oh
life ❉ insight ❉ style ❉ culture ❉ fun ❉ shopping ❉ biz
magazine
the essentials of 98277
WHIDBEY-STYLE WEDDINGS
flowers &dresses blissful bites
time for romance
{show them love}
January/February 2009
❉ contents
Pg. 4 ahoy! oH, i do. Pg. 5 essentials: show them some love Pg. 8 Q&a: photographers talk of wedding day love Pg. 11 getting hitched: How to get a license & other nuptial necessities Pg. 12 be mine: get your message across with sweet wedding stationery Pg. 14 here comes the bride: so many ways to keep everyone stylish on the big day Pg. 16 love blooms: Flowers for your day Pg. 18 Planner: Begin your wedding with lots of love & plenty to do Pg. 20 on location: set the scene, no matter your style or budget Pg. 22 blissful bites: tasty trends to nibble on
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the delicate beauty of a glowing island bride is juxtaposed against a graffiti-ridden West Beach seawall in this cover-worthy photo by erik Vail. A visit to Vail studio’s wedding Web site would amaze even the most jaded person. so, when it was decided that this edition’s Q&A would feature erik and his fellow photogragher father, Larry Vail, editor cynthia Woolbright had one immediate reaction: “i’m not taking their picture.” this decision wasn’t made in fear or dislike of the two men. they’re filled with humor and a genuine passion for people. it’s just hard to compete. Luckily, erik’s wife, Ali, is equally as handy with a camera (turn to page 10 to see for yourself and read the Q&A).
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on the cover
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ahoy! oh
life ❉ insight ❉ style ❉ culture ❉ fun ❉ shopping ❉ biz
magazine
say hello to love. oH, i do.
I
had cold feet when it came to my own wedding. It wasn’t that I had second thoughts about my husband (I love you Joe). It wasn’t that I didn’t want a Whidbey wedding. The thought of planning a fête just scared me to death — no matter the location. I ran away to tie the knot in Las Vegas after a few quick mouse clicks bought plane tickets, hotel and ceremony on the internet. But, if I had it do all over again, I’d stay put. Was I crazy? Why didn’t I plan a Whidbey wedding? People flock here to tie the knot. I probably could have saved money, too. Afterall, no hotel bill at home sweet home. Everything you need for a wedding and reception can be found on island. That still holds true even if you narrow your search to just right here in Oak Harbor. Since the day I ran away for my nuptials I’ve witnessed great island weddings. I stood jealously at my brother’s Freeland Hall ceremony thinking, “I want a Whidbey wedding too.” Flip through the pages of this Bridal Romance edition of OH Magazine and see for yourself. The resources 4
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are here: stationery, bridal dresses, a suit for the groom, cakes, flowers, decorations, caterers, photographers, videographers, wedding venues, reception locations, musicians and so much more. Want a custom mural for your big day? We’ve got artists. Unique gifts for your wedding party? Got it. If you want to make your big day memorable you don’t have to venture far from home. If you can’t walk down the aisle without Elvis, impersonators can be hired. Now that I know a Whidbey wedding is easily obtainable, I might have to do it all over again. Watch out, honey, we’re renewing our vows in a few years — this time it will be a Whidbey Island style “OH, I do.” Maybe Elvis can come, too. until next edition,
My wedding day, Sept. 4, 2005.
Publisher: Marcia Van Dyke Editor: Cynthia Woolbright Production: William Bolles & Connie Ross Art: Teresa Besaw & Sasha Burrow Contributing writer: Jill Johnson Marketing: Robyn Bainbridge, Jack Bayliss & Cindi Peters Special Thanks: Elaine Torres of Elaine’s Photo Studio, Larry & Erik Vail of Vail Studio and gracious Oak Harbor merchants.
OH distribution
OH Magazine: The Essentials of 98277, is a bi-monthly community lifestyle magazine produced at the Whidbey News-Times office and published as a product of Sound Publishing, Inc. It is distributed to all Whidbey News-Times subscribers in the 98277 and 98239 area, and is available at select sites around Oak Harbor. For additional copies, visit the Whidbey News-Times office at 800 SE Barrington Dr., Oak Harbor, WA 98277.
OH is all yours OH Magazine is always on the lookout for content ideas and talented freelance writers. To submit a suggestion for edition theme, Crow’s Nest coverage, Bearings & Beacons business, feature story or to be a freelance writer, contact editor Cynthia Woolbright at 675-6611, via email at cwoolbright@whidbeynews times.com, or write 800 SE Barrington Dr., Oak Harbor, WA 98277.
OH! Wait, there’s more ... OH Magazine content and web exclusives can be found in the lifestyles section of the Whidbey News-Times Web site www.whidbey newstimes.com. For information about advertising online, call the marketing department at 675-6611.
Love.
Musicians sing about it. Artists bring it to life. Poets pen loving prose. Almost every movie plot line is wrapped around it. Love is everywhere. Why we’re not wandering around lovedrunk everyday is a good question. Lucky for anyone oblivious to love’s subliminal messaging, every year there’s a day dedicated to romance called Valentines Day. Consider it the ultimate reminder. We’re hoping you show affection for your sweetie everyday, but just in case, here’s a few gift ideas to show your devotion, especially on that day in February. They could also be considered fabulous finds for bridal attendants!
Bee Mine, Honey smell sweet as honey and bee soft too with this Honey House naturals gift set for $19.19 found at Ace Hardware.
Engaging Beauty this princess cut and micro-pavé diamond and white gold engagement set is fit for royalty. paired with a matching micro-pavé diamond band for $8,995 total from gerald’s Jewelry, it makes a perfect proposal for your cinderella.
essentials the 98277 you can’t live without
Treats for Your Sweet
tuck treasured trinkets in this golden goldfish jeweled enamel jewelry box $21.89 at Ace Hardware.
Swimmingly Adorable
indulge your taste buds with the self-proclaimed “best truffles in the world” for $29, paired with the delicate blush of flavor in editor’s note: prices, styles and availability at stores listed are subject to change. this Rose champagne for $53, check stores for current prices, availability of products featured here, and new items. both found at bayleaf. January/February 2009
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“there is no other gift that carries the emotion and feelings behind it that a piece of jewelry does.” -------------David Fikse, gerald’s Jewelry owner
Treasured Trinket
“there are many wonderful, inexpensive, high-quality jewelry items out there you can give that will last for years to come,” according to jeweler David Fikse. An example are the diamond bracelets, above, found at gerald’s with either leather or silver bands, prices vary.
Give Her a Spa Day nothing says “i love you” like a little tLc time. clockwise from left, persimmon shower paste $19.89, custom fragrance candle $6.89, fig eau de parfum $34.59, hefty grapefruit-mint soap bar $8.29, pomegranate shea body cream $19.89 and vanilla incense sticks and holder $4.59 — all found at Ace Hardware.
Pearls of Wisdom “people often forget about the gift from the groom to the bride,” Fikse advises. “Most grooms don’t know, but it’s tradition.” the gift to give? pearls. this 18-inch strand of freshwater pearls and matching earrings, $199.95 at gerald’s.
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don’t forget the equally important tradition of giving the groom a gift, often monogrammed items such as keychains, money clips or cuff links.
Pretty, Pretty Profile Below, this yellow and white gold three-stone engagement ring promises her you love your past, present and future. the ring with the gorgeous profile and its matching micro pave band are $7,995 at gerald’s.
K is for Kisses Monogram gifts continue to carry classic sentimentality. give your sweetheart her initial, your’s or a treasured loved one’s with this white gold and diamond pendant for $189.
reads Longing to thumb through a great romantic read? Diane sullivan, owner of Wind & tide Bookshop shared a few lovely books that will leave your heart a flutter.
lingerie handbook by Rebecca Apsan and sarah stark consider this a practical read that could lead to romance. “she gives some really great advice on how to fit and buy lingerie,” sullivan said. 1,000 days in venice by Marlena De Blasi “the author was a divorcee having a rough time of it when she decided to take a trip to Venice and ends up falling in love,” sullivan said. the tasty read even spawned a followup, “1,000 Days in tuscany.” “Quiet corners of Paris” by Jean-christophe napias, christophe Lefebure & David Downie
Spicy & Sweet these quirky but undeniably adorable kissing salt and pepper shakers will spice up any cute, newlywed kitchen, $8.99 at Ace Hardware.
Tea for Two Brew a pot of dedicated conversation time in this Vietnamese celadon teapot for $19.99 from Ace, and antique english teacups and saucers $22.50 and $24.95 found at oak tree Antiques.
Hold the world’s most romantic city in the palm of your hand thanks to this petite read packed with details and photos about the lesser-known corners of paris.
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Q & a
erik & Larry Vail {hot seat} Two generations of photographers capture couples’ wedding day happiness for eternity If love makes the world go round, capturing that love and preserving it forever seems like a job that would keep most people spinning. But father and son photographers Larry and Erik Vail have a well-grounded passion for creating lasting memories. The two approach photography from very different directions. Erik took a 8
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technical migration and while his father was drawn photography as an art form. However, both father and son have spent hours on training and education to strengthen and build upon their natural talent. Larry is a recognized photographer with the Professional Photographers of America, and Erik, who studied with famed photographer Scott
Robert Lim, was recently honored as one of Evening Magazine’s “Best of Western Washington” wedding photographers. Thw nod is something that Dad is quick and proud to point out. The duo, along with their wives, have a passion for other peoples’ passion — something OH magazine contributing writer Jill Johnson discovered as she sat down with them to find out just what it’s like to look at love through a lens.
Jill Johnson, interview ❉ Vail studio, photos
OH: How did you decide to make photography your career? EV: I actually worked on the other end of photography for a long time doing negative retouching and print finishing, developing and printing. That’s how I started in photography before I ever picked up a camera. LV: I’ve been involved in all types of art, from oil painter and sculptor to commercial designer and even interior design. Photography would have been the last thing I even suspected I’d be involved in. But I knew a woman who was a professional photographer and she approached me about doing photographic art and I am interested in anything that has to do with the arts. OH: How did you eventually evolve into wedding photography? EV: I tried a lot of different things and finally landed on wedding photography. That was where I really wanted to be. It’s exciting to work with people on a day when they are so happy. It’s such a big moment for them and I get to be involved with that each time. Not only do I get to be involved in that, I get to capture it and interpret it in a way that I saw it and in a way that’s going to be special to them. OH: Why do you enjoy capturing moments in other people lives? LV: It’s really a creative outlet for me, which satisfies a lot of inner-need that I have. I find it very, very, rewarding to work with
Vail Studio photo
people. And you know, I’ve been doing this long enough now that I am doing senior pictures and wedding pictures of people that I photographed when they were babies. That is incredible to me and really fun to be a part of the milestones of their life. EV: I love to see people’s reaction to the images. I find it really rewarding to know that that’s a reaction that’s going to last. Every time they see the image they’re going to have that reaction and it’s going to be a lasting memory. OH: The photography process seems very personal? EV: Absolutely. Especially after a day of photographing someone for their wedding. I know them and their entire family. Often times I start with the bride getting her dress on, so I see her in her underwear. I’m standing there when she gets into a fight with her mom (laughs) so I know these people, sometimes well, by the time the wedding day is over. OH: It sounds almost intimate? EV: It’s definitely an intimate thing. I think there is always a level of intimacy when you are taking a person’s portrait. OH: What have been some unique wedding shots or locations? EV: One of my favorite wedding locations was Union Station in Seattle. It was amazing and the most beautiful wedding I’ve ever seen.
LV: That wedding was a “money’s no object type of wedding” ... those are fun. (Laughs) EV: But then on the exact opposite end of the scale, one of the very first weddings I ever did was very memorable. It was just the minister, the couple, the maid of honor and best man out on Ebey’s bluff. It was really intimate and really pretty and it was really obvious how much in love they were. OH: Do you have any locations you would love to shoot a wedding at? EV: I had that for Fort Casey for a while, but I just did it this summer LV: There’s always Italy. (laughs) OH: What are some of your other favorite types of weddings? LV: I think cultural weddings are interesting. Cultures are interesting anyway, and you get into weddings and you see all the traditions. We did a wedding with a white guy and black woman. He’s Jewish. So they did the Jewish, the Christian, the African jumping of the broom, the Jewish breaking of the glass. They incorporated all the traditions and it was a really interesting and memorable wedding. EV: I’ve always wanted to do an East Indian wedding. That type of wedding lasts for several days and there’s a lot going on. There’s so much texture and color involved that I think it would be really cool. Q&A continues, page 10
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OH: Is it a challenge to photograph a wedding? The white dress, the white flowers… EV: White’s the worst color ever for photography. It’s absolutely horrible. But certainly there are things that can be done, which we’ve learned. There are little tricks. Anything you can do to frame the bride other than just her white dress is always good. LV: We are put into the position a lot of times of making the best out of not the best situation. You have to pull everything out of the bag to get the best shot. EV: When a couple decides where to have the reception they weren’t thinking about what the lighting was going to be like. When they decided where to place their cake they weren’t thinking what the lighting is going to be like. It’s just not something couples think about. Our job as the wedding photographer is to make the light look like it was amazing, and make the location look magical even if it’s not. OH: Had any Bridezilla experiences? EV: I’ve been to weddings that were badly planned by young brides that didn’t know what they were doing. But I don’t think that was their fault. I don’t think they were Bridezillas. They were just overly stressed because it was a badly planned wedding. But I do ... well, I do definitely have one. (Laughs) LV: This was one where the parents had quite a bit of money and she was pretty spoiled. But aside from that type of personality, you can combat most of that Bridezilla problem with pre-organization. OH: How do you make sure you get all the shots you need? LV: We give all our couples a check-list so it’s all organized before. They pretty much tell us which shots they want. We make sure those
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Vail Studio photo
shots happen and then we take the liberty in between to get the shots we see and capture the moments they may not have thought about or the ones you couldn’t anticipate. EV: But first and foremost we want to make sure their agenda is fulfilled. OH: Do you see a trend toward cutting costs by having family shoot photos? EV: Yes. You know we just had a couple come in here for their one year wedding anniversary pictures and the reason they came to us is because their wedding photographer didn’t put the card in his camera. So they had no wedding pictures. LV: Your wedding is a huge milestone in your life. Why would you take a chance on sacrificing it? It’s a moment in your life that you’re not going to be able to recreate and it’s really all you will have left from that day.
OH: What are some questions a couple should ask when selecting a wedding photographer? EV: First and foremost they should look at the photographer’s images. We have a website vailstudioweddings.com, and vailphotography. com you can go there and preview the images. If you look at my images and you like them, that’s what you’re going to get from me. If you look at my images and you don’t like them, then you shouldn’t hire me. LV: Styles are very different in any art form. So you have to find a style you like, and couples should look for the maximum variety. People like different things so a photographer who has more of a shotgun approach always pays off. OH: Can you tell when you are taking pictures which couples will make it and which won’t? LV: Sometimes I can definitely tell that they won’t and sometimes you can definitely tell that they will. Certainly, not always, sometimes you get your surprises. EV: And we do hear back from couples, they let us know how things are working out. OH: Do you ever have couples so in love it makes you a little nauseous? LV: We love that actually. EV: Generally that means they are happy ... and it’s going to be a happy day. LV: We tend to be a little romantic. OH: You’re both married, what advice would you give a newly engaged couple? LV: Thank God for my wife! I think it comes down to communication. Always. EV: Yeah. Definitely communication. And I think some advice I would give about the wedding itself is just to give yourself time to plan. Start immediately. Do not wait until the last minute. Start now.
getting hitched
The essentials to marrying on island
Y
ou don’t have to be a resident of Island County to be married here, but both the bride and groom must be 18 years of age or older. If the bride or groom is not yet 18, a legal guardian must be present, and if under 17, it must be approved by a juvenile judge. If divorced, proof of divorce is not required, but the divorce must be final. After the license is issued, there is a threeday waiting period before the marriage can take place. There are no exceptions to this, so plan your wedding at least one week in advance. An Island County wedding license is valid up to 60 days. After that you’ll have to reapply. how do you aPPly? Visit the Island County Auditor’s office and obtain an affidavit swearing to the fact that you are both unmarried at the time of application, you are aware of your co-applicant’s sta-
All photos courtesy of Elaine’s Photo Studio
tus regarding sexually transmitted diseases and that you are of age. To get a license, both the perspective bride and groom need to be able to provide Social Security numbers, dates and places of birth, as well as the names and places of birth for their mothers and fathers, and the maiden names of both applicants’ mothers. While you are at the office, you need to also complete the Department of Health Certificate of Marriage application form.
denomination to marry you off. Don’t try to do this alone, as it is not OK for brides and grooms to attempt their own ceremony.
what does it cost?
tie uP loose eNds.
There is a $54 non-refundable fee for the marriage license application. Bring cash or check, as credit cards are not accepted. Cool FYI — the state of Washington uses $15 of the fee to help displaced homemakers and abused children. Once your marriage is certified, you can request in person certified copies of your marriage certificate for $3 each. If requesting by mail, additional fees apply.
Your officiant has 30 days to return the signed and completed certificate of marriage form. Before you jet off on that month-long honeymoon in Mexico it’s best to make sure your officiant has processed the paperwork unless you want to say adios to your union.
who caN Peform your weddiNg ceremoNy? In Washington State, law allows active and retired justices of the Supreme Court, judges of the Court of Appeals, judges of the Superior Courts, Superior Court Commissioners, and any regularly licensed or ordained minister or any priest of any church or religious
caN i get a witNess? State law requires that marriages be performed in the presence of two witnesses. The law does not specify the minimum or maximum age of the witnesses — however, witnesses should be fairly competent.
get a liceNse & officiaNt Island County Auditor’s Office (Coupeville) 360-240-5540 Island County Superior Court (Coupeville) 360-679-7361 District Court - Oak Harbor 360-675-5988 Contact the Auditor’s Office or the courts listed above for marriage officiant referral information, or check local phone listings. January/February 2009
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beAlways, mine Valentine I
t’s only appropriate the traditional first wedding anniversary gift be something made of paper. From the moment the bride says “yes” to the proposal, the paper trail begins. Most etiquette and wedding timeline sources suggest you mail out invites six weeks before the big day, so this means wedding stationery is one of the first things to plan. Get ready to do some homework — it’s so much more than just paper and ink. Wedding stationery possibilities today are endless — save the date, invites, RSVP, programs, “thank you” cards, favors, you name it — and trends are ever changing. “What you read and what you see are two different things,” advises Mary Anderson,
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owner of Polka Dot Paperie on Pioneer Way. “Everyone should just do what you love and what represents you.” Helping design and print wedding invitations is just one of the many reasons Anderson adores her job. “I love helping people tell their stories or help create the stories of their memorable day,” she said. The shared love for color, texture and design helps Anderson and her Polka Dot Paperie crew create unique, memorable stationery for any wedding theme imaginable. “Wedding invitations today are really all over the board,” Anderson said. With the availability of wedding Web sites, some couples choose to keep the invite
simple and launch the details on the web. “This is extremely popular with the younger brides,” Anderson said. Others take the need for giving their guests as much information possible as a way to get creative with their invites. “There’s so much you can do,” she said. “More often brides and grooms come in already having a design concept in mind.” Ironically, one of the oldest printing methods is one of the hottest new printing trends. Letterpress is taking over everyday stationery and thus younger generations are adopting it to give their invites a fresh style. Luckily, improved ink and paper technology allows even small printers like Polka Dot Paperie to replicate the look and feel of
ABOVE: Interactive elements such as pullouts are increasingly popular.
BELOW: Have fun & get creative with your inserts.
ABOVE: A couple enclosed this cute, thankful wedding day moment as a part of their thank you notes.
the style at a fraction of the cost. Paper is receiving adornments and 3-D elements like jewels, ribbons, flowers of paper and the dried variety, wraps of ribbon and fabric, intricate folds and multiple pieces, cut outs, color, texture and pattern. If you fall in love with the paper, ask your paper supplier, stationery store or printer what your printing options are. A couple’s number one tool in wedding stationery shopping, Anderson said, is to know your numbers. If you’re expecting 200 guests, that doesn’t necessarily translate into 200 invites or even 100.
“Knowing exactly how many invites you need to reach the people you want to be there is the main way to stay on budget,” Anderson said. “There’s so many wonderful things you can do on even a modest budget.” No matter what you choose, know that your wedding stationery will set the tone for the event you have planned. “If your wedding’s casual, you want it to match that and if it’s a formal affair you don’t want to give the impression that jeans and T-shirts are OK,” she said. Across the board of taste — modern, whimsical, sophisticated, funky or unique — Anderson said that one fact stands true. Couples want their wedding style and details personalized, from start to finish. “They come in having an idea of what defines them,” Anderson said. “It’s fun helping make that happen.” BELOW: The trend of creating “inspiration boards” allows a bride to see the big picture of her wedding style.
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the bride
here comes
All photos courtesy of Elaine’s Photo Studio
Stylishly outfitting your wedding is about more than just shopping for a dress
E
ven when they’re just beginning to shop for their wedding day attire, Event Creations owner Tammy Felps says she recognizes the enthusiasm in a bride’s eyes. “They just light up and many cry.” Felps loves being there — every dress of the way. All of the many dress along the way of finding “the one.” “The best thing to do is to try on a lot,” Felps said. “Some girls are lucky enough to only try on a few, others try on dozens before finding the one they love.”
“No matter what you choose for your dress and the rest of the wedding party, realize after that day all that matters is the pictures,” Felps said. “Avoid anything too trendy because those pictures are going to stick around decades longer than that hairstyle will.” keeP the groom iN the looP about your look “I know brides want to keep their dress from the guy until the big reveal, but you have to give him some idea of what you’re wearing,” Felps said. Help your guy out by sending him suit or tux shopping with descriptions of your dress and maybe even a sample of any colors you might be using. “Certain things you have to know,” she said. “A groom in a white shirt will make his bride look dingy if she’s wearing an ivory gown,” Felps said. remember to style the out-of-towNers Even if you have everyone picking their own outfit within a certain color scheme, remember that people coming from out of town aren’t there to see exactly what red you mean and know you’re available for questions.
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doN’t forget dad “The father of the groom often gets left out of the wedding party style planning,” Felps said. “They’re in all the pictures so help them out so they don’t look like they’re at the wrong wedding.” customiZe their look “The idea of separates is hugely popular for bridal attendants,” Felps said. The separate skirts and differing style of tops allow each bridesmaid to dress in a style that flatters her but that also perfectly matches the wedding’s color scheme and fellow attendants. it doesN’t hurt to ask No matter where you shop for your wedding dress, ask the store if they’d consider giving you a discount. Felps doesn’t advise asking for a specific discount, but does encourage brides to inquire. Many shops will take certain factors, such as how many of that dress is in stock and what season it debuted, to give you a price advantage.
With so many bridal style choices out there, every bride can find something that makes them not only look like a princess but feel comfortable too.
Felps loves meeting all the different brides who visit her shop, hearing about their background, how they fell in love and why they said “yes” when asked “will you?” One bride was a mechanic and talked of carrying a bouquet of wrenches down the aisle. “I don’t think she ended up doing it, but you could tell that she was really embracing the idea of putting her own spin on things,” Felps said. There are reluctant brides who didn’t want to be dress shopping, let alone shopping for a delicate dress with plenty of frills. “I start picking up some of their preferences and soon I’m recommending dresses to try on,” Felps said. Despite claiming certain frocks are far from their taste, brides are soon surprised by their own new-found preferences. “They cry and realize ‘I am a girl’ and they fall in love with this big, poofy dress they never
“Look for a dress that fits the wedding you’re planning and not build a wedding around a dress you fell in love with.” -----------------------tammy Felps, event creations owner
would have picked out themselves,” Felps said. While the old adage suggests not judging a book by it’s cover, Felps says not to judge a wedding dress by the way it looks on a hanger or in a magazine. “The best thing a bride can do is to stay open minded, even if you do have your particular style already selected,” she said. “Don’t rule anything out too early.” Being stylish isn’t just limited to the ladies. Fellas, time to start filling your vocabulary with the different lingo for the varying styles of jackets, lapels, trousers, collars, cuffs, neckwear and accessories. Terms like tuxedo, mandarin, shawl, ascot, cummerbund (and your inseam) will soon be firsthand knowledge and you’ll be on the road to looking good in no time. “It’s fun every time to see a stylish wedding come together.”
tie? how do you
{a bow tie}
steP #1: put the tie around your neck so that end “A” (on your left) is longer than end “B.” steP #2: cross end “A” over the top of “B.” steP #3: pull end “A” up and behind end “B.” steP #4: create a loop with end “B”. this will be half your bow. steP #5: next, let end “A” hang in front of the loop you just formed.
steP #6: Hold everything in place. pull end “A” behind the tie from below, then fold in half to create the other side of bow. poke this loop through the space behind loop “B.” steP #7: Voila! You’ve tied the tie. Adjust the tie by tugging at its ends and straightening the center knot. doN’t fret: there’s more formal options than ever, so you can dress beyond the bowtie if needed. January/February 2009
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Loving BLooMs
Picking petals for your big day
W
hile the basic idea of adorning a bride with flowers to promote good luck and health in the marriage is an age-old tradition, wedding flower trends, color schemes and design concepts continue to evolve. “I’ve seen plenty of styles come and go,” said Judy Fuchs, floral designer at Midway Florist. For 30 years, the aptly-named floral shop on Midway Boulevard has helped countless brides choose just the right blooms for their big day. “Weddings around here tend to stay pretty conservative,” Fuchs says of her time with area brides. “They get creative, but not too elaborate.” Many of the designers at the shop have been in the floral business long enough to see many a trend come and go, while some traditions still hold strong.
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A constant? Roses. “White even more often than red.” Today, wedding flowers are not simply bouquets cradled by brides. You’ll find blooms on the cake, as arched entryways, on church pews, in bridal attendants’ hair, as symbols used in ceremony, as petals scattered by tots, given as gift corsages to mothers, as centerpieces, as edibles in the salad, even garlands of blossoms around canines of the wedding party. “You can do so much,” Fuchs said. All of this versatility give flowers both the possibility of being a major part of your wedding budget and one of the more flexible decisions a bride will accomplish. Making the most of your wedding flower shopping is a matter of educating yourself as to not only what flowers you find attractive, but what will fit best into your wedding’s location, schedule and budget. Planning ahead and contacting your florist early will eleviate any rush and headaches. “Special orders can take a few weeks so that needs to be taken into consideration,” Fuchs said. “Anything out of season will be harder to get in stock and cost more.” While Valentine’s Day is a great day to propose, the florists advise against getting hitched February 14. “It’s not a good time. Flowers cost more and florists are extremely busy.” If you’ve chosen colors for your wedding, be flexible with your flower. “Nature doesn’t always come in the exact shade
A pair of citrus-hued table toppers blend roses, carnations, hyndrangea and other flower textures.
you want,” Fuchs said. “There are dozens of colors of pink Gerber daisies, for example.” Another tip: bouquets can double as centerpieces during the reception. “Attendants don’t want to carry them around all night,” she said. “Count them as a few less tabletoppers you have to purchase.” Certain flowers will have lasting power through the often unforgiving conditions of a wedding day (think carnations, daisies and hydrangea). Recent years have seen an explosion of color on the bridal circuit with bold and bright back in a big way. Accent greenery is getting more exotic and creative. Wedding day jewels go beyond a strand of pearls for the bride. Bouquets and boutonnieres are being festooned with pearls, beads, and even heirloom brooches and hatpins. Bouquets hand-wrapped in colorful ribbons, texturized elements like banana leaves, or even beads, continue to be the preferred style carried by brides. No matter what florist you choose, go in knowing what you want. “A little homework and a few pictures can go a long way,” Fuchs said. Bottom line? “Spend the money on the bridal bouqet,” Fuchs said. “Everyone’s going to be looking at the bride that day and you want it to be gorgeous.”
Flower power What these choices say about you {or your Valentine}
Calla Lily
Meaning: magnificent beauty, feminine, modesty scent: Lightly fragrant colors: ivory, yellow, orange, light pink, dark pink, red, dark burgundy in season: summer, but often imported during other seasons price: $$$ expensive
Carnation
Meaning: admiration, fascination, strong and pure love, unfading beauty. caution: yellow and striped have questionable meanings scent: spicy, clovelike colors: white, yellow, apricot, pale pink, dark pink, red, burgundy, also bicolors and flecked in season: year-round price: $ inexpensive
Iris
Meaning: eloquence, my compliments, promise scent: none to sweet depending on variety colors: white, yellow, purple in season: year-round, peak in spring and early summer price: $-$$ inexpensive to moderate
Orchid
Gerbera
Meaning: luxury, nobility, lust, love, beauty colors: white, yellow, green, apricot, orange, pale pink, dark pink, red, burgundy in season: year-round, almost always imported price: $$-$$$ moderate to expensive
Meaning: needing protection, friendship scent: none colors: nearly 350 intense shades are available, including bright orange, pink, red, yellow, and burgundy. in season: year-round price: $$ moderate
Dahlia
Rose
Meaning: gratitude, dignity, forever thine scent: spicy colors: white, yellow, orange, pink, red, purple in season: summerearly fall price: $ inexpensive
Daisy
Meaning: innocence, simplicity, i share your sentiments. scent: none colors: white in season: summerearly fall price: $ inexpensive
Hydrangea
Meaning: understanding, devotion, remembrance, boastfulness scent: none colors: white, green, pink, burgundy, purple, blue season: July-november mrice: $$-$$$ Moderate to expensive
Meaning: several meanings depending on color, general, love, beauty, grace, joy, unity scent: none to intense, depending on variety colors: white, cream, yellow, apricot, orange, pale pink, dark pink, red, burgundy, lavender in season: year-round price: $$-$$$ moderate to expensive (goes up around key flower-giving holidays)
Stephanotis
Meaning: marital happiness (need we say more?) scent: slight to none colors: white in season: year-round price: $$$ expensive
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Your Whidbey
Wedding planner {what & when to get ready for your big day}
J
ust engaged? Wondering about all the things you’ll need to do and when? Here’s a month-by-month snapshot of all your wedding to-dos. 12+ moNths before Envision your wedding and draw up a budget. Assemble your “planning team.” Consider hiring a wedding consultant. Pick a wedding date and time. Select several options, then check with your venues, officiant, important guests before finalizing. Start planning the guest list. Look for and book ceremony and reception sites. Ask friends and relatives to be in the wedding party. Optional: Have an engagement party. You may want to register beforehand for gifts. 8-10 moNths before
Bride: Think about, shop for, and order your gown.
Envision reception food. Decide what type of entertainment you want. A pianist for the cocktail hour, strolling violinists, a DJ, or band? Think about your floral decor. Research and book your wedding professionals. Interview vendors: photographer, videographer, reception band or DJ, florist. Research a wedding insurance policy to
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protect your deposits.
Research and reserve accommodations for out-of-town guests.
Register for gifts. Contact rental companies if you need to rent anything for ceremony/reception, such as chairs, tables, and tent. 6-8 moNths before Book ceremony musicians. Order bridesmaid dresses. Start planning honeymoon. Send save-the-date cards. This is a particularly good idea if you’re marrying during a tourist or holiday season or having a destination wedding. 4-6 moNths before Attend prewedding counseling, if required. Shop for and order invitations and wedding rings. Shop for formalwear. Renew or get passports, if necessary. Envision your wedding cake and research, interview, and book a cake designer. 3 moNths before Order wedding cake. Hire a calligrapher, if you want your invitations professionally addressed. Attend your shower. (It may be earlier, depending on when hosts decide to have
it.)
Groom: Rent the men’s formalwear. Hire wedding-day transport: limousines, other cars. Look into transportation sooner if you’re considering renting streetcars or over-the-top travel. 2 moNths before Mail your invitations. Write your vows. Purchase gifts for parents, attendants, and each other. Book your stylist and try out big-day hairstyles. Book a makeup artist and go for a trial run. 1 moNth before Apply for a marriage license. Check with the local bureau in the town where you’ll wed. Bride: Have final gown fitting. Bring your maid of honor along to learn how to bustle your dress. Have the dress pressed and bring it home. Call all bridesmaids. Make sure they have their gowns ready for the wedding. Make last-minute adjustments with vendors. Create a wedding program to hand out to guests. Order and plan in-room welcome baskets for out-of-town guests.
2 weeks before Review final RSVP list and call any guests who have not yet sent a response. Deliver must-have shot lists to photographer and videographer. Include who should be in formal portraits and determine when portraits will be taken. Deliver final song list to your DJ or bandleader. Include special song requests and songs you don’t want played. Bride: Get your last prewedding haircut and color. 1 week before Give reception site/caterer final guest head count. Include vendors, such as the photographer or band members, who will expect a meal. Ask how many extra plates the caterer will prepare. Supply location manager with a list of vendor requests such as a table for DJ or setup space needed by florist. Plan reception seating chart. Print place and table cards, or finalize list with the calligrapher you have hired to do so. Call all wedding vendors and confirm arrangements. Give ceremony and reception site managers a schedule of vendor delivery and setup times, plus contact numbers. Groom: Get your hair trimmed. Attend bachelor/ette parties. 2-3 days before Bride: If you need to, have your gown pressed or steamed. Groom: Go for final fitting and pick up your formalwear. Groom: Ask the best man to make sure all groomsmen attend fittings and pick up their outfits.
Determine wedding-party positions during ceremony and the order of the party in the processional and recessional. Hand off place cards, table cards, menus, disposable cameras, favors, and any other items for setting the tables to the caterer and/or reception site manager. Reconfirm final details with all vendors. Discuss any necessary last-minute substitutions. Call the limousine- or car-rental company for pickup times and locations. Arrange for guests without cars to be picked up from the airport or train station. Ask friends, attendants, or relatives to help. Deliver welcome baskets to the hotel concierge; make sure to include names and delivery instructions. Day before
Provide all wedding professionals with an emergency phone number to call on the day of the wedding. Write checks and/or talk to wedding hosts (usually your parents, if not you) about any final balances to be paid at the end of the reception. Night before Rehearse ceremony. Meet with wedding party, ceremony readers, immediate family, and your officiant at the ceremony site to rehearse and iron out details. Bring unity candle, aisle runner, yarmulkes, or other ceremony accessories to the site. Give your marriage license to your officiant. Attend rehearsal dinner. Present attendants with gifts at the rehearsal dinner. You’ll want to do this especially if the gifts are accessories to be worn during the wedding.
Day of Present parents and each other with gifts. Give wedding bands to the best man and the maid of honor to hold during the ceremony. Give best man the officiant’s fee envelope, to be handed off after the ceremony. Introduce your reception site manager to your consultant or maid of honor for questions or problems during the reception. Assign a family member or attendant to be the photographer’s contact so he knows who is who.
Postwedding Prearrange for someone to return any rentals. Preplan for attendants to take the bride’s gown for cleaning and return the groom’s tux to the rental shop. Write and send thank-you notes to giftbearing guests and vendors who were especially helpful.
Just how much will this day cost? When it comes to financing a wedding, you should figure out how much you need to spend to get what you want. Here is a basic breakdown of what you can expect to pay*: Reception: 48%-50% Ceremony: 2%-3% Attire: 8%-10% Flowers: 8%-10% Entertainment/Music: 8%-10% Photography/Videography: 10%-12% Stationery: 2%-3% Wedding Rings: 2%-3% Parking/Transportation: 2%-3% Gifts: 2%-3% Miscellaneous: 8% * To avoid stress, allot about 5% of your budget for a “just-in-case” fund. * If you’re paying for your honeymoon yourselves, remember to budget for that as well.
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and get her on the phone. While summer months are typically the busiest wedding scheduling season, Oak Harbor does also have another busy month. “October is packed with events for the Navy and other functions, which can make booking locations more difficult,” said Tammy Felps of Event Creations.
Vail Studio photo
on location W
hidbey Island has no shortage of great places to get married or host a wedding reception. Oak Harbor itself boasts a list of fabulous locations: The Elks Lodge, Oak Harbor Yacht Club, CPO Club, Whidbey Golf and Country Club ... . When you add in local farms, beautiful state parks such as Decep-
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tion Pass, bed & breakfasts and even islanders’ immaculate backyards — it’s hard not to find a great location for your big day. The downside to all these great locations is that they’re popular. As soon as you can, start to do location research. Enlist the help of an event coordinator, if needed. At the very least, put that assertive aunt to good use
It’s the little things When deciding your location, realize it’s more than just a backdrop to your big day. If planning outside weddings near the water or outdoor receptions that might linger into the night, consider providing small throw blankets around for guests to cozy up during the ceremony or reception. Give it extra meaning By keeping your guest list small you make your day intimate in more than one way. You’ll have more money for extra details — providing limousine service, loading up gift baskets, a feast for your guests and added entertainment. Bonus, you’ll have more time with each of them instead of hoping to make the rounds by the end of the night.
Details not to miss ...
Groom? Check. Bride? Check. Dress, cake, flowers? Check. Here’s a few not-to-be-forgotten items to add to the to-do list that can make your day a little brighter.
write it out for them WHY: You don’t want your guests to get lost, especially on Whidbey where locations can be a little off the beaten path. Give them proper direction, get them there on time with ease, and your day is more likely to go smoothly. HOW: For brides and grooms with a Web site, embed a Google map with other details listed on your site. Consider including a map to ceremony site and from there to the reception in your program or invites. Make any roadside signage bold and weatherproof. Give someone else the task to post and take down.
iNvestigate the locatioN WHY: You have no control over nature — even in the middle of summer. HOW: Be sure you have all the pertinent details of your wedding/reception site before making big plans. Having an outdoor wedding right by the water? Better know your tides. Tides com-
ing in are noisier than tides going out, plus you risk the chance of water creeping up on you as you wed. Don’t forget that outdoor breezes can wreak havoc on decorations. Keep them simple and secured.
make sigNiNg the guest book welcomiNg WHY: A few pens aren’t really enticing and you want to make who attends memorable. HOW: Provide a one-time use or instant camera and have guests take their snapshot as they enter. If an instant pic, they can pop it in the book and sign immediately. If not, provide space for their picture and a place for them to sign their well wishes.
give them a comfy froNt row seat for the day WHY: The right chairs and treatments can transform a hodgepodge room or space into an elegant and refined gathering or simply festive affair. In addition, no matter how pretty you make them, remember people have to sit in them for a while, especially at the reception. HOW: Match your chair treatments to your wedding style. It can be as simple as opting for colorful cushions versus monochromatic, or drape with fabric and bestow with bows or flowers. Take different seating options for a test drive. See how you feel after sitting longer than five minutes.
have a game PlaN for the kids atteNdiNg WHY: Even if you love children, you won’t want them disrupting the ceremony or reception and even the best-behaved tykes have off days. HOW: If a good number of children are attending, consider setting up a nearby room or area with games, craft supplies and DVDs for their entertainment. If only a few will be attending, a few sticker and coloring books and some crayons can be lifesavers.
doN’t Just exit to the left, make it memorable WHY: You’ve taken the effort to make every moment of your day memorable. Don’t you want to make your exit an exclamation to this day? HOW: Borrow a vintage car and drive away in classic style, toss your hair into the wind on a moped, plow down the road on a tractor or horse drawn carriage. Take advantage of the opportunity to drive your personal style home.
Elaine’s Photo Studio
January/February 2009
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Blissful Bites Elaine’s Photo Studio
W
hen it comes to planning a wedding and reception it’s always encouraged to head in a new, distict direction. But, there’s some trends out there that are just too tasty to not follow. see for yourself why these trends are worthy of making your own.
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treNd: samPle statioN Foodies and even those epicuriously timid will love creating their own tastes. Wine and cheese stations will prove not only delicious but educational. Champagne bars are also another great idea. Set up a few bottles of bubbly and set mixers of Chombard, Midori, cranberry juice, pineapple juice and fresh fruit nearby. Idea is easily be adapted for kids using sparkling cider, fruit syrups and fresh fruit. Everyone will have fun making their own signature drink.
treNd: sigNature driNks Go beyond serving serving the standard champagne, wine and beer by dazzling your guests with your hostess savvy via signature cocktails. Play off your wedding colors, last names and even wedding themes. Pink martinis become “blushing brides” and some drinks are just “mint to be.” Customize your bar menu and even drink flags.
good tastes s’oh
{speciAL ADVeRtising section}
treNd: switch uP the time Dinner receptions are no longer the standard. Morning people need wedding ceremonies too, and brunch receptions are a great way to follow a sunrise ceremony. They’re also cozy and out of the norm so they’ll prove more intriguing with their naturally mellow tone.
in oak harbor Imperial at Kasteel
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A wedding reception is a great place to incorporate family or cultural traditions through your choice of cake and food. ------------------------
33505 SR 20 279-8899 Asian Limited Delivery • Banquet • VIP Program www.chinacityrestaurant.com
Imperial at Kasteel serves guests with a spectacular dining experience. Imperial was voted Best Asian Restaurant and nominated for Best Customer Service from the community of Oak Harbor. Guests can be lavished with delicious Chinese food in comfort, and quality service of the beautiful restaurant, take-out, or delivery.
treNd: eat cake & cuPcakes, too Your wedding day is often a day to pull out all the stops and indulge in things you wouldn’t any other day. So, why stick to just a wedding cake? Couples are now choosing to be even sweeter to their guests by offering cupcakes, individual cakes, chocolates and other confections, even pies if it fits the season. Why? Life’s short, eat dessert first — always.
treNd: keeP it local There’s no better place to utilize local ingredients than here on Whidbey. Work with your caterer or wedding planner to take advantage of everything from fresh produce, grass fed beef and mussels still wet from the waters of Penn Cove. Often you can still maintain budget, all while giving your guests that extra special touch on your menu. January/February 2009
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