summer bridal guidewdtimes.com/app/staff/summerbridal2019.pdf2 summer bridal guide july 2019 at the...

A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO July 2019

Summer Bridal Guide

2 Summer Bridal Guide July 2019

At the farm and on the vine

By Sarah [email protected] are beautiful days that go

by too fast, but the memories made last a lifetime. �e task of planning a unique wedding on a budget is a di�cult one, but with a little planning and the right venue the memories from that special day will last a lifetime.

Looking back to a time when barn dances were the norm, the Hafenstiens’ of Lake Mills are bringing back the mem-ories of a bygone era by doing barn wed-dings and events with elegance.

It all started with their son Daniel’s wedding, but it ended in an unexpected business venture for Brian and Tammy Hafenstein of Lake Mills, proprietors of the Farm with a Barn just outside the city.

“My niece got married and had a barn wedding. I’d never been to a barn wed-ding I didn’t even know it was a thing,” Brian said.

Everyone in the family thought the

venue was pretty cool, but he thought he could do it better in his pre-1900 barn.

“I thought my barn is bigger than this and it’s cooler,” he said.

�e Hafensteins’ moved into their home on County Highway G in 2011 when the property was in pretty rough shape.

“We had animals living in the house,” Brian said.

When his son asked if he could have his wedding at the barn it was the fall of 2017 and the family had a lot of work to do to get it ready for the summer of 2018.

“I was thinking we were going to sweep it out and empty it, �x a couple holes, patch to roof and put some Christmas lights up and as we got into it we real-ized the barn needed a lot of work.”

�e property had been used as a greenhouse since the 1970s but was abandoned in the early 2000s. �e barn sat empty for eight years before being purchased by the owners of Aztalan Fields who had plans to move or expand

their business to that location, but be-cause of the economy did not.

Brian Hafenstein, who is a contractor by trade, started to look at the �oor in the barn.

“I realized the �oor system may not be OK to have that kind of party here,” he said. “�e barn settled by two inches, so we jacked that up, �xed the walls, �xed the roof and by the time we had all that work into it we thought why would we leave the �oor?”

�ey salvaged what they could from the �oor and replaced it. �ey worked on the lighting, wrapped beams with lights and Brian created custom mason jar chandeliers.

“We ended up with a pretty elaborate lighting system.”

Unique to most barn wedding venues, the Hafenstein’s installed heating and air conditioning systems.

“I found some rooftop air condition-ing units at an auction and piped it for heating and cooling.”

WATERTOWN MART

330 SUMMIT AVENUE WATERTOWN(920) 262-3582 [email protected]

MONDAY TO FRIDAY 4AM-9PM

SATURDAY 5AM-9PM SUNDAY 6AM-9PM

AND YOUR TANK WITH GAS!!

NEWLYWEDS WELCOME!!

Fill your life with love

“FOR THAT SPARKLING WHITE

SMILE ON YOUR BIG DAY”

123 Hospital Drive • Suite 201Watertown, WI

(920) 261-0588

Call us for all your teeth whitening options.

www.AdvancedFamilyDentistryWttn.com

Farm Ineterior: �e restored barn is seen decorated for Daniel and Anne Hafenstein’s wedding in July 2018. (Contributed photo)

At the farm and on the vine

July 2019 Summer Bridal Guide 3

�e barn was a labor of love over many weekends this summer, leading up to their son’s wedding in July.

“Our son worked here full time after graduating college to get everything done in time for the wedding.”

�ey were still working on the barn the night before the wedding.

“I always thought we could do it,” said Tammy. “I knew it would be a lot of work, but I thought we could pull it o�.”

“Tammy is the one who said if we are going to do this we should do it right to make it’s what we want,” Brian said.

Tammy has an interior design back-ground.

“She was the driving force of how functional everything is,” he said.

�e barn features a full bar, which was completed only a few weeks before the wedding. It’s a project they didn’t think would be done in time for the event.

Much of the equipment they pur-chased was done so at auctions, includ-ing the bar equipment, tables, chairs, plates, glasses, silverware and more.

“I wanted all that to be available for people,” Tammy said.

�e property is already zoned A-2 commercial, because of the greenhouse that was located there.

“We are able to run a business out of here,” Brian said.

�ey are also in the process of getting their permits from the township of Jef-ferson and the county.

“In order for us to open it to the public we have to get a conditional use zoning permit. We are working with the county zoning department right now on what that should look like,” he said.

�ey are hoping to be booking wed-dings and events for next summer.

“I would like to have a fall dance, events for veterans and more here.”

�ere are currently 246 barn venues in the state and only one is operating in con�nes of having all the permits in place,” Brian mentioned.

Over the past year there has been a battle in the legislature over wedding barns and their right to serve alcoholic beverages. A legislative Study Commit-tee on Alcohol Beverages Enforcement has met several times on the controver-sial issue. Wedding barns are rented out for weddings and other events but are not licensed to sell alcohol.

“Because these are actually commer-cial use they should fall under commer-cial code and it would be impossible to make this building �t commercial code, and no one would do it. �e legislation proposed you bring it up to residential codes. We are building this place to meet all those codes,” he said.

When they are done there will be four bathrooms with running water. Current-ly there are two.

Since the property was being used as a greenhouse the water lines and plumb-ing were already in place to make the barn practical for events.

“Everything to make it usable is here, it just needed to be �xed up.”

If rustic farm charm isn’t for you, im-aging being married on the vineyard, spring through fall and with views of the snow in the winter, that dream is a reali-ty at Cambridge Winery.

�e location o�ers indoor and out-door reception locations, a bridal suite, tables and chairs for the reception, in-house executive catering, full bar and a discount with local vendors. �e recep-tion location is modern, �exible and spacious.

�e most important feature of the space is the personal contact with Jen O’Branovich, general manager of Cam-bridge Winery. She is the person couples tour and book with and the person who will coordinate with them on their big day.

Cambridge Winery has been open for weddings since 2016 and o�ers high quality, premium wines from Wisconsin, California and New York.

“We did eight weddings in 2017, this year we did 10 and next year we have 17,” O’Branovich said. “We do holiday par-ties and are open for other events.”

�e venue can accommodate up to 300 guests.

“�e vineyards are growing, and they are getting taller each summer,” she said. “We own all of the property, so when you book our space you get it all.”

�ere are many spots on the property that lend themselves to photographs for couples on and o� the vineyard.

“Everything is included here,” O’Bran-dovich said. “I think that’s why we’ve grown in popularity and it’s beautiful and you are getting married on a vine-yard. �ere are very few vineyards in

Wisconsin.”Cambridge Winery has an onsite chef

who can accommodate whatever kind of food couples are looking for.

“We do a lot of custom menus.”O’Branovich said people are custom-

izing their weddings more than ever be-fore.

“I think that’s a huge trend right now,” she said. “It works out really well for us to do family style dinners and it’s really nice because you don’t have to wait in line and everyone is eating pretty fast.”

Cambridge Winery still has a few dates open for 2019.

Tips for choosing the right venue

According to the Knot, before signing a contract for a wedding venue make sure it checks all the boxes o� the list, perhaps most important, does the venue �t the budget?

�e site should be large enough to accommodate the guest list, but also �t the overall look of the wedding. It’s also important to consider the con�guration of the room and any columns or other obstructions that could get in the way of the view.

Couples should ask what kinds of ser-vices are o�ered at the venue. Is catering available? Bar packages? Where is park-ing? Is the space accessible for disabled or elderly guests?

�e Knot also says couples should consider if the venue has appropriate lighting, sound and good acoustics.

�ose planning outdoor weddings should also have a ‘Plan B’ in case of in-clement weather.

Make a list of questions when going to look at venues. It’s the best way to make sure important details aren’t missed.

Exterior Before: Sunset Hill Farm, N4716 County Highway G is seen before major renovations.

Farm exterior after: Sunset Hill Farm is seen on the day Daniel and Anne Hafenstein’s wed-ding. �e wedding was the �rst event held at the barn, which is hoping to be booking for the public this summer. (Contributed photo)


By Metro CreativeEngagement rings are often sizable investments.

Money magazine reports the average engagement ring costs around $5,800. An engagement ring symbolizes the start of a lifelong commitment and may even set the tone for a couple’s wedding day.

Jewelry styles are personal, and grooms-to-be should carefully research their signi�cant others’ preferences in terms of precious metals, colors and gemstones. Even though tradition holds that a diamond gem-stone is classic for engagement rings, these precious stones are not the only options. In fact, before World War II, just 10 percent of proposals involved diamond engagement rings. �at number jumped to 80 percent by 1990. However, many modern couples now lean to-ward other o�erings not only for the uniqueness they provide, but also for the potential cost savings. �ose seeking something unique can embrace these options:

• Amethyst: �is vibrant, lavender-hued stone can be breathtaking when cut the correct way. Purple shades have long been associated with royalty, making an amethyst �tting for such an occasion as special as an engagement. Because amethysts, which are less expen-sive than diamonds, are a seven on the Mohs scale for gemstone hardness, they can be very durable.

• Knot rings: �ese rings do not have a center stone. Rather, they’re designed to be a tied knot or in�nity

symbol. �ese rings can be particularly sentimental as they represent true, unbroken love.

• Opal: Gemstones, like �owers, have been assigned certain meanings. Tying the engagement ring to one of them can infuse more symbolism into the relationship. Opal, for example, represents love, passion, creativity, spontaneity, and inspiration. �ose traits seem tai-lor-made for surprise proposals.

• Sapphire: While sapphire stones often are blue, they can also be yellow, green, pink, and white. Sap-phires are the third hardest mineral.

• Garnet or ruby: Red is the de�nitive color of love. A Valentine’s Day proposal can be made even more special by presenting an engagement ring with a red gemstone.

• Moissanite: �e jewelry source Brilliant Earth says moissanite is a gemstone �rst discovered in 1893 by Henri Moissan in a meteorite that fell to earth. It is remarkably similar to a diamond in appearance and strength. Moissanite also has heightened brilliance, with a refractive index higher than that of a diamond.

Couples have many beautiful alternatives to dia-monds that they can explore when shopping for en-gagement rings.

Engagement rings don’t need to cost an arm and a leg

Metro CreativeMany modern couples now lean toward other offerings not only for the uniqueness they provide, but also for the potential cost savings.

Plattdeutscher HallServing Watertown Since 1882

Come True

Making yourServing delicious HOME COOKED meals for over 130 years!

Able to accommodate anywhere from 30 - 300 guests!

We offer a large variety of delicious meals including our

FAMOUS Swiss steak & pork chops, made by our IN-HOUSE COOK!!

Wedding Dreams

Reasonable Rates

Hall available for weddings, birthday parties,

retirement parties, and more!!

115 S Second St • Watertown

Marlene (920) 261-0274 • Sheldon (920) 253-5820

Office: (920) 261-2334RYAN LIVIERI

Cook

RON GRIEBENOW

President


Make healthy habits part of preparationBy Metro Creative

After the big question is popped and loving partners decide to spend their lives together as a married couple, a whirlwind of activity will ensue. Al-though wedding planning is exciting, some couples may feel overwhelmed with all the decisions that need to be made before they can tie the knot. In this state of increased pressure, stress may build and health could falter. According to a Cornell University study, more than 70 percent of brides-to-be have weight loss on the brain, but shedding pounds shouldn’t be the only health factor to consider. Here are some easy ways to stay mentally and physically �t in ad-vance of a happy wedding day.

• Get daily exercise. Exercise is im-portant for maintaining a healthy body weight and keeping stress levels in check. Exercise also can boost mood. �e Department of Health and Human Services recommends getting at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic ac-

tivity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity each week. Strength training ex-ercises performed at least twice a week complete a well-balanced exercise regi-men.

• Slow down and relax. �ose who go full-throttle with all of their responsi-bilities — including wedding planning — may burn out. Stress can weaken the immune system and make people vul-nerable to illness. Schedule some time for date nights with your �ancé, and don’t overlook the bene�ts of hanging out with friends and getting away from wedding planning for a bit.

• Eat body-boosting foods. �e foods we eat can impact everything from en-ergy levels to skin radiance. Foods like berries, sweet potatoes, broccoli, greens, green tea, and dark chocolate all contain antioxidants that boost the immune sys-tem, states �e Food Network. Avoid drastic diets that can do more harm than good. Simply cutting 500 calories a

Continued ON PAGE 6

By Metro CreativeBuilding a wedding registry is a task unlike any oth-

er couples may encounter during their lifetimes. Wed-ding registries are invaluable resources that provide engaged couples’ loved ones with gift suggestions. In spite of that value, couples may �nd it daunting and even a little uncomfortable to build their wedding reg-istries.

Building a wedding registry can feel like walking a tightrope. Couples likely won’t want to ask for too much or for gifts that are too expensive, but a poorly built registry can be a major inconvenience for guests. �e following tips can help couples build adequate reg-istries that bene�t them without asking too much of their guests.

• Register with more than one store. It’s important to register with more than one store. Doing so makes things as convenient as possible for guests and in-creases the chances they will be able to shop at stores they’re familiar with. Unless your guest list is predom-inantly local, try to register with at least one national chain so guests who live in di�erent regions can shop for gifts in-person if they prefer to do so.

• Make a large list. Some couples are hesitant to make large wedding registries, feeling that doing so

gives the impression that they’re asking for too much. But large registries simply give guests more options to choose from. Many industry insiders advise registering for two to three gifts per guest.

• Don’t hesitate to include expensive items on your registry. Couples also may be hesitant to include es-pecially expensive items on their wedding registries. However, the couples’ parents and other close relatives may be honored to purchase more expensive items, so couples should not feel embarrassed to include them on their lists. It’s also important to note that many retailers, after couples’ wedding days have come and gone, discount registry items that weren’t purchased.

• Vary the prices of items on the list. In addition to including more expensive items on the registry, make sure to include moderately priced and inexpensive items. �is gives guests more options and ensures guests who might be spending a lot to travel to and from the wedding can still purchase gifts without dig-ging too much deeper into their pockets.

• Periodically update the registries. Periodically up-date your registries to remove items you have already received and to add items if many of the less expensive ones have already been purchased. �is also makes things more convenient for guests.

A wedding registry doesn’t have to be a chore

Metro CreativeFollowing a few simple tips can help a bride and groom keep their bridal registry clean and clear.

• Clearance Bridesmaid Dresses Priced $10 & $20!

• Clearance Wedding Gowns Priced $99 - $300!

• ACCESSORY SALE! NOW THRU 7/27/19

- PART IC IPAT ING IN -

115 E. MAIN ST., WATERTOWN, WI (920) 261-1313 • www.sandradsbridal.com

Hours: Mon.-Thurs. 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Fri. 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. • Sat. 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

The National Bridal Sale


day can help the average person lose a pound per week if weight loss is a goal. Simple ways to trim calories are to choose skim milk over whole milk and choose low-calorie snacks.

• Cut down on alcohol consumption. Toasting to the future with a glass of wine may become rote in the months leading up to the wedding, but alcohol is a diuretic and a source of liquid calories. Alcoholic beverages dehydrate the body

and cause it to hold onto water. When imbibing, stick to low-calorie cocktails like a vodka spritzer (60 to 80 calories) instead of a calorie-laden frozen margar-ita (300 calories).

Feeling and looking one’s best starts long before the wedding day. By making health a priority, couples can start their new lives together on healthy footing.

Continued FROM PAGE 5Healthy habits part of preparation

Wedding Planning (a guys perspective)By Brian [email protected] do know it may best not to be the guy

in the relationship who grunts along in agreement while the girl goes on with making all the event plans, dinners, scheduling and whatnot.

Sometimes I’m better than other times, but when it comes to my wed-ding, I don’t want to be on the sidelines for over a year before eventually being carted to the altar in a tuxedo so I can say “I do.”

Turns out, I actually care a little bit about what this day could look like and I want to be right by my �ance’s side plan-ning this moment.

Doing this often comes with its own comments. First o�, I don’t get any di-rected toward me. �ey all go to my �-ance—Kimmy. Everyone wants to know what she envisions the wedding will look like or where she wants to have it.

If I do get a comment about the wed-ding, it’s someone reminding me, “don’t

forget: �is is Kimmy’s big day.” However, she’ll actually be the �rst to say “no, this isn’t my day. It’s our day.”

It’s nice to not have to worry about a Bridezilla �asco down the road.

My �ance not only wants my opinion but values it, and I’m more than happy to come along on adventures when we’re looking at venues or determining what our color palette will be. It was also con-venient because after we became en-gaged, we both happened to agree on general concepts for the wedding like having it outside, what colors we like and where we might want it, so this de�-nitely got me excited for being involved.

Don’t get me wrong: she’s told me this has been a moment she’s been dreaming of her whole life and has been planning her wedding details for longer than I’ve even thought about the idea of getting married.

�is vision, however, still incorporates an element of “me” into the wedding and now we get to work together to see what

this could look like. And honestly, I think if two people can

plan a wedding together and not want to die from the mounting stress (or at least not die alone), then they probably deserve to get married.

I see this as one of the �rst big hurdles to get over for a marriage and something that’s important to do together. �ere’s a lot of teamwork and communication needed, and the last thing I want is the burden from a rocky wedding planning process kicking o� my nuptial.

Part of this also revolves around �-nancing, too. We’re simple millennials who aren’t looking to create this grandi-ose, one-night occasion that puts us in debt for a decade. We’re de�nitely not going to be anywhere near the $25,000 average wedding in the U.S. (think closer to half of that amount).

My goal going into this endeavor is to help �nd and coordinate all the piec-es for this wedding that hopefully rep-resent both of us. My �ance has been terri�c at �nding the di�erent options we could have for our wedding. It’s also been interesting attending a number of weddings this past summer and looking at the people, their venue, their decora-tions and everything else through a dif-ferent lens.

But don’t get me wrong, this has been incredibly stressful. I can’t imagine cou-ples where only one person plans the en-tire thing, having to make these ultimate choices by yourself, coordinating ca-tering and cakes without getting much more than a nod of a�rmation from your signi�cant other.

Or even worse, where one person doesn’t even care what their partner thinks because it’s “their” wedding.

Part of me de�nitely wishes it could all just get done for me but I would feel horrible putting that burden on my �an-ce. Kimmy is a Disney fanatic and threw out the idea of having it at Disney World where you can pretty much write them a check and be whisked away to a magical fairy tale wedding, but I have to draw the line somewhere.

Instead, we’ve chosen to have it in Door County, a place that’s special to us, but is pretty much the exact opposite of that. We get to have the “pleasure” (cue sarcasm) of putting together each piece individually between �nding a separate wedding venue, reception, caterer, �ow-er person, transportation and anything else you might want at your wedding.

I wouldn’t say I hate looking into all these things, but we de�nitely didn’t make it easy on ourselves as far as hav-ing people take care of things on our big day. However, I’m glad I get to work with my soon-to-be wife on this process be-cause I know all the e�ort, all the phone calls, tours, samplings, picking out invi-tations and party favors will all be worth it in the end when it all comes to an end under a �ower arch in a Door County park.

And putting all the planning aside, we both think if we end up married at the end of the day, that’s all that really mat-ters. Also, this process would have been a lot easier if we just eloped.

The perfect placeReception!for your

Weddings, Anniversaries, Birthday Parties, Class ReunionsAccommodates up to 225 Guests

Fully Stocked Bar - Kitchen AvailableGathering Room for smaller occasions - Accommodates up to 40 Guests

Perfect for Baby or Wedding Showers

406 N. Main Street

920.927.533Reeseville Community Center

Call & Reserve your date today!

A Beautiful Historic Venue at an exceptionally affordable price!

est. 1888Watertown Elks• Choose your caterer • No minimums• Ample Free Parking• ADA Accessible• 2 Full Service Bars

For questions or to schedule a tour, call/e-mail...

[email protected]

117 N. First Street, Watertown

NOW BOOKING 2019-2020

for weddings and events


Want the dress to �t its best? Follow these tips

Metro CreativeOpen communication with a seamstress and bridal shop can ensure brides-to-be get a dress that fits like a glove.

By Metro CreativeBecause fashion preferences were

once ornate and dependent on precise �ts, ready-to-wear clothing really did not become widely available until the early 20th century. Such attire is now available in just about any retail store.

Because ready-to-wear clothing is so readily available, the average person may be unfamiliar with custom-made or tailored items. In fact, a couples’ wed-ding may be the only instance in their lives when they require the services of a seamstress or tailor.

Fittings are a part of wedding plan-ning, and here’s how brides-to-be can navigate the process of �nding and be-ing �tted for a dress.

• Try on sample gowns. �e �rst step is to make your rounds to various gown shops and try on the samples they have

available.Most sample sizes will not be the size

you wear every day, so expect them to be ill-�tting. Do not be discouraged. Once a gown is chosen, the dress shop will take your measurements and order the gown according to the manufacturer’s sizing guide.

Again, this can be shocking, since the size will likely be larger than what you wear in street clothes. Some shops will also order a little larger to allow for ade-quate tailoring.

• Schedule the �rst �tting. �e �rst �tting should be anywhere from eight to 12 weeks before the wedding date, according to experts at WeddingWire, an online wedding information provid-er. �is is the time it takes to complete most standard alterations. Complex customizations can take even longer.

Brides should also budget a minimum of $500 for alterations, which may or may not be included in the price of the dress.

• Bring shoes and undergarments. Re-member to bring along the exact shoes and undergarments you will wear with your gown.

A change in shoes or bra/corset can result in the alterations �tting poorly the next time. Bring these items along to all subsequent �ttings.

• Speak up. Martha Stewart Weddings suggests speaking up at �ttings if any-thing is uncomfortable or needs tweak-ing. Seamstresses are masters at their crafts, but only if they understand the desires of the bride.

• Check the details. �e second �tting is designed to check that all issues from the �rst �tting have been addressed, the gown is comfortable and you can move freely.

At the last �tting, ask the maid of honor to come along so that she under-stands how to bustle or help you handle

Traditional weddings can cost an arm and a leg, and sometimes leave the cou-ple in debt before they even begin their lives together. Seven ways to save:

1. Limit your guest list: only request the presence of the people that matter to you. Avoid inviting distant relatives you never see.

2. Find a beautiful location: art galler-ies and botanical gardens are venue op-tions that won’t need extra decorations.

3. Choose a restaurant: not only will the food be better, but you’ll also have all the tables, chairs and linens you need.

4. Only serve beer and wine: or if cock-tails are your thing, create a signature drink to o�er your guests.

5. Get a deal on the dress: buy your dress at a sample sale, or consider rent-ing or buying a used one.

6. Minimize your �orist bill: use can-dles as your centerpieces instead of �owers.

7. Make your own wedding album: �nd a photographer that will give you all of the day’s pictures on a �ash drive and use an online tool to create your own photo book.

Seven ways to save without sacri�cing your dream wedding

207 E. MAIN ST.WATERTOWN, WI

(920) [email protected]

Monday: CLOSEDTues, Wed, Thurs: 9AM - 8PM

Friday: 9AM - 5PMSaturday: 8AM - 2PM

Sunday: CLOSED

SAY “I DO“ TO OUR WEDDING SERVICES

Lebanon Firemen’sPark and Hall

April 1-October 1

available for Weddings,Graduations, Confi rmations,

Family picnics, etc.

Lebanon Firemen’s Park

Town of Lebanon(920) 925-3504

Contact

For Reservations & Prices

Watertown’s one and only... “1st CLASS LIMO”Available for any special occasion

Call or Text (920) 285-5840 • watertownlimo.comA division of Bear Enterprises LLC

Historic Hall available for rent

Newly renovated upstairs with

AIR-CONDITIONING,

36 ft Bar & Beautiful Lighting. WHERE FRIENDS BECOME FAMILY!

HUSTISFORD COMMUNITY HALL

316 E TWEEDY ST., HUSTISFORDBooking information contact Dennis Uecker 920-349-9079 • [email protected]

complicated straps or closures.


What needs to be on the invitation

All basic information about your wed-ding needs to be on the invitation. �is includes the full names of the bride and groom to be, the location of the wedding and the date and time it’ll take place. In-clude the URL to your wedding website so people know how to access it.

RSVP cardsYour guests need a way to tell you

whether or not they can make it to your wedding. You can include this with your invitation, or have people respond on your website. Both options are accept-able, but keep in mind that some of your older guests may not understand the lack of a response card.

What to put on your wedding website

Use the website to let your guests know about accommodations, the gift registry and directions to the venue.

Wedding planning can get overwhelming. In many cases, there are tasks that should be completed up to a year ahead of the event.

Nine to twelve months before• Decide on a wedding budget and track all your expenses

accordingly.• Set a date.• Make a guest list.• Research venues for your ceremony and reception and

book the one(s) that you like. • Decide if you want a bridal party and choose who you

want to be part of your day.• Start collecting your guest’s addresses.

Eight months before• Shop for and purchase a wedding gown. Book your vendors for the day: photographer, DJ or mu-

sician, �orist, cake maker and caterer (if food isn’t included with your venue).

• Register for gifts.• Build a wedding website that your guests can visit for ex-

tra information concerning your wedding.

Six months before• Choose an o�ciant.• Shop for and purchase bridesmaid’s dresses.• Order the invitations.• Buy your wedding bands.

Four months before• Reserve transportation to and from the ceremony and re-

ception venues, if necessary.• Have a cake tasting and �nalize the cake design. • Schedule hair and makeup appointments and don’t forget

to book trial runs for both. • Make a plan for decorating your ceremony and reception

spaces.

Three months before• Choose and order the groom’s out�t. • Start thinking about the music and choose songs for the

ceremony and the �rst dance. You may want to make a sepa-rate list for party music.

• Have a tasting with your caterer to set the menu.• Start planning the rehearsal dinner.• Select wedding favors and order them.

Two months before• Send out the invitations.• Make sure the bridesmaids and groomsmen have their

out�ts.• Have the �rst wedding dress �tting.• Shop for and buy gifts for your bridal party.

One month before• Meet with your o�ciant to go through the ceremony.• Make sure you have your marriage license. • Start making a list of people who’ve con�rmed that they’ll

be attending.• If another dress �tting is required, do it now.

Two weeks before• Book an appointment to have a manicure and pedicure

the day before.• Have the �nal dress �tting and bring it home.• Book the groom’s suit or tuxedo �tting.• Track down people who haven’t responded yet.• Con�rm number of guests with your venue and caterer

and don’t forget to order meals to feed your DJ and photog-rapher.

The week before• Make a seating chart.• Delegate any day-of tasks to your wedding party and family.• Supply your photographer with a list of pictures you want

and your DJ with a detailed playlist.• Write out checks to pay your vendors.

A checklist to use while planning your wedding

Invitations

(920) 262-6336

LYONS IRISH PUB

Casual & Elegant • Bridal Showers

• Rehearsal Dinners • Weddings201 E Main Street

Watertown


Metro Creative

Photography is a great way for couples to capture all the special moments that occur on their wedding days. Long after the �nal piece of wedding cake has been consumed, wedding albums remain to remind couples of all those moments that made their big day so special.

Photography preferences di�er from couple to couple, but when weather per-mits, many brides and grooms prefer to take photos outdoors. Mother Nature can provide some awe-inspiring back-drops, and such beauty comes at no ex-tra cost.

Couples using professional pho-tographers should share their image preferences with their photographers, especially if outdoor photography is desired. Photographers may have to do a little more work to achieve great out-door photographs, even visiting a site in advance of the big day to scout areas that can produce great photos. Scouting

and preparation can involve seeing the landscape, examining the way the light shines on photo subjects and getting an accurate light reading on a meter to adjust �ash accordingly. Photographers also will need to ensure there are no ob-structions that will appear in the back-ground of the photos.

It’s also important for photographers to select locations that have shade. �is way they can adjust the amount of light needed, rather than having to contend with the photo washing out from too much sunlight.

�ere’s much a photographer can do in production to �ne-tune photos, but the couple can help things along. Bring along some powder or makeup to touch up between photos. Warm weather can cause shininess or beads of sweat on the skin. A light dusting of powder can tame shine, while any remaining moisture can be blotted away with a towel.

Although brides and grooms may

think clouds on their wedding days are a harbinger of bad luck, overcast condi-tions can actually contribute to better photos. A healthy blanket of cloud cover can produce richer colors and pleasing shadows, making photos even more ap-pealing. If the clouds are just passing, photographers may wait until a cloud passes over the sun to provide just the right amount of light �lter.

Couples may want to change into comfortable footwear as they traverse the landscape to get into perfect portrai-ture locations. �is will help keep their fancier shoes clean, and photos can be cropped to hide feet.

Bring along some refreshments when posing for photos, as it can be tiring. Couples can take frequent breaks as the photographer adjusts his or her camera for the next shot. Staying hydrated will keep skin looking supple and ensure that everyone feels refreshed when it’s time to return to the party.

Not every family member will be able to join the happy couple for outdoor photos. Elderly relatives or those who have mobility issues may �nd it di�cult to stand in the sun or make their away across certain landscapes. Arrange for indoor photoshoots with guests who can’t handle the outdoors.

How to arrange the best outdoor wedding photos

Contact us today and ask about our different packages to fi t

your wedding needs and start your story out right!

www.waterloowi.usmunicipal-website/parks/park-rentals

(920) 478-3025 or [email protected] for reservations or inquiries

City of Waterloo

Waterloo Firemen’s Park & WRT

Happily Ever After Starts Here

With 60 acres of outdoor area for your outdoor ceremony, Firemen’s

Park can handle all of your needs including a gazebo by the river

and river walk. Firemen’s Park has four facilities to choose from with

seating of 100-500 including the historical Park Pavilion built in 1912.

Surrounded by beautiful landscape and the Garman Nature Preserve,

the Waterloo Regional Trailhead has a large open green space to

handle any sized outdoor ceremony or reception. With a large

outdoor/indoor atrium and indoor facilities.


Couples spend thousands of dollars on their wed-ding ceremony and celebrations. �e cost of a wedding varies depending on geographic location, but accord-ing to the business and �nancial resource Business Insider and �e Knot 2017 Real Weddings Study, the average wedding in the United States costs $31,391.

Insurance policies can help couples protect their wedding investment. Special event insurance provides coverage for various scenarios, including extreme weather, damaged gifts, lost jewelry, vendor cancella-tions or no-shows, venues closing before the wedding, and canceled weddings, according to Travelers Insur-ance.

Policies will pay directly for any damage or injuries

that occur, or reimburse the couple if the wedding is postponed or canceled. If weddings occur at home, some people’s home insurance or umbrel-la policies may cover certain wedding liabilities. Most wedding venues carry their own liability in-surance, so couples may not have to overlap there.

Prices for wedding insurance policies can start at around $100 to $200 for minimum coverage and reach $1,000 for more expensive ceremonies, according to the �nancial advisement website NerdWallet. Speak with an insurance agent and read policies carefully before purchasing one.

Wedding insurance can help ease the big-day nerves

Factors to consider before including FidoBy Metro Creative

Pets are full-�edged members of many families and even, apparently, fami-lies-to-be.

In its 2016 American Wedding Study, Brides magazine found that 8 percent of wedding ceremonies included pets. While the couples of yesteryear might have left Fido at home, many of today’s couples want their four-legged friends to be there on their big day. �ough no studies to date have examined which an-imals are most likely to make an appear-ance at couples’ nuptials, it’s fair to as-sume that dogs, which tend to get out of the house more than most other types of pets, are the most common furry brides-maids, groomsmen or ring bearers.

Before including dogs in their wedding plans, couples may want to consider a few factors to ensure asking Fido to be there come the big day is what’s best for couples, their guests and, of course, their beloved pooches.

EligibilitySome venues do not allow pets that

are not documented assistance animals on the premises. Con�rm a venue’s pet policy before purchasing any wedding day attire for your dog. Couples who are intent on including their pets in their wedding ceremo-nies should only consider pet-friendly facilities, which may be hard to �nd. Couples who plan to take a lim-ousine to and from their wedding also should con�rm that the cars allow pets before booking.

PersonalityNo two dogs are the same. Some dogs might love

people and attention, while others might prefer one-on-one time with their owners. Dogs that are sociable and unaggressive may make perfect additions to wed-

ding ceremonies, while animals that ex-hibit anxiety around strangers or seem uncomfortable in noisy settings should be kept out of the ceremony.

HealthDog owners also must consider their

pets’ health when deciding whether or not to include them in the wedding cer-emony. Couples who bonded over a love of their dog may really hope to include their furry friend in the festivities, but should not do so at the expense of the animal’s health. Outdoor wedding cere-monies under sunny skies may produce potentially unhealthy conditions for certain breeds or older dogs. Dogs that have di�culty getting around may need a red wagon (and attendant) to make the rounds at the wedding.

AssistanceCouples will be busy on their wedding

days, so they may need to arrange for a caretaker to look after their dog during

and after the ceremony. Asking a guest or guests to play this role may be asking too much, as guests will no doubt want to celebrate without having to take care of a dog.

Metro CreativeBefore including dogs in their wedding plans, couples may want to consider a few factors to ensure asking Fido to be there come the big day is what’s best for cou-ples, their guests and, of course, their beloved pooches.


Metro CreativeTwenty percent of couples tying the knot choose to have destination weddings, which present the perfect opportunity to meld wedding and honeymoon into one, with family and friends around to enjoy the magic.

By Metro CreativeImagine reciting vows along the Med-

iterranean coast or amid pastel-hued homes and swaying palm trees. For the travel-inclined, destination weddings present the perfect opportunity to meld wedding and honeymoon all into one — with family and friends around to enjoy the magic.

�e Knot Real Weddings Study, the largest survey of its kind, surveys thou-sands of American brides and grooms to determine the latest wedding trends. In its 2016 report, the Knot revealed 20 percent of weddings that took place that year were destination weddings. Cou-ples are increasingly leaning on enter-tainment and personalization to create memorable experiences for their guests, and destination weddings are great ways to create those unique experiences.

While planning a wedding inevitably involves some obstacles and even some stress, planning a destination wedding presents a unique set of obstacles. Be-fore couples commit to a destination wedding, it’s important to �rst consid-er a few factors to ensure knots get tied without a hitch.

• Pick a meaningful location (but one that works for guests, too). Exchanging vows at a favorite hiking spot can give guests an inside view into what makes you tick as a couple, but the location of the ceremony should not come at the expense of practicality. Choose a locale that speaks to you but will also o�er the convenience and amenities that work for the guests who will be traveling.

• See the place in person. If budget al-lows, book a trip to the intended desti-nation to see the facilities and location, advise the experts at Brides magazine. Working with vendors in person also can simplify sorting out certain details.

• Send save-the-date cards promptly. Unlike traditional weddings in which re-minders can be sent roughly six months before the wedding, save-the-date cards for destination weddings should be mailed at least nine months to a year in advance of the big day.

• Hire a professional. Professional wedding planners may prove invaluable

when it comes to destination weddings. Rather than organizing everything on your own, you can hire a wedding plan-ner to take care of itineraries, obtain information about necessary travel doc-uments, coordinate with local vendors, and much more.

• Consider tourist seasons. Weather tends to be best during tourist seasons. �erefore, make sure to reserve ho-tel room blocks and venues promptly. Slightly before or after peak season may still be �ne, but ensure that vendors will be available and look into weather trends carefully before choosing a date.

• Research the legality. According to �e Knot, many countries have residen-cy requirements, which means you must live in that country for a certain period of time before the ceremony. Factor this into budget and availability.

• Scale back on DIY. Handling many of the details while getting married close to home can be challenging, but doing so for a destination wedding can be di�-cult to organize.

Destination weddings combine ceremony, honeymoon


By Metro CreativeGrooms are often content to let their brides-to-be shine on their wedding day. But

weddings are a showcase of the two people getting married … and grooms matter! Grooms can take steps to look handsome and polished, but may wonder what they can do to put their best feet forward when all eyes and cameras are facing their way.

Addressing skin care and proper shaving techniques is essential. Although shav-ing is a seemingly simple task, some men struggle through the process because they haven’t mastered the basics for a clean, comfortable shave. Grooms who do not al-ready have beards should be clean shaven for their wedding days.

Brickell Men’s Products advises that the �rst step to a good shave is to shower before shaving. �e warm water and steam will open up pores and follicles, allowing the hair to protrude as much as possible out of the skin. �e more it sticks out, the cleaner the shave will be.

Many men fail to prep their skin before shaving. It is important to rinse the face with a pre-shave soap and warm water to remove excess oil and dead skin that clogs razor blades.

Try a non-lathering or natural shave cream that does not contain the potentially irritating chemicals that create the lathering e�ect, but will still o�er lubrication to help get a closer shave.

�e right razor can make all the di�erence. While an electric shaver can serve in a pinch, come the day of the wedding, work with a traditional razor, either disposable or cartridge style. Start with a fresh, new and sharp blade so it is e�ective. Some men prefer a single blade for a close shave, while others like razors with multiple blades. Grooms should use what has worked for them in the past, as now is not the time to experiment. While shaving, go with and against the grain, or what feels comfortable to take o� the hair without having to go over areas repeatedly and risk irritating the

skin. Gillette advises rinsing blades often during shaving. However, do not tap the razor against the sink to dislodge the whiskers, as this can damage or dull the razor.

Finish up by rinsing with cool water and applying a moisturizer or specially de-signed aftershave product. It can take up to 48 hours for skin to heal after a shave and keeping it hydrated can diminish irritation.

Proper shaving can help men look their best on big day

Metro CreativeAlthough shaving is a seemingly simple task, some men struggle through the pro-cess because they haven’t mastered the basics for a clean, comfortable shave.

One-of-a-kind Venue for your One-of-a-kind Day

Chapel of the Archangels

Breathtaking 111 year old Cathedral setting,

paired with a modern reception facility/bar, all in one building

• Non-denominational

• Unparalleled beauty with 50’ domes and original stained glass

• Receptions to 235 in the Angel’s Den Reception hall directly downstairs

• Your choice of any caterer

• Air-conditioned with elevator for those needing assistance

• Affordable - exclusive use for an entire weekend!

839 Madison St., Beaver Dam, WI 53916

(920) 356-1900 • [email protected]

www.chapelofthearchangels.com


Sugar Island BarnRustic Venue & Bar

OPEN HOUSE July 20th, 2019 2pm -- ?

Filling up fast!

2020

DATES

• Available for weddings,

anniversaries, birthdays and more

• Rustic - classic 19th century barn

• Large area to seat 200-300 people

• Lounge area, bar, Inside Restrooms

• Rascal Flatts crashed a wedding here!

W3801 Cty Rd O Watertown, WI 53098

920-988-6152 920-344-6402

[email protected]

KLECKER’S HEATING

& AIR CONDITIONINGAndrew Maass - Owner

1221 West Main St., Watertown, WI

(920) 261-9218

kleckersheating.com

FINANCINGAVAILABLE

FINANCING

AVAILABLE

Best wishes to all you newlyweds out there!!

Come see us for all your heating

and air conditioning needs!

Commit to sharing control of the thermostat!!


Get schooled on wedding termsCouples about to embark on their wedding journeys will likely learn a thing or

two about party planning once their engagements are over and they are newly mar-ried. Wedding planning can seem overwhelming and a tad confusing at times, but a crash course in wedding terminology can help couples make more informed choic-es along the way.

• Blusher: A short, single-layer veil that covers the bride’s face before the cere-mony.

• Boutonnière: A single �ower bud worn by the men in the bridal party.• Canapés: Bite-sized appetizers served during the cocktail hour of a reception.• Civil ceremony: A marriage ceremony conducted by a council o�cial or justice

of the peace at a municipal location rather than in a house of worship.• Cocktail hour: Typically an hour-long interlude between the wedding ceremo-

ny and the main dinner of the reception. Guests have time to arrive and mingle before being seated.

• Corkage fee: A fee some establishments charge to allow guests to bring their own wine.

• Dais: A podium or platform raised from the �oor where the bride and groom are seated.

• Deposit: A percentage of the total cost of service given to a vendor to secure a date for their services.

• Dragées: Round, small edible balls of sugar that appear on wedding cakes.• Escort (seating) cards: Printed cards that direct reception guests to their seats.• Fondant: A sweet, plyable product used to decoratively cover layered cakes. It

can be used in lieu of straight buttercream. • Handle wrap: Ribbon or fabric that wraps around the stems of a bouquet the

bride and wedding party carries.• Maid/matron of honor: �e title given to the woman who assists the bride

and stands closest to her at the altar. “Maids” are those who are unmarried, while “matrons” are women who are.

Trying to decide on wedding favors? Or maybe you’re wondering what types of gifts to purchase for your bridal party?

In either case, here are a few ideas to look into.

For the guests• Flip �ops: these will be a hit when

people’s feet start to hurt from dancing• Flower seeds or bulbs: your guests

can grow your wedding �owers at home• Coaster with your initials: opt for a

natural material like cork or wood

For the bridesmaids• Tote bags: have hemp or canvas bags

personalized with their names• Jewelry: a dainty necklace or bracelet

that matches their dresses

• Floral robes: they’ll have something to wear while getting ready and they’ll look great in your photos

For the groomsmen• Flasks: if they’re a group that likes to

party, these will get a lot of use• Monogrammed pocket watches: a

good timepiece never goes out of style• Fun socks: men don’t always get a

chance to show their personality, so get them some fun socks to wear with their suits

Show some appreciation to your guests and bridal party by giving special wedding favors and gifts. And be sure to accompany the selected token with a simple thank you.

Unique ideas for your wedding favors and bridal party gifts

Life Is Expensive Enough.

I’m going to need braces...Our parents better

call AVID Risk Solutions

to save money on

auto & homeowners

insurance.

Why pay too much for insurance?

(920) 261-5403

WWW.AVIDRISK.COM


How to stay organized on a wedding day schedule

By Metro CreativeWedding days can be hectic. In fact,

many couples note after tying the knot that their wedding days were so busy that the ceremonies and receptions were over before they knew it.

Creating a wedding day schedule can seem like a daunting task. Couples tend to have lots of things to do before say-ing “I do,” and organizing everything so ceremonies begin on time can seem as puzzling as a brain teaser. But certain scheduling strategies can help couples ensure they look their best and make it to the altar on time.

• Start with the ceremony. Couples can establish a framework for their wedding day schedule by working back from the ceremony.

• Con�rm when the wedding venue is open to the wedding party. Before book-ing hair and makeup appointments,

couples should con�rm when they will be able to access their wedding venue.

• Determine how much time is need-ed for hair and makeup. Weddings that feature large bridal parties will require more time for hair and makeup.Grooms and groomsmen often take care of their own hair, though some grooms might want to schedule hot shaves for them-selves and groomsmen. Grooms should ask groomsmen if they want a hot shave and then work with their barbers to de-termine how much time is needed,

• Make lunch arrangements. Some couples choose to tie the knot and host their receptions at the same venue. In such instances, if brides are getting their hair and makeup done at the venue, ask the venue representative if lunch can be provided to the bridal party.

Providing A Personal & Dignifi ed Service

611 E. Main Street

Watertown • 261-2218

ce

The Importance of PlanningIt is only natural to put things off, but proper planning can spare a family traumatic decisions

and fi nancial burdens in the event of one’s death. Pre-arranging a funeral may seem a diffi cult

task, but there can be peace of mind for an individual who knows his or her wishes will be

followed. For more information and guidance in funeral pre-planning ... stop in or write for

your FREE Pre-arrangement Booklet.

Name ________________________________________

Address ______________________________________

City ______________State_________ Zip___________

Please send me a copy of “My Specifi c Requests”

Offering • Traditional Services • Cremation Services

• Memorial Services

www.hafemeisterfh.com

HafemeisterFuneral Home and

Cremation Service

Family Owned and Operated

Richard A. Nienow,

Owner/Funeral Director

Michael S. Nienow,

Funeral Director

Mark C. Nienow, Funeral Director

Set up an appointment today!

Lorie Couperus - Designer

Ryan Jones - Owner

Central Block

Web: www.cbkitchenanddesigns.com Phone: 920-390-4646Location: 300 E Main St Watertown, WI

summer bridal guidewdtimes.com/app/staff/summerbridal2019.pdf2 summer bridal guide july 2019 at the...

Documents