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MagazineFall 2013
Sophisticated Autumn Dcor Ideas page 32
Tying the Knot & Nearby NuptialsNew England couples
featured inside
Featured FacilitiesCrystal Lake Golf Club, page 60
Publick House, page 66 Vals Restaurant, page 70
Falling For ItFalling For It
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www.bridegroommag.com BRIDE&GROOM Fall 2013 7
Fall 2013
Features32 FallingForIt Sophisticated autumn dcor ideas
44TheMaineAttraction Wedding venues in Maine
52FallFantasies Gorgeous autumn weddings
FeaturedVenues
60 Crystal Lake Golf Club
66 Publick House
70 Vals Restaurant
Articles36 WeddingPlanning2.0 Using social media to plan your
wedding
40 WeddingContracts Reading the fine print
48 GoLocal,GoFair Going beyond green
56 BryansBliss Interview with celebrity wedding planner Bryan
Rafanelli
74 FamilyFeuds How to minimize conflict during wedding
planning
Honeymoons84 WaikikiandBeyond A honeymoon in Oahu
88 LoveandLuxuryinCancn A first-class honeymoon in Mexico
Planning Guide76 HandletheStresswithFinesse 9 ways to stay calm
during the wedding planning process
80 EditorsPicks Product reviews
82 InspirationRound-Up
In every issue10 LetterfromtheEditor
12 TyingtheKnot Recently engaged local couples
18 B&GQ&A Ladybug Florists
NearbyNuptials20 Jenifer & Manny
24 Joanna & Mentar
28 Tessa & Justin
Directories92 FunctionFacilityGuide
96 WeddingResourcesGuide
Contents
52
60
48
84
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8 Fall 2013 BRIDE&GROOM www.bridegroommag.com
Magazine
PublishersRichard E. Chevalier Germaine A. Chevalier
PresidentRobert R. Chevalier
[email protected]
EditorHana Lasell
[email protected]
AccountExecutiveChrissy Carelli
[email protected]
AccountExecutiveClaire Huber
[email protected]
SeniorTechnicalServicesDeveloperLyndsay Homm
[email protected]
BusinessManagerK.C. OBrien
[email protected]
ArtDirectorRick Bridges
Richard Bridges Designrichardbridgesdesign.com
ContributingWritersGeri Bain
Cindy Papish Gerber Stacey Marcus
Andrea E. McHugh Taryn Plumb
Marcelia Muehlke Kate Tribbett
BRIDE & GROOM Magazineis published in January, May and
September and is a trademark of and published by:
334 Boston Turnpike, Shrewsbury, MA 01545 Phone: (508) 770-0092
Fax: (508) 770-0065 bridegroommag.com
All content 2013, CHEVALIER ASSOCIATES, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
PRINTED IN USA
Your Journey,
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10 Fall 2013 BRIDE&GROOM www.bridegroommag.com
Happy fall! Im thrilled to introduce my-self as the new Editor
of Bride & Groom. Im looking forward to helping you achieve
your perfect wedding goals by providing you
with loads of useful planning ideas, inspira-tion, and advice in
every issue. While planning my wedding last year, I
often found myself stopping and thinking, Why am I even doing
this? I was con-stantly stressed, the bills kept creeping up, and
at night my mind raced with all kinds of doubts: What if no one
shows up? What if it rains? What if someone hits a moose on their
way home from the reception? (You read that rightI actually freaked
out about moose. It was a rural Maine wedding, alright?).Every
bride experiences some variation
of these same doubts in the months, weeks, days, and even hours
leading up to her wed-ding. However, one thing rises above these
fearsreal and ridiculousto lift us up and remember why we put
ourselves through all of this: Love! Love for our fiancs, love for
our families, and love for our dreams. What better way to express
your huge, enormous, words-arent-enough feelings for your one
and only than through a meaningful ceremo-ny and a big party?
What better way to show your parents how much they mean to you than
by letting them be part of one of the most important moments of
your life? What better way to fulfill your childhood fantasies than
by stepping out in an ensemble that makes you feel amazing?In this
issue well help you discover ways
to fulfill all of your dreams while also help-ing you head off
some of the stresses that come with planning the biggest party of
your life. On page 32 youll find ideas for deco-rating the
oh-so-beautiful New England fall wedding, as well as a pictorial on
page 52 featuring scenes from actual fall weddings shot by some of
the best photographers in the biz. And make sure you check out
Nearby Nuptials on pages 20, 24 and 28 for advice and inspiration
from real New England weddings.Before I go, Id like to say how
excited
I am to be a part of the Bride & Groom community. Be sure to
e-mail me at [email protected] with ques-tions, ideas,
or just to say, hello!
www. leslieboudreau .com
978-400-6598 Lunenburg, MA
Timeless photographyto fit you perfectly.
Timeless photographyto fit you perfectly.
www. leslieboudreau .com
978-400-6598 Lunenburg, MA
www. leslieboudreau .com
978-400-6598 Lunenburg, MA
Timeless photographyto fit you perfectly.
www. leslieboudreau .com
Letter from the Editor
Our cover features Shawn Eaton and Samantha Tremblay of
Marlborough, MA.Shawn and Samantha were married on August 10, 2013
at George Hill Orchards in Lancaster, MA.Photo courtesy of
leslieboudreau.com
-
Like us on
leslieboudreau.com elizabethannsbridal.com
flowerstopofworcester.com
Beautiful new function venue accommodates 25-200
Your Occasion O ur P leasure
75 Reservoir Street Holden, MA 01520 508.829.0900
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Wedding Receptions Bridal Showers Rehearsal Dinners Social &
Corporate Events
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12 Fall 2013 BRIDE&GROOM www.bridegroommag.com
Gina DiLiddo and Daniel Sawicki Worcester, MA
Wedding date: November 1, 2013
Jessica Silva and Troy Alves Warwick, RI
Wedding date: August 16, 2014
Annette Dudek and Jerry Mercado Worcester, MA
Wedding date: October, 2013
Hollyann Cartier and Christopher Cavaliere Southbridge, MA
Wedding date: June 28, 2014
Ashley Moyer and Chris LaRochelle Jr. New Bedford, MA
Wedding date: June 8, 2014
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Tying the Knot
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14 Fall 2013 BRIDE&GROOM www.bridegroommag.com
Tracy Clark and Justin Eisnor Worcester, MA
Wedding date: October 12, 2013
Leigh Ann Attoun and Michael N. Fernandes West Warwick, RI
Wedding date: October 4, 2014
Kerry Marshall and Thomas Dwyer Worcester, MA
Wedding date: September 14, 2013
Lauren Pozzi and Chris Dauphinais Woonsocket, RI
Wedding date: September 14, 2014
Mellisa Watts and Matthew Groves Plymouth, MA
Wedding date: May 31, 2014
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Tying the Knot
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16 Fall 2013 BRIDE&GROOM www.bridegroommag.com
Jenie Cardoso and Matthew Shunney Pawtucket, RI
Wedding date: June, 2014
Alicia Taylor and Eliseo Ramos Taunton, MA
Wedding date: December 16, 2016
Michele Leary and Brandon Jones Worcester, MA
Wedding date: September 21, 2013
Joanne Cobuzzi and Sean Rochette Blackstone, MA
Wedding date: September 20, 2014
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Tying the Knotwakeenp
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Announce your engagement in the Winter 2014 issue of
BRIDE&GROOM
Submit your engagement photograph for potential publication via
email to: [email protected]. Photo dimensions should be at
least 2 wide with a resolution of 300 ppi (pixels per inch).
Acceptable formats are: pdf, jpg or tiff.Submission deadline:
November 15, 2013. Publication date: January 1, 2014.
Your Picture Here!
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18 Fall 2013 BRIDE&GROOM www.bridegroommag.com
The FlowersHandcrafting an Elegant Impression
B&G
q&a
by Taryn Plumb
lowers: Theyre more than just an accessorythey serve as an
accent; a highlight; a colorful flourish to your wedding. When you
walk down the aisle, your guestsapart from oohing and aahing at the
sight of youtake note of your elegant bouquet; as they take their
seats at the reception, they marvel at the colorful center-pieces.
So when it comes to blossoms and blooms, theres no doubt that you
want to make an impression. LadybugFlorist in Oxford, Massachusetts
can help you do just that: Since June
2005, under the tutelage of owner Mary Tolic and with the
designs of Heather Shee-han and Stacey Towle, the shop has crafted
hundreds of beautiful arrangements for weddings large and small.
From simple bouquets to elaborate centerpieces, Ladybugs talented
designers can bring practically any vision to life.We talked with
manager Heather Sheehan to get the inside scoop on Ladybug
Florist, as well as some great tips for your big day.
F
paulbobkowski.com
Mary Tolic, Owner; Laura Tolic, Customer Service; Heather
Sheehan, Shop Manager & Lead Designer. Not pictured: Stacey
Towle, Designer.
paulsrobinsonphotography.com
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materials. We are seeing more and more nat-ural organic
hand-tied designs. The brides are gathering ideas from social media
sites such as Pinterest. Pinterest allows them to explore the most
updated flower trends that the traditional wedding books dont
offer.
How far in advance should couples order their flowers?
We suggest six to twelve months, just to get the process going.
Then we finalize things about eight weeks before the wed-ding . . .
Sometimes, by then, couples have completely changed their minds
about what they want.
What sets Ladybug Florist apart from other florists?
We pride ourselves on friendly, per-sonalized service. Our
confidence lies in the many years of experience in the floral
in-dustry. Our attention to detail is second to none. From
hand-picking our flowers from our trusted suppliers to ensure only
the finest and freshest stock are utilized in our designs, to
pinning the boutonnieres on the wedding party, we are there from
start to finish.
Our goal is to exceed the expectations of our valuable
clientele. We understand that flowers are but one important element
among many on the Big Day. We want our brides to be confident that
they can con-centrate on having the time of their life on this most
memorable day and that every-thing is perfect. We are also proud
recipi-ents of 2012 Peoples Choice Award and the 2013 One Enchanted
Evening - Dream Wedding Award.
Whats your advice for couples on their big day?
Its one of the single-most defin-ing days of your marriage. You
want it to be memorable. You just want to relax and enjoy the day.
Let everybody else take care of the details.
How did you get into the flower business?
I grew up in it. My grandfather owned greenhouses, and then my
mom had a flower shop. Ive been in it for more than twenty years.
Whats kept me in it is my love of flowers, the gratification. I
love what I do.
How do you work with couples to create their perfect
arrangements?
During the initial consultation with our bride, the main goal is
to pinpoint the vision she has. Every bride is as unique as the end
product of our floral designs. After learning exactly what the
colors of
the wedding parties attire is, we offer our bride a color pallet
to work with. We edu-cate our bride of all the varieties of flowers
available, glassware, and added accessories desired while keeping
in mind her budget.It is most important that our bride gain
a true understanding for the color scheme, variety of flower,
and style of arrangements available to her, among other things. We
want her to be well aware of current trends so she can be confident
when her final deci-sions are made. From the bridal party,
cen-terpieces, and cake decorations, we lay out all the possible
options. After our initial meeting, the Ladybug staff and our bride
have a sound foundation for a working plan to bring together all
she dreamed of for her Big Day.
What are some current trends in wedding flowers?
We are noticing that brides are will-ing to experiment with
different textures and
q:
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a:
a:
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a:
Ladybug Florist 340 Main Street, Oxford, MA 01540(508)
987-2550
ladybug-florist.com
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bkow
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paulsrobinsonphotography.com
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a:
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paulbobkowski.com
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20 Fall 2013 BRIDE&GROOM www.bridegroommag.com
nearby Nuptials
Their storyJenifer Teran and Emmanuel Olivier met under what
some might consider slightly unusual cir-cumstances. Many couples
speak dreamily of their first date as a carefully planned event
pre-ceded by hours of meticulous preparation. Not so with Jeni and
Manny.After a sleepless night on April 1, 2009, Jeni
answered the door for the cable installer, whom she had been
expecting. I didnt care if I was just rolling out of bed when
someone came to install my cable, says Jeni. I rolled out of bed,
no makeup, sweatpants, messy hair with a base-ball cap thrown on.
When I opened the door, it definitely wasnt the fat old man I had
planned on. It was a guy my age, and good looking, too! I was
caught off guard for sure!Manny was also caught off guard. It
was
April Fools Day and my co-worker asked me to take his job
because he was running behind, says Manny. When I got there, I saw
this beau-tiful young lady looking like she just got out of bed. So
I proceeded to do the job and I told her I would give her a call to
make sure that she was all set and weve never stopped talking.
Jeni and MannyJune 15, 2012 Easton, MA
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www.bridegroommag.com BRIDE&GROOM Fall 2013 21
Jeni and Mannys engagement was as un-derstated as their first
meeting, but definitely not lacking in romance. One night while
preparing to watch a movie, Manny asked me to go into the kitchen
to get him some iced tea, says Jeni. When I came back into the
living room Manny was on his knees in front of the couch. I didnt
think much of it, because, being a cable guy, he was always
crawling around messing with wiring or something else. When I sat
back on the couch and looked up at him, he was there with my dream
ring, asking me to spend the rest of my life with him.After four
years, being with Manny
still gives me butterflies, says Jeni. I cant imagine spending
the rest of my life with anyone else. I finally found my man. Says
Manny of his fairytale relationship with Jeni: I guess you never
see it coming but Im glad it did come my way. Im talking about
love. What a wonderful feeling! Im so happy to have someone special
who I love more than words can say.
PlanningJeni and Manny spent just three months planning their
wedding. Yup, Im crazy and work best under major pressure, says
Jeni. We were paying for everything ourselves and on a tight
budget, which would have disappeared on bills and life had we taken
too long to put everything together. Jeni did the majority of the
planning herself, but re-lied on her mother for support throughout
the process. She was a major support and help through everything.
Manny didnt play much of a role. Not because he wouldnt, but
because once I have a vision I run with it, and he was more than
happy to let me do that.Many brides would admittedly crash
while
flying solo through a whirlwind engagement, and while stress did
peek its head out from time to time, Jeni has no regrets concerning
her decisions. It was a busy three months, but it worked out great
for us. After going through that madness and knowing what I know
now, if given the choice to go back and re-do it, I wouldnt change
a thing!
What was most important to me was that I ended up married to the
man I love.
continued on page 22
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22 Fall 2013 BRIDE&GROOM www.bridegroommag.com
DetailsJeni and Manny knew that their wedding would be anything
but typical. I knew I wouldnt be having a traditional day or
wearing a white dress, says Jeni, so the search was on for a
wedding-worthy purple one. When she couldnt find a dress that fit
within her budget, Jeni took matters into her own handsliterally.
My family thought Id gone off the deep end considering Ive never
sewn in my life. My inspiration gown had material that flowed like
feathers, so I thought, why not make my gown with actu-al feathers?
I started with a very simple and plain purple dress that I
purchased online, and turned it into my dream dress. Jeni was so
inspired by the results of her
handiwork that she let her unique vision flow into the design of
the overall dcor as well. The feathers on my gown sparked
inspira-tion for a lot of the other dcor. It was fun
and creative and replaced any flowers that you would typically
see for things like bou-quets and centerpiecesI wanted my wed-ding
to be different, but class and elegance were still very important
to me. I think my vision was accomplished nicely.
AdviceTake time away from everyone, just the two of you, even if
its only five minutes away to reflect on the day, says Jeni. Id
also like to add that couples on a very tight budget can have a
beautiful wedding if they are willing to be open mindedEven though
we didnt have some costly extras or the fanciest reception site, it
was us and it was perfect. It really is only a few hours and most
of it is hard to remember. What was most impor-tant to me was that
I ended up married to the man I love.
The ParticularsCeremony: Ames Mansion at Borderland State Park,
Easton, MA. friendsofborderland.org
Reception: Knights of Columbus, Easton, MA.
eastonkofc.org/rentals
Catering: Mr. Josephs Catering, South Attleboro, MA
Photographer: Shannon Grant Photography.
ShannonGrantPhotography.com
Bridal Gown: Handcrafted by bride
Groom and Groomsmen Attire: Isabellas Bridal, Taunton, MA.
isabellasbridals.com
Bridesmaids Dresses: Girls Dress Line. girlsdressline.com
Cake: Amanda Emerson
Hair & Makeup: Tia Dodd and Christy Lavallee.
BridalArtists.com, makeup-artistry.biz
Music: Mitch Laguerre. DJFinalTouch.com
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Two Elegant Destinations, One Goal in Mind...To offer you the
best in wedding venues.
Pleasant ValleyCountry Club
At either of our locations, we will custom design all aspects of
your wedding package, including menus. Our facilities provide you
with a beautiful backdrop for wedding receptions, rehearsal
dinners
and bridal showers. Create memories in our elegant ballrooms
that will last a lifetime.
HighfieldsGolf&CountryClub42 Magill Drive Grafton, MA 01519
508-839-1945
www.highfieldsgolfcc.com
PleasantValleyCountryClub95 Armsby Road Sutton, MA 01590
508-865-4441
www.pleasantvalleycc.com
Steve Erikson
PerfectWeddingPhoto.com Morin Studio
Penny Lynn Photography
GOLF &COUNTRY CLUB
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24 Fall 2013 BRIDE&GROOM www.bridegroommag.com
nearby Nuptials
Their storyJoanna Trainor and Mentar Dukas story began at a
Boston Bruins game in 2010, where they met through Joannas friend,
Gledi, who is also Mentars cousin. The two met again a few weeks
later at Gledis birthday party. Joanna was dazzled by Mentars
outfit (a three-piece suit with a hot pink tie) and the two chatted
and flirted over Jack and Diets. The rest was history.Two years
later, Mentar surprised Joanna
with an after-work dinner in Boston. Joanna was admittedly
confused when they arrived at Top of the Hub, a place the couple
normally only frequented on special occasions. I didnt have a clue
what was happening, says Joanna. At the table, Mentar asked to
speak to the
Sommelier. After a long conversation, they set-tled on a French
red wine that the Sommelier said had changed his life. Mentar
replied, Who knows, man? Maybe my life will change, too. I thought
it was odd, but then the food arrived so I forgot about it, says
Joanna.
Joanna and MentarOctober 20, 2012 Cambridge, MA
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www.bridegroommag.com BRIDE&GROOM Fall 2013 25
Between courses, Mentar reached into his pocket, pulled out a
box, and asked Joanna to be his wife. Her answer: Seriously?
PlanningWe started planning the wedding the day after we got
engaged, so it took about ten months to pull all the details
together, says Joanna. Both Joanna and Mentar took an equal part in
planning. Splitting up tasks and making decisions together made the
day that much more special to both of us.Of course, the couple
experienced the
requisite wedding-planning stress, but their eyes on the prize
attitude kept them posi-tive throughout the entire process.
Some-times you get stressed out, but it is such a good feeling
because its something I used to dream all my life to get married to
the woman I love, says Mentar. Says Joanna of the stress: As much
as it was stressful, ev-erything truly fell into place for us. We
had a vision and kept going back to it. We tried to make the ten
months of planning into a long celebration rather than let the
stress get to us.
DetailsWith Joannas Scandinavian roots and Mentars Albanian
heritage, their wedding was truly a blending of cultures. We have
been to Albanian/American weddings in the past that were very
segregated, and that was the number-one thing we did not want, says
Joanna. We wanted as many people as pos-sible at our wedding as a
way to thank them for being an integral part of creating who we are
as adults, she adds. The couple kicked off their reception
with a slideshow showing hundreds of pho-tos from their
childhood, adolescence, and young adulthood. It was a total hit,
and hilarious! says Joanna.In order to include their friends and
rela-
tives who couldnt attend their wedding in person, Joanna and
Mentar streamed their wedding live online. At first, live streaming
seemed a bit over the top, but when we real-ized how many friends
and relatives all over the world would not be able to travel to
Bos-ton, we felt it was really important for them to witness our
vows. We heard from relatives on both sides of the family who
enjoyed be-ing there virtually!
Johanna and Mentars united celebration wouldnt be complete
without some tradi-tional Albanian dancing, so they helped their
guests perform the Valle, a dance that re-quires all the wedding
guests to go around in circles using a few steps. To be sure that
all our American guests felt welcome, we called up some Albanian
friends to help teach ev-eryone the steps. The highlight of the
reception was a trib-
ute to Joannas father, Jerry, who passed away eighteen years
earlier. Jerry was the
manager of a softball team, so Joanna couldnt think of a better
way to honor her father than to have the his team members be a part
of her father-daughter dance. Joanna danced with five of her
softball dads to the
We tried to make the ten months of planning into a long
celebration rather than let the stress get to us.
continued on page 26
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26 Fall 2013 BRIDE&GROOM www.bridegroommag.com
song, Roots before Branches. In addition to the dance, Joanna
and Mentar honored Jerry with a tribute video put together by
Jerrys lifelong friend, Jack.
Guest commentsIm sure all couples say this, but everyone we run
into since the wedding says it was the most fun theyve had at a
wedding ever. The second compliment is for the media and pictures
we includedthe video about my father and the slideshow of everyone
grow-ing up were really moving tributes to our families.
AdviceDo as much as you can early on, says Joanna. Theres no
need to wait on some thingsAlso, pay your bills early. Its so much
harder to enjoy that last month as you are shelling out cash left
and right.The couples last piece of advice: Write
thank-you cards as you receive your gifts. We were diligent in
writing down each gift we got, but why didnt we write the thank-you
cards as we opened the presents? Leave a pile of thank-you cards
wherever you are opening your gifts.
The ParticularsCeremony: Faith Lutheran Church, Cambridge, MA.
faithcambridge.org
Reception and Catering: Boston Cambridge Marriott, Cambridge,
MA. marriott.com/hotels/travel/boscb-boston-marriott-cambridge
Photographer: Kristin Griffin Photography, Halifax, MA.
kristingriffinphotography.com
Cake: Montilios, Braintree, MA. montilios.com
Flowers: Stems, Winchester, MA. stemswinchester.com
Videographer: Ware River Studios, Rutland, MA. wareriver.com
Music: DJ Jani. [email protected]
Transportation: Black Tie Limo, and Grace Limo.
blacktielimo.com, gracelimo.com
Bridal gown: Gianna Bridal, Stoneham, MA. giannabridal.com
Bridesmaids dresses: Dessy. dessy.com
Groom and Groomsmen attire: Mens Wearhouse.
menswearhouse.com
Invitations: Goosefish Press, Boston, MA. goosefishpress.com
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28 Fall 2013 BRIDE&GROOM www.bridegroommag.com
nearby Nuptials
Their storyLike so many modern couples, Tessa Landry and Justin
Marcoux initially connected online. After a virtual wink and an
e-mail, the couple met up for their first date at Applebees during
the summer of 2010. Tessa braved the blind date alone, but Justin
brought his best friend. My first impression of Justin was that he
was very handsome and funny, Tessa says. He was down to earth,
smart, and I loved how our con-versations were never boring. I
think he was more nervous at that first meeting than I was.Justin
and Tessa got engaged on a warm sum-
mer night about a year after their first date. After hitting a
bucket of golf balls at a local driving range, Justin spontaneously
suggested the two take a drive. I found this strange because
Jus-tin never likes to aimlessly drive around, Tessa says. We ended
up at Common Fence Point in Portsmouth, Rhode Island. Tessa fondly
recalls the magic of that evening: The Mount Hope
Tessa and JustinOctober 7, 2012 Fall River, MA
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www.bridegroommag.com BRIDE&GROOM Fall 2013 29
bridge was shining in the background and the weather was clear
and warm. Justin got down on one knee and asked me to spend the
rest of my life with him. At first, an incredulous Tessa thought
Justin was joking, but she soon realized that this was no joke. He
got up, we kissed, and fireworks went off by the bridge! It was so
incredible, since he hadnt planned for the fireworks at all.
Afterwards, the couple went to Justins fam-ily home to share the
good news. It turned out that spot runs in the familyhis parents
got engaged there many years before!
PlanningWe booked our venue exactly one year to the date before
our wedding, and we had been making plans for about two months
before we settled on the location. Planning for over a year really
helped us make calm
and considered choices, and we didnt have to feel
rushed.Teamwork played a big role in the plan-
ning of Tessa and Justins fall affair. We planned the wedding
together, says Tessa. I handled all the aesthetic details and
deco-rating, color choices and flowers, while Jus-tin kept track of
the finances. I was fortu-nate enough to have a wedding planner in
the family, so I went to her for advice. Says Justin of their team
approach: It helped to break down the tasks between us and focus on
our strengths.To keep costs down, the couple went the
way of the DIY movement, taking the mak-ing of some of their
wedding elements into their own hands. I took small gourds and
attached round tags to them to display the table numbers, then
included maple leaves we made with a paper punch. For our
favors,
we did a candy buffet, which was a huge hit with our guests and
featured some of our fa-vorite sweets.
DetailsTessa and Justin had no doubts about what kind of
ceremony they wanted. Justin and I wanted a traditional Catholic
Church wed-ding, Tessa says. It was very important to Justin to be
married at St. Annes in Fall River. Both of us went to Catholic
school and we wanted to receive our sacrament of marriage in the
church. Tessa expressed her closeness to her family
throughout many facets of the ceremony and reception.
Unfortunately, my father passed away in 2006, so my brother, Jason,
walked me down the aisle, says Tessa. I shared my father-daughter
dance song with my other brother, Matthew. The DJ displayed a
slideshow of photographs of the three of us growing up during the
dance, which was a surprise to my brothers, and everyone en-joyed
it. My bouquet was also very special to me, since we attached my
grandmothers handkerchief that she carried to my aunts wedding.
Since my grandmother couldnt be with us on wedding day, it was a
great reminder of her.When choosing a song for their first
dance,
Tessa and Justin harkened back to their early days as a couple.
When Justin and I first
Everyone will have advice for you, but its your day, so do what
makes you happy.
continued on page 30
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30 Fall 2013 BRIDE&GROOM www.bridegroommag.com
started dating, we made each other mix CDs with our favorite
songs that reminded us of each other. The CD I made for Justin was
filled with sappy love songs, while his had more classic rock. One
of the songs on his CD was Tangled up in You by Aaron Lewis. When
it came time to choose our first dance song, we immediately went
back to Lewiss song. It was simple and fit us well.
Favorite part of the dayIll never forget the first-look moments
we did with my brothers, says Tessa. It was so
special for me to see their reactions to their little sister all
dressed up for her wedding. Ill also never forget the first words
Justin said to me as I met him at the altar. He said that I looked
beautiful, and at that moment all my anxiety just disappeared.
During the reception, Justin and I got some time to our-selves on
the deck of the country club. It had been raining all day, but the
weather let up, so we went out for a quiet moment and a few
photographs together. It was great to have some time to reflect and
be together in the middle of the day.
Guest commentsI think the most talked about detail of our
wedding was my blue heels, Tessa says. I wanted to wear something
blue, and on the morning of the wedding, my bridesmaids put
rhinestones on the bottom of the heels that said I Do. It was very
cute.
AdviceIf I could give any advice to engaged cou-ples, it would
be to tell them to stop and take a moment during the wedding day to
relax and take it all in, says Tessa. Everyone will have advice for
you, but its your day, so do what makes you happy. It might seem
silly to others, but if something makes your day more meaningful,
then go for it. Invite those that mean the most to you and just
have a great time.
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The ParticularsCeremony: St. Annes Church, Fall River, MA.
stanneshrine.com
Reception & Catering: Crestwood Country Club, Rehoboth, MA.
crestwoodcc.com
Photographer: Kristin Griffin Photography, Halifax, MA.
kristingriffinphotography.com
Cake: Gails Goodies and More Bakery, Mattapoisett, MA.
gailsgoodiesandmore.com
Flowers: The Amber Rose Floral and Gifts, Inc., Westport, MA.
theamberrose.net
Music: AA Music Connection, New Bedford, MA.
facebook.com/amusicconnection
Bridal gown & Bridesmaids dresses: Davids Bridal.
davidsbridal.com
Groom and Groomsmen attire: Mens Wearhouse.
menswearhouse.com
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32 Fall 2013 BRIDE&GROOM www.bridegroommag.com
Sophisticated Autumn Dcor Ideas
Falling For ItF all is quintessential New England. The blaze of
colors, the apple-picking, pumpkin carving, the crisp air . . . all
are reasons thousands
of visitors are drawn to the region during the few fleeting
weeks of
autumn each year. And if you choose to wed during New
Englands
most cherished season, there are many subtle and sophisticated
ways
you can work its splendors into the ambiance of your
celebration.
Its a fabulous time to visit the area, says Paula Marrero of
Marrero Events, based in Boston and Danvers. Its just a great
time
of year, and couples love to share that with their guests.
by Taryn Plumb
personkillan.com
personkillan.com
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www.bridegroommag.com BRIDE&GROOM Fall 2013 33
Start with InvitesInfuse fall into your festivities from the
get-go with your save-the-date announcements and invitations, which
set the tone for your wedding. There are numerous fall-oriented
options available through stationers such as Wedding Paper Divas
and Invitations by Dawn, which offer dozens of choices that feature
backgrounds of mums or fall leaves and trees, all set to hues of
brown, orange, muted yellows, and greens. You might also consider
working in small fall elements, such as an abstract leaf-like liner
to the inner en-velope, suggests master bridal Ccnsultant Alexis
Eliopoulos OMara, of the Boston-based Unique Weddings by
Alexis.
Pick a Rich Color SchemeNextand cruciallycomes the color theme,
which ultimately sets the tone of your event.Eliopoulos OMara
suggests deep orang-
es, eggplant, and bordeaux, or jewel tones such as emerald,
amethyst, or garnet. Of the jewel tones, she notes, the colors are
bolder and richer, and not as deep and dark as tra-ditional autumn
tones. Meanwhile, darker linens can give a room a rich appearance,
she says. Marrero agrees on the use of deeper
colors, and cautions about orange, which can become too literal
(that is, carved-pumpkin orange, or Halloween-y unless, of course,
thats what youre go-ing for). Instead, she says, think along the
lines of burnt orange, spice, cinnamon, paprika, and terra cotta,
which can then be mixed with bolder colors like gold and
burgundy.
Go Bold with FlowersWhy did you choose the fall? Chances are
because you love the vibrant colors outside, says Marrero, who
urges brides to go beau-tiful and bold in their bouquets, and add
elements such as dusty miller to create more texture. As for
centerpieces, dont be afraid to
stray away from the traditional bouquet-at-table-center, and
dont hesitate to mix things up. Marrero notes that its much more
ap-pealing to have a well-designed table-scape, as opposed to
offering up the same centerpiece plopped in the middle of every
table. She suggests filling glass vessels with green moss, orange
flowers, single orchids, or hydrangeas. With an orchid, for
example, submerge one in water along with a floating candle; its
elegant, yet simple and inexpen-sive. If flowers are subtle and
spread around the room, they can create a real pop in un-usual
places, she says. Eliopoulos OMara points out the subdued appeal of
calla lilies, spider mums, and dahlias for fall weddings, as well
as various in-season berries, and even fiddleheads.Manzanita
branches can also be a beauti-
ful, versatile accessoryset them as center-pieces at the place
card table, or use them to hang escort cards, candles, or flowers.
Be-yond that, some couples are drawn to drift-wood and birch, which
can be interspersed with flowers on tables, or cut to fit candles
and various blooms. Rustic is very preva-lent, says Marrero.
Create a Warm Environment Throughout your dcor, be liberal in
the use of candles and bottles, says Marrero. To fit with the
season, fill jars with lentils or candy, or sprinkle orange pumpkin
candy between place cards to create just a little tease.Scented
candles can create even more am-
biance, Eliopoulos OMara notes. Consider yummy smells such as
apple pie, spiced pumpkin, and hot chocolate, which all remind
guests of the fall. continued on page 34
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34 Fall 2013 BRIDE&GROOM www.bridegroommag.com
Other flairs could include wreaths made of leaves, poured-wax
votives, and gold-painted pumpkins, she says. As for light-ing,
keep it soft: amber hues can be warm and inviting (which is the
essence of fall, after all).And stay with the theme in your
favors
consider edibles like honey, maple sugar candies, cider donuts,
or caramel applesas well as your food offerings. Your guests will
love the graceful addition of butternut squash soup served in baby
pumpkins, local cider, or apple pie or pumpkin tartlets, says
Eliopoulos OMara.No matter the season, though, you should
keep several things in mind to make your wedding the best day
possible. Beyond hir-ing a planner or wedding-day coordinator,
Eliopoulos OMara advises that couples keep up with plans, and make
lists well in advance. Also, dont leave things to the last minute,
as this will only cause you stress. In choosing your wedding party,
she adds, dont do so out of obligation; opt for friends and family
who will truly help and will keep you (relatively) stress-free.Have
a plan, have a timeline, and realize
the wedding starts the day your first guest comes to town,
Marrero says. But the ulti-mate key: relax. If youre not at ease by
the start of the rehearsal dinner, youre wasting your time, she
says. You have to be able to let go.
Taryn Plumb is a regular contributor to BRIDE&GROOM
Magazine. She writes from Worcester, MA.
SourcesMarrero Events
Marreroevents.com
Unique Weddings by AlexisWeddingsbyalexis.com
Its just a great time of year, and couples love to share
that
with their guests.
personkillan.com
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36 Fall 2013 BRIDE&GROOM www.bridegroommag.com
A
Wedding Planning 2.0Staying organized with Social Media
by Andrea E. McHugh
h, the wedding binder. Its a rite of passage for many brides,
preciously hous-ing the ripped-out magazine pages full of
inspiration, wedding-day timelines, check-lists, fabric swatches,
vendor contracts, and so much more. Some brides invest in the
illustrious Martha Stewart pre-organized wedding binder, while
others customize theirs with finds from the craft store or sim-ply
use a three-ring version from the local office supply store. But
one trend remains universal when it comes to todays wedding binder:
Its shrinking. Since the introduction of sharing sites like
Pinterest, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and a virtually endless
selection of wed-ding-related smartphone apps, todays bride is
heading toward an increasingly paper-less place. With just the
touch of her finger, she can show the florist, stationer, wedding
planner, or cake designer specifically what kind of aesthetic shes
looking to create on her special day.The Pinterest app on my iPad
helps to
keep me very organized, says Boston-based blogger and
bride-to-be Angel Babbitt. Al-though I still have a three-ring
binderits a small, half-inch binder just used to keep track of
receiptsI rely on my Pinterest app to show friends, family, and
vendors the vi-sion of our wedding day when Im on the go.Angel, who
is best known as the mind
behind the popular wedding-planning blog, The Bridal BFF
(thebridalbff.com), em-braced wedding-based social media long
before becoming engaged. I started The Bridal BFF in 2009 as a
budding entrepre-neur starting my own wedding-planning business,
she says. After a few years of
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www.bridegroommag.com BRIDE&GROOM Fall 2013 37
wedding planning, I got engaged in May 2012 and will be getting
married in October of this year. I love writing, so that is a
reward in itself, and sharing my love for weddings, especially now
as a future bride, helps me connect and relate to brides
everywhere.Angel uses social media platforms like Twit-
terwhere she has close to 2,000 followersto share blog posts
featuring topics ranging from her newest bridal makeup finds to her
favorite wedding dresses. She also turns to Twitter to engage in
conversations with other brides, asking them questions and sharing
wed-ding-related joys, gripes and industry trends. Newlywed Erin
Wilson says Pinterest played a pivotal role in her wedding
planning. I started a Pinterest board almost immediately after I
got engaged, she says. She credits the
popular sharing and organizing site with con-necting her with
vendors and helping her find useful planning blogs. I even had a
conversa-tion with my mother during the whole plan-ning process
about how people found ideas and vendors before the Internet. Her
response was, Weddings didnt look like this when I got married. Its
so true, though; I would look up the burlap and lace theme that I
wanted to go with on Pinterest and there was an assortment of
different ideas from centerpieces, to bou-quets, guest books, and
shower favors. I was in wedding heaven!It was on Pinterest that
Erin discovered a
free app called Wedding Party (wedding-partyapp.com), which
collects photos from your guests and puts them in one place for
everyone to view. While it is by no means a replacement for a
professional photographer, the app allows brides and grooms to see
their wedding through the eyes of their guests. I immediately knew
this was something I want-ed to have because our wedding was a
week-end affair with a majority of our guests coming from out of
town, says Erin. We had events
continued on page 38
With just the touch of her finger, a bride can show her
vendors specifically what kind of aesthetic shes looking to
create on her special day.
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38 Fall 2013 BRIDE&GROOM www.bridegroommag.com
beginning on Thursday, and I wanted a way to capture all of the
moments that the pho-tographer wouldnt be around for. Once Erin
downloaded the app and created a wedding name, she shared the
access info with her guests online through social media, as well as
on the wedding programs. People loved it! We had so many guests
posting pic-tures that the photographer didnt capture
and different quotes throughout the night that myself or [my
husband] Tim werent around to hear. It was awesome! One of Erins
favorite benefits was being able to see guests excitedly getting
ready for the big day. I loved that part. It was amazing to be
waiting at the airport before leaving for our honeymoon and seeing
that everyone had such an amazing time.
The popularity of sharing sites has vastly changed the typical
wedding vendors busi-ness model as well. Binita Patel, owner of
Binita Patel Photography and Cinematog-raphy in Boston
(binitapatelphotography.com) says that establishing a personal
con-nection with her clients is crucial. Learning more about brides
and groomstheir in-dividual styles, tastes, and passionsplays an
important role and yields extraordinary results. Beyond my
photography work, I love that Pinterest gives people another way to
see how I visually connect to the world, says Binita. She uses
social media to promote her work and build her brand by sharing and
connecting online. Facebook in particular has played a vital role
in how our photos, videos, and slideshows reach a massive audience.
For example, when we release a real wedding on our own blog, well
be sure to share it consistently via Facebook, Pinter-est,
Instagram, etc. Social media platforms have allowed us to take the
sharing of im-ages to a whole new level.Event planner Stephanie
Frazier Grimm,
owner of the Newport, Rhode Island-based Couture Parties
(coutureparties.com), says that Pinterest is an effective tool for
clients who want to organize all of their ideas in one place. She
started using the site two years ago and immediately found it
expo-nentially easier to exchange ideas with cou-ples than in the
past when they would have to send images back and forth via e-mail,
which would sometimes be too large to de-liver or would crash the
computer. Today, a single link to a brides Pinterest board gives
Stephanie an instant, intimate view of her clients wedding
aesthetic. My couples still want their wedding designs to be a
surprise to their guests, so we create secret boards, create fake
accounts, and I still do it the old-fashioned way with design
boards, she explains. But Stephanie says that brides and grooms
should also approach Pinterest with a degree of caution. [Its]
great, but you have to be careful of all the ideas out there; it
can start to become overwhelming, and we have to streamline.
Besides, who wants to copy someone elses exact wedding? Make it
your own!
Andrea McHugh, a regular contributor to BRIDE&GROOM
Magazine, writes from Newport, RI.
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has been voted Worcester Countys Best Bakery 51 times! Party
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133 Gold Star Blvd. Worcester, MA 508-852-0746
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www.bridegroommag.com BRIDE&GROOM Fall 2013 39
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40 Fall 2013 BRIDE&GROOM www.bridegroommag.com
Wedding Contracts: Reading the Fine Print
How to Stay Ahead of the Game When Booking Vendors for Your Big
Day
by Cindy Papish Gerber
ongratulations! If youre reading this, youre probably already in
the throes of planning your dream wedding. Youve set the date and
are in the first stages of interviewing vendors. But before you
make deposits and sign on the dotted line, its important to learn
what your contractual responsibilities really are.
C
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www.bridegroommag.com BRIDE&GROOM Fall 2013 41
Pay Attention to DetailsParticular attention should be paid to
your can-cellation rights; how long beforehand you can cancel
without consequence, and your damage exposure if you cancel prior
to the big day, says Alan G. Schwartz, a partner in Wiggin and Dana
Law firm in New Haven, Connecticut. Make sure everything is
precisely defined, Schwartz stresses. While obtaining legal help to
peruse most wedding contracts isnt necessary, you should always
make sure you understand what you are paying for, when its
appropriate to ne-gotiate, and why your deposit is probably
non-refundable. According to the online planning resource,
Massachusetts Wedding Guide, If the person/persons youve chosen
do not have a contract, consider finding another wedding
professional. Not only will these contracts protect you and the
vendor from any miscommunications and re-sponsibilities, they
should also list all the details that youve discussed. Such details
include contact information, dates and times, location, itemized
and backup services, hourly rates, dress code (if applicable),
specifications regarding goods (including size, quantity, amount,
and color), delivery info, payment/deposit/refund amounts, and
cancellation deadlines. When mak-ing payments, be sure to use a
credit card in place of cash or checks. If a vendor doesnt honor
his or her contract obligations, you will have your credit card
company to turn to for help. If you pay in cash or check, the
vendor has your money and you will have to file a claim against
them.
Dont Be ShyBeing prepared is your best defense. Take notes, ask
lots of questions, and listen carefully. Good communication is key.
Do your homework and meet with several vendors in each service
category, advises Christopher Wakeen of Wakeen Photography in
Grafton, Massa-chusetts. Be sure you actually like the people youll
be spending the day with. If were not getting a good vibe from the
prospective client, then we probably shouldnt work together.
Wakeen, who has never encountered a single issue with a wedding
contract, has heard tales of vendors who double-book jobs, are
tardy, dont return phone calls, or fail to complete orders on
target. Experienced professionals, he maintains, know how to walk
the couple
through every stage of their planning and keep them updated as
the date draws near.Steven Gray of Grays Limousine in Boylston,
MA, insists on meeting prospective clients in per-son. Dont go
by ads, use the telephone, or web-sites for transactions, he
cautions. Whether at the bridal expo, or at our office, we invite
cou-ples to talk to us, see our cars, and go home and think about
it. According to Gray, this approach avoids a bait and switch.
Prepare for the WorstLost or damaged goods, equipment failures,
ill-ness, and weather emergencies can unexpectedly derail your
wedding plans, so staying informed of your vendors cancellation and
refund policies can
continued on page 42
Attorney Alan Schwartz of Wiggin and Dana LLP
Chris Wakeen and Victoria Harding-Wakeen of Wakeen
Photography
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42 Fall 2013 BRIDE&GROOM www.bridegroommag.com
Worcester, MA 508-755-7744 perrosflowers.com
Like us onericaewingphotography.com
ericaewingphotography.com
anzafotofilm.com
keep you from losing money in a crisis situ-ation. Similarly,
vendors rely upon contracts to protect their bottom line. We have
to run a business, offers Yvonne Caole, Sales and Marketing Manager
at The Beechwood Ho-tel in Worcester, Massachusetts. Couples should
know that since we are reserving a date for them, we are
withholding from booking additional events. We have a three-month,
two-month, and a single-month be-fore cancellation policy,
outlining when all percentages are due. Anything before three
months gives us time to rebook.
It isnt uncommon, shares Caole, to work with couples whove had
to deal with unforeseen situations, or have something pending. In
those instances, she recom-mends adding a clause to the contract.
Clauses can identify any number of issues, from military
deployment, illness, or com-mon things, like negotiating food and
bever-age minimums. But couples have to under-stand they cannot
delay contract signings simply because their various wedding
com-ponents havent been finalized.When parents foot the wedding
bills, they
must be included in every step of the con-tract process.
Everything in our contract was clear, and we worked with a
wonder-ful person who we had a great relationship with, recalls
Jodi Pollack, a Connecticutbased mother of the groom who worked
hand-in-hand with her future in-laws to plan (what they hoped)
would be a dream recep-tion at a reputable venue adjacent to New
York Harbor. Months before the wedding, she shares, we informed the
venue that we needed to canceldue to the fact that the brides
father was terminally ill. Despite the sad turn of events, the
managerial team was inflexible. More trouble ensued when Hur-ricane
Sandy caused structural damage to (and temporarily closed) the
facility. They cut off all ties with those who had deposits on
events, says Pollack. Her advice to those considering indoor/
outdoor wedding venues is, to look into what their coverage is, in
case they have to cancel your event!
Experienced professionals
know how to walk the couple
through every stage of their
planning and keep them updated
as the date draws near.
Mauryn Kkira of Creative Wedding Solutions
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www.bridegroommag.com BRIDE&GROOM Fall 2013 43
Get HelpStriking a balance between planning your wedding and
managing your life can be a difficult feat for any couple, so
sometimes hiring a professional wedding planner is your best bet
when trying to ensure that no detail is overlooked. An experienced
wed-ding planner will work as a mediator be-tween you and your
vendors, which helps immensely, says Mauryn Kkira, Creative
Director of Boston-based wedding planners, Creative Wedding
Solutions. Planners know the inner workings of the wedding
business, speak the same language as the vendors, and have a clear
understanding of business contracts. We help you navigate all the
things you dont know to look, expect, or plan for, she counsels, to
uncover tiny details buried within the fine print.
SourcesCreative Wedding Solutions
creativeweddingsolutions.com
Grays Limousinegrayslimo.com
Massachusetts Wedding GuideMAWeddingGuide.com
Wakeen Photographywakeenphotography.com
The Beechwood Hotelbeechwoodhotel.com
Wiggin and Dana LLPwiggin.com
Cindy Papish Gerber is a regular contributor to BRIDE&GROOM
Magazine. She writes from Connecticut.
kristingriffinphotography.com
kristingriffinphotography.com
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44 Fall 2013 BRIDE&GROOM www.bridegroommag.com
The Maine AttractionMother Nature Rolls Out the Green Carpet
Under a Canopy of Blue Skies by Stacey Marcus
Photo courtesy of Inn by the Sea
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www.bridegroommag.com BRIDE&GROOM Fall 2013 45
aine: Its about much more than just blueberries, log cabins, and
moose tracks. We scoured the state and dis- covered five sparkling
gems offering couples enchanting options to tie the knot in a state
fragrant with fresh air and brimming with romantic spots to wed.
Whether you want to get hitched in a timber-frame barn, exchange
vows in a lovely garden, or trade hearts inside a gracious inn,
youll discover a myriad of unique wedding venues in Maine.
Stone Mountain Arts Center, BrownfieldCreative couples,
especially songbirds, will adore the Stone Moun-tain Arts Center in
Brownfield. When recording artist Carol Noonan got tired of being
on the road eight years ago, she transformed an old barn into a
performing arts center that offers many options for couples looking
for a secluded and unique wedding venue. There are no cookie-cutter
weddings at Stone Mountain Arts Center, says Hannah Babineau, Stone
Mountain Arts Centers Wedding Coordi-nator. With two beautiful
timber-frame barns, we have something for every couple. That is, if
youre a couple that likes beautiful barns, the Maine countryside,
and being surround-ed by the echo of legendary musicians from every
genre.Primarily a per-
forming arts venue, Stone Mountain Arts Center hosts wed-dings
year-round and strives to make the planning process as easy as
possible with affordable packages ranging from the DIY to the
all-inclusive. An in-house wedding co-ordinator helps make the
process all the more pleasant. At the end of the day all we want to
hear is, I cant believe how great that was and know that we helped
to make that happen, says Babineau. A unique feature of the venue
is the green room, where brides and grooms can get ready for their
big day like rock stars.
The White Barn Inn, KennebunkportThe White Barn Inn in
Kennebunkport is an ideal destination for couples who want an
intimate and custom experience. Luxurious and charming, this Forbes
Four Star and AAA Four Diamond ranked inn is a member of the
prestigious Relais & Chteaux. Renown for its personalized
services and award-winning cuisine, The White Barn Inn has several
stunning spots to say I do, and the intimate setting combined with
cuisine by Chef Jonathan Cartwright make for an unforgettable
wedding. The garden, infinity pool, and rustic barn are all options
for a beautiful backdrop on the couples big day, says Inn Keeper
Corinne Finn-Heyl. The inns Tuscan wine cellar is a great spot for
pre- or post-reception celebrating.
Black Point Inn, Prouts NeckMany people associate Prouts Neck
with the great American painter, Winslow Homer, whose love of the
sea was integral to his craft. Lucky couples who select Black Point
Inn can celebrate the same Atlantic Ocean and their nuptials in a
gorgeous and gracious inn. Couples are attracted to the Black Point
Inn because of the classic, old world feel of the property. They
want their guests to experience the Maine coast the way it has been
experienced for generations in a serene and stunning location, says
Landace Porta, Black Point Inns Sales and Events Manager. The
perfect complement to the location is the intimacy created for a
wedding when they have taken over the whole property. Guests can
enjoy the private beaches, bicycles, tennis, golf, cliff walk,
dining in our restaurant, and simply being together. Hope-fully
what they remember when they leave is the way they felt while
visiting usrelaxed and exceptionally cared for.
Whether you want to get hitched in a timber-frame barn, exchange
vows in a lovely garden, or trade hearts inside a gracious inn,
youll discover a myriad of
unique wedding venues in Maine.
Photo courtesy Stone Mountain Arts Center
Photo courtesy White Barn Inn
continued on page 46
emilydelamaterphotography.com
M
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46 Fall 2013 BRIDE&GROOM www.bridegroommag.com
Inn by the Sea, Cape ElizabethInn by the Sea in Cape Elizabeth
is a stylish and secluded slice of paradise where couples can
unite. Whether you choose a space in-doors overlooking the ocean,
the outdoor terrace, or the lawn, you will launch your life in
style and serenity at Inn by the Sea. Getting married at the Inn by
the Sea offers the bride and groom great ocean views, a sandy,
unspoiled beach to relax on or to use for gorgeous photo ops, and
the couples room at the SPA is a wonderful place to rejuvenate
after the celebrations are over, says Rauni Kew, P.R. and Green
Programs Director at Inn by the Sea. The new beach suites have
indoor-outdoor fireplaces, furnished ocean view decks, and full
kitchensthe perfect gathering place for the bridal party. This
pet-friendly inn is a great place for couples who want to canoodle
with their canines.
The Inn at Oceans Edge, LincolnvilleThe Inn at Oceans Edge and
its breathtaking grounds are the perfect place to host a tranquil
and private affair. Couples who get mar-ried at this lovely inn can
have exclusive use of the property and all thirty-two rooms.
Imagine the joy of having all of your guests under the roof of one
exquisite inn, enjoying a bountiful breakfast and savoring all the
wedding bliss. Oceanfront lawns are available for seaside
ceremonies and tented receptions. Your exclusive weekend wedding
destination at The Inn at Oceans Edge offers a culminating
experience in a tranquil atmosphere with breathtaking views, says
Heidi Burden, Event Coordinator.
Lets Go! Stone Mountain Arts Center
stonemountainartscenter.com
The White Barn Innwhitebarninn.com
Black Point Innblackpointinn.com
Inn by the Seainnbythesea.com
Inn at Oceans Edgeinnatoceansedge.com
Stacey Marcus is a freelance writer based in Marblehead.
emilieinc.com
feliceboucher.com
feliceboucher.com
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48 Fall 2013 BRIDE&GROOM www.bridegroommag.com
Go Local, Go FairThe Newest Trend in Weddings Goes Beyond
Green
by Marcelia Muehlke
Environmentally-conscious weddings have exploded over the last
several years, and today almost half of couples use at least one
green product or service at their wedding. Whats next? A broader
definition of sustainability that considers the planet and people:
The ethi-cal wedding. Ethical weddings come in all shapes and sizes
and add to the meaning and joy of your big dayfor you and ev-eryone
involved. Curious about how to plan an ethical wedding? Think local
and fair trade. If you arent totally sure what fair trade
is (but know it means excellent coffee or chocolate) youre not
alone. Fair trade uses the power of commerceyour ability to vote
with your dollarsto ensure safe, fair, and empowering work
conditions and trade relationships for groups in develop-ing
countries. Fair trade strengthens social justice, economic
development, and envi-ronmental protection. Here are plenty of tips
on how to find
great nearby and ethical vendors in the Northeast, as well as
wherever local is for you.
MEphotostudio.com michellegirard.com
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www.bridegroommag.com BRIDE&GROOM Fall 2013 49
DressesWhen I got engaged and called my mother, the first words
out of her mouth were, CongratulationsMarcieWhenIsTheDate?! While
my mother was focused on logistics, all I wanted to do was look at
wedding dresses! So lets start there. Most dresses are made from
polluting petroleum-based polyester and are sewn overseas under
questionable circumstanc-es, but Im happy to report that there are
many beautiful, eco-friendly, and ethical options in your area, and
even as close as your mobile device.Local: Look for a dress that
was made in the
United States at your local bridal shop. Some great
American-made brands include Aria, Lela Rose, Vera Wang, Jim Hjelm,
Alvina Valenta, Judd Waddell, Amsale, Kenneth Pool, Christos, Tara
Keely, Lazaro, Oscar de la Renta, Mo-nique Lhuillier, Reem Acra,
and Carolina Herrera. Want to stay even closer to home? Some bridal
shops make custom dresses, or you can
even ask around for a trusted seamstress in your area. You might
be surprised by what you find with a simple Google maps search for
seamstress. Want made in the USA and green? All Janay A Handmade
wedding dresses are made by
hand, to order, by the designer herself and her team their
Kansas City studio. All of Janays gowns are made from certified
organic fabrics and silk/hemp blends. Fair: As far as I can tell,
the only company selling fair trade wedding dresses in the
United
States is Celia Grace. I started Celia Grace after my own
experience as a bride. I wanted a more meaningful, handmade wedding
dress than what was available, and I wanted to feel a connection
with the women who made it. Each Celia Grace dress has a story
behind it that is as beautiful as the dress itself, starting with
exclusive, hand woven, heirloom eco-silk. Each dress is sewn by a
womens sewing group where seamstresses are paid living wages,
receive benefits, and work in safe and healthy conditions.
FlowersIs there anything dreamier than flowers? Flowers on
tables, flowers in your bouquet, flow-ers in your hair, or even on
your cake. But wait! Flowers are often sprayed with toxic
pesticides, grown under unsafe and unfair conditions, and then
shipped halfway around the world. Fortunately, there are many great
eco-friendly and ethical alternatives available.Local: Visit your
local farmers market and work directly with a grower, or ask
local
florists if they can use local flowers for your wedding. Using
local, in-season flowers is not only eco-friendly and ethical, it
will also save you money. The Painted Tulip, a floral and event
design business located in Waterbury, Vermont is a great option for
the local and eco-minded bride. Fair: If you have your heart set on
those ex-
otic flowers (in addition to your betrothed, of course) or are
having a winter wedding, con-sider using a company like One World
Flow-ers, which offers environmentally sustainable flowers that are
grown in a way that promotes social justice around the world.
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FoodEthical food is a real treat. Be it local or fair, ethical
food is usually excellent because youll get the best and freshest
ingredients culti-vated by people who really love food. Why think
about all those pesticides and unhappy farm workers (not to mention
the carbon footprint those January strawberries leave behind) when
there are so many enticing alternatives out there?Local: Visit your
local farmers market, search for nearby res-
taurants that use local ingredients, or ask your caterer to use
local, organic, or in-season produce for your reception. Getting
married in the Boston area? Chive Sustainable Event Design &
Catering of-fers personalized menus based on what is in season at
local organic farms. They also offer flowers, rentals (very eco!),
bar options, de-sign, and much more.
Fair: Unless you live in Hawaii, there is no way to get
locally-grown coffee in the United States, so why not serve
delicious, feel-
good coffee like Deans Beans Organic and Fair Trade Coffee at
your reception? Organic means it is healthy for you and the
families who grew it, and fair trade means the farmers were paid a
fair wage. To top it all off, Deans Beans coffee is roasted in
Massachusetts. You can also ask your local coffee roaster what fair
trade coffees they offer and ask your caterer to use fair trade
coffee and tea for your event.
At the BarLocal: Using a local brewery or winery for your
wedding reception isnt just smart; its fun, too! A local beer or
wine adds local flavor to your event and will be bright, fresh, and
organic. What is my favorite beer here in western New England, you
ask? Peoples Pint! Take a drive out to their Greenfield,
Massachusetts restaurant to sample their delicious brews. Better
yet, ride your bike and get a discount! Fair: Want to offer a truly
unique cocktail? Try
an ethical elixir made with Fair Spirits award-winning
quinoa-based vodka. You can also find several fair trade wine
options at your local Whole Foods Market, or ask your venue if they
can source a fair trade or organic option. Even if they cant, youll
get them thinking about it for the next couple that asks, so kudos
to you!
JewelryLocal & Fair: As far as I know, local gold doesnt
really exist, and mining this precious metal is extremely
polluting. It is best to stick with recycled gold or choose
something else whenever possible. The United States is full of
amazing local jewelry makers, so look and ask around to find out if
they will repurpose your old family jewelry or use recycled metals
and stones. There are also some great options for companies that
specialize in recycled gold jewelry made in the USA, like Green
Karat Jewelers, Barbara
Michelle Jacobs, and Sulusso.
206 Southbridge Road Rt 12/20. N. Oxford, MA. 508-832-9705
www.janthonysgrill.com
Prime 2014 & 2015 Dates Available
No room charge with parties over 90. Please call to set up a
complimentary appointment and view our facility.
On-site Weddings
Garden Gazebo
Ample Parking
Seating from 75 to 260
Picturesque Landscaped GardensC.J. Yates Photography
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www.bridegroommag.com BRIDE&GROOM Fall 2013 51
Gifts & DecorationsLocal: There are tons of wonderful
eco-friendly decoration and gift options that support your
community and local artisans. Westborough Wicks offers beautiful,
100% handmade soy candles that come in a myriad of scents and
col-ors. Each candle is hand-poured right in their Westborough,
Massachusetts shop. Green Amer-icas National Green Pages and Etsy
Local are also great resources, as is your local Chamber of
Commerce or a craft fair. Look for recycled, local, or organic
content. Fair: Fair trade chocolate is a delicious way to
end your big day. Minis from Equal Exchange and Divine Chocolate
are delicious and budget-friendly options. For gifts, visit Ten
Thousand Villages, SERRV, and the Fair Trade Federation. My
favorite option is the perfect combination of local, eco, and fair:
Prosperity Candle chooses fair trade candle vessels, helps the
local Mas-sachusetts refugee population, and uses wax and wick
options that are good for you and the planet.
Want to learn more?Visit In Tandem Fair Trade at
intandem-fairtrade.com, or The Green Bride Guide at
greenbrideguide.com.
Marcie Muehlke is the owner of Celia Grace eco and fair wedding
dresses and accessories, and is an ethical, eco, local, fair trade,
and wedding enthusiast.
Ethical weddings come in all shapes and sizes but add to the
meaning and joy of your big day.
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Autumn in New England is a truly unique
experience, and those of us lucky enough to
live here know that its probably the busiest,
most beautiful, and most fun time of year
there is! Its no wonder, then, that September
and October rank high on the list of most
popular months in which to get married.
Between the warm breezes, breathtaking
foliage, and golden sunsets, theres nothing
quite as festiveor romanticas a
fall wedding.
Fall Fantasies
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kristingriffinphotography.com leslieboudreau.com
kristingriffinp
hotograp
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Bryans BlissCelebrity Planner Bryan Rafanelli Shares His Secrets
for How to Wed in Style
I s it your secret wish to have a dream wedding like one of the
A-Listers you see splashed on national magazine covers? If the
answer is yes, then keep reading! We asked Bryan Rafanelli,
president and CEO of
Rafanelli Events, to share some inside trends and tips with
Bride & Groom readers. Rafanelli works hand-in-hand with his
clients to transform their visions into unforgettable experiences.
Known best for his custom-ized approach to every project, Rafanelli
marries a unique and exquisite sense of style with careful
atten-tion to detail to ensure each event is truly exceptional.With
more than twenty years of experience,
Rafanellis name has become synonymous with per-fection, making
him the go-to event planner for many of the nations most exclusive
and high-profile events. Notably, Rafanelli and his team lead the
concept, de-sign, and strategic planning for the wedding of the
de-cade, as former First Daughter Chelsea Clinton wed Marc
Mezvinsky in 2010. Rafanellis expertise also includes private
events, corporate functions, and non-profit fundraisers for
high-profile clients such as Presi-dent Barack Obama and First Lady
Michelle Obama, Arianna Huffington, the Boston Red Sox, Louis
Vuit-ton, Dana-Farber, and Massachusetts General Hospi-tal for
Children, to name a few. Here is his exclusive interview with Bride
& Groom:
by Stacey Marcus
Most weddings dont have the high levels of security,
privacy, and sought-after press
as celebrity weddings do. But all weddings have thoughtful
planning, important guests, and two stars.
Bryan Rafanelli
mattteu
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Bryans Bliss
B&G: Can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and how
you got into the events-planning business?
Bryan Rafanelli: I grew up in a large Ital-ian family, and my
mother was always find-ing reasons to throw parties for the people
she loved. Somehow the sense of community and of bringing people
together to have a good time just for good times sake has al-ways
been inside of me. I launched Rafanelli Events in 1996 as a
three-person operation executing a half-dozen events per year. Over
the past seventeen years, weve evolved into a full-service event
design, strategy, plan-ning, and production company. Rafanelli
Events now orchestrates more than 100 events annually in venues
around the world and has offices in Boston, New York City,
Washington, DC, and Palm Beach.
B&G: Where do you find inspiration for weddings?
BR: Weddings are very personal and roman-tic; a real reflection
of two people and their style as a couple. Our very first
inspiration comes from listening to, respecting, under-standing,
and complementing the couples unique ideas, personality, and
tastes. We present ideas to the family that reflect
who they are. We often state that there are no real rules in the
ceremony anymore, un-less you are strictly observing your religion.
Spoken word, pop music, and brass bands are all unique and
unconventional ways of telling the story of your union. For
example, telling the story of your love or your par-ents or
grandparents union at your cer-emony gives the guests a sense of
history and commitment.
B&G: What are some current trends in weddings?
BR: Privacy is the order of the day. None of our clientswhether
they are perceived as celebrities or notproclaim every detail of
their wedding to the world before the big day. We all deserve to
surprise and delight our guests whenever we choose to reveal those
surprises.Non-floral elements for dcor are coming
out in a big way. Something I like are pa-per heart boutonnieres
for the men as well as other non-floral flowersceramic, paper,
wood, and leather.
We also are seeing many cer-emonies where friends or relatives
officiate. Its another way couples are making their wedding more
personal.
B&G: What are some of your fa-vorite timeless trends?
BR: The most timeless is when the bride walks down the aisle and
re-veals herself to the congregation for the first time. It never
gets old.We also love old classics made in a new
wayclassic cars, classic drinks like Tom Collins or Manhattans,
geometric containers for floral, the use of surprising materials in
the design. These all give a timeless feel that reflects the
couples personal style.
B&G: How can our readers emulate the feel of a celebrity
wedding?
BR: Customization. Create anything custom, from a logo to table
linens. It makes for a one-of-a-kind wedding. Most wed-dings dont
have the high levels of security, privacy, and sought-after press
as celebrity weddings do. But all weddings have thoughtful
planning, important guests, and two stars.
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58 Fall 2013 BRIDE&GROOM www.bridegroommag.com
1. Connect guests to the city and to your event by having
personal-ized maps distributed upon hotel check-in.
2. Use technology; from an e-blast save-the-date revealing the
city skyline, to custom animation on the marquee at the wedding
venue, to celebratory messages on the ticker at the ballpark, where
guests are treated to a game.
3. A strong transportation plan is essential to move your guests
from place to place!
4. Incorporate an urban tone into the reception design through
stationery, lighting, floral, and/or other specialty dcor.
5. Enlist a trusted local to recommend special treats to include
in the welcome bags, such as the most flavorful macaroons in town
or the most decadent truffles from the best chocolatier.
6. For those traveling from out of town, include a range of
lodg-ing options organized by price as well as by proximity to the
train station and airport.
7. Take advantage of local entertainment. Whether that means
researching a local finalist from The Voice to perform at the
reception, or a touring cover band to play at the after party!
8. Build in downtime for the wedding couple and their guests.
Dont let the often hectic urban pace drag you along with it (unless
you want it to!).
9. Kick off the wedding weekend by taking your out-of-town
guests to a sports game, food festi-val, or museum tour to get a
feel for the citys culture.
10. Let your guests and wedding party express themselves in
their city best. Dont confine them to a specific color scheme or
formal attire.
To find out more about Bryan Rafanelli and Rafanelli Events,
visit rafanellievents.com.
Stacey Marcus is a freelance writer based in Marblehead.
Bryans Tips for Planning an Urban Wedding
Come see whats new at The Manor
Conveniently located - Exit 4 off Route 190, 42 West Boylston
Street (Route 12), West Boylston, MATel: 508-835-4722
www.ourmanor.com
Specializing in Wedding Receptions, Engagement Parties, Bridal
Showers and Rehearsal Dinners
Seating for 25 to 400 guests
Bridal Showcase Sunday, October 27th, 1pm - 5pm
Voted #1
Peoples Pick
Banquet Facilities in
Wachusett County
Photo courtesy of mymediaphoto.com
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Like us on
Award winning photographer with
more than 14 years of experience.
Specializing in both traditional and
photojournalistic styles, capturing
stunning, one-of-a-kind moments.
1033 Providence Road Whitinsville, MA 01588 508-278-5530
robinsonweddingphotography.com
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60 Fall 2013 BRIDE&GROOM www.bridegroommag.com
Crystal Lake Golf Clubby Taryn Plumb
Photography courtesy of eloquent-images.com
magine a grand entrance before your assembled
guests in a whitewall-tired car, horse-drawn carriage,
or even a pontoon boat; then a ceremony against the
stunningly blue backdrop of a sparkling lake. This is the
charm of CrystalLakeGolfClub, a full-service wedding
venue in Burriville, Rhode Island. Its a country setting
with very scenic views of the lake, says wedding coordi-
nator Tracy Hill. Its a beautiful place to get married.
I
featured facility
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www.bridegroommag.com BRIDE&GROOM Fall 2013 61
The 23,000-square-foot facility, which opened in May 2004, can
accommodate up to 200 guests and offers several graceful settings
for your ceremony, reception, and other pre- and post-wedding
fes-tivities. Ceremonies are typically held beneath a gazebo
surrounded by wooden benches and overlooking the 70-acre Crystal
Lake. The patio of the Waterfront Roomwith its sweeping views of
the lake belowis another popular spot to say, I do. Guests begin
their post-ceremony celebrations in a newly con-
structed cocktail room with a bar, vaulted ceilings,
wood-paneled walls, and high-top tables, followed by dinner and
dancing in the Waterfront Room. A handcrafted bar, detailed
woodworking, cathe-dral ceilings, and a central dance floor make
guests feel warm and welcomed. You almost feel like youre inside
somebodys house, says Hill.Naturally, the lakefront setting of the
Crystal Lake Golf Club pro-
vides numerous backdrops for great photos. Photographers can
cap-ture your wedded bliss in waterside nooks, out on the dock or
the patio, in front of or inside the antique cars or pontoon boat,
and out on the pristine green. In certain cases, Hill says, couples
can have limited use of a golf cart to go out on the course and get
that special picture.Crystal Lake offers an assortment of
mouth-watering hot and cold
hors doeuvres for cocktail hour, including gourmet cheese or
fresh fruit presentations, scallops wrapped in bacon, and baked
goat cheese and raspberry tarts. These delicious morsels range in
price from $1.50 to $3 per person. For the reception, couples can
choose between a three-course banquet menu and a buffet menu. At
$30.95 per person, the buffet includes numerous salads, vegetable,
potato, and starch sides, and entre choices such as roast sliced
turkey and grilled Atlan-tic salmon with citrus salsa. The banquet
offerings range from $26.95 to $36.95 per person and include
delectable plates like surf and turf and chicken Florentine with a
mushroom cream sauce. The club is best known for its prime rib,
which Hill says is quite popular with weddings, while the baked
stuffed haddock is simply delicious.
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Ceremony fees are $450, with antique car and pontoon rent-als
available for an additional $200, and reception blocks range from
$500 to $950. Use of the cocktail room can be purchased at a rate
of $200 per hour. All fees include an on-site coordina-tor; hors
doeuvres for the bridal party during photos; use of a private
bridal suite; table linens and choice of colored napkins; use of
china, stemware, and silverware; a greeter; cake cutting and
serving; a champagne toast for the head table; and a round of golf
for the couple.In addition to their sixty-five weddings per year,
Crystal Lake
also welcomes bridal showers, baby showers, and rehearsal
dinners. Its never to early to call and book that special event,
says Hill.Overall, couples, their families, and guests who
experience a
wedding at Crystal Lake love the customer service, says Hill. My
staff is awesomethey are accommodating and go above and beyond to
make things comfortable and be accommodating. Because she spends so
much time with bridesfrom the very first tasting to the last
moments of the receptionHill happily admits a lot of them become my
friends. And along with the gorgeous setting and upstanding
service, Crystal Lake is an affordable choice. Were priced very
reasonably for what you get; what you get is great service and its
not going to break the bank.
Taryn Plumb is a regular contributor to BRIDE&GROOM
Magazine. She writes from Worcester, MA.
For more informationCrystal Lake Golf Club100 Broncos
Highway
Burriville, RI(401) 567-4500 ext. 14crystallakegolfclub.com
Photography: Crystal Lake Golf Club
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64 Fall 2013 BRIDE&GROOM www.bridegroommag.com
Photos courtesy of paulsrobinsonphotography.com
immaculatephoto.com
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Find us on
SHOW TIMES11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Sunday
September 15, 2013 Best Western Royal Plaza Trade
CenterMarlborough, MA
Sunday
September 22, 2013Sturbridge Host Hotel
Sturbridge, MA
Sunday
November 3, 2013Twin River Casino
Lincoln, R.I.
Saturday
February 8, 2014Best Western Royal Plaza Trade
CenterMarlborough, MA
Discount tickets available at originalweddingexpo.com
GOLFCLUB
Host your wedding at one of the newest and finest facilities in
Northern RI.
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 Broncos Highway
Burrillville, Rhode Island
www.crystallakegolfclub.com
A Place forBeautifulBeginnings...
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Publick House Historic Innby Taryn Plumb
tep back to the eighteenth century, where youll
find yourself surrounded by Yankee hospitality, the
aroma of freshly baked bread, charming post-and-
beam ceilings, old-fashioned fireplaces, and good times
with friends and family. Thats where youll find the
PublickHouseHistoricInn, tucked in a quiet corner of
Sturbridge, Massachusetts. It has a true New England
feel, says Catherine OBrien, director of catering.
S
featured facility
Lakesidephotostudio.com
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From a picturesque meadow to a historic barn (complete with
stables), the Publick House offers a variety of settings where
brides- and grooms-to-be can say, I do. The Garden and Hillside
Gazebossurrounded by hanging pots and whiskey barrels bubbling over
with fragrant flowers and greenslend themselves beautifully to
traditional garden-style ceremonies. Or, cou-ples can exchange vows
beneath a picturesque oak tree that presides over the Meadow.
Couples seeking an indoor ceremony have a number of private rooms
to choose from, including Paige Hall and the Historic Barn. The
Publick House offers two historic settings
in which couples can celebrate their nuptials. Set with
wrought-iron caf tables and surrounded by lush bushes and colorful
gardens, the Little Red Barn and brick patio offer an intimate
out-door location for cocktails. From there, guests are invited to
dine and dance under the magnifi-cent Garden Tentthe quintessential
site for a true garden wedding. Accessories can be added to upgrade
and enhance the neutral backdrop of the Garden Tent to create the
wedding of your dreams, OBrien notes.Couples who opt for an indoor
celebration
can do so in the Historic Barn, where an entic-ing display of
hors doeuvres are set out on an antique wagon cart. Cocktail hour
is followed by dinner and dancing in the adjoining Paige Hall where
guests are welcomed by abundant antiques, and post-and-beam
ceilings. Couples have several wedding packages to
choose from at the Publick House, which range from $35 to $68
per person and are eligible for a variety of upgrade options. The
new Wonder-ful Winter Wedding package allows couples to book their
wedding at a rate of $28 per person in January, February, and
March. Even better, winter weddings booked by January 31, 2014 will
be placed in a lottery drawing to win their package for free. Menus
include such entres as baked-stuffed
chicken breast with spinach, goat cheese, and sun-dried
tomatoes; roasted pork loin with pan gravy and spiced apples; and
pan-seared salmon with citrus thyme beurre blanc. The
tried-and-true favorites, OBrien notes, are the prime rib and the
Thanksgiving-style roasted turkey ac-companied by cornbread,
sausage stuffing, gra-vy, and cranberry sauce. No meal is complete
without the Publick Houses famed pecan sweet rolls, which diners
travel far and wide to savor.
continued on page 68
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shawnkelleyphotography.com
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Ultimately, the Publick House makes the perfect weekend retreat
for a destination wedding. A one-stop venue, this historic inn
includes seventeen rooms, ninety-two in its country lodge, and six
suites at its Cham-berlain House. While the inn exudes
Revo-lutionary-era charm, each room is modern-ized with
twenty-first-century conveniences, including private baths, air
conditioning, flat-screen televisions, and free wireless In-ternet.
Guests will also enjoy two charming restaurants: the Tap Room, with
its original wide plank floors and open-hearth stone
fireplace; and Ebenezers Tavern, with its oversized wingback
chairs and vintage brass beer taps. The Bake Shoppe will entice
your guests with its irresistible home-baked pies. And, as OBrien
notes, because its just off Route 84 and the Massachusetts
Turnpike, the Publick House is merely minutesnot to mention
centuriesfrom points north, east, south, and west. All told, its
very warm, welcoming, pro-
fessional, and the