June 2014 by Barbara McSpadden

June 2014

sw inspires

GINA BUSH PATRONA JONES ANTONIETTA MORITZ

special feature

YOUR BRIDAL BEAUTY

Local Love in CNY:

fashion forward FOR YOUR BRIDESMAIDS

Becky & Craig w w w. s y r ac u s e wo m a n m ag . c o m

syracuseWomanMag.com :: june 2014

presents

SAtUrDAy, JUne 7 Free in the Destiny USA Canyon! Join our mistress of ceremonies

93Q’s Amy robbins for free mini dance lessons and demonstrations

10 A.m. – 1 p.m. Celebrate Good HealtH! • Dance and fitness demonstrations and mini dance lessons • Free blood pressure and pulse checks with cardiac health information • Meet Crouse surgeons and nurses and try the da Vinci robot • Free refreshments and giveaways • Bring your kids to our Teddy Bear PromptCare Clinic (first 100 kids receive a free bear!) • And more...

Be entered to win a $100 Destiny gift card by pre‑registering at crouse.org/dayofdance or calling 472-2464.

! h t l a r f i e r n u d e o s y & h g f a n m r ily to dance for you Bri

because the sky has no limits

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Amenities we think you’ll love… Urban Chic Ballrooms in the heart of downtown Syracuse A Wedding Planner • Chiavari Chairs • Ambient Lighting One event per ballroom per day we won’t be rushing you out Floor Length Linens; over 40 colors to choose from, and so much more.

because the sky has no limits

June ETC 7

PLATTER CHATTER: SWEET INDULGENCE

FASHION FORWARD: BRIDESMAID DRESSES

FABULOUS FIND: DR. FRANKS

SPECIAL FEATURE: BOUDOIR BEAUTY

NOW AND FOREVER… FLORALS

WHAT’S YOUR BRIDAL STYLE?

SPECIAL FEATURE: PLANNING ADVICE

COVER: LOCAL LOVE SPARKS CNY WEDDING

MENSWEAR & TUXEDO FASHION

TIPS FOR WOMEN: JEWELRY DESIGN

WBOC: THE ANNUAL MEETING

PLANNING A WEDDING WITH OUR EDITOR

MIZ MATCH: TO MY FATHER, WITH LOVE

IN HER OWN WORDS: UNIQUE BRIDES

PLANNING THE PERFECT WEDDING

SYRACUSE WOMEN INSPIRE 43 WISE WOMAN 47

SWM EVENTS 48 SWM CALENDAR 49 FOR A GOOD CAUSE: TOUR DE CURE

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brides, bridesmaids, and even for that groomto-be. We would like to thank Giovanni’s, Bliss Bridal, Boom Babies and Rebecca’s Bridal for contributing fashion for this month’s edition. Also, our gorgeous photo shoots featured makeup artistry by Antonietta Moritz, of Artistry Salon; airbrush makeup and hair by Bijou Salon and hair styling by Frank, of Hair Habitat.

“Live life with your eyes wide open so you can embrace unexpected moments.” — David Tutera For as long as I can remember I have always loved flipping through bridal magazines and choosing the dress I would wear if it were my wedding day. And nowadays, I find myself and fellow friends of all ages enjoying a good marathon of, “Say Yes to the Dress,” on the TLC Network. It doesn’t matter if you are already married, divorced, have been married for 30 years or if you’re lightyears away from ever considering getting married… watching these shows or browsing through the magazines is always fun. This month, we are doing just that, having a lot of fun talking about that big day and what it means to local professionals in the industry and the couples on their way to the altar. On the cover of our inaugural Bridal & Beauty Book, you will meet Becky Martin and Craig Laughlin. This local couple loves its community so much that the wedding day will encompass the #buylocal movement. When you read the cover story, you will learn more about their “local love” and find out which local vendors have jumped aboard the #lovelocal train. Our June inspiring women are all part of the wedding industry with expertise in bridal fashion, tablescape design and makeup artistry. Their passion for helping a bride make important decisions for their special day comes from enjoyment of seeing what makes people happy. I encourage all of you to read about them in the “Syracuse Women Inspire” section. Of course, when a wedding is announced, one of the biggest questions hanging over every bride is what dress she will wear. In this edition, you will see fabulous fashion for

And what bridal book wouldn’t be complete without a few pages of delightful desserts? This month’s Platter Chatter features a motherdaughter baking duo. They have been baking for years but the family business is brand new. These ladies do it all, from half-moons to tall wedding cake tiers, at Sweet Indulgence in East Syracuse. Lastly, as many of you know, I am less than a year out from my own nuptials that will be taking place right here in Syracuse! After a very public engagement thanks to my fiancé, Niko Tamurian, we have had many people ask about our plans and we are delighted to start sharing them as they come together. This month I have a column talking about the one-year mark until our wedding. Also, I will be posting about the wedding plans on the Syracuse Woman Magazine website in a special blog. Here’s to an exciting year! The SWM Fashion Bridal Show is set for Sunday, June 22, at Café at 407 in Liverpool. The event will feature bridal fashion and accessories from local stores, makeup artistry and photography, and guests will enjoy a delightful brunch and a mimosa toast. And it’s all to benefit Ophelia’s Place! Tickets are available on Eventbrite.com, by searching “Syracuse Woman Magazine Fashion Bridal Show”. As always, keep in touch with us online on Twitter by following @SyrWomanMag. You also can follow me on Twitter at @FarahJadran for behind-the-scenes coverage of SWM and lots of tweets about running, food and fashion! Until next month, be beautiful and genuine. In other words — be you! Sincerely,

Farah ON OUR COVER... Engaged couple Becky Martin and Craig Laughlin were photographed at the Landmark Theatre in Downtown Syracuse by Rick Needle, of AlterImage Photography, alterimagestudio.com. Photography assistant: Andy Spina. Makeup artistry by Antonietta Moritz. Gown: Boom Babies.

OUR TEAM Publishers

Kelly Breuer Barbara McSpadden

Editor-in-Chief

Barbara McSpadden

Editor

Farah F. Jadran

Creative DIRECTOR Kelly Breuer

Photography Cindy Bell Tyler Brown Rick Needle Jussara Potter Rick Policastro Andy Spina

Contributing Writers Lauren Boudreau Susan Dutch Emma Grossman Farah F. Jadran Lorraine Koury Alyssa LaFaro Samantha McCarthy Kristin Mingolelli Amari Pollard Mary Schalk Carmen E. Zafar

advertising Sales Renee Moonan Linda Jabbour

Please contact Renee Moonan (315) 657-7690

AUnlike d vanye rother t i spublication e w i tinhthe Syracuse u s . . . area, our feature articles address major topics that interest local women.

Each issue includes articles on health, fashion, fitness, finance, home matters, dining, lifestyle and personal perspectives, as well as a spotlight on local Syracuse women. Ads are due on the 15th of the month prior to publication. The print magazines will be distributed locally in over 350 locations and will be in your inbox electronically by the middle of every month. The publication is available free of charge. Contact our home office 315.434.8889 2501 James Street, Suite 100 Syracuse, NY 13206 info@syracusewomanmag.com Download our media kit at www.syracusewomanmag.com The magazine is published 12 times a year by Syracuse Woman Magazine, llc. and Eagle Publications, 2501 James Street, Suite 100, Syracuse, NY 13206. Copyright © 2014 Syracuse Woman Magazine, llc. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or republished without the consent of the publishers. Syracuse Woman Magazine is not responsible for unsolicited submissions, manuscripts, photos or artwork. All such submissions become the property of Syracuse Woman Magazine, llc. and will not be returned.

etc

MOVIES

How To Train Your Dragon The first movie took us into a war between fire-breathing dragons and Vikings, but when a boy named Hiccup impossibly befriended a dragon named Toothless, their friendship changed their world forever. Dragons 2, the second film of this fantastic epic trilogy continues the story about a man named Hiccup and a dragon named Toothless, and flies into theaters in summer of 2014.

OUT & ABOUT SWM Fashion Bridal Show — June 22 Say, “I do,” with Syracuse Woman Magazine! We’re proud to present the first ever Bridal Fashion Celebration. With the inspiration of Ophelia’s Place, SWM is excited to celebrate the everyday woman on her wedding day! You’re cordially invited to join us for from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Café at 407 in the village of Liverpool. Enjoy beautiful wedding fashion for flower girls, bridesmaids, mother-of-the-brides, a few looks for grooms and of course, brides. You will have chances to win door prizes, enter raffles, toast with a mimosa and have a wonderful brunch while celebrating real women and supporting Ophelia’s Place. Fashions provided by Bliss Bridal in Baldwinsville, Boom Babies in Syracuse and Katie Frontino, of Stella & Dot. Also, meet two SWM photographers that specialize in weddings: Jussara Potter and Rick Needle. Be sure to RSVP as space is limited to 100 guests. Reserve your tickets ($35 each) by finding the event on Eventbrite.com under “Syracuse Woman Magazine Fashion Bridal Show.” Brunch will be catered by Cafe at 407, and attendees will receive a lovely event gift bag. Event proceeds will benefit Ophelia’s Place.

22 Jump Street 6/13 Officers Schmidt (Jonah Hill) and Jenko (Channing Tatum) go deep undercover at a local college, but when Jenko meets a kindred spirit on the football team, and Schmidt infiltrates the bohemian art major scene, they begin to question their partnership.

Jersey Boys

6/20

Frank Valli, Bob Gaudio, Tommy DeVito and Nick Massi go from bluecollar wrong side of the track origins to become American pop sensations, selling 175 million records worldwide before they are 30 years old.

Transformers 4

6/27

The film begins as a shadowy group reveals itself in an attempt to control the direction of history… while an ancient, powerful new menace sets Earth in its crosshairs. With help from a new cast of humans, Optimus Prime and the Autobots rise to meet their most fearsome challenge yet.

Dream Wedding at NBT Bank Stadium — July 19 The Syracuse Chiefs are pleased to announce that Paul Stasko and Brittany Buck, Good Morning America “Epic Wedding Showdown” competitors, will be married at NBT Bank Stadium this summer. The couple will wed as part of a special Crowne Plaza wedding-themed night on Saturday, July 19, before the Chiefs take on the Lehigh Valley IronPigs at 7 p.m. Paul Stasko and Brittany Buck, current residents of Bridgeport, first met while attending SUNY Brockport in 2005 before beginning their relationship. Recently the couple competed as one of four finalist couples on “Epic Wedding Showdown” in hopes of winning a Valentine’s Day wedding. Though Stasko and Buck were ultimately eliminated, the Chiefs immediately contacted the couple after the program and both sides gladly set a wedding date. “We couldn’t be happier to have Paul and Brittany celebrate their wedding with us,” said Chiefs general manager Jason Smorol. “Their relationship is an incredible and inspiring mark of love, and we’re honored to have them begin a beautiful marriage on our beautiful field.” For more information or to purchase tickets visit syracusechiefs.com or call (315) 474-7833.

chatter ::platter

your every

Sweet Indulgence

BY FARAH F. JADRAN I PHOTOS BY RICK NEEDLE Pearls, ribbons, chocolate rosettes, red velvet or vanilla, and flowers made of fondant. If you’re planning your big day you are certainly daydreaming about every variation for that oncein-a-lifetime wedding cake. Mother-daughter baking duo Jari Mallete and Jaci Jeter know all too well the big imagination and excitement a bride-to-be has about her wedding cake, cookies, cupcakes, or all of the above. Baking runs warm in the veins of both Jari and Jaci and many family members of past generations. Four years ago Jari moved from Watertown to North Syracuse. When building her house she was sure to include a bakery in her basement where she operated as a wholesale baker for three years. She worked on events for companies and also partnered with other catering businesses. Her daughter Jaci made the move a few years after her and also helped with the baking business. “I am kind of amazed that we did what we did while we were there,” said Jari about the humble basement bakery.

“[The bakery] needed a lot of work but it was a good location for us,” said Jari while she rinsed some baking utensils. “The people are really great. It’s nice to be in a place that has such a history. It is large enough for what we needed to do but it feels like we always need more space!” While baking is in their blood, this is the first time a family baking business has been started. “We were born into it,” Jaci said. “I am the fourth generation.” Jari says having their business is no different than if they were baking at home. Baking is the family’s go-to for comfort. Some families are into soccer or football, but they are into top-notch truffles and carefully crafted cupcakes. Recently, Jari and Jaci have been taking on very specific tasks when it comes to the wedding industry. While they have been baking wedding cakes for years, Jari says the style and design of the cakes are evolving almost every day. One of the most memorable cakes was a wine barrel that was edible, but also dispensed vino for the guests. Since Jari sold her first wedding cake at age 14, she knows a

Jaci prides her fondant skills as she is self-taught and her mother got much of her baking education through books and also self-education. “We still get orders for traditional tier cakes, but many brides are getting away from the traditional style of flowers and buttercream,” Jaci said. “We have one bride who wants a truck kicking up mud on the side of the cake. They definitely want more personality in it.”

The demand for wholesale baking was growing but also orders for special occasions and more personalized events were rising just as beautifully as the cupcakes in the oven. The crew ventured out of the basement in search of the best location for their family business. After many years of functioning as the Fremont Bakery, Jari and Jaci found this long-running bakery location to be the best home for Sweet Indulgence, 119 East 2nd St. in East Syracuse.

thing or two about how wedding cakes went from simple tiers to mimicking almost any object imaginable. “I work well with buttercream and piping and she (Jaci) is ‘Miss Fondant’ and gum paste,” Jari said.

If a unique request comes in, Jari and Jaci don’t hesitate to do some research online or find something similar to get them on the right track for their own design. Recently, they partnered with The Events Company on a wedding where the bride wanted a ruffle ombre cake, which is a style they had never done before. After a few clicks of the mouse, they knew what to do and presented the masterpiece on the big day without a hitch. There is never a boring day at Sweet Indulgence. The location has a store front complete with ready-to-go half-moons, cup cakes, cookies, and a variety of coffee and juices. After you pick your sweet treats you can take a seat in the café area and also peak through the bakery viewing window.

Whether you’re a bride who wants a traditional cake or a full dessert tablescape, Jari and Jaci will sit down with you and find out what style suits you while making your sweet dreams come true. For more information on Sweet Indulgence, visit sweetindulgencedessertcatering.com/ or call (315) 806-YUMM.

forward ::fashion

‘I Do,’

Say, to your bridesmaid dresses BY KRISTIN MINGOLELLI I PHOTOGRAPHY BY JUSSARA POTTER

So you’ve found your perfect dress and now it’s time to find the perfect dresses for your bridesmaids. Seems easy, right? Depending on the personalities of your bridesmaids it may be as easy as saying, “I do,” but for others it may be a little more challenging. So to help in your quest for the perfect bridesmaids dress, here are some tips and trends we are seeing for 2014. I know this will make it easier for all your bridesmaids to say, “I do,” to you too. To match or not to match, that is the question. Overall, you want there to be a “look” achieved with your wedding. Dresses should complement your gown, but not be too matchy-matchy. Think about the style of your gown. If it is more vintage, then your bridesmaids should be a bit more vintage as well. More modern, stick with a more modern style. For fabrics, take into consideration the time of year and venue. If it is outside in the summer a chiffon or shantung dress is perfect for this type of venue. Speaking of matching, another age old question comes to mind. Do you want all your girls to match or let them pick a style that compliments them? This depends on the look you want to achieve. For some brides, one dress is best. It takes away confusion (and sometimes arguments) over which dress should be worn by each bridesmaid. Finding a “one style looks best” on all body types can be tricky. An A-line or empire style gown is flattering on all body types and is a safe bet for everyone (flowy empire gowns are great if you may have an expecting bridesmaid in your party). If you choose to let your bridesmaids find a style to express their personality you should be specific regarding the color, fabric, length, and manufacturer they need to stay with. As we know all to well, not all black fabrics are the same shade so make sure they get ordered at the same time from the same place to ensure the same dye lot. Different fabrics will look different in pictures. I explain the types of fabrics like shades of paint. Think of the satin fabric as high gloss paint. The color will be more saturated. Chiffon is more like a matte paint, softer color. This will keep your pictures looking great! Depending on the time of year for your wedding, there are different fabrics and colors that are hot for 2014. In the spring, pansy, orchid, shades of coral and teal were the top picks of brides in chiffon and shantung. These fabrics were also a top pick for summer weddings in champagne, blush, and shades of coral. For fall and winter the classics always pull to the top like navy, plum, claret (hot for Christmas weddings), and peacock. Short dresses in general are strong this year (hi-lo hem is a super cute alternative) but fall and winter tends to stick with the classic long length dresses. Bridal parties can be big or small and range from one attendant to 15. Larger numbers can mean more drama (weddings always have to have some). Just keep in mind, everything will work out in the end. If an issue arises, keep calm. If you order with enough time (we usually suggest six months for bridesmaids) problems can be fixed. And remember, it’s your day and the two most important people are there to join their lives together. Everything else just adds to the excitement. Best wishes on a happy life together! Kristin Mingolelli is the owner of Rebecca’s Bridal Boutique, located at 306 S. Main St. in North Syracuse. Her boutique offers over 28 years of bridal excellence. For more information, visit rebeccasbridalboutique.com or call (315) 458-6833. PHOTO: Dress by designer Bill Levkoff at Rebecca’s Bridal. Model: Alexi Foor. Hair and Makeup Artistry by Bijou Salon, bijousalon.net. Location: Sycamore Hill Gardens. Bouquet: Leaf & Stem.

It’s Not All About

THE DRESS It’s also about

The Legendary Blacklites of Syracuse NY

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find ::fab

You Can Never Go Wrong with

s k n a . fr

by randy aGNess

Over the past fifty years, Dr. Konstantin Frank’s vinifera wines have become the gold standard of Rieslings to which all other Finger Lakes wineries are judged. In competition, Dr. Frank’s Rieslings are in a class of their own routinely awarded with Gold, Double Gold and Best of Competition medals for outstanding quality. Meaghan Frank mentioned that “to compliment and expand of the winery’s success, my father and third generation wine pioneer Fred Frank introduced a new line called Salmon Run.” These wines are value priced and quickly grew in sales volumes and makes up half of our production today.” “Today, the Dr. Konstantin Frank label stands for quality and consistency from bottle to bottle and vintage to vintage,” commented Meaghan. It’s difficult when faced with the decision about which wine and producer to choose when purchasing wine, so reputation is everything. “We have extremely loyal customers who specifically understand the superior aromas and tastes associated with Dr. Frank’s wines and has helped propel increasing sales annually,” explained Erin Flynn. The tasting room staff is truly considered seasoned Wine Educators with many years of providing insight to the thirty-six different wines offered. “It’s unusual to provide free wine tastings to our visitors, but we try to expand their palates to our wines and especially those which are produced in limited case quantities and only available on-site,” said Meaghan Frank, “and by keeping to a manageable numbers, our Wine Educators can focus on providing a unique and memorable experience for every guest.” Even though Dr. Frank and Salmon River Rieslings are prominently featured at Wine & Liquor Retail locations, Meaghan is focusing beyond education to the next generation of

The traditional process require the carbonation to dissolves into the still wine and where each bottle is inverted and riddled (or turned a quarter rotation daily) to allow the additional yeast and sediment settle in the neck, then removed by freezing the neck of the bottle. “Basically the wine must undergo a second fermentation in the bottle itself,” explained Erin. Unlike many sparkling wines, the Chateau Frank’s Célèbre Crement and Blanc de Noirs have residual sweetness and wonderful tastes. No tasting would be complete without sampling Dr. Frank’s Dry Riesling and Semi-Dry Riesling. These two wines form the cornerstones of the Dr. Frank collection and the result from decades of careful refinement. “The Dry Riesling is made from estate vines on the Keuka Lake vineyard whereas the Semi-Dry Riesling with a uniquely separate taste profile comes from our vineyard on the south eastern end of Seneca Lake, the so called Banana Belt”, described Meaghan. Every vintage of the Riesling wines are understandably perennial champions. Erin eagerly wanted to show off some of their limited production wine selections including the Rkatsiteli, Gewürztraminer and Grüner Veltliner along with a delicately beautiful Pinot Noir Dry Rosé and the Sauvignon Blanc. Vinted with traditional eastern European characteristics, the elegant flavors and complexity are expectedly realized. The Pinot Dry Rosé was simply outstanding while the Sauvignon Blanc was a delight to the nose and palate. To my surprise, the elite wines of Dr. Frank’s collection – the Riesling Reverse and the Bunch Select Late Harvest Riesling were uncorked. “These are by far the finest wines of the six Rieslings produced by Dr. Konstantin Frank Cellars,” exclaimed Meaghan Frank. Among champion wines, the Riesling Reserve and Bunch Select Late Harvest could only be described as liquid gold. “The hand-picked bunches of grapes individually selected exhibiting only superior noble rot were allow to be pressed and fermented into a very small case quantity vintage,”,commented Meaghan. Erin poured the Rieslings into the glass with care and grace deserving of such fine wines. The intoxicating nose gave the mind a realization of what brilliant tastes were about to occur. The wine has almost a magical golden color delightful to one’s vision. The accumulation of this sensory experience became fulfilled by the first sip and pure enjoyment followed. Sometimes you don’t know what should be on your bucket list, but as stated “you can never go wrong with Dr. Franks.”

find

From the 1870s through the prohibition, the Great Depression and WWII, the entire Finger Lakes wine region had previously been dominated and known for its native grapes – Concord, Niagara and Catawba and French-American Hybrids producing the traditional Sparkling (Champagne) wines and the sweeter wines. That was until 1958, when Dr. Frank broke against the accepted paradigm and began planting Vitis Vinifera grapevines grafted with the disease resistance native rootstocks on the property purchased on Keuka producing his first vintage of wine four years later. “Once hired by world renowned French winemaker Charles Fournier, Dr. Frank spent many years of research at Gold Seal Vineyards grafting vitis labrusca with vitis vinifera,” explained Meaghan Frank. Although previous attempts at growing Rieslings and other cold climate vines in the Finger Lakes had failed, “Dr. Frank was convinced that the proper combination native rootstock conditioned to the region grafted to these Riesling vines held the key to success,” continued Erin Flynn.

After our discussion, the real treat began as Meaghan and Erin opened the library of Dr. Frank wines for a private review. “You can’t really talk about Dr. Frank without experiencing the wines first hand,” said Erin Flynn. First flight consisted of the Chateau Frank Sparkling wines fermented in the méthode champenoise and designated as Crémant.

::fab

Fourth generation General Manager Meaghan Frank of Dr. Konstantin Frank Vinifera Wine Cellars. Ltd and Marketing Manager Erin Flynn provided a truly unique experience spending time discussing the history and vision forward in an exclusive interview. The Finger Lakes Wine Region would not be the premier destination for Riesling wines without the foresight of legendary wine pioneer Dr. Konstantin Frank who was determined to prove that cold climate grapevines and specifically Rieslings could thrive in the Finger Lakes terroir which closely matched the climate, soil and geography of Germany’s Mosel River Valley.

wine drinkers – the Millennials. “With the bar raised, we have a difficult job with exceeding expectations after being named NYS Winery of Year and achieving the most competition gold medals among New York State wineries”, stated Meaghan. To stay ahead of the wine curve, Dr. Frank’s committed to planting other less common known varietals such as Gruner Veltliner which will target and appeal to the entry level wine drinkers who are looking for interesting, experimental, food-friendly wines. “Our research into eastern European cold climate grapes had us convinced that Grüner could be successfully grown in the Finger Lakes region and become the next fashionable wine trend”, remarked Meaghan.

::special

feature

y t u a e B r i o d u Bo A romantic and classy approach to a beautiful boudoir session with SWM photographer Cindy Bellâ&#x20AC;Ś

Lingerie: Every Body Bras & Intimates at Towne Center in Fayetteville. Veil: Bliss Bridal in Baldwinsville. Model: Bride-to-be Jamira Dawson. Makeup & Hair: Antonietta Moritz, Artistry in Hanover Square. Photo by: Cindy Bell, Focus Studio Inc. in Syracuse.

june 2014 :: syracuseWomanMag.com

feature ::special

Now & forever…

Florals

BY MARY SCHALK Flowers and décor for weddings are always changing. There is no substitute for the scent and beauty of fresh flowers, but a bride and groom know there’s a price on every aspect of that big day. Besides the budget restrictions, some brides simply want something more unique and non-traditional. But when it comes to beautiful bouquets, corsages and boutonnieres, isn’t a plush bundle of ravishing red roses the best way to go? They will look perfect and smell divine. There are, however, some other approaches for brides who want something different. For example, using succulent plants has been in vogue and they offer a couple of advantages. Since they are live plants, they can be kept after the wedding and planted in the garden. They also make a great guest favor. Sculptural pieces, made from forms like vintage garden ornaments, vases and objects that are interesting and can relate to a theme. For example, the shoe arrangement shown on this page is for a wedding where many guests are ballroom dancers. Another approach I have used is to rent arrangements that are made from silk parts with fresh flowers added. Good silks have lifelike color and texture and when a fresh rose, lily, or orchid is strategically added the result is as beautiful as if it were all fresh. This can be helpful where a full look is desired without the big budget for flowers. When it comes to creating tablescapes, do not just think about floral arrangements. Instead, think of that tabelscape with candles, objects and hanging flowers from the chandeliers. This is going to be a big trend in weddings for years to come. Having a background in interior design, I am conscious of how best to utilize space in a room. 18

In addition to flowers, branches, botanical material, and succulents can be combined with silks, crystals or beads can work to create a june 2014 :: syracuseWomanMag.com

dramatic effect. I also like to use floral material from my extensive perennial gardens — boxwood, forsythia, cut flowers, branches and greenery, are a few of the items I like to add. It’s sustainable and I know how they have been grown. The sky is the limit these days and more than ever, I am excited to be designing for weddings and special events. Creativity, good technique and service are important and we strive for exceptional design that will be a memorable part of the special day. Mary Schalk is the owner of Mary Schalk Design, Signature Design for Home and Garden. She can be reached at (315) 422-9050 or at mschalk@twcny.rr.com. Follow her on Twitter at @mary_schalk.

Say "I Do" in Cazenovia a beautiful setting for your special day...

On the lake at The Brewster Inn

The Brewster Inn, located on the shore of Cazenovia Lake in Cazenovia NY offers the only private lakeside Wedding venue in Onondaga and Madison County. It is the perfect setting for the wedding of your dreams. Our beautiful Inn with 17 guest rooms; many with Jacuzzis or �ireplaces and lakeviews make this the perfect place and everything you need to customize your Wedding event. We will work closely with you to create the lakeside Wedding Reception that you desire. Offering the �inest of culinary delights, lakeside bar and terrace, as well as a sweeping lawn to the lake. All of this can be yours for your special day. We are also available for Bridal Showers, Rehearsal Dinners, and your Sunday Wedding Brunch; discover for yourself why we are the only restaurant in CNY to have the Wine Spectator “Best of Award of Excellence” and the Di Rona Dining Award. The Brewster Inn 6 Ledyard Ave Cazenovia New York 13035 # 315-655-9232 www.thebrewsterinn.com

Blushing Rose Boutique 315.655.2144 • 9 Lincklaen Street, Cazenovia, NY 13035

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April Cornell Clothing & Linens A Perfect Bridal Shower Gift!

Don’t Forget Your Honeymoon Wardrobe! 61 albany street, cazenovia, ny

Store Hours: Monday-Closed • Tues & Wed, 10-5 Thurs & Fri, 10-6 • Sat, 10-5 • Sun, 11-3

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feature ::special

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s your b

soft & romantic

Makeup artist Antonietta Moritz used soft tones and delicate lips for a romantic and natural bridal look. MAC Cosmetics. Model: Anastasia Harisis, student at University of Buffalo Honors College and Miss Syracuse Organization contestant. Veil: Bliss Bridal in Baldwinsville. Photo by: Cindy Bell, Focus Studio Inc. in Syracuse. 20 june 2014 :: syracuseWomanMag.com

bridal style?

dramatic & mysterious

Makeup artist Antonietta Moritz added drama to the eyes and darkened the tones and added a bold lip to finish the look. MAC Cosmetics. Model: Anastasia Harisis, student at University of Buffalo Honors College and Miss Syracuse Organization contestant. Veil: Bliss Bridal in Baldwinsville. Photo by: Cindy Bell, Focus Studio Inc. in Syracuse.

iovanni’s Formal Wear with Over 30 Years in Business

What Giovanni’s Has To Offer... • All Tuxedo’s on premises, not in a warehouse far away. • Always a Tailor in the premises. • Many colors and designs to choose from. • Tuxedo, suit rental and sales. • You don’t need to go to a chain because you have out of town groomsmen - we can accommodate them since we stock everything

Keep it Local. Locally Owned and Operated.

3709 Brewerton Road North Syracuse, NY 13212 giovannismensformalwear.com

(315) 455-8729 (315) 455-8746 Fax

• bridal gowns • cocktail dresses • floor length gowns • bridesmaid • mother of the bride gowns • flower girl dresses • headpieces • shawls • shoes • jewelry • handbags We offer alteration services & shoe dyeing services. We sell top-quality formal wear to fit every budget! (315) 638.5200 • 4 West Genesee Street, Baldwinsville www.syracuseblissbridal.com Hours: Tues., Thurs. & Fri. 11:00am-6:00pm • Wed 11-8 Sat. 11-4 • Sun. & Mon. by appointment.

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Perfection, priorities & a precious guest list BY KATE LEMOS BROWN I PHOTOGRAPHY BY LEO TIMOSHUK I am always learning from my blushing brides and dashing grooms: constantly attuned to their desires, their interests, their worries and fears, their loves. And while every couple is unique, it’s fascinating how similar the struggles in the planning process can be. Here are a few observations from the journey to the aisle that not only resonate with the bride I once was, but to those I coach along the way.

Perfectionist Purgatory

Because we’re all friends here, I can admit, I’m a “Recovering Perfectionist.” There it is. I could talk all day on this topic, but instead, let me give a dose of bridal-biased perspective. The wedding world, from the outside looking in, hails itself as a magical world, where roses appear out of thin air, everyone frolics, the air always smells like cotton candy, and cake doesn’t have calories. From the onset of engagement, our best resource is photography, endless images capturing the essence of bridal beauty — such divine romance! So naturally, our hopes and dreams are based on the stunning still-life that we quickly pin to our secret Pinboard, setting us up for the perfected perfection. What we soon come to find, once that rock has landed on our left hand, is that those photos are actually a result of what we’ll come to know as hard work, tedious planning and money juggling. Don’t fret, there is much joy and prettiness to be discovered as you plan the big day, but perfection is not hidden among the roses. There are far too many humans involved for it to be perfect!

Prize of Prioritization

The great weddings that we all dote upon have something in common: focus. You can tell what was important just by looking at a wedding — you don’t even have to know the couple. It’s easy to feel like everything is a priority when wedding planning, but most of us are in the same boat, there isn’t enough money for everything to be a priority! Guess what? That wouldn’t make it a better or easier. Knowing your priorities does. Grab your fiancé, and together, think of every element you know about a wedding, jot it down. From the food, to the shoes, to the vows, to the wedding night, guest experience, think of everything. Then get slashing: cross off everything BY SUSAN RANDALL-MANTELLA, MS, FNP cooking, theboth. salt shaker off left thewith table.a Choose whole thatwhile doesn’t matter take to you You’ll be lot of items, so grains focus: instead oftop white flours and things sugars.you Also, fresh islive best. Fresh fruits such what are the three favorite couldn’t without? Now every The Baby Boomer Generation defined as those of us born between as berries that contain antioxidants help prevent certain forms of cancer 1948 and 1964, and also coinciding with WWII, redefined our rolestime you have a decision to make, look at your priorities. Does it line up? and any fresh fruit or vegetable contains more nutrients than its cooked as women. It was a “Whole New World” with women entering theSoon, decision-making will make wedding planning a piece of cake. counterpart. Drink at least 64 ounces of water daily. Hydration helps workforce. We were afforded the right to vote and allowed to have clear your body of toxins. Hydration also helps fight the aging process by opinions. We became more brazen and began smoking — which wasGuest Listing keeping skin moist and slowing the development of wrinkles. not only acceptable, but perceived as classy, sexy and a bit enticing. AGuest lists are easy when there’s an endless budget, the venue holds the world everyone loves with everyone. So, of when pigs 30. fly? This Acrosshelps the planet, the tan was a “must,” and it was seen as an accessory to be worn with pedalandUse sunscreen an SPF at least protectmaking you from guest list isand known a daunting Traditionally, theof guest is dictated by pushers and a white cardigan. UVA UVBasrays linked task. to the development skinlistcancer. It also the protects parents, most traditionally the hosting bride’s against the aging by effects of the sun on parents. the skin. “We’ve come a long way baby!” And look at where we are now. We more modern sense, since most weddings areDsupported by Most contributions of equal men in coronary artery disease related illnesses and lung cancerIn aCheck with your physician about Vitamin deficiency. people in parties,have the low couple has a lot influence and exposure. style of their rates as well as stress-related illnesses. Skin cancer is an expectation ifmultiple this region Vitamin D of levels due toover the the lacksize of sun A combatDbeing paralyzedcan by help the task, I likedeficiencies. to challenge my clients you’re over 40. Sources reveal that every year, 1 in 3 fair skinned adultswedding. simpleTo Vitamin supplement combat will be diagnosed with skin cancer in Upstate New York. According toto the “Lifeboat” exercise. Ask your parents, and challenge each other: if we were everyoneexercise in our lives, thedaily iceberg who would be in your Lastly, with incorporate in toand your life.hit, You don’t need a gym the American Lung Association, while the rates for lung cancer in menon Titanic (Don’t think about it Walking too hard, itbetween is slightly To keep membership to exercise. 20morbid.) and 30Note: minutes threeit have plateaued, the rates for women continue to rise. According to thelifeboat? you may qualify manyyour seatscardiovascular are in the life boat. Forcing and that perneed weektowill helphow reduce risk factors American Heart Association, women have surpassed men in the numberfair times all parties the (the goodgood of the guest-list does a few things: puts will helponelevate yourfor HDL component of cholesterol) which of deaths annually related to Coronary Artery Disease, which also is theperspective on the same levelWalk (despite howswinging much they This gives is cardio-protective. while 1- are or contributing). 2-pound weights and No. 1 cause of death in the U.S. In addition, we live in Upstate Neweveryone party a your voice,bone and creates of non-negotiable guests. healthaatcore thelist same time. York, notorious for its lack of sun. We are more likely to have long dayseachincrease complete with cold winters, which leads to Vitamin D deficiency. ThisOnce you have yourcome core aguest youBut can our thenhealth talk openly and make Finally, we have long list, way… has suffered as a deficiency is now thought to be related to Multiple Sclerosis as well ascompromises flush out theVisit remainder of the guest list. for As all result. Taketogether chargeasofyou your destiny. your doctor annually a osteoporosis and seasonal affective disorder. Let’s top this off with thetender thingsphysical. are, it may notifbe easy or fun, willproblems, all have the complete Even you don’t havebut anyyou health anlifeboat ounce natural process of aging, which marches on without missing a beat. in common to rescue you.a pound of cure. of prevention is worth So, how do we take better care of ourselves? Let’s go back to the basics.Katie Lemos Brown is a tailor of special events, crafter in of love stories, a marriage Susan Randall-Mantella, MS, FNP, specializes Family Practice and The American diet has become laden with sodium, saturated fats andenthusiast, and Medicine starter of dance parties.Medispa, She is theLLC, owner/designing plannerSt.,of Anti-Aging with Carlos 1110 W. Genesee sugars. Start simple by reading food labels. Keep your saturated fatLovewell Celebration Design and the editor of The Lovewell Post: CNY’s Beloved Syracuse; (315) 380-0732. intake to 30 grams per day. Watch your sodium intake. If you saltBridal Blog. Wedding photography by Leo Timoshuk and headshot photography by Tyler Brown Studio. 24 may 2014 :: syracuseWomanMag.com

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june 2014 :: syracuseWomanMag.com

Fashion: Bliss Bridal and Giovanniâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

Local love

sparks CNY wedding celebration Tie the knot with Becky & Craig BY FARAH F. JADRAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY RICK NEEDLE If you’re a Buy Local person like me, then you know how good it feels when you get to support local businesses. You get a rush from that delicious freshly brewed cup of Café Kubal and you feel relaxed and full when eating a delicious Café at 407 salad. It’s so easy to fall in love with Central New York. I have lived here for six years now and it has wrapped me with a warm embrace. And so, it would seem that it is also easy to fall in love when in CNY. I’ve done it, you, the readers have done it, and now…our beautiful cover couple has done it. Becky Martin and Craig Laughlin met like many happy couples. We don’t read much into our first dates or even our first encounters, but maybe we should. “The first time we met, I don’t think that either one of us would have anticipated we would be sharing the rest of our lives together,” said Becky, our beautiful CNY bride-to-be. “We both followed each other on Twitter and being ‘localists,’ we were planning on attending the Buy Local Bash.” Becky always makes it a point to introduce herself to those she follows on Twitter. Craig just happened to be one of those people. “I saw him across the room and figured I would go say, ‘hi,’” she said. “I approached him and he was having a conversation with someone else. He looked over at me as I was walking over so I just said to him, ‘Hi! You’re Kinani Blue. I just wanted to introduce myself.’ He quickly set me straight that Kinani Blue was not his name but his business and introduced himself properly.” That was the extent of their first conversation because Chris Fowler, the founder of Syracuse First, got on the microphone to make some announcements. “He is not a speaker that you typically ignore,” Becky said. After the Buy Local Bash, Becky sent follow-up messages to everyone she met that evening. She always enjoys putting a face to the Twitter handle, so the Bash was full of first introductions. Craig took the opportunity to

reach out and asked to meet up since their conversation was cut short. “It was strictly a networking opportunity — that was it,” Becky said. “We never had the intention of it going any further. We ended up meeting at Blue Tusk for drinks before a Syracuse Crunch hockey game. The conversation just flowed and we were both extremely comfortable with each other right away. We had an amazing time together and this all flourished from there.”

LOCAL & IN LOVE

Buying local in CNY is at the root of Becky and Craig’s relationship. It’s near and dear to their hearts. If you’re going to meet with one of them or both of them, the suggested coffee shop or restaurant is always local. Although Craig is a “transplant” to CNY, Becky’s hometown area has become the love of his life as well. “I never really felt at home until I moved to Syracuse,” said Craig. “We support local and buy local for so many reasons. Buying Local builds and strengthens our community. Locally owned businesses give our city its personality by creating a unique consumer experience.” Both Becky and Craig enjoy the genuine interest local business owners have in their customers and how much they care about those relationships. We have come to know and understand that buying local means that more jobs pop up in the area and it means that entrepreneurs will succeed. It’s as if you’re helping that small business live its dream. “Falling in ‘love local’ is important to us because it is something we are passionate about, together,” Becky said. “Neither one of us ever thought we would find someone who shared the same values while understanding the importance of trying to support our local community. Having someone who believes in the city as much as the other is something that is impressive and hard to find.” “Neither one of us ever thought we would find someone who shared the same values while understanding the importance of trying to support our local community. Having someone who believes in the city as much as the other is something that is impressive and hard to find.” syracuseWomanMag.com :: june 2014

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The couple sees this local passion as something to share now, and forever. “We can raise a family with the same values,” Becky said. “And hopefully, that encourages others to follow the same path, helping to spread the important values that will help strengthen our lives, and the way we all live, in this community.”

back to their homes and realize just how extraordinary a day could be with the inclusion of a few local vendors,” Becky said. “And we hope that we can give back to our guests, and our vendors, the love, support and understanding we have come to know and love as it relates to all things local. #LoveLocal — it’s a surreal experience.”

A LOCAL WEDDING

Behind the scenes of this local love bash is Katie “Kate” Lemos Brown, the owner and designing planner of Lovewell Celebration Design and the editor of “The Lovewell Post: CNY’s Beloved Bridal Blog” that tailors to special events. Through her own business, Kate crafted “loveGIVESwell” to be the theme of the dream local wedding for Becky and Craig.

Having their unique wedding only heightens their shared passion. The dream wedding will have everything come together with only local vendors. “There isn’t a need for ‘outside’ vendors when we have so many amazing people and businesses in our community,” Becky said. “We are learning about so many new businesses out there that we may have never encountered if we were not getting married.” The passion these business owners have is like no other and it’s absolutely infectious, according to Craig.

“As far as a ‘dream wedding’ I can’t say that I was ever that girl marking in my notebook what I was going to wear with all of these magazine clippings,” admitted Becky. “I just wanted to be marrying the person that would make me want to be a better person, the one that would love me regardless of my imperfections and quirks. That is what is important.” Since she has found the man of her dreams, it is time to find the wedding of her dreams. “There is only one wedding I could imagine as perfect and that would be something completely local. What could be better than to bring together incredible vendors displaying their product at a historic location like the Landmark Theatre?” While the plans are well underway for Aug. 22, 2014, Becky says she is most looking forward to seeing Craig’s reaction when he sees her for the first time on their wedding day. “For the wedding event, I cannot wait to see it all come together,” Becky said. “There are so many details I am trusting to people with such fabulous visions and amazing ideas — mainly Kate Brown — and I cannot wait until I get to see it all as one event.” Most of all, Becky and Craig want their guests to have a good time and feel like they just attended “the most unique wedding they have ever been to.” The couple would like their wedding guests to discover local and appreciate what they have to offer. “We hope that they get 28vendors june 2014 :: syracuseWomanMag.com

THE WEDDING PLANS

“One of my biggest visions, being an undeniable romantic, imaginer, and designer of ‘love-ly’ occasions, has been to gift a wedding in a unique and powerful way,” Kate said. “Love is powerful, but love united, is even stronger. I believe it has the capacity to change the world. And if those things are true, combine that with bringing dreams to life, and amazing things could happen!” Kate loves creating visions for her brides and grooms, but it has been the inspiration of these happy couples that has brought her to her most delightful undertaking yet. Something has been missing… “Something big, dare I say, a love-shaped hole that needed to be filled with doing something free, courageous, risking, uplifting and winsome,” Kate said. “I believe love can’t be love without being generous. But this was something that would take far more than little old me could do solo.” Coming from a theatre background, Kate knows all too well how important every part of the cast and crew truly is to the overall masterpiece performance. This mindset most definitely translates into the wedding world. “Creative collaboration is challenging, but it is worth it! While I’ve always been committed to it as a business, the best way I knew how to inspire this theatrical approach in others was to create a neutral stage for the wedding world to play upon, showcasing real weddings, real love stories and the real ‘creatives’ that make it all possible.” The wedding, loveGIVESwell, is an even better stage to give these “creative” players a unique platform to show off their talent. “Working alongside so many talented Central New Yorkers, I could see their passion not only for their goods or service, but for the couples they were serving,” Kate said. “Yet, having a small business in a demanding

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stuff. I knew it would take a unique approach. By making the slices of a wedding day very achievable for each professional, my hope is that it will result in generous love and creative fulfillment. In the process, dreams come true, the artists are rewarded tenfold, and love is multiplied.” Kate fell in love with Becky and Craig’s happily-ever-after and she admitted to be a sucker for a good love story, but who isn’t? “Inspiration loves action, and if Becky and Craig could take a risk on second chances and writing their own love story, so could I! So, as good ideas do, they became the anchors for loveGIVESwell, appropriately inspired by a true love story.”

PHOTO SHOOT: Bridal makeup artistry by Antonietta Moritz; bridal hair by Frank, Hair Habitat. Photography by Rick Needle; photography assistant Andy Spina. Fashion provided by Bliss Bridal, Boom Babies and Giovanni’s. Special thanks to the Landmark Theatre staff for hosting this location shoot and for lighting up the marquee with Becky and Craig’s wedding date several months in advance!

#LOVELOCAL DETAILS

Planning, Design & Coordination Planning & Design: Lovewell Celebration Design Wedding Day Coordinator: Pamela Beth Weddings Venue Landmark Theatre Wedding Attire Wedding Gown: Mirror, Mirror Inc. Groom’s & Groomsmen Attire: Giovanni’s Wedding Papers Wedding Paper/Stationary Goods: Smock & Sugar & Type Calligraphy: Bedsidesign Beauty Makeup: A-List Artistry Hair (Bride & Bridal Party): Hair Habitat Floral Personal Flowers: Whistlestop Florist Reception: Mary Schalk Design Rental Ceremony & Reception: Northeast Decorating Dinnerware: Petunia Rose Linen rentals: Lovewell Celebration Design

Dessert Wedding Cake: La Dolce Vita Cake Shop Sweets: The Sweet Praxis and 83 & Company Favors Votive candles: Witty Wicks Entertainment Ceremony Music: Candlelight Music Cocktail: Hanna Richardson Trio Dinner & Dancing: Platinum DJ’s Photography Wedding: Leo Timoshuk Photography and Tyler Brown Studio Behind-the-scenes: Alice G. Patterson Photography Videographer Wedding: Zach Cullen Additional Decor Lighting: Visa Versa Marquee: Landmark Theatre Travel Honeymoon voucher: BTI Travel

syracuseWomanMag.com :: june 2014

Presents:

Sponsored by:

Things to Consider When Choosing Formal Wear For Your Wedding

By Vittorio’s Menswear and Tuxedo Think about the formality of the wedding. Some weddings are very elegant in which even the guests are expected to wear formal wear. Others are more casual affairs in which a suit or even more casual dress might be more appropriate. It’s usually better for you to select your styles and colors on your own as a couple, rather than with your full wedding party in tow. Tuxedo colors used to be limited to basic black but in today’s marketplace are available in various shades of grey, midnight blue, white, ivory, silver brown and even red. Think about your overall theme and how the tuxedo or suit color works with that theme. Beyond color, you can choose various configurations, numbers of buttons and style lapels. These really come down to personal preference but having a chance to see a few options on your groom will help to narrow your choices. Consider the fit of the tuxedo or suit – current fit options include, “classic” more relaxed fits, as well as trim and skinny fits that are more tapered in the sides, arms and legs. Try on examples of each of these if possible to see how they look on your frame. Are you trying to coordinate with colors in bridesmaid dresses or décor? If so, using the vest or accessories to do this is generally the way to go. Some couples look for an exact match, others try for a coordinating color. For more color presence, use the vest, tie and pocket square. For less, just use the tie or pocket square. What color is your wedding dress? If it is white, the groomsmen should have white shirts. If ivory, their shirts should be ivory too. Stark white next to ivory can sometimes make the dress look dingy. Personalize with individualized touches like custom cufflinks, suspenders or other accessories to make it your own. If you have out of town groomsmen, consider a store with a nationwide fitting network. Don’t assume that this only means chain stores as many locally based independent stores are able to accommodate this. The final fitting when your groomsmen pick up prior to your wedding is an important aspect that allows for last minute adjustments to fit. As tempting as it might be to, “grab and go,” take the time for a proper fitting.

jewelry design

Create your wedding

There are a few dozen model rings next to the Create screen for some inspiration but overall there are more than 2,600 designs for men and women for rings and pendants, and earring designs are coming

“We had a customer come in to make a 25-year wedding anniversary band using a promise ring and stones from previous bands he had given his wife,” said Ryan G. Welch. Another design involved diamonds found in a family band that dated back to the 1800s. No matter the design, the customer can take home a printed out version of the concept to show friends and family and also take some time to decide if it is in fact the design they desire.

women

With the Create program fully installed at Welch & Co. Jewelers, customers still receive one-on-one guidance in their jewelry selections but now have a special system that allows a hands-on design experience. Ryan G. Welch, design consultant, sat down with us to show us how Create works. From start to finish, the program wants to know more about you. The process starts out by asking you about your style preferences. In our test run, we came up with “art nouveau,” which means our design style is playful, carefree and imaginative. We also found that our style preference has a slight hint of “vintage.”

soon. For rings in particular, customers can choose primary and secondary metals,gems and the setting they would like for the band.

::tips for

BY CARMEN E. ZAFAR You found the right guy or gal, someone proposed and someone said, “yes,” so now it’s time to find the right bands that you will each wear for the rest of your lives. While it might be OK for some to grab the first ring they see, it has become quite the trend to personalize and even create engagement, wedding, and anniversary bands.

According to a ring design book located on the desk of the Create program, it said that, “a ring’s beauty is a reminder of the strength of our relationship.” Since both old and new stones and metals are coming together to make anniversary bands, it is fitting that exchanging bands is a traditional ritual dating back thousands of years. For more information about Create or Welch & Co. Jewelers, visit welchjewelers.com or call (315) 452-0744.

meaningful...... unique........ yours..... 513 S. Main Street (RT 11) North Syracuse, NY

315-452-0744

www.welchjewelers.com syracuseWomanMag.com :: june 2014

woman

BY ALYSSA LAFARO I PHOTO BY jacqueline VIDLER

::wboc leading

This June, WBOC (Women Business Opportunities Connections) celebrates 22 years of bringing together the female entrepreneurs of CNY with its annual meeting. The WBOC Board hosts this event to give thanks to hardworking volunteers and board members; to announce the newly elected board members for the upcoming year; and to award scholarships. The evening closes with an inspirational speaker. New this year, the organization will present the WBOC Opportunity Grant worth $1,000. To be eligible, members had to fill out an application and state how they’d use the money to grow their business. Licensed psychologist and executive/ personal life coach Christine Allen will present.

The Ann ual Meeting :

An Insid e

Scoop

To find out more about this year’s meeting, we at Syracuse Woman thought who better to talk to than Board President Allison Haslam and Board Vice President Nicole Davidheiser, who have a combined 11 years of experience with the organization and years on the board. What do you, personally, hope to accomplish at the meeting? Allison Haslam: I am very proud of what the board of directors accomplished this year, and I would like for each of them to walk away knowing that what we achieved as an organization is amazing. I want to get people excited to come back for another great year in September. Nicole Davidheiser: I want to thank all the volunteers and board members for their dedicated hard work in making this year a success — and to keep that momentum moving toward our first meeting of the new year this September. And of course to have one more glass of wine with so many fabulous women! Why would you encourage members to attend? AH: It is important to attend the annual meeting because everyone will have access to not only people who have served on the board, but the people who will be influencing the direction of the organization moving forward. It’s a great opportunity to network and to be inspired by the women who attend this event. ND: This is our last meeting of the year and an important time to solidify the connections they’ve been building with other members before the summer months get in the way. Also, I hope members will go into the summer months inspired by our speaker. Allison, what have you seen the organization achieve since your beginnings on the board? AH: WBOC has changed a lot since I started on the board. It’s now easier for women to get access to the education and networking we provide because we made our meetings earlier in the evenings so people can get home to their families. We also made meetings more affordable by lowering the cost. This is extremely important since a large portion of our membership has been in business for fewer than five years, and for many of them, time and money are tight. We have also focused our monthly meetings to give members what they want more of. This year, the focus was on technology, so we had programs that specialized in using technology to grow and build business. What do you want to see WBOC achieve for the 2014-2015 term? AH: I would love to see WBOC continue to grow its membership and encourage women—whether they are self-employed business owners or employees —to go for it! I am proud to be a part of such a great organization. ND: I’d like to see a larger diversity of ethnic groups in our membership. I hope by showcasing our wide variety of educational programs and networking opportunities we can grow as an organization.

june 2014 :: syracuseWomanMag.com

AH: I am proud to be part of such a great organization, and would love for WBOC to provide the same education and support system for many more women in the future.

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F&N: The first day of forever

Planning a wedding with our SWM Editor

BY FARAH F. JADRAN I PHOTOS BY RICK POLICASTRO Time does not stand still. When Niko Tamurian and I set our wedding date for exactly two years from the big engagement night, many people said it would be “forever” until the wedding day would come. However, the first year flew by and now we are less than a year away from our special day, May 2, 2015. With about 11 months to go, we know that there are still many decisions to be made. Thankfully both of our mothers are contributing ideas and enjoying the planning process. Also, one of my bridesmaids, Rebecca Shiroff, is a professional event planner and it just so happens that our wedding has become one of her most exciting events yet! Plus, we are delighted to have Maureen Baringer, of Baringer & Associates LLC, as our coordinator for the actual wedding day. This way Rebecca can relax and be part of the bridal party as she was meant to be! We’re very excited about exchanging our vows and having our ceremony at St. Matthew’s Catholic Church in East Syracuse. I am so happy to have found the person meant for me. As for Niko, he shared this with me: “I knew I wanted to marry you within five minutes of our first date. I can’t even imagine the emotion of looking into my true soulmate’s eyes and telling her in front of family and friends and our church that I’m going to love her forever.” (If you can’t tell, I was unable to hold back tears while adding in the words he emailed me for this wedding column!) While there are many incredible venues to host wedding receptions, Niko and I have selected The Oncenter in downtown Syracuse. The space shaped up to be the perfect place to have our wedding reception of about 180 guests. “The Oncenter caught my eye immediately. It has prestige to it,” Niko said. “And on our tour, I could just imagine it. I can envision the cocktail hour in the atrium and the reception in the ballroom. As if I wasn’t excited enough already, our choice added to it and put my mind at ease after looking at many wonderful potential venues.”

june 2014 :: syracuseWomanMag.com

Still on the reception beat, we’re looking forward to dazzling guests with fun and dancing all night long. Guests will enjoy live music by The Blacklites, a 12-piece R&B band in Syracuse. DJ Rick Roberts, of 93Q, (and a relative of Niko’s) will also be providing tunes throughout the evening. “The reception is something I’ve always been at as a guest and wondered when I’d be lucky enough to have one,” Niko said. “I’m just so excited to celebrate our special day with some of our favorite people in the world.” To capture these beautiful memories, we are lucky to have the amazing talent of Rick Needle behind the lens. Rick’s work via AlterImage Photography is beautiful. He’s been shooting commercial work and weddings for a long time and his work is stunning. And if you know my personality at all, you know that I love fashion. I have some exciting ideas for my wedding hairdo and bridal makeup will be done by a good friend, Teri Nichols, Mary Kay Independent Senior Sales Director. But what wedding plan would be complete without that dream dress? For my bridal party, I have selected a delicate and formal buttercup floor-length dress from a great local boutique, Bliss Bridal in Baldwinsville. The exact bridesmaids look will be a secret until the wedding day. Also, I have my bridal gown in mind and have a top three, but yes, my gown will also be a surprise for the big day. I must keep some elements of surprise, especially with Niko reading this column! For our springtime nuptials, we are in love with the color scheme of fuchsia, tangerine and buttercup yellow. I am excited to use these colors throughout the wedding, but especially in the flowers. I’m picturing big beautiful peonies and gerbera daisies… While Niko and I continue to discuss wedding plans and honeymoon ideas, we’re constantly reminding ourselves that the wedding is one day, and the day after starts the rest of our lives together. For more wedding fun, visit syracusewomanmag.com for more blog posts on Farah & Niko’s big day!

a café with a cause.

Café at 407 was established in 2009 as a creative way to fund the non-profit Ophelia’s Place, whose mission is dedicated to changing culture by empowering people to embrace health and beauty at any size. By coming to the café and purchasing a cup of coffee, you are becoming a part of a community.

community. creating. change.

catering. events. live music. homemade. local. 407 Tulip Street, Liverpool, NY 13088  315.451.5855 cafeat407.org  cafemanager@opheliasplace.org Bring this ad to Café at 407 for a free house coffee with any purchase.

Do what you

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::miz match

To My Father,

with love

BY SUSAN (FROST) DUTCH I PHOTO BY JUSSARA POTTER

I am writing this column on my way home from the Midwest where my parents live. Less than a week ago, we were told by doctors that my father was near death, therefore all of us (my three sisters and I) jumped on planes, trains and into automobiles in a desperate rush to be by his side. But just like the accomplished Air Force pilot that he once was, he somehow managed to pull back on the throttle of this death defying maneuver and recovered from another tailspin. Although he has a long road ahead to regain his health, his fight for life reminded me of his influence on my life. Witnessing the love that my mother and father share after 60 years of marriage, made me realize how much their love has greatly influenced my life and my definition of love. And so, as we celebrate our fathers this June, it seemed appropriate that I write this column about my father and share a few of the lessons he taught me. Let me begin by saying that my Dad was not perfect. Like all of us, he was human and he had his weaknesses and his faults. But as my son-inlaw, Jeff, reminded me, he was also part of the “Greatest Generation,” not only for his service, but for the attitude in how he approached life and the priorities that he set. As a military man, my Dad was all about rules and discipline. He was fiercely protective of his daughters, never allowing us to talk to a boy on the phone after 9 p.m.; couldn’t date until we were old enough to drive and all weekend-only dates had to end by 11 p.m. No makeup, heels or pierced ears were allowed until we were 13 years old. Yet as much as I was mortified by what I thought were very “stupid” rules at the time, I am now grateful that he taught me what it means to not only be respected by the men in my life but more so how important it is to respect myself. As strict and orderly as my father was, perhaps it was the fighter pilot in him that taught us that sometimes it’s OK to approach life and love without caution and fear, encouraging us to be brave and try new things. He was afraid of heights, (yes, I know it doesn’t make sense) yet he didn’t

let his fears become ours. He took us to the top of the St. Louis Arch, put us on ski lifts, drove us to the Grand Canyon — all while fighting his own panic attacks. Surely he would have liked to have had a son to share his guy interests with, but he was so proud to have four daughters to dote over....and a male dog to balance things out, of course. He wanted us to be happy, to look and feel beautiful and confident as we embarked on the next chapter of our lives, even if it was just fourth grade. We learned early that you should always put your best foot forward, particularly when wearing patent leather shoes, and that being spoiled once in a while by a man who loves you feels pretty amazing. Perhaps the greatest lesson my father taught me though was that love is built on a foundation of friendship — with a lot of laughter mixed in — and a little spontaneity. He and my mom met on a military base where she was a secretary and he was pilot. They were engaged after two dates, and married a few weeks later. (He would have disowned us if we tried the same thing.) Laughter has always been at the core of their relationship and our family. That, and dancing (they don’t call my Dad crazy legs for nothing). My parents traveled and socialized often and shared many interests and adventures — all filled with nosedives and tailspins and a few other abrupt maneuvers along the way. But even as Dad approaches his final “wheels up” moment, and we prepare ourselves for the devastation of losing him, we hold on tight to his love and the lessons he taught us, taking comfort in knowing he’ll make a great angel someday — because while on earth, he was one man who really knew how to fly. Susan Dutch, a.k.a. Mizmatch, has been writing articles for newspapers, magazines and websites for over 25 years. You can contact her through her blog at mizmatch.com or follow her on Twitter at @mizmatchblog, like her on Facebook, or email her at mizmatch@mizmatch.com.

words

Styling

::in her own

the one-of-a-kind bride BY LORRAINE KOURY I PHOTO BY CINDY BELL

I work with the bride who wants to be unique. The women who consider us a perfect fit have the confidence to wear a dress that suits their personal vision for their wedding. More than ever before, brides are inundated with TV shows, bridal blogs, and social media sites that create an image that brides feel pressured to uphold. Our brides at Boom Babies tend to follow the beat of their own drummer. We attract a modern bride who is active and busy, who does not necessarily have thousands of dollars to spend on a dress. My store specializes in helping brides execute their inner fashionista while keeping their budget in mind. This could mean a vintage inspired gown for an elegant candlelit wedding with a charming “Great Gatsby” reception. Many of our brides are looking for the simple and classic gown for their destination beach wedding or their backyard garden ceremony where the bridal look can be more relaxed and casual. And then there’s always the last-minute bride looking for the fun little party dress to elope to Las Vegas with friends. Many of our brides are planning smaller weddings, some are having second weddings or they might be celebrating a vow renewal. Although many of our brides may be looking for traditional gowns in white and ivory, we also have women who are not afraid to break with tradition and specifically ask for a color such as champagne, blush, blue, and even red. Years ago, a typical bridal gown had an oversized skirt and 10 layers of tulle not allowing much variety. For our modern bride, the silhouette has become pared down, even daring to show some curves. There has been a resurgence of lace gowns trimmed with delicate pearl beading. Higher necklines with cap sleeves, and illusion backs are becoming rather popular with brides. We are very aware of how stressful and confusing planning a wedding can be. We pride ourselves in helping brides with personalized service and expertise to make them look and feel their best. Many of our brides as well as the mother’s of the bride and the groom come in concerned that they are “behind schedule” in finding a dress. With our attention and assistance they are able to leave with a dress in hand, jewelry to match, and two important things crossed off their list. We take great pleasure in helping brides and their families get ready for their special day. Lorraine Koury has been the owner of Boom Babies for 28 years, but has been involved in the fashion industry for nearly 40 years. With her lifelong interest in vintage and period clothing, she has worked as a wardrobe specialist/costumer for national television shows as well as documentary films. Boom Babies is open seven days a week and is located at 489 Westcott St. in Syracuse. Contact Lorraine and her team at (315) 472-1949 or visit Boombabies.biz. PHOTO: Bride-to-be Jamira Dawson shows off a Sherri Hill bridal gown from Boom Babies. Makeup and hair by Antonietta Moritz. 38

june 2014 :: syracuseWomanMag.com

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feature ::special

planning the perfect wedding

By Brandy Whitbourne

“[W]hen you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible.” ~Nora Ephron, “When Harry Met Sally” Now that spring is finally here, brides everywhere are preparing for the big trip down the aisle. What better way to prepare and ease the stress than with help from Lisa Murley, wedding planner and owner of Limedrop Events? Planning corporate events at a consumer packaging company, Murley decided she loved what she was doing and wanted to bring it to a more personal level by quitting her job and opening her own business in 2010. Originally renting studio space in downtown area, she moved the company to her home in Pittsford, turning one of her living rooms into her current office. “The best part of my job is working with the clients and listening to their wish list,” said Murley. “I love watching this list come true in a unique way that meets their budget and aesthetic criteria. Someone may have a dream of tons of floral with a smaller budget. We create that look and feel by mimicking it with textured linen and candles. In the end I get to hear them tell me that, it’s better than I ever imagined.’” As a full-service event design and planning company, they liked to be thought of as “creative designers, budgetary geniuses, contract negotiators, facilitators, fact-checkers, directors, crisis averters, listmakers and a resource center for everything you need.” Limedrop Events primarily services weddings, but also coordinate anniversaries, birthdays, showers, Bar and Bat Mitzvahs and engagement proposals. They offer various forms of event planning: Full Service Planning and Coordination where they design and plan the entire event, Month of’ 40 june 2014 :: syracuseWomanMag.com

Coordination where they step in at the end of the planning, Consultations for Advice, and Customized Plans for people with specific needs. “Because I had a career in brand management, I have an eye for consistency and design” said Murley. “I am meticulously organized and can think quickly on my feet when things change. Vendors and venues like us because our level of organization and willingness to stretch. We help to make their lives easier, which is why they like to refer us.” Murley has noticed that over the years weddings are becoming more personalized and brides are finding creative touches that reflect them and their relationships. For example, couples are steering away from wedding cakes and using pies and s’mores. “We’re also seeing a lot more rustic and barn weddings,” said Murley. “They are no longer using six-foot round tables but rather the eight feet by 40 feet tables that serve food family style. They are not typically given menu choices, but serve the food in big portions and pass down the table. We’re seeing more burlap, mason jars and casually arranging flowers.“ Murley also said that brides are looking for an easier guest experience, for example, having the ceremony and reception at the same place and without a time gap and availability to be able to book a hotel close by. Brides are also doing what Murley calls, “first look pictures,” in which couples are together prior to the ceremony for a more relaxed photo session. “Each wedding or event is so special that we have tears in our eyes,” said Murley. “From the bride walking down the aisle, to the look on the grooms face, there’s pockets of time during the day when you get misty eyed and just know that it’s worth it. Brides end up becoming good friends. We get birth announcements a couple years later and sometimes I’ll meet up with some brides for coffee to catch up. It’s a friendship that just endures. I’m glad I get to be part of someone’s special day.”

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Inspire syracuse women

GINA BUSH

Owner, Bliss Bridal

BY EMMA GROSSMAN I PHOTO BY JUSSARA POTTER

“It’s just a love I have always had,” explained Gina Bush when discussing why she got into her field of work. “I’ve always loved fashion, clothing, and shoes.” Gina is the owner and President of Bliss Bridal located on West Genesee Street in Baldwinsville. Before she started down this career path, Gina was a paralegal for a law firm with a degree from Boston University. The human resources department at this law firm actually suggested to Gina that she should become an event planner because she is very organized and enjoys people. So, that is exactly what she did. She became a certified wedding planner. How Bliss Bridal came to be was indeed fate. Gina went into the Baldwinsville location formally named Keely’s Bridal to speak with Keely about putting her new business cards for wedding planning in the shop, to see what the business was all about, and possibly become a partner. Come to find out, Keely was looking to sell the place and Gina was the perfect person to buy it. It will be two years this August since Gina became the owner of Bliss Bridal. Since Gina has a wedding planning background, brides find themselves very satisfied with their experience at Bliss Bridal. “I definitely assist in more ways than most other bridal shops do,” explained Gina. Though she has not planned any of her client’s weddings, she offers to make phone calls and also provides her clients with great wedding tips. For example, if a bride purchases an ivory dress, Gina makes a point to tell them to make sure the groom and groomsmen have ivory shirts on under their tuxedos. “I think there are some things that they don’t think of and it is very helpful that I have the background that I do.” To make each bride’s experience the best one possible, Gina listens to what the bride wants and tries to incorporate that as much as possible. Of course, there are difficulties Gina explained, “Sometimes a lot of what they want and what looks good on their body isn’t the same. So I try to make them happy while I am also trying to make them look fabulous.” And don’t worry if you are nervous about your dress, Gina offers her number to brides and is always willing to come in early or stay late. “The extra customer service aspect makes the biggest difference.” Bliss Bridal is a one-stop-shop. You not only can purchase a gown there, but the shop is full of accessories and shoes for your big day. There also is a very talented seamstress with reasonable prices on site. But Bliss Bridal is not just for weddings, there is a wide selection of formal gowns, dresses for special occasions, and first communion dresses. Gina also has a big selection of bridesmaid dress styles to help brides make that selection. She asks a bride what fabrics and colors she would like for her bridal party and is ready to assist in finding a dress that will look good on each individual bridesmaid. Gina’s favorite part of owning Bliss Bridal is when a woman is so excited about the dress she selected, including young girls. Very passionately, Gina explained the joys she feels when helping women find the right (continued on page 46)

inspire

“It’s a demanding yet really rewarding job.” ::sw

ANTONIETTA MORITZ

Makeup Artist & Hairstylist, Artistry Salon BY LAUREN BOUDREAU I PHOTO BY CINDY BELL

The big day can’t come soon enough. You have everything laid out and planned to a tee — the dress, the music, the food, seating arrangements — everything. You pull on your dress one more time and imagine your hair in soft curls. Then, a bridesmaid asks, “But what about your makeup?” Yikes! You nearly forgot. Makeup is one of those details you just assume will happen, because why wouldn’t you wake up looking stunning on your wedding day? Well, the key to looking picture-perfect on your wedding day, according to makeup artist Antonietta Moritz, is to always enhance your natural self. She says it depends on the situation, the bride, and the type of wedding that’s taking place, but there are general makeup rules to follow if you want to get the best results. For example, eye color, she says. “It’s going to go along with all of her color schemes...if the dress is leather, you’re not going to put on a soft, romantic look,” she says. Antonietta has been working with makeup all her life. As the girl who would always do her friends’ makeup, she says that she largely learned most of her skill on her own. “They don’t really teach you too much in school,” she says. But for her, that was OK because she says the beauty industry is more of a way of life than a profession. “I can’t even consider it a career,” she says. “It’s a love for the industry and it’s a love for what you do.” Even so, Antonietta attended Bumble & Bumble beauty school in New York City and now boasts more than 10 years of experience in the industry. The passion for beauty came at a young age for Antonietta. “I used to go with my sisters to get their nails done,” she says. “I’ve always been very intrigued by the whole industry.” Her interest was only further developed when she worked in a place where she saw unkempt hair every day. “The hair in there used to drive me insane,” she says. While many people might view the beauty industry as superficial, Antonietta has a much different perspective on the way it makes people feel. “It’s a fun industry. It’s being creative and making people look pretty and feel better about themselves,” she says. Antonietta says helping someone to feel their best is one of the many reasons she loves her job. But of course, not every bride knows exactly what she wants. So, prior to the trial session, Antonietta tells soon-to-be brides to bring in pictures of things they like and things they don’t like. She says that she needs to know what their comfort zone is, “where they’re willing to be and where they’re not willing to be, the colors they like, the things they feel most comfortable in, and what makes them feel pretty.” Ultimately, though, she says most brides want the same thing: To not look like they are wearing a lot of makeup. The biggest trend in bridal right now, she says, is the romantic, natural look. However, looking “natural” still requires a decent amount of products, she says. “So, I say natural, but it still contains a lot.”

You might think that with a delicate situation like a bride’s makeup that there would be a ton of “bridezillas.” In fact, Antonietta says that this is not the case. All of the brides she’s done rave about their new looks and it’s actually the bridesmaids who cause the drama. june 2014 :: syracuseWomanMag.com

(continued on page 46)

::sw

“Challenging myself to always do something else that’s better.”

inspire

PATRONA JONES-ROWSER Tablescape Designer

BY LAUREN BOUDREAU I PHOTO BY JUSSARA POTTER

Sometimes it takes sorting through many careers to find what you’re passionate about, as Patrona Jones-Rowser knows all too well. While she’s always been a hairstylist, Patrona also knew she was meant for entrepreneurship. She tried her hand at designing cakes and hats before turning to tablescapes. She actually happened upon tablescapes by accident. While in the cake business, she says most people would also want event planning done. For a while, she did both, but then came a frightful day when a cake she was delivering didn’t make it. “I went to deliver a cake and it kind of shifted,” she says, “and that was the day I said, ‘I’m going to quit cakes and go full time with events.’” To date, Patrona has done about 20 to 30 weddings and has learned from her cake fiasco. Now, she knows that, “if I have a tablescape set up for someone and they have 16 tables, I know that I’m going to need to have at least 20 of that table design because something might break,” she says. Trending right now, she says, are pomanders, which are basically spheres, covered in flowers. They can be hung, held, or they can be designed large enough to stand alone on the floor as an accent piece. Another frequent request is the color that’s trending for this year, also the 2014 Pantone of the Year, is a color called “radiant orchid.” Some people don’t know what they want, but that’s where Patrona’s expertise comes in. “For ones that are not so sure, I try to determine where they met, what they like to do, if it’s vacationing, sports, stuff like that,” she says. A good starting point, she says, is color because color sets the mood and tone. Patrona says she will go through pictures with the couple until they see some colors they like. Patrona says that sometimes she thinks couples get overloaded by so many ideas and pictures via websites like Pinterest. “I think they see a lot and then they get kind of shut down. When they’re here with me, then we’ll talk and discuss,” she says. She also says that when people start looking at magazines, then they’ll be able to tell her, “Well I do like this, but I don’t like this.” Solving tough design problems, though, is why she enjoys her job so much. “It’s challenging to me,” she says. “Challenging myself to always do something else that’s better than the last thing,” she says, is what makes the job exciting. One of the most challenging aspects to the job, however, can be the budget. Patrona notes how particularly tough it is when a couple has high expectations, but their budget is low. “In this business we’re taught not to go above and beyond [the budget]. However when it’s your company, it’s your name and whatever the budget is, you still need to produce an item that’s still pleasing to the couple and their guests,” she says. She also says that it can be easier with a smaller party size. “If you have a smaller event, you could spend maybe $12,000 and have something extremely nice, or you could spend $20,000 and have 200 people and you don’t get the bang for your buck,” she says. It also depends on the venue. Patrona says she’s shocked when some venues charge $60 per plate, and so advises to look for places that charge around $30. (continued on page 46)

syracuseWomanMag.com :: june 2014

gina bush

ANTONIETTA MORITZ

PATRONA JONES-ROWSER

dress, “I love it when a young girl finds her first communion dress and they’re swinging around and dancing. I love just knowing that I helped pick out the dress that they love.”

“Some of them make the bride feel bad,” Antonietta says. “Like, ‘is this really what you wanted it to look like?’ Or ‘I think you’re more this way.’” Sometimes she says that even after following a bridesmaid’s instructions on her makeup, the bridesmaid will re-do the entire look herself.

One of my first brides was a little unsure about her desired design. As time went on and we developed a concept for her tablescape, she also began to share those ideas with friends and family and they began to input their design ideas. “This was confusing the bride,” she said. “This is not unusual and is the reason our slogan states, ‘Your Day, Your Way.’”

This is when loving what you do comes in handy. Antonietta says that if you don’t get up every day loving what you do, it will show drastically in your work.

However, for Patrona, it’s all worth it to do what she loves. “To see the bride’s face...the excitement they have when they see the item,” she explains, is amazing.

It may not seem like it, but beauty is actually a pretty demanding job. Antonietta’s schedule was so full it was hard to find time to interview her for Syracuse Woman Magazine. Beauty is also often an all-encompassing job. Antonietta not only does makeup, but she does hair and nails as well. She even placed second in a national blow-out competition sponsored by Blow Pro. “It takes a lot of dedication, it takes a lot of time,” she says. “It’s a demanding yet really rewarding job.”

She recalls when a bride and her mother coming into the shop and having their breath taken away by the design. “I had sent her some pictures... and when she came, her and her mom, they were like, ‘This is way more than I could ever imagine.’ The bride said the pictures don’t do it justice, the in-person visualization is way better.”

::sw

inspire

(cont)

Gina remembers when a woman and her mother came in and asked if they could play dress up. She was not engaged, but she just wanted to do this with her mom. Her mom did not talk much, but while the daughter tried on dresses, she showed her excitement through clapping and smiles. A few months later, the woman came back in looking at the clearance racks and Gina approached her. The woman said, “I don’t know if you remember me, but I came in with my mom and wanted to buy the dress we picked out.” Sadly, her mother passed away. She was still was not engaged, but she wanted this special dress that she chose with her mother for her big day. However, she recently got married and sent her beautiful pictures to Gina to share her special moment. Stories like this are what makes Gina’s job so special. Being involved in a huge moment in someone else’s life is what Gina loves so much about Bliss Bridal. Her experience, passion, and people-person attitude have helped her to grow such a loving and intimate shop locally. For more information about Bliss Bridal, visit syracuseblissbridal.com.

(cont)

If you’d like to book Antonietta, she can be found at Artistry Salon in Hanover Square in Syracuse.

(cont)

For more information on Patrona’s work, find her on WeddingWire (StayMonet Opulent Events) or Facebook by searching “Stay.Monet Opulent Events,” or email her at pmjrowser@hotmail.com.

::wise

woman

WISE HappEnIngS: Check out wiseconference.com/events for a complete list of upcoming events!

syracuseWomanMag.com :: june 2014

Syracuse Woman Magazine

events

SWM’s Events THIRD ANNUAL SYRACUSE NEDA WALK Community members donated and participated in the Third Annual Syracuse NEDA Walk on Saturday, May 3, at Long Branch Park, to benefit Ophelia’s Place. Participants created teams to raise funds and raise awareness for the Ophelia’s Place Mission. The organization was founded more than 10 years ago to support people in the battle against eating disorders, disordered eating and body dissatisfaction, along with their families. The event welcomed a survivor, Jill Ouikahilo, a special guest speaker and performer. WORLD OVARIAN CANCER DAY On May 8, Hope for Heather Ovarian Cancer Awareness of CNY organized two gatherings to celebrate World Ovarian Cancer Day (WOCD) in our community. Hope for Heather founder Frieda Weeks hosted awareness gatherings with survivors who shared stories and answered questions with those who stopped by. The organization also handed out thousands of ribbons leading up to WOCD so that awareness could be spread throughout the community and even across the country. SWM was proud to be a part of WOCD once again! WIG, HAIR REPLACEMENT, CRANIAL PROSTHESIS AWARENESS DAY Hot CoCoa’s Beauty Supply Store hosted its first ever Wig, Hair Replacement, Cranial Prosthesis Awareness Day on May 3 at the Southside Innovation Center. Hot CoCoa’s owner, Ulonda Johnson, created the event to raise awareness for women’s medical hair loss. Many women shared their personal experience with major hair loss, as well as women and children who have major hair loss due to an illness such as cancer or Alopecia. Women affected by medical hair loss received new wigs donated by Hot CoCoa’s. The event will be held annually.

EVENTS CALENDAR

june 2014

Paige’s Butterfly Run

7 Handbags Helping Hearts

12 SWM Fashion Bridal Show

22 Ride and Run for the rescue

WHEN: 7 AM WHAT: Children with cancer in CNY are treated at the Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital. Your support of Paige’s Butterfly Run provides needed dollars to support finding cures for pediatric cancer as well as help for patients and their families. WHERE: Hanley Federal Building Plaza, 100 S. Clinton St. INFO: $30 from 5/27 to 6/3; Paper: $35 on 6/5, $40 on the day of the event; WHEN: 5:30 to 7:30 PM WHAT: Join hundreds of women for the chance to bid on chic handbags filled with gifts donated by local women and businesses, while learning about their number one killer, heart disease. WHERE: Stickley, Audi & Co. showroom in Fayetteville INFO: syracusegored.heart.org or call (315) 234-4744 WHEN: 11 AM to 3:30 PM WHAT: SWM’s first ever Bridal Fashion Celebration with fashions provided by Bliss Bridal in Baldwinsville, Boom Babies in Syracuse and Katie Frontino, of Stella & Dot. Also, meet two SWM photographers that specialize in weddings: Jussara Potter and Rick Needle. Event proceeds will benefit Ophelia’s Place. WHERE: Café at 407 in the village of Liverpool INFO: RSVP as space is limited to 100 guests. Reserve your tickets ($35 each) WHEN: 6 AM to 2 PM WHAT: There are 62-, 40-, 20- and 10-mile bike routes, a two-mile family fun ride, and a 5k run. Breakfast will be served by Tim Hortons and lunch is courtesy of Uno Pizzeria and Grill. WHERE: Long Branch Park, Liverpool INFO: Visit rideandrun.org or contact Gina Stokes at gina.stokes@rmsyr.org

cause ::for a good

Cheering on the Red Riders in CNY American Diabetes Association’s Tour de Cure set for June 8 by lauren boudreau

It’s the disease that will affect one in three children born after the year 2000 and nearly 26 million Americans. It is estimated that at least 7 million people remain undiagnosed in this country. And while it is something to be feared, it can also be cured and prevented. It’s called diabetes, and with the support of Miss New York Teen USA pageant winner Corrin Stellakis and the American Diabetes Association, diabetes will hopefully be a thing of the past. It seems as if everybody knows somebody who has diabetes, and this is precisely what attracted Corrin to be the face of Tour de Cure, one of ADA’s major fundraising events. The pageant winner says a lot of her friends and family — including her uncle — are affected by diabetes. “My great grandmother had diabetes and she actually died from complications,” Corrin says. “Any way to help out, I would love to do and possibly make a difference.” The cycling event draws more than 1,000 riders each year and offers five different courses for riders depending on how experienced one is. The shortest course runs 15 miles and the longest is 100 miles. Corrin urges everyone to sign up for the event taking place June 8 in Verona Beach. Even though she will not be cycling herself, Corrin will still be in attendance and is helping to promote the event and raise diabetes awareness. Among the things she thinks you should know about the disease is that it can happen to even the healthiest people. “My uncle is a very healthy person. He’s very strong, he works out, he eats right, and it just happened to him,” she says. “He didn’t do anything to cause it, obviously. So even if you are a very healthy person, just be aware of it because anything can happen.” Corrin’s uncle was age 30 when he started having problems with his pancreas and now he takes insulin. As a 16-year-old, Corrin says she does everything she can in order to prevent getting diabetes herself. “It’s always a

concern,” she says, “But I try to be as healthy as I can.” The Tour de Cure is actually one of the first events that the ADA started and it has been around for about 25 years. Jessica Bottoms, the CNY Tour de Cure Manager, says that her passion for the event came when she discovered how little she and other people actually knew about diabetes. “It impacts so many people,” she says. “There’s not enough awareness and what we do know about it is old school.” She says kids are starting to develop type 2 diabetes and adults are developing type 1. This is why is it so important for people to get involved, she says. The reason they chose cycling instead of running is because it is such a lowimpact sport. “Anybody can do it,” Jessica says. “There was a girl who rode 15 miles who just had her leg amputated.” The most important aspect about this event though, is the Red Riders, Jessica says. Anybody with type 1 or type 2 diabetes receives a special jersey called a Red Rider Jersey. Jessica says they tell the crowd that whenever they spot a cyclist with a Red Rider jersey, they should cheer them on and motivate them as much as possible. “So, as these people are out there riding, all they hear is words of encouragement of people screaming, ‘Go Red Rider!’” This year, Jessica says they expect around 1,200 riders and about 300 volunteers. The youngest rider, she says, will be just three years old and riding on the back of his dad’s bike. “It really is the best event ever,” she says. “You see the tears of joy and them realizing that they’re capable of that much more.” For more information and to register, visit tour. diabetes.org.

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