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DESIGNING MEMORIES BRIDAL MAGAZINE | 1

2 | DESIGNING MEMORIES BRIDAL MAGAZINE

Welcome to the first annual issue of the Designing Memories Bridal Magazine. Designing Memories is a local wedding planning businessbased in Berks County serving all ofPennsylvania. My team and I havebeen helping relieve the stress of couples planning their weddings forfive years now. So many weddingdreams have been made a reality!

Throughout the years we have gained a wealth of knowl-edge to share with our brides. Our annual magazine isunique because it is filled with advice, trend alerts, and ideas given by local professional wedding vendors instead of just paid writers. Our goal is to give brides a free resourceto help them create the wedding of their dreams and find fabulous vendors in their local area! I truly hope you enjoythe Designing Memories Bridal Magazine!

A deep and grateful thank you goes out to everyone whomade this Bridal Magazine possible!

Warm Wishes,

Stephanie EngleOwner and Publisher

WelcomePUBLISHERStephanie Engle

EDITORStacie Yocum

CREATIVE DIRECTORGRAPHIC DESIGN AND LAYOUTMelinda Evans

WEBSITEBrian Evanswww.dmweddings.com

ON THE COVERPhotography: Kelly Long PhotographyGown: Special Moments Bridal ShopHair and Makeup: Erin Wadsworth ofCatarina’s Hair DesignsVenue: Holiday Inn of MorgantownModels: Sarah Darte & Michael AmditisProp Rentals: Short Term MemoriesAccessories: Smitten Handmade Designs

Designing Memories Bridal Magazineis published annually by Designing MemoriesWomelsdorf, PA www.dmweddings.com(570) 691-7740

Reproductions of any photography, artwork or copy prepared by DesigningMemories Bridal Magazine is strictly prohib-ited without prior written permission of thePublisher. The advertisers and publisher arenot responsible or liable for misinformation,misprints, or typographical errors.

WELCOME TO THE FIRST ISSUE OFDESIGNING MEMORIES BRIDAL MAGAZINE

For advertising information or questions about editorial and photography submissions, visit ourwebsite at www.dmweddings.com

Know someone getting married? Send a FREE copy ofthe Designing Memories Bridal Magazine.

Email [email protected]

Visit www.dmweddings.blogspot.comfor even more information and fun

wedding ideas!


Contents

4 CAKE TALKLisa Stoudt of Candy and Confections talks aboutwedding cakes

5 THE BEST DRESSED BRIDETop dress shopping tips from local bridal boutique,Special Moments

Q&ARemember When Video’s Frank Fabrizio answersquestions about his business

6 STORYBOOK INVITATIONSA look at unique wedding ideas from DesigningMemories and Designs by Me

GET THE DESIGNER TOUCHCustom designs for your special day based onyour wedding dreams and budget

7 DELICIOUS DESSERT IDEASAlternative dessert ideas for couples on the hunt for a tasty treat

8 BRIDESMAIDS GIFTSPIRATIONFun gift ideas to thank your loyal ladies

9 YOUR COMPLETE SOURCE FORLOCAL WEDDING VENDORSA look at www.berkscountyweddings.com and all it has to offer

12 THE WEDDING BANDTop tips for picking your perfect wedding band

14 BACHELORETTES AND BRIDESMAIDSSome advice from Designing Memories' weddingplanners on planning your bachelorette party andpicking out bridesmaids dresses

15 MAKE IT LEGALA guide to obtaining a marriage license and changing your name after the big day

16 WEDDING TREND WATCHSee what's hot right now in the wedding world

18 EAT, DRINK, AND BE MARRIEDSome specialty drink inspiration

19 WEDDING DAY BEAUTY TIPSTop beauty tips for every bride from Erin of Catarina's Hair Designs

20 TRAVEL TIPSLearn how to make the trip smooth for out of town wedding guests and how to make your own honeymoon planning a breeze

Page 7 Page 18

Do you want to be featured onthe Designing Memories Blog?Submit your wedding photos [email protected] and oureditors will consider them for a potential feature.


ASK THE EXPERTS

“Cake is like fashion…a bakermust be versatile and stay educated to keep up withthe trends and what peoplewant to stay relevant.”

– Lisa Stoudt

How far in advance do I need to order my wedding cake?Ordering six months prior to your wedding is ideal. This willguarantee you the availability of your favorite baker, time foryour tasting and design appoint-ments, and will allow your bakerplenty of time to prepare.

Do you have any suggestions or advice on using real flowerson my cake?Be sure to put your cake bakerand florist in touch with eachother. Bakers often want to knowdetails about the type of flowersbeing provided and the flowerdelivery times. This will help themplan for the delivery and set upof your cake.

What is the purpose of a groom’scake and do I need one?You do not need to order agroom’s cake. The bride canorder one as a surprise to bepresented during the receptionor rehearsal dinner to honor himand make him feel important.

A couple may also order agroom’s cake as a way for thegroom to put his touch on thereception. It is common to getthe groom’s cake in unique flavor combinations or his favorite flavors.

What is your advice in regards to kitchen cakes?Lisa advises against kitchencakes. Kitchen cakes are thesheet cakes that are cut upwhile the cake on display is justa dummy cake. The baker stillhas to charge for the cake theybake per slice and the assemblyand decorating of the time in-tensive display cake so it trulydoes not save you much money.

What is your advice for couplesordering a cake?Hire a professional. You may payless for a ‘fly by night operation’but you likely won’t get the security of knowing your cake is being made by someone licensed and holding Servsafestandards in their kitchen.

Lisa’s cakes are all completely decorated and handmade from scratch by Lisa herself, so when you meet withher you are meeting with the person creating your cake. New challenges and ideas are always welcome in herkitchen! She is a member of ICES and recently took a sugar art class at the Lancaster Art Institute to learn newsugar lace and gem making techniques. Lisa has a true passion for baking and making couples happy!

Lisa Stoudt ofCandy and Confections

Talks Cake Cake designed by: Lisa Stoudt of Candy and Confectionswww.candyandconfections.org

Cakes andmetallics are

a matchmade in

wedding-heaven. If

you want toadd a little

glamour to your

wedding, this is the style to

choose.


How long have you been filming weddings?Since 1988 – 26 yearsHow long are you on site for the wedding and reception?I arrive prior to the ceremony andstay until the last dance at the re-ception. How many weddings do you shoot in one weekend?I shoot just one wedding per day.Your wedding is too special to share.Do you visit the venue prior to my wedding day?I always attend rehearsal to get a feel for the location.Do you mic us for our wedding ceremony?Yes, we mic the groom, podium and organist/soloist (if you have them).What choices do I make for my wedding day video? You may request your own music for certain segments of the video.How many copies of the video will I receive? Is there a separate charge?You will receive three copies of yourwedding day video. There is no separate charge.Do you offer any extras, special features or additional services?I have a photo booth available to rent.

Remember When Video: Frank FabrizioSee ad on page 10.www.rememberwhenvideo.net

Remember When Video’s

Frank Fabrizioanswers questions about

his business

Hand rolledflowers madeby Designing

Memories

Photograph: Fetterman Photography – See ad on page 11.Hair and Makeup: Styles UndergroundGown and Accessories: Special Moments – See ad on page 19.Models: Karen Sanchez

Special Moments advice on howto be the Best Dressed Bride

Photography: Kelly Long Photography – See ad on page 13.Hair and Makeup: Erin Wadsworth of Catarina’s Hair DesignsGown: Special Moments – See ad on page 19.www.specialmomentsbridalshop.netModels: Sarah Darte, Michael AmditisVenue/Canopy: Holiday Inn of Morgantown – See ad on page 21.

Order yourcustom canopyfrom Designing

Memories

• Shop at least ninemonths to-one year outfrom your wedding day.

• Limit the people youbring with you tochoose your weddinggown.

• Don't buy online! Youhave no control overwhat you will be receiv-ing and may not beable to return it.

• Keep an open mind andtry different styles. Astyle you never thoughtwould work may just beyour dream dress!

• Sizing is completely different than every-day sizes. Be preparedto choose a larger sizethan you normally wear.Remember, it is only anumber.

• Ask what the averageprice for alterations, storage, and pressingwill be.

• Set a solid budget.Do not try on weddinggowns that are out ofyour budget.

• Always make an appointment so youhave a bridal sales consultant available to you.


Get theDesigner Touch

Looking to add a uniquetouch to your wedding?Check out this StorybookInvitations.

Photography: (Bottom left) Fetterman Photography; (Top center) Kelly Long PhotographyChair covers: Visit Fancy Seats at www.fancyseatweddings.comTable Designs: Designing Memories – See ad on page 2. www.dmweddings.com

Designing Memories specializesin custom wedding design. Wecreate custom designs for yourspecial day based on yourwedding dreams and budget.

DesigningMemories now

offers all-inclusive Designer Packages!

Add a personal photo.

Slip your RSVP cardsinto a pocket in theback.

Customize the bandand cover to match your wedding colors and theme.

StorybookINVITATIONS

Eight pages give space to tell the story of how you met,add a photo, gather togetherwedding events, accommoda-tions, love quotes, and more.The RSVP pocket in the back isespecially nice. Print in onecolor or embellish with a sec-ond. The paper cover can becustomized to any color or pat-tern to match your wedding.

Invitation: Designs by Me –See ad on page 21.

Nowexclusivelyoffered by Designing Memories

Add your story of how you met.

THE DESIGNING MEMORIES TOUCH


These delectable dessert ideasoffer charming alternatives to a

traditional wedding cake.

Delectable Dessert BarYou may feel like a grown-up, but thatdoesn’t mean you aren’t still a kid atheart. Set up a dessert bar complete with cookies, brownies, and more childhood favorites.

Yummy Cake PopsJump in on the POP-ular cake pop trend.This is a fantastic low budget option foryour upcoming wedding! Cake pops arean easy dessert to eat and so yummy, notto mention you can do literally any design.

Scrumptious CupcakesCupcakes are a fun alternative to weddingcake. Plus they have a real advantagewhen it comes to picky eaters: You can mix and match a wide variety of flavors so that there’s something for everyone.

DeliciousDessert Ideas

Bridesmaids

Giftspirations


Thank your bridal party for all oftheir hard work and dedication by showering them with creativebridesmaids gifts.

Here is some giftspiration!

• Stop by Sunshine Blue Skies to getyour unique, one-of-a-kind gifts forweddings, showers, bridal parties &all your gift giving occasions.See ad below for more information.

• Wedding day hair, nails, and make up

• Ladies’ spa day

• Wedding day (or bacheloretteparty) emergency kit

• Personalized photo or scrapbook

• Personalized gifts (robes, bags,tees, mugs, silk pajamas, etc)

• A gift certificate to her favoriteshop or restaurant


Your Complete Source forLocal Wedding Vendors

What is your personal favorite part of the website?BerksCountyWeddings.combegan as an effort to bring to-gether the local bridal industryinto one wedding website directory totally focused on our local region. Our blog hasbecome my favorite part of the website because it is a constantly growing resource for information on wedding planning and trends.

What will brides find onBerksCountyWeddings.com?It is all about local weddingplanning. Brides can find infor-mation about bridal events, links to resources for marriage licenses as well as churches andwedding officiants. There is awealth of information on ourblog coupled with an extensivedirectory of wedding vendors.Each vendor who elects to feature their business has acomplete listing which includesmultiple images and/or video,links to their social media andwebsite, and contact informa-tion. It's an online resource to-tally focused on local weddingbusinesses.

Why should they visit BerksCountyWeddings.com?Anyone involved in weddingplanning should utilize the benefits that BerksCountyWeddings.com

offers. Unlike huge nationalwedding websites that havethousands of wedding vendorsclamoring for attention,BerksCountyWeddings.com only offers wedding vendorswho live and work in your community. You will not be distracted by vendors in NewJersey or Philadelphia trying to flash ads in front of you.Many of these local vendors are comparable to vendorsfrom the big metro areas butpriced for local service.

Are there any special featuresyou would like brides to knowabout?On BerksCountyWeddings.comwe've made it easy to contactmultiple vendors in one cate-gory through just one inquiry.Simply pick the vendor you're interested in, complete theemail contact form, then check off any additional vendors who should receive the inquiry as well.

What is the best event in the area for brides to attend?

The Berks Bridal Expo is a fabu-lous show filled with fashionshows, taste testing, and ofcourse vendors! The Berks BridalExpo brings together many ofthe area's premier weddingvendors early in the year on the second Sunday in January.Often brides will miss out on

booking their favorite and thebest vendors because theydon’t get to them soon enough.Brides should take full advan-tage of this first major bridalevent in Berks County by book-ing their wedding vendors atthis show.

www.berkscountyweddings.com brings together the area's premierwedding vendors in one location.

INTERVIEW with Dave Kennedy, originator of www.BerksCountyWeddings.com

Bridal ExpoJan. 11, 2015

12:00-4:00 p.m.Reading Country

Club

5311 Perkiomen Ave. • (Rt. 422), Exeter

Photography: Fetterman PhotographyCenterpiece: Designing Memories

See ad on page 11.www.BerksCountyWeddings.com

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1. Look for a band that plays or even specializesin the style of music you like. This will make iteasier for you to come up with music selectionsthat everyone will be comfortable with, be excited about, and enjoy.

2. Listen to a sound clip, youtube video, dvd, or attend a live gig the band you like is performing.No one wants to be surprised on their weddingday with bad music so be sure the band youare interested in sounds like music to your ears!

3. Hire a professional with references and experi-ence playing at weddings. Professionals willknow how typical wedding day timeline shouldbe flowing and if a problem should arise theyalso know how to compensate so that no guestknows there was ever an issue. References aregreat because you will get first hand storiesfrom those whom have enjoyed their experi-ence with the band playing at their own event.

4. The band you hire should be willing to learn yourrequests for songs that are special to you.Withenough notice to learn something new to addto their repertoire and a bit of hard work, agood band should be able to learn a song request that holds importance to you.

5. Review details of your wedding day at yourvenue with the band you are interested in beforemaking the commitment to hire them. Reviewingdetails will allow the band to understand what exactly you are requesting and how you would like things to flow. Also, this will show you how prepared and willing the band will be to go the extra mile to make your wedding day special.

Five Things to Consider When Hiring a Wedding Band!The Wedding Band

The Craig Satchell Experience www.CraigSatchell.com

Craig Satchell from The Craig Satchell Experience providedthe expert informationfor this article.


“Do my bridesmaids need to wear thesame dress? I want my bridesmaids tolook like they are part of the same wedding party but don’t care if they are identical. Can I change things up a little?”

In one word: Yes.

For most people, ‘traditional’ is a thingof the past. It is traditional for yourbridesmaids to be identical but latelywe have been seeing brides mixing itup with their ladies and we love it! Themost important thing to remember isnot to get too loose with the choicesso you guarantee a clean, cohesivelook for that walk down the aisle. Hereis a list of our favorite ways to mix it up and keep you on track for the perfect look...

The Last Fling Before the RingCheck out our top 10 list of bachelorette party ideas below! Share your bachelorette party photos and ideas with us by using #DMBride on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!

1. Pin-Up Photo Party2. Wine Tasting Tour3. Spa Day4. Dinner Theater Experience5. Cooking Class

6. Mary Kay Party* 7. Comedy Club8. Hawaiian Luau9. Victorian Style Tea Party10. Camping

Expert advice from theDesigning Memories wedding planners.

* Contact Stacie Yocum at [email protected] to schedule your Mary Kay party.

THAT IS THE QUESTION

Same dress with different shoes!

Different dress in the same color.

Same dress in different colors.

To Match orNot to Match

Photography: (Top & Center) Fetterman Photography – See ad on page 11. • (Bottom) Kelly Long Photography – See ad on page 13.Gown and Accessories: Special Moments – See ad on page 13.

Models: (Top) NicoletteHeffner; (Center) SarahDarte, Mireya Sandoval-Haro, Ava Lins, Keri Brooks; (Bottom) Keri Brooks


There is a 3 day waiting period in Pennsylvania. This means your marriage license is valid starting 3 days after you apply. You must get married within 60 days of applying.

Make it Legal

WHAT YOU WILL NEED:

WHAT TO DO:

WHEN TO APPLY:

Photo copies of any of the above items are not accepted.

SocialSecurityNumber

Current Driver’sLicense, State ID,or Military ID Card

Official MarriageDissolution Paperwork(if you have gotten a divorce)

Cash (some counties will onlyaccept cash and dollaramounts vary from $30 to $85)

Bring all of the above mentioned items to your local Court House. You will be going to the Clerk of Orphans’ Court/Register of Wills Office. Both you and your fiancé must be present! For more information, visit www.usmarriagelaws.com

HOW TO GET A MARRIAGE LICENSE

HOW TO CHANGE YOUR NAMEWHAT YOU WILL NEED:

WHAT TO DO: OTHER ITEMS TO CHANGEYOUR NAME ONAFTER YOU HAVE OFFICIALLYCHANGED YOUR NAME

Bring all of the above mentioned items and your completed SS-5 form (printable version can be found on the social security website) to your local Social Security office. The clerk will create a new social security card for you which will officially change your name. Don’t forget to change your driver’s license at the DMV before attempting to change your name on other important documents.

For more information, visit www.usmarriagelaws.com

• Passport

• Bills (Home, Car, Insurance, etc.)

• Post Office Listing

• Vehicle Registration

• Voter Registration

Photo copies of any of the above items are not accepted.

SocialSecurityCard

Current Driver’sLicense, State ID,or Military ID Card

Passport or BirthCertificate

New Social Security Card Application(SS-5 form)

CertifiedMarriageCertificate

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Have fun with this trend by wearingshoes that not only look good withyour dress, but show off your personalstyle, wedding colors, or your fiance’sfavorite color. Using your shoes asyour something blue is also trendingright now.

Wedding Trend Watch

Make a Statement with Colorful Shoes

Eight reasons to love being a bride this seasonYour essential inspiration guide starts here.

Photography: Fetterman Photography. See ad on page 11.Venue: Stoudts • Hair and Makeup: Styles UndergroundGown and Accessories: Special Moments – See ad on page 13.Model: Keri Brooks

Lots of couples are not justentertaining their guestswith food, drinks, and musicanymore. Light up dancefloors and photo booths are definitely becomingpopular items.

Interactive Entertainment

Photography:Fetterman PhotographySee ad on page 11.

Prop Rentals: Short Term MemoriesSee ad on page 11.www.ShortTermMemoriesllc.com

Venue: Stoudts

Vintage ChicComplete your vintage chic wedding by adding a self-serve drink station withsweet treats. This is great to add a special touch toyour cocktail hour.

Interactive Dance Floor: Rhythm System – See ad on inside front cover.www.LightUpFloor.com

Photo Booth: Remember When VideoSee ad on page 10.www.rememberwhenvideo.net

A Touch of Glamour

Custom Made Jewelry:Smitten Handmade DesignsSee ad on page 21.

Photography: Kelly Long Photography – See ad on page 13.

Hair and Makeup: Erin Wadsworthof Catarina’s Hair Designs

Make a statement with boldjewelry pieces. Look for some-thing with classic beauty anda touch of glamour.


Love it or Hate it…they seemto be here to stay for anotherseason. This classic little jar is popping up at weddings all over.

Wedding Trend Watch

Candy Buffets are remaining on the Trending Radar. Coupleslove them because they are easy to set up and fun to person-alize. Guests love them because they can choose the favorthey get to take home. It brings us back to being a kid in acandy store again!

Love is Sweet

Photography:Fetterman PhotographySee ad on page 11.

Prop Rentals: Short Term MemoriesSee ad on page 11.www.ShortTermMemoriesllc.com

Up-Lighting is popular and here to stay. Add your weddingcolor to venue walls and architectural features to make yourwedding come alive with romantic ambience.

Get the Glow

The Mason Jar!

Chalkboard CakesThis style of cake design is be-coming a popular request,especially for vintage & rusticstyle weddings.

www.lmcakeco.com/au/Rent your uplighting from To-Shea Sound – See ad on page 13.www.tosheasound.com


Signature drinks are an exciting way to personalize your wedding. They can be usedto add flair to your open bar or enhance your beer and wine bar. Talk to your venueor bartender to discuss options for your celebration’s concoctions. Below, we haveprovided inspiration created by Designing Memories with the help of The Village Haus at Stroudsburg Village to get your started. Cheers!

Raise a glass to these delicious drinks that wouldmake any event a success.

Glow & SparkleGrapefruit Juice

Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice (1 slice)

Fresh Lemon Juice

Brut Champagne

Blushing BridePink Lemonade

Vanilla Vodka

Use a twist of lemon inthe cocktail and a slice of lemon on the sidefor garnish

Sweet on YouCrushed Ice

Coconut Rum

Peach Nectar

Orange Liqueur

White Cranberry Juice

Photography:Fetterman Photography

Use

Sparking

Cider for a

Non-Alcoholic

Drink


Invest in professional or top notch finishing orsetting powder to help your foundation last allday! When using a great finishing powder theonly makeup that will need touching up will be your lip gloss or lip stick after dinner.

Use dry finish hair spray. Anything too heavyor wet can easily ruin a natural finish. Be sureto spray the hair from a good 8in. away!

When applying lip liner use it to fill in your entirelip, not just on the outside. Cover the liner with alip gloss for a natural look that lasts much longer!Don’t forget to stash away your lip gloss in yourwedding clutch for an after dinner touch up!

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2

3

Wedding DayBeauty Tips

By Erin Wadsworth of Catarina’s Hair Designswww.catarinashairdesigns.com


The Out-of-towners

Confused on howthis works? Don’tworry, many bridesare and below is alist of tips youneed to know tomake it happen.

• Shop around if it’s an option. Each hotel will havedifferent offerings. It is your right to check themall out to secure the best hotel with the most tooffer. Finding the perfect hotel for your guests isas easy as a phone call or email to each ofyour local hotels. Just tell them you are lookingfor information in regards to booking a block of rooms for your wedding and they will leadthe way. It is important to let them know the location and date of your wedding so they can quickly let you know if they are able to accommodate your needs.

• Don’t forget about Friday night. If any of your out-of-town guests will be coming to your rehearsal

or will need to arrive early it will be a great con-venience to have both Friday and Saturdaynight blocked for them.

• A wedding block does not have to cost you anything. There are plenty of hotels that will not charge you and simply close the block 30 days prior to the wedding.

Are you lost in theplethora of options foryour honeymoon? Wehave great news! Thereare people out there who

plan vacations for a living and won’t charge youanything for doing it. A travel agent can help youmake sense of your options and get you the bestdeals available! Contrary to popular belief, atravel agent is generally paid a commission bythe companies they book with and not by you.

Travel Agents are well-trained professionals whocan give you great insider tips and informationon your dream honeymoon destinations or anyother trip you decide to take. Nothing can beatfree, great deals, and often special surprises.

Not only is the service free to you but many travelagents have access to and knowledge of specialdeals. Plus, you may even receive a special sur-prise like a room upgrade or a bottle of wine inyour room from your travel agent during your trip.

Also, don’t forget that these travel professionals are equipped to help you handle any honeymoon emergencies that may arise!Put your mind at ease and don’t worry about how to handle a cancelled flight, room error, or ticket problem. Your travel agent will take care of it all! What a relief!

Free, Great Deals, and Special SurprisesWhat You Need to Know When Booking Your Honeymoon

Travel Agent: Travelista Travel – See ad on page 1 Email: [email protected]

Preparing for a wedding with out-of-town guests?Don’t forget to book a block of hotel rooms!

Ask these questions before booking your hotel block:• How many rooms are you willing to hold and for how long?

• What is the discounted price per night for guests?

• Do you provide a shuttle service?• Is a honeymoon suite provided at a reduced rate or free?

• Am I financially responsible for un-booked rooms?

Reserve a block of rooms with one of these hotels:Ramada Inn of Pottsville – See ad on page 1www.ramada.com/pottsville

Holiday Inn of Morgantown – See ad on page 21www.holidayinn.com/morgantownpa

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