography (847) 708-7281 10 | w ww. r ec eption to fo llo w.co m

w w w. re c e pt i o n t o f o l l o w.com | 11

Is a Destination Wedding Right for You? by Travel Leaders

estination weddings can be more casual, offer a sense of adventure and even prove less expensive than traditional nuptials. Here are some reasons why one might be right for you.

but for their guests, as well. It’s a chance to take a break from the daily routine. Your travel agent can also help you plan special excursions and activities that your guests can enjoy as a group or on their own.

Think about the opportunity for quality time. With everyone’s busy schedules, filled with work and family obligations, it can be difficult to bring the most important people in your life together. Weddings are one of those happy occasions when people want to make the effort, so make the most out of the opportunity. Having family and friends in the same place over several days helps ensure that you’ll get to spend some quality time with each other, rather than maybe talking for a few minutes at the reception. It also gives family members and friends who may not have seen each other in a while a chance to catch up. Plus, guests on each side of the aisle can really get to know one another, forging a strong bond between the two sets of families and friends.

Planning can be easier and less stressful, and maybe even cheaper. Resorts catering to destination weddings will usually provide the bride and groom with the services of a professional wedding planner. That individual will put together a package with everything you’ll need for your big day. You won’t have to worry about making multiple phone calls to vendors, and you’ll have fewer stressinducing decisions to make. You can keep things simple – no need for elaborate decorations when the backdrop to your ceremony is so gorgeous. Of course, that doesn’t mean you can’t add some touches to make things more personal. And when you add up the cost of a destination wedding versus a traditional ceremony and reception, you may find that you’re saving money. Plus, once the ceremony is over, you’ll already be at your honeymoon spot.

It’s also a vacation for your guests. By working with your travel agent to get the best deals on airfare and accommodations, you’ll enable your guests to not only share in your happiness, but also enjoy a getaway. Destination weddings take place in fun, relaxing and romantic spots, places your family and friends may have always wanted to visit. And now you’re giving them the perfect opportunity. Hawaii, Mexico, the Caribbean, even southern Europe, are popular choices. Closer to home, Florida and California also offer great wedding options. By getting away, the wedding becomes more of an event not only for the bride and groom,

12 | w ww. r ec eption to fo llo w.co m

Weddings are an opportunity for friends and family to come together and show their love and support for the happy couple. A destination wedding, by giving all involved the gift of additional time together, can make the occasion even more special. For help planning a destination wedding or honeymoon, contact your local travel agent.

Jordyn AND

Sean

JORDYN & SEAN October 14, 2017

Bride's Dress: Bella Bridal Boutique in Lake Elmo, Minnesota

Hair: Saxy Salon Make-up: Blue Eye Studio Tuxes: Men's Wearhouse Bridesmaid Dresses: David's Bridal Flowers: Bouquets created by bride's grandmother

Venue: Wild Ridge Golf Course, Eau Claire Thank Yous: Small bottles of the groom's homemade maple syrup

Decorations: Created by bride and groom

Cake: Festival Foods DJ: Mystic Nights DJ

reneebarthphotography.com (715) 432-2764 w w w. re c e pt i o n t o f o l l o w.com | 13

Unveil Beautiful, Glowing Skin for the Big Day By Heidi Jarecki, MD

he invitations are sent, the venue chosen, the menu set and the photographer ready. So much planning goes into a wedding! Whether you are the bride, part of the wedding party, or mother of the bride or groom, everyone wants to unveil a beautiful wedding day look. What is the best way to radiate joy and confidence on the big day? Preparation. Plan your way to gorgeous by remembering the three F’s: face, features, freedom. FACE A perfect wedding day glow begins with healthy skin. Blemishes from acne, brown spots from too much sun, broken capillaries and redness from rosacea, and fine lines and wrinkles can dampen the joy you are trying to convey. Professional aesthetic care to the rescue! Begin by working with an experienced aesthetician three to six months in advance. Craft a plan so you know the time and financial investment needed. A blend of clinical facials, microdermabrasion, and good home skincare routines are often all that is needed for 20 and early 30-year-olds. Plan treatments monthly with the last treatment one week before the festivities. For those with acne, exfoliation is key. Scarring can be addressed with resurfacing from chemical peels or microneedling. Both yield substantial results but require downtime and a series of treatments to maximize results. For those in their mid to late 30’s, 40’s and beyond, unwanted pigmentation and fine lines are problematic, making photofacials (light based treatments for pigment and redness) and chemical peels desirable additions to the staples of facials and microdermabrasion. Even the most active, ingredient-laden facial will be relaxing and provide some much needed stress relief. FEATURES Sparkling eyes, sophisticated brows, a welcoming smile--a radiant face comes to life with accented features. While many are familiar with the transformation well done makeup can achieve, professional makeup lessons can help demystify the application process. Practice with quality product and learn good technique so these skills can extend beyond the wedding day. Simple,

14 | w ww. r ec eption to fo llo w.co m

inexpensive treatments like brow and lash tinting thicken and darken lashes and brows. Brow shaping creates definition. Expect results to last four weeks. Trial these services at least twice before the big day so you are accustomed to the results. Quick, easy Botox® or Dysport® brow lift and lip pop treatments contour brows and create lip fullness by using carefully placed aliquots of medicine to soften muscle contraction. Expect two to three month duration of effects. Need a more dramatic result? Fillers like Juvéderm Volbella® or Restylane® can add more long-lasting lip volume. Trying to recapture some youthful fullness? Facial contouring with dermal fillers like Restylane Lyft® or Juvéderm Voluma® accents cheekbones, fills temples and creates a long-lasting, liquid-lifting effect that requires minimal downtime. Want to avoid the dreaded angry look? Botox® and Dysport® can be used to soften harsh, unwanted lines from frowning or scowling. When considering injections, work with a physician or nurse who has a demonstrated track record of aesthetic success. A thorough pre-procedural consult should answer all your questions. FREEDOM Whether you are planning a strapless gown or envisioning a honeymoon on the beach, unwanted hair can lower your body confidence. Plan ahead for smoothness! Body waxing is a quick, effective solution. Hot and cold waxes exist, creating many comfortable options for face and body. More permanent results can be achieved with laser hair removal. A series of treatments is needed so schedule your treatments promptly to enjoy the luxury of a life sans shaving. Just like a happy marriage, a gorgeous wedding day glow requires attention. A little planning and a solid aesthetic partnership created now can enhance the upcoming momentous day, freeing you to enjoy the magic!

The finest economy lodging is at

Three Award Winning Locations!

Let us help you make your wedding day perfect. Our helpful staff will work with you to plan anything from weddings to a small backyard ceremony.

Tents, tables, chairs, linens, and dance floors – we have everything you need for your big day.

715.573.5659

• • •

Suites Indoor pool/whirlpool Complimentary hot breakfast buffet

1520 Metro Drive, Schofield, WI

715-359-1881

countryinns.com/ schofield-hotel-wi-54476/wischofi

• 50 newly remodeled guest rooms • Whirlpool suites • Indoor pool/whirlpool • Complimentary hot breakfast • Refrigerator and microwave in all rooms • Meeting room

4700 Rib Mountain Dr. Wausau, WI

715-355-5501

www.daysinnwausau.com

• 84 comfortable guest rooms 2006 W Stewart Avenue • Indoor pool/whirlpool Wausau, WI open 24 hours • Complimentary hot breakfast • Refrigerator and microwave www.super8wausauwi.com in all rooms • NEW! Exercise room

715-848-2888

acandsonspartytentrentals.com

Special wedding group rates available

w w w. re c e pt i o n t o f o l l o w.com | 15

The Menominee Casino Resort Convention Center features the beautiful 5 Clans Ballroom that can hold up to 500 guests.

Reserve your date today! Contact Rachel for a tour and additional information.

Rachel Peters

CATERING SALES COORDINATOR RPeters@menomineecasinoresort.com

Phone: 715-799-3600 ext. 5692

Where gathering comes naturally! N277 Hwy. 47/55 ~ Keshena, WI 16 | w ww. r ec eption to fo llo w.co m