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Cover photo: Strapless Ruched Stretch Silk Bridal Gown by Nicole Miller, courtesey of Christina’s(2425 Canyon Blvd., Suite #100, Boulder, 303.443.2421).

Weddings is a feature of Prairie Mountain Publishing. Design by Aubrey Laurence.For adverstising information, call 303.473.1400. Copyright 2010.

4 When choosing a bridal gown,follow your heart

8 Picture This: Your perfect wedding album10 Something old, something new,

something borrowed and something green12 Wedding trends for 201016 Getting in shape for your big day19 Discussing money before the wedding pays off20 Tips for the toast24 Cater to your every need

Weddings 2010 3...

This photo from fall 2009 shows a modelwearing a bridal dress by Sassi Holfordat a bridal fashion show in New York.(AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

This photo by Reem Acra shows a bridalgown from the Fall 2010 collection. (APPhoto/Reem Acra,Gerardo Somza)

Many brides positively know what their wedding gown will looklike long before they meet their groom, and they’re not going

to let a little thing – OK, actually a huge thing – known as theeconomy dash their dream dress.

They are seeking out gowns with smaller price-tags, according toindustry experts, but their expectations haven’t shrunk accordingly.

What’s a gown designer to do?Give these women what they want and bundle it up in a big white

bow. There’s really no arguing with a bride who has made up her mind.At the most recent round of wedding fashion previews, observers

said there were a lot of sellable gowns catering to a variety of tastesand lifestyles, none of which, however, were obviously pared-down.There might have been a little less beading and fewer exotic trims,such as feathers, to keep costs down, but there wasn’t an industry-wide movement toward gowns on the cheap, the insiders said.

“When I try to think of one overriding theme, it’s that brides stillwant the options for the wedding they want to have,” said Darcy Miller,editorial director of Martha Stewart Weddings. And of course, sheadded, each bride wants a different kind of wedding; it’s a traditional,formal blowout for one, a more casual beach bash for another.

When choosing a bridalgown, follow your heart

By Samantha Critchell, MediaNews Group

CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

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When I try tothink of oneoverridingtheme, it’sthat brides

still want theoptions for

the weddingthey wantto have.

You’re notgettingmarried tothrow a partyor even towear thedress. Youare gettingmarried to getmarried – foryou, for him,for the bothof you – andthese dressesare supposedto reflect that.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4

In this Oct. 18, 2009 photo from Disney, the Snow Whitewedding gown is modeled at the Kirstie Kelly forDisney’s Fairy Tale Weddings fashion show in New York.(AP Photo/Stuart Ramson/Disney)

This photo released by Reem Acra shows a bridalgown from the Fall 2010 collection. (AP Photo/ReemAcra,Gerardo Somza

In this Oct. 18, 2009, photo from Disney, The PrincessTiana wedding gown is modeled at the Kirstie Kelly forDisney’s Fairy Tale Weddings fashion show in New York.(AP Photo/Stuart Ramson/Disney)

This photo released by Reem Acra shows a bridalgown from the Fall 2010 collection. (AP Photo/ReemAcra,Gerardo Somza)

6 Weddings 2010...

“Because of the economic climate, a lot of brides are willing toget a DJ instead of a band, do it on Sunday instead of a Saturdaynight, but they still have the wedding and still have the dream ofwhat they wanted their dress to be,” Miller said.

Designer Monique Lhuillier said she feels almost protectivewhen crafting wedding gowns, which is different than thetrendsetter role she might play when working on red-carpetgowns or ready-to-wear clothes.

“It’s a wedding, a celebration, a new life, a new love, a newchapter. I’m honored to be a part of it and rework the dress tomake sure it’s perfect in my own eye,” said Lhuillier.

“I thought about the ultimate bride and how much we could giveher,” said another designer, Reem Acra. “The perfect look is that shewants to stay young, stay fresh and be able to travel with the dress.”

Acra captured modern and airy silhouettes influenced by a tripto Japan, where she was impressed with gardens, Zen and anaesthetic of purity.

There’s no “flash” in the gowns, Acra explained, since she wasaiming for a sweeter sort of beauty, when a bride gets caught up inthe romance of the occasion.

“You want the bride to feel like she’s getting married – that it’spure and real,” she said. “After all, you’re not getting married tothrow a party or even to wear the dress. You are getting married toget married – for you, for him, for the both of you – and thesedresses are supposed to reflect that.”

Trends are barely a blip on Nicole Miller’s radar as she does herbridal collection, nevermind that she also designs fashion-forwardcocktail frocks.

A good, flattering gown that can be worn by different ages andbody types is another story, though. “If I have a really good-sellingevening gown, I’ll do a version for bridal because I already know thesilhouette is selling. I might add beading or longer train,” she said.

Her favorite from her new collection is a crushed metal-taffetadress with a pleated bottom and tucks up the front.

What brides want most is to look fantastic, and what theythink about is how gowns flatter their figure and appear inphotographs, Nicole Miller said. That’s why corsets sell so well inbridal, she added with a laugh.

Michael Shettel, designer of the Alfred Angelo collection, saidsleek and slim is one popular direction for brides; the other, at theopposite end of the spectrum, is the modern ballgown.

“We approached this season with the inspiration of jazz on asummer’s day,” said Shettel, who watched a 1958 documentaryabout the Newport Jazz Festival as part of his process. “What wasstriking was how modern the casual sort of dresses looked in 1958with the juxtaposition of the jazz-world glamour.”

The way to find the perfect dress, he said, is to try it on and seehow it moves, because movement brings the dress alive.

This photo taken Oct. 19, 2009, shows a model being laced into her dress at a bridalfashion show in New York. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

Strapless Ruched Stretch Silk Bridal Gown by Nicole Miller. (Courtesey of Christina’s, 2425Canyon Blvd., Suite #100, Boulder, 303.443.2421)

On choosing your wedding dress, Christina’sowner Barbra Wilson offers these tips:

As most photos are shot from the waist up, focusing on theface, shoulders and torso, brides should choose a dress thattastefully enhances the bustline for added femininity in photos.

Your dress should not only be beautiful, but alsocomfortable, allowing you to exude confidence, rather thanfocusing on your dress all day. Confidence equals beauty!

When choosing a gown, think independently. The opinionsof those you trust can be helpful, but in the end, the dressshould be one that YOU love. Ultimately, you are the personwho has to wear it, so you should be the one who loves it!

Weddings 2010 7...

There’s a wedding picture in our family album of my paternalgreat-grandparents, who were married in Cripple Creek at the

turn of the (last) century.Their stiff posture and resolute deer-in-the-

headlights expressions don’t reveal much; theirportrait more documentation thancommemoration. But that was Then.

Today’s weddings are celebrated as multimediaevents, with skilled professional photographersusing the latest technologies to portray thischerished milestone. Family members are shown asthey prepare, socialize and celebrate. Anintrospective bride’s portrait reveals her hopes andaspirations. The handsome groom and groomsmencajole; the in-laws share a laugh.

Great wedding photography requires a skilledphotojournalist to capture the excitement, joy andtenderness without interrupting the natural flow ofevents. Choosing the right photographer for your

wedding can make all the difference between a lackluster book of photosand a vibrant collection of images that celebrate your special day.

“People look for the style and personality thatcomes through the photos. That’s really important,”says Boulder photographer Darcy Kiefel(KiefelPhotography.com), who shoots 20 to 30weddings each year in addition to her world-widetravels, where she uses her photography to supporthumanitarian relief efforts.

Some of the most memorable photographs comefrom less-than-ideal conditions, she says. “One ofmy favorite sets of images is of one adorable bridewho endured an outdoor portrait session on a verywindy day. Her bridal veil was all over the place –on top of her head, over her ears, covering her face– and we got a fun series of shots that were keepers.”

Kiefel says that the best photographers usuallydevelop a personal style in their work, so findingthe style that fits your needs is essential. “I bring a

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passion for getting the best pictures. I often spend most ofthe day with the wedding party, and it’s my job to make thewhole photography thing fun and exciting. I have fun withthe brides, and get them to be themselves,” she explains.

Expert wedding planners advise you to always look at aphotographer’s portfolio to get a feel for their style and range.Look for examples from weddings similar in style and setting.Are you planning an outdoor wedding or an indoor event?Will it be formal, or casually informal? Is the wedding partylarge or intimate? Don’t make your decision based on oneawesome photo, but look at the overall personality of thephotographer’s work.

“I almost exclusively shoot with natural light only,” Kiefelsays. “I guess you could call it my signature style. The backlit,halo lighting brings out the personalities of my subjects.”

You’ll also want to discuss the scheduling, how manyhours the photographer will be needed, and if there is anyrequired travel involved. Do you want the photographer toshoot the rehearsal dinner, or be available early to record theday as it unfolds?

Ask for recommendations from past clients or from yourrecently married friends. Will you get digital images deliveredon a disc? What types of finished products (albums, prints,large-format books) are offered? And, of course, what’s thefinal package price?

Your wedding is a special event. Take the time to choosethe right photographer, and you will be rewarded with awedding album that you’ll enjoy for the rest of your livestogether.

“Every wedding is a cherished moment,” Kiefel enthuses.“To capture real true love is an art, and an honor.”

Weddings 2010 9...

Green weddings aren’t as unusual as they may seem:Brides.com recently reported that some 33 percent

of future brides and grooms in the United States areplanning an eco-friendly wedding. Undoubtedly it’sbecause the quality and choice of products has so steadilyimproved that the green concept is spreading, allowinghosts to embrace the earth without sacrificing style.

Here are four ways to throw a socially responsiblewedding:

Use local or fair trade flowersFlowers used at weddings and receptions are often out

of season and therefore need to be imported. (Andtransportation and care of these flowers requires extraresources.) To alleviate that, ask for locally sourcedflowers (which often can save big bucks). You also canmake your own bouquet with local or wild flowers,allowing it to be as unique and creative as you are. If youreally want special floral arrangements that requireshipment, ask your florist about fair trade flowers. Thefloral-supply industry is currently under scrutiny for poorworking conditions, so buying fair trade flowers ensuresthat consideration is given to the workers’ conditions.

Choose an outdoor venueHave the wedding outside, instead of in an energy-

inefficient reception hall. If you have an outdoorwedding, you can utilize the natural beauty of the site tohave fewer wasteful decorations.

Something old,something new,something

borrowed andsomething green

By Charron Conley, MediaNews Group

Environmentally and socially consciouswedding couples are increasingly

demonstrating how possible it is to havea green wedding – and still maintain

the elegance many expect

there is but

only this day,

cherished,

as a simple glimpse

turns to joy

and those loved

around you

settle warm

and welcome

into your

wildest dreams.

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10 Weddings 2010...

Think green-plate specialDisposable plates, cups, napkins and cutlery can

create masses of waste at large wedding receptions.Consider using non-disposable cutlery and crockeryinstead. If that’s not viable, use recycled paperproducts. Bamboo and glass are also great options.

Wear it wellDoes your wedding dress really need to be new?

Consider a pre-owned one. Really – it’s only beenworn once before being cleaned, or perhaps itshows off chic vintage style – and you can save astack of cash.

If you absolutely have to have a new dress, lookfor one made from materials such as organic silk,bamboo or hemp.

Source locally, if possibleThe Boulder-based Ellie’s Eco Home Store (Eco-

Products) is the go-to company for your reception’sgreen necessities, including cups, plates, forks andgarbage bags that dissolve in the compost.

Eco-Products is the nation’s largest supplier ofbiodegradable and compostable food-service items –everything from four-cup carry trays made out ofsugarcane to straws, cups and utensils manufacturedwith corn-based plastic.

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Weddings 2010 11...

Wedding trends for 2010By Judy Finman

FlowersThis just in from Lisa Loubiere, manager and buyer for Sturtz

& Copeland, a Boulder-based florist and greenhouse: Pastel flowersare coming back – aqua, in particular. “They are used as an accent,like an aqua ribbon around the bridesmaids’ bouquets, and also as aribbon around vases.” Quite a few brides are doing green-coloredflowers, like arabicum, Kermit mums and cymbidium orchids, andthe “botanical look” – with varieties of ferns.

“In bridal bouquets, there’s a resurgence of the cascade. The shapesof bouquets are getting architectural, like tear drops or S-shapes.Orchids are big this year, lending themselves to various shapes.”

Environmentally conscious couples tend to rent, rather than buy,vases for the reception. “Less glass is produced and then thrownaway,” Loubiere says.

Sturtz & Copeland, 2851 Valmont Road, Boulder, 303.442.6663,sturtzandcopeland.com

Wedding cakesAt Shamane’s Bake Shoppe, Ashley Mayer, assistant to Pastry

Chef Shamane Simons, points to the interest in dessert stations withvarieties of mini-desserts, like mini-pies (good for two bites).

Really elaborate cakes are popular, with designs that relate to thecouple; take a look at the artistic confections on Shamane’s Web site.

Mayer sees less interest this year in cupcakes replacing weddingcakes. A nice added touch is the smaller-sized groom’s cake, a giftfrom the bride to her new spouse celebrating a theme dear to him(skiing, for example).

Shamane’s Bake Shoppe, 2825 Wilderness Place, Suite 800,Boulder, 303.417.9338, www.shamanesbakeshoppe.com

Sheet cakes are being used by nearly every bride with anybudget. “They reduce the overall per-person cost of the weddingcake,” says Linda Willetto, owner of Indulge Bakery, along withher husband Thomas, “and they allow the caterer to serve yourguests more efficiently.”

In making choices from alcohol to wedding cakes, the bride andgroom are parting with tradition and personalizing their choices.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

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Indulge Bakery makes wedding sheet cakes with three layers ofcake and two layers of filling, just like the tiered wedding cake. Sowhen the sheet cake is served to guests, it looks and tastes just like thetiered cake.

Willetto also offers the following advice:When touring the reception location, ask where the cake will be

placed. White boards, doors or electrical outlets do not make goodbackdrops, and a poor background won’t look good in photos.

Before going to the bakeries for tastings, look on the Web atvarious styles of wedding cakes. Print out the ones you like (even ifyou only like part of a cake). This will help the designer understandthe style you desire.

Bring color swatches to your tastings. “Paint swatches from thelocal hardware store work great,” says Willetto.

Choose cake flavors and fillings that you like because it’s yourmoney and your wedding. Don’t spend time worrying about whateveryone else will like, because you won’t be able to pleaseeveryone. They will eat what they’re served. Don’t you, when yougo to a wedding?

Still having trouble deciding on a flavor? Indulge Bakery offersmultiple cake flavors and fillings for each tier at no additional charge.

Indulge Bakery, Inc., 1377 Forest Park Circle, #102, Lafayette,303.926.1676, www.indulgebakery.com

Table setting / lightingMany weddings feature ice

sculptures, but for a truly uniquetable setting, consider displayingsome ice lanterns from Boulder-basedBolder Ice. “Each one is a littledifferent,” owner Andy Meadexplains.

And while they don’t last forever,their temporary beauty will be appreciated nonetheless. “Like sunsetsand rainbows,” Mead adds.

Bolder Ice, Boulder, 303.718.2936, www.bolderice.com

Wedding plannersHeather Dwight of

Calluna Events is a certifiedProfessional BridalConsultant and member ofthe Association of BridalConsultants. She is involvedin every aspect of weddingsfor her clients and pinpointstrends for this year: bold,bright colors – from blues tobright orange to turquoiseand yellow; lots of bridesdoing wedding Web sites andblogs and showcasing theirweddings on Facebook andTwitter; tying together the“save the dates” (notices),invitations, place cards,programs, menus and favors;romantic wedding dresses;letting bridesmaids selecttheir own dresses, colors,

hairstyles and jewelry; featuring a photo booth where guests can taketheir pictures and write notes in a guest book; photojournalistic andartsy photography by a professional.

“Our couples really want to make their day reflect them and aretrying to make the celebration unique, to imprint their style andpersonality on their big day, and weave details of their relationshipinto the wedding.” This might mean having an ice cream bar at theirwedding because their first date was at an ice cream shop, or servingItalian food and wine because they met in Italy, or implementingfavors that reflect the couple’s heritage.

Sustainable weddings are still big this year – eco-friendlyinvitations, reducing the waste associated with food, flowers, décorand favors. And couples are having flowers and food donated to localhomeless shelters or nursing homes.

“Anything that encourages mingling and intimacy with yourguests” is important. “Some people are forgoing the long sit-downdinners for longer cocktail receptions, action stations, beer and winetastings and interactive ways for guests to get to know each other.However, that said, some of our clients are doing long, sit-downcoursed dinners for their receptions.”

Calluna Events, 4129 Amber St., Boulder, 303.443.4617,www.callunaevents.com

PhotographyAdam and Imthiaz Houseman are in the avant garde with

boudoir photographs. “We’re on the leading edge – not too manyfolks are doing this. It’s new and fresh. It started in California and isworking its way east,” says Adam Houseman. More brides are doing aboudoir session, putting the pictures in a mini-album, and giving it tothe groom on their wedding night.

On another subject, Houseman recommends that couples workwith a planner or coordinator. “It relieves stress on the wedding day,and it’s a way to receive discounts. The planner will refer a bride tous, and we will offer a discount only if they booked through aplanner. Often the bride is on a budget and thinks, ‘I’ll just do itmyself,’ but it’s also about having relationships with other vendorsand making sure everything comes off right.”

Adam & Imthiaz Photography, 155 S. Downing St., Denver,720.338.3719, www.ahpphotos.com

Alcohol“We are seeing fewer people opting for full bars,” observes Kim

Littlejohn, store manager at Superior Liquor. “They’re serving just ared wine, a white wine, a domestic beer and a high-end micro beer orimport.” She notes that the bridal couple tends to prefer local beersbecause their out-of-state wedding guests may not have access to themat home. “It’s fun to serve something local, or opt for something alittle higher priced,” she says.

Superior Liquor, 100 Superior Plaza Way, Superior,303.499.6600, www.superiorliquor.com

JewelryAccording to Walters & Hogsett Fine Jewelers, today’s bridal

jewelry can be as simple as a tasteful solitaire engagement ring, ormore dramatic with etching, scrollwork and micro pave detailing.Fancy-color diamonds continue to arouse interest. Clean lines andgeometric detailing have become the hallmarks of contemporarywedding bands.

Walters & Hogsett Fine Jewelers, 2425 Canyon Blvd., Boulder,303.449.2626, www.waltersandhogsett.com

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12

14 Weddings 2010...

Custom-made jewelry never goes out of style, and CroninJewelers of Boulder has been fabricating custom jewelry for morethan 30 years.

“Jewelry is my life’s passion,” says Bill Cronin, “and I take my artand craft very seriously. I’m also committed to using recycled metalsand offering non-conflict diamonds.”

Cronin creates the highest quality, personalized designs in metaland stone.

“We want you to feel like you have purchased a work of art thatwill be passed from generation to generation,” he says.

Cronin Jewelers, 1235 Alpine Ave., Boulder, 303.440.4222,www.croninjewelers.com

Antique jewelry also provides a special uniqueness, style andcraftmanship. Classic Facets Antique Jewelry Store in Boulder hasdeveloped an international reputation as a source for one-of-a-kind,authentic antique jewelry.

“These pieces are a little bit of history,” says Classic Facets ownerMikki Rainey. “Back when these were made, heirloom stones werepassed down from generation to generation.”

Classic Facets Antique Jewelry Store, 942 Pearl St., Boulder,303.938.8851, www.classicfacets.com

Music and DJs“Today there’s an ‘anything goes’ kind of attitude,” says Chris

Cockroft of Tip Top Music Entertainment. “You put your stamp onyour wedding, make it unique. There’s a break from tradition. Besides‘Here Comes the Bride’ I’ve seen a myriad of things.” For theprocessional he has heard an Irish Celtic song, a cowboy tune, and astring quartet version of “Here Comes the Sun.”

Tip Top Music Entertainment, Longmont, 303.579.0255,www.tiptopdj.com

George Wasyluka of The DJ-Get Up and Dance sheds light onthe party scene – that is, a “bliss light.” It shoots thousands of greenlaser dots that fill the ballroom and rotate, creating an effect like thenight sky, as a blue nebula slowly moves around. “It’s a coolatmosphere, classy,” he says, “not flashing. People don’t like flashinglights in their eyes.” He claims to be the only one using this technique.

All DJs are using computers now, assuring continuous music, withno breaks or music skipping. Wasyluka notices a backlash to the useof iPods at wedding receptions. “The venues are against them becauseit means no DJ, and some people don’t like the music. No one tellswhen it’s time to cut the cake if we don’t have a professional emcee,and we need an experienced DJ to play music for listening anddancing, for all ages.”

Wasyluka is introducing a new trend – the photo guest book (alsomentioned by wedding planners Heather Dwight and Liz Daniels).“Half the weddings are already doing it,” he says. Each guest getstheir picture taken, it is printed on the spot, inserted into the book,everyone writes a note on their page, and the book goes to the just-married couple. Each guest gets a copy of their own picture. “It’s agreen alternative to favors, which are often thrown out, anddisposable cameras.”

The DJ-Get Up and Dance, 303.673.9819,www.thedj-getupanddance.com, www.thephotoguestbook.com

Venues, Locations and Destination WeddingsPhil Goddard, owner of The Greenbriar Inn in Boulder, notices

an uptick in the number of wedding bookings for this year – at least a30 percent increase over last year. Because of the economy, he notes, anumber of couples put off their weddings last year, some to buy ahouse while the tax credit was available.

Liz Daniels, Greenbriar’s wedding and event planner, observes thatthis year’s couples, even more so than last year, are trying to be eco-friendly in their planning. “People are moving away from favors,” shesays, “and donating to a favorite charity instead. Or they can make adonation to offset the wedding’s carbon footprint.” She, too, sees couplespersonalizing their weddings – bringing in slide shows, old albums oftheir parents and grandparents, the photo booth and photo book. Andin the cake-versus-cupcake debate, she comments that people are movingaway from just having a cake and nothing else – so Greenbriar Inn offersa dessert buffet with a cake and some other desserts, too.

The Greenbriar Inn, 8735 N. Foothills Hwy., Boulder,303.440.7979, www.greenbriarinn.com

Social sales manager / wedding & event coordinator MeganMcKinley of The Historic Hotel Boulderado references a fewtrends: “For the weddings themselves people are getting creative,breaking away from some traditions and choosing elements thatrepresent themselves as a couple. Cupcakes have made their way intosome weddings as the latest wedding cake substitute, which givesguests a great variety. Purple has been a popular color choice, but thatis often dictated by the season and venue. One of my favorite itemsthat I have had a bride incorporate were the silver platters her parentsreceived for their wedding; it added a personal and very beautifultouch to their cake/cupcake display.

“Boudoir photo shoots are also very hot and we’re seeing moreand more of them,” McKinley adds. “Adam Houseman and his wife,Imthiaz, have mastered these quite well and are incredibly talentedwedding photographers as well.”

And when it comes to choosing Colorado as a destination,McKinley is eloquent: “I think the hottest thing about Boulder is youget the destination wedding without having to go to a faraway, hard-to-reach destination.”

And look no farther than The Historic Hotel Boulderado, whichfeatures several unique reception venues, offering what you need tomake your Boulder wedding celebration spectacular.

“Boulder has the hip downtown with fantastic restaurants andshops to entertain guests,” says McKinley. “It also sits at the base ofthe Rockies, so for the active guest they have plenty to explore – notto mention the mountains provide a spectacular backdrop. Best of all,it can all be easily reached by a short drive or shuttle trip from DIA.”

The Historic Hotel Boulderado, 2115 13th St., Boulder,303.440.2880 or 1.866.826.2887, www.boulderado.com

The Historic Hotel Boulderado offers everything you need to make your Boulderwedding celebration spectacular. (MARSHA STECKLING, LIFE EXPOSED PHOTOGRAPHY)

Weddings 2010 15...

Here are a few great tipsto help you look and feelyour best on your big day.

Every bride wants to look her best on her wedding day; it’s assimple as that. When you’re planning your wedding, you knowthat on that big day, all eyes – and all camera lenses – are going tobe on you. It’s only natural that a lot of brides put a lot ofplanning and effort into their wedding day appearance, and thatincludes improving their physical fitness. But with the enormoustask of wedding planning, where do you find the time to get inshape? It’s a dilemma that a lot of women face.

Brittney Coffee, a Denver-area personal trainer, understandsthis dilemma. Soon after her own wedding a few years ago, shebegan teaching a bridal fitness class at her gym to help brides-to-be get in shape.

Getting in shapefor your big day

By Caitlin Kelly, MediaNews Group

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16 Weddings 2010...

“As a new bride myself, I understood the needs andconcerns of my clients,” says Coffee, “and I knew I couldhelp them reach their fitness goals.”

If getting in shape is a top priority, here are a few of Brittney’stips to help you look and feel your best on your big day.

Tip #1: Start earlyWhen it comes to starting a fitness routine, the earlier

the better.“It’s never too early to start getting in shape for your

wedding,” advises Coffee.“The biggest mistake is givingyourself only one or two months to reach your fitness goals,no matter how big or small they may be. This just leads toundue stress and frustration, and when you’re planning awedding that’s the last thing you need.”

Starting early can help you figure out a fitness routinethat works with your schedule, making you more likely tostick to it.

Tip #2: Crank up the intensityBecause brides-to-be are some of the busiest gals around,

Coffee recommends shorter, more intense workouts ratherthan spending hours at the gym.

“If you run on the treadmill, increase the incline to crankup the intensity,” she explains. “You can save time while stillgetting a great workout.”

Plus, intense workouts are a natural stress reliever, whichis something every bride needs. Coffee recommends gettingin some kind of cardiovascular activity (like jogging, briskwalking or cycling) four to five times per week.

Tip #3: Smart strengthWhen it comes to strength training, most brides focus

solely on the arms, shoulder and back, as these areas are themost exposed in a wedding dress. But when it comes tostrength training, Coffee stresses the importance of getting afull-body workout.

“Focusing on one muscle group too much puts you atrisk for injury. Strengthening all of the major muscle groupswill help you achieve an overall leaner look and will help youdrop fat faster,” she explains.

Make it your goal to work one to two days of strengthtraining per week into your fitness routine.

A bride may be ingreat shape on herwedding day, but it’snot the number on thescale that makes herglow it’s the confidenceshe has gained afterworking hard and mostimportantly believingin herself.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 18Weddings 2010 17...

Tip #4: Food for thoughtThe best way to reach your fitness goals is a combination

of exercise and healthy eating. A lot of brides make themistake of going on crash diets to lose weight, which can bevery unhealthy and actually slow their progress.

“I hate the word ‘diet’” says Coffee, “so instead I justrecommend keeping a food journal. Recording what you eatmakes you more aware of what you’re putting into your bodyand can help you make healthier choices.”

A few small changes like drinking more water or addingmore vegetables to your diet can make a big difference in thelong run.

Tip #5: Ditch the scaleIf your fitness goals become too wrapped up in numbers,

you may find yourself getting impatient and frustrated.“Weighing yourself from time to time to check your

progress is perfectly fine, but try to shift your focus awayfrom the scale,” advises Coffee.

Instead, focus on how your clothes fit, your energy level,your mood and how you feel when you look in the mirror.Feeling great on the inside can be far more motivating thanthe numbers on your scale.

Tip #6: Stay positiveWhen starting a new fitness regimen, it’s easy to get

frustrated if you’re not seeing immediate results. But the mostimportant thing is to stay positive.

“Getting fit takes time!” says Coffee, “and it’s importantto remember that your body needs the chance to adjust to

your new routine.”In the meantime, stick to

your routine and feel proud ofhow hard you are working toreach your goals.

When it comes down to it,looking your best on yourwedding day is all about

feeling your best.Setting and attaininggoals for yourself cangive you a huge boost

in your self-esteemthat lasts farbeyond yourwedding day.

“A bride maybe in great shape on

her wedding day, but it’snot the number on the

scale that makes herglow,” says Coffee,“it’s the confidenceshe has gained afterworking hard and –most importantly –believing inherself.”

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17

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When Missy Gillen met her future husband, Mike, she hadn’tgiven much thought to a rainy day fund or investing money. But

as the Westlake, Ohio, couple got serious, she started paying attentionto their finances, something Mike Gillen encouraged.

“We’re both very aware of our goals,” said Missy, who married inJuly, but not before creating a budget and starting to save for a house.

Talking about money before marriage is essential for wedded bliss,according to financial experts, since it can eliminate a lot of surprisesand arguments. Conversation can help a couple understand each other’sfinancial standing, spending habits and savings goals.

Financial stress is one of the main causes of divorce, said GailCunningham, spokeswoman for the National Foundation for CreditCounseling, in Silver Spring, Md.

“People bring financial baggage into a relationship and often don’tdeal with it until problems arise,” she said.

Many newlyweds do not foresee that money can be an issue, addedJulie Baumgardner, executive director of First Things First, which offersfinancial education classes to couples in Chattanooga, Tenn.

“It’s not a topic that people tend to put a lot of weight on,” she said.“Learning how to manage your money together is a big deal.”

These experts and Denver-based financial counselor Taffy Wagner offersome tips for addressing finances before exchanging wedding vows:

1. Sit down with your partner and discuss your finances. Bring copies of yourcredit score; pay stubs; credit card bills; details about loans, child support payments ordebt; and any other relevant financial information. This will help both partiesdevelop a picture of their financial responsibilities after marriage.

2. Examine one another’s credit scores. If one person’s score is below 700, consider

keeping your finances separate. Work as a couple to help the person with the lowcredit score improve it by paying off debt and taking care of overdue bills. Do notapply for any joint credit cards. Instead, put the cards in the name of the person withgood credit and make the other person an authorized user.

3. Decide which of you will be in charge of managing the money and payingbills. It’s important to develop a system so the bills are paid on time. Make sure theother partner has a basic understanding of the system and is aware of all bankaccounts and investments.

4. Develop a budget the two of you can live on. Make sure allocations for groceries,clothing, etc., are reasonable. No more than one-third of your gross income should gotoward a mortgage. Don’t spend more than 25 percent of your gross income on rent.

5. Set limits on spending. Determine how much money you are comfortablespending without consulting your spouse. For example, agree to discuss any purchaseover $100, $500 or $1,000.

6. Find out how your partner handles unexpected expenses, and decide whetheryou agree with the approach. After you’re married, you may decide that turning tomom and dad or using a credit card to cover emergencies is unacceptable.

7. Agree to create an emergency fund. Financial experts recommend setting asideenough money to cover living expenses for three to six months. Start by setting aside10 percent of your paycheck.

8. Develop a policy about lending money. Decide whether you would be willingto give a loan to a friend or relative. If you’re comfortable doing that, discuss whetheryou would charge interest and how much you could afford to lend. Always put thedetails of a loan in writing.

9. Discuss whether one of you will stay home after the birth of a child. If that isa goal, start planning how you could live on one income.

10. Share details about the way your parents ran their household. Did theyemploy a housekeeper, landscaper or other help that you would expect in yourhousehold? Was charitable giving or religious tithing an important part of yourupbringing and what are your attitudes toward it?

Discussing money before the wedding pays offBy Melissa Kossler Dutton, MediaNews Group

Weddings 2010 19...

When my sister got engaged in August 2007, ourwhole family was thrilled. My parents were

eager to throw a wedding for their eldest daughter,and I had never been in a wedding party before.

The excitement lasted for about a week, and then quickly dissolvedinto wedding planning overdrive. As maid of honor (I claimed the titleyears before she even got engaged), I helped scope out venues, flowers,favors and accompanied her on the hunt for The Dress. I felt like therewas nothing I couldn’t handle. That is, until one of the bridesmaidsasked the dreaded question: “Have you written your toast yet?”

For a lot of people, the idea of delivering a wedding toast can be alittle overwhelming. All of the excitement, emotion and anticipationthat surrounds the wedding day can add up to a lot of pressure!

Brides, if you notice that your maid of honor is nervous aboutdelivering her speech, here are some tips to follow to ensure that thetoast is as stress-free as it is memorable.

Getting startedIf you’re nervous about delivering your toast, it’s easy to

procrastinate until the very last minute – but this will only amp upyour stress level and stifle your creativity. As early as possible, startcompiling a list of memories, ideas, stories or even jokes –whatever pops into your head when you think about yourrelationship with the bride. This will provide a good starting pointfor your toast.

Practice, practice, practiceOnce you have your toast in a more concrete form, practice like

crazy. Recite it to yourself, to your friends, to anyone who will listen.Reciting your speech will help you commit it to memory. Also,getting feedback from others will help you refine your toast andcorrect mistakes you may have missed.

Tips for the toastWriting and delivering a great wedding toast

By Caitlin Kelly, MediaNews Group

CONTINUED ON PAGE 22

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Weddings 2010 21...

Take noteIt’s a good idea to have a few key points from your toast

written on note cards. Even if you have the entire speechcommitted to memory, it’s always nice to have a contingencyplan in case your nerves get the best of you. Do not, however,write the entire speech on your note cards, as this will keep youfrom maintaining eye contact with your audience.

Avoid the Open BarIt may be tempting to down a glass of champagne or two

before you deliver your speech, but use caution—there’s nothingmore painful than watching a drunken maid of honor or bestman stumble their way through a toast. Play it safe and stick towater until after the toast is finished.

Listen to your motherStand up straight! Your mom may have harped on your

posture growing up, and right now it’s time to take that adviceto heart. Practicing good posture will help you breathe, speakclearly and make you look (and feel) more confident.

Keep it rated PG, not RRemember, you’ll be delivering this toast not only to the

bride and groom, but to their family members, young and old.As much as you might love stories about the bride’s first SpringBreak in Cancun, her grandmother might not feel the sameway. Avoid material that will offend guests or humiliate thehappy couple. Keeping your jokes and stories family friendly isthe best way to go.

Show emotionDon’t be afraid to shed a few tears during your toast. It’s a

joyous, emotional day for everyone and you shouldn’t fight it.You’re there to let the bride know how much she means to you,and if that means letting the tears flow a little, so be it.

Have funWhen it comes down to it, remember that it’s a wedding

toast, not closing arguments in a trial! You’re there to have funand celebrate the love that the bride and groom share, so enjoyyourself up there.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 20

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Quotes for the ToastCan’t find the right words for your toast? Not to worry, some of history’s greatest speakers and writers havedone the work for you. Here are some quotes about love and marriage that are perfect for wedding toasts.

“Whatever souls are made of, his and mine are the same.” -Emily Bronte

“Love is composed of a single soul inhabiting two bodies.” -Aristotle

“A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person.” -Germaine Greer

“To keep your marriage brimming, with love in the wedding cup, whenever you’re wrong, admit it; whenever you’re right, shut up.” -Ogden Nash

“To love someone deeply gives you strength. Being loved by someone deeply gives you courage.” -Lao Tzu

“There is no more lovely, friendly and charming relationship, communion or company than a good marriage.” -Martin Luther

“In dreams and in love there are no impossibilities.” -Janos Arnay

I love you, not only for what you are, But for what I am when I am with you.” -Roy Croft

“I love her and that’s the beginning of everything.” -F. Scott Fitzgerald

“Love is that condition in which the happiness of another person is essential to your own.” -Robert Heinlein

“Where we love is home, home that our feet may leave, but not our hearts.” -Oliver Wendell Holmes

“The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart.” -Helen Keller

“To love is to receive a glimpse of heaven.” -Karen Sunde

“Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.” -Lao Tzu

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Does the idea of an overly traditional wedding make you cringe?Do you want to bring your own unique flair into the planning

and day of your reception? Try customizing your catering.

Non-traditional wedding cakesThere are a multitude of ways to make the wedding cake unique.

“The non-traditional cake topper is very popular,” explains Marjorie,owner of Azucar Bakery in Englewood. “I’ve also had requests formad hatter cakes and custom icing and decorations.” Mad hattercakes boast an artistic lopsidedness. Layers are not cake-pan-perfectbut look like they’ve been slightly and artistically squashed. Theoverall look, however, is surprisingly pleasing.

Then, there’s the trend of non-traditional cake toppers. Instead ofa bride and groom standing in each other’s arms at the top of thecake, try a cake topper in which the groom is running away and thebride is holding him by his tie. Too close to home? Try a topper thathas the bride and groom sitting on the side of the cake cuddling ineach other’s arms.

At Azucar Bakery, couples can bring their own cake designs.Marjorie showed me pictures of the themed cakes she had createdbased on designs drawn by the couples ordering the cakes. One cakewas poker-themed with a king and queen of hearts as the topper. And

my personal favorite was a cake with a theme of Tim Burton’s “TheNightmare Before Christmas.” Non-traditional cakes and toppers likethese are showing up at weddings all over Colorado. Couples are seekingways to make their cakes uniquely representative of their relationship.

Four to five months before the wedding, ask yourselves whatflavor and design of cake you want. Brides, make sure you talk to thegroom about this one – he may have opinions in this arena.

Instead of a white cake, try a chocolate one or layered cheesecakes.Non-traditional wedding cakes are all the rage this year, and guestswill often enjoy them more than a traditional cake.

Cake designs can range from a traditional layered cake to cupcakes.

Unique cateringThe cake and topper are only two ways to customize your

wedding reception. There are numerous options for feeding yourguests, and many questions to answer before the day of the reception.Most couples opt for hiring a caterer rather than providing the foodthemselves, so here are some tips for picking the caterer who will giveyou the wedding day of your dreams.

A good place to start with caterers is to ask around. Ask yourfriends and family if they’ve heard of anyone they’d recommend. Askthe other specialists you’re hiring for your wedding like your

Cater to your every needCouples should expect exceptional service from their wedding caterers

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photographer and DJ if they’ve worked with good caterers they’drecommend. Ask your favorite restaurant if they cater. You canfind a lot of good information through networking that you maynot learn by simply going to tastings or bridal shows. And youcan get the opinions of people who’ve seen these caterers inaction, serving anywhere from 50 to 500 people.

After narrowing down your selection of caterers, it’simportant to interview each one. I interviewed Hyland fromBiscuits & Berries Catering in Golden. I asked her questionsabout Biscuits & Berries as well as asking her what questions shefelt were important for couples to pose to their caterers, whoeverthey may be. Hyland’s answers set a high standard for catererseverywhere, but couples should expect this kind of service fromtheir caterers.

When I asked her if she had ever received bizarre requests, sheanswered, “We have definitely had some unique requests, which wealways welcome. It’s exciting to tackle the challenge and continuelearning and expanding what we do at Biscuits & Berries.”

According to Hyland, an important question to ask yourcaterer is, “What menu would you recommend based on thetype of reception we’re having and the time of year?” When Iasked her this question, Hyland explained that Biscuits &Berries is unique in that it offers a wide selection of menus usingthe freshest ingredients available at the time of year. The chefs atBiscuits & Berries have many suggestions, but are willing towork with you to make the food for your special day exactly theway you want it.

When it comes to your wedding food, don’t settle foranything less than what you’ve dreamed of. Caterers should beable to help you to plan the perfect menu for your wedding day.

Here are some questions to ask yourself as you plan the foodfor your reception:

What type of food do you want at your reception? Thereare so many options today for wedding food. You can have foodof many different cultures or you can mix two cultures to create acompletely unique banquet for your guests. Try using traditionalfoods like chicken and rice to make unique dishes. If you likeMexican food, try chicken spiced with peppers and paprika rolledin a tortilla with rice and salsa. Give suggestions to your catererand, if you want to, bring a family recipe that you want made andserved at your reception.

Do you want to have a buffet or a sit-down dinner? Orperhaps you’d rather have servers offering hors d’oeuvres to yourguests as they chat. Sit-down dinners are often the mostexpensive option, but can provide a nice atmosphere for thewedding reception by encouraging toasts and making sureeveryone is eating their fill. But buffets and hors d’oeuvres canlend an air of informality and comfort to a reception that mightbe decreased in a sit-down meal.

What type of catering, cake and alcohol service is feasiblewith the number of guests you have? This is always animportant questions to consider. You may want to think aboutfocusing on one aspect of the reception more than the others.Perhaps you want to put energy and money into your beverageservice and offer a full bar served throughout the entirereception, and the catering is not as important to you.Prioritizing like this is a good way to save money and make thewedding truly your own unique event.

Do you want foods that match your wedding colors? Anice twist to the traditional wedding foods is to pick menuitems that match your wedding colors. Pumpkin dishes canmatch the orange of a fall wedding while eggs and edible flowersmight be excellent picks for a spring wedding.

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Do your guests have allergies or preferences you mustcater to? Consider your own and your guests’ allergies andpreferences as you plan your menu. Should you avoidmonosodium glutamate or food coloring in your dishes? Do youhave vegetarian or vegan guests? These are all topics to bring upwhen you meet with your caterer.

Chocolate fountainsA chocolate fountain can be a lot of fun to have at your reception.

Not only are these elegant to look at, but they taste delicious. You canget dark, milk or white chocolate, and often, chocolate fountainscome in other colors as well – white chocolate can be colored tomatch your wedding colors. Warning: if you’re going to have childrenat the reception, you may want to avoid chocolate fountains; ifanyone touches the chocolate in the fountain, most companies requireyou to purchase the fountain and chocolate, which can be pricey.

Beverage service suggestionsOften, a full bar of standard alcoholic and nonalcoholic

beverages is the best option even for a non-traditional wedding.Trendy beverages may not please the majority of your guests. Butthere are some options for altering the serving of drinks that canmake your reception not only different, but can also save you somemoney. Serve beverages in stages: offer beer, wine and soft drinksbefore dinner and mixed drinks after. And try using champagne onlyfor toasts; that way, it is a tasty highlight of the reception. You alsohave choices in how the wine is served. Many receptions have a splitbar, but you can serve guests well by having one bar with twobartenders, or you can have your caterer serve beverages with dinner.

It’s a big decision, choosing the kind of food and cakeyou want to have at your wedding reception. Questionsto ask your caterer and cake designer:

1. What are some menu items you would suggest, considering my budgetand the style, date and time of my wedding?

2. Do you specialize in any dishes or styles of food? Can we include ourown recipe in the menu?

3. Do you cater to allergies or vegan and vegetarian preferences?4. When do you need the final guest count?5. How will the servers be attired?6. How many events does your company cater to that same day?7. How does the cost of a buffet compare to that of a sit-down dinner?8. Does the cost-per-person cover only the food or do you include staff,

rentals, linens and gratuity as well?9. Do you charge a corkage fee per bottle if we provide our own beverages?10. Do you charge a cake-cutting fee?11. Who is the Event Manager or Captain for my wedding? Can I meet

with him or her? How long will he or she stay at my reception?12. Are you licensed?13. How much is the deposit I must pay to hold the date?14. Will you provide the cake and beverage service (and possibly a chocolate

fountain) as well as the food?15. Will you provide food for the photographer, videographer, musicians

and other vendors? Is there an extra charge for this?16. Do you provide a special price for children’s meals?17. Can you provide a list of references?18. Can we see a copy of the contract?19. What services do you provide specially for VIPs of the wedding?20. How involved are you throughout the planning process and on the day

of the wedding?21. How and where is the food prepared? Do you freeze your cakes or bake

them fresh?

26 Weddings 2010...

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