Weddings - Summer 2018

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A publication of Courier Communications

2018

Get

inspired!

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THURSDAY, JUNE 21, 2018 1

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Contents Love notes 5

Perfect coral ... color palette

Features 11

Fitting the plus-sized bride

Departments 10

Bridal checklist

6

Wedding centerpieces we love

12

29

Reception hall directory

8

Ring or tattoo?

LGBTQ couples shake up gender norms

9

Best waterproof mascaras

13

20 great reception ideas

19

Princess bride fashions

24

Honeymoon beaches

26

Toast from hell

28

First dance

WEDDINGS SUMMER 2018 3

PUBLISHER Roy D. Biondi

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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS/SOURCES Brandon Pollock, photographer Associated Press Washington Post Tribune News Service Brandpoint The Knot Shutterstock June, July, August 2018 2017 October, November, December 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.

A publication of The Courier, Waterloo-Cedar Falls.

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love notes | color palette

5

Perfect

coral

Coral is one of our favorite wedding colors. It comes in many shades from light to dark, from pinkish-orange and salmon to nearly orange or red like some kinds of real coral. Whatever depth of color you choose, it is fresh, summery and skin-flattering.

Pair it with white for a crisp, clean look or with medium gray that will appeal to the groom.

Coral and turquoise is an unbeatable combo, along with coral and navy, coral and teal, coral, aqua and yellow, coral, raspberry and pink, coral and plum, coral and shades of green, coral and gold or copper and coral and black.

1

1

This pleated chiffon bridesmaid’s dress, Style 1664, is in salmon, available from Allure Bridal.

2

Gerbera daisies, roses, bells of Ireleand, alstroemeria and other summery flowers combine to create a gorgeous, richly colored bouquet.

3

A hand-painted cake is edible art. The look can be subtle, almost botanical like this coral and green watercolor, or be painted in bright, vibrant colors. You could also have a sweet saying lettered onto the layers.

4 5

Funky, polka-dot bow tie for the groom.

2

3

6

Sophisticated but sweet coral tones on the table runner, chair bows and centerpieces pull the coral color scheme together in the reception table settings.

6

Fill coral-colored bags with confetti to toss over the happy couple as they exit the wedding ceremony.

7

Give each bridesmaid a pretty coral beaded bracelet as a thank-you and remembrance of your sisterhood.

WEDDINGS SUMMER 2018 5

SHUTTERSTOCK PHOTOS‌

WEDDING CENTERPIECES

we love

‌ enterpieces are an all-important C accessory at your wedding reception.

Whether you’re planning to pull out all the stops with a spectacular floral arrangement, or prefer something a little more elegant, or rustic or foliage-based, get inspired by these gorgeous ideas.

6 WCFCOURIER.COM/WEDDINGS

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‌COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Although tattooed wedding bands are as old as tattoos themselves, the idea seems to be enjoying something of a resurgence of late. Even some celebrities — people for whom the cost of diamonds isn’t a concern — have gone this route.

Dax Shepard, husband of comedian Kristin Bell, has a small bell on his ring finger, and musical couple Beyonce and Jay-Z both have a Roman numeral “IV,” marking their birth dates and anniversary — all on the fourth day of a month.

Katrina Polacek, the tattoo artist responsible for the Roccos’ creations, has worked at Evolved Body Art — with locations in the University District and just north of campus — for more than a decade.

In that time, she said, she has tattooed about a dozen wedding rings. Many of the customers,

including the Roccos, work with their hands, making traditional bands an impractical choice.

Before making a permanent mark, Polacek interviews a customer to ensure that he or she wants to make such a permanent commitment. After a quarter-century together, the Roccos passed her test.

“She doesn’t do a lot of them for obvious reasons, but she figured we would be safe,” Carrie Roccos said.

Polacek, 37, maintains a high standard, too, for pattern designs.

“People would love to have as intricate a pattern as they possibly can,” she said. “We usually tell them ‘no.’”

Skin on hands and feet is thinner and less elastic than that on more common tattoo areas, such as arms and ankles.

Hands also weather a lot of abuse: Washing dishes, typing

and cooking cause wear and tear that fades finger tattoos more quickly.

Wedding-band tattoos typically cover only the top of the finger, as the delicate skin underneath doesn’t hold ink well.

When Charity Mercer first suggested the idea of wedding tattoos, her husband, J.C., was reluctant, but he ultimately agreed because his job at the Kellogg’s plant in Zanesville doesn’t allow him to wear jewelry.

The Barnesville couple, who were recently married, incorporated the month, year and first initial of their names: “4C18” for him, “4J18” for her.

“This can’t be taken off. This will constantly remind us every day we have to work on our marriage,” she says.

Source: The Columbus Dispatch

Top 5 waterproof

mascaras ‌You’re a bride. Of course, you’re going to shed some tears.

But raccoon eyes isn’t a look you really want to rock at your wedding. Good Housekeeping magazine’s Beauty Lab put waterproof mascaras to the test, and here are five mascaras that earned high marks.

1. Maybelline Great Lash Waterproof Mascara‌

A classic mascara choice for the bride, this waterproof mascara took the top spot in GH’s testing.

The mascara resists smudging and does a great job in volumizing, lengthening and separating lashes.

2. CoverGirl Plumpify BlastPro Mascara‌

Lauded for “no smudging or ruboff,” this mascara features a wand with tiny “fins” to lift lashes for a fuller look making it a good choice for brides.

3. Too Faced Better Than Sex Waterproof Mascara‌

The cult favorite is now available in a waterproof formula. The hourglass-shaped brush thickens, lenthens and curls lashes.

4. Benefit Bad Gal Waterproof Mascara‌

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If you have sensitive eyes, this may be the mascara for you. GH Beauty Lab test shows the mascara didn’t irritate testers’ eyes and didn’t smudge, even after swimming.

5. Yves Saint Laurent Volume Effet Faux Cils Waterproof Mascara‌

A splurge at more than $30 a tube, the luxurious formula separates lashes without clumping to create a false eyelash effect — and stays on.

JORDAN ALMONDS Why is the Jordan almond ‌ such a popular wedding favor?

These almonds are coated or “sugar panned” — usually in white or pretty pastels — in a hard candy coating. According to Wikipedia, the candy marries “bitter” almonds with “sweet” sugar to symbolize the bitterness of life and the sweetness of love.

Jordan almonds are often packaged in groups of five to represent happiness, health,

SHUTTERSTOCK PHOTO‌

longevity, wealth and fertility.

The candies are a tradition at Italian and Greek weddings and placed in groups of five — an odd

number that is supposedly indivisible to symbolize the unity of husband and wife. In the Middle East, Jordan almonds are considered an aphrodisiac, says the online encyclopedia.

It is believed Jordan almonds originated in ancient Rome as honey-covered almonds served by nobility at weddings and births. In the 15th century, the nuts were coated with sugar that was more readily available.

WEDDINGS SUMMER 2018 9

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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 ❑ 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.

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

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.

5 tips

plus-size gown

‌Today’s plus-size wedding gowns aren’t copies of their smaller-sized siblings, but rather dresses designed specifically for the curvier client with close attention to her specific needs.

Like the retail fashion industry, the wedding industry has begun including more plus-size options for the curvier body.

The dress should be designed to fit a bride who tend to be especially conscious that plus-sized garments are graded differently — plus sized women have a different bust-waist-hip ratio.

Keep in mind these five tips when shopping for your dress: * Set a budget. Wedding gowns are expensive — know

what your absolute ceiling is before you even begin the search and don’t try on any gowns above your budget. * Know your body shape. If you’re bottom-heavy try an A-line gown. Apple-shapes look best in empire waists or ballgowns while top-heavy brides with hour glass figures tend to look their best in a trumpet silhouette. * Size is just a number. Bridal gowns are notorious for being made much smaller than daily wear. If the number will affect how you feel about the gown, ask the consultant not to mention the size. * Be flexible. While you may already have a silhouette

for finding the perfect

in mind or on hand, trust your consultant and try on gowns that you may not have considered when you saw them on the rack or online— they may actually work.

Choose the right fabrics.

Keep in mind that thicker fabrics tend to work better on curves as they smooth things out. If you’re fuller busted, avoid heavy beadery in the bodice as it will draw attention to that area. Remember that you can always add cap sleeves to a strapless gown to help streamline the look.

Source: Brandpoint

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raditional weddings are deeply rooted in gender-based rituals, but the growing LGBTQ wedding industry is reimagining that. Many couples are engaging with centuries of tradition but crafting their own way to the altar.

“Structurally, what is required in the wedding planning process is the same,” says Kathryn Hamm, an education and diversity specialist at WeddingWire. com, “but because traditionally speaking, the gender roles in weddings are so deeply engrained, there is a very concrete necessity for two grooms or two brides to figure out how to plan within that schema.”

So how is it decided who does what in LGBTQ weddings?

Unsurprisingly, there’s no single answer. Because they can’t adhere to gender norms, LGBTQ couples can be creative. Many are putting a new focus on equality between the two people getting married.

“It’s very freeing from the idea that there are these rules, and you must do this and you must do that,” says Kirsten Palladino, founder of the LGBTQ wedding website EquallyWed.com.

Among the innovations Palladino has seen are trains sewn into grooms’ tuxedos, drag-queen flower girls, and a double aisle, so both marry-ers can walk at once and “not one of them comes first or second,” she says.

Lib Tietjen and Claire Skrivanos, who married in Fairlee, Vermont, in May 2017, purchased their engagement rings together. In their wedding, Tietjen and Skirvanos didn’t want it to appear that either of them was playing the man’s or woman’s role. “We walked down the aisle together,” Tietjen says.

“We didn’t want our fathers to give us away. No one was giving us to anyone. We were giving ourselves to each other.”

Stripping away gender norms, however, doesn’t necessarily mean tossing out tradition.

Plenty of LGBTQ couples still want traditional weddings. For instance, Palladino says, “a mother-son dance is maybe just a parent-child dance.”

“I think straight readers would be surprised just how traditional most LGBTQ couples are,” she says. “They’re just two people committing their lives to one another in front of the people they love and respect.”

If you peruse Google for what LGBTQ couples are asking about their weddings and engagements, you’ll find inquiries like, do gay men wear engagement rings? How do you know who proposes? Who pays for what?

“The only thing you must do is send out thank you notes,” Palladino says. “Everything else is up to you.”

Source: Associated Press

Lib Tietjen, right, and her wife, Claire Skrivanos, walk up the aisle after their wedding ceremony in Fairlee, Vt. Traditional weddings are deeply rooted in gender-based rituals. But the growing LGBTQ wedding industry is coming up with new approaches.

JAMIE MERCURIO PHOTO

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THURSDAY, JUNE 21, 2018 13

T

he actual ceremony — the reciting of vows, the “I Do’s” and the kiss — is the most important part of your wedding day. That’s when your commitment to each other is signed, sealed and delivered with your family and friends beaming and wiping away tears.

Then it’s time to party!

And that usually means the reception where everyone looks forward to eating good food, toasting with champagne and dancing the night away.

According to theknot. com, the best receptions incorporate personal, fun and unique touches that keep guests talking long after the last dance.

Get inspired by these 20 ideas from the Knot for creating a wow-worthy reception!

14 WCFCOURIER.COM/WEDDINGS

1. Arrange seating thoughtfully.

While it sounds great to play matchmaker or mixand-match friends with strangers to make new friends, think twice. You want this night to be unforgettable, not uncomfortable.

Your seating arrangement should lead to great conversation, which leads to a great dance party and a memorable reception. So seat your tween cousins with other kids their age and let your college friends sit together.

2. Hand out awesome favors.

Trinkets are cute, but who really needs to haul home another personalized wedding wine glass, koozie or candle? OK, so a pair of sunglasses is cool, or a succulent plant, but guests love treats. Give them take-home goodies in fun baggies or small boxes — a bag of mini doughnuts or doughnut holes, a bag of coffee beans, jars of local honey or jam, hot cocoa mix and marshmallows in a Mason jar, personalized chocolate candies, the perfect truffle.

3. Keep toasts short and sweet.

Think quality over quantity, so make sure toasts are no more than two minutes. The best man usually is the master of ceremonies who keeps toasts moving smoothly. See our toasting tips (and recovering from a toast from hell) on pages 26-27 in this issue.

4. Set up a kid-friendly territory.

Keep little ones entertained throughout the night – and give their parents an opportunity to hit the dance floor. You can arrange for a babysitter to set up and oversee movies, games, crafts or a kid-centric dance paryty in a separate room. Or set up a few tables with coloring books, crayons, games and small toys.

WEDDINGS SUMMER 2018 15

5. Shake things up for your first dance as a married couple.

All eyes will be on your first dance, so wow your guests with a surprise dance. Start out with a classic romantic dance — Etta James’ “At Last,” John Legend’s “All of Me,” Adele’s “One and Only” … you get the idea. Then suddenly switch gears to Latin dance or break it down to Bruno Mars or a great country two-stepper. For ideas on choosing the right song, see page 28.

6. Offer an interactive food station (or two).

Great foods makes for a great celebration, but offering dishes everyone can customize to their liking is even better. Interactive food stations – from a mac-and-cheese bar to a sushi-rolling set-up — let guests create their own ideal bites.

16 WCFCOURIER.COM/WEDDINGS

7. Rethink dinner.

The typical sit-down dinner usually consists of a salad, followed by the entrée and then dessert. The latest trend is to stretch out dinner over four or five small courses, with surprises between dishes, such as a short toast, a poem read by a friend or a professional performance — a dancer, vocalist, etc. It’ll give your

guests the experience of a fun night out with dinner and a show!

8. Change into something comfortable.

You want to have a good time at your reception, right? But you can’t take two steps without snagging your train. Not to mention being afraid of spilling wine or somehow ruining your dress. So after the first dance, brides can swap the veil and bustle for a fabulous little white dress, pantsuit or jumpsuit, and grooms can change to a more relaxed suit.

9. Plan surprise entertainment.

Sometimes the best parts of a reception are what guests don’t see coming. Surprise your loved ones with unexpected entertainment, like a magician, mariachi band, salsa dancer, aerialists or even a fire eater.

10. Make sure your band has great break music.

Just when the dance floor is heating up, the band takes a break — and the party seems to as well. Make sure this doesn’t happen at your reception. Ask potential bands how they handle breaks before you hire them. Some bands will rest in shifts and split off into a smaller two- or three-piece band, while others turn on filler music. If yours is planning the latter, ask whether you can provide the playlist, or check and approve their picks before the party.

11. Find a DJ who gets you.

Obviously, music is a major reception fun factor and has a lot to do with how long guests will stay. Make sure your DJ doesn’t play obscure songs that are hard to dance to, or plays way too many La Macarena and Chicken dances. Talk to your DJ about your do-not-play list upfront.

12. Play music everyone can dance to.

You want to keep the dance floor packed, so plan a playlist that will please the whole crowd, not just you two. Mix in a few of your favorites, but don’t leave out past and present hits that will get your parents and grandparents on the dance floor, along with your circle of friends.

13. Have a lounge area.

If your site and budget allow, set up comfortable lounge chairs and couches in your reception space. Instead of having your guests sit around the same tables all night, even after dinner’s over, a change of environment will promote conversation, give your energetic dancers a resting area and keep your nondancing guests entertained.

It’s also an elegant and comfortable way to let elderly guests relax and chat while others take to the dance floor. Look into renting or borrowing couches, chairs and other furniture to create stylish, cozy vignettes complete with pillows, flowers and votive candles in your wedding colors.

WEDDINGS SUMMER 2018 17

14. Hire a day-of coordinator.

You may have some fun things planned for your reception, No matter how organized you are, it’s difficult to keep track of all the moving parts, especially when you’re supposed to be enjoying the party as a married couple! If you already have an event planner, you’re all set. If not, look into booking a day-of coordinator to oversee the details (trust us, it’s worth it).

15. Roll out a tasting station.

A full bar is an expectation for a great reception. In addition, kick it up a notch with a wine, beer, whiskey, vodka or tequila tasting. It lets guests sample different drinks and learn a few tasting notes. You could have interactive experiences, too, like make-yourown margarita bar.

16. Create a nice flow within the space.

One of the less obvious keys to a successful celebration is movement. Divide your reception into distinct areas for dancing, drinks, chatting, and coffee and cake. Arrange a few cocktail tables near the bar, offer outdoor seating or set up a table of desserts or latenight bites. Leave plenty of room between dining tables to allow guests easy access.

17. Serve good food.

This is a no-brainer, right? Ask yourself what you’d want to eat, both as a wedding guest and in general. Whether your tastes run to an elegant sit-down dinner, a taco 18 WCFCOURIER.COM/WEDDINGS

bar, and let guests serve themselves.

19. Plan a fun surprise.

Before the evening gets too late, and your older guests retire for the evening, plan a great send-off to cap off a beautiful wedding and fun reception. Hire professionals to handle fireworks or a lantern launch, for example. bar or barbecue, chances are your caterer can find creative ways to serve it to a large 20. Host a welcome dinner. crowd. Another option is to pass hearty, satOK, this tip isn’t technically for your reisfying hors d’oeuvres with cocktails instead ception, but it will make the reception more of dinner. fun. A casual event where all your guests can meet and mingle before the wedding means 18. Don’t let your guests get everyone will have gotten to know each other hungry. or caught up with old friends, so they can If the evening is long with an after-party, get right down to celebrating at the recepa crowd will invariably get hungry. Arrange tion. Consider a cocktail party, a cook-out or for the catering staff to bring out late-night something fun, like a baseball game or sand food like pizza, French fries or doughnuts. volleyball. This could also function as the Offer a DIY coffee bar or ice cream sundae rehearsal dinner.

Princess BRIDE

New looks coming for next season

WCFCOURIER.COM/WEDDINGS

THURSDAY, JUNE 21, 2018 19

T

he royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle went off without a hitch in May, but princesses are still the talk in the bridal industry.

Naeem Khan, who went glitter rock chick in a collection of after-party glitz, said Markle has influenced the market.

“I think Meghan is a very, very cool modern princess,” he said.

“People love her and women will love to dress like her.”

Here are some princess-worthy gowns from three of the industry’s top —and most trendsetting — designers.

Reem Acra Every client is Acra’s queen.

This season she gave models spring buds on branches and put flowers on their crowns as they walked down her aisle at the majestic main branch of the New York Public Library.

With names that included “Gate to Eternity,” the Beirut native used Lebanese-American Kahlil Gibran and his book “The Prophet” as her muse.

Flowers dominated, in detailing and fabrics. She included a floral Jacquard and silk faille.

One modern, fitted look had a large jewel bow adornment. Acra also showed a multitude of full skirts, both stiff ball gown silhouettes and flowing pleated forms.

The marriage of worlds between an American actress and

20 WCFCOURIER.COM/WEDDINGS

PHOTOS BY BEBETO MATTHEWS VIA AP

Prince Harry was mirrored in a union of fabrics featuring intricate beading and embroideries, worked on by hand in both Europe and America.

“This collection has an intellectual feeling,” Acra said. “It’s kind of an empowerment of how all these hands put together from all over the world make such a beautiful thing.”

Romona Keveza Chances are you know a bride who has worn Keveza.

She showed three lines, including her Legends collection.

One gown was a strapless fitand-flare in white with a large black bow attached at the back, its tails trailing behind as a train. Another had a stiff cape that lent a 1950s feel.

Keveza honored everybody from Jackie O and Princess Diana to the oft-married Elizabeth Taylor and an American who never was queen, Wallis Simpson. An ivory ball gown with a deep-V neckline and illusion sleeves was an ode to the elegance of Princess Grace of Monaco, among the American actresses to become royalty.

Keveza’s Romona New York collection was young and flirty. One strapless gown that hugged and flared in all the right places was fitted with lace pieces attached at the waist to flap like wings.

Her namesake Romona Keveza Collection had some big royal moments in silvery sheens with traditional touches of embroidery and lace, all inspired by grand venues around the world.

There was a dainty off-theshoulder gown with a modest plunge at the neck and light touches of classic embellishment, with Versailles as a muse. A long-sleeve gown with a full skirt and high boatneck took a Buckingham Palace feel. Her look inspired by Windsor Castle, where Markle wed her prince, had long sheer sleeves and neck attached to a less voluminous white dress.

ROMONA KEVEZA PHOTOS

WEDDINGS SUMMER 2018 21

PHOTOS BY INEZ & VINOODH/ VERA WANG GROUP VIA AP

Vera Wang She did not have the royal wedding in mind. She had bold reds and yellows and greens, light purples and pinks, on the brain.

The drama this season came in layers and layers of crinkly tulle, and huge flowers at the hip, neck and back, and trains for days. There were some space agey fitted light taupe dresses with blocky structured shoulders as well.

Wang’s brides were a touch angsty. One wore a skin tone bustier draped in darker lace, paired

22 WCFCOURIER.COM/WEDDINGS

with crinkly, wispy long layers in ominous dark colors that looked like storm clouds.

She trimmed tulle in lace hems and offered a few flowing bows at the waists in pink and yellow.

These brides wore their hair loose and wild, curly and tossed, ponytailed and pixie short.

The inspiration in general was that of the Flemish painters, Vermeer among them.

PHOTOS BY RAGAN CLARK PHOTO VIA AP

Naeem Khan In a jumpsuit, a tracksuit, in a cape that ties with a ribbon, in metallic golds and silver, Khan’s “rocker” collection is perfect for drinking and dancing.

“My bride is somebody that actually wears multiple things through the evening, so she’ll wear something for dinner, something to greet the guests in, the main dress and something to dance in. So we design multiple pieces for her for the whole night,” he said.

The above mentioned cape, for instance, can be removed to reveal a cocktail dress underneath. His designs were his trademark ornate with dazzling sequins, beads and feathers as accents.

“The American bride is getting very, very fashion conscious,” he said, in an industry once dominated by manufacturers.

“It’s not your standard wedding dress,” Khan added. “It’s a fashion moment.”

WEDDINGS SUMMER 2018 23

Honeymoon

beaches L

ooking for a beach destination for your honeymoon?

Think of it — walking hand-in-hand with your new spouse along the beach, the azure blue waters of the ocean lapping at your toes and the soft blue sky and sunshine overhead. What could be more romantic?

You don’t have to visit a foreign destination to get all of that, either. You’ll find gorgeous beaches stateside — and plenty to do. Here’s TripAdvisor’s annual best beach listing to help you decide where you want to go.

1. CLEARWATER BEACH – CLEARWATER, FLORIDA About a 40 drive west of Tampa, Clearwater Beach dazzles with two and a half miles of sugar-white sand, crystal-clear waters and tranquil Gulf breezes. Perched on a barrier island, the beach offers calm, shallow water, making it an ideal playground for families. “GREAT white sand

beach ... very long, so if you are a beach walker, you will be happy. There is nothing like FL white, silky, sand! I love it!” shared a TripAdvisor traveler.

2. SIESTA BEACH – SIESTA KEY, FLORIDA Less than 30 minutes south of Sarasota, Siesta Beach on Siesta Key is renowned for its eight-mile stretch of sugar-fine, quartz-white sand. It’s also a great spot for kids to collect seashells and sand dollars. “It is a very large beach that accommodates lots of people — it has lots of parking, picnic tables, BBQ, there is also a snack shop. It gets very crowded

so timing is important,” added a TripAdvisor reviewer.

3. KA’ANAPALI BEACH – LAHAINA, HAWAII Among the most visited beach in West Maui, this area is a popular spot for quiet relaxation or water sports. It’s also famous for the daily cliff diving ceremony off of the beach’s northernmost cliffs known as “Puu Kekaa” or Black Rock. According to a TripAdvisor reviewer, “Amazing this time of year. Right from the beach we saw amazing whale breaches. The sand is amazing and the beach is well kept up!”

Siesta Key Beach, Fla. SHUTTERSTOCK PHOTOS

24 WCFCOURIER.COM/WEDDINGS

4. SOUTH BEACH –‌MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA‌ People watching is a great pastime in Miami’sSouth Beach, which draws celebrities and models. Travelers love the wide, fine, white sand-covered beaches as well as the surrounding area, known for wild nightlife and excellent restaurants. “Direct access to the beach! The promenade is always full of people walking, biking and strolling with their dogs and families. Very clean and well-kept area,” wrote a TripAdvisor reviewer.

South Beach, Miami, Fla. Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve Beach, Hawaii 5. HANAUMA BAY NATURE PRESERVE – HONOLULU, HAWAII‌ Located on the southeast coast of Oahu, Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is one of Hawaii’s most popular natural attractions. Travelers note that the beach is good for swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing and picnicking.

According to a TripAdvisor user, “One of my favorite places to visit in Hawaii. I sincerely appreciate the staff’s every effort to preserve and respect marine/aquatic life. I would have given it a 5 star except for the very limited parking.

Hollywood Beach, Fla.

Fort Lauderdale Beach, Fla. 6. FORT LAUDERDALE BEACH –‌ FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA‌ With miles of sun kissed beachfront and an easy walk from many hotels, restaurants and activities, Fort Lauderdale Beach is a favorite among travelers. Families often rave about the beach’s cleanliness, warm water, on duty lifeguards, and beautiful palm trees. “Nice place to enjoy the Atlantic breezes and take in the sun rays. It is beautifully maintained and very clean. Also there are many establishments across the boulevard where you can have food and drinks,” wrote a TripAdvisor reviewer.

7. SAINT PETE BEACH –‌ ST. PETE BEACH, FLORIDA‌ Saint Pete Beach is famous for its golden-white sand and aquatic activities, such as parasailing, stand-up paddle boarding and windsurfing. This gorgeous, laid-back beach is also known for glorious sunsets. “The sand is soft and easy to walk on. The water was gentle and clean. The place is well-groomed and offers a huge expanse of play area,” commented a TripAdvisor reviewer.

9. SANTA MONICA BEACH –‌ SANTA MONICA, CALIFORNIA‌ This popular beach is a favorite among television and movie producers and has a great surrounding area with its world-famous Pacific Park seaside amusement park. Travelers can soak up the sun on the three-mile coastline with mountain views and walking and biking paths. “It’s a lovely beach: large and spacious with great views up and down the coast. The breeze from the Santa Ana Winds always feels good,” wrote a TripAdvisor reviewer.

8. HOLLYWOOD BEACH – HOLLYWOOD, FLORIDA‌ Hollywood Beach is well known as a family-friendly place due to the calm water, available bathroom facilities, live entertainment and the nearby restaurants across the large Boardwalk. “Hollywood Beach is clean and beautiful. The boardwalk is great for biking, walking, enjoying a meal or drink at a restaurant. Many places to stay right on the boardwalk,” added a TripAdvisor user.

10. LANIKAI BEACH –‌KAILUA, HAWAII‌ Located on the Windward Coast of Oahu, the name Lanikai means “heavenly sea,” and travelers rave about this small half-mile strip of beach. Beachgoers often take advantage of the many water activities, such as canoe tours, kayak rentals and snorkeling. “Another beautiful Hawaiian beach with golden sand, gentle breeze and surf, and amazing coral reefs just offshore,” wrote a TripAdvisor reviewer.

Source: PR Newswire WEDDINGS SUMMER 2018 25

Recovering SHUTTERSTOCK PHOTO

from a wedding

TOAST FROM HELL

LAUREN CHVAL Tribune News Service

E

veryone told me to expect one thing to go wrong on my wedding day. The flowers won’t be right, or someone will be running late. The forecast called for rain, so I steeled myself for all the complications that might deliver. But when the perfectly sunny day arrived, I wasn’t prepared for what actually went off the rails: a bridesmaid who delivered a truly horrifying toast.

If you think I’m being dramatic, I have 186 witnesses who can assure

26 WCFCOURIER.COM/WEDDINGS

you I’m not. A few months after the wedding, I ran into one of my mom’s best friends on the streets of Chicago. “Are you still friends with that bridesmaid?” was the first thing she asked me.

Let me back up. My maid of honor is one of my two best friends from high school. Early in the wedding planning process, both told me they wanted to deliver a toast together, and I said that was all right with me.

A few days before the wedding, my maid of honor told me they needed to give separate speeches because they couldn’t agree on what they wanted to do. That should have

triggered an alarm in my brain. Why were the toasts so different? But I told them that was fine.

It was not fine.

My bridesmaid — a dear friend of 10 years — went first. She joked that we were all a package deal. Everyone smiled. She said she wanted to read something by one of her favorite authors, maybe you’ve heard of her. Surprise, it’s the bride!

In the split second that she paused, my mind reeled. I’ve been writing for as long as I’ve known her, and I send her nearly everything I write. Which piece of my work had she chosen?

Then she began. “Sean kisses me like a man,” she read, her voice booming throughout the ballroom.

I then blocked out nearly everything that followed.

You see, she had picked a piece of writing from the first few weeks Sean and I dated. My musings about the earliest stage of my new relationship. I wrote about how he seemed different from the other boys I had dated. He was intentional and thoughtful. He took things slowly. I liked that. But read aloud to a room filled with everyone I know — parents, grandparents, co-workers, very young cousins

— it read like a dissection of our sex life.

I remember squeezing my new husband’s hand so tightly it hurt him. I remember thinking I should stop her, but wouldn’t that only make it worse? I remember saying, “We aren’t friends anymore,” when she was done and feeling I was only half joking.

The two toasts that followed hers went off without a hitch.

Afterward, we welcomed all the guests to the dance floor, where everyone remained for the rest of the night. It truly was a memorable party. But not as memorable as that toast.

When our wedding video arrived a few months later, my husband rewatched the toast and told me it was even worse than he remembered it. I haven’t rewatched because it seems a disservice to a brain that clearly decided to block it out. But it lingers in my conscious, probably because people still want to talk about it. And every time they do, I get this sick feeling in my stomach, like I’m being humiliated all over again.

I called my bridesmaid when I got back from my honeymoon and told her that when I send her things I write, those are not for her to share with anyone, let alone everyone I know. She burst into tears. “Do you think I ruined your wedding?”

No. Of course not. My wedding was a beautiful day. It was a celebration of the love I share with my husband, who has endured more teasing for the toast than I have and has never once complained.

And yet. And yet. And yet. I still think about that toast.

“Are you still friends with that bridesmaid?” I didn’t see my bridesmaid for nearly a year after the wedding, and then she came to see me twice in short succession. Once for my baby shower and once for a week after my daughter was born. In that week, she cared for us as a new family, as is her nature.

I suppose we all hold grudges against our siblings. I haven’t totally let this one go. But am I still friends with her? Eternally.

As she said in her toast, we’re a package deal.

Toasting tips Make the toasting process less anxiety-ridden by following a few guidelines: 1. The best man is the master of ceremonies. He finds out from the couple when they want toasts to begin at the reception. Traditionally, the best man offers the first toast of the evening, but the couple may want to start with the bride’s parents (as official hosts) and the groom’s parents.

2. The maid of honor can share billing with the best man and follows him to the microphone. The groom follows the best man (or the maid of honor if she’s toasting).

ception has been ruined with inappropriate stories and comments offered by an intoxicated best man or guest.

6. Keep toasts short and sweet. Don’t forget to introduce yourself and speak clearly.

7. Humor is hard. What’s funny in your head may not be so funny reverberating across a filled reception hall.

8. Please, folks, it’s not a toast-fest but if other guests want to say a few words, it’s OK. A wedding can be a family reunion, especially for elderly relatives. Don’t spoil it by being a taskmaster at the microphone.

9. Space toasts so guests don’t become bored.

3. The groom thanks his new in-laws 10. Always stand to offer a toast. and pays tribute to his wife. The bride 11. The couple should not stand to follows with her toast. receive toasts. Hear the toast and say 4. At a sit-down dinner, toasts take “thank you,” raising a glass in return. place after guests are seated and bev12. Keep it clean. Swear words, curserages served. At a cake-and-champagne reception, toasting follows the ing and bad language are unacceptreceiving line, after assembled guests able. are served beverages.

13. It’s OK to get a little emotional; in 5. Don’t drink and toast. Many a refact, it’s touching.

wedding dd receptions ❤ wedding ceremonies ❤

❤ rehearsal

dinners ❤ gift openings ❤ call

our professional event & catering team today

7213 Nordic Drive | 319-859-3852 | HiltonGardenInnCedarFalls.com WEDDINGS SUMMER 2018 27

SHUTTERSTOCK PHOTO‌

firstsong dance Find the

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

On your special day, surround yourself with love and nature’s beauty.

Beautiful gardens, endless possibilities.

1927 East Orange Rd. Waterloo, IA 50701 319.226.4966 Cedarvalleyarboretum.org 28 WCFCOURIER.COM/WEDDINGS

‌But choosing a song for your first foray onto the dance floor as a married couple — finding a track that has the right tone, pace and lyrics to fit the setting and that appeals to a range of guests (from grandma to college pals) — can be daunting.

Whatever song you choose doesn’t have to be timeless or perfect, or even mention the word love. In the end you both just need to love it.

1. Pick something significant and sentimental: Take a trip down memory lane and come up with a list of songs that are meaningful to both of you and to your relationship.

2. Listen to your music libraries on shuffle: Pause Netflix for a night and instead play your favorite iTunes or Spotify playlists back-and-forth for each other on shuffle. Make sure to pause and note particularly dance-worthy tracks. Try giving your partner a spin in your living room. If the pace seems too fast or the lyrics don’t seem to fit, nix it.

3. Phone a friend: The people who know you best have probably seen, or at least heard about, your significant other since the beginning. If you trust their input — and musical tastes — consider asking them to suggest a song that reminds them of you and your partner.

4. Use your venue as inspiration: Getting married in a century-old barn in the country? Consider an acoustic, country or folksy track.

For a more formal evening in a mu-

perfect

seum or historical building, consider

a classic, etc.

5. Steal your favorite celebrity couple’s song choice: You look to stars for all sorts of inspiration, from what to wear to what to name your labradoodle, so why not take a cue from the rich and famous when picking a first-dance track?

6. Play your favorite movie soundtrack: No one captures romance quite like Hollywood, and luckily, some of film’s most memorable, heart-swooning moments are tied to music.

7. Enlist your DJ or band’s help: Ask your DJ or band leader for suggestions. Music is literally their business, so chances are they can help you set the right tone, mood and atmosphere.

8. Consider a mash-up: Looking to add a wow or surprise factor to the dance? Consider a fusion of songs, such as a simple, classic romantic ballad that segues into a happy, upbeat number that will encourage guests to make their way to the dance floor.

9. Record your own unique track: Can you or your partner carry a tune or play an instrument? Consider pulling a Beyoncé and Jay-Z, by prerecording your own original dance track.

10. Still at a loss? There’s always Google.

Source: The Washington Post

prices vary. For more information about booking the Arboretum for your special day, call our office or email us at office@cedarvalleyarboretum.org.

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 buffet or sit-down style catering, about $15 per person; tables, chairs, linens provided; bar; decorating early depends on availability; dance floor.

Brown Derby Ballroom 618 Sycamore St., Waterloo • 319-240-0308 www.brownderbyballroom.com The newly remodeled and restored Brown Derby in Waterloo was originally the first Elks Club. We have great parking and can serve 215 people in a sit-down dinner.

We can serve more if it is just a reception with appetizers.

We have a full bar. We are also handicapped accessible.

To review and reserve, please contact Chuck at (319) 240-0308.

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 pre-approved 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. Nonsmoking 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 office or email us at office@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 staff, dance floor, complimentary setup 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 SundayThursday, $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 after 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, gift 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.

Diamond Event Center at Jorgensen Plaza 5307 Caraway Lane, Cedar Falls (319) 859-9324 or amy.dall@westernhome.org The Cedar Valley's newest event center is under construction and taking reservations for events beginning June 2018! Weddings and receptions, business luncheons or awards dinners, anniversary and retirement parties - all this and more can be accommodated in our flexible space that seats up to 400 at tables. Amenities include fully customizable menus and bar options, specialty linens, coat check, set up and clean up, state-of-the-art audio/visual, valet parking and coat check. Diamond Event Center is located off Prairie Parkway in south Cedar Falls on the campus of Western Home Communities. Call Amy today to plan your special event.

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 offer 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

It is an ideal location for wedding parties, banquets or conventions. We offer 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.

help you cus

Fox Ridge Golf Club Highway 20, Dike • 319-989-2213 www.golffoxridge.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@ golffoxridge.com to request more information.

Isle Casino

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 off 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. ft. ballroom seating up to 340 guests comfortably in banquet style and a 1,450 sq. ft. 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, 319-266-6611.

Isle Casino Hotel Waterloo WEDDINGS SUMMER 2018 29 WEDDINGS Summer 2016 | 1

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 staff 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 offers 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 buffet and plated) menus provided by our professional on-site catering staff for your rehearsal dinner, reception and gift 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.

30 WCFCOURIER.COM/WEDDINGS

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 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.

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 buffet-style catering only, starting $21 per plate; setup and tear down of tables, chairs, linens provided; fullystaffed bar; decorating early allowed when available; dance floor. For details call 319-234-1707 or email events@sunnysidecountryclub.com.

University of Northern Iowa Commons-Slife Ballroom W.23rd Street, Cedar Falls 319-273-2333 catering.uni.edu 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 • catering.uni.edu Hall lobby accommodates up to 200 banquet style, 300 standing; book six months to a year in advance; onsite 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 studentlife.uni.edu/weddings catering.uni.edu • 319-273-5888 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, Boat House and Riverloop Facilities 225 Commercial St., Waterloo • 319-291-4490 www.waterloocenterforthearts.org We offer beautiful and affordable riverfront spaces that can accommodate up to 250 indoors and 5000 outdoors.

A range of amenities are available including: set up & clean up; newly renovated restrooms; kitchen; catering; beverage service; round or square tables; chairs; linens; ice table; pipe & drape; piano; sound system; stage; tents; and dance floor.

Waterloo Elks Lodge 407 E. Park Ave., Waterloo • 319-234-7568 Sherri Simon, sherri@waterlooelks.com 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 off 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 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.

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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