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Vol. 7, No. 1
Winter 2010
20I0 preview features 3 love notes 25 fighting fair 6 choosing sides 26 color palettes 9 flower girls, junior bridesmaids 29 post-wedding blues 10 destination wedding 30 happily ever after 14 going to the dogs wedding essentials 16 coffee caterer 17 prenups? 32 bride’s checklist 18 gown gallery 33 groom’s checklist 24 iceman cometh 34 reception hall directory
on the cover Studio D Photography, Photographer
Weddings is a publication of
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Winter 2010 WEDDINGS
lovenotes
A publication of The Courier, Waterloo-Cedar Falls
www.wcfcourier.com/app/weddings Find CV Weddings Magazine on Facebook and cvweddings on Twitter.
Kissable lips
Afraid your lipstick will fade or wear off before the big kiss? Try Laura Mercier Lip Stain. It provides the visual effect of a stain with the sheen of a lip gloss. Dermatologist tested, colors include Shy Pink, Sugar Violet, Mocha and Mulberry, $20 for 0.21 ounce size. Popular Pookie “I Do” champagne-flavored lip balm are great bridesmaids’ gifts. The tins contain a mixture of beeswax, apricot kernel oil, avocado oil, sweet almond oil, shea butter, coconut oil, vitamin E and flavoring, $7.50 each.
WINTER 2010 Vol. 7 Issue 1 Publisher David A. Braton Weddings Editor Melody Parker (319) 291-1429 melody.parker@wcfcourier.com Graphic Designer & Advertising Designer Courtney Towlerton (319) 291-1457 courtney.towlerton@wcfcourier.com Weddings Advertising Sales Sarah Ertz (319) 291-1474 sarah.ertz@wcfcourier.com
Trend-setting ideas
Named one of the top trendsetters by Modern Bride Magazine and best celebrity wedding planner by Life & Style magazine, David Tutera’s fifth book, “The Big White Book of Weddings: The How-To Guide for the Savvy, Stylish Bride,” was released in January. His new red-carpet-inspired bridal line, David Tutera by Faviana, will be in stores in February 2010, and his popular show, “My Fair Wedding” is in its second season on WE tv.
Sheila Kerns (319) 291-1448 sheila.kerns@wcfcourier.com Online Sales Manager Sheila Kerns (319) 291-1448 sheila.kerns@wcfcourier.com Contributing Writer Amie Steffen (319) 291-1405 amie.steffen@wcfcourier.com Tina Hinz (319) 291-1484 tina.hinz@wcfcourier.com Contributing Photographers Rick Chase Brandon Pollock Matthew Putney Rick Tibbott
Dewy fresh
Stress shows first on the face, so it’s important to eat right, get your rest and use good-quality care products to make sure your complexion is clear for the big day. Philosophy Purity Made Simple is a pH-balanced formula that rapidly dissolves dirt and makeup while deep cleaning pores. The best-selling cleanser contains infusions of sage, chamomile and carrot, $10 to $42.
WEDDINGS Winter 2010
Weddings is published quarterly by Courier Communications. Weddings may be contacted at: 501 Commercial St. P.O. Box 540 Waterloo, IA 50704 Copyright, Weddings, 2010 All rights reserved. Reproduction or use of editorial or graphic content without permission is prohibited.
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lovenotes Flawless complexion
Every bride wants her face to be flawless on her special day. Do the trick with DiorSkin AirFlash Spray Foundation. It delivers an airbrushed effect, evens out skin tone and visibly diminishes fine lines and skin imperfections. At $60 for 2.3 ounces, it’s a beauty investment. Allow for a little practice to achieve just the right look.
A new blue book
Crane stationery company has released an updated edition of “The Wedding Blue Book” to guide brides through the etiquette of wedding correspondence. Expanded to address current and emerging trends in save-the-date cards, commitment ceremonies and more, the book features an easy-to-use format with sample designs and examples of wording as well as traditional and contemporary typestyles.
Chip-resistant nails
Make sure your nails are gorgeous for carrying your bouquet and greeting family and friends. The NARS Nail Polish line has a new longwearing formula that provides a tough, chip-resistant finish with UV protection to prevent polish discoloration. Perfect for weddings are colors like Arabesque (pink glitter in a sheer base), Candy Darling (sheer baby pink) and Temptation (opalescent white), $16 each.
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Winter 2010 WEDDINGS
To the letter
Personalize canvas tote bags with monograms, stuff them full of all sorts of goodies — bottled water, mini makeup gifts, snacks, cozy slippers or flip-flops — and give them as gifts to your bridesmaids. There are all sorts of variations and color choices available. Check your favorite bridal shop or visit Web sites like www.mybridesmaidsgifts or wedding sites for ideas. Prices range from $15 and up.
Mineral makeup
If your skin is sensitive, your wedding day isn’t the time to experiment with makeup. Larenim mineral makeup — foundation, concealer, blush, mascara, eye colors and eye liners are made from 100 percent minerals. Larenim is not drying, irritating or toxic to your skin. No talc, dyes, oils, or chemicals. The minerals are soothing to inflamed skin and help seal in moisture. There’s even an Airbrush Pressed Foundation that leaves skin looking fresh while hiding imperfections. The line is available at TNK Natural Health Food Store in Waterloo.
Celebrations provides all of your outside wedding needs. Don’t forget to rent the “Loo,” which includes three fully self-contained restrooms, much like your guest might find in their own home.
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Most brides follow the time-honored tradition of picking sisters and other family members and friends as bridemaids.
Choosing sides: Attendants can be support — or cause complications Text | Tina Hinz Image | Catchlight Imaging
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ttendants are your support group, your wedding-day front line. Parties can range from a single maid or matron of honor and best man to more than a dozen attendants. When you’re drafting your team, consider these tips from recently married or engaged couples:
More isn’t always merrier.
The larger the number, the greater the potential for complications. For bridesmaids, you’ll need to get more people to agree on a dress and decide on shower and bachelorette party dates. John and Brandy Smith Reisinger
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of Waterloo limited their selections to four attendants on each side when they exchanged vows in September at Overman Park in Cedar Falls. Both had been married before, so they opted for a more intimate and budget-friendly gathering, especially since they footed most of the bill. About 80 guests were invited. Guys wore their own suits instead of renting tuxedos. Teal ties and boutonnieres were provided. The Reisingers paid for half of the dresses for the two out-of-town bridesmaids to offset travel and hotel expenses. Keep in mind the tab gets even heftier if you’re paying for all the dresses — with bouquets — and tuxes. A general rule of thumb is one groomsman and one corresponding bridesmaid for every 50 guests, which loosely means
pick a number that fits the size of the event, some wedding experts agree. Rachel Walker Opperman of Waterloo said four to six attendants on each side seem to be the average. Opperman married her husband, Eric, at Hickory Hills near La Porte City this fall. “It’s personal preference, really,” she said. Pick those closest to you.
It might be worth including family to avoid conflict, but nothing’s set in stone. Opperman wanted her six closest friends in her lineup. She’s known her maid of honor for nine years and considers her a sister. The Reisingers, on the other hand, found a spot for all their siblings and spouses. Brandy had no doubts about
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asking her only sister to be her maid of honor, followed by her cousin and two future sisters-in-law. John chose two friends, along with his brother and brother-in-law. “That’s because we were close with them,” Brandy said. “If I wasn’t, I wouldn’t put them in the wedding party.” “It’s more fun when the whole family’s involved,” John added. Don’t make assumptions.
Ask before you write off a friend because you don’t think he or she has enough money to afford the bridesmaid dress, undergarments, shoes, jewelry, hair up-do, manicure, bridal shower, bachelorette party supplies and entertainment, wedding gift, travel and accommodations. That’s right. Being an attendant is an honor, but can get pricey. Opperman understands, which is why she initially left out a friend of 14 years. Opperman had been a bridesmaid in her wedding. “She brought it to my attention that I had hurt her,” she said. “That made me really sad, too. I felt real selfish on my part.” Opperman’s advice: Let him or her make the final call. If the person declines because of financial difficulties, offer to pay his or her way or find something else for that person to do, like reading, handing out programs, singing or being your personal attendant. “I think it is your job to still ask them,” Opperman said. “Luckily, in my case, she understood. She forgave me for doing that to her, and she ended up being in the wedding. And I’m very happy she was.” Brandy Reisinger selected her bridesmaid dress before extending invitations, so she could provide a cost estimate. Opposite gender is OK.
You can choose a he instead of a she, or vice versa. John Reisinger has been pals with Brenna Lewis for more than 12 years and wanted her standing beside him. Let your minister know in advance about the nontraditional move. John’s brother, Scott, also picked Lewis as a “groomsperson” for his wedding in a Catholic church. But the priest said hours
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before the ceremony that Lewis wouldn’t be able to stand on the groom’s side. She kept her title but instead was positioned with the bridesmaids. “The purpose for having them in the wedding party is because they’re somebody really important,” John said. “With Brenna, she is such good friends with us, it’s more like she’s family.” Lewis was most comfortable in a white shirt and pants, so she matched the other groomsmen. Set expectations from the get-go.
Besides the cake and photography, John and Brandy Reisinger did most of the work for the wedding themselves. “I think we had a lot more duties for people than some other weddings,” John said. The maid of honor and bridesmaid who lived in the area decorated the reception hall and got programs together. The guys set up rental chairs for the ceremony at the park. John made the food for the pasta bar. Brandy’s sister, and maid of honor, took over Brandy’s cell phone like a secretary and ran last-minute errands the day of the wedding. One bridesmaid delivered lunch to the girls’ hotel suite. All of Opperman’s bridesmaids chipped in for the bridal shower and bachelorette party. “They tried to make it stress free for me,” she said. “There wasn’t one that was not putting in as much as the other. Of course, some of them could afford more than the others, but they did what they could do. It was real nice.” No,you don’t have to return the invitation.
Some might have a dozen attendants; others only have two. “I wouldn’t feel they would have to put me in their wedding just because I had them in mine,” Opperman said. Especially when several years separate two friends’ weddings, they may have grown apart. You can have two maids of honor or best men.
Laura Prien of Cedar Rapids, formerly of Waterloo, and her fiance, Andrew
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choosingsides
Freeman, are having two of each when they get married next year. Prien chose her sister-in-law as matron of honor, as well as her friend as maid of honor. Freeman’s sister is his “best girl” and brother is his best man. “He is really close with both of them,” Prien said. “As far as matron of honor and maid of honor, they just kinda fell into place.” The best girl will wear a black dress similar to the other bridesmaids. But bridesmaids will be in pink. You can have uneven numbers of groomsmen or bridesmaids.
Brandy Reisinger said it didn’t matter if their wedding party was symmetrical. For her first wedding, when parents were covering the bill, she felt pressured to fill another bridesmaid position, so everyone would have a partner. “I wanted to have three bridesmaids, and he wanted to have four groomsmen,” she said. “But the mothers did not like that idea.” Younger generations seem more open to veering away from tradition, Brandy said. “The rules are meant to be broken, as long as it makes sense for you,” she said. “One thing that’s very nice about spending your own money is you have the final word. In the end, you have to be happy
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with your wedding.” Think before you uninvite.
In rare instances you might be faced with the unthinkable: removing a gal pal or groomsman. You’ve seen the often inappropriate and hasty decisions on WE tv’s “Bridezillas,” where divas get strung out about minute details and fire bridesmaids for not meeting their over-the-top expectations. In reality, this last-resort move shouldn’t come without several attempts to rein the person back in, said psychologist and life coach Dr. Kristie Conditt, with Conditt Psychological Services. Weigh what the person is doing or not doing, whether it be not showing up to dress fittings, not helping plan showers or worse. “The person would have to really be acting in inappropriate ways,” she said. “Let them know the impact emotionally that it’s having on the bride or groom.” Most times, wedding attendants are your closest friends and family, so expect hurt feelings and torn relationships. “Is it something they can work around, find other ways of dealing with it, delegate those tasks to somebody else?” Conditt said. “A lot of times marital couples will say, ‘Pick your battles.’ But sometimes you have to say no in order to have a good experience.” l
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Flower girls, junior bridesmaids have do-able tasks at wedding Text & Image | Bridal News Network
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rides have so many adored little girls in their lives that they often choose more than one flower girl. In fact, we’re now seeing groups of flower girls including all of the bride and groom’s nieces — which eliminates any concern of favoritism. And it’s a precious scene when five or six little ones in white party dresses with pink sashes make their way down the aisle preceding the bride. Etiquette standards suggest that girls between the ages of 4 and 7 are named flower girls, while girls ages 8 to 14 who are too old to be flower girls yet too young to be bridesmaids are named junior bridesmaids. (Their responsibilities are quite similar, except that the junior bridesmaids don’t scatter flower petals and they often stand with the bridal party during the ceremony while the flower girls sit with their parents.) Of course, as the bride, you might decide that 16 is an appropriate age for the title of junior bridesmaid, and that 3 is an acceptable age for your niece to be a flowergirl. All roles are granted according to each girl’s maturity level — we’ve all seen some well-behaved 3-year-olds, and we’ve also seen some 8-year-olds who act like 2-year-olds. So it’s purely a matter of “Can this child accept the responsibility?” Luckily, the responsibilities are few, and tasks are short in duration. Kids don’t have long attention spans, so the brief nature of each task in a wedding day is often very do-able for even the youngest flowergirl. Wedding expert, Sharon Naylor, author of 34 wedding books including “The Bridesmaid Handbook” and “The Essential Guide to Wedding Etiquette,” gives a lineup of the responsibilities of today’s modern flower girl:
Before the wedding day
Participate in choosing her dress for the
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wedding day, along with any sash, shoes or accessories. Together with her parents, attend any pre-wedding parties and showers. Her name is added to the parents’ card for any gifts. Participate in the planning for bridal showers, often given kid-friendly crafts like helping to assemble the favors. Attend the rehearsal and learn her tasks, then attend the rehearsal dinner.
preceding the bride. She may be asked to sprinkle rose petals during her walk, or if the site forbids petal-sprinkling, she may simply carry a nosegay of flowers. Sit with her parents or stand up with the rest of the bridal party. Participate in the recessional, but may be excused from the receiving line. Join the bride and groom and bridal party for post-wedding photos.
On the wedding day
Enter the reception hall when announced by name. Participate in the first dance of the bridal party, often dancing with a father if there is no ringbearer for her to dance with. Be included by name on the parents’ wedding gift to the couple. l
Together with her parents, arrive at the location where the bride and bridesmaids will prepare for the wedding. Have her hair styled for the wedding. Participate in the pre-wedding photo session. Walk in the processional immediately
At the reception
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Writing their names in the sand of a Mexican beach was a romantic moment for Erica Hanna and TJ Mayer at their destination wedding.
destination wedding It was the wedding from hell, but made for a funny story and great memories Text | Melody Parker Images | Infinite Image Design
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rica Hanna and TJ Mayer were pretty relaxed about “the whole wedding thing,” so the idea of gathering their family and friends on a Mexican beach for the ceremony seemed like a great idea. It turned out to be the experience of their life when Erica got sick, recovered, then had a severe reaction to eat-
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ing shellfish. Everything that could go wrong with the wedding went wrong. “I haven’t eaten shellfish since ... my eyes swelled shut, I itched, my mouth turned black and I was so sick. We did the destination wedding because we didn’t want the big hoo-hah, and everything happened, but at the end, it turned out fine and made a funny story to tell. We wrote it down so we’d always remember,” said Erica, originally from Forest City.
Her husband, TJ, from St. Ansgar. The couple now live in Minneapolis. The wedding was supposed to take place at sunset, but it was dark when it happened. The minister was late, the cake was wrong, their rooms were mixed up and yet, “we came away married and had a blast and it was beautiful. “The hardest part was that I was sick in bed and couldn’t be the trip leader I wanted to be for all of our guests. But
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TJ and Erica Mayer at no time did TJ and I get mad at each other.” She offers the following suggestions for destination brides: “Remember the time frame will be different so your sunset wedding isn’t at night. Everything is more relaxed than what we’re used to, everything will be a little more laid back. You have to be in the moment. Research the location, understand what you’re asking for and how to make yourself clear so there are not misinterpretations. And there’s no sense in stressing out your guests. They’re there to have fun. They don’t care if they get a favor or a certain kind of cake.” She added, “We had a bit of bad luck at our wedding but it has lead to a ton of good luck. We’re so happy. If we could get through our wedding, we can handle anything.” Here are excerpts from the Mayers’ Mexican wedding adventure: “Our five-star hotel we sprung for (usually we are cheap), messed up and our wedding party had to sit around for like three hours waiting for rooms — no biggie, right? We met with the wedding planner to make sure she had bought our “favors” — sparklers for our guests. We had planned on bringing them, but she said it would just be easier for her to pick them up. Keep this in mind. We finally got to our room — great place, sweeeeet! But, we paid for a fancy
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welcome package — huge fruit basket, champagne, etc. — where is it? Oh well, such is life. We brush it off, and decide we’ll just ask them to “comp” it when we check out. This was possibly a sign to get out ... ha. The wedding day — yippee! Breakfast at the hotel. I’ve never ever had problems while eating in Mexico, until now. Great. I’m sick — and it’s not nerves, it’s “Mexican flu” — eeeeek. I spend most of the morning in the bathroom. Oh, joy.” l l l “It’s the wedding planner on the phone. ‘Hi, bad news. I didn’t get your favors.’ Me, ‘Why not?’ ‘Oh, well. I couldn’t find them and it’s not in my job description.” Me, ‘Oh, OK... did you tell me not to bring sparklers then, and offer to get them?’ ‘Well, because you’ve been very nice on the phone.’ Me, ‘Um... OK. So I don’t have favors for my guests?” Her, ‘ Well, nope. My boyfriend says I shouldn’t feel bad either, it’s your problem.’ At this point I shrug and think, who cares. I finally am ready. Two hours late and a bottle of Pepto later. Let’s try to get some pics, since I look so awesome!!!! (ha ha, not) Pics turn out great because my photographers (Rose and Stew) rock. Love them. Crap... where is the sun going? The wedding planner told us we’d be getting married at sunset but it’s setting right now and we aren’t supposed to start for an hour?
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destinationwedding
Although the hotel mixed up their reservations, the setting was spectacular. “We try to start ASAP but no minister. She is 30 minutes late, and barely speaks English. She also didn’t talk to us about the ceremony before it started. We have no idea what to expect. Where is the guitar player? Flirting with the crazy wedding planner. Yeah! Marriage time. In the DARK. The wedding planner told us the wrong time for sunset. It’s pitch black and now the tide is coming in. Our guests are lifting their feet up to avoid the waves and my dress is soaked. Awesome. TJ and I start laughing uncontrollably because we wrote our own vows, and now we can’t read them. It’s too dark. Then out of nowhere, we are lassoed! Yup, lassoed! Apparently it’s a Mexican tradition we aren’t aware of, but the minister is totally into it. I understand what she’s saying because I speak Spanish and can understand through the accent. ... I need more Pepto. I’m not nervous at all, very happy in fact, but my stomach hates me.
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Roses were strewn across a rustic, woven runner for the couple to walk on for their ceremony. l l l “Time to cut the cake! Wait ... there is no cake. We decide not to mention it because I don’t want to make a scene. No favors? No cake? No problem. l l l “We wake up the next morning, to a call from the wedding planner. Ugh. Go away. ha ha ha. She asks how it all went. I say, “it was great but we didn’t get a cake. So if we could comp that, I’d appreciate it...it’s no biggie.” Her response? “No, YOU FORGOT about the cake...” Um, what? You are the wedding planner — that’s your job, I was sick and busy getting married. You said you’d take care of it. “Well, I’m pretty sure you forgot about it, miss. The cake is in the kitchen —we’ll bring it up right away!” no, please don’t. The last thing we want is an entire wedding cake, we want to comp it.” A knock at the door. The wedding cake. First off, it’s hideous; second, it tastes like a
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toilet. Ugh. Whatever. But the worst was yet to come. TJ wanted to start our honeymoon out right so he arranged a romantic lobster dinner on the beach. I wake up the following morning early, because I can’t breathe. Help. I can’t breathe. I’m crying because I’m scared, but I can’t cry because my eyes are swollen shut. My mouth is black. I am apparently allergic to lobster and had no idea. Good thing we have a trained paramedic on the trip. Shanen pumps me full of Benadryl and prescription drugs of some sort. Thank you!!! l l l To complete the trip, when we got home the lights on TJ’s car were on. His battery was dead. It was April and it was snowing, and they had to wait for a jump at the airport. Think it can’t get worse? TJ is pulled over on the way to our loft (seriously, only a five minute drive) for not signaling while changing lanes. So funny. l
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Going to the dogs:
Make your pooch part of your wedding celebration Text | AKC Images | Shutterstock
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ccording to an American Kennel Club dogs and interpersonal relationships survey, 18 percent of dog owners said they either have included (or would include) their dog in their wedding ceremony. That trend is likely to continue as those under 30 years of age are 17 percent more likely than those 60 and up to say “I do” with their dog by their side. The AKC offers the following tips for those who are considering including Fido in their wedding:
Pre-wedding prep
— Consider your dog’s temperament. If your dog is unnerved by changes in environment or social situations, the crowds, attention and strange noises involved in a wedding may cause them undue stress. — Select a pet-friendly location for the ceremony and reception. — Ensure everyone playing an important role in the wedding welcomes your dog’s involvement — the groom, of course, but also the bridal party, officiant and wedding planner. — Let invitees know a dog will be attending the celebration. Your wedding Web site is a great place to share this news. But prepare yourself — disapproval from some guests is inevitable, and people with allergies may be unable to attend. — Take a refresher obedience course with your dog. Just like prewedding dance lessons, dogs should be prepared for their performance. Can your pup tolerate their costume and sit or lie down quietly during the ceremony? They should not bark, jump up or draw attention away from the bride and groom.
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Including a well-behaved pooch in the wedding party is a sweet addition and a big trend. During the ceremony
— Use your dog to carry the rings, flowers or walk you down the aisle. — Designate a member of your bridal party as the official “handler”
during the ceremony. Or the dog can sit with a family member or pet-sitter in the audience while you recite your vows. This person should be armed with treats and baggies for cleanup.
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— Guarantee the photographer you hire is comfortable working with animals. If your dog will not be participating in the ceremony, perhaps arrange a time beforehand so they can still be included in the photos. At the reception
— Do not allow your dog to approach the food tables or beg from guests. Only allow them doggie treats — human food may make them sick. — Your pup should be kept on leash at all times — you don’t want them crashing into the cake! — Keep your pooch away from anyone who is scared of dogs. Conversely, protect your dog, especially if it’s a smaller breed, from having his tail stepped on or being bothered by overly rowdy children. — Arrange for a quiet room where your dog can rest in his crate if he gets tired or overwhelmed. Additional tips can be found on the American Kennel Club Web site at www.akc.org. l
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Matt Nikkel is proprietor of Ironhorse Coffee Co., a full-line espresso bar that can cater wedding receptions and other events.
Coffee caterer brings brew to you Text | Melody Parker, weddings editor Images | Catchlight Imaging
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very couple wants their wedding reception to be memorable. Whether it’s a specific theme, signature colors, live entertainment, afterparties or surprises on the buffet, couples want to do something a little different and offer their guests some fun. And that’s why the bar scene is growing in popularity. It’s not necessarily about cocktails, although margarita bars are a hit with most guests. Couples also are ponying up for candy bars stocked with childhood favorites like mini candy bars and lollipops, cigar bars, raw bars with veggies and sushi, dessert bars, chocolate or fondue stations, cheesecake samplings — you get the idea. Coffee also fits nicely with dessert receptions or as an after-dinner treat. Now there’s a coffee caterer who will bring a mobile coffee/espresso bar to your reception. “We bring the coffee to where you are,”
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said Matt Nikkel, proprietor of Ironhorse Coffee Co. “It’s a full-line espresso bar that fits well with wedding receptions. Coffee always goes with dessert. It’s something with a little different flair to add to an event.” Nikkel retained the name and logo from the original owners of Ironhorse Coffee after the drive-up Waterloo coffee shop closed last year. Then he set about creating a coffee catering service. In addition to coffee and espresso, the full-line coffee bar also offers latte, cappucino, and for non-coffee drinkers, there is chai, hot chocolate and Italian soda. Menu and flavor options can be tailored to the event. The service doesn’t offer food. He caters wedding receptions and other private and civic gatherings. “My focus is on quality. I want to give my customers the best cup of coffee they’ve ever tasted each and every time, and do it fast and efficiently, especially when the groups are large. We’re selfcontained and plumbed for hot and cold
water. All I need to make it happen is a power source.” Nikkel uses Zoka Coffee from Seattle, named the 2008 roaster of the year, Monin gourmet syrups and milk from Hansen’s Dairy. He caters receptions as small as 50 and can handle crowds up to 350. Prices begin at about $275 and go up, based on the size group. He’s booking next year’s events, and a deposit reserves the date. For more information, visit, call Nikkel at (319) 572-5587 or email Ironhorsecoffee@gmail.com. l
Winter 2010 WEDDINGS
Does every couple need a prenup? Not always Text | Amie Steffen Image | Shutterstock
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ou may have heard of a prenuptial agreement. Hopefully, you didn’t first hear of it in Kanye West’s “Gold Digger.” (“If you ain’t no punk, holler, ‘We want prenup!’”) OK, keep singing. We know you want to: “It’s something that you need to have, ’cause when she leave your (expletive) she’s gonna leave with half.” Go ahead and laugh, but West is mostly right: A prenuptial agreement, also known as an antinuptial agreement, may in fact be something that you need to have. Because if you don’t have one signed by both parties prior to marriage, divorce in Iowa means everything is divided equitably. Attorney Teresa Rastede, who specializes in family law with Dunakey and Klatt PC in Waterloo, said equitably does not mean “she’s gonna leave with half.” It does mean that the court will break up a couple’s assets on what a judge deems is a fair basis. If that doesn’t sound like a good deal to
you, you might want to consider a prenuptial agreement — before you tie the knot. “A prenuptial agreement is a very long document that includes a lot of legal language, because we have to try and guess each event that could occur — how each asset would be divided in the event of a divorce,” Rastede said. “You definitely have to work with attorneys you both feel comfortable with so everybody understands.” People getting remarried, people concerned about what their children will inherit after a divorce or those with substantial assets — real estate or even debt they don’t want their partner to inherit — are good candidates for prenuptial agreements. Rastede says her office does not advise every couple to sign a prenup. Personal circumstances do come into play. But if one or both parties decides it could be a good idea, both should consult separate attorneys for advice. Once the marriage is legitimized, both parties should re-execute the prenup. “Re-execution says the terms are still agreed to,” Rastede said. l
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Winter 2010 WEDDINGS
Follow your heart or follow the trends? Text | Melody Parker & wire Images | Courtesy & Rick Chase
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very bride knows her dream dress is a work of art worthy of hanging in an art gallery. And many brides positively know what their wedding gown will look like long before they meet their groom, and they’re not going to let a little thing — OK, actually a huge thing — known as the economy dash their dream dress. They are seeking out gowns with smaller price-tags, according to industry experts, but their expectations haven’t shrunk accordingly. What’s a gown designer to do? Give these women what they want and bundle it up in a big white bow. There’s really no arguing with a bride who has made up her mind. At the most recent round of wedding fashion previews, observers said there were a lot of sellable gowns catering to
a variety of tastes and lifestyles, none of which, however, were obviously pareddown. There might have been a little less beading and fewer exotic trims, such as feathers, to keep costs down, but there wasn’t an industry-wide movement toward gowns on the cheap, the insiders said. “When I try to think of one overriding theme, it’s that brides still want the options for the wedding they want to have,” said Darcy Miller, editorial director of Martha Stewart Weddings. And of course, she added, each bride wants a different kind of wedding; it’s a traditional, formal blowout for one, a more casual beach bash for another. Look for these trends: Illusion necklines, metallic touches, bows, raw edges, pleats, bits of black, bold shoulders, cover-ups, tulle skirts, tea-length skirts, high necklines, floaty fabrics, tiered skirts and pockets hidden inside the gown. l
The trend-setting wedding dress, above, from designer Reem Acra is perfect for a destination wedding, a second marriage or an ultra-modern bride. Brides are also purchasing short dresses to wear to their receptions. It is worn with a tulle wrap. At left, Mori Lee’s strapless, flounced gown skims the upper torso tightly before dropping to a full skirt.
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Nicole Miller’s fashion-forward gown, top left, is crushed metal-taffeta with a pleated bottom and tucks up the front. Embellishments such as flowers and beading cascading down the front of the Katherine Bocci dress, center top, are among the latest bridal trends. The little white dress is a hot look, such as this ruffled cocktail-length taffeta dress from Alfred Angelo, top right, for brides who want to wear something fun to their receptions or destination wedding. For brides seeking elegant simplicity, J Crew’s strapless gown, bottom left, sports a sweet peach flower at the bodice and horizontal contrast banding on the skirt. The strapless silk satin A-line gown from Platinum for Priscilla of Boston, at left, has a sash embroidered with silk thread work and tiny stones and train applique. The Mori Lee gown, above, has an empire bodice inset with sparkling crystals. 20
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Winter 2010 WEDDINGS
From the Reverie collection by Melissa Sweet for Priscilla of Boston, the “Aspen” is a V-neck gown with asymmetrically scattered beading and embroidery at neckline and hem. At center, this Priscilla of Boston is a silk satin pleated A-line gown with corset-seamed bodice and illusion neckline yoke adorned with crystal “necklace” applique. Bottom left, the strapless, tapered gown from Forever Yours is unadorned but far from plain. Bottom center, the sheath-style gown,“Princess Tiana,” has a hand-beaded rouched bodice of silk chiffon, cascading pleated silk skirt and waterfall train, from Kirstie Kelly for Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings collection. Below right, the strapless Reem Acra-designed gown has an appliqued bodice and airy silhouette.
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Spaghetti straps and decorative beading across a rouched bodice makes an elegant statement from Forever Yours gowns, below left. The champagne, tiered tulle gown with asymmetrical roses. top center, is from Reem Acra. A cloud of tulle surrounds the bride in this gown from Kirstie Kelly for Disney’s Fairy Tail Weddings’ 2010 collection, top far right. Center bottom, Alfred Angelo’s strapless gown feature a banded bodice with applique and rouched fabric. Priscilla of Boston’s “Jewel,” at bottom right, is an organza ball gown with embellished sweetheart neckline and satin band at the natural waist.
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Alfred Angelo’s stunning full-skirted dress has a strapless bodice that dips in the back to a large bow, top left. At top right, a criss-cross embellished neckline flows into a naturally draping gown from Nicole Miller. Michael Shettel, designer of the Alfred Angelo collection, said sleek and slim is a popular direction for dresses like the long gown with a lacy covering, far left, and the cocktaillength dress with an asymmetrical bodice bow and flounced skirt. An adorned bodice and full tulle skirt is made sweet by a decorative belt from Reem Acra, above. WEDDINGS Winter 2010
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Chef Jim Nadeau at College Square Hy-Vee in Cedar Falls chisels ice to create sculptures for weddings and special events.
Iceman cometh:
Chef Jim Nadeau turns skills to carving ice
Text | Amie Steffen Images | Brandon Pollock
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or the kind of work Jim Nadeau does, temperatures have to be well below freezing. Wielding a chainsaw, he’ll slice and form a large block of ice he calls “raw ice” until it starts to take shape. From there, chisels and handheld die grinders smooth and add fine detail to the ice sculpture. The hotter he is, the faster he has to work before it starts to melt. So belowfreezing temperatures — ideally 28 degrees — are perfect. For a winter wedding in Iowa, that means booking Chef Jim (as he’s called) for a wedding centerpiece is perfect timing. “If (couples) have a drawing on the front of their invitation — like hearts intertwining — and they want that out of ice, you can do that into ice,” Nadeau said. In room temperatures, a centerpiece like that will last anywhere from six to seven hours — enough time for a full re-
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ception. Nadeau began taking chainsaws to huge blocks of ice at age 17, while attending cooking school. Ice sculpting was more than just an art form several decades ago, he said. “Traditionally, in the ’40s and ’50s, it was used as a cooling tool for your salad. You would put it in the middle of a buffet with ice all around,” he said. When refrigeration techniques rendered ornate ice sculptures unnecessary, they transitioned from practical to fashionable. Ice sculptures began appearing at lavish parties, weddings and premieres. Companies especially liked ice sculptures for their aesthetic appeal and entertainment value as they were being carved live. Nadeau remembers carving ice sculptures in the Twin Cities in front of movie theaters for promotion purposes. But in the last six years, between Sunnyside Country Club and Nadeau’s new gig at the College Square Hy-Vee in Cedar Falls, he’s only made around 25 sculptures.
“So that’s not very many,” Nadeau said. “If that was my (only) business, I would need to do quite a bit more.” Besides the ice sculpting, Nadeau’s main job is upscale catering in the homes of clients with Hy-Vee. “When it’s done right and lit right and you accompany it with florals or something like that, (an ice sculpture) does give people a ‘wow’ when they walk in,” he said. l
Winter 2010 WEDDINGS
fighting fair Text | Amie Steffen
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ure, it’s bliss at first. Love at first sight becomes a sort of comfortable rhythm, and you and your partner settle in for what you hope will be many more years of happiness. Here’s hoping. More often than not, however, you’ll find yourself stressed, biting your tongue or lashing out. Conflicts are a natural part of any relationship, say the experts. How to tell if your conflicts are workable, or a sign your marriage is headed for trouble? It all comes down to one word: Communication. Communicating does not mean yelling, hitting or insults. Even sarcastic language is hurtful when resolving conflict, said Jo Riker, a counselor at Allen Counseling Center who counsels couples. “It’s something that tells them, ‘I’m judging you,’” she said. For particularly difficult conversations, avoid “you,” as in, “You made me mad.” “We have this natural defense mechanism. As soon as they hear the word ‘you,’ you’re ready to defend, to give your side, your impression of what happened,” Riker said. Instead, says Riker, try “I was hurt by our conversation yesterday.” For many couples, money and financial problems top the list of conflict topics, said Marty Foreman, who began helping counsel couples with her husband Ric through St. Edward Catholic Church’s premarriage program. “Maybe one person wants to keep
WEDDINGS Winter 2010
their money separate and the other doesn’t, or one spends a lot and one saves a lot,” she said. Issues like that can be easily resolved in a number of ways — separate checking accounts, for instance — but if one person refuses to discuss it, it can fester for years, driving a wedge in the marriage. Foreman said the people who come in before their marriages might not have the issues that couples together for years do, but it’s still important to talk about those things. “It’s not like marriage counseling,” she said. “It’s more to prevent that.” Some ways to prevent conflicts from becoming fights, courtesy of Riker and Foreman: — Don’t hit below the belt, or hit at all. “Sometimes people come from families where there’s a lot of yelling, physical hitting and things like that,” Foreman said. Recognizing that and trying to overcome it are important. — Don’t generalize. “‘You always do this’ — you’re making generalities,” Riker said. “When you do this, you’re sort of blaming the other person.” — Realize that two people who aren’t exactly alike can still make it work. “If you go into it like it’s going to be forever, I might need to work on it and I might need to change myself,” Foreman said. — Remember this is the person you promised to love and care for. “If they have a basic understanding that, ‘This is the person I love,’ and you keep that basic stance, then you can usually work out most differences,”
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color palettes Text | Melody Parker Images | theknot.com & Shutterstock
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he wedding color palette seems to change with each season — or the mercurial nature of a bride. Color choices not only reflect the bride and groom’s personalities, but can also pick up on the wedding scene’s hottest color trends. For the coming bridal season, watch for bright, energetic, tranquil or sweet colors like turquoise, violet, yellow, coral, tomato red and pink champagne. These color choices are rounded out by a palette of neutrals, ranging from warm Tuscany beige and neutral herb green to the elegant gray-green of eucalyptus. l
Comely coral
Look for coral as one of the “it” colors for the 2010 wedding season. This coral silk shantung knee-length dress is an A-line halter with a big bow for interest in the back, from Aria. Other colors are available. Lighten up
Paper lanterns come in a range of colors to fit any wedding scheme. They’re an inexpensive way to add a festive, romantic note to a reception setting.
Sunshine shoes
Add a bit of fun to your wedding by choosing shoes in a favorite color. This elegant pair of high-heeled sandals is from Guess in vibrant yellow.
Cheers to you
Toast your wedding day with a cocktail mixed in your wedding colors. If trendy red is one of your colors, how about a Crantini? Ask a bartender to help concoct your cocktail or find a recipe at a reputable Web site. Don’t forget to do a tasting before deciding. 26
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Winter 2010 WEDDINGS
Fit to be tied
Footwear doesn’t have to be serious — if not for the ceremony, at the reception. The witty combo of high-topped sneakers and red slippers with bows worn by this bride and groom makes for a merry photo. Mellow yellow
Yellow is an energetic, trendsetting color for 2010. The color plays out in table linens, vases and floral stems at this table setting for a reception.
Have your cake ...
Pink fondant, champagne gold roses and ivory stripes and flourishes are colors with ivory accents create a beguiling cake for the bride and groom’s table. Make it even more personal by displaying it on an old-fashioned cake pedestal.
Nice cupcakes
Let guests get in touch with their inner child by serving cupcakes at their tables as favors or part of a buffet. Blue is always a popular wedding color and these cupcakes have whimsical decorations for a playful element. Some brides are opting for cupcakes instead of a cake or boxing cupcakes individually and giving them as parting favors.
Programming notes
Combine the season’s hot colors — coral and blue are shown here — to create a sophisticated and personal color scheme for your wedding program.
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colorpalettes
Fresh decorations
Choose long-lasting cut flowers, such as hydrangeas, to illustrate a violet or purple color scheme as part of your outdoor wedding or reception decorations. Bunch flowers together with a bow and tie the bundles onto the aisle sides of chairs. You also could use bouquets to designate the bride and groom’s chairs at the head table.
BeeGee Bags
Your maid of honor has come through in the clutch, so why not give her one? BeeGee Bags are available in a variety of colors and theme motifs for a sweet gift. You can also have it custom-designed. A BeeGee Bag also is perfect for the bride to carry tissues and lipstick on her big day. As seen in Glamour and The Knot magazines. The 9- by 5-inch clutch is $92.
Go green
Burnished olive and other natural shades of green are part of the new neutral palette for 2010 weddings. The silk taffeta “Lorelei” dress has a fitted bodice, full skirt and pretty pleats. It’s from J. Crew. Flower power
You don’t have to go overboard with flowers to make a statement. These freshfrom-the-garden dahlias are display in single low square vases, teamed with votive candles in glass holders.
Cute as a button
Pin those boutonnieres with decorative pins instead of straight pins to groomsmen’s lapels for a fashion-forward look. 28
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Winter 2010 WEDDINGS
post-wedding blues Text | The wedding channel
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ou’ve spent months (maybe even years!) planning your wedding. And now it’s all over. The dream dress has been worn, the vows have been spoken and the guests have gone home. What’s a bride to do? Don’t worry. Post-wedding blues are a normal part of the wedding process. If you’re feeling down, follow these guidelines to help you perk up and enjoy the best part of the post-wedding experience — being married! Be realistic
Think about what your expectations were of married life before you tied the knot. Talk about your expectations with your spouse. How do you want to build your life together? How would
you like to spend your time now that you’re married? This can help to eliminate some of your unrealistic expectations. Normal schedule
Once you’ve returned from your honeymoon, think up ways to fill your spare time. Picture all the things you did before the engagement — dinners with friends, movie nights and other social events. Pick the pictures
Set up a time with your photographer to have your pictures posted online or to pick up the prints in person. This will give you and your new husband a chance to reminisce about your amazing day. If you aren’t purchasing an al-
bum package through your photographer, then make this your new project. Buy a scrapbook, shadow box or picture frames and tons of cute paper, and spend the next few months putting together your memories. Take time
When you’re first married, it’s easy to get wrapped up in your spouse and your newly married status. But making time just for you is key to an easy transition. Whether it’s taking a leisurely bike ride in your neighborhood, heading to the spa for a relaxing massage or hitting the mall for a little retail therapy, this time alone will not only rejuvenate you, but also help to strengthen the “I” in the relationship, instead of just the “we.” l
Special Occasions BEGIN WITH...
www.barmuda.com WEDDINGS Winter 2010
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Contemporary furnishings may suit some couples. Here, furniture designer Stanley Jay Friedman’s “Angle” sofa is a modern version of the classic tuxedo sofa, energized by sharp angles.
Happily ever after: Start with furniture that reflects both tastes Text | weddings staff Images | AHFMA
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ust as wedding rings symbolize life as one, the furnishings you select as a couple should represent both of your personalities, interests and tastes. Finding the ideal starting point is easier than saying, “I do.” Visit a few furniture retailers to find styles that appeal to both husband and wife. If you don’t agree on everything, assign husband and wife each a room
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of their own to decorate. In a survey conducted by the American Home Furnishings Alliance, 45 percent of those couples surveyed say they wish they had had a better understanding of their own taste and style before they began furnishing their home. And 44 percent of couples wanted more information about the varieties of furniture styles available. Furniture manufacturers today are creating an even wider variety of furniture styles that appeal to both bride and groom. “The industry is responding to
the needs of consumers with home furnishings that are both stylish and comfortable,” said AFMA Vice President Jackie Hirschhaut. “It’s easier and more fun than ever to decorate rooms the way that you’ve always dreamed.” Start with a good foundation. Get to know the layout of your home, including the measurements, and decide where you want to begin creating your dream home. Start with a few pieces for the room you spend the most time in or where you need the most furniture. Remember that you don’t have to com-
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A tall chest dresser like this one from Stickley is a traditional look that fits into almost any bedroom decor. pletely fill one room before starting on another. Kiss old habits goodbye. As you find furniture that reflects your new life as husband and wife, don’t be afraid to replace pieces that no longer fit your lifestyle. And, because most honeymooners’ homes are filled with wedding gifts, pieces such as bookshelves, curio cabinets and coffee tables are perfect for
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displaying new treasures. Accessorize. Like flowers at a wedding, accents such as rugs, lamps and picture frames add warmth and character to a home. Explore your fantasies. Keep the postnuptial bliss alive by letting your imagination run wild! Dream of how you would furnish your home if you had no limitations, and from there, begin to create the look you both love. l
3624 KIMBALL AVE. WATERLOO 319-235-9574
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the bride’s checklist SIX TO 12 MONTHS
❑ Announce your engagement. ❑ Decide on wedding details, such as style, time of day and location. ❑ Pick a date. Do this as soon as possible so bridal party and family members can make plans and reservations can be made for wedding location, rehearsal and reception locations, etc. ❑ Set a budget. ❑ Select the bridal party. ❑ Choose your colors. Your flowers, attire, linens and cake will reflect your choice. ❑ Choose and order the bridal gowns, bridesmaids’ gowns and accessories. ❑ Start planning the honeymoon with groom. ❑ Begin your bridal registry. ❑ Select the caterer, photographer, florist and musicians. ❑ Start planning the reception. Reserve a hall, hotel or facility. ❑ Schedule premarital counseling. Some churches require this for a marriage. ❑ Choose and order the wedding rings. ❑ Order the wedding cake. ❑ Select and order the invitations. THREE MONTHS
❑ Complete the guest list. ❑ Plan to have both mothers select their dresses. It’s customary for the groom’s mother to wait until the bride’s mother has selected her dress. ❑ Finalize reception plans. ❑ If reservations haven’t been made for the honeymoon, do it now. ❑ Confirm dates and times with the florist, caterer, photographer, musicians and church. ❑ Discuss transportation to and from the wedding and reception sites. ❑ Choose and order the tuxes. ❑ Schedule bridesmaids’ dresses for fittings. ❑ Choose and dye shoes if necessary.
❑ Record gifts received and send thank-you notes as they arrive. ❑ Plan the rehearsal and dinner. This is the responsibility of the groom and his family, but all should work together on it. ❑ Purchase gifts for the bridal party. Brides often buy inexpensive earrings or necklaces for the bridesmaids to wear at the wedding. Popular choices for groomsmen are money clips, key chains or ball caps. ❑ Schedule final fittings for bride and bridesmaids. ❑ Schedule appointments at beauty salons for attendants, if needed. ❑ Hold the bridesmaids’ luncheon. ❑ Purchase a guest book and decide where it will go, either at the wedding or reception. TWO WEEKS
❑ Finalize wedding day transportation. ❑ Arrange to have names changed on driver’s license, Social Security card, etc. ONE WEEK
❑ Mail the invitations. ❑ Get the marriage license. ❑ Finalize the honeymoon plans. ONE MONTH
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❑ Relax and enjoy your very special day.
✂ Cut out and use
TWO MONTHS
❑ Start packing for the honeymoon. ❑ Finalize the number of guests with caterer if not already done. ❑ Plan seating arrangements for guests. ❑ Have a hairdresser practice fixing your hair. You may want to practice applying your makeup. ❑ Make sure wedding rings are picked up and fit.
❑ Reserve accommodations for the groom.
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Catchlight Imaging
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www.milroystuxedos.com
Shutterstock
groom’s
checklist Three months before
❑ Decide what you and your groomsmen will wear. Go tux shopping or reserve rentals for you and your posse. One month before
❑ If you’re buying a tux, make sure alterations are finished and go in for a final fitting. If the tux still doesn’t fit quite right, the shop will still have time to make final alterations. One week before
❑ Get a haircut! ❑ Get a manicure (no polish — just clean, buffed nails). ❑ Buy new boxers for the big day. Surprise your bride with something stylish.
FO R M A L W E A R www.Mi lroysT uxedo s .com
One day before
❑ If you’re renting, pick up your tux. Make sure your groomsmen, your father and the ring bearer get their tuxes, too. ❑ If you’re renting or buying, double check that all the elements are included in the correct size: jacket, trousers, shirt, tie, vest or cummerbund, shoes, cuff links and dress socks. ❑ If you will be dressing somewhere other than at home, pack up your outfit and grooming products today. You should gather: Hair products, deodorant, tie, cummerbund or belt, vest, coat or jacket, cuff links and studs, dress shirt, watch, trousers, undershirt, underwear, socks, shoes and last, but definitely not least, the wedding rings. Wedding Day
❑ Get a close shave. ❑ Take a hot shower. ❑ Remember your deodorant! This might be a high-sweat day. ❑ Remember the rings. Place them in your pocket to entrust to your best man sometime before the ceremony. ❑ If possible, ask your mother to pin on your boutonniere. This mother/son moment will bring a tear to her eye.
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reception hall directory
reception hall directory
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is proposal was music to your ears. Now it’s time to put your florist, cake baker and caterer on speed-dial. When choosing a reception site, check out its size and determine whether it will fit your style of reception and number of guests expected to attend. Find out what services are provided. Will you have to bring your own frills to make it a pretty backdrop for wedding photography? Think budget and remember to read each contract before signing on the dotted line. Ask about cancellation policies, deposit amounts and when the balance is due. To assist our readers, here’s a listing of metro area reception halls:
American Legion Post 138, 619 Franklin St., Waterloo, 234-8511 Details: Open to public, accommodates 100-150; book early; $250 per floor, $50 deposit; kitchen, bartender costs extra; no on-site catering; tables, chairs included, linens not; decorating one to two hours before; dance floor. Beaver Hills Country Club, 8230 Beaver Hills Drive, Cedar Falls, 266-1975, www.beaverhills.com Details: Open to public, booking upon availability; accommodates up to 250; $500 for room; set up, clean up included; on-site buffet or sit-down style catering, about $15 per person; tables, chairs, linens provided; bar; decorating early depends on availability; dance floor. Cedar Falls Womans Club, Third and Clay Streets, Cedar Falls, 266-1431 Details: Beautifully restored 1860s home with ballroom, parlor and boardroom. Catering available. Call for booking details and services. Cedar Valley Arboretum & Botanic Gardens, 1927 E. Orange Road. East of Hawkeye Community College. www. cedarvalleyarboretum.org., 226-4966 Details: A variety of garden settings will accommodate 200 guests. $300 for six hour period. $100 non-refundable deposit to reserve date a minimum of 60 days in advance; $200 balance and damage deposit due one week prior which will be refunded in case of rain. On site dressing room; restrooms and limited electrical access to the gardens. Gardens remain open to the public. Smoking and alcohol prohibited. No rice, bird seed, confetti, rose petals or balloons. Centennial Oaks Golf Club, Eagle Ridge Drive, Waverly, 483-1765, ask for Lisa Details: Accommodates intimate gatherings to large receptions up to 400 guests; on-site catering and bar services; customized menus; chairs, tables, linens provided; outside ceremony site, on-site event coordinator, professional wait staff, dance floor, complimentary set-up and tear-down.
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Center Inn Banquet Facilities, 209 Main St., Readlyn, 279-3839, www. centerinn.com Details: Dining room accommodates up to 75, ballroom accommodates up to 400; banquet room rental Sunday-Thursday, $150, Friday and Saturday, $300; dining room rental Monday-Sunday, $75; basement rental $50; deposit and credit billing $100, required to confirm all bookings, non-refundable; post-event clean up, $100. Electric Park Ballroom, 310 W. Conger St., Waterloo, 233-3050, www. nationalcattlecongress.com Details: Accommodates 600 banquet style, fire code allows 1,200; book at least six months in advance; $660 for facility, $250 deposit; on-site catering only, buffet and sit-down; $9 cold meat buffet, $13.75 two-meat buffet, $13 to $18 per plate; set up, clean up, two bartenders included; tables, chairs provided, linens rented at $4 each; smoking permitted; decorating day before depends on availability; no decorations from ceiling or light fixtures; wood floor, stage.
Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center, University of Northern Iowa campus, Cedar Falls, 273-3660, www. gbpac.com Details: Lobby hall accommodates up to 120 banquet style, 300 standing; book six months to a year in advance; $600, $300 deposit; on-site catering only by UNI catering; tables, chairs, linens provided; balcony, grand central staircase; decorating day before event; dance floor. Hartman Reserve Nature Center, 657 Reserve Drive, Cedar Falls, 277-2187, www.hartmanreserve.org Details: Accommodates up to 100; booking at least six months in advance; weekends $45 per hour, weekdays $40 per hour; $200 deposit, more to bring in alcohol; no on-site catering; kitchen access, tables, chairs included; PA system; non-smoking; decks with scenic overview, bridge, outside amphitheater seats up to 100, fireplace; decorating early requires rental; no dance floor. Hickory Hills Park, 3338 Hickory Hills Road, La Porte City, 266-6813, www.co.black-hawk.ia.us/depts/conservation Details: Accommodates 125; book up to two years in advance; pricing varies, two-day wedding packages available; $100 deposit, more if bringing in beer keg; no on-site catering; restrooms, kitchen facilities (pots/pans not provided); tables, chairs for 125 are provided, additional seating allowed; beer, wine coolers allowed; lakefront view; decorating early requires rental; outlets for DJ; cement floor; attached deck, air-conditioning. Holiday Inn, 5826 University Ave., Cedar Falls, 277-2230, 1-800-465-4329. www.kinseth.com/cedarfalls_holi-
day_inn.asp Details: Accommodates up to 300; book about a year in advance; mezzanine and plaza seat up to 350, banquet hall seats up to 300; no rental fee for parties more than 175 people; full-service catering by River City Beefstro, $16.95 to $22.95 per plate; free honeymoon suite with whirlpool for bride and groom; special overnight rates for wedding guests; rehearsal dinner, gift opening, bridal shower available; tables, chairs, linens, skirting, security included; bar, bartender provided; some decorations provided, decorating 8 a.m. day of event; dance floor, table for disc jockey. Knights of Columbus, 1955 Locke Ave., Waterloo, 234-6908, ask for Jim Details: Accommodates up to 264 guests; rental fee includes bartender, chairs, tables, paper tablecloths, set up and clean up; food options include buffet dinners, sandwiches and/or appetizers; hall includes dance floor with stage for band or DJ; handicapped accessible; private parking lot; located near Crossroads Shopping Center and numerous hotels. Oster Regent Theatre, 103 Main St., Cedar Falls, 277-5283, www.cedarnet. org/regent Details: Accommodates 80-100; book early; $175, $50 deposit; no on-site catering; can serve own alcohol but cannot sell to guests; kitchen with serving area, sink, refrigerator, microwave; tables, chairs provided for 100; linens rented for $3 each; room overlooks Cedar River; decorating day before depends on availability; hardwood dance floor. Park Place Event Centre, 1521 Technology Parkway, Suite B, Cedar Falls, 277-1255, www.barmuda.com/park_
Five Sullivan Brothers Convention Center, W. Fourth Street and Commercial, Waterloo, 233-7560 Details: Accommodates 100 to 1,100; book up to 18 months in advance; $600 for facility, $600 deposit; full setup, cleanup, bar included; draped, skirted head table on risers with microphone; on-site catering only; dinner or hors d’oeuvres buffet, sit-down dinner, $15.95 to $23.95 per person; can bring wedding cake; round tables, cake table, chairs, white linens provided; dance floor. Fox Ridge Golf Club, Highway 20, Dike, 989-2213, www.golffoxridge.com Details: Accommodates 320 people; bookings one month in advance; room rental $900 with $250 deposit (nonrefundable/applied toward rental), includes setup, cleanup and bar, dance floor; additional charges for linens and place settings. Catering available on-site, $18.95 per person buffet-style, no room rental fee if club does the catering (linens included); decorating at noon the day before wedding.
McKenna McNelly Photography
Winter 2010 WEDDINGS
Pepsi Pavilion, National Cattle Congress grounds, 232-5801, www.nationalcattlecongress.com Details: Accommodates 100-500; $550, $250 deposit; on-site buffet-style catering only, starts at $11.50 per plate; tables, chairs included; linens rented for $3 each, 50 cents per napkin; full bar; smoking permitted; decorating afternoon before depends on availability; dance floor. Riverview Conference Center, 439 N. Division St., Cedar Falls, 268-0787, www.riverviewconferencecenter.com Details: Accommodates 200; recommended booking six months before; per person fee $1.25 for groups 150 or fewer, $1 for more than 150; $80 minimum, $50 deposit; on-site catering only, $5 to $6 per plate; no alcohol allowed; tables, chairs included, linens not; non-smoking; decorating day before depends on availability; patio block floor, stage. Riviera-Roose Community Center, 307 Maple St., Janesville, (319) 987-3512. Recently remodeled, the community center features a well-lit, wide open space with easy access to an outdoor grassy area. Rotary Reserve, 5932 N. Union Road, Cedar Falls, 266-6813, www.co.black-hawk.ia.us/depts/conservation Details: Accommodates 300; book up to two years in advance; $650 for all day Saturday; package deals include $800 for both Friday and Saturday night, $925 for all day Friday and Saturday, $650 for Thursday night and all day Friday; weekday times range from $195 to $275, $100 increase on holidays; $200 deposit two weeks prior to event; no on-site catering; kitchen, restrooms; tables, chairs provided for 300 guests; linens, cooking utensils not provided; beer, wine, champagne only; uniformed security officer required if serving alcohol; non-smoking; remote location on banks of Cedar River, deck, gazebo, fireplace, PA system, concrete floor, air-conditioned/ heated; changing rooms for both men and women available. Sky Event Centre, Black’s Building, 501 Sycamore St., Waterloo, 277-1255, www.barmuda.com Sky Event Centre is a premier event centre in downtown Waterloo opening later this summer. The event centre, located on the 8th floor of the Black’s building overlooks the entire Cedar Valley and is available for reunions, wedding receptions, fundraisers and all kinds of special events. Call Bridget Bryson at 319-277-1255 or email Brit@barmuda.com Sunnyside Country Club, 1600 Olympic Drive, Waterloo, 234-1707, www.sunnysidecountryclub.com Details: Members only; ballroom seats 270; booking depends on availability; no rental fee for members; onsite sit-down or buffet-style catering only, average $23 per plate; tables, chairs, linens provided; bar; decorating early allowed; dance floor. The Supervisors’ Club, 3265 Dewitt Road, Waterloo, 233-6069, ask for Donna or Casie Details: Accommodates up to 400 in a non-smoking environment; $900 rental includes bartenders, chairs, tables and cleaning; linens extra; full bar and food capabilities; option of appetizers, sandwiches, two-meat buffet or served, sit-down dinner; DJ or band stage and dance floor; handicapped accessible; close parking; located off of Ridgeway Avenue between Waterloo and Cedar Falls. University of Northern Iowa Slife Ballroom and Georgian Lounge, 1227 W. 27th St., Cedar Falls, 273-
WEDDINGS Winter 2010
2333, www.uni.edu/dor/dining/catering Details: Ballroom seats up to 220; reservations accepted up to two years in advance; $500 for ballroom, $200 for neighboring lounge; half of estimated cost paid in advance, remainder due at event; set up, clean up included; on-site catering only, dinner $15.55 to $22 per person, buffet, sit down or cocktail reception available; will cut and serve cake; tables, chairs, linens provided; bar; non-smoking; no open flames, nails or excessive glitter; can provide centerpieces, bouquets, card basket; patio attached to lounge; sound system in ballroom; portable risers for band, DJ, head table; wood dance floor.
reception hall directory
place/weddings.php Details: Intimate gatherings to grand receptions accommodating up to 500 people (seated). Services range from customized menus and personalized favors, and event coordinators can coordinate the entire wedding. For customized prices, packages and deposits, call Park Place.
University of Northern Iowa Maucker Union Ballroom, 1227 W. 27th St., Cedar Falls, 273-2256, www. uni.edu/maucker Details: Wood-floor ballroom features two movable wall partitions that can divide the room into three equal sections, providing banquet seating from 140 in one section or up to 480 in all three; reservations accepted up to two years in advance; $200-600; deposit half of rental; linens, tables, chairs, risers, microphone, set up, clean up included; additional A/V equipment available; bar; onsite catering provided by UNI catering; decorating day before depending on availability; hardwood dance floor. Wartburg College, 100 Wartburg Blvd., Waverly, 352-8453, ask for Margaret, www.wartburg.edu/studentcenter/conferences.html Details: Open to public; accommodates up to 400 banquet style; booking depends on availability, usually book during summer or student breaks; mobile partitions divide three rooms, $100 for each room, half of estimated total paid ahead; on-site sit-down or buffet-style catering only by Wartburg food service, $11 to $18 per person, appetizer reception $1.90 to $3 per person; tables, chairs, linens provided; bar serves wine, beer only; decorating day ahead costs extra; can provide centerpieces; staging for head table provided for extra fee; DVD, Power Point, video, sound equipment; dance floor can be rented. Waterloo Center for the Arts, 225 Commercial St., Waterloo, 291-4490, www.waterloocenterforthearts.org Details: Accommodates up to 250; book minimum of six months before, maximum as far in advance as desired; $350 to $485; $200 non-refundable deposit; no on-site catering; kitchen available; set up, clean up included, kitchen clean up not; round or square tables, chairs provided; additional charge for alcohol, beer, wine, champagne can be purchased prior to or with a cash bar; water fountain in front of building for photos; decorating day before costs extra; stage, microphones, sound system available; dance floor. Waterloo Elks Lodge, 407 E. Park Ave., Waterloo, 234-7568, Randi Leuenhagen randi290@qwestoffice. net Details: Room rental with member sponsor; $600 guest fee; accommodates up to 375; on-site catering only, $15 to $25 per person plus tax and gratuity; tables, chairs included; fee for bartender, linens; decorating day before depends on availability; luxurious atmosphere, stage for bands or DJ, dance floor; plenty of on-site parking. Waverly Golf and Country Club, 705 Eighth St. SW, Waverly, 352-3855, www.waverlycountryclub.com Details: Open to public for rental; accommodates 3500; book about a year in advance; $600, $100 deposit; on-site sit down or buffet-style catering only; one-meat buffet $12.95, two-meat $14.95, three-meat $16.95 per person, call for sit-down meal prices; can bring in wedding cake; tables, chairs, bartender, waitresses, linens $1 per person; decorating night before depends on availability; dance floor. To list or update your reception site listing for the next issue of Weddings, call 291-1429 or e-mail melody. parker@wcfcourier.com. Think budget and remember to read each contract before signing on the dotted line. Ask about cancellation policies, deposit amounts and when the balance is due.
www.wcfcourier.com/bridal
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Bride’s Name Address City
State
Zip Code
State
Zip Code
Groom’s Name Address City Date Engaged
Planned Wedding Date
Location of reception (city)
Estimated number of guests
E-mail address:
Mail bridal planner to __bride __groom (check one)
PLEASE CHECK THE ITEMS/SERVICES YOU NEED FOR YOUR WEDDING: __ Bridal Services __ Health & Beauty
__ Reception Sites
__ Bridal Shops __ Cakes/Sweets __ Caterers __ Disc Jockeys
__ Honeymoon/Travel __ Hotel/Accommodations __ Invitations __ Jewelry
__ Rehearsal Dinner __ Rentals - Party Supplies, Tents __ Tuxes __ Videographer
__ Dry Cleaners - Gown Preservation __ Favors
__ Limo/Transportation __ Musicians/Bands/Soloists
__ Wedding Consultants __ Wedding Sites
__ Financial/Insurance __ Floral/Decorations __ Furniture/Furnishings
__ Officiants __ Parties __ Photographers
__ Wine, Spirits __ Other
__ Gifts/Registry
__ Realtor/Housing