December 2008 Wedding Day Sourcebook

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Western New England’s Monthly Wedding Magazine December 2008

www.weddingsourcebook.com

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The Western New England Spring

Bridal Show

www.cjcevents.com

March 8, 2009 • 11am - 4 pm MassMutual Center • Springfield, MA

Don’t Miss This Spectacular Spring Bridal Event!

• Featuring The Finest Wedding Service Providers in the Area • Western New England’s Best Bridal Fashion Show featuring the latest 2009-2010 styles • Food Samples from the area’s best Caterers & Bakers • Thousands of Dollars in Door Prizes and Giveaways • Bridal Goodie Bags

2009

Wedding Cake Design

WIN a Magical Escapes Honeymoon !

Contest Exhibitor Opportunities Available

(413) 737-7555 Preregister Online for a CJC Events Goodie Bag Tickets are $5.00 in advance, $7.00 at the door

Check out all the details on the web:

www.wnebridalshow.com 2 H The Wedding Day Sourcebook

December 2008

Inside The Wedding Day Sourcebook This Month The Magazine For Western New England Brides To Be FEATURES Upcoming Events ................................ 4 Ask Rose Eileen..................................... 6 Real New England Weddings .......... 8 Classic is Back........................................ 14 Planning a Perfect Honeymoon ..... 16 Love, Marriage and Wills ................... 19 Writers Wanted ..................................... 18 Money Talks for Newlyweds ............ 20 House Call with Dr. Powell ............... 22 Subscribe!............................................... 28 Things To Do.......................................... 29 Wedding Directory ............................. 30

BANQUETS Chandler’s .............................................. 23 Clarion Hotel ......................................... 24 Crestview Country Club .................... 5 Garden House at Look Park ............. 28 MassMutual Center ............................. 26 Storrowton Tav. & Carriage House . 11

BRIDAL REGISTRY Macy’s ...................................................... 9

BRIDAL SHOWS /EVENTS bridalshownearyou.com................... 4 bspishows.com..................................... 28 WNE Bridal Show..................... ............ 2, 32 Jenks Productions/Bridal Expo ....... 12

DJ After Hours DJ Entertainment ........ 27 Hard at Play............................................ 24 Marx’ Entertainment ......................... 13

LINGERIE Underlings Lingerie ............................ 5 EVENT LIGHTING CJC Event Lighting .............................. 31

FORMALWEAR & APPAREL Bancroft Bridals .................................... 7 Bridal Barn & Tux Shoppe ................ 13 Bridal Heirlooms .................................. 15 Pearl Bridal Boutique.......................... 11

FLORIST Durocher Florist ................................... 23

FOOTWEAR Comfort Footwear ............................... 27

GIFTS & FAVORS Chocolate Works .................................. 21

HONEYMOONS Magical Escapes....................................18

CAKES & CONFECTIONS Why Cookies? ........................................ 5

www.weddingsourcebook.com

MUSICIANS / BANDS Classic Wedding Ensembles ............ 19 Heavenly Elegance.............................. 21 Kurian / Nix Duo................................... 5 Stephen C. Page/Pianist .................... 20 Vocals & Flute-Sarah Clay ................. 6 PHOTOGRAPHERS Becky Kusek Photography................ 20 Fischer & Williams Photo................... 5 Hawley Photography ......................... 28 Karen Geaghan Photography ......... 18 Kerr Photography ................................ 13 Perkins Photography.......................... 27 Portraits By David ................................ 10 Robert Charles Photography........... 25 Tara Conant Photography ................ 21

UNIQUE ITEMS Rachel’s Table Food Bank .................. 11

INVITATIONS Lasting Impressions ............................ 5

VIDEOGRAPHERS KMJ Videography................................. 10 Skyride Video ........................................ 21 Star Video ............................................... 6 Sunset Video Productions ................ 21 T-Bo Productions ................................. 6

JEWELRY Rys and Shine!....................................... 27

WEDDING CONSULTANTS Affiance-Events .................................... 11 Exquisite Events ................................... 19

INSURANCE Blinderman Insurance........................ 21

CEREMONY LOCATIONS Storrowton Village Museum ............ 5

MAKEUP ARTISTS/SKINCARE Flawless Beauty Mobile Studio ....... 5 Jafra .......................................................... 21 Mary Kay ................................................. 21

RENTAL EQUIPMENT Taylor Rental .......................................... 10 HOTELS / INNS Clarion Hotel ......................................... 24

CALLIGRAPHY Calligraphy by MaryBeth Reed ....... 11 Elegant Writing..................................... 6

JUSTICE OF THE PEACE Beverly A. Place .................................... 21

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December 2008 • Volume 15 - Issue 12 Published Monthly by: Technigraphics P.O. Box 916, West Springfield, MA 01090 (413) 737-1152 Fax (413) 737-7999 Publisher: Jim Powers jim@weddingsourcebook.com Editor: Lisa Powers lisa@weddingsourcebook.com Ad Sales & Information: (413) 737-1152 info@weddingsourcebook.com Distribution Distributed at no charge to locations in the Greater Springfield area, including: Agawam, Amherst, Belchertown, Brimfield, Chicopee, Deerfield, Easthampton, East Longmeadow, Enfield, Feeding Hills, Granby, Hampden, Holyoke, Longmeadow, Ludlow, Monson, Northampton, Palmer, Somers, Southampton, Southwick, South Hadley, Springfield, Sturbridge, Suffield, Three Rivers, Westfield, West Springfield, and Wilbraham.

Look for a new Sourcebook issue every month at your local public library, bridal shops, florists, bakeries, banks, and many other locations, including our advertiser’s businesses.

publisher’s

corner

Welcome to the month of December. I can’t believe the year is coming to an end. It has been a busy year and we have enjoyed being a part of your wedding planning process with our publication and the many bridal shows we produce and attend. Thank you to the many of you who share your wedding planning details. We’re always learning about the area’s local brides and what they look for when planning their special day.

To meet the demand of instant information in 2009, The Wedding Day Sourcebook will be updating the website (www.weddingsourcebook.com) giving you access to the Sourcebook digitally with a new improved online edition, complete with articles, ad information, contests, and upcoming events, all with clickable links within each article or vendor display ad that will take you to information immediately. Contact a vendor for their business information, click on a link to purchase bridal show tickets or enter a contest, click on an article to take you to even more information... it will all be at your fingertips online. I guess you can call it our “Going Green Promotion.”

Of course, you can still receive your subscription by mail if you wish, or pick up an issue at local bridal salons, florists, or other pick up locations.

This email edition will be the same content, but will get you the information you seek much faster and with easier access. We are very excited about it and all the updates to our website should be complete during the first quarter of 2009. What a way to ring in the new year!

We thank you for your readership and support and we look forward to a wonderful 2009!

Policies The entire contents are copyright © 2008, and no portion of any article or ad may be reproduced by any means without prior permission of the publisher. Technigraphics shall not be liable for failure to publish an ad, or for typographical errors in publication, except to the extent of the cost of the space in which the actual error occurred.

Advertising Rates Display Ad Rates: As low as $28 per issue for a mini size ad (12-month discount included). All ads include a free link on our web site.

Call Lisa at 737-1152 for more information.

Discounts available for multi-month purchases.

Additional charge for color. Deadlines: To appear in the next issue, your ad and payment must reach us by the deadline below. If you need our design services, or if you will be using 4-color, please allow an additional week.

January 2009 Deadline: Dec. 20, 2008

technigraphics.net 4 H The Wedding Day Sourcebook

Jim and Lisa Powers Publishers, The Wedding Day Sourcebook

Real New England Weddings On Our Cover This Month - See Page 8

Upcoming Bridal Events January 9-10, 2009 The Springfield Bridal Expo Big E Fairgrounds West Springfield, MA www.osbornejenks.com

March 8, 2009 The Western New England Spring Bridal Show MassMutual Center, Springfield, MA www.wnebridalshow.com

www.bridalshownearyou.com Find Quality Bridal Shows Near You Nationwide December 2008

F& W

Fischer & Williams 413-786-2593 281 Shoemaker Lane, Agawam, MA 01001

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Flawless Beauty Mobile Studio Distinctive Hair Design & Custom Cosmetic Artistry

eP H O T O G R A P H I C Weddings Portraits

Serving the New York Metro Area & The Pioneer Valley of Massachusetts

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Fraga’s DJ & Video Duo The Kurian/Nix Flute and Guitar

Elegant music for:

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Sue Kurian (413) 586-2854 Sue@kurianflutes.com www.kurianflutes.com

Lasting Impressions WHY COOKIES? Elegant music INVITATIONS for:

CUSTOM HOMEMADE COOKIES AS FAVORS OR TRAYS WILL DELIGHT YOUR GUESTS. CALL FOR FREE SAMPLES.

Invitations, Programs, Save the Date Cards, Favors, Napkins, etc. from Encore Studios, Nu-Art, Royal Imprints, Checkerboard, Carlson Craft, TRU, Chase, Stylart, Krepe-Kraft, Birchcraft, Masterpiece, Paper Duvet, Ethan J, Rainboworld more!

25% DISCOUNT ON ALL INVITATION ORDERS Michaelfor Nixyour (413) 772-0328 Sue Kurian 586-2854 Evening and (413) weekend appointments available convenience

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(413) 736-1084 OR VISIT MY WEBSITE FOR IDEAS.

www.whycookies.com NDERLINGS L INGERIE U Exquisite Gifts for Bridal Showers Peignoir Sets to Cotton Embroidered PJs The Village Commons 19 College St. S. Hadley MA

(413) 538-7800

www.weddingsourcebook.com

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Ask Rose Eileen

A Column Of Questions and Answers From Springfield’s Miss Manners Dear Rose Eileen, We’re engaged and both want a small wedding, fairly soon without a lot of stress in planning. We were thinking Valentine’s Day, since it falls on a Saturday. Do you think people would have a problem going to a wedding on Valentine’s Day? It’s not really a holiday, just a romantic date. What do you think?

Rachel by email Dear Rachel, I don’t think anyone would have a problem with attending Valentine’s Day wedding.

Share the romance with champagne, chocolate, delicious cake...all the goodies you would like to have celebrating such a romantic day. Just a reminder, speak to your florist early, as it’s one of the busiest days for them. Keep an open mind to your floral choices without breaking the bank.

Best wishes for a happy, romantic day!

Dear Rose Eileen, With the economy and our budget, can we get away from feeding our vendors who do our wedding, such as the photographer, dj and videographer? Things are tight and if I can save a few bucks, I would like to. Your thoughts?

Lesley by email Dear Lesley, Yes... you definitely should feed all those helping you on your day. It’s really in poor taste not to, and especially for those service providers who are there the entire day working to give you the best service and product, making your day memorable... it hurts but its a must. Just think...the better you treat your wedding professionals, the better they perform their service, the happier you are, the happier they are.

Dear Rose Eileen, How can I assure a successful wedding reception? I want our guests to have a good time.

Kate from Springfield, MA Dear Kate, Two things come to mind... good food and a good party. Good food can be as simple or elaborate as you wish as long as the quality and service are excellent. Guests can get restless waiting to be served, especially if one side of the reception room is just about done eating their meal by the time the other side of the room gets served. Assuring enough serving staff at any reception venue is key.

Then there’s the “party.” Good music, good dancing. A good quality band or disc jockey can set the pace. The bride and groom and also keep guests on the dance floor by staying on the dance floor themselves, dancing and mingling with their guests.

Dear Rose Eileen, I want to have a small wedding. What’s considered small and how to we keep it feeling special?

Shawna from Hadley, MA by email Dear Shawna, Smaller weddings are usually 60-75 guests and under. Smaller weddings can fit in more unique locations than larger events.

Consider a museum location, garden location or even a tent wedding. You can add more unique touches with flowers and lighting, a speciality dessert and even a themed drink. A chamber ensemble, harpest, or guitarist can provide cocktail music for something different.

Vocals & Flute

Sarah Clay Jazz, Bossa Nova, Classical & Spanish Love Songs

Beautiful music for your ceremony, cocktail hour or rehearsal dinner.



 Solo flute or voice Ensembles with guitar, piano

or strings tailored to your needs

413-586-9564 sarah@clayjazz.com www.clayjazz.com Visit my web site to listen to sample music

2 STAR VIDEO Professional Videographers

Discreet 2 Camera Coverage at Ceremony Extensive 1 Camera Coverage at Reception DVD’s Plus Digital Masters 20 Years Wedding Video Experience

For Detailed Info, Call (413) 539-9769 or visit

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for exquisite gifts for Bridal Showers

Calligraphy for Invitations, Announcements, Seating Scrolls Sandra Yarmac • (413) 596-8911

Do you have a question about planning your wedding? Rose Eileen invites you to submit any questions about wedding planning by mail or email. Rose Eileen and the advertisers of the Wedding Day Sourcebook will do their utmost to answer them.

Send Your Questions About Weddings To: “Dear Rose Eileen”, c/o The Wedding Day Sourcebook P.O. Box 916, W. Springfield, MA 01090 or email her at info@weddingsourcebook.com

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Bancroft Bridals

Full Service Bridal and Special Occasions Boutique

• BRIDAL GOWNS • BRIDESMAID GOWNS • FLOWER-GIRL GOWNS • SOCIAL OCCASION GOWNS • MOTHER OF BRIDE/GROOM GOWNS • LONG-LINE STRAP-LESS BRAS • SPANX BODY SHAPERS • SHOES • TIARAS, HEAD PIECES & VEILS • TUXEDO RENTALS

225 Springfield Street Agawam, Massachusetts (413) 789-3073 www.bancroftbridals.com • bancroftbridals@comcast.net www.weddingsourcebook.com

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Real New England As featured on the cover of The Wedding Day Sourcebook Photographs provided by Kerr Photography (See page 13)

Dayle & Shane

Weddings

Ceremony and Reception: The Atrium of the Goodwin Hotel in Hartford.

Gown: Vera Wang Tuxedo: Paul Smith Photographer: Chris Kerr DJ: Brian Nicks Florist: Langone’s Cake: Modern Pastry First Dance: “Who Loves You” by Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons.

Honeymoon: Kauai and Oahu, Hawaii.

Be Unique: We tried to plan out every last detail as we wanted a very unique wedding. Shane is an actor and we met while I was working as a publicist for various Broadway shows. Our wedding program was designed to emulate a Broadway Playbill, which we called our “Weddingbill.” It was complete with bios for all of our wedding party, credit listings, and the “scenes” of Acts 1 and 2. Our guests were delighted!

We really set the tone with such a fun first dance. Shane is a dancer so the dance was completely choreographed and was a huge hit with our guests.

Our guests were on the dance floor all night. During the evening we also had two performances. My brother, who is a graduate of Berklee College of Music in Boston played the guitar and sang “Upside Down”

by Jack Johnson. Later in the evening, accompanied by a friend who plays the guitar for various Broadway shows, Shane sang “I Can’t Take My Eyes Off Of You”

Favorite Moments: We both share a wonderful favorite moment of the day. When the reception was over and everyone started clearing out we headed for our room, ready for the “it’s over” to set in. What we walked into was a wonderland. Candles and rose petals filled our suite, and a bottle champagne was waiting for us. Our friends had gone all out decorating our suite throughout the reception. Another great moment was the song that I walked down the aisle to. It was called “Lullaby” and was written by my friend Anisha (yes, the one who also did my make-up!). Anisha played the piano and we hired a trio from Millennium Music (they were FANTASTIC!) to accompany her. It was beautiful. We loved how truly unique made our wedding, and how great it is to have such talented and caring friends.

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Shouldn’t your true love be rewarded?

Join Macy's Wedding & Gift Registry Star Rewards Program today!

Discover the first registry with this unique rewards program. At Macy’s Wedding & Gift Registry, you earn 10% Rewards on eligible Macy’s Star Rewards Card† purchases throughout the store and 5% Rewards on eligible gift purchases your guests make from your registry.

Plus, Macy’s Completion Program will save you 10% on your remaining registry items. It's easy to enroll and start earning rewards.

Macy’s Wedding & Gift Registry is a coast-to-coast love affair! We provide couples and their guests with the ultimate registry experience with over 800 stores nationwide, a toll-free number, 1-800-568-8865 and 24-hour online services!

†Subject to credit approval. See a Bridal Consultant or Sales Associate for details. Receive 10% Rewards on your Macy's Star Rewards Card net eligible purchases you make from the day you enroll till your wedding day. Receive 5% Rewards on net eligible purchases (excluding Completion purchases) made from your registry starting the day you enroll up to 90 days after your wedding day. To enroll, create a quality bridal registry preference list, enroll in person with a bridal consultant and have or open a valid Macy's Star Rewards Card. Requirements for a quality registry vary. Macy's reserves the right to discontinue this program at any time and will provide thirty (30) days notice to all participating couples. Offer cannot be combined with any other Reward program. Rewards are presented in the form of an electronic gift card. Reward Card expires six (6) months from the date of issue. Cosmetics, Fragrances, Furniture, Mattress & Rug purchases, Services, Leased Departments (including, but not limited www.weddingsourcebook.com to Beauty Salon, Alterations, Interior Design, Bridal Gowns, Furs, Children's Shoes, Maternity and Food), Electronic Gift Card purchases,Day sales tax, shipping fees, gift wrap fees The Wedding Sourcebook 9 and other credit marketing offers are not eligible for Rewards. Employees of Federated Department Stores, Inc. and its operating subsidiaries are not eligible to participate in this program.

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With a little help from Taylor Rental Party Plus, we’ll show you how to have the ultimate wedding. Anywhere. Any time. We’ve been producing memorable wedding receptions and parties for up to 500 guests throughout the Pioneer Valley for over 40 years. Let us show you what we can do for you!

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FREE Site Survey and Layout

December 2008

The Calvanese Family welcomes you back to a local tradition...

Storrowton Tavern

Affordable Elegance • Excellent Service • Exceptional Food Banquet and Private Dining Rooms • Seating to 325 Unique & Memorable Setting Traditional New England & Continental Fare

One Open Square Way Holyoke, MA 413.315.6102 pearlbridalboutique.com

It will be our pleasure to help you find the gown of your dreams.

Call today for an appointment!

Open for lunch and dinner Tuesday-Saturday, Dinner on Sunday

At Storrowton Village on the Grounds of the Big E 1305 Memorial Ave. • West Springfield, MA

*Blue by Enzoani, Lynn Lugo, Sara Gabriel Head Pieces and many more!

www.storrowton.com • (413) 732-4188

Share Your Joy!

You plan your wedding menu and ....

Let Rachel’s Table take care of the leftovers!

We’ll distribute surplus food from your catered event to local shelters & soup kitchens that feed the needy. Share Your Joy! FOOD DONATION IS EASY! x Donate any surplus, unserved food prepared in a licensed facility. x No home-cooked foods, please! x Food donors are protected under the Good Samaritan Food Donation Act. x Simple to pre-arrange with your caterer. Caterer packages surplus food in secure, transportable containers. Caterer freezes food if appropriate, or chills perishables to 40q F. Caterer calls Rachel’s Table 24-hour food donation line: 733-9165. x We’ll arrange pick-up & delivery to a local emergency feeding program.

Visit us at www.rachelstable.com Rachel’s Table 24-hour food donation line: 733-9165.

(413) 426-2319 • Westfield, (413) 789-4216 • Agawam, MAMA 01001 cmbreed@comcast.net Wedding Invitations • Birth Announcements • Framed Prints • Certificates

Rachel’s Table is a project of the Jewish Federation of Greater Springfield, Inc. & WWLP-TV22

Affiance-Events (413) 204-7818

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Call today for your Personal Wedding Planner.

Affiance wedding planners are here to make your dreams come true. We can help you plan your wedding from beginning to end, suggest vendors, venues or be there to make your day as stress free as possible.

Serving MA, NY, CT and other regions.

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Storrowton Tavern

www.affiance-events.com The Wedding Day Sourcebook

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Jenks Productions, Inc. presents the 2008-09

The Northeast’s Largest & Most Complete Wedding Shows Exhibits, Dazzling Fashion Shows & Live Entertainment 5th Annual Sheraton at Bradley Bridal Show November 2, 2008 Sheraton at Bradley Int’l Airport, Windsor Locks, CT 2nd Annual Worcester Bridal Expo January 10-11, 2009 DCU Center Worcester, MA 19th Annual Springfield Bridal Expo January 10-11, 2009 Better Living Center Big E Fairgrounds West Springfield, MA 7th Annual Eastern Pennsylvania Bridal Expo January 10-11, 2009 Lehigh University, Rauch Fieldhouse Bethlehem, PA 24th Annual Connecticut Bridal Expo January 17-18, 2009 Connecticut Expo Center Hartford, CT

10th Annual Baystate Bridal Expo January 24-25, 2009 Bayside Expo Center Boston, MA 9th Annual Westchester County Bridal Expo January 31, 2009 Westchester County Center White Plains, NY 5th Annual Foxborough Bridal Expo February 15, 2009 Gillette Stadium Foxborough, MA 8th Annual Hartford Bridal Expo February 22, 2009 XL Center Hartford, CT

100s of Participating Companies: Bridal Shops Formal Wear Photographers Videographers Jewelers Florists Bakers Invitations Caterers Disc Jockeys Entertainment Make-Up & Hair Stylists Cosmetic Dentistry Banquet Facilities Hotels Limousines Wedding Consultants Gifts & More! www.jenksproductions.com • 860 563-2111 or 800 955-7469 (Outside CT) 12 H The Wedding Day Sourcebook

December 2008

The Bridal Barn

Simply Elegance

& Tux Shoppe

A Full Service Bridal Shop www.thebridalbarn.com Routes 5 & 10 425 Greenfield Rd, Deerfield, MA

(413) 774-2691

STORE HOURS Tuesday 11-6 Wednesday 11-6 Thursday 11-6 Friday 11-6 Saturday 10-3 Sunday Closed Monday Closed

Kerr Photography

APPOINTMENTS ARE SUGGESTED but not required.

ckerrphoto.com • (413) 364-1964

For an Event to Remember, Choose the Entertainment they will Never Forget!

DJ & Event Services We Also Have...

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Ask about our Fun Xtras

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Casino Tables • Photo Booths Cigar Rollers • Novelties Let Marx personalize your special day!

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Bridal Style Alert Classic is Back Good news for brides inspired by Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly, classic is back. Fabrics, silhouettes and accessories borrowed from the 1940s through 1960s offer brides the opportunity to start with the basics and enhance them with luxurious finishing touches.

The Dress Eschewing large, modern swags of fabrics, designers are embracing the hourglass figure. Waists are nipped in or defined with belts and sashes, often in a color that slightly contrasts with the dress. Charming gowns with the look of prom dresses from the 1950s glide down the aisle with fitted bodices and full skirts of tulle, lace and applique.

For a less formal wedding, brides can go bombshell in frocks reminiscent of 1960s cocktail dresses. The length is shorter, but the look is equally sophisticated with gathered waists and narrower skirts.

The Accessories Birdcage veils -- with large netting that falls at cheekbone length -- are back in a big way. These simple veils frame the bride’s glowing face and highlight special jewelry. Ladylike wrist-length gloves are the perfect complement to vintage bridal looks.

The classic bridal look is a perfect match with a simple and elegant pair of pearl stud earrings and a lustrous 14 H The Wedding Day Sourcebook

16-inch strand of cultured pearls around the bride’s neck.

“The Hindu Lord Krishna is said to have offered pearls to his daughter as a wedding gift which is where pearls and weddings were first married,” says Jeremy Shepherd of PearlParadise. com, the world’s largest online pearl company. “Pearls are considered a symbol of purity, making them the perfect fit with a bride’s white dress.”

Shepherd recommends white akoya pearls, a saltwater pearl that grows primarily in the coastal areas of Japan and China. Considered to be the classic pearls for jewelry, akoya pearls are prized for their perfect round shape, mirror-like luster and soft, neutral

colors.

The Look Tie a classic dress and accessories together with a polished hairstyle such as a bun or chignon and keep make-up understated. Dark brown or black eyeliner extended slightly past the end of the eyelid, a touch of black mascara and a shade of red lipstick perfectly matched to the bride’s complexion are all that’s necessary to complete the perfect, classic Hollywood face.

December 2008

Bridal Heirlooms A Full Service Bridal Boutique

17 College St. South Hadley, At The Village Commons The Wedding Day Sourcebook (413) 532-4848 • www.bridalheirlooms.net

www.weddingsourcebook.com

Photo by Allegro Photography.

Wishing You a Magical Holiday Season

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How to Plan the Perfect Honeymoon

By Michelle Mangio,

Honeymoon & Destination Wedding Specialist of Magical Escapes Vacations Advice abounds on how to plan the perfect wedding, giving tips and insights on everything from what favors to offer to the best locations to have your reception. But when it comes to planning the honeymoon, good advice is often lacking. After all, this isn’t just an ordinary vacation – it’s a honeymoon, a once-in-a-lifetime romantic getaway that you want to remember for the rest of your lives as the best time away you’ve ever had.

But if you aren’t an expert in every destination and resort out there, how can you be certain that you’re honeymoon is truly unique? And with all the time and commitment that planning a wedding entails, how will you ever find the time to learn all you need to know, and then find the time to make the arrangements?

It is for that reason that for many couples, honeymoons are often the last step planned in their wedding arrangements – and it’s often the one that, when budgets become tight, gets trimmed down. But while your wedding is the most important day of your life, your honeymoon is your next many days. Most honeymoons are anywhere from 5 to 15 days, and this is the time that you and your spouse get to spend alone, together, enjoy your first days of wedded bliss: don’t

you want it to be truly special? Of course you do! Here then are some tips on how you can plan the perfect honeymoon together, so that they days after your wedding are as stress-free and as truly memorable as your wedding day.

First, Decide not only what destination you wish to go to, but what kind of vacation you want: Relaxing, or active? Beach, or City (or both)? Adventure? Scuba diving? Lots of activities?

Lots of pampering? In the heart of it all, or a tranquil escape on a private island?

The destination, while important, is only part of the honeymoon decision. Knowing what you want out of your vacation is equally important, and can help narrow down the choices of where you want to go. If you wanted a tropical paradise that let you feel as if you’ve escaped from it all, Tahiti (French Polynesia) may be perfect for you. But if you wanted an active nightlife, you might be better off at Waikiki Beach on Oahu, Hawaii. Likewise, if you really wanted to experience wine-tasting at a vineyard lodge, then you might love Champagne in France or Tuscany in Italy. But if you wanted to combine

wine-tasting with an amazing wildlife experience, you might instead wish to head to South Africa or to southern Australia.

If you don’t know where you want – though you know what you want – don’t worry, there’s help out there! And that’s where step #2 comes in: Contact a Honeymoon Specialist.

Honeymoon Specialists are always on top of the latest trends and destinations, have contacts in the places to help arrange special requests, and can help you in a number of important ways: They’ll save you time, because they do all the research and work for you, matching your dreams and budget to the perfect destination. They’ll save you stress, because they handle all the arrangements and deal with all the people to make your dreams a reality, and they’re there to help you with any questions or problems. And they’ll save you money, because they have access to the best deals and suppliers, many of whom only work through travel agents.

Working with a honeymoon specialist, you will have a honeymoon experience filled with memories to last a lifetime.

And if you’re planning a Destination Wedding (that is, a wedding in a foreign destination), their help can be invaluable.

Any couple who has worked with a Honeymoon and Destination Wedding Specialist will be able to rave to you how invaluable their travel

About Michelle Mangio Michelle Mangio is the owner of Magical Escapes Vacations, based in Attleboro, MA. She is a certified Honeymoons & Destination Weddings Specialist, with expertise in many popular honeymoon locations, including Tahiti & the South Pacific, Australia, Aruba, Hawaii, Cancun, and more.

16 H The Wedding Day Sourcebook

About Magical Escapes Vacations Magical Escapes Vacation is a full-service travel agency specializing in complete destination planning for any occasion. “Don’t just make reservations. Make experiences. Create memories. Live your dreams.” For more information, contact Michelle at Magical Escapes Vacations toll-free at 866-698-7849 or locally at 508-717-2535, by email at michelle@magicalescapes.com, or onlineDecember at http://www.magicalescapes.com 2008

counselor was; they allow you to start planning your honeymoon further in advance because they do all the work, planning itineraries and answering your questions, leaving you free to concentrate on your wedding plans.

But they will also make sure that all of the small details you care about will be taken care of: want that private dinner under the stars on the beach?

Want to be certain you catch that special show, or are able to secure that swim the dolphin? Your Honeymoon Specialist will be there to take care of all the details for you. They will help you transform this trip from “just a vacation” to an “unforgettable honeymoon experience.”

In order to make those great honeymoon experiences, though, you must must must book in advance! I can’t stress that enough: book in advance!

The most popular locations, hotels, rooms, and activities sell out months in advance, especially if what you have your heart set on is a small resort or a popular activity that limits the number of participants. Don’t take the chance that your dream honeymoon is not available… or that you have to settle for something less than what you truly wanted.

Don’t underestimate how exhausted you’ll be once the wedding is over. You need a good break and it’s worth paying a little more to stay somewhere decent. You definitely don’t want to be worrying once on your honeymoon, because all the stress of your wedding day plans will finally catch up with you. It’s worth it to plan a honeymoon that will allow you to relax in whatever way you most enjoy, whether it is to lounge on a beach, sit in the lap of luxury, or hike to the top of Ayer’s Rock. Even if you plan to be outside all day, your honeymoon is not the time when you want to sleep on a mattress that feels like a cement block!

If you can, schedule your departing flight two days after the wedding, instead of the day after. If you must travel the day after, leave in the middle of the day instead of the early morning. Trust me, you’ll be www.weddingsourcebook.com

more tired than you realize that morning after your wedding day! And even though you may spend the day traveling to your honeymoon destination, you still want to arrive there feeling somewhat refreshed so that you can enjoy your day there. Wouldn’t it be better to sleep in the day after your wedding, than to sleep through your first day of your honeymoon?

Ask a lot of questions. Your Honeymoon Specialist is there to help you – make use of them. And don’t think that any question is to small – or too ridiculous – to ask. They are there to answer your questions, and you want to make sure that your honeymoon is exactly the way you want it.

If you don’t ask, or don’t tell, how will they know what you want – and how will you know?

Ask friends & family for recommendations. Most people have traveled before, and any married friends and family have likely taken a honeymoon. Ask them where they went, where they stayed, and what they did. Especially ask them what made their honeymoon different than any vacation they’ve taken – and then ask them the important question: if they could do it all over again, what would they do differently? What was most important to them? Asking these questions might help you uncover questions you didn’t know you had – and make sure you don’t repeat their mistakes! Best of all, friends and family know you, and they would also know if the place they loved that you are considering is a good destination for you or not.

Budget for food and activities. If you aren’t taking an allinclusive package, consider adding on a few meals or activities to your package so that you have less to worry about after you arrive. Food & activities are often the “hidden costs” of planning a honeymoon, because many couples forget to save money for food, activities, and souvenirs once they’ve paid the balance of their honeymoon. But unless you have a package that includes meals and excursions, these are all additional costs – and in some destinations, can

be quite a pretty penny! Be sure to ask your honeymoon specialist for the average meal costs in the area you are visiting to be certain you bring enough. The last thing you want is to have your romantic dinner be at a fast food joint.

Concerned about budgeting for your honeymoon? Open a Honeymoon Registry. Allow your guests to contribute to your honeymoon memories! These work just like traditional registries, except that instead of registering for plates or blenders, you’re registering for parts of your honeymoon. Your wedding guests can then “purchase” parts of your honeymoon for you – you get a nice gift certificate, and the honeymoon registry provides your guests with a nice card to give you at your shower or on your wedding day.

There is usually no cost for a Honeymoon Registry, so it’s definitely worth it to open one. The worst thing that happens is that no one purchases anything on it. The best thing that happens: you might not have to pay for your honeymoon at all!

Finally, it’s your honeymoon, so you’ll want to treat yourselves.

Make sure you build lots of spending money into your budget, so you can indulge in a little luxury. There’s not much difference between a four and five-star hotel - the money you save staying at that four-star hotel instead can be spent on having fun.

Remember that once you get to your honeymoon destination, you’re going to want to enjoy it, so be sure to bring enough money to allow yourself to indulge – or pre-book as much as you can so it’s already paid for once you get there.

This is the important getaway of your life, so you want to make sure it goes perfectly. Remember: You only get one honeymoon. Everything else is just a vacation.

The Wedding Day Sourcebook

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Writers Wanted!

Due to subscriber demand, writers are wanted for unique stories, business profiles and interviews for the area’s only monthly wedding publication, The Wedding Day Sourcebook. If you are interested in submitting stories or writing on topic, please contact our offices at 413-737-1152 or by email to lisa@weddingsourcebook.com.

All articles will be considered.

18 H The Wedding Day Sourcebook

Simple yet elegant wedding photography for your special day!

Karen Geaghan

PHOTOGRAPHY

• Two Photographers • Highly recommended • Personalized service… that’s all about YOU! 15 Addison Road Wilbraham, MA www.karengeaghanphotos.com

(413) 596-2227 December 2008

Love, Marriage, and Wills:

Why every newly engaged or married couple should have a plan for their financial future.

By Attorney Kimberly Stevens You spend weeks and months planning for your big day but after the flowers, cake and celebration are over, do you know if your financial future will be secure? Having a solid financial plan is just as important as having your perfect wedding. Many people think you have to be old, sick or wealthy to have a will but even if you are young you probably have possessions you care about. Four essential documents that will help to ensure a healthy financial future are: Last Will & Testament; Durable Power of Attorney; Health Care Proxy and Living Will.

A Will is a document that directs the court how your assets and possessions should be distributed upon your death. It is extremely flexible and can be changed as often as needed, and it is recommended that you review your will every few years or upon any major life events (marriage, children, etc.) to make sure it accurately reflects your wishes. If you do not have a will when you die, the state steps in and decides how to distribute your possessions. Unfortunately, the state’s decisions may not be the same as the ones you would make.

As you build your family, another extremely important reason to have a will is to care for minor

children. In fact, this may be the most important reason because you need to designate a guardian to care for the children. In many cases, the other parent will step in to care for the child, but if the other parent cannot do the job, or if the other parent does not survive you, the court will appoint someone as guardian. In your will you can name the person you want the court to appoint for each child (one for all of your children or a different one for each child); name an alternate in case your first choice can’t serve; and explain reasons for your selection. Explaining your choice provides strong guidance for a court and can also help to salve the feelings of those who were not picked as first choice.

A Durable Power of Attorney is a document that allows another person, usually a spouse, parent or other close family member, to make decisions for you if you become incapacitated due to a mental or physical disability. This can be an extremely useful document if you are unable to handle your own financial affairs. You can choose to make this power effective upon signing the document, or only upon your incapacitation.

A Health Care Proxy allows you to select another person to have authority to make decisions regarding medical procedures or withholding

medical treatment. That person effectively steps in your shoes and makes the decisions as if they were you.

The final document that should be considered as part of your planning is a Living Will. This document is not authorized by statute in Massachusetts, but is still a useful tool because it provides guidance and direction to the person acting as your health care proxy. The living will language states that you do not wish to be kept alive by heroic means, and having this in place can eliminate problems among your family members and will answer any questions they might have about your wishes.

Remember: as you begin your life together and start building a future and a family, it is extremely important to prepare and plan for your financial future. The foundation of a good financial plan should be a Last Will and Testament, along with a Durable Power of Attorney, Health Care Proxy and Living Will. By having these documents in place, you can make the choices that are right for you and your loved ones.

For more information, contact Attorney Stevens at (413) 306-6030.

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The Wedding Day Sourcebook

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Money Talks For Newlyweds Two out of three married couples consider money a major source of potential conflicts in their marriages, according to a survey conducted by the non--profit Consumer Credit Counseling Service. As newlyweds prepare to make exciting plans for their new life together, Loretta Abrams, senior vice president of Consumer Affairs, HSBCNorth America, offers the following tips to help couples address the challenges of managing money together: • Develop a financial goal.

Share your plans together. Create a list of short-, medium- and long-term goals and then compare notes (buying a house or a car, having children, moving to a new city or starting a business). For each goal, figure out how much money you need to get there and how long you think it should take.

• Decide how to handle the money.

Will the two of you maintain separate accounts and divide up household expenses or will you maintain separate discretionary accounts with a combined household account? Are you willing to merge all finances? Let your individual “money personalities” dictate the right approach for you. If you share similar habits and priorities, combining all finances may be the perfect approach; however, if your habits are vastly different, it may make sense to maintain separate accounts.

• Create a budget together.

Check your past spending history and calculate your past debts. You have probably each developed very different money styles. Spending Thursday night out with your friends or buying season tickets for your favorite team may still be in the cards but talk it through so you’re clear about priorities. Create a budget that will let you maximize your income and track your actual cash flow to make sure you’re staying within the boundaries you’ve set for yourself. Usually, it’s a monthto-month projection of the amounts allocated to each expense item based on your income. When you make a purchase or pay a bill, write it down and subtract it from the total you planned for that expense. Sticking to a budget can be difficult and at times frustrating and there’s no guarantee you’ll see huge savings in the short term, but these two suggestions may make the process easier: Go digital--Budgeting software packages and online resources can help.

Most programs can perform basic budgeting tasks as well as sophisticated transactions.

Keep it simple--Most experts agree that the key to a successful budget is to keep it simple and practical. Most of all, be realistic. If you love going to the movies, don’t drop them completely.

Instead, try to cut back on the number

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of times you go or start a new tradition of movie nights at home.

• Take advantage of tax-saving plans.

If you’re planning to have children, look into some specific tax-saving accounts or the 529 plans now. The cost of a higher education is steadily rising, so the prospect of paying for a four-year college education is not an insignificant obligation.

If you have the option of saving for retirement through an employersponsored retirement plan, such as a 401(k), open an account immediately.

You can defer a certain amount of your pretax salary into the account. In many cases, your employer will match a portion of your savings. In this way, you have the double advantage of saving money on taxes now and building your retirement account for the future.

• Build emergency reserves.

Be prepared for unexpected events such as job loss or major household repairs with an emergency account equal to three to six months’ expenses. To build up this account, have between 2 and 10 percent of your paycheck automatically deposited into savings--consider an online savings account, which offers higher yield and is easy to manage.

Becky Kusek

PHOTOGRAPHY

(413) 813-9004

www.westernmaweddingphotography.com

December 2008

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House Call With Dr. Powell Love Those Holiday Lights!

By Dr. Marita Powell

I can’t help but think that although living in Binghamton, NY – no longer New England – we too get our fair share of dark, cloudy gloomy days where you just want to send out a search party for the sun. So by December, we all here in central NY look forward to a little artificial sun by way of Christmas lights.

I can’t help but think that what also draws me to those happily lit houses is the lights that are on the inside as well. No, I don’t mean the lit tree and all the ceremonial lights from the fibro optic snowmen and angels, but the light streaming from the inner beauty of the people that live inside these homes of our loved ones. You know the type of people I’m talking about- the ones that you can play a game of cards with and shoot the breeze with all evening and never feel out of place – just the simple pleasure of feeling “at home” in their presence.

So as I digress about my Christmas holiday joys, what about the joys of a Christmas Season Wedding? Although many consider this time of year to be the most hectic and stressful, a December Wedding can be very joyous and Holiday festive, if we remember to focus on the inner light of the couple.

A December Wedding can be most magical when the emphasis is placed on the new life of the couple and less on the materialistic meaning and attitude of “Oh, just another party to attend – just another event to squeeze into my fast paced life – just another gift to buy”.

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This seems to be the attitude of many people come Holiday Season.

They get very caught up in the commercialism of the Season and forget the true meaning, which should be Love and Peace to family and friends.

What greater reminder of this than to have a December wedding. A December wedding lends opportunity to unite all in a joyous celebration of love and ties in so nicely to the TRUE meaning of the Christmas Season!

So I say to all of those December Wedding couples: Use the glow of your inner light of love for each other to warm the hearts of those around you who may have grown cold in the darkness of our time.

And like the Holiday lights that illuminate our often chaotic, fearful existence, brighten those lives that will share this special time as a reminder to all that the world still has a place for Peace, Love and Celebration!

Merry Christmas to all and special prayers for all the couples that can not be together this Christmas Season

Dr. Powell is a board certified family physician based in Binghamton, NY and is an Assistant Clinical Professor At Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, NY. Her book: “Just A Glance Through The Window” is available through the Wedding Day Sourcebook office., Her “House Call” column is a feature of The Wedding Day Sourcebook

December 2008

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December 2008

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26 H The Wedding Day Sourcebook

December 2008

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Attention Brides !

Free Convenient Home Delivery You can have The Wedding Day Sourcebook sent to your door free every month!

Fill out and return this form to:

The Wedding Day Sourcebook P.O. Box 916 West Springfield, MA 01090-0916 Or access the form online at www.weddingsourcebook.com

Hawley Photography Photographing Weddings of Distinction

Choose from one of our elegant album packages or design the wedding package of your dreams.

To set up an appointment, please call

Donald Hawley (413) 562-2398 www.donhawleyphotography.com

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28 H The Wedding Day Sourcebook

...where special occasions blossom

The newest premier community and banquet facility in this area! Perfect for weddings, bridal showers, Jack N' Jill parties! Simple country elegance that accommodates up to 175. Carpeted, air conditioned with a flexible dance floor plan. Enjoy the courtyard tent for outdoor functions from April to October. Select a caterer from our list of the areas finest. Private Bridal Room with a separate entrance.

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Things to Do List 6 to 24 Months Ahead • Subscribe to the Wedding Day Sourcebook • Attend every Bridal Show you can!

Check www.cjcevents.com • Announce your engagement in hometown newspapers • Discuss and decide on the atmosphere you’d like at your wedding • Talk to family & fiancé about budget • Decide wedding size • Talk to clergy or J.P. and arrange ceremony location & date • Find a reception location available on your date • Plan wedding theme and colors • Choose your wedding party • Compile your guest lists, collect addresses; set up a system to track RSVP’s.

• Select all your formalwear gown veil shoes & nylons petticoat or slip jewelry purse handkerchief or lucky items • Select bridesmaids dresses shoes & nylons jewelry hairpieces gloves • Select tuxes and accessories • Register for wedding gifts in your hometowns • Choose a photographer and let him/her know if your ceremony location has any restrictions about lighting, standing on the altar, etc.

• Choose a videographer • Choose a cake • Choose musicians for ceremony (find out if your church allows outside musicians or secular music) • Choose musicians for reception and let them know exactly what you want them to play • Choose a florist • Locate a caterer, if necessary • Locate and rent a tent and/or decorative items such as an arbor, wishing well for cards, balloons & helium tank, etc.

• Sign up for dance lessons • Send deposits to all your vendors; keep all your contracts in one file with your payment schedules.

• Arrange transportation from your house to the ceremony, from the ceremony to the formal photography location, from there to the reception, and from the reception to the honeymoon night location. www.weddingsourcebook.com

4 to 6 Months Ahead • Reserve accommodations for your out-of-town guests • Select and order your invitations and thank- you cards • Arrange your honeymoon travel • Help mothers choose dresses • Look for a place to live and shop for home furnishings • Order rings and engraving • Decide on favors to match your theme 2 to 4 Months Ahead • Address wedding invitations • Collect items to stuff into invitation, including registry cards, hotel reservation information, directions, etc.

• Buy enough postage for invitations and RSVP envelopes • Purchase gifts for your spouse-to-be and your attendants • Plan the rehearsal dinner and send invitations 1 to 2 Months Ahead • Make hair and makeup appointments for yourself and your bridesmaids • Have final dress fittings • Attend showers and send thank-yous • Plan a get-together with your bridesmaids to give them their gifts/accessories • Collect luggage and clothes for honeymoon • Purchase or make ring pillow, guest book, toast glasses, cake knife, etc.

• Arrange for basket or other location for cards containing money that arrive during the reception • Get blood test and marriage license (fewer than 30 days before the ceremony) • Mail invitations 2 Weeks Ahead • Plan to change your name on your Social Security info, driver’s license, credit cards, & bank accounts -- you will need a certified copy of your wedding certificate.

• Make a seating plan for the reception; write placecards 1 Week Ahead • Pack for honeymoon • Pack an emergency kit for the wedding day containing a sewing kit, extra nylons, comfortable shoes, hairspray, bobby pins, kleenex, Pepto Bismol, etc.

• Rest and relax -- you’re getting married! Have a massage or a facial - just for yourself and your sanity.

The Wedding Day Sourcebook

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Wedding Day Directory A Comprehensive Listing Of Greater Springfield’s Wedding Services BALLOONS AND DECORATING Amazing Balloon Decor

(413) 530-0326

BANQUET FACILITIES Clarion Hotel & Conference Center, N’ton Lord Jeffery Inn, Amherst

(413) 586-1211 (413) 253-2576

CAKES & CONFECTIONS Atkins Farm/Country Market, Amherst Moore Cakes, Warren

(413) 253-9528 (413) 436-7350

HORSE & CARRIAGE Hollow Brook Farms, LLC

(413) 245-9325

JUSTICES OF THE PEACE Maryann DeLoria Ceremonies Of The Heart (413) 789-2798 LIGHTING AND EVENT PRODUCTION CJC Event Lighting

(413) 737-7555

MUSICIANS A Trumpet For Any Occasion, Robert Ravosa Decorator Music, Andrea Kwapien Gary S. Jones, Singer/Guitarist/DJ John McIntyre, Bagpiper Laurie Festa, Pianist Sheldon Ross, Trumpet Services Starshine (Mr. C) Entertainment Sue Kurian, Flute Services, Northampton Warm Winds

(413)567-7470 (413) 584-4991 (413) 786-8748 (413) 537-5579 (413) 782-6732 (413) 256-4243 (413) 245-4544 (413) 586-2854 (413) 364-2310

PHOTOGRAPHERS Karen Geaghan Photography, Wilbraham Michael C. Mislak Photography, Ludlow Photography by Donna, S. Hadley Sweet Memories Photo & Video, E. Long.

(413) 596-2227 (413) 589-9586 (413) 538-8290 (413) 246-0627

CALLIGRAPHY Elegant Writing

(413) 596-8911

CEREMONY LOCATION Hollow Brook Farms, LLC

(413) 245-9325

DISC JOCKEYS After Hours DJ Entertainment, Enfield, CT Always Starshine DJ Entertainment Gary S. Jones, Agawam Jammin Jim’s DJ Service, Somers, CT Peterson Productions, Northampton, MA “The” Dance Party, Greenfield, MA

(860) 749-1630 (413) 245-4544 (413) 786-8748 (860) 763-1164 (413) 586-3183 (800) 987-0350

FLORISTS Atkins Farm/Country Market, Amherst Durocher Florist, West Springfield, MA Green Thumb Florist & Garden, Brimfield

(413) 253-9528 (413) 785-5148 (413) 245-6565

TRANSPORTATION Earl’s Affordable Limousine Service Royal Coach Limousines The Limo Connection

(413) 739-7293 (413) 594-1940 (413) 746-LIMO

FORMAL WEAR & APPAREL Bancroft Bridals, Agawam Bridal Barn and Tux Shoppe, Deerfield Bridal Heirlooms, South Hadley Lorraine’s Fashion Showcase, Holyoke

(413) 789-3073 (413) 774-2691 (413) 532-4848 (413) 533-3774

VIDEOGRAPHERS Star Video, Chicopee Sunset Video Production, Westfield

(413) 539-9769 (413) 562-3326

WEDDING PLANNING/CONSULTANTS Affiance Weddings by Design

(413) 204-7818 (413) 786-7700

GIFTS AND FAVORS Chocolate Works, E. Longmeadow GUEST ROOMS Lord Jeffery Inn, Amherst

(413) 525-8121

(413) 253-2576

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30 H The Wedding Day Sourcebook

December 2008

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The Western New England Spring

Bridal Show

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March 8, 2009 • 11am - 4 pm MassMutual Center • Springfield, MA

Don’t Miss This Spectacular Spring Bridal Event!

• Featuring The Finest Wedding Service Providers in the Area • Western New England’s Best Bridal Fashion Show featuring the latest 2009-2010 styles • Food Samples from the area’s best Caterers & Bakers • Thousands of Dollars in Door Prizes and Giveaways • Bridal Goodie Bags

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www.wnebridalshow.com 32 H The Wedding Day Sourcebook

December 2008