Shore Bride

SHORE MAGAZINE

Look and Feel Amazing Fitness tips from the experts, and a healthier kind of tanning

spring 2011

spring fever

REFRESHING NEW GOWNS FOR 2011

plus

Revolutionary cake toppers How to make your love last Honeymoon in Aruba

Villa Cesare I

nviting atmosphere, culinary expertise, and impeccable service create the perfect combination for your special occasion. It pays to trust your special event to our excellent staff.

Our menu is truly inviting. from creamy portobello mushroom ravioli, to golden fried chicken, to tender filet mignon and lobster tail. Whatever your pleasure, you can be sure your guests will enjoy a meal they won’t soon forget. Because take great pride in our food service and warm atmosphere.

We offer spacious accommodations for parties of 50 - 900.

Friday, Saturday and Sunday Wedding Dates are available.

The main entrance is enhanced by a canopy and is complemented by a lovely fountain imported from Italy surrounded by stone benches in a garden-like setting.

A computerized marquee announces your event as your guests arrive. Our picturesque Gazebo is perfect for outdoor ceremonies and the perfect settings for wedding photos.

The building is handicapped accessible with ramps leading from several areas of handicapped parking.

For an elegant, affordable gathering, call Villa Cesare!

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Spring commences with a new set of fun, feminine and flirty wedding gowns sure to brighten your day.

contents 14 PLAN See how social media has overhauled the wedding industry, and check out some of the area’s best reception venues and a nonprofit wish-granting organization.

18 ANTICIPATE Get fit just in time for your wedding, learn

about a new way to tan (without the UV rays), and get ideas for your “something old/new/borrowed/blue.”

22

22 CELEBRATE Don’t let outsiders steal your wedding gifts!

Tips on how to keep thieves at bay, and a look at some very innovative cake toppers made by local artists.

28 RELAX There’s a reason why Aruba is called One Happy IN EVERY ISSUE Inspire 6 Service Directory 31 Capture 32

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Island; it’s the same reason more and more newlywed couples are choosing to honeymoon there.

30 LIVE Find out proper answers to the inevitable “baby

question,” see how multiple married couples make their love last, and learn how to handle your finances when spending habits differ.

photography courtesy of [left] KRISTEN LYNN PHOTOGRAPHIE; [bottom] CAKEWALK

24 SPRING FEVER

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W

hen I spoke with photographer Kristen Barker, of Kristen Lynn Photographie, about putting together a photo shoot for this issue, I was so excited when she came back with a “Think Spring” theme. As I write this, it’s cold, damp and gray outside. Spring can’t come soon enough—while it brings lots of rain, it also brings promise and revival.

Last spring, I had even more to be excited about, as my then-boyfriend proposed to me on Mother’s Day. From that point on, I anticipated not only the upcoming warmth of summer but also an upcoming wedding!

I’m married now (we planned the wedding in three months!), so my excitement is now directed to all the brides-to-be reading this. You’re about to embark on one of the most memorable experiences of your life—not just the wedding day but all the time leading up to it—so savor every moment. You do have a lot of planning ahead of you, unfortunately.

But we can help with that.

One of the first items on your to-do list should be to find a venue for your reception. See some of our favorite local venues on page 16 (and a full list on our website, shorebrideonline.com). Next, you’ll want to begin searching for The Dress, so turn to page 24 for our fun, spring-inspired photos of the prettiest new gowns available at Elegance Wedding and Evening Wear in Highland, Indiana.

Once those major tasks are taken care of, it’s time to start beautifying yourself for the big day. (I particularly enjoyed having an excuse to be vain for a few months!) Get effective fitness tips from local trainers on page 19, and check out the up-and-coming trend of airbrush tanning on page 21.

Finally, the easiest and most fun part of your planning process likely will be . . . the honeymoon. Our recommended locale for this issue is Aruba (page 28). I’ve been there and fell madly in love with the place. I can see why so many newlyweds choose to spend their post-wedding chill on that happy island.

Plenty of additional advice, suggested vendors and fun tidbits can be found on our website, shorebrideonline.com. We update the site daily with photos from some of the best photographers in the area, advice columns from local wedding experts, blogs from real brides, and a full list of every bridal vendor we know of in the Shore Bride region. Much of this info can be delivered directly to your inbox when you sign up for our weekly Wedding Notes newsletter, which you can do on our website. It’s our goal to help make your wedding planning experience as smooth and seamless as possible, and we take pride in the resources we’ve provided to make that possible.

Both spring and your wedding will be here before you know it.

Enjoy every minute of it!

EDITOR’S LETTER

— Julia Perla Huisman

SHORE MAGAZINE

spring 2011

COVER CREDIT photography by Kristen Lynn Photographie, Chicago, Ill. gown and accessories provided by Elegance Wedding and Evening Wear, Highland, Ind.

Look and Feel Amazing Fitness tips from the experts, and a healthier kind of tanning

spring fever

REFRESHING NEW GOWNS FOR 2011

plus

Revolutionary cake toppers How to make your love last Honeymoon in Aruba

4

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VOLUME 5 – ISSUE 1 PUBLISHER BILL MASTERSON, JR. ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER/EDITOR PAT COLANDER ADVERTISING OPERATIONS MANAGER ERIC HORON MANAGING EDITOR JULIA PERLA HUISMAN DESIGN DIRECTOR BEN CUNNINGHAM ASSISTANT MANAGING EDITOR KATHRYN MACNEIL DESIGNER APRIL BURFORD ONLINE EDITOR ASHLEY BOYER CONTRIBUTING EDITORS HEATHER AUGUSTYN, CHRISTY BONSTELL, DANIELLE BRAFF, NICHOLE ODIJK DEMARIO, TRICIA DESPRES, JULI DOSHAN, CAITLIN ELSAESSER, JEN PALLAY, CASANDRA RIDDLE, CARRIE STEINWEG, SHARON BIGGS WALLER

NICHE PUBLICATION SALES SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Illinois/Northwest Indiana LISA TAVOLETTI ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Michigan MARY SORENSEN ADVERTISING MANAGERS DEB ANSELM, LISA DAUGHERTY, JEFFREY PRECOURT PUBLISHED BY Lee Enterprises/The Times of Northwest Indiana Niche Productions Division 601 W 45th Ave, Munster, Indiana 46321 219.933.3200 2080 N Main St, Crown Point, Indiana 46307 219.662.5300 1111 Glendale Blvd, Valparaiso, Indiana 46383 219.462.5151 Copyright, Reprints and Permissions: You must have permission before reproducing material from Shore Bride magazine.

AND THEY LIVED

711 Main St. • Schererville, IN • 219-322-2700 • Southlake Mall • Merrillville, IN • 219-769-1976

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INSPIRE

real weddings

compiled by JULIA PERLA HUISMAN

TAK Photography “I love fun. I love people. I love, love. This is why I love my job. Life is hectic. Life is complicated. Sometimes we forget the little things, the quiet moments that make us truly happy . . . truly content. Photography allows me to capture life . . . capture a moment, and relive it time and time again, for a lifetime. This is why I love my job.�

- THERESA KEMINK [clockwise from top] Sarah and Andy Resseguie in Grand Rapids, Mich.; Jodi and Jon Kortman in Grand Rapids, Mich.; Allison and Marc Eisbrener in St. Joseph, Mich.

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INSPIRE

En Vida Studio “Weddings are filled with beauty and magic that emerges effortlessly, and we believe our job is to capture this day in an authentic way— unobtrusively, honestly, joyfully. We spend time really getting to know our couples, because we understand your wedding will be as unique as you and your future spouse. We believe your wedding photography should be as vibrant and romantic as your wedding day.” - MICHELLE TIPPMANN [clockwise from top] Jennifer and Cory Hinga in Holland, Mich.; Courtney and Brian LeClaire in Grand Haven, Mich.; Megan and Jon Geenen in Grand Rapids, Mich.; Kelly and Blake Mallory in Grand Rapids, Mich.

En Vida Studio 616.745.7990 envidastudio.com

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spring 2011

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INSPIRE

Nichole Frank Photography “As a wedding photographer, I climb trees, tie bows, wipe tears, hug grandpas, and most importantly, document a love story each and every weekend.

The emotions in the photos are genuine, as I make certain each bride and groom feel comfortable and in their element. I truly believe I have the best job in the world.�

- NICHOLE FRANK [clockwise from top] Jessica and Michael Granger in LaPorte, Ind.; Margaret and Jordan Pierson in Merrillville, Ind.; Amy and Dan Holmes in Niles, Mich.; Pia and Brandon Parrott in Alsip, Ill. Nichole Frank Photography 219.608.9974 nicolefrankphotography.com

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INSPIRE

Amy Straka Photography “Incredible wedding photography isn’t pretty people looking pretty in pretty places. It’s beyond that. It’s tangible emotion. It’s narrative.

It’s those tiny, intimate moments that stay with you forever. I’m so blessed to make those moments my career.”

- AMY STRAKA [clockwise from top] Dana and Ryan Hardesty in St. Joseph, Mich.; Kathleen and Justin Taylor in Crown Point, Ind.; Meghan and Chris Janik in Crown Point, Ind.; Jennifer Schultz and Justin Leinenweber in Dunes Acres, Ind. Amy Straka Photography 219.210.2563 amystraka.com

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Get the scoop on what’s up at the lakefront delivered to your in-box

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PLAN

new Aworld first things first

compiled by TRICIA DESPRES

How social media is changing the wedding industry

B

efore any of us knew what a “tweet” was or how to “de-friend” a friend, a newlywed’s search for a photographer, florist or wedding planner was often a long and tedious task. Yet, these days, the incredible growth of social media has made it much easier to find and really get to know a wedding vendor before signing on the dotted line of a contract. In fact, many local wedding vendors have found it absolutely essential to have a presence on such sites as Facebook and Twitter to not only stay in touch with existing customers, but also to make new ones.

“These social media sites provide amazing advertising for us,” says Thomas Quinn, a photographer with GQ Photography in Valparaiso.

“With a few simple keystrokes, I can reach a worldwide market for free. It opens up so many different opportunities for us quickly and rather easily.”

These days, DJs are “tweeting” their playlist live from their weddings. Photographers are posting and sharing their best images from last night’s wedding. Florists are posting pictures of centerpieces before the reception even starts.

“Facebook and Twitter really have become an effective extension of my website and blog,” says

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Matthew Whitlock, owner of Zeta-Alpha Studio in South Bend. “It can be tough to find new customers, and the ads on Facebook just weren’t very beneficial in reaching our upscale target.

But our friends list is a great way to shoot out a message quickly and create a certain amount of trust with new and prospective clients.”

While local vendors don’t necessarily suggest sites such as Facebook or Twitter as the most effective place to “cold search” for wedding vendors, they do see the advantages of wedding couples taking friends’ recommendations into careful consideration. “Facebook is a hard thing to utilize to actually find information,” says Jessica Pennington, owner and lead planner of Stella Event Design in St. Joseph, Michigan. “Yet it is a great tool to follow wedding vendors that you might be interested in. In many instances, a bride can follow a photographer’s or florist’s Facebook fan page for an entire season before even scheduling a meeting with them. Therefore, there is a level of trust before they even walk in the door.”

Vendors are also using social media sites to not only promote their own companies, but also other vendors they work with at events, which can be extremely beneficial to brides and grooms to be.

As with everything else, however, proceed with caution. While it may be considered old-fashioned, a face to face meeting is always the best option.

But afterwards, make sure to update your status.

WISH UPON A WEDDING As the world’s first nonprofit wish-granting organization providing weddings for couples facing terminal and serious life-altering illnesses, Wish Upon a Wedding has been making dreams come true since its inception just over a year ago.

Thanks to a network of volunteers and donations by various wedding vendors, Wish Upon A Wedding has granted 13 wedding wishes so far, with hopes of granting much more in 2011.

Wishes are granted within a 300-mile radius of a Wish Upon a Wedding chapter, with current locations including Chicago, Indianapolis and a future location in Michigan. The organization is always looking for volunteers to help the cause.

Whether it’s making a donation, hosting a fundraiser or promoting the organization via social networking, everyone can help to make a couple’s dream come true. For more information, check out wishuponawedding.org.

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Valuablevenues

No matter what style your wedding is, there is an abundance of reputable, high-quality reception venues in the Northwest Indiana/Southwest Michigan area. The following are just a select few of the many hot spots worth noting. -Nichole DeMario Odijk and Jennifer Pallay

BLUE CHIP CASINO, HOTEL & SPA 777 Blue Chip Dr Michigan City, Ind. 219.879.7711; bluechipcasino.com Blue Chip’s Stardust Event Center offers 20,000 square feet of space, to accommodate a wedding of any size. For smaller affairs, two additional ballrooms are available. Pre-wedding pampering is offered at Spa Blu, and guests can stay at the luxurious high-rise hotel.

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THE BOULEVARD INN AND BISTRO 521 Lake Blvd St. Joseph, Mich.

269.983.6600; theboulevardinn.com St. Joseph’s famous hotel is available for small, intimate wedding receptions, as well as for bridal showers, rehearsal dinners, and morning-after brunch.

The inn can also be a place for guests to stay, no matter where the wedding takes place.

THE CENTER FOR VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS 1040 Ridge Rd Munster, Ind. 219.836.1950; cvpa.org Up to 400 guests can share in your joy at the Center for Visual and Performing Arts, where “happily ever after begins.”

THE HERITAGE MUSEUM AND CULTURAL CENTER 601 Main St St. Joseph, Mich.

269.983.1191; theheritagemcc.org This historical venue—which features 20-foot ceilings with white pillars, hardwood floors and crystal

chandeliers—is ideal for formal weddings. Guests can also roam the museum space during cocktail hour.

WHITE HAWK COUNTRY CLUB 1001 White Hawk Dr Crown Point, Ind. 219.661.2322 whitehawkcountryclub.com The elegant banquet rooms at White Hawk collectively seat 230 people. All couples will be provided with a wedding coordinator for planning purposes. Additionally, an outdoor gazebo overlooking the 36-hole golf course is available for wedding ceremonies.

Center for Visual and Performing Arts

photography courtesy of [clockwise from top] HERITAGE MUSEUM AND CULTURAL CENTER; ROYCEPHOTOGRAPHY.COM; BLUE CHIP CASINO, HOTEL & SPA

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20048

ANTICIPATE

before the wedding

Old,New,

Blue

Borrowed,

Most brides have heard this traditional poem: Something old, something new Something borrowed, something blue A silver sixpence in her shoe.

The last line is not as well known, but refers to a Victorian-era custom of placing a silver coin in the shoe to ensure future wealth for the couple.

However, the first two lines are familiar to most brides and are often integrated into the bride’s attire or accessories or the ceremony on the wedding day as symbols of good luck.

“For the ‘old’ item, brides usually borrow jewelry from family members and then it also works as ‘borrowed,’” says Tia Vaupel, wedding coordinator with Chic Events in Crown Point. She says that jewelry also often serves as the “new” piece, especially if it’s a gift that was given from the groom. “The bride and groom give each other gifts, and if it’s a new necklace, it can be incorporated that way.”

When Amanda and Chris Seip of Crown Point married in December, the bride wore two rings: her Something old represents engagement ring, which was “new,” on her left hand, continuity between the and the wedding ring that her father gave to her bride’s family and past. mother, which served as the “old” item, on her right Often a piece of jewelry hand. A third piece of jewelry—a pair of earrings—was that has been handed borrowed from a friend. down through generations is worn by the bride.

Heather Finnegan of Lansing didn’t choose a piece of jewelry to cover the “old,” but carried a meaningful Something new keepsake, her husband Peter’s baptismal handkerchief. symbolizes optimism and hope for the couple’s Her “borrowed” item was a pair of her mother’s earrings. future success.

The “new” item is one that doesn’t require a lot of creativity or nostalgia. Between the dress, veil, shoes and Something borrowed accessories, there’s bound to be at least one new thing usually comes from a happily married woman in the bunch. Finnegan’s dress, which was custom made, with the belief that her filled the “new” spot. happiness will transfer Including something blue into a white ensemble to the new bride. can be tricky, and this item is often a hidden one.

Something blue is “A lot of brides just use blue garters,” Vaupel says. connected to purity, Finnegan admits that her undergarments were the believed to come from only way she could add a touch of blue. Seip’s choice the Virgin Mary, who was more visible—blue flowers as part of the bouquet. is often portrayed - Carrie Steinweg in a blue robe.

The Tradition’s Origins

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OLD, NEW, BORROWED, BLUE IDEAS Some items can do double duty (i.e. a handkerchief that is both old and borrowed, a garter or undergarment that is new and blue).

OLD: Consider a dress used by a family member, a necklace or other piece of heirloom jewelry, a purse or hair accessory from a family wedding, a small bible, a pen, or a relative’s wedding ring that can be tied into the bride’s bouquet. A set of toasting glasses, cake slicer or other dinner accessory could also fit this category.

NEW: Most items a bride wears and carries on her wedding day could fall into this category—a dress, shoes, purse, veil, jewelry or even flowers.

BORROWED: This could be something that a female relative used on her wedding day or an item that is special to her, like a handkerchief, a locket or even a bible that can be incorporated into the ceremony.

BLUE: Lots of creativity can be put into the blue item. Blue flower buds or ribbon can be added to the bride’s bouquet, a piece of jewelry with a blue stone, a blue accent on the shoes, blue nail polish or makeup, or even a blue sash added to the dress.

GettinG Married?

Welcome to shorebrideonline.com!

Here’s what you’ll find at the Shore Bride website:

Tuxedos for your special day

Featuring: Jean Yves, ralph lauren, perrY ellis, ecko, claiborne and more

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Directory of bridal vendors serving Northwest Indiana and Southwest Michigan. ✿ Photography of brides and grooms in our region. ✿ Advice from the area’s top experts on wedding planning, relationships, finances, wedding entertainment, and more! ✿ Videos about local bridal businesses, events and engaged couples. ✿ Blogs from local brides. ✿ Ideas about the little details that make your big day special!

Go to shorebrideonline.coM to plan your weddinG today!

ANTICIPATE written by XXXXXXXXXX

Fitness is more important with bridal fashions than ever before. Gone are the poofy leg-of-mutton sleeves (thank goodness) and high collars so adored in the ’80s. Nowadays women are embracing their assets with figure-hugging mermaid gowns and strapless dresses. June Puzon is a master level personal trainer at Fitness Pointe in Munster, Indiana.

She works with brides often and says that most brides are concerned about their arms, backs and bellies. “But the bad news is there is no such thing as spot reduction!” she says.

“You have to work on your entire body. And you do that by looking at nutrition—80 percent of weight loss is nutrition, and 20 percent is fitness. You can’t have one without the other.”

Your Get-Fit

TIMELINE Three Months Before

Brides often have to order dresses months in advance, so think realistically about how much weight you want to lose before you place your order. Your alterations will usually begin around three months before your wedding, so this is a good place to take stock and think about how much more weight you’d like to lose. Dresses can only be altered so much.

“Twenty to twenty-five pounds within three months is physically doable, depending upon your age and health,” Puzon says. “But you’re going to have to be strict about your nutrition, and you’ll have to work out every day.”

Puzon says although cardio is important, weight training is even more important.

“Muscles shape and form the body,” she says. “If you just do cardio, you’ll burn up the muscle mass. You might lose some weight with cardio only, but it’s harder to do. Cardio should be done three times a week, from 30 to 45 minutes, varying in intensity to challenge yourself. Do a full body workout with weights a half hour each day if you can. Or do the lower body and abs one day and the upper body and abs the next.”

Puzon isn’t a dietician, but she makes sure her clients understand they need three meals and two to three snacks each day to keep up energy and metabolism. She also recommends keeping calories at a healthy level. “Include a lot of fruits and vegetables, fruit earlier in the day and have vegetables and protein with every meal,” she says. “If they have a real issue with nutrition, it’s best to see a dietician.”

One Month Before

Now is the time to take a close look at how far you’ve come. With parties, planning and events ramping up, you might not have the time and energy to lose the 5 to 10 pounds. Puzon says to stick to your workout plan. “Your body is going to fight you for that last bit of weight, so clean eating is the key.”

Two Weeks Before

With only two weeks left, Puzon says there’s not much else you can do. “That last bit of weight isn’t going to make a difference. Don’t reach for an unhealthy diet, or work out so hard that you’re exhausted. You don’t want to be ill on your wedding day. You might be able to squeeze into that tiny size, but I’m not an advocate of crash diets. Besides, you should be healthy and happy on your day, and that’s really what it’s all about.”

- Sharon Biggs Waller

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The Saint Archangel Michael

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Airbrush tanning for your wedding day

N

o bride wants to look pasty on her wedding day, but how do you get a sunkissed look without tan lines? Most brides turn to tanning beds or tanning products, but tanning beds hold the same health warnings as lying in the sun; tanning products are healthy alternatives, but these can result in streaking and an unnatural orange tint. MOON Tans Sunless Airbrush Tanning is a unique spray tan that contains no chemicals and elicits the same reaction from the skin that the sun does, creating a very naturallooking tan.

Melissa Villanueva is the first in Indiana, Illinois and Michigan to offer MOON Tans. It’s a mobile business so she comes to you. She even has specials for wedding parties.

“I apply the MOON Tan by an airbrush, so you get a very even tan that lasts for seven to ten days,” she says. “It’s mixed with a cosmetic color and moisturizer so you see the tan right away. It develops further within the next six to eight hours.” There are different tan variations, from the subtle bronzer to a deep, dark tan.

She can even customize the solution to suit your skin color. Melissa offers partial tans, such as the legs or upper body, for $10 to try the product out.

- Sharon Biggs Waller

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CELEBRATE

the big day

You may now . . . smash the cake in your beloved’s face. • But save the wedding cake topper if it was made by Taylor Zitman. The Chicagoan creates polymer-glazed, baked clay sculptures. Her keepsake brides and grooms range from two to five inches tall. going up the side of the cake. “The bride was standing on top Zitman can match a cake topper to a bride’s dress, veil, hair and she was screaming,” Stephens says. “I would have done and makeup. Roses in a bouquet and ruffles in a gown can be smoke too, if they had said yes.” recreated in miniature. “One bride wanted her necklace on the Cakewalk in Plymouth, Indiana, expects the trend toward the sculpture,” Zitman says. “They usually want them pretty exact.” unique to continue. A “Graceland Wedding Chapel” sign topped Clients supply descriptions and photos. Zitman magically one of their reception confections. Las Vegas dice, coins and molds. Her cake toppers cost from $50 to $300 a pair, palm trees—all in fondant—decorated the sides. depending on size and detail. The 22-year-old has handmade Alexis Sideris Davis, owner of Cakewalk, can also keep it everything from a kilted Scottish groom to a traditional Indian simple. For a bride marrying in blue jeans, she designed a cake bride sculpture. “You’d be surprised how many people don’t with a peach grapevine motif. “I asked about a topper—she have traditional weddings. One couple ordered Nightmare Before hadn’t really given it much thought, but knew she didn’t want Christmas,” Zitman says. one more thing to dust. I suggested the sugar paste initial, as For edible cake toppers, MiraBella Confections will fashion opposed to porcelain figurines or fresh flowers, and she thought from fondant. Initials are hot, and the trend is for three instead it sounded great,” Davis says. of one. White fondant cakes are edging Whether a bride dreams of initials or out chocolate. “I actually love white on Kermit and Miss Piggy, today she can white on white,” says Ken Stephens, have the cake topper of her choice. owner of the Grand Rapids, Michigan, As Taylor Zitman says, “It’s all about couture bakery. “You can create many the bride. A tux is pretty generic.” different tones.”

Regal crowns, sugar hearts, and pastel - Sarah Louise Klose paisleys decorate cream-and-ivory cakes.

TAYLOR ZITMAN Flowers and bows remain popular.

Chicago, Ill. // 312.203.0970 Sparkle dust and crystals are in. “We had taylorzitman.com a request for two dinosaurs. The male had a bow tie and a top hat, and the MIRABELLA CONFECTIONS female had on a wedding dress with a 4950 Plainfield Ave NE, Suite F Swarovski crystal for the diamond ring,” Grand Rapids, Mich. // 616.363.7715 Stephens says. mirabellaconfections.com Another unusual topper featured a Owner: Ken Stephens fireman groom, ready to climb a ladder

Cake Topper Contacts

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CAKEWALK, LLC 309 W Jefferson St // Plymouth, Ind. 574.936.3801 // eatbettercake.com Owner: Alexis Sideris Davis

photography courtesy of [clockwise from top] MIRABELLA CONFECTIONS, TAYLOR ZITMAN, CAKEWALK, TAYLOR ZITMAN

THE TOPPING ON THE

SIMPLE STEPS TO PREVENT

gift theft

The months of planning are over, the bride and groom have said “I do,” and now it’s time to celebrate. As guests enter the reception hall, they drop off gifts and cards at the table near the entrance, sign the guestbook, find their seats and order a cocktail. It’s a typical wedding scene, but one that can lead to an unexpected disaster. That conveniently located gift table leaves cards and presents vulnerable to theft, and every year gifts are stolen from unsuspecting brides and grooms.

But there’s no need to panic. Just a few pre-wedding preparations can keep your gifts present and accounted for:

HOME DELIVERY. The best way to prevent theft is to have gifts delivered directly to you. Many online registries allow shipping to the registrant’s address of choice. Discreetly let guests know you would prefer to receive gifts before or after the wedding—in person or by mail—by asking family and bridal party members to spread the word to other guests.

Share this information with guests who ask you directly, but never mention your registry or delivery preferences in your invitation. Wedding etiquette experts agree it sounds greedy.

KEEP AN EYE ON IT.

Because not all of your guests may be tech-savvy enough to navigate an online registry and some inevitably will insist on following tradition, you probably can’t eliminate the gift table entirely. When it comes to keeping gifts safe, location is key. Christina Page, owner of Devoted Weddings and Events in Merrillville, suggests placing the gift table far away from entrances and exits. Set the table in a central location and assign a bridal party or family member to watch it. This helps prevent a well-dressed wedding crasher from discreetly slipping away with your gifts (it’s happened!) while no one is watching. Additionally, Page recommends selecting a card box or cage that seals so a thief can’t open it and remove a handful of envelopes.

DESIGNATE A GIFT KEEPER. Don’t put off deciding what to do with your gifts until the end of the night. Choose a family member or trusted friend beforehand to transport your gifts to a secure location—a locked room or car—once dinner ends. A wedding planner or day-of coordinator can assist with this process. Page says, “When dinner is over, the dancing has started and it seems everyone has dropped off their gift or card, we move the gifts to the bride and groom’s designated location. Usually it’s a parent’s vehicle, and we always have that person help.”

- Ashley Boyer

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spring fever You’re getting married! And you can’t wait! Just as the anticipation for spring bubbles up inside us during the winter months, so too do brides anxiously await their wedding day, no matter how many cake tastings and vendor visits stand in between. Shore Bride celebrates spring—and your wedding!—by showering you with an array of feminine gowns featuring just the right amount of floral touches. So breathe in the fresh air and dance in the rain, because your wedding will be here before you know it, and you’ll look as radiant as the gowns you see here.

PHOTOS BY Kristen Lynn Photographie GOWNS BY Elegance Wedding and Evening Wear

april showers Spring florals make a 3-D appearance in 2011, bursting forth on both traditional, romantic gowns (right, Blue by Enzoani) and on the fun, flirty variety (inset, Jordan Fashions).

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may flowers

Whether your wedding day is hot, cold, sunny or rainy, you’ll shine bright and free in the gown that best suits your style: be it form-fitting (upper left, Blue by Enzoani), full of life (right, Mori Lee) or fabulously feminine (lower left, Dere Kiang).

ELEGANCE WEDDING AND EVENING WEAR // 2820 HIGHWAY AVE, HIGHLAND, IND. 219.923.0977; ELEGANCEWEDDING.NET All of the gowns featured on these pages were provided by Elegance Wedding and Evening Wear. Along with bridal and bridesmaid dresses, the store offers mother-of-the-bride dresses, flower girl dresses, headpieces, veils, slips and bras. Brides can also find their jewelry, invitations, purses and shoes here, and tuxedo rental is available.

KRISTEN LYNN PHOTOGRAPHIE // CHICAGO, ILL. KRISTENLYNNPHOTOGRAPHIE.COM The husband-and-wife team who photographed these fun, colorful images in their Chicago studio says they are storytellers who work to capture weddings in a fresh and authentic way. They commit to building strong relationships with their clients, who can book a commissioned shoot and receive free unlimited access to a gallery of high-resolution photos. spring 2011

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RELAX

the honeymoon

written by HEATHER AUGUSTYN

HOTEL RIU PALACE ARUBA 888.748.4990 riu.com This resort is comprised of three main buildings—two 10-story buildings and one 8-story building—which house 165 rooms.

Located on Aruba’s Palm Beach, the Riu offers guests clear, turquoise-colored warm ocean waters lapping on white sand beaches, which are perfect for snorkeling and dives. The resort also features two swimming pools, Jacuzzi, on-site casino, a complimentary bottomless minibar in each suite, and plenty of shopping and restaurants.

All-inclusive privileges are available, as is wedding planning.

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Honeymoon in Aruba:

ONE HAPPY ISLAND The flag of Aruba features a red, four-pointed star on a field of ocean blue with two yellow stripes along the bottom. The stripes recognize the island’s Dutch heritage, and the star represents the four directions of the compass, since visitors come from all corners of the world to enjoy the island’s riches.

Because it is such a beautiful landscape with almost perfect weather, Aruba ranked number seven on the top ten list of honeymoon destinations in 2009.

With so much to offer honeymooners, it’s no wonder Aruba’s slogan is “One Happy Island.” • “Aruba has great beaches and it has great weather, since it’s located out of the hurricane belt,” says Denise Zencka, owner of All About Travel Inc. in St. John and Crown Point. Zencka also points out that the island is both safe and affordable. “An average seven-night vacation out of Chicago is $1,100 or $1,200 per person, including airfare.” • Here are just a few of the many Aruban resorts worth considering for your honeymoon.

RENAISSANCE ARUBA RESORT & CASINO 800.421.8188 | marriott.com For those who prefer to stay downtown in Aruba’s capital, Oranjestad, the Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino features two buildings—one consisting of all suites, and the other an adults-only complex.

Amenities include pools, casinos, fine dining, an open air market of shops, swim-up bar, massage services, beaches, a lagoon, and even shuttle boats that take honeymooners to the resort’s private island.

The downtown district is a great place for exploring the history and heritage of Aruba, sightseeing Dutch colonial architecture and landmarks, and shopping in the plethora of businesses.

photography courtesy of [opposite page] RIU HOTELS & RESORTS; [this page, top] MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL; [bottom] HYATT HOTELS

THE HYATT ARUBA (right, below) 888.591.1234 | aruba.hyatt.com This recently renovated resort features 357 rooms along the white sands of Palm Beach. All rooms have either ocean views, pool views, or garden views. Honeymooners can enjoy private dining right on the beachfront, an on-site casino, spa and fitness center, a three-level pool with waterfalls and slides, six restaurants, video arcade, and plenty of water sports.

THE OCCIDENTAL GRAND ARUBA | 800.858.2258 | occidentalhotels.com The Occidental, also located on Palm Beach, boasts 398 rooms in an all-inclusive hotel. Set on the white-sand beach, this resort features six restaurants, five bars, on-site casino, swimming pool, lavish rooms with balconies, massage services, and plenty of water sports, such as snorkeling, kayaking and sailing. Because Aruba is known for its excellent diving due to ample coral formations off shore, take advantage of the Occidental’s arrangements for dives, for beginners who have never tried it before, as well as the experienced.

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LIVE

FINANCE

after the wedding

TIP

written by NICHOLE ODIJK DEMARIO

FROM A PRO

The

Spender vs. saver

Baby

QUESTION First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes . . . you know the rest. This cutesy little rhyme became the anthem of my wedding. Four hours post-“I do,” we received our very first baby inquiry.

It left my ovaries writhing in fear and my husband’s head spinning. • “When are you going to have a baby?” Who knew such a simple question could be so complex.

L 30

eah Travis, associate therapist at New Leaf Resources in Lansing, Illinois, says this friendly or familial curiosity is normal and oftentimes inevitable. “I think our culture has certain expectations about what a person or a couple ‘should’ do, so when

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a couple has reached one milestone by getting married, the next logical step for them is to have children.” Nevertheless, if unprepared, couples can be left in shock.

The “baby question” made newlywed Caitlin Rose of Dyer, Indiana, practically speechless. Her initial response was little more than “Uh . . .” And although she and husband Jay are now expecting their first child this fall, she had and has fun with the topic. “It’s fun to be indirect,” Rose recommends lightheartedly. “Let people think what they want. It’ll drive them nuts.”

Travis advises couples to make sure the baby question is something couples ask themselves and each other first and foremost. “This is the kind of question you need to address as early as possible,” Travis says. “While it may not be a conversation for your first date, the sooner you can talk about it, the better. It doesn’t mean any decisions have to be made; it just gets this topic out in the open.” Travis feels that once this topic has been thoroughly discussed, couples can then decide if they want to go public or remain private with their path to parenthood.

For Valerie and Zachary Norris, recent Bloomington, Indiana, transplants, deflecting the baby question has been a little more difficult.

“His dad always mentions it in the Sunday sermon,” says Valerie, whose father-in-law is a pastor.

Melanie and Matthew Mason of Lowell, Indiana, pacified the question with a quick laugh and eye roll, but with some they’ve taken a more serious approach and explained that financially and emotionally, they’re not ready.

Whether a couple decides to have a child in the first few months of marriage, the first few years or not at all, Travis says couples do not necessarily need to craft an automatic response to inquiries. Just as the decision to have a child is up to the couple, so is their response.

We’ve all heard that opposites attract.

Sometimes those opposing features can create issues for couples from time to time. One such instance—the spender and the saver.

Chad Zagel of Edward Jones East Grand Rapids, Michigan, has a two-step process to get opposites on the same page: 1. Go through a monthly budget to make sure you are spending less than you make each month.

2. Have a conversation about what monies are available. Once you know how much is available, talk about what will make each of you happy.

“It’s natural to have different tendencies,” Zagel says. “You don’t have to agree on every penny, but you need to be on the same page on what you want your life to look like short- and long-term.”

MAKING

Love LAST

In a time when divorce rate odds are stacked against newlyweds and married couples alike, one may wonder what it takes to make love last. How do couples withstand the test of time? Defy the statistics?

Local couples weigh in on what it has taken for their relationships to remain on the road to forever.

“I think you have to be best friends before you’re anything else.” -Millicent (Jack) Huminsky of South Haven, Michigan, married 14 years “Never take each other for granted . . .

Marriage is not simple, nor is it an institution.

It is a bond with love being the glue.”

-April (Michael) Green of Hobart, Indiana, married 21 years “Try to go to bed laughing; never go to bed mad.” -Robert (Gertrude) Miller of Michigan City, Indiana, married 55 years

“I think what kept us strong were the struggles we had to endure. You can’t hold things against each other. You accept each other for who you are. You don’t sweat the small stuff.” -Sandy (Walter) Pieniazek of Dyer, Indiana, married 28 years “You should make a choice to love them no matter what. You should always focus on the positive qualities that you fell in love with. It helps you get through the difficult times in your marriage.” -Eileen (Edward) Banashak of Crown Point, Indiana, married 25 years

“Divorce is too easy. Stick it out. Be in it for the long haul.” -Tammi (Dale) Welch of Schererville, Indiana, married 28 years “A good sense of humor has helped us.

When things get tough and you can turn around and laugh, it makes everything easier.” -Louis (Barbara) Price of Union Pier, Michigan, married 39 years “Put each other first. Too many people get caught up in everyday life and forget what’s really important.” -Eileen (Robert) Gatti of Valparaiso, Indiana, married 47 years

SERVICE DIRECTORY All Types of Photography Over 10 Years of Portrait and Wedding Photography Experience All Packages include a DVD & copyright release of photographs

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CAPTURE

a moment in time

photograph by RANTZ PHOTOGRAPHY

Kim and Tony Minestra Rocky Gap County Park St. Joseph, Michigan

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the Allure

Introducing , Northern Indiana’s newest, most artistically unique event center.

Now booking weddings, corporate events and other special occasions.

NOW AVAILABLE! 2000 sq foot luxury bridal suite with champagne and appetizers for bridal party, and newly renovated lower level with space for separate ceremony and cocktail hour.

301 B Street | Laporte IN 46350

219-477-9666 Call seven days a week to schedule walk-thru and free consultation.