Happily Ever After 2012 Bridal Book

A special supplement to The Daily Nonpareil http://swiowanews2.com/bridal

February 2012

The name you know

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First ImpressionsPhotography

Happily Ever After Cover Pages.qxp 2/7/2012 11:25 AM

44 February 2012Happily Ever After – The Daily Nonpareil

Engagement photo tipsNewly engaged couples choose to capture the occa-

sion in photos that they can cherish. Often, one ofthese photos is used as an announcement to familyand friends and might even be published in the news-paper.

Engagement photos may be part of a package nego-tiated with the photographer who will be covering thewedding day. Some couples enlist the help of a friendor a budding photographer to capture an engagementshot. The average cost of engage-ment photos can range from $200 to$500. Some couples opt to use a pho-tographer who might specialize inother areas (i.e. fashion models) butmay want to break into the weddingbiz because of how lucrative it canbe. Costs may be negotiated as aresult.

When shopping around for a pho-tographer, there are certain thingscouples should keep in mind. Thefirst and most important is selectinga photographer you can relate to. Ifyou don’t feel a connection with thephotographer, he or she will havetrouble coaxing the shots that willproduce the best results. He or sheshould also be a professional andhave some experience working withposing couples. This way the photosdon’t look stiff or contrived. Hereare some other tips that can lead togreat photos.

• Find a photographer who fitsyour style. If you’re a quirky couple, go with a quirkyphotographer. If you’re reserved and a follow-the-booktype of couple, then select a more traditional photogra-pher. Some photographers out there forget that this isyour moment and want to impart their idea of whatyou want. Make sure he or she takes your ideas intoconsideration.

• Select one who is open to different shoot loca-tions and brainstorming. Some of the best photosoccur in natural settings, where things aren’t entirely

planned. If a photographer simply works out of a stu-dio, you may want to select one who has more freereign with different locales.

• Choose your location wisely. Certain locationswill stand out in your minds because they are visuallystunning or are special places where you have spentmoments as a couple. By choosing a place that offers apersonal connection, there’s a good chance you’llappreciate the photos in the long run. Also, be open to

the fact that unplanned stops mayoffer a great background for theimage. Be open to the unexpected.

• Try random poses and somecandid shots. Although you mighthave a vision of the perfect photo inyour mind, experimenting with dif-ferent ideas can sometimes lead to agreat photo you really love. Expectto take your share of kissing, nose-touching and portrait shots. Butsome fun poses, such as running orjumping (or rolling around on abeach full of waves) can producecandid shots that are truly master-pieces. Remember, sometimes pho-tographers will pose you in positionsthat seem a bit awkward, but this isto get the best lines of the body andflattering images.

• Choose clothing that fits themood. If time and budget allows,have several different wardrobechanges so that you can see which

outfits work and which ones don’t. A formal outfit,comfortable street clothes, something beachy or cloth-ing that fits with your interests (such as polo or base-ball) can make for interesting engagement photos.Avoid clothing that is too trendy or busy, which maytake away from the actual images in the long run.Plus, you don’t want to look back at these photos inthe future and say, “What was I thinking?” Avoidmatchy-matchy, though. If you are dressed alike, youmay appear to be trying too hard. It’s the individualpersonalities you want to shine through. •

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February 2012 Happily Ever After – The Daily Nonpareil55

Common signs you might be a bridezillaFew brides-to-be want to be tagged as a

“bridezilla.” However, engaging in certain behaviorsjust might earn them that dubious distinction.

It is believed the term “bridezilla” was coined ina Boston Globe article in June 1995. Since then, ithas been widely used for an overbearing bride whois difficult and often a perfectionist.

A woman who is obsessed about every detail ofthe wedding might turn into a bridezilla. There areseveral traits that many bridezilla’s have in com-mon. If a bride-to-be sees her own behaviors on thislist, she may want to make some changes quickly orrisk alienating friends and family members.

• Talking about the wedding nonstop. Gettingmarried is exciting and stressful at the same time.It is good for brides to have enthusiasm about thebig day, but speaking incessantly over every littledetail, especially when the conversation often veersto complaints about vendors and other arrange-ments, can be off-putting to people. Remember, theworld is still turning outside of a bride’s weddingrealm.

• Extreme dieting. It’s understandable when abride wants to look her best on her wedding day,and this can create a desire to shed a few pounds.However, if dieting becomes extreme, including dra-matic calorie control, binging or purging, it can beunhealthy and dangerous. Putting appearancesbefore well-being may constitute bridezilla behav-ior.

• Failing to spend time with a fiance. Whenwedding planning and meetings take precedenceover spending time with your fiance, it can set apoor course for the future marriage and strain thecurrent relationship.

• A “me-first” attitude. It’s unproductive for abride-to-be to think that her family, bridemaids andothers involved in the wedding will drop everythingfor the sake of the event. Although it is expectedthat a bridal party will partake in some tasks andresponsibilities, they are not the property oremployees of the bride. Also, diva behavior andmeltdowns — where all the attention is directedtoward the bride-to-be — is not beneficial as well.

• Going well over budget. At its core, a weddingis the union between two people who pledge tospend the rest of their lives together. While manypeople want to have the perfect wedding, fixatingon every detail and spending excessively to achievewhat is perceived as perfection is bridezilla behav-ior. Entering a marriage already in debt can put astrain on newlywed bliss.

• Fighting with friends and family. Oftentimesbrides- and grooms-to-be mask apprehension aboutstarting a new chapter in their lives by getting intodisagreements with others. Brides may bicker withtheir moms over seating arrangements and hair-styles, but they might just be glossing over theirevolving mother-child relationship. Fighting just tofight and draw attention to oneself is bridezillabehavior.

• Expecting preferential treatment. Manybridezillas are rude to wedding vendors and thinkthat they deserve something extra. Individualsshould remember that florists, dress shops, musi-cians, and photographers work very hard in theirlines of work and often with couples who are emo-tional and feeling the stress of spending largeamounts of money. Adding even more animosity tothe situation could result in less-than-stellarresults on the big day.

There are things every bride should do in prepa-ration for her wedding. Then there are things thatshould be avoided for fear of transforming into abridezilla. •


Beyond the cakeTIM ROHWER

[email protected]

More and more couples aresaying “I Do” to other weddingtreats besides the traditionalwhite cake.

“Couples are doing a lotmore cupcakes or little cakesplaced on each table, whichdoubles as a cake and a center-piece,” said Julie Lamb, co-owner of the Sweet Stop, 156W. Broadway.

Pies and cheesecakes arealso becoming popular, addedSandra Clark, bakery managerat the Madison Avenue Hy-VeeFood Store.

That’s not to say the tradi-tional white cake has gotten adivorce from the reception, farfrom it, they both said. But, there are changes or newfads, as Clark said. This includes phasing out the pil-lars that separate the different cake layers.

“The fad we’re in now is that couples don’t want touse pillars on their cakes, but rather stack (the layers)together for a more elegant look,” she said.

“We have not done a pillar cake,” Lamb said.“They’re stacked now.”

Couples are seeking more color and texture ontheir cakes, she added.

“Very rarely do you see white anymore, there issome kind of color,” Lamb said.

Purple is now popular, along with earthy brownsand oranges, she said. Hot pink is also hot at themoment, she added.

The happy pair still wants a traditional cake attheir centerpiece, especially for the picture-taking cut-ting of the cake, Clark said. Only now, it’s much small-er to be used for that purpose and for serving only thecouple and the main table party, she said.

For couples purchasing their cakes through the

Sweet Stop, the groom will receive his own little cake,Lamb said. And, it’s not necessarily the standard look-ing variety, either. Grooms want their cake designed a

certain way to express theirparticular interest or that rep-resents their occupation insome fashion, Lamb said.

Cupcakes are popularbecause of the wide variety offlavors they can offer theguests, Clark said. Same thingis true for pies and cheese-cakes.

“We can put pies andcheesecakes in the center of thetable,” Clark said.

To place a different pie orcheesecake flavor at each tablecan encourage guests wantinga particular flavor to sit at thatspecific table where new friend-ships can start, instead of just

sitting with acquaintances as most do at receptions,she said.

Beer and cheese weddings are becoming popular,Lamb said, along with the use of candy bars for recep-tion treats.

“It’s a lot different now than what it used to be,”she said. •

Cupcakes, pies and candy bars gaining popularity at receptions

Staff Photo/Tim Rohwer

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Make-your-own wedding invitationsCost-conscious couples today seek different ways

they can reduce expenses on their weddings. Do-it-yourself weddings have grown in popularity, and cre-ating personalized wedding invitations is one way tosave money and dream up something special.

Wedding invitations can range in prices dependingon the service used. Many brick-and-mortar printingcompanies have gone by the wayside, and online print-ing sources have replaced them.The reduced overhead means thatmany online retailers can producewedding invitations at a lowercost than in years past. That does-n’t mean they are cheap, however.Couples can expect to pay any-where from $150 to $500 on invi-tations depending on style andquantity, according to estimatesfrom many printing company Websites. Expect to pay around $90(U.S.) for postage if mailing 100standard invitations that do notrequire extra postage and includestamped response cards.

In order to avoid overpayingfor wedding invitations, or simply to create a personal-ized invitation, many couples are opting to go the do-it-yourself route. DIY invitations are even more com-mon thanks to the popularity of scrapbooking andpapercrafting. Although people may have differentstandards in terms of quality for their invitations, it’simportant to realize the invitation is the first thingguests often see concerning the wedding, and they willhelp set the tone of the upcoming nuptials.

Today there are many options when it comes tomaking invitations oneself. Couples can be as hands-on or hands-off as they like. Here are some choices toconsider.

• Design it yourself, but hire a printer. Couples canvisit Web sites that enable them to choose paper type,ink color, a certain template, wording, color scheme,embellishments, dye-cutting, and many other differentoptions. Then the couple sits back and waits for theinvites to come in the mail where they are put togeth-er before being sent out. These may be the mostexpensive of the DIY invites because a printer is stilldoing much of the work.

• Use wedding invitation kits. Many stationeryshops, craft stores and office supply retailers offer all-in-one kits that can be purchased. These feature a

standard design with the accoutrements of that partic-ular design. Most will come with envelopes and smallresponse cards. The couple simply uses the templateprovided to create text on a personal computer andthen the invite can be run through a home printer.

• Mix and match components. Couples who want tobe a little more hands-on can purchase card stock andenvelopes separately and design their own invitations

according to color scheme. Clip artincluded with some word process-ing or design software can embel-lish invites that are then printedon a home printer. Ribbon can beadded by punching holes into theinvite and threading the ribbonthrough.

• Do it all yourself. The trulycrafty couple can make their invi-tations from scratch. This involvesdrawing out a template, cuttingthe card stock to fit, selectingenvelopes, creating and executingresponse cards, and decorating theinvitations as they see fit. Thiswill require some tools, including

scrapbooking or papercrafting supplies. A paper trim-mer will help ensure straight cuts, and decorative-edged scissors can help hide any small mistakes in theedges. While this may be a cheaper option if couplesget good prices on all the paper components, it alsoentails the most work and the greatest margin oferror.

Saving money on wedding components has becomeessential for many couples in this economy. Choosingto take on some aspects of invitation creation can helpreduce costs and personalize the event even more. •

Wedding Dance Lessons:Simply Ballroom is proud to be one of the first

dance studios in the midwest to specialize inwedding dance instruction. We offer a complimentary

private dance lesson to all wedding couples!Should you decide to continue with more lessons,we offer a variety of packages to ensure your first

dance will be the most romantic, sacred andintimate moment of the reception.

For more information, please call 402-933-6678or email [email protected]

Banquet:Consider having your event at Simply Ballroom.

We are the ideal location for weddings, receptions,banquets, holiday parties, and business meetings.


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Hot Wedding Color CombosNew combos to set the tone for your wedding. Which hues will you choose?

Aqua &Chartreuse

Fuchsia& Navy

Garnet &Tangerine

Blush &Mauve

Lemon &Celadon

Lavender &Chocolate


Tips to make your wedding unique

1

2

3

4

5

Your wedding day will likely be one of themost memorable days of your life.Unfortunately, many engaged couples gettrapped planning a formulaic party with blandfood, music and décor. But with some creativeplanning, your nuptials can be as unique asyour relationship.

“Whether you break the mold or go tradi-tional, planning something special is all aboutcustomization,” said Mariam Naficy, CEO ofMinted.com, an online stationery store thatsells save the date cards and wedding invita-tions.

Here are some top customization tips forcouples soon tying the knot:

• Pick a theme: A theme can really tie youraffair together. Opt for one that is aestheticallyappropriate for a wedding, and complementaryto the venue. Whether you go with rustic chicor urban minimalist, your theme shouldexpress your style and inform your planningdecisions on everything from food to music.

• Tell your guests with style: Informingyour guests of the big news is the next step inplanning your wedding. Do it early withunique save the dates, to ensure your lovedones can make it to your big day. It’s easy tocustomize the look and feel of your invitationswhen you order through an online stationerystore like Minted.com.

• Live music: Even if you can’t spring for a10-piece band, live music is a great invest-ment. A live musician (or an exceptional DJ)will liven up the party by tailoring music onthe fly, based on guests’ requests and the shift-ing mood of your party.

• A great space: If possible, avoid the stan-dard hotel conference room. Many hotels havegazebos, verandas and other more elegantrooms to choose from. Or opt for a more non-traditional venue like a museum or art gallery.Your photos are going to last a lifetime, so picka beautiful space you will want to remember.

• Delicious food: To provide food you knowyou and your guests will love, consider askingyour favorite restaurant to cater your event.True you might not get the fondue fountain orice sculpture you always dreamed of, but hav-ing your favorite steak joint or Thai spot pro-vide the eats will certainly be unique andtasty.

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MEGAN [email protected]

Time isn’t always on your side. And when itcomes to flowers for the big day, it’s best togive yourself as much leeway as possible.

“Couples should start shopping for flowersat least six months before the wedding,” saidPam Cyboron, who owns Corum’s Flowers withher husband, Wayne. “If you have a wedding inMay, June, September or October, the sooneryou book your florist, the better.”

Once the florist is booked, couples must con-sider a myriad of details, such as color paletteand what arrangements (bouquets, bouton-

nieres, ceremo-ny decorations,centerpieces,etc.) to pur-chase. Yourdominantbloom is a goodstarting point.

“Roses are atimelessfavorite,”Cyboron said.And the classic

wedding flow-ers come in“more amazingcolors to choosefrom than everbefore.”

But whatelse are coupleslooking for thiswedding sea-son?

“The trendfor 2012 bridesis all about making your wedding unique.There are endless ideas on the Internet,”Cyboron said, adding that brides are using“inspiration boards” to catalogue elements theylove.

Trendy colors for 2012 include coral, tanger-ine, yellow and watercolor blues, such asturquoise and aqua. Popular varieties areorchids, mini calla lilies, gerbera daisies andasiatic lilies.

More and more couples are incorporatinggreen elements into their weddings, and willuse echeveria – a water-retaining plant – inbouquets or other arrangements, Cyboron said.

Non-flowerbouquets, suchas brooch bou-quets, areanother newtrend. CountrymusicianMirandaLambert popu-larized thistechnique ather wedding in

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2011. Other contemporary elements, suchbeading, wire, feathers, looped grasses and“bling,” can give a bouquet movement when it’swalked down the aisle, Cyboron said.

One last bit of advice: “Never order weddingflowers online,” Cyboron said. “Go to a rep-utable local florist and meet with their profes-sional wedding consultant.”

Cyboron considers herself a second-genera-tion florist. She learned the trade from herfather, who attended design school in Denver.Cyboron attends workshops, programs andhands-on classes to keep her ideas fresh.

Corum’s employs a team of three “creativeand artistic designers” who are always comingup with newideas, Cyboronsaid. The staffworks hard togive weddingcouples every-thing theywant.

“Your floristcan bring yourvision of theperfect wed-ding flowers tolife,” Cyboron said.

Costs“Wedding flowers can be as elaborate or as

simple as your taste and budget allows,”Cyboron said. At Corum’s, the average couplespends $1,500 to $2,000 on flowers for the bigday, but the shop has put together orders thathave totaled up to $10,000. Cyboron offered anumber of tips to cut costs:

• Ordering flowers for a large wedding partycan be expensive, so consider having fewerattendants.

• Smaller flowers grouped together can addup quickly; plus, large blooms can make astatement.

• Stretch your budget by reusing flowers

from the ceremony at the reception.“Pew decorations, guest book arrangements

and altar flowers can be moved to your recep-tion venue to decorate tables,” Cyboron said.“Bride’s and bridemaids’ bouquets can be putin vases along the head table to dress it up.”

Other tips• Many florists don’t take weddings on

Mother’s Day weekend.• Groupings of vintage vases or containers

with an assortment of blooms is a stylish wayto make reception centerpieces unique. “Eachtable will be different, and more fun for theguests to see,” Cyboron said.

• Another trend in reception decor isarranging tall cylinder or hurricane vases withblooms and rocks or gems in the base. Lights,votives or battery-operated lighting discs addambiance, Cyboron said. •

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8 new bridal hairstyles you’ll loveHere are a few new twists on your favorite bridal hairstyle – the bun.

couture rollNot every updo needs tobe secured into a single

bun. Have your stylist rolltwo sections together to

make a more unique knot.

swirled chignonThis soft, elegant ’do lookslike it might come undone

at any minute, but trustus, this effortless style

won’t fall out during thereception.

toppled knotThis side bun definitely

looks a bit more basicfrom the front, but the

back has a quirky, modernvibe thanks to the off-cen-

ter twist.

graphic loopsAt first glance, this

avant-garde style lookslike two basic buns, butthe other angles reveal

elaborate loops andswoops.

twirled updoA classic, center-back bunwill never go out of style.

Give yours some extrapizzazz with a subtle

swirl.

tucked rollAnother way to give your

bun an extra touch ofglamour — ask your

stylist to give your bangssome extra attention.

braided bunBraids are a simple way

to add some texture toyour updo. Try extensionsfor a bit more volume. It’s

easy — no stylistrequired.

hi-low updoStarting with a ponytailgives your updo a little

bit more lift, but fewdetails can make easy

elegance look absolutelyextraordinary.


8 Honeymoon Destinations for 2012

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CHAD [email protected]

When my wife, Tiffany, and I were married inOctober, we spent a lot of time finding just the rightgifts for the bridesmaids and groomsmen in our wed-ding.

Choosing a gift for the people who mean so much –not only on your wedding day, but every day – can bea difficult task. Especially when you factor in all thecosts that you incur with the wedding.

For me, the process was difficult. It would havebeen easier if our budget was unlimited, but that’s notthe case. Plus, what do you buy for three men in their30s who have the wherewithal to purchase what theywant, when they want it?

I wanted to find something that was useful, butalso something they would never buy on their own. Ifound that gift in the beverage holster.

While some may say it is not necessary, it can cer-tainly be useful, and none of the three already ownedone.

The beverage holster straps on to any belt and hasa canvas strap that wraps around the leg. The leatherholster can hold any 12-ounce can or bottle and freeup your hands for doing other projects, from barbecu-ing to croquet.

In the gift, I included a six-pack of each of thegroomsmen’s favorite beverage on a hot day.

I’m not sure how much use they will get out of thegift, and I don’t think that is the point. They were ahit that night at the rehearsal dinner, so at least forone night they strapped them on and had a laugh.

And really, what more are you aiming for with a gift?The laugh is worth more to me than something I

had monogrammed that gathers dust in the corner oftheir closets.

While the laugh was what I was looking for,Tiffany, however, may have put more effort into thisgift-giving process than any bride to be that camebefore her.

“Doing something special for my bridesmaids wasimportant to me. I wanted to be sure I gave themsomething that really came from the heart and thatthey could use,” she said. “After all, these are girlsthat mean a lot to me and have done so much for meover the years.”

A self-proclaimed “do-it-yourselfer,” Tiffany loves tomake things. She created many of the decorations thatadorned the tables at our reception, and many morethat did not.

One of her favorite hobbies is crocheting. While we

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were getting marriedin the fall, she knewwinter would be quick-ly approaching and ascarf would not only beuseful, but fashionable.

“My bridesmaids allpicked different colorsof shoes to wear forthe wedding so Imatched the color ofscarf to the color of theshoes they were wear-ing for the wedding,”she said.

But the scarf wasnot the only handmadeitem to go into whatwas quickly turninginto a gift basket. Shealso made each brides-maid a bracelet. Here another key element of gift-giv-ing turned up: Find assistance from those around toshare their talents.

“My mother has a wonderful talent for creatingbracelets designed with different crystals so I knewshe would be a great help in this project,” Tiffany said.

“I was planning to wear pearls and my bridesmaidswere wearing black dresses so I designed theirbracelets using black crystals and pearls.

“I figured it was something that was elegant andclassic and could be worn again after the wedding.”

With the handmaid projects, Tiffany also went thestore-bought route to express her feelings to herbridesmaids.

A big Vera Bradley fan, Tiffany found some Veratote bags for each bridesmaid with unique patternsand prints.

“Everyone can use a spare tote bag,” she said.“Especially in a fun print.”

The final gift was a set of three-in-one body wash.The brand, Philosophy, featured a pomegranate scent,but what was more important to my wife was the mes-sage on the bottles.

“The best part of Philosophy products is that theyhave quotes on the bottles. ‘With Gratitude’ was a funand creative way to express my thanks to all mybridesmaids,” she said.

She wrapped it all up in another reusable VeraBradley shopping bag as the gift bag to hold it alltogether.

“I wanted to make sure that every part of the giftwas usable,” she added. •

Submitted photo

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Role of technology in weddingplanning continues to grow

MIKE [email protected]

As with most everything in life, technology hasinundated the wedding planning process.

Personalized wedding websites are the standardnow, with couples sharing important informationabout the when and where of a wedding, wherethey’re registered and more, alongwith personal information like thestory of their meeting or a littleabout themselves.

“It saves a lot of time,” saidCyndi Reelfs of Council Bluffs. Sheand fiancé Kevin Wenninghoff willmarry in June 2013.

The invite is easier, she said,because instead of a laundry-list ofinformation to include the couplecan simply direct people to theirwedding website. Reelfs also notedthat though their wedding’s morethan a year away, family, friendsand well-wishers can check outtheir website now.

And the website includes atracker counting down the daysuntil the day.

“So that’s fun,” Reelfs said.A full 96 percent of today's

brides are planning, shopping and registeringonline and even incorporating technology into thewedding day itself, according to weddingwire.com.At google.com/weddings, couples can create a wed-ding website and sync the site with GoogleDocuments to manage planning needs.

“In years past, brides would load up on bridalmagazines to see the latest styles and wedding

ideas. Today they turn to wedding blogs and inspi-ration sites like Pinterest,” said Cara Davis, authorof “Cheap Ways to Tie the Knot” and an Orlando-based blogger. “Couples can download music to playand also find vendors for their wedding day whilereading personal testimonies from real couples viasocial media sites.”

Couples are also turning to online options forregistering to add flexibility andconvenience, Davis pointed out.CardAvenue.com allows couples torequest gift cards from theirguests, giving them the option topool them toward a large pur-chase, like furniture, or customizeto their interests, like eating out.And since the gift cards are fromnational retailers, out-of-townguests can easily participate with-out dealing with costly shippingfees or bringing a bulky item tothe wedding.

Joe Jayjack, originally fromCouncil Bluffs, and his brideBrianne set up a website thatallowed friends and family todonate money for their honeymoonin Austria in lieu of wedding gifts.

Davis said one of the mostexciting ways couples use technol-

ogy in weddings is streaming video of the ceremonyand reception live for guests who are unable toattend. Magazine sites Brides and The Knot say 65percent of couples are setting up special sites tomanage RSVPs and stream video of the ceremonyand/or reception. This comes with a price tagbetween $200 to $1,500 or more. The wedding isarchived for 60-90 days in most cases. •

Staff Photo/Erin Duerr

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10 New Wedding Songs for 2012Update your must-have wedding song playlist with some of the hottest hits of the year.

“We Found Love”Rihanna Ft. Calvin Harris

WWhhoo WWiillll LLiikkee IItt::All the twenty-somethings

WWhheenn ttoo PPllaayy IItt::After the parent dances, to get

everyone out on the floor

“I Do”Colbie Caillat

WWhhoo WWiillll LLiikkee IItt::The romantics

WWhheenn ttoo PPllaayy IItt::The ceremony recessional

“Give Me Everything”Pitbull

WWhhoo WWiillll LLiikkee IItt::All the couples

WWhheenn ttoo PPllaayy IItt::Toward the end of the night, whenthe single guests start pairing off

“Marry The Night”Lady GaGa

WWhhoo WWiillll LLiikkee IItt::The club-goers

WWhheenn ttoo PPllaayy IItt::After a slow song, to get the party

moving again

“Countdown”Beyonce

WWhhoo WWiillll LLiikkee IItt::All your best girlfriends

WWhheenn ttoo PPllaayy IItt::During the dance party

“Just A Kiss”Lady Antebellum

WWhhoo WWiillll LLiikkee IItt::The parents

WWhheenn ttoo PPllaayy IItt::Toward the beginning of the

dance party

“Paradise”Coldplay

WWhhoo WWiillll LLiikkee IItt::Everyone

WWhheenn ttoo PPllaayy IItt::During dinner

“Moves Like Jagger”Maroon 5 ft. Christina Aguilera

WWhhoo WWiillll LLiikkee IItt::The great dancers


“You Make Me Feel...”Cobra Starship ft. Sabi

WWhhoo WWiillll LLiikkee IItt::The twenty-somethings


“Red Solo Cup”Toby Keith

WWhhoo WWiillll LLiikkee IItt::The hard partiers

WWhheenn ttoo PPllaayy IItt::The last dance


How to look 10 poundsthinner on your wedding day

KATE WOODWWW.THEKNOT.COM

Every bride wants to look her best for the wed-ding day, but with all the wedding planning to-dos,sometimes it’s tough to stick as closely as you wantto your workout regimen. Luckily, there are a feweasy shortcuts you can take to look trim in yourwedding dress without hitting the gym every day ordriving yourself crazy with diet fads.

Flatter Your FigureThough alterations will

ensure your dress fits,choosing a wedding gownthat shows off your bestassets (and camouflagesyour less-than-fab spots)will make sure it flatters.Trying to hide your hips?Go with a romantic empirewaist gown or a strapless,full-skirted style. Want tosuck it all in? A corsetedball gown is a great optionto show off your bust, whit-tle your waist, and hide hipsand thighs. And if you wantto show off your curves (or create some), try a mer-maid-style gown. A good bet for every body type: anA-line silhouette, which fits at the bust and waistwith a skirt that gently flares out from the hips.

Get a Good Support SystemUndergarments that fit well are key to a sleek

silhouette. To avoid the dreaded bra bulge and cre-ate the right amount of cleavage (nothing that willscandalize the grandmas!), get a professional bra

fitting to be sure you’re wearing the right size.Then, buy a few bras — check the store’s policy, butyou can generally return them with the tags — soyou can try them on with your gown and find exact-ly the right one.

If any part of the lower half of your gown is fit-ted, invest in some good shapewear. Our favoritesare made by Spanx — they’re lightweight, breath-able, and come in tons of colors and styles. They’re

also available in differentmaterials, so you can findgarments that won’t cling toyour gown’s fabric but willstill nip and tuck you in allthe right places.

Stand Up forYourself

Proper posture can makea big difference in how youlook — and don’t worry, itdoesn’t mean you have tostand at attention all daylong. A couple of simple tipscan keep you upright andlooking svelte. First, keepyour shoulders back. If you

find your shoulders slouching forward (totally natu-ral if you’re tired or nervous!), shrug them uptoward your ears a couple of times to loosen your-self up and shift your shoulders back.

Second, try to keep your back straight. Again,the secret is in your shoulders — you should feellike there’s a straight line dropping from them toyour hips. If one starts to get ahead of the other,shift yourself and realign. Remember, it’s not aboutstanding still all the time — that’s actually more

Five tricks for a longer, leaner you — minus the dieting.


likely to make you slouch! Instead, shift yourweight as it feels comfortable to do so, keeping theposition of your shoulders and hips in mind fromtime to time.

Give Your Height a BoostWe’re not going to lie and say they’re comfort-

able, but wearing heels is one of the simplest waysto appear thinner. Think about it: Say you’re nor-mally five feet, four inches and you weigh 140pounds. Put on a pair of two-inch heels and sudden-ly you’re five feet, six inches — but you still weigh140 pounds! It’s not just about having longer legs;heels instantly trick the eye into reapportioningyour weight over a taller frame. Worried about footfatigue? Skip the spindly stilettos and go for some-thing with more support, like a wedge heel, anddon’t push it too high — no more than three inches.

Strike the Right PoseYour wedding photos are how you’ll remember

your wedding day, so ensure you’ll remember thatyou looked fabulous! Keep your shoulders back, andflatter your jawline by pushing your chin forward.If you can, keep your body slightly turned — you’lllook slimmer than if you’re facing straight at thecamera. The most ideal look is to tilt your shoulderstoward the photographer with your hips on anangle, which makes your waist and hips lookinstantly narrower.

Especially key for brides? Hold your arms slight-ly away from your body rather than pressing themagainst your sides. It can be tough (especially ifyou’ve been holding that bouquet all day!) but itmakes a huge difference. While it seems like a lotto keep track of, don’t forget that you can practice!With all of those prewedding parties, you’re goingto have your picture taken pretty often — takeadvantage so that on your wedding day you cangive ‘em your best shots. •


TIM [email protected]

From historic city landmarks to elegant hilltopretreats, southwest Iowa offers a variety of uniquevenues for weddings and receptions.

In Council Bluffs, the Historic General DodgeHouse and Bayliss Park Hall are among the out-standing vintage venues with space available forrent.

The Dodge House, 605 Third St., a NationalHistoric Landmark and museum, overlooks thesouthern part of the downtown area. The 1869

Victorian mansion, built in theSecond Empire style, was origi-nally the home of Gen.Grenville M. Dodge, Civil Warhero, railroad builder and U.S.congressman.

“We would be a really goodvenue for a bridal show,rehearsal dinner, for those whowant a smaller wedding,” saidKori Nelson, executive director.“I don’t think a lot of peoplethink about us.”

There’s room for a good-sized wedding outdoors or asmall ceremony in the third-floor ballroom. The ballroomcan accommodate about 60 peo-ple for a sit-down event, andcloser to 80 for a cocktail hourwhere people are standing andmingling, she said.

A small rehearsal dinnercould even be held in the man-sion’s dining room on the main

floor, Nelson said. Up to 10 people could eat wherethe Dodge family did more than 140 years ago.

“You’re actually sitting at the Dodge table onDodge family chairs in the dining room,” she said.“It’s a tremendous experience.”

Bayliss Park Hall, 530 First Ave., built from1900-1901 in the Colonial Revival style, also offersa historic setting for wedding festivities. TheVictorian house with “lots of character and lots ofhistory” overlooksBayliss Park in thecenter of downtownCouncil Bluffs, “sothe view from thebalcony is gorgeous,”said Arlo Burk,owner with his wife,Sandi. The receptionparlor, ballroom,Lincoln Room andlounge provide placesto suit functions ofdifferent sizes.

“Weddings aretypically done in our main floor,” he said.

The parlor features a 12-foot hand-carved fire-place and staircase with oak woodwork and canseat about 120 people, he said. The ballroom on thesecond floor can seat 200 and still have room for adance floor. The stage can accommodate the headtable(s).

Bayliss Park Hall allows couples flexibility inholding their events, Burk said.

“With our facility, people are able to bring theirown drinks in – and that could save a bride a lot ofmoney,” he said. “We allow outside catering for acaterer of their choice.”

Of course, the park itself is a good venue for out-door weddings, Burk said.

“Some of those who have the reception here dogo across the street for the actual wedding,” hesaid.

The Fountains Ballroom, 51496 230th St.,Glenwood, is a modern facility set in the beautifulLoess Hills between Council Bluffs and Glenwood.The ballroom opened Aug. 11, 2007, said ErinWilliams, owner with her husband, Marty.

Couples have choice of historic,scenic wedding venues

File photo

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� Large & Small Event Accomodations� Full Service Event Center� Wedding Ceremonies� Receptions� Special Dinners� Corporate Meetings� Can Accomodate Up To 400 People

402-657-554352399 236th Street

Glenwood, IA 51534www.bellaterre.com

“The scenery is ahuge part of ourappeal,” she said.

The location canaccommodate alarge weddingindoors or outdoors,Williams said.

“Inside, we canhold up to 532,” shesaid. “Outdoors, thesky is the limit.”

If the weatherturns bad, an out-door wedding canbe moved inside“within an hour,” she said.

The ballroom can be customized according toeach couple’s taste, Williams said. The color scheme,furnishings and lighting can be set according totheir wishes.

“Basically, the whole ambiance of the room canbe different from one day to the next,” she said.

Dressing areas include space for the bride andgroom to have their hair done by their personalstylists, she said. There is a wedding planner avail-able to help organize things and a manager to keepthings running smoothly on the day of the event.The Fountains also has custom planning booksavailable.

The venue does book up well in advance,Williams said.

“If they want a Saturday, they need at least ayear out,” she said.

Friday and Sunday time slots do not fill up asfast, she said.

“We actually even do weekday weddings andvow renewal ceremonies, also,” Williams said.

In May, another facility is scheduled to open justdown the road from The Fountains, also with scenicviews. Bella Terre, owned by John and DeboraScanlan, will have its first wedding May 5, JohnScanlan said. The site at 52399 230th St.,Glenwood, will have an indoor hall with room for400 and an outdoor seating area for ceremoniesthat could accommodate about 200. The hall willhave a distinct flavor.

“The interior of the place is going to feel likeyou’re in a courtyard of an Italian village,” he said.“Everything in that (hall) is going to be based onmy photographs I’ve taken in Italy.”

The village will not just be a two-dimensionalbackdrop but a set that will be constructed insidethe building, Scanlan said.

“We’ve actuallybrought some thingsback from Italy toinclude within thestructure,” he said.“It’s really going tobe a different venue,not only for theOmaha-CouncilBluffs metro but forthe region.”

Bella Terre has itsown vineyard, andwine is fermented onsite. The businesshas two preferredcaterers. •

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4 Wedding Dress Trends of 2012

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Bridesmaid Dresses:3 Hot Bridesmaid Dress Trends

BowsIt’s no wonder these dainty details popped up all over the runways. From neat ribbon sashes to bold appliques, bows can transform a simple dress into something wedding-worthy.

Bateau NecklinesEven in bright hues, a higher neckline lends itself to a sophisticated affair.

Two-ToneColor-blocking addsmore dimension soyour bridesmaids’dresses will look moreinteresting in photos.Bonus: Dark skirtsare ultra-slimming.

Your bridesmaids will flip for these stylish and budget-friendly styles.

Nebraskaa Bridall Outlet• Name Brand Wedding Dresses ~ Most gowns $349.99

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Bridal Shower Trends for 2012

Today’s bridal showers are still all fun andgames — except these days, the games are actuallyfun (and taking place in exotic locales). No longerviewed as a way for the couple to fish for more wed-ding gifts, bridal showers are now just like anyother party on your engagement schedule — a fes-tive celebration with your nearest and dearest (ohyeah, with plenty of presents!).

Destination Bridal ShowersFirst, bridal showers moved out of the home and

into restaurants and country clubs. Now, they’retraveling even farther: a weekend away at thebeach or in the country. If you’re worried aboutspending a full weekend with all the ladies, plan itaround an event like a private vineyard tour andwine tasting, or a spa weekend.

Activity Bridal ShowersBridal showers can still be a girly gab-fest, but

it’s even more fun when you learn something. Callin a pro to tutor the gals in whatever they love —hire a local florist to teach Flower Arranging 101; achef to give a lesson on making quick, deliciousappetizers; or go retro and bring in the owner ofyour local yarn shop to show everyone how to knitand crochet.

Couple Bridal ShowersSome couples like to do everything together, and

the shower is no different. A couple shower is clos-er to a cocktail or dinner party than it is to a bridalshower. Female and male relatives, as well as closefriends, are invited. The party still revolves around

bridal shower gifts, butthey’re presented to boththe bride and the groom,and generally they are amix of home goods andguy-friendly gadgets. Theshower can range froman afternoon barbecue toa cocktail party at yourfavorite restaurant orbar.

Groom Showers aka

Power ShowersWho says grooms

can’t be showered alone?With multiple showersbecoming the norm, thegroom’s side is gettinginto the act, throwing aluncheon or small soireein his honor. Themesinclude: Poker Night,Power Tools, and more. •

What’s new in bridal showers? Faraway fetes, hands-on fun, and making room for the groom.


Weddings • Receptions • MeetingsRehearsal Dinners • Parties • Banquets

5300 Firstt Avenuee •• Councill Bluffs,, IA712-325-8388

w w w . B a y l i s s P a r k H a l l . c o m

Baylisss ParkHall

4 Hot Wedding Ring StylesLooking for the right ring? From vintage-inspired details to edgy colored

stones, choose from these trendy but destined-to-be-classic styles.

PPaavvéé DDiiaammoonnddssIn the elegant pavé setting,

tiny, faceted, fully cut stonesare set as close together as possible so you can’t see the

metal around them. The pavélook offers bling without beingoutlandish. We’re seeing pavé

in metals from yellow gold to platinum.

TThhee VViinnttaaggee LLooookkStones on these rings are recog-nizable for their Old Europeanround center cut, but you’ll alsosee gorgeous Asscher cuts andothers too. The defining details:minimal scroll-like engraving,microset (tiny, half-point) dia-monds, delicate milgrain work

(raised beaded edges), and filigree.

CCoolloorreedd SSttoonneessCanary yellow diamonds, blueand pink sapphires, even rare

light pink diamonds are appear-ing on fourth fingers everywhere.Color can go modern, classic, or

vintage. Whether you chooseyour favorite color or your birth-stone, a colored stone is a great

way to make a stylish statement.

SSttaacckkeedd RRiinnggssTwo, three, or more bands “stacked”together make a terrific statement.

Eternity bands look great piledtogether. Whether your stones arechannel set or pavé, or even if youjust opt for metal bands — the lookis modern and flexible. Start withone and he’ll have anniversary giftpossibilities for the next few years.

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Along with superior service,we offer gourmet food and

beautiful ballrooms for100 to 600 or more guests.

For more informationon wedding packages,

call 712.326.2268.

Let your wedding celebration be the joyous occasion that youhave been dreaming about. Our professionals vow to create amemorable day that is everlasting. Setting new standards foronce-in-a-lifetime occasions, we combine the finest elements

with candlelit ballrooms, certain to take your breath away.

It’s just like falling in love all over again.• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

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Your happily ever after begins at the Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites @ Ameristar-Council Bluffs.

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Happily Ever After Cover Pages.qxp 2/7/2012 11:25 AM Page 3

Special Dayeverything you need for your

catering cake flowerschocolate fountain beverages balloons

Council Blu�s: 23rd & West Broadway - (712) 328-9792

Catering/Special Events Coordinator: Ashley Johnson Mall of the Bluffs - (712) 322-9260

Catering/Special Events Coordinator: Josh Benson

• 23rd & West Broadway - (712) 328-9792Catering/Special Events Coordinator: Carla Kucks• Mall of the Bluffs - (712) 322-9260Catering/Special Events Coordinator: Josh Benson

Happily Ever After Cover Pages.qxp 2/7/2012 11:25 AM Page 4

Happily Ever After 2012 Bridal Book

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