Page 2 — Wedding guide –– february 2015
Specialized for each couple
Wedding guide PuBLiSHeR Elizabeth Gorske Managing editoR Eric Young editoRiaL Staff Sherry Barnum Tim Barnum Kimberly Landenberg Jay Ogden Matt Varcak adVeRtiSing SaLeS Kim Ferguson Cozad Jama Gates Anthony Kachiros Carla Reeves Sherrie Sutherland CoMPoSition Sharon Ehlert Jesse Karbowski eMaiL sherrybarnum@ogemawherald.com Cover Photo of Magan and dylan drumm. Photo courtesy of Sarah Killackey/Simply Love Photography
Travel agents can make sure your needs are met for your honeymoon By Sherry Barnum According to travel agent Kelly Luce with Travels and Beyond in Standish, when planning a honeymoon the first thing a couple should look at is the destination and what they want to do on the honeymoon. “Some couples want to go and relax and others want to go and do different excursions and be active,” Luce said. “The destination is crucial to the activity level.” Research of the destination is an important part of the honeymoon booking, according to Luce. “A couple should do their research on where they would like to go so they are getting what they want when they get there,” Luce said. “If they want an all-inclusive resort or if they want a beautiful swimming pool and beaches, we make sure we get it for them.” According to Luce, when booking, if the couple knows there is an activity they would like to do, they should make sure they book in advance. If they wait until they get there to do it, it might not be available anymore. Luce said a couple should start planning a honeymoon nine months in advance. “The couple needs to start early so they can get the best pricing, rooms available and get every advantage as far as upgrades go,” she said. “When they come in to talk to us they should be fully prepared to make a decision within two weeks.” Luce said when the couple comes in to visit, they will get brochures and ideas on how much the trip will cost. “After that, they will make a deposit on the trip, and if they aren’t working with a large budget they can make payments,” Luce said. Luce said Travels and Beyond offers payment plans until the final payment is due to
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Luce. “Travel insurance is crucial to have because if something comes up and the couple can’t make the honeymoon, then we can refund the money and rebook for a later date,” Luce said. “We really, really, really want the couple to purchase insurance because we’ve seen it happen enough times where a couple invests $5,000 on their trip and then loses it because they didn’t have insurance. So it is worth the $250 to make sure it is protected.” “Our agency does everything specifically for the bride and groom,” Luce said. “Everything is individualized for each couple that comes in. We are like a little boutique travel agency and we give special attention to each couple to make sure all their needs are met.”
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relieve some of the stress if the couples don’t have the money on hand. And although many couples may think they are capable of booking a trip on their own, a travel agent can make the process smoother. “We will be able to direct them into the right property and into what they are looking for,” Luce said. “If they do it on their own, they will spend hours and hours looking for something that we can give them in 10 minutes. They don’t have to deal with anything. We make sure we let the resorts know the couple will be honeymooning there and get them any added values, and it doesn’t cost any more to go through us than it would if they were to do it on their own.” Another important part of planning a honeymoon is travel insurance, according to
Live Happily Ever After
february 2015 –– Wedding guide — Page 3
Breath of fresh air Jenn and Ryan Wojtowicz have an outdoor rustic wedding that fits their personality Photographer: Be Loved Photography by Mindy Stokoszynski Dress: Perfect Fit
“The most memorable part of our wedding day to me was our first dance. Finally being married and just the two of us taking it all in with all the people we loved around us.” -Jenn Wojtowicz Jenn and Ryan share their first kiss as husband and wife.
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By Sherry Barnum Jenn and Ryan Wojtowicz of Standish had a clear wedding wish list when it came to their wedding: a rustic outdoor venue. The couple met through Ryan’s cousin and friend, whom Jenn graduated with. “(Ryan) farmed ground near the store I used to work at, and he had come in there a couple times and noticed me,” Jenn said. “We had talked on and off for a while, he sent me flowers to work on Valentine’s Day and it wasn’t until June of 2012 that we started dating.” Jenn and Ryan got engaged on January 5, 2014. “We were taking down our Christmas tree; well, I was taking everything down while he was painting and I got everything off the tree –– ornaments, lights –– and was ready for him to take it outside when he told me to look it over to make sure everything was off of it,” Jenn said. “I told him it was empty, but he told me to double-check. As I looked to the left side of the tree that’s when I saw the ring hanging alone on an ornament hook –– I was shocked to see it there. I asked him, ‘What's this?’ and he came over and took the ring off the hook, got on one knee and asked me to marry him. Little did I know it had been hanging on the tree since before Christmas.” Jenn said their wedding was held at the Crooked River Weddings venue in Gladwin. “We had the wedding at this venue because we were looking for a rustic outdoor venue,” she said. “It was something that fit both of our personalities, him being a farmer, and then a venue being a barn for the reception –– it was perfect. Also not
The Couple: ryan and Jenn Wojtowicz. ryan, 30, Farmer on a family owned farm. Jenn, 24, Banquet and Catering Supervisor (Quality inn Forward Conference Center). The Wedding: Crooked river Weddings, gladwin, on august 16, 2014 The Honeymoon: St. thomas, the U.S. virgin islands in the Caribbean, and dreams Sugar Bay resort.
being too far from home was great.” Jenn said the venue is located on the Tobacco River and had a covered wooden bridge going across to a peninsula where the ceremony was. “We chose an outdoor ceremony because we wanted something different, and a fast ceremony,” she said. “Also the venue in the summer is just beautiful.” Jenn said the venue itself is so rustic and beautiful and the owners, Kent and Karm Russel, did such a great job with it that they didn’t have to bring much in. “I did the burlap table runners, with the
See wojtowicz, 11
Page 4 — february 2015 –– Wedding guide
Why you shouldn’t skimp on wedding photos style,” she said. “Another thing to look for is the personality of the photographer. Having good chemistry with your photograIt’s your wedding day. The dress is perpher will make having your photos taken be fect. The man is perfect. But the photografun and natural.” pher you hired isn’t. You didn’t skimp on Miller said it is important the photograthe man, the dress or the wedding, so why pher gets to know the couple before photoskimp on the photos? Especially when they graphing them because the photographer are something that you will be looking at or gets to see their personalities and the way displaying for the rest of your life. they interact and their chemistry with each According to photographer Chelsea other. Miller of Lighthouse Graphics, it is impor“Also getting to know their hobbies or the tant to hire a photographer because the story of how they met can make the photos bride and groom can’t expect professional more personal,” Miller said. “The couple results from an amateur. should also compare the different styles, “You might save money by hiring the packages and also personalities of the phoamateur, but these photographs will be the tographers to help narrow down the choicmemories and moments you will look at for es.” the rest of your life,” Miller said. Miller said the sooner a couple books a Miller said when looking for a wedding photographer, a couple should ask questions photographer the better, because during the wedding season, weekends book up quickly. like how many weddings they have phoMindy Stokoszynski of Be Loved tographed; if they have an assistant; if they Photography said hiring a photographer is retouch, color correct and edit the photos; important for the wedding day because the and how they would describe their working couple should want memories that tell the style. story of the day –– something that they can “Looking at the photographer’s portfolio look at years from now and still be brought is where a couple should first start, paying back to that moment. attention to overall style and also editing “A couple should ask the photographer what style they shoot in,” Stokoszynski said. “Not every style suits each couple. You need someone that you trust.” Stokoszynski said the couple should make sure they know exactly what is included in their package. WEDDINGS ARE FILLED WITH WONDERFUL “Don’t be afraid MEMORIES WHEN CELEBRATED AT to ask for some modifications if a package DMONDS U RES NN doesn’t work for • Weddings • Showers • Birthdays • Family Gatherings you,” she said. “Most By Sherry Barnum
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photographers are flexible.” “And a photographer should fit your style,” Stokoszynski said. “Every photographer has their own style. Find one you like.” Stokoszynski said it is important to get to know a couple before shooting them because it allows for an opportunity for personalities to show in pictures. “It is so nice to be able to meet with my clients in a relaxed environment before the wedding and really get to know their story,” she said. “And the earlier they book, the better. Many photographers are booking six to 12 months in advance.”
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Popular and modern first dance songs A couple’s first dance as man and wife is a cherished wedding tradition. While the first dance can help set a positive tone for the reception, it also can negatively impact the festivities if a poor song is chosen. Couples may feel pressure to choose the perfect song. Yes, this is a song that the couple has selected to represent their love for each other, but it also should be one that will speak to the masses and can be thoroughly enjoyed by all. Couples want to avoid a song that does not seem to fit with the festivities. For those couples who need a little musical inspiration, turn to many of the modern hits you're bound to hear on the radio that may help you to shine in that first dance. • “A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri: “Twi-hard” fans enjoyed this romantic song during the pivotal wedding scene between Bella Swan and Edward Cullen in the popular “Twilight” movie “Breaking Dawn.” Couples looking to recreate the magic of these star-crossed lovers can embrace Perri’s delicate tone and tender lyrics. • “All of Me” by John Legend: It’s been hard to escape this popular love song by R&B artist John Legend. An ode Legend wrote to his wife, this song has quickly become a popular choice for a couple's first dance. • “I Choose You” by Sara Bareilles: This peppy song by singer/songwriter Sara Bareilles is a good choice for couples who prefer being nontraditional. It’s faster-paced and less sentimental than many other wedding songs. • “Better Together” by Jack Johnson: Johnson is known primarily for his soft rock and acoustic guitar work blended with catchy lyrics. Also an accomplished surfer,
february 2015 –– Wedding guide — Page 5
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Page 6 — Wedding guide –– february 2015
Going with the flow Despite heat and humidity, Kelly and Jeffrey Schagel have a perfect wedding day By Sherry Barnum
Kelly and Jeff Schagel smile for a picture after their ceremony. keLLy SChageL/CoUrteSy Photo
The Riviera Resort Restaurant & LizÕs Lounge On ÒBeautiful Houghton LakeÓ
Married June 28, 2014, Kelly and Jeff Schagel of West Branch knew what they wanted when it came to their wedding: a venue large enough to accommodate their family and friends. Kelly said she and Jeff met in high school, and when he proposed in November 2013 it was very traditional. Their ceremony was a barn ceremony held in the main pavilion at the Ogemaw County Fairgrounds. “We had it there because of the beautiful scenery, and it was large enough to accommodate all our friends and family,” Kelly said. In between the ceremony and reception was when they got their pictures done, Kelly said. “We also took a tractor and wagon to the fairgrounds and rode around the fairgrounds on the wagon,” she said. “The day was such a fantastic blur.” “If anything, we will always remember how hot and humid it was,” she said. “The only nice Saturday of the entire summer of 2014 was on our wedding day.” Kelly said they offered their guests a fantastic meal cooked by the Rosebrugh family, and personalized can cozies with their name and wedding date on them. Family played a big role in helping Kelly put on her big day, from her mom helping, to her aunt Sandy Rosebrugh making the decorations and aunt Jean Wangler making her cake. And if you are looking to splurge or save on something, Kelly said it is complete personal preference. “Myself, I wanted to make sure my guests enjoyed the food and music,” she said. As for her advice for other brides, she said
The Couple: Jeffrey Schagel, 26, owns and operates J&B dairy Farm with his dad, Bill Schagel. kelly Schagel, 25, certified Public accountant at Weinlander Fitzhugh. Wedding: June 28, 2014, ogemaw County Fairgrounds. Honeymoon: Universal in Florida – they stayed at Universal’s Cabana Bay Beach resort.
Photographer: Matthew Provoast Dress: david’s Bridal Invitations: office Central book early. “Get contracts for your big details, such as DJ, photographer, venue and caterer quickly because they book early,” she said. “You can plan every detail exactly the way you want it to go on your big day, but something will still go awry. I did not plan for the humidity and 85 degrees.”
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february 2015 –– Wedding guide — Page 7
A love for a lifetime Pillarellis celebrate 75 years of marriage By Sherry Barnum Married Feb. 3, 1940, Alfred and Dorothy Pillarelli, 94 and 92, are anything but short of “I love yous” and hand holding, according to daughter Geralyn Hubbell. “They knew each other from growing up in the same neighborhood in Monroe,” she said. “They spent their whole lives in Monroe and only left in 2011 to come here to be closer to family and to live at Bortz of Rose City.” The couple married when they were 19 and 18 and had three kids. “My oldest brother, Nicholas, passed away in 1997 from pancreatic cancer,” Geralyn said. “Then my oldest brother Al, he was married and his wife passed away, and now he is going to seminary to become a priest, and I’m the youngest.” “Mom and dad lived a quiet life,” she said. “Dad served in the Army in WWII, and both of them came from rather large families.” Geralyn said her father had eight siblings and only has one sibling surviving, John Pillarelli. “My mom was the youngest and the only one left from her family,” she said. Geralyn said her dad worked at Consolidated Paper Corporation in Monroe until his retirement. “My mother worked two places, Monroe Public Schools for half of her career and the other part she worked at Monroe Community College as a library aide,” Geralyn said. “After their retirement they both went together back to the adult education department and got their high school diplomas, and that was a social and fun thing for them.”
After they received their diplomas, Geralyn said her mom continued to volunteer at the elementary school near where they lived, volunteering with at-risk children teaching reading and math. “She spent a lot of years doing that,” she said. Family was always important to them, according to Leslie Hubbell, Geralyn’s husband. “They were always very active with their grandchildren growing up, spending a lot of time with them,” he said. “And they were very close with their family.” “After retirement, Alfred and Dorothy sold their house and moved into the Mable Kehres Senior Citizen Housing Complex in Monroe,” Geralyn said. “They spent 20plus years there.” “They were very active in the center,” Leslie said. “They ran bingo for a while and they loved to play bingo.” Geralyn said they diligently walked every day as part of their activities. “Mom insisted that they stay physically fit and they walked every day,” she said. “When their belts got too tight they went on a diet. She was always conscious of their weight, whether dad wanted to be conscious of it or not.” Geralyn said since they started living at Bortz of Rose City, Alfred and Dorothy have become known for holding hands and the “I love you’s” that pass between them all the time. “And when they push them down the hallway in their wheelchairs they are usually holding hands,” Leslie said. “They hold hands anywhere they are,” Geralyn said. Geralyn said her mom and dad were
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Above, Alfred and Dorothy hold hands during their 75th wedding anniversary party. Right, Alfred and Dorothy’s 50-year anniversary portrait. LeS and geraLyn hUBBeLL/CoUrteSy PhotoS
always together. “About the only time they haven’t slept in the same bed was when one of them was in the hospital,” Leslie said. “In fact when one of them had to go to rehab in the later years the other one had to be there too.” “They never spent nights apart at all throughout their lives,” Geralyn said. “They’ve been excellent parents and put us first, and it was always about family for
See Pillarelli, 11
Page 8 — Wedding guide –– february 2015
15 ways to throw the best wedding ever 11. Serve Late-night Snacks Yes, you’re serving dinner and dessert, but those are typically devoured hours before the reception actually ends. And with couples extending their parties later and later, it’s likely that more than just a few of your guests will be thinking of a tasty late-night snack. Have your caterer bring out hand-held options like sliders and fries, mini grilled cheese, or coffee and donuts about an hour before the reception ends to revive revelers.
Weddings can either hit the mark or miss it when it comes to making the night memorable for not only you but your guests. According to Brides.com, here are 15 ways you can hit the mark and make your wedding the best one that your guests have ever been to. 1. Keep Your Ceremony Brief Don’t get us wrong, your friends and family are present at your big day to see you get married — but no one wants to watch a drawn-out ceremony. Keep the actual proceedings (not including entrances and exits) around 20 minutes so you won't lose anyone’s attention. 2. Choose a Personalized Program While we’re on the topic of the ceremony, don't forget about creating a wedding program. By personalizing this piece of stationery with interesting details about you and your groom, a breakdown of the ceremony’s proceedings and any important information they should know (like a translation of traditional vows or that you'd prefer photos aren't taken) you’ll capture their attention and get all of those key details across. Plus, it will keep them busy if the event runs a little late. 3. use a Wedding app or Hashtag There are many great wedding apps to choose from for your big day. Some interactive apps allow guests to upload wedding photos into one curated place, while others keep your friends and family up on any weddingrelated news. Want something even easier? Create a clever hashtag and ask guests to tag all of their photos using it. 4. greet each guest It may sound obvious, but it’s important to personally greet each and every guest at your wedding. Once the celebration is under way do your best to spend time with each person — whether that means chatting over a cocktail, visiting their table at dinner or letting
12. give a favor People Will use Trust us, people don’t want a framed photo of you and your new husband. If you're going to spend the money on favors, select something that your guests won’t leave on the table. Mini bottles of bubbly, a yummy snack like cookies or popcorn, or a treat they can enjoy once back at home like jam or syrup are all crowd-pleasers.
loose on the dance floor. 5. Have a Signature Cocktail Speaking of cocktails, serve one or two delicious customized drinks. It’ll offer you a huge savings if you forgo a full bar, and it makes your reception feel so personal. You and your groom should each pick a concoction, but try to select drinks that are palatable for a wide array of people. 6. Make Sure Your guests are Comfortable No matter what time of year you’re tying the knot, it’s important to think about what your guests might need to stay comfortable throughout the evening. That may mean offering wraps, parasols or flip-flops. 7. Keep Speeches Short Speeches are a necessary component of any wedding, but it’s important to ensure they don't drag on for too long. Keep the toast brief — no longer than a few minutes per person —
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and have your DJ or band leader prepared to make tasteful cut-offs. 8. ask for Song Requests Want to know the best way to get your guests out on the dance floor? Play the songs they actually want to hear! Have your DJ make an announcement that they’ll be taking requests and watch the dance floor fill up when a crowd favorite comes on. 9. Create a diY Bar Whether it’s an outdoor cigar bar, a buildyour-own-biscuits bar during cocktail hour or a sundae bar at dessert, your guests will love making (and eating!) their own treats. 10. Play Wedding games When guests need a break from dancing, what’s more fun than an interactive game? Options like bocce ball, oversized Jenga and backgammon are fun ways to get your friends and family to interact with each other.
13. Have a Photo Booth Not only is a photo booth a fun activity for your reception, it’s also a great alternative for your guestbook or favor. The options are literally endless, but we love a great selection of props for your buddies to play with. 14. Skip traditions that don’t fit Your Style Some brides don’t want to toss the bouquet or the garter, while others would prefer not to wait until the ceremony for their first look. If you’re a girl who just can’t imagine partaking in one of these traditions, don’t do it! It’s your wedding; you can skip what you want to. 15. Make a Memorable exit No one wants your wedding night to end, but since it has to, go out on a high note. Do a fun and festive farewell, like a firework show, sparkler exit, or confetti send-off! Your guests will love it, and it will make for some amazing photos. Information courtesy of Brides.com
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february 2015 –– Wedding guide — Page 9
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Page 10 — Wedding guide –– february 2015
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Danielle Hoffman and Austin Edmonds
High school sweethearts For Danielle Hoffman of Whittemore, Jan. 1, 2015, was just another day until her boyfriend Austin Edmonds popped the question. “It happened at his family’s farm with both of our families present,” she said. “I was so surprised that when he asked me I said, ‘Are you serious?’” “I stared at him for a good 10 seconds, shocked,” Hoffman said. “The thoughts going through my mind were, ‘This has to be a joke… He’s not serious. He wants to marry me?’ And of course an overwhelming amount of happiness.” Hoffman said she and Austin have been dating since Oct. 1, 2012. “We met in high school and have always been friends,” she said. “In eighth grade we had band class together and he would always carry my clarinet to band. I thought he was just being nice, but he says he was trying to show me that he liked me. I was too blind to see that.”
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Bridal Show
Saturday, March 7th, 2015 from 4-7 p.m. Quality Inn Forward Conference Center 2980 Cook Rd. • West Branch, MI 48661 Wedding vendors from all over Northern Michigan ready to help you plan the perfect wedding!
Cocktail Bar • Cupcake Sampling • Runway Show Complimentary Hors D’oeuvres • Prizes & Giveaways Facebook.com/QualityInnForwardConferenceCenter
$2 Admission at the Door
989-345-3503 tails& upcakes C Cock
sales@qiwestbranch.com
Derek Thomas and April Drumm
Surprise engagement On July 7, 2014, April Drumm and fiancé Derek Thomas were in front of a waterfall at Yellowstone National Park when Derek proposed. “I was surprised,” April said. “I did not see it coming at all. And this sounds horrible, but I don’t really remember anything he said from the time he got on one knee to when he asked me to marry him.” “Everything was a blur of excitement,” she said. Derek and April have been dating for 2 1/2 years and are both from West Branch. The couple met each other in high school, but didn’t start dating until after college.
february 2015 –– Wedding guide — Page 11
Wojtowicz: FroM PaGe 3 round block of wood and Mason jar filled with white hydrangeas,” she said. “My girls and I all had white lilies and they went on the head table in Mason jars as we came in. Jessica Zettle from The Glass Slipper came in and did all of our linens and the head table and backdrop.” Jenn said in between the ceremony and reception, they took pictures. “At that time we had a cocktail hour on the back deck of the barn for the guests,” she said. “My dad made a homemade bar for the back deck, so we had two bars to keep a nice flow of traffic.” “The venue was just so beautiful and naturally rustic, that it didn’t need to be done up too much,” she said. “The owners were wonderful to work with and made sure we were happy.” Jenn said her advice for future brides would be to be organized, don’t stress, and have fun planning such a special day. “There wasn’t one thing I would have done differently,” Jenn said. “It is a great venue for your guests to come and just have a great time. It’s relaxed and kids can run and play.” “We had a beautiful wedding with lots of help from family and friends,” she said. “It was the perfect day.”
Takeaways: The saves: Decor
“To help save money on your wedding, do a lot of the decorating yourself, and invites, save the dates, that type of stuff,” Jenn said. “I chose my invitations, save the dates and thank you’s all on Pinterest, and then took them to the Design Company in Standish to have them printed. I also found the picture of my cake on Pinterest and took it to Piece of Cake in Standish, and she recreated it along with all of our desserts for the dessert table.”
The splurges: Food, bar and entertainment
“We had Active Entertainment for our DJ, Chuck was the DJ for the wedding and did a great job,” Jenn said. “And our food was from Dawn Fresh Catering out of Ebels General Store. Those are the biggest things that most people remember.”
Jenn and Ryan share their first dance.
Mindy StokoSzynSki/Be Loved PhotograPhy
Pillarelli: FroM PaGe 7 them, their love for each other and family.” “And their extended family,” Leslie said. Geralyn said she has always admired the love between her mom and dad. “I remember as a young girl hoping I would
normal, everyday hardworking couple, who fell in love and did the best they could raising their family and always made family a priority. “Their love is still alive today after all these
have a marriage as warm and loving as theirs,” she said. “I guess I kind of modeled the way I am a grandparent after my mother and dad. I’m the same kind of grandma.” Leslie said Dorothy and Alfred are just a
years with the constant ‘I love you’s’ and hand holding,” Geralyn said. “And we as a family just want to thank the staff at Bortz of Rose City for the great care that they receive.”
Plan your dream wedding with the help of these local area businesses. WEDDINGS
PARTIES
313 W. Houghton Ave. Downtown West Branch
Above The Bay Limousine
989-345-3300 LLC
Come see us for your personalized bridesmaids shirts Beautiful Glass Etching Personalized Bridal Party Gifts
West Branch, MI • 989-345-3954 www.moonlightdj.com
KARAOKE
sales@inkandthread.net
RICH HEAVLIN
Wedding Cakes & More!
Two Diva’s and a Camera
Colonial Village Bakery
Little Heather
Contact Peggi for more information 989-345-5640 325 W. Houghton Ave., West Branch
Chambers
Photography
Owners
Call for your appointment
989-685-0312
and
Photographers
Heather Green
Check us out on Facebook facebook.com/twodivas&acamera
Up North Catering L.L.C. “Try us... our reputation depends on your satisfaction!”
• Weddings • Buffets • Family Reunions • Pig Roasts • Specialty Parties • Corporate Events 4690 M-65, Hale, MI • 989-728-2082
www.upnorthcatering.com email: info@upnorthcatering.com
Page 12 — Wedding guide –– february 2015
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Sales: Mon.-Fri. 8-6; Sat. 9-2 Service: Mon.-Fri. 8-5:30; Sat. 9-2
2265 South M-76 • West Branch Local 989-345-1022 Toll Free 1-877-345-1022