OTT_Weddings_013021 by Shaw Media

Weddings January 2021

2020 brides share their experiences

Also:

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A local winery gives their wine picks for a backyard wedding

Open-air wedding venues for coronavirus concerns

A wedding checklist

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s happened with honeymoons in 2020

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Contents 3 5 8 12 14

Weddings

The Times 110 W. Jefferson St. Ottawa, IL 61350 815-433-2000

OUTDOOR VENUES Outside venues for socially-distanced weddings.

Publisher Dan Goetz

DELAYED 2020 HONEYMOONS Many couples plan to go on a honeymoon when the pandemic begins clearing.

Niche Editor Shannon Serpette sserpette@shawmedia.com

LOVE FINDS A WAY These couples were married despite the pandemic.

Advertising Director Jeanette Smith

WINE PAIRS WELL WITH WEDDINGS August Hill Winery employees share their top nine wedding wine picks.

Writers Becky Kramer Shannon Serpette

HAVE A PLAN OF ATTACK This wedding planning checklist will keep everything on track.

Photographers Scott Anderson Shannon Serpette

jmsmith@shawmedia.com

On the cover: Mia Uranich and Jordan Halberg had a December 2020 wedding at Holy Family Catholic Church in Oglesby. The stressful wedding planning included changes to the reception venue, a reduced guest list, and changes to the wedding party. PHOTO CONTRIBUTED/KENDRA POOLE AT KP PHOTOGRAPHY

Designer Liz Klein Published by: est. 1851

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Matthew and Erin Tomsha of Oglesby were married on Oct. 24, 2020, at Ironwood on the Vermilion Rural Event Center in LaSalle. Having an outdoor wedding helped the couple safely get married when coronavirus activity increased in the Illinois Valley. PHOTOGRAPHY BY MELISSA MATA PHOTOGRAPHY

Outside venues for socially-distanced weddings By Becky Kramer

n 2020, couples were scrambling to find places to get married that featured open air and enough space to stay six feet apart. For the first half or so of 2021, that trend will likely continue as the world still fights the coronavirus pandemic. Couples who want to get married in the Ottawa area have several outdoor venues to consider for their wedding. Some venues may have restrictions or may not be available, depending upon changing COVID-19 guidelines. Here are some of the hidden and well-known gems in the Ottawa area. IRONWOOD ON THE VERMILION WEDDING AND EVENT CENTER Ironwood is located north

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of LaSalle and to the east of the Little Vermillion River. The scenic, spacious grounds can be used to hold wedding ceremonies and have unique photo opportunities. The main banquet area has a rustic elegant barn atmosphere that can seat 90 guests. The outdoor pavilion can accommodate up to 200 guests. “What was once a Christmas tree farm and then a wholesale nursery is now LaSalle County’s first Rural Event Center,” owner Julie Schmidt said. “We consider ourselves to be an open-air venue.” STARVED ROCK STATE PARK Starved Rock State Park, located off I-80 and south of Utica, offers several locations such as The Sunrise Shel-

ter or The Courtyard for an outdoor wedding ceremony surrounded by picturesque views and trees. The rustic elegance creates a one-of-a-kind ceremony. The Great Hall and Starved Rock Room can seat up to 200 guests for having the reception at the same venue. “I love that we have back-up options in case of inclement weather for both outdoor options,” director of sales Jenny Roulston said. “The Courtyard overlooks Fox Canyon, and the plan is to have the ceremony in the quaint, rustic Canyonside Cabin. The Sunrise Shelter overlooks the top of Starved Rock, and the back-up location takes place in the Great Hall in front of See VENUES, Page 5

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Matthew and Erin Tomsha enjoyed the gorgeous photo backgrounds their photographer was able to work with at the Ironwood on the Vermilion. PHOTOGRAPHY BY MELISSA MATA PHOTOGRAPHY

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Venues FROM PAGE 3

the largest double-sided fireplace in Illinois.” BRICKS AND STONES AT CAMP ARAMONI Camp Aramoni is a new, luxury campground located on the former site of the Ristocrat Brickyard near Tonica and close to Starved Rock State Park. The historical area, which is surrounded by 96 acres of forest and wildlife terrain along the Vermilion River, provides a unique outdoor wedding setting. Camp Aramoni’s event space, Bricks and Stones, was formerly the brickyard’s blacksmith shop during the 1800s and now serves as a venue for wedding receptions, corporate retreats, and other large functions. “The campground boasts lavish accommodations and the highest level of hospitality. Guests can retreat to one of 11 semi-permanent safari-style tents, each outfitted with upscale amenities, including air conditioning and heat, hardwood floors, private en-suite restrooms, mini fridges, and king-sized beds,” event manager Stephanie Bias said. THE EASTWOOD GOLF CLUB Located on the northeast side of Streator, the Eastwood Golf Club provides a beautiful outdoor location to have a wedding ceremony. The golf course greens and trees provide a backdrop for the ceremony and photos. The Eastwood Building can seat 200 guests for an inside reception, and the large four-season, octagon tent can seat 475 guests with a dance floor or 500 guests without a dance floor. MENDOTA CIVIC CENTER The Mendota Civic Center is located on the northside of beautiful Lake Mendota on the north side of the city. The venue is accented with trees, a wedding pergola, and a landscaped patio overlooking Lake Mendota. The Grand Ballroom will accommodate up to 400 guests for the reception. SENICA’S OAK RIDGE GOLF COURSE Senica’s Oak Ridge Golf Course is located east of LaSalle. A large outdoor patio just off the banquet hall provides a golf course view and is a good location for an outdoor ceremony. Outdoor ceremonies can also be held in other grassy locations near one of the lakes or under some

of the oak trees. Senica’s Oak Ridge banquet facility can accommodate up to 400 guests. GRAND BEAR RESORT Located just south of Utica and close to both Starved Rock and Matthiessen State Parks, Grand Bear Resort is another option for an outdoor wedding ceremony. The outdoor pavilion or canyon deck are both romantic choices for the ceremony location. The Grand Ballroom can accommodate up to 350 guests with a dance floor. Smaller rooms are available for more intimate receptions. PITSTICK PAVILION Pitstick Pavilion is located three miles north of Ottawa on Rt. 23 in a park-like setting. The outdoor ceremony can take place on the sandy beach next to the lake or on the wooden patio overlooking the lake. The reception then can take place in one of the three event rooms located on-site. “We have 15 acres of oak trees that the couple can use for the backdrop of their perfect ceremony,” owner and manager Ed Pitstick said. “One area has a cement patio for the couple to use as well amongst the trees. It’s a great location because we are easy to get to from Ottawa and I-80.” DEER PARK GOLF CLUB Located north of Oglesby and close to Matthiessen State Park, Deer Park Golf Club has outdoor wedding venue options as well. Hole 11 overlooking the water is a popular place for both the ceremony and reception and taking pictures of the special day. The Deer Park banquet facility can accommodate 120 guests inside, but tent rental is also available for up to 250 guests.

grounds of the Hegeler Carus Mansion provide a lovely location for an outdoor ceremony and reception. “The Hegeler Carus Mansion was built in 1874 for Edward and Camilla Hegeler and their family. Virtually unaltered since its completion more than a century ago, The Mansion is at once a family home, an example of high artistic achievement in architecture and interior design, and the site of historic accomplishments in industry, philosophy, publishing, and religion,” executive director Cindy Waddick said. THE OTTAWA BOAT CLUB The Ottawa Boat Club is a historic landmark located in downtown Ottawa near the Illinois and Fox Rivers. The outdoor area provides a scenic backdrop for ceremonies. The banquet rooms provide a unique and elegant space for all types of events, including weddings, small and large parties, benefits, and more. REDDICK MANSION Reddick Mansion is located in the Washington Square Historic District in downtown Ottawa. The beautiful, ornate mansion is full of history and pre-Civil War architecture. On the elegant grounds with award-winning gardens is a spacious pergola that can be used for an outdoor wedding ceremony and reception. The mansion also has several spaces inside available for rent if needed.

JENNIFER’S GARDEN Jennifer’s Garden, located in Morris, provides an outdoor ceremony amongst flowers and a gazebo. The garden also provides an excellent backdrop for all your wedding pictures. Outside ceremonies can accommodate 240 seated guests. “Jennifer’s Garden outdoor ceremonies bring together nature, elegance, and unforgettable memories. CEDAR CREEK RANCH - CEDAR POINT Each year, we plant perennials in all Located just outside of Cedar different colors and shapes. These Point, Cedar Creek Ranch offers a flowers give the outdoor ceremony setting for a rustic outdoor wedding an inviting feeling, which can match ceremony. It is picturesque with the winding creeks and rolling hills along any couple’s theme colors, and make a perfect backdrop for those timeless with the natural beauty of the trees. photos,” Deb Howard, event coordiThe sheltered event area, which nator, said. has open-air capability, can be used “Imagine your dearest friends and for the ceremony or reception. There family members gathered together are animals available for photoas they await your arrival down graphs and even for the ceremony. the garden aisle. Your best friend “If you want a country-style wedding, we are your place,” owner Paul awaits your arrival underneath the stunning gazebo. The sound of Williams said. our water fountain singing in the background and the sun smiles as HEGELER CARUS MANSION Located on the west side of LaSalle you take those final steps down the aisle,” she said. near the Little Vermilion River, the

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Anna Lijewski of LaSalle County Travel helps a customer with trip information.

Delayed 2020 honeymoons were common Many couples plan to go on a honeymoon when the pandemic begins clearing Photos by Scott Anderson • Story by Shannon Serpette Like many couples who were married in 2020 – the year of the pandemic – Sarah and Nicholas Mann of Ladd have put a temporary hold on their honeymoon. “We decided to wait until next year,” Sarah said. “We

were gifted a cruise in April of 2021, although that isn’t looking too promising.” Matthew and Erin Tomsha of Oglesby, who were married Oct. 24, 2020, also decided to hold off on taking their honeymoon.

“We ended up postponing our honeymoon till next December,” Erin said. “We both work in the school system and plan to take our honeymoon during Christmas break.” Cody and Abigail (Nieslawski) Behrens of Heyworth

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also decided to postpone their honeymoon. “We originally planned to go to Mackinac Island, but did not plan the trip due to COVID,” Abigail, a former Hennepin resident, said. “We have nothing planned and do not plan to move forward until COVID is officially under us.” Postponed honeymoons like these were common in 2020, according to Anna Lijewski of LaSalle County Travel. “What’s happened is all my honeymoons have been postponed,” she said. The busiest months for honeymoons tend to be May, June, July, September, and October. But even those popular wedding months didn’t yield many honeymoons in 2020. While some honeymoons were planned through LaSalle County Travel, the majority of them were canceled, according to Lijewski. “Agents are hurting,” she said. She has planned many trips but hasn’t been paid for her work because the trips were canceled. She doesn’t get paid until the trip is taken. “Travel is starting to pick up for this spring,” Lijewski said. “It’s a slow process.” Lijewski is starting to see some light at the end of the tunnel. She said she can help couples find a destination that works for them and answer questions about which destinations do or do not require COVID tests upon their arrival. “I am starting to book for the fall of 2021. If you’re looking to book a honeymoon for 2021, now is the

Top reasons to use a travel agent

With a lot of travel experience and knowledge, Anna Lijewski of LaSalle County Travel can help couples find their ideal destination for their honeymoon. time. The deals are there.” One couple who booked through LaSalle County Travel took advantage of the cheap travel prices in 2020 to go on a last-minute destination wedding to Key West, she said. “They had a beautiful ceremony in Key West,” she said. “They loved it.” For those who want to travel right now but aren’t sure if they’d feel safe, Lijewski said she felt secure when she recently traveled out of the country. She advises people to continue to follow safety protocols such

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as wearing masks, hand sanitizing, and social distancing whenever possible. But she was impressed with how seriously cleaning and safety measures were being taken by the hotels and companies she encountered while traveling. “I feel very, very safe traveling,” she said. “These third world countries, they adapt a lot easier.” They do whatever they have to do to protect their livelihood, which is often the travel industry, whether that means wearing a mask or repeatedly sanitizing surfaces, she said.

Many people book their own trips now that they can research things on the internet, but Anna Lijewski of LaSalle County Travel thinks there is no substitute for experience. Here are the reasons she thinks it’s best to go through a travel agent. • They are a timesaver. When you lead a busy lifestyle, it pays to use a travel agent. It can take you days of research to find what you’re looking for when booking a trip. Travel agents can take that hassle away from you. “One call does it all,” Lijewski said. • The travel agent can handle any emergencies or cancellations in the event of situations like hurricanes or changing COVID restrictions. “You always have someone to fall back on,” she said. “We have your back.” • They have a better idea of pricing. They can help find you the best deal and steer you away from the places that may appear to be great but aren’t. • They can lead you to safe destinations. Although no one wants to think about crime happening on their vacation, the reality is that it can. Travel agents know which destinations or parts of any country to stay away from.

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Love finds a way

These couples were married despite the pandemic

When Stephanie King finally was able to walk down the aisle to say “I do” to Brennan Reeder on Oct. 17, 2020, it may not have been the wedding she first envisioned, but she was still grateful to be there with the man she loves. The Reeders were married at Holy Cross Church in Mendota. Getting married must

By Shannon Serpette have felt like a major victory for this couple, who reside in Mendota. It wasn’t an easy journey. “We changed reception locations twice due to closures and increasing restrictions related to COVID-19,” Stephanie said. The location change wasn’t the only issue the couple faced. “Due to COVID-19 restric-

tions, we reduced our guest list from about 200 to less than 50 guests,” she said. “However, we still had a wonderful ceremony with close family and friends.” When some people declined to attend because of the pandemic, the couple understood. “A few guests were unable to attend due to health con-

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Left: Brennan and Stephanie (King) Reeder of Mendota were married Oct. 17, 2020, when the pandemic was spiking in the Illinois Valley. They had to make numerous adjustments to their plans to be able to continue with their wedding.

Below: Stephanie (King) Reeder’s bridesmaids had matching face masks as part of their wedding attire, so they could stay safe while celebrating. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO/SHANA RAE MAY PHOTOGRAPHY

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO/SHANA RAE MAY PHOTOGRAPHY

cerns. We respected this choice and encouraged all of our guests to make their decisions based on what was best for them and their families,” Stephanie said. To help ensure safety and to comply with regulations, guests were asked to wear masks. That also extended to the wedding party. “When we found out that our bridal party would be required to wear masks, a bridesmaid and the maid of honor volunteered to make a set of amazing masks that included the wedding date,” Stephanie said. The couple kept a healthy perspective on everything thrown their way in their struggle to walk down the aisle. “Planning a wedding during a pandemic was a challenge, but it also helped us realize what is most important to us,” Stephanie said. “We had a beau-

tiful ceremony, and the small reception allowed us to spend time with each of our guests. Our family and friends were extremely supportive through changes big and small, and we cannot thank them enough for all of their help.” The end result was a day they’ll remember for the rest of their lives – and they may have some great tales to share with future generations. “Our wedding day was perfect for us, and we’ll have a story to tell our children when they ask about the masks in the photos,” she said. Mia Uranich and Jordan Halberg of Oglesby faced similar challenges as they tried to plan their Dec. 5, 2020, wedding. They were married at Holy Family Catholic Church in Oglesby. Like other brides getting married during this time, Mia had several chal-

lenges while planning her wedding. She said one of the challenges was putting together a gathering “while respecting all family and friends’ opinions, comfort levels, and concerns.” One silver lining throughout all the turmoil was that her planned church wedding ceremony wasn’t in danger of cancellation as long as the priest stayed healthy. “Our church ceremony was a constant throughout the entire process. In our discussions with the priest in the months before, he assured us he would marry us on our wedding date even if he did the ceremony outside. He had been hosting mass outdoors at some point during the pandemic, so he was prepared for that,” Mia said. See PANDEMIC, Page 10

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Jordan and Mia Halberg, who were recently married, are happy their pandemic wedding planning is now behind them. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO/KENDRA POOLE PHOTOGRAPHY

Pandemic FROM PAGE 9

Plans for the reception, though, had to be altered. “Our original wedding reception hall had to cancel due to the changes in mitigation. We had then booked a second wedding reception venue, which was an open-spaced venue (partially indoors, partially outdoors) but eventually was cancelled due to the mitigation changes,” Mia said.

That led to some creative problem-solving. “We ended up purchasing two large tents, and my in-laws hosted our wedding reception in their garage/tents. It turned out to be beautiful and perfect for the small group we had,” she said. All those revisions to her plans caused another minor issue to deal with – getting deposit refunds for their cancellations. “We felt guilty asking for a refund of our deposits, as everyone is struggling through the challenging times we are in,” Mia said. “In the weeks before the wedding, we were refunded 90 percent

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of the deposits paid. Most vendors were easy to work with and understanding of the circumstances. We are very lucky and grateful for that.” To help figure out how many people would be attending, Mia sent out her invitations earlier than she normally would have. She sent them out early because, since the state was in Tier 2 mitigation, they were limited as to how many guests they could have. Although her original reception list had 300 guests on it, she eventually had to trim that down to 50. “I figured we would get some regrets, and once those were received, we could

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invite some guests who were on our original (limitless) guest list,” she said. Then Mia had to play a waiting game while those who were invited weighed their options. “Many guests were hesitant to accept or decline within our extended RSVP window. Many people were ‘waiting it out’ to see how our local COVID case numbers were close to the deadline before responding. This was difficult because we needed to be within a certain amount of guests for our original venue hall,” she said. Some guests understandably had questions before deciding whether to attend.

“Our original reception invitations went out when we were in the Tier 2 mitigation, and I was surprised as to how many people accepted to attend,” Mia said. “Before some guests RSVP’d, many reached out to close members of our family to see if we were following the safety guidelines and how it would be enforced at the reception.” When the pandemic numbers began ramping up in the Illinois Valley, some guests reconsidered. “Once our area was bumped to Tier 3, we had many more regrets. Many of our guests chose to only attend the socially-distanced church ceremony and opt

out of the reception,” she said. Along the way, her wedding party felt the impact of the pandemic as well. “Our wedding party had people drop out due to illness, quarantine periods, and/or concerns about the guidelines. This faced challenges for us and for them, as they are obviously close with us, and we would’ve loved to share in this experience with them,” Mia said. With the ceremony in the past, Mia can enjoy being a newlywed and having less stress to deal with. “Planning a wedding during the pandemic was very stressful to say the least, and I am happy that it is in the past,” she said.

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August Hill Winery’s manager Danna Stillwell (left) and assistant manager Jessie Ziano (right) discuss which of the company’s wines make great choices for drinking at weddings.

Wine pairs well with weddings August Hill Winery employees share their top nine wedding wine picks Story and photos by Shannon Serpette

he ongoing pandemic has caused many couples to opt for small backyard or intimate weddings instead of big, splashy affairs. With a trimmed down guest list and an emphasis on social distancing, a full bar is one wedding feature some bride and grooms are skipping. Those who are scrapping their plans for an open bar at their wedding may still want to have some alcohol on hand for their guests’ enjoyment and for toasts. On each table, placing an assortment of two or three bottles of wine might give

the romantic, intimate touch that attendees will enjoy for a smaller ceremony. Couples who want to support small local businesses while buying top-notch wine to showcase at their wedding have an excellent option. August Hill Winery in Utica has award-winning wines and works with brides to find the right selections for their ceremony. Depending upon the COVID restrictions that are in place at the moment, the staff at August Hill will do a tasting for the bride and make suggestions based on her menu

to help her choose the appropriate wines, Danna Stillwell, the manager at August Hill Winery, said. The winery, for an added fee, makes special wedding labels to feature on their wines. These labels can include pictures, the wedding date, and the names of the couple getting married. For brides who don’t have time for a tasting or those who are trying to stay isolated and healthy before their big day, Stillwell and August Hill Winery’s assistant manager, Jessie Ziano, shared their top nine wine picks for weddings.

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would pair nicely with your menu.

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8. SWEET WILLIAM Sweet William is an excellent choice for people who like the taste of White Zinfandel. It’s a good option for a variety of foods often seen at receptions, such as pastas, salads, chicken, and pork. Sweet William won the Double Gold Medal and Best of Category at the 2020

9. CHAMBOURCIN RESERVE The Chambourcin Reserve is best for those who like drier wines. This red wine pairs beautifully with pasta, steaks, and chicken. Those who are planning to have dark chocolate desserts at their reception may want to offer some of this wine.

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August Hill Winery can put special labels on their wine bottles to commemorate your wedding date. The labels can include the bride and groom’s names, wedding date, and even pictures. 1. SEYVAL BLANC This semi-dry white wine pairs well with pasta, seafood, spicy dishes, salads, and cheese. Comparable to a pinot grigio, the Seyval Blanc features tropical fruit, citrus, and green apple flavors. “The Seyval Blanc is a nice white to have. It’s a little drier. It’ll cleanse your palate (between dishes),” Stillwell said. 2. BERLYN For wedding dinners that will feature pasta, beef, or pork, Stillwell recommends the Berlyn, which is a semidry red wine. “The Berlyn is the number one selling wine,” Stillwell said. “It starts out sweet and has a dry finish.” That means it is appreciated by those who like dry wines as well as those who like sweet wines, giving it a universal appeal.

toast,” Stillwell said. The Demi Sec has a beautiful color, and hints of cherry, cinnamon, and chocolate. It’s won a slew of awards, including Best of Show and Double Gold Medal at the 2020 Illinois State Fair Wine Competition. This wine is recommended for those who like strawberry daiquiris, and it has a sweeter taste to it than the Brut. 5. BRUT This sparkling wine is crisp and light. Those who are after a drier sparkling wine may like this option. Brut excels as a drink for toasting and is a solid choice if the wedding menu includes filet mignon.

6. SEC While it’s a good choice for toasting, the Sec can also complement meals. “The Sec would be wonderful for dinner,” Stillwell said. 3. ALMOND INFUSION With its citrus and honey The Almond Infusion sweet bubbling wine has a wonder- notes, it’s a good pick for ful almond smell. It gives you people who want something bubbles and some sweetness, sweeter than the Brut. “The Sec is my favorite out making it a great wine for celof our sparkling options,” ebrating special occasions. Ziano said. “That is perfect with your wedding cake,” Stillwell said. 7. TRAPOLINO Trapolino is a semi-sweet 4. DEMI SEC ROSÉ red wine that has a fruity The next three on this list, taste to it. If you’re serving the Demi Sec, Brut, and Sec pasta or white meats at your are sparkling options. wedding reception, this one “They can be used for the

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Have a plan of attack This wedding planning checklist will keep everything on track

Intro by Shannon Serpette Checklist contributed by Christie Pasieka of Event Pros Boutique

Every bride can benefit from organization. The first step is to pull together a list of everything you need to do and when you need to have it done by. Christie Pasieka of Event Pros Boutique in Peru recommends getting a jump on all that planning by starting early, even if you’re trying to socially distance to minimize your chance of getting coronavirus. “You can get ahead of the planning by starting at home,” she said. Booking a venue right now can be tricky, with the pandemic numbers constantly changing. Make sure you ask questions to protect your investment. “The venue you choose should not only answer all your safety questions, but also clearly explain any cancellation policies,” Pasieka said. Here are some other tips Pasieka offered for getting married during a pandemic: • “Plan several small-themed wedding showers.” • “Be patient with guest RSVPs, as some might not make a decision until the last few days.” • “To promote mask and sanitizer use, have cute signs to remind guests to use them.” To help with your wedding planning, Pasieka shared this checklist.

INITIAL PLANNING m Decide on a target wedding budget, and who will pay for what. m Decide how many guests you’ll invite. m Check out online venues that offer virtual tours. Make a list of questions, including the available dates, the services included, and the cancellation policies. m Decide upon who will be in your bridal party. m Start a website or private Facebook page to distribute information and updates. m Register for gifts online. m Share your color palettes to the bridal party and start online shopping. m Book appointments for bridal attire shopping.

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m Research photographers and videographers, a band or DJ for entertainment, and a wedding planner. m Check out Pinterest for wedding ideas and start your own boards. 11 MONTHS FROM THE WEDDING m Book the venue and ceremony locations. m Book the photographers and videographer. m Book the DJ or band. m Have your bridal attire ordered. 10 MONTHS UNTIL THE WEDDING m Schedule your save-the-date photo session. m Research caterers and look for one that offers a carry-out selection. m Design and order your save-thedate cards. m Decide on the ceremony and book your officiant. 9 MONTHS UNTIL THE WEDDING m Send out the save-the-date cards. m Start design of invitations. m Make an appointment with a florist. m Go over the music playlist with the DJ. m Schedule a wedding cake appointment. 8 MONTHS UNTIL THE WEDDING m Book a florist. m Book a cake. m Research hair and makeup. m Plan a few small wedding showers rather than a large one for safety. Alternatively, you can plan a drive-by wedding shower. 7 MONTHS UNTIL THE WEDDING m Finalize your guest list. m Order wedding rings. m Work on your wedding vows. m Book hair and makeup. m Start honeymoon planning — take advantage of special rates for after COVID-19. 4 TO 6 MONTHS BEFORE THE WEDDING m Purchase all bridal party accessories. m Order the wedding favors. m Research guest accommodations.

m Sort and pack the wedding decor, and plan who will do set-up and take-down. 3 MONTHS BEFORE THE WEDDING m Purchase gifts for the bridal party. m Do a trial of hair and makeup. m Send invitations. m Finalize the music for the ceremony, reception entrance, and first dance. 2 MONTHS BEFORE THE WEDDING m Have the final gown fitting. m Order extra masks, hand sanitizer, and signs for both. m Finalize your music list. m Finalize the photos to be taken. 1 MONTH BEFORE THE WEDDING m Collect gown and bridesmaid dresses. m Confirm guest count and RSVPs, and reach out to guests who haven’t responded yet. m Start a seating chart. m Confirm all vendors and their services. m Send your guest count to the venue. m Go over the head count and menu with the caterer. m Have your speeches and vows finalized. m Go over the checklist. 1 WEEK TO THE WEDDING m Print place cards and table cards. m Assign point of contact for the day with all the vendors. m Wear wedding shoes for a while to break them in and get used to them. 2 TO 3 DAYS TO THE WEDDING m Collect suits. m Collect all rental items. m Do a final check with vendors. m Pack a wedding day emergency kit. THE DAY BEFORE THE WEDDING m Sort out payments. m Get a manicure. m Set up your ceremony and venue site. m Go to rehearsal. m Relax!

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Ellie Boomsma of Cedar Point, who is getting married in 2021, went dress shopping at Marien Mae in LaSalle as part of her wedding planning checklist. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

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