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To&Have To Hold

A LOCAL GUIDE TO PLANNING YOUR PERFECT DAY

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Southern Lakes Newspapers SPRING 2021

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Weddings go to

Plan B

Mike Ramczyk CORRESPONDENT

he coronavirus pandemic shut down just about everything at some point in 2020. But no matter how hard it tried, it couldn’t stop the power of love. Two local couples witnessed this firsthand but still got married and overcame all odds despite the plethora of both monetary and logistical challenges. Starting with Maggie Vaughan – originally Maggie Schmidt of Lake Geneva – the 2008 Badger High School graduate hoped to marry her sweetheart, Tommy, on June 20, 2020, in Boulder, Colorado. They met in 2010 at school at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and by the mid 2010s were living together near Brady Street in Milwaukee. Both are social butterflies, and they enjoy going on adventures together, especially outdoors

for hiking and winter sports, along with gatherings with friends. Tom is from Brookfield and works in health care analytics. Maggie’s burgeoning marketing career led the pair to a new job for Maggie in Colorado in 2017. Engaged in 2019, they planned a large, 200-person wedding in Boulder at a luxurious hotel overlooking the Rocky Mountains. Tom is from a big family in Wisconsin, and Maggie has lots of family in northern Illinois, and both are close with their cousins and extended families, so the more the merrier. But once the pandemic hit in March 2020, things started shutting down near Boulder, and they quickly had to look for Plan B.

Safety first

They had a lot of money invested in their venue, and canceling could’ve meant a huge loss.

But safety became the most important concern. “Due to the pandemic we had to cancel our wedding in Boulder months before our date,” Maggie Vaughan said. “We ended up having a small wedding surrounded by immediate family at our family cabin in Lake Tomahawk, Wisconsin, instead. While we still grieve about the dream wedding we didn’t get to have, our smaller wedding was very intimate and special.” There was immediate family along with grandparents and extended relatives – many of whom have cabins on Two Sisters Lake, the site of the ceremony. Tom and Maggie were married on a pier as two large pontoon boats filled with spectators watched the ceremony from a distance. After the “I do,” the newlyweds hopped on the boat with their parents and everyone celebrated in style with a champagne cruise PLAN B • CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

Tom and Maggie Vaughan (at right in photo) are married on a pier at a family cabin in Northern Wisconsin last summer while a flotilla of pontoon boats filled with family and friends witnesses the event. The Northwoods wedding was a concession to the impacts of the coronavirus, but the couple said it was a blessing in disguise. SUBMITTED PHOTO Bridal Guide

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Couples discovered joy in more intimate celebrations

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PLAN B

• CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3

around the lake. Everyone returned to the cabin for drinks, dinner and dancing to cap off the night. Maggie said if the pandemic slows down, they will be able to have their originally planned reception this September. But they aren’t going to push it. Even if they have a reception, they saved thousands of dollars by choosing safety over a big celebration. The biggest challenge was the fact that everyone was going to have to travel all the way to Colorado, which meant flying and it simply wasn’t safe last summer. “It all caused a lot of stress and negative emotions but in the end, it taught us what is really important in life – having each other and our family,” Maggie said. “We just made the decision for everyone’s safety because 99% were having to travel from the Midwest. In the end the important thing is getting married to your person, not the big flashy party. Save your money for an epic honeymoon.” In their first seven months as a married couple, the Vaughans, who have been together six years, moved into their first home, just down the road in Boulder from where they had originally rented, and both continue to work remotely for Wisconsin companies.

A shift for an Atlanta wedding

Shawn Taylor and his wife Amber are officially ATL-iens now. The couple, who got married in Atlanta in October, has Wisconsin ties. Shawn is from Eau Claire and attended UW-Stout, while Amber is from Milwaukee and went to Lakeland University. The couple met in 2012 on the dating site PlentyOfFish.com, and they immediately hit it off. “The first date was a microcosm of our relationship,” Shawn said. “I planned for a great dinner but had plans fall through last minute. I had to improvise on short notice, and it turned out to be the best first date ever.” By 2019, the two vowed to get married, and a May 16, 2020, wedding was planned in Atlanta. Shawn lived in Burlington and worked in sales at Nestle in the early 2010s before moving in with Amber in Franklin. By 2014, they took a chance on a new job for Amber down South and moved to Atlanta, where they currently reside. Shawn was recovering from a “completely torn Achilles’” in the hopes of walking down the aisle in May without assistance, but so many factors were

derailing their wedding dream. “Costs spiraling out of control, plans increasingly difficult to keep, friends and family dropping out due to travel concerns,” Shawn said. “Our parents, my father in his 80s and our mothers both having health issues already, we had to weigh putting them at risk just to have a party with us. The City of Atlanta rolling isolation restrictions were strictly enforced, and no one knew when things would be OK (if ever). “Deep down I always wanted a smaller, more intimate wedding, but I wanted my fiancé to have as close to the wedding of her dreams as possible. I can adjust to anything.”

A crushing blow

Shawn and Amber saw COVID restrictions increase closer to the wedding date, and things looked bleak. Shawn said he knew about 90 days out it wasn’t going to happen as planned, while Amber held out hope for a miracle. “It was stressful, depressing, defeating, and horrible for her. She always wanted a WEDDING. I just wanted to be married,” Shawn added.

Left: Shawn and Amber Taylor don’t let masks get in the way of a post-nuptial kiss following their wedding in October. The two had to postpone their initial ceremony and downsize the event due to COVID-19. Right: Tom and Maggie Vaughan seal their wedding with a kiss. SUBMITTED PHOTOS Bridal Guide

the next date would be. It would be one-tenth the size of the original plans. There wasn’t even a guarantee the smaller version would happen. It wasn’t easy to regroup after such a crushing blow and plan another event.

Wedding streamed live online But the Taylors persevered and got creative. They had a small ceremony and broadcast the ceremony on Facebook Live to include friends and family from Wisconsin and other parts of the country. “We learned that a small wedding might just work,” Shawn said. “We could spend more time with each other on the day and really enjoy it. We wouldn’t have to entertain others as much and really enjoy ourselves.” “We couldn’t rehearse, we couldn’t have a large reception. We could only have 16 people. We had to ditch our original dinner plans and hope we could find a place that would accept our group in a safe way.” “But we did it! Terrifying as it was and not without its own issues, we did it.” Shawn’s father couldn’t attend, since he broke his collarbone a week before the new wedding date of Oct. 20, 2020. Shawn’s and Amber’s mothers were able to attend, but Shawn was nervous because

both have respiratory issues. The couple closely monitored everyone attending and asked that everyone was strict in isolation. Shawn was tested for COVID-19 the day before just to be safe. They streamed the day online on Facebook, but Shawn joked they forgot to record the ceremony. “We had a rookie wedding day coordinator her first shot and she crushed it,” Shawn said. “Speaking of crushing, my sister had a fender bender when someone hit her car at the restaurant on the day of rehearsal dinner.” “And it was all a perfectly weird and wonderful day. Intimate, beautiful, strange, spontaneous, and wonderful. We had to figure out where to stand and walk 20 minutes before the ceremony.” On the wedding day, Shawn said they forgot the rings but the best man figured it out. “It was super funny when it happened,” Shawn laughed. Overall, the smaller size celebration worked out just fine. “The smaller, safer wedding ended up being a blessing in disguise,” Shawn concluded. “The whole thing was crazy, difficult, and stressful. It was also amazing and made us appreciate what we are capable of when we are together.”

Shawn and Amber Taylor use a mobile phone to broadcast a livestream of their October wedding for family and friends who couldn’t attend the event to coronavirus restrictions.

SPRING BRIDAL • 2021

The venue was placed under more restrictions, and vendors were “clutching onto their livelihoods but not giving us refunds.” “We were looking at losing thousands,” Shawn said. “Our venue made us move to a different package so we could get some of our money back, even though we had no idea when or if we would be able to actually have people at the venue.” “The original day came (May 16). (A) perfect day in Atlanta. Amber couldn’t even bring herself to get out of bed or eat. It was soul crushing.” Shawn said he and Amber developed a “jealousy and hatred” for those not taking proper precautions leading up to the day. The uncertain, chaotic pandemic had everyone confused, but the Taylors saw coronavirus as the reason they couldn’t live out their dream. “Seeing people at stores not wearing masks; a president not giving proper guidance; people protesting against their own safety – all of it contributing to the downfall of our wedding day,” Shawn said. “One of our friends on the day gave us a virtual celebration to help ease the pain. It was nice (and a bit strange) as we gathered on our iPads and phones to celebrate our relationship.” Because the venue forced them to plan another date, they had to start planning what

SUBMITTED PHOTO Bridal Guide

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you’re ready for something remarkable...

Sandra Landen Machaj CORRESPONDENT

ince 1988, AAA Tent Masters and Party Rentals in Kenosha has been the place to go for the tents and all the accessories needed for successful outdoor events large or small. Located at 15828 93rd St., Kenosha, AAA Tent Masters, with their large open grounds and indoor display of accessories, is the first place to visit when planning an outdoor event. For Robert Eaton who took over as owner of AAA Tent Masters and Party Rentals in 1999, 2020 was a challenge as gatherings in tents changed. “In spite of the challenges brought about in the use of tents due to the pandemic, there were other uses for our tents that were put into place allowing us to work our way through this time,” Eaton said. With social distancing in effect, large events such as community festivals, which use a large number of tents in the summer, were

Decision process For those who have not held an event in a tent, there are many decisions that must be made to assure that perfect event. New customers are often at a loss as to where to begin and what size tent is needed. “Many people who have not worked with tents tend not to be able to visualize exactly what the tent will look like when it is ready for the event,” said Jenni Spencer, office manager for AAA Tent Masters and

Party Rentals, who has had over 10 years’ experience planning tent events, including her own wedding. “They may not even be able to visualize the size of tent needed for the size of their event. They are also not aware of how much space is needed to set up the tent.” Most of the tents are used in back yards for family events so it is necessary to be certain that there is a large enough flat surface for the tent. There must be ample room to stake the tents to make them safe. According to Spencer, a tent that is staked to the ground cannot blow over. “We also provide a site inspection to be certain that the space is appropriate for the size tent ordered,” added Spencer.

Planning the day When coming to inquire about renting a tent, Spencer suggests people bring as much information about the event as possible. Starting with budget, number of guests, type of food, buffet or sit-down plated dinner, and music. Include whether

there will be a need for a dance floor or a gift table? “We suggest that you start with one of our wedding packages,” said Spencer. “Once you pick a package you can upgrade or add additional items to the packages to make your wedding special for you. There are wedding packages that are appropriate for weddings of any size.” The tents vary in size and setup capacity from the 30-by-50-foot frame tent, which can be set up to serve 72 guests, to the 80by-120 pole tent, which will accommodate 600 guests. The basic wedding package includes the appropriately sized tent, tables for guests to sit and eat, a head table, buffet table, gift table and one for the DJ. A portable bar, a separate cake table and a dance floor are also included. Dance floors are either black and white squares or cedar, your choice. The chairs included in the bridal package are white folding Samsonite chairs, which blend well with any décor. TENT MASTERS • CONTINUED ON PAGE 8

opposite: On warm days the walls of this tent may remain open allowing a breeze to filter through. AAA Tent Masters and Party Rentals offers a variety of options depending on the weather and the size of the event. above: This tent is dressed for a wedding with decorative lanterns on the table and string lights to provide the ambiance.

SPRING BRIDAL • 2021

cancelled. In their place restaurants began to look for tents to use for outdoor seating, especially as indoor seating was limited or in some areas closed completely. With the weather turning cooler the use of tents to serve meals allowed their outdoor seating to continue into the fall and in some cases through the early part of winter. Many events are held in tents – from family reunions, graduations, christening parties, birthday parties, and anniversaries, to that most important event – a wedding.

COURTESY OF AAA TENTMASTERS Bridal Guide

TENT MASTERS

• CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7

However, there are other chair choices, which can be rented in a variety of colors and styles to give a more formal look to the décor. An upgrade to the woodtoned Versailles style chairs or the French country chairs gives a more formal appearance to the event. Linens and tableware can be reserved to coordinate with the color scheme of the wedding. Quality dinnerware in a variety of colors and styles may be rented to coordinate with your décor. Flatware appropriate to use with your dinnerware is also available.

What about lighting? “Lighting in tents can be done in various ways. Most popular now is the bistro style lights,” said Spencer. “These string lights can be arranged in a variety of ways to give a special look to the tent.” Up lights, that is lights which stream upward against the walls to provide a soft look. This may be done in a variety of colors or by using a simple monochromatic light color. Tents can also be lighted using traditional brass or crystal chandeliers to

turn the space into a very formal ballroom. According to Spencer, the chandeliers are not as popular these days as the lighter bistro style lights but some do still request the chandeliers. For some events there may be a combination of lighting especially if it is a very large tent. “We do provide a CAD-generated floor plan which gives the bridal couple a look at how the tent will be set up,” added Spencer. “Unless they have worked with a tent before, most of those coming to rent one have difficulty visualizing where everything needs to be set up and how it will look when finished.” Anytime a tent is being used for an event, portable bathrooms need to be considered. AAA Tent Masters can provide rental of these units from simple, single units to higher end flushable toilets with running water sinks. They will advise you about the types and number of units appropriate for the size of your group.

The comforts of home We think of tent activities as summer events and while that is mostly true, the tents can also be used in the cooler weather

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beauty of the magnificent gardens. No matter when you visit, you will find a beautiful and peaceful experience; a place where you can take a deep breath and realize that this earth is truly glorious.

For information on tours, events, programs, volunteering and For information on tours, events, programs, For information on tours, events, programs, volunteering and donating visit congdongardens.org. donating visit congdongardens.org volunteering and donating visit congdongardens.org. • INFORMATION & RESERVATIONS • congdongardens3@gmail.com

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of spring and fall and perhaps even winter if the temperature doesn’t drop too low. “There are a variety of heating methods that AAA Tent Masters and Party Rentals can provide to take the chill out of the tent for a comfortable event,” Spencer said. There are a variety of ways to provide a comfortable indoor temperature for your event. Large forced-air propane heaters will heat any size tent efficiently and comfortably. For other spaces, smaller propane heaters will do the job. On the other side, during the hot days of summer, large pedestal fans can be used to circulate the air or a smaller portable air conditioning unit may be all that is needed. For a large tent a more extensive air conditioning unit can be arranged. As with any wedding activity, AAA Tent Masters recommends reserving the tent and specialty items needed a minimum of six months in advance to be certain your choices are available. AAA Tent Masters and Party Rental is at 15828 93rd St., Kenosha, 262-8578368, aaatentmasters.com or on Facebook. Business hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Contact the City of Delavan Parks Department 262-728-5585 • congdongardens.org 1424 Hobbs Drive, Delavan, WI Northwest corner of Hwy 50 & I-43

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Wedding venue does its best to accommodate couples amid pandemic

Jason Arndt STAFF WRITER

he wedding venue at Evergreen Country Club in Elkhorn faced a series of unknowns and challenges related to impact COVID-19 has had on weddings and other large gatherings in 2020. But, according to Dori Beck, Evergreen’s wedding coordinator, the venue persevered and even held more weddings last year compared to 2019. “We actually

did more weddings in 2020 versus 2019, believe it or not,” said Beck, who joined the Evergreen team in August 2019. Beck, who later became wedding coordinator in late 2019, said Evergreen hosted nearly 75% more weddings in 2020. Beck, however, said the influx did create some challenges such as uncertainty involving COVID-19. In February 2020, shortly before the pandemic, Evergreen hosted its 12th annual bridal fair. A month later, however, Evergreen and many other venues saw business come to halt because of the state’s Safer-at-Home order. “We had a few weddings, prior to that March date, when it all began,” Beck said.

Following protocol Evergreen Country Club reopened its

pub and dining room by mid-May 2020 with safety guidelines from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation for restaurants while also following Walworth County Public Health and CDC recommendations. Those guidelines included wearing

masks, social distancing, providing hand sanitizer, and frequent cleaning and sanitizing surfaces. Evergreen, according to Beck, had its first wedding on Aug. 8, 2020, with a smaller guest list to accommodate social distancing. Additionally, since Evergreen offers a clubhouse and outdoor pavilion, the August wedding party selected the outdoor venue to further enhance safety. “They are planning to do another, bigger wedding and reception to celebrate with all their guests, again this year,” Beck said of the August 2020 wedding. “We were able to enjoy and accommodate all of the rest of our 2020 weddings that were booked through the rest of the season. Again, respecting everyone’s concerns, we continue to follow protocol within the brides’ and grooms’ requests.” Evergreen, however, rescheduled all June and July 2020 weddings for 2021. Meanwhile, Beck continued to offer tours and book weddings until last August, VENUE • CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

Evergreen Country Club, of Elkhorn, offers an outdoor pavilion for weddings to accommodate social distancing and safety guidelines related to COVID-19. The club reported an uptick in use in 2020. SUBMITTED PHOTO Bridal Guide

SPRING BRIDAL • 2021

Making the Best of the Situation

VENUE

• CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

when Evergreen began hosting the events. “We re-entered into our weddings and festivities and continued through the end of the season,” she said. Evergreen, Beck said, offered an option for guests unable to attend a wedding through a live feed. “We experienced our first ‘live’ recorded wedding, so more of their unattended guests could enjoy,” she said. “We did spread out more within different set-ups.”

Accommodating options

Evergreen Country Club’s 4,000-squarefoot outdoor pavilion can accommodate up to 250 guests for a wedding, according to its website. The outdoor pavilion, Beck said, saw more demand in 2020 because the venue allows better social distancing. “Evergreen is so fortunate to have the open space of square footage that we have to accommodate everyone safely then and still now,” said Beck, who noted feedback from the brides and grooms and comfort of guests is important. Evergreen’s banquet facility,

known as the Evergreen Room, is inside the clubhouse and can accommodate up to 250 wedding guests, the website states. Beck said the clubhouse is reserved exclusively for the wedding party and allows guests additional comfort. “Another fortunate attribute about enjoying a wedding with Evergreen Country Club is the entire clubhouse facility is exclusively yours to enjoy, so there is always ample space to spread out and/or social distance when needed,” she said.

In-house catering Evergreen Country Club has on-site

catering for weddings and offers meals to suit most budgets. Evergreen states it is the only venue without a food or beverage minimum. “Evergreen is a country club, so we do need to cater to our banquets and outings and some weddings,” said Beck. Evergreen, however, has partnered with Gooseberries Catering of Burlington to handle increased demand during peak times. “Most of our weddings are through peak season of summer and Gooseberries will cater those,” Beck said. “We’ve worked together for a few years now and produce a seamless relationships

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within all transitions that accompany the flow of a wedding.” Evergreen also handles rehearsal dinners as well, she added.

Overcoming challenges Beck acknowledged the bride

and groom still have a vision of an ideal wedding, even with COVID-19, but she is up to the challenge. “We really work closely with our brides and grooms to work through life happenings,” she said. “We understand and, again, working with our guests challenges they face. That rolls over into our responsibility to reassure them that we’ll work through it all and that’s a challenge in and of itself.” Another challenge, she said, is experiencing an influx of weddings for 2021 because of rescheduled events from last year. The influx has created series of unknowns. “What I do know, is people want to get back into celebrating and gathering with all those they love,” she said.

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Area caterer prepares for

The goal is to make events ‘comfortable’ for all

BY Tracy Ouellette EDITOR

s with much of 2021, the upcoming wedding season is caught in limbo with the coronavirus pandemic still raging across the county. While the vaccines being administered daily and there’s hope for a return to something close to normal by the end of summer and early fall, many couples are starting to look into their wedding options in 2021. Annette and Matt Flynn have owned Sophisticatering in Kenosha for 31 years and are starting to see a pick up in interest. “People have been calling and asking about bookings,” Annette Flynn said early in

2021. “With all the engagements that happen over Christmas and New Year’s we’ve had a lot of contacts, but they’re just not sure what they should do.” Part of the uncertainty is when the couple should be planning their event for and if 2021 is even possible, Flynn said. For those looking at a wedding this year, timing is paramount. “Mostly they’re looking at late summer and fall, but they’re starting to ask about availability now,” she added. “People are hoping by then, it will be easier to have a big event.” Flynn said a major concern for the couples looking to marry in 2021 is the possibility of having to cut down their guest list if the permissible limit in the county they’re getting married in is reduced. “They’re afraid to do it with the people limits,” Flynn said. “There’s always that ‘What if?’ They worry they will lose their deposits if they have to cancel. I had a bride last week who had to cut her guest list down from 350 to 197, which is the limit in the

county, and she’s upset. Her wedding is in May and she said if she has to cut it down more, she’s not going to have it and move it to next year. That’s what I’m getting a lot of.” Flynn said the situation is stressful for all involved in planning a wedding for 2021, but there is hope that things will start to look better soon. “Everyone is taking this one day at a time,” she said. “And they’re being flexible. We’re seeing a lot of interest in outdoor events for this year. The restrictions are less if you’re outdoors, so people are attracted to that.” Flynn said her catering company is set up for large outdoor events with equipment like a competition smoker and 14-burner grill. “Things can be simplified when doing an outdoor party and people are more open to this than they might have been in the past because it can make the guests more comfortable and willing to attend,” Flynn said. CATERER • CONTINUED ON PAGE 12

Sophisticatering offers outdoor catering and cooking, which has been very popular during the pandemic. The catering company has a 14-burner grill and a commercial smoker that can brought to a venue. COURTESY OF SOPHISTICATERING Bridal Guide

SPRING BRIDAL • 2021

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CATERER

• CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11

If last year is any indication, she said they expect to have a pretty full schedule during the summer months and into fall. “While not a normal year, we were still booking events,” Flynn said. “For us, without having any overhead, we were OK. I don’t know how the others, who have overhead, held on, but we were able to get some things done that we don’t usually have time for like fixing the place up and painting. This year is looking up already and should go well if things go as planned.” Sophisticatering still has open dates in 2021 and 2022, Flynn said. “We’re here and we don’t intend to go anywhere,” she said. “We’ll make your event comfortable and we take all the appropriate safety measures to keep everyone safe.” Sophisticatering is at 8048 Sheridan Road, Kenosha. For more information, call 262-657-3663 and visit sophisticatering.com.

STATIONERY Invitations $_______ Postage $_______ Thank-you cards $_______ TOTAL STATIONERY: $_______

GIFTS Wedding party $_______ Parents $_______ Other $_______ TOTAL GIFTS: $_______ HONEYMOON Accommodations Food TOTAL HONEYMOON:

$_______ $_______ $_______

Use this convenient list to figure out the costs involved in planning your special day.

Other area caterers

Here is a listing of some of the other caterers that are available for events at local venues: Celebration on Wells 422 S. Wells Street Lake Geneva Celebrationcatering.net 262-248-2555 Geneva Lakes Catering The Ridge Lake Geneva Genevalakescatering.com 262-249-3849 Gooseberries Catering 690 W. State Burlington Gooseberriesmarket.com 262-763-5070 Sperino’s Accustom Catering 720 N. Wisconsin, Elkhorn Sperinos.com 262-723-4646 Stowell’s Catering W1127 Spring Prairie Road Burlington Stowellscatering.com 262-763-8316

Coupling finances:

It’s a catchphrase that’s been described as perhaps the first “I do” for newlyweds, and it’s especially relevant as we head into wedding season. Because as much as you may think no two people have ever been more in love than you are – hey, look at the size of that engagement ring! – the truth is that it could be less than smooth sailing ahead if you’re not on the same page when it comes to financial matters. “Couples have a very hard time talking about money,” Joan Atwood, a Hofstra University professor of marriage and family therapy bemoaned on an NPR “Money Coach” segment on the issue. “I would say it’s the last taboo.” Ready to break it? Read on. Set common goals You probably discussed this in a dreamy sort of way while dating. You know, a large house with a swimming pool ... yearly vacations. But turning those reveries into reality requires habitually saving to pay for them and finance your later retirement years – not to mention deciding whether both partners contribute equally or based on salaries. “The median ages for brides and grooms are 29 and 31, respectively, these days,”

said Andrew Peterson, a vice president at Fidelity Investments (fidelity.com). “So while people may come into a marriage with their own assets, they need to take some time after the wedding to sit down and start getting organized as a couple.” Be transparent There’s no law that says you have to put all your cash into a joint savings account – some couples do, some don’t – but at the very least you’d be “less than truthful” by not divulging any outstanding debts. And then figuring out, together, how to pay them down. Storing information Safely store your information. Quick: What’s your new spouse’s Social Security number? And what other vital information don’t you know if a sudden need arises? Exactly. To truly mark your financial coupling, you might consider using an online service like FidSafe.com that lets you store, access and share all your new family’s important records and documents anywhere via a web browser or iOS app. Not only is it free and simple to use with handy checklists, but even before it was officially introduced two years ago by

Fidelity – Get it? “Fid Safe” – Barron’s magazine gave the service five stars for being what it called “the first cloud-based safe deposit box we’ve seen that’s secure enough to organize everything from financial statements, insurance policies, and real estate records to a will, IRA benefits, and even passwords.” “With all the other things on their todo lists, newlyweds typically don’t focus on all the important financial and other documents they need to begin married life on a solid footing,” said Peterson. “This makes things easier for them from the start, as well as through the years as they have even more joint documents to retain – including those related to perhaps buying a house and having children.” You get up to 5GB of storage, which leaves plenty of space left over once you download your new marriage license and the receipt for that engagement ring. Investigate this option Do you both get health insurance through your employer? Congrats. You may have just saved yourselves some money if it works out it’s less expensive for one of you to be on the other’s plan rather than pay for both. (NEWSUSA)

SPRING BRIDAL • 2021

WHAT ALL NEWLYWEDS SHOULD KNOW

Tips for planning your wedding photos like a pro With everything that goes into your wedding day, those once-in-a-lifetime moments will go by in a blur, which is why hiring a professional wedding photographer is a must. After all, the last thing you should be worrying about is whether your photographer will be able to capture your big day. The key? Prepare yourself so that you can accurately evaluate the “right” photographer for you. “The best photographer will take the time to build a rapport with you and use his or her experience and creativity to capture the mood, personality, ambiance and even the geography of your wedding,” says Professional Photographers of America photographer Berit Bizjak. “The finest wedding photography is more than a series of still pictures. It’s physical poetry – it tells the story of the day and portrays the essence of both people and place.” To this end, PPA, the largest international nonprofit association created by professional photographers, has taken the guesswork out of the process by offering six tips to help you plan your wedding photos like a pro: Book far in advance The best photographers get booked quickly – sometimes as much as a year in advance – so don’t wait until the last minute to book your photographer. Show them the money Now is not the time to skimp on your photo budget. Call around and get a price range for services, and remember: after the cake is long gone, and the dress is stored

away, your wedding photos will be the only things left to share and enjoy for years to come, so don’t cut too many corners on your photography budget – you’ll end up regretting it. Make sure photographer is a real pro Only hire someone who has liability insurance, experience taking the style of photos you want, backup equipment and a plan for when things go south. Ideally, he or she is a PPA photographer. PPA photographers do more than just snap pictures. They have the technical

Request to see a full gallery of real weddings Look at full wedding coverage (not just a small selection of each wedding’s best moments) to see a photographer’s true style and get a sense of how he or she might tell your “story.” Do you prefer more artistic or traditional poses? Would you rather have a photojournalist approach or a mix of all (NEWSUSA) styles?

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As the days count down and the wedding day comes closer, many brides find the to-do list seems to get longer and more complicated, rather than almost finished. Among the final items to be decided are ways to make the bride and the wedding party look as beautiful as possible. Mia Faccia, 235 Broad St., Lake Geneva, is the place to take the worry out of hair, skin and nail preparation for any bridal party. Mia Faccia is a full-service salon and spa that specializes in providing brides and their attendants with services in a fun and friendly environment. The spa itself is a beautiful environment. Decorated in calming blues, with fireplaces

Special look

in the manicure room and the lounge, there is a sense of stepping away from the hectic outside world into a relaxing and peaceful retreat. The friendly staff makes even the first-time visitor feel at ease. Mia Faccia strives to make the experience for brides-to-be as stress free and enjoyable as possible. The salon and spa time often has a party-like atmosphere. The spa’s staff then offers an array of services – from hair and nails to massage and makeup. Staff recommends that the group arrives for manicures and pedicures the day before the big event to take some of the pressure

While many brides prefer an upswept hairstyle, some prefer the look of loose falling curls. This style created by stylists at Mia Faccia features loose curls and is punctuated with the sparkle of “diamonds.” COURESTY OF MIA FACCIA Bridal Guide

off that final day. It is the bride, of course, who garners most of the attention. Picking out the hairstyle that will complement her headpiece and gown is most important. The staff at Mia Faccia recommends that she come in about six weeks prior to the big event for a trial hairstyling. Among the services generally included in the bridal contract are manicures and pedicures. Facials will leave the skin glowing and healthy – a look that is so desired on that special day.

How about a massage?

What better time is there to enjoy a relaxing massage than during the busy and stressful days before the wedding? Taking the time to relax and unwind will make the remaining jobs on that to-do list will seem less overwhelming. Whether you opt for a simple relaxation massage, or a hot stone massage, or one of the other specialty massages offered, it will be a relaxing experience. The week before the wedding, the bride and groom may want to consider a couples massage. After all, it isn’t just the bride who is under stress before a wedding. The final service offered in the bridal contract is the makeup application. Properly applied makeup is essential to ensure the bride looks as beautiful as possible and that beauty shows through in the hundreds of photographs that will be snapped throughout the day. When the bride comes into the salon for her trial hairdo, she will also have a trial makeup application. At that time her custom makeup will be ordered. For those who have always wanted thick, dark and long eyelashes, there are several options available to achieve the look desired. False eyelashes can be applied or eyelash extensions can be applied to the natural eyelashes. Eyelashes may be tinted. When planning a wedding, brides are advised to call Mia Faccia to set up the bridal contract for the pre-wedding services. The quality services will be performed in a relaxing environment on a schedule agreed upon by both the salon and the bride. Having a contract with a schedule will take the worry off the to-do list. Mia Faccia’s new location is at Geneva National, 715 Hunt Club Ct., Lake Geneva. To schedule an appointment or for more information, call (262) 248-3303 or visit their website at www.miafaccia.com for a complete list of services.

SPRING BRIDAL • 2021

Mia Faccia helps brides achieve that

SPRING BRIDAL • 2021

Features to look for in an outdoor wedding venue

Couples will remember their wedding day for the rest of their lives. The day a couple says “I do” is often the culmination of months of planning, and much of those efforts are dedicated to creating a special ceremony that will create cherished memories. The choice of venue is a significant decision, and today’s couples have more options regarding where to tie the knot than ever before. Many couples on the cusp of getting hitched are looking to do so in the great outdoors. Nature took center stage at weddings this year, as many couples moved their ceremonies outdoors to adhere to government guidelines issued in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Couples considering outdoor venues for their weddings can look for certain features that can make the big day as special as it is safe. BACKDROP An awe-inspiring backdrop, whether it’s the natural beauty of a mountaintop or a beach with the sound of ocean waves crashing into the shoreline, can make for great photos and a ceremony couples and

their guests will never forget. PLAN B Couples may work hard to ensure everything goes off without a hitch, but ultimately the elements are in control during outdoor wedding ceremonies. So couples hoping to host an outdoor ceremony may want to look for sites that have a readily accessible indoor option just in case Mother Nature is not cooperating. Many reception venues are capable of hosting indoor and outdoor ceremonies as well as dinners, so this might be the best option for couples who want to have outdoor weddings during times of the year when weather is typically inclement or unpredictable, such as winter, early spring or late fall. LIGHTING What’s awe-inspiring in person may be hard to capture on film. Couples may want to bring their wedding photographers along as they search for outdoor ceremony sites. Professional photographers can help couples determine which sites will make

for great photos and which ones might make it hard to capture the beauty of the site’s surroundings. ACCESSIBILITY Couples will want to make sure all of their guests can be there to witness the ceremony. Before choosing an outdoor ceremony site, consider those guests who may have mobility issues, such as grandparents. A midday hike up a mountain might be doable for most guests, but it may exclude others from witnessing the ceremony. Try to find an outdoor ceremony site that’s readily accessible to everyone. In addition, keep in mind that the more accessible a site is the easier it is to get away and get indoors if the weather takes a sudden, unexpected turn for the worse. Outdoor weddings are wildly popular. Couples who find outdoor ceremony sites with certain features may rest easier knowing they and their guests are safe and sound no matter what Mother Nature has in store come the big day. (METRO CREATIVE)

May, June and July consistently rank among the most popular months to get married. These months typically provide pleasant weather, and if it does rain, it’s often in the form of a brief thunderstorm. However, with the COVID-19 pandemic still with us, many couples are having outdoor weddings this year. Summer weather can be extremely hot, and while a sunny, warm day may be perfect beach days, such conditions are not always ideal for weddings, especially weddings that take place outdoors. If wedding-day weather threatens to be very hot, explore these methods to staying cool. Choose a later start time A late-afternoon wedding may be the way to go in the summertime. The temperature usually drops a bit in the early evening, even though the sun won’t set for a couple of hours. That lingering summertime sun allows the bride and groom to enjoy an outdoor ceremony and still take beautiful outdoor photos.

Rely on shade and proximity to water Shade can be your friend when the sun is blazing. If your outdoor wedding is in the early afternoon, keep temperatures under

wrap by seating guests beneath umbrellas or inside a tent.

Such cards can double as thank-you messages or ceremony programs.

Tie the knot near the water Breezes off of the water also help combat the heat, so a lakeside or beach wedding can make hot temperatures more manageable.

Tailor the reception menu to the weather A large, heavy meal may not be what guests are hoping for when temperatures are especially hot. In such situations, provide some cool, light fare, such as chilled salads or cold soups, as first courses. Sorbet can be a cool palate cleanser, and grilled meats and vegetables will make for a satisfying, light main course. Ice cream cake may be a decadent option in lieu of more traditional wedding cake.

Wear breathable fabrics Opt for lightweight fabrics instead of heavy gowns and full tuxedos for the bride, groom and wedding party. Cotton and linen allow air to flow through clothing, helping people to stay cool. Light colors also will help deflect the sun. Bridal gowns made of chiffon, silk or satin may feel luxurious and help tame the heat. Have beverage tables Keep canisters of cold beverages at the ready so guests can easily quench their thirst. Fresh lemonade, iced tea and water with a few sprigs of mint can help guests ward off dehydration. Make fans and hand these out to guests Homemade fans of thick cardstock and popsicle sticks can keep guests comfortable.

Choose hairstyles and makeup wisely Brides may prefer up-dos to keep hair off of their necks and allow for breezes to cool their bodies. Rely on makeup primers and powdered foundations so that makeup does not melt in the heat. Waterproof cosmetics are adviseable so that perspiration won’t cause makeup to run. Outdoor summer weddings are preferable right because of the pandemic, and couples can take several steps to make sure they’re both beautiful and comfortable. (METRO CREATIVE)

SPRING BRIDAL • 2021

Beat the heat during a summer wedding

SPRING BRIDAL • 2021

Looking beyond gender for modern wedding parties Couples are increasingly bucking long-established trends to make weddings uniquely their own. One of today’s more popular tradition-busting trends is not adhering to gender lines when couples select friends and family members for their wedding parties. Until recently, the vast majority of wedding couples selected members of the same sex to fill the roles needed for the ceremony and reception. For example, grooms would choose fellow males to serve as their groomsmen while brides choose other females for their bridal parties. The wedding resource The Knot says the days of having men on one side and women on the other are gone. Coed wedding parties enable brides and grooms to have their favorite people by their side, regardless of gender. According to The Daily Mail, over the past year, weddings across Australia and other areas of the world have seen a rise

in “groomswomen” and “bridesmen,” blurring the lines of wedding traditions. Couples have often said that choosing whomever they desire to stand beside them during the wedding is more authentic than separating people simply because of gender. Take for example a groom-to-be who is especially close to his sister. Such siblings may serve as bridesmaids, but grooms may want to have their sisters by their sides on their big day. Foregoing gender roles may make for a unique, customized wedding. However, it does create the question of what wedding party members will wear. Again, there are no firm rules, but coordination can make for better photos. A woman standing on the groom’s side can coordinate with the color of the bridemaids dresses, but wear a different style. Or she can wear a dress that matches the color of the groomsmen’s

suits. A man standing with the bride can have accessories, such as tie, vest and pocket square, that match bridesmaid dresses. One of the areas where mixing and matching genders may get a tad sticky is with older, more traditional guests. They may not understand the freedom of choice in the wedding. However, couples can discuss their bridal parties to select people who they think might prefer couples adhere to tradition. Another possible snag is with bachelorette parties and bachelor parties. A solution to this dilemma may be to simply organize a getaway weekend for the entire bridal party, and not separate parties for each side. Couples are increasingly deviating from tradition for their weddings by looking beyond gender when picking wedding party members. (METRO CREATIVE)

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