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‘I do’ ... want to take a trip

Planning a destination wedding? Going on a honeymoon? If you’ve got places to go, a Dixon travel agent can get you there.

A cut above the restroom

The

purSUIT of excellence

Grooms looking to look their best will find what they need at a Dixon business that prides itself on good old-fashioned — and fashion — know-how.

When nature calls, an Oregon business has the answer: Portable privies that are Big on style and comfort.

ABOUT THIS PUBLICATION on the cover ...

Sauk Valley Weddings is a publication of Sauk Valley Media

113 S. Peoria Ave. | Dixon, IL 61021 815-284-2222

PUBLISHER: Jennifer Heintzelman

SALES: Jill Reyna

MAGAZINE EDITOR & PAGE DESIGN: Rusty Schrader

Articles and advertising are the property of Sauk Valley Media. No portion of Sauk Valley Weddings may be reproduced without written consent of the publisher. Ad contents is not the responsibility of Sauk Valley Media. Sauk Valley Media cannot, and will not, be held liable for the quality or performance of goods and services advertised in this publication.

Weddings

Jake and Bailey Hernandez are shown in this photo from Photography by Ashley Nares.

“I was born and raised in Sterling. I remember begging my dad for more Polaroid film for his Spectra 2. I think this is where my love for photography started. I loved capturing everything around me, and today I get to capture all your special moments in life ... It’s all about being with your loved ones and celebrating your love with each other, but most important making memories!” — Ashley Nares, nareseventco.com/about

For more information about Photography by Ashley Nares ... See her ad on page 41

Online: Go to nareseventco.com

Social media: “Photography by Ashley Nares” on Facebook | “photographybyashleynares” on Instagram Phone: 815-535-3214 E-mail: nareseventco@gmail.com

Looking for a romantic getaway? Andrea Canas (right) can help. The independent travel agent from Dixon prides herself on personalized service to help deliver couples to their destination. “I’ll sit down with them and get their vision and what their expectations are ... There are so many different scenarios that we can do. I like to hear about their expectations and what they’re hoping for.”

ALEX T. PASCHAL/ APASCHAL@ SHAWMEDIA.COM

If your walk down the aisle is going to take you around the world, that’s gonna take some legwork, so it’s a good thing Andrea Canas is around.

Canas is the person couples go to when they want to go somewhere without the stress of trying to figure out how to get there. The independent travel agent from Dixon brings years of experience to helping clients plan destination weddings and honeymoons.

She prides herself on a personalized approach to travel consultations, helping clients discover destinations they’ll love at a price they can afford.

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“I just need some pieces to the puzzle, and then I help them complete it,” she said. “There are so many different scenarios that we can do. I like to hear about their expectations and what they’re hoping for, and try to get as close to that as possible.”

Canas works as an affiliate with Epic Travel Partners, which itself is an affiliated company of Montecito Village Travel of Santa Barbara, California. They provide resources and packages to Canas, who works with clients to arrange what they’re looking for. She recently became a member of the Destination Wedding and Honeymoon Specialist Association, a worldwide network of romance travel specialists.

With so much legwork to planning a trip, it’s best to have a lot of tools at your fingertips, and Canas has them.

The travel agency industry has turned to electronic resources more and more over the years, which makes the work-from-home concept easier and more client-centered. Canas has worked from the office of her Dixon home since 2014, which is how many agents

operate these days, she said, as opposed to having a brick-and-mortar office that clients come to.

That change has been good for both agents and their customers, she said.

“It’s tons more freedom. I don’t have to ask for time off, don’t have to worry about how many vacation days I have, or work someone else’s hours.”

While she also plans events and trips for other occasions, honeymoons and destination weddings are the biggest part of her business — about 75% of what she does. When she’s not tending to clients, she’s educating herself on how to best serve them, keeping up to date on travel trends.

Learning about the clients and their travel habits is important, so that Canas can size up what they may be doing during the trip. Will the trip be within budget? Will the trip be something they’ll both enjoy? Many couples don’t have a grasp on just how much money a trip can cost, but Canas does, and she can help couples determine the best fit for their budget.

CANAS cont’d to page 12

Andrea Canas brings more than 25 years of experience booking trips, but even with all the miles she’s helped clients log, she still gets a kick out of keeping customers satisfied.

ALEX T. PASCHAL/APASCHAL@SHAWMEDIA.COM

CANAS

Canas likes to meet with her clients in person, either over coffee somewhere in town or at the couple’s home.

“I usually ask them about their previous travel,” she said. “I like to know where they’ve been before, and what they liked about that trip. You have two people, and one may like snorkeling and one might be a diver. Or, one may want to see cultural things and the other one may not. So we have to come to a happy medium on where they want to go, according to their budget; when they want to go; and learn what their preferences are and what their deal-breakers are.”

Mexico and the Caribbean have long been top destinations for couples. Smaller places in the Pacific, such as Tahiti, the Maldives and Bora Bora, are also popular spots. Another big trend, Canas said, are trips with certain wellness concepts in mind, such as engaging in digital detox — going “off the grid” for a while. Canas said she’s also seeing a growing demand from couples looking for destination weddings where the focus is on one wedding at a time, as opposed to destinations that are juggling multiple marriages on a given day.

“I’ll sit down with them and get their vision and what their expectations are,” Canas said. “I always say, ‘What’s your deal breaker?’ Most of the time, people are like, ‘I don’t want to change flights.’ ‘I want four- or five-star [hotels].’ ‘I want choices.’ A lot of it is safety, and budget is always a big one, especially now.”

Travel planning can be tricky, and many couples find it hard to juggle all the details that need to be worked out when their hands are already full planning their wedding. Canas said she’s seen clients who have tried doing the work themselves and often get overwhelmed with what they find out. Putting those concerns in the hands of a travel agent saves a lot of time and reduces stress.

“Sometimes the laws change and there’s a lot of keeping up with paperwork and everything,” Canas said. “Everyone wants to feel special and everyone wants to have their own stamp on everything, and that has changed [from before]. No cookie cutters, so everything is about their style and what they want.”

Another benefit of handing things over to an experienced travel agent: They’ve often been to some of the destinations themselves, so they can bring that first-hand knowledge back to their clients — and if she hasn’t been there, she usually knows someone who has.

If there’s a spot a client has in mind, and Canas hasn’t visited it, she can turn to her trusted network of contacts through her affiliation with Epic Travel Partners and Montecito Village to help.

One piece of advice Canas likes to offer clients is not to put so much faith in online reviews. Oftentimes, reviewers base their opinions on their own expectations, which can differ than those of the clients she works with.

“The web is great and I love the internet, but it’s very hard to go by reviews,” she said. “You don’t know who is the reviewer. That’s where I come in. Everyone’s palate is different, as well as their expectations. A few years ago I went to a five-star resort in St. Lucia, and just for kicks I went on Trip Advisor just to see what people were saying. They were bashing it left and right. I get there, and it was amazing. I didn’t know what those people were expecting.”

Another tip: Plan destination weddings and honeymoons at least a year in advance, Canas said. That way, there’s plenty of time to get everything set up, and it allows time for any changes that may crop up.

But even with all that advance planning, “life happens,” Canas said, and unexpected changes can still throw a wrench into the best-laid plans. That’s where having an experienced agent can help. They know how the system works and can better navigate it to work through the issue.

Having booked her first vacation more than 25 years ago, there’s not much that Canas hasn’t seen. The recent COVID-19 pandemic was a mess for travel agents to deal with, and the effects are still lingering: Those who

delayed weddings and honeymoons are getting around to doing them now or in the next year.

Destination weddings can come in different types — even unannounced ones. Canas said she’s done elopement travel, where couples go somewhere and come back home married.

One such trip had the couple going to Kaua’i, Hawaii’s fourth-largest island: “That was fun,” she said. “They sent me a video link, and it was just beautiful. Everything was great.”

Moments like that, and myriad others that she’s shared with clients through the years, put a big smile on her face.

“When people return and they send me pictures, or I meet with them after the travel is done, just to see their faces light up and have that joy with those memories, that does it for me,” she said. “That’s worth everything. Those are once-in-a-lifetime things, so it’s an honor, and I’m going to take it seriously.”

Though reality begins to set in once couples return home, during their destination adventure they get to get away from it all and begin making memories together.

“People want to feel like they’re on their own private island,” Canas said. “I think they like just feeling disconnected, in a good way.” n

MORE INFO

To plan out a wedding trip with Andrea Canas, email andreaplansadventures@ gmail.com or call 815-7163261. Go to instagram.com/ andreaplansadventures to learn more about popular destinations.

By

Clothes not only make the man, they can make the wedding, too.

That’s why it’s important everyone look their best, and when it comes to the men who march down the aisle, a Dixon business owner is happy to help make sure the future mister of the “Mr. and Mrs.” measures up to the expectations for the big day.

Mark Kaleel brings generations of experience — and a trusty measuring tape — to help him help couples make their dream wedding come true at the long-time family business, Kaleel’s Clothing and Printing.

The third-generation clothing shop owner has been witness to the evolution of men’s wedding wear for years, from seeing his father and grandfather size up men of all sizes over the years, to following in their fashion footsteps today. As the years go by and the trends have evolved, Kaleel and his staff have kept up with what’s popular, and that’s helped keep the family business popular among soon-to-be newlyweds.

When the weather’s nice and the number of weddings start to pick up, Kaleel and his staff handle as many as a half-dozen weddings a week, and many of them come from customer referrals.

Cody Cutter • Sauk Valley Media

“We rent a lot of tuxes here,” Kaleel said. “Word of mouth gets out that they get a good fit here.”

As far as what makes a good fit, it just all depends on tastes and trends, and these days the trend tends toward tighter fits.

Kaleel has seen suits go from traditional and modern fits to something more snug — slim and ultra slim fits are the preference for many men these days. Traditional fits have a more classical and fuller cut, while modern fits have narrower lapels and are more narrower through the body. Slim and ultra slim fits take it even further: Slim fits have the same waist dimension as a modern fit, but are narrower through the body, have even narrower lapels, and have a shorter jacket. Ultra fits are trim and fit closest to the body.

These days, grooms have a lot more fashion options than when the basic black-and-whites were about the only things brides saw waiting for them as they marched down the aisle. These days, a host of patterns, colors, and styles are available, and Kaleel’s Clothing and Printing owner Mark Kaleel (above) will be happy to show you what’s available.

ALEX T. PASCHAL / APASCHAL@SHAWMEDIA.COM

Some young grooms learned in high school what they like in formalwear — remembering the look and the feel of what they wore for prom or homecomings — and bring that to the fitting room when they’re picking out their suits.

“It used to be more of the modern fits and the traditional fits where it’s more of a ‘boxy’ cut, but it’s going toward the ultra slims and slims,” Kaleel said. “Mainly the younger guys and kids, they want them fitting tight. Prom time, they want them tight-fitting.” Navy, gray and black are popular suit colors, with bow ties making room for traditional ties with patterns.

Whatever a couple’s choice, though, Kaleel recommends making sure they plan ahead. Measurements have to be taken, suits lined up, alterations made — at the very least, he said, allow two months before the wedding.

“We won’t call the wedding orders in until everyone is measured. Then they’ll ship them the Monday of the week of the wedding.”

Another tip: Kaleel said grooms should bring in a swatch of what the bridal party is wearing to help with the color match.

“Some people come in and they don’t have a clue, but a color swatch helps a lot and we can match it with what we offer,” Kaleel said, adding that just snapping a picture on a cell phone, while convenient, isn’t the best way to color coordinate. Things like lighting and picture quality can alter the view of a hue, so having a swatch in hand is best.

“They need to come in with a color swatch of their bridesmaids’ dress colors, so then it can be matched up,” he said. “We’ll go through different categories and find them the color that matches best.”

KALEEL’S cont’d to page 19

These days, wedding don’t have to be black tie affairs. Grooms can pick from a palette of colors that’ll liven up their formalwear. Vests, cummerbunds and tuxedos come in a variety of colors, too.

ALEX T. PASCHAL / APASCHAL@SHAWMEDIA.COM

KALEEL’S cont’d from page 18

Kaleel’s utilizes Jim’s Formal Wear for suits. Jim’s has been in the clothing business for 100 years, having started in a small downtown shop in Trenton, 40 miles east of St. Louis, and has grown to become a national chain. Jim’s clothing doesn’t have too far to travel to get to Kaleel’s — from one end of Illinois to another — which has turned out to be a good arrangement for Kaleel and his customers.

When it comes to the groom’s party, the more the merrier: When a party rents six tuxedos, the groom receives theirs free.

Come Monday’s at Kaleel’s, there’s a lot of suit swapping when Jim’s van pulls in, with new orders delivered and previous orders picked up. Most other companies won’t deliver suits until

a couple of days before the wedding, but there’s more time with the arrangement Kaleel’s and Jim’s have, and that allows for more time if a fit needs finessed.

Another brand Kaleel’s carries is Milroy’s from Waterloo, Iowa. Milroy’s is Kaleel’s go-to more for proms and homecomings. While there’s enough wedding-related inventory to go around, Jim’s is Kaleel’s wedding source of choice.

“This is a real good company,” Kaleel said. “Not a lot of companies have a lot of inventory, but Jim’s does. It’s a big company. They’ve been around a long time, and their customer service is great. When we call for something, we have it here right away.”

Taking care of customers has been a long-standing point of pride for Kaleel’s since Mark’s grandfather, Nemer, opened his Country Peddler wagon in 1905. Nemer emigrated to the United States from Lebanon at the turn of the 20th century and set up a horse-and-buggy wagon of dry goods to peddle throughout his new home in Spring Valley at the age of 17. He went on to open a brick-and-mortar location in Earlville in 1939, renamed Kaleel’s Mens Clothing, which later expanded to Amboy and Mendota.

Mark’s parents, George and Mona, ran the Amboy store until retiring a few years ago. The Dixon location opened in 2014 with mens clothes and a small line of womens clothing, and printing services. It expanded in 2020 to grow the womens inventory and printing aspect of the business, though mens clothing and accessories still remain the heart of the store. Carhartt work clothes are their main clothing line, but they also carry Wrangler casuals and Van Heusen dress shirts.

ALEX T. PASCHAL /APASCHAL@SHAWMEDIA.COM

Kaleel has even seen his Carhartt inventory get used for some outdoor weddings.

“A lot of them have been buying Carhartt jeans and getting a shirt or vest, and maybe a tie, for casual outdoor weddings,” Kaleel said. “They’ll buy Carhartt jeans from me, maybe get a belt, and get boots. A lot of people don’t like to get dressed up, and they can talk their bride into doing it this way. We’ve had quite a few of those.”

Kaleel’s does free alterations on items purchased there, and also offers alterations on other items, for a fee. It’s another way the business takes care of its customers, with whom Mark and his staff enjoy talking to and hearing wedding reception stories from — especially how their suits are received.

“It’s nice when we get to talk afterwards and see how everything went. It’s nice to talk to the bride and groom,” he said.

But regardless of who walks through the door — from neighbors they know to friends they’ve made to couples they’ve met for the first time — Kaleel said there’s one thing they can be sure of: “People know they can come in here and get a good fit.” n

KALEEL’S

RESTROOM A cut above the

RUSTY SCHRADER/SVM

nce the I do’s are done, the wedding reception begins. Spirits are high — and they’re also available at the bar, and that means guests raising a glass (or two or three) to celebrate the new couple. But all that reception revelry takes careful planning, including making sure guests are privy to an important piece of information: where the facilities are located.

If your reception is indoors, it’s just down the hall and to the left, but what happens if you don’t have any halls — or walls for that matter? You bring your own.

BY CODY CUTTER SAUK VALLEY MEDIA

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Enter, a local business who knows what a big deal it is to have the proper facilities on hand for outdoor weddings. Big John, an Oregon-based portable toilet company, offers units specifically marketed to weddings and other special events — and we’re not just talking about your run-of-the-mill porta-potties (though they do offer those). Big John also has units designed specifically with weddings in mind, where guests can tend to important matters, whether it’s touching up makeup or taking care of business.

As a longtime leading local name in the portable toilet industry, Big John realized about seven years ago that it could tap into a growing market for portable restrooms designed for wedding receptions, with only a few adjustments to their existing standard units.

It was an idea born in a barn.

“The idea behind it started with the emergence of backyard weddings,” Big John general manager Brix Byers said. “People living in a rural area knows somebody with a barn, and these local vendors started popping up where you could have a wedding in a barn or a shed, and turn it into something more formal than your usual farm setting. Your stereotypical farm gets cleaned up with these outdoor weddings, but these places didn’t have places to go to the bathroom.”

Need units with more space?

Big John’s

Platinum line of portable toilets are roomier than the standard unit, and come with a flushable toilet, sink, soap dispenser and a pair of mirrors. They also are handicapped accessible.

Big John’s wedding units — resembling the standard type seen at other outdoor events — come in two lines: Silver, a more basic unit; and Platinum, which are larger and come with a few more amenties.

The Silver standard units are 45 inches wide and deep by 88 inches tall. The exterior has faux wood siding and a crescent moon in the door for an added touch of whimsical decor. They offer enhanced ventilation, an interior lock with a red-and-green occupancy indicator, hand sanitizer dispenser, shelf and interior light.

The larger, handicapped-accessible Platinum unit makes it easier to change clothes and tend to other grooming needs. The toilets are flushable, and each unit also has large mirrors, a foot-pump sink, a shelf and lightning. These units are about a foot-and-a-half wider than the standard ones and have a forest motif, with pine trees and gentle waves pressed into the plastic walls.

Both the Platinum and Silver units are white: the perfect look for a wedding.

“In following the wedding theme, we ordered white portable toilets and added features like the mirrors, the flushable toilet bowls and the sinks inside,” Byers said.

Big John’s Silver line of portable restrooms offer an interior lock with a red-and-green occupancy indicator, enhanced ventilation, hand sanitizer dispenser, shelf and interior light.

BIG JOHN cont’d

If you really want to step up your game at the reception, let guests step up into Big John’s luxury portable restrooms. The Formal unit (left) offers a mirror, LED lighting, climate control, soap and hand towel dispensers and a spacious interior decked out in eye-catching decor. The men’s side comes with a private toilet and two urinals, the women’s side with two private toilets, and both come with a sink. There’s also a smaller, Standard trailer (below), which features climate control, toilets and a urinal, sink, soap and hand towel dispensers, a mirror and LED lighting.

In 2017, Big John took the portable restroom experience to a whole other level, adding luxury loos to its inventory. The business can roll up to a wedding hauling a trailer with a touch of class, with amenities on par with indoor facilities.

The Formal Trailer has a mirror, LED lighting, climate control, and a spacious interior decked out in eye-catching decor. The men’s side comes with a private toilet and two urinals, the women’s side with two private toilets, and both come with a sink. The exterior is pewter gray with formal script on the doors.

The Standard Trailer, also pewter gray, is a two-unit unisex trailer with a more basic interior. Like the Formal Trailer, it comes equipped with a sink, soap and hand towel dispensers, mirror, LED lighting, and heating and AC.

“We really sold everyone on the more formal approach to a portable toilet, and then, as the years went on, there was another emergence within the portable industry of these restroom trailers,” Byers said. “They … really take a jump up of how formal and fancy you want it to be at your wedding.”

BIG JOHN cont’d to page 27

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Big John was founded in 1975 in Polo and currently is a division of Lakeshore Recycling Systems of Chicago, which purchased Big John in January 2021. Since the acquisition, Big John’s units are available to customers within LRS’s service area, which includes the DeKalb-Sycamore area and the Quad Cities.

To determine how many units are needed, a planning chart is available on Big John’s website — bigjohnusa.com — with the number of people attending and how long the event will be. For example: A 5-hour wedding event with about 350 people attending would need at least four units. If beer is served at an event, there is a small addition to the number on the chart, and at least five percent of the total units must be handicapped accessible, per Americans With Disabilities Act requirements.

Big John also offers handicapped accessible units, “one-and-a-half” units with more room and a sink, as well as standalone dual and single-serve sinks.

In the 8 years that Big John has offered the wedding-styled

units, they’ve been “very well received,” Byers said, with referrals for rentals coming in from satisfied renters.

“I can’t say that we’ve ever had a complaint,” Byers said. “Having the option to go somewhere, and having it be clean, have it smell good — with the general perception of a portable toilet in the public’s eyes being generally negative — we can provide an option where we can tell a bride or an event planner that, yes, this is a portable toilet, but you won’t be looking down into the tank with a flushable bowl.”

Byers said if you want to line up units for your reception, it’s best to call Big John and schedule them ahead of time. The units are rented almost every week and are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Pricing depends on rental times and how far they can be delivered. Quotes can be requested online.

“At the end of the day, they are portable toilets, but we do our best to make them not stand out in that sense,” Byers said. “These are nice options, clean options, and a more formal option for you to have at your wedding. It’s not a carnival, or a concert, it’s a different experience.” n

they’reLoveandmarriage:They’vebeencelebratedinsongforcenturies—but nottheonlypairthatgotogetherlikeahorseandcarriage.

perfectWhilemelodiesandmatrimonygohandinhand,wecan’tforgetanother couple:Churchesandweddings.Afterall,it’shardtothinkaboutaweddingandnotstartsinging“”Goin’tothechapelandwe’regonnagetmarried…” Forcenturies,churcheshavebeentheplacepeoplegotosay“Ido,”where pipeorganspumpoutMendelssohn’s“WeddingMarch”orWagner’s“BridalChorus,”wherebrideswalkdowntheaisleontheirwaytothealtar,wherevowsare exchangedandafuturetogetherbegins.

Andwhiletimeandchangingtasteshavegivenusagrowinglistofplaces togetmarried—barns,backyardsandbeaches,justtonameafew— many couplesstillprefertohaveandtoholdontotheideaofachurchceremony.

But what’s it take to have a churchwedding?Somechurches haverulesandguidelinesabout whocangetmarriedinachurch. Ifyouwanttogetmarriedata church,therearesomethingsto consider.

CatholicManychurches,suchastheChurch,requirethatone orbothhalvesofacouplearea memberofthechurchtheywant togetmarriedat.Otherchurches mayallowanyonetoutilizetheir facilities,butwithcertainrequirements—chiefamongthem beingpre-marriagecounseling sessions.

CHURCHEScont’dtopage30

At First Presbyterian Church in Sterling, the Rev. Christina Berry has performed weddings for both members and non-members, as well as for same-sex couples. There are still some checks and balances, though. Most major denominations have church boards (called sessions in the Presbyterian Church) made up of elected members who ultimately vote and decide on whether their church can be utilized for ceremonies.

So far, though Berry hasn’t had a problem yet with her church’s session boards.

“There are many churches who only want to do weddings in the church for members,” Berry said. “There are lots of good reasons for that. We think of the marriage ceremony as part of worship. You don’t want to do something that your tradition thinks of as sacred, so I get why they don’t do that.

But I think of it as, if people want to get married, and they want to get married in a church, they have some sense that’s there some connection with God with that, and I want to welcome that.”

Berry has prospective couples go through three pre-marriage counseling sessions. The first two are centered on the finer details of a marriage, and the third wraps in all they’ve learned with the planning of the actual ceremony. With it taking place in a church, there will be at least some form of religious aspect to the ceremony.

“We think about life together, and talk about how to divide up chores, and how do you decide who does what,” Berry said. “How do you deal with the in-laws? And money? Sometimes they have children from previous marriages, and how do you decide things about that?”

Berry said, “What I tell them is that I want to give them tools to use once you’re married, and things that you’ll think of later. I know they may not pay much attention about it now, but they will later.”

The nondenominational Abiding Word Church in Sterling also opens its doors to anyone who would like to be married there. However, the number of counseling sessions differ based on whether one is a church member or not: Non-members are required to have only one session, while members must have at least four. It’s a system that’s worked well for its pastor, the Rev. Scott Porter, who has performed nearly 500 weddings in 36 years.

Porter looks at making the church and his time available as an opportunity to reach out to people and be a blessing to them, he said.

“In pre-marriage counseling, we talk about communica-

tion, sex and money, because those are the big three things that lead to divorce,” Porter said. “We’ll go through those things and talk about that. Sometimes I’ll do a questionnaire with them about compatibility and expectations. When you go into a wedding, you come from your family, the other one comes from their family, and even though there may be some similarities, there’s still some differences.”

Having picked the minds of hundreds of aspiring couples, Porter and other pastors have seen a lot, and they bring that experience with them during the counseling sessions, helping couples identify and address potential issues before the big day. Do they want children? And if so, how many, and when do they want them?

CHURCHES cont’d to page 32

“Communication can be the biggest problem in marriage,” Porter said. “You have to talk about things. Sometimes you don’t always get what you want and may have to give a little.”

The Catholic Church is the most populous church in the world, and religion plays a major role in not just a wedding, but also life after the wedding. Not only does the local Catholic parish become involved in the planning stages, but the diocese in which the parish is a part also does as well. The Rockford Diocese encompasses northwest Illinois from East Dubuque to Erie to McHenry to Aurora; with surrounding dioceses centered in Davenport, Dubuque, Joliet, Madison and Peoria, as well as the Archdioceses of Chicago and Milwaukee.

Preparation exercises are done both at the parish and

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“The priest is the guide who walks them through the journey,” said Kassandra Salgado, the Rockford Diocese’s coordinator of outreach and marriage preparation. “They will typically do one-on-one meetings to see if you’re both ready and able and committed to this. There are also some practical skills, like communication and finances, and those elements that get sprinkled in through the church or through our office.”

Once a couple gets married in a Catholic church, they become representatives of the church in how they go about their life, hence stressing the importance of the role religion plays in the wedding.

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CHURCHES cont’d from page 31 CHURCHES cont’d to page 33 Wedding bouquet preservation through pressing flowers @freshpressedmemories freshpressedmemories@gmail.com

“The rite of marriage, when a wedding is done in a Catholic church by a Catholic priest, allows the presence and the need for God in their marriage.” Stahl said. “When you acknowledged God and the need for God, hopefully you remember that for the years to come, and that relationship can help in the process.”

The Rockford Diocese enjoys honoring its longtime couples, and has an annual Silver and Gold Mass in August for those observing anniversaries of 25, 50, 55, 60, 65, or more than 70 years of marriage. The Mass in recent years has taken place at St. Mary Catholic Church in Huntley and performed by Bishop David J. Malloy.

“They are amazing witnesses to the love and the relationship that people have,” Stahl said.

If you’re not sure whether a church will perform a wedding, don’t be afraid to contact the church and ask. There will be new things to learn in the process, but the churches, and the officiants who perform the ceremonies, want to make sure their time is being invested wisely, and will have meaning for the rest of couples’ time together.

With so many venue options available these days, Berry would like to see the church once again play a predominant role in weddings.

“It’s already a beautiful setting, and you don’t need to add a lot,” Berry said. “I think it’s wonderful to get married in a church, if you have any sense that if your life has anything to do with the sacred, or the holy or the spiritual.” n

After what seems like a lifetime of planning, from “Will you marry me?” to “You may now kiss the bride,” newlyweds can finally begin their new life together — for better or worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health. Like any journey in life, there will be bumps in the road, tough times that may seem insurmountable at first but that will become invaluable life lessons as time goes by. But with any luck — and love — those obstacles will be few when compared to a lifetime of happiness. Through it all, couples share those ups and downs together: a mutual bond of memories and experiences that define their marriage.

Along the way, there will be milestones to mark and anniversaries to celebrate — silver, golden, platinum, and if time is kind, diamond.

But how do they do it? What’s it take to celebrate the better and persevere through the worse? Sauk Valley Media recently asked some area couples — some who are still on their way to the silver, and others who can see a diamond just around the corner — for their advice on love, life and marriage, and they kindly agreed to share what they’ve learned along the way. From words of love to decades of devotion to agreeing to disagree (without being disagreeable), these couples have found that building a successful relationship takes work, but it’s a labor of love that’s well worth the effort. So let’s turn the page to see how their marriages have managed to pass the test of time with flying colors …

Forecast: Sunshine and happiness

Everything’s coming up proses for local couple

Words of love

For a Prophetstown couple, there’s no rhyme like the present to celebrate their love

Some people rip through wrapping paper to get to a gift inside. Penny Boseneiler flips through a newspaper paper to find hers.

As her birthday draws near each year on March 17, she picks up a copy of the Gazette to find a one-of-a-kind gift from her husband, Terry.

The man she’s been married to for 38 years loves his wife, and he isn’t afraid to let everyone know — and he does it with a poem he has printed in the local newspaper.

“It’s your birthday but the gift is mine. Having you for a wife is like getting fine wine.”

But Terry isn’t the only newsprint poet in the house. As the couple’s anniversary draws near on June 30, he picks up the paper to find a poem from Penny.

“I feel we have a closeness other couples seldom do, and I’m sure the bestest husband in the whole wide world is you!”

Their mutual love letters are a tradition the Boseneilers have religiously done year after year since they’ve been married, and each year brings a new appreciation for each other. The poems have not only become much-anticipated by Terry, 75, and Penny, 69, but also their friends, family and fellow church congregants, who look forward to perusing the pages for their poems.

Take it from a couple who is proud of their prose: As Terry likes to point out to those who ask, marriage is not a “50-50” arrangement, but rather a “100-100” one.

There’s more than just the written word that keeps the Boseneilers’ romance going strong; there’s so much extra, so let’s read all about it ...

How long have you been writing these neat works?

PENNY: What it was, was when we first met, in 1975, he had asked me when my birthday was. I thought, “he’s going to buy me something, and I do not want anything.” So I wouldn’t tell him. Then he found out. After the first year we met, he started writing the poems. Then when we got married, I thought, “I’ll do a poem on our anniversary.” I’ve been doing them ever since, and he has continued it, too. The first ones I had didn’t have a lot in them, it was just the idea of getting it in there.

TERRY: So I’ve been doing it for 47 years, and they’re always original. No copying of anything, they’re something I think of. I have a good subject, so it’s always easy to think something up.

What are your thought processes in coming up with what your write?

TERRY: I try to make it rhyme. As far as anything specific, it just has to be something that I can relate to her. A lot of times, it will be whatever the age is, like what would rhyme with 69, so I would put in her age. When we decided to get married, we were one of the first couples married when our church [Harvest Time Bible Church in Rock Falls] got started. We were one of the first couples that the pastor, Dalmus Meeks, counseled before we got married. One of the things he said was that you always want to keep the honey in the honeymoon. All of this is kind of the idea. I have a lot of men that get mad at me, because their wives wonder why they don’t do this.

Terry & Penny Boseneiler

PENNY: It’s spontaneous. Terry takes maybe five minutes, maybe, at the most to write these. It takes me hours and hours. Then if I get ambitious, I get them done a week ahead and keep revising it to try to make it work. We always try to put “I still do” as a precious moment with rings, or “I love you more!”

Or, “thank you for keeping the honey in the honeymoon,” which is what Dalmus had said. Sometimes I’ll try to put Dalmus in there, too, because he came out and we got married out on our back porch.

Do you find yourselves learning from one another when it comes to spending time together?

PENNY: He’s always been polite, been an open door, has done things for me and is considerate. He asks, “Why did you marry me?” and I always say, “Because you’re nice.” It’s polite, the different things you do. I always keep telling him, “You don’t have to buy me anything, just keep doing the poem.”

TERRY: One thing no one will believe is that, in all this time we’ve been together, she has never gotten mad at me. Never said any harsh word to me. Not once. Biblically, it says you’re not supposed to go to bed mad. Of course I get upset sometimes, but she’s always said the only thing worth fighting for is if I would do something immoral. Other than that, there’s nothing worth fighting over. Most people don’t believe she’s never gotten mad or said a harsh word to me.

WORDS cont’d to page 38

Because you and your guests deserve the best...

One of the things that we’ve written about is it’s the three of us: Marriage is faith-based and that’s what really keeps us together more than anything, is our faith.

How does the writing and submitting process to the newspaper work?

TERRY: Generally we don’t let each other see it.

PENNY: Really, we never really have. In the beginning it wasn’t so bad when [we handdelivered them].

TERRY: Then we had to send it via email, and we had to be careful when they responded with the proofread copy. Another thing, she does not like to have her picture taken, so it’s hard for me to find a picture that she would like to put in the paper.

Do you get a lot of people that tell you, “I’m amazed at how you keep doing this?”

PENNY: A lot of people at church will come up and say, “We saw it in the paper, and I really look forward to that.”

TERRY: On occasion, someone who we really don’t know well will find out who we are, and they’ll mention, “You’re the ones who are in the paper.”

PENNY: The funny part is that there used to be another Terry and Penny.

It’s been 38 years together, what have you learned are the keys to a successful marriage?

TERRY: Both of us think that the first thing is that we had said from the beginning that Christ is going to be an integral part of our marriage. That’s the main thing for us, is that we do everything that’s Christ-centered.

PENNY: One thing Dalmus has always said is, ‘Never use the ‘D’ word.” So you just don’t even bring it up because then you’ll have to work out your problems.

TERRY: Right from the beginning, we will never use the “D” word, even in jest. You never, ever say it. Don’t have it in your mind ever – and there’s an awful lot of divorces.

PENNY: People think that if it doesn’t work, you’ll see so many others; but, no, you can’t even put it out in your mind, you have to make things work, you have to talk things over and you have to be honest.

TERRY: I worked 26 years at RB&W [in Rock Falls] and ran machinery, and at 47 I went back to college. She supported it the whole way. I drove 114 miles one-way to Western Illinois University [in Macomb] and back every day to get a bachelor’s degree, and after I got it, she was like, “I don’t want to call you a bachelor.” So then I kept going and I got a master’s degree. Now she calls me “master.” [Both chuckle].

PENNY: Some people got mad at that, but I told them, “It’s a joke.” But it’s true that somebody’s got to be a head of a household, and that’s part of it right there – he needs to be the head of the household. It doesn’t mean we don’t consult each other. You have to talk things out. Somebody has to be a leader, just like in a work situation.

TERRY: I think with any marriage, I see so many marriages where the guys concentrate on sports and the woman has this or that, and we’ve pretty much done everything together over the years. We don’t exclude each other from what we do.

PENNY: You shouldn’t do major decisions without telling the other. n

In Tampico, the Glassburn name has been deeply rooted in the town’s history, even well before the days of its famous native son, Ronald Reagan.

For Jack and Lois Glassburn, the small Whiteside County town founded by Jack’s ancestors about 150 years ago is not only where their lives began, but where their life together began — and that life has been filled with a love and dedication that’s kept them together for 71 years.

The couple has seen much during their years together. America was booming after the final days of World War II when they fell in love, and they married as the country went to war in Korea. They’ve raised two children and watched their family grow. Decades have passed and a new century dawned. But one thing remains constant for Jack, 92, and Lois, 91: their love for each other.

These days, Jack and Lois, who now reside in Sterling, enjoy spending time with their family: They have a son, David Glassburn, daughter, Jackie (Steve) Foster, four grandsons, one granddaughter, seven great-grandsons and seven great-granddaughters.

Jack recently shared some of what he’s learned during his decades with Lois by his side, and what’s helped keep them together ….

Lois and Jack Glassburn, 1951

How did you meet?

We were neighbors as children through our teen years in Tampico and went to the same schools. We never dated ‘til after I went into the Navy. While on home for my first leave, I ran into Lois (Carlson) at a local hangout and asked her out. We dated for a while and when I came home on my second leave, I asked her to marry me. We married on October 6, 1951, at St. Mary in Tampico.

What is the best thing about being married?

The best part of marriage is the sharing of life’s joys and sorrows, and always being there for each other.

What are some of the practical things to be prepared for in a

marriage?

Hard work, selflessness, patience, good work ethic and putting yourself in the other’s place. Be willing to compromise, and never end a day in an argument.

How do you keep fun and romance in your marriage?

Just by being there for each other, and enjoy the small moments you have together. Slow down and enjoy each other

Sum up marriage in one word: Patience.

Daughter Jackie adds ....

“Mom pretty much agrees with everything. Her thing is, don’t fight and go to bed. Growing up, there were never any divorces in their family, so for my Mom and Dad, the commitment is normal for them.”

Lois and Jack Glassburn, today

“Marriage advice comes from every angle and direction, whether it is asked for or not. Here is what I have learned in the 11 years that Laura has had to deal with me.

I have been given the advice, ‘Never go to bed angry.’ But sometimes when you love someone, all you want is to be mad at them for a while.

You are going to live a lifetime together, and there is no chance to agree on everything, and one person should not make every decision. So argue about it. Never fight.

If you are in a fight, there is intent to harm. Even if there is no physical harm, fighting is determined by tone. Do not throw verbal punches at each other that you can never undo. If you know it’s okay to argue, then it can be a civil argument. Each can share their points without dragging the other’s point through the mud. If it feels like a fight, we are more focused on defending ourselves rather than listening. If no one listens, nothing gets solved, and feelings get hurt. Take time to listen during your arguments. If you are always working forward, then your spouse is always retreating. You need to feel comfortable to be open and defenseless, and know you will not be exposed by your spouse.

If it feels like a fight, then there’s the desire to win. There should not be a winner or loser in your arguments, because whatever you choose to do, it should be in the best interest for the both of you. You both win. Compromise is the saving grace to all arguments, and if you are willing to compromise instead of win, then you win together.”

There are so many moving parts in a marriage. You kind of have to be great at everything, but you do need to be a Jack of all trades. Just make sure nothing’s on fire.”

The only key is that both the man and the woman pursue their union with that in mind. Deus vult. (‘God wills it’).”

Laura and Clayton Norberg and their children

Grace Lu and Adam Rude have been married 8 years

SUBMITTED PHOTOS

Gina and Gary Frank (above; and at right, with their children) have been married 31 years

He popped the question. She said “Yes!”

Now the planning begins.

For the bride, one of the biggest steps down the aisle begins in a dress shop, and there’s a business in Princeton where the owner loves helping her customers take the journey from “Yes!” to dress.

Sean Philip Bridals has been making brides happy on their big day since it opened in 2020, and owner Zepha Gerber’s lifetime love of dresses and flair for fashion can help her bring a smile to any bride’s — and that can be quite a task at times.

Turning brides’ ideas and imagination into reality isn’t always easy. Picking out a wedding dress can be a once-in-a-lifetime choice, but Gerber and her staff of six make sure there’s no guesswork in the dress work. They’re experts at ironing out all of the details and helping brides pick just the right dress.

PHILIP cont’d to page 44

While the shop doesn’t offer bridesmaid dresses, it does offer bridal gowns, mother of the bride dresses (from Cameron Blake and Ivonne D), evening gowns, prom and homecoming dresses, and flower girl dresses, along with a whole host of accessories: covers, clasps, body tape, silicone cups and more. The store carries its own line of dresses — which are ones that Gerber designs and has made by a company elsewhere — as well as ones from Maggie Sottero, Rebecca Ingram, Martin Thornburg, Sophia Tolli, and Enchanting by Mon Cheri. Prom and homecoming also are busy times at the store, but wedding dresses are its top seller.

The groom is taken care of, too: suits and tuxedo rentals are available from Michael Kors, Kenneth Cole Reaction, and Ike Behar.

Gerber has seen a trend in recent years with younger brides looking more for a minimal and simplistic look, something not so flamboyant or formal. The traditional white lace dresses, however, remain popular with brides in their 30s and older.

Lee Bardier, Managing Broker, ABR 815-716-3604

Lee@BardierTeam.com

Jill Ramirez, Broker (Hablo Espanol) 815-716-7379

Jill@BardierTeam.com

Korinna Cooper, Broker 815-441-0230

Korinna.BardierTeam@gmail.com

Bobbie Bardier,

Team Assistant 815-716-3235

Bobbie@BardierTeam.com

Sean Philip Bridals owner Zepha Gerber not only brings a love of fashion and formalwear to her Princeton store, she brings the kind of personalized service customers have come to expect from a small business — “we get to know all of our customers,” she says, “ from hearing your engagement story to meeting your family and friends, we are here to make your visit stress-free, and most importantly, fun!”

SUBMITTED PHOTO

“They’re going with that real minimalist, modern sleek look,” Gerber said of younger brides. “That’s a lot of what we’ve been seeing. Many girls are moving away from fit and flares, which are like mermaid-like gowns. Very seldom do we see ball gowns, but I’ve had girls come in and tell me that they don’t want a ball gown, and then they put it on and that’s what they walk out with. It just depends on the girls who come in, but most of the things that I’ve been seeing are the very simple — kind of a Jackie Kennedy kind of look, not very ‘frilly’ at all.”

Black wedding gowns are popular now, but as with any trend, Gerber predicts the darker dress will give way to something else in the near future. Even moms are moving away from a beaded look on their dresses, Gerber said, going toward a simpler look with minimal beading.

The ball gown is going to be one of those things that’s never going to go away, Gerber said — same with lace: “[It] never dies, it’s always going to be popular and will always sell,

no matter what,” she said.

Gerber said some of her customers know exactly what they want, but there are others who don’t. Either way though, Gerber advises the bridesto-be to keep an open mind. The choices are virtually endless, and customers may come in with one style in mind but fall in love with another style.

SCOTT ANDERSON/SANDERSON@SHAWMEDIA.COM

Sean Philip Bridals has served customers in the northern Illinois area since 2020. The store is located in Princeton’s North Main Street Historic District.

PHILIP cont’d to page 47

The Phillip family, from left to right back row: Isabelle, Zepha, Shawn, Wyatt and Gabriella. Front row: Age and Bianca.

“Girls should keep their minds open, because sometimes the dresses on the models in the magazines may not be your actual body shape. Realistically, you have to go in looking for a gown that’s going to fit your body shape, and be open to try something else that’s going to be more flattering on your body shape.”

Others do some online window shopping, perusing pictures at seanphilipbridals.com or its social media outlets before visiting the store. Still others stop in having never worn something like a fancy dress before, and Gerber is happy to help them learn what they need to know and show them what’s available.

“We’ve had girls who have never put on a dress before, but they’re getting married and so they’re looking for a gown,” Gerber said. “We recently had a customer who came in and had never put on a dress before, but her family made her come in, and she was one of those who came out with a black wedding dress. She put it on, and she was like, ‘Wow!’ She had a lot of tattoos, and it just accentuated her tattoos and blended them in with the gown. I’m sure that’s why she chose it and fell in love with it.”

Whatever the bride-to-be chooses, she should start thinking about it well in advance. When the wedding countdown gets to eight months, it’s time to start having a dress and style in mind, Gerber said, with fittings and orders done about four to six months ahead of time, allowing time for alterations and final fittings.

“Buying a wedding dress is something you don’t want to wait on,” she said.

When coming in for a fitting, it’s wise to bring along any visual reference materials — photos, magazines, social media posts, etc. — to help the staff understand what the bride has in mind. Bring hair fixings, wear nude undergarments, and only have light makeup or perfume on in case a dress that’s tried on winds up not working out.

902 N. Main St. , Princeton

Hours: Noon to 5 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday (Check online for updated store hours).

815-915-8772

Online: Go to seanphilipbridals.com; find it on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Pinterest

Virtual appointments can be arranged through the website.

Gerber also advises that brides invite only the people whose opinion they trust to come along; too many opinions can complicate and confuse. She’s seen some brides become overwhelmed with too much nitpicking and differing of opinion.

“The wedding party can be a little opinionated,” Gerber said. “When you have many people with opinions, it’s super stressful and it’s super overwhelming. Everybody has an opinion. Our brides are the sweetest girls ever, but they can get super overwhelmed by opinionated family members or friends.”

Gerber opened Sean Philip Bridals in March of 2020, named after her husband Shawn Phillip (the spelling change “makes it more formal,” she said). Gerber’s daughter, Gabriella, came up with the idea to open a store, and she works with Mom there, too. In fact, Gabriella is getting married this year, and the family is well into the planning process of it all, including, of course, the wedding dress.

The biggest inspiration to open the store, Gerber said, was the Princeton community’s outpouring of support of her family when two of her children were stricken with different cancers at a very young age. For every wedding dress sold, a portion of the profit is donated to childhood cancer foundations.

Gerber gives back to her community by doing what she loves and enjoys.

“I have always loved bridal gowns and formal wear,” Gerber said. “If we could have a world where everyone would dress up, that would be fantastic.” n

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TWIN SPIRES WEDDINGS, IN CLINTON, IOWA | CODY CUTTER/SAUK VALLEY MEDIA

Twin Spires Weddings, in Clinton, Iowa.

CODY CUTTER/SAUK VALLEY MEDIA Sauk Valley

Keeping the building as a part of the community, and especially Clinton’s historic Lyons Neighborhood, is a blessing that Twin Spires overseers Mary Kay Wik and Lucy Schoel are proud of.

“We’ve had people who are looking for a vintage feel for their wedding, as opposed to a hotel banquet room, or being outdoors with it being tricky with weather,” Wik said. “It’s definitely for someone who wants a vintage, historical feel for their wedding.”

Much of the venue’s interior remains unchanged from its beginning, including the grand altar with colorful statues of Jesus Christ and St. Boniface — an English missionary who spread Christianity throughout north central Europe in the eighth century — looming over it. One of the church’s early reverends had a fascination with electricity and had lights installed to illuminate the altar. The lights are still in use today.

“There’s closeness and warmth related to the wedding, which is a close and intimate situation,” Schoel said. “The bride and groom, and guests, they’ve liked that.”

St. Boniface closed in 2007 and remained vacant for more than a decade before a grassroots group of volunteers purchased it from the Davenport Diocese for $1 for use as a historical museum for Clinton’s Catholic history. The Catholic Historical Center at St. Boniface was then formed, made up of volunteers dedicated to preserving and maintaining the building.

Saying I Do?

CODY CUTTER/CCUTTER@SAUKVALLEY.COM

Most of the former church’s interior remains in place, well after its final use as a place of worship, such as this ornate confessionary.

CODY CUTTER/CCUTTER@SAUKVALLEY.COM

Much of the Twin Spires’ interior remains unchanged from its days as a church, including the grand altar with statues of Jesus Christ and St. Boniface looming over it.

One of the church’s early reverends had a fascination with electricity and had lights installed to illuminate the altar.

One day, a visitor offered the idea of turning the building into a wedding venue, Schoel said, and Twin Spires opened as a venue in 2019. Without that idea and the efforts of dedicated volunteers, it’s likely the building would have suffered the same fate as two other Catholic churches in recent years: a date with a wrecking ball.

“We decided that maybe it was a good idea to start it for a little extra revenue,” Schoel said.

Lucy Schoel

Mary Kay Wik

Despite its long history as a Catholic church, Twin Spires is a place for nondenominational weddings — meaning as long as a person’s religion welcomes it, a marriage can be done there. Catholic marriages, on the other hand, are to take place in working Catholic churches according to Canon law unless permission is granted by one’s diocesan bishop, which is extremely rare.

Catholic marriages in working churches require at least one person to be Catholic, so Twin Spires’ nondenominational venue opens opportunities for more nonCatholics to experience the trappings of a church wedding. One couple who recently got married at Twin Spires had grandparents who were married while standing before the same altar many years ago.

“I’ve noticed with the guests, there’s a little bit of a ‘wow factor’ from people who haven’t been in here before,” Wik said. “It makes the wedding seem that much more special, that it’s in a venue like this.”

SPIRES cont’d to page 53

Couples are allotted 2 hours for rehearsal and 2 hours for the ceremony, and both sign a contract and agree to rental fees in advance. Unlike most venues, the building’s ornate architecture and artwork are well-preserved, so there is no nailing, tacking or gluing of any decorations inside the building. Wik, Schoel or other Catholic Historical Center representatives are on hand during rehearsals and ceremonies to assist with anything, and can walk bridal parties through any procedures. Tours can be arranged both during Catholic Historical Center museum hours from 9 a.m. to noon on Tuesdays or by appointment. Having survived the turbulent wedding planning slowdown of the COVID-19 pandemic, things started to pick up again at Twin Spires, which hosted two weddings in 2022, had two more planned for 2023 (as of the end of December), and even has one scheduled for 2024 already.

“Having people in the building brings life to the building,” Schoel said. “We really can feel that, and feel it’s important for the continuation for the building.”

The building’s front steps have served as a photo backdrop for newlyweds’ reveals to the world, and the outdoor yard includes a grotto and an old bell tower from a former Catholic church, another favorite spot for photos.

Inside, the church features a long aisle for a memorable wedding march — about 50 feet from the first to last of 14 rows of pews. The length works well for brides who want to be given away by more than one person, each taking turns walking her down the aisle.

“We had a bride with more than one person giving her away,” Wik said. “One of the factors for her was the long aisle, and that there could be more than one person to walk her a certain distance down the aisle. Even with just one person, or both of your parents giving you away, it’s very nice to take your time and walk down an aisle like that.”

Each of Schoel’s five children were married at Twin Spires when it was still a church, and Wik also has had family members get married there. Today, they’re glad to see others follow in their family’s footsteps down the aisle.

“It’s neat for the church to be used for events now,” Schoel said. “It’s a good feeling that it’s being used.” n

CODY CUTTER/CCUTTER@SAUKVALLEY.COM

“The Apparition of the Sacred Heart” is one of many

restored stained glass

works throughout Twin Spires.

Aurelio’s Bake Shop

517 Locust St., Sterling 815-626-2253

Email: yeyo971@att.net Online: Facebook Baker Street 111 W. First St., Dixon 815-285-2253

Email: bakerstreet111@live.com Online: bakerstreetcafeandcatering.com and Facebook

Bassline Bakery 507 N. Hannah Ave. Mount Morris 815-979-8953

Online: bassline-bakery.business.site/

Bezzie’s Bakery

Home bakery in Freeport, serving northern Illinois

Email: bezziesbakery@gmail.com

Online: bezziesbakery.com and Facebook

Cakes by Dolores

110 W. First St., Mount Morris 815-440-5752

Email: dolores.wolber@yahoo.com Online: Facebook County Market bakery

• 210 W. Third St., Sterling – 815-622-0180

• 1380 N. Galena Ave., Dixon – 815-288-2112

Online: mycountymarket.com and Facebook

EK Cakery

107 Buchanan St., Belvidere 815-519-7287

Online: ekcakery.com and Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest Folsom’s Bakery 319 First Ave., Rock Falls 815-622-7870

Online: folsomsbakery.com and Facebook

Halo Cupcake 7969 Forest Hills Road, Loves Park 815-282-1225

Online: halocupcake.com and Facebook, Instagram

Homer’s Deli and Sweetheart Bakery

241 Main Ave., Clinton, Iowa 563-242-4105

Online: sweetheartbakery.com and Facebook

HyVee Bakery

901S. Fourth St., Clinton, Iowa 563-243-6162

Online: hy-vee.com and Facebook

Jackie’s Delish Desserts Ashton 815-593-0783

Email: jaksn 77@yahoo.com Online: Facebook

Kroger 2301 Locust St., Sterling 815-625-6405

Online: kroger.com Krumpets

1016 Fourth St., Fulton 815-208-7143

Online: krumpetsbakery.com and Facebook

Las Canelitas Bakery 1523 Broadway, Rockford 815-398-7500

Online: lascanelitasbakery.com Facebook and Instagram

Le Cake Design Studio Bettendorf, Iowa 563-940-8225

Online: lecakedesignstudio.weebly.com and Facebook, Instagram

Little Sweets Cake Design

133 First Ave W, Milan 309-230-8832

Online: littlesweetsqc.com and Facebook

Matty B’s Bakehouse

In Polo. By appointment only. 815-622-8381

Email: mattybsbakehouse@gmail.com Online: mattybsbakehouse.com

Magnolia Sweets & Co. 113 N. Fourth St., Oregon 815-973-0457

Online: Facebook

CAKES & SWEETS

Miss Ruth’s Sweet Treats

5911 Louis Court, Davenport, Iowa 563-349-9604

Online: Facebook

The Noble Cakery Oregon 630-484-6969

Online: thenoblecakery.com and Facebook, Instagram

O’s Bakery

302 W. Washington St., Oregon 815-440-9637

Email: Olivia@osbakeryil.com Online: Facebook

Oh So Sweet by Tiphanie

314 Main St., Davenport, IA 563-345-9866

Online: ohsosweetbytiphanie.com and Facebook, Instagram Olde Towne Bakery 1824 Seventh St., Moline 309-764-8421

Online: otbmoline.com and Facebook, Instagram

Pollen and Pastry

Serves northern and central Illinois 815-471-9034

Email: letsparty@pollenandpastry.com Online: pollenandpastry.com and Facebook, Instagram

Rolling Pin Confections

Serves northern and central Illinois 815-590-0692

Email: tahopp@hotmail.com Online: Facebook

Sara Lynn’s Cakes

3115 Oxford Drive, Bettendorf, Iowa 563-355-8972

Online: saralynnscakes.com and Facebook

Small Town Pastry 4572 Wyndham Drive, Bettendorf, Iowa 563-232-8060

Online: Facebook

Sifted Sugar Cake Co. Davenport, Iowa 309-318-1155

Online: Facebook, Instagram

Sullivan’s Foods

• 300 N. Madison St., Morrison — 815-772-4696

• 101 E. State Route 64, Mount Morris — 815-734-6868

Online: sullivansfoods.net and Facebook

Sugarjones, Inc.

6336 E. Riverside Blvd., Loves Park 815-708-0801

Online: sugarjonesinc.com and Facebook, Instagram

Sweet Dream Desserts

1969 DeKalb Ave., Sycamore 815-756-8150

Online: sweetdreamdesserts.com Facebook and Instagram

Vicki’s Baked Goods & More

7483 W. Montague Road, German Valley 815-362-3741

Online: Facebook

The Village Bakery 101 N. Third St., Oregon 815-732-3830

Online: thevillagebakery.org and Facebook

Walmart bakery

• 1640 S. Galena Ave., Dixon — 815-288-7770

• 1901 First Ave., Rock Falls — 815-626-6800

• 4115 E. Lincolnway, Sterling — 815-626-7200 Online: walmart.com

3-Headed Monster BBQ & Catering

Traveling truck based in Shannon 815-297-BBQ8 (2278)

Online: Facebook

Arthur’s Garden Deli

2312 E. Lincolnway, Sterling 815-625-0011

Online: arthursgardendeli.com and Facebook

Baker Street 111 W. First St., Dixon 815-285-2253

Email: bakerstreet111@live.com Online: bakerstreetcafeandcatering.com and Facebook

Basil Tree Ristorante

123 E. First St., Dixon 815-288-7555

Online: basiltree2008.com and Facebook, Instagram

Candlelight Inn

• 2907 N. Locust St., Sterling — 815-625-2600

• 2200 First Ave., Rock Falls — 815-626-1897

• 511 Riverview Drive, Clinton, Iowa — 563-243-3200

Online: candlelightinnrestaurant.com and Facebook

Celebrations Catering

402 E. Mason St., Polo 815-631-1123

Email: minkenkass@gmail.com Online: celebrationspolo.com and Facebook, Instagram

Coty’s Unique Cooking & Catering

216 W. First St., Dixon 815-973-5117

Email: cotymcginn@hotmail.com Online: Facebook

Creative Cuisine

1741 Industrial Drive — Unit 24, Sterling 815-626-7546

Email: 1creativecuisine@comcast.net Online: 1creativecuisine.net and Facebook

Custom Catering & BBQ

Scott Heeren, BBQ Pitmaster

200 S. School St., Lanark 815-821-4701

Email: customcateringandbbq@gmail.com Online: customcateringandbbq.com and Facebook

Homer’s Deli and Sweetheart Bakery

241 Main Ave. Clinton, Iowa 563-242-4105

Online: sweetheartbakery.com and Facebook

HyVee

901 S. Fourth St., Clinton, Iowa 563-243-6162

Online: hy-vee.com and Facebook

CAKES

Large Marge BBQ Inc.

Sterling 815-713-4417

Email: largemargebbq@gmail.com Online: Facebook

Mama Cimino’s 104 S. Peoria Ave., Dixon 815-288-4448

Online: mamaciminosdixon.com and Facebook

Email: mamaciminodixon@gmail.com

Manny’s Too

305 11th Ave., Fulton 815-589-2520

Online: mannyspizza.com and Facebook

Palmyra Pub

628 Palmyra Road, Dixon 815-288-6300

Online: palmyrapub.com and Facebook, Instagram

Ralfie’s BBQ and Catering

1490 S. Krishill Road, Chana 815-766-0668

Online: ralfiesbbq.com and Facebook, Instagram

Salamandra Restaurant

105 W. First St., Dixon 815-285-0874

Email: salamandradixon@yahoo.com Online: Facebook

Note: Some locations require appointments made online or by phone.

Alexis Kay Bridal Alterations & Custom Designs

3370 Cavendish Court, Rockford 815-762-6558

Email: alexiskaydesigns@gmail.com Online: alexiskaydesigns.com and Facebook

Caroline DeVillo Couture

930 W. Main St., St. Charles 773-307-6188

Online: carolinedevillo.com and Facebook

Caro Litza’s

2900 E. Lincolnway, Suite 20F, Northland Mall, Sterling 815-441-3185

Online: www.carolitzas.com and Facebook

Castronovo Bridal Shop 722 N. Main St., Rockford 815-962-4731

Email: castronovobridals@gmail.com Online: castronovobridal.com/ and Facebook

Celebrate QC

Find new, gently used and sample gowns 3203 Devils Glen Road, Bettendorf, Iowa 563-284-2410

Online: qccelebrate.business.site and Facebook

The Crystal Bride 207 W. State St., Geneva

Sow Belly’s

92 S. Peoria Ave., Dixon 815-288-1234

Email: ginabattaglia.sowbellys@gmail.com Online: Facebook

Sullivan’s Foods

• 300 N. Madison St., Morrison — 815-772-4696 .

• 101 E. state Route 64, Mount Morris — 815-734-6868 Online: sullivansfoods.net and Facebook

Triple P’s BBQ

• 3312 W. Rock Falls Road, Rock Falls — 815-625-7138

• 1600 Miller St., Dixon — 815-677-9030

Email: greatfood@triplepbbq.com Online: triplepbbq.com and Facebook

630-397-5040

Online: crystalbride.com/ and Facebook, Instagram

Cloud Nine Bridal Boutique 4703 N. University St., Peoria 309-693-3830

Online: cloudninepeoria.com, Facebook, Instagram

David’s Bridal

• 5252 Elmore Ave., Davenport, Iowa — 563-344-7902

• 713 S. Perryville Road, Rockford — 815-227-5950 Online: davidsbridal.com and Facebook

Great Hang-Ups

Upscale consignment shop 613 S. Rockford Ave., Rockford 815-229-8500

Online: Facebook

Hope’s Bridal & Prom

930 E. River Drive, Davenport, Iowa 563-324-5219

Online: hopesbridal.com and Facebook, Instagram

I Do Bridal

995 Galena Square Drive, Galena 815-777-2507

Online: idobridalllc.com and Facebook, Instagram

Marien Mae Bridal Boutique & Events 749 First St., LaSalle 815-220-0844 Email: info@marienmae.com

Online: marienmae.com and Facebook, Instagram

Sara Grace

5950 E. State St., Rockford 815-398-9896

Online: saragrace.com/ and Facebook, Instagram

Savy’s Chic Bridal Boutique

111 S. Hennepin Ave., Dixon 815-677-9579

Email: hello@savyschic.com Online: savyschic-bridal-boutique.wedding/ and Facebook, Instagram

Storybook Ending Bridal Salon

704 Sixth Ave., DeWitt, Iowa 563-659-3983

Email: storybookbridal@iowatelecom.net Online: shopforbridals.com and Facebook, Instagram

Vintage Chic Bridal Boutique

400 Bluff St., Dubuque, Iowa 563-581-9945

Online: vintagechicbridalboutique.com/ and Facebook, Instagram

Zazou’s Bridal Boutique 955 Washington St., Dubuque, Iowa 536-213-2049

Online: zazousbridalandtuxedos.com/ and Facebook, Instagram

A.M. Floral Co.

120 N. Fourth St., Oregon 815-732-7031

Online: amfloralco.com and Facebook, Instagram

Beautifully Berkeley Bouquets and Home 101 N. Main St., Stockton 815-947-3900

Online: beautifullyberkeley.wordpress.com

Behrz Bloomz

2503 N. Locust, Sterling 815-625-5116

Online: behrzbloomz.com and Facebook, Instagram

Blooms on Elm

14 Elm Place, Princeton 815-915-8537

Online: bloomsonelm.net and Facebook

Cherry Blossom Florist

3304 N. Main St., Rockford 815-654-1188

Online: cherryblossomflorist.com and Facebook

Clara Joyce Flowers 13493 E. Blair Hill Road, Stockton Email: clarajoyceflowers@gmail.com

Online: clarajoyceflowers.com, Facebook, Instagram

Clinton Floral Shop 1912 Manufacturing Drive, Clinton, Iowa 563-242-2651

Online: clintonfloralshop.com

County Market

• 210 W. Third. St., Sterling, IL 61081 — 815-622-0180

• 1380 N Galena Ave., Dixon — 815-288-2112

Online: mycountymarket.com and Facebook, Instagram

Country Floral 101 N. Division Ave., Polo 815-946-3952

Online: countryfloralpolo.com

Country Girl Floral & Gifts 411 W. Meadows Drive, Freeport 815-599-8552

Online: countrygirlfreeport.com and Facebook

Country Orchids 1019 Fourth St., Fulton 815-589-4045

Online: countryorchids.com and Facebook

Country Peddler Floral & Gift 353 Chicago Ave., Savanna

815-273-5020

Online: countrypeddlerfloral.com and Facebook

Deininger Floral Shop

1 W. Main St., Freeport 815-232-6191

Online: deiningerfloralshop.com and Facebook

De’Vine Floral Design and Gifts

110 N. Columbia Ave., Oglesby 815-883-3373

Online: devinefloraldesign.com/ and Facebook

Flower Fan-A-See 904 S. Clay St., Mount Carroll 815-244-1123

Online: flowerfanasee.com and Facebook

The Flower Bar 906 Shooting Park Road, Peru 815-410-5052

Online: flowerbarperu.com and Facebook, Instagram

Flowers Etc. 1103 Palmyra St., Dixon 815-288-3335

Online: eflowersetc.com and Facebook

Flowers by Julia 811 E. Peru St., Princeton 815-875-3819

Online: flowersbyjuliaprinceton.com

HyVee 901 S. Fourth St., Clinton, Iowa 563-243-6162

Online: hy-vee.com and Facebook

Lamps Flower Shop 3900 14th Ave., Rock Island 309-788-7658

Online: lampsflowershoprockisland.com, Facebook

Lundstrom Florist 1709 E. Third St., Sterling 815-625-0080

Online: lundstromflorist.com and Facebook, Instagram

The Main Flower Shop 232 E. Main St., Amboy 815-857-3545

Online: themainflowershop.com and Facebook

Mary’s Special Touch Floral 1882 N. Tonti St., LaSalle 815-223-1708

Online: marysspecialtouch.com, Facebook, Instagram

Merlin’s Greenhouse & Flowers

300 Mix St., Oregon 815-732-2969

Online: merlinsgreenhouseandflowers.com and Facebook, Instagram

Petals By Peyton

552 First St., LaSalle 815-780-8251

Online: petalsbypeytonreviews.com and Facebook, Instagram

Pollen and Pastry

Serves northern and central Illinois 815-471-9034

Online: pollenandpastry.com, Facebook, Instagram

River Valley Designs

218 Main St., Savanna 815-273-2325

Online: rivervalleydesigns.us, Facebook, Instagram

Sassy Stems Floral & Gift Boutique

700 Main St., Savanna 815-273-7668

Email: sassystemsfloral@gmail.com

Online: sassystemsfloralandgiftboutique.com and Facebook

Selmi’s Florist and Bridal 223 First Ave., Rock Falls 815-622-8040

Online: selmibridal.com and Facebook

The Special Touch

504 W. Route 64, Lanark 815-493-6366

Online: specialtouchflowers.net/ and Facebook

Valley Flowers & Gifts

130 E. Dakota, Spring Valley 815-664-5364

Online: valleyflowersandgifts.com

Willey Flower Company

115 S. Hennepin, Dixon 779-861-4848

Online: Facebook, Instagram

Weeds Florals, Designs & Décor 732 N. Galena Ave., Dixon 815-288-3041

Online: weedsdesignsdixon.com and Facebook

Makeup by Kendra

Licensed esthetician/makeup artist specializing in airbrush makeup and fake lash applications. Located

815 Productions DJ Service

Tampico 815-590-8768

Email: Manager@815Productions.com Online: 815Productions.com and Facebook

Class Act DJ Service 815-579-0255

Online: aclassactdjservice.com

Best of Times DJ Company Rock Island 309-269-1360

Email: Info@bestoftimesdi.com

Online: bestoftimesdj.com and Facebook, Instagram

Boulder Terrace Sound 815-501-4715

Online: btsound.com and Facebook, Instagram

Blue Water DJ & Karaoke 308 Willett Ave., Dixon 815-994-3999

Online: bluewaterdjandkaraoke.com and Facebook

DJ Shoker

Rockford 815-378-7644

Online: Facebook

Flipside DJ Entertainment

3653 Mill Road, Cherry Valley 815-505-7656

Online: flipside-dj.com and Facebook

Hits DJ Service Rockford 815-289-0276

Email: joe@hitsdj.com Online: hitsdj.com and Facebook

Jeti Entertainment Wedding DJ Service

4249 E. State St., Rockford 815-395-0415

Online: jetientertainment.com/ and Facebook

in Spring Valley, but will travel for on-location airbrush makeup for the bride and bridal party on the big day, to make getting ready easy and comfortable!

815-780-7163

Fb.me/myloveforlipstick

Luxe Productions

7300 Edward Drive, Loves Park 815-988-5341

Online: luxeproductions.com/ and Facebook, Instagram

Massetone Entertainment

Quad Cities 563-265-1550

Online: massetone.com and Facebook

Master Entertainment

1727 Second Ave., Rock Island 309-797-2702

Online: Facebook

Mixx Master DJ’s & Entertainment

Quad Cities 563-570-7881

Online: mixxmaster.com and Facebook, Instagram

Quad City DJ Company Moline 309-764-1532

Online: qcdjco.com and Facebook

Rock Vegas Events Rockford 815-290-9562

Online: rockvegasevents.com/, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter

Sauk Valley DJs 18th Avenue, Sterling 779-348-4530

Online: Facebook

Stranger Than Paradise DJ & Karaoke — Calvin Jilderda 815-291-9891

Online: Facebook

Sound Solution DJ Entertainment

1891 E. Water Road, Byron 815-262-5975

Online: soundsolutiondj.com/ and Facebook

Twisted Mic’s Music Entertainment 1518 Fifth Ave., Moline 309-738-4806

Online: twistedmics.com/ and Facebook

Avina Photography

Lemont 630-863-1006 Online: avinaphotography.com and Facebook, Instagram

B. Adams Photography

Byron 815-601-7659 Online: badamsphotography.com

Brett Paul Photography

Sycamore 815-762-2390

Email: Brettpaulphotography@outlook.com Online: brettpaulphotography.com and Facebook, Instagram

By Mari Photography

Dixon 815-677-2187 Email: contact@bymariphotography.com

Online: bymariphotography.com and Facebook, Instagram

Kelly Cadenza Photography

218 N. Harrison St. Davenport, Iowa 309-236-1259

Email: cadenza.photos@gmail.com Online: cadenzaphotos.com and Facebook, Instagram

Dan Royer Photography

Dixon 815-284-9832 Online: danroyerphoto.com

Grot Imaging Studio — Jim Grot 1119 Palmyra St., Dixon 815- 284-3211 Email: jim@grosis.com Online: grotis.com and Facebook

Jon Larson Photography 1140 E. Flagg Road, Oregon 815-757-2113

Online: jonlarsonphotography.com/ and Facebook, Instagram

Just Cause Photography — Suzanne Paul Ashton 815-440-7982

Email: suzannepual@justcausephotography.com Online: justcausephotography.com and Facebook

LAR Photography St. Charles 847-370-3289

Email: larphotography1@gmail.com Online: lar-photography.com

Lifeworks Photography Studio 6342 S. Westwood Ave., Rochelle 815-561-7131

Email: photo@lifeworksimaging.com Online: lifeworksimaging.com and Facebook

Light Burst Photography

Dubuque, Iowa 815-631-4932

Online: lightburstphotography.com and Facebook, Instagram MDR Photography — Brooke Slusser Davenport, Iowa 815-501-8846

Online: mdrphotography.net and Facebook, Instagram

Mindy Joy Photography Rockford 815-985-4005

Email: mindy@mindyjoyphotography.com Online: mindyjoyphotography.com and Facebook, Instagram

Onsite Photography Rock Falls, 815-716-3282

Email: ayonk@photosbyonsite.com Online: photosbyonsite.com and Facebook

Pam Cooley Photos Peoria 309-219-3686

Email: pam@pamcooleyphotos.com Online: pamcooleyphotos.com and Facebook, Instagram

Photography By Ashley Nares Sterling 815-535-3214

Email: nareseventco@gmail.com Online: nareseventco.com and Facebook, Instagram

Photos by Tara Marie Sterling 815- 622-8147

Email: tara@photosbytaramarie.com Online: photosbytaramarie.com, Facebook, Instagram

Photos by Cindy Dixon 815-440-3925

Email: weidmancindy@yahoo.com Online: photosbycindy.net and Facebook

Rick Jennisch Photography Studio

1815 Grant St., Bettendorf, Iowa 563-345-4006

Online: rickjennisch.com and Facebook, Instagram

Setchell Studio Photography

723 Washington St., Mendota 815-538-4444

Email: justin@setchellstudio.com Online: setchellstudio.com and Facebook

Slater Photography and Videography Davenport, Iowa 815-631-3438

Online: slaterphotographyandvideography.com and Facebook

Steveo Studios

Rock Falls 815-622-8177

Email: steveostudios@yahoo.com Online: steveostudios.webstarts.com and Facebook

Stone + Sparrow Studio Videographer Savanna 563-542-3666 Email: briennaleej@gmail.com Online: Facebook

You in Photos by Nanc Inc. 1400 First Ave., Suite C Rock Falls 815-718-5136 Online: youinphotosbynanc.zenfolio.com and Facebook, Instagram

Albert’s Jewelers

128 Fifth Ave. S, Clinton, Iowa 563-242-8334

Online: albertsjewelers.net and Facebook

Becky Beck’s Jewelry Store

303 E. Hillcrest Drive, DeKalb 815-758-3800

Online: beckybecksjewelrystore.com and Facebook, Instagram

Bruce Jewelers

631 S. Main St., Princeton 815-875-2289

Email: brucejewelers@frontier.com

Online: brucejewelers.com and Facebook

Busch Jewelers

1960 Pawlisch Drive, Rockford 815-332-2222

Online: buschjewelry.com and Facebook

Clodius & Co. Jewelers

252 S. Mulford Road, Rockford 815-227-1200

Online: clodiusco.com and Facebook, Instagram

D& D Jewelers

1739 DeKalb Ave., Sycamore 815-895-3377

Online: ddjewelers.com and Facebook, Instagram

Davidson Jewelers

153 Avenue of the Cities, East Moline 309-755-9233

Online: davidsonjewelers.net

Don’s Jewelry

200 Main Ave., Clinton, Iowa 563-242-2663

Email: sheralyn@donsjewelryclinton.com

Online: donsjewelryclinton.com and Facebook, Instagram

Frank Jewelers

19 E. Stephenson St., Freeport 815-235-3169

Email: contactus@frankjewelers.com Online: frankjewelers.com and Facebook, Instagram

J Kamin Jewelers

250N. Mulford Road, Rockford 815-226-0898

Online: jkaminjewelers.com and Facebook

Jewelry By Christopher

6585 Lexus Drive, Rockford 815-227-5500

Online: jewelrybychristopher.com and Facebook

Kay Jewelers

• Sterling Commons — 4204 E. Lincolnway, Suite C, Sterling, 815-535-0437

• Peru Marketplace — 5255 State Route 251 Ste. 111, Peru, 815-223-3657

• Southpark Mall — 4500 16th St., Moline, 309-764-3131 Online: kay.com and Facebook, Instagram

Necker’s Jewelers

4007 E. 53rd St., Suite 100, Davenport, Iowa 563-359-3941

Online: neckersjewelers.com and Facebook, Instagram

Quinn’s Jewelry Store

426 Lincoln Highway, Rochelle 815-562-2426

Online: jewelconnect.com/8155622426 and Facebook

Rogers & Hollands Jewelers

Cherry Vale Mall, 7200 Harrison Ave., Rockford 815-332-3400

Online: rogersandhollands.com/cherryvale-mall and Facebook, Instagram

Soto’s Jewelry

3504 E. State St., Rockford 815-962-5515

Online: sotosjewelry.com and Facebook, Instagram

Trein’s Jewelry

201 W. First St., Dixon 815-284-6626

Email: judy@treinsjewelry.com or linda@treinsjewelry.com Online: treinsjewelry.com and Facebook, Instagram

Venier Jewelers

117 W. First St., Dixon 815-284-3034

Email: anthony venier@me.com Online: venierjewelers.com and Facebook

Zavius Jewelers

2636 McFarland Road, Rockford 815-654-4000

Email: info@zavius.com Online: zavius.com and Facebook, Instagram

Andrea Canas

Dixon

815-716-3261

E-mail: andreaplansadventures@gmail.com

Online: instagram.com/andreaplansadventures

Beach Gal Travel Services

1510 Prophetstown Road, Suite E, Rock Falls 815-716-8722

Online: beachgaltravels.com and Facebook, Instagram

Camelot World Travel

3011 N. Perryville Road, Rockford 815-633-2200

Online: camelotworldtravel.com and Facebook

Destinations Travel Services

4015 E. Lincolnway, Suite C, Sterling 815-625-3500

Email: avril@destinationstravelservices.com Online: destinationstravelservices.com and Facebook

Gateway Travel & Cruise

343 Fourth Ave., Clinton, Iowa 563-242-1025

Online: gatewaytc.com and Facebook

Gulliver’s Travel

• Southpark Mall — 4500 16th St., Moline, 309-762-8800

• Duck Creek — 874 Middle Road, Bettendorf, Iowa, 563-359-6500

Online: gulliverstravel.com and Facebook

Lindstrom Travel

5970 Guilford Road, Rockford 815-398-8888

Online: lindstromtravel.com and Facebook

KDM Travel Agency

3554 Shady Ridge Court, Davenport, Iowa 563-324-3201

Online: kdmtravel.com and Facebook

Picture Perfect 1315 30th St., Rock Island 309-788-0500

Email: cruisemaster18@yahoo.com

Online: pictureperfecttravelqc.com and Facebook

Scuba Adventures

1104 State St., Bettendorf, Iowa 563-324-8771

Online: scubaadventureqca.com and Facebook

Travel Consultants of Dixon Inc.

735 N. Galena Ave., Suite 120, Dixon 815-284-6681

Online: travelconsultantsofdixon.com and Facebook

Bell’s Clothing Store

603 LaSalle St., Ottawa 815-434-4854

Online: ibellsclothing.com

Boegel’s Mens Wear 412 Second St., Clinton, Iowa 563-242-3045

Online: Facebook

Castronovo Bridal Shop

722 N. Main St., Rockford 815-962-4731

Email: castronovobridals@gmail.com Online: castronovobridal.com/ and Facebook

Celebrate QC Tux rentals

3203 Devils Glen Road, Bettendorf, Iowa 563-284-2410

Online: qccelebrate.business.site and Facebook

Cloud Nine Bridal Boutique

4703 N. University St., Peoria 309-693-3830

Online: cloudninepeoria.com and Facebook, Instagram

David’s Bridal

• 5252 Elmore Ave., Davenport, Iowa, 563-344-7902

• 713 S. Perryville Road, Rockford, 815-227-5950

Online: davidsbridal.com and Facebook

Ducky’s Formal Wear

1721 Fifth Ave., Moline 309-797-9889

Email: duckysqc@gmail.com Online: duckysformalwear.com and Facebook

I Do Bridal

995 Galena Square Drive, Galena 815-777-2507

Online: idobridalllc.com and Facebook, Instagram

Kaleel’s Clothing and Printing

704 N. Galena Ave., Dixon 815-284-5033

Online: kaleels.com and on Facebook

Marien Mae Bridal Boutique & Events

749 First St., LaSalle 815-220-0844

Email: info@marienmae.com Online: marienmae.com and Facebook, Instagram

Men’s Wearhouse

• 4770 Elmore Ave., Davenport, Iowa, 563-359-4238

• 6250 Mulford Village Drive, Rockford, 815-397-7949

Online: menswearhouse.com/ and Facebook, Instagram

Milroy’s Formal Wear

2600 Dodge St., Dubuque, Iowa 563-584-2041

Online: milroystuxedos.com and Facebook, Instagram

Moments Tux Shop

4332 State St., Bettendorf, Iowa 563-888-1695

Online: momentstuxshop.com, Facebook, Instagram

Sauk Valley Cleaners

83 S. Peoria Ave., Dixon 815-288-1322

Online: sauk-valley-cleaners-inc.business.site/

Selmi’s Florist, Bridal and Special Events

223 First Ave., Rock Falls 815-622-8040

Online: selmibridal.com or find Selmi’s Flower Shop on Facebook

That Guy’s Secret

105 Marquette St., Suite B, LaSalle 815-250-0928

Online: thatguyssecret.com, Facebook, Instagram

Unique Formal Wear

720 La Salle St., Ottawa 815-324-9406

Amboy Community Center

280 W. Wasson Road, Amboy 815-857-2324

Features: Full-service bar, full kitchen, tables and chairs.

Capacity: 250-300 Online: cityofamboy.org and Facebook

The Barn at Allen Acres

2206 Prophet Road, Rock Falls 847-687-3348

Features: Historic, rustic dairy barn and/or countrythemed farmhouse available for rehearsal dinner, the wedding and wedding night, vintage carriage for photos, plenty of acreage for tents, tables, dancing. Capacity: 150 upstairs in the barn, where the ceremony is held.

Online: thebarnatallenacres.com and Facebook, Instagram

The Barn on the Hill 7 E. Route 72, Leaf River 815-703-0628

Email: thebarnonthehillvenue@gmail.com

Features: Tall pines, large shade trees, a lush lawn, and well-tended flower beds make an ideal backdrop for outdoor receptions and photo shoots. The barn’s sliding doors open to let in natural light, and thousands of tiny white lights strung from the beams create a comfortable, yet elegant, setting.

Capacity: Up to 250; patio seating 300 plus Online: thebarnonthehill.net and Facebook

Barnacopia

2570 N. West Branch Road, Polo 815-284-8484

Features: The barn has three levels that include antique tractors and cars. Outdoor space includes a beautiful willow tree, patio and much more.

Capacity: Up to 400 Online: barnacopia.com and Facebook, Instagram

Basil Tree Ristorante

123 E. First St., Dixon 815-288-7555

Features: Enjoy the delicious Basil Tree Catering of Italian traditions and more for your event in its private dining room.

Capacity: 50 Online: basiltree2008.com and Facebook, Instagram

Brandywine Banquet and Event Center

441 state Route 2, Dixon 815-677-9372

Features: Three banquet areas, customizable menus, three large wooden dance floors, building-wide PA system with wireless microphones, free Wi-Fi, projectors and screens, two full-service bars, plus three onstaff event coordinators, all in a warm, elegant setting. Capacity: 400 Online: brandywinedixon.com and Facebook

The Brauer Barn 9151 Edwardsville Road, Winnebago 815-519-2653

Features: A barn built around the 1900’s is the setting for this beautiful event space featuring original hard wood floors and sliding door to access the outdoor space. Space is wheelchair accessible. Capacity: 299 Email: thebrauerbarn@gmail.com Online: thebrauerbarn.com and Facebook

Byron Forest Preserve: Jarrett Prairie Center

7993 N. River Road, Byron 815-234-8535

Features: Banquet rooms available with space for indoor or outdoor events and beautiful views from the wrap-around outdoor observation deck. Online: byronforestpreserve.com

Candlelight Inn

• 2200 First Ave., Rock Falls — 815-626-1897

Features: Banquet room can accommodate 100 people or be divided for smaller parties.

• 511 Riverview Drive, Clinton Iowa — 563-243-3200

Features: Banquet room on the first floor veranda of the restaurant with views of the Mississippi River. Room can accommodate 175 people. Online: candlelightinnrestaurant.com and Facebook, Instagram

Champs Banquet Venue

9 E. Third St., Sterling 815-626-6003

Features: A rustic, yet modern facility with access to the outside patio, which seats 40. The venue caters food to smaller groups of 20-30 people, but outside food service is available for larger groups. There’s a fullbar service, and people can bring in live entertainment.

Capacity: 150 Email: champs.banquetvenue@yahoo.com Online: Facebook

Chapel in the Pines

15165 Quigley Road, Sycamore 815-895-4797

Features: Ceremony options include the chapel, a gazebo or beautiful gardens on this seven-acre private estate that includes a vintage-inspired reception hall. It has in-house catering. Offers elopements, ceremonies and receptions.

Capacity: 150 Email: pinesinfo@gmail.com Online: chapelinthepines.com/ and Facebook

The Clubhouse Restaurant

29-11 Ironwood Blvd., Lake Carroll 815-493-2810

Features: Full-service restaurant with banquet space for receptions including an outdoor patio. Online: golakecarroll.com/

The Crystal Cork Wine Shoppe

219 W. First St., Dixon 844-843-2675

Features: Rent the wine cellar for private parties. Includes a private bar and is handicapped-accessible. Crystal Cork also offers a traveling bar. Capacity: 48 Email: thecrystalcork@gmail.com Online: thecrystalcork.com and Facebook

Days Inn by Wyndham

2105 First Ave., Rock Falls 815-626-5500

Features: Several large banquet rooms that are wheelchair accessible.

Capacity: 275 Online: wyndhamhotels.com/days-inn/rock-fallsillinois/days-inn-rock-falls/overview

Deer Valley Banquets

3298 Hoover Road, Deer Grove 815-499-2911

Email: hello@deervalleybanquets.com

Features: Features a large, open banquet room with cathedral wood ceiling and a wall of windows overlooking our scenic golf course. Menus are customized to fit taste and budget and full-service staff will take care of all the details. Our upper patio and gazebo provide a romantic location to say “I do” with your closest family and friends.

Capacity: Up to 400 Online: www.deervalleybanquets.com, Facebook and Instagram

VENUES cont’d to page 64

Dillon Home Museum

1005 E. Third St., Sterling 815-622-6202

Features: Manicured, spacious grounds and fountain are a beautiful setting for museum home, built in 1858, and included in the National Register of Historic Places. Wheelchair accessible. Online: sterlingparks.org/location/dillon-homemuseum/ and Facebook

Dixon Elks Lodge 779 1279 Franklin Grove Road, Dixon 815-288-3557

Features: Full-service food and bar, linens, tables, chairs, dishes, servers. Suitable for casual events, bridal showers and elegant receptions. Capacity: 425

Online: dixonelkslodge.com and Facebook

The Dixon Historic Theatre 114 S. Galena Ave., Dixon 815-508-6324

Features: Host your special day in this historic theater.

Online: dixontheatre.com/ and Facebook, Instagram

Eagle Point Lodge 4101 N. Third St., Clinton, Iowa 563-243-1260

Features: Located in Eagle Point Park the patio can seat 250 and the lodge can seat 299. Online: cityofclintoniowa.us and Facebook

The Flight Deck at the Chicagoland Skydiving Center

1207 W. Gurler Road, Rochelle 815-561-3664

Features: An out-of-the-ordinary event space as the skydiving center transforms into a banquet space from November through March.

Online: flightdeckbar.com/ and Facebook, Instagram

Happily Ever After Wedding Barn

1794 S. Klinger Road, Pecatonica 815-494-8850

Features: A rustic barn that is more than 100 years old set in the rolling fields just minutes from Rockford and Freeport. Choose from inside the barn or out in the beautiful grassy fields.

Capacity: 200

Online: happilyeverafterweddingbarn.com, Facebook

Henrekin Pines 28650 Hahnaman Road, Deer Grove 815-499-6169

Features: Remodeled barn and event hall create the perfect setting for a rustic chic event in a tranquil setting. Facilities are ADA accessible and rooms are heat and air conditioned.

Capacity: 240

Online: henrekinpines.com/ Facebook and Instagram

Henry’s Double K

834 S. Jackson St., Mount Carroll 815-244-0180

Features: The large event room has a private bar and lots of table seating. There’s an area for live entertainment, a dance floor, house catering and service available and large parking area in the back. For smaller events the dining room can easily seat groups of up to 70 people.

Online: henrysdoublek.com and Facebook

Hornbaker Gardens, The Barn 22937 Country Road 1140 N Princeton 815-659-3282

Features: The beautiful botanical gardens and arboretum can serve as the perfect place for exchanging your vows, or host a reception at The Barn, a new climate-controlled facility with large windows overlooking the gardens, and a covered patio. Online: hornbakergardens.com, Facebook, Instagram

Kapp’s Banquet Facility

201 W. First St., Rock Falls 815-625-1963

Features: Indoor banquet hall near the Rock River. Online: visitrockfalls.com/venues and Facebook

Kilbuck Creek

6752 N. Kilbuck Road, Monroe Center 815-393-3247

Features: Located among the secluded trees, this venue has beautiful space outdoors and indoors for a wedding ceremony and reception. Say your vows in the wedding Pergola as guests sit in the antique pews and enjoy a reception under the crystal chandelier in the gathering hall. Guests can choose to stay in the log cabins.

Capacity: 250 Online: kilbuckcreek.com Facebook and Instagram

Lincoln Way Inn

409 N. State St., Franklin Grove 815-456-7700

Features: Scenic countryside serves as a backdrop for events with the option to use the indoor or outdoor venues. Enjoy modern amenities with a rustically elegant feel.

Capacity: 150 Online: lincolnwayinn.com/ and Facebook, Instagram

Livengood’s Barn

21647 Thomson Road, Chadwick 815-499-5934

Features: Two barns — the first is a mid-century twostory dairy barn that is handicapped accessible, and climate controlled with rustic loft and dressing rooms. The second barn is a newly remodeled, climatecontrolled building. There are also room for outdoor ceremonies and a scenic pond.

Capacity: 225 Email: livengoodseventbarn@gmail.com Online: livengoodsbarn.com and Facebook, Instagram

The Loft at K’s Korners

13030 Galt Road, Sterling 815-626-2988

Features: Historic barn renovated for weddings, receptions and special events. There’s a 1920s bar and ornate winding staircase. Handicapped accessible and climate controlled.

Capacity: Up to 300 Online: Facebook

Loveland Community House & Museum

513 W. Second St., Dixon 815-284-2741

Features: Choose from a single room to the entire building for your wedding and reception. Full kitchen available. Dining hall includes raised stage for a DJ, small band.

Capacity: Dining room seats 200 Online: lovelandcommunityhouse.org and Facebook

Mahaffey’s

On Main

121 E. Main St., Morrison 815-768-7996

Features: Rent event space in historic downtown Morrison. Online: Facebook

VENUES cont’d to page 65

Majestic Pines Event Center

11503 Three Mile Road, Thomson 815-902-6076

Features: Choose from several banquet rooms including a small room with a fireplace that would serve as a beautiful setting for a small wedding ceremony. There is a large outdoor patio outside of a banquet room. Building is wheelchair accessible. Capacity: 600 Online: Facebook

Mama Cimino’s

104 S. Peoria Ave., Dixon 815-288-4448

Features: Banquet room, beers, linens, buffet-style catering, including gluten-free food. Capacity: 150 Online: mamaciminosdixon.com and Facebook

Maxson’s Riverboat & Riverside Restaurant 1469 Route 2 North, Oregon 815-732-6761

Features: Have your special day aboard The Pride of Oregon, an authentic Paddle Wheel Riverboat located on the Rock River. For a land option, the restaurant with its glass-enclosed dining room provides beautiful views of the river and an extensive menu and bar. Capacity: 149 riverboat; 300 restaurant Online: maxsons.net and Facebook

McCormick Event Center

205 E. Third St., Rock Falls 815-284-8484

Email: event@saukvalleyevents.com

Features: One of the largest event venues in the Sauk Valley with four large rooms that can be booked individually or together. Largest room accommodates about 230 people, and when all four are opened up, can accommodate nearly 750 people. The parking lot can fit 120 vehicles, and a garage door allows vehicles and larger equipment to be brought into the facility. The venue boasts a huge dance floor, a building-wide PA system with wireless microphones, free Wi-Fi, screens, two full-service bars, floor-to-ceiling room dividers and dimmable lighting. On-staff event coordinators are also available. Close to hotels.

Capacity: 750 Online: mccormickevents.com and on Facebook

Mills & Petrie Memorial Building

704 N. First St., Ashton

815-973-8397

Features: In addition to housing city offices and the library there are reception spaces available, including a gymnasium and access to a kitchen. Online: millspetrielibrary.weebly.com/facility.html

Naaman Diehl Auditorium

811 S. Clay St., Mount Carroll 815-244-3001

Features: Spacious room that is handicapped accessible with access to a state-of-the-art kitchen. Space managed by Carroll County Farm Bureau.

Capacity: 130 Online: carrollcfb.org and Facebook

Oak Lane of Oregon 3261 S. Daysville Road, Oregon 815-871-0948

Features: 1800s-era rustic dairy barn with housing for the bridal couple, dressing rooms, bathrooms, an air-conditioned banquet room, two bars, reception hall, caterer’s kitchen. Bartenders, tables and chairs, vintage mismatched dishes and flatware, provided as well as a list of preferred vendors, such as photographers and caterers. Choose from indoor or outdoor ceremony sites.

Capacity: 180 Email: oaklane2012@gmail.com Online: oaklaneoforegon.com and Facebook

Old Fulton Journal Building 408 10th Ave., Fulton 815-266-7619

Features: Building features various seating arrangements and outdoor space to stage a wedding and reception.

Capacity: 65 Online: visitnorthwestillinois.com/

Out At the Farm 8229 11th St., Davis Junction 779-707-0996

Features: A rustic outdoor venue located in a forest on the Kilbuck Creek with an old barn, silo and stone pump house. Capacity can be increased with an additional tent.

Capacity: 150 Online: outatthefarm.com and Facebook, Instagram

Palmyra Pub 628 Palmyra Road, Dixon 815-288-6300

Features: Private dining room with varied menu from

casual to more formal.

Capacity: 50 Online: palmyrapub.com/ and Facebook, Instagram

Parties on Pope 207 Pope St., Nelson 815-441-1446

Features: Room rental with tables, chairs and use of kitchen.

Capacity: 250 Online: partiesonpope.com and Facebook

The Pavilion at Emerald Hill Golf Course 16802 Prairieville Road, Sterling 815-622-6204

Features: Outdoors, tent overlooks the fourth tee, covered walkway to the clubhouse, portable dance floor and bar.

Capacity: Up to 150 Online: emeraldhillgolf.com and Facebook

Pine Creek Escape 6811 W. Pines Road, Oregon 815-881-1180

Features: Choose your perfect romantic location whether it is a walk down cobblestones a gazebo or say your vows near moss-covered stone staircases. Staff can accommodate weddings large and small. Extras include the ability to make an entrance on a horse and carriage or a Rolls Royce Experience. Online: pinecreekescape.com and Facebook, Instagram

The Polo Room Banquet Hall

712 N. Division Ave., Polo 815-946-2886

Features: Built in the early 1950s, there is plenty of space to celebrate a special occasion with a fullservice restaurant, catering and bar available for use. Capacity: 225 Online: thepoloroom.com and Facebook

Post House Ballroom

100 W. Second St., Dixon 815-288-9236

Features: Stately, elegant, historic, turn-of-the-century former post office, constructed of Bedford stone, marble, granite, steel and terrazzo. Full bar available as well as options for a dance floor, tables, chairs, linens, china, glassware, arch, PA system, projector screen. Kitchen available. Handicapped accessible. Capacity: 250 Online: posthouseballroom.net/ and Facebook

Prairie View Golf Club

6734 German Church Road, Byron 815-234-4653

Features: Clubhouse available for rentals, with views of the beautiful grounds. Online: byronforestpreserve.com/facilities/prairieview-golf-club

Railside Bar & Grill

207 S. Butler St., Nelson 815-251-4633

Features: Warm pine interior, casual and cool. Choose from banquet or table service. Capacity: 150 Online: Facebook

Rock River Center 810 S. 10th St., Oregon 815-732-3252

Features: Utilize supplies including round or banquet tables, staff, room set-up and tear-down, linens and plates, table service, coffee service, beverage dispensers, a grand piano and a food service tower. The 10th St. Catering in the center has a full-service menu and can cater. Menus can be customized to suit tastes and price range. Wooden floors for DJ and dancing. Capacity: 280 Online: rockrivercenter.org and Facebook

Rock River Supper Club 3901 Dixon Ave., Rock Falls 815-625-2387

Features: Three rooms, outdoor gazebo, three outdoor sites, full-service wedding and events coordina-

tor on site; wedding packages; club memberships; bar, food, servers. Capacity: 200 Online: rrgap.com and Facebook

Salamandra & The Gathering Place 105 W. First St., Dixon 815-285-0874

Features: Full-service Mexican restaurant and bar with a banquet room.

Capacity: 100 Online: Facebook

Shady Oaks Country Club 577 US Highway 52, Sublette 815-849-5424

Features: Reception room overlooking beautiful grounds. Online: shadyoakscc.com/

Off Shore Resort

4111 N. Riverview Drive, Bellevue, Iowa 563-872-5000

Features: Can accommodate up to 400 guests for indoor or outdoor events overlooking the Mississippi River. Online: offshoreresort.net/weddings-andevents Facebook and Instagram

Sheridan’s Walton Tap 906 Walton Road, Amboy 815-857-2381

Features: Delicious menu options with helpful staff. Capacity: 50 Online: Facebook

Starlight’s Theater & Lounge 341 First Ave., Sterling 815-564-9430

Features: Host your event in a former vaudeville and movie theater that even served as a disco. Capacity: 300 Online: starlightstheatre.com and Facebook

Storybook Gardens

13501 E. Bethel Road, Rochelle 815-888-7962

Features: All-inclusive wedding site with three reception locations. Extras include salons for the bridal party to prepare for the big day and beautiful outdoor gardens for amazing wedding day photos.

Capacity: 300 Online: storybookgardens.club and Facebook

Tycoga Vineyard & Winery

2585 195th St., DeWitt, Iowa 563-249-2704

Email: tycogawinery@gmail.com

Features beautiful landscapes and say your vows under the pergola with the vineyard as a backdrop. Have an outdoor wedding and indoor reception if you choose.

Capacity: 250 Online: tycoga.com

Willy’s Mexican Restaurant

3210 W. Fourth St., Sterling 815-626-0401

Features: Reserve the restaurant for your reception with full-service food and beverages. Capacity: 70-80 Online: Facebook

Woodcote Cottage

2114 Lowell Park Road, Dixon 815-284-3306

Features: The stone and timber cottage in historic Lowell Park provides a quiet, private setting for a ceremony and reception. Kitchen access and ADA restrooms.

Capacity: 100 Online: dixonparkdistrict.com/ woodcote/

VFW Post #540

1560 Franklin Grove Road, Dixon 815-288-5165

Features: Spacious room provides a great setting for a special day. Online: Facebook

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