February 2011
2011
The Return of the Blushing Bride Wedding Stories Local couples say “I do”
Cover photo provided by Bliss Bridal Salon
San Joaquin
Bride & February Groom 2011 6
The Sweetest Thing Beautiful cakes from two local bakers
8
Color Trend Alert Honeysuckle takes over 2011 weddings
10
Center Of Attention Tablescapes set the mood & style of your reception
16
Real Weddings Two local couples tie the knot
20
The Return Of The Blushing Bride Modest gowns make a comeback
23
Bridal Bookshelf
23
Bridal Blooms Tips for beautiful florals on a budget
24
Bridal Directory
26
Wedding Countdown Your roadmap for planning your big day
February 2011
2011
The Return of the Blushing Bride Wedding Stories Local couples say “I do�
Cover photo provided by Bliss Bridal Salon
On the cover: Photo provided by Bliss Bridal Salon
e
San Joaquin
Bride & February Groom 2011 Publisher Roger Coover
Publications Director Deitr a R. Kenoly
Editor K aren Bakhtegan
Gr aphic Designers Jason Ente Dan Loeffelbein
San Joaquin Bride & Groom magazine is published quarterly by The Record, 530 E. Market Street, Stockton, CA 95202. All information written for publication in San Joaquin Bride & Groom magazine is believed to be accurate. Readers must assume all responsibility for their own actions based on this information. Occasionally a product or company may be named in an article, but does not constitute an endorsement of said product. San Joaquin Bride & Groom magazine assumes no responsibility for claims made by advertisers. Photos and content become the sole property of San Joaquin Bride & Groom magazine and may be used, published or edited without limit or obligation to the author. Copyright 2011. All rights reserved. Reproduction is prohibited without the permission of the publisher. For more information, go to http://brides.recordnet.com/
To advertise in the next issue of
call (209) 546-8200
The
6 | San Joaquin Bride & Groom • feBruary 2011
Specialty Cakes
Sweetest Thing
Specialty Cakes
Specialty Cakes
Specialty Cakes
A gallery of locally-made confections for your big day
Frosted Flour Cakery
Frosted Flour Cakery
Frosted Flour Cakery
Frosted Flour Cakery
Frosted Flour Cakery
8 | San Joaquin Bride & Groom • feBruary 2011
Honeysuckle COLOR TREND ALERT:
This spin on pink will be making an appearance in weddings of all seasons. It stands out all on its own and pairs well with an array of accent colors. Expect to see this color everywhere in 2011!
San Joaquin Bride & Groom • feBruary 2011 | 9
10 | San Joaquin Bride & Groom • feBruary 2011
A
Aside from your stunning gown, nothing will take your guests’ breath away like beautiful table settings at your reception. The centerpieces, linens, and dinnerware create a statement that defines your own personal style and sets the mood for your entire reception.
Venue: Lexington Plaza Waterfront Hotel, Stockton
PHOTOS BY LINDSAY ORTEZ
Florist:
Awesome Blossoms, Tracy (work featured on black & red and chocolate brown tables)
Tablescapes created by Kamica Lara and Sybil Walker of Heirloom Events
Rental items:
Guiffra’s Party Rentals, Lodi
(items featured on white & green and purple tables)
San Joaquin Bride & Groom • feBruary 2011| 13
Rental items:
Classic Party Rentals Modesto (items featured on blue, chocolate brown, black & red and orange tables)
Tablescapes created by Kamica Lara and Sybil Walker of Heirloom Events
16 | San Joaquin Bride & Groom • feBruary 2011
Wedding Album Natalie Tuel & Patrick McKeegan September 18, 2010
SAN JOAQUIN BRIDE & GROOM • FEBRUARY 2011 | 17
F
Family and friends were the priority for Natalie Tuel and Patrick McKeegan in September of 2010. Their goal was to provide a warm, welcoming, fun and intimate event for all, and the backyard settings were perfect: an aunt’s backyard for the ceremony, then a short trip to the bride’s parents’ backyard for the reception, riding on the back of a vintage fire steam engine, pulled by Clydesdale horses. An extra special touch to the day: Natalie’s grandfather, a minister, traveled from Oklahoma to proudly officate and pronouce them husband and wife. Music was provided by Good Vibrations, lighting by K & T Lights, flowers by Blossoms by Lisa; photographs by Aaron Hall, and catering by Papapavlo’s. The couple met in 2009, and became engaged in January of 2010 at Natalie’s family’s cabin in Tahoe. They enjoyed a fabulous honeymoon in Cozumel, Mexico, and returned to their jobs here in Stockton as a firefighter with the Stockton Fire Department for Patrick, and the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Department for Natalie. Patrick is the son of Greg and Ellen McKeegan and Natalie is the daughter of Jerry and Tami Tuel, all from Stockton.
18 | San Joaquin Bride & Groom • feBruary 2011
Kymberli Cook and David Williams October 31, 2010
A
By Kymberli Williams
A young female highelf was wandering, lost in Rivervale, when a halfling approached her. “Why are you here?” the halfling asked. “I’m not sure," she answered. "I was transported here, and now I can’t figure out how to get back to Felwithe.” “Oh, I can help you there," he responded, "Follow me. Are you new to the game?” And that was how we met – in an online video game. I was planning on moving to Texas in a few months to help my best friend. She was due to deliver her first child soon and I wanted to help her. Dave, the helpful halfling, mentioned he lived there, so while we played online together, we talked about Texas – the schools, towns and sights, which eventually led to dreams, thoughts and passions. As we leveled together in the game, we started to realize we cared for each other more than we thought. I was reluctant to become involved in an online relationship, while he wanted to try it out. He broke me down, and I agreed to meet him at the airport in Sacramento.
San Joaquin Bride & Groom • feBruary 2011 | 19
The few days he was here in California we were inseparable. I was flying to Texas a month later for a weeklong visit with my expectant friend. Before I arrived, Dave told me that upon his arrival home from his visit to California he had gone straight to the jeweler’s and bought an engagement ring. I thought he was kidding. We had only met once, even though we spoke almost daily. When my plane landed in Dallas, I drove to my best friend’s house. I was planning to stay there for a week, but ended up leaving two days later and driving five hours to San Antonio. I wanted to see Dave again, and spend the rest of my week with him. Before I got on the plane to come back home, Dave handed me a small box and said, “I told you I wasn’t kidding." I opened the box and found my dream engagement ring inside. Fast forward to October 2010… we were married in La Jolla, CA at Windansea Beach at sunset. Hair and makeup was done by Sarah Sale of Captiva Salon and Spa. Photography was done by Kat Reichmuth. Our reception was held at George’s at the Cove in La Jolla. Our wedding was officiated by Rev. Christopher Tuttle. The sand ceremony was prepared by Sand-Sational Ceremonies. Favors were candles made by Angela Trevino, half-bottles of Michael David Winery’s 7 Deadly Zins, and sandalwood fans wrapped in raffia with carved motherof-pearl plumeria flowers. Wedding colors were taken from peacock feathers, with black accents.
The
Return of the Blushing Bride
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Brides’ love affair with “show-and-tell” gowns that bare shoulders, bosoms and backs may be cooling down. Some of the freshest new looks – demure but still dramatic – leave a bit more to the imagination.
Strapless gowns still may rule the wedding aisle, but bridal silhouettes that are less baring with the help of tulle jackets, cap sleeves and higher necklines are beginning to elbow aside the popular, revealing look.
Photos provided by Bliss Bridal Salon
Bridal Bookshelf
22 | SAN JOAQUIN BRIDE & GROOM • FEBRUARY 2011
HOME FROM THE HONEYMOON
The Newlyweds’ Guide to the Celebrations and Challenges of the First Year of Marriage by Sharon Naylor (Stewart, Tabori & Chang) $16.95
Reads to Help You Get Ready
DO I HAVE TO WEAR WHITE?
Emily Post Answers America’s Top Wedding Questions by Anna Post (Collins Living) $14.95
WEDDING FLOWERS
by Antonia Swinson (Ryland Peters & Small) $9.95
GREEN WEDDING
Planning Your Eco-Friendly Celebration by Mireya Navarro (Stewart, Tabori & Chang) $35 Wedding Papercrafts by Jane Cassini & Ann Brownfield (Cico) $19.95
PMAT
The Perfect Marriage Aptitude Test by Mary Carty (Glitterati, Inc.) $18.95
101 WAYS TO SAVE MONEY ON YOUR WEDDING
by Barbara Cameron (Adams Media) $8.95
THE NEW ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO GAY AND LESBIAN WEDDINGS by Tess Ayers & Paul Brown (Alyson Books) $16.95
COLIN COWIE WEDDING CHIC
1,001 Ideas for Every Moment of Your Celebration by Colin Cowie (Clarkson Potter) $40
SURVIVING GROOMZILLA by Craig Bridger (Citadel) $9.95
THE GREEN BRIDE GUIDE
How to Create an Earth-Friendly Wedding on Any Budget by Kate L. Harrison (Sourcebooks Casablanca) $14.99
BRIDES, INC.
American Weddings and the Business of Tradition by Vicki Howard (University of Pennsylvania Press) $19.95
Dollars & Sense • Choose flowers that will be in season when your wedding day arrives. Blooms that are grown locally will be more affordable and fresher. • Put the bulk of your budget toward flowers for the reception site. Create something dramatic in a few key spots rather than placing numerous smaller items here and there. Entrances and passageways work well, as do any area where your eye naturally travels, like architectural elements. • Consider using masses of inexpensive flowers like white carnations or chrysanthemums instead of roses. • Arrange small bud vases with just one or two flowers and cluster them together. Component-oriented arrangements that are made up of groupings of vases can be taken home by guests at the end of the night.
Meaningful Accents • Bridal bouquets can be hand-tied, cascading and on-the-arm (for bigger flowers or those with longer stems), but regardless of what you opt for, the presentation can be much more meaningful if you add a creative accent to your handheld flora. • Tie a handkerchief that belongs your mother or someone special in your life around the stems, which comes in hand for tears and nervous palms. • Wire beads or crystals on the hand-held part of the bouquet. After the wedding, have them strung on a bracelet or pendant for a keepsake. • Make a wish bouquet, where each bridesmaid writes a wish for you on a small piece of paper, folds it into a ribbon-like strip, then pins or ties the wishes into your bouquet for good luck. After the ceremony, save them for your scrapbook.
Bridal Blooms
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You’ll want to carry beautiful flowers on your wedding day, but if your flower budget isn’t all you wish it could be, utilize these tips to do more with less:
24 | San Joaquin Bride & Groom • feBruary 2011
Beauty & Spa
Bakeries
6231 Pacific Avenue #3, Stockton (209) 472-8700
904 W. Lodi Avenue, Lodi (209) 369-2253
Bridal Apparel & Tuxedos
Genova Bakery
Renew Hair and Body Lounge
Bliss Bridal Salon 306 Lincoln Center, Stockton (209) 473-9200
The Elizabeth Bridal 20 S. School Street, Lodi (209) 369-9046
Maxine’s Bridal Center 5 E. Harding Way, Stockton (209) 463-4041
Frosted Flour Cakery and Supplies
749 N. Sierra Nevada Street, Stockton (209) 466-6145
Bridal Showers/ Luncheons Tots and Teapots
2319 Pacific Avenue, Stockton 594-0556
Event Planners
Heirloom Events (209) 234-0414
Flowers
San Fr ancisco Flor al 2001 Pacific Avenue (209) 466-4973
Gift Registry Dillard’s
4950 Pacific Avenue, Stockton (209) 477-1230
San Joaquin Bride & Groom • feBruary 2011 | 25
Jewelers Danz Jewelers
220 S. School Street, Lodi (209) 369-0424
Gary J. Long Jewelers 320 Lincoln Center, Stockton (209) 477-6881
Real Estate Sheree Cox/Grupe Real Estate
3428 Brookside Road, Stockton (209) 955-5522
Tanning
Glo Tanning Salon and Boutique 5634 N. Pershing Avenue, Stockton (209) 474-3288
Videogr aphy Media Fusion Studios 1833 W. March Lane, Stockton (209) 957-4003
Wedding & Reception Facilities
Wine & Roses Hotel Restaur ant - Spa 2505 W. Turner Road, Lodi (209) 371-6117
Woodbridge Golf & Country Club 800 E. Woodbridge Road, Woodbridge (209) 369-2371
Wedding Chapels
Morris Chapel – UOP 3601 Pacific Avenue, Stockton (209) 946-2538
cC oO uU nN tT dD oO wW nN
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Perfect Wedding
Congratulations! You’re in love, you’ve set a wedding date, and soon you will be married. Between the romance and the ritual, however, there’s some work to be done. A wedding celebration can be as simple or as elaborate as you and your groom choose to make it. Newly engaged couples who resist plunging pell-mell into the planning process may be the most successful planners of all. First, take a moment to dream. Summon up a clear image of the wedding you and your groom want – the image, feel and atmosphere – before you take a single step.
to Your
Before rushing out to book a hall, order hors d’oeuvres and ice down the champagne, seek clarity. Who are you and your fiancé? Who, and what, is important to you? Take the time to define your idea of an ideal wedding. This will pay off later, helping with the decision-making for your ceremony and reception. When you’ve decided on the overall tone for your special day, it’s time to get down to business. Couples who tackle wedding planning pragmatically, as if it were a workrelated project, tend to survive the process with greater ease.
Think of yourself as project managers. Establish an overall framework for completing the work, set specific intermediate deadlines, schedules and goals and divide the tasks. Taken one small job at a time, the detail-laden job becomes less overwhelming. Here is our suggested timetable for the steps you should take in the months, weeks and days leading up to your wedding. Start here to envision and plan the wedding of your dreams.
SAN JOAQUIN BRIDE & GROOM • FEBRUARY 2011 27
9-12 months before your wedding • Choose your wedding date. If you plan to be married in a church, temple or mosque or in a religious service at home, clear the date and time with your clergy. • Announce your engagement in local newspapers. • Set your budget. Take time for a heart-to-heart talk with your fiancé about the budget and style of your wedding, reception and weddingrelated parties, and who pays for what. • Enlist help. Consider hiring a bridal consultant. If your budget won’t stretch that far, ask relatives and close friends to assist you in specific tasks – selecting a dress, interviewing caterers, locating a reception site – especially in areas where you feel you need support.
• Compose your guest list. Let out-oftown guests know your wedding is in the works so they can make travel plans. • Reserve your reception site. • Choose your wedding attendants. • Select your wedding gown, shoes and accessories. • Decide on bridesmaids’ dresses. • Determine the theme or mood you’d like to establish with the food, table settings, flowers and entertainment at your reception. • Interview caterers, musicians, florists, photographers, videographers and bakers. Get written estimates of their costs. Keep track of your discussions and their bids in a notebook or with wedding-planning software.
6 months
before your wedding • Choose your caterer. Remember to get a written contract. • Choose your musician(s). • Book your photographer and/or videographer. • Select your baker and order the cake. • Choose your florist. • Decide on your color scheme. • Shop for wedding rings with your fiancé. • Decide on your honeymoon destination. Work with a travel agent to book your travel and accommodations. • Select your wedding invitations. Don’t forget to purchase personal stationery for the thank-you notes you’ll need to write.
28 | San Joaquin Bride & Groom • feBruary 2011
4 months
3 months
before your wedding
before your wedding • Register for gifts at one or more bridal-gift registries. • Help both mothers to coordinate and shop for their wedding-day attire. • Select music for your ceremony and reception. • Choose readings for your wedding and write your wedding vows. • Plan a rehearsal dinner for members of your wedding party, your family and out-of-town guests. Reserve the location. • Arrange hotel accommodations for members of the wedding party who live out of town. Reserve a block of rooms for other out-of-town guests, and let them know the rooms are
•
• • •
available. Remember to ask for any group discounts or special packages. Reserve your wedding-day transportation and any other wedding-day rental needs. Make appointments for gown fittings. Check the requirements for a marriage license. Make sure contracts and arrangements are complete with all of your service providers.
• Carefully prepare directions, including simply drawn maps, if necessary, to help guide guests to the wedding and reception, and to hotels. For guests who will travel a long distance to your wedding, consider assembling an information package on fun things to do and see in your area. • Begin addressing invitations and announcements. Select a special stamp at the post office. Invitations should go in the mail six to eight weeks before your big day. • Give the caterer or other food suppliers a close idea of the number of guests you expect. • Make sure all reservations are in place for honeymoon travel.
San Joaquin Bride & Groom • feBruary 2011 29
3 months
before your wedding, continued • Check with bridesmaids to make sure they have their gowns and are getting them adjusted. • Shop for gifts for your bridesmaids. Offer to help your fiancé select gifts for his attendants. • Select your “going away” outfit and special items for your trousseau. • Make a date with your photographer for any formal portraits you desire. • Make an appointment to have your hair done just before your portrait session and again the day or so before your wedding. Consider including your bridesmaids in a “day of beauty” before your wedding, with manicures, hair styling, massages and makeup sessions.
2 months
before your wedding
• Mail out your wedding invitations and announcements. • Have wedding portraits taken. • Send bridal portrait and wedding announcement to newspapers for publication. • Finalize the music that will be played during your wedding ceremony. • Meet with musicians who will provide entertainment during your reception, and orchestrate precisely what you want and when you want it played. • Don’t be shy to voice your preferences, down to the volume, favorite songs you’d like to hear, or even songs you don’t want played.
1 month
2 weeks
before your wedding • Get your wedding license. • Have a final fitting of your gown and make sure your attendants have theirs. • Check that your menu selections and service plans are locked in place with the caterer. • Purchase a special book to keep track of wedding gifts as they arrive. • Keep writing those thank-you notes on a daily basis! • If you plan a formal dinner for your reception, it’s time to draw up a seating plan and make up place cards. • Check with your florist to confirm dates and times of flower deliveries. • Review your wedding-day transportation plans and make sure drivers are clear about addresses,
• Plan your rehearsal dinner and a brunch or fun activity for out-oftown guests to enjoy on the day following your wedding. • Purchase special accessories for your wedding-day attire. • Plan a luncheon for your bridesmaids. • Make appointments for a hairdresser, makeup artist and manicurist. • Finalize honeymoon plans. If you’re traveling overseas, check again that your passports are current, and that you have any necessary visas. • Gather necessary birth or baptismal certificates you may need for your wedding license.
before your wedding times and number of passengers. • Make name or address changes official on documents, including driver’s license, Social Security forms and financial accounts. Fill out change-of-address forms at the post office. • Meet with your photographer to specify the formal shots you want taken of the bridal party, as well as specific, candid shots you’d like taken during the reception. • Review the video plans with your videographer.
• Keep writing those thank-you notes for wedding gifts! • Pick up your wedding rings. Make sure any special engraving appears precisely as you wished. • Begin packing for your honeymoon.
30 | San Joaquin Bride & Groom • feBruary 2011
1 week
The day before your wedding
• Make final checks with all your vendors: officiant, musicians, florist, photographer, videographer, limousine or other transportation provider, caterers and baker. • Ask a friend or family member to arrange for wedding gifts that may be brought to your reception to be delivered to your home or another safe spot. • Wrap gifts for bridal attendants and have them ready for the rehearsal dinner. • Purchase traveler’s checks and reconfirm honeymoon travel and hotel plans. • See that checks are written and ready to be handed out to vendors at the agreed-upon time. • Inform your caterer of the final number of guests. Confirm that out-of-town guests are set with hotel accommodations, transportation and wedding-day directions.
• Take time to relax and enjoy a massage, manicure and pedicure. • Traditionally, this is the day for your rehearsal ceremony and rehearsal dinner. Have fun! • Turn in early for a good night’s sleep.
before your wedding
Your wedding day • Allow plenty of time for dressing, makeup and hair styling. • If you plan on photography before the ceremony, allow ample time so you’re not rushed. • Relax, and remember: This is your special day, the result of all your careful planning. Now it’s time to enjoy. Take a deep breath. Refuse to let any glitch get to you. Savor every moment of this sacred day. Let your joy and happiness shine through. Best wishes! © CTW Features