To&Have To Hold
A LOCAL GUIDE TO PLANNING YOUR PERFECT DAY
• honeymoons • receptions • fashion • photos • advice • ideas
...and more
A publication of
Rock Valley Publishing Winter
2021
CHAPEL IN THE PINES OFFERS
c i h C y r t n u o C
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WEDDING VENUE
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In early 1978, Howard & Donna with their two children moved to the property later to be called Chapel in the Pines, in Sycamore, Ill. The property was not a working farm when purchased and needed a lot of work as all of the buildings were 75 years old. In the past 40 years, they have transformed the property into a fairy tale setting which continues to this day. While Chapel in the Pines marks the happiest day in the lives of countless couples, For Howard & Donna, it marks their happiest years together. When Howard constructed the chapel in 1994, it was not intended to be a place of matrimony so much as it was a 30th wedding anniversary gift for Donna. Little by little, however, as Howard finished its last minute features, more and more couples showed up at the chapel steps in hopes of exchanging
vows. Although Donna initially dreamt up the idea behind the chapel, it was Howard who arranged construction so that the chapel’s completion would fall in time for their 30th anniversary on April 27. Practically all by himself in his moments of spare time he built the chapel from the ground up using materials from old churches and other torn down buildings. Transforming what once existed as the origins of a dairy farm into a new era of wedding bliss. The first wedding debuted on March 4, 1994, a day after the chapel was completed and since then has hosted over 2,000 ceremonies from all over the world. As Howard puts it, “I may have built it and own it, but it belongs to all the couples who have used it for their nuptials.” No matter their
accomplishments, the two insist Chapel in the Pines has always been and will always be about the people.
Our wedding & banquet center packages At the Chapel in the Pines, we offer packages of all sizes that can accommodates every type of ceremony, weddings, and receptions. View our popular Wedding Ceremony & Reception Hall package.
Learn more about our onsite facilities Want to learn more about our fabulous onsite amenities such our Victorian Chapel, Reception Hall, Grounds & Garden, Wedding Gazebo, or Boutique Bridal Cottage?
Call 815-895-4797 Chapel in the Pines is located at 15165 Quigley Road, Sycamore, Ill.
Chapel in the Pines offers a quaint country setting for your wedding day. SUBMITTED PHOTO Winter Bridal
Destination weddings: How to plan your dream celebration in uncertain times
Smaller groups provide intimacy enjoyed by all Having hundreds of people gather for a wedding or reception simply isn’t possible right now. Don’t sweat the change and instead embrace the intimacy that only smaller celebrations can provide. This might be a few dozen of your closest friends and family or something as simple
as the bride and groom and their parents. There is a beauty in smaller ceremonies that truly reflects the unconditional love a couple has for each other. When planning, remember group gathering restrictions vary by state and can change at any time, so be sure to plan accordingly and be conservative in your numbers.
Road trips rule for local destination weddings Jetting to a tropical country or international destination for a wedding is not currently a great option, however, you can still enjoy a dream destination wedding in a picturesque setting when you explore options within driving distance. For example, Kohler, Wisconsin, is the premier wedding destination for people in the Midwest, with the new Straits Chapel at Destination Kohler that’s an intimate location surrounded by the beauty and serenity of nature. The picturesque setting of Straits Chapel, complemented by its modern design and proximity to Whistling Straits golf course, will captivate guests looking to celebrate as well as seeking a place for tranquility.
Nature-based settings are stunning and spacious Opting for celebrations in nature over urban settings helps guests feel more comfortable knowing there is ample
TO andHAVE to hold
space for safety and social distancing. For example, Straits Chapel is nestled in the woods on the edge of bluffs overlooking Lake Michigan, which provides stunning views with plenty of access to the outdoors. When planning a wedding, consider if you want an indoor or outdoor ceremony, and how the natural benefits of parks, gardens and other nature-based destinations can enhance your wedding aesthetically while also providing a safer setting for everyone who attends your special day.
Streaming ceremonies and celebrations online So many people are working and attending school online, it’s no surprise that the wedding ceremony has gone digital, too. Knowing celebrations will likely be smaller, this is a wonderful way to make people feel included even if they can’t attend in person. Research platforms and streaming options, as many have pros and cons, and choose the best one for your needs. Then on the big day you can broadcast the ceremony and celebration to loved ones who want to watch as you say “I do” and share your first moments as a married couple.
Request contactless accommodations For guests who are attending the • CONTINUED ON PAGE 4
A publication of Rock Valley Publishing LLC 1102 Ann Street, Delavan, WI 53115 • (262) 728-3411 EDITOR: Melanie Bradley • CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Heidi Schulz PAGE DESIGN: Jen DeGroot • ADVERTISING DIRECTOR: Vicki Vanderwelff FOR ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES: Call (262) 763-2575
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Something old, something new, masks for guests and hand sanitizer, too - weddings during COVID-19 look different than those in the past. However, love is leading the way as couples are making thoughtful adjustments to their ceremonies to reflect their personalities and commitment to each other while prioritizing health and safety. “Expect the unexpected is a phrase wedding planners have shared with couples for decades, and the global pandemic is certainly having an impact on matrimony traditions,” says Jonalee DeNoble, associate director of meetings and events at Destination Kohler. “Although the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way weddings are typically planned and performed, that doesn’t mean you can’t still have a dream wedding in a memorable location.” Jonalee offers expert insights for planning a wedding during the pandemic and the top wedding trends that smart brides and grooms are embracing:
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Ducky’s Formal Wear answers FAQs about tuxes for proms, weddings Ducky’s Formal Wear has made the tuxedo rental procedure easy for you by answering some frequently asked questions about wedding and prom clothing. If you still have any questions. please feel to call or visit Ducky’s Formal Wear in Dekalb, Ill. The experienced team at Ducky’s Formal Wear is looking forward to serving you. If there are three or more people getting fitted, an appointment needs to be made.
Weddings
1. When should I register for my wedding? Weddings should be registered at least 3 months prior to the big day. 2. Do I need an appointment? No. You can come at any time to register your wedding. 3. When should the wedding party get fitted? We like to have everyone fitted by one month before the wedding. Ring bearers or small children, however, can be fitted two to three weeks before the wedding. 4. What if someone is from out of town?
They can get measured at any tuxedo store near them and mail, fax, phone or email their measurements to us. 5. When should we pay for the tuxes? There is a $20 down payment for the tuxedos upon fitting or submitting of measurements. Otherwise, full payment is not required until the date of pickup. 6. What specials do you offer? Wedding specials may vary. Please call us for details. 7. Do you carry wedding invitations? Yes. We carry invitations by Carlson Craft, McPherson’s, Tatex and Birchcraft with over a dozen books to choose from. 8. When are the tuxes ready? Due back? Check with your customer service representative to set up the date that best fits for you. But if you are in doubt, pick up the day before and return the day after. Ducky’s Formal Wear is located at 250 E Lincoln Hwy. DeKalb, IL Tel: 815-754-7703, Tel #2: 815-758-3433 duckysdekalb@gmail.com
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ceremony in person and need a place to stay overnight, research the safest and most convenient options so they can choose which they are most comfortable with. Many hotels have upgraded cleaning routines and offer contactless accommodations for a safer experience. Guests at Destination Kohler might consider the new Lake and Pond cabins with upscale features in a beautiful location that is very secluded from other guests. Reach out and get the details on different options to make it easy for guests to feel comfortable with their stay. “COVID-19 has forced us to go back to the drawing board and create unique and luxury experiences while keeping everyone safe,” says DeNoble. “With great thought and our proactive measures, you can have a dream wedding with memories to last a lifetime.” (BPT)
Perfect Place For The Perfect Wedding The
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› Great facilities for indoor or outdoor celebrations › Jarrett Prairie Center accommodates 200 240 guests › All facilities are handicapped accessible › Complete bar service available › Room for DJ or band and dancing; outdoor stage also available › Also perfect for other social and business occasions › Deck that seats up to 150 people
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Byron Forest Preserve District
387163
7993 N River Rd, Byron, IL • (815) 234-8535 • www.byronforestpreserve.com
250 E. Lincoln Hwy. DeKalb, IL 60115
If you are looking to turn your wedding vision into reality,
we are the ones that can make it happen! Pick 2 specials: • Grooms free (with 6 paid rentals) • $50 off rental • Invitations 50% off
We offer several different price ranges to accommodate all budgets. Open by appointment only at this time. Locally owned and operated.
815-754-7703
www.duckysdekalb.com
387713
With our beautiful prairie setting, the Wi Byron Forest Preserve is the ideal location Byro for everything from rehearsal dinners to ceremonies to receptions.
Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden has just announced a new partnership with Franchesco’s Ristorante. The Franchesco’s team will be heading up all venue rentals for the entire Klehm non-profit organization. Instead of contacting Klehm to coordinate an on-site event, the public will now reach out to the Franchesco’s Restaurant Group directly. “Our garden pavilion is an extremely soughtafter wedding reception site, along with many other beautiful gathering areas both indoors and out. We thought it would make sense to let Franchesco’s do what they do best so we can concentrate on what we do best, which is care for and grow our beautiful grounds and gardens as part of our mission: To maintain a living museum for the enjoyment, education and inspiration of all people.” says Alex Mills, Executive Director of Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden. At over 155 acres in size, guests and visitors are able to host events for 25 guests all the way up to 500 guests.
Klehm Arboretum offers a variety of beautiful indoor and outdoor settings to host your ceremony, reception and photography opportunities, all on the well-maintained landscapes and gardens filled with beautiful flowers, trees and shrubs. “We are honored to have been selected by Klehm for this partnership role,” says Michelle LaMay General Manager Franchesco’s Restaurant Group. “I remember how it felt to plan for my own wedding as a busy professional before our family built the new banquet center. “Now it’s my job to make sure we’re delivering a consistently remarkable experience to our wedding guests, whether it’s an onsite reception at our restaurant, or off-site at Klehm,” adds Michelle. “To further entice future brides and grooms during this challenging time, Franchesco’s will be offering a $1,000 signing bonus to any couple who books their 2021 reception date by Jan. 31, 2021”
Klehm Arboretum in Rockford offers a variety of indoor and outdoor settings to host your ceremony and reception, on the landscapes and gardens filled with beautiful flowers, trees and shrubs. KLEHM ARBORETUM PHOTO Winter Bridal
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Klehm Arboretum partners with Franchesco’s to provide wedding venue
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Lueke family offers jewelry from three stateline area locations
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The term “family business” has special meaning for sisters Alicia Luecke-DeMichele and Marcia Luecke-Toepfer. Together they run three jewelry stores, the flagship location in Freeport having been established by their grandfather, Robert G. Luecke, in 1921. The family connection to Freeport’s historic downtown business district dates back even further, however. Robert began his jeweler’s work in a corner of the Blust Dry Goods Store inside a building erected by his father-in-law, E.A. Blust, at 10 E. Main St., Freeport. The Blust Building, built in 1892, remains an iconic downtown landmark. “Once the dry goods business fizzled, Grandpa (Robert G. Luecke) took over the building and set up Luecke Jewelers in 1921,” explains Alicia. “My grandma Margaret did a lot
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of the bookkeeping and other work. Watch repair was a big deal at that time, and they had two repair people onsite.” The jewelry business was still going strong when Robert welcomed his son, Charles M., to the shop in 1955. In coming decades, Charles M. would oversee the expansion of Luecke Jewelers to five times its original size, adding stores in Monroe, WI and Belvidere, IL. Today, at age 85, he still works in the stores a few days a week. “He does all the estate and antique jewelry sorting and pricing,” says Alicia. “He loves it.” Charles’ two daughters and three sons learned about jewelry and watch repair by observing their dad and grandfather at work. “Dad would bring all five of us to the shop on Sunday
Luecke Jewelers afternoons, to give my mom some peace and quiet, and we’d work around the store and observe Dad and Grandpa at their workbenches,” recalls Alicia. There was plenty of incentive for the children to cooperate during these Sunday outings. “If we behaved well, we got to go to the Union Dairy afterward for ice cream.” Downtown Freeport remains as important to the Luecke family now as it was in 1921. “Our family has owned the building for more than 100 years, which is pretty rare,” says Alicia. “We take great pride in being in downtown Freeport for that reason.” On the second floor of the Blust Building, above the jewelry store, the family operates Luecke’s Antique Mall, which brims with fine vintage home furnishings and much more. Of Charles M.’s five children, daughters Marcia and Alicia, and son Charles G., showed the most interest in the family business. When Charles M. decided to set up a second location – in Monroe, WI, in 1981- he brought in Marcia and Charles G. to run it. “By then we’d been pulling
a lot of customers from Monroe to Freeport, so it made sense to open a Monroe location,” Alicia explains. That store in on the historic Monroe Square, at 1029 16th Ave. Seven years later, Charles M. groomed daughter Marcia to take over management of the Freeport location; Alicia took over the Monroe store. Charles G. does appraisal work in all three stores. The family never thought of expanding its operation to Belvidere, until it was approached by citizens from that city who said they’d been without a locally owned jewelry store for too long. “We did the research, then opened in 2012 in Winter Plaza, a strip mall on State Street in Belvidere,” explains Alicia. “Marcia oversees that store as well as the Freeport store.” Today the Belvidere store is at 1444 N. State St. The family members work together as well. “We’ve been lucky, over time,” says Alicia. “We all get along well. Everybody meshes and helps each other out. I know • CONTINUED ON PAGE 7
Love triumphs over COVID
Impromptu wedding takes place in Blain’s Farm & Fleet auto dept. Oglesby native and front-line nurse, Mary Kate Vollmer, tied the knot with her fiancé, trial attorney, Evan Sloan, at their local Blain’s Farm & Fleet in Montgomery, Ill. The couple made the spur-of-themoment decision after Evan’s 90-yearold grandmother received a COVID-19 diagnosis. Evan and Mary Kate put their wedding dreams on hold during the pandemic, but when they heard that Evan’s beloved Grandmother had been diagnosed with COVID-19, they knew they could not wait another day. They enlisted the support of their minister, Kerry Ervin, and headed to an unconventional venue, their local Blain’s Farm & Fleet Store. Originally, the couple planned for the impromptu ceremony to be held in the parking lot, but the weather that day was not favorable, so they decided to head inside. The couple spoke their vows in the Blain’s Farm & Fleet Automotive Aisle in front of a limited audience: their minister and as a witness, their store’s assistant manager, Scott Ervin. When grandma Beth heard the story by phone later that day, she could not have been more thrilled. “After Evan’s grandmother was diagnosed with the
Coronavirus, we knew that our texts and emails to grandma Beth were now a lifeline for her, and we wanted to do something special for her,” says Mary Kate Vollmer. “As a nurse, I see firsthand the loneliness among the elderly at this time – isolated from their loved ones when they need family around the most. Getting married has brought much needed joy to grandma Beth and our whole family and provided us a cherished memory in our favorite place, Blain’s Farm & Fleet.” There is a reason Evan and Mary Kate chose Blain’s Farm & Fleet as this uniquely Midwest store has been a part of many special moments in both of their lives. When Mary Kate was a child, her father would take her to the store for their favorite candy, nuts and special treats. Evan and Mary Kate often choose Blain’s Farm & Fleet for their outings, taking their dog with them on shopping trips to see the baby chicks. Blain’s is also where the couple spends time together shopping for items like scrubs for Mary Kate or Evan’s favorite Sprecher’s Root Beer which he credits with getting him through law school. Because of this connection, getting married in the Blain’s Farm & Fleet Automotive Department made perfect
sense as the couple celebrated great memories there and “getting hitched near the hitches” has created a sweet new one. “We are honored that Mary Kate and Evan chose to celebrate this moment in our store, and we wish them a lifetime of love and happiness,” says Jane Blain Gilbertson, owner and president of Blain’s Farm & Fleet, a modern general store with 43 locations in Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa and Michigan. “Though the in-store wedding came as a surprise to us, we’re thrilled to have played this small role in bringing joy to the Vollmer and Sloan families.” Through photos, and video-call retellings, Mary Kate and Evan brought happiness not only to their families, but to the whole community, which Mary Kate finds to be an important tool for healing those who are scared, lonely or ill at this time. “After the pandemic is over, we look forward to reenacting our wedding with the whole family, but, for now, we’re proud to have said, ‘I do’ with masks on, at our Blain’s Farm & Fleet,” says Mary Kate. “We just wanted to bring joy to people’s lives during this time, and our favorite store was the perfect place as it is woven into our family’s history—and for us, Blain’s is our extended family.”
and bead restringing; life-time trade-up on diamond jewelry; and the purchase of preowned jewelry, gold and silver. Engagement and wedding rings are a big part of business at all three locations, of course. Luecke Jewelers buys only from suppliers who guarantee their diamonds are conflict-free. “Traditional white gold settings are popular with younger generations, now, as they were in the 1980’s and ’90’s,” says Alicia. “Trends swing back and forth. When gold prices jumped, alternative metals grew in popularity, like titanium and tungsten. Gold prices have since come down a lot, but they’re still high, at around $1,200 per ounce.” The Luecke sisters make an effort to carry quality items in a variety of price points. They display an array of precious gems – sapphires, rubies and emeralds – as well as semi-precious jewels like garnets and amethysts. There are modern lines of jewelry made with stainless steel, Black Hills gold and ever-classic pearls, and “all of the stores offer discounts on the birthstones for that month,” notes Alicia. Also trending now are Diamonds in Motion – diamonds specially set in 14 karat and sterling silver in a way that causes them to constantly move and catch the light,
according to the rhythm of the wearer’s heartbeat. Sideways crosses and infinity symbols are trending, and diamond stud earrings remain a timeless classic. Another popular item is the Citizen eco-drive watch that never requires a battery. “The watch gathers energy from light and stores it,” Alicia explains. “People who have them love them.” All Luecke Jewelers stores have wish books in which customers may note the items they like best. “Men love them,” says Alicia. “It makes it so easy for them to get something she really wants. He’s in and out of here quickly, and everyone’s happy.” Friends of the jewelers sometimes ask whether a fourth generation is interested in the family business. “We’re happy to report that my daughter, who lives in Madison, and two nephews, who live in Freeport, have shown a lot of interest in the business,” says Alicia. About 15 people work in the three stores, and even those who are not related by blood seem like extended family members. “I think it’s one reason we have very low staff turnover,” she says. “Our employees feel like they’re a part of the family.”
that’s not the case in every family business, but, for us, it works. Strong communication is important. We trust each other.” And trust is really the cornerstone of a successful jewelry business, says Alicia. “A locally owned jewelry store – one that has some longevity and a strong reputation in its community – offers something that big-box type jewelers just can’t,” she says. “We offer a level of comfort. People feel comfortable with us handling their items. They feel good about the long-lasting relationship developed with us over the years, as they bring in pieces for cleanings and repair. They like knowing that we’ll be here for the long haul. They know we won’t steer them in the wrong direction for a purchase, and that we’ll be fair in our pricing.” As much as customers appreciate the expertise – Luecke Jewelers are members of the American Gem Society – they also like the family’s laid -back style. “We’re not pushy and we don’t rush customers to make a decision,” says Alicia. “We just answer questions and help them walk through the selection process.” In-store services offered at the three locations include free jewelry cleaning and diamond inspection; expert jewelry repair; watch repair and battery installation; pearl
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Abbey Springs is a perfect venue for your golf outing, wedding and special events of all sizes. Beautifully set on the rolling slopes of Geneva Lake’s south shore.
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www.abbeysprings.org
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262.275.6113
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