Painter - courierbridal.com · everything on your own, you can hire a wedding planner to take care...

BRIDAL EXPO 2019THE COURIERFRIDAY, MARCH 29, 2019 T17

was perhaps a pioneer in the business, starting in 2006.

She works with couples to determine what part of the wedding they want her to paint — usually a scene from the ceremony or first dance — and whether she should focus primarily on the couple or play up the crowd as well. She arrives early to start painting the landscape or background, and continues painting while guests mingle. She also videotapes or photographs the event for reference.

Unlike a photograph of a single, defined moment like the bouquet toss, she likens her paintings to “a dreamy panorama” in which she paints “the best moments of everybody” and “collages a lot of different moments together” in an artful remix that draws upon her own

feelings from the event.“The most important part is that I capture

the feeling of it so when they look at it, it will bring them back in time,” Swytak said. “You feel the emotion of the couple.”

“It’s the best of the day through an artist’s eyes,” she said.

Curry credits Swytak with capturing the mood and look of the day.

“It’s almost like a mesh of 10 different photos,” Curry said.

The price range for a wedding painting varies, depending on such factors as the amount of detail, the hours spent on the piece, and the artist’s level of expertise. Swytak’s work ranges from $2,500 to $5,000. Some couples receive her work on the night of the wedding, but most have her do touch-up work in the studio.

Swytak says a wedding painting appeals to sentimental couples and art lovers.

“A lot of people cry,” she said. “People are very emotional when they see their painting.”

The Associated PressARTIST LAURA SWYTAK presents a wedding painting to Steve and Kelly Glynn at their wedding at Quail Ranch in Simi Valley, California.

PainterContinued from page T16

BRIDAL EXPO 2019 THE COURIERFRIDAY, MARCH 29, 2019T18

Oh, The Places You’ll Go

(METRO) — Imagine reciting vows along the Mediterranean coast or amid pastel-hued homes and sway-ing palm trees.

For the travel-inclined, destination weddings present the perfect opportu-nity to meld wedding and honeymoon all into one — with family and friends around to enjoy the magic.

The Knot Real Weddings Study, the largest survey of its kind, sur-veys thousands of American brides and grooms to determine the latest wedding trends. In its 2016 report, the Knot revealed 20 percent of wed-dings that took place that year were destination weddings.

Couples are increasingly leaning on entertainment and personalization to create memorable experiences for their guests, and destination wed-dings are great ways to create those unique experiences.

While planning a wedding inevi-tably involves some decision making and even some stress, planning a des-tination wedding presents a unique set of obstacles. Before couples commit to a destination wedding, it’s important to first consider a few factors to ensure knots get tied without a hitch.

• Pick a meaningful location (but one that works for guests, too): Exchanging vows at a favorite hiking spot can give guests an inside view into what makes you tick as a couple, but the location of the ceremony should not come at the expense of practicality. Choose a locale that speaks to you but will also offer the convenience and amenities that work for the guests who will be traveling.

• See the place in person: If budget allows, book a trip to the intended destination to see the facilities and

location, advise the experts at Brides magazine. Working with vendors in person also can simplify sorting out certain details.

• Send save-the-date cards promptly: Unlike traditional wed-dings in which reminders can be sent roughly six months before the wed-ding, save-the-date cards for destina-tion weddings should be mailed at least nine months to a year in advance of the big day.

• Hire a professional: Professional wedding planners may prove invalu-able when it comes to destination weddings. Rather than organizing everything on your own, you can hire a wedding planner to take care of itin-eraries, obtain information about nec-essary travel documents, coordinate with local vendors, and much more.

• Consider tourist seasons: Weather tends to be best during tour-ist seasons. Therefore, make sure to reserve hotel room blocks and venues promptly. Slightly before or after peak season may still be fine, but ensure that vendors will be available and look into weather trends carefully before choosing a date.

• Research the legality: Accord-ing to The Knot, many countries have residency requirements, which means you must live in that country for a certain period of time before the ceremony. Factor this into budget and availability.

• Scale back on DIY: Handling many of the details while getting mar-ried close to home can be challenging, but doing so for a destination wedding can be difficult to organize. Scale back on DIY, leaving many of the details to the professionals.

Your guide to a great destination wedding

MetroDESTINATION WEDDINGS require extra planning, but they can be memorable ways for couples to start their new life together. A 2016 Knot survey revealed that 20 percent of weddings that year were destination weddings.


LIMOUSINESLIMO BUSESSEDANS

800-280-5811www.ohiolimo.com

Limo BusesLimosSedans

Secrets to the perfect at-home wedding

(METRO) — Many couples preparing for their trip down the aisle follow the familiar sentiments expressed by Dor-othy in “The Wizard of Oz:” “There’s no place like home.”

There are many benefits to hosting a wedding and recep-tion at home. Homes often hold couples’ most cherished memories, and hosting a back-yard celebration or an intimate indoor ceremony at your own home or the abode of a loved one can be a cost-effective way to have a good time.

Here are some tips to help navigate an at-home wedding:

Assess the spaceThe average home is not

equipped to handle hundreds of guests, wait staff, caterers and parked cars. Concessions in regard to comfort and safety will have to be made when drawing up the guest list. The wedding resource The Knot advises the general rule is 6 to 10 square feet of floor space per guest for row seating. You’ll probably need even more space for buffet tables, seating and a dance floor.

You will likely need to tem-porarily move furniture to com-fortably fit everyone indoors — or rent a large enough tent for a backyard affair.

Hire a cleaning serviceIt’s important to present

a clean, inviting space when hosting a wedding at home. A cleaning service will conduct a thorough cleaning before and

after the festivities, freeing up your time for last-minute tasks or to embark on your honeymoon.

Book an officiant earlyConfirm with an officiant

that they can oversee the wed-ding proceedings at your home. Many religious officials are not able to perform ceremonies outside of a place of worship.

Learn if it’s legalCertain municipalities may

require permits for street park-ing, noise past a certain hour, closing of streets, and much

more. Do your research, as you may need to coordinate park-ing at a nearby lot (like a school closed on the weekend) and shuttle people to your home.

Consult with an insurance carrier

Inquire if having such a large party at home is covered by your homeowner’s insur-ance policy, particularly if your home is damaged or someone gets injured during the fes-tivities. Supplemental liability insurance or an umbrella policy may offer greater protection.

MetroWEDDINGS AT HOME can be a unique opportunity for couples who love the comfort and familiarity of their homes.


422 E. Sandusky St., Findlay419-419-9338

Formal Wear by [email protected]

Hours:Mon & Wed 10am-3pmTue, � u, Fri. 10am-6pm

Sat. 10am-1pm

Is it puppropriate to have your dog in the wedding?

(METRO) — Pets are full-fledged members of many families and even, apparently, families-to-be.

In its 2016 American Wedding Study, Brides magazine found that 8 percent of wedding ceremonies included pets. While the couples of yes-teryear might have left Fido at home, many now want their four-legged friends to be there on their big day.

Though no studies to date have examined which animals are most likely to make an appearance at the nuptials, it’s fair to assume that dogs — which tend to get out of the house more than most other types of pets — are the most common furry bridesmaids, groomsmen or ring bearers.

Before including dogs in their wed-ding plans, couples may want to con-sider a few factors regarding what’s best for themselves, their guests and, of course, their beloved pooches.

EligibilitySome venues do not allow pets that

are not documented assistance animals

on the premises. Confirm the venue’s pet policy before purchasing any wed-ding day attire for your dog. Couples who are intent on including pets in their wedding ceremonies should only consider pet-friendly facilities, which may be hard to find. Couples who plan to take a limousine to and from their wedding also should confirm that the cars allow pets before booking.

PersonalityNo two dogs are the same. Some

pups might love people and atten-tion, while others might prefer one-on-one time with their owners. Dogs that are sociable and unaggressive may make perfect additions to wed-ding ceremonies, while animals that exhibit anxiety around strangers or seem uncomfortable in noisy settings should be kept out of the ceremony.

HealthDog owners must consider their

pets’ health when deciding whether to

include them in the ceremony. Couples who bonded over a love of their dog may really hope to include their furry friend in the festivities, but should not do so at the expense of the animal’s health. Outdoor wedding ceremonies under sunny skies may produce poten-tially unhealthy conditions for certain breeds or older dogs. Animals that have difficulty getting around may need a wagon (and attendant) to make the rounds at the wedding.

AssistanceCouples will be busy on their wed-

ding day, so they may need to arrange for a caretaker to look after their dog during and after the ceremony. Asking a guest or guests to play this role may be asking too much, as guests may prefer to celebrate without having to take care of a dog. A professional pet sitter might work, but that can be costly, as couples will likely need to pay for the sitter to have a seat and a meal during the reception.

MetroDOGS CAN MAKE A great addition to a wedding, but there are a host of factors to consider before getting your pooch involved.


Bending on gender rules

(METRO) — Couples are increasingly buck-ing long-established trends to make weddings uniquely their own.

One of today’s more popular tradition-bust-ing trends is not adhering to gender rules when selecting wedding parties.

Until recently, the vast majority of couples selected members of the same sex to fill the roles needed for the ceremony and reception. Grooms would choose fellow males to serve as their groomsmen, while brides chose females for their bridal parties.

The wedding resource The Knot, however, says the days of having men on one side and women on the other are gone. Coed wedding par-ties enable brides and grooms to have their favor-ite people by their side, regardless of gender.

According to The Daily Mail, weddings across Australia and other areas of the world have seen a rise in “groomswomen” and “brides-men,” blurring the lines of wedding traditions. Couples have often said that choosing whomever they desire to stand beside them during the wed-ding is more authentic than separating people simply based on gender.

Take for example a groom-to-be who is espe-

cially close to his sister. Such siblings may serve as bridesmaids, but grooms may want to have their sisters by their sides on their big day.

Foregoing gender roles may make for a unique, customized wedding. However, it does create the question of what wedding party mem-bers will wear.

Again, there are no firm rules, but coordi-nation can make for better photos. A woman standing on the groom’s side can coordinate with the color of the bridemaids’ dresses, but wear a different style. Or she can wear a dress that matches the color of the groomsmen’s suits. A man standing with the bride can have acces-sories, such as tie, vest and pocket square, that match bridesmaid dresses.

One of the areas where mixing and matching genders may get a tad sticky is with older, more traditional guests. They may not understand the freedom of choice in the wedding, and couples may choose to discuss their bridal parties to select people ahead of the festivities.

Another possible snag is with bachelorette and bachelor parties. A solution may be to simply organize a getaway weekend for the entire bridal party, and not separate parties for each side.

‘Groomswomen’ and ‘bridesmen’ join wedding ranks

MetroCOUPLES ARE increasingly deviating from tradition for their weddings by looking beyond gender when choosing wedding party members.


Escape �� Gr�chyOUR REGISTRY SERVICE PROVIDES:

TO RESERVE YOUR PERSONALIZED REGISTRY APPOINTMENT, CALL 419-447-1051

Brian K. Williams

Make healthy habits part of your prep(METRO) — After the big ques-

tion is popped and loving partners decide to spend their lives together, a whirlwind of activity begins.

Couples may feel overwhelmed with all the decisions that need to be made before they can tie the knot. In this state of increased pressure, stress may build and health could falter.

According to a Cornell University study, more than 70 percent of brides-to-be have weight loss on the brain, but shedding pounds shouldn’t be the only health factor to consider.

Here are some easy ways for both partners to stay mentally and physi-cally fit in advance of the big day:

• Get daily exercise: Exercise is important for maintaining a healthy body weight and keeping stress levels in check. Exercise also can boost mood. The Department of Health and Human Services recommends getting at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activ-ity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity each week. Strength training exercises performed at least twice a week complete a well-balanced regimen.

• Slow down and relax: Those who go full-throttle with all of their responsibilities — including wedding planning — may burn out. Stress can

weaken the immune system and make people vulnerable to illness. Schedule some time for date nights with your fiance, and don’t overlook the benefits of hanging out with friends and getting away from wedding planning for a bit.

• Eat body-boosting foods: The foods we eat can impact everything from energy levels to skin radiance. Foods like berries, sweet potatoes, broccoli, greens, green tea and dark chocolate contain antioxidants that boost the immune system, states The Food Network. Avoid drastic diets that can do more harm than good. Simply cutting 500 calories a day can help the average person lose a pound per week if weight loss is a goal. Simple ways to trim calories are to choose skim milk over whole milk and choose low-calorie snacks.

• Cut down on alcohol consump-tion: Toasting to the future with a glass of wine may become rote in the months leading up to the wedding, but alcohol is a diuretic and a source of liquid calo-ries. Alcoholic beverages dehydrate the body and cause it to hold onto water. When imbibing, stick to low-calorie cocktails like a vodka spritzer (60 to 80 calories) instead of a calorie-laden frozen margarita (300 calories).

MetroCOUPLES CAN EXERCISE together to maintain physical and mental well-being as they count down to their wedding day.


5 reasons to take engagement photos

(METRO) — During their engagements, couples will make many decisions in regard to their weddings.

Wedding planning can sometimes seem like a runaway train of appointments, schedules and deadlines. As a result, some couples do not take the time to enjoy being engaged, which is a spe-cial time in their lives.

Engagement photo shoots can be a unique way to commemorate and enjoy the months preceding the wedding. Engagement photos memorialize the engagement, and provide many additional benefits.

1 Engagement photo shoots give couples a chance to connect with their photog-raphers. Booking an engagement photo shoot provides helpful information to

both the couple and the photographer. The photographer gets to see how the couple inter-acts in front of the lens and can determine any insecurities or strengths and weaknesses couples may have. These lessons can be filed away and help make wedding day photos look better. Similarly, spending time with the pho-tographer gives the couple an opportunity to develop a rapport with their photographer. If couples and their photographer don’t click, scheduling an engagement shoot well in advance of the wedding gives couples a chance

to find someone else to take their photos.

2 An engagement photo shoot gives couples time to spend together. This is an ideal way to spend an afternoon in a special location, focusing on each other without

wedding planning taking up your time.

3 Photo shoots provide a chance to get comfortable in front of the camera. Profes-sional photographs taken before the wed-ding enables couples to view how they will

appear in pictures. This can help couples temper their anxieties prior to the wedding. An engage-ment shoot also can be a great time for couples to speak with their photographers about angles or styles they prefer or dislike.

4 Engagement photographs can be used for save-the-date cards or social media postings (check with the photographer for licensing agreements). This can be a

great way to spread excitement about the upcom-ing nuptials.

5 Photo shoots provide a chance to experi-ment with vivid backdrops or interesting locales, which may not be possible on the wedding day.

MetroENGAGEMENT PHOTOS can be a great opportunity for a couple to bond before their big day, both with each other and with their photogapher.


Say ‘I do’ to a zero-waste weddingBy KATHERINE ROTH

ASSOCIATED PRESS

To protect the environment, many couples are saying “I do” to zero-waste weddings, focus-ing on sustainability for everything from floral design and dresses to invitations and food.

The goal is to recycle, reuse, compost and otherwise keep anything from becoming trash in a landfill. Whether or not couples succeed in reaching the zero-waste goal, “they’re certainly more conscious of the ecological impact of what they do, and are aiming for something as close to

that as possible,” says Rachel Sylvester, lifestyle editor at Real Simple magazine.

The key to success, experts say, is letting wedding planners, vendors and your reception venue know from the start that you’re serious about going zero waste. Then be flexible enough to facilitate that.

“Flexibility and creativity are essential,” Syl-vester says.

Bea Johnson, one of the pioneers of the zero-waste movement, says, “You’d be amazed at what you can find second-hand if you’re open-minded and really look around.”

Her Zero Waste Home blog features a “bulk finder” tab that helps locate businesses sell-ing food, drinks and other items free of plastic packaging.

Focusing on quality instead of quantity also helps, Johnson says: “The smaller the party, the easier it is to make it truly zero waste.”

Her own zero-waste wedding was on a yacht, so space constraints limited the guest list to 40.

Kathryn Kellogg, who wrote extensively about her zero-waste wedding on her Going Zero Waste blog, hosted a reception for 60 people on a shoestring budget of $200 for everything. She bought bedsheets from a thrift shop to use as tablecloths, and borrowed dishes, tables and seating from friends and family.

“We were on a tight budget, so we were mar-ried at city hall with our closest family there, had a separate reception for about 60 people, and decided to save most of our money for a really great honeymoon in Maine,” she says.

“Honestly, the hardest part was convincing our families to go along with it all. My biggest tip is not to stress things, and to balance expecta-tions with reality. Ours may not have been the perfect Pinterest wedding, but that didn’t make it less fun or meaningful.”

Here are some zero-waste wedding tips:

FOOD AND DECORChoose cloth napkins, and authentic tableware,

glassware and plates, rather than disposables.“It’s easy enough to rent, borrow or find

things at thrift shops,” says Kellogg, who used her abundant collection of Mason jars and bor-rowed items for her reception.

“Sometimes an eclectic mix of plates and glasses can be fun,” says Johnson.

As for food, Kellogg says, “I took my Crock-Pot to the butcher, had him put in 4 or 5 pounds of pork shoulder, and served pulled pork and pulled jackfruit for the main dishes.”

She and Johnson both recommend colorful displays of fruits, vegetables or even flower petals as table centerpieces that guests can take home and enjoy.

GIFTS“Instead of traditional wedding gifts, we asked

guests to each bring a side dish or something to

Everything from invitations, tableware, florals and attire can trend toward green

Via the Associated PressTHIS WEDDING DRESS inspired by the Bea Johnson book “Zero Waste Home” was made with pieces of fabric scraps that were destined for the trash. As environmental awareness grows, many couples are trying to cut back on trash at their weddings.

See WASTE, Page T25


drink, and contribute to our honeymoon fund,” Kellogg says.

Other couples ask for donations to their favor-ite charity, or contributions toward a goal, such as a down payment on a house.

INVITATIONS“For my wedding invitations, I bought card

stock and painted a design on the front, but these days I’d say paperlesspost.com or another email option would be the best zero-waste option,” says Johnson.

If you’re set on paper though, “go for recycled paper with vegetable ink,” says Sylvester.

Some papers are embedded with seeds, so guests can even soak the invitation in water and then plant it.

ATTIRELike tables, chairs and linens, wedding dresses

and tuxedos can be rented. Vintage or second-hand dresses are also popular, and can be tailored to size. Some designers now make zero-waste dresses using fabric scraps otherwise destined for the trash.

“Zero-waste weddings are a recent trend in France. This year I even designed for a client a

wedding dress made from pieces of her grand-mother’s wedding dress,” says Laetitia Drouet of the French-based Kamelion Couture.

FLOWERSChoose locally grown, seasonal flowers, “cer-

tainly from a carbon footprint perspective if not a waste perspective,” says Ariella Chezar, author of the book “Seasonal Flower Arranging: Fill Your Home with Blooms, Branches, and Foraged Materials All Year Round.”

To cut back on waste, make sure your flo-rist isn’t using foam in centerpieces and other arrangements.

“It’s one of those products that is nonbiode-gradable and is totally unnecessary,” says Chezar.

Next, plan how your florals will be repur-posed after the event, she says. Many organiza-tions will pick up arrangements and give them to nursing homes and other institutions. If nothing else, make sure flowers are composted instead of ending up in a landfill somewhere.

“Or you can forgo cut flowers altogether in favor of potted plants, which can then be gifted or planted. There’s certainly no waste there,” Chezar says.

PARTY FAVORSCenterpiece and other decor items, like flowers,

fruits or vegetables, can double as gifts for guests, as can things like votive candles.

ERIN KUNKEL / Via the Associated PressA FLOWER CROWN featured in the book “Seasonal Flower Arranging: Fill Your Home with Blooms, Branches, and Foraged Materials All Year Round” is pictured.

WasteContinued from page T24


Modern weddings are no cake walk

By KIM COOKASSOCIATED PRESS

While the big, traditional wedding cake shows no signs of going away, many couples are also including an array of sweet little bites at their receptions.

It’s an opportunity for newlyweds to show who they are, says Jennifer Cre s s , d ig i -tal director at Martha Stewart Weddings.

“We’re seeing many couples include sweets that say some-thing about their relationship, like a family cookie recipe, or their go-to ice cream flavor,” she says. “Every couple wants to per-sonalize their wedding day as much as possible, and dessert is an easy way to do that.”

Los Angeles couple Lauren Aust and Sonny Yuen did just that for their Kansas City, Missouri, wedding last summer.

“We used food as a vehicle to help tell our story,” Aust says. “Dinner sta-tions were themed after some of our favorite New York food adventures.

“I saw the same opportunity with dessert. When our caterer mentioned they used doughnut holes from Lamar’s (a Kansas City shop) to do a flambee station, if seemed a nice way to give guests a taste of my hometown and

create a moment that was experiential.”Desserts allow for culinary creativ-

ity — things like cake lollies, mini milkshakes, churros and alcoholic ice pops. And they give guests the chance to sample quick treats before getting back to the center of the party.

Meghan Leese, who plans and runs weddings in Chicago and New Jersey, says, “The cake is only important for

about half of the weddings we do. It’s more about the des-sert bar, with the cake as one of the options.”

W e d d i n g -Wire’s creative director Jeffra T r u m p o w e r agrees: “Cou-ples want to make things less pretentious and more fun.”

Among her favorite trends for the wedding sweet table is one she calls “breakfast for dessert” — mini waffles, pancakes or crepe stacks decked out with fresh fruit, whipped cream and other accompaniments.

“It’s the perfect ‘wake-up call’ for a surge of energy,” she says. “You can easily pop these treats in your mouth and head back to the dance floor.”

Trumpower says comfort and nos-talgia are in. There are make-your-own s’mores stations, self-serve hot chocolate, and top-your-own mini pies with seasonal fruits.

New Yorker Amanda Scott went

to a wedding on Long Island recently where nobody wanted to sit and eat.

“Servers came around the dance floor with apple pie shooters and little macaroons. People loved it!” she says.

Margaret Foster of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, attended a September wedding in which the couple did with-out the cake entirely, to save money, concentrating their budget on venue, photographer and DJ.

“There was a table with plates of

mini desserts like cannolis, dough-nuts, cheesecake and brownie bites. I loved how unique and intimate it all was — more about the bride, groom and their loved ones than wedding tra-ditions,” she says. “They also provided little pastry bags for guests to take desserts home.”

Cress says the dessert-as-wedding-favor is another trend.

As are food stations.“They’re entertaining, and make

the day feel a little more bespoke,” Cress says. “Other than make-your-own options, one-bite desserts seem to be growing in popularity. I think with couples offering so many differ-ent food choices, guests want to be able to sample it all.”

And don’t overlook the social-media value of a decked-out dessert table: “Desserts tend to be one of the most Instagrammable moments of the night,” says Cress.

Desserts trend toward miniature, fun and personal to the couple.Instagram-worthy is a bonus.

SARA REED STUDIOS / Via the Associated PressDESSERTS ARE DISPLAYED at Lauren Aust and Sonny Yuen’s wedding in Kansas City, Missouri. The couple referenced personal and shared experiences with their food offerings. There were doughnut holes from famed Kansas City shop Lamar’s, and an array of sweet bites.

“We’re seeing many couples include sweets that say something about their relationship, like a family cookie recipe, or their go-to ice cream flavor.”

JENNIFER CRESS,MARTHA STEWART WEDDINGS


Personal, Friendly A�ention to make

certain certain You’ll Look Stunning.

Circle P Reception Hall

A wedding day shaving guide for grooms

(METRO) — Grooms are often content to let their brides-to-be shine on their wedding day. But weddings are a show-case of the two people getting married — and grooms matter!

Grooms can take steps to look handsome and polished, but may wonder what they can do to put their best foot forward when all eyes and cameras are facing their way.

Addressing skin care and proper shaving techniques is essential. Although shaving is a seemingly simple task, some men struggle through the process because they haven’t mastered the basics for a clean, comfortable shave. Grooms who do not already have beards should be clean shaven for their wedding days.

Brickell Men’s Products advises that the first step to a good shave is to shower before-hand. The warm water and steam will open pores and fol-licles, allowing the hair to pro-trude out of the skin as much as possible. The more it sticks out, the cleaner the shave will be.

Many men fail to prep their skin before shaving. It is impor-tant to rinse the face with a pre-shave soap and warm water to remove excess oil and dead skin that clogs razor blades.

Try a nonlathering or natu-ral shave cream that does not contain the potentially irritat-ing chemicals that create the lathering effect, but will still offer lubrication to help get a closer shave.

The right razor can make all the difference. While an electric shaver can serve in a pinch, come the day of the wedding,

work with a traditional razor, either disposable or cartridge-style. Start with a fresh, new and sharp blade so it is effective.

While shaving, go with and against the grain, or what feels comfortable to take off the hair without having to go over areas repeatedly and risk irritating the skin. Gillette advises rins-ing blades often during shav-

ing. However, do not tap the razor against the sink to dis-lodge the whiskers, as this can damage or dull the razor.

Finish up by rinsing with cool water and applying a moistur-izer or specially designed after-shave product. It can take up to 48 hours for skin to heal after a shave, and keeping it hydrated can diminish irritation.

MetroALTHOUGH SHAVING is a seemingly simple task, some men struggle because they haven’t mastered the basics.


200 E. Main Cross, Findlay, OHphone 567.250.9341

fax 419.422.5581

www.findlayinn.com

For reservations call us toll free at

1.800.825.1455

Exceptional events......beyond your expectations.

WEDDINGS ~ RECEPTIONS ~ BANQUETS

What does every special event deserve? Exquisite cuisine? Elegant surroundings? Help in planning each detail? Imagine your event in the ambiance of our beautiful three-story Grand Atrium. Our banquet staff can provide everything from hot and cold hors d’oeuvres to a five-course dinner for up to 250 guests (Carry-in food and/or beverage is not permitted). Out of town guests? The Findlay Inn has special rates for visitors that make us the perfect choice.

Weather is one reason why summer is such a popular season to tie the knot.

But just because sunny skies and rising mercury are par for the course, that doesn’t mean Mother Nature won’t invite herself to the festivities — and attempt to upstage happy couples in the process.

Some consider it good luck for couples to get rain on their wedding days, but many couples would trade in a little of that luck for clear skies. However, weather can be fickle, and couples who build contingency plans into their wedding fes-tivities are much more likely to overcome inclem-ent weather than couples without such plans.

• Have solutions for sun and heat: Couples don’t want their guests or bridal party mem-bers passing out due to heat exhaustion. Make sure to offer shade if the ceremony or reception is outside. Stock the area with cold bottles of water or a chilled lemonade stand. Have fans and umbrellas available just in case guests need to protect themselves from the sun.

• Strong storms: Over the course of hot and humid days, storm clouds can develop and roll in. Afternoon thunderstorms are quite common on summer days. Accommodate for sudden downpours by hosting early luncheon recep-tions or ensure there is a plan B that includes

a covered area. Couples can stash spare shoes or even rain slickers in a car to keep their wed-ding attire protected against rain as they dash between venues or take photos.

• Embrace the rain: Vivid skies with lightning or overcast days can make for unique and striking wedding photography. Couples needn’t look at the downside of rain, but rather they should see the opportunities for one-of-a-kind memories.

• Keep a generator on standby: Storms may knock out power. Some reception halls or ban-quet facilities may have their own backup power, but be sure to address how power outages are handled. If need be, bring in a portable genera-tor to keep the reception room cooled by fans.

• Plan for wind: Coastal outdoor weddings present beautiful backdrop, but being near the shore may mean accepting windy conditions. Tie down tents and use weights to keep wedding pro-grams or other papers from catching a current. The bride and her wedding party should opt for free-flowing tresses so they needn’t worry about intricate updos coming undone.

• Maintain a sense of humor: It’s impossible to predict wedding day weather, but staying calm, going with the flow and laughing at things can help make memories that last a lifetime.

W E AT H E R W O E S

There’s no way to uninvite Mother Nature

Officiants make it official(METRO) — Many people

play a role in a wedding, with the officiant playing a central, very important role.

Officiants perform the wed-ding ceremony and are the first to introduce the newlyweds to their guests as a married couple. Various types of officiants can facilitate a wedding, and under-standing each type can help cou-ples find the right one for them.

Religious officiantCouples who want tradi-

tional religious ceremonies often choose a religious offici-ant, such as a parish priest or rabbi, with whom they’re famil-iar. Religious officiants may be governed by certain rules that restrict them to performing cer-emonies in a house of worship, which might rule them out for couples who want outdoor or destination weddings. Couples should inquire about such

restrictions as early as possible in the planning process so they aren’t caught off guard.

Civil officiantCivil officiants are officers

of the court, such as a judge or justice of the peace. Many couples who are planning des-tination weddings abroad still choose to have a civil officiant perform a wedding ceremony at home. This is because some overseas officiants may not be authorized to marry couples in their home countries, meaning their marriages won’t be recog-nized once they return home. Civil officiants make sure mar-riages are legal, and they also make great options for couples who just want to get hitched without a grand ceremony.

Professional officiantProfessional officiants are

not affiliated with a particular

religious organization. That makes them great choices for couples who aren’t religious, as well as those who come from different religious backgrounds and won’t be converting to the same faith. Professional offici-ants typically meet with a couple once or twice to get to know them before writing the speech they will give during the cere-mony. Some even allow couples to write the speech.

Loved onesMany couples ask a friend

or family member to officiate their wedding, which can add a very personal component to the ceremony. Couples who want to take this route should research local laws to deter-mine the steps loved ones must take to become ordained min-isters who will be recognized by the state or country where the ceremony will take place.

MetroOFFICIANTS PLAY A significant role in a wedding, and couples should choose one who best fits their personalities and ceremony preferences.


Basement/Crawl Warning Signs

• Mold & Mildew• Dampness• Dry Rot• Rust Corrosion• Musty Odor• Cracks• Seepage• Insects

FreeComplete Estimates Interior Foundation Inspection

Exterior Drainage Analysis

Indoor Air/Mold Evaluation

Complete Structural Analysis

Drain Line Video/Jetting

Call today for your FREEin-home analysis limited time offer

Second chance at love

(METRO) — Taking a chance on love and marriage for the second (or third) time is cer-tainly worthy of celebration.

The Pew Research Center reports that at least four in 10 new marriages now include at least one partner who has been married before, a trend that is on the rise.

Planning a second wedding can be chal-lenging, as individuals may be worried about proper etiquette, superstitions or meeting the expectations of others. But there are no hard rules governing second weddings. Now that couples are older and a bit more experienced, wedding planning may be met with greater enthusiasm and patience. These tips can help the process along.

• Dress it up: Brides need not eschew white if they prefer to wear it for their second wed-dings. White, cream, ivory or other shades are perfectly acceptable. Brides can make their gowns as lavish or as simplistic as they desire. The length and style of the dress should reflect the formality and scope of the event.

• Make it unique: Couples who have been married before may want to set this new occa-sion apart from their previous weddings. Brides magazine experts suggest discussing previous

celebrations and what can be done differently this time around. Couples can use this opportu-nity to get to know each other more intimately by personalizing their festivities.

• Don’t feel beholden to intimate affairs: Second weddings tend to be more intimate, as guest lists are typically smaller and couples tying the knot again may prefer more intimacy and less hustle and bustle. But couples should not avoid inviting people simply because second weddings are typically small affairs. Invite as many friends and family as you want and as your budget allows.

• Set up a registry: Established couples may have the household basics already in place, but registries can include fun or entertaining gifts that speak to their interests. These may include home theater systems, fancy cookware, athletic equipment or even funds for travel.

• Involve the children: Couples who have children can make them a special part of their second wedding celebrations. Kids can play any role in the ceremony, depending on their age. If the second marriage comes after an amicable divorce, couples can invite their former spouses to provide support to their children so they can feel comfortable in the wedding.

• Be prepared: The marriage application process is similar the second time around, but additional documents, such as a divorce decree or death certificate, may be necessary. These legal documents also will be needed for men and women who intend to change their last names after getting married.

Use age, experience in your favor when planning

a second marriage

MetroA SECOND MARRIAGE deserves as much celebration as the first, and gives couples an opportunity to express their love for each other and their appreciation to their friends and families. Feel free to invite as many guests as you want and as your budget allows.


We are your one stop shop for all your wedding needs!

Day of CoordinationFlowers - Backdrops

Linens - Ceiling DecorChair Covers - Rentals

(419) [email protected]://yourperfectdayllc.com

Keep the wedding trains moving

(METRO) — Wedding days can be hectic. In fact, many couples note after tying the knot that their wedding days were so busy that the cer-emonies and receptions were over before they knew it.

Creating a wedding day schedule can seem like a daunt-ing task. Couples tend to have lots of things to do before saying “I do,” and organiz-ing everything so ceremonies begin on time can seem as puz-zling as a brain teaser. But cer-tain scheduling strategies can help couples ensure they look their best and make it to the altar on time.

Here are a few things to consider:

• Start with the ceremony: Couples can establish a frame-work for their wedding day schedule by working backward from the ceremony. Once the ceremony time is set, couples who plan to take photos before the ceremony can then work with their photographers to determine how much time they will need for photos and where they want to take them. Bridal parties may need transportation to the photo session, so deter-mining when and where to take photos gives couples an idea of when to arrange for pickup.

• Confirm when the wedding venue is open to the wedding party: Before booking hair and makeup appointments, couples should confirm when they will be able to access their venue. Brides may want to get their hair and makeup done at the cer-emony site, but that may only be possible if the venue opens early for the wedding party.

• Determine how much time is needed for hair and makeup: Weddings that feature large bridal parties will require more time for hair and makeup than ceremonies with smaller par-ties. Grooms and groomsmen often take care of their own hair, though some might want to schedule hot shaves for them-selves and their groomsmen. Grooms should ask groomsmen

if they want a hot shave and then work with their barbers to determine how much time it will take to tend to all participants. Brides with large bridal parties may need to book more than two hair and makeup artists so every-one can get done on time. Wed-ding hair and makeup sessions can last several hours for large bridal parties, so brides should plan accordingly.

• Make lunch arrange-ments: Some couples choose to tie the knot and host their receptions at the same venue. In such instances, if brides are getting their hair and makeup done at the venue, ask if lunch can be provided to the bridal party. Some venues may include small lunch buffets in their reception costs, while others might charge extra. Confirm

the availability and costs, and if it’s unavailable or too expen-sive, arrange for lunch to be delivered. Either way, couples should not skip lunch, as it may be their only chance to eat until after the ceremony.

• Distribute your schedule to one another and the bridal party: Once the wedding day schedule has been devised, couples should share it with each other and their wedding parties. Grooms’ wedding day to-do lists might not be as extensive as the bride’s, but grooms should still be kept in the loop regarding the sched-ule so they can help if some-thing goes awry. Sharing the schedule with the wedding party decreases the chances of someone being late or missing an appointment.

Creating a wedding day schedule will help ensure everyone gets to the altar on time

MetroCOUPLES CAN SOLVE the riddle of scheduling their wedding day by working backward and asking their vendors to cooperate in laying out the day’s events.


DRINKING WATER SYSTEMS • WATER CONDITIONERS

505 Smith St., P.O. Box 40, Forest, OH 45843419-273-2531 • www.hempywater.com

WEDDING & RECEPTION CENTER

Food for thought: Tips for crafting a

crowd-pleasing menu(METRO) — While couples remember

their weddings because they mark the day they officially tied the knot, guests may remember weddings for other reasons, including the food served at the reception.

Some wedding venues are known for their stunning landscapes, while others build their reputations on unique interiors that provide unforgettable ambiance. But regardless of where weddings take place, guests are liable to discuss the food served at the reception. Guests might rave about the escargot or complain that the fish was flaky, but couples who choose reception menus wisely can go a long way toward ensuring there are more compliments than complaints once the dinner bell rings.

• Don’t zero in on specialties: According to The Knot 2017 Real Weddings Study, a survey of nearly 13,000 brides and grooms who tied the knot in 2017, the average wedding hosted 136 guests. While couples might be tempted by specialty dishes when choosing their wedding menus, those who are hosting dozens — if not hundreds — of guests should keep things simple.

• Consider potential allergies: Make sure guests with food allergies can choose something that won’t make them sick. According to Food Allergy Research & Education, an organization devoted to improving the quality of life of indi-

viduals with food allergies, some common foods cause the majority of allergic reactions. Peanuts, soy, sesame and shellfish are among the most common food allergies, according to the organi-zation. It also notes that allergies to wheat, milk and eggs are common in children. While such foods can still be served at receptions, make sure to also include foods that are unlikely to trigger allergic reactions. Couples can even ask guests to inform them of any food allergies in advance.

• Don’t hesitate to offer a favorite food: While specialty entrees might not be a great choice, especially at large receptions where lots of mouths must be fed, a couple who has a favorite food that’s symbolic of their relation-ship should not hesitate to offer it during the cocktail hour. A couple who met in Thailand, for example, may want to offer a favorite Thai dish.

• Offer an elaborate dessert: The last bite guests will take is dessert, so couples who want their guests to go home raving about the food may want to offer something special after the entrees have been taken away. Some guests may not indulge, but those who do might end their night thinking about the delicious des-sert they enjoyed as the festivities drew to a close. If the dessert is especially unique, offer something more traditional alongside it for more hesitant guests.

MetroCHOOSING A WEDDING menu should be fun. Menus should reflect not only the couple’s tastes, but also include some popular foods so no one goes home hungry.


HE

AR

TS

ON

FIR

E S

TO

RE

S,

AU

TH

OR

IZE

D R

ET

AIL

ER

S,

HE

AR

TS

ON

FIR

E.C

OM

Painter - courierbridal.com · everything on your own, you can hire a wedding planner to take care...

Documents

Transcript of Painter - courierbridal.com · everything on your own, you can hire a wedding planner to take care...