February 2014, SVH Bridal Guide by Skagit Publishing

2014

BRIDAL GUIDE

A supplement to the Skagit Valley Herald and Anacortes American

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR MARK DOBIE DISPLAY ADVERTISING MANAGER DEB BUNDY: dbundy@skagitpublishing.com ADVERTISING OPERATIONS HOLLY CHADWICK, JODY HENDRIX, JULIA MATYLINSKI, DANA PERRY, KAREN SHEPPARD & PATRICIA STOWELL DESIGN & LAYOUT JULIA MATYLINSKI MEDIA CONSULTANTS STEPHANIE HARPER ABBY JACKSON DANIELLE KOAGEL 2014 Bridal Gown Trends TINA PULLAR A Picture Perfect you KATHY SCHULTZ Skagit County Wedding Venues KATIE SUNDERMEYER Perfect Flowers PAUL TINNON JOHN WILLIAMS

Contents Pg. 4 Pg. 6 Pg. 7 Pg. 14

1215 Anderson Rd. Mount Vernon, WA 98274 P: 360.424.3251 • F: 360.424.5300

SKAGIT PUBLISHING

ocated in the heart of Skagit Valley, Eaglemont offers an award winning setting with breath taking views of Mt. Baker, the bay & the Olympic mountains. Our classically elegant clubhouse can accommodate anything from an intimate family style rehearsal dinner to extravagant weddings of up to 200 guests. Whether you are wanting an outdoor wedding under the sun or a winter wedding in our ballroom, Eaglemont offers a full service staff happy to exceed your expectations. We also offer an onsite professional coordinator to assist in the days leading up to, and the day of, your special day. Contact: leslie@eaglemontgolf.com 360.428.2788 • www.eaglemontgolf.com

2014 Bridal Guide

goskagit.com

General Information about Marriage Licenses in Skagit County A marriage license can be obtained in Skagit County at the Skagit County Auditor’s Office. The cost for a marriage license is $60.00. Payment must be made in cash only, no exceptions. Neither a witness nor a blood test is required to obtain a marriage license. The license is not valid until the third full day after the application is filed at the Auditor’s Office. For example, if the application is filed on Monday, the first day it can be used is Thursday. Marriage Licenses are void if not solemnized within 60 days of the valid date. If you file your application by mail, please mail it early enough to allow sufficient processing and return mail time. Please also include a contact name, address and phone number where you may be reached if necessary. PLEASE USE BLACK INK! Legal age for both applicants is 18 years old. If one of the applicants is 17 years old, that applicant must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. The parent

or legal guardian must sign the marriage application form, granting consent to the marriage, and must have the authority to do so. Legal guardians must provide either an original or certified copy of the legal guardianship documents. An applicant under 17 years of age must have the consent of a Superior Court Judge. Such consent is indicated by a waiver, included with the marriage application, that is signed by the Superior Court Judge.

Who is authorized to Perform marriages? State law prescribes who can marry. Under RCW 26.04.050, active and retired justices of the supreme court, judges of the court of appeals, judges of the superior courts, superior court commissioners, any regularly licensed or ordained minister or any priest of any church or religious denomination, and judges of courts of limited jurisdiction may perform marriages.

What you need to do: 1. Complete the marriage license application form and affidavit. Both forms are available from the Auditor’s Office or in pdf form online at www.skagitcounty.net. 2. Both applicants must sign the completed affidavit. The signing must be witnessed by a notary public or deputy auditor. 3. Pay the $60.00 fee.

For more info, call: 360.336.9311 or email: scauditor@co.skagit.wa.us

Get married in the heart of the North Cascades!

North Cascades Institute, a one-of-a-kind green venue inside North Cascades National Park: ❁ Guest lodges sleep up to 92 guests

❁ Lakeside facilities and stunning views of mountain peaks ❁ Full-service catering featuring local and organic foods ❁ Close to Seattle, Bellingham and Vancouver BC ❁ Recreational opportunities including guided canoeing and hiking

Contact Andriana Fletcher at andriana_fletcher@ncascades.org or (206) 526-2565 for rates, scheduling and venue tour

don treddinick

NCASCADES.ORG/WEDDINGS

goskagit.com

2014 Bridal Guide

2014 Bridal Gown trends By Pam needham, alicia’s Bridal

he 2014 season started early in July for us when we arrived in New york for an invitation- only showing of all the new Justin Alexander and Sincerity wedding gowns for the new season. The rooftop showing in a glass enclosed solarium and tented terrace at the Hudson Hotel in Manhattan definitely made an amazing first impression. There were so many beautiful gowns with amazing embellishments and others that were just stunning in their simplicity! I loved the illusion necklines with the smallest cap sleeves or sleeveless gowns that had lace appliques and gorgeous beading. The back of the gown was either similar to the front with illusion detail or several of them had incredible deep V-backs. Lace was still very popular but that is where the similarity ended. Several dresses had multiple layers of lace and beading adding to the texture of the gowns giving them a fresh look for 2014. We also saw lots of ballgowns made of tulle, organza and silk. Most of them had beautiful beaded belts

Xtra Special Cakes 919 W. Division St. Mount Vernon

(360) 428.4831

to accent waists that give you that touch of bling that brides love so much! The skirts of tiered organza or tulle were perfect for the romantic bride that wants the wow factor. Then, for that bride that wants to show off her curves, the mermaid fit and flare gowns were gathering lots of attention. There were so many choices in silhouettes and fabric it was very difficult to not bring them all home with us! See the gowns online at www.justinalexanderbridal.com and www.sinceritybridal.com. In October we returned to our favorite bridal market in Chicago. This is the place to see all the designers and again we were not disappointed! Maggie Sottero featured lots of vintage, old Hollywood styles and soft colors of blush, gold, and ivories. Allure Bridal had lots of lace, intricate beading and soft blush dresses as well. Mori Lee introduced black lace to its Voyage collection as well as soft, flowy chiffon and lace bodices. After four days of fashion shows and one-on-one appointments, we made our decisions about the designers and styles that we wanted to bring into the store. We were happy to see lots of straps or sleeved dresses in addition to the always popular strapless styles. Most designers were also showing delicate lace jackets over dresses that were so perfect it looked like part of the original dress, offering an option for the wedding and then a completely different look for the 2014 Bridal Guide

reception. Beaded and floral belts were accenting waists everywhere. Layers of lace, fabrics and patterns were incredible and have to be seen in person. Illusion necklines, off the shoulder lace, beading and glitz–we are eagerly awaiting for all the new designs to start streaming into the store. This has been one of the most diverse seasons in bridal in a long time! When you are shopping for your perfect dress, tell your consultant what you have pictured for your wedding day, try on several different styles, and let them make some suggestions. you will be saying “yes” to the dress and walking down the aisle sooner than you think. Time flies when you are planning a wedding; enjoy it!

goskagit.com

VALUED WEDDING GIFTS SINCE 1930

❤ Rehearsal

Facility

• Waterfront banquet & catering venue

❤ Catering

• Full Service • Many menu options



360.466.4014

laconnerseafood@gmail.com goskagit.com

Generations have selected their engagement and wedding rings as well as fine dinnerware and crystal at Burton Jewelers. We feature Canadian certified fine diamonds, custom engagement rings and designer engagement rings such as Sholdt designs of Seattle and Michael Bondanza from New York. For your wedding gift registry with us, select from famous brands like Waterford Crystal, Wedgwood China, Pickard American made China and Reed and Barton Flatware, Lenox China and Dansk Designs. Ask about our “Bridal Completer Deal”!

ewelers since 1930

2014 Bridal Guide

7TH & COMMERCIAL • ANACORTES 293-6469 • burtonjewelers.com TOLL-FREE 1-888-293-6469

 HOURS 

Monday - Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. 5

a Picture Perfect you

Order your wedding flowers direct from the grower! Our beautiful flowers are easy to work with. Choose from: Tulips • Lilies • Iris • Daffodils

By Joan Phillips, Cascade Cosmetic Surgery’s Skin Care Center

ou, your partner and even your family will spend countless hours planning for the perfect wedding. For weeks and months in advance the dresses, venue, flowers and guest list will be decided upon down to the smallest detail. But, how much attention will you give to the health and look of your face and skin leading up to the big day? Considering the many photo opportunities that will focus on your face beginning with your engagement announcement, the bridal showers and the wedding itself, you will want your skin looking its very best. Brides will want to glow; grooms will want to look polished, and parents will want to look refreshed and more youthful. After the wedding your photos will be shared and remembered for many years as anniversaries, holidays and family events are celebrated. For a face that has a picture perfect look, good skin care should begin up to six months before any special event. If you are pressed for time there are treatments that can be done in the weeks prior to give you a look that is reflective of how good you feel inside. For skin types that are affected by stress with such conditions as rosacea or acne breakouts, it is especially important that your skin care regimen begin as soon as possible to help minimize any flare ups you may encounter. Consider the following tips and treatments for glowing, youthful, and radiant skin for all members of the wedding party: Skin care products that are sold through a professional esthetician are often of physician grade and can provide quicker and better results than most over-the-counter products. Many estheticians offer free skin care analysis as part of their service

and can monitor your progress while making recommendations. Chemical peels are used on the face to remove the skin’s surface of dull and old skin cells. These old cells keep the face from having a glowing, radiant look as well as prevent corrective skin care products from penetrating deep into the skin’s epidermal layers. Peels are also useful for minimizing brown age spots and improving acne. Chemical peels can and should be customized to each person’s skin type. Skin resurfacing is a great laser treatment for those who have experienced excessive sun or environmental exposure, have acne scaring or who just want to refresh the skin’s surface with new cell growth from the inside out. Brow shaping can dramatically change the look of one’s face. This inexpensive treatment averaging $20 can bring balance to the eyes as well as enhance the expressions we make. Minimize wrinkles, folds and fine lines quickly with neurotoxins such as Botox cosmetics and dermal fillers such as Restylane, Juvederm or Radiesse. The use of these treatments can provide almost instant results and although they are temporary lasting four to 12 months, they can take years off of a person’s look. Facial lifts including the eyes can offer more dramatic and permanent results that other less invasive procedures can. With proper planning and use of local or general anesthesia, a mother or father of the bride and groom could look and feel years younger for the wedding and beyond.

TO DISCUSS YOUR WEDDING DETAILS

If your looking for something different to share as wedding or shower favors, we’ve got just the thing - Tulip Bulbs!

Open 7 days a week

Hours: Monday-Saturday, 9am to 6pm Sundays/Holidays, 11am to 4pm 15867 Beaver Marsh Rd Mount Vernon

360.424.8531

Visit our wedding section at

www.tulips.com

Skagit County Wedding Venues By Oralie Chapman he venue and date will be two t of the first and most important choices you make in planning

your wedding and they will greatly impact the cost of your event. you can often save money by having a wedding on a Friday or Sunday. If you decide to have a different location for your ceremony and reception, make sure they are close in proximity or you will lose some guests. Single site wedding and reception venues are still the most popular and economical way to go. When comparing venues be sure to find out exactly what is included with your rental fee and get a list of any “extras” such as facility monitor, parking attendants, use of tables, linens, dishes, etc. Some venues will require outside rentals of needed items; others may require you to use their in-house catering or other exclusive vendors which could add to your costs. It’s important to compare apples to apples, so be sure to make a spreadsheet of all that is included at each venue and weigh the differences in pricing as a total package, not just the basic rental fee. Price isn’t everything. One of the most important considerations in choosing your venue is the comfort you feel and the impression that your guests will come away with after your wedding. Here in Skagit County we have a variety of unique and affordable choices to suit any bride’s taste. Don’t book a space from a bridal show or website; visit the venue and picture yourself walking down the aisle and what your guests will see on your wedding day.

goskagit.com

Skagit County continues to become a wedding destination for Seattle area brides and beyond. We are fortunate to have so many wonderful choices for wedding venues right here in our community. Best wishes in finding the perfect location for your very special day! Be sure to reserve early, as wedding venues can book up quickly, especially during wedding season; June through September. Here are a few of the exquisite venue choices we have right here in Skagit County: anacortes Ship harbor Inn anacortes, (360)293-5177 www.shipharborinn.com The Anacortes Ship Harbor Inn is perfect for a small reception or rehearsal dinner. This hidden treasure is nestled among six acres of towering trees and boasts water views from their lawn event space. Sleeping accommodations are available for out of town guests. The experienced hospitality staff can assist you in planning every detail of your event for up to 175 people. Beau Lodge Bow, (360)724-7508 www.beaulodge.com Beau Lodge is a very popular

2014 Bridal Guide

wedding venue featuring 70 acres of grounds with a pond and wooden bridges for outdoor settings and wood cabins for indoor receptions. There is a banquet room that includes use of tables, chairs and dishes, a kitchen, two large covered deck areas, and a gazebo. The average capacity for a winter party is 75 to 100 people and for a summer party is 125 to 150 people. Best Western Plus Skagit Valley Inn & Convention Center Mount Vernon, (360)428-5678 The Best Western banquet room is a full-service facility that can seat up to 250 people and offers inhouse catering with customizable menus, tables, chairs, linens, dishes, event staff, and clean-up. Convenient for out of town guestsspecial pricing offered with room blocks. Big Lake Lodge Mount Vernon, (360)422-6381 www.skagitsbiglakelodge.com Hidden from the road, Big Lake Lodge is located on a hillside with lush trees and plants at the northwest end of Big Lake. The 16 foot log gazebo and adjoining 20’ x 30’ seating area provides the ideal location for

the ceremony with seating for up to 125 people. The facility includes an indoor area with a full kitchen, a reception spot for buffet food service, a beautiful wisteria arbor and a suite for each of the wedding parties. The cobblestone patio provides additional dining space and a bar. Blanchard Chapel Bow, (360)766-6944 blanchardchapel.com Built in 1911, Blanchard Chapel is located just off of Chuckanut drive in Blanchard-Bow with views of Blanchard Mountain. It is a sweet, remodeled chapel with a cathedral ceiling and original pew benches. It seats up to 120 guests and there is an adjoining reception room with tables and chairs. All types of ceremonies are welcome. Conway Muse Conway, (360)420-4569 conwaymuse.com Located just five minutes from Mount Vernon, the Conway Muse features beautiful gardens that house a majestic willow tree, a sanctuary, a large outdoor wood fire grill and a fireplace. This is a full-service facility and includes catering, liquor license, officiants, entertainers, musicians, DJs, event staffing, and high quality audio and lighting equipment. The venue has three rooms which can accommodate any size party

ranging from 10-500. Croatian Cultural Center anacortes, (360)299-2525 croatianculturalcenter.com The Croatian Cultural Center is a great place for your wedding or reception of up to 134 people. The site features a main auditorium with hardwood floor and great acoustics, a gallery entryway, large commercial kitchen, and private indoor and outdoor courtyards. eaglemont Golf Club Mount Vernon, (360)424-0800 www.eaglemontgolf.com Eaglemont Golf Club located in Mount Vernon offers a unique wedding site overlooking the valley and bay. The clubhouse features a built-in dance floor and bar and is a great spot for a reception with up to 200 guests. Bridal party suites and event-day coordinators are available. The in-house catering can be easily adjusted to your tastes and budget.

Greenﬁeld Farm and Gardens anacortes, (360)202-7002 greenﬁeldfarmandgardens.com Greenfield Farm and Gardens is a rustic venue located just east of Anacortes with gardens, a barn for indoor receptions, a bridal dressing room and a log cabin for the guys. your guests will experience unforgettable hospitality, the chicken house bustling with hens, the funky greenhouse and the grain bin turned beverage bar. The generous grounds lend themselves to several beautiful outdoor experiences with or without a canopy and there is ample parking for parties as large as 200 people.

Fidalgo Bay Resort anacortes, (360)293-5353 www.ﬁdalgobay.com The Fidalgo Bay Resort convention center offers a banquet room that can seat up to 100; the room can be divided into three sections as needed. There is a full kitchen available and a wide hallway that can be used for a buffet line.

La Conner Flats La Conner, (425)765-0046 www.laconnerﬂats.com The La Conner Flats is a 230acre family farm located just outside of La Conner. Venue rental includes access to the granary, covered patio, and gardens. The site hosts outdoor weddings for up to 200 people or indoor for up to 50 people.

• Traditional & BBQ • Custom menus to ﬁt your needs & your budget • People’s Choice BEST BBQ

Reverie Catering & BBQ Cheryl & Matt Kaufman • 360.419.8227

Garden Club La Conner, (360)466-3125 The Garden Club, on Second Street in La Conner, was originally built as a Grange Hall in 1875 and is listed on the National Historic Register. The building can accommodate approximately 75 guests.

2014 Bridal Guide

Tazer Valley Farm The Perfect Location Now Booking For 2014 & 2015 360-391-3352 Tazervalleyfarm.com 7314 300th St. N.W. Stanwood goskagit.com

Lafayette Gardens Burlington, (360)421-3237 lafayettegardensevents.com The beautiful grounds have views of the Cascade Foothills and span two acres of mature landscape. There are several flower gardens, a fruit orchard, shade garden, and a large manicured field. The newly refurbished outbuilding accommodates up to 150 people. Optional services include event planning and decorating, catering, and flowers. Moon Mountain Lodge Sedro-Woolley, (360)715-2119 Enjoy twenty secluded woodland acres with professionally designed gardens, meandering lawns, kitchen facilities and a cozy cabin perfect for the bridal party. Moon Mountain is dog friendly, has a covered stage and dance floor, a couple of fire pits for the evening time, and plenty of spots for camping. Majestic Inn & Spa anacortes, (360)299-1400 www.majesticinnandspa.com The beautifully restored Majestic Inn & Spa is located in the heart of downtown Anacortes. Its wedding venues include the grand room, the garden room, and the courtyard. The Majestic houses the Apothecary Day Spa which allows for on-site hair and makeup for you and your bridal party. The rental fee includes event staff, bartender, linens, tables, and dishes. Customized menus are available. Maple hall La Conner, (360)466-3125 www.maplehall-laconner.com Overlooking the channel, Maple Hall is a beautiful, modern facility located in the heart of historic downtown La Conner. This venue accommodates up to 200 guests banquet style or 300 reception style and has excellent acoustics for music.

goskagit.com

Maplehurst Farm Mount Vernon, (360)708-0718 www.maplehurstweddings.com Maplehurst farm sits alongside the picturesque Skagit River in south Mount Vernon. The farm’s six acres feature views of Mount Baker, a historic mansion and arbor built in 1903, a 5,000 square foot event barn, gardens, trees, and a large grass field. your guests will be in awe from the moment they enter the beautiful tree lined drive leading to your wedding venue. The farm rental includes a full kitchen and bridal suite and accommodates up to 250 guests. McIntyre hall Mount Vernon, 360-416-7727 www.mcintyrehall.org McIntyre Hall showcases an elegant grand lobby, dramatic high-ceilings, and sophisticated architecture. Every aspect of your wedding will be tailored to your needs and budget. This venue offers in-house catering and can seat up to 600 guests. Port of anacortes Buildings anacortes, (360)293-3134 www.portofanacortes.com The Transit Shed is ideal for large weddings and receptions with a maximum capacity of 350. Site rental includes tables, chairs, a dance floor, two different stages, and a PA system. The Seafarers’ Memorial Park

Building seats up to 125 and includes tables and chairs. Skagit Valley Casino Resort Bow, (360)724-7777 www.theskagit.com Skagit Valley Casino Resort offers full service events featuring catering with customized menus, luxurious accommodations and the fun of a Las Vegas style casino. Very large or intimate events are easily accommodated. Stepping Stones Garden Burlington, (360)757-2740 steppingstonesgarden.com This 1920s era country garden setting showcases masterfully planted gardens with fresh lavender and flowers, extensive lawns, ponds, lit white tents, and functional amenities. The site can host up to 200 guests and rental includes tables, chairs, tents, a fire pit, changing rooms, and more. terraBella Mount Vernon, (360)445-3538 www.terrabellaweddings.com Located in Conway along the scenic Skagit River, TerraBella (formerly Larkspur Farms) makes a beautiful garden wedding. you will be surrounded by a courtyard, gardens, stately Himalayan Birch trees, rustic buildings, and a quaint, historic

Enchanted Florist Let us help you create your perfect wedding design. Breath-taking arrangements for your wedding!

360-757-2427• 877-447-7304 2201 Continental Pl., Mount Vernon www.myenchantedflorist.net 2014 Bridal Guide

white steeple church in the background. Canopies and other amenities included. Choose your own catering. the Grand Willow Mount Vernon, (360)428-5071 www.grandwillow.com The Grand Willow accommodates up to 200 guests and offers affordable, in-house catering. Choose a picturesque outdoor wedding in one of the beautiful garden gazebos or an indoor event in the stunning Grand Room. The Grand Room features 18 foot high ceilings and six sets of double French doors that look out onto the front and back courtyard gardens.

Wa-Walton event Center at Swinomish Casino & Lodge anacortes, (360)588-3703

Maplehurst Farm

www.swinomishcasinoandlodge.com

The 9,000 square foot event center features vaulted ceilings, breathtaking views of the San Juan Islands and Padilla Bay, and an inviting atmosphere that will accommodate up to 600 guests with a variety of floor plans. This unique venue is all inclusive; with Las Vegas style gaming, 94 luxury rooms, four spacious suites, and a hospitality suite perfect for bridal party preparation.

Rose Lily Photography

thousand trails Campgrounds Bow, (360)724-4811 Thousand Trails offers a large, casual lodge nestled in a beautiful setting with mountains and rivers as your backdrop. A full kitchen, tables, chairs and other amenities are on site. Camping, cabins and RV hookups are available for out of town guests.

Guidance Through Life Rev. Margarett Mae Non-Denominational Ceremonies

* Your Ceremony * Your Way * Anywhere

360-435-0799

Skagit February 23, 2014 Swinomish Casino & Lodge 12885 Casino Drive Anacortes, WA 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

www.skagitweddingshow.com

www.GuidanceThroughLife.com

WeddingShow

360-428-5972 2014 Bridal Guide

goskagit.com

Creative Celebrations

Where Ever After Begins... Exquisite Cuisine and Custom Wedding Packages Elegant Venue with Over 9,000 ft of Event Space Luxurious Accommodations

SwinomishCasinoandLodge.com Contact our professional wedding coordinator today 360.588.3703

goskagit.com

2014 Bridal Guide

Before the Wedding Checklist 9 to 12 Months Out

Announce your engagement! Submit your engagement announcement to the Skagit Valley Herald. Pick a date for your wedding. Decide on your wedding styleâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; large or small, indoors or out, black tie or barefoot. Decide on a budget. Set up a folder to keep receipts & a ledger to help you stay on budget. Establish a guest list. Reserve your ceremony site. Book your officiant. Reserve your reception site. Book your photographer. Choose your color scheme. Reserve your DJ or band. Go shopping! Find & order your wedding gown, veil & accessories. Choose your maid of honor, best man, bridesmaids, groomsmen & ushers. Apply for a passport and visa if you'll need them for the honeymoon. Consider starting pre-marital counseling.

6 to 9 Months Out

Choose your flower girl & ring bearer. Reserve your wedding night suite Choose your bridesmaids' attire dresses, shoes & accessories. Go for tastings and book your caterer. Book your florist. Order wedding invitations.

2 to 4 Months Out

Order your wedding cake. Order party favors. Order room decorations. Shop for honeymoon attire. Book transportation for the wedding day. Check marriage license requirements. Order your wedding bands. Consider having your teeth whitened. Buy gifts for your bridal party.

6 to 8 Weeks Out

Mail your invitations. Consider starting a wedding website. Record the RSVPs on your wedding guest spreadsheet. Start sending thank-you cards to early gifters. Schedule hair, makeup & nails for your wedding day. Buy toasting glasses, a cake knife, ring pillow, guestbook, etc. Reserve wedding attire for the groom, groomsmen, ushers, father of the bride & ring bearer. Mail rehearsal dinner invitations. Get your marriage license. Find the proverbial "something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue." Finalize your menu & beverage order.

2 to 6 Weeks Out

Week of the Wedding

Pick up your wedding attire & make sure everything fits. Tell your caterer the final guest count. Review the detailed timeline with your vendors & modify if needed. Confirm with your photographer, musicians, clergy, florist, caterer & reception facility. Confirm your honeymoon reservations & accommodations. Finish packing for your honeymoon.

Rehearsal Day

Rehearse the bridal party entrance order, exit order, standing arrangement & musical cues. Give the best man the officiant's fee & any other checks to be delivered the day of the wedding. Arrange for someone to return your rented items after the wedding. Provide your bridal party with the finalized detailed timeline. Review ceremony seating with the ushers. Enjoy your rehearsal dinner.

Finalize ceremony details with your officiant. Go in for the final fitting of your wedding gown & veil. Arrange final fittings for your bridesmaids' dresses. Submit your wedding announcement & The Big Day photo to the Skagit Valley Herald. Breathe. Finalize your rehearsal dinner plans & Give the groom's ring to the maid of arrange seating. honor. Start packing for your honeymoon. Give the bride's ring to the best man. Contact guests who haven't responded. Follow your detailed timeline. Write out a detailed wedding day Get to the altar. timeline for your bridal party & vendors. Say "I do." Pick up your wedding bands & check Relax and enjoy your wedding for fit. Meet with your photographer & outline the special photos you want. Meet with your DJ/band & outline the music playlist during special events like the first dance, etc. Remind bridesmaids & groomsmen when & where they can pick up their attire. Decide on ceremony seating for your special guests, and give the list to your ushers. Plan your reception room layout & seating arrangement. Write your vows.

2014 Bridal Guide

goskagit.com

After the Wedding Checklist Name Change Check List

Return all rented tuxedoes. Return all rented equipment. Return all borrowed accessories. Write thank-you cards. Preserve your bridal bouquet. Send your wedding gown to the cleaners and have it sealed in a vacuum bag or box. Decide on filing taxes jointly or separately, and update your tax forms at work. Add your spouse to your employer's health insurance. Make your spouse the beneficiary of any retirement and 401(k) plans. Purchase life insurance. Start financial planning and consider meeting with an accountant and

social security card driver's license passport bank accounts credit cards safe deposit box investments loans will property titles utility companies post office magazine subscriptions car registration insurance policies voter registration doctors dentist employee records school records club memberships anyone who bills you

financial advisor for strategies that fit your goals as a married couple.

2501 E College Way, Mount Vernon

360.416.7622 mcintyrehall.org

Stunning Venue Exquisite Cuisine Exceptional Service Convenient Location Event Planning Support Full Beverage Service Ample Free Parking Lodging Packages & More!

goskagit.com

TIP: Make your notes as personal as possible. Thank the person for the specific gift and tell them how you plan to use it. For example, "Thanks so much, Aunt Lydia, for your generous subscription to the Jelly of the Month Club. We can't wait to savor all that sweet, fruity goodness on toast, pancakes and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches!" Two sentences is plenty. Include a wedding or honeymoon photograph of the bride and groom for a nice touch. TIP: Have your mom or maid of honor take on these tasks while you go on your honeymoon! TIP: Want to save time and minimize work? Many web-based companies offer name change services for $15$35. Simply fill out a brief form with your basic information, and they handle necessary name and address changes for you.

The perfect partners for your wedding! 1400 N. State St., Bellingham, WA

(360) 733-2563 www.aliciasbridal.com Bridal Gowns ● Bridesmaids Dresses ● Over 4,000 in-stock Tuxedos 2014 Bridal Guide

Perfect Flowers By Enchanted Florist

2Twelve Design

hoosing the perfect flowers for your wedding day can be as easy as consulting a qualified professional florist. With the onslaught of social media (Pinterest, Instagram and Facebook to name just a few) the options for bridal bouquets and wedding floral arrangements seems to have exploded into a million different choices. It can be confusing and overwhelming especially when you are faced with so many different choices for EVERy aspect of your wedding day. DJ or band, seated dinner, buffet or dessert reception, still photos, video or both, and of course….THE dress. The best advice that I give to all my brides is to start by thinking about who you are and what styles you like best. Are you a country girl at heart or do you prefer a more upscale look? Garden party or formal church wedding? Forest nymph or city sophisticate? Once you have defined the look that you are most comfortable with, it’s time to go find the dress of your dreams. yes, that is the next step in picking your floral bouquets. your dress and your bridesmaid’s dresses will determine so much about the overall style of your entire wedding. Next up is the venue selection. Wherever you plan to hold your ceremony and reception, it is very, very, VERy important to book the location as soon as you can. There are limited options in our little corner of Washington for certain types of venues. Many are booked out several years in advance. Particularly, during the popular summer months. Now, make an appointment with your florist. If you haven’t chosen a florist yet, make an appointment with

several different florists. Ask for suggestions from your friends, family and any recently married brides that you might know. Every wedding florist is a little different and each will have their own distinct style. your goal is to find the one whose personality and style mesh with your own. When you come to your appointment be prepared with your color scheme, dress styles, the location of the ceremony and the reception if it is in a different place. Bring along any ideas or pictures you may have of bouquets or flowers that you particularly like. Setting up a Pinterest account and starting a file for all your wedding ideas has proven to be very helpful. your florist and all of your other wedding vendors can easily follow your Pinterest account and keep abreast of all your wedding plans. Now that you have all of that information in one place, your professional florist should be able to help you with choosing the perfect flowers for your wedding. Keep in mind when you choose seasonal flowers, not only are the flowers more likely to be easily available but they will also be more budget friendly. your florist will be able to guide you in that area. Are you trying to determine exactly how many floral bouquets you will need? How many boutonnieres and corsages? your florist will be able to help you with that, too. Are you trying to get the most bang for your buck? your florist will be able to suggest ideas and alternatives that might not have occurred to you. A professional florist works on weddings almost every weekend of the year. They will be a fountain of information for you. your florist can make up a sample bouquet for you to consider. They can put together ideas for centerpieces and ceremony arrangements. Most will have a large selection of photographs of their own wedding work for you to look through.

BIG LAKE LODGE Outdoor Weddings & Events • Dates Available for 2014 & 2015 www.skagitsbiglakelodge.com

2014 Bridal Guide

goskagit.com

H ow to publish y our

Engagement & Wedding announcement

in the skagit valle y herald Use this as a guide to help you format your announcement to be published on Sundays in the Skagit Valley Herald’s Skagit Living section. Deadline is 2:30pm on Wednesday, prior to the requested Sunday publication. Cost is $20 (2x2), $35 (2x5) or $55 (2x7.5) and $5 for each additional inch.

Call 360.424.4567 with any questions or for more information You may submit your photo & announcement these ways:

Engagement announcement suggested content: Full name of bride-to-be and bridegroom-to-be, Bride’s parents’ names and city, Groom’s parents’ names and city, Bride’s education and year(s) of graduation, Bride’s employment and city, Groom’s education and year(s) of graduation, Groom’s employment and city, Wedding date and location.

Wedding announcement suggested content:

Deliver in person: 1215 Anderson Road, Mt. Vernon, WA 98274 Email: classified@skagitpublishing.com Mail: PO Box 578, Mt .Vernon, WA 98273 Fax: 360.424.5300

2Twelve Design

Full maiden name of bride, Full name of bridegroom, Will the bride keep her maiden name, Wedding date and time, Location of wedding, Bride’s and Groom’s parents’ names and city, First and last name and title of minister, Double-ring ceremony, Bridal bouquet, Name and city of Maid or matron of honor, Name and city of Best man, Name and city of Bridesmaids and Groomsmen, Candlelighters, Ushers, Flower girl, Ringbearer, Musicians, Location of reception and hosts, Bride’s and Groom’s education and year(s) of graduation, Bride’s and Groom’s employer and city, Honeymoon, Couple’s new home city.

goskagit.com

2014 Bridal Guide

E ngagi ng Possi bi lit i es ! • Two hotels with 16,000 square feet of combined venue space, separate from casino • Full-service catering and banquet staff

Owned by Upper Skagit Indian Tribe

SVHBG

Contact Sales at 360-724-0154 sales@theskagit.com 5 Minutes North of Burlington On I-5 at Exit 236 • theskagit.com