winter 2011

Your FREE REGIONAL Planning Resource

MagazineWinter 2011

TRENDSfor 2011

PlayingHOUSEVilla rentals for ahome-style honeymoon

MONEYandmarriageHow to avoidthe five mostcommonnewlywedmistakes

24LocalCouplesFeatured

invitation

TM

WELLSTRUNGCeremony musicto reflect yourunique style

Over 100AdvertisersInside

Detailed Personal Attention

Elegant Bridal Suite

Picturesque Setting

Opulent Ballroom

Superb Cuisine

Seats 30 -275 Guests

Formal Celebrations

Engagement Parties

Rehearsal Dinners

Bridal Showers

Holiday & Corporate Events

Hudson / Sudbury, MA 01749978.562.0800 x610www.charteroakcc.com

[email protected]

Distinctive Floral DesignsOur staff will professionally service your wedding ceremony.Proudly serving brides from all over the area for more than

20 years! Visit our online wedding showroom atwww.judysvillageflowers.com

508.543.440034 School Street (On Foxboro Common) Foxboro, MA 02035

Judy’sVillage

Flowers

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Our weing day

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AUBURN MALL508.832.9994

Features60 Invitation trends

Standout styles for 2011

Articles26 Post-wedding photo shoots

Scheduling your formal photos mayoffer more flexibility

32 Money and marriageFive common mistakes newlyweds makeand how to avoid them

40 Well strungCeremony music to reflect yourunique style

48 Countdown-to-your-wedding-day dietA healthy and delicious pre-nuptialeating plan, including recipes

Honeymoons87 Hot honeymoons

in the High Desert

91 Playing house:Villa rentals for ahome-style honeymoon

Planning 10166 Wedding timetable

B&G’s guide for what to doand when

68 License to wedWhat you need to know

70 Preparing to planTips on how to get started

72 Changing your name?How to do it

75 Reception 101Questions to ask

76 Flower PowerFinding the right florist

78 Ways to save

80 Videography 101

84 News you can useInfo on local vendors/offerings

Departments10 Letter from the editor

14 Tying the KnotEngaged local couples

18 Nearby NuptialsTara Strand and Daniel Balunis Jr.Shreevani Suvarna and David Fox

Directories95 Function facilities guide

100 Wedding resources guide

BRIDE&GROOM Winter 2011

60

91

Contents

87

TM

40

www.bridegroommag.com BRIDE&GROOM Winter 2011 5

48

You’ve booked the perfect venue, but

how will you dress it? Whether it’s

an outdoor or indoor event, A Perfect

Setting will make your special occasion

a masterpiece.

Rentals include: tables, chairs, linens,

flatware, dishes, glassware, tents, patio

heaters, and hundreds of other special

occasion products. We provide event

planning, delivery, set up and removal.

Let us coordinate the fine details to suit

your next special event.

8 Winter 2011 BRIDE&GROOM www.bridegroommag.com

PublishersRichard E. Chevalier

[email protected]

Germaine A. [email protected]

PresidentRobert R. Chevalier

[email protected]

EditorLisa Dayne

[email protected]

Director of SalesAllen Lederman

[email protected]

Account ExecutivesDavid Parkhurst

[email protected] Fazo

[email protected]

Internet Marketing CoordinatorLyndsay Saulnier

[email protected]

Business ManagerK.C. O’Brien

[email protected]

DesignNancy Davis

ShopTalk Marketing CommunicationsCharlton, MA

[email protected]

Contributing WritersCynthia Allegrezza • Katharine DysonCindy Papish Gerber • Sandra GordonAndrea E. McHugh •Taryn Plumb

BRIDE&GROOMTM Magazineis published in January, May and Septemberand is a trademark of and published by:

334 BostonTurnpike,Shrewsbury, MA 01545

Phone: (508) 770-0092 • (888) 774-3976Fax: (508) 770-0065

www.bridegroommag.comAll content ©2011, CHEVALIER ASSOCIATES, INC.ALL RIGHTS RESERVED PRINTED IN USA

BRIDE&GROOMTM assumes no financial responsibility for errorsin advertisements. No portion of BRIDE&GROOMTM, advertisingor editorial, may be reproduced in whole or in part withoutthe express written permission of the publisher.The information contained in this publication is believed to be

accurate, however the publisher does not guarantee its accuracy.The opinions expressed by others within this publication are notnecessarily those of the publisher or its employees.By accepting advertising neither BRIDE&GROOMTM Magazine

nor Chevalier Associates, Inc. is endorsing or guaranteeing thequality of service or products within those advertisements. Everyeffort is made to ensure that the advertisements come from rep-utable companies, however we cannot take responsibility forhow an advertiser deals with the public.

Magazine

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a

For a customized wedding experience that celebrates your

love…delights your guests…andcreates memories for a lifetime.

Call the Pepper’s wedding experts today!508.393.6844 • PeppersCatering.com

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While classic elegance, attentive service, and wonderful

food surround the guests, the bride is able to relax

knowing that the hotel’s professional wedding consultant

is available to assist in the arrangement and coordination

of all the fine points of the wedding reception.

Grand Ballroom accommodates 50 to 400 Outside Courtyard Tent accommodates up to 300 Magnificent Staircase for Pictures 112 Tastefully Decorated Guestrooms Brand New Bridal Suites Indoor & Outdoor ceremonies on-site

While classic elegance, attentive service, and wonderful

food surround the guests, the bride is able to relax

knowing that the hotel’s professional wedding consultant

is available to assist in the arrangement and coordination

of all the fine points of the wedding reception.

Grand Ballroom accommodates 50 to 400 Outside Courtyard Tent accommodates up to 300 Magnificent Staircase for Pictures 112 Tastefully Decorated Guestrooms Brand New Bridal Suites Indoor & Outdoor ceremonies on-site

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WHETHER IT I S A LAV I SH, FORMAL

affair with a sit-down dinner for several hun-dred or an intimate, private experienceinvolving just the couple and an officiant, awedding is an inspiring and joyous occasion.No matter what the style or type of celebra-tion, whether you’re from Massachusetts oran heir to the British throne, making thatdeclaration of love and commitment toanother person almost always imparts feel-ings of joy, hope and excitement in you andthose around you.

As the international media has been re-porting, England and the world are watchinghow PrinceWilliam and Kate Middleton plantheir wedding in less than a year’s time.Whileyou may not be under the same level ofscrutiny, your nearest and dearest are cer-tainly awaiting your upcoming nuptials withas much anticipation and excitement.To helpyou along, this issue of BRIDE&GROOM™

Magazine features the top trends in invitationstyles for 2011 on page 60, as well as tips onhow to get your ceremony music just righton page 40. Our article on post-weddingphoto shoots on page 26 offers ideas for get-ting those must-have shots of the two of youwithout having to sacrifice time away fromyour guests and reception. And the couplesfeatured in our Nearby Nuptials sectiondemonstrate, once again, how personal youcan be with your wedding plans.

We’re also giving the magazine’sWeb site,and that of The OriginalWedding Expo™, a brandnew look so be sure to check them out.At themagazine’s site you’ll find access to this andpast issues, while at the Expo’s pages you’llfind a list of upcoming bridal shows and beable to purchase your tickets online. Both offercomprehensive lists of wedding professionals.We hope you like the changes and find the siteshelpful with your planning. Best of luck andHappy NewYear!

Lisa DayneEditor

LETTER fromthe EDITOR


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≠underline≠

For a Closer Look At Our Facility, Please Visit Our Website or Schedule a Tour!

Catering Sales Manager-978-602-1933

www.CourtyardFitchburg.com www.CoCoKeyWaterResort.com

Courtyard by Marriott®

Fitchburg

CoCo Key Water Resort &

Central Massachusetts Expo Center

150 Royal Plaza Drive

Fitchburg, Massachusetts 01420

WEDDINGS BY COURTYARDSOPHISTICATED, CONTEMPORARY, ELEGANT...

When it comes to planning your special event, Courtyard by Marriott Fitchburg,

CoCo Key Water Resort & Central Massachusetts Expo Center provide plenty of

possibilities. Nestled in the foothills of Mt. Wachusett with ample space and just the right

amenities, we offer more ways to make your guests' experience exceed the ordinary.

We'll give your guests a warm reception before they attend yours. Want to add a

splashy twist to your Wedding weekend, CoCo Key Water Resort is just down the hall!

OUR CHAUFFEURSFully Licensed

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Serving New England

OUR COMPANYFully Insured

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What The Original Wedding Expo™offers that other shows don’t

Quality. From the moment you enterThe Original Wedding Expo™, youknow you’re in for a treat. Wide aislesmake it easy to navigate among thearea’s premier wedding vendors. Theatmosphere is fun and energetic aswell as professional. With 30 years ofexperience behind them, producerChevalier Associates, Inc. knows whatworks!

Diversity. This Wedding Expooffers an array of specialists in themost categories. A trip to any of thesix Expos offered in 2008/2009means you’ll meet with major vendors(facilities, florists, bakers, bridalshops, DJs/bands, transportation,invitations, etc.) as well as a varietyof specialty exhibitors such as bridalregistries, salons, make-up artists,hair stylists and much more.

Looking for a fun and effective way to find the bestwedding specialists Central New England has to offer?Look no further than The Original Wedding Expo™, the area’s

longest running and most respected bridal show.Offering six shows in five key locations, you’re bound to fill any

and all wedding-planning needs. So if you need to book a receptionfacility, find a photographer, get a hair stylist or select a cake, TheOriginal Wedding Expo™ is where you need to be. Here’s why…

ADVERTOR IAL

What The Original Wedding Expo™offers that other shows don’t

Looking for a fun and effective way to find the bestwedding specialists Central New England has to offer?Look no further than The Original Wedding Expo™, the area’s longestrunning and most respected bridal Expo.Now offering multiple shows in key locations, you’re bound to fill

any and all wedding-planning needs. So, if you need to book areception facility, find a photographer, get a hair stylist or select a cake,The Original Wedding Expo™ is where you need to be. Here’s why…

What The Original Wedding Expo™ offers that other shows don’t.

Quality. From the moment you enterThe Original Wedding Expo™, youknow you’re in for a treat. Wideaisles make it easy to navigateamong the area’s premier weddingvendors. The atmosphere is fun andenergetic as well as professional.With 33 years of experience,producer Chevalier Associates, Inc.knows what works.

Diversity. This Wedding Expo offersan array of specialists in the mostcategories. A trip to any of the Exposoffered in 2011 means you’ll meetwith major vendors (facilities, florists,bakers, bridal shops, DJs/bands,transportation, invitations, etc.) aswell as a variety of specialtyexhibitors such as bridal registries,salons, make-up artists, hair stylistsand much more.

Great prizes. At each Expo, a honey-moon to Aruba is given away to alucky couple. Many vendors may alsooffer additional prizes at their booths,such as transportation and tuxedorentals, gift certificates for floralarrangements and photographypackages, kitchen appliances, cakes,chocolate fountain rentals and more.

Fabulous fashion shows. The hottestgowns, tuxedos and floral designsare presented in classic runway styleat each Wedding Expo. Fashions aregrouped into seasonally themed setsto inspire your own wedding-daylook. The latest trends for moms andthe bridal party (including ring bear-ers and flower girls) are also show-cased in these elegant presentationswhere every seat has a great view.

Interactive displays. Want to try thelatest up ’do? Check out the salonbooths for a complimentary style trial.Interested in a make-up consultation?Have a seat and check out the latestcolors and products. Get on board astretch Escalade or Hummer. Be sureto visit the reception facilities, cater-ers and bakers in attendance, as theywill have samplings of culinarydelights for you to taste.

Men’s Wearhouse and Tux DanceChallenge. So, you think you candance? Hop up on stage and takethe Men’s Wearhouse and Tux DanceChallenge. If the audience agreesthat you’ve got the best moves thenyou and your fiancé(e) will win a coolprize!

Free Parking. All Wedding Expolocations offer complimentary parking.

The Most Trusted Expoin New England

www.paulsrobinsonphotography.com


ADVERTOR IAL


Show times 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Winter 2011Best Western

Royal Plaza Trade CenterMarlborough, MAJanuary 22-23

Spring 2011Twin River Event Center

Lincoln, RIApril 10

Fall 2011Best Western

Royal Plaza Trade CenterMarlborough, MASeptember 18

Sturbridge Host HotelSturbridge, MAOctober 2

Twin River Event CenterLincoln, RI

November 5-6

Buy tickets on-line atwww.originalweddingexpo.com.

Find us on

®

Where to find

Abigail Carman, Katonah, NY, andBrian Bigornia, Hercules, CA

Currently reside in Marlborough, MAWedding Date: June 24, 2011

Pamela Bussiere and Jeff Kallio,Worcester MA

Wedding Date: October 29, 2011

Daisy Gomez andChris Hugenberger, Topsfield MAWedding Date: January 29, 2011

Sarah Gell, Westport, MA, andBlake Swango, Bloomington, ILWedding Date: September 17, 2011

Kaitlyn Stewart and Richard Joyce,Plainville, MA

Wedding Date: January 22, 2011

Sara Ulitsky and Matthew Mattero,Shrewsbury, MA


Tyingthe knot

Local couples set a date!

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Suzanne Bozak, Waltham, MA, andRyan Tildsley, Wilmington, MAWedding Date: May 29, 2011

Nicole Candido and Paul Corbasieco,Westborough, MA


Vanessa Harvey and Peter Demko,Carlisle, MA

Wedding Date: March 5, 2011

Leeanne Chatsawat and Joseph Perry,Auburn, MA

Wedding Date: August 20, 2011

Stephanie Stevens and Rich Nartowt,Worcester, MA


Mary Roux, Auburn, MA, andRobert Crooker, Hillsboro, NHWedding Date: April 14, 2012

Jamie Penny and Josiah Burden,Worcester, MA

Wedding Date: February 19, 2011

Erin E. McElroy and Joseph J. Jeffrey,Northborough, MA

Wedding Date: June 4, 2011

Jennifer Pagan, Worcester, MA, andMarc Hodapp, Westford, MAWedding Date: June 4, 2011

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TYING THE KNOT



Elizabeth Jenkins andAndrew Nilson, Arlington, MAWedding Date: October 23, 2011

Erica O’Neill, Spencer, MA, andMatt McHugh, Petersham, MAWedding Date: June 18, 2011

Caitlin Horman, Marlborough, MA, andJon Hodziewich, Rochester, MAWedding Date: September 4, 2011

Allison Mulcahy and Michael Himmer,Holden, MA

Wedding Date: June 18, 2011

Jill Harvey and Terry Tesak,Shirley, MA

Wedding Date: Feb 10, 2011

Tara Rouillard and Peter Fanning,Worcester, MA

Wedding Date: September 4, 2011

Katerine Kerrigan, Clinton, MA, andJustin Wang, Lexington, MAWedding Date: July 16, 2011

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Announce your engagementin the Spring 2011 issue ofBRIDE&GROOM.Submit your engagement photograph forpotential publication via e-mail to:[email protected]. Photo dimensionsshould be at least 2" wide with a resolution of 300 ppi(pixels per inch). Acceptable formats are: pdf, jpg or tiff.

Deadline is March 4, 2011.

Your Picture Here

TYING THE KNOT

Dias Photography

Zukas Hilltop Barn

Spencer, Massachusetts 508-885-5320 www.zukas.com

Country EleganceInside and Out


How they metDan and Tara have a mutual friend to thankfor their introduction, which took place inSeaside, N.J. Dan was living in New Jersey atthe time while Tara was in Massachusetts.The distance was not a deterrent to theirrelationship.

“We traveled back and forth, which wasa three-hour drive, for more than twoyears,” recall the couple, who said the qual-ity time they spent together on the week-ends made the long journey worth it. “Weprided ourselves on seeing each other everyweekend during that time.” Eventually, Dan,a Yankees fan, moved to Massachusetts tobe closer toTara,who is, of course, a diehardRed Sox fan.

Wedding planningAfter getting engaged during a Caribbeancruise in August 2009, Tara and Dan spentalmost one year planning their nuptial event.Because they had been to many weddings andTara had read a plethora of bridal magazines,they had a good idea of what they did anddidn’t want for their big day.

Since all of their guests would have to travelfor this wedding, the couple chose to tie theknot during the summer on Cape Cod so thatguests would have the opportunity to plan amini-vacation during their visit. “I had vaca-tioned there every summer since I was a childand had taken Dan there when we were dat-ing,” saysTara,who is also a teacher and wouldhave the summer off. “It seemed like the per-fect destination.”

The couple worked together on all of the

major decisions, such as ceremony, recep-tion, music, photography, cake and flowers.For the smaller details,Tara coordinated thosewith help from her parents and matrons ofhonor.Yet when crunch time hit, Dan hap-pily assisted with the last-minute details, suchas putting together centerpieces.

The detailsHues of black and periwinkle were selectedas the color palette. “Black is simple, classyand elegant, and periwinkle, which corre-sponded with our ocean theme, is my favoritecolor,” Tara says. Hydrangeas were used to

decorate the pews in the St. Pius X Churchand the elegant staircase at The Sea View, aswell as the place card, cake and sweethearttables.

Tara and Dan love to travel and have beento many exciting places together, which wasreflected in the table names at their recep-tion. On each table was a vase filled withsand, shells and sea grass, and also featured apicture representing the particular locationfor which the table was named. Favors wereunique to each table’s name: for example, theMaryland table had chocolate crab lollipopsand the Mexico table had bottles of hot sauce.

In addition to the travel theme there wasalso a sand dollar theme. Save-the-date no-tices were magnets, which portrayed the sanddollar and beach theme along with the wed-ding information. Invitationswere hand-madebyTara and donned a silver sand dollar charm.Rehearsal dinner invitations were printed onsand dollar-themed stationery and the wed-ding cake boasted a few white chocolate sanddollars. Place cards included guests’ namesand table locations on tags that were attachedto sand dollars, which were placed standingup in a tray of sand that was made by Tara’sfather. And lastly, each napkin at the recep-tion had a sand dollar placed on it.Tara’s fatherhad also skillfully handmade a lobster trap,which served as the cardholder.

NearbyNuptials

Tara Strand andDaniel Balunis Jr.Cape Cod, MassachusettsJuly 2010


Favorite part of the day“We don’t think we could pick just onefavorite part,” sayTara and Dan. “It was amaz-ing to see all of our planning come togetherso perfectly.We really enjoyed spending time

with each other, as well as our family andfriends.” Their most notable memoriesinclude a crowded dance floor and excep-tional weather. “We were able to take pic-tures at a harbor and at the beach before thereception. Afterward, we took special sunsetpictures on the beach.”

What guests commentedon the mostThe unique table names and favors were a bighit. “People really enjoyed seeing all of theplaces we had been and taking home a uniquefavor from that location. It also served as aconversation starter at the table, and led togreat conversations as we visited everyone.”

Advice“The big day goes by quickly, so take sometime to take in all of the details,” recommendTara and Dan. “Also, if something goeswrong, just go with it. It will all work out forthe best.”

The particularsCeremony: St. Pius X, South Yarmouth

Reception: The Sea View, Dennis Port

Photographer: Sedman Photography,Braintree and North Easton

Cake: Dottie Lovely the Cake Lady,South Yarmouth

Florist: Fancy Flowers, Orleans

Music: DJ Martin Foley, Worcester

Transportation: Kon Limousine,Osterville; White Tie Limousine,Falmouth

Bridal gown: Maggie Sotteropurchased at Pronuptia Bridals,Worcester

Bridesmaids’ dresses: Alfred Sungpurchased at Pronuptia Bridals,Worcester

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Planning their weddingFor Vani and David, who met in the neigh-borhood where they each lived inProvidence, R.I., planning was relativelystraightforward and only took five months.Setting their date, however, was no small taskas they found it was a complex challenge withmany variables. “First, we were happy to picka date that is auspicious for the Hindu calen-dar and corresponded to a holiday that isgood for new beginnings,” say Vani andDavid. “We also negotiated family commit-ments and availability as well as venue andvendor availability. Since we were planningthe wedding on fairly short notice, therewere a number of constraints.”

Once the logistics were in place, the brideand groom did all the planning themselves.“We had an image of a celebration in ourheads, and we were working toward makingthat vision a reality,” they recall.

Event planner, Kerry Lynch, then with

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Radius Restaurant, played an important role.“She provided invaluable help conceptualiz-ing the entire event. She had great ideas aboutthe celebration space, decorations, menu,schedule and how to deliver on our desire tohave a celebration that we would enjoy asmuch as our guests. Kerry’s calm demeanorand attention to details made our wedding anevent to remember.”

The detailsWhileVani and David did not have a particu-lar theme or motif for their wedding, theydid bring a personal touch to the weddingfavors and place cards.Vani found a supplierof “loaded” dice and had their names printedon the winning faces. “We enjoyed watchingpeople opening the favors and rolling the diceto find that ‘Vani & David’ always came up.”In keeping with this slight gambling theme,oversized playing cards were used as tablemarkers and guest names and table numberswere printed on regular-sized blank playingcards.

Favorite part of the day“We loved everything,” exclaim Vani andDavid. “We planned the day as a continuouscelebration that would bring people togetherwith plenty of opportunity for talking andinteracting with each other and, for the mostpart, we succeeded.”

Because their ceremony and reception

were in one venue, there was a seamless tran-sition from pre-wedding mingling to danc-ing and cake. “From the moment our guestsfirst arrived, there was an opportunity fordrinks, food and conversation.We felt thiswas the best way our event could be a suc-cess, and it was.”

What guests commentedon the mostMore than one guest said this was the bestmeal they have had at a wedding and asked fora list of the wines that were served. “Radiusprovided a menu worthy of its executivechef’s credentials. The menu had a broadselection of meat and vegetarian options andincluded desserts that added nouveau-Asianflavors. The sommelier also selected threewines that paired perfectly with the meal.”

AdviceFirst and foremost, this couple wanted toenjoy the celebration with their guests, sothey planned accordingly by setting up a fewguiding principles. “We recognized that it isimpossible to please everyone, so we focusedon our own priorities,”Vani and David recall.“We decided that we wouldn’t spend moneyon things that didn’t matter to us, but also,that we wouldn’t skimp on the things thatdid. Our advice to other couples is to focuson what is truly important to them and tomake those things memorable.”

Shreevani Suvarnaand David Fox

May 2010Boston, Massachusetts


The particularsCeremony and reception, including cake and flowers:

Radius Restaurant, Boston

Photography: DMPJ by Glen Cooper, Somerville

Music: Beat Train Productions, Boston

Bridal gown: Shehnaai Couture & Events, New York

Groom’s attire: Prada suit, Barneys New York

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Newlywed couples, regardless of theirpersonal style, are likely to agreeon one thing about weddings: the

day flies by in an instant. And when hostingfriends and family not seen in what seems likeforever, that dossier of must-take photos caneasily take a back seat.To remedy this, manybrides and grooms are opting to have theirofficial photos taken after the wedding, en-abling them to enjoy their well-planned eventrather than worry about missing their partyand their guests.

Whether it takes place the next day or afterthe honeymoon, a post-nuptial photo shootcan result in a more relaxed couple. True,many are opting to have photos taken beforethe ceremony gets underway, but even withthat option, there may not be enough timeto visit desired sites.

Start with creating a timeline of your wed-ding day.When booking key appointments,such as hair, nails and makeup, be sure to in-clude enough time for transportation. Onceyou see the day’s full plan, you may realizethat your photography session might be bet-ter suited for another day.

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What if your downtown wedding is every-thing you ever dreamed it could be, but youalways envisioned a laid-back photo of youand your new spouse at the ocean’s edge?According to Robert Nunez of ArtisticExpressions Photography in Bellingham,Mass., planning a post-nuptial photo sessionallows a special kind of freedom outside theconfines of the wedding day.

“The nicest thing about it is that you’re notunder the gun,” he says. “You can go out and

take your time, and select any backdrop.”Couples looking to have a post-weddingphoto session can visit the beaches of CapeCod or even pose as far away as picturesqueMartha’s Vineyard, all without time con-straints. “He can rent a tux and you can getanother bouquet or silk flowers,” Nunez sug-gests.The rest is simple.

While every couple, planner and photog-rapher should have a handy back-up plan forphoto locations when Mother Nature does-

n’t cooperate, it doesn’t mean that an al frescolocation has to be lost forever. Ceil Doros ofDoros Photography in Shrewsbury,Mass.,who works alongside her husband Bill, saysthey once worked with a couple who, unfor-tunately, encountered nothing but storms ontheir wedding day, resulting in an indoorshoot. After the event, the couple requestedto have an outdoor photo session.

“We had three hours to work,without hav-ing to rush to get to the reception,” saysDoros. “It was really nice.”

When planning your post-wedding photosession, it’s important to think about the feel-ing you want the photos to convey, as well asthe additional costs that might be incurred.According to Henry Montville of HJMPhotography in Auburn, Mass., couplesthinking about a post-wedding photo shootshould consider additional rental costs for thetuxedo as well as other services. For exam-ple, if you want formal photos that duplicatethe wedding day, you may need to book an-other round of hair and make-up appoint-ments. Less formal images, which may in-clude a softer look (barefoot, no veil, hairdown and your own makeup) might be eas-ier on the purse strings.

If a post-wedding photo session sounds likethe best option to meet your needs and sched-ule, discuss it with your photographer aheadof time.As most offer wedding packages, theymight be able to customize one that includesboth day-of and post-wedding coverage—notto mention other amenities, such as an en-gagement session or the au courant “trash thedress” photo shoot.

Next, think about the locations you’re hop-ing to visit. Most historical and cultural sightshave restricted hours and may not allow pho-tography on certain areas of the property, socall ahead to see what would be available.Also, most of these types of locations—mu-seums, historical estates, libraries and evensome gardens—require a fee or donation thatgoes toward maintaining the site.

With some thoughtful planning and care-ful considerations, a post-wedding photoshoot can potentially relieve a lot of stressand free up time in your wedding dayschedule.

A frequent contributor to BRIDE&GROOM™

Magazine,Andrea McHugh writes from Newport, R.I.


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It has been said that love may move mountains, but money can crumbleeven the strongest marriage. “If you bring bad money habits to a rela-tionship or fail to come up with a plan to merge your financial lives,

you could potentially doom your marriage to money trouble—and end-less arguments,” says Erin Burt, a contributing editor to Kiplinger.com.So whether your walk down the aisle is coming up or you’ve already

gotten hitched, there are financial pitfalls to be aware of as a new couple.Here are five common stumbling blocks to watch out for.

1. Keeping money secretsPreparing for your wedding and honeymoon is certainly important, but sois your financial future.Waiting until after you’ve made the trip down theaisle to discuss your individual financial situations can be a big mistake, andis one many couples make.“If you look at the statistics, 47 percent of couples do not discuss money

before marriage.That’s nearly half,” says Dr. Bonnie EakerWeil, author ofFinancial Infidelity: Seven Steps to Conquering the #1 Relationship Wrecker(©2008, Hudson Street Press).

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Set a date to discuss your goals and expec-tations, and come up with a plan for an ef-fective merger of your financial lives. Youshould also agree that you’re going to dis-close everything about your individual finan-cial situations—both good and bad.“That means ’fessing up about student

loans, credit card and other debts, as well asany major flubs in your past that could affectyour partner,” Dr.Weil says. “When you getmarried, your credit stays separate, but that

does not mean your black marks will notcome up when you want to purchase a homeor a new car together. It is better to get themout in the open now so you can figure outhow to tackle them together.”In fact, some of the most heated arguments

stem from failing to discuss financial back-grounds, expectations and attitudes from thestart. Communication is the key to the sur-vival of any relationship, and baring your fi-nancial soul to your partner is no exception.

2. Living without a budgetHow will you handle daily spending decisionsonce you’re married? One of the first tasksnewlyweds should tackle is creating a budget.This is particularly important if you’ll be liv-ing together for the first time or if youhaven’t shared expenses before, according toCaroline Tiger, author of The Newlywed’sInstruction Manual: Essential Information,TroubleshootingTips and Advice for the FirstYear ofMarriage (©2010, Quirk Books).“After you get married, it’s like a whole

new universe because now you’re sharing alot of expenses, such as housing, utilities andgroceries, that you may have paid for on yourown before,” says Tiger, who suggests listingyour shared monthly expenses and individualexpenses, and then discuss how you’re goingto pay them.“Hopefully, you know how much money

you each spend and on what. If you don’t,then before you get married is a perfect timeto figure it out,” says Scott Palmer, co-authorof First Comes Love,Then Comes Money:A Couple’sGuide to Financial Communication (©2009,HarperOne). “Think through every regularexpense you have andwrite it down.Combinethose totals to see how much you will spendtogether and compare it to your joint income.If it looks like you have some wiggle room,great. If you’ll be spending more than you’reearning, you’ll have some budget decisionsto make.”When itemizing your expenses, identify

those that are fixed, such as rent or a mort-gage, car payments, insurance premiums andstudent-loan payments, and those that areflexible, such as utility and phone bills, gro-ceries, transportation, trips to the ATM andmiscellaneous purchases. “Track your actualspending for a couple of months to see whereyour money really goes,” Palmer suggests.“Building a budget is a great way to set com-mon spending and saving goals, identify prob-lems and work together to fix them.” For ex-ample, one of those saving goals could be tocontribute regularly to savings or invest-ments, as if you were paying a fixed bill eachmonth.Talking about how much you each earn is

also a must, as it will help you plan accord-ingly. “It’s amazing how many people do notreally know howmuch their spouses are paid,”Palmer says.


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This is also an ideal time to discuss howmuch each of you can spend without consult-ing the other.You probably don’t want to dis-cuss every $10 purchase, but you also don’twant to unexpectedly find a new sports carin the driveway, either.“Financial autonomy is a must. If you don’t

have this financial independence, one spousestarts feeling like a parent and other like achild,” says Jean Chatzky, author of numer-ous books on money, including Pay It Down!From Debt to Wealth on $10 a Day (©2004,Portfolio). “That said, it helps to set a limitfor how much you can spend without con-sulting your partner. Maybe $100 at the mallis okay, but a new television is not. Yourthreshold is going to vary based on what youcan afford, but the point is that you agree toalways discuss significant purchases.”

3. Giving one personthe financial reins

Once the honeymoon is over, it’s time to getdown to the nitty gritty of daily finances.Who will be responsible for paying the bills,monitoring the investment portfolio and fil-ing taxes? One person may be more inclinedtoward these tasks, or you may decide toshare the responsibility.“There’s nothing wrong with letting one

person oversee the family finances, as long asboth partners are okay with that decision,”Palmer says. “But that doesn’t mean the otherperson should be excluded.”It’s important for each person to feel in-

volved in the big financial decisions and havean understanding of the day-to-day finances.

No matter how you divide the responsibili-ties, Palmer suggests having a monthly“money date” to discuss the budget, reviewsavings progress and discuss upcoming ex-penses. Make sure each of you knows whereto find all the different account information,includingWeb sites, passwords and bill duedates.This will ensure that you’re both in theloop and that no one is left in the dark aboutyour financial situation.Also, if you choose to combine your fi-

nances after you wed, make sure that majorpurchases and savings accounts are held inboth names so that you each have equal ac-cess and can maintain a credit rating. “You donot want to find out in the event of a divorcethat your name was not actually on the cartitle or savings accounts,” says Palmer.

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your marriage in the red. Student loans, carloans and credit card balances are often theculprits. However many newlyweds make themistake of going too far into debt to pull offthe wedding of their dreams, set up an exot-ic honeymoon or buy brand new furnitureand state-of-the-art appliances for theirhome. Before you dig too deep, determinewhich expenses are necessary and which areworth a splurge, and cultivate a plan to payfor it all before you spend it.

Regardless of how debt was accumulated,if one of you brings it to the marriage, it is aproblem for both of you—whether or notyou combine your finances. However, youshould never officially commingle your debt.Doing so could hurt the other’s credit scoreand make it difficult for one or both of youto get credit later.“There is no substitute for an honest con-

versation about paying off your debt,” saysPalmer. “If you are in debt, tell your partner

about it. Figure out how the two of you willpay it off, how it will impact your financesfor the next few years, and how you can worktogether to manage it. Figuring out your fi-nances involves being honest and real.”Start with the balances that carry the high-

est interest rates and find out what it will taketo pay them off. “Also, consolidating yourown student loans to lock in low rates is agood move,” says Palmer. ”But, don’t mergeyour loans with your spouse’s. The comin-gled debt would be nearly impossible to un-tangle should you ever divorce, and if one ofyou were to default, the other would be leftholding the bag.”

5. Failing to plan for an emergencyOf course, no one likes to think about badthings happening, but in all the excitement ofyour engagement, wedding planning andbeginning your married life together, it’s easyto overlook this important aspect of financialplanning.First, assess your emergency stash of cash.

According to financial experts, every coupleshould have enough money available to coverthree to six months’worth of living expenses.You never know when one of you will lose ajob or have an unexpected medical bill.Then, make sure you have adequate insur-

ance coverage, including health, auto, renterand homeowner. Keep in mind that addingyour spouse to your health insurance may becheaper than maintaining separate plans.Combining your auto insurance coverage willprobably also save you money, and you’llwant make sure your homeowner’s orrenter’s policies will protect your combinedpossessions. If you already have life insur-ance, either privately or through an em-ployer, you may want to change your bene-ficiary information.The bottom line is, with communication,

some financial savvy, common sense and anopen mind, love and money really can mix.Set aside the time now with your fiancé(e) todetermine your financial priorities as a cou-ple so both of you can plan for your futurehopes and dreams.


Magazine, Cynthia Allegrezza is aWorcester-based

freelance writer.


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When footage of a Minnesota coupleboogeying down the aisle with theirbridal party to Chris Brown’s

“Forever” hitYouTube, it became an instant sen-sation.The viral video was even reinterpreted onTV when Jim and Pam of NBC’s “The Office”tied the knot. Needless to say, many soon-to-be-wed couples are likely thinking about their choiceof music for their stroll to the altar. And whileyou certainly don’t have to make your entrancedoing a choreographed number, you do have toselect music that will be meaningful or reflectthe style of the day.

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When planning the music for your cere-mony, take your first cue from the site inwhich it will be held. Houses of worship mayhave specific guidelines or restrictions on thenumber of musicians you can have, the ven-dors you can use and what songs may bedeemed appropriate, so be sure to run anyideas by your ceremony coordinator beforeputting down any deposits. You’ll need toknow a little about the space your musiciansor vendors will be allotted as well. If you are

tying the knot outside, the world is your oys-ter, but the choir loft in that charming NewEngland chapel may not be able to accommo-date a six-piece ensemble.Second, consider who, if anyone, will be es-

corting you down the aisle, as it may affect yourchoice of music or song.When supermodelGisele Bundchen wed New England PatriotsquarterbackTom Brady in 2009, they walkedarm in arm to the simple serenade of a sologuitarist. Massachusetts’ favorite “Desperate

Housewife,” Marcia Cross, decided to walkdown the aisle with both her parents to musicperformed by her sister Ellen, who playedacoustic guitar and sang Paul McCartney’s“Only Love Remains.”Of course, elaborate accompaniments also

make a grand splash.Trumpets, piano, organ,acoustic guitar or a harp are all popular op-tions for ceremony music.You may also con-sider whether or not you’ll need to hire a vo-calist (most churches, synagogues and secularsites should have a list of ceremony musiciansthey can recommend). Even though model/actress Rebecca Romijn walked down theaisle to actor Jerry O’Connell at a private es-tate, she infused a bit of spiritual guidance byhaving a gospel choir do the musical honors.The bride made her way to her betrothed toa chorus of Foreigner’s classic, “I Want toKnowWhat Love Is.”If considering a contemporary tune, look

for songs with inspirational, romantic or sen-timental lyrics, and good rhythm.Though shemakes a living as comedy’s “Queen of Mean,”Lisa Lampanelli,who tied the knot inOctober2010 at a private club in NewYork City, chosethe powerful “I Will” by the Beatles for herwalk down the aisle.With these lyrics, it’snot hard to imagine why:

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One of the more popular songs to com-plement a wedding on or near a beach (orwith a coastal theme) is the version of “Overthe Rainbow” performed by Hawaiian artistIsrael “IZ” Kamakawiwo’ole.This modern in-terpretation of the classic song, which wasfirst made famous by Judy Garland’s record-ing for the movie “TheWizard of Oz,” is ac-companied simply by a ukulele. There aremuch-loved jazz and reggae versions as well.A familiar instrumental can be equally as

powerful during either a religious or secularceremony. Bach’s “Jesu, Joy of Man’sDesiring,” which does have lyrics but is morewidely performed as an instrumental, “AveMaria” and Pachelbel’s “Canon in D” are alluplifting songs that can be woven into differ-ent parts of the ceremony.On average, ceremonies have occasion for

three songs—prelude, processional and re-cessional—to upwards of six and may includesongs played during the parents’ seating, ei-ther as a continued part of the prelude or asubtle transition into a different tune; thewed-ding party entrance, which is usually a sepa-rate processional from the bride’s or is playedat a softer volume; and during the lighting ofa unity candle, the signing of a ketubah, a sandceremony, throughout communion or duringa devotion to the BlessedVirgin Mary. Othercultural celebrations may include rites andtraditions, such as the jumping of the broom,the Lazo, the Arras and more, which may in-vite instrumentals or songs.In most cases, if you’re having your cere-

mony in a church, it’s best to start with thehouse accompanist to secure musicians andvocalists. They may also be able to suggestunconventional musicians, such as bagpipers,who may lead the recessional up the aisle.If you are having your ceremony and re-

ception in one location, your reception en-tertainment, whether a live band or DJ, willoften offer a package that includes ceremonymusic, so be sure to explore that option be-fore booking other musicians. Finally, whilehandpicking a song for each component ofthe ceremony sounds right for some, remem-ber, “Here Comes the Bride” and “TheWedding March” have served many couplesquite well.


Magazine,Andrea McHugh writes from Newport,R.I.

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Celebrate your weddingStone walls and flower gardens surroundyou as you walk down a lush, natural aisleand exchange vows under the shade oftall oak trees. The natural beauty of ourRed Barn Patio nearby will be the back-drop for your cocktail & hors d’oeuvresreception. Your wedding celebration willcontinue under our lighted tent, makingthe Publick House Historic Inn theperfect place for your garden wedding.

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I F YOUR WEDDING DAY I S R IGHT AROUND THE CORNER AND

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NOW, DON’T PAN IC. This mega-healthy, tasty eating plan will helpyou lose one to two pounds a week so you’ll look extra fabulous on yourbig day. This 1500-calorie per day, low fat diet, created by the world-renownedRancho La Puerta Spa inTecate,Mexico, features lots of deli-cious, peak-season fresh fruits and vegetables and enough Mexican flair tokeep your taste buds happy. Best of all, it’s safe and healthy, so you canrepeat it for as many weeks as necessary to get down to your goal weight.Just don’t forget that diet is only one part of the equation. Rancho La

Puerta puts a strong emphasis on exercise as well. Besides eating health-fully, clients hike daily on the spa’s extraordinary desert trails and takeclasses in everything from horseback riding to Pilates to stress reduction.So make sure to hit the gym or get outside for a walk, run or bike ride atleast three days a week while you’re on the diet. Bon appétit!

dietCountdown-to-your-wedding

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Ground Rules1.The calorie counts are roughly the same

for each breakfast, lunch and dinner, so if youdon’t like one of the meals and want to re-place it with one from another day—orwouldlike to repeat a meal two days in a row—that’s fine. Switching one breakfast, lunch ordinner for another won’t affect how muchweight you lose.2.You’ll be eating plenty of food at meals,

plus one afternoon snack. But if you get hun-

gry at other times of the day, feel free to havea piece of fruit.3. Drink as much water, seltzer or herbal

tea as you like, but limit your intake of cof-fee, tea or diet cola to two or three servingsper day.4.Vegetarians can simply omit the meat

from the recipes that call for it and substitutehalf cups of black, pinto, cannelloni or gar-banzo beans instead.

5. For variety during the second week ofthe diet, swap any fruit in the plan for one fromthis list: blueberries, raspberries, papaya,mango, watermelon, honeydew, cantaloupe,apple, orange, grapefruit or banana.Also, varythe bread.Try English muffins, pita pockets,tortillas or 100 percent whole grain rolls.

The Delicious 7-Day Spa DietDAY 1Breakfast1 slice whole wheat bread1 small wedge of honeydew melon1⁄2 cup nonfat yogurtLunchSpicy tuna pita (fill a half of a wholewheat pita pocket with lettuce, tomato,bean sprouts, 2 oz. tuna in water, redonion and celery, 1 tablespoon fat-freemayonnaise and a dash of Tabascosauce)8 oz. skim milkSnack1 oz. string cheese1 apple4 wheat crackersDinnerChicken Enchiladas (see recipe)1 cup tossed green salad with 1 table-

spoon vinaigrette1 cinnamon-baked banana (Sprinkle

1 peeled banana with 1⁄4 teaspoonground cinnamon with 1⁄4 cup orangejuice; bake at 375 degrees for about20 minutes)

DAY 2Breakfast3⁄4 cup bran cereal1⁄2 cup blueberries8 oz. skim milkLunchTurkey sandwich (2 oz. turkey, 1 oz.Swiss cheese, lettuce, tomato and1 tablespoon mustard and/or fat-freemayonnaise on whole wheat bread)1 nectarineSnack3⁄4 cup raisins2 tablespoons sunflower seeds1 cup nonfat yogurt1 medium peach


Dinner4 oz. grilled or broiled sea bass,

flounder or soleTomato & feta salad (1 cup lettuce,sliced tomato, 1⁄2 oz. feta cheese,chopped shallots and 1 teaspooncapers)1⁄2 cup brown rice1⁄2 cup steamed green beans sautéed

with 1 tablespoon sliced almonds1⁄2 cup cherries

DAY 3Breakfast1 low fat bran muffin8 oz. skim milkCantaloupe slicesLunchNiçoise salad (top lettuce with 2 oz.tuna in water, tomato slices and slicedolives and serve with oil and balsamicvinegar dressing)2 breadsticksRed Zinger teaSnack1 orange1⁄4 cup dry-roasted almondsDinnerPasta with Mushrooms (see recipe)1 cup lettuce tossed salad with 1⁄4

medium avocado (sliced), 1⁄2 tomato(sliced) and 2 tablespoons vinaigrettedressing

1⁄2 cup frozen yogurt

DAY 4Breakfast1 Orange Corn Muffin (see recipe)1 tablespoon peanut butter8 oz. skim milkLunchVeggie wrap (fill one whole-wheatenchilada wrapper with 3 oz. low fatMonterey Jack cheese mixed withlettuce and tomato and 1 tablespoonvinaigrette dressing)8 oz. vegetable juiceSnack1 cup nonfat fruit yogurt1 medium peachDinner4 oz. poached salmon or halibut1 cup tossed salad with 1 tablespoon

grated Parmesan cheese


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6 steamed asparagus spears3 small red potatoesMango slices

DAY 5Breakfast6 oz. grapefruit juice1 low fat bran muffin1⁄2 cup strawberries1 cup nonfat yogurtLunch1 cup vegetable soupSpinach salad with chicken or turkey(toss 1 cup fresh spinach, tomato andred onion with 3 oz. grilled or deli chick-en or turkey breast slices and 1 table-spoon raspberry vinaigrette)1 sourdough rollSnackJicama, celery and carrot sticks with2 tablespoons low fat Ranch dipLemon teaDinnerPenne with grilled veggies (toss 1⁄2 cupcooked penne with grilled eggplant,red bell peppers and mushrooms and1 teaspoon sautéed garlic, choppedbasil, 1 tablespoon olive oil and1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese)1 whole-wheat roll1⁄2 cup strawberry sorbet

DAY 6Breakfast8 oz. skim milk3⁄4 cup oatmeal1⁄2 cup fresh fruitLunchTomato slices and 2 oz. low fatmozzarella on baguette with1 tablespoon olive oil8 oz. skim milkSnack1⁄2 cup fresh fruit1⁄2 cup nonfat yogurtDinner4 oz. grilled chicken breast1 cup sautéed vegetables1 whole wheat rollMini Blueberry Cheesecake (see recipe)


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DAY 7Breakfast6 oz. orange juice1 whole egg plus 2 egg whites,

scrambled1 slice whole wheat toast with 1 table-

spoon jamLunchBlack bean salad (mix 1⁄2 cup cooked blackbeans, diced tomato, diced red bell pep-pers, red onion and scallions with 1⁄2 cupdiced papaya, 1 tablespoon olive oil and4 tablespoons vinegar; serve overgreens)1 flour tortillaSnack1 Orange Corn Muffin (see recipe)1 tablespoon peanut butterDinnerShrimp scampi (sauté 6 oz. cleanedshrimp with chopped onion, garlic and3⁄4 cup white wine)1⁄2 cup steamed rice1⁄2 cup steamed broccoli1 pear

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Low Fat Spa SecretsWhat makes the low fat fare atRancho La Puerta taste so sinfullydelicious? Chef Bill Wavrin, author ofThe Rancho La Puerta Cookbook, andthe mastermind behind the plan onthese pages, shares a few of hissecrets.

Get fresh. Wavrin picks vegetablesfrom his garden every day. “As soonas a vegetable is picked, it starts los-ing its flavor and nutritional value,so freshness matters,” he says. Ifyou’ve got a brown thumb, visit yourlocal farmers’ market or find a gro-cery store that sells great produce.

Spice it up. Experiment with no-fatflavor enhancers, such as chili pep-pers, garlic, fresh cilantro and otherherbs, curry, vinegars or a spritz oflime or lemon.

Try tofu and its cousin, tempeh.They’re healthy, tasty, lower-fat sub-stitutes for meat.

Spare the oil. When sauteing, usejust enough olive or canola oil tobarely coat the bottom of the pan.


ou’ve found that one special person. We think you should begin your future in that one special place…Old Sturbridge Village.

Step back in time for a wedding that will be truly timeless, unforgettable, historical —– and all yours.

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Y

THE RECIPESOrange Corn Muffins2 oranges, zested then peeled (reserve

zest)1⁄4 cup honey2 cups all purpose flour1⁄2 cup cornmeal1 tablespoon baking powder1 teaspoon salt1⁄2 cup brown sugar4 egg whites

1 cup buttermilk1⁄2 cup mashed bananaPreheat oven to 400 degrees. Spray muffin tinwith nonstick cooking spray. Cut orangesinto six slices each and remove all seeds.Place a teaspoon of honey into each muffincup; top with an orange slice and set aside.Mix flour, cornmeal, baking powder and saltin a medium bowl and set aside. In anotherbowl, combine sugar, egg whites, buttermilk,bananas and 2 tablespoons zest; mix well.

Fold mixture into the dry ingredients andmix until just combined. Spoon batter intocups about three-fourths full. Bake 15 to 20minutes, until golden. Makes 12 servings.Nutrition information per serving: 170 calories,38 g. carbohydrate, 1 g. fat, 5 g. protein.

ChickenEnchiladas1⁄2 onion, chopped1 red bell pepper, seeded and sliced2 chicken breasts, skinned and cubed6 oz. mushrooms, sliced2 cloves garlic, minced2 tablespoons fresh oregano1⁄4 teaspoon chili flakes1⁄2 cup feta cheese6 corn tortillas, warmedReady-made tomato salsa

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Sauté onion andpepper with the chicken for three minutes ina medium pan that has been lightly sprayedwith nonstick cooking spray. Add the mush-rooms and garlic and cook five minutesmore, or until chicken is cooked through.Remove pan from the stove and fold in

oregano and chili flakes. If necessary, drain ex-cess liquid in a strainer; mixture should bemoist but not toowet,or tortillaswill be soggy.Fold in the feta cheese. Over low heat, warma dry frying pan and heat each tortilla sepa-rately.Transfer tortillas to a plastic bag to keepwarm.Remove them one by one and coat bothsides with salsa. Place 2 tablespoons of thechicken-vegetable mixture on tortilla and rollup carefully. Place enchiladas seam side downin an ovenproof dish lightly sprayed with non-fat cooking spray and cover with a lid or alu-minum foil. Bake for 20 minutes, or until fill-ing is hot and bubbling. Makes six servings.Nutrition information per serving: 160 calories,18 carbohydrate, 4 g. fat, 14 g. protein.

Pasta with Mushrooms1 pound fettucine1⁄2 red onion, sliced1 teaspoon olive oil3 cloves garlic, minced1⁄4 pound porcini or button mushrooms,

washed and dried1 cup low sodium canned vegetable or

chicken stock1⁄2 cup sun dried tomatoes3 tablespoons chopped fresh basilFreshly ground nutmeg


Crystal LakeA place for beautiful beginnings…

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Host your wedding at one of the newest andfinest facilities in Northern R.I.

Built on the shores of beautiful Crystal Lake,the club offers wonderful views of our

golf course & lake.

Tracy Hill - Wedding Coordinator - 401-567-4500 (ext. 14)100 Bronco Highway, Located on Route 102 off of Route 146

Burrillville, Rhode Island • www.crystallakegolfclub.com

Tracy Hill - Wedding Coordinator - 401-567-4500 (ext. 14)100 Bronco Highway, Located on Route 102 off of Route 146

Burrillville, Rhode Island • www.crystallakegolfclub.com


Cook pasta in a large pot of according topackage directions. Meanwhile, in a mediumpan, sauté onion in oil until golden, 3 to 5minutes. Add the garlic and mushrooms andcook for 2 minutes. Add stock and cook 1minute more. Add tomatoes, basil and nut-meg, and cook 1 minute, stirring. Whenpasta is done, drain well and return to pot.Toss sauce with pasta and serve immediately.Makes six servings. Nutrition information perserving: 366 calories, 75 g. carbohydrates, 3 g.fat, 14 g. protein.

Mini Blueberry CheesecakeCrumb crust:1 whole graham cracker, crushed2 tablespoons unsweetened apple juice

Filling:2 tablespoons unsweetened apple juice1⁄4 teaspoon unflavored gelatin1⁄4 cup plain nonfat yogurt2 tablespoons nonfat ricotta cheese2 tablespoons packed brown sugar1⁄2 teaspoon fresh lime juice1⁄4 cup fresh blueberries

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly spray anindividual ramekin with nonstick cookingspray.To make the crust: Put graham-crackercrumbs in a small bowl; add apple juice andstir with a fork until the crumbs are moist butnot sticky. Press crumb mixture onto bottomand sides of ramekin. Bake for approximately15 minutes or until golden. Set on a wirerack to cool completely.To make filling: In a small saucepan, bring

apple juice to a simmer over medium heat.Turn off the heat. Sprinkle gelatin over juiceand stir until gelatin dissolves. In a foodprocessor or blender, combine yogurt, ri-cotta, brown sugar, lime juice and gelatinmixture and process until smooth. Scrape intoa bowl and fold in three-fourths of the blue-berries. Pour into crust and smooth with aspatula. Top with remaining blueberries.Refrigerate for at least two hours before serv-ing. Makes one serving. Nutrition informationper serving: 240 calories, 51 g. carbohydrate,1 g. fat, 9 g. protein.

Sandra Gordon is a journalist specializing in health

and nutrition, and is a frequent contributor to many

national magazines, including Parents,Fitness andPrevention. She is also author of The ReunionDiet, with Lisa Dorfman, RD.

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ECHNICALLY, IT’S THE MOST IMPORTANTaspect of your wedding. Sure, there’s thedress, the floral displays and stylisticflourishes. Not to mention the music, re-ception, food and, most importantly, theceremony. However, no one’s going toknow about any of that—or experienceit, for that matter—without first receiv-ing the invitation.Beyond being an obvious essential, the invitation also

serves to establish the mood and spirit of your big day,beginning with the moment your guests slip it from itsenvelope. “There’s so much inspiration behind the invita-tion; it isn’t just a piece of paper,” says Laura Ching, co-

founder of the online stationery storeWedding Paper Divas.While a classic ivory paper with raised-

relief lettering is always in fashion, invita-tions can be as stylish and personalized asthe couples who choose them. And withso many options and resources availablefor invitation design, the sky’s the limit.

“Brides and grooms today really want to tell a story,” says KerryAmidon, product manager with the West Boylston-basedCheckerboard invitation company. “They want to add theirown personality to their wedding, starting with the invitation.”So what style is right for you? Invitation experts offer a

range of options.

You are cordiallyinvited…

Wedding invitation trends for 2011

b y Ta r y n P l u m b

T

Invitations this page: Checkerboard


T he hue for you

Artistic use of color is a great way to impart a mood or theme.And while coloroptions are vast and varied, the most popular preferences are forever in flux,and are very often influenced by fashion trends or the colors a couple has select-ed for the reception or bridesmaids dresses.For 2011, particularly trendy tones include bright, eye-catching oranges,

purples, teals, limes and navy, according to Amy Grace, customer service man-ager and copywriter for InvitationBox. Amidon, meanwhile, describes agrowing interest in violets, yellows and tinted metallic accents. Ching, for herpart, notes that “yummy” colors such as oasis blue, eggplant and orange sherbetare catching the eyes of some couples. Experimentation is kept in check as cou-ples tend to stick with two or three colors.The creativity often comes with un-expected pairings.However, Ching notes that muted colors, such as taupe, are just as popular.

Herzig has also noticed an interest in a variety of blues, including navy, teal, in-digo and robin’s egg. Accenting those, typically, are shades of plum, raspberry,yellow, mandarin and gold.The latter, although a traditional color, is “still verystrong, and always will be,” Herzig says.

S etting the stage

Karen Herzig, lead wedding designer forWilliam Arthur, a stationery company basedinWest Kennebunk, Maine, recommends designchoices that will inform your guests of the for-mality of your event, be it traditional and blacktie, or laid-back and intimate. For example, ifyou’re planning a rustic, backyard-style wed-ding, Ching suggests an invitation featuring asimple, airy, whimsical or hand-drawn design.Some couples have started to include photos

on their invitations in order to convey their per-sonalities or a feeling of intimacy. Photo selec-tions can range from snuggly portraits to close-ups of clasped hands.To set a romantic mood,Ching suggests utilizing watercolor designs withsoft streaming colors and “elegant”brushstrokes.

Invitations top row:William Arthur

William ArthurInvitation Box Invitation Box


P aper pickings

As for what invitations can be printed on, papers with square or roundcorners are emerging and oversized cards are making a comeback. Infact, Herzig indicates thatWilliamArthur has reintroduced a few prod-ucts it discontinued several years ago.But once-popular paper styles aren’t the only things being recycled.

Overall, there’s increased interest in eco-friendly products.WilliamArthur, for its part, offers bamboo paper and its regular papers aresourced entirely from sustainable forests.Meanwhile, Snail’s Pace, a new wedding line from Indiana-based

Abbey Press, works almost exclusively with 100 percent post-con-sumer waste products and soy-based inks.While they don’t offer wed-ding invitations at this time, their line does offer bridal shower invita-tions, wedding congratulatory cards, scrapbook papers and gift bags.

As far as designs and colorsare concerned, product di-rector and designer AshleyVerkamp says that eco-friendly products “have asmuch flexibility as tradi-tional papers.”But while interest in

going green is increasinglypiqued these days, Gracesays that many couples dostick with tradition by se-lecting a heavy paperstock.

G o ahead… embellish

In addition to an array of colors and color combinations, thereare flourishes such as floral designs and trimmings of feathersand crystals. In terms of floral motifs, once-traditional tulips,roses and hydrangeas have evolved into snaking vines or anarchitectural styling of buds and petals, according to Grace.Embellishments of peacock and ostrich feathers or

Swarovski crystals are also popular, as are ribbons, which addtheir own flair of color and can be customized with names ormotifs. Other style statements include damask backings, lay-ers of different colored paper, gilding, or embossed or beadedborders. “There’s a lot of interest in texture,” says Herzig.

Invitations this page:Wedding Paper Divas


BEFORE YOU BEG IN, CONS IDER YOUR

budget. Costs for invitations can vacillate widely,anywhere from $1 to $7 apiece. “Plan ahead andfigure out what you can afford,” Grace advises.In fact, once you have your date and location

set, start looking at the design possibilities.Amidon suggests sending invitations out aboutthree months in advance, so be sure to purchasethem about a month prior to that.Also, expertsadvise having a friend or two proofread a draftbefore printing.Because today’s weddings often go far beyond

one-day events, determine early on what extrainformation you want to provide to your guests.For instance, additional pieces inserted into theinvitation can alert guests to rehearsal dinners,after parties or morning-after brunches. Mapsand direction cards, a list of nearby accommo-

dations or even itineraries can also be included.But those extra pieces can inevitably create

clutter, so the pocketed invitation has emergedas a dominant trend. According to Herzig,“they’ve grown by leaps and bounds over thelast few years.”Essentially, the invitation features pockets

that keep things neat and tidy. “It creates a beau-tiful presentation for the guests,” says Herzig.“It’s like a gift, an experience, rather than justopening up an envelope.”And don’t forget the save-the-date notice.

While rare just a few years ago, Herzig findsthey’ve become a necessity. Most often, they’reinformal, including pictures of the happy cou-ple on postcards or business cards. Designerssuggest sending them out nine months to oneyear in advance.

–TP

Invitation basics

Taryn Plumb is a freelance writer

based inWorcester, Mass.

Where to find themCheckerboard

West Boylston, Mass.800-735-2475

www.checkernet.com

InvitationBoxCary, N.C.

866-862-7382www.invitationbox.com

Snail’s PaceMeinrad, IN

800-334-1696www.snailspacepaper.com

Wedding Paper Divas866-594-1226

www.weddingpaperdivas.com

William ArthurWest Kennebunk, Maine

866-985-3472www.williamarthur.com

F abulous phrasing

Tradition often reigns supreme in how invita-tions are worded. Grace finds that couples veryoften defer to the standard wedding etiquette oftheir parents announcing the event in a verystraightforward and conventional manner.Still, some soon-to-be-wed couples are get-

ting experimental with their invitation prose.Some examples Checkerboard highlights include:

We invite you to join us as we are married withspirit, laughter and dancing until dawn.

We will begin the life that we’ve dreamed of together with all of you beside us.Our two families invite you with happiness and excitement to come together and cel-

ebrate.“Couples don’t have to have an invitation that says,‘You are cordially invited

to an event on this date,’” says Amidon. “They can be less generic and moretouching.”However you decide to word your invitations, though, Grace emphasizes

that you should convey your information clearly and concisely.When it comes to the actual printing, Herzig often sees the trend of at least

two ink colors being used on the invitation, with the current favorites beingcoral, taupe and celery. Highlight and accent colors appear frequently as domonograms, often emphasized with larger or different colored fonts than therest of the type. Calligraphy has also enjoyed a resurgence in popularity. “It’s really designing withfont these days,” Herzig says.

Ultimately, having such a vast range of options available means your invitation can be a personal,intimate entreaty to the friends and family you want present on your most special day.What betterway to start off your new life together? B&G

Wedding Paper Divas

Invitation Box

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Timeless, unforgettable, unique.So it’s finally your day … make it one you will cherishforever. From an elegant gala to a quaint ceremony,we can accommodate you with a celebration unlike anyother. Get whisked away in our beautiful atrium court-yard, or embrace your love for one another in our vibrantand spacious ballroom. The choice is yours. Make the firstday of the rest of your lives simply … perfect.

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At engagement• Discuss what size/type of wedding you wantkeeping style (formal or casual) and numberof potential guests in mind.

• Determine the budget, and who will be pay-ing for what.

• Book your reception location, making sure itcoordinates with your ceremony (if it is beingheld elsewhere).

• Attend aWedding Expo.

Once the date is set9 – 12 months• Research and interview potential vendors,such as photographers, bands/DJs, caterers(if necessary), bakeries, florists, videog-raphers, transportation, etc. Keep in mindthat many book events a year or more inadvance.

• Decide on any theme/decorative elementsfor your reception.

• Begin shopping for wedding dress and acces-sories (veil, headpiece, shoes, jewelry, under-garments, etc.).

• Renew your passports (if necessary) if yourhoneymoon trip will be outside of the U.S.

• Select wedding party.

6 – 9 months• Go over ceremony details/ideas with officiant.• Order wedding dress and schedule fitting/delivery dates.

• Select and order bridesmaids’, mothers’ andflower girl dresses.

• Have all of your major vendors reserved.• Block off hotel rooms for out-of-town guests.• Decide on any extras for ceremony andreception (i.e., programs, favors, menus,etc.).

• Finalize guest list and obtain updatedaddresses.

• Send save-the-date cards.• Post details on your weddingWeb site.

Planning 101

Weddingtimetable

B&G’s guide forwhat to do and whenThis guide uses a timeframe of12 to 18 months prior to a

wedding date. As your event maybe in less (or more) time, use thisas a handy checklist for what to dofirst (and second, and third…).


Where the Best LookingBridal Parties get their Looks

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turn to page 13.


4 – 6 months• Select and order groom and ushers’ attire.• Select and order invitations.• Hire calligrapher or schedule a printer toaddress invitations.

• Plan honeymoon.• Experiment with hair and makeup styles.• Consider extras: teeth cleanings/bleaching,regular facials, etc.

• Shop for and orderwedding rings.Have themengraved.

2 – 4 months• Order and/or begin tomake favors and otherwedding-day extras.

• Check marriage license requirements(see page 68).

• Plan activities for out-of-town guests.• Purchase gifts for attendants.• Coordinate ceremony and reception musicwith entertainment specialists.

• Finalize guest list.• Shop for lingerie and honeymoon clothes.• Arrange for rehearsal dinner.

6 – 8 weeks• Address and mail invitations.• Start/maintain records of RSVPs and giftsreceived.

• Write and send thank-you notes for giftsreceived before the wedding.

• Schedule final dress fittings and pick-up times.• Get marriage license.• Finalize details of rehearsal dinner.• Purchase all bridal accessories.Break in shoes.

2 – 6 weeks• Confirm ceremony details with officiant.• Discuss and confirm special requests withphotographer.

• Confirm final arrangements with florist, bak-ery, limo service, etc.

• Give wedding-day itinerary to the weddingparty and to necessary vendors.

• Start the seating chart.• Confirm honeymoon arrangements.• Arrange for a hold on yourmail (while you’reaway).

One week• Pick up wedding attire. Last check for fit.• Do a final guest count and submit toreception facility/caterer.

• Pick up tickets for honeymoon.• Confirm final details with vendors, such astime and place of delivery/arrival.

• Check weather report.

Wedding dayHave fun!

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Planning 101Planning 101

License to wedSURE YOU NEED A HALL, A PHOTOG-rapher and some fancy duds… but do notforget the most important must-have itemfor your wedding—your marriage license!

MassachusettsBoth parties must apply for the license to-gether and in person—whether or not youare a resident. Applications are made in theclerk’s office in any city or town in the com-monwealth.Where you apply is where themarriage certificate will be filed.There is a waiting period of three days.This

includes Sundays and holidays, but not the dayupon which the application is submitted.The license is valid for 60 days from the

date you file and can be used in any city ortown in Massachusetts.There is a state fee of $4.00 for the license,

but each town is allowed to set their own feein addition to that. Check with your townclerk’s office for cost information.Applicantsmust be 18 years of age or older.

Some townsmay require proof, such as a birthcertificate.Information specific to same-sex weddings

in Massachusetts can be found at: www.glad.org/rights (click on the Massachusetts link),and www.lawlib.state.ma.us/subject/about/gaymarriage.html.

Rhode IslandIndividuals marrying in Rhode Island mustapply for a marriage license at a city or townclerk’s office. If one party is a resident, theapplication must be made in that party’s townof residence. If neither party is a resident, theapplication must be made in the town wherethe ceremony will take place.Both parties must apply in person and sign

the application in the presence of the city/town clerk or the clerk’s assistant.The costof the license is $24.00.The license is valid for three months after

the issuance date. The marriage must takeplace in the presence of the officiant and twowitnesses age 18 years or older.

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Town/City ClerksHere is information on clerk’s offices insome larger towns in Central Massa-chusetts and Rhode Island. (For thosewith URLs, look for direct links to theclerk’s office, or a department listing). Tofind other offices, check your local phonebook for listings.

AAuubbuurrnn104 Central [email protected]

BBrrooookkffiieelldd6 Central St.508-867-2930 ext. [email protected]

FFiittcchhbbuurrgg718 Main St.978-345-9592www.ci.fitchburg.ma.us/cityclerk.htm

FFrraammiinngghhaamm150 Concord St.,Room 105508-532-5520www.framinghamma.gov

HHoollddeenn1196 Main St.508-829-0265www.townofholden.net

HHooppkkiinnttoonn18 Main St.508-497-9710www.hopkinton.org

LLeeoommiinnsstteerr25 West St., Room 5978-534-7536www.leominster-ma.gov

MMaarrllbboorroouugghh140 Main St.508-460-3775cityclerk@marlborough-

ma.govwww.marlborough-ma.gov

MMiillllbbuurryy127 Elm St.508-865-9110www.millbury-ma.org

NNaattiicckk13 East Central [email protected]

SSttuurrbbrriiddggee308 Main St.508-347-2510www.town.sturbridge.

ma.us

WWoorrcceesstteerr455 Main St., Room [email protected]

BBrriissttooll10 Court St.401-253-7000 ext 3

LLiinnccoollnn100 Old River Rd.401-333-1100www.lincolnri.com/

departments/townclerk.asp

NNeewwppoorrtt43 Broadway401-846-9600 ext 326www.cityofnewport.com/

departments/city-clerk/home.cfm

PPrroovviiddeennccee DDeeppaarrttmmeennttooff VViittaall SSttaattiissttiiccss25 Dorrance St.401-421-7740 ext 701www.providenceri.com/

vital-statistics

CENTRAL MASSACHUSETTS

RHODE ISLAND

Detailed marriage requirements for thestate may be found online at: www.health.ri.gov/records/about/marriagelicenses.

Please note: The requirements and infor-mation listed here are subject to change. Forthe most up-to-date information, contactyour clerk’s office directly. If you’re marry-ing in another state (or having a destinationwedding), be sure to check out the require-ments for that area. Because those require-ments will differ per location, it’s best to takecare of this early in your planning. B&G

Preparingto planNeed some help gettingstarted? Here are afew tips to point youin the right direction.

Begin with a budgetHow much money is available to spend?Whopays for what?Who makes the major spend-ing decisions?

When assessing these issues, make sureeveryone involved is as clear, open, honestand—most importantly—as realistic as pos-sible. The more that’s established and madeclear now will make for easier planning anddecision making later on.

Size things upThe number of expected guests and thedesired type of reception will set the tone forall other planning decisions, so it is importantto get a handle on this early.The preliminaryguest list should consist of the bride’s familyand parents’ friends; the groom’s family andparents’ friends; and the couple’s friends.Since many locations may have requirementsfor the minimum and/or maximum numberof guests, this information will be essentialduring your site search.

Determine the specifications that will setthe style of your party. Large or small? Formalor informal? Evening or daytime? Outside orinside?Winter, spring, summer or fall? Again,this information is a must-have for finding theideal location (at the desired time and price).

Location, location, locationThis mantra is as meaningful for weddings asit is for real estate.Whether your site is a fab-ulous hall or hotel, a beautiful park or yourown backyard, options abound. It all dependsupon the size of your reception and budget.



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Use these sources to find your ideal site: localbridal magazines (like B&G), the Internet andreferences from family/friends.

OrganizationThe best way to keep things running smooth-ly and stress levels manageable is to havesome type of organizational system to sortout your planning information.Whether youuse dedicated file folders, a binder or evenjust a single box, make this the place to keepall wedding-related data. But remember, thiswill only work if you are committed to it.Having a timetable may also help.We’ve pro-vided one for you on p. 66.

HelpYes, it is your wedding but that doesn’t meanyou have to do everything alone. Familymembers and close friends will most likelyvolunteer their services for any wedding-planning task.As a savvy project manager youwill, of course, take them up on it.You mayeven ask them before they ask you! Keep inmind that delegating doesn’t mean compro-mising your vision; it means achieving it withless stress.

The deciding factorSo what really determines the size and scopeof your wedding? For some, cash is king whenit comes to decisions about size and location.For others, a particular artistic or thematicvision may determine the place and cost.

Whatever the driving force, you might findthat you’re addressing the first three taskslisted here simultaneously. Don’t panic:There’s no specific method for making thesedecisions.

Your best bet is to keep a list of what’smost/least important to you. By prioritizing(and, in some cases, re-prioritizing) yourwants and needs, you’ll be more equipped tomake the “tough” choices. B&G

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Changingyour name?TO MAKE OFFICIAL, LEGAL CHANGES

to your name after marriage you’ll need acertified copy of your marriage license. Toobtain one or more, contact the clerk’s officewhere the license was filed for the requiredprocedures. (You will either have to make therequest in person or submit a writtenrequest.A processing fee generally applies.)The following are the likely places you will

want/need to make your name change, andinstructions on what you will need to do.

Social Security NumberTo obtain a new card with your new name,you must complete and submit form SS-5,which can be found online (www.socialsecurity.gov) or at your local Social SecurityOffice. Call 800-772-1213 for more infor-mation or to locate an office near you.Thereis no fee for this service.You will also need toshow proof of your U.S. citizenship or immi-gration status and your identity.

Driver’s LicenseTake your new social security card to a full-service RMV branch office along with a com-

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pleted License and ID Update Form (foundonline at www.mass.gov/rmv/forms) and$25.00.

PassportTraveling with your passport on your hon-eymoon? If so, the name on your ticketsmust match the one on your passport. Sinceyou most likely bought the tickets beforeyour wedding, it’s best to wait until afteryour return to make the change on yourpassport.To make the name change, you must com-

plete the proper amendment form and sub-mit it, along with a certified copy of yourmarriage license, your previous passport andtwo photos, to the National PassportProcessing, P.O. Box 90107, Philadelphia, PA19101-0107. Forms are available online(www.travel.state.gov) or by calling the pub-lic passport agency near you (generally eithera post office or courthouse). Service fees mayapply if your passport is more than one yearfrom the issue date. See their Web site fordetails.

Don’t forget these• Employer (for payroll purposes)• Post office• Credit card companies or any other bills•Voter registration• Any legal documents such as mortgages,leases, insurance policies, etc.

Same-sex marriages and name changesA party in a same-sex marriage in Massa-chusetts can legally change his/her surnamewith the Social SecurityAdministration and onhis/her driver’s license.According to theWebsite for GLAD, the Gay & LesbianAdvocates &Defenders organization (www.glad.org), theU.S. Department of State changed its policylast year regarding recognition of namechanges.“SinceMassachusetts has a statute thatallows the Notice of Intention of Marriage tocreate a legal surname change, the PassportAgency will honor a Massachusetts marriagecertificate for the purpose of changing yourname on your passport.” More informationabout same-sex weddings in Massachusettsand other New England states can be found onthe GLADWeb site. B&G

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InterviewingreceptionfacilitiesTHE CORNER S TONE TO PLANN ING

any wedding is the reception location. Tomake the most of your site visits and inter-views, consider these questions:

1. Do you have any package plans? If so,what do they include?

2. Is there a separate rental fee for the site?

3. Do you have liability insurance?

4. How much of a deposit is required tohold the date?

5. What is your cancellation policy?

6. What is the maximum number of peopleyou can accommodate?The minimum?

7. Is there a minimum charge we must payregardless of the number of people wehave?

8. Is there a kitchen on site?

9. Do you provide catering services?

10. If you do not provide catering services,do you have a list of approved caterers?Can I hire someone that isn’t on the list?

11. Are tables, chairs, china, linens, flatwareand glassware available/included?

12. Are there open/cash bar options?

13. If no bar is available—and you have aliquor license—can I have a bar set up?

14. Will a staff supervisor be available onthat day to oversee my event?

15. How far in advance will you need a headcount? Meal count?

16. When is final payment due?

Stow

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The site of your reception should be asmemorable as your wedding. The

Randall Estate’s distinctive atmosphere and gourmet food create the perfect

setting for your day. Our team of experts have planned thousands ofmemorable

weddings. They will guide you through the planning process and helpmake sure

everything is perfect. If you are planning your wedding, The Randall Estate is a

must-see location. Call today to schedule a tour or reserve your date.

www.stowacres.com – 978-568-1100 ext. 10758 Randall Road – Stow,MA 01775

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17. What size tables do you have? Howmanydo they seat comfortably?

18. Do you offer a variety of floor plans?

19. How long will I have the site? Are thereadditional charges for overtime?

20. Will there be other events or weddingshappening in concurrence with mine?

21. Will there be another party before orafter mine? If so, how will this affect myevent? (i.e.,Will there be any overlap?Will there be time to change over theroom?)

22. Are there any restrictions regarding howlong music can be played? The type ofmusic (live or DJ)?

23. Can I see photos of previous weddingreceptions? Can I see the room set upfor an upcoming wedding?

24. Is there a separate room for the bride/bridal party?

25. How many restrooms are there? Is therea coatroom? Are there attendants foreach? If so, is there a charge?

26. Is there parking? If so, is there a charge?Do you have or can you provide valetservices?

27. Is your facility handicap accessible? B&G

The

FLOWERS



FlowerPowerFLOWERS CAN BE A SIGNIFICANT DECORATIVE

element for your wedding day, depending onhow elaborate you want it to be.To help youfind that fabulous florist, here are a few tips:

1. Know your own style. Sure, you likeflowers…but how do you like them arranged?Are there any particular blooms that strikeyour fancy? Check out bridal magazines,friends wedding photos and the Internet tofind the styles you like most and least.

2. Now that you know your style prefer-ences, what about that of a potential florist?Does it mirror or complement yours? If shefavors modern and cutting edge designs whileyou prefer more Victorian and traditionalstyles, it might not be a good match. Hereare some ways to find out if you will see eyeto eye:• Ask about her artistic philosophies/preferences.What designs does she liketo create and why?

• Ask to see photos of recent weddingwork.

• Ask to see any bouquets/arrangementsin progress when you are at the shop.There is nothing like checking out thereal thing.

• Look around the shop; how it’s decoratedand arranged will give you a good senseof her overall style.

• Show the photos you have collected ofwhat you like.What is the reaction? Ifshe isn’t as excited by the designs as youare, move on to the next designer.

3.Know your budget and be up front aboutit with your florist, as it is as important asyour artistic vision. The cost of your floraldecorations can range from moderate to ex-orbitant, depending on everything from theamount of flowers used, to the types (orchids

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will be infinitelymore costly than carnations),to the size of the bouquets and centerpieces,etc. Knowing your budget will give the floristthe parameters within which she has to work,which will help her to give suggestions onhow to achieve your aesthetic visionreasonably.

4.You should also find out how the floristand her shop handle weddings.Here are somekey questions to ask:• How many weddings do you do eachweek? How many will be done the week-end of my wedding?

• Have you done any weddings at my cer-emony and/or reception site? If so, doyou have any suggestions for the types,colors and sizes of arrangements thatmight work well for my wedding?

• I have a small budget, yet I would like tohave as much color as possible.What sug-gestions do you have for maximizing myoptions?

• Does your price include set up of thecenterpieces (and other arrangements)at the reception site? Does it include dec-oration of my cake? Also, does it includeany transportation of ceremony flowersto reception site? If not, what are theextra charges for these details?

• Do you provide vases, arches, cande-labras, etc. or do I need to provide them?If you do not and I am required to rentthem, can you suggest a rental company?

• May I provide my own vases, arches, can-delabras, etc? If so, how will that affectthe price? B&G

A Special Setting for Your Special Event

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Ways to SaveTHE PLANNING HAS OFFICIALLY BEGUN.You have worked out a preliminary guest listand are taking a hard look at your availablefunds. But are the numbers crunching theway you would like them to?Don’t worry… a terrific wedding can be

had, even on a budget. Here is a list of20 ways you can save in all aspects of yourwedding.

Basics1. Track your expenses regularly to see

how the numbers work with your budget.That way you will know if costs are gettingout of control.

2. Plan far in advance.Time, as they say,is money. So the more time you have, themore money you can save.

3. Get married in the “off season.”Popular times of year are often more expen-sive than others. Look to the months of win-ter and early spring for available dates anddiscounted pricing.

4. Get married during the week.This isa great option for a small, intimate reception.For example, a Thursday night will likely bemore available than a Friday or Saturday—and may offer better rates.

5. Look to your own backyard (or some-one else’s). Whether it is for a ceremonyand/or reception, you know the owner sothere will not be any rental fees!

6. Cut the list.This is probably the tough-est action to take, but reducing your headcount is a sure-fire way to save big.

7. Ask your reception facility or catererwhere you can trim costs. Options such as abeer/wine-only bar or fewer hors d’oeuvres/desserts can yield significant savings.

8. Ask your baker aboutmaking a smallercake to display at the reception and makingsheet cakes to be cut and served.

9. Ask your photographer and videogra-pher about decreasing the amount of cover-age. Important things like the ceremony andformal photos can be covered by the pros;


you can leave the reception shots to yourfriends and family.10. Share your ceremony flowers with an-

other couple marrying the same day in yourhouse of worship.11. Look into using potted plants or dish

gardens as centerpieces. They may end upbeing less expensive that cut flower arrange-ments.12. Costs of live bands can rise due to the

number of musicians. Look to bands that canvary the size of their ensemble.13. If you are using a DJ and all you want

is music, ask about eliminating the extras suchas laser lighting and/or smoke machines, andinquire about limited emcee duties.14. Simplicity is key.Consider doing with-

out little details such as napkins with yournames and wedding date, which can be costlywhen added to the other small details.

Attire15. Borrow a dress. Whether it is your

mother’s altered to suit you or a friend’s gownthat is just your size,working with an already-worn gown can make a substantial impact toyour budget.16. Buy a sample dress. Many bridal sa-

lons will sell, at discounted prices, the sam-ples they have used in the store.17. Check out bridesmaid dresses.

Available in a variety of colors—includingwhite and ivory—this option will cost con-siderably less and will likely be delivered in ashorter time frame.

Details18. Keep postage costs down by limiting

the number of inserts and using a lightweightinvitation paper. Directions can be providedthrough your weddingWeb site.19. Bargain shop for favors. Buy in bulk

wherever possible to save on the per unitcosts.20. Get help from talented family and

friends who are crafty, artistic, musical, etc.It will make your wedding day more personaland fun and save you a few bucks! B&G

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VideographyWHEN SEEKING OUT A VIDEOGRAPHER,you’ll be looking for many of the same qual-ities and elements that you would in a pho-tographer: style, quality of work, quality ofequipment, etc. To help you in your searchfor the “right” videographer, here is a list of25+ questions you should ask.

1. How long have you been documentingweddings?

2. Is this your full-time job?3. How many weddings do you documentin a year?

4. What is your style? Cinematic?Documentary?

5. Do you have references? (Quality, rep-utable experience is key.)

6. Do you belong to any professional or-ganizations? If so, which ones and whatare the criteria to be a member?

7. What size events have you recorded?(This will help determine if they havethe equipment/staff needed to coveryour day.)

8. Will you coordinate with my photogra-pher? Have you worked with him/herbefore?

9. Do you have sample products I can view?If so, may I see raw footage of an event aswell as its final cut? (Look to see if thecamera work is steady, clear and well lit,and if the editing is smooth and seamless.)

10. How many cameras will cover the event?How many people?

11. Will you have backup equipment avail-able on that day?

12. How much time will you need to set upyour equipment?

13. What is your procedure for recordingthe ceremony?Are wireless microphonesavailable? Do you use lighting (and if so,how bright is it)?

14. Do you charge by the hour or by a flatrate?

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15. Do you offer package plans? Do you havea payment schedule?

16. Are the costs of any assistants includedin the price?

17. Is there an additional charge for over-time?

18. What type of camera and editing/sound/lighting equipment do you use(digital or analog)? Is it commercialgrade (high quality)?

19. If the equipment is analog, will I bereceiving the final product on a VHStape? If so, is a DVD version available?

20. Do you do the editing, or do you have astaff that does it? (Are you part of theprocess?)

21. Are special effects used in the final prod-uct? If so, how many? And may I opt tohave those effects left out?

22. If background music is used in the finalproduct, who selects it?

23. If providing a DVD, will the final prod-uct be sectioned into chapters for easiernavigation? If not, is this an option I canrequest/purchase?

24. Is there an additional charge for extracopies?

25. Who keeps the original footage?26. Can I buy the original unedited (raw)

footage?27. What are your criteria for selecting

which “occurrences” to record?28. Do you plan to interview guests during

the reception? (If this is something youdon’t want, let them know.) B&G

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At Buca di Beppo, the enticing aroma of authentic Italian specialties will seduce you, the sweet sounds of Frank Sinatra will serenade you and our staff will positively spoil you. Celebrate your upcoming wedding by holding your rehearsal dinner, shower or bachelorette party at Buca di Beppo.

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FFuullll--sseerrvviiccee fflloorriisstt ooffffeerrss ccuussttoommiizzeedd ddeessiiggnnssJudy’s Village Flowers of Foxborough, Mass.,offers a variety of wedding ceremony décor to suitstyles for indoor and outdoor events, including threeuniquely designed pieces that can be customized. Allfloral rentals include set up and removal. For moreinformation, call 508-543-4400 or send e-mail [email protected].

SSaalloonn nnooww ooffffeerrss pprriivvaattee bbrriiddaall lloouunnggeeSt. Cyr Salon in Worcester, Mass., now offers a private suite forbrides and their bridesmaids in which they can relax as they preparefor the wedding day. The bridal lounge includes a private bath, bal-cony terrace, music, TV and many other amenities.For a complete list of services or to make reservations, visit

www.StCyrSalon.com or call 508-752-2222.

PPhhoottooggrraapphhyy ssttuuddiioo nnoowwooffffeerrss bbrriiddaall rreeggiissttrryyClients of Paul S. Robinson Photography, locat-ed in Uxbridge, Mass., now have the option of reg-istering their photography wedding packages online.Through this bridal registry, family and friends can

purchase gift certificates for thecouple that can be used towardpayment of the photography pack-age. PayPal is accepted, as are cred-it cards by phone or checks bymail. Gift certificates will bemailed within one week of pur-chase. For more information, visit

www.paulsrobinsonphotography.com, call 508-278-5530 or e-mail [email protected].

IIttaalliiaann eeaatteerryy ooppeennss iinn ffoouurr NNeeww EEnnggllaanndd llooccaattiioonnssThis fall, the casual restaurant dining chain Buca di Beppo opened four loca-tions in Massachusetts, including Dedham, Lexington, Shrewsbury andSeekonk. In keeping with the New England setting, the menus at these fourlocations feature several seafood dishes, including lobster ravioli and musselsmarinara, among the traditional Italian fare. For locations, hours of operation,menus, reservations or to place an online order for Buca To Go, visitwww.bucadibeppo.com.

NEWS you canUSE

LLooccaall ccaatteerreerr wwiinnss aawwaarrddCreative Catering of Worcester, Mass., received a “BestBooth” award at the 24th annual New England Business Expo inOct., which was sponsored by the Worcester Regional Chamberof Commerce. Formerly located in Northborough, Mass.,Creative Catering has been serving the Central Massachusettsand Metro West communities for more than 20 years. For moreinformation, visit www.theoriginalcreativecatering.com or call508-873-8093.


FFlloorriisstt ooffffeerrss aa ttaassttee ooff PPaarriissLa Jolie Fleur, located in Worcester, Mass., is a full-service florist that also offers anassortment of French-themed gifts, condiments and linens. For more information or toschedule a free, no-obligation floral consult, call 508-752-2272.

FFoorrmmaallwweeaarr ssppeecciiaalliissttooffffeerrss nneeww ttuuxxeeddooooppttiioonnssB o n a r d i ’ sFormalwear isnow offeringPerry Ellis tuxe-does in charcoalgray in additionto traditionalblack, an optionthat coordinates well with lilacs, plumsand vibrant purples. Navy colored tuxe-dos, a popular option for military-themedweddings, will be available next spring. Topreview these and other men’s fashions,visit www.bonardis.com or call 800-752-4036 to schedule an appointment.

NEWS you canUSE

2011 DATESJanuary 22-23Best Western

Royal Plaza Trade CenterMarlborough, MA

April 10Twin River Event Center

Lincoln, RI

September 18Best Western

Royal Plaza Trade CenterMarlborough, MA

October 2Sturbridge Host Hotel

Sturbridge, MA

November 5-6Twin River Event Center

Lincoln, RI

www.originalweddingexpo.com

TTwwoo aallll--iinncclluussiivveerreessoorrttss ffoorr tthhee pprriiccee ooff oonneeGuests who stay at eitherthe Divi or Tamarijnall-inclusive resorts inAruba can enjoy thefacilities, services andamenities at both prop-erties, including the DiviAruba’s newly renovatedpool deck. For more infor-mation about Divi &Tamarijn Aruba, contactyour travel professional orvisit www.diviaruba.com,www.tamarijnaruba.comor call 500-554-2008.


The 1761 Old Mill offers aunique serene atmosphere that isunsurpassed by most. Get marriedon our grounds listening to ourflowing falls and thenproceed with a delightful dinnerin ourclassicNewEnglandsurround-ings. TheOld Millmakes a perfect setting for yourextraordinary day.

The Old Mill has several diningrooms available for your receptionand incredible photo options foryour lasting memories.

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Hot honeymoonsI F THE GREAT OUTDOORS I S THE IDEAL BACKDROP FORYOUR HONEYMOON, places like Taos and Santa Fe, N.M., and Sedona,Ariz., should be on your short list. There is great beauty in the regions of theAmericanWest’s High Desert, inland areas that boast average elevations of 4,000feet and consist of some spectacular terrain including rivers, rugged rangeland andsemi-arid plateaus.

Tumbleweed, sage and yucca trees (often called Joshua trees) appear across a landscape thatcan seem stark to those of us from the Northeast.Yet this rich environment is alive with morethan 2,500 species of plants and 600 species of birds, and boasts big skies and giant saguarosthat jut out of the desert scrub, silhouetted against the brilliant morning sunrises and eveningsunsets.

Your High Desert honeymoon can be richly enhanced by the spirituality of the NativeAmericans who live there.The regions also offer an array of activities, including hot air bal-looning, white water rafting, horseback riding, mountain biking, jeep tours, nature hikes andgolf.You can choose to explore the incredible outdoors, or you can simply remain at your re-sort to indulge in late mornings with breakfast in bed, spa treatments and lounging by thepool. Here are some properties to consider; all offer High Desert adventures along with gor-geous scenery.

High desertfever

b y K a t h a r i n e D y s o nRancho de los Caballeros

Scottsdale, ArizonaClark Gable and Carole Lombard honey-mooned at the legendary ArizonaBiltmore, the spot where, inspired by thespectacular sunsets, a bartender created thenow famous Tequila Sunrise cocktail. Set on39 acres of gardens and lawns, the ArizonaBiltmore is a full-service resort, with manyplaces to eat and drink, ranging from elegantto casual. The spa is extensive and there areeight pools (the Catalina Pool was MarilynMonroe’s favorite), two golf courses andseven tennis courts.

Romantic Highs: Sip aTequila Sunrise whilerelaxing around the outdoor fire pits; enjoydinner on the patio at Frank &Albert’s restau-rant; relax in the spa; and stroll the grounds,enjoying the statues and gardens.

Sedona, ArizonaIn Sedona, the majestic cliffs of BoyntonCanyon burn fiery red against a cobalt sky.No wonder this oasis inspires the work ofmore than 200 resident artists.Toast your new life together on the ter-

race of your private hacienda at theEnchantment Resort. Casitas are deco-rated in natural colors accented with reds andblues, and your roommay have a lofty beamedceiling, beehive fireplace and deck. On-siteactivities include tennis, the MiiAmo Spa anda pitch ’n putt golf course, while hiking andbiking trails meander along the walls of acanyon to native American ruins and caves.The spectacular canyon landscape is also inview—180 degrees worth—when you dinein theYavapi dining room.

Romantic Highs:Here it’s all about the viewswhile spirituality kicks in with the NativeAmerican program’s Talking Circle,Walk tothe Ruins and MedicineWalk.

For a more intimate Sedona experience,check into El Portal, a 1920’s hacienda withjust 12 unique luxury suites that is steps awayfrom the Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village.Furnishings, many antique, are authentic tothe early 1900s with wonderful NativeAmerican art and weavings, stained glass andcarved wood pieces.Each room is different.The Arts & Crafts

room has a king bed, beehive fireplace andFrench doors that lead to a private courtyard,while the Grand Canyon room has a heavylog beam ceiling, stained glass window en-clave with a king bed and a private patio.

Romantic Highs: King-sized beds, somehandcrafted from juniper, are covered withcashmere blankets and Egyptian cottonsheets; two-person showers; a river-rock fire-place; and gourmet breakfasts served in yourroom or in the dining room or courtyard.

Crossing over a bridge into Garland’sOak Creek Lodge is like an escape into an-

other world. Its 16 log cabins are rustic, butcomfortable with charming porches. Organicfruits and vegetables grown on site are usedin breakfasts and dinners, which are includedin rates starting at $245 per night for two.This is the place to be if you want a peacefulrespite without any fuss, as there aren’t anytelevisions or phones.There is, however, greathiking, fishing in the canyon and scrumptiouseating.

Romantic Highs: Peace and quiet along withyoga in the outdoor pavilion and massages inyour cabin.

Wickenburg, ArizonaRancho de los Caballeros is a historicdude ranch resort on 20,000 acres in theSonoran Desert, about 55 miles northwest ofPhoenix, Ariz. Think cookouts under thestars, horseback riding with a choice ofmounts from a 100-horse corral, and jeeptours through the hills.This is a place where everyone knows your

favorite horse and you can unwind in theirspa with a Desert Oasis Massage or aHohokam massage using oils of juniper, sage,cypress, lavender and cedar wood.You canbunk down in one of the rooms in the his-toric hacienda or in one of the casitas.

Meals, as at most dude ranches, are in-cluded in the rates and feature items likeAchiote-rubbed pork tenderloin and grilledBlack Angus steak. Men will need to wearjackets or western-style vests at dinner forthey are, after all, standing in for the “ca-balleros,” or gentlemen, who explored andsettled these parts.

Romantic Highs: The Maricopa suites areperfect for honeymooners, featuring kingbeds, spa tubs and wet bars.

ArizonaBiltmore

Inn on the Alameda



Sante Fe, New MexicoHigh Desert magic definitely weaves its spellaround Santa Fe. Cactus flowers abound, bril-liant cobalt skies and the blue Sangre deCristo Mountains envelop you, and the RioGrande beckons.There is an incredible variety of art work

ranging from silver and turquoise jewelry tofine pottery and stone animal fetishes of theZuni Native Americans. Keshi, a co-op forZuni arts and crafts, contains a fantastic col-lection of these authentic hand-carvedfetishes.In the midst of one of Santa Fe’s most his-

toric and artistic areas is The Inn on theAlameda, a small Pueblo-style hotel wheretwo-story adobe buildings are arrangedaround garden courtyards for an intimate,private experience.

Each of the 71 rooms and suites are deco-

rated to evoke the Southwest, featuring lightwood cupboards and handmade armoires,hand-woven rugs, decorated tiles, wroughtiron and fabrics in Native American motifsand soft textures.There are private balconiesor patios, Egyptian cotton linens and thickterry robes.

Romantic Highs: Get a crash course in mar-garitas at Maria’s, then, back at the Inn, relaxand fire up the Kiva fireplace in your room.

Taos, New MexicoThe intimate Casa de las Chimeneas(House of the Chimneys), a bed and breakfastin Taos just a few blocks from the heart oftown, is an exceptional small place offeringan oasis for travel-weary visitors. Set behindadobe walls in beautiful High Desert gar-dens, Case de las Chimeneas has its own spa,hot tub and rooms with private courtyardsand fireplaces, plus a beautiful Great Roomfilled with Indian pottery and artifacts. Somerooms have private sitting areas, sunken tubs,skylights and fireplaces; all have colorful col-lections of woven tapestries and bed coversand high beamed ceilings. La Sala de Patronfeatures a massive carved headboard, fire-place and two-person jetted tub.

Romantic Highs: Relaxing in the hot tubunder the night skies; spa showers; privateentrances; couples massages; and incrediblebreakfasts.

As one famous cowboy, JohnWayne, oncesaid, “Tomorrow is the most important thingin life. Comes to us at midnight very clean.It’s perfect when it arrives and it puts itselfin our hands. It hopes we’ve learned some-thing from yesterday.” This happens in theHigh Desert.

Katharine Dyson is a regular contributor to

BRIDE&GROOM™ Magazine.

Where to find themArizona Biltmore:

www.arizonabiltmore.com

Casa de las Chimeneas:www.visittaos.com

Dude Ranch Association:www.duderanch.org

El Portal: www.elportalsedona.com

Enchantment Resort:www.enchantmentresort.com

Garland’s Oak Creek Lodge:www.garlandslodge.com

Inn on the Alameda:www.innonthealameda.com

Rancho de los Caballeros:www.sunc.com

B&G

Rancho de los Caballeros

Contact your travel professional or 1-800-554-2008 207-594-7888www.diviaruba.com [email protected]

Restrictions apply. Facilities and features are subject to change without notice.Additional charges apply for wedding packages and spa treatments.

The ultimate beach, breezy, sunny days. Your Divi Aruba All Inclusive honeymoon getaway

lets you choose from 9 dining options, 7 bars, snorkeling, biking, non-motorized water sports,

live entertainment nightly and more. Plus, all guest rooms are just steps from the sand and pools.

• Guaranteed Oceanview or Beachside accommodationwith patio or balcony and king-size or queen-size bed

• Use of the facilities and features of the adjacentTamarijn Aruba All Inclusive

• Bottle of champagne

• Candlelight dinner

• Remembrance gift

• Wedding packages available

• Free night first anniversary certificate


IMAG INE A SPRAWL ING RETREAT OVERLOOKING THE OCEAN,or your own private swimming pool, surrounded by lush gardens. Exquisitefurnishings, luxurious bathroom facilities and a fully equipped kitchen.A personal staff at your beck and call.A tranquil, romantic haven where youand your spouse can relax in quiet seclusion. Do any of these scenariosfit your vision of the perfect honeymoon? Then you should consider avilla rental.

PLAYINGHOUSE

Have an exotic yet home-stylehoneymoon in a villa or apartment rental

b y C i n d y P a p i s h G e r b e r

Paulina Ulloa

Casa Aventura in PuertoVallarta, Mexico


“Staying in a privately owned lux-ury villa is like living the life of the richand famous,” says Jennifer Lawrence,owner of Casa Bay Villas, aConnecticut-based company specializ-ing in vacation rentals in PuertoVallarta, Mexico. “It’s completely dif-ferent than staying in a hotel. It’s liv-ing in a fantasy.”

Lawrence helped Nicole Markel andBen McMillan of Los Angeles, Calif.,select CasaAventura, a six-bedroom,five-and-a-half bathroom, 7,000-square-foot retreat for their May 2010wedding and honeymoon. “CasaAventura is amazing, with sweepingviews of the ocean, jungles and an in-credible staff,” Nicole raves. “Our im-mediate family stayed at the villa, whilethe rest of our guests stayed nearby.” Acook prepared two sumptuous mealseach day for the honeymooners andguests. And, when anyone wanted tosample the dining and nightlife scene of down-town PuertoVallarta, a concierge arranged fortaxis. “This was our first time renting a villa,”Nicole says. “We don’t think we can ever goback to hotels. It was a far superior experi-ence.”

For the fifth consecutive year, Conde NastTraveler has named Marilyn Pulito, owner ofthe Massachusetts-basedVillas in Paradise,as one of itsVilla Rental Specialists for the is-land of St. Martin. “Privacy is the numberone reason more honeymoon couples are

choosing villa rentals,” says Pulito. “Havingyour own space is a definite advantage.”

For example,Pulito directed Courtney andDamon Sturniolo of Houston, Texas, tochoose Nid d’Amour, for their honeymoonvilla on St. Martin. Damon recalls a roman-tic, two-bedroom villa that provided all thecomforts of home.“It afforded us the freedomto make our own meals,” he says. “We alsohad our own private pool, which meant thatwe always had the best deck chairs and lis-tened to our

own music while relaxing or swim-ming.” Courtney loved it as well. “Thehouse had every imaginable amenity,”she says. “We could see the house,which was built into the side of acliff, from the beach. Unlike a hotel,where even a large suite is barelymore than a room or two, we had thisentire luxury home to ourselves.”

Robyn Shepherd and Alex Droletof Westport, Conn., held theirBarbados wedding and honeymoon atMullins Mill Villa, a converted17th-century sugar mill on a privatebeach surrounded by tropical gar-dens. “This was a once-in-a-lifetimetrip,” Robyn says. “We wanted to bein place that was special for our inti-mate wedding and have a house as avery personal home base.” she says.

The rental agency they used,BajanServices, which specializes inBarbados villa rentals, referred the

couple to wedding planner Malissa Blackman(Weddings by Malissa). “She not only de-signed the most beautiful wedding, but foundthe most unbelievable chefs, maids and gar-deners. We became so spoiled with thislifestyle.”

As this couple no doubt realized quickly,Barbados is a popular location for villa rentals.“There are more than 2,400 villas for rent inBarbados,” says Averil Byer, director of mar-keting for the Barbados Tourism Authority.

“Most are beachfront, or seton golf courses within resortcomplexes or on private es-tates.” Byer also indicatesthat Barbados is known as the“Dining Capital of theCaribbean.” Couples can eatout, hire a chef and evenarrange for their villa to be

stocked with goodies.For Michael and Courtney Kennedy, com-

plete control over their Caribbean honey-moon was a must. After researching severaloptions with WIMCO Private VillaRentals, these Greenwich, Conn., newly-weds choose SIB TOR, a newly built, one-bedroom villa on St. Barts that allowed totalfreedom. “We could eat where we wanted toeat, play where we wanted and had enoughspace to completely enjoy our days,”

Michael and Courtney Kennedy of Greenwich,Conn., spent their honeymoon in St. Barths,BritishVirgin Islands, at the SibTor villa,which was arranged throughWIMCO PrivateVilla Rentals.

Nicole Markel and Ben McMillanarranged their wedding and honey-moon at the villa Casa Aventura inPuertoVallarta,Mexico, throughCasa BayVillas in Stratford, Conn.

Sydnie Kohara


Courtney recalls. The couple awoke eachmorning to a panoramic view of the sur-rounding islands, and at dusk, they “had cock-tail hour on a remote beach,watched the sun-set from our own infinity pool and hopedeach day would last forever.”

Following an August wedding on CapeCod, David Tordi whisked his Boston bride,Daria Huber, back to his native Italy.There,on a private estate just 20 minutes outside ofFlorence, the honeymooners hosted theirclosest family and friends in a celebration oftheir nuptials. As one of the three partnersof Teseotur, a travel agency specializing invilla, home and apartment rentals in centralItaly, David handpicked the Villa il Vignetofor its magnificent setting, skillfully restoredinteriors and easy access to touring theChianti hill towns. Simply put, “We had thebest of both worlds.”

Dr. Lisa Romagnoli and Gonzalo Gioni ofWellesley, Mass., became engaged during atrip to Italy last July. “We rented throughParkerVillas and enjoyed it so much we re-turned for our honeymoon,” says Lisa.

Owner/operator Mario Scalzi takes great

pride in personally choosing every ParkerVilla property. “Our true talent has alwaysbeen the ability to bring each traveler’s dreamof Italy to life,” says Scalzi. HisWeb site pro-vides every possible detail for a villa vacation,including advantages, décor, costs, creaturecomforts and comparisons to hotels. “If youlook at each day as an adventure and find your-self excited with the prospect of being onyour own, a villa is a good bet.”

For their 12-day honeymoon inOctober,Lisaand Gonzalo re-rented their engagement villa,Alabastro, inVolterra, Italy, as well as a sec-ond villa,Albero, on the Italian Riviera. “Wewould recommend this to couples looking toexperience Italy at their own pace,” she says.

Relaxing in a beautiful home away fromhome and savoring your time together is anideal way to spend a honeymoon—whatmorecould newlyweds want?

A freelance writer based in Connecticut,

Cindy Papish Gerber is a frequent contributor to

BRIDE&GROOM™ Magazine.

B&G

Route 20, P.O. Box 510 | Northborough, MA 01532

508.393.3695 | fax: 508.393.0271 | www.whitecliffs.com | E-mail: [email protected]

Wedding Receptions • Rehearsal Dinners • Bridal Showers

Distinguished Corporate & Social Functions

Enter a bygone era of

Victorian Grandeur…

Lisa Romagnoli and Gonzalo Gionienjoyed part of their 12-day Italianhoneymoon at the villa Alabastro in

Volterra,where they had gotten engaged.

Purchase Your Wedding Bands at Sachs Jewelers and

Receive a Complimentary Cruise for 2

($1995 minimum purchase) 4 day / 3 night cruise on the prestigious Norwegian Cruise Line for 2 includes accommodations for two, onboard meals, nightly entertainment, casino gaming, health club. Upgrade options available for an additional fee. Valid for one year. Transportation, port fees, and taxes are not included. Some restrictions apply. See Store for details.

180 Boston Turnpike (Rt. 9 East), Shrewsbury, MA 508-792-2300www.sachsjewelers.com

Function FacilityP L A N N I N G G U I D E

Grouped alphabetically by region:Worcester, West of Worcester, East of Worcester, South of Worcester and North of Worcester

Let Brew City Grill & Brew House plan that special event for you and your guests. Call for specialty catering menus.Contact: Michelle Frieswick.

The perfect marriage of elegance and simplicity. Magnificent Grand Ballroom suited for small and large affairs.Luxurious overnight accommodations, plus unrivaled personal service. Contact: Joan Christo.

Celebrate your wedding surrounded by historic Victorian elegance. Our spacious facilities accommodate intimate gatheringsor grand celebrations. Contact: Sharon Onorato.

Dino’s Restaurant has been serving the finest northern and southern Italian cuisine and variety of American foods for morethan 60 years. Ample parking, handicap accessible. All major credit cards. Contact: Jay Evangelista.

A hidden jewel great for bridal showers, rehearsal dinners and wedding receptions. Buffets, sitdown and family style mealsavailable. Come and see for yourself. Contact: Lee Hanson.

Beautifully appointed, fine dining facility. Ideal for rehearsal dinners, bridal showers and wedding receptions.Contact: George Sakat.

Package Min/Max Number OvernightTypes of Price On-Site Plan Room Ceremony of Events Accommo-

Reception Facility Functions Range Catering Available Capacity Site (Held at one time) dations

WorcesterBeechwood Hotel (Back Cover) E, B, D, W $39+ Yes Yes 250 Max Yes 1 – 2 Yes363 Plantation St., Worcester, MAPh: (508) 453-1112 • Fx: (508) [email protected]

Brew City Grill & Brew House (68) B, D Varies Yes Yes 1/35 No 1 – 2 No104 Shrewsbury St., Worcester, MAPh: (508) 752-3862 • Fx: (508) 890-5094www.Brew-City.com

Dino’s Restaurant (81) E, B, D, W Under $30 Yes Yes 25/60 No 1 No13 Lord St., Worcester, MA 01604Ph: (508) [email protected]

El Basha Restaurant (52) E, B, D, W Under $30 Yes Yes 50/120 No 1 – 2 No256 Park Ave., Worcester, MAPh: (508) 795-0222www.elbasharestaurant.com

Leo’s Ristorante (76) E, B, D, W Under $30 Yes No 25/125 No 1 – 2 No11 Brackett Ct., Worcester, MA 01604Ph: (508) 753-9490 • Fx: (508) [email protected]

Mechanics Hall (31) E, B, D, W Varies Yes Yes 150/425 Yes 1 No321 Main Street, Worcester, MAPh: (508) 752-5608 • Fx: (508) [email protected] • www.mechanicshall.org

Tuckerman Hall (35) E, B, D, W Varies Yes Yes Max 250 Yes 1 No10 Tuckerman St., P.O. Box 20070West Side Station, Worcester, MA 01602-0070Ph: (508) 754-1234 • Fx: (508) 754-5329www.tuckermanhall.org

Worcester Art Museum (103) E, B, D, W Varies Yes No 25/250 Yes 1 No55 Salisbury Street, Worcester, MA 01609Ph: (508) 799-4406 ext. 3077• Fx: (508) [email protected] •www.worcesterart.org


Types of Functions Offered: E - Engagement Parties B - Bridal Showers D - Rehearsal Dinners W - Wedding Receptions

Tuckerman Hall’s dazzling Gilded Age elegance makes it one of the finest facilities in America for weddings and other socialoccasions. Contact: Paul Levenson.

Exquisite spaces amidst 50 centuries of art make your special day a masterpiece. The Museum creates the perfect ambiancefor an exceptional gathering. Contact: Janice Potter.


Renovated historic inn under NEW ownership, serving the finest foods on the beautiful Grafton Common.Let our catering staff make your event one to remember always. Contact: Nancy Jewel.

Make an impression without saying a word. The country club provides a beautiful backdrop forwedding receptions or any other special occasion. Contact: Terri Juliano.

In Boxborough lies a unique location for your extraordinary wedding. A convenient location that offers flexiblewedding packages. Contact: Sales Office.

The Boston Marriott Newton is an exquisite hotel providing flawless planning, outstanding cuisine and unparalleled serv-ice that will elevate your wedding into an unforgettable experience. Contact: Patty Nagle.

Buca di Beppo is an authentic family style Italian restaurant that offers fresh, flavorful Italian dining in a fun, celebratoryatmosphere. Contact: Mandy Cohen.

Experience a wedding of extraordinary elegance when you select Charter Oak Country Club. Our Georgian-style privateclub setting offers an unparalleled level of service and culinary excellence. Contact: Christine Mazri.

We specialize in full service wedding planning, rehearsal dinners, bridal showers etc. Contact us for menus, pricing andother services we provide! Contact: Jennifer Timm.

A newly built, Mediterranean style function hall with its elegantly classic design provides a perfect ambience for any spe-cial occasion. Contact: Gerry Leandres.

Our recently restored Victorian clubhouse features fireplaces, a large oak dance floor, and many windows.Enjoy cocktails on our wrap-around porch and brick patio. Contact: Karen Giles.




East of WorcesterBest Western Royal Plaza Hotel (64) E, B, D, W $30 – 50 Yes Yes 25/700 Yes 2 Yes181 Boston Post Rd. West, Marlboro, MA 01752Ph: (508) 303-1788 • Fx: (508) [email protected]

Boston Marriott Newton (54) E, B, D, W $75 + Yes Yes 10/700 Yes 1 + Yes2345 Commonwealth Ave., Newton, MA 02466Ph: (617) 630-3553 • Fx: (617) [email protected]

Buca di Beppo (82) E, B, D, W $30 – 50 Yes No 0/145 Yes 1 No7 Boston Turnpike, Shrewsbury, MA 01545Ph: (508) 792-1737 • Fx: (508) [email protected] • www.bucadibeppo.com

Charter Oak Country Club (Inside Front Cover) E, B, D, W $40 – 75 Yes Yes 130/275 Yes 1 NoChestnut St., Hudson, MA 01749Ph: (978) [email protected] • www.charteroakcc.com

Doubletree Hotel (34) E, B, D, W $30 – 70 Yes Yes 50/550 Yes 1 or 2 Yes5400 Computer Drive, Westborough, MA 01581Ph: (508) 616-7436 • Fx: (508) 366-3950linde.schwartz@hilton.comwww.bostonwestborough.doubletree.com

Grafton Inn (57) E, B, D, W $20 – 40 Yes Yes 30/150 Yes 1 Yes25 Grafton Common, Grafton, MA 01519Ph: (508) 839-5931 • Fx: (508) [email protected] • www.thegraftoninn.com

Highfields Golf & Country Club (51) E, B, D, W $30 – 50 Yes No 0/220 Yes 1 No42 Magill Drive, Grafton, MA 01519Ph: (508) 839-1945 x222 • (508) [email protected]

Holiday Inn Boxborough (82) E, B, D, W $36 – 70 Yes Yes 2/400 Yes 2 Yes242 Adams Place, Boxborough, MA 01719Ph: (978) 889-1712 • Fx: (978) 266-9429www.boxboroughweddings.com

Il Forno Restaurant & Catering (47) E, B, D, W Under $30 Yes Yes 10/100 No 1 No30 Lyman Street, Westborough, MA 01581Ph: (508) 366-1955 • Fx: (508) 366-7253www.ilfornocatering.com

Riverview (72) E, B, D, W Varies Yes Yes 30/600 Yes 3 No13 Port Street, Hudson, MA 01749Ph: (978) [email protected]• www.riverviewhpc.com

Stow Acres Country Club (74) E, B, D, W $30 – 65 Yes Yes 50/250 Yes 1 No58 Randall Rd., Stow, MA 01775Ph: (978) 568-1100 x107 • Fx: (978) [email protected] • www.stowacres.com

White Cliffs (93) E, B, D, W $30 – 50 Yes No 30/350 Yes - No167 Main St., P.O. Box 510, Northboro, MA 01532Ph: (508) 393-3695 • Fx: (508) [email protected] • www.whitecliffs.com

Be sure to tell these advertisers you saw their ad in BRIDE&GROOM!

Publisher and function facilities assume no responsibility for typographical errors. Prices are subject to change.

Welcoming all couples to experience the Doubletree personalized wedding experience. Customized packages availableincluding complimentary menu tasting, candle centerpieces, white glove service and much more. Contact: Linde Schwartz.

Make all your wedding dreams come true! Our attentive and professional wedding consultantsare inviting you to experience uncompromised service in our enchanting ballroom. Contact: Christine Kelly.

1886 Victorian mansion specializing in elegant wedding receptions, Bar Mitzvahs and prestigious corporate functions.Two beautiful ballrooms available. Ceremony space and flexible hours considered. Contact: Sales Office.


For 90+ people (in Café Room), included in the per-person price are: liner, cake cutting,setup/breakdown charges, and the cost of serving two different meals. Contact: Arnold Villatico, Jr.

The perfect setting for weddings, showers, rehearsal dinners and other events. The Overlook Reception Room is locatedin Charlton, just minutes from Sturbridge and Worcester. Contact: Sales Office.

Authentic 1705 farmhouse, spectacular scenery, complimentary wedding planning,established reputation as one of the finest restaurants in New England. Contact: Donna Bennett.

Sturbridge Host Hotel features beautiful lakeside offerings, indoor garden terrace and elegant ballroom. Personal attentionand delectable cuisine will dazzle you. Contact: Lise Soper.

Massachusetts’ premier wedding and banquet historic mansion —for when it has to be special. Contact: Grace Gugliotti.

The perfect setting for a country wedding. Hilltop views, private location with personal attention to every detail.

Newly built function room seating up to 130 guests. Contact: Lynn Zukas.

An elegant Country Club style facility complete with “Chapel in the Pines,” decorative bridge, countrystone wall locations, and a beautiful fireplace for group photographs. Contact: David Morin.

Country setting in converted historic barn. Outdoor gazebo for ceremonies and picture taking.Oversized deck for cocktail hours. Easy access to Worcester and Providence via 146. Contact: Melissa Laskowski.

Multiple wedding ceremony locations including lake front pavilion and gazebo. Observation deck for cocktail receptionavailable. Contact: Tracy Hill.

Built in 1771, the Publick House Historic Inn maintains its 18th-century ambiance and warm hospitality. Outdoor tent andgazebo, old fashioned bake shoppe and beautiful grounds for picture taking. Contact: Catherine O’Brien.

Complete wedding packages make planning easy. Choose from our Tiffany Ballroom or new Zachariahs for your reception.Elegant and grand or intimate chic, it’s always better to have a choice. Contact: Catering Sales.

Twin River promises to create the wedding of a lifetime. Distinctively unique. Custom designed wedding packages andmenus. Attention to detail. Ideal location. Contact: Donna Wing.



West of WorcesterLeicester Country Club (59) E, B, D, W $30 – 70 Yes Yes 20/300 Yes 2 No1430 Main St, P.O. Box 138, Leicester, MA 01524Ph: (508) 892-1390 ext. 16 • Fx: (508) [email protected] • www.worcester-wedding.com

Old Sturbridge Village (55) E, B, D, W $50 – 75+ Yes Yes 0/250 Yes 2 No1 Old Sturbridge Village Rd., Sturbridge, MA 01566Ph: (800) [email protected] • www.osv.org

Overlook Catering & Reception Room (43) E, B, D ,W Varies Yes No 15/200 Yes 1 No88 Masonic Home Road, Charlton, MA 01507Ph: (508) 434-2281 • Fx: (508) [email protected] • www.overlookcatering.org

Periwinkles Garden Court (80) E, B, D ,W Under $30 Yes Yes 90/250 Yes 1 No892 Southbridge St., Rt. 20, Auburn/Oxford Line, MAPh: (508) 832-9705 • Fx: (508) 832-7978www.periwinkles-giorgios.com

Publick House (45) E, B, D, W $30 – 78 Yes Yes Max 240 Yes Varies YesOn the Common, P.O. Box 187, Sturbridge, MA 01566Ph: (800) PUBLICK • Ph: (508) 347-3313 [email protected] • www.publickhouse.com

Salem Cross Inn (69) E, B, D, W $30 – 50 Yes Yes 6/225 Yes No260 W. Main St. (Rte. 9) W. Brookfield, MAPh: (508) 867-8337 • Fx: (508) [email protected] • www.salemcrossinn.com

Sturbridge Host Hotel (53) E, B, D, W $57 – 102 Yes Yes Max 350 Yes 2 Yes366 Main Street, Sturbridge, MA • Ph: (508) 347-7393Fx: (508) 347-3824 •[email protected]

The Harding Allen Estate (37) E, B, D, W $73 – 94 Yes Yes 275 Yes 1 YesRte. 122 off Barre Common, Barre, MA 01005(978) 355-4920www.harding-allen.com

Zukas Hilltop Barn (17) E, B, D, W $30 – 60 Yes Yes 50/250 Yes 1 Yes89 Smithville Rd., Spencer, MA 01562Ph: (508) 885-5320 • Fx: (508) [email protected] • www.zukas.com

South of WorcesterArrowhead Acres (67) E, B, W to 50 Yes Yes 50/500 Yes 1 No92 Aldrich St. (Rte. 98), Uxbridge, MA 01569Ph: (508) 278-5017 • Fx: (508) [email protected] • www.arrowheadacres.com

Asa Waters Mansion (77) E, B, D, W Varies No No Max 85 (inside) 150 w/tent Yes 1 NoP.O. Box 421, 123 Elm St., Millbury, MAPh: (508) 865-0855www.asawaters.org

Blissful Meadows Golf Club (78) E, B, D, W Under $30 Yes No 50/175 Yes 1 No801 Chockalog Rd., Uxbridge, MAPh: (508) 278-6110 • Fx: (508) [email protected] • www.blissfulmeadows.com

Crystal Lake Golf Club (56) E, B, D, W Under $30 Yes No 50/200 Yes 1 No100 Bronco Highway, Mapleville, RI 02839Ph: (401) 567-4500 x14 • (401) [email protected]

The Tiffany Ballroom at Four Points E, B, D, W $30 – 75+ Yes Yes 50/450 Yes 2 Yesby Sheraton Norwood (29)1125 Boston Providence Turnpike, Norwood, MA 02062Ph: (781) 255-3159 • (781) [email protected]•www.thetiffanyballroom.com

Twin River (58) E, B, D, W $30 – 75+ Yes No 50/1200 No 1 Yes100 Twin River Rd., Lincoln, RI 02865Ph: (401) 475-8438 • Fx: (401) [email protected] • www.twinriver.com

We started planning your wedding 175 years ago! Step back in time for a wedding that will be truly timeless,unforgettable, historical – and all yours! Contact: Event Sales Dept.

Two beautifully appointed function rooms lined with windows and outside decks that overlooka garden gazebo and picturesque New England covered bridge. Contact: Sales Office.

A beautifully restored, historical mansion with a charm and elegance rarely found today. Estate grounds feature a 19th centurystyle bandstand for ceremonies and photographs. Contact: Catherine Elliott.

Under $30


We offer an elegant country ambiance with spectacular food and service while Mother Nature providesthe panoramic views and scenic backdrops for your special day. Contact: Irena Clark.

Discover your Dreams in Devens. Marriott Wedding Planner, accommodating menus and outstandingservice at a NEW stylish venue and hotel. Call for package details. Contact: Kerri Landry.

Known to be the premiere wedding facility in Central Ma. All-inclusive packages make planning easy in our grand ballroom orcourtyard tent. Contact: Mary Whitman.

Weddings by Courtyard, unlimited possibilities. The perfect mix of elegance, style and service. Our Marriott CertifiedWedding Planner is capable of accommodating events for 2-2000. Contact: Chrissie Sue LaMotte.

Fruitlands Museum offers a breathtaking setting and personalized service. Fruitlands’ tradition of impeccable serviceaffirms the distinguished New England custom of hospitality and captivating charm. Contact: Sales Office.

The Chocksett Inn offers on-site private gardens, Laurelwood Ballroom, Canopied Deck and 25 Guest Suites.Experience the charm, elegance and hospitality for an unforgettable wedding. Contact: Shauna Gendron.

Be sure to tell these advertisers you saw their ad in BRIDE&GROOM!

Publisher and function facilities assume no responsibility for typographical errors. Prices are subject to change.


Surrounded by magical and breathtaking vistas, the ideal wedding location. From ceremonies to receptions,our attentitive staff is dedicated to serving you. Off-weekend discounts available. Contact: Melissa Banks.

Design your destination wedding weekend! Full service facility with salon and spa services.Exclusive to our package is a horse drawn carriage and chocolate fountain. Contact: Michelle Kupfer.

The 1761 Old Mill offers the best of New England hospitality and charm. Our picturesque settingis the perfect location for your wedding, rehearsal dinner or shower. Contact: Kristy Ashley.


Reception Facility Contact Person Functions Range Catering Available Capacity Site (Held at one time) dations

North of WorcesterChocksett Inn (4) E, B, D, W $50 – 75 Yes Yes 40/275 Yes 1 Yes59 Laurelwood Rd., Sterling, MA 01564Ph: (978) 422-3355 • Fx: (978) [email protected] • www.chocksettinn.com

Colonial Hotel (9) E, B, D, W $30 – 50 Yes Yes 25/500 Yes 1 – 3 Yes625 Betty Spring Rd., Gardner, MA 01440Ph: (978) 630-2500 • Fx: (978) [email protected]

Courtyard by Marriott, FitchburgCoCo Key Water Resort andCentral Massachusetts Expo Center (10) E, B, D, W $30 – 75 Yes Yes 2/2000 Yes 1 – 3 Yes150 Royal Plaza Drive, Fitchburg, MA 01420Ph: (978) 602-1933 • Fx: (978) 343-4006ChrissieSue.LaMotte@cyFitchburg.comwww.CourtyardFitchburg.com

Fruitlands Museum (70) E, B, D, W $75+ Yes Yes 50/250 Yes 1 No102 Prospect Hill Rd, Harvard, MA 01451Ph: (978) 456-3924 [email protected]/weddings

Harrington Farm (25) E, B, D, W $50 – 75 Yes Available 50/225 Yes 1 Yes178 Westminster Rd., Princeton, MAPh: (978) 464-5600 [email protected] • www.harringtonfarm.com

Spring Hill Suites &Devens Common Center (50) E, B, D, W $50 – 75 Yes Yes 100/325 Yes 1 Yes27, 31 Andrews Parkway, Devens, MA 01434Ph: (978) 757-3003 • Fx: (978) 772-4903socialsalesdevens@truenorthhotels.comwww.devenscommoncenter.com

The 1761 Old Mill Restaurant (86) E, B, D, W Under $30 No Yes 10/150 Yes 2 NoRoute 2A, P.O. Box 460, Westminster, MA 01473Ph: (978) 874-5941 • Fx: (978) 874-0914www.1761oldmill.com

Wachusett Mountain (99) E, B, D, W $30 – 50 Yes Yes 300 Max Yes 1 No499 Mountain Rd., Princeton, MA 01541Ph: (978) 464-3175 • Fx: (978) [email protected] • www.wachusett.com

Wachusett Village Inn (49) E, B, D, W $42 – 52 Yes Yes 10/400 Yes 2 Yes9 Village Inn Rd., Westminster, MAPh: (978) 571-2524 • Fx: (978) 874-1753michelle@wachusettvillageinn.comwww.wachusettvillageinn.com

Convenientlylocated in theheart ofMassachusetts

499 Mountain Road,Princeton, MA978-464-3175 ext. 3705www.wachusett.com

www.71west.com www.7west.comwww.lemayphotography.com

Scenic mountain setting,perfect for your wedding portraits.

Everything from beautifulsummit vistas to a pond-side fountain.

Beautiful reception roomwith breathtaking views

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Convenientlylocated in theheart ofMassachusetts

499 Mountain Road,Princeton, MA978-464-3175 ext. 3705www.wachusett.com

Wachusett MountainSki Area is the ideallocation for your storybookwedding, surrounded bymagical vistas and breath-taking views.

Wachusett MountainSki Area is the ideallocation for your storybookwedding, surrounded bymagical vistas and breath-taking views.

BOUQUET PRESERVATIONHolmes-Shusas Florists, Inc. (104)One Ararat Street, Worcester, MA 01606(508) 853-2550, (800) [email protected] in freeze dried wedding bouquets since 1989. Allpreservations done on site. Four styles to choose from. We caninclude your invitation! Visit us online.

BRIDAL SHOPSElegance by Carbonneau (11)292 West Boylston St., Worcester, MA(508) 595-0400 • www.mydress4less.comEverything Bridal! Offering a large selection of bridal gowns,shoes, tiaras, veils, accessories and much more!

Loren’s Bridal (20)454 Main St., Sturbridge, MA 01566(508) 347-5222When choosing your wedding gown, discover Loren’s wherewe’ll treat your wedding like it was our own. Appointmentssuggested.

Platinum Bridal Boutique (43)106 Southville Rd., Southborough, MA(508) 657-GOWNinfo@platinumbridalboutique.comwww.platinumbridalboutique.comOur unique selection of designer bridal and bridal party dress-es combined with unbeatable service makes the PlatinumBridal experience as unforgettable as the event itself!

Pronuptia Bridals (71)Picadilly Plaza, 490 Shrewsbury St., Worcester, MA(508) 753-4426www.pronuptiabridals.comPronuptia Bridals is the leading full-service bridal salon inWorcester County, offering the best selection of bridal, brides-maids, mothers, flowergirls and prom gowns.

BRIDAL SHOWSThe Original Wedding Expo™ (12, 13)334 Boston Turnpike, Shrewsbury, MA 01545(888) 774-3976info@originalweddingexpo.comwww.originalweddingexpo.comSince 1978, The Original Wedding Expo™ has been the area’slongest running and most respected bridal show. Featuringseven expos in January, March, April, September and November.

CAKESAunty Ellen’s Creative Confections (78)18 Central St, Leominster, MA 01453(978) [email protected] • www.AuntyEllensCakes.comFrom elegant wedding cakes to whimsical birthday, anniver-sary, bridal and baby showers. We also have cookie & pastryplatters & decadent desserts for any occasion.

Bean Counter Cake & Pastry Shop (54)288 Boston Turnpike Rd., Shrewsbury, MA(508) 754-0505Allow Bean Counter Bakery to work with you in creating yourdream wedding cake. We offer elegant designs and exquisiteflavors. Winner: Best of The Knot 2010.

Cakes by Chris Gadaire81 New Braintree Road, West Brookfield, MA(508) [email protected] • www.cakesbychrisgadaire.comCreative custom designed wedding cakes, unique and deli-cious. Many styles available or create your own special design.Consultations by appointment.

Crown Bakery (44)Gold Star Blvd., Worcester, MA 01604(508) 852-0746 • www.thecrownbakery.comLet Crown Bakery create the wedding of your dreams with yourown distinctive wedding cake. Specializing in party pastries,cookie trays and cake ornaments.

Culpepper’s Bakery500 Cambridge St., Worcester, MA 01610(508) 755-8393A quality cake you will be proud to serve. Full line of cookieand pastry trays also available.

Custom Wedding Cakesby Penny Eagleton (30)Auburn, MA(508) 832-3814www.customweddingcakesbypenny.comBeautiful cakes! Gourmet flavors including the original award-winning “Kahlúa Cookie Cake.” For personalized service andfree delivery in Worcester area, call Penny.

CATERINGBuggy Whip Catering343 Providence Road, South Grafton, MA 01560(508) 839-3458www.buggywhipcatering.comThe Buggy Whip Catering Service has been serving traditionalAmerican fare to brides and grooms in Worcester and sur-rounding counties since 1953.

Cardoos Gourmet Caterers (67)79 Worcester St., North Grafton, MA 01536(508) 839-2213, (877)[email protected] • www.cardooscater.comCatering to the brides of New England for over 33 years. Votedbest wedding caterer for 11 years in Metro West by CommunityNewspapers.

Il Forno Restaurant & Catering (47)27 Airport Rd., Fitchburg, MA 01420(978) 345-2511www.Ilfornocatering.comSpecializing in catering, rehearsal dinners, bridal showers andengagement parties. 2 private function rooms. Gourmet menudesign. Call our experts for planning advice.

Bouquet Preservation 100

Bridal Shops 100

Bridal Shows 100

Cakes 100

Catering 100-101

Donation Services 101

Entertainment 101

Fitness 101

Florists 101

Gifts 101

Hair & Makeup 101

Honeymoon Spots 101

Invitations 101

Jewelry 102

Limousines 102

Orthodontists 102

Photo Booths 102

Photography 102-103

Real Estate 103

Reception Facilities 95

Rentals 103

Shoes 103

Travel 103

Tuxedos 103

Wedding Internet Services 103


WeddingResources

Il Forno Restaurant & Catering (47)65 West Boylston St., West Boylston, MA 01583(508) 835-3700www.Ilfornocatering.comEngagement parties, rehearsal dinners, bridal showers.Custom gourmet menu design. Private function room for up to100. Wedding Receptions. Call our experts for planningadvice.

Pepper’s Fine Foods Catering (8)43 Hudson St., Northboro, MA 01532(508) 393-6844www.pepperscatering.comYour dreams and our experience... the taste and imagination ofgreat catering. Over 16 years of experience with innovative cui-sine and custom event design.

Struck Catering (28)130 Hamilton St., Worcester, MA 01604(508) [email protected], Whimsical... Simply Delicious! Let Struck Cateringbring your ideas to the table. Please call for our full weddingpackage.

The Original Creative Catering142 Plantation St., Worcester, MA 01604(508) 892-8001info@theoriginalcreativecatering.comwww.theoriginalcreativecatering.comOur Name Says It All! With over 20 years of experience creativecatering offers high quality food with artistic presentations at afair price.

DONATION SERVICESI Do Foundation (80)1133 19th St. NW, 9th Floor, Washington, DC [email protected] charitable favors to registries that give back, we givecouples the opportunity to celebrate generously by supportingthe charity of their choice on their wedding day.

Joslin Diabetes Center1 Joslin Place, Development OfficeBoston, MA 02215(617) 732-2412catherine.marinello@joslin.harvard.eduwww.joslin.orgConsider making a charitable donation to Joslin DiabetesCenter in lieu of party favors and receive cards personalized byyou for your guests!

The Jimmy Fund10 Brookline Place West, Brookline, MA 02445(617) [email protected]/cardsRanked #1 in New England for breakthrough cancer research/treatment, and provides hope for thousands diagnosed withcancer each year.

Rachel’s Table (74)633 Salisbury St., Worcester, MA 01609(508) 799-7699Brides, donate your excess food from your banquet to familiesat a local homeless shelter. Rachel’s Table will deliver for you.

Why Me, Inc.1152 Pleasant St., Worcester, MA 01602(508) 757-7734 • www.whyme.orgWhy Me & Sherry’s House provide Central New England fam-ilies with emotional and financial assistance, helping to allevi-ate the pain and isolation of childhood cancer.

Worcester County Food Bank (71)474 Boston Tpke., Shrewsbury, MA 01545(508) 842-FOOD (3663)The Worcester County Food Bank distributes almost four mil-lion pounds of food to nearly 300 local shelters, food pantries,soup kitchens, etc. in 60+ communities.

ENTERTAINMENTFestive Events (41)260 Long Pond Rd., Plymouth, MA 02360(800) [email protected] • www.festiveevents.comFestive Events believes that every wedding is special andunique. Our approach is designed to assist you in planningyour perfect wedding.

Wedding DJ Specialist Brian Fligg (73)Fitchburg, MA(978) [email protected] • www.brianfligg.comFun, modern, wedding entertainment featuring photo booths,architectural lighting, custom music edits, your name in spot-light, instant photo slideshows, live video, and everythingneeded to make your friends jealous.

FITNESSWorcester Fitness (24)440 Grove St., Worcester, MA(508) 852-8209St. Vincent Hospital, Worcester, MA(508)363-7000www.worcesterfitness.comPersonal training – Fitness instruction – Massage – and more.

FLORISTSDanielson Flowers (79)660 Main St., Shrewsbury, MA 01545(508) 842-8992 • www.danielsonflowers.comLet our experienced staff make your day beautiful. View ourWeb site for photos of our bouquets and information. See ourprivate wedding area for ideas.

Herbert E. Berg Florist (42)19 Blackstone River Rd., Worcester, MA 01607(508) 755-5888, (800) 383-2374www.bergflorist.comHerbert E. Berg offers personalized floral designs and superiorservice. Come in and take advantage of our 75th anniversaryspecials!

Holmes-Shusas Florists, Inc. (104)One Ararat St., Worcester, MA 01606(508) 853-2550, (800) [email protected] • www.holmes-shusas.comThe Bride’s Choice for 30 years.Wedding packages and freeze driedfloral preservation. Call for a free color brochure. Visit us online.

Judy’s Village Flowers (2)34 School Street, Foxboro, MA 02035(800) [email protected] • www.judysvillageflowers.comJudy meets with each bride to create custom wedding flowersthat reflect individual personality and style. We have providedelegant flowers for over 2,000 weddings since 1990.

La Jolie Fleur (67)263 Park Ave., Worcester, MA 01609(508) 752-2272www.lajoliefleur.comEnjoy a taste of France at Worcester’s newest boutique florist,La Jolie Fleur. Call for a free personalized wedding consulta-tion with experienced designer Sean Maher.

GIFTSAmerican Sports Images (51)108 Shrewsbury St. Suite 204 Worcester, MA 01604(508) 796-3939info@AmericanSportsImages.comwww.AmericanSportsImages.comA unique wedding party gift alternative! Custom sports andcelebrity memorabilia. Prices starting at $29.95. Mention thisad to receive 10% off your total order.

Blackstone Valley Baskets (86)P.O. Box 34, Whitinsville, MA 01588(508) 735-2325info@blackstonevalleybaskets.comwww.blackstonevalleybaskets.comBlackstone Valley Baskets provides hand-crafted favors, wel-come baskets and other items that add a touch of elegance toyour special day.

HAIR & MAKEUPD’Iorio’s Salon (66)335A Plantation St., Worcester, MA(508) 756-7791For the ultimate in chic weddings, let our salon staff coordinateyour entire bridal party’s hairstyles and makeup. Even colorcoordinate your hair color, too.

Image Hair Salon (70)533 Park Ave., Worcester, MA(508) 754-5588Specializing in Wedding Day Image, hair styling, creative nails,foil highlighting, permanent waving & make-up. Human hairextensions. Featuring Motives customized makeup.

St. Cyr Salon (37)235 Park Avenue, Worcester, MA 01609(508) [email protected] • www.stcyrsalon.comAs Worcester’s premier salon since 1965, we provide the ulti-mate salon and spa experience. Reserve our bridal suite foryourself and your bridesmaids.

HONEYMOON SPOTSMEGA Divi & Tamarijn (90)Oranjestad, Aruba(800) 554-2008 • www.diviaruba.comMEGA means more all-inclusive choices! With the Divi Arubaor the Tamarijn Aruba’s Deluxe ocean-front MEGA category,you’ll have full use of both resorts.

INVITATIONSCelebrations! Invitations (68)12 Stonybrook Lane, Shrewsbury, MA 01545(508) 845-3676celebrations@townisp.comwww.celebrations-invitations.comChoose from our extensive line of engagement and weddingannouncements, invitations and favors. Mention this ad andreceive a 20% discount.

Ever After Postage (76)www.EverAfterPostage.com • [email protected] After Postage offers designer U.S. postage, envelopeseals, save the date cards and much more to make your hap-pily Ever After even more memorable!

The Paper Store (36)24 locations in Massachusetts1 location in New Hampshire(978) [email protected] • www.thepaperstore.comThere’s a print studio located inside the Paper Store! Custom print-ing services & more to fit your style and occasion—perfectly!



JEWELRYHannoush Jewelers (3)Solomon Pond Mall, Marlborough, MA(508) 303-6595www.hannoush.comCelebrate every special moment with the help of one ofAmerica’s premier family owned jewelers. From your engage-ment diamond, to wedding bands and PANDORA™ bridal gifts– trust Hannoush.

Sachs Jewelers (94)180 Route 9 East, Shrewsbury, MA 01545(508) 792-2300www.sachsjewelers.comSpecializing in diamond engagement rings and weddingbands. Our showroom boasts Worcester County’s largestselection of diamonds and the latest styles, brands, and cus-tom-designed bridal jewelry.

LIMOUSINESAA Transportation Co., Inc. (86)605 Hartford Tpke. (Rte. 20),Shrewsbury, MA 01545(508) 791-9100www.aatransportation.comA full-service transportation company. From exotic 20-passen-ger Super Stretch SUVs to eight-passenger Lincolns. We havethe limo to fit your needs.

A Limo Affair, Inc. (10)208 Main St., Oxford, MA(508) [email protected] Vision, Your Day. Put your trust in us. Come see ourWhite Wedding Trolley, Escalades and our ZEBRA Hummer.Providing excellent service and the best chauffeurs.

Gray’s Limousine (65, 102)P.O. Box 760, Boylston, MA 01505(508) 756-7477, (508) 869-6365www.grayslimo.comSpecializing in weddings, bachelor and bachelorette partiesand airport transportation. Featuring Rolls Royces and otherpassenger limousines with uniformed chauffeurs. Visit ourshowroom.

Joey’s Limousine Service (39)76 West Mountain St., Worcester, MA 01606(508) 754-9575www.joeyslimousine.comJoey’s Limousine raises the bar for luxurious, personalized,courteous service… Offering rates that are competitive. Wehave been providing quality transportation for over 60 years.Call for an appointment.

ORTHODONTISTSDr. Sam Alkoury (47)101 Pleasant St., Suite 210, Worcester, MA 01609(508) [email protected] • www.simplyortho.comServing the Holliston, Worcester and Webster communitiessince 2009, Dr. Alkoury is a Board Certified Orthodontist thatspecializes in Invisalign and Damon System Braces.

PHOTO BOOTHSImages Event Studios (8)3 Claudette Dr., Milford, MA 01757(617) 610-1188info@imageseventstudios.comwww.imageseventstudios.comImages Events Studios provides high-end, digital photobooths for special events in the New England area. Our “stu-dios” blend photo booth fun with professional photography.

MA Photo Booths (73)Fitchburg, MA(978) [email protected] • www.maphotobooths.comFun, unique, and productive! Photo booths produce creativeguest sign-in books and instant party favors. Packages includeeverything you'd want at an affordable price.

PHOTOGRAPHYArtistic Expressions Photography (1)1353 Pulaski Blvd., Bellingham, MA 02019(508) [email protected] • www.photoae.comWe’re not just your wedding photographer, we are your graph-ic designer and publisher for your one-of-a-kind weddingalbum. We can customize a package that meets your needs.

AVR Photography & Video (46)92 Chelmsford St., Chelmsford, MA 01824(978) 250-8117 • www.avrphotography.comSince 1985, AVR Photography & Video has been providingcountless couples with precious memories to hold forever.Photography & Video only $1,695.00.

Doros Photography (59)315 Maple Ave., Shrewsbury, MA 01545(508) [email protected] • www.dorosphotography.comExceptional husband and wife team with 17 years of experiencespecializing in portrait and photojournalist style weddings.Packages range from $1,299. to $6,000.

HJM Photography (38)107 Elmwood St., Auburn, MA 01501(508) 753-2230 • www.hjmphotography.comThe ultimate in professional photography. We offer a fullservice studio and in-house photography lab for customizingyour wedding photos. Call for an appointment.


Lasting Images Photography (75)351 Main Street, Oxford, MA 01540(508) [email protected] • www.lipphoto.comYour job is to plan the wedding of your dreams. Our job is tocapture your special day the way you planned it using two pho-tographers to capture the memories of your day.

Media Photo (21)1 Ararat Street, Worcester, MA 01606(508) 757-7626 • [email protected] your money for the honeymoon! Affordable weddingpackages. Studio located in Worcester, MA. We love what wedo and so do our clients.

Michelle Ghazal Photography (52)189 Parker St., #1 Lowell, MA 01851(978) [email protected] • www.michelleghazal.com.comSpecializing in wedding’s classic, modern and photojournalis-tic photography style. We capture all moments of your specialday and customize a package that meets your needs.

Paul S. Robinson Photography2 South Main St., Unit 101 Uxbridge, MA 01569(508) 278-5530 • [email protected] 1996, Paul offers you both traditional and photojournal-istic styles capturing stunning, one-of-a-kind moments withaward winning experience and attention to detail.

Photography by Eric Michael Klein (55)24 Newland Ave., Bellingham, MA 02019(508) 381-8586Ericmkleinphotography@photo.netwww.ericmkleinphotography.comExquisite portrait photojournalism using professional grade Nikonequipment and the highest quality techniques. Prices from $1,350to $4,000. Please send email to request sample photographs.

RussRo Photography& Portrait Studio (27)Russ Rheault365 Main St., Oxford, MA 01540(508) 987-5249, (800) [email protected] • www.russro.comAward-winning photographer with 30 years experience,specializing in personal service. Creative albums designed withyou. Free travel throughout New England. All couples welcome.

REAL ESTATEJody Russell Roberge, Realtorof Janice Mitchell R.E. Inc. (73)1023-25 Main Street, Holden, MA 01520(774) 535-2657, (508) 829-6315 [email protected] and seller representation. Call me today to begin yourfree customized home search in MLS or for a free, no obliga-tion market analysis of your home.

RECEPTION FACILITIES(see page 95)

RENTALSA Perfect Setting (6)(888) [email protected] • www.aperfectsetting.comA Perfect Setting provides the quality wedding and partyrentals that let you produce memorable events, styled withyour personal taste.

Central Mass Party Rentals124 West Boylston St., Worcester, MA 01606(508) 853-5383 • www.centralmasspartyrentals.comCentral Mass Party Rentals can provide professional planning,support and some of the finest special event equipment avail-able. “We’ve got you covered.”

Elegant Linens Ltd. (44)296 Providence Rd., S. Grafton, MA(508) 839-9332www.elegantlinensltd.comIf you’re planning a wedding, call Elegant Linens today for anappointment. See the difference our special touch can make foryour special day.

SHOESElegance by Carbonneau (11)292 West Boylston St., Worcester, MA(508) 595-0400www.mydress4less.comLargest selection of shoes & tiaras/veils. Unbeatable priceson: jewelry, engraveable gifts, headpieces, veils, invita-tions, and toasting glasses. M 11-5; Tues & Thur 11-7;Wed & Fri 10-6; Sat 10-5; Sun 12-4

Shoes to Dye For (7)1400 Worcester Street (Route 9, Eastbound side)Natick, MA 01760(508) [email protected] 180 styles in-stock of bridal dyeable and evening shoes.Custom dyeing on premises. Designers: Kenneth Cole, Nina,Dyeables, Coloriffics, Touch-Ups, Colorful Creations andGrace.

TRAVELTravel Solutions, Inc.15 West Main St., Westboro, MA 01581(508) [email protected] honeymoon planning session! Treat yourselfto expert advice. Susan specializes in honeymoon and desti-nation wedding planning. Working with an experienced travelconsultant is priceless.

TUXEDOSBonardi’s Formalwear (30)WEDDING SPECIALISTSWorcester 179 Highland St.(508) 754-4036Auburn: 482 Southbridge St.(508) 832-7579Sturbridge: Rte. 20 West(508) 347-3461Milford: 156 Main St.(508) 478-0466Framingham: 1261 Worcester Rd.(508) 875-6159Nationwide Service call (800) 752-4036www.bonardis.comDressing men for special occasions since 1923. Sizes infant to71 in stock! We take the worry out of looking your best on yourwedding day.

Men’s Wearhouse (Inside Back Cover)www.mwtux.comWith over 1,000 locations nationwide, including all Men’sWearhouse stores, ordering, picking up and returning a tuxe-do has never been easier.

WEDDING INTERNET SERVICESBrideGroomMag.comBRIDE&GROOM™ Magazine’s official Web site! Log onfor sneak peeks at upcoming issues and to find out where toget your free copy.

OriginalWeddingExpo.com (83)Your connection to finding the best Wedding Expos.Buy discounted tickets online. Comprehensive PlanningGuide features everything from bridal shops to videogra-phers.

Timeless EleganceExquisite spaces amidst

fifty centuries of art.

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AA RRTT MM UU SS EE UU MM

Worcester, MA • 508.799.4406, x3077www.worcesterart.org

[email protected]

New home of Media Photo508-757-7626

Glass Domed Centerpiece$179

Heart Wreath$149

Oval with your invitation$379

Shadow Box$279

theBride’sChoice SM

Holmes ShusasBrides Receive

10%DISCOUNT

on Bouquet Preservation

Your Wedding Bouquet Preserved as a KeepsakeYour Wedding Bouquet Preserved as a KeepsakeWorcester County’sONLY FLORIST

to receive

2010

Please call us foran appointment

508-853-2550www.holmes-shusas.com

One Ararat StreetWorcester, MA

Exit 2 off I-190

Well GroomedProudly offering the best in service and designer styles at prices you’ll love,

Men’s Wearhouse makes it easy to fi nd the right tuxedos for your wedding.

Learn how to get a FREE tuxedo or suit for your groom at menswearhouse.com/wedding.

100307MWT

winter 2011

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