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Sunday, October 20, 2013 | 1 The Herald Press Special Section • October 20, 2013 Weddings Inside: ‘No two weddings alike’ at the Aqua Turf . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Angelo’s caters to all occassions, big and small . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Wood Acres Farm offers country-style wedding venue . . . 8 Planning an event? Don’t forget to book your Limousine! Bristol 860-585-LIMO (5466) Wollenberg’s/TLC Transportation ICC MC 210205 Thomas Livery Corporation www.TLCLimousine.net • Weddings, Anniversaries, Proms, Casino Trips, • Any Special Occasion, All sporting events “in or out of the state” • Service to all airports & piers • 6, 8 & 9 Passenger Limousines • Sedans • Vans • 24/7 Service • 13, 14, 24 & 28 Passenger Coaches • Safe, Courteous Drivers Professionalism is our tradition 027836 TLC Li mousine Ct. DOT 2201
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Page 1: Bridal Guide - New Britain Herald - The Bristol Press 10-20-2013

Sunday, October 20, 2013 | 1The Herald Press

Special Section • October 20, 2013

WeddingsInside:‘No two weddings alike’ at the Aqua Turf . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Angelo’s caters to all occassions, big and small . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Wood Acres Farm offers country-style wedding venue . . . 8

Planning an event? Don’t forget to book your Limousine!

Bristol 860-585-LIMO (5466)Wollenberg’s/TLC Transportation

ICC MC 210205 Thomas Livery Corporationwww.TLCLimousine.net

• Weddings, Anniversaries, Proms, Casino Trips,

• Any Special Occasion, All sporting events “in or out of the state”

• Service to all airports & piers

• 6, 8 & 9 Passenger Limousines • Sedans • Vans • 24/7 Service • 13, 14, 24 & 28 Passenger Coaches • Safe, Courteous Drivers

Professionalism is our tradition

027836

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Page 2: Bridal Guide - New Britain Herald - The Bristol Press 10-20-2013

2 | Sunday, October 20, 2013 The Herald Press

‘No two weddings alike’ at the Aqua TurfSOUTHINGTON — After more than

24 years working at the Aqua Turf, “I have to honestly say that no two weddings have ever been alike,” said Melissa Slater, event planner at the Aqua Turf Club.

Slater is one of Aqua Turf ’s staff of event plan-ners who work with couples and families, sometimes for a year or more, getting to know them and their likes and interests.

“Weddings are one of the most exciting times in somebody’s life, but they are also probably one of the most stressful times in somebody’s life, and you try to lessen the stress in any way you can,” she said.

“You want them to walk in here the day of their wedding knowing that every detail is taken care of,” she said. “Then they can relax and have fun. That’s our goal.”

Slater said the Aqua Turf is a logical first call for a bride-to-be to make when beginning planning for her special day.

The hardest thing is often picking a date and then where to get married and a venue for the reception, she said. “People are usually very anxious to set that date so they can go

on and make their plans from there.” “We are a full service banquet facility. We

provide the venue, the food, the staff, the bar. We have our own floral department, our own linen department, our bakery, but we do not do wedding cakes,” she said.

Slater said she can provide suggestions for vendors who do wedding cakes, wedding gowns, tuxedos, as well as DJs, photographers and any-thing else needed.

“When people pull in and see the grounds for the first time — we have over 30 acres of grounds for picture taking — and when they get to see the rooms set up for wed-dings, they can’t help but get excited,” she said. “And, believe it or not, we’re probably one of the most reasonably priced banquet facilities in New England. Our pricing starts at $63 a person, and that’s for a five and a half hour reception, open bar, sit down dinner and everything.”

“You can even do a Saturday daytime wed-

ding for $50 a person, with open bar,” Slater added. “So we have the look of a very exclu-sive, expensive banquet facility, yet we can fit any budget.”

By SUSAN CORICASTAFF WRITER

Courtesy PhotoThe Aqua Turf Club in Southington.

“We are a full service banquet facility. We provide the venue, the food, the staff, the bar. We have our own floral department, our own linen department, our bakery, but we do not do wedding cakes.”MELISSA SLATEREvent planner at the Aqua Turf

See AQUA TURF, Page 4

WEDDINGS

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Page 3: Bridal Guide - New Britain Herald - The Bristol Press 10-20-2013

Sunday, October 20, 2013 | 3The Herald Press WEDDINGS

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Page 4: Bridal Guide - New Britain Herald - The Bristol Press 10-20-2013

4 | Sunday, October 20, 2013 The Herald Press

You don’t even need to book that far in advance. Just recently, she had a wedding where the couple booked the room this past July, she said. “You would have thought they had been planning it for years. Everything was magnificent, and they did it in three and a half months.”

The Aqua Turf is redeco-rating its two biggest rooms — Kay’s Pier North and Kay’s Pier South (named in honor of Kay Calvanese, wife of Aqua Turf founder Joe Calvanese).

“I’m really excited, you have to stay fresh,” Slater said. “We’re redoing the windows, redoing the ceiling, so we’re doing something that is architecturally going to be very appealing.”

The rooms won’t be out of com-mission at any time, she said. The work will be done in stages on off days, with the goal of finishing by

May. The smallest of the Aqua Turf ’s

four banquet rooms can accommo-date 100 guests, however if you’re planning a smaller wedding Slater can help there too.

“We own a couple of other plac-es,” she said. “We have the New Mill Restaurant, it’s right around

the corner on South End Road, which can accommodate 50 to 75. And then we added a banquet room at the Back Nine Tavern, which is at the S o u t h i n g t on

Country Club, and plus we have the Farmington Club in Farmington.”

“I’m a detail person. If someone gives me a theme I run with it,” Slater said, recalling a few of her more memorable recent weddings.

There was the bride whose grandfather couldn’t make it here from his home in Italy. Slater rent-ed an antique farm table, got it set up with specialty olives and almonds and beautiful decorative

pieces, to create a Tuscan table that was a tribute to the absent grandfather.

There was the groom who was in a band and wanted to play at his own reception. She arranged for a DJ to be the MC for the introductions, the first dance, and the dinner. Then once those events were out of the way, his band came on and played a couple of sets, including a special song for his bride.

There was the wedding that coincided with the big blizzard last February. Slater said the Aqua Turf would never cancel an event, even if the staff had to send out snow

plows to pick people up, but they do have to take the safety of the guests and vendors into consider-ation.

“The bride did not want to give up and she did get married that evening,” Slater said. “She was sup-posed to have 145 guests, I think 68 showed up, and some left early. Our staff got stuck here, sleeping on the couches. There was plenty of food, plenty of alcohol, so we were good there, but it was a major challenge.”

That wedding was followed by another one the next day, where the couple were avid skiers, she said. “The snow was up to their waists

but they were out and about on the grounds with their snowboards, having snowball fights. They just embraced it and it was perfect.”

“You’ve got to have fun,” Slater said. “That’s my best suggestion to any couple — when it stops being fun, you’ve got to take a step back and relax and enjoy every moment.”

The Aqua Turf Club is located at 556 Mulberry St., Plantsville. For more information, call (860) 621-9335, e-mail [email protected], or visit www.aquaturfclub.com.

Susan Corica can be reached at (860) 584-0501, ext. 7259, or at [email protected].

Aqua Turf takes guesswork out of wedding planningContinued from Page 2

“If someone gives me a theme, I run with it.”MELISSA SLATEREvent planner at the Aqua Turf

WEDDINGS

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Page 5: Bridal Guide - New Britain Herald - The Bristol Press 10-20-2013

Sunday, October 20, 2013 | 5The Herald Press WEDDINGS

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Page 6: Bridal Guide - New Britain Herald - The Bristol Press 10-20-2013

6 | Sunday, October 20, 2013 The Herald Press

Angelo’s caters to all occasions, big and smallNEW BRITAIN — Giuseppe

Tropea has been at Angelo’s Market on West Main Street for more than three decades and he has owned the New Britain landmark for the past 24 years. And there’s not much, if anything he’d change. Tropea loves Angelo’s, loves his customers and simply loves putting his heart and soul into all the food that’s made at the market. He also loves the fact that he, and the rest of the Angelo’s Market team is able to be a part of that special day for so many.

Angelo’s has been catering wed-dings for over two decades.

“It’s special,” Tropea said. “It’s nice to be a part of the wedding. It’s fantastic. To be a part of something

that special is our reward.”Angelo’s accommodates wed-

dings, as well as all other party occasions, both big and small and at venues of all different shapes and sizes, both in New Britain and

beyond. In fact, Angelo’s Market is

affiliated with The Sarah Porter Memorial Hall located on the grounds of the historic Miss Porter’s School in Farmington. The beauty

and elegance of the hall, combined with the divine and flavorful food provided by Angelo’s makes the special day just that — special.

Tropea said his business has been working with The Sarah Porter Memorial Hall for approximately eight years.

But whether it’s at the Farmington site or any other venue, Tropea said Angelo’s Market can meet every wedding need. He added his team can not only aid in supplying the food for the event, but can help plan all the details as well — everything from flowers and linens to china and ice sculptures.

“Call or come in and we’ll sit down and go over the options and plan the whole thing out,” he said. “We’ll make anyone’s wedding

shine.”Angelo’s Market is located at 394

West Main St. It can be reached at (860) 223-7340.

Tropea said he’s proud of what Angelo’s can bring to the wedding table. And he’s excited to continue to be a part of such a special occa-sion, as well as the ones that tend to follow.

“It’s great because the wedding is the beginning,” he said. “We’re able to form a relationship and the next thing you know we’re catering their children’s baptism and high school gradations and college graduations. It’s really something special.”

Johnny Burnham can be reached at (860) 225-4601, ext. 221, or [email protected]

By JOHNNY J. BURNHAMSTAFF WRITER

Kevin Bartram | StaffGiuseppe Tropea at Angelo’s Market in New Britain.

WEDDINGS

Georgina’s is the perfect place to celebrate your special day. Our family owned business specializes in affordable elegance,

quality food and custom tailored menus. Grand Ballroom with seating up to 275. Grecian room is the perfect setting

for intimate weddings up to 100 guests.

275 Boston Turnpike • Bolton, CT • 860-647-0345 www.georginasbanquets.com

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Page 7: Bridal Guide - New Britain Herald - The Bristol Press 10-20-2013

Sunday, October 20, 2013 | 7The Herald Press WEDDINGS028237

Page 8: Bridal Guide - New Britain Herald - The Bristol Press 10-20-2013

8 | Sunday, October 20, 2013 The Herald PressWEDDINGS

Wood Acres Farm offers country-style wedding venueBRISTOL — Wood Acres

Farm in Terryville offers more than just memories, it offers brides and grooms what the ven-ue’s owners call “a country-style dream come true.”

The farm, which has been in the Wood fam-ily for more than 175 years, wasn’t always a lavish country wedding oasis.

“It started out as a fruit and poultry farm,” said Joyce Wood, co-owner. “My husband, Ken Wood, inherited the farm in 1972 and with his expertise of working with horses all his life he transformed the farm into a horse-and-carriage service.”

In 1986, with the help of her husband and their three children, Joyce, a business professional with the passion for helping make couples’ dreams come true trans-formed, the old farmhouse, barns and grounds into a wedding and special events facility.

“We are unique and unforget-table,” said Wood. “The facility

has natural-wood floors. It’s sur-rounded by windows and a cozy bridal cottage. A horse-drawn carriage picks up the bride and takes her to the ceremony.”

Couples can say their vows in the Garden Ceremony over-looking the farm’s twin ponds,

seasoned tree line which is avail-able May through October.

“We provide an ideal setting for

the bride and groom and their guests to simply relax as they celebrate their special day,” Joyce Wood said. “The farm is nestled at the end of a quiet country road and perfect for guests to relax and enjoy the festivities.”

She said the farm offers 25 acres of unlimited photo opportu-nities including wide open fields, walking trails and informal gar-dens.

“I love what I do and I enjoy helping couples celebrate and make their day as special as pos-sible,” she said.

For more information and directions, visit www.woodacres-farm.com.

By LLUVIA MARESSTAFF WRITER

Mike Orazzi | StaffWood Acres Farm in Terryville provides the setting for a cozy, country-themed wedding.

Mike Orazzi | StaffWood Acres Farm in Terryville provides the setting for a cozy, country-themed wedding.

“I love what I do.”JOYCE WOODWood Acres Farm co-owner

(860) 583-8670mycountrywedding.com woodacresfarm.com

68 Griffin Road, Terryville, CT 041189

Unique Banquet Barn • Private Bridal CottageGarden Ceremony • Unlimited Photo Opportunities

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Page 9: Bridal Guide - New Britain Herald - The Bristol Press 10-20-2013

Sunday, October 20, 2013 | 9The Herald Press

SOUTHINGTON — Weddings happen all year round at the Aqua Turf Club in Plantsville.

Winter weddings are common and often go on no matter what the weather.

Spring is actually not a big wed-ding season for the Aqua Turf. Instead, it’s prom season, with events booked as far ahead as 2017.

Summer is primetime for tying the knot.

“That’s when the grounds are at their peak, so if a bride is looking for lots of flowers and color in the gardens and the warm weather

that’s what she is going to pick,” said event planner Melissa Slater. “A lot of teachers get married in the summertime because they have the summer off, and then they go back to school fresh in September.”

“And then you get the fall bride who loves the color, so in September, October, and into November, we’re still busy with weddings,” she said.

Columbus Day weekend is one of the busiest wedding weekends of all, with the fall colors and the long weekend.

November is taken up most-ly with hospital galas, and then December is for holiday parties, but weddings happen then too.

“And then January comes and it’s bridal show season,” Slater said. “This will be the 24th annual bridal show, in 2014, so brides will be busy getting ideas, and then before we know it it’s spring again.”

“We’ve got the chapel, which is heated and air conditioned, right here on the property so you can get married here at any time of year,” she added.

Weather or not, here comes the bride!

APKnown as the Newlywed Game, the bride and groom hold up their shoes in answer to questions like “Which of you is the better driver?” and “Which of you has the crazy family?” They are seated back to back so they cannot see each others’ answers.

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Page 10: Bridal Guide - New Britain Herald - The Bristol Press 10-20-2013

10 | Sunday, October 20, 2013 The Herald Press

Bristol’s Kathy Faber Designs offering BRISTOL —— Kathy Faber

Designs offers runway-quality custom-designed bridal wear at competitive prices.

Kathy Faber, whose bridal shop is located at 737 Stafford Ave., has been designing bridal and evening wear for 26 years. Her business was voted “Best Bridal Shop” in 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012 by The Bristol Press.

On average, Faber designs over 600 outfits a year in addi-tion to veils, headpieces, shoes, jewelry, and other bridal accesso-ries. Customers can choose from designs Faber sells pre-made at her shop or request new, per-sonalized designs to be created for them. Faber said customers appreciate her high-fashion, one-of-a-kind designs.

“Instead of buying a mass-pro-duced dress that 10,000 other women are wearing they can buy something designed exclusively for them,” she said. “It is also a perfect fit with the highest quality laces, crystals, or jewelry.

I can design anything, includ-ing trend-setting bridal wear right off the New York and Paris

runways.”Faber said popular bridal

wear includes strapless dresses,

French lace, and bridal belts with Swarovski Crystal.

“French lace is coming back strong,” she said. “It fell out of favor about 10 years ago but this year it is one of our most popular features.”

The average wedding gown at Kathy Faber Designs costs

$1,800. According to Faber this is “an extremely competitive price.”

“I pride myself on selling extremely high quality, beautiful bridal wear at a very affordable price,” she said. “If you go to New York or Boston you’ll be paying about double my prices.”

By BRIAN M. JOHNSONCORRESPONDENT

Mike Orazzi | StaffSome of the bridal wear on display at Kathy Faber Designs in Bristol.

See PAGE 11

WEDDINGS

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Page 11: Bridal Guide - New Britain Herald - The Bristol Press 10-20-2013

Sunday, October 20, 2013 | 11The Herald Press

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Faber said she also holds annu-al fashion show fundraisers to give back to the community.

“For years we’ve raised thou-sands of dollars for the Hospital of Central Connecticut,” she said. “This year about 500 people showed up. I also donated to the Make a Wish Foundation and gave a gift certificate to a girl who battled cancer and is now cancer free. She is having

a party at Mohegan Sun and I asked Jon Bon Jovi if he would stop in and see her. He said he would.”

For more information, and a list of upcoming fashion shows and fundraisers, visit kathyfaber.com, or search Kathy Faber Designs LLC on facebook.com.

Brian M. Johnson can be reached at (860) 225-4601, ext 216, or [email protected].

Continued from Page 10

WEDDINGS

Two rooms that accommodate up to 200 guestsCentrally located ten minutes from Hartford

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Page 12: Bridal Guide - New Britain Herald - The Bristol Press 10-20-2013

12 | Sunday, October 20, 2013 The Herald Press

CT Rental Center provides decorations, furniture and more

MIDDLETOWN —— Looking to plan a wedding? Connecticut Rental Center has many of the things you will need for your special day.

The company, at 30 deKoven Drive, has been family owned and operated company since it was founded 1969 by Bob Byrne. Last year, Bob Byrne passed on own-ership and management of the company to his son Tom Byrne.

Connecticut Rental Center helps customers prepare a variety

of events, including an average of between 200 and 250 weddings annually. The company rents new and vintage products ranging from tables and chairs to glassware, tents and linens.

Amylu Meneses, who has worked at Connecticut Rental Center as an events specialist for two years, said the business is more than just your average rental company.

“Our consultants will work with you from beginning to end,” she said. “They’ll sit down with you in person and talk you through colors, decorations, furnishings to

make sure you get the best fit for your budget.”

She said the company strives to create something special for each customer.

“The average price for a wed-ding with 90 to 100 people and everything rented from us is about $3,700,” she said. “A larger venue with over 200 guests, multiple tents, chandeliers, specialty linens, and a DJ and caterer might cost over $10,000. People can send us a wish-list of what they want and we’ll give them a quote. Then we work with them to help them find realistic

pricing.” Meneses said the cost of planning

a wedding depends on how many people will attend, how many items are being rented, whether it will be held at a venue or tent, and the cost of delivering to the location. She said the company can create a nice-looking wedding for any budget.

“We have all different kinds of furnishings,” she said. “If you really want the Fruitwood Chiavari chairs,

but they are too expensive for your budget, we have garden folding chairs. They are also Fruitwood and look nice, but cost half the price. We have table-cloths ranging from $25 to over $100.”

For more information, visit ctren-talcenter.com.

Brian M. Johnson can be reached at (860) 225-4601, ext 216, or [email protected].

By BRIAN M. JOHNSONCORRESPONDENT

Courtesy Photo | Connecticut Rental CentersConnecticut Rental Centers in Middletown provides everything from tables to tents for weddings.

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Page 13: Bridal Guide - New Britain Herald - The Bristol Press 10-20-2013

Sunday, October 20, 2013 | 13The Herald Press WEDDINGS

The Aqua Turf Club is located at 556 Mulberry St., Plantsville. For information, call (860) 621-9335,

e-mail [email protected], or visit www.aquaturfclub.com.

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Page 14: Bridal Guide - New Britain Herald - The Bristol Press 10-20-2013

14 | Sunday, October 20, 2013 The Herald PressWEDDINGS

Cugino’s will work with any wedding couple’s budgetFARMINGTON — Wedding

planning can be stressful and expensive, but at Cugino’s of Farmington, an authentic Northern Italian restaurant, they make sure to serve the customer’s best interest offering no room rental fees for that special occa-sion.

“What’s great about Cugino’s is the great food service and affordability,” says Janice England-Cirikovic, whose hus-band, Mario, owns the restaurant. England-Cirikovic offers office and administrative support and is a former business professional.

Cugino’s was established in 2001, and is Italian for “cousins” chosen by Mario honoring his cousins who helped bring him to America. Cirikovic’s menu’s influence can be traced to Mario’s mother, a native of Italy, who served home-cooked meals, and to his upbringing in Montenegro, with ingredient influences from the coast of Adriatic and Mediterranean.

England-Cirikovic says the restaurant can accommodate pri-vate-party from small to medium to large with the access to their dining room, patio, wine room and banquet room. The dining room can fit up to 100 people, the outdoor patio adjacent to the din-ing room can fit 50 people. Some parties, Janice says, rent out the whole restaurant.

She says she knows not charg-ing a room rental fee is rare, but to them, all that matters is customer presence.

“As a restaurant, we already know that we need to have cus-tomers coming in to keep up to our budget,” says England-Cirikovic. “As long as there is a guaranteed number that you give us of who is coming, then you’re fine.”

On the restaurant’s website, cuginosrestaurantfarmington.com, customers can find the right package for their wedding or event, ranging from $35 a person to $50 a person. There are basic menus and also a buffet menu which provides lunch and din-ner. There is also an option called “Design a Package,” in which customers can pick and choose different entrees and appetizers to their affordability.

“We did this because weddings can be expensive, and we can work together to find a package that can meet your budget,” she says.

Cugino’s is located 1.6 miles from I-84 with plenty of hotels nearby, making it a great venue for short-distance travel.

“We are a good venue for boutique, intimate weddings,” England-Cirikovic says. “We offer free parking and we are handicapped accessible. What is different about us is at other ven-ues, there could be three other weddings going on at the same time, but at Cugino’s we try to make it as intimate as possible.”

Cugino’s Restaurant of Farmington is located at 1053 Farmington Ave. Those interested in Cugino’s for their wedding, or just a bite to eat, can call (860) 678-9355. Reservations are rec-ommended.

By KASSONDRA GRANATACORRESPONDENT

Mike Orazzi | StaffCugino’s Restaurant of Farmington.

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Page 15: Bridal Guide - New Britain Herald - The Bristol Press 10-20-2013

Sunday, October 20, 2013 | 15The Herald Press WEDDINGS

our experienced and attentive team is dedicated to providing exceptional food, superior service and warm hospitality to you and the people who mean the most to you on your extraordinary day!

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Page 16: Bridal Guide - New Britain Herald - The Bristol Press 10-20-2013

16 | Sunday, October 20, 2013 The Herald PressWEDDINGS

Testa’s offers classic style at good prices

SOUTHINGTON — Located less than a mile off of Main Street, Testa’s Banquet Facility can help you create the wedding of your dreams.

Having been family-owned-and-operated since 1976, Testa’s offers dining packages that range from $45 to $100 a person.

For a limited time only, it is offering a special wedding pack-age that costs $59.95 a person ($64.95 on Saturdays) that includes a cocktail hour, cham-pagne toast, a four-course meal, four hours of a top-shelf open bar, floral arrangements, cake and a DJ.

“It’s a really great package that we have set up,” said Ashley Lincoln, a head waitress during events.

While the facility has been around since 1976, it recently unwent renovation to a more updated modern look that still has a classic feel. Every wedding package offered includes an event coordinator to help relieve some of te stress related to the planning.

“We’re here to make everything as easy as possible for our guests,” said Lincoln. “We want them to be able to enjoy themselves.”

Testa’s offers authentic Italian cuisine and is widely known for its homemade sauce.

“It’s sold at a lot of local gro-cery stores and markets,” Lincoln said. “Our meatballs are also very popular and those are a favorite as well.”

Customers can choose a sit-down dinner format or a buf-fet-style meal depending on their preference.

The banquet facility features two rooms designed to accom-

modate large events as well as smaller ones. The larger room is designed to hold a minimum of 65 people with a capacity of 300 and the smaller venue is meant for parties from 30 to 60 guests. Very often, multiple occasions are accommodated simultaneously. And in some cases for a very large celebration, the wall dividing them can be removed to create one more sizeable area.

“It gives us the option to cater to a lot of different types of events,” said Lincoln.

There is also an archway that serves as the site for wedding ceremonies.

For more information about Testa’s and its packages, go totes-tas.net or visit its Facebook page.

By JUSTIN MUSZYNSKISTAFF WRITER

Kevin Bartram | StaffTesta’s in Southington.

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Page 17: Bridal Guide - New Britain Herald - The Bristol Press 10-20-2013

Sunday, October 20, 2013 | 17The Herald Press WEDDINGS

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Page 18: Bridal Guide - New Britain Herald - The Bristol Press 10-20-2013

18 | Sunday, October 20, 2013 The Herald PressWEDDINGS

Weddings and gifts go hand-in-hand. Couples who are tying the knot can expect to receive scores of gifts, ranging from sim-ple well-wishes to cash to items listed on their registries. Because gift-giving is tradition, couples should plan on spending some time writing thank-you notes to express gratitude to the people who were kind enough to give a gift.

Contrary to popular belief, couples do not have a year’s grace period to mail out thank-you notes after the gift has been received or the wedding has taken place. According to the etiquette experts at The Emily Post Institute, all thank-you cards should be written and mailed within three months of receipt of a gift. It is preferable that the thank-you be written direct-ly after receipt of the gift, but time-strapped couples may not have the opportunity to do so. However, writing a few thank-you cards every few days can alleviate having a giant pile to do later on.

Many couples prefer to order thank-you stationery when they order their wedding invitations. This way the paper, font and style match the original invitations. In addition, it may be less expensive to order stationery as a package.

In some cases, a photography package may include thank-you notes with wallet-sized photos to include. Couples can then mail out a nice sentiment with a photo from the wedding. To keep with the etiquette time frame of thank-you notes, it is important to find out when the thank-you photos and cards will arrive first from the photographer. The thank-you sentiments should not be delayed by the photographer.

For those interested in less expensive options, preprinted

thank-you cards can be purchased at a stationery store. There are many designs and price points available. Remember, it is not the card itself, but the thank-you that is important.

As to the rules regarding those getting a thank-you, it is just about anyone who contributed in

some part to the wedding, even if a verbal thanks was already offered. Anyone who provided an engagement, shower or wed-ding gift, those who gave gifts of money, anyone who hosted a party or shower, attendants in the wedding, people who may have housed wedding guests, parents

of the bride and groom, suppliers and vendors, and employers who have wished couples well should all be included on the thank-you list.

Here are some other guidelines to follow.∎ Mail out a handwritten note

to each and every person being thanked.∎ Do not use form letters or

preprinted cards to which you simply add your signature.∎ Be sincere in your messages

and try to mention the gift and what it will be used for.∎  Promptly respond to gifts

that were received through the mail so the giver knows they arrived.∎ Never mention that you

plan to return a gift or exchange it.∎ Mentioning the amount of

a monetary gift is optional, but it does confirm to the giver that the right amount was received.∎ A mass thank-you posted on

social media is not adequate.∎ Even if you are late with

writing out thank-you notes, that doesn’t exclude you from doing so.

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Page 19: Bridal Guide - New Britain Herald - The Bristol Press 10-20-2013

Sunday, October 20, 2013 | 19The Herald Press WEDDINGS

Georgina’s Restaurants & Banquets

275 Boston TurnpikeBolton, Ct

860-647-0345www.georginasbanquets.com

La Bella Vista 380 Farmwood Rd.

Waterbury, CT 06704203-527-4006

www.labellavistacatering.com

Mahan’s Lakeview& Fine Catering

15 Grilley Rd.Wolcott, CT203-879-9363

www.mahanscatering.comManeeley’s

65 Rye St., So. Windsor, CT860-528-6622

www.Maneeleys.com

Manor Inn Restaurant1636 Meriden Waterbury Turnpike

P.O. Box 1636.Milldale (Southington) CT 06467

860-628-9877manorinnrestaurant.com

Oasis782 Pine Street, Bristol, Ct

860-585-9393www.oasisbristol.com

Marilyn’s Pub388 Broad Street, Bristol, Ct

860-583-8838www.marilynspub.com

Testa’s Banquet Facilities26 South Center St.

Southington, CT860-628-8509

www.testas.cnet

The Carousel Museum985 Riverside Ave.,

Bristol, Ct860-585-5411

www.thecarouselmuseum.org

The Gallery141 New London Tpke.Glastonbury, CT 06033

[email protected]

Tunxis PlantationCountry Club

87 Town Farm Rd.Farmington, Ct860-678-9523

www.tunxisbanquets.com

Wood Acre Farm68 Griffin Rd.

Terryville, CT 06786860-583-8670

www.mycountrywedding.com

B R I D A L G O W N SBridal Bells

Boutique, LLC 114 Mill Street

(Berlin Central Plaza) Berlin, Ct 06037

860-828-8462www.bridalbellsboutique.com

Kathy Faber Designs737 Stafford Ave.Bristol, CT 06010

860-583-3461www.kathyfaber.com

B R I D A L O N E - S T O P S H O P P I N G

Bristol Commons& The Annex

99 Farmington Ave.Rt. 6, Bristol

Bristol Plaza641 Farmington Ave.

Rt. 6, Bristol

C A K E S A N D F A V O R S

Bolo Bakery32 Whiting St.860-410-4292

www.bolobakery.com

Harvest Bakery84 Farmington Ave.

Bristol, CT860-589-8000

www.theharvestbakery.com

C A T E R I N GAngelo’s Market

& Catering349 West Main Street

New Britain, CT860-223-7340

www.angelosmarket.com

Jeske’s Catering, LLC380 Main Street

Kensington, CT 06037860-829-7766

Fax: 860-829-1965www.jeskescatering.com

[email protected]

F L O R A L D E S I G NHubbard Florist

133 North St., Bristol860-583-4184

www.hubbardsflorist.com

Marzi Florist33 Fern St.

New Britain, CT860-229-1331

www.marziflorist.com

G I F T SPatrick Baker & Sons, Inc.1650 West St.

Southington, CT 06489860-628-5566

H A I R & B E A U T YThe Hair’s Inn

153 Main St., Terryville860-845-5613

www.hairsinnsalon.com

J E W E L R YShannon’s Diamondsand Fine Jewelry, Inc. 74 Farmington Avenue

Bristol, CT 06010860-582-8858

P H O T O G R A P H YPremiere Portrait

260 East St. Plainville, CT860-410-4303

www.premiereportraits.net

A P P A R E LIrene’s Lingerie21 Whiting Street

Plainville, CT 06062860-747-9500

www.ireneslingerie.com

Kathy Faber Designs737 Stafford Ave.Bristol, CT 06010

860-583-3461www.kathyfaber.com

B A N Q U E T S & C A T E R I N G

Aqua TurfMulberry Street,

Plantsville, Ct 06479www.aquaturfclub.com

Aria by Villa RosaWedding and Banquet Facility45 Murphy Rd. Prospect, Ct

203-758-0096203-573-8083

[email protected]

The CornucopiaBanqueting Hall

371 Pinewoods RoadRt. 8, Torrington

489-5446 & 1-800-3 TO B WED

www.cornucopiabanqueting.com

Cugino’s of Farmington1053 Farmington Ave.,

Farmington 860-678-9366

www.cuginosrestaurantfarmington.com

WEDDING DIRECTORY 2013

R E C E P T I O N & B A N Q U E T S

Krystal Gardens1146 Spindel Hill Rd.

Wolcott, CT(203) 879-4050

www.krystalgardenscatering.comThe Grand Oak Villa

550 Sylvan Lake Rd.Oakville, CT860-945-0548

www.thegrandoakvilla.com

R E N T A L SConnecticut Rental

Center30 Dekoven Drive

Middletown, CT 06457860-347-4688

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T R A V E LWollenberg’s/

TLC Limousine436 Main St.

Terryville, CT860-585-LIMO (5466)www.tlclimousine.net

042999

Page 20: Bridal Guide - New Britain Herald - The Bristol Press 10-20-2013

20 | Sunday, October 20, 2013 The Herald PressWEDDINGS