seveneightfive I DO - Wedding Guide

2013 Topeka Wedding Guide By seveneightfive magazine

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2013 Topeka Wedding Guide

Real Topeka Weddings Wedding Trends Topeka Vendors 1

a new chapter

This day I will marry my best friend, the one I laugh with, live for, dream with, love - Author Unknown

photo by Megan Rogers | Red Barn Wedding Photography

READY TO TIE THE KNOT?!

RELAX AND UNTANGLE.

Our unique, out-of-the-box, creative catering is perfect for your special event.

Let us customize the perfect menu to fit any event and budget.

Untangle Catering | 822 N Kansas Ave | 785.260.0280 Ask about our partner Fryer Shack for smoked meats and BBQ to fit any budget.

Vol II • 2013 published by seveneightfive

IN THIS ISSUE

Letter from the editor

editor-in-chief

Maggie Thompson-Doll

publisher

make your special day unique

M

y wedding day was the best day ever. I know, that’s what everyone says. But it really was my best day ever. It wasn’t because everything went perfectly - it didn’t - it was because I was surrounded by an incredible group of friends and family and I was marrying the most wonderful person (he really is). It was also because our wedding day was filled with things we wanted, not things that everyone else told us we had to have.

In many ways our wedding was very traditional, but in other ways it wasn’t at all.

While we were married by a minister, we didn’t get married in a church. And, while our wedding party did wear the traditional tuxes and bridesmaid’s dresses, my husband and I shared our “first look” at Schlotzsky’s on Kansas Ave. where we met, and our wedding party danced back down the aisle to Stevie Wonder’s “Signed, Sealed, Delivered.” The bottom line; we did what we wanted and what made the day special to us, and that’s what is most important.

My challenge to you, brides and grooms-to-be – make your day what you want.

Have fun, be creative and create your own best day ever. This issue of seveneightfive {I Do} is filled with ideas and resources to start you down the path to planning your big day. Take what we’ve given you and put your unique twist on it to create your own special day. Topeka is filled with an amazing group of talented wedding professionals ready to help you, so take advantage of all this community has to offer.

Many thanks to the couples who shared their stories to make this magazine possible and to the talented group of writers and photographers who helped to share those stories.

Congratulations and happy planning!

Kerrice Mapes

writers

Whitney Baker Rio Cervantes-Reed Dennis Etzel, Jr. Diana Friend Jill Lira Jesyca Rodenberg Maggie Thompson-Doll Erin Wynkoop

photography

Keith Czechanski Keith Czechanski Photography Ken Doll Ken Doll Photography Amber O’Dell AO Productions Megan Rogers Red Barn Wedding Photography Dave Strydom 2become1studio

creative

Lori Jo Bridges Kerrice Mapes Maggie Thompson-Doll

research / matrix list Rio Cervantes-Reed Maggie Thompson-Doll

copy editing

Melissa Thomson

advertising

Rio Cervantes-Reed Kerrice Mapes Ni’Col Revell Maggie Thompson-Doll

business

Elizabeth Bell

Inside {I DO} vendor list Photographers DJs A little extra zing Rental Services Jewelry Videographers Photo Booths Floral Flavor/Catering Bakeries Transportation Planners/Decor Venues Hair & Makeup

40 46 47 48 49 50 50 51 56 64 68 69 71 75

vendor matrix p 38 cover by Dave Strydom | 2become1studio

adver tisers

real weddings 6 14 32 35

Smile and Have Fun A Mix of Traditional A Chance for a Wedding in NYC A Long Distance Love Story

tips + advice 12 13 16 18 22 24 26 28 30 34 57 66 77 78

DIY Online DIY Wedding Library Card Vow to Wow: Picking the Brain of a Wedding Guest It’s All in the Details Making the Day Your Own You’re Invited: Trends in Wedding Invitations Bridal Fairs Bachelor/Bachelorette Parties Real Life Lessons What Kind of Bride are You? Be Culinary Chic Mad About Cakes Creating the Perfect Do All Eyes on the Bride

Inside {I DO} seveneightfive {I DO} strives for accuracy in all of our materials and regrets errors. We recommend contacting vendors to confirm information. Reprint of any materials in this publication must be approved by seveneightfive designs. Contact seveneightfive@gmail.com | 785.249.3126.

Please take a moment to view our advertiers. This publication is made possible due to them. Please consider checking out their services for your special day and thank them for helping provide this magazine.

2become1studio: inside front 2Bseductive: 29 6th Ave Ballroom: 70 Anchor Gold Jewelry: 27 Backs by Popular Demand: 27 Boho Mojo: 70 Boss Hawg’s BBQ & Catering: 58 Cavender Tent Rental:19 Celtic Fox: 63 Chinell’s Wedding Florals: 69 Cortez Transportation Co.: 15 Creekside at Berryton: 19 Ditmer Digital and Design: 66 HITE Transportation: 67 Ken Doll Photography: back cover LipSmack Productions: 77 LuvBug Events: 27 Mancave: 29 Martinis on the Move: 27 MaryKay: 50 Pepa & Chela’s: 62 PT’s Coffee: 33 Qdoba: 61 Say Cheez PhotoBooth: 21 Serendipity: inside back Studio 32: 27 TidalWave Entertainment: 69 Topeka Mosonic Center: 44 TPAC: 20 Topeka Shawnee County Public Library: 70 Topeka Wedding Guild: 74 Untangle Catering & 822 Grill: inside front cover The Vinewood: 62 Warehouse 414: 44

Piper + Aaron

by Maggie Thompson-Doll | photos by Ken Doll Photography

REAL WEDDINGS

smile and have fun

S

mile and have fun. A simple statement, but something that is often overlooked in the rush of advice you receive while planning a wedding. What food to serve, how many wedding attendants to have, what dress to choose, what colors to use – that advice comes in droves. But bride Piper Hower put it simply, “Smile and have fun. I know I sure did and I am pretty sure everyone else did as well.”

And fun was certainly had as Piper and Aaron Hower became man and wife in an October 2012 ceremony and reception at Serendipity in NOTO, the North Topeka Arts District. “I was very unsure about a venue for the wedding. I went to the bridal fair and visited the Serendipity booth.

I really liked the way it sounded and I liked Jenny and Chris from the get go, so I decided to check into it further. Once I went to the open house and saw Serendipity for myself, I knew it was perfect.

Very much my style classy and elegant, but not over the top. It just felt warm.”

The elegance of Serendipity fit Piper’s inspiration for her wedding décor of country elegance - a woodsy feel with chocolate brown and burnt orange as her wedding colors. Teamed with several ideas from The Knot (a wedding website) and Pinterest, Piper did most of the decorating herself, but had assistance from Chris Page with Chinell’s Wedding Florals, who provided a foundation of lanterns, branches and small flower blooms that Piper was able to build upon.

two families combine 9

Choosing Vendors A fun party was Piper and Aaron’s top must-have for their wedding day. They wanted a feeling of celebration where people would have fun eating, drinking and dancing the night away.

With that being so important, Piper found catering to be the most difficult decision to make when deciding what vendors to use. She and Aaron both love Mexican and barbecue and wanted to incorporate both into their reception dinner. Family and friends made the barbecue, which she knew would be delicious, and they went with Aboud’s to provide the rest. “I could not have been more happy with the kindness and service I received from Aboud’s. Not to mention they customized authentic burritos just for me and the food was fabulous. Multiple people raved about how good the food was.”

While choosing a caterer took some work, Piper said choosing her florist and photographer were easy decisions. Piper’s mom had purchased flowers from Chinell’s in the past and had been really pleased with the work. It also turned out to be a bonus that Chris from Chinell’s was a part owner at Serendipity. While

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Piper advises bridesto-be, “Do not skimp on the photography.

You will remember very little about your wedding when it’s over and you want those memories captured forever in high quality photos.”

planning for her big day, Piper had looked at work from several local photographers and Ken Doll Photography was the one that stood out to her. “I always knew that wedding photography would be something I would not skimp on. I wanted the best and that is exactly what I got!” Piper advises brides-to-be, “Do not skimp on the photography. You will remember very little about your wedding when it’s over and you want those memories captured forever in high quality photos.”

It was Bridal Elite, a local bridal show hosted by the Topeka Wedding Guild, that introduced Piper to Mad Eliza’s, a local bakery that she hired to make cupcakes and truffles for her wedding reception. “People raved about the cupcakes. There were no truffles left over!” Piper said. A recommendation from the owners of Serendipity introduced Piper to Lindsay Kooser of Kooser Design to create custom invitation for the event.

And, a long-time friend, Gary Hobbs, is a DJ and she knew he would be perfect for the event.

“I had amazing vendors and could not have been happier with all of them!” said Piper.

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Making It Unique

After all was said and done, Piper offered the following advice to future brides and grooms: “Stay true to your heart and do not let anyone else influence your decisions about your wedding. It is your day, it goes extremely quickly and it only happens once.”

Oh yeah, and that whole part about smiling and having fun – that she said, was most important. {IDO}

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hours learning the music we wanted so he could play it and did just a perfect job.” Combined with other touches, like the wedding cake topper in the likeness of Aaron, Piper and Piper’s daughter Zolie, and a sign as guests entered that read, “Today two families become 1, so pick a seat not a side,” Piper and Aaron made sure their wedding day was perfect for them.

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Piper and Aaron made their wedding day their own by focusing on the party, which was most important to them.

The ceremony was “quick and easy,” according to Piper, because neither wanted to be standing in front of everyone for too long. They also incorporated a few other touches to make it uniquely theirs, as pictures of her and Aaron’s deceased grandparents were in a small locket in her bouquet. “I am sure none of my guests knew this, but that piece was very special to me,” said Piper. Aaron and Piper also incorporated some family talent into the ceremony, by having Piper’s uncle, William Simmons, play the music as Piper walked down the aisle. “That was seriously amazing,” said Piper. “He did a fantastic job and it was such a loving, personal touch that I could not have had without him. He spent countless

HOW

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local vendors Piper + Aaron used their special day.

reception venue

florist

Serendipity

Chinell’s Wedding Florals

important aspect

photography

To throw a great party for friends and family

Ken Doll Photography

colors Chocolate brown and burnt orange

caterer Aboud’s (Mexican) / Family & Friends (BBQ)

cupcakes & truffles Mad Eliza’s

custom invitations Lindsay Kooser

dj / party master Gary Hobbs

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by Jill Lira | photos by (left to right) Megan James Rogers | Ken Doll

D.I.Y online pinterest plays a role in the wedding world

Wedding “boards” are huge on Pinterest.

A bride can gather much inspiration from the Wedding and Events category.

Most “pins” on Pinterest show you in detail how to make certain projects.

One of the best features is the ability to have multiple users pinning to one board. This is a great idea for brides who want to include ideas from their family members and the bridal party.

Although there are many interesting and attractive ideas on Pinterest, it is important to remember what your wedding is about. Many brides become overwhelmed by the idea of having doit-yourself projects, but the beauty of Pinterest is that you can choose projects suited to your skill level.

photo by Dave Strydom

If you are looking for something in particular, the search button can be your best friend. “Easy center pieces,” “country weddings” and “simple wedding dresses” all garner thousands of pictures that link to descriptions.

Be leery, though, as some pictures link to nothing, or a completely unrelated website.

Another popular website is Etsy, an arts and crafts store. Many items found on Etsy can be personalized to include wedding colors, names and photos.

phooto by Megan Rogers

W

eddings have changed.

People strive to make their wedding genuinely their own. Many brides have taken on the task of creating many do-it-yourself items that they have found off of the popular virtual pin board, Pinterest.

This easy-to-navigate site has many arts and crafts that are reasonably priced, handmade, and will add an extra flare to any wedding.

If you are looking for ideas, these websites can be your best friend during your wedding planning days. But just a warning, they can be addicting! {IDO}

trends +ideas

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DIY

Wedding

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{Library} Card

O

nline resources are unlimited for the do-ityourself wedding planner, but if you can’t afford the color printing cartridges required to print your pages, try using your library card for free samples and consultation. Cindy Packard, the wedding specialist at the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library, is happy to help the bride-to-be find the right details for planning her wedding, choosing colors, selecting and making flower arrangements, menu planning and decorations.

Your library is a great resource for bridal magazines that include “I Do,” “Martha Steward Weddings,” and “Brides and Bridal Guide.” The library has up to a year’s supply of each magazine, and all but the current edition can be checked out.

If you can’t wait to turn the pages of Colin Cowie’s “Wedding Chic: 1,001 Ideas for Every Moment of Your Celebration,” but are reluctant to buy the book for the $40 retail price, you can check out this beautiful coffee table book for 21 days of inspiration.

Cindy also recommends visiting the library’s Wedding Neighborhood and browsing more than 400 how-to resources. The library also has wedding celebrity books from Martha Stewart, Tara Guelrard, Mindy Weiss and David Tutera, which feature a view of over-the-top events that most families cannot financially afford. After you have been inspired by the celebrity reads, check out these titles to assist you with real-world advice and how-tos that will make your day special. {IDO}

by Diana Friend

Books Cindy Recommends: “Do It For Le$$ Weddings” by Denise Vivaldo “Creative Wedding Flowers You Can Make” by Terry L. Rye “Michaels Book of Wedding Crafts” Edited by Linda Kopp “Create Your Special Wedding” by Lucinda Ganderton “A Practical Wedding: Creative Ideas for Planning a Beautiful, Affordable & Meaningful Celebration” by Meg Keene 15

REAL WEDDINGS

Secily + Alex

a mix of traditional an outdoor garden carnival T

he Rees-Krumins Wedding in June 2012 was, in most ways, a traditional outdoor marriage celebration. The 160 attendees visiting The Park at Maximus Wood Valley in Topeka found a hidden gem of a venue offering the ceremony, reception and portrait grounds in a single wooded arena.

The wedding’s garden carnival theme featured a blue and yellow color scheme, which was carried through the programs, flowers, candy bar, clothes and even the carnival games.

Although the gentleman’s attire was carefully selected, the ladies were allowed to select their own dresses within certain

parameters. Full disclosure - we had to send pictures to the bride prior to purchase. Great compromise, right?

The wedding had the traditional hiccups. But this mostly traditional wedding had one untraditional moment, as I stood with Alex, the groom, and Robbie stood by his childhood best friend, Secily, the bride. Many engaged couples have friends of the opposite sex, but the traditional thing to do is to ask your fiance to include them in their party. However, if you have a friend or family member who has always had your back, why not have them at your side? . {IDO}

by Jesyca Rodenberg | photos by Greg Garcia

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HOW

Bridesmaids picked their own dresses in the color scheme

wedding party Childhood friends accompanied the bride and groom, albeit opposite sex.

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Secily + Alex made their traditional wedding unique:

attire

location The Park at Maximus Wood Valley

photography Greg Garcia

From “yes” to “I do”

We understand how important every detail is and provide you with stress-free transportation on your special day. our line of beautiful stretch limousines are the perfect touch for a day you will remember for a lifetime. Whether accommodating a large bridal party, or just the bride and groom, cortez transportation company can help you create special memories. ask about our red carpet service!

Cortez transportation Company (785) 233-5466 | 1016 N. KaNsas ave. corteztc.com | cortez_tc@yahoo.com 17

by Jill Lira | photo by Megan Rogers | Red Barn Wedding Photography

Vow to Wow

Picking the brain of a frequent wedding guest

Always the guest, never the bride B

eing in a sorority has its perks, one of which is attending many, many weddings each and every wedding season.

“There was a point a time when I had five, ‘save the dates,’ in the mail for me,” said Erika Lucero, Topeka resident and Zeta Tau Alpha alumna. “Although it is exciting and fun to be a wedding guest, I also have a unique perspective on the feel and experience of every wedding I attend.”

Erika has attended almost too many weddings to count. Here she offers up some advice that she has seen time and time again, advice she would offer any bride before the big day.

• Be real - people realize not everything can be perfect.

• People attend because they want to enjoy the day with those getting married, not criticize every detail.

• People want to feel like they are an important part in the joining of these two people.

Forget the little things. The day is special and plenty of people have attended to enjoy your company. Although you may look like a doll, don’t act like it.

“Everyone thinks you look beautiful, but you look even more beautiful with a smile on your face and a drink in your hand, if that is the normal you,” said Lucero.

Specify if you are feeding the masses.

Hors d’oeuvures are fine, but let guests know exactly what the food situation is. Don’t want any dying of starvation!

“I was starving,” said Lucero. “So I thought, well I guess I will have another margarita or beer to fill me up, but as I learned, alcohol does not curb your hunger.”

We all know there are many people that your life make special, but don’t over do it.

“Too many bridesmaids is distracting, I can think of one specific wedding where I can remember the bridesmaids dresses more than I even remember what the bride looked like.”

• Too many people at the altar looks cluttered. It doesn’t take much to get the focus off the two people this event is about with 20 people standing in front.

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Be Authentic

• Erika’s been to weddings where everything was staged for the best picture.

Think of the reception experience.

“Don’t be afraid to give people directions at receptions,” said Lucero. “At a family member’s wedding, I missed the first dance and the cutting of the wedding cake because it was not announced to everyone at the reception. It was either stand the entire time or find a place to eat in a parlor off of the main room where these events were happening.”

All in all, guests attend your wedding to be a part of one of the most important days of your life. First, and most importantly, enjoy yourself, others will follow. {IDO} 19

it’sthe alldetails in

by Jesyca Rodenberg | photo by Ken Doll Photography

wedding advice from a planner

H

ere’s a little piece of truth from your friendly, but pragmatic, wedding planner. Your wedding day may be the most stressful day of your life. Confused?

I know -- you’ve been told it would be, you’ve been waiting for it to be, you are expecting it to be: Happy! And it will be – if you can remember one thing: On your wedding day, something, at sometime, will go wrong, and it is totally okay because you are getting married.

But even with this sage advice in your pocket, I know you still want to try to plan a perfect day. You’ll come closer to it if you avoid this one particular phrase: “We’ll figure that out later.”

This one misguided concept has unwittingly been at the heart of almost every bridal breakdown or blowup I’ve seen. Here is my list of little things you may want to deal with before anyone mutates into a taffeta wearing fire-breathing lizard.

financial compatibility Hopefully, you and your fiancé have embraced premarital counseling, and the issues of conflict resolution, shared space, anger management, house work, child rearing, and financial planning have already been discussed. (Seriously, decide now who is going to balance the checkbook.) But money matters impact your wedding day in several big ways.

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A wedding & Reception destinAtion

On your wedding day, something, at sometime, will go wrong, and it is totally okay because you are getting married.

Create a budget - and stick to it. No exceptions. No dress shopping, no invite designing, no smelling the roses until this is done. After your ceremony, I promise you no one will have noticed whether or not they got an engraved matchbook, but they will notice if the bride or groom looks ill from worrying about how to pay for that embroidered aisle runner you didn’t need.

Between the balance due to the caterer and/or the dj, plus the customary tips to your officiant and any musicians, you’re going to have to give a lot of people money. Who’s getting the cash or writing the checks; who will hold the envelopes (you are going to put the money in envelopes, right?), and who will give them out. It’s always a stress relief to accomplish this task early on – even before the ceremony if possible.

ekS e r C

ide at Ber r yt o

n

Beautiful vintage indoor and outdoor venue Banquet Hall Barn gazebo in Woods

Near Topeka on the Landon Trail South of Lake Shawnee Personalized service tailored to your unique needs.

785/862-1866 www.creeksideatberryton.com

rain plan You cannot afford to make assumptions. What if you can’t move inside? Have a definitive plan. The end. Think this doesn’t apply to you if you’re not having an outdoor event?

Unless you’ve developed the technology to teleport your guests from their cars to your venue, know where to find a supply of umbrellas in a jiffy.

delivery greeters Remember that scene in “My Best Friend’s Wedding” where everybody was running through the garden after Cameron Diaz? It’s not fun to re-enact that scene – especially when everyone is running to try to find where the venue manager hid your bouquets and boutonnieres because no one was there to meet the florist. Get your vendors to give you the smallest windows possible for when they will be arriving and have someone from your family or bridal party available to meet them. That way, everything goes where you want it, and you know where everything has gone.

CONT. ON NEXT PG 21

WEDDING ADVICE CONT.

decor break down You have a vision for how you want your wedding to look, and you have a team ready, willing and able to make that happen for you.

Great! But remember, when choosing altar decorations or chair arrangements, anything that goes up, must come down, and laterns hung in the daylight might be a lot harder to get down in the dark.

An arch that takes an hour to put together might get broken if taken apart too hastily. When preparing your venue rental contract, get specific about when break down must happen, how long you have to do it, and how much it will cost you if you don’t get it done. You don’t want to blow your budget because you thought you could come back the next day, or you didn’t realize there was an event just after yours.

HINT: Ask if your venue has a clean up crew available for a fee.

Sometimes that cost is worth the convenience if you don’t have to worry about the timing or, more importantly, recruiting the help.

directions

photo by Dave Strydom | 2become1studio

How are folks getting from the airport to your wedding? From their hotel to the ceremony? From the ceremony to the reception? From the reception back to their hotel? It’s never as easy as: “Just follow the other guests.” Never. Call a cab company ahead of time and let them know what time your reception will start winding down to ensure transportation for your guests.)

gifts

1. Guests brought their gift to the ceremony and they were supposed to wait for the reception, or 2. Guests brought their gift to the reception and they were supposed to take it to the ceremony, or 3. No one has room in their car for all the gifts, or 4. A gift got left behind at the church, or 5. No one has room for all your gifts at their house, or 6. You’re going straight to the honeymoon and don’t have time to take the gifts home, or 7. Your gifts got crushed while getting jammed in someone’s car, or 8. Someone’s cat got at the tissue paper and trashed it while you were on your honeymoon, or 9. While opening your presents, you lost the card that went with those candlesticks, or 10. It’s been a month and you haven’t done your thank you list.

As awesome as gifts are, and let’s face it, they’re pretty awesome - you have to make arrangements for them. Decide as a couple who will load up the gifts from both sites, where they will be stored and who will help you open them.

Yes, but you must – I mean you have to – I mean email will NOT do – as in it is imperative - that you send thank you notes. And really truly, unless you have one or two close friends help you open, organize and take note of who gave you what, those thank you cards will take you three times as long. A wedding is the start of a new life together. Don’t start it by burning bridges because you forgot the antique chestnut roasting pan was from your boss and not Aunt Bertha. {IDO}

photo by Ken Doll Photography

After budget issues, gifts are the number one source of frustration for newly married couples. Here’s why:

making the day your own

trends +ideas

by Maggie Thompson-Doll | photo by Megan Rogers | Red Barn Wedding Photography

W

eddings are full of traditions, as well they should be, but it doesn’t mean you have to do everything you’ve seen at weddings throughout the years. Your wedding should be about creating a day unique to you with new traditions.

With that in mind, here are some ideas to make the day uniquely yours: Not interested in a bouquet or garter toss? Try an anniversary dance to get everyone out on the dance floor.

At the end of the song you’ll be left with the couple married the longest and you can present the bouquet to them.

Looking for a new twist on a guest book? Make a photo guest book as a way to show off those beautiful engagement pictures and have a place for guests to sign. Or, have guests sign quilt squares and assemble them into a keepsake quilt after the wedding. You could also use a thumbprint tree .

Ask guests to sign their name, then frame the tree and hang on your wall as a memory from your big day.

photo by Dave Strydom | 2become1studio

Thinking about serving your guests something a little different? Talk to your caterer about serving a breakfast buffet or having a variety of different pizzas. Try a makeyour-own fajita or taco bar or serve heavy hors d’eouvers made up of smaller versions of you and your spouse-to-be’s favorite foods.

Want to change up that dessert table? In addition to (or in place of) a wedding cake, serve a variety of pies, cookies, truffles or chocolate-dipped treats. Love ice cream?

Consider a sundae bar where your guests can create their perfect dessert.

Looking to broaden the beverage choices? Try a coffee bar to treat your guests to a variety of options from mochas, to cappuccinos, lattes and more.

Combining households and don’t need another set of dishes? Set up a registry for larger gift items where friends and family can pitch in to help you get that new set of living room furniture or send you off in style on a romantic honeymoon. Better yet, looking to pay it forward?

Designate one or two organizations and ask your guests to make a donation in your name. {IDO}

25

You’re invited trends in wedding invitations

trends +ideas

by Whitney Baker

T

he modern day wedding invitation has undergone a dramatic evolution since its origin. From the town crier’s oral announcement in the Middle Ages, to the first newspaper announcements in the mid 1400s, wedding invitations have grown and developed over the years. As the owner and designer of the Topeka-based WDesignGallery, an online wedding stationary design shop that creates modern, custom designs for the bride on a budget, I have worked with hundreds of brides and have noticed that today’s brides are looking for three key elements when they choose the pieces that will not only invite their guests to their big event, but will also give them a glimpse into what they can expect on that day. These three elements remain the same whether brides are from Topeka, Kansas, Mississauga, Ontario or Queensland, Australia. Printing presses, letter presses, metal-plate engraving, lithography, thermography, foils and embossing are all techniques used in the past - and some are still used today as an option for the budget-conscious bride. What are today’s brides leaning toward when choosing stationary for their budget-friendly events?

Minimalistic designs

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Today’s brides are not fussy. They love clean, simple designs.

They want to let their guests know all of the information that they will need in the most to-the-point manner and without gussied-up embellishments, borders or textures. For this reason, many brides are opting for designs that include considerable white pace, which is part of what they would consider “their design.” Choosing the minimalist route allows the invited guests to concentrate on what is important, such as the wedding date and event details, rather than on busy backgrounds, intricate trimmings or impersonal flourishes.

Statement fonts

Font choice is vital when selecting a design. Designers might argue that a font choice is as important as choosing what you will wear in the morning, as it is a direct reflection of who you are and what you stand for. The same is true for fonts on your wedding invitations. For example, though it may be obvious, should you choose a scrolling, script font, such as Brush Script MT, your guests will expect a formal and romantic event. If you choose something more whimsical, such as Comic Sans, your guests may expect something less serious or proper. Now, as a designer, I would never recommend selecting either of those fonts, but I would, however, suggest spending some time - several hours or even days, if it were me - carefully selecting a font that will reflect your event, what the font will say about your event and how it will reveal to your guests what they can expect about your big day.

A Life of its Own Modern brides want their wedding stationary to speak for itself, rather than being selected from a monstrous binder and simply sent through the mail only to be thrown in a pile when it reaches its destination. For this reason, brides are selecting custom designs that not only provide the important details to the guests, but are also small pieces of artwork worthy of displaying. Customs designs allow brides to give the guests a sneak peek into the wedding and can answer some questions for the invited guests, such as what colors the bridesmaids will wear, what the venue and reception will be like and the dress code. Without obviously stating the answers to these questions, custom designs should divulge the details of your big day and exactly what the guests can expect from your event, all through the use of delicate design rather than words.

Brides are also choosing to use more than just the simple invitation to disclose the day’s details, which is a great service to their guests. With the use of matching ‘save the date,’ reception, website, direction and thank you cards, maps and envelope designs, guests are given several pieces of information that will help them determine all they need to know about the event.

When it comes down to it, the modern bride really wants everything to be simple, yet tailor-made, helpful and customary, yet chic, exclusive, yet conventional, and the best way to reach these goals is by customizing the invitations to fit the design and feel of the event.

For a sneak peek at the custom designs available from the WDesignGallery, please visit www.etsy.com/shop/WDesignGallery or email wdesigngallery@ gmail.com. {IDO}

Bridal Fairs “Topeka Weddings: Unveiled” is a traveling bridal show sponsored by SayCheez PhotoBooth and Luv Bug Events.

Go to their website www.topekaweddingsunveiled.com for more details.

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Tuesday, February 26 - Washburn University

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Tuesday, April 23 - Historic Fire Station No. 2 / Legacy of Justice Foundation

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Tuesday, May 28th - Top of the Tower

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Tuesday, June 25th - Old Prairie Town (Ward Meade Park)

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Tuesday, July 23rd - Lake Shawnee, Reynolds Lodge & Garden House

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Tuesday, August 20th - Meadow Creek Event Center

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Tuesday, September 24th - Gage Park, Rose Garden

•

Tuesday, October 29th - Location to be Determined

•

Tuesday, November 19th - Location to be Determined

Bridal Elite sponsored by the Topeka Wedding Guild • •

Tuesday, March 12 - Great Overland Station Tuesday, September 10 - Serendipity & Great Overland Station

All events are from 6-9p and are free of charge.

photo by Ken Doll Photography

M o b ile b a rte n d in g s e rv ic e , b rin g in g y o u r f a v o rite a lc o h o lic a n d n o n -a lc o h o lic d rin k s to y o u r n e x t e ve n t!

Anchor Gold Jewelers Your number one choice in quality and style

Max Bogner Owner / Designer / Jeweler

785.409.8337 www.MartinisOnTheMove.com

5415 SW 21st ST. Topeka, KS 66614 785.228.3765 www..anchorgoldjewelers.com

Destress before or after your special day!

The perfect gift for your bridal party, mother-in-law, your loved one or yourself.

Wedding & Event

Planning Coordination Budgeting

www.luvbugevents.com

What Will Your Video Say?

www.studio32productions.com

Bachelor

by Dennis Etzel, Jr.

The evening For Music or Comedy Lovers: Serendipity in NOTO This amazing space, which is often rented for weddings and events, serves as a hot spot for bands, comedy shows and the like when not rented. On Thursdays in the summer and fall, the NOTO shops are open late—and Serendipity has the bands cranking. www.serendipitytopeka.com www.facebook.com/serendipitytopeka For Art Lovers: First Fridays in NOTO The New York Times reported on NOTO’s First Friday Art walks which attracts 500 to 1,000 people visiting shops and galleries while enjoying refreshments, music and special events.

For Arts and Crafts Lovers: Prairie Glass Studio in Downtown Topeka Make your own art, jewelry, holiday ornaments or light catchers with fused glass. There are many choices to fit any budget. Check out the Prairie Glass Studio website for more details and contact Kymm for available dates and times.

She loves working in the community and is helpful and accommodating.

Prairie Glass Art Studio 110 SE 8th Ave. (785) 271-8006 www.prairieglassart.com

For Food, Music, or Word Lovers: Blue Planet Café After your time at Prairie Glass Studio, why not head upstairs to surprise your bachelorette or bachelor with a party? The back room can be reserved, along with tasty treats provided by the amazing staff. Why not book Chris Aytes & The Good Ambition to play? Or, surprise your favorite writer with her or his very own reading, maybe beginning with an open mic for people of the party?

Chris Aytes & The Good Ambition chrisaytes@gmail.com Blue Planet Café 110 SE 8th Ave. (785) 783-8883 www.facebook.com/blueplanetks For Wine Lovers: New City Café Located close to the Barmuda Triangle, this is the place to have your own wine tasting. Call ahead of time to reserve a table and decide which wines you would like to try. An extensive wine list can be found on their website.

New City Café 4005 SW Gage Center Dr (inside Gage Center) (785) 271-8646 www.newcityonline.biz/wine For Sports Lovers: Pigskins With the big screen at the bar, why not catch that big game— the one the bachelor or bachelorette can’t miss. Plus, the barbecue is wonderful.

later in the evening For Karaoke Lovers: Pigskins If it’s a Friday night, why not stay late for karaoke night?

Who else does karaoke, right? This is my personal favorite—a veggie-market (non-meat-market) environment, complete with food and drinks.

For Book Lovers: Barnes & Noble Okay, it’s not local, but it’s the best Topeka has. Why not take your bachelor or bachelorette in for a scavenger hunt of sorts.

“What is your favorite book?” the first clue reads. She or he finds the second clue: “Are you still thirsty?” Eventually, a prank book in their name is reserved at the front. The bachelorette or bachelor gives her or his name, the cashier locates the book, then hands it over without the need to purchase it. This requires a bit of planning, as you can search the website for “scandalous” books, prepay for them on the site or in the store, then have the book shipped to the store for pick up. {IDO}

The possibilities are endless for any bachelor or bachelorette party, from traditional to non-traditional. We hope these non-traditional ideas spark a little creativity as you begin your planning. Looking for more ideas? Email seveneightfiveido@gmail.com or visit us on Facebook, we love to plan parties!

Real Life Lessons the business side of planning a wedding

M

y wife and I are knowledgeable about the ins and outs of Topeka weddings, as we visited several venues, asked many questions, and spent months planning our wedding five years ago. (Note: Thinking back on our scurry for information, I am so thankful seveneightfive {I DO} is now available.)

Because of our work, we enjoy helping others out in their wedding needs. Two of our friends, Tori and Thomas, were recently married and one of my assigned tasks was to pick up two cases of Item A (the real item anonymous, as to not bear hard feelings).

This leads me to one of my points—lessons from this cautionary tale: Assign one or two dependable people to delegate tasks.

I’ll return to this point in a moment. Back to my story: After returning with two cases of Item A, my wife asked if I received the discount. “What discount?” I asked. The bride told her there should be a twenty percent discount on two or more cases.

by Dennis Etzel, Jr. | photo by Ken Doll Photography

I returned to the business believing there should be no problem in correcting the price.

The cashier went into the back room to speak with the boss in what felt like a negotiation in a car dealership. I couldn’t hear what they were saying, but the cashier’s countenance changed from friendly to annoyed as she came back to say I could get the “case price” for the item.

The new deal: from the original $51.12 price, I was handed back $3.91 instead of the $10.22 I was expecting.

This might seem like a trivial thing for me to complain about, as I could have done more work, figured out who talked to Tori and Thomas, and complain more—something I do not like doing.

However, Tori wrote this off, saying she was not worried about the money, as it was the least of her worries.

This lesson becomes my most important point. Let’s give this first place on our list: Get everything in writing. Get the details in writing.

}

Dot your i’s and cross your t’s, but most of all, good luck and have fun planning for your special day! You will truly remember this special time.

Please take heed of this, dear reader, who might be planning your own wedding and would think even the most top-notch venues would have a set protocol for pricing and catering weddings. If you were to ask Dawn, another friend of ours who met with the manager at a well-known Topeka venue, she would say otherwise.

I mean, this is a venue known for holding big events, like, um, you know, weddings.

“We knew something was wrong when we called him back to confirm things,” she said. “When we first met him, he answered all of our questions—but he wrote nothing down.”

When Dawn called back, the manager of the venue “changed stories” on what he had said. She and her fiancé were under the assumption that the plans they made on their initial meeting were standard. “[The manager] had so many other people he was working with, he couldn’t remember what we had agreed upon,” Dawn told me. “He said he couldn’t do a number of things that we wanted after we thought we had a deal.”

First: The agreement on the drinks changed. A drink was defined as water, tea, coffee, and soda, and they were supposed to get unlimited drinks. That changed to a set number of sodas, which changed to only one refill per soda. In other words, guests who thought it was a “free refill” deal would be charged for their third, fifth, seventh, etc. sodas.

Next: The lighting of the unity candle. This would have been a deal-breaker, so on their initial visit they asked if an openflame candle was allowed. Again, “yes,” but on the day of the wedding—NO. Yet, there is more.

Third: They were told everyone could leave at midnight, but after the service—during the reception—they were told at 10:30pm they had to leave at 11.

Last: Maybe the most disappointing thing, the couple with bridal party in tow went to have photos taken after the ceremony.

When they returned, all of the food was gone. Everything they were hoping to eat was served all at once. Consolation? They were given salads hours later “for free.” No Swedish meatballs for you!

Dawn said the manager they had planned everything with wasn’t even there for the wedding.

Dear reader, I do not mean to scare you with all of the things that could go wrong with your wedding. You already have that somewhere in your mind, along with the stress for planning. May I just add this to your list of things to plan for: Keep a folder or binder with all of the written agreements. Make copies for your co-planners. A little planning will help for the stress later.

This cautionary tale has one final point: Go local. Go for the smaller businesses.

Dawn used Flowers by Bill and he delivered. He was there when he said he would be, with the flowers they ordered, and for an excellent price.

As Tori (the friend who was recently married) has helped plan several friends (and Dawn’s) weddings, I asked her for other advice “There are several venues one can go with that are willing to work with you, that have the expertise in weddings, and are genuinely on your side,” she told me. They want your day to go well so that you will tell your friends, instead of a couple of larger venues where a manager does not care less if you reserve with the venue or not.

Tori also recommends, “Get the ‘legal’ stuff out of the way ASAP. And if having it outdoors, have a backup venue.”

Carrie and I went with Ward-Meade Park as a venue and loved it. Sure, looking back, the small room which was located on the grounds for the reception was a little cramped, but it doubled as a backup spot for the ceremony. We could direct everyone there after our vows and make a reception line going indoors. We had friends et up a speaker system outside to drown out the sound of highway traffic, but these are things we knew about— were told about by the staff there. They had a wonderful payment plan and were straightforward with how long we could rent the area. Please look for the other options listed in this magazine, which I wish we would have had then.

Most of all, good luck and have fun planning for your special day! You will truly remember this special time. {IDO}

REAL WEDDINGS

Danny + Jason

aChance forinaNew wedding York T

by Dennis Etzel Jr. | photos by Ken Doll Photography

he big day was March 16, 2012. When Jason Kealy had to go to New York to present research through Washburn University for the Criminal Justice Association, he saw the big chance for him and Danny Estrada.

there getting married, to see how happy they are.”

“We’re here, we can finally [get married]—so let’s do it while we are here,” Jason explained.

“That’s when I realized how impatient he is,” Danny said, smiling. “I take a long time to get ready, and I saw him shaking his leg, saying ‘It’s time to go. It’s time to go.’” After time, it is something Danny enjoyed—Jason’s structure, as he handles the finances, bills, everything. “It really works out for us, as it helps me to be where I need to be.”

Two professors—including the Chair—and students from Washburn’s Criminal Justice Department were supportive and excited about their wedding.

“It was a two-day process. You go down to get the license—and it’s New York City. So you’re waiting, and waiting, so we had to go back the next day. We went through the process again, but as soon as you are in the little chapel—boom—you’re in and it’s done. It was wonderful to see other gay and lesbian couples

When Jason and Danny met at a house party eight years ago, they were just hanging out. The second time they met, Danny still said no. The third time was at a mutual friend’s birthday party, and Jason finally said yes—he would go out with him.

“I think Dan is the better part of us,” Jason chimed in. “He just makes me laugh. The lightest part of my life is Dan.” Two years in, Danny wanted to get married: “Back when we wanted to, I didn’t want to push, ‘I’m gay and I want to get

married.’ Now that gay marriage is more acceptable, it is less like that statement and more like, ‘This is what we want to do.”

“In my mind, it wasn’t about pushing it in anyone’s face,” Jason added. “It’s about saying, ‘This is who I am.’

In reality, we have been together for so long that we felt married. It was about making it legitimate.”

Danny agreed. “We have had a real relationship— not a fairy tale—and really valued the friendship of the relationship as much as the other things in the relationship. It is based on love and friendship.”

“I think it is those ups and downs that help you to bond,” Jason elaborated. “It’s through these things that you learn you both have to work. Through time comes the cement that holds it together. I think in the beginning it is, for lack of the better word, trivial, but with that time is when it really comes.”

The marriage was the step in making the men’s relationship more concrete. Danny explained, “We were together for so long. But that wasn’t enough for us. As we have solidified our bond by being married, now I feel we are whole. We don’t have to say, ‘We’re not married’ and have it feel disintegrated.”

Specialty Coffee and Espresso Catering

Eventually, they want all of their families to be at a traditional wedding. They want the time to plan, to gather pictures together and make it a celebration.

Danny already has the colors picked out: pink, black, and white. “I’m going to have a lot of my girlfriends trying to help me out,” he envisions, “but I’m going to see what they want to do, then change my mind.”

They both laughed. “It’s something he learned from the 24-hour wedding marathons on television,” Jason laughed.

For advice, the newlyweds offer this: “It takes patience and learning to communicate,” Jason said. “It’s easy to get angry about something, but over time it gets easier to remember to take a deep breath and relax.”

“Treat each other with respect,” Danny continued. “Listen to the other’s feelings.” {IDO}

Perfect coffee for your perfect day.

PH: 785-862-5282 ptscoffee.com

Bride are you?

What kind of 1

It’s the big day and your MOH breaks her strappy heel during the first photo. How do you react?

A. Tell her to leave immediately because she has ruined your day!

B. Thank goodness you have a plethora of safety pins. A couple pins and good as new!

C. Offer her your shoes so she will not be upset.

quiz by Jill Lira

2

Your future husband has requested that you allow your future mother-in-law to make her famous bread pudding for the dessert table-- the same bread pudding that made you sleep next to the porcelain throne the first and last time you ate it. You: A. Tell him absolutely not. She is not allowed to cook anything or DO anything.

B. Let him know that you appreciate the offer, but dessert is covered. She can help make the centerpieces, though.

C. Sure, if she’s happy, he’s happy so you’re happy.

3

Your photographer is late, OH NO! A. You call your backup photographer and let the other photographer know their services are not needed.

B. Your friend brings out her camera and your gang starts posing.

C. You call your photographer a million times over and patiently wait until they arrive.

4

Your groom and his buddies decide to start drinking at the crack of dawn, even after you specifically asked them to wait until after the wedding.

5

You can’t find your something borrowed. You: A. Make everyone stop what they are doing to help you search for it.

B. Say something to your MOH in hopes that she can help look. If not, you will ask for something else.

C. You immediately let the person you borrowed it from know and begin to tell them how you will pay them back.

SCORING

A. That’s it! The wedding is off ! This is one request that was not to be ignored.

B. You laugh it off, but ask that they stop until the reception.

C. You don’t say anything. If they are having fun, you are sure you will too.

Mostly A - Bridezilla Mostly B - Bride Mostly C- Aisle Runner A + C - GET IT TOGETHER! You are a bride mess.

A + B - You have your moments of strength and weaknesses B + C - People will be happy if you are happy.

BRIDEZILLA - No one else’s opinion matters and you couldn’t care less. People refrain from talking to you because any little detail sends you over the edge.

You feel like you are planning your wedding alone, but you have help.

Remember that the most important detail on your wedding day is that you are marrying the person you love and everything else will fall into place.

BRIDE - You care about the details, but you get it. It’s a day to celebrate love, not to fret over the candles not being lit three hours prior to the reception. Congratulations, you are a great example to all brides! Keep calm and bride on!

AISLE RUNNER - Your mom hates your wedding colors, so you change it. Your cousin doesn’t like patterned dresses, so you make all of your bridesmaids return their purchased attire. You, my dear, are an aisle runner. Get a backbone and make this YOUR wedding.

A Long Distance Love Story

Maria + Oscar

by Jill Lira | photos by Shelley Jensen Photography

E

very love story has its own tale, but the story of Oscar and Maria Rodriguez is slightly different than most.

How it all got started The couple met in Manhattan while Oscar was stationed at Fort Riley. Oscar saw Maria and knew he immediately wanted to talk to her. All she wanted to do was dance.

“I couldn’t believe it,” said Maria. “So I went home and stalked him on Myspace.”

“I checked her Myspace out, too,” Oscar said laughing.

In the beginning

“She always asks me why we don’t dance anymore like we did when we first met,” said Oscar. “But I have never liked to dance! The first night we met, she kept asking me to dance and I kept saying no.”

Maria and Oscar talked for nearly two months when Maria made the decision to move to Mexico to take care of her mom.

This didn’t keep Oscar away. They talked everyday for the entire six months that she was there. Almost immediately after Maria returned from Mexico, Oscar had made the decision to move back to his home state of California.

Maria remembers it a little differently.

“We never fought or argued,” said Oscar.

“I remember he wanted to talk, but I just wanted to dance.

He danced with me!” said Maria. “We then found ourselves outside and I gave him my number.”

During this time, Maria and Oscar only saw each other every four months.

The couple knew they had some unusual things in common.

For instance, their families were from the same small town in Mexico.

“The distance helped in a way, I think,” said Oscar. “When we saw each other we were both just so happy to be near each other that nothing else mattered.” >> cont. on next pg.

37

After being in a long distance relationship for a little more than a year and a half, Oscar made the move back to Kansas to be with Maria.

The engagement Approaching their three year anniversary, Maria was almost positive Oscar was going to ask her to marry him.

“He took a large amount of money out of our account,” said Maria, “so I knew something was up.”

Maria began to tell her friends and family that he was going to propose.

Their anniversary day came and when Oscar arrived to greet Maria, he had flowers in hand. As the night progressed, it became obvious to Maria that she wasn’t going to walk away with a ring on her finger.

She couldn’t keep it in anymore, so she bluntly asked Oscar why he hadn’t popped the question.

“I told him that I had told everyone that he was going to propose to me and that I had seen that money was missing from the account,” said Maria. “He told me he had loaned the money to his brother, and I believed him.”

A few weeks later, Oscar kept pushing Maria to go the lake with him. She wanted to invite friends, but Oscar kept asking it to be just them. Maria thought nothing of it.

“I didn’t want to go to the lake, it was cold out!” Maria said laughing.

They went a spot at Lake Shawnee that has many memories for the two.

“He drove us to the same spot that I told him I loved him for the first time,” said Maria. “He asked me and gave me the ring and I started laughing! I thought he was joking.”

“I actually walked down the aisle on the wrong side,” Maria said while laughing.

“My dad kept telling me to switch to the other side, but I didn’t want to hear it.

Everyone started laughing when I got to the front and switched sides. Just a small sign of how stressed I was. But it was all great, I loved that day.”

“And then laughing turned into her crying,” Oscar laughed.

“You cried too!”

“No, I didn’t. Why do you always think I cry? I don’t cry.”

Despite who cried and who didn’t, this was the start of Maria and Oscar’s life together.

The big day “I was stressed out,” said Maria. When asked if she could do it again, if she would still stress over the little things, Oscar chimed in.

“Yes! That is just how she is.”

On the other hand, Oscar was completely calm and collected.

Not seeing his family often, he was happy to have everyone together to celebrate.

When asked how it felt to be walking toward someone you loved so much on your wedding day, Maria and Oscar both laughed.

“I actually walked down the aisle on the wrong side,” Maria said while laughing. “My dad kept telling me to switch to the other side, but I didn’t want to hear it. Everyone started laughing when I got to the front and switched sides. Just a small sign of how stressed I was. But it was all great, I loved that day.”

The best advice this new couple gives is this: “Enjoy your day. It goes so fast, you have no idea!” said Oscar.

“Do your research on who you are using for the big day, some people are just not professional and not willing to do what you ask of them, which was the cause of a lot of my stress,” said Maria.

Surviving the long distance relationship, Maria and Oscar happily reside in Topeka as Mr. and Mrs. {IDO}

A wedding is a party, not a performance.

If at the end of the day you are married to the one you love, then everything went perfectly.

- Author Unknown | photo by Ken Doll Photography

Vendor Lists

Your Day Your Way vendor lists to help you plan the Big day

T

opeka is full of great vendors to help make your wedding day a success. From places to hold a wedding reception to caterers ready to feed the masses. There are florists, cake makers and wedding planners to help make your vision a reality. Photographers who can capture your day and jewelers who can help you find the perfect wedding ring. There are DJs to keep the party going and videographers that can document all the sights and sounds of the big day. And so much more.

Our goal was to create a comprehensive list of local vendors for you. However, in all honesty, we know it’s invetable that

we have missed some. We do know we have a great list of some of the best - so use these lists as a starting point - and if we missed someone or got something wrong, let us know by emailing seveneightfiveido@gmail.com. We’ll use that information as we compile information for the 2014 addition.

And, while we personally know and love many of the vendors in here, be sure and do your homework. Meet with people to find out about their services, check references, and in the end – do what feels right for you.

After all – it is your wedding day! {IDO}

vendor list Photographers DJs A little extra zing Rental Services Jewelry Videographers Photo Booths Floral Flavor/Catering Bakeries Transportation Planners/Decor Venues Hair & Makeup

40 46 47 48 49 50 50 51 56 64 68 69 71 75

photos by Ken Doll Photography 41

Photographers

Ken Doll Photography Mindy Armstrong Photography Ashley Cain Photography

Keith Czechanski Photography Captured Moments by Christina Portraits by Brandy

AO Productions Harrington Photography Ditmer Digital and Design

BellaRay Photography Flash Forward Photography & Video Jennifer Harrison Photography

Grace Imagery Shelley Jensen Photography Optimize Photography

ProPhotos by Brian Wichers Photography Worth A 1000 Words Studios

Red Barn Wedding Photography Coffman Designs Photography Sovanski Photography

2become1studio Erin Tomlinson Photography Elizabeth Jackson Photography

43

2become1studio

See 2become1’s ad pg 29 + inside front

(distance restrictions & travel costs may apply)

travel for weddings

posts photos online for viewing

creates save the dates, invitations, thank you cards

wedding albums available

offers a photobooth

second shooter/assistant that attends

offers digital packages where you can own the print rights

Photographers

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www.amberodell.com 217.4111 | amberodell24@hotmail.com

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Ashley Cain Photography

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www.2become1studio.com 286.2272 | davestr@cox.net

AO Productions

www.ashleycainphotography.com 250.0892 | aschdesigns@gmail.com

Upon request

BellaRay Photography, LLC

PP PP PP P

www.BellaRayPhotography.com 430.9124 | BellaRayPhotography@gmail.com

Captured Moments by Christina

www.capturedmomentsbychristina.com 213.4831 | capturedmomentsbychristina@cox.net

Coffman Designs Photography

www.ditmerdigitalanddesign.com 215.6606 | kristi@ditmerdigitalanddesign.com

Elizabeth Jackson Photography

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www.coffmandesigns.com 633.3948 | tina@coffmandesigns.com

Ditmer Digital and Design

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www.elizabethjacksonphotos.com 224.0020 | elizabeth@elizabethjacksonphotos.com

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There are many choices when it comes to photography and we hope this list helps narrow down your choices. Our list was compiled in December 2012 and features Topeka photographers who have a tax ID, list weddings as a speciality and responded to our requests for information about their business. If we missed a business, please accept our apologies in advance and email your information to seveneightfiveIDo@gmail.com.

Erin Tomlinson Photography

www.erintomlinsonphotography.com 580.7153 | erintomlinsonphotography@yahoo.com

Flash Forward Photography and Video www.flashforwardtopeka.com 913.481.5527 | kyle@flashforwardtopeka.com

Grace Imagery, Heidi Anderson www.graceimagery.com 969.4674 | grace imagery@yahoo.com

www.harringtonphotog.com 233.3827 | photos@harringtonphotog.com

Jenni Harrison Photography www.jenniharrison.com 817.4282 | emailjenni@me.com

Keith Czechanski Photography

See Ken Doll Photography’s ad back cover

Mindy Armstrong Photography

www.mindyarmstrong.com 554.1091 | mindy@mindyarmstrong.com

Optimize Photography

(distance restrictions & travel costs may apply)

travel for weddings

posts photos online for viewing

creates save the dates, invitations, thank you cards

offers a photobooth

second shooter/assistant that attends

wedding albums available

PPPP

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www.keithczechanski.com 249.9649 | keith@keithczechanski.com

www.kendollphotography.com 231.7191 | ken@kendollphotography.com

P P

Included in some packages

Harrington Photography, LLC

Ken Doll Photography

offers digital packages where you can own the print rights

Photographers

www.optimizephotography.com 844.2492 | optimizephotography@hotmail.com

P P

PPPP

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Included in some packages

45

Masonic_I Do vert_Layout 1 12/6/12 7:49 PM Page 1

You Can Have It ALL! at the

Topeka Masonic Center

FIRST COMES LOVE THEN COMES MARRIAGE let warehouse 414 help you start your new life together hundreds of items for your new home

REGISTER WITH US TODAY! great local, personalized service

Weddings n Receptions Rehearsal Dinners Meetings n Seminars Conferences n Banquets Special Events n Ceremonies

RESERVE YOUR EVENT TODAY! 785-783-7720 2300 SW 30th, Topeka, KS kellyl@topekamasoniccenter.com www.topekamasoniccenter.com www.facebook.com/TopekaMasonicCenter

a high style home furnishings store with an eclectic mix of new designs, antiques and vintage pieces...

with a new online storefront

www.warehouse414.com 414 south east second street | 785.232.8008 Tuesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday: 11a - 5:30 p By chance or appointment

Portraits by Brandy

www.portraitsbybrandy.com 383.2952 | portraitsbybrandy@gmail.com

ProPhotos by Brian Photography

www.prophotobybrian.com 286.7215 | bwickett@prophotosbybrian.com

Red Barn Wedding Photography

www.redbarnweddingphotography.com 286.7890 | redbarnweddingphotography@yahoo.com

Shelley Jensen Photography

www.shelleyjensonphotography.com 783.3320 | photos@shelleyjensen.com

Sovanski Photography, Inc. www.sovanskiphoto.com 273.0390 | jsovanski@cox.net

Wichers Photography

www.wichers.com 271.5355 | Shauna@wichers.com

Worth A 1000 Words Studios

www.wortha1000wordstopeka.com 271.7000 | kristin@wortha1000wordstopeka.com

(distance restrictions & travel costs may apply)

travel for weddings

posts photos online for viewing

creates save the dates, invitations, thank you cards

wedding albums available

offers a photobooth

second shooter/assistant that attends

offers digital packages where you can own the print rights

Photographers

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47

by Ken Doll Photography

Affordable Professional DJ Service

DJs

www.affordableprodjs.com affordableprodjs@gmail.com 506.2272

Allegro Music

Musical Knights

www.musicalknights.com musicalknights@grittman.com 357.8585

Fresh Aire Professional DJ Service

PowerHouse DJs

Complete Music

Minute Man Music

John_minuteman_howard@yahoo. com 925.0175

Rainbow Dragon Mobile DJ http://rainbowdragon-dj.com mack@rainbowdragon-dj.com 267.7985

Dr. Tunes

Mobile Music Machine

Solid Rock Sound Machine

www.allegroresources.com john@allegroresources.com 249-8555

271-7772

www.completemusickansas.com email@completemusickansas.com 233.8760

www.drtunes.com rick@drtunes.com 228.1195

dUBL-d Entertainment www.dubld.com dreux@dubld.com 221.2211

www.mobilemusicmachineofkansas.com dave@mobilemusicmachineofkansas.com

213.1820

See Tidal Wave ad pg 69

See Tidal Wave ad pg 69

www.powerhousedjs.com info@powerhousedjs.com 286.1292

www.solidrocksoundmachine.com djdrew@solidrocksoundmachine.com 266.5273

Sonny Heller’s Music Box www.hellerhiwater.com sonny-heller@att.net 354.8859

A little extra zing

Here are some ideas to get you thinking of extras that can make your day unique.

This is by no means a complete list of all the wonderful vendors who can offer these options for you.

Bartenders on the Go

www.bartendersonthego.net bartendingonthego@yahoo.com 554.1741 mobile bartending service

Origami Owl - Melinda Field MelindaField.OrigamiOwl.com melinda.field@ymail.com 785.845.8720 custom designed lockets

BPC the Printer

Passion Blondie - Jenny Torrence-Harris

Cookies by Gayla

Personally Yours

Frozen Drinks on the Go

PT’s Coffee Roasting Company

bpctheprinter.com theprinter@bpctheprinter.com 233.5533 printing

www.passionblondie.com 806.0604 passion parties consultant

www.cookiesbygayla.com gaylakirk@yahoo.com 478.3148 cookies

www.pygiftsandfavors.com pyours@att.net 357.0090 personalized gifts/favors

www.themargaritapeople.com yourbrian102571@yahoo.com 969.9003 frozen drinks

www.ptscoffee.com/services/catering info@ptscoffee.com 862.JAVA (5282) coffee/espresso bar

Kooser Design

www.kooserdesign.com lindsay@kooserdesign.com 213.4872 save the date, invitations, programs, thank you cards Martinis on the Move www.MartinisOnTheMove.com 409.8337 mobile bartending service

Nerium AD FinallyRealResults.nerium.com 633.1560 skincare products

See Martinis on the Move’s ad pg 27

See PT’s Coffee’s ad on page 33

Thirty-One Gifts dawn@dawns31gifts.com 969.1677 purses, totes and bags

Topeka Blueprint Company www.topekablue.com info@topekablue.com 785.232.7209 printing

Ultimate Body Wrap jaydeortiz.myitworks.com 633.4453 body warps 49

Rental Services All About You Wedding & Event Planning

http://allaboutyouevent.com wedplan@yahoo.com 640.0616 Vases, candle holders, mirror tiles, tin buckets, charger plates, picture clips, arches, flower girl baskets, ring bearer pillows, flower petals, silk flower arrangements, unity candleholders, fall leaf décor, card holders, sheppard hook lanterns, pew bows, glass marbles, paper lanterns, wreaths, tulle/gossamer, lights, fabric, chair covers

Cavender Tent Rental

See Cavender Tent Rental’s ad pg 19

www.topekatentrental.com cav707@hotmail.com 845.7514 Chairs, Dance Floors, Fireworks, Lanterns, Specialty Lighting, Tables, Tents, Tent Heaters

Dave’s Lights

http://fightingtheforcesofdarkness.com dave@FightingTheForcesOfDarkness.com 1810 SE 29th Street | 267.5119 Event Lighting

It’s Borrowed

http://www.itsborrowedrentals.com itsborrowed@gmail.com 422.2021 Altars, Arch Arrangements, Barware, Chairs, China, Decor, Flatware, Glassware, Lights, Lounge Furniture, Tables, Vintage Items

Kansas Carnival Supply

www.carnivalguy.com Zach@CarnivalGuy.com 3510 SE 23rd Terr. | 560.4386 Balloon Arches, Bubble Machines, Ground Foggers

Kansas Rental, Inc.

www.kansas-rental.com info@kansas-rental.com 926 NW Topeka Blvd. | 233.2222 5966 SW Topeka Blvd. | 272.1232 Arches, Candelabras, Chairs & Tables, China, Dance Floors, Fountains, Gazebos, Glass Centerpieces, Guest Book Stands, Kneelers, Pillars, Table Covers, Tents, Tabletop Candelabras

Sunflower Rental

www.sunflowerrental.com 2010 SW Topeka Blvd. | 233-9487 Chocolate Fountains, Canopies, Chairs, Chill Tables, Outdoor Lighting, Tents, Tent Heaters, Wedding Décor Items photo by Megan Rogers | Red Barn Wedding Photography

with this ring...

Anchor Gold Jewelry, Inc. 5415 SW 21st www.anchorgoldjewelers.com 228.3765

See Anchor Gold’s ad pg 27

Akers Diamond Galleria

by Dave Strydom | 2become1studio

Helzberg Diamonds

Robuck Jewelers

1801 SW Wanamaker www.helzberg.com 273.0151

845 N Kansas Ave www.robuckjewelers.com 235.5616

Kay Jewelers

The Diamond House

1801 SW Wanamaker www.kay.com 273.0001

1801 SW Gage Blvd. www.diamondhouseks.com 232.9660

623 S Kansas Ave www.davidsjewelerstopekaks.com 234.4808

Riddle’s Jewelry 1801 SW Wanamaker www.riddlesjewelry.com 215.8609

Tony’s Custom Jewelry & Repair

Diamonds By Design

Robert’s Jewelers

Zales

1570 SW Wanamaker, Ste 130 www.akersdiamondgalleria.com 232.4653

Briman’s Leading Jewelers

734 South Kansas Ave http://brimansleadingjewelers.com 357.4438

David’s Jewelers

2121 SW Wanamaker www.diamondsbydesigninc.com 271.5605

3115 Southwest Huntoon 235.0795

5660 SW 29th St. 272.6556

1801 SW Wanamaker Rd. www.zales.com 271.0100

51

Videographers Flash Forward Photography and Video www.flashforwardtopeka.com kyle@flashforwardtopeka.com or kim@flashforwardtopeka.com 913.481.5527 or 422.2021 Studio 32 Productions Inc. www.studio32productions.com andy@studio32productions.com 840.5320

See Studio 32 Production’s ad pg 27

Photo Booths Heartland Photo Booth www.heartlandphotobooth.com heartlandphotobooth@gmail.com 800.710.2584 Say Cheez Photo Booth www.saycheezphotobooth.com nikki@saycheezphotobooth.com 969.5033

See Say Cheez’s ad pg 21

2 col. by 3 1/2 inches :: Color

Snap Dragon Photo Booth www.snapdragonphotobooth.com info@snapdragonphotobooth.com 230.7944 or 231.4181 iWink Photobooths www.iwinkphotobooths.com info@iwinkphotobooths.com 913.827.8698

all eyes on the bride Look simply radiant for your wedding day.

Schedule a free makeover. Invite your bridesmaids. Your mom. I can even help with great gifts for your wedding party.

Call me today.

Judy Barr, Independent Sales Director 785-221-0737 | 785-273-0863

www.marykay.com/jkbarr Jkbarr@marykay.com

2 col. by 3 1⁄2 inches

flo ral

photo by Ken Doll Photography 53

All about color floral trends - rich colors with a nod to vintage style

W

hen it comes to floral planning, it’s no longer about the particular choice of flower. It’s all about the color. Calling the florist after the color(s) has been chosen will assure that the palette is followed until the I Dos are done.

Today’s brides are choosing rich colors with a nod to vintage style and heirloom quality. They are often choosing to go “green,” so that their choices recycle into another use in married life. This trend allows a myriad of colors and delights bridesmaids who pick their favorite color for their personal bouquet.

This color palette is in sync with the vintage trends inspired by the Art Deco look and feel of “The Great Gatsby” looks from the 1920s. Lace, pearls and Art Deco styles are popular choices, as well as working vintage family photos into the bride’s bouquet and décor, says Page. The brooch bouquet offers the bride a way to create an heirloom when incorporating jewels collected from family members. Coincidentally, Pinterest has 497 “vintage wedding” inspired boards to browse.

When the bride knows her color and is flexible on the flowers that will adorn her bouquets, his boutonnieres and the wedding décor, the floral professionals can use their creative artistry and deliver what the couple has budgeted.

“Pinterest has led to a whole new approach to wedding planning,” says Chris Page, owner of Chinell’s Wedding Floral.

“Whether the bride is a DIY or coming to Chinell’s to carry out their vision, they are getting ideas online.”

Before taking a spin on the color wheel, today’s brides are going online to Pinterest. The social media site has an entire board dedicated to all things Oxblood Red, which has more than 1,000 followers. If you are into the colors of Peacock feathers, you will love browsing 507 “Peacock” Pinterest boards, which feature everything from the actual bird to bouquets filled with its color and feathers.

Brook Howard Stockman, a September 2012 DIY bride, made her brooch bouquet from three generations of women in her family. She also photographed each brooch for a photo book, recording who the brooch was from and any story behind it.

photo by Ken Doll Photography

“I wanted the book to be something that I could pass on to our kids, and they will know where and who it came from,” Stockman explained. “It’s so special to have a locket from my grandmother, and the blue dog brooch from my great aunt… some are so beautiful and they all have a story.”

Brenda Wenrich, owner of Heaven Scent Floral, recommends choosing your wedding flowers the same as you would go about decorating a room. Everyone can do it themselves, and everyone would not do it the same.

“But, just like building a brick wall on your own, you can, but in most cases, you need a professional bricklayer to have a wall that looks good and is durable,” says Wenrich. “The same thing is true with corsages and boutonnieres. You can DIY, but you’ll often fail to achieve the special look you desire.”

Both florists agree that the happiest bride is the one who knows what color she wants, not what flower she wants. Wenrich says

photo by Megan Rogers | Red Barn Wedding Photography

by Diana Friend

trends +ideas photo by Megan Rogers | Red Barn Wedding Photography

that budget is usually not the issue because professionals can work within a budget. However sticker shock occurs when the bride is “married” to a specific flower. A good florist will work to accomplish the look the bride wants using flowers that will give the same effect as the expensive one.

“I ask if there is anything they don’t want and then we can save them money and heartache because if the flower isn’t available.” Wenrich explains. She points out that keeping everyone happy can be an exercise in mediation. Weddings are family events, and often the Mother of the Bride and the Mother of the Groom are part of the planning team.

She works with everyone to try to keep them in the present and not follow trends that were popular when they were brides several decades ago. Whereas 20 to 30 years ago, brides traditionally used roses, today’s bride is much more eclectic.

Gerber daisies and calla lilies enjoyed a popular run in the past, but are no longer a focal flower.

“We are getting away from ‘Martha Stewart style’ where every bouquet and centerpiece looks the same,” Wenrich adds.

“Today’s brides want more style, draping and are adding textures and cascades.

We have been doing a lot with texture—not just a glob of roses or calla lilies.”

Just like the color of the flowers follow a season, so do brides. Certain months February, April, May, June and October - are booked far in advance. Page recommends meeting with your florist at least six months out to make sure you can get on the florist’s calendar. Because of flooding and drought in some areas, certain flowers have limited availability. Timing is everything.

“Be flexible,” recommends Page. “If the bride says ‘here are my colors and have fun with it’ and gives me the budget range, then I can help you achieve the flowers you dream about and that you can afford.”

She has seen trends come and go, but one thing that Page predicts will never change: BRIDES LOVE PINK. It doesn’t matter what shade, but lately their choice is bright fuchsia. {IDO}

photo by Megan Rogers | Red Barn Wedding Photography

photo by Dave Strydom | 2become1studio 55

Florists Heaven Scent Flowers & Gifts

Absolute Design by Brenda

www.topekaheavenscentflowers.com 232.3961

www.absolutedesigntopeka.com brendas1948@sbcglobal.net 266.7999

Chinell’s Wedding Florals www.chinells.com chinells@cox.net 246.0908

See Chinell’s ad pg 69

Hy-Vee

www.hy-vee.com 271.6548

Custenborder

J’adore Flowers & More

Dillons

Once Upon A Time Wedding Design

Flower Gallery

Porterfield’s Flowers & Gifts

Flower Market

Stanley Flowers

Flowers by Bill

University Flowers

www.custenborderflorist.com custenborder@mindspring.com 272.5322

www.dillons.com 357.2660 - North | 228.8700 -10th + Gage 228.8760 - 21st + Fairlawn 228.4200 - 29th + Urish 267.1797 - 29th + California www.flowergallerytopeka.net mfh32260@yahoo.com 273.1780

www.topekaflowermarket.com flowermarket@me.com 233.2418

www.flowersbybill.net flwsbybill@sbcglobal.net 272.2749

www.jadoreflowers.com amy@jadoreflowers.kscoxmail.com 286.7111

www.designyourweddingday.com ouatweddings@gmail.com 582.4637

www.porterfieldsflowers.com info@porterfieldsflowers.com 354.1707

www.stanleyflowersinc.com 783.0472

www.floristtopekaks.com 232.4012

photo by Megan Rogers | Red Barn Wedding Photography 57

fla vor

photo by Keith Czechanski Photography We have presented some local options to help you plan your special day. We strive for accuracy, but please contact the business because things change. If we missed a business, please contact us at seveneightfiveIDO@gmail.com - and we do sincerely apologize.

be culinary chic

trends +ideas

food trends - better ingredients and family recipes

O

by Rio Cervantes-Reed | photos by Keith Czechanski Photography

ne of the most traditional things on earth is marriage.

But even within the traditional notion of marriage, there are ways for couples to put their own signature on their weddings. What marks each style isn’t just the type of wedding, but also the food that follows. A dinner or reception allows the bridal party to mingle with guests, to celebrate, and to perhaps eat their first meal of the day, to avoid fueling nervous stomachs prior to the wedding. We spoke to two local caterers to get their spin on trends in wedding foods.

Tradition + sweets, while being healthconscious.

When one thinks of being health-conscious, grandma’s recipes and candy bars may not spring to mind, but let’s explore this further.

Grandma’s dishes were likely made from fresh ingredients, not processed foods thrown together and tossed into the oven.

And a candy bar in a customized wrapper is size-contained, more measured than a huge chunk of cake with an equal-sized layer of butter cream. The staff at Aboud’s say this is what brides and grooms brought to them last year, and they expect to see more of it in 2013. “Couples want simpler menus, choosing fewer items with higher quality ingredients. They’re bringing us their grandma’s recipes to continue a fond family tradition. What a great way to include the past while heading into the future,” Amanda Morrow, sales manager for Aboud’s, said.

In addition to grandma’s dishes, Aboud’s is filling more requests for vegan and vegetarian menu items, and dishes lower in fat and salt.

“In 2013, we will continue accenting flavor with fresh herbs, olive oil, and other natural alternatives in order to reduce the salt and fat content,” said Morrow.

Customized candy bars weren’t the only sweets wedding dinners noshed on in 2012.

“We had several weddings where we prepared cupcakes, brownies, dessert bars and sweets in addition to, and sometimes in lieu of, the traditional wedding cake,” Morrow said. “We see this continuing through the upcoming year.” Coffee bars were also a popular addition, offering toppings, flavored creams and hot chocolate with whipped cream and other accoutrements.

A destination wedding. In Topeka.

When Elizabeth Lumpkin, owner of Boss Hawg’s, was asked about trends in catering, she shared about a wedding she had catered this past summer. “There was a couple with a Topeka connection, but their families came here from up to 1,200 miles away in two different directions,” Lumpkin said. “Even the wedding planner was from out of state.

Topeka became a spot for a destination wedding as people came from all over the country to celebrate with them.” Other than being a destination wedding near the center of the country, what else was special about this wedding? According to Lumpkin, “With Western roots, the couple wanted a Country and Western style wedding. It was held outdoors, included a country band, Western décor and, of course, barbeque foods. Some people think barbeque is downscale, but everything about this wedding was done tastefully, very swanky. We started with grilled fruit kebabs, dinner included two styles of ribs, and at midnight we served nachos. As life gets more relaxed, we’re seeing more wedding planners and their clients moving away from the china and silver service. They want to make the event fun for their families and guests. Having a wedding outdoors and serving barbeque, the perfect outdoor food, is a great way to do that, and we expect to see more of that in 2013.” {IDO} 59

Catering Aboud’s Catering

478.9290 | www.abouds.com

Aboud's Catering can accommodate any size group, from 10 to more than 5,000 guests. A familiar name in Topeka, they have been catering since 1993. Whether you choose to have a plated meal with full sit-down service, buffet style or anything in between, they will tailor a menu to meet your taste and budget.

Blue Planet Cafe*

110 SE 8th Ave. | 785-783-8883 | blueplanettopeka.com

One of the hippest coffee joints in town, Blue Planet Cafe provides catering and is home to the Thatcher Ballroom, which has played host to small weddings, bridal showers and rehearsal dinners. Catering is available on and off-site, and includes menus for omnivorous diners, vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free specialty items and sugar-free choices.

Boss Hawg’s Barbeque & Catering*

2833 SW 29th Street | 785-273-7300, Ext. 4 | www.bosshawg.com

Specializing in award-winning barbeque, and famously “horrifying vegetarians since 1995,” Boss Hawg’s offers fullservice catering. Whether you need service for a small wedding, a sandwich or dinner buffet or a grand buffet, Boss Hawg’s can handle all your catering needs. Boss Hawg’s can also provide space at their restaurant for your rehearsal dinner, and the adjacent bar, Pigskin’s, has great entertainment on Friday nights for your bachelor or bachelorette parties.

See Boss Hawg’s ad (right below you, silly)

Brickyard Barn Inn* 4020 NW 25th Street | 785-235-0057 | brickyardbarninn.com

This 1927 dairy barn has been converted into a bed & breakfast, which also hosts weddings, receptions and rehearsals. Brickyard Barn Inn offers catering both on and off-site, providing buffet-style or formal sit-down dinners, menus for the finicky or the adventuresome, a casual yet elegant atmosphere, and planning that will remove the stress, allowing you to enjoy your guests.

MAKE A GREAT IMPRESSION

INVITE the BOSS1014_IDOad.indd 1

*places with private rooms perfect for rehearsal dinners or showers

a few locally owned choices Celtic Fox Irish Pub & Restaurant*

118 SW 8th Avenue | 785-235-2138 | thecelticfox.com See Celtic Fox’s ad page 63

Coming up on 10 years of service, The Celtic Fox offers on and off-site catering for any size party. On-site options include private dining areas with full-service bars. The Fox will also deliver and provide set-up service to your location or venue within Topeka city limits. Offering breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets, as well as party trays, hors d’oeuvres and sweet treats, the Fox will have you covered for your wedding, rehearsal dinner and bridal shower needs. The bar, with live entertainment on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, is also a great choice for bachelor/bachelorette parties.

Field of Green’s

909 S Kansas Avenue | 785-290-4733 | fogreens.com

From hors d’oeuvres to full catered meals and buffets, Field of Green’s catering staff will work closely with you to custom-design a menu to meet your needs and please your guests. Their sister location, The Break Room Metro Eatery, also has space available for your wedding-related gatherings.

G’s Catering

232.9032 | gcatering.net

G’s has been providing catering services in the Topeka area for more than 20 years. From a fully staffed sit down service to dropoff, they can help you with your menu needs within in any budget. Be sure to ask them about the “Free Wedding Cake” with the purchase of a Wedding Buffet Package. G’s also provides wedding decorating services.

HHB BBQ

720 S Kansas Avenue, | 215.8720 | hhbbbq.com

HHB (Hog, Herd and a Bird) Barbeque is the new kid in town, centrally located in downtown Topeka. In addition to their restaurant, they provide catering service. Pricing is per plate, per person. Many meat and side combinations are available for your special day and include rolls or buns and sauce, as well as tea, coffee or lemonade. Other beverage service is available for extra.

HHB can drop the food off and go, or provide buffet service if desired.

BOSS!

From your rehearsal dinner or bridal shower, to the wedding reception – turn to Boss Hawg’s to impress your most discriminating guests. Don’t settle for ordinary catered or run-of-the mill banquet food. Savor our award-winning variety of slow-cooked meats and homemade side dishes that will have guests raving.

With Boss Hawg’s you can have your event anywhere you like, inside or out. We’ll bring the meal, and all of the necessities, to you. Or have your party with us.

We can serve small groups or up to 100 of your closest friends. With 16 years of experience we’ll help plan any of your special events or we’ll be happy to work with your florist, decorator or event planner. Whether you invite your boss from work is up to you. But, if you’re looking to impress, be sure to give Boss Hawg’s a call.

Contact our Catering Coordinator at 785.273.7300, ext. 27 or visit our website for more information.

Best of Topeka BBQ every year since 1995.

785.273.7300 | Next to Dillon’s at 29th & Oakley www.bosshawg.com

11/23/11 4:06 PM

61

Catering LaRocca’s Pizzeria

2025 SW Urish Road and 3100 SW Gage Boulevard | 861.7141 | laroccaspizza.net

Give your wedding the Italiano touch with LaRocca’s! Pans of lasagna, sub sandwich party trays, pasta dishes with your choice of alfredo or marinara and even cannolis for dessert are all available, along with salads and garlic rolls, to make your guests happy and your wedding dinner easy. Minimum order of $100 necessary for delivery in Topeka.

New City Cafe*

4005 SW Huntoon | 271.8646 | newcityonline.biz

Considered one of Topeka’s finest dining spots, New City Cafe’s catering experience is just as lush as dining in. Able to provide the full service experience with servers, bartenders and on-site chefs, dish rental AND the food, your guests will be talking about your wedding dinner for years to come. New City Cafe is also an excellent spot for your rehearsal dinner or to kick off the evening for your bachelor/bachelorette parties.

Pepe & Chela’s*

1001 SW Tyler | 357.8332 | pepeandchelas.com

Serving delicious Mexican food in Topeka since 1986, Pepe and Chela’s offers full service catering. From a wedding fiesta of 200 to an intimate gathering of 20, they can make any event extra special. Everything is cooked to order with care and attention to detail by their experienced staff. And they will provide meals “off menu” as well. If you don’t see it on the catering or dine-in menu, just ask. Pepe & See Chela’s will customize your menu to meet Pepe & Chela’s ad all needs and tastes. Liquor service is also page 62 available on request. The restaurant also provides space for an unforgettable rehearsal dinner.

Paisano’s Ristorante*

10th & Gage | 273.0100 | paisanoskansas.com

Paisano’s offers on and off-site buffet service for your wedding event. With buffet options available to fit your budget and tastes, Paisano’s Private Dining Coordinator will work closely with you to create your menu and plan your special rehearsal or wedding dinner. Having a reception instead? The antipasti choices are sure to please your guests, including Paisano’s famous salad, breadsticks and stuffed mushrooms.

Pacha’s By The Pound

317.1984 | pachasbythepound.com

Pascha’s By The Pound provides service for cocktail parties, weddings, family reunions, corporate events and more in the northeast Kansas area. Their feature service is awardwinning BBQ. Pacha’s can can cater around 600+ people, depending on the complexity of the menu, and will work within your budget.

Simply Sarah’s

845.3745 | simplysarahscatering.com

Sarah Quinlan, owner of Simply Sarah’s, and her staff will work to create a dining experience as unique as you! Using only high quality, fresh ingredients, every menu item is made from scratch. Visit their website for sample menus to plan your rehearsal dinner, reception or wedding dinner, then give Sarah a call to start planning your special event.

Untangle Catering & 822 Grill 822 N. Kansas | 260.0280

See Untagle’s ad inside front cover

Untangle Catering & 822 Grill is the newest addition to the North Topeka Arts District offering unique, out-of-the-box, creative catering that is perfect for special events. Menus are cutomized to fit your needs and budget.

Untangle will be opening a grill in their North Topeka location in March 2013.

locally owned / regional + national options Boston Market www.bostonmarket.com 272.6000

Hy-Vee www.hyvee.com 273.3026

Carino’s Italian www.carinos.com 215.8400 | catering@carinos.com

Jason’s Deli www.jasonsdeli.com 478.4144

Carlos O’Kelly’s Mexican Restaurant www.carlosokellys.com/ 266.3457

On the Border www.ontheborder.com 380.4755

Dillons - www.dillons.com

Panera Bread www.panerabread.com 272.2100

Famous Dave’s Bar-B-Que www.famousdaves.com 272.2944

Qdoba Mexican Grill www.qdoba.com 271.9400

357.2660 - North | 228.8700 - 10th&Gage 228.8760 - 21st & Fairlawn | 228.4200 - 29th & Urish 267.1797 - 29th & California

See Qdoba’s ad (right above you, silly) 63

IT’S A FIESTA!

Pepe and Chela’s offers full service catering. From a fiesta of 200 to a quiet lunch of 20, we can make any event extra special. As in our restaurant, everything will be cooked to order with care and attention to detail by our experienced staff.

CALL US TODAY: 785.267.3037 2848 SE 29th

The people of Topeka and the surrounding community have been enjoying our restaurant since 1986, and now we can bring the restaurant to you!

1001 SW Tyler | Topeka, Kansas 66612 (785) 357-8332 | olga@pepeandchelas.com www.pepeandchelas.com | Find Us on Facebook!

The Historic Vinewood: • • • • • • • • •

Receptions Dinner Parties Seminars Graduations Meetings Anniversary Parties Class Reunions Corporate Events Large All Wood Dance Floor

www.thevinewood.com

a few more locally owned choices A few more locally owned caterers to check out Grover’s Smokehouse

Sweet Dreams Catering

JoRee’s Catering

Topeka Shawnee Co. Public Library Millennium Cafe

www.groverssmokehouse.com 273.7331 http://jorees.myshopify.com/pages/catering 230.0244 | eileen@joreescatering.com

Pat’s Pig BBQ

862.7427 | info@patspigbbq.com

www.sweetdreamsofmeriden.com 785.484.3111

www.tscpl.org/cafe 580.4441 | dpetrie@tscpl.org

See TSCPL’s ad page 70

some more local places with private rooms perfect for rehearsal dinners or showers Annie’s Place

Casa

Blind Tiger

Chez Yasu

Blue Moose Bar and Grill

Row House Restaurant

273.0848 | www.anniesplacetopeka.com 267.2739 | www.blindtiger.com 272.6800 | topeka.thebluemoosebarandgrill.com info@kchopps.com

266.4503 | www.topekacasa.com 357.1003 | www.chezyasufrenchrestaurant.com 235.1700 | http://rowhouserestaurant.net rowhouserestaurant@gmail.com

The Break Room

215.6633 | www.thebreakroomdowntown.com

118 SW 8th Avenue Topeka, Kansas 785-235-2138 theCelticFox.com

Hours: M-Tu 11-10, W 11-Mid, Th-F 11-2am, Sat Noon-2am, Sun-Closed Kitchen Hours: M-Tu 11-8, W 11-9, Th-F 11-10 Sat Noon-10, Sun-Closed

Private Meeting Rooms - Great for Meetings, Rehearsal Dinners, Anniversaries, Graduation Parties, Receptions, Any Special Occasion!

Catering for breakfasts, luncheons, dinners.

Party trays available.

Call or visit our website for more information, theCelticFox.com.

Great Lunch Specials Live Entertainment Fridays & Saturdays Karaoke Thursdays 65

cake by Mad Eliza’s Cakes and Confections photo by Ken Doll Photography

Bakeries Billy Vanilly

Maria Makes Cakes

Cakes by Dino

Mayking Cakes and Confections

Cakes, Cookies and Catering by Jill

Walmart

www.billyvanillycupcakes.com 228.2300 | info@billyvanillycupcakes.com www.cakesbydino.com 478.2253| cakesbydino@yahoo.com

www.mariamakescakes.com 816.419.6544 | info@mariamakescakes.com www.maykingcakes.com 554.8403 | yummy@maykingcakes.com

www.cakescookiesandcatering.com 785.364.3653 | jill@cakescookiesandcatering.com

Confectionary Disasters

www.walmart.com 357.4827-North | 267.7900-37th Street | 271.6444 Wanamaker

www.confectionarydisasters.com 408.4016 | confectionarydisasters@gmail.com

Dillons - www.dillons.com

357.2660-North |228.8700-10th+Gage | 228.8760-21st+Fairlawn 228.4200 29th+Urish | 267.1797 29th+California

Haley’s Cakes

www.haleyscakes.com 764.6251 | haleyscakes@hotmail.com

Hy-Vee

www.hy-vee.com 272.1763

Mad Elizas

www.madelizas.com 478.0880 | sweets@madelizas.com

by Ken Doll Photography

cake by Mad Eliza’s Cakes and Confections photo by Megan Rogers | Red Barn Wedding Photography 67

Mad about Cakes B

rook and Mason Stockman knew what they wanted their wedding to be. They had been planning this celebration of their commitment to one another for more than a decade. Brook wanted something unusual and fresh—not from a box. And the cake was absolutely going to be the focal point of her wedding. The bride had designed her own wedding dress, and she wanted some of those design elements incorporated into the cake.

Brook found Mad Eliza online (madelizas.com) and called owner Peggy Murnahan. She told Peggy she had a dress with intricate details that she wanted repeated on her cake. Brook and Peggy had their first meeting about eight months before the wedding, with Brook supplying pictures and fabric scraps.

“Peggy captured it spot-on!” Brook declared. The four-tier, champagne colored cake was sculpted with pleats and roses that mimicked the wedding dress, along with a rhinestone brooch that complemented Brook’s bouquet.

“I love to be creative on a daily basis,” Peggy says. “I don’t do rubber stamp work, and my customers trust me.”

A Bakery is Born

by Diana Friend | photo by Ken Doll Photography

Peggy went to photojournalism school. After a few years, she moved into banking, and then web and graphic design. Her husband Marc was in marketing, and they eventually merged their talents to focus on their Mad Eliza’s enterprise.

“Cakes were something we loved,” Peggy explained. “And we started out making ones for kids, then school bake sales. The school bake sales helped establish our business with good oldfashioned word of mouth advertising.”

In 2009, the couple put pictures of their cupcake creations up on Facebook and invited friends to come over for a cupcake tasting.

“We must have made hundreds of cupcakes,” said Peggy.

“People would come over and eat and then tell their friends, and more people would come. But this experience allowed me to display my artistic ability and give customers what they want.”

Brook is part of Mad Eliza’s word-of-mouth marketing effort claiming “The cupcakes were so delicate and flavorful I can’t even describe it.” She brought samples home for her husband-

to-be, and her mom to try and to see the artwork firsthand.

But the dedication to service was another key element to the high praise for the bakery.

“My cake was there early, set-up and I didn’t have to worry about one thing. In fact, they had to slice the cake really thin because people wanted a piece of each flavor—there were five,” said Brook.

“If you want to have fancy and romance for your wedding, cupcakes don’t usually fit the style,” Peggy said. In 2011, the majority of the weddings wanted cupcakes. But that dropped to about 20 percent in 2012, and she expects even fewer in 2013. Trending now are dessert spreads with an array of treats and petite cakes featuring different motifs and flavors.

Another changing trend is cake toppers. Gone are the traditional bride and groom figurines and flowers, replaced by more nontraditional items like birds, brooches, tree branches and other things you don’t often see in cake decorating.

Peggy approaches her cakes like a fashion designer, covering it in ruffles or designing it to look like it’s quilted. She is a sculptor. Adding elements to look like branches and creating sugar fantasy flowers is a specialty. She also adds brooches and incorporates colors like champagne and lavender.

Monochromatic color with an ombré treatment, shading dark

to light or light to dark tones, is also becoming popular.

But design is not the only priority—the taste must be exceptional. White cake is out. Today’s wedding cake offers a different, exotic flavor, like pink champagne, red velvet and cream cheese on each tier.

When should you meet with a baker?

Peggy encourages meetings a year in advance because wedding showcases are held in January, and they are a good opportunity to go to see what you like. However, you won’t find Mad Eliza’s at a wedding showcase. Much of their business comes from the Internet.

“If you have selected April, May, June or October for your wedding, you need the one-year in advance plan, to make sure the bakery can accommodate your needs. Other months, you can order six to eight months in advance. When you have your wedding venue booked, call us.”

Or come see Peggy and Marc at their new store at 5999 SW 22nd PK (22nd & Wanamaker) in the strip mall behind ToysRUs.

Special Events & Weddings

Transportation

Limousine & Airport Service Ride Right With Hite

Airport Services & Corporate Accounts Or just a GREAT Night Out on the Town

Specialized transportation services for Topeka & Lawrence.

Call 785-840-7126 69

See me rollin’...

Companies that offer either limousines, party buses or town cars

See Cortez Transportation’s ad pg 15

See Hite Transportation’s ad pg 67

Cortez Transportation Company www.corteztc.com cortez_tc@yahoo.com 233.5466

Preferred Limo Service www.preferredlimoservice.com RideInStyle@PreferredLimoService.com 887.9904

Hite Transportation 785.840.7126

Trent’s Limo World

Leonia’s Crescent Limousine

Unique Transportation Services www.uniquelimoks.com uniquetopeka@gmail.com 783.8447

www.leonialimo.com irene@leonialimo.com 232.2236

554.2827

photos by Ken Doll Photography

Planners /Decorators Events!

862.0123 | events25@hotmail.com

Once Upon A Time Wedding Design www.designyourweddingday.com 582.4637 | ouatweddings@gmail.com Panache Designs www.panachedesignsllc.com 554.4863 or 221.1301 glenda@panachedesignsllc.com paula@panachedesignsllc.com Luv Bug Events www.luvbugevents.com 840.8283 | kellen@luvbugevents.com

See Luv Bug Events’ ad pg 27

Celebrating 20 years...

Chinell's 785.246.0908 www.Chinells.com

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Making Your DaY

Magical

Y

our DIY wedding is a snap using your library’s Wedding Neighborhood. From invitations & etiquette to music, use free library resources or call Cindy, our wedding specialist, to help with those special touches that’ll have your guests saying “that’s so you” long after your big day is over.

LIBRARY HOURS

PHONE

DIGITAL LIBRARY

M–F 9 am–9 pm | Sat 9 am–6 pm | Sun 12 pm–9 pm | 785 580-4400 | www.tscpl.org

PERSONALIZE YOUR SPECIAL DAY!

The Sixth avenue Ballroom offers the intrigue and elegance of a historic downtown venue complete with a restored 1920’s stage, private catering kitchen and more!

117 SW 6Th avenue | Topeka for an appointment, call pam Mehrhof @ 785.224.5401 www.6thaveballroom.com

Everything from bridal party gifts to customized shirts (even custom bling) - BOHO Mojo and Reliant Apparel in Downtown Topeka have what you need.

Small orders welcome with quick turn-around and personalized service.

Reliant Apparel. Affordable Custom Apparel Printing Solutions for Every Event.

728 S Kansas Ave | 783.8622

www.bohomojotopeka.com

ven ues

Serendipity | photo by Ken Doll Photography

Creekside at Berryton | photo by Dave Strydom | 2become1studios

We have presented some local options to help you plan your special day. We strive for accuracy, but please contact the business because things change.

If we missed a business, please contact us at seveneightfiveIDO@gmail.com - and we do sincerely apologize.

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www.brickyardbarninn.com 235.0057 | umoo2me@cjnetworks.com

Capitol Plaza Hotel

www.capitolplazahoteltopeka.com 431.7200 | topek@jqh.com

Creekside at Berryton

www.creeksideatberryton.com 233.2817 | roxe@cox.net

See Creekside at Berryton’s ad pg 19

500 100 inside and in barn -------200-250 outside

Fee

www.topekafop3.org

Governor’s Row House

200

Great Overland Station

www.greatoverlandstation.com 232.5533 | abeach@greatoverlandstation.com

Heritage Hall

www.ksexpo.com 235.1986

Meadow Creek Event Center

www.meadowcreekeventcenter.com | 408.280 meadowcreekeventcenter@hotmail.com

Ramada Convention Center www.topekaramada.com | 215-8253 info@topekaramada.com

Senate Luxury Suites

www.senatesuites.com 233.5050 | info@senatesuites.com

outdoor option

Inside, Inside, not not barn barn

banquet Seven room acres & barn

PP

P

P PP

PP

Front & back porch

Fee

Caterer Barmust tender have required license on file

300

PP

Inside - 350, 330 with tables

PP

PP

300

PP

PP

5 venues on property -------outdoor locations with no max capacity; indoor locations that accommodate up to 321

PP

PP

Kansas Museum of History

www.kshs.org 272.8681 x454 | facilities_rental@kshs.org

indoor option

P PPP P P P PP PP

FOP Lodge

www.govrow.com 554.5174 | ecoughlinturnbull@yahoo.com

requires use of on-site catering must buy alcohol from venue

P PPP P P P

chairs provided

80 inside -------hundreds outside

tables provided

linens provided

Brickyard Barn and Inn

Venue capacity

Venues

Several rooms available with capacities from 200 - 1,000

220; 150 is ideal

PP

P PPP P P P PP

30 150 available available

Bartender required

PP

For ceremony

www.SerendipityTopeka.com SerendipityTopeka@gmail.com 286.7676 + 430.3157

Sixth Avenue Ballroom 6thaveballroom.com 224.5401 mehrhof@embarqmail.com

See Serendipity’s ad inside bk

See Sixth Avenue Ballroom’s ad pg 70

250+

250; 150-200 is ideal

The Vinewood

www.thevinewood.com 267.3037 tonicloud@thevinewood.com

The Woodward/Woodward Max www.thewoodward.com 354.7111 | elizabeth@thewoodward.com

Top of the Tower

300 Woodward: 250 inside; 500 inside/ outside -------Woodward Max: 85

Topeka Country Club acazier@topekacc.org 354.8561

250+

Topeka Holidome

www.topekaholidome.com 272.8040 | sales@topekaholidome.com

Topeka Masonic Center

www.topekamasoniccenter.com 783.7720

www.tpactix.org | 234.2787 x102 badams@tpactix.org

320

See Masonic Center’s ad pg 44

Topeka Performing Arts Center

outdoor option

indoor option

P PP

PP

White

150 available

PP

PP

P PPP P P P Fee

300-400 for reception; 250-275 seated

www.topoftopeka.com 354.7746

requires use of on-site catering must buy alcohol from venue

PPP

Black

300

See Vinewood’s ad pg 62

chairs provided

P PP

Sunrise Optimist Club

www.sunriseoptimist.org 633.0669 | bldg-mgr@sunriseoptimist.org

tables provided

linens provided

Venue capacity Serendipity

P PPP

P PPP P P P PPP P P

Black, white & champagne

P PPP P P PP

300 See TPAC’s ad pg 20

400

PP

Inside Inside Inside

P PP Fee

Bartender required if cash bar Caterer mustbe from approved list

P

PP

Serendipity | photo by Ken Doll Photography

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hair + make up

photos by Ken Doll Photography

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lipsmack productions J

odine Romano has over 20 years experience doing hair and makeup for weddings. However, her services offered go way beyond. She coins herself as a concierge for brides, taking the stress away on your special day. From planning the wedding, helping the bride dress, assisting the groom & flawless runway ready hair & makeup LipSmack Productions does it all. Jodine tells her brides and other clients “ if we don’t offer it, we will find someone who does” just like her “on location” services, their network of vendors reaches coast to coast. LipSmack Productions offers more than just wedding services. They can build a models portfolio, produce events for businesses, provide photography for a wide variety of clients as well as makeup and hair for commercial clients such as Tyler Florence of the Food Network, FOX news and local companies like Gizmo pictures. {IDO}

makeup artists

Posh Artistry by Greshiene and Jami poshartistry@hotmail.com 217.6946

Judy Barr, Mary Kay www.marykay.com/jkbarr 221.0737

See Mary Kay ad pg 50

Romie Garcia

romie702003@yahoo.com 608.9706

Here is a list of local makeup artists who advertiser their services and have years of experience in the field.

If we missed your business, please send your information to seveneightfiveIDO@gmail.com.

Jodine Romano | LipSmack Producations lipsmackproductions@gmail.com 845.6372

See LipSmack ad to right

Jordan Kietzman

macfanatic864@yahoo.com 383.9693

Amber O’Dell

AO Producations www.amberodell.com 217.4111

Erin Leigh Wynkoop

erinleigh1222@gmail.com 806.7721

Dana Ziegler

DMZ9662@yahoo.com 383.1553

photo by Megan Rogers | Red Barn Wedding Photography

creating the perfect do

hair tips

Your concierge for your special day!

by Maggie Thompson Doll • advice by Jennifer Falley | Envy Salon

L

eading up to the big day, many brides plan to use their current hair stylist to create that perfect wedding day do.

Whether you have a stylist lined up or are looking for that perfect person to create your wedding day look, here are some helpful tips from Jennifer Falley, owner of Envy Salon in Topeka.

1.) The very first question you need to ask – Are you available on my wedding day?

2.) Check to see if the stylist does up-dos.

3.) Find out what services the salon offers (hair, makeup, nails), and if can they do them all at the same time and in the same place.

4.) Talk time. When you call, know how many people will need services and ask the salon about how long it will take. Can they fit you in in the time you have?

5.) Set up a bridal practice session. Many stylists include this in the cost of doing a bride’s hair for her wedding day.

6.) If you can, set up your practice session no earlier than two weeks before your wedding. Bring your veil or anything else you are planning on wearing in your hair on the big day.

7.) Don’t get your hair colored the week of your wedding and plan to get it cut four to six weeks before your wedding day.

8.) If at all possible, don’t do your nails the day of your wedding, do them earlier in the week.

9.) If you want a hair stylist to come to you instead of you going to the salon, ask if there is an off-site fee.

10.) Know ahead of time who is paying for the wedding party’s hair.

Sometimes the bride pays for these services and sometimes each of the bridesmaids covers the cost of having their hair done. Either way, make sure everyone knows in advance how this will be handled.

11.) If a bridesmaid decides not to have her hair done by the stylist, cancel at least 72 hours in advance or you may be charged.

12.) When looking for ideas for hairstyles, use Pinterest or other websites instead of using books at a salon. What you find online will be more up-to-date.

13.) The night before the big day, wash your hair and let it air dry.

14.) Don’t be late. There’s a lot to get done in a short amount of time and being even a little late will add a lot of unneeded stress. {IDO}

photo by Keith Czechanski Photography

• • • • • • •

Engagements & Weddings Proms/Social Events Commercial/Editorial Portfolio & Runway Productions Creative Photography TV/Movies Event Production & Management

Call us First! we’ll help make your day amazing!

Jodine ROMANO LipSmack Producations

lipsmackproductions@ gmail.com 845.6372 Like Us on Facebook!

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all eyes on the bride makeup tips to look your best

by Erin Leigh Wynkoop | photos by Amber O’Dell | AO Productions

Y

our wedding day is quickly approaching and you are checking off those important details on the evergrowing “to do” list. The dress is being tailored, the invitations have been stamped and mailed, and you’ve picked the perfect centerpieces. You’ve found the most amazing pair of shoes and you are even managing to keep your mother involved – and happy!

One thing you do not want to overlook is your face. Here are a few things you want to take into consideration while preparing for the big day to keep your skin and face ready for the camera.

A few months before the wedding, decide whether you plan to hire a professional makeup artist, or do your own face the day of and start researching the look

you want. If your budget allows, hiring a professional can alleviate the stress of getting yourself beautified for the big day and be an added treat for your bridal party, who deserve to be pampered too!

If you decide to do your own makeup because of budget or you are having a destination wedding, be sure to research long-wearing products that photograph well that you will need to purchase.

These products can be pricey and will add up quickly, which may sway your decision to hire a professional. He or she will already have all these products in their kit. Maybe you have a bridesmaid who always has an immaculate face, an ever-growing collection of makeup and beauty products and would be willing to help you out while getting herself ready on the big day, which could help too.

You’ll want to take into account wedding themes and your own personal style and features when planning your wedding day look. Are you a natural bride? If so, it’s probably your best bet to stick to natural makeup. If you are having an “Old Hollywood” themed wedding, dramatic glamour might be the look for you. I like to remind every bride I’ve worked with that it’s best to be a glorified version of yourself on your wedding day. If you don’t normally wear a lot of makeup, your wedding day is not the best day to try a dark, smoky eye or a red lip. If you like to wear a lot of makeup, you might be disappointed in your look if you choose to go the more natural route.

Play up your best feature. Love your beautiful eyes? Add an extra coat of waterproof mascara and some false lashes to really make them stand out. Have your makeup artist dust a shimmery highlight on top of those high cheekbones to add dimension to your face. One important thing to remember about makeup is that you can always wash it off and start fresh. This is why trial runs are so important before the wedding day!

While researching and shopping for products, you should also consider the time of year, the weather and the location of your wedding. Whether you choose to hire an artist or rely on a friend or your own talent the most important thing to do is practice!

Like that winged-out eyeliner/ red lip look you saw in the new Vogue? Be sure to practice on yourself, or do a run-through with your makeup artist --most will include a practice run in their fee -- so you know what you will look like on the wedding day.

The most important steps in keeping your face fabulous for your big day are the proper skin care, lots of rest and hydration! Three to four weeks before the wedding, if you are not already doing so, start taking a multi-vitamin to make up for any lost nutrients you might not be getting due to stress and improper eating habits, and drink eight glasses of water a day. This will keep your skin and face ultra-hydrated no matter what time of year. And always remember what your mother told you growing up: don’t pick at your face. Ever!

{

You’ll want to take into account wedding themes and your own personal style and features when planning your wedding day look.

If you plan on trying any new beauty products, the two to three week time frame is the best time to start using them. This will allow you to test for any kind of reaction and give your skin time to heal if any of the ingredients irritate that beautiful face. This might be a good time to treat yourself to a facial at your favorite spa or a chemical or glycolic peel.

This will allow plenty of time for your skin to heal from any extractions the esthetician may have to perform on you skin or for your skin to rejuvenate after a peel.

The day of the wedding is here and you’ve got a few moments of alone time to yourself. Drink some water, do some yoga or stretching, take a few minutes to breathe a little and let your beauty team -- which includes your hair stylist, your makeup artist, your bridesmaids and your mother -- take over. And be sure to enjoy it. It’s going to be an amazing day! {IDO}

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photo by Ken Doll Photography

T

hank you for making seveneightfive {I Do} a part of your wedding planning adventure.

We’re proud of what Topeka has to offer to help create your perfect wedding day.

For updates throughout the year, be sure and follow us on Twitter at @785IDO and on Facebook at facebook.com/seveneightfiveido.

We’d love to hear your ideas for next year’s issue, get in touch with us at seveneightfiveido@gmail.com.

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Serendipity

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82 0 N K ansas A ve N O T O A rts District T o pe k a, K S 785.2 86 .76 76 785.4 30 .3157 w w w .S e re nd ipityT o pe k a.co m 83