2014 fall bridal guide

8/11/2019 2014 Fall Bridal Guide

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Bridal Guide

Autumnal BeginningsThe fall wedding is rich in colors andthemes, and bride and groom choosevendors and services to make their day special. The Grapevine has tips andservices for couples to consider fromstart to finish.

Index of Advertisers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-3How You Proposed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-4Diamonds and Bands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-5Photographing the Day . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-6Mainstreet Vineland Wedding Weekend . . . .B-7Trends in Flowers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-8Wedding Reception Venues . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-10

C O N N E C T I NG Y O U TOO N N E C T I N G Y O U T O S O U T H J E R S E Y. W E E K LY.O U T H J E R S E Y W E E K LY

Ashlee and Alexander Symanski had anautumn wedding with a reception at theGreenview Inn at Eastlyn.PHOTO COURTESY ROBERT ALAN PHOTOGRAPHY

sFALL

2014


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T hey say that the more thingschange, the more they stay thesame. As cultures evolve and theirtraditions modernize and progress, in real-ity, they never totally forego conventionbut only update it as needed. Marriage is akey example. For thousands of years, loveand marriage have formed the foundation

of civilization, as people have committedand pledged to live their lives as one.

In the U.S., the wedding industryremains a multi-billion dollar business,despite economic twists and turns since2008. TheKnot.com and TheWedding Channel.coms 2013 Real Weddings Studyof 13,000 member brides and groomsrevealed that although many couples elim-inated some long-held traditions as theyplanned their nuptials and reception, theymaintained others. The polling data

included those couples whose weddingstook place from January to December

2013. Going forward, tradition versus con-temporary will impact bridal decisions. Atpresent, 74 percent of couples marrying live together before the wedding day. Sincethe average age of first-time brides andgrooms is higher than in past decades,their familiarity with one another isgreater and they plan events together.

Todays couples are customizing their ritu-als, and receptions are more likely to

reflect their individual lifestyle.Other detours from convention include

fewer couples marrying in a religious insti-tutionnow at 33 percentand more casu-al receptions. Instead of one main affair,couples are choosing to spread their moneyamong multiple events like rehearsal din-ners, after-parties or day-after brunches.

The average wedding pricetag nowaverages approximately $30,000, withalmost 25 percent of the couples not work-ing from any budget at all. For that money,couples are combining the traditions of aceremony and reception with moderntechnology. They use their mobile devicesand social media sites to spread the wordabout their plans. Whether through elec-tronic or instantly printed save the datenotices, or advertising updates on a per-sonal website, printing every detail hasbecome obsolete for many couples.

Technologically savvy brides and

grooms may choose to save money bygoing online and selecting wedding invita-tions that they can customize and print.Joanne Buckalew of Phoenix BusinessForms in Vineland has not printed a wed-ding invitation in some time. Buckalewsays, Many brides seem to be using online services, buying pre-packaged invi-tations at crafts stores or getting invita-tions included in the wedding packagefrom their chosen venue.

However, printing professionals do cau-

tion against the potential pitfalls. If some-thing is delayed or damaged, established

invitation vendors have the clout to advo-cate and correct the problem quickly whileprivate buyers may face few options.

Also, if the wording is too familiarwhile proofreading, spelling or grammati-cal mistakes may be easily overlooked.When ordering online, a re-do may provemore costly than if originally orderedfrom an established invitation vendor witha trained eye for detail.

High-end stores still stock multiplebooks from printing houses thatpersonalizeinvitations, but fewer customers seemtoselect traditional ivory paper stock and onlyblack ink anymore. Even when on a budget,

Couples are incorporatingsomething old, something new

into wedding day planning.{ BY SHARON HARRIS-ZLOTNICK }

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Bridal Guide FALL 2014

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Cheri Jo and Tremayne Wise chose Massosin Glassboro as a venue for their weddingreception. PHOTO COURTESY ROBERT ALAN PHOTOGRAPHY

Christina Marrero poses for a bridal portrait.PHOTO COURTESY ROBERT ALAN PHOTOGRAPHY


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FALL 2014

How You Proposed MarriageA few weeks ago, we asked you to share your unique wedding proposals and we

received these two great stories. If you didnt get yours in, send it to us for our next

Bridal Guide in March. Please e-mail photo and text to [email protected].

When She Least Expected ItI am terrible with secrets,

and I am not necessarily themost romantic guy in the world.I always told her that it wouldhappen when she least expectedit, especially after being togetherfor four years. Unbeknownst toDena (Basetti), months beforethe big event I began designingher unique engagement ringwith the help of Caleb fromDeSoto Jewelers. I had askedher fathers permission prior tocontacting two of her bestfriends to help me pull it off.I wanted it to be absolutelyperfect. It was on Thursday,September 29, 2011. We haddinner reservations in AtlanticCity. I was late getting home from work, which isnt too unusual for me. She wasalready upset. It was all part of my plan! While we were out, her friends came toour house and decorated it to the nines with rose petals, candles, champagne,chocolates and a huge bouquet of roses where the trail of rose petals ended. Theentire evening I kept my cool. All with her ring in my pocket. My friends kept call-ing to ask if I had popped the question yet. I would talk really loud so shewouldnt hear the other end of the conversation. I decided I couldnt wait any longer.I pulled the old I have to go to the bathroom trick so we could head home. Whenwe got there, she looked through the window to see if our dog was on the chairwaiting for us. I thought for sure she had seen my set up. We walked in and thereawaited the most amazing surprise of her life. She turned around to see me onone knee, holding her diamond, asking her to marry me. She burst into tears, saidYES! and I scored some major brownie points! Blaise Menzoni, Millville

Not Up in the Air,She Said Yes

I proposed on August 10thto my girlfriend of five years,Stephanie Bowser. A goodfriend of mine is a pilot, and Ihad been telling Stephanie formonths that he wanted to takeus up in his plane for a casualsightseeing tour around SouthJersey. The day before we tookoff I spray-painted the wordForever in 15-foot-tall letterson my brother's grassy back-yard. We took off from MillvilleMunicipal Airport and flewover North Vineland until wewere over my brothers proper-ty. She looked down and sawthe spray-painted word andwhen she looked back to me, I

had the ring in my hand. Shesaid yes!Mike Harkins, Vineland

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couples may now choose from a wealth of

paper stock colors and styles. The inkshades for the text may be varied to contin-ue a couples color scheme for their entirewedding party and reception stationery.

What has really changed wedding plan-ning is social media. The old ways of onlyrequesting advice from local friends andrelatives, or skimming through bridalmagazines, have disappeared.

DIAMONDS AND BANDSTechnology has even revolutionized

something as personal as buying a diamondengagement or wedding ring. As an inde-pendent seller, Dondero Diamonds andFine Jewelry of Vineland has guided cou-ples since 1948. Co-owners Ken Donderoand Kevin Kleiner have found that youngerbrides, in their 20s to 40, have taken tech-nology and social media to a new level.

Dondero claims that by utilizing elec-tronic media, TheKnot.com and otherwedding vendors may directly reach theircustomer base and display visual imagesand ring styles. His shop has embracedtechnology by providing an iPad tabletdevice right in the store.

Dondero says, The iPad has changedhow we do business. Our customers maydo research and look at online cataloguesright in the store. Or, if the couple showsus an image of a ring from a vendor thatwe do not currently use, we can contactthat supplier with more information.

The art of ring design has become sohigh-tech that copies are easily made. Forexample, Dondero describes a customerwho used her cell phone to photograph aring on someones finger. She then e-mailed

it to them. Donderos in-house sketch artistwas able to use that photo in creating adesign.

Despite this technology, Donderoclaims that couples are still mixing muchof the old-time metalwork filigrees andengraving designs with modern setting concepts. They also occasionally use theoriginal diamonds and gold.

It is heartwarming to see the time-hon-ored flair of many pieces being retained.Everything seems to come back in style, butI hope that excludes the 1970s. Who reallywants to see those styles again?

The technology is great for research-ing, cross-checking and the e-mail trans-fer of ideas and information, but in theend, it must be what the couple likes.

Jewelry is not a high-tech industry andthere is no half-life. It is a major commit-ment that takes time, Dondero states.

He says that the grooms are no longerbystanders. Instead, they want to activelyparticipate. About half of the grooms comein alone; the other half visit the shop withtheir fiances. However, these grooms arenot coming in blind. Their final solo visitmay come after multiple visits together,giving the grooms lots of information.

What are couples buying these days?Round stones continue to dominate andhold their value the most, followed by aprincess cut. Donderos also stocks loosediamonds and has 300 to 400 mounting designs that emphasize the stone. Whitemetals, like white gold and platinum,

account for 90 percent of the rings sold.An average ring, sized at three-quarters toone carat, can cost $2,500 to $3,000.

Dondero offers competitive pricing andlayaways/payment plans. For the bestdeals, if possible, he advises couples to tryto buy their diamond ring almost any timeother than November and December.

Unlike the finite aspects of the wed-ding day, engagement and wedding ringsare enduring. Dondero says, We must lis-ten beyond the technology to what ourcustomers say. I am a co-owner, but Iunderstand that the next person whowalks through our door is my boss whowill tell me what they want.

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Christine and Christopher Levari chose aharvest theme last fall to complement theirfarming lifestyle. PHOTO COURTESY T&F CAMERA

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PHOTOGRAPHING THE DAYJust as the engagement and wedding

rings last far beyond the wedding day, sodoes the photography. Mer-MadePhotography owner Meredith M. Winneropened in Long Beach Island in 2012, butsuffered Hurricane Sandy storm damage.Following multiple moves, Winner hassettled on a 30-acre Cumberland Countyfarm and now photographs weddings andevents across the tri-state area. Winneroften incorporates the water into her pho-tography, starting with the name and Mer-Mades tagline, Unique as a Pearl, todescribe how she views each bride.

As a featured photographer onTheKnot.com, Winner has attracted newbusiness through social media outlets viacomputers or smart devices. She says,Unlike years ago, todays bride accessesinformation through the Internet and e-mail. Much of a brides preliminaryresearch helps expedite how they findvendors. While we appreciate the person-al recommendations from our satisfiedclients, we are booking many weddingsbecause of social media.

Regardless of age, sites like Pinterest,

Twitter and Facebook connect ideas,choices and creative planning like neverbefore. First-time brides may use all three,but all our brides at least have a Facebookconnection.

Winner claims sheis known for herunique approach and personalized a la cartepricing. Considering herself an event pho-tographer, Winner also shoots the peripher-al bridal events like showers and engage-ment parties. These wedding and additionalreceptions may be onlocation orat a venuewith sentimental meaning to the couple.

Ideally, to book our services I recom-mend a minimum of six months. However,we do write contracts up until the daybefore the wedding. If we are available,well be there, says Winner.

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Bethany Mangle shares a moment with herparents on her wedding day.PHOTO COURTESY ROBERT ALAN PHOTOGRAPHY

Bridal Guide FALL 2014 s

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Wedding Weekend In Downtown VinelandThe ultimate shopping experience for brides

and grooms, with the chance to win some greatgrand prizes, returns to downtown Vineland whenDowntown Wedding Weekend comes to LandisAvenue for the fourth consecutive year.

Sponsored by Main Street Vineland,Downtown Wedding Weekend will feature approx-imately a dozen downtown businesses and willoccur, rain or shine, on Saturday, September 27 ,from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Landis Avenue. Findeverything from gowns and formal wear, shoes,and jewelry to flowers, limousine services, bank-ing, bakeries, and restaurants at this event.

Brides and grooms who register at half theparticipating vendors along Landis Avenue will be eligible for three prizes,which include a $250 gift certificate from DeSoto Jewelers and approximately$750 in gift certificates from other participating businesses.

This is an exciting way to bring together our downtown businesses and toshow brides, grooms, and everyone the array of shopping choices in downtownVineland, said Brian Lankin, Main Street Vineland Promotions CommitteeChairperson, pictured here with the registration form/map in his downtownshoe store, Als Shoes.

Maps to help people locate participating businesses will be available at anyof the businesses. Most businesses will be participating from their own locationswhile others will have booths set up at other locations on Landis Avenue.

Part of the mission of Main Street Vineland is to help downtown mer-chants, including how to market themselves, said Main Street VinelandExecutive Director Russell Swanson. Downtown Wedding Weekend servesthis purpose and also makes the public aware that downtown Vineland has avariety of businesses to serve all your needs.

For more information, call the Main Street Vineland office at 856-794-8653,visit the organizations website at www.mainstreetvineland.org, or visit them

on Facebook.


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Even how couples choose to rememberand commemorate their wedding day haschanged. Special-order products haveoften replaced albums, which many bridesfind cumbersome. Some photographersclaim that in addition to a traditionalalbum, parents album and portrait, theyhave developed flash drive packagesthat cost far less. The flash drive and pre-view book allows couples to select theirfavorite shots and then design their ownalbum, using a professional service.

TRENDS IN FLOWERSFlowers and decorations are also a per-

sonal, emotional choice. Many brides,especially younger women, are not con-tent to let industry experts dictate theirdecisions just because an idea is trendy.They often prefer to get feedback and sug-gestions from their peers who may behundreds of miles away.

Social media has advanced the commu-nity forum concept and elevated the dis-cussion. Brides and grooms may easilysend out a question about a vendor or dec-orating idea and instantly receive honestrecommendations or warnings from thosewith experience.

Floral preferences have definitelychanged, says Antons Florist owner BobZadra. After working at the shop as anemployee for 32 years, Zadra purchasedthe company in 2009. He says he hasexperienced great variations in wedding trends.

Zadra recognizes the obvious differ-ences in the conduct of his businessbecause of modern technology. Althoughhe offers expert advice and opinions, many

couples already have specific ideas of whatthey want before they enter his studio toplan their ceremony and reception. Theyhave used the Internet to gather informa-tion to design a unique wedding day.

I do about 125 weddings throughoutsix southern New Jersey counties eachyear. This past summer, we were handling

two to three each weekend.Todays brides and grooms can steer

clear of what everyone else is doing andcreate a memorable, more personal event.Almost half of the brides approached mewith ideas of trends they heard of onsocial media sites like Pinterest. About 90percent bring in pictures taken from thatsocial media, says Zadra.

Many of his first-time brides are nowolderin their mid to late 20sthan in thepast. While a significant group still defersto his expertise, Zadra says that a large per-centage of brides are much more definitivein their ideas, choosing unusual conceptsfor weddings at almost any type of venue.

He states, One popular new trend overthe past year is the use of natural, rusticmaterials in centerpieces and bouquets.

For centerpieces, we are incorporating alot of wood. It is used for wooden boxesfilled with flowers or slices of logs as ariser with the arrangement on top. Wehave even placed 12-inch logs on the floorto line the processional path with flowerson top. Another natural presentation isusing bales of hay.


Rachel and Daniel Krause at Padre Pio

Church in Vineland. She chose a non-traditional bouquet of sunflowers andhydrangeas.PHOTO COURTESY ROBERT ALAN PHOTOGRAPHY

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Zadra is amazed at the demand andpopularity of burlap. He buys it in bulkyardage and then cuts it for the specificmeasurements.

He says, We are using burlap to wrapthe bouquets and boutonnires. We cutthem, but for some brides, even a frayedlook is fine. For them, the more rustic thebetter. Many of the younger women wanttightly packed flowers without any foliageshowing in their bouquets. I remember

one bride who wanted a burlap runner.Mason jars are another new trend. Thebrides provide the small Mason jars forZadra to decorate and arrange on thetables. He says, I have used so many thatI think I want to buy stock in Mason jars.

Grooms have taken an active role, nolonger content to just show up for theparty. They want their own boutonniresto reflect their personal interests. Somehave even asked for designs that representhobbies like fishing or hunting.

However, Zadra is pleasedthat a large

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Bouquets andBoutonnieres

Did you ever wonder why bridescarry flowers? Throughout historyflowers have been a part of veryspecial occasions and they havealways been associated with love.

Wedding flowers can be simpleor elaborate, depending on both

the brides taste and pocketbook.The style of bouquets varies fromsmall, tightly gathered bouquets ofone kind of flower, usually a rose,to a long, graceful and beautifulcascade of many different seasonalflowers. The small bouquets oftenuse more flowers, so might bemore costly. Wildflowers, herbsand garden flowers when in seasonare also quite popular. Ribbons,bows, and streamers of tulle oftenadd style or accent to the weddingbouquet.

Brides have customarily carriedbouquets of white because it sym-bolizes the celebration of a specialday, as well as purity. Today, colorsare often added to the bouquet, tomatch the season or the colors ofthe bridesmaids dresses. Rosesmay be mixed in the brides bou-quet, as these flowers have alwaysbeen a symbol of love.

It is said that in ancient times

the groom would bestow the bridewith a bouquet of flowers as sheapproached him on their weddingday and she might choose a flowerfrom this bouquet to hand back tohim. Some think this is how thegrooms boutonnire came about.

Lorraine Kiefer

Lorraine Kiefer, local garden writer andteacher owns and operates Triple OaksNursery and Florist. www.tripleoaks.com


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percentageof his bridal couples still ask fortraditional flowers and arrangements. Hesays, Hydrangeas, roses and lilies in tallcenterpieces with pedestals are being mixedwith alternating riser heightsthat result inan interesting look around the room. Theweddings time ofday or type of venue doesnot impact these types of arrangements.

RECEPTION VENUESThe quality and appropriateness of the

venue is a critical element of any success-ful wedding party. Research shows morecouples personalizing the reception innontraditional ways by creating signaturewedding drinks, interactive food stations,redecorating the venue to fit a specifictheme and using a family member orfriend to officiate.

Ramada Vineland Event CoordinatorJanet Mahler Brown states that coupleshave made alterations to the 4,000-square-foot Regency Ballroom to fit their ideas.She says, One California couple recentlymarried in Vineland because it is theirhometown and they have family here. Toreflect the Jersey and California shores,

their beach theme decorations featuredsandcastles and a beach-styled cake.

Garden parties are another unconven-tional indoor reception theme. MahlerBrown says couples supply their ownflower-filled wooden boxes and picketfences.

She oversees more dinner wedding receptions since many of her bridal cou-ples are local and are familiar with theRamada. The Regency Ballroom accom-modates 150 for a sit-down dinner or a

buffet with maximum seating for 225.

Many couples have already dined hereat the hotel. They know the quality of thefood since our beautiful ballroom uses thesame chefs to cook for the restaurants andbanquets, Mahler Brown says.

Ramada Vineland offers three basic

buffet menus, with customization possi-


Antons Florist was founded in1973. Because of our Unique Style

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Whether youre dreaming of an intimate ceremony or a big production, isit a Friday Night Party, Sunday Jazz Brunch or Traditional Reception your

wedding should be as unforgettable as the two of you are.We can assist you every step of the way with our perfect locations, friendly staff and

beautiful banquet facilities all located in the Vineland area.At TowerHospitality Hotels we provide Genuine Hospitality, One Guest At A

Time, from your Bridal Shower, Rehearsal Dinner,Wedding Reception,After Wedding Brunch and of course Overnight Accommodations for your

Guests we will be your one stop shop and help you start a lifetime of happiness together and memories to always remember. Call us today for

your tour and to meet our Professional Wedding Team, dates still open for2014 book, and receive a Suite Certificate to spend your First

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Jayne Beers Kutsopias : Regional Director of Sales and MarketingPam Chamberlain : Regional Sales Manager

Jessica Nichols : Sales Coordinator

2196 West Landis Avenue Vineland, NJ 08360

2134 West Landis Avenue Vineland, NJ 08360

398 Smith Street Vineland, NJ 08360

Details are what make a wedding unique.PHOTOS COURTESY MER-MADE PHOTOGRAPHY

Christina and Brian Saccomanno didnt allow the weather to dampen spirits on their special

day. Even when its raining outside, you can still go out and take extraordinary photos.PHOTO COURTESY ROBERT ALAN PHOTOGRAPHY


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120 Broad St. Elmer NJ 08318856.358.1029

www.savannahsgarden.com

ble. Mahler Brown emphasizes that cou-ples only have to tell her what they needand want. She promises that the staff willdo all they can to make it happen.

The pricing includes several diverseplatter selections over one sit-downentree, plus tax and 20 percent gratuity.

When selecting a menu, the days of plainfish, chicken or beef are out. Selectionsthat address costs, tastes, dietary require-ments and environmental issues are in.Executive Chef Bill Lopez ensures thatdietary restrictions are never a problem.

Our more mature brides usually stillchoose traditional sit-down dinners, butour younger brides often select our mid-priced buffet, saving enough to keep AuntMary on the list. They would rather adjustthe menu than exclude anyone important.

Other economic trends have emerged.Some couples spend their money on horsdoeuvres and light desserts to comple-ment their wedding cakes. We are getting more requests for beer, wine and sodabars that totally eliminate liquor. Somecouples have even decided to remove allliquor, only offering a soda bar or iced teaas beverages. We do not charge any penal-ties for not including a bar, unlike someother properties, says Mahler Brown.

As couples from different backgroundsexchange vows, some interesting opportu-nities have presented themselves at wed-ding venues. Tower Hospitality, Inc. of Vineland , owned by locals Henry andEdward Roth, operates four hotels andthree restaurants.

Regional Director of Sales and Marketing Jayne Beers Kutsopias explains that cou-ples are bringing their diversity into thewedding planning. She says that TowersHampton Inn & Suites hotel is the bestsuited for larger parties. The intimate1960-square-foot ballroom comfortablyseats 135 to 150.

Unlike in years past, we see couples soproud of their respective heritages thattheir decor and food choices represent theblending of their communities. We useMassos Catering of Vineland for ourfunctions because they are able to preparemultiple types of delicious ethnic cuisine

for our weddings, says Beers Kutsopias.Several factors may determine whether

a wedding reception follows a more tradi-tional or non-traditional route. The dayand time play an important role, as do theages and finances of the bride and groom.

Beers Kutsopias says, A younger bridemay feel she does not want to do thingsthe way her mother once did. However, if the couple is receiving any parental finan-cial assistance, the older generation mayhave significant input into keeping the

arrangements more traditional.Nontraditional, cost-effective secondweddings can also maintain their eleganceand class. Many couples are opting to hosta Friday evening cocktail reception or aSunday jazz brunch rather than aSaturday event. They often feel that if theyare going to do it unconventionally,theyre going all the way.

The decision often has little to do withpricing because Beers Kutsopias says thatin addition to the bar expenses for aFriday night, serving multiple hors doeu-vres for four to six hours can cost morethan a plated dinner. She may advise themto economize by changing to smaller foodstations after the first hour.

As for Sunday brunches, couples fre-quently want lighter dishes and desserts.The customary wedding cake may bereplaced by sundaes, cupcakes or lighterpastries. Beers Kutsopias says there canstill be a token wedding cake, but thefigures on top may now be anything fromracecars to animals and tree bark for anatural look. I


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Voted Vinelands Best of the BestFine Dining & Italian Restaurant

Receptions ShowersRehearsal Dinners and more

Sit Down or Buffet AvailableWe can customize a package to

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856.692.2011 maplewood3.comMon.Thur. 49:30

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Newly Renovated Banquet Room

New Party PackagesDinner or Luncheon

Off premises catering available

Courtney and Victor Robles from Vineland had both ceremony and reception at LuciensManor. At left, the bride is walking up behind the groom in a new trend where the couplehas a "reveal" before the ceremony. After this first look, they do all of the portraits sothat when the ceremony is done they can go right into the reception.PHOTOS COURTESYROBERT ALANPHOTOGRAPHY

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State of the Art Ballroom that can accommodate up to 250 guests witha full-size dance oor. Featuring an outdoor ceremony area for

weddings on premises and beautiful outdoor patio for cocktails andhors doeuvres before the reception.

Catering available for off-site events. Exquisite private bridal party suite with private bathroom for the bride and herbridesmaids. Rooms also available for bridal showers, baby showers, birthdays, sweet sixteens, quinciaera, holy communions, conrmations, bar mitzvahs, bat mitzvahs, class reunions, retirement and funerals. Ballroom can

accommodate over 300 without the dance oor for conferences, meetings, demonstrations, events, etc. Call for details.

Come dine with us at the Greenview Inn, Vinelands newest gourmet restaurant. Open for dinner WednesdaySunday, 510 p.m.

and lunch 7 days, 11 a.m.4 p.m.

4049 Ital ia Ave. | Vineland, NJ 08361 | 856-691-5558 ext. 3

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