The Bristol Press / New Britain Herald - Weddings Guide - January 2020

Wedding Guide INSIDE Max Pizza IV introduces new banquet room for weddings and much more Bolo Bakery has many options for wedding cakes

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WEDDING GUIDE

New Britain Herald – The Bristol Press

Party to the Max Upstairs banquet facility at Max Pizza IV on 454 Middle St in Bristol.

Max Pizza IV introduces new banquet room for weddings and much more Story by Brian M. Johnson | Photos by Wesley Bunnell “Things have been going perfect since we opened here,” said Koutouvides. “This is the most visible of our locations and it brings a lot of people in. We’re right across from ESPN and we have a lot of people coming in from ESPN regularly.

A lot of people have been calling in to book parties so there was a lot of demand for this space. We opened the upstairs area about a month ago and we’ve had five or six parties already.

We booked a couple more this week.”

Koutouvides encouraged people to stop by and see the dining space for themselves.

He said that they can look forward to “great atmosphere, great pizza and great service.”

“There is a really nice view from up here.

Koutouvides encouraged people to stop by and see the dining space for themselves.

See MAX, Page B4

Stelios Koutouvides

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BRISTOL — Having had a lot of success with his Max Pizza IV location, Stelios Koutouvides has added a new banquet and party room on the second floor.

Koutouvides opened Max Pizza IV at 454 Middle St. in the former Century Spring building in November 2018. The 7,000-squarefoot location is the largest of his Max Pizza locations and the only one to feature a full bar.

Now, he has renovated a 3,000-square-foot room on the second floor featuring a dining area with seating for 80, a bar, a buffet table and a kitchen. Hot food is cooked in the stove downstairs and brought up to those dining-in via a cart and elevator. As with all Max Pizza restaurants, the walls are decorated with Koutouvides’ numerous paintings.

New Britain Herald – The Bristol Press

WEDDING GUIDE

Saturday/Sunday, January 18/19, 2020 | B3

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B4 | Saturday/Sunday, January 18/19, 2020

New Britain Herald – The Bristol Press

Upstairs banquet facility at Max Pizza IV on 454 Middle St in Bristol.

Max Pizza continues to grow At night at it looks like New York City,” he said.

Max Pizza opened its first location in 1976 on 108 Stafford Ave. in Bristol.

Although he went to school to become an engineer, he worked

part time at a pizza restaurant while also working at the former Superior Electric building where ESPN is now. His wife also worked at a pizza restaurant and he decided to open up his own. The name “Max Pizza”

comes from the name of one of Koutouvides’ favorite pet dogs when he was living in Africa years ago.

“I wanted a simple name that would stick in people’s mind,” he said. “If I used my last name, I

was worried that they wouldn’t come. Instead of Stelios, people would say ‘let’s go to Max’s.”

And, come they have.

Koutouvides has said that he never expected to be in the pizza industry as long as he has. But,

that he loves it. Today, between all of its locations, Koutouvides employs more than 100 people.

Brian M. Johnson can be reached at 860-973-1806 or bjohnson@ bristolpress.com.

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New Britain Herald – The Bristol Press

Saturday/Sunday, January 18/19, 2020 | B5

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B6 | Saturday/Sunday, January 18/19, 2020

WEDDING GUIDE

New Britain Herald – The Bristol Press

A family thing Bolo Bakery has many options for wedding cakes Story by Kelly Brown | Photos by Bolo Bakery Bolo Bakery and Cafe brings tradition into the wedding cake industry.

A family owned and operated business, they bake all of their cakes in house from scratch.

If you just got engaged and are currently planning a wedding, Bolo can help.

Their flavors range from red

velvet to funfetti, and they have fillings like orange and vanilla custard, there’s a flavor pair for every palette.

They are also able to replicate a wide array of designs, stated Cristina Abrantes, daughter of owners Isabel and Antonio Abrantes, and they offer everything from fondant to buttercream.

Raina McMillan has always loved taking pictures of her family and friends.

On a warm day in October, she decided to take some "formal" portraits in her backyard of her two nieces Grace and Elsie (this is where the G and E stand for in the GEM name. She like any other person does in this day and age does, and posted them on Facebook, And the rest is history...

Raina also grew up loving weddings, so she thought merging her desire to give authentic photos and weddings were a perfect fit.

Raina McMillan has always loved taking pictures of her family and friends. On a warm day in October, she decided to take some "formal" portraits in her backyard of her two nieces Grace and Elsie (this is where the G and E stand for in the GEM name. She like any other person does in this day and age does, and posted them on Facebook, And the rest is history...

Raina also grew up loving weddings, so she thought merging her desire to give authentic photos and weddings were a perfect fit.

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New Britain Herald – The Bristol Press

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Saturday/Sunday, January 18/19, 2020 | B7

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Customers first come to them to order their bridal shower cake, then the order comes for the wedding cake. Before they know it, customers come back to order their anniversary cake and then birthday cakes, which is one of their specialties. They have created cakes with simple yet beautiful designs along with intricate and delicately elaborate intricacies.

Isabel and Antonio Abrantes Sr. have owned and operated Bolo Bakery since its inception in September of 2009. Before they took over the location, it was Rogers Bakery.

They also own Abrantes Bakery in Hartford, which has been in business close to 40 years. Their daughter Cristina has been

running the front of the house operation and their son Antonio Jr, who is their pastry chef, has been in charge of running the bakery itself.

What sets them apart is tradition, Critsina said.

They are a full service bakery and offer, in addition to cakes, cupcakes, cookies, pies, pastries and other baked goods.

The average cake runs about $6 to $8 per person, Cristina said, depending on the level of design involved along with how many tiers are needed to complete the design.

Bolo Bakery and Cafe is located at 33 Whiting St., Plainville and can be reached at 860-410-4292.

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B8 | Saturday/Sunday, January 18/19, 2020

WEDDING GUIDE

New Britain Herald – The Bristol Press

Edgy and adventurous weddings Brides and grooms once felt compelled to conform to the trappings of traditional weddings. From uber-romantic vows to pastel colors to the penultimate white tiered cake, various wedding components were long considered must-haves.

But modern couples are increasingly expressing their individuality, and even embracing more edgy and adventurous elements, when planning their weddings.

According to The Knot, a leading bridal resource and information site, today’s weddings are not what they were just a few years ago. Bold colors, exotic cakes and nontraditional foliage, are just some of the elements modern couples are embracing to set their weddings apart.

Sharing vows atop a mountain crest at the end of a favorite hiking trail or on a roller coaster at a theme park that harkens back to a first date are some adventurous places to tie the knot.

Outside-the-box menus

Couples may want to break with tradition by offering a wide selection of foods at their receptions. These foods can include items that fit with their specific ethnic cuisines, gourmet comfort foods (think cocktail franks wellington), or foods that fit with their dietary choices, such as organic or vegan options. Work with a caterer to provide a variety of tasty choices.

Today’s weddings are not what they were just a few years ago.

Bold wardrobe choices

Vineyards and catering halls can be great places to tie the knot, but couples who like to push the envelope are looking to more adventurous locales to impart their unique spin on their weddings.

Brides can put new spins on their gowns by adding color and texture.

Sequins, bold embroidery, shorter hemlines, and whatever adventurous fashion style you want to impart can be considered. If white isn’t your thing, that’s okay, too. Yellow and slate gray look great together. Gentlemen

Weddings dot the social calendars of millions of people across the globe. The Association for Wedding Professionals International says every year an average of 2.4 million weddings are performed in the United States and approximately 150,000 per year are performed in Canada.

Evenings are the most common time of the day to host a wedding, but that does not mean a daytime wedding cannot be a beautiful event and make for a party to remember.

Couples are increasingly customizing their weddings to be a reflection of their personal styles.

One of the ways couples are customizing their festivities is by moving the wedding to various hours of the day that meet the couple’s needs. A wedding that

takes place in the late morning or afternoon may be the perfect fit for some couples.

Here’s how to navigate the specifics of a daytime wedding. Secure accommodations. An early wedding means guests may have to travel from afar the evening before to be able to attend the festivities. Daytime weddings can be complemented by working with a hotel or bed and breakfast to ensure guests will have a place to stay and get ready to arrive at the early wedding in time. Don’t be afraid to negotiate prices. The wedding resource Bridal Guide says that vendors are typically more amenable to price discounts or offering greater value for daytime weddings.

That’s because demand for their

Adventurous locales

Metro News Service

can choose to wear a black suit or any combination of color and style they want to make a dramatic impression.

Full of flavor

Cakes don’t have to be white with white buttercream. In fact, couples

can make things even more tasty by incorporating favorite flavor combinations into their cakes. For example, a chocolate and caramel filling reminiscent of a candy bar might be something to consider.

Modern couples are embracing

bold, unique and edgy components when planning their weddings.

Putting an individualized spin on the ceremony and reception can make couples even more excited to tie the knot.

—Metro News Service

at night, and, as a result, they’re more flexible on prices, especially since brunch foods generally cost less than dinner entrees.  Hire the right photographer. Be sure to contract with a photographer who is a pro at handling photos in daylight and natural light. While many photographers are skilled in any light, many are used to shooting in churches and venues with low lighting. Be sure to see picture samples taken during the daytime to gauge a photographer’s daytime experience and skill level. Employ color to add dimension. During evening weddings, lighting or candles help set the mood. Those same elements will be ineffective in daylight. Choose bright colors for your decor and

flowers to brighten up spaces. Choose alternative entertainment. Chances are guests are not going to feel as comfortable dancing during daylight hours.

Consider other entertainment, such as lawn games, karaoke, or a comedian. A guitarist or pianist may be a nice musical touch. Plan food accordingly. Just because the wedding is early does not mean the food should be.

Guests still will need to eat. If you are only opting for light appetizers and cocktails, be sure to mention this on the invitation so guests can plan ahead and won’t go hungry.

Daytime weddings can be successful with a little tweaking of traditional evening wedding planning.

—Metro News Service

A guide to hosting a daytime wedding

Metro News Service

services is reduced during the day.

Similarly, venues may have more availability during the day than

WEDDING GUIDE

New Britain Herald – The Bristol Press

Saturday/Sunday, January 18/19, 2020 | B9

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WEDDING GUIDE

New Britain Herald – The Bristol Press

Is a Valentine’s Day proposal right for you?

Valentine’s Day is a special day when thoughts turn to love and romance. Couples contemplating tying the knot may feel like Valentine’s Day is the perfect opportunity to pop the question and begin their journeys toward marriage.

Even though Valentine’s Day is a very popular day to propose, it’s tricky to keep such a proposal from becoming a cliché. By considering some dos and don’ts, Valentine’s Day proposals can be unique.

living arrangements) to see if mar- not propose before you get to the resriage is a desire they both share. taurant, such as in front of where you first met, and then you can enjoy your DON’T overlook the element of meal without butterflies? surprise for the proposal. Sure it is easy to have a waiter bring the ring DO consider your sweetheart’s after a meal at a favorite restaurant, personality before the proposal. A shy but it can be even more special to person may not like the attention of a catch your sweetheart off guard. Why crowd. However, someone who loves

DO ensure that you’re both on the same page. It’s one thing for couples who have already been talking about marriage to build on the romance of Valentine’s Day with a proposal. But it’s quite another if this is a push to wow him or her and you don’t have the same goals. It may not go according to plan. Couples are urged to have honest conversations about key topics (i.e., children, compatibility, finances,

to be the center of attention may feel that more is merrier.

DO get input from friends and family, but do not feel pressured DON’T go overboard with the to do it exactly as they say. A close details. One or two big surprises is all friend can help select a ring or conit takes. The more details, the more tribute to the surprise by keeping things that can potentially go wrong, the special someone unaware of the which can adversely affect the overall plans at hand. Having a helper can proposal. make the proposal go more smoothly.

DON’T feel pressured to propose on Valentine’s Day or a birthday, Christmas, or other big holiday because it’s “what you’re supposed to do.” A proposal and a marriage are unique to each couple, and individuals should abide by their preferences when making such important decisions. Only propose when it feels completely right.

— Metro News Service

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New Britain Herald – The Bristol Press

Saturday/Sunday, January 18/19, 2020 | B11

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WEDDING GUIDE

New Britain Herald – The Bristol Press

Memorable weddings happen here.

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To get your full-color guide to weddings on Block Island, call (860) 225-4608, email biweddings@centralctcommunications.com, or mail the form below and $4 postage and handling to Central Connecticut Communications, P.O. Box 1090, New Britain, CT 06050.

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Name: _______________________________________________ Address: _____________________________________________

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Trevor Holden Photography

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