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The Cullman ItMES I Sunday, February 26,2017 The Willows 2 THE CULLMAN TIMES NEWLY WED SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2017 cullmantimes.com Setting your date: four things to consider Bouquet Are you and your partner about to is a convenient option if most of 4. The professionals take the leap into marital bliss? Here your guests work Monday to Friday. Before you send your invitations, are four things to look into before Getting married on a Saturday is make sure that the pros you want you send out your save the dates. more expensive than on a Friday or to hire are available on the chosen a Sunday though, and you’ll need date. If you have your heart set on toss 101 1. The to reserve early to ensure that your a certain photographer or caterer, First, decide during what time of dream venue is available. secure their services right away so It is customary for the to share her good fortune year you want to get married. Every you don’t get left high and dry. by tossing her bouquet into a crowd of single female season has its own charm, but know 3. The schedules wedding guests. With a bit of luck, whoever catches that the high season for is Open up your planner and carefully the flowers will, legend says, get married within the over the summer. If you’re dealing study your own schedule, and then coming year. If you want to go through with this clas- with a small budget, consider an ask your close friends and family sic custom during your own wedding but aren’t sure off-season ceremony to get the most about their own plans for the fore- exactly when the ideal moment is, read on for some bang for your buck. Winter weddings seeable future. Remember to con- insight. can be absolutely stunning. sider time off work, vacations and If a photo shoot is planned for after the ceremony, holidays, various appointments and hang on to your bouquet to include it in your pictures. 2. The day of the week other significant events (birthdays, You’ll have plenty of time to toss it later on during the If you feel like getting married on a baptisms, other weddings, etc.) that reception, once the ambiance has warmed up and Monday, there’s nothing stopping are already planned among those in BROOKE SIVLEY PHOTOGRAPHY your guests are ready for a friendly floral fight. After you from doing just that! However, your circle to avoid any major sched- Caleb and Savannah West unite in enjoying a delectable meal—most likely interrupted the traditional Saturday wedding uling conflicts. at Boaz Church of God. by several tender kisses—keep the fun going by gathering all eligible dames on the dance floor. Get into position and launch away! Your legendary toss is sure to put a smile on someone’s face and kick off an unforgettable evening. Three tips to help you plan your destination wedding If you’re attached to your magnificent bridal bouquet and you don’t want to part from it during the tossing, Do you dream of saying “I do” to the love or her expertise, the agent will make the solution is simple: ask your florist to prepare a of your life barefoot in the warm sand? If recommendations based on your needs, second, more modest bouquet specifically for the so, know that getting married in paradise your budget and your expectations. toss. This way you can carry on the tradition while is relatively easy to do. Follow these Most beach resorts offer all-inclusive saving your gorgeous bouquet for yourself! three tips to plan an unforgettable cere- wedding packages; if that’s something mony under the sun. you’d be interested in, ask your agent for details. 1. Determine your needs First, decide what you want and set your 3. Send out your invitations early priorities. Brainstorm with your partner Send out your wedding invitations as soon about your ideal destinations and dis- as you’ve settled on a wedding date. The cuss when you’d like to hold the ceremo- earlier you inform your invitees about ny. Draw up your guest list and establish your plans, the better. Aim for at least a firm budget to avoid getting carried six months notice to allow your guests to away. prepare for the trip.

2. Call on an expert If some of your friends or family members A travel agent can give you the inside can’t make it to your wedding destina- BROOKE SIVLEY PHOTOGRAPHY scoop on the best deals and destina- tion, plan a celebration with them when Taylor Smith’s tions for your special day. Thanks to his you get back home. includes full .

ON THE COVER Taylor Smith blends formal wedding attire against the rustic backdrop of Hidden Cove Farms. BROOKE SIVLEY PHOTOGRAPHY Taylor Smith’s bouquet fits for spring or summer. SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 2017 NEWLY WED THE CULLMAN TIMES 3 cullmantimes.com The right way to or a bowtie? wear a boutonniere You popped the question, got a yes, and now you’re planning every detail of your wedding day. Future The right way to wear a boutonniere husband—it’s time to think about what you’ll be wear- ing when you exchange your vows! The dilemma is Many grooms choose to follow the tradition quite real: will you choose a necktie or a bowtie to of wearing a small floral accessory called a finish off your look? Here are some thoughts to help boutonniere on their wedding day. If you’re you make this important decision. about to put a ring on your sweetheart’s finger, read on to find out how you should wear your THE BOWTIE: A CLASSIC boutonniere. You can’t go wrong with the traditional bowtie. Match it with your tuxedo for a sophisticated look, or dare First off, know that this accessory isn’t an to be different with a velvet, knit or wooden bowtie essential part of the groom’s traditional attire that matches your wedding’s colour scheme. Show and that many prefer to opt for the subtler stopping looks guaranteed in any case. handkerchief. So don’t worry—you’re free to wear whatever you think looks best. If you do THE TIE: A MORE RELAXED OPTION BROOKE SIVLEY PHOTOGRAPHY choose to say yes to this floral , Thinking of getting married in a and tie? Go for it! Austin and Taylor Smith in classic wedding attire. here’s how to wear it: The good old necktie has become a popular option for the modern groom. From the distinguished tradi- Attach it to the lapel of your suit or tional version to more avant-garde options, ties are Always pin it on your left side, above your available in endless patterns, colours and textures. heart You’re sure to find one that fits your personal style to Choose a delicate or magnetized fastener to a t. avoid damaging your jacket Make it match your bride’s bouquet (this is not Have you decided yet? If you’re still on the fence, ask optional!) a stylist or knowledgeable salesperson for advice. Match it to your wedding’s colour palette

TYING THE KNOT WHO SHOULD WEAR IT? Choosing your tie is the easy part; you’ll also need to If the groom decides to wear a boutonniere, learn how to knot it to perfection. If you aren’t com- all male members of the wedding procession fortable with the idea of doing it yourself, ask your must follow suit. This means that the important best man or your dad. They may have some tips for men in the groom’s entourage—his father, you—or they’ll simply take care of it for you on the BROOKE SIVLEY PHOTOGRAPHY godfather and groomsmen, for instance— big day. Caleb and Savannah West at in formal patterns. should all sport the boutonniere with pride. MR. HICKS Mens Wear REGULAR and BIG & TALL SIZES FOR & WEDDINGS TUXEDOS 256-739-1007 AND FOR SALE www.suitsformen.com 217 Compass Way SW, Cullman AL 35055 See Store MEN’S SUITS - SPORT - PANTS - for Details. FORMAL WEAR FOR PROMS & WEDDINGS 070200107102181 cullmDntimes.com history isn’t your only option f, at a time in the fear you’ll shock your a colored or he tall, tiered wedding past, the boldest guests by choosing an in your look or choose cake—with or without move you could unconventional gown? an all-white with toppers—is one of the make when it came Remember that this is colorful stitching. most widespread wed­ to the color of your your day and that you Tding traditions in the west­ was to have the final say on o, will you let ern world. You’ve probably pick off-white instead what you wear. That your true colors tasted a slice or two over the of a pristine snowy being said, there are shine through years, but what do you know shade, that’s simply ways to compromise: with your dream about the origins of this no longer the case. you could incorporate Swedding dress? sweet nuptial custom? Like most rules, the Historians believe that the one that dictates the concept of wedding cakes color of your wedding can be traced back to ancient dress is meant to be Rome. At that time, it was broken—and more and customary to break a wafer more are taking or loaf of sweet bread over the the plunge. Read on for bride’s head with the goal of some inspiration. invoking happiness and fertil­ id you know that ity. In medieval Europe, wed­ the white wed­ ding guests typically stacked ding dress has small pastries as high as pos­ only been popu­ sible, and the bride and groom Dlar in North America would kiss over the resulting since the nineteenth pile of sweetness. The higher BROOKE SIVLEY PHOTOGRAPHY century? Before then, the pastry tower was, the Caleb and Savannah West’s layered cake. it was customary for happier the couple would be. the bride to wear—you Sweet, tall, tiered cakes like guessed it—a color­ those seen today in weddings ful dress! Today, the across North America only brightly colored dress became commonplace around is making a comeback the eighteenth century. and designers from Nowadays, bakeries create around the world are wedding cakes that are reinventing this vin­ true works of art. Anything tage trend. While shop­ goes when it comes to the ping for a non-white shape, flavor and color—and wedding dress might toppers are no longer limited have been a tricky task to the tiny bride and groom a few decades ago, bou­ model. tiques are now stocked • Bridal with gowns in every A SYMBOLIC GESTURE color of the rainbow— • The tradition of the wed­ and then some. Wheth­ • Dresses ding cake being sliced by er you’re in the market the bride and groom dates for an electric pink • $40 off Tuxedo Rentals back to the Middle Ages. The gown or an emerald gesture symbolized the first green A-line, your local • Custom Little Girls Dresses action taken by the bride and bridal boutique is sure • groom as a legitimate couple. to deliver the goods. , Gloves, , Jewelry Traditionally, the groom n the fence 325 2nd Ave SW • Cullman, AL 35055 rests his hand on the bride’s about your as a sign of fertility and pro­ BROOKE SIVLEY PHOTOGRAPHY color choice (256) 739-6209 tection. Austin and Taylor Smith’s cake with fruit. Obecause you cullmantimes.com Guidelines for choosing your bridal veil The perfect do The traditional bridal veil just might be train. Every bride can find a version the most archetypal wedding accesso­ that will complement her dress flaw­ A wedding day that’s also a ry—which is why picking out this spe­ lessly. Don’t be shy about trying on bad hair day is one of the cial ornament takes time and thought. the various models available in your million preoccupations of Follow these three tips to find the one region’s bridal shops. most brides-to-be. Choos­ that will suit you perfectly. 3. Stay true to your style ing how you’ll wear your 1. Aim for balance Whether you’re a hopeless romantic or hair on the big day is no If your heart is set on an extravagant a thrill-seeking rebel, choose a veil easy task, either. Here are dress, opt for a subdued and sophis­ that showcases your unique personal­ some tips for picking the ticated veil that won’t outshine your ity. You can also select one-of-a-kind perfect ‘do for saying “I do”. splendid gown. A model with plain accessories (flowers, jewelry, nails) to satin edging is a safe bet. If, on the create a look that’s one hundred per Make an appointment with other hand, your dress is on the more cent yours. your stylist for a hairdress­ classic side, feel free to add a touch of If you’re still unsure what veil to ing test (or several) at sparkle with some crystals, pearls or choose, swing by your local bridal least a month before the other trimmings. shop and take advantage of a pro­ big day. 2. Play with length fessional salesperson’s experienced Veils come in a number of lengths, from eye. He or she will help you find your To prepare for your BROOKE SIVLEY PHOTOGRAPHY the coquettish birdcage to the majestic dream veil in a jiffy! appointment, browse Taylor Smith wears a veil that compliments her hair. through magazines or search online for inspira­ consider several factors to with you to your hair ap­ tion. Make sure you have create the most flattering pointment so you can get a good grasp on your of ‘dos, including: a clear picture of your final likes and dislikes when look. Bring some friends it comes to your hair. Your personal style along, and don’t forget Be ready to clearly and Your dress your camera to immortal­ accurately express your Your face shape ize the affair! preferences, expectations, Your hair type and even your worries When and where your PC: To make sure your to your stylist. A good wedding will take place wedding hairdo is every­ stylist will help you find a thing you want it be, take style that’s suited to your When the big day finally your tresses on a test run personality and physical arrives, remember to bring by planning a practice BROOKE SIVLEY PHOTOGRAPHY features. He or she will your dress and your veil appointment (or two). Savannah West shows her long-flowing veil and bouquet.

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MLS ___ &_____ 256-735-4774 *=* Jennifer Limerick Dawnita Moore 3259 AL Hwy. 157, Ste. G • Cullmany AL 35058 Melanie Lawson Chris Wylie Realtor Realtor Realtor Realtor 256-201-2521 (256)590-9659 View all properties @ www.nuvisionrealestate.com (205)515-8431 (256)347-533? NEWLY WED cullmantimes.com How to choose your wedding photographer in three steps

Are you looking for a photographer 2. MEET THE CANDIDATES that will immortalize every magical Once your preliminary selection is moment of your wedding, all while made, contact each candidate to set bringing out everyone’s best side? up a meeting. After all, even if you Follow these steps to make sure you really like their work, you still have succeed in your quest. to make sure that your personalities don’t clash. Remember that your 1. DO YOUR HOMEWORK photographer will be almost as close Start by making a list of local profes­ as your shadow on your big day. sional photographers and have a Consequently, it’s vital that you feel look at their portfolios, eliminating comfortable with the person—your the ones you don’t like right away. state of mind, positive or not, will Seeing the work of different pros shine through in your photos. will help you determine whether you prefer a romantic, vintage, festive, or 3. SIGN THE CONTRACT natural style for your own wedding The last step, but not the least, con­ photos. Then, draw up a (short) list sists in making your agreement offi­ of the photographers whose talents cial. It’s important to sign a contract, you appreciated and whose fees suit because it is legally binding and cov­ your budget. ers you in case of unforeseen events or misunderstandings. See to it! BROOKE SIVLEY PHOTOGRAPHY Savannah West, in white dress, with her . ^Qitooke Siuiey cP(iofog/tab(iy