Weddings - Summer 2017 by Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier

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PUBLISHER Roy D. Biondi ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Tara Seible EDITOR Melody Parker 319-291-1429 melody.parker@wcfcourier.com PROJECT MANAGER & AD SALES Sheila Kerns 319-291-1448 sheila.kerns@wcfcourier.com GRAPHIC DESIGNER Amanda Hansen CONTRIBUTING WRITERS/SOURCES Brandon Pollock, photographer Associated Press Washington Post Tribune News Service Brandpoint The Knot Shutterstock

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Weddings Magazine is published quarterly by Courier Communications and may be contacted at: 100 E. 4th St., P.O. Box 540, Waterloo, IA 50704. Copyright, Weddings, 2016. All rights reserved. Reproduction or use of editorial or graphic content without permission is prohibited.

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1 3

emerald 2

4 If you’re looking for a sophisticated and elegant color scheme for your wedding, don’t overlook emerald green. While trends come and go, this jewel tone is traditional because it has substance. It’s also surprisingly versatile, refined and even glamorous. Another nice thing about emerald green, as with most greens, it goes with just about any other color. For a modern approach, pair it with navy blue, dull gray, yellow-green, cameo pink or deep magenta. If your ideal is more classic, pair emerald green with silver, gold, peach, soft pink, ivory, charcoal or white.

1. A floral table centerpiece has the romance of rich, vining greenery. 2. There’s a reason Chanel No. 19 is such a classic perfume. The fragrance is green, but feminine and grown-up, with layered scents of fresh spring leaves, bright green apples, oak moss and iris with just a touch of sandalwood. 3. Faceted emeralds make statement-making earrings. 4. Navy complements emerald green in this bow tie. 5. Tricks of the Trade Maxi full-length halter dress for the bridesmaid, in emerald green.

6. This stylish patent-leather clutch can also be a cross-body bag, perfect to carry with the bride’s going-away outfit. 7. He wears suede emerald green shoes, while she adorns her bridal heels with a clip-on faux flower. 8. Touches of emerald ribbon bring this traditional wedding cake to the next level.

3 WEDDING PLANNER

tricks to borrow

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ccording to TheKnot.com, the average cost for a professional wedding planner is just under $2,000, but many couples don’t have that kind of wiggle room in their budgets. In fact, 74 percent of couples didn’t hire a wedding planner in 2015, the website says. You can still pull off a polished wedding if you borrow a few tactics from a wedding planner’s bag of tricks.

1. Make the rental store your playground

From tents and outdoor heaters, tables and chairs, to

glassware, dishes, dance floors and décor, rental stores supply the wedding industry with the basics, luxuries and everything in between. “Working with rental companies is like being in a fantasyland,” Minneapolis-based wedding professionals Matthew Trettel and Bruce Vassar, The Wedding Guys, recently said in an interview with Rental Management magazine. “There are so many endless possibilities, and the only thing holding you back is the event budget. Even on the smallest budget, you can always enhance or elevate an event working with a rental company.” 2. Emphasize organization Professional wedding planners use their organizational skills to ensure weddings go smoothly despite any surprises that arise. You can employ many of the same organizational tricks they use to help yourself manage the numerous details that go into a wedding, including: Create an inspiration board. Gathering your color 6 SUMMER 2017 WEDDINGS

choices, theme elements and inspirations in one spot can help your decision-making process. Be sure to talk with your partner about your budget before you sign any contracts. Set a budget and use a budgeting worksheet (readily available for free online) to help control costs. Numerous types of planning helpers are available, from online worksheets to apps, books and old-fashioned paper planners. Find one that’s easy for you to use and stick with it. 3. Work your connections Professional wedding planners have networks of vendors to choose from. You can also network to find vendors for your wedding. Ask family, friends and co-workers for recommendations. Another trick is to find one professional with whom you really connect — a photographer, florist or entertainer — and ask for referrals to other quality professionals he or she likes working with. Source: Brandpoint

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Children line up for desserts from The Bumblebee truck at a wedding held at the Lyon’s Farmette & River Bend in Lyons, Colo. The Bumblebee is a dessert truck owned and operated by Denverbased chef Lora Kleinwachter.

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‌Bobby Hughes’ family was worried about the food truck. They were used to sit-down wedding dinners with towering cakes. But Hughes and his Colombian bride, Angelica, were opting for a more relaxed approach when they asked the owners of a local food truck to cook up a South American-inspired menu for their Houston wedding. “My Texas relatives are meat-and-potatoes people,” Hughes says. “So there was some concern about the food. I was asked if people should bring their own sandwiches.” WCFCOURIER.COM/WEDDINGS

No sandwiches required. Hughes says his family and other guests ended up being impressed with the custom menu created by Consumed — a self-billed “Mobile Food Dispensary.” Normally purveyors of upscale burgers and fries, the owners worked with the couple to offer Argentine empanadas, goat cheese and pesto-slathered sliders, veggie tacos and Arepa, a traditional Columbian flat cornbread topped with pulled chicken and jicama slaw. Hughes recommends a food truck to anyone who wants something relaxed and different, but he says couples should manage their

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expectations. “It’s a food truck,” he says. “They’re not going to serve everyone at the same time, but in the meantime your guests can have drinks and talk. It really takes the edge off.” Mei Li, owner of a Boston truck called Mei Mei , agrees that trucks add to a casual, fun atmosphere. “It’s fun for guests to walk up and order,” she says. “It’s a new experience for a lot of people, and adds a level of excitement and options that a traditional caterer can’t provide.” Having done many weddings, Li suggests that couples consider the style of their wedding, the number of guests and the limitations of the venue when selecting a truck for their special day. Also, learn what a food truck can or can’t do. “Food trucks don’t usually offer table linens, waitstaff or cleanup after the meal. You may need to negotiate that or hire an outside vendor for those services,” Li says. Chat directly with the chefs, she says, to make sure the menu items make sense for the crowd size. “Nobody wants to wait a long time to eat at a wedding,” Li says. “Be willing to be flexible and creative — the operator will know best what will work.” Li recommends using a truck for either the cocktail hour or the main meal, and limiting menu items to three or four options. Another

option is to have chefs serve appetizers directly from the truck and then bring family-style portions to each table, or provide a buffet. For those who prefer a traditional sit-down dinner but still want the fun of a truck, consider a dessert van. “Everything is already made, so it’s like a dessert buffet that I’m constantly refilling,” says Lora Kleinwachter, owner and head chef of The Bumblebee truck in Denver. The Bumblebee, a curvy, 1962 P-30 van that’s even cuter than its name, was rescued and refurbished into its current, Instagram-worthy state and has been traveling to weddings and events ever since. While her menu options include full-scale cakes, she often suggests the most portable treats — like baked doughnut holes or chocolate trifle cups. “By dessert time, people are often dancing and socializing,” she says. “Guests, especially the children, love anything that’s easy to eat and carry around.” While many savory food trucks can save couples money compared to a sit-down dinner, dessert trucks can be a splurge. With a $1,000 minimum plus travel and hourly service charges, Kleinwachter knows her truck can cost more than the average cake. Yet she says many couples hire her because they want something special.

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Not so fast. Professional dietitian falls victim to wedding diet allure

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CHRISTY BRISSETTE Special to the Washington Post‌

‌As a bridesmaid in several weddings and a dietitian who counsels clients pre-nuptials, I’ve heard from brides that they feel tremendous pressure to be at their most thin and beautiful on their special day. When it came to my own engagement, even I noticed a burgeoning anxiety. Try to do a search for cake toppers or wedding photographers and you’ll be bombarded with articles for wedding diets and bridal exercise regimens, many with countdowns of a year or longer. I was disturbed to find that as soon as I changed my Facebook status

to “Engaged,” the weight-loss ads started popping up on my page. Wanting to be a fit and healthy bride is one thing; the expectation that you should completely transform your body in preparation for the “big day” is another. Feeling similar stress about looking his best, my fiance decided to start a low-carb diet. He asked for my support, emotionally and logistically, by keeping temptations out of our kitchen. We don’t keep any heavily processed foods or junk foods in the house as it is, so he was essentially asking me not to eat any carb-rich foods in front of him. Because I eat a mostly plantbased diet, my staple foods are higher-carb choices such as fruit, beans, lentils and chickpeas, whole-grain bread, oats, brown Please see Diet, Page 12

10 SUMMER 2017 WEDDINGS WCFCOURIER.COM/WEDDINGS

notes

the bride's checklist Six to 12 Months

Two 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.

❑ Mail the invitations. ❑ Get the marriage license. ❑ Finalize the honeymoon plans.

Three Months

❑ Finalize wedding day transportation. ❑ Arrange to have names changed on driver’s license, Social Security card, etc.

❑ 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.

WCFCOURIER.COM/WEDDINGS

One Month ❑ Reserve accommodations for the groom. ❑ Record gits 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 gits for the bridal party. Brides oten 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

SIMPLY STUNNING, SIMPLY GRACEFUL,

One Week ❑ 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.

Wedding Day ❑ Relax and enjoy your very special day.

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Diet Continued from page 10

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rice and sweet potatoes. I took this request as a challenge to my own belief systems, but not necessarily an unhealthy one. I do believe that each person has their own ideal nutrition plan based on their genetics and lifestyle. Some people feel energized and get desirable results by limiting carbs for a time. I managed to stay on the diet for three weeks. The combination of the negative effects on my mental health and work (such as a foggy brain, listless attitude, bleak outlook and lack of productivity) with medical issues that scared me (such as aching joints, week-long headaches, feeling winded on short runs and constipation despite taking fiber supplements twice a day) told me it was quitting time. I had a heart-to-heart with my fiance and told him I was throwing in the towel. I’m not proud to say that I spent the following three weeks eating everything I’d fantasized about while on that diet, and in amounts I knew would undo any of the weight loss I’d earned. It goes without saying, but I’ll say it: I knew better. I wasn’t surprised that my body and mind reacted to dieting by wanting to eat everything in sight. I tell my clients all the time, “Make certain foods off limits and you’ll only want them more.” I knew my body was retaliating against deprivation, and despite some guilt, I let it have what it wanted.

Then I was ready to reevaluate my wedding nutrition and exercise plan. There are many different ways to lose weight, but experience has shown me time and time again that chasing quick results means plenty of weight regain later on. Not to mention the chipping away at your self-esteem that happens each time a crash diet doesn’t deliver on its promises. We also know that losing and regaining weight frequently can be tough on your heart. How ironic that weddings, the official ceremony of love, should be inspiring us to do anything that might hurt our hearts. On every level that’s just wrong. My plan is to prepare healthy meals for the week every Sunday that include beans and chickpeas, chicken and fish, whole grains and rainbow colors of vegetables, with healthy fats from extra-virgin olive oil and avocado. I want my hair and skin to be at their best, after all. Every couple of weeks I’ll have a meal that doesn’t fit that pattern but that I really want and enjoy every bite. I’m going to have fruit and a small handful of nuts any time I’m hungry between meals, and treat myself to dark chocolate or “nice cream” (essentially frozen bananas turned into ice cream in the food processor) when I want something sweet. My exercise routine will be running three days a week and lifting weights twice a week. I’ll let myself rest when I need it and throw in some yoga for those days I need a little more me-time.

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The bride can take a spin in Cinderella’s coach during their Disney wedding. FREEFORM PHOTO‌

IS A DISNEY WEDDING YOUR

‌T

rue love’s formula, per classic Disney princess custom: First, a storybook romance. Next, a lavish castle wedding. Then, a lifetime of “happily ever after.” According to the Walt Disney Co., mere mortals can achieve this fairy tale. That is, with their help, and for the right price. Disney’s Fairy Tale Weddings, the company’s wedding branch, may not be able to set you up with Prince Charming or promise wedded bliss, but they can help you design a wedding day fit for a queen — make that a Disney princess — complete with Cinderella’s horse-drawn carriage and a castle backdrop, natch. In 2013, Disney held 1,500 weddings on its prop-

WCFCOURIER.COM/WEDDINGS

erties. Last year, that number swelled to more than 4,000, with about 11 ceremonies a day globally. It doesn’t hurt that millennials are lapping up the princess fantasy. It also helps that the park photos make for one-of-a-kind keepsakes — and easily shareable social-media content (#AndTheySelfiedHappilyEverAfter). For Nathan Mulder, 30, and Brian Falco, 30, it was always Disney World or bust. Months before a proposal even took place, they had decided to spend what would be “the best day of their lives” at “the happiest place on Earth.” For their ceremony at Disney’s Beach and Yacht Club Resort in Orlando, the couple envisioned

something elegant and traditional, minus the gimmicks and characters — save for a few hundred “hidden Mickeys” scattered throughout the venue. “I think that a huge misconception about Disney weddings is that . . . they are childish, or maybe even cheesy, with characters plastered everywhere,” Mulder says. “We really wanted to have a wedding that was at Disney, not so much a Disney wedding.” For the reception, they splurged on some subtle hints of “Disney magic” for their 225 guests, including an appearance by Mickey and Minnie ($1,700) and a customized projection cake, which lit up with scenes from their favorite Disney films Please see Weddings, Page 28 WEDDINGS SUMMER 2017 13

WOW FACTOR TIPS TO CREATE THE RECEPTION OF YOUR DREAMS

onfess. When those doors swing open to welcome your guests into the wedding reception, you want their jaws on the terrazzo tile floor as they gaze in wonder, and the only coherent word they can utter is, “Wow!” So, don’t let first impressions fade away before the cake cutting ceremony. By focusing on details, layering, the style and mood you want to create, and the comfort and enjoyment of your guests, you can have the wedding reception of your dreams. Walk through your venue. Make notes (or take photos with your phone) on the size and styles of tables and chairs, the room arrangement, chandeliers, staircase, settings for photos, etc., that can be enhanced, as well as any areas you want to downplay. Find out what the venue provides with the rental, such as linens, dishes, silverware and glassware. A local rental store can help fill in the blanks. Are the tables long or round? Experts suggest long tables should be no wider than 36 inches, which shrinks the amount of space to decorate on each table, which should keep costs under control. Besides, dining family-style can be cozy fun.

14 SUMMER 2017 WEDDINGS WCFCOURIER.COM/WEDDINGS

By focusing on details, layering, the style and mood you want to create, and the comfort and enjoyment of your guests, you can have the wedding reception of your dreams.

WCFCOURIER.COM/WEDDINGS

WEDDINGS SUMMER 2017 15

Round tables seat six to 10 guests; be sure you have ample room for the number of tables you’ll require. Break up long, narrow tables with height — tall or low centerpieces, candles, vases. Alternate between centerpieces and accessories, and run your theme down the center of the table, leaving plenty of room for place settings. A textured runner down the length of the table adds another attractive layer. Set dining tables with clusters of candles, lanterns or candelabra, string Edison lights overhead to create a glowing ambiance or fill the ceiling space with tissue paper pompoms, or other whimiscal elements. Place settings can mimic the table shape, or create a contrast. For example, set square plates on a round table. Use fine china or a mix of vintage china pieces for a personal touch. Crystal can be a clear or colored. A few touches at each place setting can make guests feel extra-special, such as attractively presented napkins and favors. Make sure ceremony flowers are delivered to your wedding reception venue as part of your party décor. Martha Stewart Weddings suggests asking your florist to refashion them into small bouquets for your bridal party. You can serve a sit-down dinner with plate service, family or buffet style. It doesn’t have to be a multi-course gourmet dinner, either. The menu should have appetizers, the entrée and side dishes, and a dessert, perhaps the wedding cake.

16 SUMMER 2017 WEDDINGS

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A glamorous finish for bridal look ASSOCIATED PRESS

Crowns and other types of headpieces, often made with crystals, rhinestones and pearls, have become more popular among brides in recent years, experts say. Delicate or statement-making, a bridal headpiece serves as a finishing touch, a way to add a little bit of extra glamour to a wedding-day outfit. “They’re really an exquisitely beautiful way to finish your look, and something that’s really special, rooted in tradition but really modern,” says New York luxury accessories designer Jennifer Behr, whose designs have been worn by many A-list celebrities. “It’s really jewelry for the hair,” she said, adding that like makeup, headpieces “bring a lot of brightness and attention and beauty to the face.” With all eyes (and cameras) on the bride, Behr, who has a namesake accessories company, says the headpiece is the bride’s most

important accessory, and can be worn with or without a veil. The floral crown, made of fresh flowers or fashioned from metal or silk, is a standout among headpieces, says Shane Clark, senior fashion and accessories editor at Brides magazine. “Floral crowns are the biggest hair accessory trend we’ve been seeing,” Clark says. “It makes it feel more romantic. You have that ethereal, hippie, romantic, laidback vibe.” Behr also offers several golden, metal floral styles she calls “a more sophisticated take on the floral crown. It’s a little bit more elegant.” If a crown’s not your thing, consider a decorative comb, clip or pins. A beautiful comb can hold your veil in place, or pins or combs could be tucked into an updo or low chignon. Headbands too, are plentiful. Newer versions, called circlets and halos, which often have ties

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AP PHOTOS

Fresh flower crown.

Â at the ends, can be worn across the top of the head like a traditional headband or lower down, toward or across the forehead. Hair vines are flexible strands that can be woven into bridal braids. Arielle Chignon Wrap by Behr. How to find your perfect hair accessory? Choose something that complements your gown, wedding venue and hairstyle, and a design that feels natural, Clark advises. There are now many choices in metals, Clark notes, with yellow and rose gold mixing in with the traditional silver finish among hair accessory options. A different color gives the same accessory a completely different feel, she says. Behr says her gold pieces work Sabrina Circlet by Behr. well with cream or lace gowns. Clark advises matching the metal in a headpiece to the finish of any jewelry. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re using the headpiece to add color, wear fresh blooms in the same color family as your bouquet and keep the colors appropriate for the season. Pay attention to scale so your hair accessory isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t out of balance with or competing with details on your gown, Clark says. Delicate Vine Circlet by Behr. WCFCOURIER.COM/WEDDINGS

Intimate

Moments Made Extraordinary

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1 Paper decorations What could be more fun and funky for wedding decorations than paper flowers or tissue-paper pom-poms? Make your own using instructions found on the web, or purchase them ready-made. You’ll find a surprising variety of styles, too, that will work for either casual or formal events.

2 Drip cakes Here’s a sweet idea — and one of the hottest wedding cake trends around: the drip cake. The look is intentionally unintentional and all about fun. A frosted, partially frosted or naked tiered wedding cake is given the unusual touch of dripping chocolate, ganache, caramel or “melted” icing in a contrasting color down the sides. It’s a luscious look finished by flowers, fruit or topper. 20 SUMMER 2017 WEDDINGS

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3 Greenery Eucalyptus, ferns, ivy, succulents … some brides are choosing foliage over flowers for their wedding décor. Fresh touches of greenery also showcase beautiful flower stems, so you can have the best of both worlds. Mixing materials is one way of stretching your floral budget.

4 Off-theshoulder wedding gowns It’s one of the top searches on Pinterest. Off-the-shoulder wedding gowns can be very flattering to most figure types, and you’ll find details galore — lace, drop beads, ruffles, cap sleeves.

5 Blue suits for men

Grooms are getting blue — suits, that is. Deep blue, inky blue, navy blue — the color is definitely a softer, more colorful alternative to traditional black or gray tuxedos and suit jackets, but it still has definition and an air of formality. It’s one of those colors that looks good with almost any wedding color scheme.

6 Dusty pink Pink is a wedding color classic, but sometimes the color can be too bright, too delicate or just plain sweet. According to Pinterest’s 2017 wedding report, brides are falling in love with dusty pink, a softer, more subtle shade of pink. The search for “dusty pink weddings” has increased 255 percent since last year.

7 Woodland accents As a theme, rustic is still enjoying its moment, but the look is beginning to broaden — from less kitsch to more natural, using woodland and forest-y accents. You’ll see reindeer moss down the center of tables, creating a bed for lanterns, votive candles, vases and other table decorations, for example. Cakes are being served on rounds of wood. Brides are giving small, personalized cutting boards as bridal party gifts. The options, we think, are endless.

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8 Tall wedding cakes Call them architectural wonders or feats of gravitydefying construction, but tall, multi-tiered wedding cakes are all the rage. How many layers? That depends — how brave are you? After several seasons of naked cakes, the wedding pendulum is swinging back to tall, iced or fondant-covered cakes that will be the talk of your wedding.

Hanging decorations

Look up! Brides are making use of this “fifth” wall to make it part of the overall reception setting. You’ll see round orbs wrapped with vines, lanterns and chandeliers draped with flowers, mini terrariums with single blooms, paper flowers, strands of lights and pennants dangling overhead, elaborate tenting over dance floors or the bridal table and tufts of tulle poufed across the ceiling.

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10 Vintage glamour What’s old is new again, goes the saying. A lacy wedding gown, decorative hair combs and veils, old-fashioned brooches, necklace and earrings, cascading flowers in classic combinations, especially roses, are all vintage touches for the bride. Bridesmaids and groomsmen can wear throwback styles, too. Borrow a vintage auto for your photo session. Decorate the venue with oversized, flowerfilled urns, using gold, milk glass, mercury glass, crystal, pewter and silver vases and vessels for table centerpieces or floral arrangements, incorporate antique-looking or thrift-shop china into your table settings and arrangements. Repurpose old furniture for settings at your reception for relaxing or photos. Stack up vintage suitcases to collect gifts and cards from well-wishers.

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11 Surprise settings Going to the chapel to exchange wedding vows is traditional, but some couples are looking for quirkier venues, a location off the beaten path, an unexpected venue to stage their “I do’s.” The local natural history museum, a conservatory, an old glass-walled greenhouse, a backyard garden, the performing arts center lobby, theater, botanical garden, arboretum, a barn, an art gallery, an amusement park, fairgrounds, you name it, all of these locales are perfect for the couple who wants a unique event.

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12 Sweet tooth There’s the wedding cake, natch. But that’s just a slice, then it’s over. So, couples are indulging their guests’ love for sweets by arranging candy bars decked out with jars, bowls and plates filled with treats. Guests can grab a small sack or plate and fill it for snacking now or later.

Bridesmaids Flower Girl Dresses & Accessories Dresses available at Waterloo location only

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Tuxedos & Suits Over 100,000 Tux Items in STOCK! Everything is on display in both stores

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tips for honeymoon cruises Planning a honeymoon cruise? Here are seven tips to consider, and they can make all the difference once you board.

1. Itinerary matters. Even if you don’t plan on leaving the ship, choose an itinerary that makes sense for your honeymoon needs. Don’t pay extra for a cruise that visits European capitals if you’d much rather spend your days unwinding by the pool. On the contrary, make sure you book a sailing with immersive port stops if you are the kind of couple who can’t sit still. Look for cruise lines that do overnights in major ports to give yourself more time for exploration.

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2. Treat yourself to a nice room. A balcony cabin isn’t a bad choice, but (ideally) you only honeymoon once: Consider splurging on a suite. The perks of a suite on nearly every cruise line go beyond the square footage. Think pillow menus and oversized showers are luxurious? Try butler service with a personal concierge. Suite perks vary by cruise line.

3. Register for a honeymoon cruise fund. Better than departing on a honeymoon cruise is sailing away without spending a cent. If your budget allows, register for your honeymoon rather than three sets of china. Lines like Norwegian offer the chance to set up onboard registries. Designate funds for the cruise fare itself, but don’t forget additional costs like meals in specialty restaurants, drink packages, shore excursions and even honeymoon packages.

4. Reserve dining strategically. Next to love, nothing nourishes the body and soul quite like food. While the days of assigned seating have passed (virtually every cruise line offers some type of flexible dining), you still have to feast among the masses unless you plan ahead. Main dining rooms are a free way to enjoy the cuisine du jour, but be sure to let your maitre ‘d know you would like a little personal space at the start of your honeymoon cruise.

5. Splurge on seclusion.

Black’s Sky Room

Cruise lines like Princess, Royal Caribbean and Carnival offer sumptuous adults-only sun decks that won’t cost anything extra and provide amenities like secluded hot tubs, padded loungers and even hammocks built for two. But depending on how large your cruise ship is, you might be sharing these spaces with a hundred other people. For something more intimate, check to see if the cruise ship you’re considering has any limited-access areas.

6. Book a couple’s treatment.

7. Don’t be afraid to advertise your status.

Cruise lines offer couples’ massages in the spa and, occasionally, in your room or on the beach in a tropical port. If the line allows you to book spa treatments early, do so — couples massages sell out very quickly.

You might not get special treatment at every turn by identifying yourself as a honeymooner, but if you have a travel agent who specializes in cruises and has a good relationship with your cruise line, you might get some amenities at no charge.

—Source: cruisecritic.com

Now taking reservations for weddings and special events! 8th floor of the Historic Black’s Building in Downtown Waterloo 501 Sycamore Street, Waterloo, IA 50703

319-235-1521

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A Look that is

Timeless SWITZERFLIM SWITZERFILM‌

Brian Falco, 30, and Nathan Mulder, 30, on their wedding day.

Choosing a venue

Weddings

Scouting and securing a wedding venue comes with a world of potential pitfalls, from hidden fees to parking headaches.

From 13

200 STATE STREET, #104 319-266-7517

2 banquet rooms 2 fully stocked bars 1 professional chef 18 hole golf course Visit us at www.waverlycc.com or contact Manager Scott Th orson at (319) 352-3855 or at wcountryclub@gmail.com

(about $3,000). The final price tag? More than $100,000. “The entire week [and] weekend was a dream come true,” Mulder says. Interested in getting hitched at a Disney property? Here’s more about what you and your intended can expect. The parks offer a range of prices. A small-scale ceremony, with up to four guests, is $2,500 to $4,500; a ceremony-only occasion for up to 18 guests is $5,000 to $9,000; and customized ceremonies for more than 18 guests start at $12,500. Options include intimate elopements in secret pockets of the parks and extravagant, 300-person, after-hours celebrations in front of the Cinderella Castle ($180,000 minimum). You may need a fairy godmother, or three, for that one. Want to customize your wedding? Disneyphiles can wave their magic wands and handpick an array of extras, including a white dove flyover ($250), a private fireworks display and dessert party ($2,500), and, yes, a spin in Cinderella’s coach ($2,950). Want Captain Jack Sparrow to dab on the dance floor? That’ll be $5,000 to $6,500. Had some last-minute cancellations? Disney will hire a pair of “uninvited guests” — actors posing as Disney-obsessed tourists — to “crash” your party and entertain for three hours ($1,800). Obsessed with the Little Mermaid? Throw an “Under the Sea”-themed fete in an underground aquarium, surrounded by more than 6,000 sea creatures in Epcot’s Living Seas Salon ($1,500 to $4,500). There are nonnegotiables. Disney characters are not allowed to officiate (sorry, Mickey) or attend the ceremony (although they can come to the reception). That being said, you can hire a

Couples using smartphones for wedding planning more than doubled from 2014 to 90 percent, with 43 percent using online planning tools, according to The Knot, which surveyed nearly 13,000 brides and grooms who married in 2016. When it comes to weddings, location, location, location has been elevated in the planning process, according to The Knot, with unexpected places to wed, including barns, public gardens, wineries and museums, on the rise. Read contracts closely for what is included and what is your responsibility. Basic rentals, parking, bar, the caterer are just a few things that may or may not be included. As for unusual spaces spaces not typically used for events require paying for, renting and providing everything yourself. All costs — chairs, linens, permits, lighting — should be priced out before heading outside the box. major-domo or an English butler to deliver your wedding bands in Cinderella’s glass slipper or on a silver platter (about $800). Also, all food and beverages must be provided by the park, so if you have your heart set on InN-Out Burger, you’re out of luck. And brides can’t wear their gowns during theme-park hours unless they’re willing to pay a pretty penny ($75,000 minimum). Source: Washington Post

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Coming Soon

Diamond Event Center at Jorgensen Plaza

Celebrate the start of your forever at the Cedar Valley’s elegant new Diamond Event Center. An experienced team helps create a flawless celebration that reflects your personalities and passion for each other. Now taking reservations for receptions in June 2018 and beyond.

For more information, contact Crystal Ford at (319) 266-9994 or crystal.ford@barmuda.com. 5313 Caraway Lane • Cedar Falls, IA 50613

Your day should sparkle, like the two of you!

breathtaking views · Customizable menus seating up to 300+ · beautiful Ceremony lawn gorgeous ballroom & Dining rooms

(319) 234-1707 | info@sunnysiDeCountryClub. c o m 1600 olympiC Drive, waterloo, iowa WCFCOURIER.COM/WEDDINGS

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Reception Hall Directory His proposal was music to your ears. Now it’s time to put your florist, cake baker and caterer on speeddial. 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. To assist our readers, here’s a listing of metro area reception halls:

American Legion Post 138, 728 Commercial St., Waterloo 319-234-8511 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 Dr., Cedar Falls • 319-266-1975 www.beaverhills.com open to public, booking upon availability; accommodates up to 250; $500 for room; set up, clean up included; on-site bufet or sit-down style catering, about $15 per person; tables, chairs, linens provided; bar; decorating early depends on availability; dance floor. Black’s Sky Room/Tea Room 501 Sycamore St., No. 710 Waterloo Contact Vern Nelson • 319-233-5109 Built in 1929 atop the eighth floor of the Black’s building, the Sky Room has been beautifully restored. Events from 10 to 360 people; choice of 8 preapproved caterers or your choice to be approved; open bar, paid bar or combination with bartender(s); tables, chairs, stage risers & podium available; parking connected by Sky Walk. Cedar Falls Community Center 528 Main St., Cedar Falls • 319-277-1900 available for evening and weekend rentals for special events such as weddings and receptions, anniversaries and other special events. Chairs and tables provided, capacity 200. No on site food prep allowed, but small kitchen to assist with catered food. Dance floor. Non-smoking with ample nearby parking. additional deposit and charge for wine and beer. available to rent up to one year in advance; call 268-5541 for more information and booking. Cedar Falls Womans Club 304 Clay St., Cedar Falls • 319-266-1431 www.cedarfallswomansclub.com CFWC@cfu.net Manager: Angie Andrews this stately home overlooks overman Park in the heart of the historic area of Cedar Falls. It has been and is a meeting place for many groups and a gathering place for private parties & small weddings. Consider this beautiful Cedar Falls landmark for your next event. Cedar Valley Arboretum & Botanic Gardens 1927 E. Orange Road, Waterloo • 319-226-4966 www.cedarvalleyarboretum.org a lush, 40 acre garden setting located directly east of Hawkeye Community College – the perfect backdrop for your special day. a Saturday wedding in the garden of your choice includes a one hour rehearsal between 4pm and 7pm the night before your wedding and the use of our education center and the garden of your choice from 10am – 6pm on the day of your wedding for $800. Wedding rentals are available seven days a week, prices vary. For more information about booking the arboretum for your special day, call our ofice or email us at ofice@ cedarvalleyarboretum.org.

Centennial Oaks Golf Club Eagle Ridge Dr., Waverly • 319-483-1765, ask for Lisa 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 staf, dance floor, complimentary set-up and tear-down. Center Inn Banquet Facilities 209 Main St., Readlyn • 319-279-3839 www.centerinn.com 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. The Centre Hall 1211 4th St., SW, Waverly • 319-352-1386 www.thecentrehall.com Seating for up to 700 guests. Wedding package includes: day prior to event, day of event, half day ater event, seating for 250 guests including tables and chairs, kitchen area and serving tables. accommodates the wedding, reception, dinner, and dance without moving or tearing down tables and chairs. Clarion Inn 5826 University Ave., Cedar Falls 319-277-2230, ext. 7322 www.clarioncedarfalls.com Enjoy the convenience of your reception and hotel accommodations under one roof; brand new banquet room called “the Cedar” seating 150 people, mezzanine and plaza seat up to 350, banquet hall seats up to 300; full service catering, $18.95 to $22.95 per plate; free honeymoon suite with whirlpool for bride and groom; special overnight rates for wedding guests; rehearsal dinner, git opening, bridal shower available; tables, chairs, linens, skirting, security, bar, bartender provided; some decorations provided, decorating 8 a.m. day of event; dance floor, table for disc jockey. New against the Grain Bar and Restaurant. Electric Park Ballroom 310 W. Conger St., Waterloo • 319-232-5801 or karen@nationalcattlecongress.com www.nationalcattlecongress.com the Electric Park Ballroom at National Cattle Congress is a historic venue that can accommodate 1,000 people. It is an ideal location for wedding parties, banquets or conventions. We ofer multiple amenities such as free parking, two full service bars, complimentary set up and tear down, name on the marquee. our iconic ballroom features a 81’ x 63’ built in wooden dance floor with a built in stage and lights. We look forward to working with you. Fox Ridge Golf Club Highway 20, Dike • 319-989-2213 www.golfoxridge.com accommodates 320 people; bookings one month in advance; business meeting space available; in-house catering available to fit all budget needs; wedding rental requires $250.00 deposit (nonrefundable/ applied toward final bill) and signed contract to hold date. Please contact Ben Biersner at 319-989-2213 or ben@golfoxridge.com to request more information.

Gallagher-Bluedorn Performing Arts Center University of Northern Iowa campus Cedar Falls • 319-273-3660 • www.gbpac.com 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. Grout Museum District & Snowden House 503 South St., Waterloo • 319-234-6357 www.gmdistrict.org maddie.morehouse@gmdistrict.org Main building accommodates up to 200, $350-$750. tables, chairs, set up and tear down included. Cash or open bar available. Full service kitchen. Dance floor. No on-site catering. Snowden House: Historic victorian Italiante architectural style home. accommodates up to 120. $50/hr. tables, chairs, set up, tear down included. Kitchen available. No on-site catering. (Due to historic nature of facility, no dancing is allowed). Hartman Reserve Nature Center 657 Reserve Dr., Cedar Falls • 319-277-2187 www.hartmanreserve.org accommodates up to 100; booking at least six months in advance; $400-8 hours on Saturday or $475 Fri. nite/Saturday add $100 if serving alcohol; full kitchen, tables, chairs included; non-smoking; decks with scenic overview, bridge, outside amphitheater seats up to 100, fireplace. Henderson Event Center 2320 Iowa Ave., Independence • 319-334-6464 our 12,000-square-foot event venue comfortably accommodates up to 500 guests, all of whom are sure to be impressed with the elegance of our facilities and the level of our service. Conveniently located of of U.S. Highway 20, and within close proximity to Waterloo, Cedar Falls and lodging, our event venue in Independence, Iowa is perfect for: Weddings, School dances, Corporate functions, Holiday parties and Retirement parties. Hickory Hills Park 3338 Hickory Hills Rd., La Porte City 319-266-6813 www.co.black-hawkia.s/depts/conservation 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. Hilton Garden Inn 7213 Nordic Dr., Cedar Falls • 319-266-6611 www.HiltonGardenInnCedarFalls.com an inviting wedding location with a 5,117 sq. t. ballroom seating up to 340 guests comfortably in banquet style and a 1,450 sq. t. pre-function area ideal for a social hour. our full service hotel features 113 beautiful appointed guest rooms and suites all with 2 queens or 1 king bed. our guests can enjoy our Indoor salt water pool and whirlpool, fitness room, exterior patios with fire pits and dine in the Garden Grille & Bar serving breakfast and dinner. Wedding room blocks available. our desire is to assist you in creating your dream wedding. Please call our talented and experienced Sales & Catering team to help you customize your special day, 319266-6611.

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Isle Casino Hotel Waterloo 777 Isle of Capri Blvd., Waterloo Isle Casino Hotel Waterloo is an ideal location for your wedding, party, meeting or convention. Isle Waterloo features 5,000 feet of flexible meeting space and 1,600 square feet of pre-function space. this space is ideal for groups of 270 people sitting banquet style or a 400 person cocktail reception. our professional planning and catering staf is ready to help you create your next memorable event. For more information visit theislewaterloo.com/ meetings-saleskit.aspx or call 319-833-2266 to speak with a professional planner today. Janesville Riviera Roose Community Center 307 Maple St., Janesville • 319-987-3512 or 319-231-7660 the center is a modern, fully accessible facility managed by the Community Center Board of Directors. Its small town location on approximately 10 acres of land near the Cedar River provides an ideal setting for weddings and receptions, as well as reunions, anniversaries, retreats and business meetings. the center features a large hall with banquet seating for 350, a wood dance floor, commercial kitchen, bar and a large outdoor patio. Parking is adjacent to the building. For more details, visit www.jvrrcc.com. Oster Regent Theatre 103 Main St., Cedar Falls • 319-277-5283 www.osterregent.org accommodates 80-100; book early; $200, $50 deposit; no onsite catering; can serve own alcohol but cannot sell to guest; kitchen with serving area, sink, refrigerator, microwave; tables, chairs provided for 80; linens rented for $3 each; beautiful view of the Cedar River; decorating day before depends on availability; Hardwood dance floor. Pepsi Pavilion, National Cattle Congress grounds 319-232-5801 or karen@nationalcattlecongress.com www.nationalcattlecongress.com If you are looking for a comfortable relaxed open concept venue then the National Cattle Congress Pavilion is just right for you. the Pavilion ofers seating for 800 people which makes it an ideal location for anything from a concert to a wedding. our services included complimentary set up and tear down, name on the marquee, serving the head table as well as keeping the food line full at all times, two NCC bartenders, and free parking. We look forward to working with you. Ramada Hotel and Five Sullivan Brothers Convention Center 205 W. 4th St., Waterloo • 319-233-7560 www.ramadawaterloo.com Conveniently located in the heart of downtown Waterloo. We are able to accommodate parties from 50 to 1200 people in our uniquely customizable spaces. Rental prices range from $800.00 to $1200.00 depending on the space need for your special day. the rental fee in an inclusive price, no “hidden fees”. Rental fee includes your setup, teardown, and cleanup; as well as all tables, chairs, linens, place settings, dance floor, and so much more. We have a minimum of $4000.00 for the reception. Customizable dinner (both bufet and plated) menus provided by our professional on-site catering staf for your rehearsal dinner, reception and git opening. Full bar service with many customizable options to fit your guests needs. Feel free to book the space in advance, no limitations to how far in advance you may book. Call us today to meet with our sales team and to tour the facility.

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Rotary Reserve 5932 N. Union Rd., Cedar Falls • 319-266-6813 www.co.black-hawk.ia.us/depts/conservation 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 oficer 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. Sunnyside Country Club 1600 Olympic Dr., Waterloo • 319-234-1707 www.sunnysidecountryclub.com available to non-members & members for weddings; Seating up to 300 with overflow; booking depends on availability; competitive pricing; on-site sit-down or bufet-style catering only, starting $21 per plate; setup and tear down of tables, chairs, linens provided; fullystafed bar; decorating early allowed when available; dance floor. For details call 319-234-1707 or email events@sunnysidecountryclub.com. The Supervisors’ Club 3265 Dewitt Rd., Waterloo • 319-233-4202 www.supervisorsclub.webs.com open to the public for weddings and rehearsals, anniversaries, retirements, any special celebration or business meetings and gatherings. Convenient location between Waterloo and Cedar Falls near Hwy 20 with ample, close parking. accommodates 325-350 with large dance floor, full-service bar, onsite atM, beautiful outdoor patio and drop down projectors. on site, personalized appetizers and meals served bufet or sit-down style with numerous menu options. Rental fee includes round and/ or 8 foot tables, chairs, set up, flexible decorating times, cleaning, bartenders, serving staf, pipe and drape, and an Event Coordinator to cover all the details of your special event. a rural-type setting with a contemporary feel. Hard working personnel with professional attention to meet your every expectation. University of Northern Iowa Commons Slife Ballroom & Georgian Lounge 1224 W. 23rd Street, Cedar Falls • 319-273-2333 www.uni.edu/catering Ballroom seats up to 220; additional space available in the neighboring lounge overlooking the campanile that can be used for ceremonies, pre-reception cocktails, etc; reservations accepted up to two years in advance; half of estimated cost paid in advance, remainder due at event; set up, clean up included; on-site catering by UNI Catering; bar service; tables, chairs, linens provided; sound system in ballroom; portable risers for band, DJ, head table; dance floor; additional decorations available to rent. University of Northern Iowa Gallagher Bluedorn 8201 Dakota Street, Cedar Falls • 319-273-3660 www.gbpac.com • www.uni.edu/catering Hall lobby accommodates up to 200 banquet style, 300 standing; book six months to a year in advance; on-site catering only by UNI Catering; bar service; tables, chairs, linens provided; balcony, grand central staircase; decorating day before event; dance floor.

University of Northern Iowa Maucker Union Old Central Ballroom 1227 W. 27th Street, Cedar Falls www.uni.edu/maucker/weddings www.uni.edu/catering Ballroom accommodates 400+ banquet style with no need to remove any seating for your dance; reservations accepted up to two years in advance; deposit half of rental; set up, clean up, linens, table skirting, tables, chairs and staging included; on-site catering by UNI Catering; bar service; sound system and drop down projectors available in ballroom; dance floor included; additional decorations available to rent. Wartburg College Saemann Student Center, 100 Wartburg Blvd., Waverly 319-352-8286 www.wartburg.edu/conferences/ Groups of 20-200. Full-service banquet facility with customized menu and event planning. Great location for rehearsal dinner or wedding reception. Food and service provided by the College. Half of estimated total paid; tables, chairs, linens provided; bar serves wine and beer. av equipment available; dance floor needs to be rented and brought in. Waterloo Center for the Arts and Riverloop Facilities 225 Commercial St., Waterloo • 319-291-4490 www.waterloocenterforthearts.org We ofer beautiful riverfront spaces that can accommodate up to 250 indoors and 5000 outdoors; kitchen available; set up and clean up included, round or square tables, chairs provided; additional charge for alcohol can be purchased prior to or with a cash bar; water feature in front of building for photos; stage; sound system; dance floor. Waterloo Elks Lodge 407 E. Park Ave., Waterloo • 319-234-7568 Sherri Simon, sherri290@qwestofice.net 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 Area Veterans Post 1300 4th St NW., Waverly • 319-483-9287 sarastephensWAVP@gmail.com open to the public! the Patriots Hall accommodates up to 300 guests for your event. We have a dance floor that can be customized to the size you prefer, up to 30’x30’. You choose your own caterer, WavP will provide the bar. linens are available to rent. tables and chairs are provided with the cost of the rental. $900 for the whole Patriots Hall, with a refundable damage deposit of $250 required at time of booking; hall rental fee due the month of the event. If your event does not require the entire hall, we have a temporary wall that can divide the room into two separate rooms. Patriots Hall West is $400 (holds up to 100 guests), Patriots Hall East is $500 (holds up to 200 guests). Friday decorating time is available for only an additional $250; you will have the entire day to decorate. Coming in the Spring of 2017 is a large deck that will overlook the Cedar River of the Patriots Hall. Waverly Golf and Country Club 705 Eighth St. SW, Waverly • 319-352-3855 www.waverlycc.com open to public for rental; accommodates 275; book about a year in advance; $600, $100 deposit; on-site sit down or bufet-style catering only; one-meat bufet $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. WEDDINGS SUMMER 2017 31 WEDDINGS Summer 2016 | 31

LONG DISTANCE RELATIONSHIP The individuals at Roth were incredible at helping me create my vision of the perfect engagement ring for my to-be wife. I felt as if they were just as excited to make this ring as I was to propose with it!

Bride & Groom reside in Austin, TX

Engagement ring custom-designed at Roth Jewelers. Wedding bands purchased at Roth - Gabriel & Co.

Corner of E. 5th & Lafayette | www.RothJewelers.com June 2017 VALLEY BUSINESS MONTHLY 32 32 SUMMER 2017 CEDAR WEDDINGS WCFCOURIER.COM/WEDDINGS