WeddingsUpstateMAgAZine Keeping your cool for the big greatSomeoutsideBringdaytheinbloomingideas AUGUST 2022 Use theof the
Publisher and Advertising Director Valerie Secor Layout Tracy Bender Upstate Weddings Magazine The Daily Star, 102 Chestnut St., Oneonta, NY 13820. © 2022 - All rights reserved. Interested in advertising in Upstate Weddings Magazine? Call toll-free, 1-800-721-1000, ext 235 Content provided by Green Shoot Media, Metro Creative Services and Newspaper Toolbox. Opinions expressed in the publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of the publication management. ON THE COVER: Caleb and Caitlin Bartlett were married on Oct. 9, 2021 at Plattekill Mountain in Roxbury. The photographer was Amanda Lee Popp of Popp’s Topps & Snapshots. Congratulations to the newly married couple! 2 | UPsTATe Weddings MAgAZine | AUGUST 2022 4 Jazz up your invitations 6 Five tips for finding the perfect wedding dress 7 Seven rules for choosing your groom’s outfit 8 Bring the outside in 11 Choosing the perfect ring 12 Use the colors of the season 14 Tips for planning a successful wedding 15 Renewing your marriage vows 16 How to avoid the jitters 18 Some blooming great ideas 19 Fun ways to reinvent the garter toss 20 Keeping your cool for the big day 22 A funny thing contest winner 23 Weddings around the world WeddingsUpstateMAgAZine STOCKOB©Ade
Why get married in the Thefall?SEASON
The Accessories Of course, autumn is the perfect time of year for the classic long-sleeved gown. Add a comfy cape to your bridal ensemble as the nights grow cooler. Consider pairing knit shawls with the bridesmaids outfits, or tossing flannel blankets across the seating arrangements. Bare branches arranged in tall vases add a touch of the season. Arrange an assortment of pumpkins for a splash of color. Apples can double as placecard holders, while in-season flowers wind through centerpieces at your reception.
Early summer might be more popular, but the fall is far interesting.more
Flights are typically less expensive in the fall — and venues are, too. The Food Apples are in season, opening up your wedding menu for all things apple — from after-dinner pie to a cider toast instead of champagne. it’s just one of the seasonal foods that can add a bit of timely person ality to your big day. Think hearty soups, pumpkin-spiced items, spiked cocoa, roasted root veggies and bacon-wrapped figs.Your options for cocktails can now include hot-buttered rums and warm ing toddies. And all of it can take place before a blazing fireplace — or, if one isn’t available at your venue, fireplace-scented candles.
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The Colors scheduling your wedding in the fall really opens up your fashion color palette. Whether it’s a tie, sash, cummerbund, hair accessory or corsage, bring in burnt orange, deep purples, natural greens and lively reds. They’re naturally occurring this time of year, so you can liven up the decor with fresh-cut flowers and plants, as well. Trees dotted with leaves turning the traditional colors of fall will also provide a gorgeous backdrop for your wedding photos. The Weather Autumn is a bit more predictable than summer, with fewer risks of pop-up June storms in the afternoon. Temps also fall as the leaves begin to change, and that serves to lower your risk of sweating through that gorgeous new dress. Lower humidity means your carefully ap plied makeup won’t melt off, either.You’ll be avoiding the kind of scheduling conflicts that take place in the warmest months, when many plan their annual vacations.
ere’s why you should say “autumn” when somebody asks, “When is the big day?”
Perhaps add a favorite quote, lyric or poem? Maybe a note about how you met, or fell in love? sometimes customizations come down to supporting causes that are near and dear to your heart. The Knot, for instance, offers cards created by col lectives of both black artists and female artists. Companies like Botanical PaperWorks, ForeverFiances and Paper Culture pair modern designs with a focus on sustainability.
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Other Personalizations
An invitation must meet certain standards, even in an age of endless personalization options. it needs to announce the couple, while including time, date and place details for the ceremony. After that, however, the invite can go in a number of different directions.
he formats, rules and conventions of yesteryear have been replaced by contemporary styles that mix the old and new, all with an eye on making a one-of-akind experience. That attention to detail should include the invitations, too.
Colors and Shapes
Exciting Materials gone are the days when invitations were embossed on a paper of standardized color, much less a standardized material. They now run the gamut from handcrafted items in exciting new shapes to bespoke luxury papers with personalized script. Jazz things up by choosing offbeat fonts or typesetting approaches then place them on a personally selected material, which may be anything from parchment or recycled paper to felt or cotton cardstock. some might choose ivory papers threaded with gold, while others opt for linen cardstocks with printed flowers. That’s what makes this part of the advance planning so fun and interesting.
Once upon a time, tradition ruled — but not anymore. Today’s weddings are highly personalized affairs.
the Wedding&ofCLAIRE ANDREW YOU ARE INVITED TO SUNDAY, APRIL 13 202210.00 AM IN THE MORNINGBLOOMING BUDS, THE The INVITES Jazz up your invitations
Want to really stand out? skip the every-day whites or offwhites for something more unconventional.Your invitation may be colored to match the theme, the bride’s bouquet, or some consistent element in the bridesmaids and grooms men’s outfits. if you don’t want to go all in on a particularly nontraditional color, consider using it as a border around the edges of the invite — or only on the envelope. The shape of the card itself can reflect your sense of style, too. A heart might signify the timelessness of your love, while the eiffel Tower or an Asian fan may represent familial bonds or a spe cial memory.
Choose carefully who you shop with. don’t shop with a crowd of friends who will confuse you with all their comments and diver ging opinions. Choose one or two people who know you well and who have good taste.You’ll want them to be able to give you some honest feedback.
The ATTIRE
Most people get married in the summer, so dressmakers’ agendas soon fill up and the pret tiest dresses fly off the racks quickly. Make sure you plan enough time for the fittings.
Think before you shop. it’s exhausting trying on dozens of dresses at random in the hopes of finding the perfect one. Before going shopping, be sure to browse some magazines and search the internet to narrow down the styles you prefer. Shop well in advance.
Choose a dress that you like. Your dress should make you feel good and allow you to be yourself.You also want to be comfortable walking up the aisle and dancing. naturally, you’ll also want to choose a model that flatters your figure. Bear in mind the general atmosphere. Our outfit should harmonize with the wedding theme and the reception hall. For instance, a formal sequined dress is not really appropriate for a country setting. One last tip: decide how much you want to spend on your dress before you begin your search. That way you won’t ruin your whole wedding budget by splur ging on an expensive dress. ª
Five tips for finding the perfect wedding dress
As the bride, you will be the focus of everyone’s attention on your big day, including all the guests as well as your beloved, of course. But in order to be the most beautiful woman in the room, the star of the celebrations must choose her dress carefully. Here are a few tips to help you.
1. 3. 2.5. 4.
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Tie, suspenders, pocket handkerchief: your ac cessories should reflect the mood of the wedding. Choosing them before your outfit will give you an idea what color the latter should be. Don’t clash with the dress. shop for your outfit with either your future wife or a person who has seen her dress. A swatch of her dress fabric could also come in handy. Make the most of your build. A checkered pattern makes you look bigger; black slims you down, and a long jacket lengthens the torso. Make sure you feel comfortable. Choose an outfit that suits your personality. Above all, you don’t want to give the impression of being inHappydisguise.shopping!
seven rules for choosing your groom’s outfit 3. 2. 4. 6. 5. 7.
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Take into account the wedding theme.
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Imagine your total look. don’t just focus on the type of suit, but rather on the general impression you want to give. don’t forget that what you wear around your neck will set the tone for your outfit. Also think about the combination of fabrics and colors. Choose the right fabric. Adapt your outfit to the season. Cotton or lightweight wool is appropriate for summer wed dings. Linen, on the other hand, is perfect for a country wedding. Don’t forget the accessories.
ª even though the love of your life will be the star of the show at your wedding, you, as her future husband, must also look great. need a hand? Here are some rules for looking your best and being stylish on your big day.
Romantic, retro, country, glamour: once you’ve decided on the style and theme of the day, you’ll be able to choose between a suit and a tuxedo.
The turning leaves and rich landscapes will add an easy-go ing naturalness to your event, connecting your wedding party with the wider world around them.You might choose an outdoorsy cabin nestled near a lake, nature preserve or park. Local vineyards also provide incredible backdrops. Just check ahead to make sure that there aren’t rules in place re garding number of guests, or things like campfires — since they may be needed as a fall evening turns to night.
There’s no better season to incorporate nature into your wedding.
Bring the outside in
The DECOR 8 | UPsTATe Weddings MAgAZine | AUGUST 2022
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edding planners are increasingly bringing ele ments of nature into the bride’s big day — but a sameness has crept in because most weddings take place in the summer. Break the cycle of beach-themed nuptials by bringing in a touch of fall.
Meal Think natural organics that are locally sourced. Local farm ers and sustainable food organizations can help build a menu that places your event within the context of the season.You’ll be getting the freshest possible food sources, while support ing area growers who help put food on everyone’s table. Once the meal is complete, everyone can be invited outside for a tree-planting event.You could also use flower-seed packets as party favors. ª
Take it up a notch by going with a broader harvest-themed look. if you’re not the rugged type, consider gold spraying the leaves to add a touch of glam. Wheat and pumpkins add personality and intrigue. The most fun loving and adventur ous brides might try a Halloween theme. A black-and-red color scheme adds a touch of goth darkness. Decor select an earthy color palette that syncs with the world around you. sage, oranges and browns place your nuptials within context, and offer opportunities for unique sea son-focused twists. (These colors can be carried over to the bridesmaids and groomsmen outfits, as well.) Use natural material like cotton or linen for tablecloths. Consider materi als produced with recycling paper. it’s great for the environ ment, but also fits into the larger color scheme. The setting is completed with in-season wildflowers.
Theme Building your wedding around a leafy theme is a no-brain er, because it fits the season so well but also because of their endlessly different shapes and delightfully changing colors.
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You’re selecting jewelry that will symbolize a commitment meant to last until death do you part. That means the wedding ring has to fit the style and personality of your spouse to be. Those who don’t normally wear a lot of jewelry, for instance, are probably not good candidates for larger multi-carat rings. is their style modern and trendy, or timeless and traditional? Answering that question will help guide you. The wedding ring is also typically paired with an engagement ring, so make sure they both work in concert.
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Cost Properly evaluating the cut, clarity, color and carat are obviously crucial in making any stone selection. But don’t forget cost. study up on set tings and materials, and their general cost. Then set a realistic goal for your purchase, keeping in mind that there are not tried-and-true rules about how much to spend. some jewelers work on commission, so you might experience a pretty hard sell. But that also leaves some negotiating room, which can work in your favor if they really want your business.
When deciding on a stone, the American gem ociety recommends first examining it for cut and clarity. The cut refers to the way the diamond or other gem has been fashioned. This shape has a huge impact on the way the stone appears to the naked eye, and how it looks within the setting of your ring. Clarity speaks to the way light passes ince they’re naturally formed, stones may have blemishes that impact clarity.
tyle and Personality
iamonds were once only sparkling and clear, but are now available in an exciting variety of hues, including blue, brown and yellow. This pro vides far more customization if you future spouse leans toward a certain place on the color spec trum. Carats are a measuring guide that refers to the physical weight of the stone. Remember to start shopping as early as six months in advance to allow time for your rings to be completed.
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12 | UPsTATe Weddings MAgAZine | AUGUST 2022 The BOLD © AdOBe STOCK colors season Use theof the
From left: Erin Jones, Lauren Jones, Rachel McLachlan, Caitlin Bartlett, Ann Jones, Kate Beckmann, Bethany Jansen and Katie Stack pose for a photograph at Bartlett’s wedding on Oct. 9, 2021 in Roxbury. The womens’ dresses are a perfect example of the use of fall colors in an autumn wedding.
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Tired of white, off-white and more white?
all provides an exciting array of colors to add spice — or, more specifically pumpkin spice — to your big day. Here’s how to take advan tage of all the options.
Orange and Brown Falling leaves provide the color spec trum most associated with the season, from red and orange to yellows and browns. get creative by pairing offbeat shades like maroon with dusty yellow, or rust orange with dark green, or blush with evergreen, or dark red, gray and copper. Wedding planners, florists and dressmakers may have other exciting combinations to share. Whatever you choose, you can’t go wrong with these on-point shades when selecting flow ers, centerpieces and candles. There’s a cool irony involved when choosing this particular palette of colors: it’s both the most traditional thing you could do for an autumn wedding and completely non-traditional at the same time. Jewel Tones Planning an autumn wedding gives you a chance to take advantage of the rich, earthy tones associated with the season. Keep in mind, however, that you’re not stuck with orange and brown. To add a new wrinkle, focus in on jewel tones — colors that mimic the vibrancy of a cherished gemstone. That means the green of an emerald, the red of a ruby and the deep purple associated with amethyst. enliven accent pieces in your decor or outfits with these offbeat colors of the season — or go all out and fashion a gown out of these richly inviting tones.
Creative Ideas if you’re more of a traditionalist, you can always pair the typical wedding attire with shoes in an autumnal color. On the other hand, you can get even further outside a wedding’s traditional white box by asking the baker to trade out the same old cake colors with something from this exciting new palette. even if you decide to stick with a traditional white version, the cake topper can reflect the shades of the season. Bouquets of lush, in-season greenery can sometimes save a little dough while also adding a dash of fall-fo cused personality. Use the warm colors of autumn to your advantage by placing your ceremony in a natural setting, or setting up an exterior photo area to make the event “insta-perfect.”
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Tips for planning a successful wedding
Arrange Accommodations if your reception is taking place in the countryside or you have guests attending from out of town, consider making arrangements with nearby hotels. This way you can ensure people attending your wedding will have somewhere to stay. Be Prepared for Any Weather it’s important to be prepared for any weather on your wedding day, especially if your ceremony or reception will take place outdoors. You should think about what to do if it rains, how to keep your guests warm in the evening and if there’s a need to ward off bugs.
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Wedding costs can escalate quickly, so it’s essential to keep an eye on your budget. Consider placing all your important documents and bills in a binder and only using one credit card to pay for your wedding ex penses. Determine if Kids Will Be Involved decide if you want to invite little ones to your wed ding. if children are welcome, specify whether they must be under parental supervision or if childcare will be provided. Keep a List of Contacts You must co-ordinate many different people and ser vices on your big day, including the caterer and dJ. Therefore, it’s a good idea to keep all important phone numbers on hand leading up to and during the wed ding.ifyou want to make sure you don’t forget anything on your big day, consider working with an experienced wedding planner. ª
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14 | UPsTATe Weddings MAgAZine | AUGUST 2022 did you recently get engaged? Are you planning your wedding? if so, follow these five tips to ensure your big day is a success.
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Make sure to invite all your loved ones, and let them know about the event ahead of time so they can reserve the day. decide whether you want to host a formal or informal reception, a small gathering or large event, or an exotic getaway or backyard bash. no matter what you decide about your vow renewal ceremony, be sure to turn to your local merchants and suppliers to help you create a memorable day. ª
You can renew your marriage vows whenever you want. However, many
couples select a milestone anniversary, especially the 20th, 30th or 40th. However, there are no rules or deadlines, so feel free to choose any day that feels right. How to Do It
AUGUST 2022 | UPsTATe Weddings MAgAZine | 15
Renewing your marriage vows
Renewing your wedding vows might be the perfect way reaffirm your love and commitment to your partner. Here’s what you should know about vow renewal ceremonies. Why Do It There are several reasons you might want to renew your marriage vows. For some couples, this type of ceremony is put together to celebrate a milestone wedding anniversary. For others, the chance to host the perfect wedding reception, especially if the first one didn’t go according to plan, is the prime incentive.
When to Do It
Focus on Organization
There won’t be time, of course, for a multi-day spa retreat. You simply have too much to do. still, it’s smart to take a spare moment here or there to spoil yourself. splurge on a quick facial or massage. go to the movies, or meet your most trusted friends for a bite to eat or fun happy hour. Then try to get to bed as early as you can. Delegate it’s easy to become overwhelmed when you feel responsible for every detail in such a complex undertaking. Remember that there are friends and family surrounding you who can manage some of these chores. involve them from the first, and then delegate authority so they can handle any last-minute issues during those final two days before the nuptials when you’re supposed to be taking it easy.
How to avoid jittersthe
ou’ve hoped for, then planned for your nuptials for what seems like forever. still, pressure undeniably builds as you get closer to the big day. it’s a huge event, and a huge commitment. All of it can lead to second thoughts. The good news is, there are tried-andtrue ways to avoid the jitters.
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed as the wedding approaches.
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There is, of course, plenty of the pomp associated with a wed ding so remind yourself that the day is really all about making a life-long commitment to one another. in the end, all of the other details really don’t matter. ª
The BIG DAY 16 | UPsTATe Weddings MAgAZine | AUGUST 2022
Visualization is a simple form of role playing that can help you troubleshoot potential problems, compose yourself for big moments and ultimately feel more confident about how things are going to play out. imagine walking down the aisle, saying your vows, kissing your partner and throwing the bouquet.
The first thing to do if you’re feeling stressed about getting married is to plan. Then plan some more. The more prepared you can be as your wedding day approaches, the less worry you will inevitably have.
Once everything is selected, create a calendar so that you can stay on schedule in the days leading up to the event. Then take a day or two off before the wedding to center yourself for what’s ahead.
Visualization
Take Care of Yourself
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There are a variety of flowers that can coordinate with any fall-themed wed ding. Amaranthus, for instance, blooms in burgundy and sage green. Orange-hued cymbidium orchids do very well without water, making them perfect for bouquets, boutonnieres and other wedding arrange ments. even the more traditional options can adapt to your needs. dahlias range in tone from cream to yellow and burgundy; chrysanthemums can boast light purple, orange and yellow blooms. We usually think of calla lilies as being white, but they also grow in wine, mulberry and deep plum shades. Choosing a Florist get in touch with a prospective florist as least three months in advance. if fall weddings are a popular choice in your area, you may need to extend your lead time to as much as a year. Begin any con versation with a florist by discussing what flowers are available to fit your specific color preference and budget. The society of American Florist also recommends asking for examples of previous weddings they’ve handled that fit within your price range. Bring photos of your dress and the bridesmaids dresses to make it easier for the florist to match the arrangements. Find out if they offer vases, or if those will need to be rented elsewhere. discuss how your flowers will be delivered and set up, and whether they provide preservation services following the wedding.
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Autumn offers a bounty of fresh flower ideas.
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The FLOWERS
icking out flowers for your wedding can be maddeningly difficult, since there are so many options. Having a fall wedding actu ally narrows the selection process down, if you choose to stick with season-appro priate colors or flowers that are naturally in bloom. What’s in Bloom garden roses, chrysanthemums, dahlias, orchids and calla lilies make up the most traditional list of options when considering in-bloom flowers for a wedding in autumn. Those with more unconventional tastes may consider Asiatic lilies, pampas grass or yarrow. Local garden shops, ag centers and florists can tell you more about what’s sea sonally available in your area. Finish off the decorative touches for your fall nuptials with the season’s freshest fruit, berries, maple and oak leaves, wheat and twigs. You may also consider pairing your flowers with succulents, which will only enhance a season-appropriate earthiness. Colors of the Season
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Fun ways to reinvent the garter toss
Trivia Time
Old-fashioned party games like musical chairs, limbo, charades and pin the tail on the donkey are perfect for fostering friendly competition. The grand prize: your garter, of course. Contests
Look
Wh Offer nowadays the garter toss is no longer as popular as it once was. if you’re not a fan of showing off that much skin to your extended family, here are four ways to revisit the tradition without losing its original spirit.
Ferret out your guests’ hidden talents by holding a danceoff, a funny face contest or even a kissing contest. The person that impresses you or makes you laugh the most wins your wedding garter. good times guaranteed. if you’d like to discover other popular variations on the traditional garter toss, ask your MC.
Find out how well your guests really know you by hosting a quiz that’s all about the bride and groom. include trivia questions about your habits and tastes, how you met and anything else you can think of. Whoever gets the most answers right is the big winner.
set up a lottery by making scratch tickets on which you will write “winner” or “loser.” Whoever holds the winning ticket wins the garter.You can easily find instructions for home made scratch tickets online.
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for the next issue of Upstate Weddings Magazine, publishing in February 2023
big day cool for the Keeping your
Potential drama source #1: THE PLAnnInG it is completely normal to want everything to be perfect for what may be the happiest day of your life. But there’s a difference between irritable at times and disagreeable all the time! Our tip: if you can afford to hire a wedding planner, drop everything and do so right away before skipping to #2. Otherwise, start early — as in, not the month before d-day. Make an exhaustive to-do list and be willing to delegate some tasks to people you trust — but stand your ground and don’t let anyone else take control of your day.
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B
ride-to-be, are you struggling to keep your cool as you plan for your rapidly approaching big day? if so, take a look at the top five potential sources of wedding-day drama and our tips to on how to deal.
Potential drama source #2: THE DrESS You’ve always dreamed of a fairy-tale ball gown with all the trimmings, but a look in the fitting room mirror reveals the cold, hard truth: you could be mistaken for the wedding cake. Our tip: don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone, and trust the advice given by trained boutique staff — it’s their job to make you look and feel great, after all. When it comes to dresses for your bridal par ty, just remember the cautionary scene in Bridesmaids. To avoid having your BFFs wish they’d never met you, let them choose a style that suits both their silhou ette and their budget.You have final say on the color, though!
To avoid feeling like you should keep your veil on all day (or worse, take flight à la Runaway Bride), have your beauty team — hair whisperer, makeup queen et al. — by your side to doll you up before you walk down the aisle. And don’t sweat the small stuff! no blemish in the world is big enough to steal your thunder.You’llsee — your wedding is going to be absolutely beautiful.You know why? Because it’ll be yours. And, most of all, because you’ll have successfully preserved both your loved ones’ sanity and your own — that’s what we’d call a happy ending. ª 518.875.6935
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The thought of waking up on your wedding day with a huge zit (or a cold sore, or a sunburn, or massive dark circles or a creepy third eye) might keep you up at night, but these things do happen (well, most of them anyway).Ourtip:
Are you a tad obsessed with turning your online followers green with envy at the sight of your pic ture-perfect wedding posts?
Our tip: instead of wasting precious time and energy on bickering, take a deep breath and remember that a wedding involves two people. The big day should be a reflection of you as a couple (of which you’re both equal parts).
Our tip: it takes more than a vintage filter (or four) to achieve professional-worthy results to share on your feed. it also takes more than a dsLR camera to be a wedding photographer, so do your homework and hire someone worthy of the title. And about those diY decorations that bloggers and magazine writers always advertise as “super-easy to make”: run a few trial ses sions with some of your artistically gifted friends, and refrain from angrily ripping up your creation because it’s not identical the Pinterest post you were trying to emulate. not everyone is an arts-and-crafts wizard — you can hire a decorator, you know. Potential drama source #5: YOUr MIrrOr
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ever since you announced your engagement you’ve been sending out rather mixed messages.You want your fiancé to add his touch to the wedding, but you keep shooting down his ideas.You won’t stop saying that all that matters is to have fun on the big day, but keep reminding your soon-to-be husband that his bud dies better be on their best behavior — or else.
A Rose is a Rose Distinctive Flowers & Gifts From the most intimate gatherings, to the most elaborate of celebrations, our floral creations will “wow” you and your guests. Floral designs for ever y décor and budget. 17 Main Street Cherr y Valley, NY 607-264-3100 Daily deliveries to Cooperstown & surrounding areas www.aroseisaroseflorist.net Diana Friedell Wife, Mother, Psychic Medium & Minister Whether it is a big traditional ceremony or a small informal ceremony at your home, together we create a beautiful, unique & moving ceremony that you so richly deserve on this momentous occasion! www.dianafriedell.com info@DianaFriedell.com 607-433-2089 124 County Hwy 58 Oneonta, NY 13820 Monday-Friday 12-6pm Saturdays by appointment onlyMr & Mrs. JC & Sarah Gutliph
Potential drama source #3: THE OTHEr HALF
Potential drama source #4: SOCIAL MEDIA
pHOTO CONTRIBUTed Al Pacino was a “guest” at our wedding!
22 | UPsTATe Weddings MAgAZine | AUGUST 2022 Jeffrey
“famous”Weiser’sstorywonhim
Our beautiful wedding had just ended at the ritzy Stanhope Hotel in Manhattan. We’d had the ceremony and reception at the top of the building in the large penthouse suite.
My bride in her wedding dress and I went downstairs to climb into one of those famous horse-drawn carriages to take a ride around Central Park.
Many of our guests were also downstairs in front of the hotel to see the flower bouquet tossed in the air. My bride and I happily got into the carriage and waved goodbye as the horse-drawn cab began its trip around Central Park.
— Jeffrey Weiser Jeffrey and Linda Weiser, Bovina Center,pictured on their wedding day.
Congratulationstoourwinner!
I learned later that one of my close friends, a music composer, engaged the famed actor and asked about writing a score for his upcoming movie. The actor was friendly and agreed to pose for a picture. I also later learned that the actor was seated there because he was waiting for the maitre d’ to bring him a sport jacket. The hotel dining room had a strict jacket requirement.
I also later found out that once the actor got the jacket and went inside, a large gaggle of my wedding guests had just made their way downstairs and recognized the actor. The out-of-town guests from rural Canada were beside themselves with excitement and screamed, “OH MY GOD, it’s Al PacinoPacino!”was friendly and allowed pictures as the guests swarmed him. My wife and I heard versions of this, many years later. At the time, we were too focused and thrilled with our own wedding excitement!
Little did we know that that right there, at the entrance to the hotel was a famous actor seated at a café table dressed in jogging apparel.
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The four tokens of luck that many brides carry on their wedding day — something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue — have their origin in an Old English rhyme. A fifth item that didn’t make it into the mainstream was also included in the original poem: “a sixpence in your shoe.”
e verything red
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s p L endid queen A typical Moroccan wedding puts the bride in the spotlight. After undergoing countless beauty rituals, including henna, the queen of the evening makes her grand entrance atop a magnificent litter (a seat carried by people). s ymbo L ic sweets At a traditional Italian wedding, the newlyweds give each of their guests five white candies. These customary sweets represent fertility, health, longevity, happiness and prosperity. h o L ey sock
A bride getting kidnapped at her wedding may sound like a nightmare, but it’s actually part of a fun Romanian tradition. During dinner, a group of friends of the newlyweds steals the bride. Then, the groom must find where she’s held captive. If he doesn’t find her by midnight, he’ll need to pay a ransom (usually a bottle of vodka or two).
A tribute to the cult of the sun, traditional Chinese weddings are filled with red. Accessories, clothing and flowers all feature a bright crimson hue to symbolize happiness, prosperity, success and luck.
to L en bride
connected crowns In traditional Greek Orthodox weddings, the bride and groom wear crowns joined by a ribbon during the ceremony to symbolize their union.
Lucky charms
AUGUST 2022 | UPsTATe Weddings MAgAZine | 23
b roken dishes Before a German wedding, guests break dishes and try to make as much noise as they can while doing so. Said to chase away evil spirits, this good-luck ritual is called Polterabend. Once it’s over, the future newlyweds must learn to overcome difficulties together by picking up the pieces.
During Danish weddings, guests make a hole in the groom’s right sock. Why? According to tradition, no other woman would want to be with someone so shabbily dressed, leaving the new husband no other choice but to remain faithful to his new bride.
h erba L bath Before their union is made official, Indian couples take an herbal bath, their wrists joined by a sash. This soothing ritual is said to bring longevity and fertility to the future newlyweds.
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