spring 2017
A special publication of
Turlock Journal
Ceres Courier
2 | BRIDAL GUIDE 2017
Love at first sight
Come in and see your engagement specialist and personalize the perfect ring for your loved one
209.668.GOLD Family owned and has been serving Turlock for over 33 years, providing excellent products to all. Use #GeigersFineJewelry to share your moments with us!
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3
A Beautiful
Starts Here‌
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Together we will create joyful memories you will cherish generation after generation. Whether it is a traditional or ethnic wedding ceremony, corporate event or something very unique, we will make sure your day is exactly how you want.
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4 | BRIDAL GUIDE 2017
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5
6 Embrace the Season. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Go Bold. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Open Bar. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Hailee & Vincent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Valerie & David . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Brianna & Richard. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Crystal & Carnell. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Are You Registered?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Timeline. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Budget Basics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Yonan’s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 #Married. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
C O N T E N T S Publisher Editor Cover & Ad Design Writing & Photography Advertisement
Hank Vander Veen Kristina Hacker Harold L. George & Sharon Hoffman Angelina Martin, Alysson Aredas, Kristina Hacker Beth Flanagan & Tara Levy
To advertise in the next special section contact the advertising department at (209) 634-9141.
6 | TECHNOLOGY
#married
O
ur parents put disposable cameras on every reception table; we have Instagram. Creating a personalized hashtag is the hottest new trend to hit weddings and can be a great way to gather photos from your special day
Especially moments that you may have missed because you were busy taking family portraits, or just staring at your spouse thinking, “I can’t believe we’re married.” Best of all, hashtags, by their very nature, collect all of the photos attached to it in one place. No idea where to begin? Just keep in mind that the ultimate goal is usability: You want people to use it so you can see the aggregate of fantastic photos. There are several wedding hashtag generators out there if you’re feeling creatively crippled. (Weddinghashtagwall. com and weddingwire.com are two such
sites.) But remember wedding hashtags are personal, so don’t overthink it. Here are a few tips to get you started:
Keep It Simple
Start with some combination of your names: First, last, nicknames, initials. Your hashtag should not only be a reflection of the two of you but also be easy to remember. Capitalizing the beginning of each word in your hashtag keeps the message clear and helps people distinguish what you are saying (for example, #MeagenandCarter). Bonus: It doesn’t matter if your guests capitalize every word. It will work either way.
Have Fun with It
Play with turns of phrase, idioms and alliteration! Think: #ForeverYoung, #WeberWedding, #HappilyEverAllard. After you think you have a few you really like, check and see if others have used them. Chances are you won’t be the first couple to use #MeantTo Be. Hashtags are public, and depending on how popular your favorite one is, you might not want to have to wade through hundreds of photos of other people’s weddings to find yours. Numbers are a great way to set your hashtag apart from the rest. Think wed-
ding date or year, or another number that holds special meaning to you.
Advertise It
Once you’ve successfully chosen your hashtag, spread the word. Make sure it is prominently displayed on your wedding website and save the dates. It should also appear in multiple locations at your reception. Couples have chosen to display their hashtag everywhere from welcome signs to cocktail napkins. Make sure your guests don’t have to search too hard, and your wedding hashtag will be a social media hit.
WHAT’S SPECIAL ABOUT SPRING? | 7
Embrace the Season T
ruth: If you are a bride planning a spring wedding, you’ve spent some time agonizing over wedding day weather.
And, let’s face it, while spring brings with it all the charms of colorful flowers and warmer days, it is also notorious for its unpredictable weather patterns. It could (and will) rain when you least expect it. Instead of fretting over inclement weather, use these four tips to embrace the season.
Trust Trust Your Your Vendors Vendors … …
Wedding vendors are skilled professionals, and it is very likely that your wedding is not their first. This means they understand the unpredictability of the weather and have had to deal with the issues that arise because of it. They understand that this day is one you will remember forever, and they would rather be remembered as a venue or florist that took the stress out of your day rather than having added to it.
… But Not Too Much
Just because they are skilled professionals doesn’t mean you should trust that they will all offer the same level of service. Make sure you read the fine print in each vendor contract to understand their approach to handling inclement weather. If you are having an outdoor ceremony or
reception, understand if a backup location is provided or if that responsibility falls on you. If you are planning on having live music, check with your band. Some musicians feel uncomfortable playing near rain because of what the dampness might do to their instruments and equipment.
Accessorize
Planning for rain opens the door for colorful accessories. Purchase matching umbrellas for you and your spouse — or just one large one to share. Rain boots in a cheerful color will brighten any dreary day, even becoming conversation-starters or show-stealers during picture time.
Use The Rain
The rain can be a great prop, and you have the chance to capture amazing photos you wouldn’t have the opportunity to capture on a sunny day. Most wedding photographers have had to deal with rainy weddings before and are skilled at using the rain as a backdrop. Don’t be afraid to get wet. The tuxes are rented. The dress will be laundered. Embracing your day for what it is will only add to its beauty.
8 | COLORS
W
hite may still be the charming and traditional choice for a wedding dress, but colors from blush to black are making their way down the aisle in quick and bold fashion. Let your personality shine through in full color. Here are a few pros and cons to the most popular whitealternatives.
BLUSH
Blush is a term that has been used to describe many different colors, ranging from a golden champagne color to a deeper rose. Typically, blush-colored dresses are a pale pink — as if your white dress were “blushing.” Pro: The color is subtle and soft. Wearing a blush dress can lend a romantic note to your celebration. While definitely not white, it also doesn’t rock the boat of tradition too much. Con: It may not look great on everyone. Like red lipstick, you have to find your shade. Pick the right shade for your skin tone and the result is classic and romantic. Pick the wrong shade and you could look washed out or naked. Bringing a friend or family member with you — people you can count on being honest and having your best interests at heart — is a great way to figure out what shades look better on you if you are unsure.
BLACK
Once reserved for funerals and boardrooms, black has made its way into the wedding industry in the past few years, and the results are stunning. Pro: It’s bold, and it makes a clear statement. Brides have been wearing white since Queen Victoria brought it in vogue in 1840. Wearing white is a beautiful and classic choice, and one that guests expect. Choosing white’s antithesis is not only a completely vintage choice (before Queen Victoria, brides always wore color), but unexpected. If you are looking for a “wow” factor, black will certainly deliver. Con: While fashion has brought us a long way, there are still some who consider black to be a color of mourning, and you might have invited such people to your wedding. The key to overcoming this obstacle is not caring. If you feel beautiful, then you will be stunning.
BLUE
From pale silver to dark midnight, blue is a unique option that can both surprise and delight your guests. Pro: Your “something blue” is covered. Blue also lends a certain fairytale quality to weddings. Cinderella anyone? Con: There is the potential that it will look more like prom and less like your wedding day. The style of your dress is key. Consider implementing less sparkle on the dress and letting the beautiful color stand on its own. If you still crave a bit of glitter, wear a jeweled headpiece or shoes. Want to incorporate color in your attire in more subtle ways? Wear a sash around your waist in a bold color that matches your flowers and decor. Or wear colorful shoes and have your groom wear matching socks that you flash on the dance floor or whenever you sit down.
FOOD | 9
Open Bar
H
ave fun planning your wedding reception by thinking outside the traditional sit-down dinner and wedding cake. Serving food at stations or “bar style” can be a fun option for offering up (un)traditional fare in a fresh way. Whether you want to incorporate a food bar just for appetizers or dessert, or you are looking to forego a formal dinner, these tasty and innovative stations are one more way to show your guests who you are as a couple.
Here are a few reception bars that have nothing to do with cocktails: Fondue Station
Cheese or chocolate? Both are crowd-pleasers and both offer a variety of tasty dipping accoutrement that will delight guests. Fondue works great during cocktail hour, or in addition to or in lieu of wedding cake.
Candy Bar
No cake? No problem. Satisfy your guests’ sweet tooths by showcasing your favorite candies in clear glass jars, like you’d see in a vintage drugstore. You can even offer small paper bags or boxes so that guests can fill them and take them home, doubling your dessert as guest favors.
Antipasto
Think crostini station, the intersection at which crusty breads meets your choice of tomato bruschettas, olive tapenades, spicy salamis and a variety of cheeses.
Popcorn Bar
What is a better late night snack than popcorn? If you plan on dancing the night away with your guests, a popcorn bar could be a fantastic addition to your reception. You can offer various flavors, such as movie style, cheese or kettle corn. Encourage guests to spice it up with different salts or spices, such as cinnamon or paprika.
The best part about reception bars? Your imagination is the limit. Virtually any food can be turned into a chic, self-serve station. They are totally customizable to your taste, personality, and even geography. Hosting a southern fete? Offer a biscuit bar with various spreads and toppings. Or a sweet tea bar with assorted syrups guests can add, such as peach or raspberry. Never been a fan of the traditional “chicken or beef ” option? Create a taco station. Any one of these is sure to be something your guests remember forever.
10 | TYING THE KNOT
Hailee Vincent MARRIED FEBRUARY 11, 2017
Q A
How did you two meet and become engaged?
Vince and I met at Dutcher Middle School and we became best friends. We started dating October of our senior year in high school and have been together ever since. Vince received a full ride baseball scholarship to Oklahoma State University. For the next five years Vince and I made long distance work. Vince moved back to Turlock and started working in the Bay Area while I finished up my credential program at Stanislaus State University.
Finally, we were back in the same zip code! Vince’s family has a cabin in Cold Springs and we go up there all the time. We had a cabin trip planned, but this one was especially memorable. We got up to the cabin and everything was covered in snow. We started to unpack all of our things and Vince asked me to come help him on the deck. At first I told him no because it was so cold outside, but Vince insisted that I help him. We went outside on the deck. The deck overlooks the national forest and the view is always breathtaking. It was
absolutely gorgeous outside with everything covered in snow. We were standing out on the deck then it started to snow, and Vince proposed. Of course, I said yes! We went back inside where both of our families were and celebrated our engagement.
Q A
here did you get married W and why did you choose this place?
We got married at The Century in Modesto. Vince and I knew we were going to be inviting 300 people to the wedding. When looking for
venues near us we didn’t find very many that could potentially accommodate 300 people. I ran across The Century while looking online and set a meeting up to get more information. We met with Erin Doran, who owns The Century. From our very first meeting The Century was highly organized, friendly and made everything stress-free. The Century helped coordinate everything for our special day and we would do it again in a heartbeat. Words cannot describe how amazing The Century and their staff are. Planning a wedding can be stressful, but not
11
A
It was very important for us to have all of our closest family and friends at our wedding. We did not want to go outside the area to get married because then we knew not everyone would be able to make it. The Century was the only venue in our area that was willing and able to accommodate our guest list.
stop shop. We could have gotten
Our wedding ceremony and reception were both at The Century. They created a beautiful, romantic and whimsical wedding.
Q
able to just talk to The Century
Q
A
if you go through The Century. We were able to get everything we needed for our wedding through The Century. They created our flowers, decor, altar and so much more.
Q A
What was the overall theme of your wedding/reception?
hat elements of your W wedding/reception were especially meaningful?
hat advice would you like W to share with other couples planning their wedding?
I think everyone needs to find a venue like The Century. They were like a one-
everything we needed for our wedding through them. They offered flowers, decor, photo booths, cakes and so much more. We didn’t have to coordinate with different vendors, which can cause confusion and frustration. We were and they handled everything. Their staff was always up to date on what was happening not only with our wedding, but with our personal life as well.
12 | TYING THE KNOT
Valerie David
Announce your engagement!
DATE OF WEDDING SEPTEMBER 23, 2017
Q A
How did you two meet and become engaged?
We met in sixth grade and had a couple different classes together. We were always really good friends throughout the years, and finally started dating our junior year in high school. David proposed on a mini vacation that we took to Monterey for the weekend and he proposed along the beach.
Q A
here will you get married W and why did you choose this place?
We will be getting married in Waterford at a place called Majestic Oaks. We chose it because of it being along the water and having a ton of trees,
and a beautiful scenery. It fits us perfectly!
Q A
What is the overall theme of the wedding/reception?
Our theme will be rustic and maybe elegant as well. We’ve added a lot of our own touches to things.
Q A
hat elements of your W wedding/reception are especially meaningful?
Our wedding favors would be the most meaningful to us. Throughout middle school we always shared orange Tic Tacs together so being that it’s been something we’ve shared, we decided to make them our favors. Our cake as well is meaningful
because it will be a “storybook” theme about us. We’re also really excited to have our dog in the wedding as well, as our ring bearer!
Q A
Announce your engagement!
hat advice would you like W to share with other couples planning their wedding?
The one big advice that I have is realizing that it’s just one day. The closer it gets, I realize people aren’t going to remember the tiny details that you’re stressed about now. Remember, it’s about you and your future husband and you won’t please everyone. Enjoy your day together!
Call Jennifer at
209.634.9141 Call Jennifer at 209.634.9141
13
Brianna Richard DATE OF WEDDING AUGUST 5, 2017
Q A
How did you two meet and become engaged?
having a hard time finding something within our budget and not too far away to accommodate our guests, and when we found this place we weren’t too sure until we visited in person, and we ended up loving it!
We were actually neighbors as we grew up, but didn’t formally meet until junior high where we had a history class together. In high school, we ended up doing theater together and we clicked What is the overall theme of the instantly. He was my best friend for a wedding/reception? while and on Jan. 1, 2011 he asked me to be his girlfriend. So, we dated for about We don’t really have a theme other than family. Our whole wedding five years and in July 2015, while we were visiting Disneyland, he proposed to me in party is family and a lot of our decor is front of Cinderella’s Castle after watching family-related. the fireworks show. It was a total surprise and beautiful. hat elements of your wedding/ W reception are especially meaningful? Where will you get married and why did you choose this place? For me, Richard’s grandma is making all of our centerpieces, We are getting married at Evanshire Gardens in Ceres. We were actually bridal bouquets and boutonnières. It
Q A
Q A
Q A
means so much to me to be able to have her do this because I know she’s doing it with all her heart. For him, he thinks the first dance is going to be the most meaningful element, because it’ll be our most intimate moment as newlyweds.
Q
hat advice would you like to W share with other couples planning
A
Talk, talk, talk. Sometimes men make it seem like they aren’t really
their wedding?
interested in the details, but it’s their big day too! Plan together, laugh while you do it, and definitely give yourself enough time. Stress will come no matter what, but take a deep breath because it will fly by. Have fun!
14 | TYING THE KNOT
Crystal Carnell DATE OF WEDDING APRIL 15, 2017
Q A
How did you two meet and become engaged?
In November 2008 my best friend had invited me to a basketball tournament in Modesto to meet up with a guy friend she was interested in. Blair (Carnell) also got invited to a basketball game that night to be a wingman for his friend. When we met up that night we immediately both felt a connection. We had my son Isaiah on April 9, 2017 and had my daughter Malaiah August 26, 2013. After many years, both good and bad, we both had the desire to get married and work through life together. Blair proposed to me on August 27, 2016 at my daughter’s 3rd birthday party. I was expecting him to do it on my birthday on September 8 but I was in total shock that he had that planned out.
Q A
here will you get married W and why did you choose this place?
After much research and because we planned out our wedding in six months we decided
that Ceres Community Center was best for us. I also liked that we would be able to set up as soon as they open at 8:30 am and it was a flat rate not per hour.
Q A
What is the overall theme of the wedding/reception?
The overall theme for our wedding is “elegant romance” with a splash of glitz. My floral arrangements are being done by Rachel Sarkis-Attaway who works at Petals in Turlock and she really spent time with me to get the atmosphere right for the wedding. We created centerpieces with roses and hydrangeas that give the wedding a romantic feeling. We also used Phalenopsis orchids in our centerpieces that are giving the elegance for the décor. We decided that we didn’t want specific colors but we wanted glitters like gold, rose gold, and silver.
Q A
hat elements of your W wedding/reception are especially meaningful? I think for us we wanted to focus on certain elements
in our wedding. I couldn’t wait to have my daughter and great grandma walking down the aisle as flower girls. I had read about granny flower girls and I was in love with the idea. I had already picked out baskets and planned to have flower tiaras. On February 24 my great-grandmother had a stroke so I had to switch gears and it has been hard to come to terms with her not even being able to attend the wedding. We asked my uncle Tyler Boyd to be the Ceremony Officiant for our wedding and my aunt Connie Boyd to stand up with him and be a part of this moment with us. They both have been great supporters for us through this journey for our relationship. It was important to us to have both of them there and being included at our big day! For the wedding day I felt it was important to find a dress and feeling that it was the right one. I customized a dress from Bianca’s Bridal in Modesto and I love it so much. I also wanted to feel gorgeous that day so I hired Christian Alvarez as my make up artist (www.christianalvarezmua. com). I also wanted the bridal party feeling confident so I hired
him to do the ladies in my bridal party. We are both really excited for this day to come and being able to share it with our children and family is very exciting
Q A
hat advice would you like W to share with other couples planning their wedding?
We both had many different ideas about our wedding and how it would be. I thought we would go far and maybe do a small celebration here. Blair wanted something local to make sure his grandmother would attend. I think it’s best to talk it out and see what are the most important things and what stuff can be compromised. It is very stressful especially when others have inputs on how it should be, but it’s good to remember this wedding is special to you and your partner so as long as you both agree no other opinions should matter. The only other advice would be that life happens and things are sometimes out of our control but we have to figure out and adjust to life.
GIFTS | 15
Are You Registered ? R
egistering for your wedding can be a great way to stock up on everything you need to begin your married life, as well as help guide your guests to items you would most enjoy receiving.
However, a registration list can also be stressful to create. What do you need the most? How much do you need? Where do you register? Here are some of the most important things to remember as you navigate through the process:
• Do set up your registries early and check them often. As soon as you announce your nuptials, you will have guests who want to know where you are registered. To avoid receiving unwanted items, register as soon as possible. You will also want to check your registries often to make sure that as guests purchase items, there are still gifts at a variety of price points from which others can choose. • Do register at more than one place. This is important for several reasons. First, guests may prefer one retailer to another. Perhaps they don’t like to shop online and certain shops are easier for them to visit. Registering at multiple locations also allows you and your significant other to pick out a variety of items. Choose retailers that you and your spouse enjoy shopping at frequently. Many vendors have registry programs that allow couples to purchase items left on their registries at a discounted price after their wedding date has passed. • Don’t overlook the everyday items. Even if you already have a house or
apartment, or you and your spouse are living together and you think you have everything you need. There are items that you will never stop needing, or not want multiples of. Already have a toaster, pots and pans, and flatware? Use this opportunity to upgrade your bath towels, or register for another set of bed sheets in a fun print and high thread count.
• Don’t request cash. It is always going to be tacky to outright request a dollar amount from your guests. If you and your spouse are trying to save for a big-ticket item, such as a house or your honeymoon, set up a registry account. This allows guests to feel like they are contributing to your future, instead of handing over an impersonal check or gift card. Also expect that some guests will want to give you a tangible gift no matter what. • Do it together. Creating a wedding registry is not only a time for you and your spouse to bond but to mesh your styles into one. Discussing patterns and color preferences now will make putting it all away and using it more enjoyable later. • Do write prompt and personalized thank you notes. There is no exception. You must thank every person who gives you a gift. Customize each thank you card by mentioning the gift and how
you plan to enjoy it. “Thank you so much for the salad bowl, Aunt Wilma. I can’t wait to use it at our first dinner party!”
This will show that you were thinking of that guest, and her thank you card isn’t a carbon copy of another.
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16 | BRIDAL GUIDE 2017
9-12 Months away froM the date
4-6
1-2
Months away froM the date
n Make your decision about the type of wedding you want and how many guests may attend. n Announce your engagement in the newspaper. n Decide your budgetary parameters. n Pick a date and time. n Find and book your ceremony and reception locales. n Register for your gift registry.
n Check the requirements for a marriage license. n Select and reserve the men’s attire. n Confirm the date and time with all your contracted services. n Make reservations for a limousine. n Order invitations, stationary, gifts, and favors. n Finish guest list. n Select a cake.
6-9
n Schedule a final fitting for the bridal party and the groomsmen. n Set your final consultations with contracted services. n Pick up wedding rings. n Buy gift for groom/bride. n Establish a seating chart for reception and write placement cards.
2-4
Months away froM the date
Months away froM the date
n Shop for your wedding rings. n Make your wedding attendant selections. n Select your officiant, photographer, florist, videographer, caterer, musicians/DJ, and cake baker. n Set honeymoon plans. n Start shopping for wedding and bridesmaids dresses. n Begin a guest list.
• Weddings Because money • 50TH Anniversariesdoesn't grow on • Senior Portraits NEED A • Families • Children • Couples • Babies
Months away froM the date
n Mail out invitations. n Schedule rehearsal dinner. n Make appointments with hairdresser, make-up artist, manicurist, and any other beauty professionals that will be needed on the day of the wedding.
n Confirm the menu and the wedding cake. n Buy your guest book, champagne glasses, and any other accessories needed for the day of the wedding.
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17
Turlock Journal
1-2
weeks away from the date
Bridal Guide 2012
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
7
the day of the wedding
n Assign attendant responsibilities; i.e. who has the payments for the DJ, official, etc. n Book a spa appointment. n Hold rehearsal dinner. n Pack bags for honeymoon. n Review all the details with photographer, florist, videographer, etc. n Give a final count to caterer.
n Give yourself plenty of time to get ready. n Make sure you have two witnesses to sign the marriage certificate. n Take a moment for yourself and have fun!
Stanislaus County Fair
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Life Starts eception halls of every size — from 40 to 400 guests. in the Kitchen. ncludes ample parking! eautiful tree-lined grounds perfect for outdoor weddings.
elicious full-service catering available or use your favorite caterer instead! xciting marriage announcements on the electronic sign. (Corner of Fulkerth & Golden State)
tanislaus County Fairgrounds!
900 N. Broadway Turlock, CA 95380 Call to Reserve Your Special Date! (209) 238-3000 • 2424 Ave., Modesto • www.DirectAppliance.com (209) 668-1333 Ext.McHenry 303 www.stancofair.com
18 | MONEY
Budget Basics
F
or many couples, a wedding is the first major event they have ever had to plan and execute. It also might be the first time they have prepared and followed a budget, which is no small feat.
The equation for creating a wedding budget is seemingly simple: Think about what type of wedding you want, think about what type of wedding you can afford, and hope that those two images align as much as possible. The cost of the average American wedding is on the rise at roughly $32,000, according to a survey conducted by wedding planning giant The Knot. However, a wedding does not need to be a costly affair. While it is easy to witness other couples’ weddings or view endless stylized photos on Pinterest and feel like there is a standard to which you must adhere, most couples that go over budget do so not because they are trying to keep up with the Joneses. They spend beyond their budget because of assumptions they made and hidden costs, which add up quickly when you don’t stay as informed as possible.
Set Priorities
The entire day is important to you. It’s your wedding day. But if you had to pick three things that you would rather not compromise on, what would they be? Write them down. Now let the stress of everything else go. Knowing what your priorities are and being on the same page as your spouse will help keep you both accountable. Also when planning your budget, keep in mind the things that are important to you — not just in the wedding, but afterward. This will help guide you toward financially smart choices. You don’t want buyer’s remorse over the money you could have put toward a new car or apartment.
process, you might come to find that you allocated much less for photography than your local industry demands. You might not need as much money for music as you originally thought because your cousin’s up-and-coming band offered to play at a family discount. Regularly evaluating and reevaluating your budget keeps you on top of what things are actually costing you and allows you to reallocate funds as necessary.
Have The Talk
As uncomfortable as it is to talk about money, especially with loved ones, it is necessary for creating and maintaining a successful budget. Talk with your spouse. Talk with each of your parents and anyone else who might be contributing to your celebration. You don’t want to be in a position where you thought your parents were going to contribute a certain amount toward your wedding, only to find out halfway through that they are contributing much less, or not at all. It is not anyone else’s responsibility to pay for your wedding, but if someone does wish to contribute, you need to know how much.
Constantly Reevaluate
It is also important to realize that the categories you create in your budget exist to help guide you but are not set in stone numbers. Through your planning
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Contact Kellie Corkery, Event Sales to start planning your wedding at one of the finest country clubs in the valley
10532 N. Golf Link Rd. • Turlock, Ca 95380 •209.634.5471 www.turlockgcc.com
FLORAL | 19
Yonan’s Floral Turlock’s one-stop shop for wedding needs BY ANGELINA MARTIN
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ince 2001, Yonan’s Floral has been Turlock’s go-to source for wedding planning and decorating, providing brides with quality flowers at an affordable price.
From bouquets to centerpieces and everything in between, including linens, dishware, boutonnieres and lighting, Yonan’s offers full package services for weddings all in one spot, saving future newlyweds the time and effort of finding individual vendors for each aspect of their wedding planning. “We’re pretty much your one-stop shop for all of your wedding needs,” said Ailin Yadegarian of Yonan’s Floral. “When you use different vendors, it makes it really hard because when people don’t work together, they don’t know the colors and the themes of your wedding. When you do everything in one place, we know what’s going to work together and what’s not.” When Yadegarian begins planning a wedding for a couple, she first sits down with the bride and groom to discuss their vision for the special day. She then puts together a PowerPoint presentation for the pair, detailing every aspect of their wedding, from the types of flowers that will be used to the colors on the tablecloths. Yonan’s specially imports most of their flowers from Ecuador, said Yadegarian, which tend to be larger and last longer than
flowers grown in the United States. “They’re not like California-grown flowers – there is a big difference,” she said. Throughout the flower shop’s nearly 20 years of doing business in Turlock, Yonan’s has grown close to the city’s community, donating flowers, gift cards and baskets for charities and fundraisers of all types. “People know us and they trust us,” said Yadegarian. “We go the extra mile that other people don’t.” Throughout her years as a wedding planner with Yonan’s, Yadegarian has grown to be an expert at spotting wedding trends, and in turn incorporates those style into her clients’ ceremonies. This year, greenery is in, she said, with brides opting for natural-looking bouquets and foliage that falls from centerpieces, giving receptions an “enchanted forest look.” The trendy colors for weddings in 2017 are pastels, she added, including peach and blush colors. “I just love putting it all together and making my client happy and excited about their wedding,” said Yadegarian. “I like to help them have their dream wedding and not stress about their day.”