New Britain Herald | The Bristol Press
I Do
Sunday, July 21, 2013 | 1
Local jewelers sound off on trends in engagement and wedding rings PAGE 2
What’s hot in wedding arrangements and bridal bouquets PAGE 4
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New Britain Herald | The Bristol Press
Local jewelers sound off on trends, offer advice on buying engagement and wedding rings By BRIAN M. JOHNSON CORRESPONDENT
Area jewelers let us in on some trends they see among couples looking to purchase engagement rings and wedding bands. Mary Polumbo, owner of
Polumbo Jewelers at 26 N. Main St., Southington, said halo-style engagement rings were very popular. “Halo-style rings have diamond specs micro-paved around a center stone,” she said.
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Scott Fournier, owner of Shannon’s Diamonds & Fine Jewelry, 74 Farmington Ave., Bristol, said that in addition to halo-style rings, cushion-cut rings are also gaining popularity. “Another style which is gaining popularity is the cushion cut, which is a square diamond with rounded edges as opposed to the more traditionally popular square princess cut,” he said. “These days, people usually wait until their late 20s to get engaged, as opposed to doing it when they’re just out of high school or in college. That means they have more time to work toward a more substantial purchase. Most diamonds are larger than usual, over a karat in value, and most women are going for a matching set.” Fournier, Polumbo, and Karen Blaire, manager of DBK Jewelers, 41 East St., Plainville, all said the high price of gold has caused many to seek alternative metals
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Jewelry on display includes necklaces, engagement rings and wedding bands at Shannon’s Jewelers in Bristol.
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New Britain Herald | The Bristol Press
Sunday, July 21, 2013 | 3
Titanium makes headway over gold as metal of choice for wedding bands Continued from Page 2
“With the price of gold so high, people are seeking alternative metals because they’re a lot less expensive than buying a 14-karat white gold wedding band,” said Blaire. “People are buying alternative metals to keep the price down, but people with the money are still getting quality wedding bands because they are meant to last forever,” said Polumbo. Blaire advised men to come prepared. “When guys come in, they usually have an idea of what their girlfriend wants, as well as their price range,” she said. Polumbo advised men to seek input from their bride-to-be. “Absolutely, unless you’re a downright romantic, seek your bride-to-be’s input in what she gets,” she said. “Surprises are great, but hopefully she’ll want to wear her ring for the rest of her life.”
Fournier advised people to pick out their wedding bands and engagement rings in person. “One of the advantages of going into a brick-and-mortar jewelry store is that you can set up a relationship with the jeweler,” he said. “You can talk to them, and they’ll answer questions for you in real time. They can also make sure the ring fits properly before you buy it. You also get the benefit of speaking to an actual expert in the area of diamonds, as opposed to doing research online and hoping you get it right. A jeweler can also clean, inspect or tighten the prongs on your wedding band, which should be done about twice a year.” For more information contact: Polumbo Jewelers at jpjewelers.com or call (860) 621-7666; from Shannon’s Diamonds & Fine Jewelry att shannonsjewelers.com or call (860) 582-8858; or from DBK
Jewelers at dbkfamilyjewelers. net/ or call (860) 747-3374. Brian M. Johnson can be reached at (860) 225-4601, ext 216, or bjohnson@newbritainherald.com.
Kevin Bartram | Staff
Wedding bands and engagement rings on display at DBK Jewelers in Plainville.
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New Britain Herald | The Bristol Press
BRIDAL
Local florists bring talents together to create unforgettable arrangements By BRIAN M. JOHNSON CORRESPONDENT
A diverse array of bridal bouquet options and wedding table arrangements catered to customer needs are availablefromCentral Connecticut florists this summer. Roses remain an ever-popular wedding staple. However, recently, area flower shop owners have seen GARY MARZI a number of other Marzi Florist strains gain favor in their bridal arrangements. Gary Marzi, owner of Marzi Florist, 33 Fern St., New Britain, said each bouquet is as unique as the bride herself.
“Every bouquet is different,” he said. “We always use the colors she wants. We recently did a wedding where the bride’s father wanted us to use callas grown in his backyard. The most popular flowers right now though are roses, orchids, hydrangeas, callas and peonies. We try to use those in everything we do.” Marzi said he also caters table arrangements to the bride’s wishes. “We do a lot of big, elegant flower centerpieces, but this past month one of our brides said she wanted a country wedding,” he said. “We had the flowers in four
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wooden crates filled with mason jars.” Dawn Pinkowish, owner of The Artificial Flower Shop, 246 Lake Ave., Bristol, said hydrangeas are top sellers rigt now. “Hydrangeas have been popular for a few years,” she said. “More and more this year I’ve found they’re what everyone is going for. Our other popular flowers are rose — blues, pinks, lavenders and purples. Calla lilies also remain a popular wedding flower. Our table arrangements are usually glass cubes or jars.” Scott Hamel, owner of Scott’s Flowers, inc., 678 Arch St., New Britain,said garden flowers are showing a new popularity. “We have our mini-roses, our calla lilies, our ranunculus and
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New Britain Herald | The Bristol Press
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Sunday, July 21, 2013 | 5
Florists look to trends make her dreams come true..... while fitting any budget Continued from Page 4
lisianthus, but a lot of what it is girls want is garden flowers,” he said. “Maybe it is because it is summertime, but they’re going more toward a hands-tied wild flower look.” Hamel said he offers a wide-array of table arrangements to fit any budget. “We work with everybody’s budget,” he said. “We don’t want to scare someone off or make them think we’re too expensive. It’s our job as a retailer to make it work for them. With the economy as bad as it is, we have to work with customers or the flower business goes south.” For information contact The Artificial Flower Shop at artificialflowers4.wix.com or (860) 582-0516; Marzi Florist at marziflorist.com or call (860) 229-1331; or Scott’s Flowers, inc., at scottsflowersinc.com, or call (860) 832-8561.
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6 | Sunday, July 21, 2013
New Britain Herald | The Bristol Press
BRIDAL
Vogue offers tips to make a wedding unforgettable other parts of their lives to make a connection.” ∎ Less can be more, especially with the head count. “Everyone invited is someone the bride and groom want to have there,” says Sailer Van Lith. Period. ∎ There isn’t a set schedule. A wedding isn’t a science, it’s an art, and, she says, the only peo-
ple it all needs to make sense to are the bride and groom. If they like a daytime wedding with formal dress, it’s OK, and the same goes for the wedding that moves straight to dancing from the cocktail hour. Her advice to couples looking to achieve these goals and more: “Think of the wedding you want, and work backward.” 260 East St. (Route 10) Cristal Commons Plainville, CT 06062 www.premierportraits.net 860.410.4303
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NEW YORK (AP) — There of local cuisine, decor or music. “Don’t truck in flowers or caterare the stylish brides who wear ers who’ll be driving for the beautiful gowns and have hours,” says Sailer Van their hair and makeup just so, Lith. “Immerse you and and there are the stylish wedyour guests in the place dings, where everything from you are — and have chosen the bridal ensemble to parting to be.” ∎ The bride looks like presents all have that special herself. She shouldn’t touch. look for a “perfect dress” The Associated Press asked because there are too many Vogue.com’s wedding guide of those, says Sailer Van editor Jessica Sailer Van Lith Lith. for a list of musts to create a What a bride should memorable affair: ∎ It’s personal. The wedwant is the right dress, ding, from beginning to end, and from there it should should seem like it belongs to be easy to pick everything the bride and groom, not like that goes with it, she says. ∎ The seating chart they’ve plugged into someone makes sense. The seatelse’s dream. Maybe the bride carries her ing chart is — and sort grandmother’s handbag, maybe of should be — one of she doesn’t take off that neckthe most stressful parts of lace she wears every other day of planning a wedding, but the year. The “perfect” look and the payoff of success is feel will come from authentichuge. “At a stylish wedity, not trends — and certainly ding, where someone has not what everyone else is doing. been thoughtful of the ∎ They’ve gone local. seating chart, all the guests Couples can embrace the place will know the bride and they were so thoughtful in A model wears the wedding gown for groom have put them there choosing by offering touches Jean-Paul Gaultier’s Haute Couture Fallfor a reason: because they Winter. want these people from
New Britain Herald | The Bristol Press
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New Britain Herald | The Bristol Press
Every bride and groom must still send out handwritten thank you notes. Social medial, e-mail and verbal communications are not enough.
Weddings and gifts go hand-inhand. Couples who are tying the knot can expect to receive scores of gifts, ranging from simple wellwishes to cash to items listed on their registries. Because gift-giving is tradition, couples should plan on spending some time writing thank-you notes. Contrary to popular belief, couples do not have a year’s grace period to mail out thank-you notes. According to etiquette experts at The Emily Post Institute, all thank-you cards should be written and mailed within three months of receipt of a gift. It is preferable that the thank-you be written directly after receipt of the gift. Writing a few thank-you cards every few days can alleviate having a giant pile to do later on. Many couples prefer to order thank-you stationery when they order their wedding invitations. This way the paper, font and style match the original invitations. In addition, it may be less expensive to order stationery as a package. In some cases, a photography package may include thank-you notes with wallet-sized photos to include. Couples can then mail out a nice sentiment with a photo from the wedding. To keep with the etiquette time frame of thankyou notes, it is important to find out when the thank-you photos and cards will arrive first from the photographer. The thank-you sentiments should not be delayed by the photographer. For those interested in less expensive options, preprinted thank-you cards can be purchased
at a stationery store. There are many designs and price points available. Remember, it is not the card itself, but the thank-you that is important. Who should get a thank you? Just about anyone who contributed in some part to the wedding, even if a verbal thanks was already offered. Anyone who provided an engagement, shower or wedding gift, those who gave gifts of money, anyone who hosted a party or shower, attendants in the wedding, people who may have housed wedding guests, parents of the bride and groom, suppliers and vendors, and employers who have wished couples well should all be included.
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Warm weather attire for the summer groom METROCREATIVE GRAPHICS
Weddings are a time to get dolled up. Though some gentlemen may be tempted to wear the suit they wear to work, a formal event necessitates something a bit more remarkable. When the weather is warm, some men may scoff at the idea of wearing a full suit or even a tuxedo. But just because a person is wearing pants and a jacket doesn’t mean the suit must be dark and heavy. Although dark colors are traditional for weddings, dark, heavy fabrics will absorb the sun’s rays, making the groom and his groomsmen uncomfortable. Even when a warm-weather wedding takes place largely indoors where it is climate controlled, many couples choose to have the ceremony outdoors, where they pose for pho-
tographs as well. The groom and his groomsmen will want to be comfortable during these times, and the right suit and fabric can make all the difference. Linen and cotton are all-natural fabrics that are made from plant fibers. They are much lighter weight than wool, and linen and cotton suits may be more comfortable. But linen and cotton are highly prone to wrinkling, and a wrinkled suit will not present well in a formal setting. Cotton and linen may be best reserved for informal weddings or those that will be taking place outdoors or beachside. Seersucker suits are made from cotton in a unique weaving pattern that lets air ventilate through the material. Seersucker suits may be most popular in the southeastern United
States, but they can be worn anywhere the weather is warm. Many of these suits are manufactured in a gray, blue and brown striped pattern. Again, due to the lightweight fabric, you will feel cool. For less formal weddings, a seersucker suit may fit. A khaki suit or a tan one may work better if the wedding is more formal. Ensure the accessories are in place to make this look work. The suit should fit well and be tailored appropriately. Sharp creases in the pants and a crisp shirt and tie can complete the look. If the groomsmen are in coordinating suits, a tan or khaki color will not look out of place. Even in a tropical wedding, a groom If a full suit still feels too stiff, a can look classic and stay cool. nice blazer paired with a complementary colored trouser may be Some grooms want to err on appropriate for a less formal affair. the side of caution and stick with
a classic suit or tuxedo. In such instances, grooms may want to investigate lighter weight wools. Such suits won’t be as confining as a heavier suit. Grooms wearing a tuxedo may want to choose a white tuxedo. A white tuxedo will look pristine and fit with a formal theme. And the white will reflect the sun and be cooler without looking casual. A groom who does not mind a midday wardrobe change can opt to wear a standard suit or tuxedo and plan to change later on for the reception. He can coordinate with his new bride and step into something more comfortable for dancing and enjoying the party. This allows for formality when the moments call for it and comfort later on in the day. 028239
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Sunday, July 21, 2013 | 13
Don’t underestimate wedding day photography METROCREATIVE GRAPHICS
Above and right, wedding photos by New Britain’s Discover Photo show the importance of photography to create lasting, impactful memories of a bride and groom’s special day.
equipment, both of which tend to come at a premium price. Do not expect to pay package prices that would be offered at department or discount stores. Many photographers are artists who take their work very seriously. A photographer will be spending all day with you capturing hundreds of photos. Each image will then need to be reviewed, repositioned and potentially enhanced or retouched. This time-consuming attention to detail is often what dictates the higher costs of a very good photographer. Keep in mind that photographers are unique individuals and
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Limousines, gowns and flowers are each important components of a couple’s wedding day. But few aspects of a wedding are as important as photography. Thanks to the popularity of social media, some couples may overlook the importance of hiring a professional photographer for their weddings. Although there is something to be said for candid images captured on phones and personal cameras, the pictures a couple will cherish and look back on for decades are best supplied by a professional photographer. Even if you will be hiring a videographer and having photos snapped by loving friends and family, professional wedding photography is an ideal way to immortalize this special day. Most couples say “I do” with the hopes of staying together forever, giving them only one chance to capture the magic of the wedding day on film. Leaving photos to chance by hiring an amateur photographer may be something couples regret down the road. Professional photographers use high-quality equipment that will produce much better results than photos snapped on the average digital camera. Plus, the photographer has experience with posing, placement of arms and legs, head tilting, and lighting, each of which ensures that the photos come out looking as good as possible. While a friend may not notice an eyesore in the rear of a photo composition when taking a picture, a professional may notice something that will stand out and make adjustments. Furthermore, professional photographers tend to have an eye for interesting angles to capture images that may be overlooked. Rather than a series of portraits at one level, he or she may climb high for aerial shots or lie on the floor for a different perspective. The results may be unique vantage points that set your wedding photos apart from those of the masses. Price alone should not dictate which photographer to hire. Although wedding budgets are often stretched, skimping on a photography allotment may result in subpar results. That doesn’t mean you need to hire the most expensive photographer, but couples should realize the value of experience and professional
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14 | Sunday, July 21, 2013
New Britain Herald | The Bristol Press
BRIDAL
Tips on buying a diamond By BRIAN M. JOHNSON CORRESPONDENT
When buying a diamond, if you don’t know jewelry it helps if you know your jeweler, according to Scott Fournier, owner of Shannon’s Jewelers in Bristol. “A jeweler can explain to you and show you the difference in color grades. A good cut would give you the type of bright white, lively, colorless or near colorless stone you’d expect,” Fournier said. Karen Blaire, manager of DBK Jewelers in Plainville, said people should look for color and clarity when buying diamonds. “You don’t want to see any colors of the rainbow,” she said. “You want the diamond to be clear and white, like glass. As far as facets, it depends on the cut you are looking for. If you want a brilliant cut diamond, those have rounder cuts. If you want a princess cut diamond, that has more of a square cut.” Mary Polumbo, owner of Polumbo Jewelers in Southington, said diamonds you purchase should be “eye cleaned.” “I believe the color of a diamond is so important; you don’t want a yellow diamond,” she said. “You also don’t want to be able to see any inclusions with the naked eye. Inclusions are natural properties such
as feathers or carbon spots.” According to the Gemological Institute of America, everyone should understand the 4Cs of diamond quality before buying: ∎ Diamond Color In most diamonds, the term actually refers to the absence of color. The less color in the stone, the more desirable it is. Some differences are not visible to the naked eye, but directly impact the overall quality and price of the stone. ∎ Diamond Clarity measures the amount, size and placement of internal ‘inclusions,’ and external ‘blemishes.’ Grades run from ‘Flawless,’ with virtually no imperfections, to ‘Included,’ which contain a significant number of imperfections. ∎ Diamond Cut does not refer to a diamond’s shape, but to the proportion and arrangement of its facets and the quality of workmanship. The amount of brilliance, sparkle and fire in a diamond is determined by cut. Grades range from ‘Excellent’ to ‘Poor.’ ∎ Diamond Carat refers to a diamond’s weight. Generally speaking, the higher the carat weight, the more expensive the stone. Two diamonds of equal carat weight, however, can have very different quality and price when the other three Cs are considered.
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At La Bella Vista, our experienced and attentive team is dedicated to providing exceptional food, superior service and warm hospitality to you and the people who mean the most to you on your extraordinary day!
Tues. - Fri. 9:30 - 5:30 Sat. 9:30 - 4:45
Experience the culinary creations our chefs have crafted for you. Whether you are dreaming of an intimate Champagne Brunch or an Elaborate Evening reception, our wedding coordinators will help you design a magical experience that is all your own!
Whether you are dreaming of an intimate Champagne Brunch or an Elaborate Evening reception, our wedding coordinators will help you design a magical experience that is all your own! Elegant
Indoor Ballrooms and Outdoor Facilities for 75- 500 Guests
034748
380 Farmwood Road, Waterbury, CT | 203-527-4006 LBVevents.com | info@labellavistacatering.com
BRIDAL
New Britain Herald | The Bristol Press
Sunday, July 21, 2013 | 15
WEDDING DIRECTORY 2013 A P PA R E L Irene’s Lingerie
21 Whiting Street Plainville, CT 06062 860-747-9500 www.ireneslingerie.com
Maneeley’s
65 Rye St., So. Windsor, CT 860-528-6622 www.Maneeleys.com
Manor Inn Restaurant
BANQUETS & C AT E R I N G Aqua Turf
1636 Meriden Waterbury Turnpike P.O. Box 1636. Milldale (Southington) CT 06467 860-628-9877 manorinnrestaurant.com
Aria by Villa Rosa
782 Pine Street, Bristol, Ct 860-585-9393 www.oasisbristol.com
Mulberry Street, Plantsville, Ct 06479 www.aquaturfclub.com
Oasis
Wedding and Banquet Facility 45 Murphy Rd. Prospect, Ct 203-758-0096 Marilyn’s Pub 203-573-8083 388 Broad Street, Bristol, Ct sales@ariabanquets.com 860-583-8838 www.ariabanquets.com www.marilynspub.com
The Cornucopia Banqueting Hall
371 Pinewoods Road Rt. 8, Torrington 489-5446 & 1-800-3 TO B WED
www.cornucopiabanqueting.com
Georgina’s Restaurants & Banquets 275 Boston Turnpike, Bolton, Ct 860-647-0345 www.georginasbanquets. com
15 Grilley Rd.Wolcott, CT 203-879-9363 www.mahanscatering.com
26 South Center St. Southington, CT 860-628-8509 www.testas.cnet
The Carousel Museum
985 Riverside Ave., Bristol, Ct 860-585-5411 www.thecarouselmuseum.org
Tunxis Plantation Country Club 87 Town Farm Rd. Farmington, Ct 860-678-9523
www.tunxisbanquets.com BRIDAL ONE-STOP SHOPPING Bristol Commons & The Annex
99 Farmington Ave. Rt. 6, Bristol
CAKES A N D FAVO R S Bolo Bakery
32 Whiting St. 860-410-4292 www.bolobakery.com
F O R M A LW E A R
C AT E R I N G Angelo’s Market & Catering
H A I R & B E A U TY The Hair’s Inn
349 West Main Street New Britain, CT 860-223-7340 www.angelosmarket.com
Cafe Buono
562 Farmington Ave, Bristol 860-582-2233 www.cafebuono.com
Jeske’s Catering, LLC
380 Main Street Kensington, CT 06037 860-829-7766 Fax: 860-829-1965 www.jeskescatering.com jeskescatering@yahoo.com
Krause Caterers
E. Hartford, CT 860-568-5000 fax: 860-568-5322 www.krausecaterers.com
DANCE LESSONS US Dance Club
38 New Britain Ave., Rocky Hill, CT 860-529-2888 http://usdance.tripod.com
FITNESS Fitness Center For Women
224 N. Main St., Bristol 860-583-1199
F LO R A L D E S I G N Hubbard Florist 133 North St., Bristol 860-583-4184 www.hubbardsflorist.com
Marzi Florist
33 Fern St., New Britain, CT 860-229-1331 www.marziflorist.com
Scott’s Flowers
678 Arch St., New Britain 860-832-8561 www.scottsflowersinc.com
153 Main St., Terryville 860-845-5613 www.hairsinnsalon.com
MAKE-UP Beauty by Garuti Russell Garuti
New Britain, CT 860-209-8494 www.beautybygaruti.com
JEWELRY Polumbo Jewelers
438 East St., New Britain 860-223-8886 www.polumbosjewelers.com
Shannon’s Diamonds and Fine Jewelry, Inc. 74 Farmington Avenue Bristol, CT 06010 860-582-8858
JUSTICE OF THE PEACE Sarah Sullivan Terryville, CT 860-922-2443
PHOTOGRAPHY Premiere Portrait
260 East St. Plainville, CT 860-410-4303 www.premiereportraits.net
RECEPTION & BANQUET Indian Hill Country Club
111 Golf St., Newington CT 06111 860-666-5600 ihcc@lessings.com
Krystal Gardens
1146 Spindel Hill Rd. Wolcott, CT (203) 879-4050 www.krystalgardenscatering.com
The Grand Oak Villa
550 Sylvan Lake Rd. Oakville, CT 860-945-0548 www.thegrandoakvilla.com
The Lily Lake Inn
66 Central Ave. Wolcott, CT 06717 203-879-7000 www.lilylakeinn.com
R E N TA L S Connecticut Rental Center
30 Dekoven Drive Middletown, CT 06457 860-347-4688 www.ctrentalcenter.com
T RAV E L Scully Travel
580 Wolcott Rd. Wolcott, CT 203-879-2593 scullytravel@aol.com
Wollenberg’s/ TLC Limousine
436 Main St. Terryville, CT 860-585-LIMO (5466) www.tlclimousine.net
042133
Mahan’s Lakeview & Fine Catering
Testa’s Banquet Facilities
Harvest Bakery
84 Farmington Ave. Oscar’s Formalwear Bristol, CT Bristol 860-589-3995 860-589-8000 West Hartford 860-232-4048 www.theharvestbakery.com www.oscarsformalwear.com
025773
16 | Sunday, July 21, 2013
BRIDAL
New Britain Herald | The Bristol Press
bout a e r i u Inq our new ials Spec l a n o s Sea When you choose ARIA be prepared to be overwhelmed by the Geloso family’s three decades of extraordinary service and sumptuous cuisine served in an atmosphere of style and luxury.
203-758-0096 or 203-573-8083 • www.ariabanquets.com • Located at: 45 Murphy Road, Prospect, CT Contact our sales department to make an appointment: sales@ariabanquets.com * Only available on new bookings can not be used on previously contracted events.