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2018 Bridal Guide for the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula

2018 Bridal Guide for the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula

Bliss

2018 Bridal Guide for the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula GOOD LUCK CELLARS 1025 Good Luck Road ,JMNBSOPDLr   www.goodluckcellars.com Make your or special event memorable at Good Luck Cellars. Bar/Tasting Room Facility

Facilities consist of 4,500 square feet of indoor Custom Gourmet space and 3,000 square feet of covered porch Wedding Catering Outdoor Fireplace Reception area www.THETABLEATWILTON.com space. The acreage 804.776.9555 surrounding [email protected] the tasting and 16273 General Puller Hwy, Unit A-4, Deltaville, VA 23043 production facility is also available for private outdoor events.

Host the perfect southern wedding at Historic Leafwood Circa 1781

Ceremony and Reception Location on four beautifully landscaped acres Only one wedding per weekend means your wedding is totally private Our staff has over 25 years experience in the wedding industry Wedding package includes many extras Guest Cottage for weekend stay

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cBlissc$9FM9JQ  2018

efore the “I dos” are said and the L@=AJ:A?<9Q )F=@9<9J=9D>9AJQL9D= Are and a tee- ever appropri- ;@9EH9?F=MF;GJC=< L@=J=K9DGL wedding. 9L= =N=F>GJ9FGML L@= F<

Best Man/Maid of Honor What are their jobs? ...... 4 )FL@=;GN=J*@GLG;GMJL=KLQ)F Bliss G>G>!J=KKAL*@GLG?J9H@Q ShShacklefords What to Wear

2018 Bridal Guide for the Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula Appropriate wedding attire ...... 6

Themed is a supplement published annually by the Rappahannock Record,Bliss P.O. Box 400, Kilmarnock, Va. 22482, (804) 435-1701 and the JGENAKAGFLGJ=9DALQ ...... 10 Southside Sentinel, P.O. Box 549, Urbanna, Va. 23175, (804) 758-2328.

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 Lessons Learned Production Stephanie Feria, Joseph Gaskins, Susan Simmons and Successful secrets ...... 14 K.C. Troise Publications Coordinator Susan Simmons Editorial Director Lisa Hinton-Valdrighi Account Managers Geanie Longest and Lindsay Bishoff Publishers Fred and Bettie Lee Gaskins

$9FM9JQ cBlissc Dos and don’ts for the best man and maid of honor by Audrey Thomasson

hen a and groom select or being inappropriate at the reception. a maid of honor and best man, So too, are the stories of the best man they are singling out friends or leading the groom astray with danger- familyW to be at their side when they make ous behavior and over-indulging at a stag the biggest commitment of their lives. . Who hasn’t heard of a drunken best They are entrusting them with respon- man giving an insulting at the recep- sibilities that will either cement a deep tion? bond with the wedded couple or possibly This guide will help the bride and alienate them for life. So choose wisely. groom select the right people to make There are stories of high maintenance their wedding day an enjoyable and bliss- maids of honor grabbing center stage ful event for the memory books.

Maid of Honor

In selecting attendants, avoid the drama ette party. queens and bestow the honor on friends She also may be asked to help the bride or family members who can perform the with pre-wedding tasks from addressing duties without forgetting who will be the invitations and place cards, selecting bridal real star of the event. party , to choosing the wedding bou- quets, cuisine options and nodding enthusi- Pre-wedding astically to the bride’s choices even if they The maid/matron of honor should be part don’t match her own. worker bee, social worker and emotional island from the chaos of events spiraling Wedding day toward the big day. She should remember Remember to arrange the wedding the importance of listening to the bride. before preceding down the aisle—think qualities include the ability to keep Pippa Middleton at sister Kate’s wedding— a stressful bride laughing and offering and, again, once the bride arrives at the altar. emotional support. Duties include helping At the reception, periodically play hostess the bride select the wedding gown, - along with the other , helping maids’ and . She should make guests with seating, locating restrooms, sure everyone gets their bridesmaids’ fit- where to place gifts and collect enve- tings, receives their dresses in time and help lopes. Make sure the bride takes a moment with the appropriate matching accessories. to eat something by getting her a plate of She is the 411 on pre-wedding events, food and refresh her drink. A short, positive host—or co-host—of a and toast to the couple is a perfect touch. will attend all pre-wedding and Don’t get so caught up in the reception keep a record of all the gifts for those all- that you forget to help the bride change for important thank you notes. She coordinates her . Help arrange to store the with bridesmaids on plans for a bachelor- wedding until her return.

cBlissc$9FM9JQ  Best man Being asked to be the “best” man married life. As the groom’s moral com- man does his job right, the groom will shows that the groom holds that rela- pass, he should orchestrate activities the only need to worry about watching his tionship in great respect. For those who groom would enjoy and that will help him bride walk down the aisle. accept, it is time to put away boyish ways blow off pre-nuptial jitters. These could At the reception, the best man kicks and help the groom through this rite-of- include a poker night, golfing, attending off the toasting with a short speech. In passage into marital responsibility. a boxing match or basketball game, or not to appear like an ignoramus, with a funny roast by friends. he should prepare in advance, stay sober Pre-wedding He is also responsible for delivering the and begin by expressing gratitude to It’s not all about the groom’s wedding-related pre-arranged people by name who made the day pos- and recalling humiliating stories for payments to officiants, assistants and sible. The speech should include a short the reception speech. The best man is musicians and singers for the ceremony. story that makes a connection between expected to be on hand for all key events. the groom and his bride and should avoid At an party or rehearsal Wedding day controversial, offensive and inappropri- dinner, he should be working the room. During a whirlwind of last minute ate stories. If the story isn’t appropriate Do the homework—be the go-to guy, activities, the best man should take the for grandma, leave it out. sensitive to difficult family situations and burden of stress off the groom and onto After the wedding, the best man should a diplomat to opposing sides. He orga- his own shoulders. He is the groom’s take the groom’s tux to the cleaners or nizes the tuxedo fittings in addition to emotional support, assistant and valet. back to the rental shop while the couple any other pre-wedding outfits and acces- If the wedding is later in the day, he is on their honeymoon. sories, including cufflinks. should hang out with the groom, play- A major pre-wedding responsibility ing games like basketball or video games This guide was prepared using the of the best man is to plan the bachelor until it’s time to get ready. Also, make expert advice of wedding planners, party and extend the invitations. This sure everything is in place and the groom interviews with attendants, Emily Post’s tradition dates back to the 5th century has what he needs. Drive him to the wed- manner’s guide “Etiquette” and from BC. It is designed for male bonding and ding location on time and distribute bou- personal experience planning my two to celebrate the transition from single to tonnieres to the groomsmen. If the best daughters’ weddings.

$9FM9JQ cBlissc What am I going to wear? Appropriate wedding attire

by Ginger Philbrick

È{Ê i>`œÜLÀœœŽÊ,œ>`ÊUÊ7>ÀÃ>Ü]Ê6ÊÓÓxÇÓ nä{‡Îη{™ÇnÊUÊÜÜÜ°Vi“i˜ÌÃÌi˜ÌÀi˜Ì>Ã°Vœ“ to wear. What to Tie”) or dark . wear! What AM I going to wear??? This is often Semiformal: Wthe sequence of our thoughts when Proper attire for daytime for a invited to a special event such as a women would be a short afternoon wedding. For a wedding, there are dress, dressy , or cocktail several reasonable answers and sev- dress, while daytime wear for men eral things to consider. would be a dark suit; dark , and dark pants. The first consideration is the event Evening wear for women should itself. Although a wedding is a time be a or very dressy of celebration, we should remember pantsuit, while men should wear a Let us make your special day come true that the service itself is serious and dark suit. many times takes place in a sacred space. We should dress tastefully, Informal: showing respect for the occasion and An “afternoon” dress is appropri- the bride and groom. ate for women for a daytime wed- ding and men should wear a dark The second indication of what suit, dark blazer, light or dark pants, to wear is the invitation itself; is it depending on the . Evening formal, semi-formal or informal? attire for women should be an “after- The traditional formal invitation is noon” or cocktail dress and for men, engraved, thermographed, or letter a dark suit. pressed on ivory, cream or white Beautiful wedding venue with view sturdy stock stationery. The size is Pre-teens should wear Sunday best of the Pamunkey River. approximately 5 ½ by 7 ½ inches or party clothes to formal and semi- 804‐966‐5896 • ĞǀĞŶƚƐ@saudecreek.com and sent either as a flat single sheet formal weddings. For informal and 16230 Cooks Mill Rd., Lanexa, VA 23089 or a folded double or single sheet. casual weddings, girls would wear a www.saudecreek.com The language is ceremonial. The , and or . semiformal and informal invitations Appropriate dress for boys is pants, contain the same information but are sport jacket, and tie. written in a more personal style. The paper might reflect a wedding theme If you have doubts, checking with a and, along with the ink used, be one family member or close friend of the of a variety of colors. Borders and wedding participants will help put designs are often used. your mind at . And, of course, if in doubt, dress conservatively rather Here is a general guideline for than for show. teens and adults when choosing Preserve & attire for the formal, semiformal and I do love to have choices in what informal wedding, whether outside I wear, but sometimes I think the Protect or indoors. Romans had it right; male or female, a tastefully draped, full length toga Your Wedding Gown Formal: would be appropriate for any wed- for Generations to Daytime attire for women would ding! be a cocktail dress, afternoon dress Come (aka Sunday Best), gloves and hat Ginger Philbrick is the owner of optional, while daytime attire for Because You Are Polite….LLC. You men would be a dark suit, conser- are invited to email your manners Wedding Gown vative shirt and tie. Formal evening questions to her and she will respond Cleaning & weddings for women would require a as time and space allow. You may long evening dress or cocktail dress, contact her at youarepolite1@gmail. Preservation gloves and hat optional, and for men, com and visit her website at becau- tuxedo (if invitation states “Black seyouarepolite.com. RSVP! Gloucester C.H. (Plant) 693-2710 Mathews 725-5400 Rt. 17 Gloucester 693-2094 Urbanna 758-2385 Gloucester Pt. 642-5389 Kilmarnock 435-1061 cBlissc$9FM9JQ  Tips for choosing a @GF=QEGGF<=KLAF9LAGF Once couples have tied the Travel couples who don’t want to sacri- knot, hit the reception dance Some couples may prefer to fice on their first trip together as floor and thanked their friends travel throughout their honey- a married couple can begin plan- and family for joining them, moons, while others may want ning their trips early, even look- their thoughts might start looking to stay at the same resort for the ing for ways to cut costs on their ahead to their . duration of their trips. Couples ceremonies and receptions if their Statistics vary in regard to how who want to travel may find a honeymoons are a bigger priority. Vow to Wow On Your Big Day much couples spend on their hon- backpacking trip to Europe is When planning their honey- Say “I Do” to our professional bridal makeup services. eymoons, but those heading over- a romantic way to indulge their moons, couples also can take seas can expect to pay thousands sense of adventure, while those steps to save money. For example, of dollars on such getaways. Cou- who prefer something more quiet delaying a trip until a few months ples planning their honeymoons may find a beach resort more to after the wedding can help covers want to get the most for their their liking. get back on their financial feet money while also ensuring their and enjoy their dream getaways. first trip together as Budget Couples visiting resorts also may is as memorable as possible. The Budget is a strong consider- want to opt for all-inclusive pack- destination couples choose can ation for many couples as they ages, which can provide great go a long way toward making plan their honeymoons. Because value, particularly on food and that happen, and couples can honeymoons can be expensive, beverages. JENNIFER BISHOP consider various factors as they work together to choose a locale Studio Owner/Beauty Consultant for their honeymoons.

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© 2016 Merle Norman Cosmetics, Inc. MERLENORMAN .COM Merle Norman Cosmetic Studios have been independently owned and operated since 1931. prefer more low-key trips spent relaxing at seaside resorts. Cou- ples can discuss which types of Come explore, browse, and discover unique clothing, jewelry, shoes, and trips they prefer and be willing to accessories as well as gifts and decorative objects for your special event. compromise if their desires differ. #SJEBM4IPXFSTt-VODIFPOTt$PDLUBJM1BSUZ BAYSIDE PET EMPORIUM -JMMZ1VMJU[FSt%POOB.PSHBOt7JODF$BNVUP Where Treasures are Found With this Pup, I thee wed … 804.758.4444 It’s been a dream of yours to have your dog – who you adore – at your side LOWE-TIDE.COM on your wedding day. We can help make your dream come true for your 260 VIRGINIA STREET. URBANNA. 23175 “Paw-Fect” special day. Our professional services include: Full Service Bathing and Grooming Nail Clipping Day Care Boarding Multiple Fenced-In Play Areas On-Site Veterinarian 80 Whisk Drive, White Stone, VA ‡ 804-435-3548

For your Special Day Country Š i>ṎvՏyœÜiÀà Cottage ŠBouquets ŠCenterpieces Think outside the box with edible favors

ŠHandmade gourmet chocolates ŠHomemade fudge

 9HWWHOHUUVJR+YP]L࠮>OP[L:[VUL=( 804-435-3812࠮JV\U[Y`JV[[HNL^ZJVT࠮JV\U[Y`JV[[HNL^ZUL[ $9FM9JQ cBlissc ‘I do,’ take two: Handcrafted Gourmet Popcorn Wedding and Shower Favors Guide to a second marriage Couples are returning to the the question. Even if exes will essary. What’s more, some of altar in increasing numbers, as not be included, make sure the same guests may have been second and third weddings are they know about the nuptials in present at first and becoming ever more popular. advance of others. It’s common gifted then. In lieu of gifts, cou- Pew Research Center indicates courtesy, and it can help head ples may ask guests to donate to that, as of 2014, 64 percent of off feelings of ill-will. a specific charity or forgo gifts divorced or widowed men have Some couples choosing to altogether. remarried, compared with 52 tie the knot again scale back percent of previously married the size of the wedding this Vow s women. time around, feeling something Couples can use experience Lavish second weddings smaller and more intimate — to draft vows that have personal were once uncommon, but that with only the closest of friends meaning to their unique situ- trend is also shifting. Couples and family — is more suitable. ations and make the wedding who are taking another crack ceremony even more special. at marriage are tying the knot Registries People getting married again with renewed vigor and with and wedding gifts can impart their own person- weddings that may rival some Considering couples who alities into the ceremony and first-timers’. have been married previously party to follow. There are no Men and women who are likely have many of the house- hard rules governing second remarrying after divorce or wares and items for daily living weddings, so couples can plan being widowed may not know that first-timers may not, regis- their weddings with good times how to approach planning their tering for these gifts is not nec- in mind. FREE SHIPPING upcoming nuptials. The fol- TASTINGS! Next to NN Burger AVAILABLE lowing are some guidelines to TYING THE KNOT 50 Irvington Rd., Kilmarnock Open: Mon-Sat 11-6, Sun 1-5 making the wedding sequel a NORTHERNNECKPOPCORNBAG.COM success. The phrase “tying the knot” is synonymous with getting mar- ried. Although the words can represent the symbolic joining of two lives together, in some cultures, getting married actually Look for our next supplement Couples who have been mar- requires tying a knot. The custom traces its origins to an ancient ried before often find that they Babylonian tradition in which threads from the clothes of both Bay HealthStyles in the Feburary 22 have more leeway with regard the bride and groom were tied in a knot to represent the couple’s edition of the Southside Sentinel to their wedding wardrobes than union. Other cultures have embraced this tradition, and couples they did when tying the knot tie ceremonial knots during their wedding ceremonies. and Rappahannock Record. for the first time. Brides may choose something less tradi- tional than a long, white dress. In fact, this can be a time to let loose and select something that is festive or even funky. This also may provide a great opportunity to choose clothing styles from different cultures or ties into one’s heritage. This freedom also allows brides to broaden their horizons with regard to where to buy their wedding wardrobes. Grooms may opt for some- thing more casual than a tuxedo or coordinate with their brides- to-be so they are on the same creative page. Colored tuxedos and vintage are acceptable, even though such attire might have raised a few eyebrows the first time around.

Guest list The guest list doesn’t have to be a source of anxiety. Others will understand that there may be a melange of people at a second wedding. Children from previous marriages as well as divorced spouses or former parents-in-law are not out of cBlissc$9FM9JQ  Bouquet toss 101 It is customary for the bride to share her good are ready for a friendly floral fight. After enjoy- fortune by tossing her bouquet into a crowd of ing a delectable meal — most likely interrupted single female wedding guests. With a bit of luck, by several tender kisses — keep the fun going by whoever catches the flowers will, legend says, gathering all eligible dames on the dance floor. get married within the coming year. If you want Get into position and launch away! Your legend- to go through with this classic custom during ary toss is sure to put a smile on someone’s face Urbanna’s Unique Boutique Hotel your own wedding but aren’t sure exactly when and kick off an unforgettable evening. and Facilities the ideal moment is, read on for some insight. TWO IS BETTER t'VMMTFSWJDFCBORVFUGBDJMJUZGPSZPVS If a photo shoot is planned for after the ceremony, hang on If you’re attached to your magnificent bridal bouquet and SFIFBSTBMEJOOFSPSSFDFQUJPO to your bouquet to include it in you don’t want to part from it during the tossing, the solution is t5IJSUFFOVOJRVF CFBVUJGVMMZBQQPJOUFE your pictures. You’ll have plenty simple: ask your florist to prepare a second, more modest bou- of time to toss it later on during quet specifically for the toss. This way you can carry on the tradi- HVFTUSPPNTGPSZPVSXFEEJOHQBSUZPS the reception, once the ambiance tion while saving your gorgeous bouquet for yourself! PVUPGUPXOHVFTUT has warmed up and your guests t&WFOUQMBOOJOHBWBJMBCMF t-PDBUFEJOUIFIFBSUPG6SCBOOB The right way to wear a boutonniere Many grooms choose to it: magnetized fastener to avoid * Five star reviews at Tripadvisor.com follow the tradition of wear- s!TTACHITTOTHELAPELOF damaging your jacket ing a small floral accessory your suit or jacket s-AKEITMATCHYOURBRIDES 7JSHJOJB4USFFU 6SCBOOB called a boutonniere on their s!LWAYSPINITONYOURLEFT bouquet (this is not optional!) tXXXUIFDIFTBQFBLFJOODPN wedding day. If you’re about to side, above your heart s-ATCHITTOYOURWEDDINGS put a ring on your sweetheart’s s#HOOSEADELICATEOR color palette finger, read on to find out how you should wear your bouton- niere. WHO SHOULD WEAR IT? First off, know that this accessory isn’t an essential If the groom decides to wear a boutonniere, all male members part of the groom’s traditional of the wedding procession must follow suit. This means that the Find us on Facebook! attire and that many prefer important men in the groom’s entourage — his father, godfather to opt for the subtler hand- and groomsmen, for instance — should all sport the boutonniere . So don’t worry — with pride. RRecord.com you’re free to wear whatever you think looks best. If you do choose to say yes to this floral , here’s how to wear 1MBOOJOHZPVSXFEEJOHPS EventBring to Your Life other special event? with RAPPAHANNOCK RENTALS, INC. Luxury Restroom Trailer and PARTY LINE of Virginia 5IJTUSBJMFSCSJOHTUIFDPNGPSUT For the past 31 years, it has been our mission to help you PGIPNFUPZPVSPVUEPPSFWFOU make your wedding day everything you imagined it could be. Tents ~ Tables ~ Chairs ~ Dance Floors ~ Staging ~ China ~ Glassware Flatware ~ Linens ~ Beverage Service ~ Grills & Cookware ~ Fun Machines And SO Much More! [email protected] ~ 804-435-8789

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 tXXXDIVSDIWJFXTFQUJDDPN -PDBMMZ0XOFEBOE0QFSBUFECZ5PN-BOHGPSE $9FM9JQ cBlissc Wedding themes From vision to reality

by Madison White Franks

ou have been dreaming of that big day ever since you were a little girl and played dress up in a , but did you ever dream about your wedding's theme? YToday’s trend in weddings is to choose a theme that would reflect the bride’s and groom’s personalities or a favorite hobby, or incorporate the season. The trend of choosing a wedding theme began in the late 1990s and the possibilities are endless. Hayley and Kevin Talley of Chester chose to bring a beautiful storybook wedding to life. They held a storybook-themed wed- ding at Pocahontas State Park complete with an open storybook altar. Storybook-themed table decor transformed the reception into a scene from Beauty and the Beast. Seasonal-themed weddings are also popular. Brandon and Kelsey Eanes’ held a Christmas-themed wedding and Olivia and Joey McComas had a rustic fall wedding. “Brandon and I started dating on December 3, 2007 and when we were trying to decide on a [wedding] date, we began looking at upcoming Saturdays of the year. We saw December 3 and knew that it would be perfect. We got married on our nine-year [dating] anniversary,” Kelsey said. “When we started looking for ideas of winter weddings on Pinterest, the red just popped, so we decided to go with the red and green color scheme. At first, we didn’t Hayley and Kevin Talley of Chester held a storybook themed want to make our wedding look like Christmas colors, but it just wedding at Pocahontas State Park complete with an open storybook all fell into place and looked very seasonal. I knew I wanted red altar. Photo by Joanna Hartsook Photography roses as my bouquet so it just felt right during that time of year.” Olivia McComas said that they chose a rustic theme because of the natural but romantic atmosphere it provides. “A rustic theme also goes well with every season, so we were able to include autumn and neutral colors for our October wed- ding. The color scheme consisted of plum purple, hints of dark yellow, white and caramel tones. These colors were seen through our decor of mason jars, baby’s breath, white pumpkins, flowers, burlap and lace,” she said. “What made our rustic theme special is that we included bird decor, as my husband and I are avid bird lovers. We were able to incorporate the bird decor well. We used antique bird cages, bird cake toppers, and bird-theme wedding favors. Our guests defi- nitely threw bird seed for our departure!” Themes can also represent where you are from like Ashley and Jesse Hutcheson’s wedding held in Deltaville on the Piankatank River, where a nautical theme was a natural choice. Themes add an additional fun aspect to planning a wedding. The options are endless and you can be as extravagant or as simple as you desire. Pine, cranberries, and floating white candles were the table centerpieces at the Eanes' wedding. Photo by Quartman Photography cBlissc$9FM9JQ  Storybook-themed table decor transformed the Talleys' reception into a scene from Beauty and the Beast. Photo by Joanna Hartsook Photography

Ashley and Jesse Hutcheson had a nautical-themed wedding with the reception held on the Piankatank River. Creative Cakes by Jan made this nautical-themed cake. Photo by Justin Hankins Photography

Blankets were provided to attendees of Kelsey and Brandon Eanes’ Christmas- themed wedding December 3, 2016 at the Vintager Inn in New Kent. Photo by Quarterman Photography

Katie and Robbie Lamkin chose Winter Wonderland as the theme of their December wedding. Photo by Michelle Renee Photography Olivia and Joey McComas had a rustic, lovebirds fall wedding. The theme was reflected at the treat table. Photo by Madison White Franks $9FM9JQ cBlissc Kelsey Eanes' bridesmaids' dresses were a beautiful cardinal red. The couple also used cardinals throughout their decor in memory of their grandparents. Photo by Quarterman Photography

Chris and Sam Fowle held a “country classy” wedding in Urbanna, where they had “lots of galvanized buckets and watering cans with flowers and old bottles with fairy lights in them,” said Chris. Photo by Chris Fowls

The Lamkins used these cute pine cones as their topper. Photo by Michelle Renee Photography

Madison Franks had a nautical themed wedding in May 2014 and hung burlap bows from the reserved pews of the church. Photo by Amanda Franks

Hay bales and mums decorated the entrance into the reception tables of the McComas' reception. The Talleys gave out storybook themed coasters as Photo by Madison White Franks wedding favors. Photo by Joanna Hartsook Photography cBlissc$9FM9JQ  Dixon Limousine Service A Service for All Occasions Weddings, Bridal Parties, PAPETERIE Graduations, , etc. Invitations as Beautiful as your Dress 16593 Historyland Hwy. L Warsaw, Va. 804-333-3327 >ˆ˜Ê-ÌÀiiÌʈ“>À˜œVŽÊUÊnä{‡{Îx‡££ÓxÊUÊ«>«iÌiÀˆiÛ>°Vœ“

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Let the little things go arren and I started dating in the 11th grade at Varina D High school in Richmond. Twenty-five years later we are still going strong. We celebrate our 23rd on January 14, 2018. Marrying at such a young age (19) was frowned upon. I remember high school friends saying “they won’t last.” I laugh at those memories now. We have been through so much together, gains which taught us how blessed we are and losses which taught us that no matter what we still had each other, good health and our family. We have three children, a daughter-in-law and two precious grandchildren. It took our first 10 years to learn that life was better when we let the little things go. Arguing and fussing was a waste of our time. People seem to take marriage and divorce lightly these days. My thoughts are—it takes a lot of patience, respect for one another and hard work to make a marriage work but it is worth it. I could not imagine going through life without Darren by my side. %JAKL==(GJOGG< Hartfield

Darren and Kristee Norwood

Giving each other space

e know the secrets of a successful long term Wmarriage depend upon a deep trust in and respect for one another, always working together as a team, enjoying time spent with one another and giving each other space for each to be “who they are.” We were married on December 30, 1967, near Cleveland, Ohio. We just celebrated our 50th anniver- sary on December 30, 2017. DA;=9F<GF#E:MJ Alice and Don Imbur Heathsville

cBlissc$9FM9JQ  Love, patience and understanding

ove, patience and understanding each L other goes a long way in keeping a mar- riage together. We have been married 60 years, through good times, sad times, sickness and health. 'GFJG=9F<,GK=LL9$9JNAK Saluda

Monroe and Rosetta Jarvis

Long Marriages by Grid Michal, Urbanna

few years ago I got a r/c helicopter and have narrated the abysmal relation- Aship it and I have. That was followed by a learning controller that goes to the computer and is unbelievably realistic. I have made dozens of hundreds of above-and-beyond-perfect virtual take-offs, watched the planes (every type of plane offered, from British to Russian, Cub to acrobat, do rolls, Immelmanns, split-8s, loops, spirals. I have done vertical stalls where the plane eases right down to the grass on its tail looking just like a VTOL...and then I twitch, and to a plane, they become virtual junk. I had to create virtual folders for the virtual parts to keep them organized. Today I finally got a quadracopter to take off, fly, pretend to take pictures, then land precisely where I wanted it to. Unbelievable. So I finally opened the two-year-old, unopened box that had the ABSO- LUTELY UNBREAKABLE quadracopter that comes with spare props (unbreakable??), charged the battery, hooked everything up, followed the pictograms, but failed to remember that even though it said I could fly this in the house, it didn’t specifically say “MaryLou’s house.” I gripped it and turned the control set to ON. LEDs started flashing, the props started spinning, but not sequentially, nor the same speed, forcing the quad to angle, which led me to a Sherry and Brian Burr new discovery: one of four unbreakable, excruciatingly sharp props will always find a way to remove the skin from the top of your hand. You can escape three, but not four. As you try to escape, the control box falls to the floor, and as you’re trying to hold the copter and lean over the counter in the kitchen where you weren’t supposed to be in the first place, two of the blades get your hand before Love conditionally you can reach the controller. As you naturally release the offender, you discover he marriage lessons I have learned in our to your astonishment that the landing skids--one of, anyway--has hooked itself T 30-year marriage are give and take equals through the handle of the coffee cup that belongs to She Who Owns The House compromise; talk about everything, commu- and is happily ferrying it towards where the aforementioned She is loading the nicate, listen and learn from each other; work in the washer, oblivious to impending disaster. together, respect and trust each other; live in the At this point, the quadracopter operator discovers that a quick shut-down present—leave the past in the past; forgive mis- drops the half-full coffee cup into the laundry basket, where clothes were already takes, love unconditionally. wet. Just not as brown. The look I received from She Who Must Be Obeyed, who Life is an adventure with ups and downs, turns happens to also be She Who Owns The House was withering, to be succinct. and twists. I think life is pretty amazing with your The Sentinel was looking for letters saying how long marriages are made. life partner beside you all the way! Today just proved that antics like mine were the basis for my two failed mar- riages, and I should be forever grateful to MamaLu for being patient with a -@=JJQ9F<JA9FMJJ 72-year-old child. Patience: that’s the key to a long marriage. Or a bunch of short ones.

$9FM9JQ cBlissc The history of the 12 wedding tricks add ease to planning and fun wedding cake rides and grooms understandably feel a little spondence. The tall, tiered wedding cake B stress when planning their weddings. Adding D Use weights. These weights can be sewn — with or without toppers — is to the pressure is the fact that, according to a Wed- into to prevent fly-aways during outdoor cer- one of the most widespread wed- dingWire.com report, the average couple in their emonies or photoshoots. ding traditions in the western 30s spends $32,000 on their wedding. That is a lot D Keep bugs at bay. Spray chair and reception world. You’ve probably tasted of money riding on one day. table legs with insect repellent. Dryer sheets also a slice or two over the years, But planning a wedding can be even more fun can be tucked into inconspicuous spots to keep but what do you know about than it is stressful, especially for those couples who bugs away. the origins of this sweet nuptial employ a few tricks of the wedding planning trade. D Save money on favors. Unless the favor is custom? D Fake the cake. Save some money by asking the something to eat or something especially practical, Historians believe that the bakery cake artist to decorate a foam-tiered “mock” you may consider skipping the favors altogether, concept of wedding cakes can cake for pictures and display, and serve guests from as many guests tend to forget to take them home be traced back to ancient Rome. an inexpensive sheet cake in the kitchen. anyway. At that time, it was customary D Use labels. Once the guest list is finalized, D Use page markers for seating. Use multi- to break a wafer or loaf of sweet create a database of guests’ addresses. Print out two colored, self-sticking page markers to create easy bread over the bride’s head with pastry tower was, the happier sets of labels: One for addressing the invitations seating arrangements. Each color can represent a the goal of invoking happiness the couple would be. Sweet, tall, and the other to address the thank-you cards. category: His, Hers, Friends, Work. and fertility. In medieval Europe, tiered cakes like those seen today D RSVP tricks: Number the back of RSVP D Make a photo clothesline. A clever and wedding guests typically stacked in weddings across North Amer- cards and correspond the numbers to the guest list. inexpensive idea is to pin photos of the couple to small pastries as high as pos- ica only became commonplace If one or more responses is illegible, refer to the a string, cataloguing how they met and their time sible, and the bride and groom around the eighteenth century. number to figure it out. together leading up to the wedding. would kiss over the resulting Nowadays, bakeries create D Embrace inexpensive decor. Dollar stores and D Use loose flower centerpieces. Loose flowers pile of sweetness. The higher the wedding cakes that are true craft stores are great places to find inexpensive dec- in a vase are easier to sort and transport home for works of art. orative items. Empty wine bottles can be painted guests who want a memento. Make precut butcher’s A SYMBOLIC GESTURE Anything goes or glazed to serve as vases. Candle lanterns can be paper or cellophane available to make bouquets. when it comes picked up at low cost at many retailers. D Stock up on string lights. Lights can be The tradition of the wedding cake being to the shape, D Create an email address. To have all of the wrapped around trees outdoors, strung indoors sliced by the bride and groom dates back to flavor and color wedding-related details in one place, create a sepa- around windows or draped along buffet tables to the Middle Ages. The gesture symbolized the — and toppers rate email address exclusively for wedding corre- create a romantic ambiance. first action taken by the bride and groom as are no longer a legitimate couple. Traditionally, the groom limited to the rests his hand on the bride’s as a sign of ferti- tiny bride and lity and protection. groom model.

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