spring 2018
A special publication of
Turlock Journal
Ceres Courier
2 | BRIDAL GUIDE 2018
Say “I do” with the perfect ring Come in and see your Engagement Specialist and personalize the perfect ring for your loved one.
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3
A Beautiful
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4 | BRIDAL GUIDE 2018
5 Plan An Elegant Tea. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 An Intimate Affair. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Elicia & Josh. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Alexandrea & Martin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 All About The Hair. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Choosing Bridesmaids Dresses. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Thank You Card Etiquette . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Yonan’s Floral. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Perfect Engagement Photos. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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GETTING STARTED 5
Perfect Engagement Photos
C
ongratulations, you’re engaged. This is such an exciting time as you and your now fiance join together and make plans to share the rest of your lives together.
After celebrating with friends and loved ones, one of the first things you will want to do is capture the moment in engagement photos. You’ve most likely seen engagement photos before — the good, the bad and the outright cringe-worthy. To avoid the latter, consider the following elements.
DO YOUR RESEARCH
Choosing a local photographer is key. Look through portfolios and other engagement sessions each professional has photographed. Keep in mind that many photographers include an engagement photo shoot in their wedding photo package, so you will save in the long run if you book the same photographer for your wedding as your engagement session.
SCHEDULE EARLY
There are many benefits to snapping your engagement photos as early as possible. Not only will you want to capture the moment while your emotions of excitement are at their peak, but if you have them in hand early, you can incorporate them into your save-the-date cards and your wedding website or publish it with an engagement announcement in the local paper. Even if you choose to do none of these things, it will be one task complete. This will give you the free time to focus your attention elsewhere later — when you will need to make many decisions very quickly.
CHOOSE A STYLE
Your engagement photos should reflect
who you and your fiance are as a couple. You, your fiance and your photographer should discuss overall style and location, as well as any outfit changes you might have planned. Keep in mind how you plan to use the photos, as well as who will want them. Think of what you wouldn’t want hanging on your grandmother’s wall.
PLAN YOUR OUTFITS
Stick with styles that complement one another and stay within the same color pallet. You also want to avoid looking like a “matching set.” Many brides-to-be incorporate white attire into their engagement sessions, which is a classic choice and allows the groom to choose colors he is comfortable in, as everything matches white.
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6 TRADITIONS
Plan an Elegant Bridal Tea
S
pring is the perfect time to host an elegant bridal tea. Whether you are a bridesmaid or the mother of the bride or groom looking to honor the brideto-be — or are a bride yourself — consider hosting a fancy get-together.
It is inexpensive, chic and fairly easy to pull off without additional stress.
SAVE ON RENTAL FEES
You can save a significant amount of money by hosting the tea at someone’s home rather than at an event center or restaurant. Sunny spring weather means everyone should be comfortable in a backyard or patio setup. You will just need to be sure to have enough seating for everyone, which might require renting a few tables and extra chairs.
CAPITALIZE ON SPRING FLOWERS An outdoor affair also provides plenty of natural decor. Afraid of rain? Flowers such as peonies are bountiful in spring, and their large blooms mean you only need one or two at each table to create a stunning effect. Roses also are a classic choice, with many varieties blooming in early spring. Any flower you choose, however, will add feminine flare and complement the tea service.
USE FAMILY CHINA
While the betrothed couple might not be registering for china, you can bet that their grandmothers — and the grandmothers of close friends — did so, still have it and hardly ever use it. Many women will most likely be happy to contribute to the occasion and let you borrow their settings. Be sure to keep track of which patterns belong to who, and return them promptly and hand washed. (Most china is too delicate for a dishwasher.)
DON’T FORGET THE TEA ALTERNATIVES Not everyone is fond of tea, so be sure to have alternatives to offer to guests. For hot beverages that also can be sipped out of china, offer coffee or hot chocolate (a delicacy consumed year-round in many other countries), as well as cold beverages such as lemonade, or water garnished with cucumber or mint.
THE CEREMONY 7
A
An Intimate Affair small, intimate wedding has loads of romance to it — as well as many other advantages. While the large wedding has become a staple of contemporary American culture, the small wedding is making a comeback, and for good reason.
Before you set your final budget and guest list, consider the following motivations for staying small.
GET MARRIED WHERE YOU WANT
Think of all the gorgeous venues you could either price yourself out of, or not be able to fit into due to the size of your party. Keeping your guest list small gives you more options. It also opens up venues that don’t traditionally host weddings — or charge “wedding prices.” Think of
places such as an art museum, a zoo or a greenhouse.
SPEND MORE QUALITY TIME WITH GUESTS
An intimate wedding typically has less than 75 guests, which means you will have a lot more time to spend with each person. Walk around to each table and personally thank people for coming. Depending on the size of your party, consider seating everyone at one long table — creating an intimate
dinner party atmosphere.
DO MORE WITH YOUR MONEY
Small weddings can cost less, saving you thousands. Alternatively, you could spend the same amount as you would have set aside for a larger affair and splurge on the luxurious extras you want most. A smaller wedding can be a way for you to ensure your guests have a night they will always remember, and that you have the wedding you always dreamed about.
PUT YOUR MONEY TOWARD YOUR FUTURE Your wedding day is a magical day and will most likely always hold a distinct place in your heart. But remember, it is just one day. Hosting a smaller wedding means you are free to put additional money toward future goals, such as putting a down payment on a house or saving to start a family. Remember, your lives together are just beginning.
8 | TYING THE KNOT
Elicia O & ALEJANDR
O
Josh PHOTOS BY RA
CHEL AZEVED
MARRIED NOVEMBER 4, 2017
Q A
How did you meet and become engaged?
We met at BNI (Business Networking International) Next Generation Turlock. We became engaged Christmas 2016.
Q A
hy did you choose Sacred W Heart as your wedding venue?
Being parishioners of Sacred Heart, we felt right at home. Plus, the church is naturally beautiful. Truly a winwin situation.
Q A Q A
What was the overall theme of your wedding/reception? Our focus was vintage. hat elements of your W wedding/reception were especially meaningful to you and why?
Honestly, everything was meaningful to us. The wedding ceremony, performed by Fr. Patrick Walker, was incredibly special as this was when we received the Sacrament of Matrimony. For our reception,
9 if we could pinpoint one thing, it would be how our venue, On Broadway With Two Guys, allowed us to really interact with our guests and truly all celebrate the momentous occasion together. Our family and friends mean everything to us.
Q A
hat advice would you like W to share with other couples planning their wedding?
Try to be patient with each other! The planning phase is extremely trying for all couples, especially when either partner has their own ideas about how the big day should play out. If you can manage to blend your ideas together, it creates a wedding that has a great deal of meaning for you both. Most importantly, once the wedding day arrives, try to slow down and take it all in. It all goes by so quickly.
10 | TYING THE KNOT
Alexandrea Martin
Q A
How did you meet and become engaged?
We actually met on MySpace eight years ago; back when that was cool! I had met someone at a high school party named Martin and I went and tried to find him on MySpace. The quality of pictures a few years ago weren’t like they are now, so I friend requested this Martin to make sure it was him! Turned out it wasn’t. After I explained to him why the friend request, he stated that he was really bummed he wasn’t the right Martin. Many cheesy conversations later (and a change to our top eight) we decided to meet up. We actually lived right down the
street from each other. We met at Delhi High School, which was right in the middle point. He was waiting for me at this bench, talk about nerves! Fast forward about seven years later, we went for a run one morning around the high school. About half way through he stopped, I thought he was winded or needed
PHOTOS BY ROOTS PHOTOGRAPHY
DATE OF WEDDING MARCH 17, 2018
A
to tie his shoe and I totally left him We got married at Sacred and kept running. I even yelled Heart Church in Turlock “C’mon!” He caught up and when with our reception was held at we were done, he grabbed my arm Pageo Lavender Farm. and said he was trying to ask me something. He said he was What was the overall theme trying to do it at the bench of your wedding/reception? where we first met. He got down on one knee anyways We went with a classic look; and said he wanted to ask very simple, yet elegant. me to marry him! I was so shocked and out of breath from What elements of your that and the run. I said yes! wedding/reception were And it still meant everything to especially meaningful to you me! It was very special to us. and why?
Q A Q
Q
here was your W wedding and reception held?
A
What was special or meaningful for us is to have everyone we love help out. We had
11 the “traditional” Godparents to help out and be involved with the Mass. Family is huge to us and without them and their support this wouldn’t have been possible!
Q A
hat advice would you like to W share with other couples planning their wedding?
The best advice we can give is to enjoy those special moments together. Looking back our best memories through this process, it was not all the parties but the time we took together to plan. Going together to pick out the linens, plates, chargers, etc. at the Pageo Lavender Farm was the most memorable. We were so calm and excited at the same time. It was a great experience together. “A wedding is a day, but a marriage is a lifetime.” We learned that at Engaged Encounter and it’s so true! So really take the time to focus on each other and enjoy it!
12 THE LOOK
All About the Hair Y our hair is a central component of the overall bridal look. What you choose to do with it — and adorn it with — can dramatically change your finished appearance. How you look will be an obvious focus of wedding planning since everyone else’s eyes will be on you. But don’t fret just yet. Follow
able in many lengths, styles and fab-
these tips and tricks, and you are
rics. Consider the style of your dress
sure to be happy with the results.
when choosing a veil; ideally, these items will be purchased at the same
UPDO — OR DOWN? Before you choose a hairstyle, you must take into consideration the style of your gown, as well as the overall tone you are hoping to set for your wedding. Your hairstyle should complement these aspects — not compete with them. Your face shape also will play a role in your overall decision. Just remember, the goal is to look like the best version of yourself — not someone completely different. So consider styles that don’t stray far from your everyday look. If you regularly wear your naturally wavy hair loose, a simple sideswept bun with a long veil will look
time. Will you want to show off the back of the dress? Stick with a veil of sheer silk netting. Is your dress an ankle-length, vintage chic stunner? A birdcage veil is the likely choice. When choosing a hair-style, be sure it allows for the veil of your choice to be easily secured.
HEADPIECES AND HAIR JEWELRY Another option is to forgo the veil altogether. Baubles designed specifically with your locks in mind are getting more and more popular. Think golden floral combs, delicate headbands and whimsical bun
more appropriate than tight ringlets
wreaths. You can leave behind jew-
and a tiara.
els and metals of all kind, and go floral; a wreath of delicate rosebuds
VEILS: THE LONG AND SHORT OF IT The veil has become a classic wedding accoutrement and is avail-
Voted Best
or one elegant magnolia bloom can add a breath-taking touch of romance.
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ATTIRE 13
Choosing Bridesmaids Dresses
N
thing can cause more drama than choosing o bridesmaids dresses — especially if you have a large bridal party or opinionated attendants. The smart bride understands that this aspect of her wedding is less about her and more about her maids.
HAVE KEY INFO IN HAND
You should know your wedding colors and have your venue booked and your own gown ordered. All of these items will impact the style and hue of the gowns you choose. Will you be choosing the gown or have you decided to allow your maids to choose their own (with your final approval, of course)? Do you want your maids in the same style? Will they be wearing various colors or hues of the same color? Know the answers to each of these questions before stepping foot inside a bridal salon.
START WITH PICTURES
Look through many photos before you begin shopping. Also keep in mind, as much as you love them, your friends are not models (unless they are) — so what you see in photos will look different in person and on each individual person.
CONSIDER THE COST
Not everyone is going to have the same budget, and a compassionate bride-to-be will be mindful of this. Unless you are picking up the tab, don’t choose a pricey gown. Not everyone views your wed-ding as the investment you see it as.
BE FLEXIBLE
This applies both to your expectations of the dress and your maids. Keep in mind that the color you see in a magazine might be slightly different in person. Be flexible in terms of what is will look good on different skin tones. Remember, as much as you might love a color, above all, you want everyone to look their best.
ORDER AT THE RIGHT TIME
Many dresses require one to three months to ship, so be sure to allow for this. After the dresses arrive, you also will need time for your maids to pick them up (unless they are being shipped directly) and for the gowns to be altered. So don’t wait too long before checking this item off the bridal to-do list.
14 | AFTER THE WEDDING
Thank You Card Etiquette
R
eceiving wedding gifts is an added joy of getting married. Writing thank-you notes for each of these gifts, however, can be a challenge.
This is especially true if you receive a large number of gifts. Not to worry, with this simple guide, your thank-yous will be thoughtfully written and in the mail in no time.
WHO TO THANK
Everyone who has given you a gift should receive your thanks. Be sure to add anyone who helped in planning, organizing, and decorating or ran errands on your behalf. Your wedding would not have been what it was without help. Start by making a list. This will ensure you don’t forget anyone and makes it easy to cross off each name as cards are written.
WHEN TO SEND
For every gift you receive before your big day, you have a couple of weeks to post a thank you note. For every gift received at or after your wedding, you generally have a few months. This is not to say you should wait until the end of this etiquette deadline. Try to send your thank-you notes out as quickly as possible — ideally within the first few weeks after you return from your honeymoon.
WHAT TO SAY
As a culture, we have always struggled with the best way to say, “thank you.” The best way to pen a mass quantity of thank-you notes is to stick with a simple formula, with a touch of personalization. Start with a simple greeting: Dear __________________________, Then express your gratitude: Thank you so much for __________________________. Next, mention the gift by name and add a personal detail. This could be how you plan on using or displaying the gift.
If the person has given money, describe how you plan to spend it. Follow up this sentence by stating when you hope to see the person again, what the person means to you, or just that you’re thinking of her. Finally, end with your regards.
MAKING IT FUN
You can relieve much of your anxiety about the task by making the experience an enjoyable one. Start off by stocking up on some beautiful stationery. Thank-you cards are items you will need again and again, so you can take
advantage of bulk deals without worrying about waste. Make it an “event.” Put on some fun music, pour a glass of wine and pick up your favorite pen. Don’t forget to split the task with your beloved.
FLORAL | 15
Yonan’s Floral
offers one-stop shop for wedding needs P
lanning your wedding can be overwhelming. There are so many things to think about; finding a wedding venue, deciding on the theme, picking your wedding party, who should be on the guest list, getting the invitations mailed, choosing the perfect wedding cake, the tuxedo’s, the dress, the flowers, table arrangements… the list goes on. It’s enough to make any bride go crazy. Yonan’s Floral understands your woes which is why they take the ‘crazy’ out of a big portion of your wedding planning. Yonan’s goes the extra mile which is why brides have been trusting Yonan’s with their weddings for over 15 years. Whether you need a bridal bouquet, bridesmaid's posies or complete wedding reception decoration, we can provide you with top quality products and service. Each of our brides comes to us with their own unique style. We help them to enhance their style and ideas and create a wedding day beyond their dreams. We offer a free wedding consultation which will give you an overview of what your needs and wants are and their approximate costs.
Yonan’s Floral offers a one-stop shop for all your wedding needs: Bouquets & boutonnières
Dishware rentals
Unique Centerpieces
Wall, Ceiling & Backdrop Decor
Table & Chair Rentals
Led lighting / chandeliers
Table linens
Event planning
yonansfloralweddings.com 209-664-9325 2425 Geer Road, Turlock, CA 95382
FLORAL • LINENS • RENTAL DECOR • LIGHTING • EVENT PLANNING
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