2019 Winter Bridal Guide - The Winchester Star

BRIDAL Guide

A LOCAL WEDDING WEDDING CAKE TRENDS FOR 2019 NEW VENUE: ROSEMONT SPRINGS MAKE THE MOST OUT OF BRIDAL SHOWS

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WINTER BRIDAL GUIDE 2019

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540-662-1473, ext. 227 u events@theMSV.org 901 Amherst St., Winchester, VA u www.theMSV.org

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Table of Contents 5

New venue: Rosemont Springs

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Wedding dress fitting guide

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The Knot magazine shares 2019 trends

10 Real wedding: Myrina & Jay 12 Why hire a wedding painter

...your destination for invitations & gifts.

Invitations Stationery Wedding Registry China & Crystal Fine Linens

Mon-Sat 10-6 • Sun 11-5

Old Town Winchester 540-662-2195 www.kimberlys.biz

14 Register for adventure 16 Secrets to at-home weddings 18 Healthy wedding prep habits

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19 Dealing with rain 20 2019 wedding cake trends 22 Make the most out of bridal shows

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t p m a ON THE COVER: Myrina and Jay Young tie the knot at The George Washington Hotel in September 2018. For more photos of this wedding and tips for the bride, see page 10. Photo by Julie Napear.

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WINTER BRIDAL GUIDE 2019

New venue:

ROSEMONT SPRINGS

By JENNY BAKER

BERRYVILLE — Barn weddings evoke images of rustic elegance and coziness. For the past few years, brides all across the country have turned to these venues to host their big day. But they have found themselves surprised at how much work they had to do to make the barn event-ready ­— they may have brought in bathrooms, electrical hook-ups, and dealt with a floor that is far from event-ready.

“There’s a need for a different business model for brides who want a rustic barn but they want a rustic barn with all modern facilities,” said Biff Genda, owner of Rosemont Manor and of the new Rosemont Springs.

Rosemont Springs is a new 6,800-square foot Amish-built barn, per fect for the barn-seeking bride and groom. The venue was completed this month, and weddings have been booked for March 2019 and beyond.

The main interior includes just under 5,000 feet of indoor space with another 1,800 square feet in the portico area that can be enclosed for cold weather. Couples seeking outdoor and indoor space are in luck— there is a large 35x73-foot patio that can accommodate 400 that is perfectly suited for an outdoor ceremony or cocktail hour.

Rosemont Springs is on the 60+ acre property of Rosemont Manor, a historic home in Berryville.

Genda wanted to offer couples a more customizable and affordable wedding venue.

“We have open catering so they can bring in their own catering, own alcohol at no charge,” said Genda.

“They can plan their own wedding if they want to. We still highly suggest they have a wedding planner, but some people want to tackle that.

There’s no requirement to take any lodging, where at the manor if you take over the manor and the house, the rooms come with it for the weekend weddings. “(Rosemont Springs is) more affordable than the manor home, for the most part. We can still provide all the services we would provide at Rosemont but they can do a lot for themselves and save a quite a bit of money that way.”

Rosemont Springs includes different décor options available to the couple for rent, including vintage furniture and different lighting options, like bistro lighting.

Included in the rental are a number of standard light features, including six crystal chandeliers, 82 spotlights, smart phone-controlled light changing LED light strips, and all other fixed lighting. Genda said they are considering wrapping the barn’s beams with hundreds of white fair y lights, LED lights on thin copper wires, that can be turned on or off depending on the bride’s vision.

See Rosemont page 23

The Winchester Star

CONTRIBUTED BY ROSEMONT SPRINGS

JEFF TAYLOR/THE WINCHESTER STAR

Biff Genda stands inside the new Rosemont Springs, a rustic barn with all the modern facilities.

QUICK FACTS •

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6,800-square foot Amishbuilt barn by Quarry View Construction from Lancashire, Penn.

10-foot outdoor waterfalls, garden terrace, and large Virginia Bluestone fireplace

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Private wooded setting

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Open catering and bring

your own alcohol

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Various décor options

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Maximum occupancy of 500

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Overnight accommodations

Catering kitchen, indoor bathrooms, ample parking, childcare facilities and more

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Separate bride and groom preparation spaces

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Climate-controlled

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The dress:

SATURDAY, JANUARY 26, 2019

A WEDDING DRESS FITTING GUIDE

Because fashion preferences were once ornate and dependent on precise fits, readyto-wear clothing really did not become wide-

TRY ON SAMPLE GOWNS

ly available until the early 20th century. Such

The first step is to make your rounds to various

attire is now available in just about any retail

gown shops and try on the samples they have

store.

available. Most sample sizes will not be the size

Because ready-to-wear clothing is so readily available, the average person may be unfamiliar with custom-made or tailored items.

In fact, a couples’ wedding may be the only instance in their lives when they require the services of a seamstress or tailor.

Fittings are a part of wedding planning, and here’s how brides-to-be can navigate the process of finding and being fitted for a dress.

you wear every day, so expect them to be ill-fitting. Do not be discouraged. Once a gown is chosen, the dress shop will take your measurements and order the gown according to the manufacturer's sizing guide. Again, this can be shocking, since the size will likely be larger than what you wear in street clothes. Some shops will also order a little larger to allow for adequate tailoring.

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SCHEDULE THE FIRST FITTING The first fitting should be anywhere from eight to 12 weeks before the wedding date, according to experts at WeddingWire, an online wedding information provider. This is the time it takes to complete most standard alterations. Complex customizations can take even longer. Brides should also budget a minimum of $500 for alterations, which may or may not be included in the price of the dress.

BRING SHOES AND UNDERGARMENTS Remember to bring along the exact shoes and undergarments you will wear with your gown. A change in shoes or bra/corset can result in the alterations fitting poorly the next time. Bring these items along to all subsequent fittings.

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SPEAK UP Martha Stewart Weddings suggests speaking up at fittings if anything is uncomfortable or needs tweaking.

Seamstresses are masters at their crafts, but only if they understand the desires of the bride.

CHECK THE DETAILS The second fitting is designed to check that all issues from the first fitting have been addressed, the gown is comfortable and you can move freely. At the last fitting, ask the maid of honor to come along so that she understands how to bustle or help you handle complicated straps or closures.

Six Star Events is a full-service catering company that specializes in creating custom menus for each client.

Contact us today for help planning your next event!

Kim James kim@sixstareventsllc.com • 540.773.3306 www.sixstareventsllc.com

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Trends: Associated Press

“The Knot” wedding magazine shares its annual list of the freshest wedding statements for 2019. Expect couples to incorporate details that show off their personalities and unique love stories, making bold statements throughout their entire wedding celebration. From custom-crafted invitations and full olfactory experiences that delight the senses and keep the memory of the day alive, to colorful smoke bomb exits and unexpected live entertainment, wedding guests will be immersed in thoughtful details and memorable moments to talk about and share.

“Today’s weddings are all about creating an event to remember—for both the couple and their guests. From the wedding cake to the late-night eats, the

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THE KNOT SHARES WEDDING TRENDS FOR 2019 invitations and the escort cards, there are dozens of opportunities to personalize the details and create unforgettable experiences,” said Kristen Maxwell Cooper, editor in chief of The Knot. “Our team is dedicated to helping couples plan their wedding every step of the way. We can’t wait for 2019 weddings and all the thoughtful ingredients each couple will infuse into their celebration.”

Here are 9 wedding details The Knot is loving for 2019: INVITATIONS UNBOXED The wedding invitation gives guests a first impression of the fete ahead. Couples are using the invitations to make a bold statement about their upcoming celebration, sending everything from uniquely crafted boxed correspondence to custom video messages.

Memorable and delightful invitations set the stage for an epic party. Typography is leading the charge as the chicest design detail in invitations, along with handcrafted illustrations, both of which are often incorporated into the wedding day décor as well. The cost of over-the-top invitations can quickly add up, but couples are playing it smart by inviting fewer guests and using tools like digital RSVPs on their personal wedding websites on The Knot to save on postage.

OLFACTORY EXPERIENCE The new way to brand your wedding can’t be seen—it must be smelled. Custom blends of perfumes and essential oils are crafted especially for the occasion: They’re spritzed on invites, pumped through the venue, and even

gifted in candle form as a party favor.

This complete olfactory experience is exceptionally memorable since smell is the sense most closely linked to memory.

MOODY HUES AND IRIDESCENT DÉCOR. The steady return to color continues, this year with uber-saturated hues in a moody palette—think: squid ink, midnight blue, emerald and rich burgundy, regardless of the season. Dark hues offer a rich look, add depth, and pair perfectly with natural textures often found in foliage and florals. Beloved metallics aren’t going anywhere, but they are being upstaged by iridescent detailing; from glassware and geometric cutouts to bridesmaid accessories, it’s all in the details.

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EATS WITH A TWIST Think of this edible detail as the ultimate high-low mix: root beer floats in champagne flutes, or mac and cheese spoons topped with fresh lobster. The pairing (and presentation) possibilities are endless and totally Instagrammable. Surprising or interactive food presentations are just one of the ways couples are delighting their guests— think a walkabout oyster shucker, soup shooters, or tiny tacos served up in a lime wedge display. And watch out donuts, there’s a new sweet in town—cinnamon rolls are taking center stage as a favorite dessert option.

BESPOKE ATTIRE FOR HIM, REGAL GOWNS AND DETAILS FOR HER Pageantry in fashion reigns. Tiaras and headbands (you heard it here first) are big, along with minimalistic dresses a la Meghan Markle’s second look. Regal capes and capelets, billowy sleeves and blinged out dresses are also mak-

ing their way down runways and aisles.

For the groom? Two words: custom suit. If not now, when? These bespoke creations are not your average formal ensemble—they’re next level (think: photo-lined suit jackets with photos of the couple, embroidery and more).

Guys are looking at their wedding suit as the ultimate keepsake, and the perfect moment to make a statement through fashion.

JEWELRY WITH A LIFE OF ITS OWN All hail the new flower crown: real blooming jewelry. Blooming bib necklaces, succulent cuffs and elegant orchid drop earrings are trending for 2019. Real florals as jewelry are supplementing customary bouquets and making an exceptional style statement.

REGISTRY WITHOUT RESTRICTION It’s not just the wedding celebration that’s reflective of a couple’s personality and lifestyle. Look to their registry to get a glimpse of who they are, what they value, and what their future plans

may hold. There’s no limit to what can be added to The Knot Registry: From cooking and bakeware for the foodies, obscure vinyl records for the music lovers and charity registries for couples who want to give back, to cash funds for future purchases like a new home or puppy and samurai sword lessons for their honeymoon to Japan, today’s registries have no restrictions. Wedding registries are all about the couple and their real life together. The Knot Registry is the exact solution for couples who don’t want to be limited in what they can put on their wedding registry or where they want to register.

THE CAKE IS A WORK OF ART Wedding cakes are here to stay— couples still love the tradition of cutting their cakes and sharing a sweet bite with one another—but the look is evolving. Sculptural is the name of the game, with couples hiring pro cake bakers to create unexpected shapes and varying sized tiers—so much so, it’s hard to tell if they’re wedding cakes

or art installations. Many cakes are finished with stunning designs rich in color and texture for added effect.

MAKING AN EXIT (OR AN ENTRANCE!) Sparklers, make way for the new kid in town: smoke bombs. These fun props leave a cloud of dreamy pigment in their wake, eliciting otherworldly photos and oohs and ahhs from guests.

Match the smoke to your wedding hues or opt for a standout rainbow backdrop as you leave your ceremony or enter your reception. Why so early?

There are no rules surrounding grand exits and entrances any longer, plus this wow-moment is best captured on camera during daylight hours. Couples are also booking surprising entertainment elements for their ceremony exits to give guests a memorable experience before the reception begins, like bagpipes or mariachi bands. There are no rules for traditions like entrances and exits, it’s all about what feels right for the newlyweds!

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Wedding painters:

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A UNIQUE WAY TO CAPTURE YOUR DAY

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Live-event painting at weddings, when an artist paints a scene during the event, is a small but growing trend.

By LISA A. FLAM Associated Press

Katie Curry wanted a sentimental wedding keepsake that depicted the joyous moments after her ceremony as she and her husband, John, walked back down the aisle on a bluf f overlooking the Pacific Ocean.

What she didn’t want was a portrait that included the backs of the guests’ heads. She had a photographer and a videographer, but her ideal came to life in a painting created by a live-event painter, Laura Swytak, who attended the Aug. 4 ceremony in Malibu, California.

The painting, which shows the beaming newlyweds and their immediate family members but none of the seated guests, now hangs above the fireplace in the couple’s home in Newport Beach, California.

“It brings us a lot of joy, and it’s very special and it’s unique,” Curry said. “I know you can commission a painting after the wedding based on a photograph, but that’s why I wanted to do it live. She was there and

could get a feel for the event.

“She did a fabulous job capturing the moment of our ceremony, the entire ambiance, everyone’s reactions and just the emotional aspect too,” she added.

Live-event painting at weddings, when an artist paints a scene during the event, is still a small trend, according to Ivy Jacobson, senior digital editor of the wedding website The Knot. The site’s 2017 sur vey of about 13,000 couples found that 1 percent had an event painter at their weddings.

“We believe it will catch on in years to come, especially in this digital age,” Jacobson said. “It’s one of the few things that doesn’t provide instant gratification. It’s fun to have something that you can’t see the results of immediately. It makes it more special to see the final finished work of art.”

Watching the painter at work also becomes a form of live entertainment for the wedding guests, who can watch the painting take shape. Jacobson notes that today’s couples are looking to delight and surprise their guests with unexpected forms of entertainment.

Curry felt a live painter would add “a cool wow fac-

tor” for her guests. She was right.

“The guests did think it was cool,” said Curry, who learned about the trend on Instagram. “A lot of people went up and talked to her and asked her about it.

A lot of people were surprised that that was a service.”

Jacobson says that having a painter is a great option if there are many guests who don’t want to hit the dance floor. “It’s a nice thing for guests to gather around and watch it being done throughout the night,” she said.

Curr y’s artist, Swytak, who is based in Laguna Beach, California, paints about 35 weddings a year, and was perhaps a pioneer in the business, starting in 2006.

She works with couples to determine what part of the wedding they want her to paint, usually a scene from the ceremony or first dance, and whether she should focus primarily on the couple or play up the crowd as well. She arrives early to start painting the landscape or background, and continues painting while guests mingle. She also videotapes or photographs the event for reference.

Unlike a photograph of a single, defined moment like the bouquet toss, she likens her paintings to “a

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2019

Ultimate

dreamy panorama” in which she paints “the best moments of ever ybody” and “collages a lot of different moments together” in an ar tful remix that draws upon her own feelings from the event.

“The most important part is that I capture the feeling of it so when they look at it, it will bring them back in time,” she said. “You feel the emotion of the couple.”

“It’s the best of the day through an artist’s eyes,” she said.

Curry credits Swytak with capturing the mood and look of the day. “It’s almost like a mesh of 10 different photos,” Curry said.

The price range for a wedding painting varies, depending on such factors as the amount of detail, the hours spent on the piece, and the artist’s level of expertise. Swytak’s work ranges from $2,500 to $5,000. Some couples receive her work on the night of the wedding, but most have her do touch-up work in the studio.

Swytak says a wedding painting appeals to sentimental couples and art lov-

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“A lot of people cry,” she said. “People are very emotional when they see their painting.”

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SEW FITTING

“For when you need a perfect fit” Specializing in Alterations for Bridal & Formalwear Joy McInturff, Professional Seamstress By appointment only 28 S. Loudoun St. Winchester, VA 22601 www.godfreymillerhome.org

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Myrina SEPTEMBER 1, 2018

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Tips

Jay

BRADDOCK STREET UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

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THE GEORGE WASHINGTON HOTEL

A Labor Day cookout at her future mother-in-laws’ home in 2015 was where former Winchester resident Myrina Booker met her future husband, Jay Young. The two were introduced by Myrina’s aunt and a mutual family friend. “After meeting and socializing with everyone in the family, Jay was called upstairs to say hello. That’s when we first met each other and had an instant connection,” she said.

Almost two years to the day later, Jay proposed during a trip to Punta Cana Domonican Republic during Labor Day weekend. “On our last day of vacation, he walked me onto the beach, right when the sun set and proposed to me! He had hired a professional photographer to capture the moment. It was beautiful!”

By JENNY BAKER The Winchester Star

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JULIE NAPEAR PHOTOGRAPHY WWW.JSNPHOTO.COM

SELECTING THE VENUE "We decided to have our reception at the George Washington Hotel, which was selected based on the venue style and location," explained Myrina.

"Jay and I both have a big family, so we wanted our guests to feel comfortable when traveling and convenient to get around…. While the classic, historic feel of the GW fit the wedding style we wanted."

THE VISION Myrina and Jay's vision for their wedding was classic and personal. "We knew right away which details we wanted to incorporate into our wedding that reflected us," she said. Their color scheme was all white with blush pink and gold accents. To achieve this vision, they brought in modern-style

FROM THE BRIDE

chairs for the reception which had white cushions and gold legs. "We had to have three different-styled sets of chairs that all coordinated with each other, because we had more guests than chair rentals available," she said.

Tall 4-foot centerpieces graced the reception tables with candle votive surrounding it. "We went with mostly white flowers with hints of pink and greenery to add contrast," said Myrina.

Uplighting flanked the walls and ceiling, creating a soft ambiance around the room.

THE CAKE Myrina and Jay ordered a four-layered white buttercream cake, each layer a different flavor. They chose lemon pineapple curd, vanilla raspberry, and chocolate mousse.

PERSONAL TOUCH "For our sweetheart table, we wanted to be placed higher up on a stage so we could see all of our guests. We also decided to cover some of the historic mirrors and art work in the GW with tall 18-foot drapes. Lastly, by surprise from (my) parents, they surprised us with a beautiful flower wall as a backdrop for pictures. Our guest loved taking pictures there," said Myrina.

MOST WORTH-IT SPLURGE "My wedding gown and Jay's tuxedo! Hands down! I fell in love with my wedding dress the moment I tried it on and knew that was it," she said.

Myrina said the wedding invitations were also a good splurge.

BEST PLACE TO SAVE MONEY? "The best areas to save money on would be the linens, table décor, name cards and party favors. We ended up going with the linens included with our wedding package and bought our own personal napkin rings to also give away as a wedding favor.

The napkin rings were unique, and many people sent us pictures of them being used this past Christmas and for the holidays."

Local vendors: Photographer: Julie Napear Photography Hair: Act I Hair Salon Videography: An Affair to Remember Venues: Braddock Street United Methodist Church and The George Washington Hotel Invitations: Kimberly’s

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Wedding registries:

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WEDDING REGISTRIES EXPAND TO ADVENTURES, CHARITIES, AND MORE

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By MELISSA KOSSLER DUTTON Associated Press

When Lila Chess and Aron Kandel were planning their January 2018 wedding, the New York City couple was wary of acquiring too much stuff. They lived in a small apartment with limited storage. Lila opted not to have a shower in order to keep gifts at a minimum.

But the couple knew that friends and family would want to celebrate their nuptials with presents. They found a registry that included traditional gift options but also things other than stuff — donations to charity and to their honeymoon adventures in Fiji and New Zealand.

“People were really excited about the chance to help with our honeymoon,” recalled Lila Chess Kandel. “Friends and family who know us said, ‘That’s awesome. You guys are super-adventurous.

We want to support that.’”

As couples strive to infuse their weddings with personal touches, changing up the registry is a natural, said Ashlie L ynch, communications chair for the American Association of Certified Wedding Planners. Many brides and grooms are forgoing formal dinner ware and household goods and replacing them with asks for money to fund experiences or significant purchases.

Couples are becoming increasingly comfortable asking guests for money, added Lauren Kay, deputy editor at TheKnot.com, a wedding planning website.

Between 2011 and 2017, the number of couples who had cash registries increased from 1 percent to 6 percent, according to a sur vey by TheKnot.com.

In many cases, couples provide detailed explanations on the registry of how they intend to spend the money. Requests range from down payments on a house to in vitro fertilization treatments. That

information “makes guests feel better about handing over cash,” Kay said. “It’s reframing the way we think about gifts.”

It also suits the lifestyle of millennials — those born between 1981 and 1997. Three out of four millennials said they prefer spending money on experiences over things, according to a 2017 Eventbrite survey.

Some resor ts that cater to honeymooners offer registries. At the Fairmont Orchid in Hawaii, couples can request that friends and relatives chip in toward spa treatments, romantic dinners and sunrise canoe outings. “We’ve seen many couples who’ve exercised this option with success and have enjoyed their once-in-a-lifetime dream honeymoons as a result,” said resort spokeswoman Catherine Cambra.

Kayleigh and Daniel Caskey, who were married in 2017, had no problem asking guests to contribute to their honeymoon.

“It was a way of saying, ‘Hey you were part of our wedding day and now you’re a part of a time when we’re celebrating our marriage together that you can follow on Facebook,’” Kayleigh said. Many traditional gifts “will break or wear down and have to be replaced.

We’ll never have a honeymoon again.

We will always remember those experiences.”

Most of their friends and relatives understood, she said, but a few still bought traditional gifts that the couple isn’t sure they will ever use.

Before their 2016 wedding, Brady and Erica Robertson had a talk with one relative to ensure she did not “surprise” them with china they would never use.

“When friends and family visit, we are more likely to order pizza and eat off paper plates than to provide an elaborate meal,” said Erica, of Columbus, Ohio.

S t t e f t i f i n w p AP Many couples are forgoing formal dinnerware and household goods and replacing them with asks for money to fund experiences or significant purchases.

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“We didn’t want a lot of extraneous gifts because we didn’t have a lot of room to store everything.”

Charity wedding registries more than tripled in popularity last year, Kay said, from 3 percent of couples in 2016 to 10 percent in 2017.

Initially, Sarah Mulvaney and Matthew Schimenti intended to tell wedding guests they did not wish to receive any gifts for their June 2018 event, but relatives persuaded them to provide an option. The couple from Rowayton, Connecticut, decided to use their happy occasion to help a favorite charity. Using The Good Beginning, a registry for couples seeking charitable donations in lieu of gifts, the Schimentis solicited donations for The Carver Foundation of Norwalk, Connecticut, which provides youth programming.

“To us, our wedding was always about celebrating our love and the coming together of everyone we both love,” she said. “We

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have all that we need, and giving back was the least we could do.”

It makes sense that millennials would redefine traditional wedding registries, said Karen McGrath, co-author of “The Millennial Mindset: Unraveling Fact from Fiction” and a professor at the College of Saint Rose in Albany, New York. Millennials tend to prioritize giving back, taking care of the environment, and doing things rather than owning them, she said. Ever ything about fancy china and cr ystal — from storing it to the packaging it comes in — would be a turn-off for many young couples, she said.

Many millennials also choose to live in smaller or shared spaces, and move often, she said, which makes it difficult to have a lot of stuff.

“It’s a completely different mindset,” she said. “They’re much more mobile.”

Between 2011 and 2017, the number of couples who had cash registries increased from 1 percent to 6 percent, according to a survey by TheKnot.com

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WINTER BRIDAL GUIDE 2019

At-home weddings:

SATURDAY, JANUARY 26, 2019

TOP TIPS FOR HOSTING YOUR WEDDING AT HOME

Many couples preparing for their trip down the aisle follow the familiar sentiments expressed by Dorothy in “The Wizard of Oz.” Such couples feel “there’s no place like home” when hosting a wedding ceremony or reception.

There are many benefits to hosting a wedding at home.

Homes often hold couples’ most cherished memories, and hosting a backyard celebration or an intimate indoor ceremony at your own home or the abode of a loved one can be a cost-effective way to have a good time.

Here are some tips to help couples navigate hosting an at-home wedding.

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ASSESS THE SPACE

space when hosting a wedding at home.

coordinate parking at a nearby lot (like a

The average home is not equipped to

A cleaning service will conduct a thor-

school closed on the weekend) and shut-

handle hundreds of guests, wait staff, ca-

ough cleaning before and after the festiv-

tle people to your home.

terers, and parked cars. Concessions in

ities, freeing up your time for last-minute

regard to comfort and safety will have to

tasks or to embark on your honeymoon.

be made when drawing up the guest list.

The wedding resource The Knot advises

BOOK AN OFFICIANT EARLY

the general rule is six- to 10 square-feet

Confirm with an officiant that they can

of floor space per guest for row seating.

oversee the wedding proceedings at

You'll probably need even more space for

your home. Many religious officials are

buffet tables, seating and a dance floor.

not able to perform ceremonies outside

You will likely need to temporarily move

of a place of worship.

furniture to comfortably fit everyone indoors - or rent a large enough tent for a

LEARN IF IT'S LEGAL

backyard wedding.

Certain municipalities may require per-

GET INSURANCE Consult with an insurance carrier Inquire if having such a large party at home is covered by your homeowner's insurance policy, particularly if your home is damaged or someone gets injured during the festivities. Supplemental liability insurance or an umbrella policy may offer greater protection.

mits for parking on street, noise past a

Weddings at home can be a unique op-

HIRE A CLEANING SERVICE

certain hour, closing of streets, and much

portunity for couples who love the com-

It's important to present a clean, inviting

more. Do your research. You may need to

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Health + Fitness:

HEALTHY WEDDING PREP HABITS After the big question is popped and loving partners decide to spend their lives together as a married couple, a whirlwind of activity will ensue. Although wedding planning is exciting, some couples may feel overwhelmed with all the decisions that need to be made before they can tie the knot. In this state of increased pressure, stress may build and health could falter. According to a Cornell University study, more than 70 percent of brides-to-be have weight loss on the brain, but shedding pounds shouldn’t be the only health factor to consider. Here are some easy ways to stay mentally and physically fit in advance of a happy wedding day.

GET DAILY EXERCISE Exercise is important for maintaining a healthy body weight and keeping stress levels in check. Exercise also can boost mood. The Department of Health and Human Services recommends getting at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity each week. Strength training exercises performed at least twice a week complete a well-balanced exercise regimen.

SLOW DOWN AND RELAX Those who go full-throttle with all of their responsibilities — including wedding planning — may burn out. Stress can weaken the immune system and make people vulnerable to illness. Schedule some time for date nights with your fiancé, and don’t overlook the benefits of hanging out with friends and getting away from wedding planning for a bit.

EAT BODY-BOOSTING FOODS The foods we eat can impact everything from energy levels to skin radiance.

Foods like berries, sweet potatoes, broccoli, greens, green tea, and dark chocolate all contain antioxidants that boost the immune system, states The Food Network. Avoid drastic diets that can do more harm than good. Simply cutting 500 calories a day can help the average person lose a pound per week if weight loss is a goal. Simple ways to trim calories are to choose skim milk over whole milk and choose low-calorie snacks.

CUT DOWN ON ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION Toasting to the future with a glass of wine may become rote in the months leading up to the wedding, but alcohol is a diuretic and a source of liquid calories. Alcoholic beverages dehydrate the body and cause it to hold onto water. When imbibing, stick to low-calorie cocktails like a vodka spritzer (60 to 80 calories) instead of a calorie-laden frozen margarita (300 calories).

Feeling and looking one’s best starts long before the wedding day. By making health a priority, couples can start their new lives together on healthy footing.

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How to deal with

RAIN ON YOUR WEDDING DAY

Brides and grooms fear the prospects of rainy wedding days. But even couples who have contended with everything from a few drops to an all-out deluge on their wedding days look back fondly on the ceremonies and receptions. In fact, how couples handle any precipitation can affect how happy the festivities may be.

HAVE A RAINY DAY GAME PLAN Rain affects outdoor weddings more than any other type of ceremony or reception. If the goal is to exchange vows outdoors, work with the venue to make this possible with a tent or gazebo. However, if the weather is especially foul and windy, move it indoors.

INVEST IN GOLF UMBRELLAS Couples who live in notoriously damp climates can purchase golf umbrellas, which tend to be larger than the average umbrella, and keep them stationed in decorated stands to ease transitions between wedding sites and keep everyone as dry as possible.

WEAR WATERPROOF COSMETICS Women in the bridal party, including the bride, can ask their makeup artists to use durable, waterproof products. This can help salvage beautifully composed looks should some drops begin to fall.

KNOW VENDORS’ RAIN POLICIES Some live musicians will not play in damp weather. Florists may need to make accommodations for arrangements blowing in the wind. Couples need to understand what they’re responsible for and what may be covered if a weather event occurs. Wedding insurance may help cover the costs of nonrefundable cancellations.

MOVE PAST IT QUICKLY It is okay to get upset if the weather turns for the worse. But don’t dwell on it.

Guests will sense negative energy, and couples should set the tone of sticking it through despite a little adversity — which can be a good lesson for the marriage as well.

EMBRACE THE RAIN While a couple probably won’t wish for rain, there are some benefits to overcast skies, say the wedding professionals at Brides magazine. Flowers are less likely to wilt in rainy conditions. In the absence of bright sunlight, outdoor photographs can really pop. Rain is romantic and may compel couples and their guests to cuddle close.

Don’t let rain on a wedding day become a drag. With preparation and perspective, couples can handle rainy wedding days.

Wedding cakes: 20

WINTER BRIDAL GUIDE 2019

SATURDAY, JANUARY 26, 2019

TRENDS + TIPS

By JENNY BAKER The Winchester Star

BERRYVILLE — In the film “Father of the Bride,” wedding planner Franck Eggelhoffer (played by Martin Short) suggested selecting the cake first, because “the cake very often determines what type of wedding that you end up having.”

Hence, the cake is important.

Wedding cakes have undergone a drastic transformation in the past decade or more. Gone are the plastic tiers that separate each layer. The bride and groom topper has vanished. The classic circular tiers have morphed into different geometric shapes like squares and hexagons. Frosting has evolved from white to bold colors and, sometimes, there’s no frosting at all.

Kelsey Mussett, who r ecently opened her first brick and mortar bakery in Berryville after a few years working as a cake decorator at Wegman’s and a mom-and-pop bakery, shares wedding cake trends for 2019.

Delicate rows of hand-designed ruffles are complemented by shimmery strands of pearls and pink sugar peonies. Cake

by Kelsey Cakes.

Photo contributed by Kelsey Mussett

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B " g t o e W i e t g d t a

S F M w t t s d w s

D P m c c D

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BOLD COLORS & METALLICS "This year I noticed that brides are going towards more of the deeper tones," said Mussett. Frosting colors in shades of burgandy, navy, and even black will deck cakes in 2019.

While that may sounds too dramatic, Mussett says the look can be softened by adding pastel or metallic details. "When you add that highlight of gold that brightens it up a little so it doesn't seem so dark, it's really beautiful." Rose gold, copper, and silver are also popular metallic options.

to, or instead of, a cake. “I have a lot of brides that want to do both – cake in center of table with desserts around it, or separate cake table and a separate dessert bar. I think the more desserts the better!”

SUGAR FLOWERS Flowers made of sugar happen to be Mussett’s specialty. “They are such a wonderful touch to add to your cake, they last forever. So you can keep them as a keepsake, another little something to remember your special day.” Sugar flowers come in handy when a bride wants a certain out-ofseason flower to adorn her cake.

TEXTURE Texture is a great way to add visual interest to a white cake. Mussett said she favors adding pearls or ruffles made of fondant. "You can do a lot more with fondant — I actually prefer it over buttercream." Buttercream lends itself well to texture also. "It has a rustic vibe to it, which is a great alternative to the naked cake and semi-naked cake. It gives you more of that frosting and you can still have your rustic look too," she said.

DESSERT BARS Popular dessert bar selections include mini-cupcakes, mousse cups, layered cupcakes in a shot glass, custom sugar cookies, mini-cheesecakes and pies.

Dessert bars can be done in addition

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GEOMETRIC SHAPES "Geometric shapes are really in. I think they are beautiful," she said. Shapes like squares can give a classic yet modern look, and having the bottom tier be a hexagon is another popular look.

INSIDER’S TIPS Mussett recommends booking your baker as soon as possible, no less than

six months before your wedding date.

Need inspiration for your cake design? Mussett said to bring in a color swatch from your bridesmaids dresses, and any other details such as a photo of your dress so she can glean inspiration from the lace design or pearls.

Pinterest is a great website for inspiration.

Often people have an expectation that while the wedding cake is beautiful, it may not taste good, and uneaten cake gets thrown away at the end of the evening. Mussett recommended having a couple of desserts made by your baker during the cocktail hour, as a teaser that will entice them to enjoy the wedding cake. When planning for how many people your cake should serve, Mussett recommends ordering a cake that would feed 60 to 70 percent of your wedding guests.

Crave the big cake look but without all the waste (and big cake cost)? She recommends asking your baker to make a dummy tier. "If they want to have an extravagant cake that's really large, I can always do a dummy tier.

So you can have a really tall cake without all the extra servings which adds cost onto your cake."

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WINTER BRIDAL GUIDE 2019

Bridal shows:

HOW TO GET THE MOST OUT OF THEM Recently engaged couples may be excited to get a jump on wedding planning. Bridal shows can be a great way for couples to meet and familiarize themselves with local wedding professionals, all the while introducing themselves to the terminology of wedding planning.

Though they’re a great source of information, contacts and samples, bridal shows also can be a bit overwhelming. Learning how to maximize time spent at shows can help couples plan their weddings as efficiently as possible.

Wedding shows introduce couples to vendors and set them on the path to making decisions regarding the planning of their weddings

SATURDAY, JANUARY 26, 2019

· Start small. If the idea of large crowds is unappealing, attend the more intimate, boutique shows that are often held at local reception halls and restaurants instead of the larger installations at convention centers and hotels. · Scout out vendors. Check the bridal show's website for lists of exhibitors and see if your desired vendors are on the list. But even if they're not, keep an open mind and use the show as a chance to compare offerings. If an event map is available, marking off must-visit booths can help save time. · Pre-register. Pre-registering for bridal events saves time at check-in, and doing so may make you eligible for discounted tickets. · Come prepared. Chances are each vendor is going to ask couples for information so that they can follow up with a phone call or email with more detailed offerings and estimates. Couples attending the show can expediate the process by coming equipped with labels that feature their names, contact information and wedding date. They can then stick the labels on sign-in sheets or use them like business cards. · Dress comfortably. Bridal expos involve a lot of walking and roaming around. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes. Consider a backpack or handsfree bag so you are not weighed down when collecting the swag and other handouts throughout the day. · Ask questions. When face-to-face with vendors, rely on their expertise but don't hesitate to ask questions concerning themes, colors, recommendations for honeymoon locations, invitation paper suggestions, and much more. · Stay for the fashion show. Many shows will offer a runway experience to present the latest gown and tuxedo offerings.

This can be an entertaining way for couples to formulate their wedding styles.

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WINTER BRIDAL GUIDE 2019

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Rosemont From page 5

Rosemont Springs provides low-cost options for tables and chairs, but couples can bring in what they like from a caterer or outside vendor.

“We were going to include (fancier tables and chairs into the rental price), but we’d have to raise the price, so why should a bride who’s bringing in 150 people pay the same as the bride who is bringing in 400? Some brides and grooms want very fancy chairs, kings tables, so they have options.” The barn also includes a separate 800-square foot catering kitchen and separate dressing areas for the bride and groom.

Rosemont Springs has a separate entrance, driveway, and parking lot from the manor home, Rosemont is able to accommodate two weddings during the same weekend. Of course, couples can rent the entire facility – both the manor home with its guest rooms and the barn – if they would like. Couples could host a rehearsal dinner on Friday night at the manor home, the guest rooms, and have the wedding at the barn, or vice-versa.

Local brides and grooms can get a sneak peek of the new barn during Rosemont’s annual bridal show, To Have and To Hold, on April 14, which will mark the official grand opening for the barn. Fifty vendors will be spread out among the manor house and barn and carriage house, making it Rosemont’s largest bridal show to date. Tours will be available of the new barn during this time. The bridal show begins at noon and runs until 5 p.m. Tickets are $10 in advance on eventbrite.com and $15 at the door.

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SATURDAY, JANUARY 26, 2019