Upstate Bride - Spring 2021

BRIDE FEBRUARY 2021

Upstate

MAGAZINE

The perfect dress for your body type

3 reasons to say

‘I DO’ to a small wedding

Tips for a memorable first dance

BRIDE Upstate

MAGAZINE

Upstate Bride Magazine The Daily Star, 102 Chestnut St., Oneonta, NY 13820 © 2021 - All rights reserved.

Publisher Fred Scheller

Advertising Director Valerie Secor

ON THE COVER:

Layout Tracy Bender

Zachary Bender and Bridget McHugh were married on October 3, 2020, at Stonewall Estate in Delhi.

The photographer was Josh Baldo of Josh Baldo Photography.

Best wishes to the newly married couple!

Interested in advertising in Upstate Bride Magazine?

Call toll-free, 1-800-721-1000, ext 235 Content provided by Newspaper Toolbox and Metro Creative Services.

Opinions expressed in the publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of the publication management.

3 extraordinary marriage proposals to inspire you.................. 3

Music is an important component of wedding celebrations......11

Questions to ask before booking a photographer.................... 4

Beauty Talk.................................................................12

5 things to consider when choosing your wedding cake............ 6

‘Pls one’ etiquette for wedding guests................................13

Bride Guide: Dressing for an outdoor wedding...................... 7

3 reasons to say ‘I Do’ to a small wedding...........................14

The perfect dress for your body type.................................. 8

How to host a socially distant wedding...............................15

Tips for a memorable first dance......................................10

Treat yourself to an at-home honeymoon............................16

February 2021 2 | UPSTATE BRIDE MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2021

RAWPIXEL.COM | WWW.FREEPIK.COM

3 extraordinary marriage proposals to inspire you 1. Filmmaker Lee Loechler took his high school sweetheart, Sthuthi David, to a special screening of Sleeping Beauty in the Boston area. Toward the end of the film, as the prince approached the sleeping princess, the animation changed to feature characters who resembled Lee and Sthuthi. After waking her with a kiss and holding out a ring, the cartoon prince Lee tossed the ring box off screen for his real-life self to catch. Lee got down on one knee and, in front of friends and family members who’d been sitting at the back of the theater, he asked Sthuthi to marry him.

Have you decided to ask your partner to marry you?

If you’re wondering how to make sure the moment is perfect, here are three incredible stories of how people popped the question. (Spoiler alert: they all said yes!)

2. Politician Tim Wilson delivered a speech on the floor of the Australian parliament in favor of a bill to legalize same-sex marriage. The bill had passed the senate the previous week and was being debated in the lower house. As the member of parliament concluded his speech, he turned his attention to the public gallery where his long-time fiancé, Ryan Patrick Bolger, was sitting. The couple had been engaged for nearly a decade but were unable to make it official. Tim looked up at Ryan and proposed once again. The bill passed and, three months later, the couple married.

3. Inspired by videos of flash mobs she’d seen online, Isabelle Marin put together an elaborate performance for her partner, Jean-François Dumais, at a shopping mall in the Quebec City

region. A violinist serenaded him in the food court and a dance troupe performed in the atrium. Friends and family members emerged from the gathering crowd to hand JeanFrançois roses. Then, as local singer (and friend) Mélissa Bédard belted out a ballad, Isabelle made her entrance on an escalator and got down on one knee.

If there’s one thing to take away from these stories, it’s that you can be as creative and theatrical as you want during a proposal — the important thing is to give it your personal touch. ª

Questions to ask before booking a

PHOTOGRAPHER V

arious components combine to make Can we see a full gallery of a recent weddings beautiful and memorable. wedding?

Couples who want to find the Couples rely on photographers to According to Brides magazine, unlike an best photographer for their capture the smiles and moments that helped album or a highlight gallery, a full gallery wedding day can ask several make their events unique and to ensure the provides a better sense of a photographer’s questions before making their big day is remembered for years to come. style and attention to detail. final decision.

The trusted wedding resource The Knot Will photos be color balanced and notes that an internal study found that, retouched? among 27,000 couples who got married in Skilled photographers are capable of capturing winning photos.

2019, an average of $2,400 was spent on a wedding photographer But photos can be enhanced further in the studio with retouching to document their big day. software to bring out specific effects. Some photographers will Couples who want to find the best photographer for their wedpolish all proofs, while others only will work on the images ulding day can ask several questions before making their final decitimately ordered. Confirm retouching details before signing the sion. contract.

What style do you specialize in?

What’s included in the photo packages?

Photographers may be able to shoot various styles of photos, but A detailed price list helps you compare one photographer to may specialize in a specific type. For example, some photographers another and decide which elements are covered. Additional prints, specialize in photojournalism, while others may excel at porhaving a photographer’s assistant, ordering albums for the parents, traiture. Going with a photographer who has the most expertise or ordering a large framed print can alter costs significantly. Exshooting the style you prefer will help produce the desired results. plore all prices to ensure you’re getting the best value. In addition, Who will be shooting my wedding? consider how many hours of event coverage are included in the Certain photography studios have several photographers working price. under one roof. Just because you meet with one does not necessar- What is the payment timeline? ily mean that photographer will be on site, unless it is specified in Photographers may accept deposits for their services but expect the contract. a different timeline of payment. Some may require payment in full Have you ever worked at my venue before? before the wedding, while others may offer a payment plan that Photographers may be familiar with several local wedding venues includes a final payment when picking up proofs or albums. and houses of worship. A photographer who has experience workWedding photography is one of the essential elements of a weding in the locations where couples will tie the knot and subsequent- ding and helps tell the story of couples’ special day. Asking key ly celebrate might produce the best results, but lack of experience questions can help couples find a photographer who will produce with particular venues need not exclude other professionals. the desired results. ª

4 | UPSTATE BRIDE MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2021

5 things to consider when choosing your

WEDDING CAKE A

s one of the key components of most weddings, decisions about the cake shouldn’t be left until the last minute. Here are five factors to consider before you order yours.

1. The number of guests You want to make sure there’s plenty to go around. However, it would be a shame to waste your money on an excessively large cake and have to throw some out.

2. The wedding theme The cake is as much a part of the decor as the flowers. Don’t hesitate to bring a copy of the invitation, color samples and pictures of the decorations to guide the baker.

3. The design In addition to choosing the shape of the cake and the number of tiers, consider what decorative elements you’d like to incorporate. Fresh flowers, edible gold leaves and chocolate lace are just some of the many choices.

4. The flavor From praline mouse to passion fruit, you might be surprised by how many options are available.

Fortunately, most cake shops offer tastings to help you make your choice.

5. The ingredients If you have a limited budget, determine if you favor high-quality ingredients over a refined look.

You should also consider if any of your guests have allergies.

Contact cake shops in your area to schedule a consultation and make sure your cake checks all the boxes. ª 6 | UPSTATE BRIDE MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2021

BRIDE GUIDE: factors to consider when dressing for an

OUTDOOR WEDDING F

rom a picture-perfect view to the relaxed atmosphere, there are plenty of reasons to have your wedding outside.

However, you’ll need to take particular care when choosing your dress, shoes and hairstyle to ensure you look and feel your best. Here are some things to consider.

• The ground. If you’ll be walking on grass or sand during the ce­­­ remony, stilettos are out of the question. For comfort and balance, choose shoes with a wide heel, or better yet, an elegant pair of ballerina flats.

• The wind. A long veil, flowy

skirt and loosely pinned-back hair can quickly get out of hand on a gusty day. Consider a birdcage veil and opt for a secure up­do style with beautiful pins to hold your hair in place.

• The temperature. For a summer wedding, sandals and a strapless or sleeveless dress are the way to go. Consider a matching jacket or shawl in case it gets cool in the evening. For a fall ceremony, opt for long sleeves and booties.

To find the perfect dress and accessories, visit the stores in your area. ª

FEBRUARY 2021 | UPSTATE BRIDE MAGAZINE | 7

The

PERFECT DRESS for your body type

O

ne of the most important factors to consider when searching for the perfect wedding dress is what silhouette will best flatter your figure.

While the consultants at a local bridal boutique can offer more personalized recommendations, here are a few basic tips for some common body shapes.

8 | UPSTATE BRIDE MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2021

Hourglass. Show off your

natural curves with a sheath dress or a mermaid gown, and accentuate your chest with a sweetheart neck­ line.

Pear-shape. Choose an A-line or ballgown silhouette to accentuate your natural waistline, and balance the full skirt with a boat neckline or cap sleeves.

Rectangle. Create a sexy

silhouette with a bias cut or fit-andflare dress in a light­weight fabric, and opt for a V-neckline and low back.

Diamond. Select a gown with a flared skirt and thin straps or a detailed bodice that will draw attention to your upper body.

Inverted triangle. Balance

your proportions by pairing a high neckline and long sleeves with a slit or asymmetrical skirt that emphasizes your legs.

Round. Opt for the flowing

skirts of an empire-waist gown, and provide support for your chest with a boat neckline and an elegant offthe-shoulder look.

Keep in mind that these are just guidelines, and the important thing is that you feel comfortable and beautiful in the dress you choose. ª

< PHOTOS BY RACOOL STUDIO | FREEPIK.COM >

Tips for a memorable

first dance

Your first dance as a married cou­ple can be as exciting (and as nerve-racking) as walking down the aisle. Here are a few tips to ensure it’s a moment you’ll look back on fondly for years to come.

Choose a well-known song, or ask your DJ to create a mashup of genres so you can transition from a graceful waltz into an energetic salsa or swing dance routine.

Hire a professional to choreograph the dance, and be sure to rehearse it (in the shoes you’ll wear at the wedding) until you feel comfortable with every step.

If neither of you are particularly good dancers, opt for a slow romantic song and go all out on light or smoke effects to make your simple moves look more dynamic.

Above all else, don’t worry too much about putting on a show for your guests. It’s your day after all, so make your first dance a moment you’ll enjoy. ª

Music is an important component of wedding celebrations Few things set the mood of a wedding more effectively than music. Beautiful songs often are incorporated into wedding ceremonies, and romantic or upbeat songs intermingle to create a festive mix at receptions.

Playlists curated specifically for weddings can be found online to help couples narrow down their options.

According to Wedding Forward, a wedding planning guide, wedding planning experts and modern couples agree that wedding playlists should be have a 60/40 split of classics and new wedding songs.

Music is a personal choice, but couples may benefit by considering who will be in attendance at their weddings. In so doing, couples can ensure the music played at their weddings reaches as many people as possible there: • Wedding processional song: The wedding processional is the moment the wedding party walks down the aisle. Music may be a traditional hymn, classical music or a favorite contemporary song.

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

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

• Wedding party entrance song: Couples can ask their music vendor to put together the majority of the songs for their reception, but they may want to choose their own wedding party entrance. This song typically is a fast-paced, upbeat song that gets the crowd pumping and ready for a fun night. Think “Dynamite” by Taio Cruz or “Can’t Stop the Feeling!” by Justin Timberlake.

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

• Other songs: Couples also will select songs to complement dances with their parents, cake cutting, garter toss, and any other special traditions or moments. They also can make requests to include songs of different eras to appeal to guests of all ages.

Music is an important component of wedding celebrations and deserves some extra consideration to ensure everyone has a great time while cutting a rug. ª

What are eyelash extensions?

Eyelash extensions have no equal when it comes to enhancing the appearance of your eyes. The good news is today’s extensions are no longer the reserve of the rich and famous and are light years away from fake eyelashes sold in pharmacy cosmetic departments.

The first thing your esthetician will do is put a protective adhesive bandage on your bottom lashes so they won’t stick to the top ones. The extensions are then bonded one by one onto your real eyelashes. A session can last from 45 minutes to three hours, depending on the number of lashes added to achieve the desired effect. The extensions are called “permanent” because they stay in position until your natural lashes, to which they are glued, fall out. Your technician will advise you on how to care for your extensions. Touch-ups are required every three to four weeks.

Choose an esthetician that has all the required training and make sure the products he or she uses are hypoallergenic and that the instruments are sterilized. At the end of the session, the fumes from the glue may bother you temporarily and cause some tears and mild itching. If you have a stronger reaction than that, mention it to your esthetician immediately. Consult the professionals at your beauty salon for more information.

Which permanent hair removal technique is best for me?

When it comes to choosing the hair-removal technology that best meets your needs there are many deciding factors: your budget, lifestyle, skin and hair color, your pain tolerance, the areas to be treated and the presence of hair between sessions.

Laser and intense pulsed light (IPL). These two technologies are similar in that they rely on a beam of light to gradually destroy the hair bulb. The process takes eight to twelve sessions, at approximately six-week intervals. These techniques are better for larger body areas. Bear in mind that the greater the difference between hair and skin color, the better the results. That is why you should always have a consultation before the first session.

Electrolysis. This technique uses an electric current to destroy hairs one at a time. It is most often used for small body areas or as a complement to laser or IPL, which don’t get rid of the palest hairs.

Electrolysis requires a lot of sessions, but the results are conclusive in the vast majority of people.

Whichever method you choose, make sure the technician has the necessary training and that the device used is sterilized, calibrated and well maintained. In addition, be sure to follow all instructions to the letter, particularly with regard to exposure to sunlight. Ask the professionals at your beauty salon for more details. ª

12 | UPSTATE BRIDE MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2021

‘Pls one’ etiquette for wedding guests

M

aking a wedding guest list is seldom an easy task.

Couples often find that many people are worthy of an invitation, which can make creating a guest list tricky for those with budgets in mind.

According to data from the online wedding resource The Knot, the average wedding catering cost per guest is roughly $70.

However, catering costs will vary depending on the reception venue, the number of guests, the foods chosen, and the region of the country where the wedding takes place.

When creating their guest lists, couples may wonder if they have to offer all guests the option of bringing a “plus one” to the occasion. As with other wedding day etiquette questions, the plus one concept is not set in stone.

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

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

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

Include the wedding party All members of the wedding party should be offered the option of bringing a date to the wedding.

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

3 reasons to say

‘

’

to a small wedding

While it can be a challenge to narrow down the guest list for such an important event, there’s something to be said for having a small wedding. Here are three reasons to consider opting for an intimate celebration.

1 2 3

You’ll save on expenses

If you have a limited budget, reducing the number of guests allows you to book a smaller, more affordable venue and lower the cost of food, drinks and decorations. Conse­quently, it may free up money for luxuries like a gourmet menu, designer shoes or a live band.

You’ll likely feel less stress

It’s generally easier (or at least less daunting) to plan a small wedding. You’ll have more venue options, the seating chart will be simple and decorating will be quicker. Plus, if you don’t like being in the spotlight, you’ll probably feel more comfortable in front of fewer people.

You’ll have more time for your guests

A small wedding means you’ll have fewer people to greet during the reception. Rather than circulate from table to table all evening, you’ll be able to spend quality time with loved ones and enjoy every moment to the fullest.

Indeed, a small wedding has all the makings of a romantic and memorable day. ª

14 | UPSTATE BRIDE MAGAZINE | FEBRUARY 2021

How to host a

socially distant wedding

I

t’s likely that few people heard of “social on keeping themselves and their guests safe While planning a distancing” prior to 2020. That changed as from COVID-19 should emphasize that their the novel coronavirus COVID-19 spread weddings will be socially distant affairs so socially distant wedding there’s no confusion come the big day. rapidly across the globe and the world found presents some unique itself in the midst of a deadly pandemic.

• Stream the wedding online. Stream challenges, couples can the wedding online for those guests who won’t The Centers for Disease Control and take certain steps to be in attendance. By the end of 2020, millions Prevention defines social distancing as keeping of people had already “attended” weddings via a safe distance of at least six feet between yourensure their big day is platforms like Zoom, so loved ones may be self and other people who are not from your memorable and safe. experienced virtual guests by the time couples household. Public health officials continue to walk down the aisle in 2021. Couples who may champion social distancing while acknowledgneed some help planning virtual affairs can visit the virtual weding the fatigue that many people have experienced as the panding coordinators at Wedfuly.com, who recently partnered with demic stretched on for months. Though much of the world hit Zoom to help couples bring their ceremonies online. the proverbial pause button, life went on during the pandemic.

Perhaps nowhere was that more evident than at the altar, where • Pare down the in-person guest list. Couples who many couples still tied the knot, albeit in scaled back ceremoplanned large weddings prior to the pandemic can still invite all nies that adhered to social distancing guidelines in their commuof their loved ones to witness the festivities online, but pare nities. down the in-person guest list to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19. Limit in-person guests to immediate family and Engaged couples who have yet to tie the knot no doubt recthose people who are part of your social distancing bubble. ognize that planning a socially distant wedding will not be the same as organizing more traditional ceremonies and receptions.

• Plan a party for down the road. Couples can still celeWhile planning a socially distant wedding presents some unique brate their nuptials with family and friends down the road. Plan challenges, couples can take certain steps to ensure their big day a post-pandemic reception and let guests know you will fill is memorable and safe. them in on the details once social distancing restrictions have been lifted.

• Spread the socially distant word. Let guests know what they’re in for should they decide to take part in the festivSocially distant weddings may require couples to take some ities. Many people have strictly followed social distancing guideunusual steps as they try to tie the knot while keeping themlines, while others have been reluctant to do so. Couples intent selves and their loved ones safe. ª FEBRUARY 2021 | UPSTATE BRIDE MAGAZINE | 15

Treat yourself to an at-home honeymoon Restrictions put in place during the pandemic make it challenging, if not impossible, to travel to most prime honeymoon destinations. And once you arrive, who knows what restaurants and attractions will be open. So, while white sandy beaches and European cafes may be out of reach, a romantic staycation should hardly be considered settling for second best.

All the comforts of home First and foremost, you don’t have to worry about contracting the coronavirus if you choose to honeymoon from the comfort of your home. Additionally, you’ll avoid the hassle of preparing for a trip — no need to renew your passport, get vaccinated, convert your cash or buy travel insurance. Plus, you won’t have to pack, and you can be sure that the bedding hasn’t been used by strangers.

Indulge in an array of luxuries Under normal circumstances, a trip to Paris or Tahiti would set you back a few thousand dollars. Without airfare and hotel bookings eating up your budget, you may be able to afford one or more indulgences. For example, you could:

Look for the next issue of Upstate Bride Magazine publishing in August

• Order all of your meals from restaurants and get them delivered right to your door.

• Splurge on a high-end sectional sofa, king-size bed or home theater system.

• Surprise your partner with designer lingerie, and drink only fine wines every night.

Honeymooning at home allows you to start your life as a married couple in the comfort and privacy of your own home while indulging in food, wine and gifts. ª