Winter Bridal 2020 by Southern Lakes Newspapers / Rock Valley Publishing

To&Have To Hold

A LOCAL GUIDE TO PLANNING YOUR PERFECT DAY

• honeymoons • receptions • fashion • photos • advice • ideas

...and more

A publication of

Southern Lakes Newspapers WINTER 2021

Tools WINTER BRIDAL • 2021

Weddings give couples an opportunity to share the joy of joining their lives together with a host of friends and family members. Guests liven up the party and help make the celebration that much more memorable. According to The Knot 2019 Real Weddings Study, the average wedding in the United States hosts 131 people. Data indicates this number has been slowly decreasing over the years, after the average wedding size reached an all-time high of 153 in 2007. No matter how big or how small the guest list, keeping guests informed of what’s happening regarding the upcoming nuptials is a courtesy couples can provide. Couples can explore various avenues for keeping guests informed and ensuring they’ll be able to take part in the festivities.

SAVE-THE-DATE ANNOUNCEMENTS Save-the-date announcements have become an increasingly popular component of wedding planning. Instead of waiting on the wedding invitation, which traditionally arrives one or two months prior to the wedding itself, save-the-date cards provide guests with an advanced advertisement of

FOR KEEPING WEDDING GUESTS INFORMED

the celebration to come. According to the photo and invitation specialists at Shutterfly, it’s customary to send save-the-date notes around six months before the wedding. For a destination wedding, which will require extra travel plans, an eight- to 12-month advance can be helpful. Save-the-date cards generally have basic information, including the wedding date and the venue. Many will feature a photo of the couple as well. If you’re planning on sending save-the-date announcements, coordinate with your photographer to have a photo taken exclusively for these cards.

transportation providers, and even restaurants near the hotel for a quick bite between ceremony and reception. Wedding websites also can be used as fun ways to keep guests engaged. “Throwback Thursday” photos or funny memories and anecdotes can be included.

VIDEO CONFERENCING APPS

As the world continues to adapt in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, video conferencing applications like Facetime, Zoom and Microsoft Teams enable people involved in the planning process to routinely “gather” and go over details about the wedding, helping to limit in-person WEDDING WEBSITE meetings as much as possible. These apps Couples are increasingly embracing also can prove invaluable when conferring technology as they plan their weddings. with wedding vendors, such as florists or Brides magazine states that, during the musicians. typical 15-month engagement period, 48 You also can schedule smaller meetings percent of couples will launch a wedding with specific guests who may be playing website. key roles in the wedding, such as those A wedding website is a versatile tool that giving speeches, doing readings, escorting can help answer questions that guests may guests, or serving in other capacities. have. The website can spell out specifics, Certain resources can help couples keep including dress code, whether children guests informed about what’s to come in are invited, the names of wedding party regard to their weddings. participants, overnight accommodations, (METRO CREATIVE)

It’s never too early to book a

Venue

Recent events show the value locking in your date

The Geneva Lakes area offers a wealth of choices for weddings – from intimate to epic. Whether it’s an outdoor setting or an indoor event for 400 the area offers some of the best venues that will leave a lasting memory long after the “I dos” are uttered. Here’s a closer look at a few wedding venues:

Abbey Springs

When looking for the place to hold a wedding and reception, Abbey Springs in Fontana will have everything to make that special day, the day of

A beautiful, canopied outdoor venue overlooking the well-manicured golf course creates a special spot for wedding ceremonies at Hawk’s View Golf Course in Lake Geneva. COURTESY OF HAWK’S VIEW Bridal Guide

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The wedding venue world was thrown in chaos in 2020 when the coronavirus pandemic resulted in governmental orders prohibiting large gatherings. Once venues reopened, couples who had weddings on the calendar during the summer and fall seasons had to decide whether to trim the guest list to allow for diminished capacity or reschedule well into the future in hopes the restrictions would be lifted. All the rescheduling has put a strain on the availability of many venues. The lesson of the pandemic is that it’s never too early to book a reception venue and lock in a preferred date and location.

The dining room at Evergreen is dressed for a formal wedding with custom-colored napkins and flowers to coordinate with bridal party colors.

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NAKASATO PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF EVERGREEN Bridal Guide

your dreams. While there are several amenities that draw couples to Abbey Springs to celebrate their wedding, it is the lakefront wedding space that entices many. Being part of a golf course community the grounds are impeccably groomed. The grass is green and weed free while decorative flowers, bushes and trees add to the beauty and serenity of the space. Once the ceremony is completed, there is no need to rush from the waterfront. Adjacent to the white tent pavilion is the Boat House, which is made available for the bride to use as a Bride’s Room for the entire day. The main clubhouse banquet room, on a hill across the street from the lakefront ceremony platform, will hold up to 200 guests and has a dance floor for the reception. Because of the many windows along the sides of the room, there are beautiful views of the golf course. The room is warm and welcoming with its windows, vaulted ceiling and exposed wooden beams. The room appears light and airy. A fireplace adds a warm and cozy feel to the room. The elegant wooden bar, built specifically for this room covers an entire wall and adds to the ambience of the room. With its long bar, it will easily accommodate those ordering drinks. While Abbey Springs is a private

club, it is not necessary to be a member to hold an event here. In addition to weddings, family reunions, anniversaries, baptisms, corporate events, and golf outings may also be arranged. Depending on the size of the event, it may be held at the waterfront in the white tent or in the ballroom. For smaller events the Yacht Club dining room may be just the right size. Abbey Springs is at 1 Country Club Lane in Fontana. Reach them by telephone at 262-275-6113 or visit abbeysprings.org for a preview of the facility.

Bella Vita

Bella Vita Banquet and Convention Center offers a beautiful and unique venue that strives to create weddings that are fit for dreams. The venue is in New Munster, although the official address is 34816 Geneva Road, Burlington. While Bella Vita has been at this location for many years, Brian and Heather Boeckenstedt purchased the venue in 2015 from Heather’s father when health issues forced him to retire. Each of the three ballrooms is named after members of Heather’s family, who were instrumental in starting the family business. The rooms vary in size and décor giving the bride and groom different options for their wedding. The garden settings at Bella Vita with

a wood pergola to frame the couple, the relaxing sound of the waterfall and the beautiful plantings make for a very picturesque wedding. White ceremony chairs are placed on the stamped concrete patio for guests. Bella Vita remains a family business with Brian, his wife Heather and their three teenage children, Bryce, Brandon, and Brielle, all hard at work making sure that everything goes as planned. “Heather is in charge of the menu, food and kitchen,” Brian said. “Everything is made from scratch. Many of the items are made using Heather’s family recipes which have been passed down for generations. Contact Bella Vita Banquet and Convention Center at 262-537-4066. Or visit at www.bellavitabanquets.com or on Facebook.

Evergreen Golf Club

Evergreen Golf Club, just north of Elkhorn on Highway 12, has the amenities for the perfect wedding. The main clubhouse is set on a beautifully landscaped hill surrounded by manicured lawns and plantings of perennial flowers and prairie grasses. Entering the reception area of the building, the view into the main banquet room reveals a spacious room with 15foot ceilings and beautiful chandeliers. It is reminiscent of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Prairie style. Touches of cherry-stained accent

Hawks View

Because it is situated on such a vast, scenic landscape, Boesch said Hawk’s View Golf Course serves as an ideal spot for wedding ceremonies and receptions. Weddings at Hawk’s View offer a beautiful landscape and an enchanting Rustic Elegant feel. Among the amenities offered at the facility are: • Picturesque overlook • Terrace Garden for covered

CORINNA NICOLE PHOTOGRAPHY Bridal Guide

FROM TOP: The head table is placed in front of the barn wood accent wall in the Lorenzo Room at Bella Vita. The lanterns on the wall have LED flickering lights that reflect against the wood. The head table is lit with under-table lighting that adds a bright glow; Whether you prefer your reception outdoors or indoors, Lake Lawn Resort offers several different options that will fit your desires and the size of your wedding party. COURTESY LAKE LAWN RESORT Bridal Guide

outdoor ceremony • Indoor ballroom with a view of the grounds and golf course during your reception • Customizable menu • Shuttle bus for the wedding party and guests’ convenience • Bridal Suite included – It’s the perfect place to get ready on-site • Experienced on-site wedding consultant “It’s a one stop shop for the bride and groom,” a manager for the facility said. “And we run a banquet business as well, so that’s available, on site.”

One of Hawk’s View’s popular amenities is a 15-passenger shuttle bus that is available to transport guests for weddings and other functions. The guest threshold can run as high as 300 persons. “We have a really flexible banquet hall facility, so there’s a lot we’re able to do to meet people’s needs,” the manager said said. Hawk’s View Golf Club is located at 7377 Krueger Road, Lake Geneva. For more details, visit Hawk’s View’s website at www.hawksviewgolfclub.com or call (262) 348-9900.

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panels bring a warm cozy feeling to this large room, which will hold up to 290 persons. The far end of the room is a wall of glass – windows in the prairie style with wood trim – looking out to the beautiful stone patio and a cascading waterfall. Today many couples choose to exchange their vows at the reception site. If an outdoor venue for the ceremony is your choice, the wedding ceremony will be held out on the stone patio against a background of lush landscaping and a gently flowing waterfall. An indoor ceremony can be held right in front of the windows, taking advantage of the landscaping in the background. When a wedding is held the entire building is off limits to anyone but those associated with the wedding. The reception room can hold up to 290, but not more than 250 is recommended if there is to be a sit down dinner – 220 for a buffet. Evergreen offers both plated and buffet dining options. The plated meals include a salad, fresh rolls and butter, two side dishes and coffee. The choice of the entrée determines the cost. There is a wide variety of entrees which include, chicken, fish, beef and pork and vegetarian choices. The buffet can be set up in one of two ways. The traditional long buffet or the Action Station arrangement. With the Action Stations smaller serving stations are set up in various parts of the room, each with a specific portion of the meal. This encourages guests to intermingle. Appetizers can be ordered to be butler-passed or to have stationary platters. Many of the butler-passed items are hot appetizers while the stationary platters include cheeses, vegetables, dips and bruschetta. Evergreen Golf Club is at N6246 Highway 12, three miles north of Elkhorn. The telephone number is (262) 723-5722 or visit their website www.evergreengolfclub.com.

Lake Lawn Resort

Formal or casual, large or small, Lake Lawn Resort in Delavan has the staff and the facilities to make your wedding wonderful as well as memorable in any season of the year. Several buildings dedicated to the care and comfort of the resort’s guests reside on 250 acres of beautiful lakefront real estate that includes wooded areas, a golf course, and a long exquisite waterfront with a marina. Interior spaces include 32,000 feet of reception area that accommodates gatherings as intimate as 20, or as large as 500 people. During spectacular weather, guests can spill across manicured lawns, enjoying the kiss of gentle summer breezes gliding across the lake, or revel in sunlight tinted by the brilliant colors of hardwoods as they change to autumn dress. Lovely shades of peridot and jade return to the trees in spring, and there are large windows from which to watch sparkling snowfalls in the winter. Lake Lawn’s ballrooms and reception spaces are decorated with an understated elegance that is a hallmark of its décor. Lovely ivory-hued wallpaper with subtle tiny pale golden leaves graces the walls of its reception areas. The huge support beams that prove this resort is truly built in the lodge style are

COURTESY OF ABBEY SPRINGS Bridal Guide

painted pale beige. The hint of blue in the carpet picks up the sapphire of Delavan Lake, visible outside most of the southfacing windows. Everything here reflects the rustic nature of woods and water, including the lovely ceramic tile featuring a tree that highlights the fireplaces near the front desk. They offer extraordinary menus unique to Lake Lawn, all made special touches. Find Lake Lawn online at www.lakelawnresort.com. The Resort’s address is 2400 East Geneva Street, Delavan.

Sperino’s Monte Carlo Room

Rustic Elegance • Ballroom Amenities • On-site Ceremony Accommodates 350 Guests • Winter Weddings 7377 Krueger Road • Lake Geneva, WI 53147 262-348-9900 • hawksviewgolfclub.com

Get updated on our Covid status at www.hawksviewgolfclub.com

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The Monte Carlo Room next to Sperino’s not only offers banquet dining for 100 to 350 people, but also has a dance floor and a curtained stage. This banquet hall is available to provide complete private use of room, bar, and gazebo area for you and your guests. At the Monte Carlo Room, guests can count on many different features to enhance their celebration or gathering. Among them are: on-site ceremonies; outdoor canopy entrance; ample parking; attached alcove bar; Italian crystal chandeliers; large permanent dance floor; raised stage with curtain; state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment; complete food, bar, and beverage catering service. A variety of menus is available to fit the desires of couples. Sperino’s Monte Carlo Room is north of downtown Elkhorn at 720 N. Wisconsin Street Visit their website at www.sperinos.com.

AT TOP: A newly married couple takes a few minutes to pose for a photograph with Geneva Lake in the background. Having a site for the ceremony on the lake is one of the reasons many couples choose Abby Springs for their wedding

How to host a socially distant wedding challenges, couples can take certain steps to ensure their big day is memorable and safe.

with Zoom to help couples bring their ceremonies online.

Spread the socially distant word

Pare down the in-person guest list

Let guests know what they’re in for should they decide to take part in the festivities. Many people have strictly followed social distancing guidelines, while others have been reluctant to do so. Couples intent on keeping themselves and their guests safe from COVID-19 should emphasize that their weddings will be socially distant affairs so there’s no confusion come the big day.

Couples who planned large weddings prior to the pandemic can still invite all of their loved ones to witness the festivities online, but pare down the in-person guest list to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19. Limit in-person guests to immediate family and those people who are part of your social distancing bubble.

Stream the wedding online Stream the wedding online for those guests who won’t be in attendance. By the end of 2020, millions of people had already “attended” weddings via platforms like Zoom, so loved ones may be experienced virtual guests by the time couples walk down the aisle in 2021. Couples who may need some help planning virtual affairs can visit the virtual wedding coordinators at Wedfuly.com, who recently partnered

Plan a party for down the road Couples can still celebrate their nuptials with family and friends down the road. Plan a post-pandemic reception and let guests know you will fill them in on the details once social distancing restrictions have been lifted. Socially distant weddings may require couples to take some unusual steps as they try to tie the knot while keeping themselves and their loved ones safe. (METRO CREATIVE)

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It’s likely that few people heard of “social distancing” prior to 2020. That changed as the novel coronavirus COVID-19 spread rapidly across the globe and the world found itself in the midst of a deadly pandemic. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines social distancing as keeping a safe distance of at least six feet between yourself and other people who are not from your household. Public health officials continue to champion social distancing while acknowledging the fatigue that many people have experienced as the pandemic stretched on for months. Though much of the world hit the proverbial pause button, life went on during the pandemic. Perhaps nowhere was that more evident than at the altar, where many couples still tied the knot, albeit in scaled back ceremonies that adhered to social distancing guidelines in their communities. Engaged couples who have yet to tie the knot no doubt recognize that planning a socially distant wedding will not be the same as organizing more traditional ceremonies and receptions. While planning a socially distant wedding presents some unique

Negotiating prices with wedding vendors A couple’s wedding day is likely to be the most expensive party they ever host. The average cost of a wedding is $33,931, according to The Knot’s 2019 Real Wedding Study. However that final cost can vary widely depending on where the wedding is held. In fact, in 2019, New Jersey was the most expensive state for getting hitched, at an average cost of $53,400, followed closely by Rhode Island at $49,800. The average cost of a Canadian wedding, according to the lifestyle resource Slice, is around $31,000. Engaging in a dialogue with prospective vendors can help couples curtail the cost of their weddings. That’s especially so during the pandemic, as so many businesses have faced financial uncertainty due to the global pandemic. Vendors who already have been operating under less-

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Be open and honest Negotiating with vendors should not be mistaken for aggressive haggling as one might do at a garage sale or auction. Rather, it’s more about having a discussion about what can be modified to work with the budget. A vendor may not be able to dramatically drop his price, but may be accommodating in another respect. For example, florists may be able to throw in an extra floral arrangement or a DJ may agree to stick around for an extra hour at no additional cost.

Be gracious

38331 60th St., Burlington, Wis. Call (262)

than-ideal circumstances may be more flexible with their pricing schedules. Then again, struggling business may have to increase prices to cover losses. Negotiation may be necessary as couples look to get married without breaking the bank.

Letting a vendor know you’re a fan of their work or have received glowing

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recommendations from past customers may make them more inclined to work with you if the budget doesn’t quite align with the pricing.

Find work-arounds Even if the price seems out of reach, there are ways to negotiate with vendors to get things close and where all parties are in agreement. For example, a florist may be able to make suggestions on another type of bloom that looks similar to the desired flower but at a fraction of the cost. Vendors may be willing to discount some costs if the couple handles some of the work themselves, such as picking up and delivering materials to the reception or ceremony sites or handling alterations. Couples should speak freely with wedding vendors and discuss what they can spend after some careful research in regard to what standard services and products cost. (METRO CREATIVE)

Food makes the celebration complete The right caterer makes for a perfect wedding day by Sandra Landen Machaj

CORRESPONDENT

hile there are a variety of caterers available to provide the food for a perfect wedding, not all create the same quality of foods or styles of dinners. Each caterer has a unique manner of creating memorable meals and food presentations. Every couple planning a wedding has a different thought about what they need to produce their perfect day. They pick a venue that reflects their style, whether it is an elegant ballroom or one of the more casual barn venues that have become popular in recent times. In addition, they must find a caterer that will produce just the right dinner for their wedding guests. The place to begin your search for that perfect caterer – who will produce the meal of your dreams for your guests – often begins at the venue itself. They will have a list of preferred caterers that have worked well with them in the past. Recommendations from friends or family who have used specific caterers and were pleased with them may also be among the first steps in finding a caterer. Here is a closer look at two of Spirit magazine’s preferred caterers:

Sophisticatering

The wedding cake of your dreams can be created by Sophisticatering using fresh, high-quality ingredients. COURTESY OF SOPHISTICATERING Bridal Guide

for all these years. “We wanted food that not only looked good but was tasty and healthy,” said Annette Flynn. They start with the finest quality they can obtain. Their meats are always USDA choice or prime cuts. Fish and seafood are wild caught, or if they do have to purchase farm raised, they use well-tended farms that do not

add hormones or colorings. All produce is organic and when possible locally grown. “Everything we serve is made from scratch. All the soups, sauces, and salad dressings are made fresh the day of the event. The bread and rolls are also baked the day they will be served,” shared Matt Flynn. “Even all the sausages are made on site, never purchased and are made with choice or prime

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Located at 8048 Sheridan Road, Kenosha, Sophisticatering has been providing catered meals not only for weddings, but also for anniversaries, family reunions, and business meetings for 28 years. They are known for their high quality, healthy, organic meals where everything is made from scratch. When Matt and Annette Flynn opened Sophisticatering in 1992, they came into the business with a different business plan. They planned to serve only fresh foods that would be produced from quality green and organic ingredients – a plan that they have followed

cuts of meat and seasoned with fresh herbs and spices, many of which are grown by us.” The first step is to have the couple come in for a consultation to discuss food choices, style of serving and number of guests. Annette will work with the couple to choose a menu that will meet their style and budget. With the popularity of barn weddings, many couples also often choose a barbecue for their dinner. Sophisticatering has a large smoker and grill, which can be transported by truck to the venue site. Thus, everything is cooked to perfection right on site and gives the feeling of an

open-air barbecue as the aroma of the smoking meats permeate the grounds. For the more traditional style wedding meal, entrees of chicken, beef, pork or fish can be prepared in a variety of ways. Ethnic preparations are always available. The food may be prepared on site depending on the venue’s kitchen or cooked at Sophisticatering’s high-end professional kitchen and transported via their heated truck to the site. Often it is a combination of preparation. The foods are partially cooked then transported to be completed on site. Cold items that need to

FROM LEFT: This elegant presentation prepared by Sophisticatering features asparagus, grape tomatoes and cheese; After cooking the entrée meats at Sophisticatering’s professional kitchen, the meals are transported in a heated truck to the venue where the event is taking place. Some meals are finished in the venue’s kitchen or on the large grill that is brought to the venue. COURTESY OF SOPHISTICATERING Bridal Guide

Your Vision, Your Way

ON YOUR DAY Your Vision, Your Way

Cyndi & Kevin O’Brien

516 N. Pine Street, Burlington, WI 53105 262.767.1100 386617

burlingtonflowersandinteriors.com

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ON YOUR DAY

Stowell’s Catering Located at W1127 Spring Prairie Rd., Burlington, Stowell’s Catering is another local caterer that is a favorite of many area venues. It too has a long history of providing quality foods for weddings, business events, and other gatherings. While Marvin and June Stowell began food service with a stand at the Walworth County Fair in 1964, Stowell’s consider the beginning of their catering business as 1971 when they served their first catered dinner to the Walworth County Holstein Association. Their reputation for providing good food at a fair price grew until they soon outgrew their home kitchen and in 1975 built a catering kitchen on site. By 1989 the kitchen was enlarged to handle their increasing business. Brenda Stowell-Harkness, granddaughter of Marvin and June, is the third generation of Stowell’s Catering to run the business. “We offer a large variety of home cooked

COURTESY OF SOPHISTICATERING Bridal Guide

FROM TOP LEFT:This buffet table is full of beautiful and healthy vegetables along with fresh-baked rolls; Each of these elegant individual desserts is the work of Sophisticatering. Using the highest quality ingredients, each dessert is the perfect end to your meal; At the beginning of this buffet table created by Stowell’s Catering a variety of salads and rolls are displayed including fruit salads and traditional salads. COURTESY OF STOWELL’S CATERING Bridal Guide

comfort foods, that will provide a beautiful and tasty buffet for any gathering, whether a wedding, family reunion, or business event,” she said. Wedding planning often begins up to a year in advance. Once the couple has chosen a venue, they will come in to meet with Brenda or another of Stowell’s staff to discuss the foods they would like served. Food choices can be difficult, but with more than 40 salads, 10 potato choices and numerous appetizers, along with a variety of entrees, it would be hard not to find preferred foods on the menu. All of the items on the menu are made fresh on site at the kitchen. While Stowell’s Catering offers a very large menu, they will work with the couple to put together a menu that is unique to them. If there is a special request, they will do their best to provide it.

“Usually we will meet with the couple to choose a caterer about one year in advance,” Stowell-Harkness said. “The caterer is booked about the same time as the venue is selected to be sure that the caterer has the same date open. If they choose us for their caterer, they will return about four to six months before the event to select their menu. Changes must be finalized 10 days before the event.” Among the meats offered in their packages are beef tips with mushrooms and onions, roast or barbecue beef, ham, meatballs, chicken prepared in a variety of ways, turkey and polish sausage with kraut. Their basic package provides two meats and six sides for the buffet dinner but additional sides or meats can be added along with hors d’oeuvres for an additional charge. “For weddings, the beef tips are among

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be transported are moved in the refrigerated truck to keep them cool and crisp. Buffets have always been popular way to feed many people in an organized way. Food displayed on the long buffet tables, according to Annette Flynn, is still one of the most attractive choices for weddings. For the more formal meal, the traditional plated dinner may be the choice. They also offer a combination, where the salad is served at the table and guests go to the carving station for their entrée. This year has been very different from past years, according to Annette Flynn. “We began the year with many weddings booked as couples picked their unique dates for 2020. Then the COVID pandemic hit and many of the weddings were cancelled or rescheduled for later in the year. Some have been rescheduled two or three times and now many of the weddings that were to have occurred this year are scheduled for next year. “Because of the social distancing requirements, many of the weddings that have been held are reduced in size, going from 200 guests to 50,” she continued. “Some venues, closed for a time and when reopened had very limited capacity. The social unrest in Kenosha resulting in burning and closing of additional venues has also contributed to cancellations of weddings and business events. “There does now seem to be an upturn in holding events. We recently catered a Hawaiian Party to celebrate a 90th birthday. Dates for 2021 are filling up and if the pandemic settles down it will be a very busy time as couples who planned to be married this year will have their weddings next year along with those who originally planned 2021 weddings.” As they move forward, safety precautions including gloves and hand sanitizer are provided at all events. Contact Sophisticatering at 262-620-3663 or visit their website sophisticatering.com for more information about their services.

Fine food for your big day There are a variety of Caterers that provide wedding meal services in the Geneva Lakes area. Here is a listing of some of the caterers that are available for events at local venues.

Bubbs BBQ/All Occasions Catering W230 S8855 Clark Street Big Bend • Bubbs.com 262-662-4201

Celebration on Wells 422 S. Wells Street Lake Geneva Celebrationcatering.net 262-248-2555

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COURTESY OF STOWELL’S CATERING Bridal Guide

Chef David’s Catered Events 2301 63rd Street Kenosha • Chefdavids.co 262-925-8800

Geneva Lakes Catering The Ridge • Lake Geneva Genevalakescatering.com 262-249-3849

Gooseberries Catering 690 W. State • Burlington Gooseberriesmarket.com 262-763-5070

Sperino’s Accustom Catering 720 N. Wisconsin Elkhorn • Sperinos.com 262-723-4646

FROM TOP LEFT: At Sophisticatering, all the breads and rolls served at an event are baked from scratch on the same day. These handmade rolls and breads are a favorite; With a variety of tasty and attractive salads offered by Stowell’s Catering, it might be difficult to choose just one; A large wedding sometimes requires more than one large buffet table to allow guests to be fed efficiently.

Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Evening appointments available.

Memories To Savor!

We’ll make it an affair to remember! Catering for all occasions to your order. Call for all the facts.

Stowell’s Catering Service W1127 Spring Prairie Rd., Burlington, WI 53105

(262) 763-8316 • (800) 640-5703 www.stowellscatering.com

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Printing and Thermography New Technology: Digital White Ink & Toner Based Foils Wedding Invitations and Accessories 9220 Six Mile Road, (Hwy. 38) Caledonia, WI 53108 • (262) 835-0020 www.schnabelprinting.com

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rescheduling them. Some were rescheduled several times. Many of the events have been held now but many of them have been on a much smaller scale.” “One of the changes that has come out of the COVID pandemic has been the way the buffet is served, she added. “No longer do guests place their own food on their plates. Now five servers place the food on the guest’s plates, thus avoiding the chance for contamination by many people handling the serving spoons.” Stowell’s has offered catering services for three generations and continues to offer home-cooked comfort foods for the enjoyment of all. And they still have a booth at the Walworth County Fair each summer. “Our staff (members) are all long-term employees who take pride in their work. They really want to be here and all returned after the long time off this summer,” added Stowell-Harkness. “They enjoy serving people and helping to make each event special.” Visit Stowell’s website at Stowellscatering.com or call for more information at 262-763-8316.

FROM TOP: The beautiful presentation of fresh fruits, vegetables and hot appetizers gives guests many choices for their meals; This commercial smoker offered by Sophisticatering can be attached to a truck and brought to a venue. It is large enough to hold all the meats needed for the event. Barn weddings frequently feature barbecues. COURTESY OF SOPHISTICATERING Bridal Guide

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the most popular meat choices. For the picnic venues pulled pork is at the top of the list,” said StowellHarkness. Stowell’s Catering prepares all its items from scratch at their professional kitchen and then transports the items to the venue in insulated boxes. When placed on the buffet table the hot foods are placed in chafing dishes with sterno warmers to keep them hot. Staff will prepare a variety of salads, vegetables, and entrees on site. The desserts and wedding cakes are purchased elsewhere by the couples and brought in. Today’s bridal couples are veering away from the traditional wedding cake, according to Brenda. “Many of them are now more into cupcakes or individual desserts. But if they do choose to bring a traditional wedding cake, the staff will cut it for serving.” Like many businesses, Stowell’s was idled by the coronavirus pandemic. “This year we were basically shut down for three months, from March until June due to the pandemic,” said Stowell-Harkness. “Everyone kept cancelling their events and

Plus one’ etiquette for wedding guests Making a wedding guest list is seldom an easy task. Couples often find that many people are worthy of an invitation, which can make creating a guest list tricky for those with budgets in mind. According to data from the online wedding resource The Knot, the average wedding catering cost per guest is roughly $70. However, catering costs will vary depending on the reception venue, the number of guests, the foods chosen, and the region of the country where the wedding takes place. When creating their guest lists, couples may wonder if they have to offer all guests the option of bringing a “plus one” to the occasion. As with other wedding day etiquette questions, the plus one concept is not set in stone.

Any guest who is engaged or is in a serious long-term relationship

It can be challenging to know the relationship status of everyone who will be invited to the wedding, but chances are you’ll have a good idea of those people closest to you. Include a plus one for guests who are engaged or in long-term relationships.

Consider guests who may not know others

Weddings often are times when childhood friends reconnect, or people who haven’t seen each other in a while come together. If there’s a good chance someone who is single and is invited to the wedding may not know anyone else there except the couple, extend a plus one as a courtesy.

Any guest who is married

It’s typically standard to invite a couple

as a whole to the wedding, even if you’ve never met the spouse. This often comes up when inviting work friends, according to Vogue magazine. Even if you have never interacted with a coworker’s spouse, etiquette dictates that all married guests be allowed to bring their spouses along.

Include the wedding party

All members of the wedding party should be offered the option of bringing

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a date to the wedding. Apart from these guidelines, couples can establish any other rules, such as no plus ones for guests under a certain age or those who are not in serious relationships. The Knot also says it is polite to find out who the plus one will be so that wedding reception seating cards include that person’s name instead of “and guest.” (METRO CREATIVE)

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Picture perfect

Various components combine to make weddings beautiful and memorable. Couples rely on photographers to capture the smiles and moments that helped make their events unique and to ensure the big day is remembered for years to come. The trusted wedding resource The Knot notes that an internal study found that, among 27,000 couples who got married in 2019, an average of $2,400 was spent on a wedding photographer to document their big day. Couples who want to find the best photographer for their wedding day can ask several questions before making their final decision.

What style do you specialize in? Photographers may be able to shoot various styles of photos, but may specialize in a specific type. For example, some photographers specialize in photojournalism, while others may excel at portraiture. Going with a photographer who has the most expertise shooting the style you prefer will help produce the desired results.

Certain photography studios have several photographers working under one roof. Just because you meet with one does not necessarily mean that photographer will be on site, unless it is specified in the contract.

Have you ever worked at my venue before? Photographers may be familiar with several local wedding venues and houses of worship. A photographer who has experience working in the locations where couples will tie the knot and subsequently celebrate might produce the best results, but lack of experience with particular venues need not exclude other professionals.

Can we see a full gallery of a recent wedding? According to Brides magazine, unlike an album or a highlight gallery, a full gallery provides a better sense of a photographer’s style and attention to detail.

Will photos be color balanced and retouched? Skilled photographers are capable of capturing winning photos. But photos can be enhanced further in the studio with retouching software to bring out

specific effects. Some photographers will polish all proofs, while others only will work on the images ultimately ordered. Confirm retouching details before signing the contract.

What’s included in the photo packages? A detailed price list helps you compare one photographer to another and decide which elements are covered. Additional prints, having a photographer’s assistant, ordering albums for the parents, or ordering a large framed print can alter costs significantly. Explore all prices to ensure you’re getting the best value. In addition, consider how many hours of event coverage are included in the price.

What is the payment timeline? Photographers may accept deposits for their services but expect a different timeline of payment. Some may require payment in full before the wedding, while others may offer a payment plan that includes a final payment when picking up proofs or albums. Wedding photography is one of the essential elements of a wedding and helps tell the story of couples’ special day. Asking key questions can help couples find a photographer who will produce the desired results. (METRO CREATIVE)

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Questions to ask before booking a photographer

Who will be shooting my wedding?

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Music is an important component of wedding celebrations

Wedding processional song

The wedding processional is the moment the wedding party walks down the aisle. Music may be a traditional hymn, classical music or a favorite contemporary song.

Bridal processional song

In many traditional wedding ceremonies, the bride walks down the aisle separately, with her father or both parents. She customarily will have a different song from the rest of the wedding party. While “Bridal Chorus/Wedding March” is a traditional choice, some brides may prefer a different tune.

Wedding recessional song

Again, depending on the ceremony location and choices, the recessional may be a classical piece or a hymn. Some couples choose an upbeat song for their first official promenade as a married couple.

Wedding party entrance song

Couples can ask their music vendor to put together the majority of the songs for their reception, but they may want to choose their own wedding party entrance. This song typically is a fast-paced, upbeat song that gets the crowd pumping and ready for a fun night. Think “Dynamite” by Taio

Cruz or “Can’t Stop the Feeling!” by Justin Timberlake.

First dance

The first dance song is another personal choice for the couple. Slow songs traditionally are chosen, but couples who want something a little different have increasingly selected faster songs and paired them with rehearsed choreography. “Thinking Out Loud” by Ed Sheeran has become a popular first dance song.

Other songs

Couples also will select songs to complement dances with their parents, cake cutting, garter toss, and any other special traditions or moments. They also can make requests to include songs of different eras to appeal to guests of all ages. Music is an important component of wedding celebrations and deserves some extra consideration to ensure everyone has a great time while cutting a rug.

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Few things set the mood of a wedding more effectively than music. Beautiful songs often are incorporated into wedding ceremonies, and romantic or upbeat songs intermingle to create a festive mix at receptions. Playlists curated specifically for weddings can be found online to help couples narrow down their options. According to Wedding Forward, a wedding planning guide, wedding planning experts and modern couples agree that wedding playlists should be have a 60/40 split of classics and new wedding songs. Music is a personal choice, but couples may benefit by considering who will be in attendance at their weddings. In so doing, couples can ensure the music played at their weddings reaches as many people as possible there:

(METRO CREATIVE)

Make the most of a rainy honeymoon Rain on a wedding day is something that many couples encounter, but the silver lining is that various cultures view rainy wedding days as a symbol of a lucky and successful match. Rain on a wedding day is considered good luck in India and in areas of Great Britain and Ireland as well. In ancient pastoral societies, rain symbolized fertility — a mark of good luck for the newly betrothed. While couples may rely on these lucky day customs to cope with a shower on their nuptials, rain on a honeymoon may not be so welcome. Mother Nature is unpredictable, so couples may have to contend with soggy honeymoons. Here’s how to handle the situation with grace.

Invest in a hotel upgrade

Honeymooners may not expect to spend much time in their hotel rooms, especially if beautiful weather is the norm at their destination. But if it rains, you’ll be spending more time indoors. If budget allows, upgrade to a suite or a more opulent hotel with added indoor amenities. A hotel with an indoor pool or a spa can save the day when a beach day is canceled due to rain.

or lunch as room service and catch up on extra cuddles.

Take the plunge anyway

If there is no thunder or lightning in the forecast, who says you can’t still dive into the pool or jump through some waves? After all, you’ll be wet either way. Put on those swimsuits and take a dip. Snuggle up in the hot tub, especially if it’s under a sheltered pergola or gazebo.

Take a drive

Walk (or kiss) in the rain

The patter of rain on an umbrella can be soothing and romantic. Don’t let a light shower get you down. Instead, take a stroll with your newly betrothed and soak up some fresh air and negative ions that a fresh rain can bring.

Sleep in

While you already may be spending more time together in bed, use rainy days on your honeymoon to extend time spent under the covers. Put the “do not disturb” sign on the door and lounge around while raindrops cascade outside. Order breakfast

Have the Wedding of Your Dreams

Rent a car or arrange for a taxi service to take you on a tour. Rain generally cools down hot climates and can reduce airborne pollen, so it might make sightseeing more comfortable. While you’re out, visit museums or other indoor venues. The soft light created when it’s overcast also can make photographs pop. Capture many memories along the way by snapping photos as you go. A rainy honeymoon may not be ideal, but couples can adapt and find ways to make their getaways memorable and romantic. (METRO CREATIVE)

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