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â&#x20AC;&#x153;We capture your day in photography and videography, all of the sights and sounds of your wedding day preserved forever.â&#x20AC;?

brettpaulphotography.com bdpaul1@comcast.net 815-762-2390 Find us on Facebook

I Do 2019 - 2020

INSIDE o Hearts of the country: Pining for a rustic, rural setting for your wedding? A farm-turnedevent venue near Deer Grove provides the perfect backdrop, inside and out.......... Page 5

Take your pick: Want to be hands-on Publisher: Don T. Bricker General Manager/ Advertising Director: Jennifer Heintzelman Advertising sales: Jill Reyna & Lori Walker Editors: Rusty Schrader & Kathleen Schultz Page design: Rusty Schrader I Do is a specialty publication of Sauk Valley Media, 3200 E. Lincolnway, Sterling, IL 61081, 815-625-3600. No portion of this publication may be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher. Ad content is not the responsibility of Sauk Valley Media. The information in this guide is believed to be accurate; however, Sauk Valley Media cannot and does not guarantee its accuracy. Sauk Valley Media cannot and will not be held liable for the quality or performance of goods and services provided by advertisers listed in any portion of this magazine.

when choosing your wedding bouquets? Then you’ll want to visit the petal peddlers at Brill’s Penrose Flower Field........................ Page 12

Puppy love: Thinking about having Spot trot down the aisle with you? Check out some doggie duds that are spot on – and other tips for making your pet part of the wedding..... Pages 16-20

On the cover

’ o d ‘I you! new SAY

From eco-friendly weddings to special touches, check out some current wedding trends................................................Page 21 Home, sweet country home: From weddings to honeymoons and more, the owner of a bed and breakfast does more than just give guests a relaxing place to rise and dine, she goes the extra country mile to make them feel right at home......................Page 24

Don’t want to hit a sour note on your wedding day? Here are some tips......Page 27 Wedding checklists........... Pages 28-34 This photo of Travis and Linsey McBride of Morrison was taken by Brett Paul Photography at Barnacopia in Polo. Go to brettpaulphotography.com or call 815-762-2390 for more information.

TO A

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I Do 2019 - 2020

Hcountry WEDDING VENUES

earts

OF THE

Pining for a rustic, rural setting for your wedding? A farm-turned-event venue near Deer Grove provides the perfect backdrop, inside and out LINDSEY SALVATELLI For I Do

hat do you get when you put something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue together? A new wedding and events venue. The old is Sandy Pines Elk Farm, a popular agritourism destination just outside Deer Grove that closed about 10 years ago. The new is Henrekin Pines, the aforementioned venue that’s planted itself in Sandy Pines’ former home. PHOTOS ON 6 &7, STORY CONT’D ON 84

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BEHIND THE BARN DOORS | INSIDE HENREKIN PINES TOP: Henrekin Pines offers a dressing room big enough for brides and her bridesmaids.

TOP: Henrekin Pines features rustic decor inside a former barn.

BOTTOM: The Crystal Room features banquet tables and plenty of space for a wedding reception. In the adjoining room, behind sliding barnstyle doors, a bar area gives guests a place to raise a glass.

BOTTOM: Customers can bring their own liquor for a noncash bar, or they can hire a catering service for a cash bar.

Photos by Michael Krabbenhoeft/mkrabbenhoeft@saukvalley.com

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I Do 2019 - 2020

BEHIND THE BARN DOORS | INSIDE HENREKIN PINES

TOP LEFT: An outdoor arbor is located high on a hill in the wooded property at Henrekin Pines. BOTTOM LEFT & RIGHT; When it’s closed, a garage door blends in seamlessly with the walls of the banquet room; when it’s opened, it allows easy access to an outdoor patio area.

Suite Dreams Photos by Michael Krabbenhoeft/mkrabbenhoeft@saukvalley.com

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www.saukvalley.com 3CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5 Something borrowed? Well, it might be the idea for the new business – it just depends who you ask. The business plan came about from either an idea borrowed from a granddaughter’s wedding, or it was a stroke of inspiration that came on the seat of a lawn mower. And the blue? That’s where the sky comes in – as in “the sky’s the limit,” which is how the owners describe their approach to keeping the customers satisfied. Jim and Sandy Henrekin opened the barn doors to their latest business venture, at 28650 Hahnaman Road, in June.

Henrekin Pines, a special events venue that can hold up to 240 guests – and more, if need be – sits at the foot of a 27-acre hill, nestled among trees and featuring a fully remodeled barn and attached event hall that offers a casual atmosphere in the heart of farm country. Rustic and relaxing it’s a perfect place for private parties, corporate events or weddings. The heated and air conditioned venue features indoor, handicapped-accessible bathrooms, tables and chairs, dressing rooms, a bar, a mic and speaker set-up, a covered wagon for photo ops, and more.

Nails • Pedicures • Manicures • Facials • Tanning • Cuts • Styles • Waves • Color • Special Treatment • Ear Piercing • Waxing & Much More! Call for free brochure!

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CONTINUED ON 104

Jim & Sandy Henrekin

I Do 2019 - 2020

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Provided

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3CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8 And if you want to get married outside, there’s an arbor that’s the icing on the wedding cake: a scenic spot for the couple’s big day. You could say the couple’s new business was something of a bit of Preplanned destiny. After the farm closed, Jim used the two buildings – now called the Crystal Room and the Pine Room – as horse stalls and an arena. After he sold his prized stud, Obviously Preplanned, the stalls sat vacant for a couple of years. The vacancy left open the possibility of a new project the two could complete together. “We’re both entrepreneurs, so we’re always thinking,” Sandy said. “We just thought this was a really nice fit for this building.” “After hours and hours of sleepless nights of designing all this– we designed it ourselves – we decided this is what we’re doing,” Jim said. Jim said the idea to repurpose the existing structures and open Henrekin Pines came to him while he was mowing his yard, but Sandy suspects it was their granddaughter’s wedding in Missoula, Montana, that planted the idea in Jim’s mind.

Henrekin Pines

28650 Hahnaman Road, Deer Grove 815-499-6169 henrekinpines.com Email: event@henrekinpines.com

That idea got a little help a few years ago when the couple hosted a wedding in their barn, back when it was still had dirt floors and housed horses, and let the wedding photographer used their home’s porch for photo shoots. Jim said the photographer liked the layout of the farm and the pine trees surrounding it – all 5,000 of them. It’s a number

Jim remembers only to well, because he and his father planted them– well, it was mostly Jim doing then planting, he said – back in 1962. The family trees not only provide a special memory for Jim, but he’s hoping they can do the same for couples, too, providing the perfect backdrop their special day. Rehab and design work took the couple about a year. “When we first started, we thought it’d be done in 2 months,” Sandy said. So far, they’ve already hosted two weddings and a couple of their own private functions. “I always said if you want to be successful you need to do something that nobody else is doing,” Jim said. “We’re the only venue that I know of that has heating and air conditioning, that we can be open 12 months if we wanted to.” The Henrekins said that whatever the kind of event they host – graduations, showers or corporate events – they just want to be able to provide the community with something unique. “We’ll do whatever they want to do,” Jim said. “The sky’s the limit. “I was born in Whiteside County and I love this county,” Jim said. “It’s been good to me and I’ve been good to it. n

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I Do 2019 - 2020

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FLOWERS

pick

BY KACIE KLINGE For I Do

lowers. Every bride needs them for her big day, but not every bride-to-be wants to pay hundreds of dollars to put together their dream bouquet. Brill’s Penrose Flower Field, home of Ed and Susuan Brill on Penrose Road north of Sterling, gives brides the chance to customize their bouquets at an affordable price – customers can fill a 2-quart container with as many flowers as they want for $10. CONTINUED ON 154

The Pinecricker is a great place for rehearsal dinners & bridal showers. Our banquet room holds 70 or use our lovely patio complete with a ﬁre pit and covered dining area. If you love our food but need a bigger venue, use our catering service. We also offer bartenders and servers. We want to make your special event delicious and stress free. Call our event manager today!

Events - Kathy 815-440-0476

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Take your

If you’re the kind of person who wants to be hands-on when choosing your wedding bouquets, then you’ll want to visit the petal peddlers at Brill’s Penrose Flower Field

I Do 2019 - 2020

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Brill’s packs a lot of flower power into its fields, in all colors, shapes and sizes – just about anything a bride needs to build her bouquets.

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I Do 2019 - 2020

3CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14 Brill’s blossoming beauties include zinnias, rudbeckias, baby’s breath (which come in three varieties), bachelor’s buttons, Armenian basket flowers, lilies, irises, tulips, gladiolus, sunflowers, sweet peas and snapdragons. Lilies, daises and zinnias are some of the more popular flowers for bridal bouquets. “Zinnias are always popular because there’s so Brill’s Penrose many different colors,” Susan said. The flower garden might not fit everyone’s Flower Field needs: some flowers, such as like roses, need Brill’s Penrose Flowto be grown in greenhouses, so brides er Field, 26488 Pen“have to be not real persnickety about rose Road in Sterling, the flowers. If you’re good with a is open various hours, country theme or just a bunch of difwhich usually are ferent colors it works really well.” posted on Facebook, Many brides bring their bridesand by appointment. maids with them, and they each Call ahead at 815build their own bouquet for the 535-8284 or find bride’s special day, Brill said. Brill’s Penrose Flower Her advice: Wear comfortable Field on Facebook for clothes and don’t bother with more information. your hair and nails – the picking process can get a little dirty. “It’s always been really fun for that whole group to come. The bride and the bridesmaids, they laugh and have a good time. ... It’s fun to watch them. Every time someone has come out they’re like, ‘Oh, this is so much fun! We should do this all of the time.’” Also, “you’d want to come within 2 or 3 days of the wedding. There’s a lot of flowers that last more than a week, but you want them to be at their freshest,” Susan said. “The ones that have come usually come the day or night before.” n

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PETS

Puppy love

Thinking about having Spot trot down the aisle with you? Here are some doggie duds that are spot on

EMILY PLATT The Knot

Everybody in the wedding party deserves a special outfit – including the pooch of honor. Stumped on how to dress your pup? Ask yourself a few questions before choosing wedding dog attire: How formal is the event? Base how fancy (or casual) your pet’s ensemble is on what your human guests are wearing. If they’re in tuxes, try a dog tuxedo. CONTINUED ON 174

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I Do 2019 - 2020 3CONTINUED FROM PAGE 16 What’s the theme or color palette? Is there an emphasis on blooms? Try floral attire. Are the bridesmaids wearing pink dresses? Get your dog one too. What’s your dog’s role? Is your canine serving as a best pup? Find a dog wedding outfit that matches the groomsmen attire. Is the pooch getting walked down the aisle? Consider a fancy leash. What’s your dog like? Everyone should look and feel their best on the special day. When it comes to dog wedding attire, that means finding something suited to your pup’s body and personality. Pay careful attention to sizes, and if they hate wearing dog clothes, opt for something more subtle. A stylish dog wedding collar should do the trick. At right are some suggestions for a dapper dog. A word of advice: Whatever you decide on, test it out well before the wedding day. If your pup can’t move properly or makes a fuss, it’s not the right look for them. And as a precaution, you should never leave your dog unsupervised while they’re wearing attire. n

If you’ve got a patient pooch, you can top him off with a top hat.

A dainty doggie dress is sure to get some smiles out of your guests.

Dog too fussy for fashion? Try a dog tag instead.

Add a little sparkle to your dog’s leash. For even more glam, pair it with a matching collar.

How about a tiny tux for your four-legged friend?

Your dog’s duds don’t have to be formal. A simple slipover will do the trick.

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Vows, meows & bow-wows

PETS

It doesn’t have to be ‘with these pets, I thee wed’; you can still show people how much you love your furry friends without bringing them to the wedding SOPHIE ROSS The Knot

ets are family members. And while dog-friendly (or catfriendly!) weddings are great in theory, there are plenty of extenuating circumstances and reasons why your pet probably won’t (or shouldn’t) be able to attend your nuptials. Maybe it’s your venue, a family member’s allergies or you simply don’t want to have to worry about little ee-th sav the of t Tippy tinkling on par dog r you Make ons. your gown’s train. date cards and wedding invitati Either way, here are some ways to incorporate your cuddle buddy into your wedding.

Turn to page 20 for more pet projects for your wedding

I Do 2019 - 2020

TOP: Homemade sugar cookies make tasty wedding favors, especially when they’re shaped like pups. BOTTOM: You can personalize wedding favors, like these M&M’s, with your dog’s face on them.

Sure, you can have your pets be part of your cake topper, like the one shown on page 18, but how about having them be a part of the bottom of the cake?

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A framed photo or commissioned art piece of your pet is a sweet guest book idea.

Have the groomsmen carry bespoke pocket squares with your dog’s silhouette.

Make canine-inspired wedding table numbers or escort cards.

How about a cardboard cutout of your pet carried down the aisle? (and your guests will get a nice little giggle out of it). Or add a cutout of your beloved pet to the photo booth.

LEFT: A regal ice sculpture in the shape of your pet? It doesn’t any get cooler than that.

For a touch of elegance, try some dog cuff links, or a tiny charm to your bouquet wrap.

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BELOW: That ice will come in handy for those petinspired cocktails.

I Do 2019 - 2020

WHAT’S HOT

going green

Veils & hats W

GOOD-BYE, GARTERS

Trends GETTING PERSONAL

BY LEANNE ITALIE Associated Press

hen Ashley Yore and Derek Ultican were planning their wedding, the question of the garter and bouquet tosses didn’t come up. “It just wasn’t something I ever wanted to do,” said the 33-year-old Yore, who lives in Tampa, Florida. “Maybe because a lot of our friends are married already. We’re just not a super-traditional couple. We wanted everyone to be part of the party and enjoy themselves.” CONTINUED ON 224

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3CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21 Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not alone. According to The Knotâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2018 Real Wedding Study, many couples are going their own way when it comes to longstanding traditions. Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re incorporating more personal touches, paying closer attention to their carbon footprints, and embracing fashion trends that have trickled from the runways to wedding halls. Just 33% of more than 14,000 U.S. brides and grooms surveyed by the bridal site went the time-worn garter route, down from 41% in 2016. As for bouquets, 45% tossed, down from 53% in 2016. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I do think thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an element of women feeling empowered and saying, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;You know what, this bouquet toss for whoeverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s going to get married next is a little cliche, or the garter feels a little unnecessary,â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;? said Lauren Kay, deputy editor of The Knot. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Couples are just more focused on the guest experience.â&#x20AC;?

Functional is fine Yore and Ultican, who is also 33, married oceanside March 2 in St. Pete Beach, Florida, with a reception at the pink, castle-like Don CeSar hotel.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I do think thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an element of women feeling empowered and saying, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;You know what, this bouquet toss for whoeverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s going to get married next is a little cliche, or the garter feels a little unnecessary.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; Couples are just more focused on the guest experience.â&#x20AC;? Lauren Kay

Deputy editor of The Knot Their chuppah, the traditional Jewish canopy used during marriage ceremonies, was made of bamboo trees that were planted in their backyard a few days later. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This really important piece of our wedding can now flourish in our home,â&#x20AC;? Yore said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;That was really special.â&#x20AC;? Her mom made their party favors, little mason jars filled with mixed nuts flavored with cinnamon sugar. Each one had a photo label of the couple with the message: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re nuts about you.â&#x20AC;? They were special not only because they came from mom,

but because Ultican loves the snack. Such functional favors are hot on the handmade site Etsy. This year, couples are sending guests away with gifts they actually might want, rather than generic items of yore. According to Etsy, searches so far this year for such things as â&#x20AC;&#x153;wine favors,â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;â&#x20AC;&#x2122;soap favorsâ&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;honey favorsâ&#x20AC;? were on the rise. The 35-year-old Ivory Davis (formerly Weems) married 34-year-old information technology specialist Jonathan Davis in Cancun, Mexico, on Oct. 20. They combined their escort cards with their party favors â&#x20AC;&#x201C; shot glasses emblazoned with â&#x20AC;&#x153;We Came. We Conquered. We Cancuned,â&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;Viva Las Davis,â&#x20AC;? which was the hashtag they encouraged guests to use when posting on Instagram and other social media during their celebration. The best part: The shot glasses were filled with a tequila from Cancun and served throughout the reception at the tequila bar they set up. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We wanted (guests) to take a shot to start the celebration of our union,â&#x20AC;? said Ivory Davis, a flight attendant based in Los Angeles. CONTINUED ON 234

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I Do 2019 - 2020 fills,” said a partner, Amanda Braddock.

3CONTINUED FROM PAGE 22

Eco-friendly Etsy trend expert Dayna Isom Johnson noted a rise in sustainable wedding touches, with searches on the site for eco-friendly bridal items numbering more than 107,000 in the past four months alone, including for reusable straws, biodegradable confetti and vintage decor. Bethany Pickard owns a boutique wedding and event planning company, Modern Kicks, in New York’s Hudson Valley. She has seen a rise in couples looking to serve locally sourced food and cut down on paper products. “They’re doing chalkboard menus instead of one on paper for every guest,” Pickard said. “And they’re choosing vendors that can repurpose dishes and plates and things rather than trucking that stuff across the state.” A Brooklyn catering company, Purslane, guarantees carbon neutrality through reusable and compostable wares, the purchase of carbon credits and consumables sourced from nearby sustainable vendors. “We do not send anything to land-

Fashion trends Isom Johnson said alternatives to veils are on trend, from huge showstopping hats and tulle turbans to smaller accessories, such as ornate hair clips. “I’m talking about statement hats to a simple velvet bow that they’re tying in their hair,” she said. “They don’t want that traditional, cathedrallength veil.” Wedding dresses with sleeves have been making a comeback for several years, but Isom Johnson said it’s all about statement sleeves these days. It’s a way to bring a bit more glamour, romance and drama to a couple’s big Instagram-worthy moment, she said. “It’s the ‘70s bell sleeve, the split sleeve and over-the-top lace. There are sleeves that are chiffony and whimsical,” Isom Johnson said. Capes and capelets have also taken off, she said.

Meaningful secrets Many couples are also looking to honor each other in private ways, perhaps following the cues of Meghan

Markle and, later, her pal Priyanka Chopra when Chopra wed Nick Jonas. Markle revealed last September that her May wedding dress included a small piece of a blue dress she wore on her first date with Prince Harry. When Chopra married Jonas in December, donning two wedding dresses for separate ceremonies, she included a secret of her own: a piece of the dress Jonas’ mother, Denise, wore at her own wedding sewn into one of Chopra’s gowns. The gown was embroidered with messages, including Chopra and Jonas’ wedding date (Dec. 1), her parents’ first names (Madhu and Ashok) and her hubby’s full name: Nicholas Jerry Jonas. The custom Purple Label black tuxedo Jonas wore also had a secret message inside the lapel: a small piece of lace from one of Chopra’s looks, embroidered with the Urdu “My Jaan,” for shared life. Isom Johnson said brides can keep little secrets simpler through a tie bar, for example, with words of love on the back, or a private sentiment sewn into a seam of a dress. “Today’s weddings,” she said, “are about letting the couple tell their personalized and unique love stories.” n

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From weddings to honeymoons and more, the owner of a bed and breakfast does more than just give guests a relaxing place to rise and dine, she goes the extra country mile to make them feel right at home

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hether you’re looking for a romantic weekend getaway, a hot spot to reunite with high school friends, or a relaxing pit stop on a family vacation, House in the Country is for you. The beautifully restored, cheery yellow Queen Anne farmhouse outside of Sterling, built in 1911, has four bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen, dining room, living room, library, and parlor. PHOTOS ON PAGE 25, STORY CONTINUED ON 264

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3CONTINUED FROM PAGE 24 What’s available? Anything from “a single room” to “the main floor for a quiet work space” to “the whole house for a college mate’s wedding,” owner Christina Bystry said. With new renovations in the works, Bystry also plans to allow guests to host “showers, retreats, weddings, and other small gatherings.” The two-and-a-half-acre property is filled with adventures waiting to be had and memories waiting to be made. Guests can relax on the large decks or snuggle up around a fire pit for summertime s’mores. The home can accommodate up to 12 people in the four spacious bedrooms on the second and third floors. After a cozy night’s sleep, guests will wake to the fresh smell of breakfast and baked goods made by Bystry herself. Bystry’s hospitality is unmatched. “I was leaving for work at 4:45 a.m., and she made me breakfast sandwiches the night before so I had something to eat on the way,” one guest posted on the B&B’s website. She also works hard to create an atmosphere that’s a comfortable balance of old-world charm and modern amenities, decorating and furnishing the entire

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House in the Country is 3 miles north of Sterling at 20213 Hickory Hills Road, just down the road from the First Lutheran Church of Jordan. Check-in is from 3 to 6 p.m., with check out by 11 a.m. For those with an infant, a cradle is available. Pets are not allowed. Contact owner Christina Bystry at houseinthecountry18@gmail.com or 815-970-0305. Lean more about her restored Queen Anne farmhouse, prices and packages, at houseinthecountry18.com or on Facebook. home with beautiful works of art and cozy furniture. “It’s an eclectic collection of comfort,” Bystry said. Bystry also hides a pineapple or two into every room – “it’s the international symbol of hospitality,” she said. She’s also incorporated one into her business’s logo. Since buying the property in 2017, Bystry has been relentlessly improving it. “I recently painted the veranda floor, installed new two new stairs, and will soon be designing and installing the skirting,” she said. She also added a

16-by-16-foot checker/chess board and an L-shaped patio between two of her outbuildings. The warm summer days have given her the perfect opportunity to work on even more projects. “Two patios are in the works and should be finished soon,” Bystry said. “The next planned renovation will be putting a new foundation under the big barn.” She’s done most of the work herself, with the help of family and friends for the bigger jobs. Bystry grew up in Coleta, then spent her early life living all over the world. She settled in Waterman for 21 years, until a “life-changing event” and a yearning “to be closer to some very special people” brought her back to Whiteside County 2 years ago. She noticed immediately that a property she had her eye on for many years was up for sale. Retirement was in her near future and she “wanted to purchase a property that would provide an income,” so Bystry took the leap and created House in the Country. The past couple of years have been an adventure, she said, but her favorite part of her B&B business is “the flexibility – as well as meeting the people who come to stay.” n

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MUSIC

Avoid sour

notes Make sure to tune up your playlist before the wedding

BY SIMONE HILL The Knot

hether you consider yourselves music people or not, the music at your wedding is super important, and a great band or DJ can be the difference between a pretty fun wedding and an unforgettable one. Avoid these mistakes and you’re guaranteed to have truly amazing wedding music. BAND OR DJ? –Love live music and have a bigger budget? Strike up the band. Have a tighter budget or dozens of songs you’d like played perfectly (in other words, exactly how they sound on Spotify)? Book a DJ. But don’t dismiss either because you think a band will automatically be out of your budget or a DJ will be cheesy. Do your research and get recommendations from friends. You’ll see there’s a lot of variety – from mash-up artists to barbershop quartets – among both types of entertainers. THE SOUNDS OF SILENCE – Most guests will arrive 20 to 30 minutes before the ceremony starts, but the wait will seem a lot longer if they have to wait around in silence. Book your ceremony musician to start no later than 20 minutes before you begin. DON’T OFFEND YOUR OFFICIANT – Getting married in a house of worship? When it comes to ceremony music, many churches, synagogues and other religious institutions have rules that could affect your choice of ceremony music, like prohibiting certain secular songs. It may be your wedding day, but unfortunately it’s not your church, so respect the regulations. Speak to your officiant before you book musicians. SOUNDCHECK, PLEASE – Depending on your venue, there may be limitations (like power supply, sound amplification or time-of-day restrictions) to the type of music you can have. Even without regulations, it’s still a good idea to ask your venue manager what type of music typically works best for the space. Plan for your band or DJ to do a walkthrough if they haven’t worked in the space before. MEET YOUR MUSICIANS AHEAD OF TIME – Want to know exactly what your music might sound like in person? Take in a live performance. Make it a date night with your partner. Pay attention to the tunes and also how the band or DJ emcees, whether they take requests, and how well they get the audience going. If you can, talk to the DJ or bandleader at some point one-on-one or set up another time to meet face-to-face. This person will be your emcee, so you want to have an easy rapport. Make a note of the names of

the particular musicians or DJs you like, so you’ll be sure to book the same exact people for your party. TALK THROUGH THE MUST-PLAY SONGS – Don’t assume your band or DJ is going to play every one of your favorites. If it’s a band, talk to them about this list before you decide to book – they may have to learn a song or two. For DJs, just be certain they’re open to your suggestions. If they’re missing a few of your favorites from their repertoire, ask whether there are any fees associated with adding them. DON’T DROWN OUT THE GUESTS – Your reception isn’t the place for nightclub-level volume. It’ll only frustrate your older family members and make it tough for them to talk to one another and enjoy the party. KEEP IT SHORT AND SWEET – You may do anything for love, but if you choose Meatloaf’s “I’d Do Anything for Love” as your first-dance song, you’ll be swaying with your new spouse for more than 5 minutes (12 if you choose the album version). Do a run-through and you may realize 4 minutes can feel like forever if you’re just rocking back and forth. Yes, it’s about you two, but keep your guests in mind too. A little choreography goes a long way, so you might decide to take a few lessons. HAVE A DO-NOT-PLAY LIST – Sit down with your soon-to-be-spouse and go through your favorite songs together to create the must-play and do-not-play lists. If you decide to use a band instead of a DJ, give them plenty of time to review your picks, in case they have to add a song to their repertoire. If your must-play list gets too long (say, more than 10 songs), create a third list. This can be more of a wish list of songs you’d like to be played only if your guests respond positively to them. DON’T PLAY #!@*$ OFFENSIVE MUSIC – You won’t be able to please everyone, but ask that your DJ or band keep it at least PG-13 during the reception. When it’s just you, your college besties and adult cousins at the after-party, feel free to play the songs that weren’t appropriate while your grandparents and baby nieces and nephews were around earlier in the night. Beyond blatant profanity, really consider the song’s lyrics and meaning. There may be a very innocent inside joke behind your choice of a raunchy song, but most guests will be on the outside. MIX IT UP –You both may truly love ‘90s grunge, but 5 full hours of Nirvana might drive some guests to leave early. You’re sharing this day with family and friends, so save your more obscure favorites for the honeymoon playlist and let your band or DJ play a mix of songs that everyone can enjoy. Give your parents a thank-you shout-out with one of their favorite tunes. n

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Groom’s checklist 12 months before n Figure out where you’re going to have your ceremony and reception. The best spots fill up fast, especially for summer and fall, so decide your wedding size and start looking. n Organize your guys. After you ask your best man to do the honors, make up your groomsman list. For crowd control, you’ll want at least one usher per 50 guests. n Get what you want. Crazy as it seems, people start buying you gifts immediately, and registering may be the only way to keep your friends’ and relatives’ questionable tastes in check.

9 months before n Meet and greet suitable officiants. Priest, rabbi, justice of the peace, officially sanctioned Elvis impersonator – the choice is yours. n Book the talent. It’ll probably fall to you to choose the band or disc jockey. Be sure to get references and hear music beforehand – and run it by your bride before you sign on the dotted line. n Start drawing up your guest list. This is something you’ll probably want to get your parents in on, too.

While you’re at it, figure out where you’re going after the reception – airport? hotel? – and make plans for getting there. FYI, tradition dictates that your best man drives you.

3 months before n Get ready for the freeloaders. Your out-of-town guests need a place to stay, so unless you’ve got a couple dozen spare bedrooms, decide on a hotel and reserve a block of rooms. Let them know this in your invitations. n By this time, the guest list should be finalized – i.e., it has the bride, groom and parents’ approval. Time to send out the invitations. n Get dressed. So what will it be? Tails and top hat or traditional Scottish kilt? Decide and buy (or rent), then pick out your groomsmen’s getups. n Give a jeweler your finger to be measured. Let your fiancée do the same, and then order your wedding rings. Decide on inscriptions. n If you’re going to tie the knot, you may have to get your blood tested. It’s the law in some states.

6 to 8 weeks before

n Get a sparkling smile. Cut down on coffee and try a whitening toothpaste. Want to really shine? Consider a professional bleaching with a dentist or use an 6 months before n Plan your honeymoon. If you’re leav- over-the-counter whitening system. n Don’t be cheap. This is one of the ing the country, now would be a good time to check or find your passport – or most important moments in your life, so get them if you and your girl don’t have put some real thought into the matter and then buy your bride a wedding gift. ’em – and see what kind of shots or visas you might need. n Don’t be cheap, part 2. Search n Who’s driving? Arrange for transpor- high and low for the perfect groomsmen gifts. These guys are going to put tation to the ceremony and reception. out come D-Day to make sure you look Think limousine or horse and buggy.

your best. Make sure you get them something decent to show for it. n Don’t lose it. Pick up your wedding rings and put them in a safe place. While you’re at it, check the engraving carefully for typos.

2 weeks before n Do something really romantic with your wife-to-be. But before you do, pick up your marriage license. n Have a good time, but don’t do something stupid. It’s your bachelor party and last chance to go crazy without the ball and chain legally attached.

1 week before n Get ready to relax. Double-check the honeymoon reservations, start packing your bags, and pick up traveler’s checks. n Pay your officiant. Put his or her fee in an envelope and give it to your best man for post-vow delivery. n You are expected to speak to the crowd at your wedding reception. Sound sensitive and intelligent, start coming up with that impromptu toast to her family now. n Rally the troops. Give your groomsmen the rehearsal dinner low-down and make sure everybody’s got his monkey suit pressed and ready. By the way, get a haircut already.

The day before n Make her cry. Write a sweet little “I love you” note (or other touching trick) and leave it somewhere she’ll find it on wedding morning, particularly if you won’t be seeing her before the ceremony.

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The bride’s trousseau Bridal Gown Store: __________________________________________________________________ Phone/Email:__________________________________________________________ Address: ______________________________ Consultant:___________________ Gown description: __________________________________________________ Date ordered: ____________________Date promised:___________________ Price: __________________________________________________________ Fitting appointments: (Bring proper undergarments and shoes to fittings.) Date/Time:____________________________________________________ Date/Time:____________________________________________________ Date/Time:_____________________________________________________ Date/Time:______________________________________________________

Bridal accessories ❐ Headpiece and veil – Price: ______________________________________ ❐ Bra/Bustier – Price: ______________________________________________ ❐ Teddy/Body stockings – Price: _____________________________________ ❐ Stockings/Pantyhose – Price: ____________________________________ ❐ Garter – Price: ______________________________________________ ❐ Petticoat/Slip – Price: ______________________________________ ❐ Shoes – Price: __________________________________________ ❐ Jewelry – Price: ______________________________________ ❐ Wrap/Cape – Price: _________________________________ ❐ Other – Price: ___________________________________ ❐ Something old – Price: _________________________ ❐ Something new – Price: _____________________ ❐ Something borrowed – Price: _______________ ❐ Something blue – Price:__________________

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Wedding blooms Florist___________________________________________________Address:______________________________________________ Contact person:___________________________________________Phone/Email:__________________________________________

COLOR

NUMBER NEEDED

UNIT PRICE

TOTAL

Bridal Bouquet

______________

Maid of honor bouquet

______________

Bridesmaids’ bouquets

______________

Flower girl’s bouquet

______________

Floral headpieces

______________

Mothers’/Grandmothers’ corsages

______________

Hostesses’ flowers

______________

Groom’s boutonniere

______________

Fathers’/Grandfathers’ boutonnière

______________

Groomsmen’s/Ushers’ boutonnière

______________

Ring Bearer’s pillow

______________

Altar/Chuppah flowers

______________

Aisle or Pew decorations

______________

Reception room flowers

______________

Head table centerpiece

______________

Guests’ table centerpieces

______________

Cake/Buffet table decorations

______________

Total

______________

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Bride

Attendants

Groom

Bridesmaids

Tuxedos

Name __________________________________________________

Store___________________________________________________

Phone/Email ____________________________________________ Name __________________________________________________ Phone/Email ____________________________________________ Name __________________________________________________ Phone/Email ____________________________________________ Name __________________________________________________ Phone/Email ____________________________________________ Name __________________________________________________

Address________________________________________________ Phone/Email_____________________________________________ Consultant______________________________________________ Date measurements needed by____________________________ Pick-up date________________ Return date__________________ Phone/Email_____________________________________________

Groomsmen Name__________________________________________________ Phone/Email_____________________________________________

Phone/Email ____________________________________________