Down the Aisle 2018
Engaged! Now what? A bridal to-do list from saying “Yes� to enjoying the big day
A match made in DIY heaven The Padgets bring personalized creativity to their fall wedding
One wedding-filled summer Advice from a family who had three weddings in five months
A product of The Newton Daily News
Wish You Were Here o i t p e c e AR
r e b m e n to Rem
Two venues to choose from: • DMACC Conference Center • Maytag Event Complex
Make your special day something to remember! 600 North 2nd Avenue West Newton Jacki Tharp DMACC Conference Center Coordinator Phone: 641-791-1729 Email: jatharp@dmacc.edu
Table of Contents 5 7
Engaged! Now what? A bridal to-do list
Q&A with DMACC’s Conference Center Coordinator Jacki Tharp
8
A match made in DIY heaven
11
Planning the perfect honeymoon
13
One wedding-filled summer
The Padget wedding
Travel tips from professionals
Advice from a family who had three wedding in five months
All content provided by Jessica Lowe
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Engaged! Now what?
Congratulations, you’re engaged! What an exciting time for you and your soon-to-be spouse. When the big question is popped so are the questions about all the details of the wedding. Here is a checklist of 10 things to do following your engagement to help you tackle planning for the big day.
1.
Tell Friends & Family
Friends and family will be excited to hear the big news and it will be great fun to share the proposal story.
2.Get Organized
Start a wedding folder or binder to help you keep track of ideas, lists, receipts and contact information as you work on your wedding preparation. Pinterest is great for ideas but a folder will help with hard copies.
3.
Discuss Finances
Plan a budget for the wedding and include discussions about how the bills will be divided, if there will be any help from family for the wedding and combined monthly finances following the wedding. No need to go into hock for a one-day event. Having a discussion ahead of time will save potential arguments and headaches from happening in the future, and help with planning.
Pick Your Wedding Party
4.
Picking out who will be part of your special day can be a lot of fun but it also can be stressful. The best advice is to not let obligation or guilt creep into your decision. Invite the people you love and want to be part of your festivities. Whether it is just your best friend or 10 of your closest buddies, it is your day and you should have the people by your side that you want.
5.
You’re Invited
Begin a rough draft of the guest list. This is an important step because it will help you determine what size of wedding it will be. It will also impact venues for the ceremony and the reception and avoid a lot of stress.
6.
Save the Date
Have you always dreamed of a winter wedding? Or being a June bride? Well now is the time to decide when your big day will be. Also, it is a good idea to have a couple dates as options as some venues may not be available. Having some flexibility will help.
7.
Picking the Perfect Spot
Once the day has been set it is time to begin coordinating schedules with ceremony and reception sites. Important questions to ask when considering a venue are: Do I want the ceremony and reception at the same location? Do I want an indoor or outdoor event? If it is outdoors is there a rain location available? What is included in the rental fee? Can I use my vendors of choice or do I have to use a preferred vendor of the venue?
8. Say “Yes”
It is important to start looking into dresses (and men’s attire too) because many places take several weeks if not months to get your order in. You’ll also need to have fittings, pick out undergarments and accessories. Start by looking at bridal magazines or Pinterest to see different styles to have an idea of what to look at and try on. Then check out local bridal shops by visiting their social media pages and websites. Most will require an appointment to try on dresses so be sure to plan ahead. Don’t forget to invite a few special people along to share in the fun. Plan dinner with friends and family to celebrate saying “yes,” this time to the dress!
9.
Attend a Bridal Fair
Bridal Fairs are a great way to get a lot of information all at once. Wedding vendors converge in one spot for a day of sampling, fashion shows, prize drawings and more. It is a fun way to check out everything from caterers to DJs, bakers to bridal fashions, photo booths to reception sites. Bring your friends with you for a fun time. And who knows, you may just win a prize or two.
10. Enjoy!
Getting engaged is an exciting time. It can sometimes become stressful when you mix family, finances and lots of decisions together. Be sure to try and enjoy the moment. You’ve waited for this special time and want to enjoy every moment — the congratulations, the showers, the cards, the time with friends and family planning, dress and suit shopping, and all the little details. This is a time in your life where you can have your cake and eat it too — savor every second.
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Q&A with Jacki Tharp For six years, Jacki Tharp has served as DMACC’s Conference Center Coordinator in Newton. During her time at DMACC she has helped coordinate events from Rotary meetings to fundraisers, conferences to class reunions, but one area Tharp especially enjoys is helping couples see their dream wedding become a reality. After helping hundreds of brides and grooms to be, Tharp has a few tips for those planning for their big day. Q: Can you share info about the facilities available to couples on DMACC’s Newton campus? A: We have two great venues available. Our DMACC conference center is a wonderful space for receptions. We can hold up to 325 people. It is turnkey, so everything is set up for you. There is a great cocktail area right outside the ballroom, and it dresses up beautifully. Our other venue is the Maytag Event Complex. It is a little piece of Newton history that is spacious and unique, with the high ceilings and exposed brick. This venue offers space for both ceremony and reception. We also have a beautiful outdoor courtyard space. Q: What are a few things people should ask when looking into a venue? A: When booking a venue always ask what is included. Some venues charge additional fees for tables and chairs, linens and dance floor. Don’t forget to ask about liquor policies, and if you have to use preferred vendors. Q: What is the most unique thing you’ve seen at a wedding/reception hosted on DMACC Newton Campus? A: We had a reception where the grooms made their own flower arrangements and their own honey. One of them even knitted the vest worn in the ceremony. It was very impressive. Q: What is something you’ve learned during your time helping with weddings and receptions that you think is important for everyone to know? A: I think communication is the key. Make sure everyone is on the same page.
Tharp continued on pg 14
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Newton couple takes DIY wedding to next level photos by Jen Golay One sunny September day, a wedding took place at Maytag Event Complex. Windows which once held views to factory floors were adorned with flowers. Tables were graced by freshly churned butter and locally-sourced honey. For Travis and Greg Padget each detail was as unique and special as the next. “It was really important for us to find ways to put in the extra touches to make the day special for us and our guests,” Travis said. “We tried to put our love in all of the things that we did.” The couple had many extra touches for their wedding on Sept. 30, 2017. The couple grew the vegetables served during their dinner. The honey placed on each table and used as a sugar substitute in many of the desserts was harvested from the couple’s beehives. The apple cider and apple butter were made by the Padgets
using apples from Greg’s farm. Flowers used as decorations and in bouquets and boutonnieres were fresh from the garden. “We wanted our friends and family to share in our love and a way to do that was to spend so much time growing the food and making the items,” Greg said. “The message of the ceremony expressed so much love and togetherness and I think that the setting really shared that so it was hard not to feel the love in the room.” The couple said they wanted to incorporate their many interests, hobbies and passions into their special day. Greg loves organic farming and raises their chickens. Travis is a beekeeper and enjoys gardening. Both love to build and create things. So the Padgets began preparing for the wedding almost immediately after the engagement in fall of 2016.
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In spring 2017, they planted rosemary, beets, carrots, onions, sweet potatoes, peppers and beans in their garden. During the summer they began collecting barn boards and making special flower boxes for decorations. Travis made a rustic wooden box for cards to be placed in. Flowers were planted wherever friends and family would allow them. Greg moved his chicken coop to Newton so they could continue to raise farm fresh eggs from their more than two dozen hens. Prior to the wedding,Travis harvested bees wax that the couple used during the ceremony to encase their first words together. Perhaps the most unique piece made for the wedding was an intricate sweater vest knitted by Greg. He began work on it in August 2017 and finished the sweater at the couple’s rehearsal dinner the night before the wedding. “It was something I really wanted to do to have a meaningful garment I
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created,” Greg said. “It ended up being a reminder of us together. Where we went it went. It went on the road trip to view the eclipse, when we went to visit family and friends, I knitted while Travis drove.” Greg said he hopes it is something he can hand down in his family as a unique and special memento of the couple’s life together. “Now we have a piece that can be in our family for generations and be passed down,” he said. Travis echoed Greg’s sentiment that the work put into things like the vest and raising food served as tangible reminders of their relationship. “The flowers used in decorations hold a special place in my heart,” Travis said. “We grew them together all summer and seeing them decorating the tables and people enjoying them was a reminder of the time we spent gardening. The flowers, the vegetables, the honey, they were all reminders of our time spent together
dating.” Both Travis and Greg admit they were fortunate to have the skills, resources and support from friends and family to spend the time working on wedding planning and preparation. “From having the garden space to being able to have three days to set up the venue, we were in a unique situation to be able to do what we did,” Greg said. While the Padgets took DIY weddings to the next level they both hope couples planning will heed their advice and find ways to make their wedding day about them. “It’s important to make it your day. Make it so you love it and not worry about other people,” Travis said. “Put what you love and you want in it. People won’t remember the color of flowers or the unity candle but they will feel and remember the love you put into your day. That’s what they will remember.”
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Local travel professionals offer tips on planning the perfect honeymoon Few things are as highly anticipated by couples as the honeymoon. Just like planning the wedding, travel experts say it is important for newlyweds to prepare for their post nuptial getaway to help make the honeymoon as relaxing, enjoyable and memorable as possible. “I think considering the amount of thought, effort and preparation that goes into wedding planning these days, sometimes the honeymoon is a much needed holiday from all the stress of the lead-up to the big day,” said Lisa Griffith, who runs Cruise Planners travel agency in Kellogg. “Just having time away from the distractions and interruptions of everyday life enables the newlyweds to enjoy each other’s company, and therefore to start married life together on the best possible note.” Janie Haunsperger, owner of JH Travel in Newton, said the honeymoon is the beginning of a new journey and can spur years of memories and traditions for those who have just married. “It is a bonding of many traditions for their upcoming life together,” said Janie Haunsperger, owner of JH Travel in Newton. “(The honeymoon) builds traditions such as celebrating anniversaries, planning family vacations and spring getaways.” Griffith said she recommends couples sit down to discuss what kind of trip they would like to take and make the decision together. “When they begin planning their honeymoon, they are going to first want to discuss about what kind of trip they want to take as a Mr. and Mrs. Do they want to go to an all-inclusive resort, or do they want to take a cruise? Or maybe even a road trip and see lots of different places? Then ask themselves are they
looking for some place tropical, the mountains or some place historic,” said Griffith, who has owned her business for six years. “I believe picking a honeymoon destination is all about choosing that destination that perfectly illustrates their personality as a couple.” Both women said the key to having a stress-free and affordable vacation is planning well in advance. “Plan ahead! Research ideas for honeymoons such as locations, time of the year for discounts, shoulder pricing as between the peak time to visit versus slower time depending on attractions and hours of operation,” said Haunsperger who has 24 years of experience in the travel industry. “Brides and grooms often leave honeymoon planning to the last minute,” Griffith said. “A destination may be in mind, but leaving it to the very end will only make your trip more expensive usually so I say, start your honeymoon planning as early as you start your wedding planning.” Haunsperger, who solely works with group travel, said planning ahead will help save money and the same tips to saving applies whether booking a cruise for two or planning an excursion for 20. “Check early bird discounts,” she said. “The earlier you book, many times, the price is more economical depending on the destination.” Other tips for saving money include making a budget for the trip, limit purchases while on the honeymoon and planing ways to save on beverages and food. “To save, limit souvenir purchases; take your own pictures — don’t buy expensive pictures taken at attractions by professional photographers; purchase snacks, water and other drinks before leaving home
travel continued on pg 14
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Lessons learned from one wedding-filled summer Three children. Three weddings. Five months. That was the summer of 2017 for Liz Dodd. Helping her children plan for their big days, the Newton woman learned a thing or two about organizing, paying for and executing a wed-
Liz Dodd helps her daughter Daley into her dress before her wedding.
ding that could help couples as their nuptials approach. Dodd, who proclaimed “I’m no expert or professional but I did pick up a thing or two by the third wedding,” said her first tip is a simple one: Get everything in writing. “Write it all down. Write down your vision. Write down who is doing what. And get everything in writing from other people so you can sign off and make sure everyone is on the same page,” she said. The mother of the bride, bride and groom said get a timeline in writing as well and leave extra time when scheduling the wedding events. “My goal was to have everything done a month ahead of time,” she said. “That didn’t happen but if you can do it you can actually enjoy your upcoming wedding.” Being organized and prepared for what could happen is just as important as planning for what should happen, Dodd said.
“Start thinking about anything that could go wrong so you can have a Plan B,” she said. “The day of have tape, pins, needles, shoes, tissues, clothes and rain gear, everything you can think of handy in a bag. You’ll waste a lot of time searching for those things if you need them and don’t have them.” When it comes to saving money, Dodd said after three weddings in just five months she realized how much is spent on items that are disposable. “So much is spent on things that will be used and thrown away,” she said. “If you are trying to save money think about these things. Like fancy napkins, would regular napkins work just as well?” Other money saving tips are to nix the parting gift, don’t worry about paying for the highest quality liquor or have a cash bar for guests, and remembering “less is more.” “I think the biggest thing is to cost compare everything,” she said. “Don’t just assume everybody charges the same. They don’t. Shop around. Tell the vendors about prices you may have found online or at another store.” To avoid headaches the day of the ceremony, Dodd recommended skipping assigned seats at dinner, make sure someone who will follow through is helping execute the couple’s vision, and make sure everyone eats before the wedding because there is a lot of adrenaline pumping. She also said time management is huge and will help the newlyweds and guests alike enjoy the ceremony and the reception. “Time management is everything,” she said. “Minimize time between the ceremony and the reception to be considerate of guests. Remember everything will take longer than you think so make sure you have plenty of time to get every photo you want, so everyone’s hair is done at the same time, and such.” While time management is important for the couples, Dodd said moms should be just as conscientious of the clock. “For moms, take the time to enjoy,” Dodd said. “Allow more than enough time to be involved, be in photos, because nothing is going to go quite like you thought. Don’t miss out on your child’s day.” Finally, the most valuable tip the Newton woman can share for a successful wedding is not on how to save money or avoid a floral snafu, but to remember to focus on why everyone has gathered to celebrate. “It is about the people standing there and the people in the room supporting them,” she said. “It isn’t about the setting, the cake, the music or the other little things you’ll stress over. Everyone should remember the wedding is about love and unity.”
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THARP continued from pg 7 Q: What are some trends you have seen in weddings in 2017 that you think will be popular in 2018? A: I think food stations, as opposed to a traditional sit down dinners, are going to make a comeback. Desert stations are also big. Doughnuts are becoming popular instead of cake. Also, I have seen a lot of blush colored wedding gowns for 2018. Q: Since you’ve seen many weddings and receptions through your job, what is your favorite part of the celebration? Why? A: Once everyone arrives at the reception and all the planning, decorating, and sometimes stressful ceremony is done, it’s time to relax and enjoy. Q: What has been the most memorable moment you’ve seen at a wedding/reception you’ve helped with through DMACC? A: I had a reception where the maid of honor, who was the brides identical twin surprised her with a video of their life. There wasn’t a dry eye in the place. Q: What is the most rewarding part of your job? Why? A: Just seeing everything come together, knowing I have a happy bride. Q: What are three tips you give to couples to help them with their planning of their reception? A: The first thing people will want to do is to book their venue. When booking your vendors talk to people who have actually used them. Sometimes you will even get discounts for referrals. And finally, plan a budget and stick with it. Q: How do people go about getting information about the venues you manage? A: You can contact me at jatharp@dmacc.edu, or give me a call 641-521-6682.
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TRAVEL continued from pg 11 and take along a cooler to keep items cold during the day,” Haunsperger said. While planning early and saving money are important aspects of travel, Haunsperger said being prepared and keeping safety in mind is vital as well. “For safety reasons when leaving the hotel at night go together. Don’t carry a lot of cash. Always keep your passport and license with you,” Haunsperger said. “Always share your itinerary with family or friends in case of an emergency.” With the trip booked, bags packed and precautions taken, Griffith had a few words of advice for couples to help them get the most out of their time away. “A wedding weekend can be a very busy and exhausting time, I would not recommend leaving the very next day after your wedding as waiting a day or two afterwards would be less stressful,” she said. “Take a copy of your wedding invitation with you as many resorts have added amenities for honeymooners. Don’t plan or schedule any excursions or activities for the day of arrival as you will be ready to relax a day or two after your fun-filled wedding weekend.” And most importantly she said: “Relax. Explore. And have fun.”
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