2017 Bridal Guide for the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula Rules of Engagement Where the Heirlooms of Tomorrow Are Handcrafted Today
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Bliss 2017 Bridal Guide for the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula Rules of Engagement Where the heirlooms of tomorrow are handcrafted today. Ross’s Rings and Things ,UYLQJWRQ5GŘ.LOPDUQRFN 435-3529 2017 ove is in the air. a few ideas, from a bag of peanuts to Scattered throughout the guide are tips LFebruary brings hearts, flowers and personalized soda. for writing thank you notes and finding romance. Spring is a time for wedding Some weddings have gone to the dogs, or the right accommodations for out-of-town planning. And of course, there are lots of the horse, as reporter Audrey Thomasson guests, along with interesting wedding June brides. reveals. Pets are members of the family, so facts. Be sure to browse the ads for BlissBliss is here to help as a guide for brides it's only natural to have them share in the ceremony and reception venues, caterers, and grooms in the Northern Neck and big day. We asked our readers what role florists, photographers and wedding- Middle Peninsula. their four-legged family members played related service providers. Looking for an unusual wedding favor? in their wedding ceremonies and share Reporter Madison White Franks has their stories. Susan and Lisa Bliss On the cover: Photo courtsey of Pet Friendly Yours Truly Photography Including animals in the event ...............4 2017 Bridal Guide for the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula is a supplement published annually by the Rappahannock Record,Bliss P.O. Box 400, Kilmarnock, Va. 22482, (804) 435-1701 and the Southside Sentinel, P.O. Box 549, Urbanna, Va. 23175, (804) 758-2328. Complement Your Theme Unusual wedding favors .................. 10 News Tom Hardin and Robert D. Mason Jr., editors; Lisa Hinton- Valdrighi, Audrey Thomasson and Madison White Franks Advertising Sara Amiss and Wendy Burch, managers; Marilyn Bryant, Jessica Michels-Mancini and Libby Allen Production Stephanie Feria, Joseph Gaskins, Susan Simmons, K.C. Troise and Mike Antonio Publications Coordinator Susan Simmons Love Me, Love my Dog Editorial Director Lisa Hinton-Valdrighi Reader stories ........................... 14 Account Managers Geanie Longest and Lindsay Bishoff Publishers Fred and Bettie Lee Gaskins EventBring to Your Life Fine Metalware and Ceramics made by hand with Eco friendly, easy care, never tarnish RAPPAHANNOCK RENTALS, INC. and PARTY LINE of Virginia Cyndy’s Bynn For the past 30 years, it has been our mission to help you make your wedding day everything you imagined it could be. Virginia Street, Urbanna • (804) 758-3756 Tents ~ Tables ~ Chairs ~ Dance Floors ~ Staging ~ China ~ Glassware www.cyndysbynn.com Hours: Open 10am – 4pm / Closed Tues. & Sun. Flatware ~ Linens ~ Beverage Service ~ Grills & Cookware ~ Fun Machines And SO Much More! Gift wrapping’s always free at “CB!” [email protected] ~ 804-435-8789 January 26, 2017 • Bliss • 3 Vows that bring bow wows by Audrey Thomasson One of the growing trends in weddings today is the inclusion of furry family members in the ceremony. But including your dog, cat, ferret or pig requires some thought and planning. Here are some tips for generating a few oohs and aahs on your big day. Oliver was a big hit with animal rescue attendees when he made his entrance with mother-of-the-bride Audrey Thomasson. ogs were part of my daughter and her Oliver proved to be the perfect addition— couple put a bowtie husband’s love story from the begin- perhaps because he was blind and sat quietly at on their very social Dning. Dawn and Dean met while both my side throughout the ceremony. cat and let him prowl the festivities. were volunteering at an animal adoption event However, the wedding cake goes to the bride in Northern Virginia. So when it came to their With this pup, I thee wed… whose German shepherd, Cooper, jumped up wedding, it was only fitting that the blind dog If you want a picture perfect wedding, your on her beautiful dress right after they were she talked me into adopting, should become furry family member could provide a few sur- declared man and wife. part of the ceremony. prises that may alter that ideal. Couples have “I didn’t care,” said the new Mrs. Noah Their wedding took place in my garden reported their dogs’ howling, barking, even Wieseneck. “I was so happy. I wouldn’t have on the shores of the Rappahannock River. whining the entire time because they were cared if he ripped my dress.” Because many of the guests were animal separated by five feet. One groom claimed it When your life’s work is animals, like Dr. rescue volunteers, there was an enthusiastic “added to the uniqueness” of their ceremony. Adine Jones of Countryside Veterinarian welcome when the mother-of-the-bride unex- There’s a man who will be married forever. Clinic in Saluda, guests had better expect to pectedly entered with the dog they had saved One chow hound began chewing the fringe find the entire furry brigade at the event. from starvation, frostbite and the executioner. of the Oriental rug under the couple taking Dr. Jones made a striking entrance in full- I doubt anyone noticed me. They were all their vows. length wedding gown riding sidesaddle on gushing over Oliver, a Sharpei-mix they hadn’t The independent nature of felines make her Tennessee Walker, Rosebud. “Rosie” was seen since I adopted him 10 months earlier. them impossible to corral. So one bridal decked out in a garland of white roses. 4 • Bliss • January 26, 2017 “I rode from the house down to the and food, no hand-outs, and plenty of river,” said Dr. Jones. “Rosie spooked “breaks.” Think about skipping the recep- a little when we first came around the tion. An extensive guest list and loud corner and she saw the people.” But the music could result in the need for pets to experienced equestrian kept her cool— escape to the safety of the house even for and her saddle. the biggest party animal. Not to be left out, her Australian shep- herds danced the night away alongside Pets have bad days, too. guests at the reception. Should Rover get up on the wrong side After the recent death of Rosie, 17 of the dog bed on the big day and growl years after the ceremony, Dr. Jones says, at the upheaval going on around him, “It is a wonderful memory.” have a back-up boarding plan on stand-by. Even social dogs may stress out in a new Here comes the bride… environment with strangers around. Think and her dog about leaving him home where he is safe If you’re going to give your pets a place and secure. of honor in the festivities, consider their temperament and plan ahead. Dogs have Good hair day walked down the aisle with the bride or Everyone will be looking and smelling groom and served as ring bearers (not a their best, and that should include man’s good idea to use the real rings), maid-of- best friend. Consider a day at the doggie honor and best man-pooch. For the best spa, add a decorative leash, a bow tie or results, animal experts suggest rehearsing a collar of flowers. Costume dress or suit with your pet as much as possible. Be will depend entirely on the pet’s (and sure to “break” your pet before that walk groom’s) coping ability. down the aisle. Give the photographer advance warning Be respectful of members of the wed- that your pet should be integrated into ding party having pet allergies by letting some of the photos. them know your intentions in advance. For some pets, just being in attendance Dog-friendly venues may be enough. For uncooperative and Before you book, make sure the place is Ring bearer Josh Knoppel goes off course when he spots deceased pets, consider mentioning them pet friendly and check area leash laws— Oliver. in the ceremony or with a picture in the even for beach or park settings. Most area program. restaurants and public venues only allow service animals. Escort services For your peace of mind and that of In lieu of favors… your two-legged guests, pets should Donate money to the ASPCA, Humane be under the supervision of a familiar Society or favorite local animal organiza- member of their people pack. That person tion. should make sure they get enough water Dr. Adine Jones rode her Tennessee Walker Rosie down to the river’s edge to exchange vows with her husband, Joey. January 26, 2017 • Bliss • 5 Hotel how-to: Tips for guests looking for lodging Couples about to tie the knot is so far away from the weekend’s stantial amounts of money. often arrange for discounted activities that they must rent cars • Look for lower rates in the hotel rooms for their wedding or take taxis all weekend. wedding hotel. Room rates are guests. Many hotels offer sub- • Share rooms to reduce costs. locked in once couples choose stantial discounts to wedding par- If the wedding rates are unaf- a particular hotel or hotels, but ties, but some guests and bridal fordable, float the idea of shar- guests might be able to find party members might still want ing rooms with fellow guests. more affordable rates at the to examine their options before Splitting the cost of a double same hotel by waiting to book booking rooms. The follow- room instead of booking a single and perusing discount hotel ing tips can help guests find the room by yourself can save sub- websites and apps. right room so they can enjoy their È{Êi>`ÜLÀÊ,>`ÊUÊ7>ÀÃ>Ü]Ê6ÊÓÓxÇÓ loved ones’ wedding weekends to the fullest.