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A DAILY JOURNAL PUBLICATION | 2020

DAILY JOURNAL 1 WeddingWeddingWedding Reception ReceptionReception

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Not planning______a wedding... ──── ______YOURYOURYOUR WAY! DAY…WAY! our team offers the same WeddingcommitmentNotBrunch to planningyour corporate a Not planning a meetingswedding… or any upcoming our team Let our dedicated wedding event______youwedding… are planning. our team Let YOURour dedicated WAY! wedding offers the same offers the same coordinator handle the details…. Not commitmentplanning a to your coordinator handle the details…. wedding… ourcommitment team to your Our teamLet is our committed dedicated to creating wedding the wedding corporate meetings or offers thecorporate same meetings or Our teamcoordinator is committed handle to creatingthe details…. the wedding commitmentany upcoming to your event reception of your dreams! Call today to schedule HILTONany upcoming event receptionOur team of your is committed dreams! to creating Call today the wedding to schedule corporate youmeetings are planning.or any upcomingGARDEN youevent areINN planning. your tourreception of our of beautifulyour dreams! Call today facilities to schedule and your tour of our beautiful banquet facilities and you are5255 planning. Noggle Way overnightyour accommodations tour of our beautiful banquetto learn facilities how our and team overnight accommodations to learn how our team Indianapolis IN, 46237 can customizeovernight youraccommodations event within to learn your how budget. our team 317.888.4814 can customizecan customize your your event event within within your your budget. budget. HILTON GARDEN INN HILTON GARDEN5255HILTON Noggle INN GARDEN Way INN 5255 Noggle Way Indianapolis5255 NoggleIN 46237 Way IndianapolisHILTON IN 46237 Indianapolis IN 46237 317.888.4814GARDEN317.888.4814 INN 12210 N. Executive317.888.4814 Dr. HILTONHILTONEdinburgh GARDEN IN,GARDEN INN 46124 INN 12210 N Executive Dr. 12210 N Executive Dr. Edinburg812.526.8600hHILTON IN 46124 GARDEN INN Edinburg12210h N IN Executive 46124 Dr. 812.526.8600 Edinburgh IN 46124 812.526.8600 812.526.8600 January 26, 2020 Southside Wedding is pub- lished by the Daily Journal.

EDITOR Amy May

WRITERS Jon Shoulders, Jennifer Willhite

DESIGN Anna Perlich

For editorial content, con- tact Amy May in the Daily Journal special publications department at 317-736-2726 14 or by email at amay@daily- WEDDING CHECKLIST journal.net. 4 Countdown to the big day

For advertising content, 6 Wedding roles contact the Daily Journal 12 Wedding budget advertising department at 317-736-2730.

Southside Wedding, c/o FEATURES Daily Journal, 30 S. Water St. Suite A, Franklin, IN 46131 8 trends 28 Doggone fun © 2020 by AIM Media Indiana, LLC. All Rights Featured couple International Reserved. 14 30 Reproduction of stories, trends photographs and advertise- Types of invites ments without permission 20 Wedding guest is prohibited. Stock images 34 etiquette provided by Adobe Stock. 22 Ring trends

DAILY JOURNAL 3 COUNTDOWN TO THE BIG DAY

CHECKLIST To help you get a better understanding of how to plan a wedding and when you should be making certain decisions, here’s a time frame you can follow that should ensure that your wedding goes off as smoothly as possible.

10 to 12 Months Before 4 to 5 Months Before 1 to 2 Months Before If you haven’t done it already, this is a This is a good time to decide on wedding Schedule the first bridal- fitting. good time to announce your invitations, of which there are many Also finalize the readings you’d prefer and introduce your respective . styles to choose from. Also, now is ideal during the ceremony and mail them out Since most reception halls and churches to start hunting for a by to anyone who has agreed to do a reading. have busy wedding schedules, it is also sampling a number of different bakeries’ If your prefers to host a small important to book both as early as possi- cakes before ultimately making a decision. gathering for close family and friends ble, preferably at least a year in advance of Just to be sure, confirm that all of the after the wedding rehearsal, the night your wedding day. It’s also a good idea to have ordered their and before the wedding, this is a good time to start putting together a guest list around start looking for a tuxedo for the groom any food or drinks you might want this time and ask your parents whom as well as the groomsmen. If you haven’t to serve that night, or make a restaurant they’d like to invite as well. Also, since done so already, purchase your wedding reservation. your budget will determine just about ev- rings and let any other people you’d like ery aspect of your wedding, sitting down to participate in your wedding (ushers, and determining what you can spend and readers during the ceremony, etc.) know 3 to 4 Weeks Before developing a savings plan should be first of your intentions. and foremost. Confirm your arrangements and see if your wedding rings are ready. 2 to 3 Months Before This is also when you should get your 6 to 9 Months Before license and the guest list Finalize your guest list and mail out your to see who has and hasn’t RSVP’d. For This is the time when you want to start invitations. If your guest list includes those who have yet to RSVP, you might booking some services, such as a florist, a considerable amount of people who want to contact them so you can get a caterer, a DJ/band and a photographer. are spread out geographically, mail the closer idea of what the head count will be. However, some of the more experienced invitations as close to 12 weeks in advance You should also prepare and order your DJs and , as well as photographers, as possible. This is also a good time to fi- wedding program around this time. might have their schedules booked a year nalize your menu choices for your guests, in advance, so this might be something and find all your wedding accessories you’ll want to consider doing shortly after such as the ring pillow, candles, etc. Also, 1 to 2 Weeks Before you get engaged and choose a date. Also, since it is tradition to provide gifts for this is a good time to inform any guests those in the wedding party as well as the Get a final attendance count and submit who will be traveling significant distances parents of the and groom, this is it to the caterer as soon as you know of it, of the date of your wedding. The earlier a good time to decide on and purchase while also providing a final seating chart. your guests can book a flight, the less those gifts. Just to be safe, confirm that all Pick up the wedding gown and tuxedo. expensive that flight will be. groomsmen have ordered their tuxedos Make sure the wedding party picks up and finalize all transportation, both to and their attire. Also, finalize your vows and This is also a good time to order gowns for from the wedding and to the airport for confirm all wedding-day details such as both the bride and bridesmaids, as some your honeymoon. transportation, photo schedules and ad- manufacturers require a few months to . And don’t forget to pack for your ship to bridal shops. You might want to honeymoon. ask someone, such as your priest or rabbi, to be the officiant of your wedding. And much like out-of-town guests will save The Day Before travel dollars the earlier they learn of your wedding date, you will likely save money, This is mainly when you rehearse for the too, if you book your honeymoon around ceremony and make any final confirma- this time. tions you might have to make. Also, make sure to get some sleep so you’ll look good in all of your wedding-day photos.

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DAILY JOURNAL 5 CHECKLIST wedding party roles

Bridesmaids Groomsmen Along with walking in the Groomsmen are the male A wedding can be a wonderful and wedding procession, - equivalent of the bridesmaids, memorable experience for all of those maids attend the shower and typically having nearly iden- contribute to the bridal gifts. tical responsibilities. Some- involved. That’s why you ask friends Bridesmaids, who are typically times, groomsmen can act as or relatives to share in the event sisters or friends of the bride ushers for guests arriving at the or groom, also dance with the ceremony. Groomsmen walk in and serve in your wedding party. groomsmen during the recep- the wedding processional and Your offer is a wonderful honor, one tion. To be further involved, attend and help organize the each can be given specific roles, , as well. that carries with it varying degrees like reading a religious passage at the ceremony, providing of responsibility depending on the assistance with choosing Ring Bearer wedding vendors or helping to role each person will be playing. Like the , the ring address wedding invitations. To help you decide whom to ask to bearer is a very young member of the family, only the ring be in your wedding party, here is Flower Girl bearer is a male. The ring a list of titles and responsibilities If the bride has a sister who is bearer’s role is to carry a pillow especially young, that sister with the rings sewn on it for each participant’s role. typically fills the role of flower during the processional. Some girl. Since most flower girls couples choose to have the ring are very young, their respon- bearer and the flower girl walk sibilities are generally limited next to one another during the to carrying a basket of flowers processional. during the processional and, depending on the bride’s pref- Maid of Honor Best Man erence, tossing flower petals on Parents of the Groom The maid of honor is a role typ- Perhaps the most well-known the ground to mark the bride’s ically filled by a sister or a very responsibilities of the best entrance. The groom’s parents should close friend. It is the equivalent man are organizing the host a prior of the groom’s best man. The bachelor party and giving the to the wedding. They may maid of honor’s role, therefore, toast at the reception. But the Parents of also choose to contribute to is typically very involved. best man, who is typically a the Bride the wedding if they desire. In Among her many responsibili- brother or best friend of the The bride’s parents may be most cases, the groom’s parents ties, the maid of honor accom- groom, also has a slew of other responsible for hosting the have limited responsibilities, panies the bride on shopping responsibilities. In addition wedding, if they will be com- but can be involved as much trips for her to helping the groom choose pletely financially responsible as the wedding couple would while also planning the bridal his tuxedo and get dressed for the event. In some cases, like. Traditionally, the groom’s shower, and before the wedding, the best the father of the bride escorts confers with the bride’s coordinating the bridal party man coordinates the couple’s his daughter down the aisle mother on what color gown she gift for the bride. Also, the gift from the groomsmen and alone, but in other instances or is wearing, so as not to go with maid of honor helps the bride takes care of the ’ in religious ceremonies, both the same shade. The groom’s get dressed on her wedding transportation to the airport parents may accompany the parents may walk down the day, holds the groom’s wedding after the reception or the next bride. In all cases, it’s her pref- aisle in advance of the rest of ring during the wedding and morning. The best man may erence. The mother of the bride the wedding processional and may also help in the writing also hold onto any payment may help fund or contribute take their seats. of invitations. The maid of that’s due to the reception site to the planning of the bridal honor will also typically act as or the donation for the house of shower if the maid of honor a witness to the wedding and worship, and take care of any needs assistance. These parents dance with the best man at the final financial details. He also may also foot the cost of an reception. If the woman you’re holds the bride’s wedding ring or dinner to asking is married, her title will during the ceremony. meet the groom’s family. be matron of honor.

6 Content by Metro Creative wedding party roles

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DAILY JOURNAL 7 REHEARSAL

After saying yes, women begin search for ideal gown

STORY BY JENN WILLHITE

8 For brides-to-be the journey to Current trends for dresses range from the clean, simplistic lines of a traditional style to the free and find the perfect wedding dress flowing whimsy of boho chic. Traditional dresses generally follow a distinct can often feel like an endurance shape, like a sweetheart gown or fit-and-flare design, says Alyssa Klein, manager of Sophia’s challenge. When it comes to Bridal and Tux in Columbus. Materials, such as Csatin and chiffon, as well as sleeves and high neck- picking the right gown, area lines help to define the traditional style and are all trending right now, she says. experts agree it is wise to go “The dresses offer very clean lines, and it is very clear who the bride is,” she says. “It is those types of with one that best expresses the styles that are timeless.” Vanessa Wahl, manager of The Wedding Studio in bride’s style and makes her feel Greenwood, says the traditional style is enjoying a her most beautiful. newfound popularity since Meghan Markle, Duch- ess of Sussex, wore a simple yet elegant gown when she walked down the aisle in 2018 to marry Britain’s Prince Harry. Wahl says the duchess’s personal style speaks to how up-to-date she is when it comes to . And her sleek choice appeals to brides. “I think once she had that gown on, that is when

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DAILY JOURNAL 9 everyone said they wanted to go clean,” Wahl a rustic setting like a barn, the same dress says. “I think people are trying to get away would work in a heavier material. from what is trending and have something “A lot of designers are producing gowns where they can look back and not think, that fit that niche,” Klein says. “I really ‘Why did I wear that?’” seeing the creativity that goes into those “I really love seeing On the opposite end of the spectrum is the bohemian style gowns that are so different carefree flair of bohemian style. Wahl says but still clearly a wedding dress.” the creativity that goes boho is still very much in style even though it Some dresses even incorporate Chantilly debuted on the West Coast a few years ago. “I lace, Wahl says. Yes, that same antique lace into those bohemian think what is a little hard about the Midwest that graces your grandmother’s dining room style gowns that are so is we are the last to get trends,” she says. table runner. Boho offers an ethereal, softer edge with Brides who have their hearts set on matching different but still clearly a many dresses accentuated by floral lace their dress to their wedding theme or venue and fringe that are easily adaptable for any should not only consider the material the gown wedding dress.” wedding. A style that is light and flowing is made of, but also the details of the dress, would be appropriate for an outdoor summer such as beading, length and type of hemline. Alyssa Klein wedding, and for an autumn wedding in “If you are getting married on the beach,

10 I’m thinking light and flowy, like an A-line applique pop, like a 3-D effect.” dress with spaghetti straps, some beading Whether buying off the rack or special or- up and a chiffon bottom,” Wahl says. dering, Klein cautions brides about waiting “If you want to do something like Union too long to find a dress because it will inev- Station or the Scottish Rite Cathedral, then itably need some type of alteration that can that is where the clean dress comes in.” take upward of three months to complete. When considering color, the days of stark Brides want to have something that is white bridal gowns may be in the past. Most going to showcase them rather than just the brides shy away from the traditional white dress, Wahl says. Once they find the right once they see how bright it is, Wahl says. one, even though they may try on others, Many opt for a shade that works best with they always come back to that one, she says. their skin tone, Klein says. “I think the best advice I can give to brides “Every time we get a new selection of is to be very open,” Klein says. “Nine times out gowns, we are getting new colors,” Wahl of 10, brides will buy the dress they initially says. “The dresses have a darker color un- said they didn’t want. You never know when derneath and then lace applique so you still you are going to fall in love with your dress. get a white feel to it, but we get to see the So always be prepared for that to happen.”

DAILY JOURNAL 11 wedding total wedding budget CHECKLIST budget $

Ceremony Flowers

Location fee______Ceremony______

Officiant fee______Bride’s bouquet______Marriage license______Bridesmaids’ bouquets______Rings______Corsages & boutonnieres______Pillow______Reception centerpieces______

Total Ceremony______Flower girl basket______

Bathroom arrangements______Reception Total flowers______Reception site______

Food______Photography

Drinks______Photographer’s fees______

Rentals______Videographer’s fees______

Cake______Total photography______

Favors ______Transportation Total Reception______

Limousines______Attire Buses/transport for guests______

Gown______Total transportation ______

Headpiece/veil______Stationery /hosiery______

Shoes______Invitations______

Accessories______Calligraphy______

Jewelry______Postage______

Makeup______Thank-you cards______

Hair______Total stationery______

Tuxedo______Gifts Shoes______

Cuff links______Wedding party______

Men’s grooming______Parents______

Total attire______Other______Total gifts______Music Honeymoon Ceremony musicians______

Band/DJ______Accommodations______

Extra musicians______Food______Total honeymoon______Total music______

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DAILY JOURNAL 13 featured couple

14 ENDURING

Newly married Urbans spent many years getting to know each other

Story by Jenn Willhite Photos by Emily Stewart, Dirt Darlin Photography

DAILY JOURNAL 15 Amy and Ty Urban’s love story goes back more than two decades to a kindergarten classroom where the two first met. “I always kind of had a crush on her through elementary school,” Ty admits. “When we got to middle school she started having a crush on me, and I wouldn’t give her the time of day at that point.” And as with all young love that goes through ups and downs, their paths converged again in high school when they began between their sopho- more and junior years in August 2010. In September 2016, they began looking at engagement rings together because Amy knew their styles would be different, she says. “After looking at rings, I said I wouldn’t be that person who would bug him about when he would propose,” Amy says. “So I had no idea.” Flash forward to 2017. Looking back, Ty cites poor planning for his spur-of- the-moment proposal. Not too long after arriving at his family’s home for Easter, Ty had his little brother ask for Amy’s help in getting an Easter egg open. When she opened it, she found the ring, which has a diamond center stone that was his grandmother’s. “It was very sweet,” Amy says. “It is just funny how it wasn’t planned at all, and it worked out.” It wasn’t long after their engagement that the couple decided to book The Garment Factory in downtown Frank- lin for their wedding. “I wanted to get the venue out of the way so we would have our date,” Amy says. It was Aug. 3, the ninth anniversary of their becom- ing a couple. “The Garment Factory is beautiful by itself, so we knew we didn’t really need a theme, a lot of decoration or anything like that,” she says. Given Ty’s admitted tendency for procrastination, Amy took the helm

16 when it came to the planning. And it turned out to be a process that was remarkably painless. “I thought it would be a bridezilla type thing,” Ty says. “But it wasn’t. If there was anything I did want, she would always ask.” Laid-back by nature, they were able to agree on even minute details. Simple was their theme and approach. They married in a short ceremony on the lower level of the factory, reciting vows, which they wrote themselves, before Amy’s uncle, Steven David, an Indiana Supreme Court justice. “It was the most meaningful ceremony,” Amy says. When planning their reception they say they took into account others’ suggestions for elements to include. One thing was

elax and enjoy your stay!

Every couple wants their wedding day to be fun and free of stress. You hope your big day will be exactly the way you’ve planned. Maybe there’s a family tradition passed down from generation you want to keep, or cultures brought together R in a special way. You may want to break a few rules or combine ideas to make it your own.

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DAILY JOURNAL 17 certain: They didn’t want any breaks in the being overwhelmed. Amy says social media wedding, so planning the ideal timeline was was a great tool during the planning process essential. but suggests not using too many applications. Amy, who works as an accounts receivable “I only used Pinterest, and that was just to supervisor for Simon Property Group, says see others’ ideas,” she says. “I made a wedding organization throughout the planning pro- board and had it for years before, but as we cess was key, including spreadsheets to keep got closer, I made one called the ‘Real Deal’ track of her nearly one dozen bridesmaids, and only saved pictures of things I knew I guest list and vendors. wanted to incorporate.” Just as their ceremony was meaningful yet And if there is one piece of advice she has simple, so was the decor for the reception, to offer other brides-to-be who seek online held upstairs in the factory. Rustic chic with inspiration, it is to keep it simple. Don’t get an accent of steel blue complemented the in- too bogged down and only include those dustrial ambience of the factory with its steel ideas and expectations that are realistic, she and wooden beams, open ductwork and brick says. walls. Baby’s breath and greenery graced the To the guys, Ty says, play an active role in tables with mason jars and painted wooden the planning stages, don’t procrastinate and “The Garment Factory signs. certainly don’t get too anxious. Looking back Guests commented on one element that on his wedding day, Ty, who works as a storm is beautiful by itself, isn’t seen often. On display were the wedding water coordinator for the city of Franklin, so we knew we didn’t dresses their wore, accompanied by chuckles a little when he thinks about how framed wedding pictures and a sign that read, his nerves almost got the better of him. really need a theme, “All because two people fell in love.” “Declaring your love for someone else in The Urbans knew they didn’t want to spend front of 300 people, even though we know a lot of decoration or their reception visiting each table to greet and love them all, is pretty nerve-wracking,” everyone. Instead, after the ceremony the he says. “After the fact, it was like, ‘What anything like that.” newlyweds came back in and dismissed the were you so nervous about?’ It is so much rows of guests one by one, Ty says. fun when you are up there; don’t sweat it Amy Urban The newlyweds caution other couples about beforehand.”

18 DAILY JOURNAL 19 T T I N G T H S E E

By Katherine Roth | The Associated Press Invitations today reflect varying styles of celebrations

DESTINATIONS Whether formal or casual, wedding “One of the biggest trends we’ve been seeing are printed invitations these days are meant to set envelope liners, particularly for destination weddings. So if the tone for the celebration, reflecting you’re getting married on a beach, there are liners printed the themes of the weddings them- with seashells, or maybe light blue with waves,” says selves. Rachel Sylvester, senior lifestyle editor for Real Simple Heavier, more expensive papers re- magazine. flect fancy black-tie weddings. Simple Kyle Williams, lead merchant for wedding stationery at the textured invitations with interesting Chicago-based, design-oriented Paper Source, which has fonts reflect celebrations in a more 130 stores across the country, says, “Destination weddings contemporary style. And florals reveal are a huge trend now, and we’re responding with invita- more classically romantic events, tions that speak to various destinations, like beach scenes, experts say. or mountain vistas, or grapes and flowers for Napa Valley weddings.”

20 COLORS WEBSITES ECO-FRIENDLY No matter what kind of celebration Websites are a must now, experts “All of our paper is mostly recycled, it is, couples are becoming more agree, and can be mentioned on what- and that’s something people really creative with color, experts say. ever type of invitation you choose. expect now,” says Williams.

“You often see a color-on-color “Your website is a catch-all place “Plantable wedding invitations embed- approach to invitations, with a lot for wedding information that is very ded with seeds are a great sustainable of couples pairing blush pink with detailed, and an important way of get- option, as is vegetable-based ink. And orchid, for example. In addition to ting news about any last-minute event for those who want to go beyond pa- invitations, there’s an attraction to changes to your guests,” Sylvester per, there are even rustic-looking invi- a range of colors reflected in things says. tations made of thin, laser-cut wood,” says Sylvester, of Real Simple. like bridesmaids dresses, which are “It’s poor form to include anything increasingly in any array of related about your registration in your invita- “E-cards are certainly less expensive colors instead of all the same color,” tion,” she adds. “A wedding website is and more environmentally friendly, she says. a more appropriate place to include a but paper is by far more popular,” FLORALS and GREENERY link to a registry, if you go that route.” she says. “At the end of the day, aside from the photos, you have your dress “Florals and greenery are really It’s also a good place for links to maps and your invitation suite (invitations, working right now. It’s really more and hotels, and a place to post photos R.S.V.P. cards and thank you notes) about the execution. The trend after the event. started a few years ago with leaf that encapsulate who you are and motifs, and now we see it in lilacs, what the wedding was like, and will lavender and eucalyptus leaves,” remain a memento for years to come.” Williams says.

LUXE MATERIALS “When couples come in to look at invitations, paper quality is the first thing they look at,” Williams says, adding that thicker papers and fancy envelopes and liners are hot items.

“If it’s a black-tie wedding, for exam- ple, it’s top-quality thick paper and envelopes with a bit of shimmer,” he adds.

CRAFTY You can design and print your own invitations, use a professional designer or stationer, or go with an in-between option, using online retailers like Shutterfly or Minted.

If you decide to make your own, Sylvester recommends aiming for interesting calligraphy, or hiring a calligrapher to handwrite names and addresses beautifully for you. DJ-35023211

DAILY JOURNAL 21 22 PUT A

ON IT

Jewelers offer couples a variety of styles and colors to signify their love

story By Jon Shoulders

We’ve all heard the phrase “a diamond is forever,” but when it comes to the various styles, shapes, colors and textures of engagement rings and wedding bands, options are ever-changing and constantly growing. Whether you’re just starting your quest for that perfect ring or perhaps thinking about an upgrade or replacement, keep reading for some trends and tips to inform your search.

DAILY JOURNAL 23 Photos by Brittany McGee/McGee & Co. Fine Jewelers

Sleek chic ment rings are popular, anywhere from Doug Corbin, sales manager at Green- three-quarters to one carat at least,” wood-based McGee & Co. Fine Jewelers, she says. “People aren’t going for the says decorative, multifaceted engage- small ones anymore. I’m selling more ment rings have been all the rage in re- carat-plus than I do anything else in cent years, but he has seen an increasing engagement rings.” number of orders coming in recently for Like Corbin, Burton is seeing a de- more simple, streamlined styles, particu- creasing demand for busy, ornate styles “In the coming year we’re larly among young professionals. when it comes to engagement rings. “In the last 10 to 15 years, the vintage “I’m selling a lot of what we call the going to see ... a quieter, halo style has been the dominant trend,” Tiffany-style setting, where it’s very sim- Corbin says. “However, in the coming ple with no stones around it,” she says. “I more conservative setting. year we’re going to see ... a quieter, more think there’s a lot of attraction right now conservative setting. They will accent to simplicity and elegance, and we’ll see They will accent the the engagement ring with stackable-style more of that this year and probably next bands in multicolors that don’t neces- year.” engagement ring with sarily match. Instead of the real glitzy, Living color stackable-style bands in articulate stone, which is usually what Colored diamonds and gemstones halo is supposed to be, I’m starting to sell can provide a means for serious stylistic multicolors that don’t a much cleaner engagement ring.” expression or simple, subtle accents, and Tina Burton, co-owner of Columbus Steve Carothers, owner of Max’s Jewelry necessarily match.” Gold & Diamond, adds that sizable in Columbus, says the industry is start- stones are gaining in popularity moving ing to see more demand for color as 2020 Doug Corbin into 2020. “Right now solitaire engage- kicks off. After all, if a classic diamond

24 just doesn’t feel right, why not have some fun and go with something that reflects your individuality? “What’s nice about doing accent stones in color is that you can enhance a center stone that’s more traditional, or use those as part of a ring that’s very different and more non-traditional,” Carothers says. “We’re also seeing customers choose what we call choc- olate diamonds and some yellow and champagne colors, too.” Don’t forget that there are no rules for what you end up with. Explore colorful accent stones or side stones, and even less conventional metals like blackened platinum. Getting the band together Corbin says unadorned, minimal- istic bands have been popular among You may have noticed friends or col- men for nearly two decades now, leagues wearing colored silicone bands, although an increasing number of style and Corbin says you’ll probably see more options in tungsten and titanium have of these in the coming years, as men and led to rising interest in more creative women opt to use them during work, ex- designs and patterns. ercise and other active pursuits in order “The tungsten bands for men have to protect their actual engagement and been selling recently, and I think wedding rings from damage or theft. higher gold prices have something to “People are choosing those to put on do with that,” Corbin says. “There are during their active life or occupations,” probably more creative style options he says. “The manufacturers of these with the tungsten than the gold bands. silicone bands are making creative, Black tungsten bands are doing ex- nice-looking bands now instead of the tremely well, too.” plain black.”

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DAILY JOURNAL 25 Photos by Brittany McGee/McGee & Co. Fine Jewelers

26 Engage your search skills ness can help direct the rest of your search, bouncing off white walls and a white Don’t have time to visit a bunch of making it easier to decide on additional ceiling. Since diamonds, of course, act brick-and-mortar stores to begin your components like accent stones and shank like a cluster of little mirrors reflecting search? Start by getting out your computer shape. what’s around them, you might as well or mobile device and simply scouring the “If you know right off the bat that you try to get a sense of what your poten- e-landscape for ideas. want, say, a princess square stone, that tial ring will look like in a few different “Pinterest and Etsy, and other sites might dictate the rest of the ring’s look for contexts. along those lines, are what a lot of people you and make the other decisions easy,” Burton reiterates that while the setting are turning to, to find precisely what they Carothers says. “Of course you don’t have of an engagement ring is important in want,” Corbin says. “It helps because to choose the center stone as your first overall appearance, it’s not a bad idea [they] will show their significant other consideration, and other parts of the rings to put most of your search energy and just what they want, and there’s no stress you browse might speak to you.” resources toward the center stone. and anxiety when it comes time for the Also make sure to check out each ring “You can always reset it later,” she says. person to come into their local store to you’re considering under a few different “If you don’t know exactly what you’re buy.” lighting conditions — preferably dim looking for, you can always pick a setting Carothers says focusing on your ideal lighting, natural daylight and a diffuse and change it down the line if a different center stone shape as the first order of busi- lighting environment such as bright light style catches your eye later.”

DAILY JOURNAL 27 MY BEST

WEDDING

By Linda Lombardi | The Associated Press

When Kelly Curry was planning her “We had them there for every- Wedding-day pet wedding, she knew her dogs Char- thing except for the reception — for lie, Zoey and Izzy were going to be the pictures, and they walked down in it, and that her friends would with bridesmaids and groomsmen,” services can take expect no less. Curry says. “They’d be surprised if they One potential complication was the stress out of weren’t there,” says Curry. the elderly Charlie, who’d always The question was how to make it been a bit of a handful and had work. She happened to see a social- recently gone blind. “I explained to having a dog in media post about a pet wedding her that he had issues,” Curry says, service, Pawfect for You (“Wedding “and she gladly accepted to take Day Pet Care and Chauffeur”), him, and she did a great job with the wedding which offered to do it all: pick the him.” dogs up, wrangle them during the It’s hard for brides and grooms to event, and bring them home again find a friend who can handle their safely, letting the bridal couple enjoy pup all day on the wedding day, says their perfect day with no worries. Silva. “I thought it was a joke,” said “How do you coordinate this Curry, who was married in October when everyone you know is at your 2017 in Haddam, Connecticut. It wedding and anyone close to you wasn’t, and she got in touch with is in your wedding party? How Pawfect for You’s owner, Veronica can they go home, pick up the dog, Silva. bring the dog over for pictures,

28 coordinate how the dog walks down the aisle?” says Silva. “And then you’re stuck with, everyone’s sitting down for dinner, how can I get the dog back home without imposing on someone?” Having a dog in a wedding is about more than the dog. For one thing, it’s about timing. “Dogwalkers commit to a window, not a specific time, which is normally fine, but weddings are different,” says Silva. “Some of the timelines I’ve seen from professional wedding planners are down to the minute, and we have to be cognizant of that.” Lara Leinen, whose company, Doggy Social MN, services the Twin “One couple, their dog had a says. After all, “they’re busy getting Cities area and Wisconsin, had a severe case of anxiety,” she says. “So married.” previous career as a , we decided we’d only be there for And while many couples, like so she knows what goes into it. the first look and the pictures for 20 Curry, have their dogs walk down “I’m working on the back end with minutes — just the couple and their the aisle, there are also many who all the vendors to make sure the cou- dogs, no bridal party or anyone just have them there briefly for ple’s day is perfect,” for them and the else.” photos, and then the handler takes dog, she says. “I want it to be stress- Such sensible choices mean the them home. That may be a more free for everyone involved. I reach “pet” in a wedding is almost always limited sort of involvement, but it out and let them know who I am and a dog. Silva has had some inqui- might be the most important. what I’m doing and that if timelines ries about cats but no one’s gone “For most couples, one of those get off, let me know and we’ll roll through with it. Leinen has her first images with their dog in it — that with the punches.” feline wedding client scheduled for is going to be their favorite photo,” She makes sure the pet is getting May, with a cat who’s comfortable says Leinen. “Maybe not their fa- potty breaks, water, etc. “I’m con- riding in a backpack carrier. vorite moment — maybe later when stantly paying attention to the energy “And if at any point in time we they’re dancing alone with their of the animals and making sure that feel it’s too much for the animal, we significant other on their wedding they’re happy,” Leinen says. have the OK from the couple to back night will be the most significant The handler also helps ensure that out — we’re going to change course moment to them. But picture-wise, pets play their roles comfortably and and do something different,” she it’s the dog picture.” efficiently. “We walk around with chicken, cheese, turkey, proscuitto in our pockets,” says Silva. That helps with the photos in particular, especially with those tight timelines: “We need to make sure we’re not taking a DINNER & hundred shots trying to get the dog to SPECIAL EVENTS look at the camera.” LUNCH & TEA ROOM By reservation only Not so long ago, the idea of having for Dinner Rehearsals, your pet in your wedding might have A Lovely Place for Weddings, Receptions, sounded eccentric, but not anymore. and Bridal Showers Leinen feels that her clients make All Occasions! Also offering special occasion cakes, good choices based on knowing their cupcakes, and petit fours. pets. If they’re not up to crowds, the plan is made accordingly. 229 N. MADISON AVENUE ~ GREENWOOD, IN 317.888.8449 ~ SASSAFRASTEAROOM.COM

DAILY JOURNAL 29 30 traditionally

Report offers 14-country snapshot of wedding traditions

By Leanne Italie The Associated Press

DAILY JOURNAL 31 NEW YORK — In much of Europe newlyweds in 14 countries: Argentina, eymoon, for instance, though in parts and North America, September and Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, of South America, couples tend to stay October are peak months to get mar- France, India, Italy, Mexico, Peru, closer to home, Goodson said. ried. In Chile and elsewhere in South Portugal, Spain, the United Kingdom Wedding traditions vary widely America, wedding guests are familiar and the United States. by region in some parts of the world, with la hora loca, a wild late-night “One of the similarities that we including India, where a range of wedding party with masks, noisemak- saw across many countries was the cultures have their own flavors, and ers and . strong desire to put a personal stamp auspicious and good luck dates are More than two-thirds of U.S. cou- on a wedding,” said Lauren Good- chosen for ceremonies. For Hindu ples still seek a parent blessing before son, senior director of insights for weddings, for example, such dates are tying the knot, compared to less than parent company The Knot World- distributed in an annual calendar. 10% in Italy and Spain, while Colom- wide. “We see that springing up from But other aspects of weddings offer bian weddings have the lowest guest engagement all the way through to more commonality, such as fall being count at an average of 91, as opposed the ceremony, the reception and the a popular time to get married in the to 524 in India. honeymoon.” U.S., Spain, Portugal and elsewhere Those are just a few of the insights While personalization is a strong in Europe and North America due to in a report released in May by the trend, some longstanding traditions mild weather. In Europe, extended bridal site TheKnot.com and sister are common across the countries, she summer vacations are common, mak- sites WeddingWire.com and the Span- told The Associated Press ahead of ing wedding planning difficult. De- ish-language Bodas.net. The report the report’s release. An average of 78 cember is the top month for engage- is based on a survey of about 20,000 percent of those surveyed took a hon- ments in all countries except India.

32 Timelines for planning weddings couples, or 67%, ask for a parent blessing, family members also include Italy, where varied among respondents. Colom- compared to 14% in France, 8% Italy and they cover two-thirds of expenses, the bian couples had the shortest wedding 9% Spain. report said. planning period at seven months, “Seeking parents’ permission ahead The number of invited guests varies, followed by India and Chile at eight of time is one of the areas where we saw with smaller receptions, including those months. Goodson said countries some of the biggest differences,” Goodson driven by economic constraints. Some are where couples are less likely to live said. influenced by other factors. together before marriage tend to have In terms of wedding price tags, in “It’s actually a pretty big honor to be shorter planning timelines. Respon- Mexico it’s traditional to name a “pa- invited to a Colombian wedding,” Good- dents in the U.K. had the longest at 15 drinos” who serves as a type of sponsor son said. “It really says something to your months. for the engaged couple — often relatives, connection to that couple.” As for bride attire, those in the godparents or others with a special rela- While receptions are as personalized Americas and Europe continue to tionship to the couple, according to the as ever, great music keeps the party going embrace white dresses, with many report. It’s considered an honor to serve until the wee hours in such countries as personalizing their looks through in the role but there are big responsi- Chile and Peru, where a Latin American non-traditional silhouettes and acces- bilities, such as contributing to the cost tradition of la hora loca, or “crazy hour,” sories. In the U.K., Meghan Markle of the wedding or participating in the is popular. wasn’t the only one to rock a at ceremony. At one recent wedding in Santiago, her wedding: 22% of British brides In South America overall, Goodson Chile, a couple reported hiring gigantic wore one, Goodson said. said, couples tend to cover a hefty portion LED robots to blast in the air The traditional parent blessing of expenses. In Spain, parent contribu- while guests danced under neon lights, before engagement isn’t necessarily tions are much more substantial. In Peru, according to the report. Some of those widespread outside of the U.S., she Chile and Colombia, couples pay about surveyed said they take on la hora loca said. It’s less common in Europe, 55% of wedding costs, and a significant themes, like the pair who decided on cos- where couples will make the decision percentage take out loans or amass credit tumed characters from Super Mario Bros. to marry, then share the news with card debt to make it happen. to entertain guests and hand out , parents. Countries where couples see more beads and other wacky party favors. More than two-thirds of U.S. financial support from parents or other Now that’s a wedding.

DAILY JOURNAL 33 wedding guest

If your life is anything like mine, you’ve been invited to Consider going at least six weddings all happening within a four-month span, and you’re still trying to plan your own. And with each couple and their nuptials being unique, alone and know questions of what to wear or what to buy or whom to bring as a plus-one can run the gamut. how much to give Esther Lee, senior editor at The Knot, says some of the most common questions she receives from wedding-goers are around gifting and . By Christen A. Johnson | Chicago Tribune (TNS) Lee shares her expertise on some of the most boggling wedding questions, and offers some savvy ways to stay cool during that midafternoon outdoor ceremony, as well as other quick tips on how to survive this wedding .

34 really mean? Do you really have to abide by the given dress code? A: Guest should always abide by the dress code because it really does lend to the space or the aesthetics of the wed- ding. Formal suggests less fancy than , which is an after-5 p.m. cere- mony, usually held in a nice event space with dresses longer in length. Formal is more scaled back: You can wear a glitzy dress, but it doesn’t have to be a gown. For women, statement heels and a fancy clutch are really good for a formal occa- sion. Men should consider accessories like cuff links or a nice shoeshine. Semi- formal means a tuxedo isn’t required. In general, it’s better to be overdressed than to show up underdressed because you can always remove something. Show up looking really good in support of a couple.

Q: Any dress code tips for those attend- ing an outdoor summer wedding? A: Wear breathable, light fabrics like or cotton. For men, consider linen . It’s actually acceptable for men to forgo and wear boat or loafers. There are portable fans that attach to your phone and operate on batteries. It’s a nice touch if the couple provides it for The conversation has been edited for of thought (into it). Get a more thought- the guests. space and clarity. ful gift, even though it’s not as expensive. Do gifting early, and pick the lesser and Stay hydrated. Guests should drink Q: What’s the appropriate amount to smaller items. If you know other people plenty of water the day before, and cou- spend on a gift for a couple? Does it going to the wedding, go in as a group ples should provide a hydration station. vary depending on if you’re a single/ on a big gift, and you could save money dating couple/married? Q: Are there any benefits of coming to a that way. A: Lately, we’re seeing a range on wedding without a plus-one, especially how much guests are spending, but Q: What are some things people should if you’re single? it’s contingent on each guest and the keep in mind to be a good guest during A: A lot of singles who meet at weddings relationship with the couple. If you’re the ceremony and reception? end up marrying each other. About 16% going to a co-worker’s wedding, your A: Follow the rules. The couple makes a of singles connect on the dance floor spend might be less than if it is a family website for a reason. Abide by the dress somehow before they start dating, ac- member or best friend. We see couples code. Be on time. Just be a good guest. cording to our data, so you might meet spend between $100 to $400. Overall, it Those are basics. Couples put a lot of your future significant other. does depend on the number of wedding time into planning their wedding day. We Q: Anything else you think people events you’re attending. So if you attend highly encourage guests to be present should know? the and bachelorette, then and be there for all of the wedding and A: Overall, the biggest thing, as a guest, your overall wedding gift spend would reception. There is a lot of work that is buy off the registry. Follow the rules. If be less. went in to celebrate the couple’s love for the couple is asking you to be there, be the day. It’s their journey, and they chose Q: What are ways to save on a gift — present, be supportive. The last thing a you to be there. Be present. without completely forgoing getting a couple needs is a snarky wedding guest. gift — if you’re on a budget? Q: Let’s talk about those dress code They need the love and support of gra- A: So much of that is about putting a lot rules. What does “formal/semiformal” cious friends and family members.

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