Fall Wedding Guide 2014

Advertising Supplement to the Sun Journal, Sunday, August 24, 2014

Becky and Paul Laird of Greene are featured along with 6 other lo c al s t o r i e s i n t h i s We d d i n g Guide.

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FALL WEDDING GUIDE

Advertising Supplement to the Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Sunday, August 24, 2014

Poland Spring Resort Scavenger hunt adds fun

twist to pre-wedding party

By Deborah Carroll Feature Writer “We’re not big partiers,” said Lisa Chouinard of Greene, so when her daughter, Nikki, was preparing for her August 2013 wedding to Michael Kelson, Chouinard got creative.

In the spirit of the long-standing tradition of the bachelor party, and the more recent bachelorette party, she rented two limousines, “one for the boys and one for the girls.”

Chouinard’s plan: men-against-the-women scavenger hunt.

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Chouinard told Nikki and Michael, who live in Auburn, that they could each invite as many friends as the limos could hold. After gathering at a local restaurant for dinner, and to kick off the festivities, teams of young men and women piled into their respective limousines, each of which was equipped with a cooler full of beverages and snacks.

To recognize the bride- and groom-to-be, Chouinard presented an inexpensive wedding veil to Nikki that she had purchased at a party store and to Michael she gave a felt top hat and bow tie. Then, to each “team” she gave two lists.

One list was of “photo ops” that each team needed to find or create, and the second consisted of items that they needed to find and bring back to home base.

The most important rule, when it came to photos, was that the bride-to-be or the groom-

Submitted photos

Bride Nikki Chouinard wearing the "required" veil and groom Michael Kelson wearing the "required" top hat with bow tie. to-be, wearing their veil or top hat and bow tie, along with at least one other member of their team, had to be in every photograph.

Although mother and daughter have lost the original lists, some of the photo ops that they remember from their party, photos they wish they had included, or photos that they would suggest for another party include photos: 1. with someone in a uniform; 2. with someone on a motorcycle (not moving); 3. with a baby; 4. near a gravestone; 5. with a bearded man; 6. with a bartender; 7. on a slide; 8. with a horse; 9. in front of a school; 10. with someone who has a tattoo; 11. with someone wearing a bathing suit; 12. in front of a hospital; and, 13. with someone wearing a fast-food uniform.

“We went to the fire station and said, 'We need a man in uniform,’ and they said ‘Yes!’ They sent out this young kid and we made him put on all of his gear,” said Nikki Kelson.

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“The girls went into a store to try on a bathing suit,” a move which Chouinard found less creative than the boys who, she said, “actually

Michael Kelson on slide

Scavenger page 22 ‰

FALL WEDDING GUIDE

Advertising Supplement to the Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Sunday, August 24, 2014

3

The Lairds: Marriage unites two families

By Jackie Rybeck Feature Writer When brides visualize their wedding day, more and more are pulling away from t he traditional church ceremony a nd lea ning towa rd a picturesque, outdoor affair.

There are beaches, fields and gardens that enable Mother Nature to lend a bit of her own beauty to the decor.

For Becky and Paul Laird of Greene, that’s exactly what t hey env isioned for t hei r wedding day. “ We w a n t e d s o m e t h i n g romantic and unique, but also a lot of fun,” said the bride.

“It was all about our love, our fa milies a nd joining t hem toget her to celebrate ou r day and uniting us all as one family.”

Brimming with imagination, Becky and Paul put together an enchanting, yet laid back October wedding at the Moose L a ke R a nch i n O t i sf ield, surrounded by an array of vibrant fall leaves and a serene lake. Even the sign at the gate promoted the wedding: "Best Day Ever."

The wedding colors included deep, rich autumn colors.

Robust fall colors of burgundy, gold and orange decorated the arbor that Paul made for the late-afternoon wedding as well as other decor surrounding the lodge. Burgundy-colored ca nd les were scattered t h roug hout w it h color f u l leaves and berries as accents.

Ornately decorated pumpkins were carved with the bride's a nd g r o om’s n a me s a nd wedding date.

“What really looked nice and unique was the addition of pink,” said Becky. “I had my bridesmaids pick out their dresses and that is what they wanted. It really gave a touch of romance to the alreadyfall colors. And adding pink

Gini Haines photos

The Lairds roses to my bouquet pulled it all together, creating a great accent to the burgundy calla lilies and orange mums.”

T he wedd i ng wa s qu ite a family friendly affair from beginning to end.

Two uncles played the banjo

Becky receives a hug from Bella after giving her a ring during the ceremony. and harmonica setting the fest ive mood as t he br ide walked down the aisle with her dad, and another uncle presided over the ceremony.

The highlight of the romantic ritual came when Becky read vows to her daughter-to-be, Bella.

“I asked her to come up with us,” said a tearful bride. “Got on my knees and told her how much I loved her and would love her forever and gave her a ring like I had given her father.”

her arms around Becky. The mood l ig htened when my 2-year-old son hollered ‘yeah’ and started clapping.”

“I don’t think there was a dry eye a ny where,” sa id Pau l.

“Especially when Bella threw

The Lairds page 20 ‰

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FALL WEDDING GUIDE

Advertising Supplement to the Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Sunday, August 24, 2014

Three unique local venues for your wedding

By Donna Rousseau Feature Writer Toss the cookie-cutter wedding and reception like yesterday’s br ida l bouquet ! Couples searching for a unique setting for ceremony, reception, or both can tear a page from the history books.

more than a century ago. The renovations were respectful of the building’s architectural integrity: 20-foot-high ceilings, now appointed with elegant chandeliers, and the original, gracefully- arched windows that invite airiness and light by day, and the twinkling of the city by night.

T h e Ro y a l O a k Ro om a t Iron horse Cou r t, once t he Ma i ne Cent ra l Ra i l road, located on Bates St reet in Lewiston, is a historical step back in time, echoing the era of travel by rail. From 1917 to 1960, thousands of travelers embarked on journeys from this ver y station, hence its romantic appeal for couples beginning the journey of a lifetime together.

Venturing across the space is a set of doors leading to what was once the station’s plat for m. Now a br icke d, outdoor c ou r t y a rd ser ve s as an additional room for a ceremony, cocktail hour, or reception. A fence surround and overhead awning provide privacy and protection from rain. Outside the courtyard fencing a re t he still-active railroad tracks.

Upon enter i ng t he g r a nd ballroom, guests are treated to a slice of yesteryear resplendent in cream, gold, and green with the original rich, oak panels of

Event manager, Laura Kibort, said occasionally the train will pass by during a celebration, stirring delight a mong t he guests.

Brea McDonald photo

Royal Oak Room at Ironhorse Court

Submitted photo

The Maine Wedding Barn & Event Center “The train passed by during a recent wedding while they conducted the receiving line,” said Kibort. “Everyone was so excited. People seem to enjoy t he h istor ica l sig n if ica nce combined with the uniqueness of the location. There isn’t another venue like this in the state; we have people come

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from distances to have their event here.”

K ibort sa id t hat t he venue "ma kes its ow n statement, without any other adornment but, it’s fun to see how each couple makes it their own.”

Sitting atop Center Hill Road in Minot is the Maine Wedding Barn, and with its down-home, rustic elegance, it feels like wa lk ing into a hug passed dow n through generations.

Formerly the Tripp Crest Farm,

Unique venues

page 18 ‰

Franco Center photo

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FALL WEDDING GUIDE

Advertising Supplement to the Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Sunday, August 24, 2014

5

Solstice wedding blessing for the Sadlers

By Sharon Bouchard Feature Writer On June 20, 2012 at exactly 7:09 p.m. the summer solstice occurred marking that date as the longest day of the year and the official start of summer in the northern hemisphere.

The summer solstice is celebrated throughout t he world w it h festiva ls and ritua ls t hat var y from culture to culture. Most of the celebrations of the summer solstice have a theme of religion or festivity, but for Alicia and Alan Sadler the theme was love. Their outdoor wedding took place at the exact time of the summer solstice and was witnessed by 75 of their closest friends and family.

The ceremony was held inside a heart-shaped garden constructed by the groom with the assistance of Aaron Timm, the bride’s brother.

“We were fortunate to have a beautif ul, roma nt ic, rela xed a nd ref i ned cou nt r y wedding at our home,” said Alicia Sadler. “The garden was in full bloom with all of the early summer flowers. It was a perfect summer eve.”

The Sadlers' immediate family participated in the ceremony, preceding the bride and groom on the grassy, flower-lined path to the garden surrounded by white light-draped trees and

to the sound of the voice and guitar of Britta Anderson of Harrison singing, “Down to the River to Pray.”

The bride and groom then walked to the heart garden hand in hand to “Marry Me” by Train and performed by family friend Bradford Chafin of Rumford. The recessional song was “Fields of Gold” by Sting.

Submitted photo

The wedding ceremony was prepared and performed by Jennifer Felt, a close friend of the couple.

The wedding ceremony was prepared and performed by Jennifer Felt of Bryant Pond, a close friend of the couple. The words of the ceremony and responses were printed on paper fans with wooden handles made by the Sadlers and given to the guests.

Of particular note, during the ceremony, recalled Alicia Sadler, “Our three children each had a special role. Our daughter, Ellex Loper, then 16, read a poem by e e cummings entitled 'I Carry Your Heart With Me.' Our oldest son, Kieran Sadler, also 16 at the time, played a beautiful hymn 'Africa' on the viola. And our youngest son, Kelton Loper, then 14, led the responsive reading 'The Way.' Our children’s participation in the ceremony was one of the

Sadlers

page 16 ‰

ATTENTION: Brides and Grooms!

Sun Journal editors are looking for unique wedding ideas to share with our readers in our next Wedding guide, scheduled to publish Sunday, February 1, 2015.

What defines unique? Themed weddings, such as 1920’s, country, and beachinspired themes come to mind.

Did your dog serve as best man?

How did that work out?

Was white water rafting or sky diving part of the ceremony?

We want to hear about your unique wedding!

Please contact Denise Scammon, editor,

by phone at 207-689-2997 or email dscammon@sunjournal.com before December 15, 2014

We’ll supply a writer to tell your unique wedding story; you supply the photos.

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FALL WEDDING GUIDE

Advertising Supplement to the Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Sunday, August 24, 2014

How to find the right wedding photographer

By MetroCreative Long after the final toast has been made or the last couple has left t he da nce f loor, wedd i ng photos w i l l help couples relive the wonderful memories of their ceremonies and receptions.

We d d i n g p h o t o g r a p h e r s rea lize t he importa nt role photog raphy play s i n a wedd i ng. Photos a re how c ou p l e s d o c u m e nt t h e i r nupt ia l s, a nd t he r ig ht photographe r can make all the difference. The following t ips ca n help g ua ra ntee a successful wedding shoot and beautiful photos to recall the best moments of the day.

Seek referrals.

There are scores of wedding photog raphers, a nd some are better than others. Word of mouth from other couples

can help. Referrals can offer insight into a photographer’s persona lit y and his or her abi lit ies to work w it h t he wedding pa r t y a nd g uests throughout t he day.

Communication is key.

An important component of wedding photography actually starts well before the wedding day. The way a photographer communicates with you about your wishes and desired shots is very important, as this is when to discuss specific shots you want taken during the ceremony, such as whether the bride wants to be seen and pose with the groom prior to tying the knot. In addition, this is a great time for the photographer to get familiar w it h e a c h v e nue’s r u le s regarding vendors.

Choose a photographer who is confident and firm.

Embrace your love.

A good photographer will be able to direct photo subjects and get everyone to participate and in line. Brides and grooms likely won’t want to handle such tasks on their own, so a confident and firm yet cordial photog r a pher c a n b e a n invaluable asset.

safeguard your digital photo files. Are they backed-up to a cloud or a secured offsite server? Does the photographer bring along a second camera in case the primary one has a malfunction? What happens

if he or she is ill on the d ay of the wedding? How is a replacement chosen?

Prepare a shoot list.

Meet with the photographer b e f or e t he w e dd i n g a nd provide a list of all the shots you absolutely need to get.

This way the photographer can plan for these as well as capture the candid moments throughout the day.

Discuss a backup plan with the photographer.

Mishaps happen, even on the most carefully planned wedding day. Discuss what t he photog rapher does to

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Un d e r s t a n d i n g h o w t h e photog rapher adapt s to u n for se en sit uat ion s c a n make you feel more confident in choosing one photographer i n s t e a d of a not he r. T he camera gear should also have adequate memor y to store all of the photos, and a few

backup batteries can’t hurt, either.

Consider hiring a photographer’s assistant or second shooter.

The photographer is less likely to miss a shot or fail to capture various perspectives of the wedding if he or she works w it h a pa rtner. W hile one photographer is doing closeup portraits, the other may be capturing candid moments

Submitted photo

Photos are how couples document their nuptials, and the right photographer can make all the difference. from onlookers from another angle.

Get to know the photographer as a person.

Know what each package includes.

It can be difficult to loosen up i n f r ont of t he len s, pa r t icu la rly if you do not have a good rapport with the photographer. Do not judge the photographer on his or her body of work alone. You will likely grow more comfortable with the photographer if you get to know him or her in the months leading up to your wedding.

T he photog rapher shou ld clearly spell out which items and services are included as part of the contract. There should be no surprises when it’s time to pay the balance of the photographer’s fees, so go over each itemized detail to be sure the package in your contract is the one you really want.

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Advertising Supplement to the Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Sunday, August 24, 2014

FALL WEDDING GUIDE

7

Inject fun personality into your wedding ceremony and reception

By BrandPoint When planning a wedding, you'll receive plenty of advice via to-do lists in bridal magazines, from friends and coworkers who've already been through the wedding process and even from professionals in the industry who have helped many couples achieve their "I dos."

The advice might feel a bit overwhelming, but most brides and grooms figure out how to sift through the stories of wedding successes and disasters to personalize all the final touches on their special day. By showcasing their personalities through different aspects of the wedding, guests will remember the special day for years to come.

Here are some ways to inject your personality into a wedding ceremony and reception: • Tell or show your story. Every couple has the "how we met" and "how we got engaged" stories, and often they can be incorporated quite easily into the ceremony or the reception.

For example, if you met at a sporting event, consider using sports paraphernalia as table centerpieces. Or if he proposed in a beautiful field of wildflowers, incorporate wildflowers into the decorations for the ceremony or the bouquets held by the bridesmaids. A couple of ways to tell personal stories are with a small write-up in the wedding program or a picture slideshow during the reception.

• Incorporate personal details. Every bride has a style. Some brides create an elegant wedding, while others prefer the edgy urban style. Some brides want an outdoorsy look to their weddings, and some think the vintage look matches

their personalities perfectly. No matter your style, look for ways to incorporate that style in the details of the wedding.

For example, start off with your wedding invitations.

Invitations by Dawn has laser-cut wedding invitations to match your personality. Elegant lace, romantic f lowers, creative fonts and delicate cutout shapes allow brides to hint at the wedding theme and show off their personality from the very beginning. All wedding invitations can be personalized online with fonts and colors, allowing a couple to match the wedding style perfectly. In a rush? Invitations

by Dawn can process and deliver wedding invitations in a week.

• Write your own vows. Personalized vows allow a couple to share with each other, and their guests, how much they love each other, and how they plan to spend the rest of their lives together. The Internet has many examples to help a couple get started, and your guests will be impressed by the creativity and individuality that goes into the vows as you pledge your love to each other.

• Play some favorite tunes. If you're planning a religious ceremony, ask the minister performing the wedding if there are any restrictions on music played. Churches typically will ask that music performed or played during the wedding ceremony be religious or classical, but the music played during the exit march can often be secular. For example, if the couple loves Star Wars, they could exit the church while the Imperial March is played. If the church is not open to secular music at all, another option is to play a favorite secular tune during the grand march into the reception venue.

EBT photo With these simple touches, you'll be able to inject plenty of individuality into your wedding ceremony and reception, allowing the guests who are celebrating with you to connect with your joy and excitement of matrimony. The personal elements will have everyone talking about your wedding for many anniversaries to come.

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FALL WEDDING GUIDE

Advertising Supplement to the Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Sunday, August 24, 2014

The baby dilemma: Do you invite them to your wedding or not?

By Tresa Erickson Feature Writer You’ve been to weddings where babies are in attendance and you’ve been to weddings where babies are not in attendance. There are pros and cons to each. When they’re happy, babies can make wonderful additions to a wedding; when they’re out of sorts, they can be terrors.

You would like to think your baby would be bubbly, but you can’t know for sure. What is a new mom to do? Will you arrange for your baby to attend your wedding, or will you find someone to care for your baby at home while you say, “I do”?

W hether your baby attends your wedding depends f i rst upon you. W hat is you r preference? Is this your first baby? Would you be a complete and utter mess if your baby were not with you? Would you be wracked with worry? If so, you might want to arrange to have your baby somewhere onsite, perhaps not sitting next to you but with a babysitter in a room nearby.

If you are bit more relaxed, you might want to consider leaving your baby with someone at home, especially if you think your baby might pose too much of a distraction. You’re going to be busy, and so are most of the people in the wedding party—why add to the activity with a baby in need of constant care?

What would your baby prefer? Is your baby rather congenial? Does your baby like people?

If so, they might be perfectly at ease at your wedding and not mind being passed around and held by a lot of different people.

If, on t he ot her ha nd, your baby is not comfortable around people and tends to cling to you, you might want to reconsider having them at your wedding. Do you really want to walk down the aisle and say, “I do,” with a baby on your hip?

You also need to consider the uncertainty factor. The best babies in the world have their moments. Your baby could be delightful right up until the exchange of vows and then let out a wail of terror and continue to fuss throughout the rest of the event.

Babies are also prone to accidents, soiling their clothes and the clothes of anyone who might be holding them, including you in your expensive white bridal gown, your spouse in his tuxedo rental or an out-of-town guest with no ready access to a change of clothes.

Only you can determine whether to have your baby attend your wedding. Should you do, be prepared. Understand that you and your groom will be busy and arrange for someone to care for the baby, preferably someone not directly involved in the wedding.

Baby dilemma

Your decision also depends upon your baby.

page 22 ‰

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By MetroCreative Weddings are a time for celebration and sharing good times. Some couples want to share their love and excitement with as many people as they can fit under one roof, while others may prefer a more intimate affair to enjoy with a select few.

One difficult decision couples must face when planning a wedding is whether or not to invite children to join in the festivities.

Young guests can bring an energetic spark to the celebration, but kids unaccustomed to dressing up and enjoying a fancy night out may get swept away by the majesty of the night. Adult guests looking to have a good time may find it difficult to relax and let loose if they have to keep a constant eye on their children.

The topic of children at weddings is a tricky subject. Family and friends may have strong opinions on either side of the debate.

Ultimately, the couple needs to come to an agreement regarding children at their wedding. Once a decision has been made, couples can employ some strategies to make the wedding as enjoyable as possible for every age group.

No children

One difficult decision couples must face when planning a wedding is whether or not to invite children to join in the festivities. when alerting guests. If you will be sending out save-the-date cards, include the phrase "Adults only, please" on the card. You also may want to include the information on a wedding website if you have one.

Couples who decide to exclude kids from their guest lists should alert guests well in advance of the "no kids" edict. Be tactful

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FALL WEDDING GUIDE

Advertising Supplement to the Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Sunday, August 24, 2014

9

Wedding at home: Things you should think about first

By BrandPoint Deciding to get married is one of t he biggest a nd most impor ta nt decisions many people w ill ever make. According to The Knot and WeddingChannel.com, the average wedding costing more than $28,000 -- the cost of a new car or a down payment on a home, so your next biggest decision may be figuring out how to pay for it. With that in mind, many couples are opting to tie the knot at home. Although hosting your special day in your own backyard can cut costs and give you more flexibility, you must address some critical details before you walk down the aisle.

Beginning basics First things first -- make sure you have enough space to accommodate everyone. If you need to make extra space, get creative. Did you know you can fit more guests at round tables than rectangular or square ones? You can also invest in a short-term storage

locker, which can temporarily house excess furniture as well as valuables you don't wa nt lef t out a mong wandering and rowdy guests. You'll also want to check into local noise ordinances, which might require a permit to host a loud party. You might need a permit to park cars along your street, too.

Prepared and protected In addition to these important basic details, couples need to make sure they are protected if anything goes wrong on their big day. Joe Vahey, vice president and product manager at Erie Insurance, suggests happy couples think about the following three key insurance issues when planning a wedding at their home or someone else's to make sure they're prepared for the unexpected:

Personal property Ke e p v a lu a ble w e dd i n g g i f t s protected. Depending on how many

guests attend your event, you could end up with thousands of dollars' wor t h of g i f t s. Si nce persona l property like this is covered by your homeow ners i nsu ra nce pol ic y, make sure to talk to your agent.

T hey'l l look i nto you r pol ic y's personal property limit - it's usually a percentage of the value of your home -- to ensure ever ything is covered.

Liability issues It's important to make sure you're protected from liability, too. If your uncle falls while doing the chicken dance or your cousin trips while diving to catch the bouquet, you could end up in trouble. W hile some liability coverage is included on standard homeowners policies, you'll want to review the liability limits with your agent in order to assure you have enough coverage.

Additionally, it's always w ise to consider adding an inexpensive personal catastrophe liability policy

Although hosting your special day in your own backyard can cut costs and give you more flexibility, you must address some critical details before you walk down the aisle. (sometimes ca lled a n umbrella policy) to your insurance. Having this extra protection will provide you and your future spouse with needed peace of mind on a hectic day.

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10 FALL WEDDING GUIDE

Advertising Supplement to the Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Sunday, August 24, 2014

How to find the right wedding vendors

By MetroCreative Weddings are a careful balance of many elements that culminate on one special day. Making all of the components of a wedding come together seemlessly requires a well organized bride and groom and the cooperation of professional wedding vendors who understand their unique roles.

Vendors, including f lorists, transportation companies, musicians, and dressmakers are essential to a successful wedding. Competent wedding vendors will remove much of the worry and work from a couple's shoulders. But not every couple ends up with top-notch wedding vendors.

Research, planning and verifying references are some ways to ensure your vendors make your wedding day that much more enjoyable.

• Seek recommendations from trusted friends and family members. Talk to friends and family members whose insight you value about which wedding vendors they used. If you attend a wedding or another party and find the flowers or the music particularly well done, ask for the name of the florist or band. Word-of-mouth advertisement is a great way to find quality wedding vendors who will help make your dream wedding a reality.

• Consult with a wedding planner. If budget allows, work with a wedding planner. He or she will have an extensive list of wedding vendors you can contact. A wedding planner wants the job to get done right and efficiently, and many wedding planners have already vetted and verified certain vendors as quality workers.

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• Always ask for references and don't ignore them. Busy wedding vendors should provide you with a list of names of satisfied customers. Talk with couples who used the vendors' services in the past and ask the questions that are most important to your decision-making process. Unbiased feedback also may be available through online review sites, but direct contact with references may make you feel more comfortable. If a vendor fails to provide references, this should raise suspicions about the person's reliability.

• Deposits should be a fraction of the total price. Avoid wedding vendors who insist on hefty deposits. A deposit is a good-faith agreement to hold the date of the wedding, and it should be a small percentage of the overall cost of the services.

• Do not pay balances too far in advance. Many wedding vendors require the balance be paid on the day of the wedding or shortly before. Good vendors realize couples will not want to pay the tally until they have received the products or services they signed up for.

A photographer may ask for the final payment when albums are delivered. The exception may be a caterer or reception site that needs the funds to order food and beverages a few weeks in advance. Paying off a vendor too early means you run the risk of that vendor having your money and then not coming through on the wedding day. It's difficult to track down a person for a refund, plus you're left with finding a replacement at the last minute.

• Contracts are your friends. Every agreement should be in writing. You have a better chance of fighting for a refund or restitution in court when you have a contract in writing.

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• Consider wedding insurance. Even the best-laid plans can go awry on a wedding day. Anything from freak weather events to illness to vendor absences can w rea k havoc.

The Better Business Bureau advises purchasing wedding insurance to protect yourself when weddings are especially costly. Such insurance may cover vendors who fail to show up, cancellations, inclement weather, military deployment, medical emergencies, and travel delays.

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FALL WEDDING GUIDE 11

Advertising Supplement to the Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Sunday, August 24, 2014

Bachelor party planning pointers

By MetroCreative A bachelor party is a tradition that some might be surprised to learn extends far beyond North America. Though bachelor parties go by many different names, these get-togethers held for a man shortly before he gets married are enjoyed in Great Britain, Ireland, Australia and South Africa.

The responsibility of planning a bachelor party traditionally falls on the shoulders of the groom-to-be's best man, who can choose to plan the party on his own or enlist the help of his fellow groomsmen.

Immortalized in films such as 1984's "Bachelor Party" and the 2009 comedy "The Hangover," bachelor parties range from the tame to the relatively raucous to the outrageous. While bestmen-to-be might be nervous about planning a bachelor party, the following are a handful of tips for men who want to make a friend or family member's bachelor weekend as memorable as possible.

• Don't go it alone. Just because you are the best man does not mean you need to plan the entire bachelor party on your own.

While you might want to add a few special and personal touches to the festivities, that does not mean you can't enlist the help of your fellow groomsmen or the groom's friends who are not included in the bridal party.

Enlisting the help of others can be especially helpful when planning a party for a large group, which can be difficult to organize. If the group is large and spread out, ask someone to represent each particular group of friends, such as childhood friends, college buddies and any professional associates who will be joining in the festivities.

other close friends and family members feel like they are more involved in the festivities.

• Ask the groom for a list of invitees. While it's tradition to prevent the guest of honor from participating in the planning, it is a good idea to ask the groom for a list of people he wants to invite. This can help a best man who is not familiar with all of a groom's friend's or associates to organize the party, and it also ensures that friends who were not invited to the wedding are not mistakenly invited to the bachelor party.

In addition, the groom may want certain people excluded from the festivities for personal reasons, so asking him for a list of invitees can help avoid any confusion or conflicts down the road.

• Choose a different locale for the bachelor and bachelorette parties. Many couples have their bachelor and bachelorette parties on the same weekend, and such parties are meant to be a chance for the groom to spend time with his male friends while the bride spends time with her female friends.

So when planning the bachelor party, the best man should ensure he does not choose the same locale as the maid of honor chooses for the bachelorette party. While many couples have abandoned traditional bachelor and bachelorette parties in favor of one big party for everyone a couple of nights before the wedding, those who are sticking to tradition likely want to keep the festivities separate. A best man can work with his female counterpart, the maid of honor, to ensure the parties don't cross paths.

If the groom is your family member, you can take on the responsibility of coordinating with family members. Breaking things down can make it easier to organize and help the groom's

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Bachelor party page 21 ‰

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12 FALL WEDDING GUIDE

Advertising Supplement to the Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Sunday, August 24, 2014

The Merrills: 'Redneck' wedding theme a big hit

By Duke Harrington Feature Writer According to the website VisitMaine.net, it costs, on average, $30,000 to stage a wedding in the "Pine Tree" state. That’s a bargain, the site says, when compared to the typical price tag to get married in Manhattan, at $86,000.

Still, it’s enough to create sticker shock for most year-round residents of Vacationland, where the median annual household income, as measured from 2008-2012 by the U.S. Census Bureau, is just $48,219.

So, what can prospective newly weds do if they don’t relish the idea of dumping nearly an entire year’s income into their nuptials? Well, if they happen to be Tom and Lori Merrill of Wiscasset, they throw themselves a “redneck wedding.”

Lori, 54, works in the medical department at the Bureau of Motor Vehicles in Augusta, where she processes license restrictions.

A self-described “Maine girl,” she enjoys camping, hunting, fishing, four-wheeling and snowmobiling. In that regard, she met her soul mate of sorts four years ago when introduced by friends to Tim, who works for N.A. Construction in Boothbay.

“Tim and I are pretty much easy going,” said Lori in a recent interview, soon after returning from a Florida honeymoon. “We do everything together, even to tearing down the four-wheeler and fixing it together.”

“We’re just dow n-to-home people who don’t care what people say about us,” agreed Tim, citing such social nonchalance as his definition of “redneck.”

That attitude of not standing on airs typifies the Merrills’ relationship. Last summer, while Tim and his brother Michael were working on the hand pump to the well at the family camp site, the question arose of when Tim was finally going to make an “honest woman” of his longtime girlfriend.

“Well,” Tim said, pulling a ring from the Moen faucet, “if this fits her finger, I guess we’re engaged.”

It did, and Lori proudly wore the faucet ring for almost four months, until Christmastime, when Tim replaced it with a more traditional diamond.

For Lori, the engagement capped a return to form, after having suffered a series of personal losses, including the unexpected death of her first husband, as well as both of her parents, and the loss of a daughter.

“During this time, she was a curmudgeon, short-fused and obviously depressed,” said

Jessica Dubois photo

Tim and Lori Merrill had a lot of fun at their wedding because they didn't feel stressed about incorporating tradition into their theme.

Eric Bellavance of Lewiston, who has worked alongside Lori at the BMV for more than 15 years and calls her “a rough-and-tumble lady with a heart of gold.”

But meeting Tim, 46, was a big change in Lori’s life.

“From then on we had the old Lori back,” said Bellavance. “She seemed ver y happy and started wearing colors other than black. One day, she even showed up to work with a dress on — we were all shocked!”

The only other time Bellavance has seen Lori in a dress, he said, was on her wedding day, although that was a gown made of camouflage material. In keeping w ith the “redneck” theme, Lori’s veil was attached to a baseball cap, also in camo, which was decorated with birds, butterflies and moss.

At the wedding, held in the door yard of the Merrill’s Wiscasset home, Lori’s maidof honor, her sister Cynthia Craig, and her bridesmaid, stepdaughter Ashlee Merrill, wore similar camo-couture. Tim and his best man, brother Michael, as well as Lori’s son James Ezzell, who gave the bride away, and her grandson Isaac, who served as ring bearer, also wore “redneck tuxedos.” These included white shirts with camo vests, hats and shorts, along with work boots and ties of hunter orange.

Lori’s bouquet was made by another of her coworkers, Leslie Ryan, as were boutonnieres worn by the men. All featured shotgun shells mixed in with the flowers.

Jessica Dubois photo

The bridal party carried out the "redneck" theme of the wedding with camoflauge clothing and shot gun shells.

The ring-bearer’s pillow, made like the veil,

by Lori’s BMV boss Anne Turgeon, had camo material on one side and a big ol’ fish on the other. The rings themselves came attached to the pillow by carabiner clips (these clips are often used in keychains).

“We put the rings right on the clips so Isaac couldn’t lose them, because, being three, who knows where they were going to end up,” explained Lori, with a laugh.

The audience, nearly 100 strong, dressed similarly, having been clued in to the theme by wedding invitations that featured Tim and Lori atop their four-wheelers.

“It was funny to see,” said Bellavance. “One lady had a skirt and blouse on while wearing knee-high rubber muck boots.”

“It was hard for me at first because they didn’t let me dress up,” said longtime friend Pam Chandler of Woolwich, who, as a justice of the peace, officiated at the ceremony. A notary pubic for nearly 20 years, Chandler performed her first wedding ceremony while dressed in shorts and a T-shirt.

“They wanted me to wear boots, too,” she said, “but I did finally get them to let me where a pair of nice sandals.”

Sandals, however, made getting in place for the ceremony a challenging proposition.

After she was escorted in on a golf cart — accompanied by the song, “Pontoon,” by Little Big Town — Lori, Tim, and the entire wedding

Jessica Dubois photo

The decorations at the wedding included red Solo cups, shooting targets and beer cans. party clamored inside the Merrills’ pontoon boat, which sat on a trailer attached to a truck parked in the yard. Blue turf grass was laid around the boat to give it the illusion of being out on the lake.

The July 19 ceremony was also, said Chandler, her first time marrying a couple from inside a boat, on or off the water.

“We could certainly see the entire crowd from up there,” she said. “Still, I was not surprised.

They do a lot of four-wheeling and camping

Redneck

page 14 ‰

FALL WEDDING GUIDE 13

Advertising Supplement to the Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Sunday, August 24, 2014

Unusual twists make memorable weddings Maine wedding features surprise visit from Star Wars character

By Dan Marois Feature Writer Bob a nd Je s s L eBl a nc now l i v e i n Newburyport, Mass., but they started their married life in May 2005, at St. Joseph’s Church in Bridgton followed by a reception at the nearby Shawnee Peak resort.

Submitted photos

The couple cut the cake while in their street clothes and well before the ceremony that was scheduled for the stroke of midnight on New Year's Eve.

The couple donned their wedding attire just in time to be legally wed at the stroke of midnight. Since guests had celebrated for hours before, they all dispersed immediately after the ceremony.

Reception before the wedding

By Dan Marois Feature Writer For Greg and Roxanne Simpson, of Minot, each had been married before when they tied the knot in 1998. They both had adult children and extended family and wanted to create something unique and romantic.

“Neither of us is especially traditional so a June wedding at a church and a hall seemed a lot of work and a lot of money,” said Greg.

“Roxie came up with the idea of a New Year's Eve ceremony w it h t he recept ion f irst, followed by the actual vows at the stroke of midnight.”

Simpson explained that at their first weddings they didn’t have a chance to really mingle with their guests. This time, they would have wine and hors d'oeuvres starting at about 8 p.m. and mill around in their street clothes and then retire to put on their wedding finery at around 11:30 p.m. for the midnight nuptials.

“A friend played the piano, the k ids ran around, we even cut the cake well before the ceremony and we mingled with everyone,” said Simpson. “At the appointed time we descended t he sta irs, sa id ou r vows at midnight, and then toasted the New Year and our new life.”

In a matter of minutes after the ceremony and having been partying until midnight, the guests began to leave in droves.

“In no time, everyone was gone except for family staying at the inn,” said Greg. “It was a wonderful way to start our new life together even though the festivities were all done in reverse.”

“Now he got t he facts straight at t he rehearsal,” said Bob. “However, once the service started it appeared he improvised.

He spoke of how Jess and I had known each other for well over 13 years (it was actually five years) and had been engaged for over three years (it was less than a year and a half ). He also decided to rearrange the seating by placing Jessica’s bridesmaids across the church from her, leaving my groomsmen and me to help her with her gown.”

“We were announced and took our seats at the head table while the usual traditions were being prepared. My best man made his toast and Jess got up to visit folks while I stayed at the head table talking to friends.

After a while, her matron of honor quickly ushered her back to the head table and my best man hurried over to distract me."

The Star Wars connection is significant.

Bob and Jess are big Star Wars fans. Their marriage took place two days after Star Wars Episode III was released.

“It is the perfect, classic country inn, quietly situated on the edge of the water and just the right size,” said Simpson. “It has plenty of party space and guest rooms for family.”

Guests gathered and celebrated long before Greg and Roxie Simpson's midnight wedding ceremony.

Submitted photos

Bob and Jess LeBlanc were married in Bridgton, and were surprised with a Star Wars stormtrooper invading their reception. Being Star Wars fans, each person thought the other had hired the character. It was discovered that one of their relatives hired the character from its nearby gig at a movie theater promoting the opening of another film in the Star Wars saga.

After the ceremony and traditional taking of photographs, the couple proceeded to the reception that was in full party mode.

It wa s i n t he nex t moment t hat t he couple discovered a Star Wars Imperial stormtrooper in full costume walking up the stairs to the restaurant.

The Simpsons found the perfect spot for their second marriage: the Wolf Cove Inn in Poland.

When the wedding night finally arrived it was 4 below zero with a howling wind, but 75 guests made it to the event.

The pre-wedding rituals were all in place; the couple had talked with the priest on a number of occasions. He often took notes of their discussions together. It was clear that he wanted to have facts and tidbits of information for the ceremony.

“On our way up to Maine for our wedding, we stopped in Newington, N.H. to see the midnight opening of the movie,” said Bob. And now, a full-suited stormtrooper was making an appearance at his wedding reception.

For the wedding couple, the surprise was welcome. “The bride’s matron of honor thought that I hired him for Jess and my best man thought Jess had hired him for me,” said Bob. The couple was intrigued by the character’s appearance but they didn’t exactly know how it came about.

In time, the couple realized that an aunt and her boyfriend saw the fully costumed stormtrooper in front of the local movie theater promoting the movie’s opening.

They pulled him aside and paid him $100 to crash the reception and surprise the newlyweds.

“He spent a half an hour mingling and ta k i ng pict u res w it h ever yone f rom grandmothers to infants,” said Jess. “He even signed our guestbook.”

14 FALL WEDDING GUIDE

Advertising Supplement to the Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Sunday, August 24, 2014

After the ceremony, the Merrill’s saluted their guests to the tune of Toby Keith’s “Red Solo Cup,” a specially printed beer cozy to mark the occasion being the gift to all attendees.

Eric Bellavance photo

Four wedding cakes on multi-tiered, 14-inch birch log bases featured different themes: Camping, hunting, fishing and four-wheeling. On one cake, the bride and groom appeared to be shooting at wild game placed atop another cake.

Redneck

joke referencing the couple’s side job mowing lawns.

from page 12

and going out on the boat, so it all made sense.”

Chandler helped the Merrills w r ite t heir vows, specia l ly crafted to fit the redneck theme.

Along with loving and honoring, Tim promised to “always lift the lid” on the toilet seat and to replace the toilet paper roll when empty. Lori, meanwhile, promised to always follow Tim with the push mower, an inside

Weddings

~

“After each of us works a full day, we come home and do it all together,” said Tim. “We don’t always get much done around our house, but we sure get others’ yards cleaned up and looking nice.”

“People did laugh, because Tim is notorious for taking off on the best mower, the 'zeroturn' riding mower, and leaving Lori behind with the old push mower,” said Chandler.

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The Merrills' wedding “was not traditional by any sort,” said Lori, but that’s just the way she wanted it.

“We wanted to have a wedding t h a t w a s s t r e s s -f r e e a nd relaxing,” she said. “We didn’t wa nt to be pressured w it h anything that had to be done like this, or like that. We just wanted to have fun and for everyone to have a good time.”

Red Solo cups also featured in the decorations at the Merrills’ pot luck recept ion, a f f i xed to shooting targets on birch bases as table centerpieces.

Meanwhile, beer cans were pressed i nto dut y as w i nd In that, the couple apparently ch i mes a nd, c ut up, a s succeeded. Lori said that on a decorative whirligigs, while scale of one to 10, her wedding hubcaps served as flower cases. was “at least a 15 or a 20.”

Four wedding cakes on multi“Everybody’s still talking about tiered, 14-inch birch log bases it,” she said. “They want to feat u red d i f ferent t hemes : Camping, hunting, fishing and four-wheeling. On one cake, the bride and groom appeared to be shooting at wild game placed atop another cake.

By MetroCreative

Finally, as guests boogied to countr y music by Boothbay Harbor band Murky Water, the Merrills' big day ended with a bonfire, newly legal fireworks, a nd blasts f rom a genuine c a n non, bor rowed f rom a friend.

“I didn’t stay for the bonfire or fireworks,” said Bellavance, ”but I did get to hear the cannon go off a few times during my drive home.”

Fe l i x Me n d e l s s o h n's "Wedding March" is popular at wedding ceremonies near a nd fa r, but ma ny songs also enjoy such widespread p opu l a r it y. S ent i ment a l sta nda rds help shape t he celebration. Unless a couple intends to buck all trends, the following are some popular wedding reception staples.

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“People should do what they wa nt to do, but a wedding ceremony is a serious venue, so you can’t really make light of it too much. With Tim and Lori, even though it was 'redneck,'

“The way we did it was the best way to go. That’s the way I feel about it anyhow,” said Tim, of the wedding that ended up being low cost and high value.

“It all came together pretty easy because we worked on it together, like we do everything.

“But just getting married to Lori,” he said, “that was the best part of it.”

1950s by Nat K i ng Cole, "Unforgettable" experienced a resurgence in popularity in the 1990s thanks to a remix of the song that turned it into a duet between the late Cole and his daughter, Natalie.

• "Unchained Melody": The Righteous Brothers classic was a hit in 1965 but rose to even greater popularity when it was included in the 1990 film "Ghost."

• " T h e Wa y Yo u L o o k Tonight": This oft-covered song is one of t he more romantic songs to grace the American songbook. Billie Holiday, Frank Sinatra and Fred Astaire have put their

ow n unique spins on t he song.

• "At Last": A lthough Ella Fitzgerald was not the first artist to record this song, her version is arguably the most popular.

• "What a Wonderful World": Louis Armstrong's rousing rendition of this classic can ma ke a ny recept ion even more upbeat.

• "Wonderful Tonight": Many couples love this Eric Clapton classic about enduring love.

• "L a s t D a n c e" : D on n a Summer's "Last Dance" is an ideal choice for the final song of the evening.

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Perhaps one rea son t he wedding went over so well, said Chandler, is that the Merrills never lost sight of what was at the heart of the ceremony, the purpose of all the merriment.

Anyone who plans a themed wedding, redneck or otherwise, would do well to keep the same focus, she said.

and even with the funny vows and everything, there was still a lot of respect for the ceremony itself. There was a lot of heart to it. It was still very, very nice,” said Chandler.

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Advertising Supplement to the Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Sunday, August 24, 2014

FALL WEDDING GUIDE 15

How to throw a successful backyard wedding

By MetroCreative Outdoor weddings are romantic when done right, and a growing number of couples are exchanging vows amid an expansive garden or with the splendor of the pounding surf providing a picturesque backdrop.

If Mother Nature cooperates, outdoor weddings can go smoothly. But even if the weather does not cooperate, there still are ways couples can enjoy a memorable ceremony.

Preparation and planning help keep outdoor weddings moving along.

Weather can be unpredictable and unforgiving, so it is always best to account for various scenarios. The following are some tips to consider.

• Be mindful of hot weather. Many outdoor weddings occur when temperatures are at their warmest. As anyone who has had to sit outdoors in the blazing sun for an extended period of time can attest, it can grow quite uncomfortable, especially when everyone is dressed to the nines.

Advise guests in advance that the wedding will be taking place outdoors and to dress accordingly. Arrange to have shaded areas for guests who may struggle with the heat. Keep chilled bottled water nearby so guests can stay cool and refreshed. Ask the officiant to keep the ceremony brief so that guests are not melting away in their seats.

• Keep wind in mind. A stiff breeze can upset tents and wreak havoc on hairstyles. Be sure everything outdoors is properly secured and weighted down. Avoid light fabrics on a wedding gown that will get swept away by wind. A short, blusher veil may be more appropriate than a sweeping train.

Couples should advise their hairstylists that they will be getting married outdoors, and looks should be well secured by bobby pins and gel to keep hair in place. Stick to real dishes for food service, as plastic or lightweight materials may get blown away.

• Check for power sources. Choose a wedding location with easily accessible power outlets. Guests will certainly want to hear the vows, and that may require the use of microphones

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and a sound system. Having power available also makes it easier for bands and musicians to set up their equipment for an outdoor reception. If the wedding will be stretching into the evening hours, electricity will be needed to power supplemental lighting that illuminates the festivities.

• Ensure accessibility. Outdoor terrain can prove tricky, especially for older guests or those with mobility issues. When scouting locations, select a wheelchair-accessible spot that can be easily traversed.

Understa nd t hat t u r f ca n become water-log ged a nd challenging to walk over should it rain the day of the wedding or prior. Plastic or fabric runners may make things easier. Also, choose a location that isn't too far off the beaten path. It should be close enough to a parking lot and not require guests to have to take an extended hike through nature.

• Face away from the sun. Glares can make it difficult for guests to see the ceremony. Be sure to arrange seats so that guests do not have to look into the sun. This is best achieved by having the sun behind everyone for the ceremony. It also ensures that you won't end up with washed-out photos or pictures of everyone squinting.

• Ensure food is properly chilled or heated. Dining outdoors means keeping food safety in mind. Food that is supposed to be kept cool should remain on ice or be refrigerated until served. Hot foods should remain hot. Food in chafing dishes or served buffet-style also should be protected from insects. Improper handling of food can result in foodborne illnesses. No one wants to remember a wedding for intestinal discomfort.

• Use fresh flowers in potted plants. Cut flowers tend to wilt prematurely in hot weather. Rather than waste money and beautiful flowers, choose potted plants that will thrive if welltended. Guests can then take the plants home and continue to cherish the wedding long after it is over.

• Budget for a tent. It is always better to have a contingency plan. Even if you have your heart set on an outdoor wedding, have a backup plan in place if the weather is uncooperative. A tent with surrounding sidewalls may be sufficient. Otherwise,

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Make sure Mother Nature doesn't rain on your outdoor wedding. Plan for all the possibilities so that an outdoor ceremony or reception goes as smoothly as possible. determine if there is an indoor location that can be kept on standby.

• Mix up the candles. Intersperse citronella candles with the decorative ones to help keep bugs at bay. You can also consider placing small bottles of insect repellent on the tables. Guests will appreciate the gesture when biting flies or mosquitoes want to join in the fun.

16 FALL WEDDING GUIDE

Sadlers

answer as many questions as t hey liked,” sa id A licia Sadler. “Those responses have become treasures to us.”

most important details of the whole event and still has the most meaning to us."

Thoug h ice-f i l led buckets of lemonade and different f lavors of sun tea in repurposed wine bottles were ava i lable, t he cha mpag ne toa st w a s done i n h a nd painted glasses depicting all the f lowers in the Sadlers' gardens. The glasses were also favors for the guests to take home.

from page 5

Though some items, such as a large, white tent had to be rented, and bamboo plates and utensils purchased, the couple and family spent more time than money to create a t r u ly u n ique a nd nontraditiona l ambiance. The round tables were covered in white linen and overlaid with antique, flowered tablecloths a nd topped w it h f lora l bouquets from the couple’s ga rden s. E ach t a ble w a s arranged with a theme that gave guests an insight into the Sadlers' lives, such as stacks of their favorite books, a tiny ski from Alan Sadler’s childhood and soccer details, the favorite sports of the bride and groom.

Each table also had a little gold box with items of trivia about the couple, quotes and sayings about love and marriage and a guest book in which the Sadlers invited guests to share advice on marriage or where they should travel together.

“We encouraged our guests to pass the book around and

T he re c ept ion me a l w a s pizza made by Pizza by Fire, a wood-fired artisan pizza business as well as appetizers, sa lads and breads. In lieu of the traditional wedding c a ke, t he br ide chose to serve mini cheesecakes with strawberries. Cheesecake is the couple’s favorite type of cake. “ We w er e c om m it t e d t o creating a distinctive a nd g lor ious ceremony a nd reception at our home, in our ya rd a nd ga rden t hat celebrated the spirit of our love,” said Alicia Sadler.

Advertising Supplement to the Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Sunday, August 24, 2014

Each table was arranged with a theme that gave guests an insight into the Sadlers' lives, such as stacks of their favorite books, a tiny ski from Alan Sadler's childhood and soccer details, the favorite sports of the bride and groom.

“May your home be f illed with laughter and the warm embrace of a summer day.

May you find peacefulness and beaut y, challenge and s at i s f a c t ion , hu mor a nd insight, healing and renewal, love and wisdom, as in a quiet heart. May you always feel that what you have is enough.”

Submitted photos

"We were committed to creating a distinctive and glorious ceremony and reception at our home, in our yard and garden that celebrated the spirit of our love," said Alicia Sadler.

Alicia and Alan Sadler

T he Sad lers feel t hat t he blessing given to them on their wedding day at the height of the summer solstice has become a reality:

Pictured at left: The ceremony was held inside a heart-shaped garden constructed by the groom with the assistance of Aaron Timm, the bride's brother.

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The round tables were covered in white linen and ove r l a i d w i t h antique, flowered tablecloths and topped with floral bouquets from the couple's gardens.

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FALL WEDDING GUIDE 17

Advertising Supplement to the Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Sunday, August 24, 2014

Got a great wedding theme? Tips for carrying it throughout your big day

By BrandPoint What does the concept of a wedding theme mean to you? Do you think it's just about the colors you choose for your bouquet and bridesmaid gowns? Or do you think of it as something grander -- your personalized stamp that should shine through every aspect of your big day?

"Even the most romantic, unique theme can fail to live up to its potential if you only incorporate it into one or two aspects of your wedding," said Robin Brockelsby, founder of Creative Coverings, one of the largest nationwide linen rental and sales companies. "Truly successful themes grace everything your guests do, see and touch throughout your wedding and reception."

As you're planning your wedding, keep these theme-building tips in mind: • Choose a theme and colors that you love enough to invest some creativity in. While each season, certain colors emerge as "hot" choices for weddings, avoid picking a color or theme just because it's trendy. Instead, focus on ideas that truly speak to your personality.

• Picking a wedding color doesn't mean you have to be limited to just one shade. For example, Brocklesby pointed out, purple is a trending color for weddings this year, and you can incorporate variances of it throughout your wedding. "Lighter shades like lavender and lilac are more feminine and sensitive, creating a mood of romance," she said. "They're a great choice for bridesmaids' gowns." Add interest to the color theme by

using darker shades like plum or deep purples for table linens and even lighting elements. "Using these darker shades can create an impression of magic, fantasy or extravagance," Brocklesby said.

• If you do choose a trending color, consider renting accessories such as linens, chair covers and decorations.

Rental stores keep track of what's trendy, too, and are more likely to have items in the season's hottest colors. Often, it's easier to rent what you need than to hunt through multiple stores trying to purchase items. Visit www.rentalhq.com to find a rental store that carries everything you need to create a themed wedding.

• When choosing a theme, be sure to consider if it really works with that gown you fell in love with and simply must have. Use creative favors to underscore your theme. For example, luggage tags in For example, a vintage theme cries out for a vintage gown and the shape of flip flops make adorable wedding favors. a dress that is too contemporary will clash with the theme.

Tuxedoes for groomsmen and stiletto heels for bridesmaids aren't likely to work well with a beach theme.

Theme

page 19 ‰

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Advertising Supplement to the Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Sunday, August 24, 2014

Unique venues from page 4

the venue is rich in its own communit y histor y, hav ing served as a milking and hay barn until 1987.

The barn had weathered 25 years of neglect before Barbara Fogarty and John St. Hilaire, current ow ners, rescued it.

Once preserved, neither knew what they would do with it; storage was a possibility. That is until a wedding planner dropped by a nd suggested usi ng it for a wedd i ng reception.

The barn’s greatest feature is its “million-dollar view” of one of Maine’s majestic mountain ra nges, a pu r ple wedd i ng gift distantly placed beyond 108 country acres of rolling fa r m la nd. St. H i la i re a nd Fogarty described the autumn c ol or s a s br e a t ht a k i n g l y fantastic, which explains why the barn is booked solid for September and October 2014 and 2015.

Outside, a gazebo overlooks the view and according to St. Hilaire, captivates couples.

“Everyone who sees it wants to be married out by the gazebo.”

Capitalizing on its view, the back of the barn boasts a wall of glass and a deck beyond.

Inside, soaring, open rafters are swathed in white; chandeliers and starry twinkle lights bathe the space in a warm glow after

sunset. While code required some updates, the origina l wide plank flooring, roof, and trusses are original. Unlike newly-built structures, “this barn is the real deal,” said St. Hilaire.

Forga r t y ag reed, “T h is generat ion appreciates repurpose, re-use, and recycle.

This is a 60-year-old, authentic Maine barn.”

For those searching to capture the traditional spirit of a church in a unique setting, look no further than the Franco Center i n L e w i ston, for merly St .

Mary’s Church. The church’s de-consecration in 2000 left it w it hout f unction a nd in need of repairs. Renovations, beginning in 2003, breathed new life into the historically significant space, making it a premiere performance and wedding venue.

The Per forma nce Ha ll comma nds roya l attent ion w it h it s 75-foot cat hed ra l ceilings supported by ornate colu m ned a rches, or ig ina l penda nt cha ndel ier s, a nd nearly two dozen, stained-glass windows. Plush seating offers perfect sight lines for guests.

Program Director and Event Manager Richard Martin said, “Because we are a production house, both the Performance and Heritage Halls afford our

Submitted photo

The Maine Wedding Barn & Event Center brides and grooms state-ofthe-art sound, lighting, audio/ visual and Wi-Fi systems as well.”

Non-denominational ceremonies ca n ta ke place center stage; in the background is t he or ig i na l ca r v i ng of t he Madon na, a h istor ica l reminder of t he building’s sacred past and its place in the heart of Franco-American history. The bridal party also has the option of preparing for the ceremony onsite; two “green” rooms are available for bride and groom with their parties. Martin said, “These rooms are a f lurr y of color, sound, and fragrance the day of a wedding.”

Prior to the ceremony, Martin t a k e s h i s br id e a nd h e r attendants on a “bridal walk” from the green room through the “sacred” back passages to

the back of Performance Hall and the foot of the staircase from which they make their grand entrance. While he said all weddings are beautiful, Martin explained, “This venue can embrace any concept a bride and groom might have for t heir wedding day. We have even hosted a “steam punk” wedding here; it was outstanding.”

Photo by Russ Dillingham/Sun Journal

Materials from a partition between the first row of pews and the front of the nave were used to created this bar area at the Franco Center.

T he venue a lso of fers t he benefit of an “all-under-oneroof” experience; Heritage Hall boasts a dance f loor, stage, full bar service, and catering partnership w it h DaVinci’s Eatery.

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FALL WEDDING GUIDE 19

Advertising Supplement to the Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Sunday, August 24, 2014

Theme

The seating chart: How to manage seating arrangements

from page 17

By MetroCreative • Set t he sta ge for you r wedding w it h t hemed invitations.

Online resources ma ke it easy to find and customize wedding invitations to fit virtually any theme, from rustic to f loral, count r y to contempora r y.

Themed invitations are also a great way to clue guests in to what they can expect on your special day.

• Choose linens, tableware and furniture that c omplement your t heme.

If the venue you've booked doesn't have items that are just right, look into renting them. Renting wedding items prov ide brides access to a wider range of items that can fulfill virtually any theme, giving you greater flexibility and choice. Plus, renting can save you money.

• Use c reat ive favors to u nder sc ore you r t heme.

For example, luggage tags in the shape of f lip f lops make adorable wedding favors. Or, for your outdoor wedding with a picnic theme, miniature picnic baskets f i l led w it h gou r met c ho c ol at e s w i l l remind guests of your theme long after the reception ends.

• Remember to make music match your theme. Classical music w i l l complement a s oph i s t ic a t e d , e le g a nt

A vintage theme cries out for a vintage gown and a dress that is too contemporary will clash with the theme. wedding as you walk down the aisle, but you might want to leave the hip-hop for the re c ept ion . For a hol iday wedding, traditional holiday music creates a timely and f e s t i v e a t m o s phe r e t h a t celebrates t he season a nd your nuptia ls at t he same time.

• Food and how you present it can also play into your theme. Want a circus-themed wedding? Rent a popcor n ma ker or cot ton-ca ndy machine and serve to guests in wa x paper bags during the reception. Going for a more elega nt, t rad it iona l theme? Silver chafing dishes a re cla ssic musts. Fi nd a rental store that specializes in renting catering items at www.rentalhq.com.

Whatever theme you choose, all elements of your wedding should harmoniously work toget her to procla im your t heme. A great t heme can t u r n a ny wedd i ng i nto a memorable experience that guests will talk about for years to come.

After all of the invitations have been sent and RSV Ps returned, engaged couples who a re i nclud i ng a sitdown dinner as part of their wedding receptions must figure out the seating arrangements for their guests. Such a task can be both fun and stressful.

The f un of ma k ing seat ing arrangements stems from reuniting f r iends a nd fa mi ly members who couples feel will enjoy one another's compa ny a nd ma ke t he reception t hat much more f un. But feuding family members can make the task of assigning seats somewhat stressful.

Couples need not be relat ionship experts to plan seating arrangements that ensure guests have a good time.

The following tips can help couples enjoy t he process of mapping out t hei r wedd i ng recept ion seat i ng assignments as much as possible. * Make assignments by hand. While there is software designed specifically to help couples map out seat i ng assignments, many couples find it easier to do the seating assignments b y h a nd, w h ic h a l low s c ouple s more freedom to rearrange tables.

I n add it ion, ma k i ng t he seat i ng arrangements by hand ensures that couples spread out guests who might not get along.

* Don't seat guests in the hopes of quashing old conf licts. W hile t he jovial spirit of a wedding ceremony and reception might seem like the perfect atmosphere for feuding friends or family members to bury the hatchet with regard to old conflicts, this leaves open the potentially ugly possibility that such conf licts might escalate.

Couples don't want their weddings to be remembered for all the wrong reasons, so keep feuding factions apart when assigning seats. * Keep special needs guests in mind.

Some g uests at t he wedding may have special needs, and this must be kept in mind when planning seating assignments. Guests w ith medica l conditions may benefit from sitting close to the restroom, while those with mobility issues might be best served sitting in a spot where waitstaff can more easily recognize when they need somet hing. Consider sitt ing older guests, whose vision might not be as strong as it once was, as close to the happy couple as possible so these guests can see everything and won't feel left out. * Make sure the seating assignment table is easily accessible. The table on which seating assignment cards will be placed should be accessible upon entering the reception hall. A table that's far off in the corner may confuse

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Planning seating assignments for a wedding reception is no small task. But couples can employ several strategies to make the process go as smoothly as possible. some guests, who might think the seating is a free-for-all and simply sit in the first empty seats they see. * Consider f low between tables when making assignments. While you might have aced the seating assignments at each table, don't overlook t he importance of mapping out tables as well. No couple wants their guests to feel isolated from friends or family members at other tables, so do your best to ensure there's a good f low between the tables.

Plan for tables of family members to be placed next to one another, and do the same with groups of friends. This encourages guests to mingle and can make the night much more enjoyable for everyone involved.

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20 FALL WEDDING GUIDE

The Lairds from page 3

A fter they read each other their vows and the ceremony was over, those in attendance were surrounded by Becky and Paul’s creative touches.

“We had centerpieces in clear g reen vases t hat matched t he a rbor,” ex pla i ned t he bride. “Most everything was sunf lowers, mums, leaves, cat ‘o nine tails and berries.

Hay bales were scattered and everyone was able to sit and mingle where they wanted to.”

A c a no e w a s f i l le d w it h beverages and the menu was tastefully displayed on an old window pane. And to add a touch of fun, a cheese box was

Advertising Supplement to the Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Sunday, August 24, 2014

filled with koozies with the message: "The hunt is over."

memorable day of this young couple’s life.

“Then we all sat down to a pig roast,” said Paul. “Also on the menu were quiches, seafood chowder, a ssor ted sa lad s and French fries with all the fixings.”

“I just wish we could do it all over again,” Paul said as he kissed his bride.

Becky agreed.

“Just like the sign said, it really was the best day ever!”

To commemorate the day, “We had a framed print of birch trees and everyone stamped their fingerprints as leaves,” said Becky. “There was also a f ine marker to add t heir names.”

The couple and their guests danced the night away and topped it off with s’mores by a roaring bonfire.

“It was all about just having f u n a nd u n it i ng ou r t wo families,” explained Becky.

“And by doing the wedding ourselves w it h t he help of family, we saved money, but it was so much more than that. It made the day more personal, meaning so much more to us.”

The sign at the gate says it all.

Gini Haines photos

The Lairds kiss in this dramatic night photo taken on the dock with a mirrorlike water scene behind them.

“And because we asked family to help we are all so much closer,” added Paul. “We built t he da nce f loor a nd when Becky emailed people a long list of dishes to be made, within 20 minutes the menu was complete. Now our moms are the best of friends and my dad just fell in love with Becky.

He even wore a suit, which he’s never done before.”

Koozies were available for guests to use at the reception and keep afterward as a wedding favor.

The bouquet was created with An old window was used to list the autumn-colored flowers. reception menu.

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The guest book was a "thumb tree" design which will serve as a memento of the wedding when it hangs on the walls of the Laird's home.

FALL WEDDING GUIDE 21

Advertising Supplement to the Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Sunday, August 24, 2014

Tips for selecting your wedding party

By Tresa Erickson Feature Writer You got engaged a few months ago, and the wedding planning is underway. You’ve set the date, booked the venue and now you’re ready to select the wedding party.

You know without a doubt whom you want to be your maid of honor and best man. The rest of your wedding party, well, the choices are not nearly so clear.

Don’t expect your young, super-shy cousin Megan to be a good candidate for a bridesmaid. That role might better be served by Megan’s older, more outgoing sister Amy. Determine the best people for the jobs and have a backup list just in case.

Before you do anything, make certain the people you have in mind for your maid of honor and best man are on board.

No one is a given until they have been asked and have said yes. You may have only one sister destined to be your maid of honor, but you must ask her first.

When you have a list of potential candidates, it’s time to ask them. That’s right. You need to ask. Don’t assume your nephew will be your ringbearer. You can make a request in any number of ways. You can send out a formal invitation, you can call or stop by, or you can invite everyone over to your home for a little get-together. Fire up the grill, make a spread, announce your wedding date and ask those in attendance to be in your wedding. With small kids, you might want to speak to their parents beforehand.

Once your maid of honor and best man have said yes, you can focus on the rest of your wedding party. Draw up a list of the positions you would like to fill and the people you would like to see in them. Be realistic in your assessment.

Be prepared for some declines. Some may say yes, some may hesitate and tell you later, and some may just f lat out tell you no. Don’t take it personally. Tell them thanks anyway and take a look at your backup list.

Bachelor party from page 11

at least one special event, which can act as the centerpiece of the weekend.

This special event may include a group trip to

Home wedding from page 9

Rings

attend a sporting event or an evening seeing the groom's favorite band perform live. The event should cater to one of the groom's interests, and if possible, keep things a surprise to make it even more memorable.

• Limit the groom's financial responsibility.

Chances are the groom has enough on his plate

coverage up to the specific value of that ring, so you won't have to worry about replacing a lost or stolen ring.

Looking good

We d d i n g r i n g s a r e a n i mpor ta nt pa r t of t he ceremony, a symbol of your s p e c i a l b on d . C on s i d e r "s c h e d u l i n g " t h e r i n g s rather than relying on the blanket coverage provided by a standard policy, which may have a va lue limit. A scheduled ring has additional

Once the behind-the-scenes details have been addressed, it's t ime to pu ll back t he curtain and focus on putting on a s p e c t a c u l a r s how.

Properly welcome guests by getting your landscape in tip-top shape and making sure to clean your house top to bottom a week before the

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Selecting the right people to be in your wedding takes time. Don’t rush it.

Consider all of the options carefully and be prepared for some people to say no.

with regard to paying for his wedding, so it's best to limit the groom's financial responsibility as much as possible. Don't let him buy any drinks or food all weekend, and if you can afford to do so, foot the bill for his transportation and lodging as well.

While such gestures are certainly not obligatory,

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22 FALL WEDDING GUIDE

Scavenger

Advertising Supplement to the Sun Journal, Lewiston, Maine, Sunday, August 24, 2014

from page 2

“It was quite competitive,” said Chouinard, “and even the two limo drivers got into it.”

the girls sat on a mini kid’s carousel horse in front of a store,” while the boys found a real horse.

Ultimately, “my mom gave the boys more points for creativity [even though] we had more stuff ... and she said we were cheaters,” said Kelson.

To complete the photo with a baby, “The guys visited the mall and just walked up to somebody and said 'Can I take a picture with your baby?' " said Kelson.

"T hey weren’t shy,” added Chouinard.

After having trouble finding a fa st-food employee, t he g i rls were ta k i ng a photo of a character on a sign at a local fast-food joint, when a custodian, who was taking out the trash, came out – "So we took a picture with him.” He was a good sport, but according to Kelson, "He thought we were crazy.”

Chou i na rd a lso gave each team a list of items to collect, including a knitting needle, condom, tampon, magazine, deck of cards, pack of gum, ciga r, lotter y t icket, a nd a newspaper.

And of course, there were rules!

T hey had to be back by a designated time, they had to stay in Lewiston-Auburn, and they couldn’t purchase any of the items that they collected.

“We had a great time,” said Kelson, “and the game kept us laughing.”

“The teams were pretty even,” said Chouinard, “but the boys were a little more creative.”

Chouinard, who has always enjoyed a good scavenger hunt, prepared many when her children were growing up, especially around birthdays and other special occasions.

Sometime her scavenger hunts a lso i ncluded r idd les t hat needed to be solved to complete an item on the list.

If you’re thinking of doing your ow n bridal part y scavenger hunt, Chouinard recommends that you wait until they get into the limo before you give them the lists.

“You can get pretty creative, and more scandalous if you want to,” she said, but be sure to lay down the ground rules and make it fun.

Your mother might adore her new grandchild, but remember, she also adores you and would probably like to see you get married. Your teenage niece, on the other hand, might rather be off in another room caring for your new baby. That’s right. You’ll want to set up a place onsite for the babysitter to take your baby for feedings, naps and play.

Don’t expect your baby to fa ll asleep and stay asleep during the reception in a ballroom with a lot

Kids

from page 8 A website affords you more space to explain your stance on y ou ng g ue s t s . W hen it comes to t he wedd i ng invitation, your indications shou ld a l ready be clea r.

However, you can reinforce that kids are not invited by addressing the inv itations accordingly.

A f ter C hou i n a rd a nd her husband met the limos at the designated spot, t he group spent t he rest of t he night camping by the lake.

Chouinard, whose son is getting married next summer, said that it was so much fun that they just might do it again for his wedding.

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of high-stepping going on. Finally, make sure you have ample supplies for your baby. You’ll be far too busy to make a mad dash home for diapers or formula.

Choosing what to do with your baby during your wedding is a big decision. Think it t hrough carefully, and should you decide it would be best to keep your baby at home, don’t get wrapped up in the guilt. Your baby won’t know the difference, and you can always arrange to ta ke some wedding photos with them later or have the babysitter drop by with them at the reception.

However, i f you prefer a kid-free wedding, you may want to avoid a ring bearer and f lower girl during the ceremony.

Chances are word will spread that the wedding is not for child guests. If you do not want to handle inquiries, ask a member of the bridal party to answer any k id-related questions.

Children allowed Contrary to popular belief, children can be well-behaved at a wedd i ng a nd add a youthful component to the c elebr at ion . Watc h i ng a child twirling on the dance f loor or devouring a large piece of wedding cake can make a wedding day more memorable and special.

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Couples who invite kids to the wedding should expect the unexpected from their you ngest g uest s. L et t he small things slide and speak w it h you ngsters' pa rent s if any issues arise. Arrange for some activities to keep children entertained and out of trouble.

Have t he ba nd or deejay i nc or por ate some ch i ldfriendly dances or activities.

Designate the kids' table and arrange some small toys or activ it y books. Be sure to choose some child-friendly foods during t he cockta il hour. Hungry children can be that much more fussy.

Arrange a special menu with the catering manager and be clear about how many kids are invited. Usually kids' dinners cost substantially less than

adults'. Some reception sites may provide a separate room where children can gather.

A television with a favorite movie or a few video games may be all that's necessary to pass the time.

Hire a babysitter to stay with the children and give adults in the other room peace of mind. Limited children You may want to include older children at the wedding but have younger ones stay home.

As you would for a wedding w it hout k ids, spread t he word t hat t here is an age l i m it . O n s a v e -t he - d a t e a n nou nc ement s, re que st that "No children under age 12" attend the wedding. Be prepared for some opposition from guests whose kids fall under the age limit. Just be firm with your plans.

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With dramatic views, spacious floor plan and grand stone hearth, our main lodge is the perfect venue for both your wedding and reception.

We will make your dreams come true — We can accommodate up to two hundred & twenty of your friends and family.

When you choose Saddleback as your wedding venue, we will help you plan every detail from start to finish. We will decorate to your specifications and help you find the best florist, photographer, baker and musicians.

Call for your free consult: 207-864-5671

or Email: weddingevents@saddlebackmaine.

addleback

14 Great Falls Plaza ∙ Auburn, ME 04210 207-514-2204 ∙ auburnriverwatch.hgi.com