up north bride - spring 2011

NORTHERN MICHIGAN’S LONGEST-RUNNING WEDDING GUIDE PUBLICATION

BrideUP NORTH

BrideBrideBSPRING/SUMMER 2011

2 UPNORTHBRIDE.COM

Work begins on our fall issue in August. If you are a wedding-related business, put your message in front of those who are looking for your help — engaged

couples in Northern Michigan.

Published: September 19, 2011 Deadline: August 29, 2011

is published by Northern Michigan Review, Inc., 319 State St., Petoskey, Mich. 49770.

Editorial Maggie Peterson, special publications coordinator

Kristin BatesMark LindsayMelissa Frugé

Design Wendy Wolfsen

(231) 347-2544 [email protected]

Contributing Photographers ShutterBugs Photography,

Photography by Yosh, E.C. Campbell Photography, Michelle Northington Photography,

R.J. Scott Photography

AREA PHOTOGRAPHERS: Send us a CD of your best wedding shots to use in the next issue of Up North Bride

Send or drop off to: Up North Bride, 319 State St., Petoskey, Mich. 49770

Retail Advertising Christy Lyons, advertising director


Beth Flynn, sales representative (231) 439-9328 [email protected]

NORTHERN MICHIGAN’S LONGEST-RUNNING WEDDING GUIDE PUBLICATION

WED GD1

BrideUP NORTH

FALL/WINTER 2011

FALL/WINTER 2011

BrideUP NORTHinside

On the coverThe real-life

love story of the bride on our cover

PhotographyCreating memories

The danceLearning the moves

Saying “I Do” outdoorsTips and back-up plans

ReceptionAlternatives to sit-down dinners

Honeymoon Packing for success

DessertsGroom’s cakes

& unique toppers

Wedding plannerBride’s planner

checklist

FlowersCoordinating colors

Arriving in styleChoosing transporation

30

24

6

1016

20

42

26

32

40

Wedding party giftsWhat to get the bridesmaids and groomsmen

38

UP NORTH BRIDE 3

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A perfect day for a beautiful bride, at her dream reception. The Otsego Club o� ers a picture perfect location for your wedding and reception from 40-400 guests. Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter - We have it all.

Golf/Lodging - Otsego Club is home to 36 holes of championship golf including the Classic and the Tribute - the ideal backdrop for an unforgettable groomsmen party! Lodging is o� ered in one of our 125 beautifully appointed hotel rooms, suites or townhouses.

Winter Destination - Otsego Ski Club provides families with the Midwest’s only full service private ski facility with 31 runs, 5 chairlifts and an exceptionally impressive terrain park for all levels of skiers and snowboarders. Membership opportunities available.

Dining - Two award winning restaurants showcase the 20 mile Sturgeon River Valley view. Fine dining in the Pontresina Steakhouse, or the more casual Duck Blind Grille o� er outstanding fare to tempt your pallet. And don’t forget about our fabulous wine cellar - recipient of several wine spectator awards!

by S

tudi

o 13

1 In

c.

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On the Cover

Happily ever afterHow love at first sight built a lasting relationship

BY KRISTIN BATESUP NORTH BRIDE

Falling in love is a natural progression in life.

Whether you meet someone interesting or grow up with a person who slowly catches your eye, it’s a wonder-ful feeling.

If you are lucky, it’s love at first sight, much like Traverse City residents Mary and Carlos Medina-Lucero.

“I met Carlos eight years ago while I was living in Las Vegas. One morning, I walked into my friend’s house and he was sitting on the couch in his pajamas. Our eyes met and I immedi-ately knew we were going to be together,” said Mary, who was 18 at the time.

Added Carlos, who was 23, “I didn’t realize she was a friend of my roommate. When Mary

walked in the door, the sun was shining behind her and she looked beautiful. I knew right away she was very special and I had never felt that way about anyone in my life.”

At the time, Mary and Carlos were in relationships, which they quickly ended. In the next three months, they began spend-ing time together and getting to know each other better. After nine months, they were officially a couple.

“Mary became my best friend. We spent every free moment together and people would com-ment on what a great couple we made. We weren’t officially dat-ing at the time, though that soon changed,” said Carlos.

In 2001, they moved to Spo-kane, Wash., to begin their re-

lationship together. Son Mateo, now six years old, was born in 2005.

“We always knew we would get married, but wanted to make sure we both knew what we were getting into. It was some-thing that was on our minds,” said Mary.

On Christmas morning in 2006, when Mateo was almost a year old, Mary was waiting patiently for her presents.

“We had opened all of the gifts and I didn’t get anything from Carlos. I thought it was very weird. He asked me to go check on something in the bedroom, so I did,” said Mary.

When she returned to the family room, Carlos was on bended knee with a ring in his hand.

PHOTOGR APHY BY YOSH

UP NORTH BRIDE 7

“I was really nervous and didn’t want to mess it up. I wanted to make the proposal special to Mary and try to have some ro-mantic aspect to it. It was an incredible moment,” said Carlos.

Mary said, “It was a total sur-prise! Of course, I said yes.”

Although they had decided to wed, it was important for Mary and Carlos to have everything planned perfectly for their wed-ding and their life together. They spent the next three years as an engaged couple.

“Because we were so young, it was important for us to make sure we were ready for this next step,” said Mary.

They moved to Traverse City and became members of the Archangel Gabriel Greek Or-thodox church. In preparation

for their wedding, which they planned for a year, Mary and Carlos went through marriage counseling.

“The priest wanted to make sure we knew that we were mak-ing a commitment to growing old together. We were pretty young, but both of us were sure in our decision,” said Mary, now 26.

In order to have their perfect wedding, the couple stuck to a budget and worked on finding great deals for their venue.

“My girlfriend flew in from Spokane and we tackled all the planning when she was here. We found a cake through friends and ordered flowers that would accommodate my tastes and my budget. We picked the Park Shore Resort for our wedding,” explained Mary.

At 3 p.m. on Aug. 23, 2010, Mary and Carlos recited their wedding vows on the beach with 225 guests in attendance.

“It was amazing to have ev-erything come together like it did. Our reception was held at vineyard in an 100-year-old barn owned by Marco and Jody Mar-toni. They had met us once and were incredibly generous to lend their home for our reception,” said Mary.

The wedding involved a sus-tainable theme. The couple of-fered local wines, food from area farms and fresh flowers from area growers. The reception was catered by the Carlos’s parents, Eric and Theresa Patterson, who own The Cook’s House in Tra-verse City.

“We were amazed by the ➣


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support we received. For this reason, it was important for us to give back to the local economy, which is why we bought every-thing within the area,” said Mary.

Once married, the couple decided to combine their last names and begin a new chapter in their family history.

“Mary is the last generation in her family. In mine, it is tra-ditional to have long names. We combined our family name to keep her family line alive and to start a whole new branch in our family tree. We’re beginning our own little empire,” said Carlos.

Six months after their wed-ding, the couple spent two weeks in Puerto Vallarta for their hon-eymoon. During this time, they went deep sea fishing, biking around the island and enjoying some quality alone time.

“We’ve had eight years to-gether and it seems like I just met Mary yesterday. As a young couple, it is important for us to work as a team in parenting and in our married life. We encour-age each other and are positive in our roles as parents to Mateo. I look forward to retirement, cooking great meals and having a great garden with Mary by my side,” said Carlos. ■

A bright future togetherContinued from page 7


UP NORTH BRIDE 9

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Flowers

When deciding on how to incorporate color into a wedding cer-

emony, the answer is in flowers.Whether you prefer daisies,

roses or lilies, adding colorful flowers can be a simple accent without overwhelming the basic theme of the wedding.

“Most of my brides tell me that the selection of their flow-ers is one of the most enjoyable, fun and creative parts of their wedding design. Relax and take time to enjoy every second of the process. And, always take time to smell the flowers,” advised Mickey Dunlop, owner of Dun-lop’s Art of Flowers in Wolverine.

For the budget conscious

bride, Dunlop suggests the use of Gerbera daisies tied with a col-orful ribbon on the stems. Ger-bera daisies, she noted, come in many brilliant and varied shades of color, allowing for much op-portunity with adding color to the ceremony.

“If all of the bridesmaids are wearing the same color yet a different style of dress, Gerbera daisies make fabulous bouquets. The first bridesmaid carries 12-15 orange daisies with a yellow button mum attached to each center. The next bridesmaid car-ries yellow daisies with a green button mum attached to the center. It continues from there with each bridesmaid carry-

ing a different color of Gerbera and mum. It’s a fun, unique look and very budget friendly,” said Dunlop.

Sydney Wormell, owner of Upsy-Daisy Floral in Boyne City, added, “Purple and green are really hot colors this season. For purple colors, I would suggest lavender roses, which are a little pricier, to purple carnations and purple stock, which are more af-fordable. Add some green roses or lime Fuji mums and tie it all together with a ribbon matching the dress colors.”

In terms of a bridal bouquet, with no expenses spared, Dun-lop recommends pale pink peonies, lilies of the valley, white

Perfect pairings

BY KRISTIN BATESUP NORTH BRIDE Coordinating colors for a beautiful combination

MICHELLE NORTHINGTON PHOTOGR APHY

UP NORTH BRIDE 11

mini calla lilies and white honey-moon tulips.

“Add three 12- to 18-inch long chains of stephanotis in the front and side of the bouquet as well as a few sprigs in the body. This bou-quet would be lush and fragrant. Then, simply wrap the stems in double-faced white satin, with a shoelace bow near the top. This is your wedding bouquet — go ahead and splurge,” said Dunlop.

Wormell said, “A classic pair-ing for a bouquet is hydrangeas and roses. Bells of Ireland are a great flower to include as well as green trick, a member of the dianthus family.”

For a more personalized look, add something unusual to the bouquet.

“Make your wedding flow-ers very personal by including something that is important to you. Whether you are a football fan, or you grew up on a cherry farm, or you love pinecones, it is possible to creatively include them in your flowers,” said Dun-lop.

Other suggestions include adding a favorite brooch or pieces of costume jewelry to

the flower bouquet. Another simple use of color is wrapping each stem with beaded wire in either white or a color the bride is bringing to the wedding. Calla lilies work well for this design.

With many people leaning to-ward supporting the local farm-ers, Wormell suggests a garden bouquet filled with Michigan-grown flowers.

“The brides looking for Mich-igan-grown flowers are con-cerned about keeping their busi-ness local more than anything. So we offer flowers grown in the area and are available from the local farmers markets,” she said. “These include peonies, sunflow-ers, lilies, allium and sweet peas. Also, I get zinnias, snapdrag-ons and dahlias, which we use for bouquets and centerpieces during the summer from my grandpa’s garden. Not only are these a colorful mix of flowers, they are much more affordable than the flowers flown in from South America, California and Canada.”

Dunlop encourages brides to think outside of the box when picking out their wedding bou-

quets.“I love an all-foliage bouquet

with Galax leaf roses, fern curls, seeded eucalyptus, steel grass with beads threaded on it, lily grass and lycopodium. There are no set rules when deciding on bouquets,” she said.

No matter what your budget, the flower options are endless. Whether you choose a variety of roses or a simple daisy, this day is all about your future life together. When you think about it, choosing a flower is the easi-est part. ■

SHUTTERBUGS PHOTOGR APHY

MICHELLE NORTHINGTON

PHOTOGR APHY


12 UPNORTHBRIDE.COM

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Photography

A wedding can be planned for months or even years, and visual-

ized over a lifetime.A great way to make sure to

capture all of the memories is with quality, creative photogra-phy.

Many people choose to use professional wedding photogra-phers to capture their wedding day. One local photographer, Teresa Loper of Precious Mo-ments in Time by Teresa, sug-gested that people consider all of the many options within their budget before deciding either way.

“Often people will way over-budget one item needed for their event and short photog-raphy, which is the one thing

that lasts beyond that day,” she noted.

There are many ways to maxi-mize the investment with a pro-fessional, and gain the benefit of their skill and experience.

“Some couples will even choose to have two photogra-phers, one covering traditional, posed photos, and another focusing on candid shots and subjects other than the bride and groom,” Loper noted.

If choosing to use a pro, there are several considerations to take into account when choos-ing the right one.

“While it’s not essential to select a photographer that only does weddings, it is vital to find one that is skilled in portrait photography since that is 99

percent of the job,” Loper sug-gested. “It’s a great idea to meet with several different photogra-phers well in advance and try to choose one whose personality suits you because you’ll want them to get along well with the people attending the event.”

There are many ways to cap-ture the event without the use of a professional photographer as well. From enlisting the aid of a friend or family member with the use of a digital camera to providing disposable cameras to the guests, any method can be successful with a little planning.

“While traditional photos are essential to a good wedding album, creative and candid pictures will sometimes be cher-ished even more,” Loper noted.

compositionBY MARK LINDSAYUP NORTH BRIDE

Creating a unique


UP NORTH BRIDE 17

composition“It’s a great idea to make a list

of the shots you absolutely must have for your album,” she added.

Even a pro can miss some great moments if not prepared to be there for them.

“You’ll want to have a list of subjects for before the wedding, at rehearsals and any special parties held for the bride and groom. You’ll also want a list of people to photograph during the wedding, as well as afterward at the reception or dinner,” Loper noted.

Some of the most cherished wedding photographs are the unique poses or candid shots. Choosing a separate locale for some of the pictures can provide some variety.

“Many couples will have a

photo session at a local land-mark, favorite spot for the couple, or an especially beautiful outdoor location,” Loper said.

This can also easily be done on your own with the right assis-tance and the right equipment for the setting.

One thing that is essential to terrific posed photos is the use of composition. Professional pho-tographers recommend the use of lines in the background such as an aisle or hallway as well as capturing subjects off center rather then always on center.

“Try to shoot the bride and groom in the left or right third of the frame with some interest-ing background setting,” Loper suggested. “If you have an SLR camera, you can also vary the

composition by turning the ap-erture all the way to the lowest setting, which will blur out ev-erything but the subject focused on. This way you can capture a great portrait shot with the busy background of a crowd or city blurred out.”

For candid shots, the most commonly used method is to have as many cameras among the guests as possible. Dispos-able cameras can be an easy and relatively inexpensive way to accomplish this when passed out at the event.

With the widespread availabil-ity of camera phones now, use of them can be encouraged during specific points of the day and can offer a huge variety to choose from for the album. ➣


18 UPNORTHBRIDE.COM

“The big secret to successful candid shots is just giving people permission to take them; unless you do so guests will often be reluctant to,” Loper noted.

Another fun way to get candid shots and to in-volve guests is to rent a photo booth for the event. Guests can then take their own posed shots alone or in small groups.

Whatever method used or combination of ideas, having the maximum amount of photos to choose from for the wedding album is the key.

After the big day has come and gone, they can all be gathered and browsed for the perfect shots to save.

When developing the chosen photos there are many convenient methods such as department store photo labs and online digital printers.

“Be sure to get as many of your photos as pos-sible combined onto one format such as a digital CD for safe storage,” Loper said. “This way you can always go back and add or replace pictures in the future.”

Great photography will allow you to remember your cherished event for many years to come. ■

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Unique compositionContinued from page 17

UP NORTH BRIDE 19

00271752 1 9/16/10 4:51:31 PM

20 UPNORTHBRIDE.COM

Dessert

At a wedding, the cake is probably the grand-est centerpiece in the

room.Everyone will look at it, in-

spect it, taste it, and you prob-ably have put a lot of time and effort into this one amazing detail.

As bridal cakes become more elaborate, some traditions are beginning to fade as younger generations want something new and fresh on their cake tables. From cake toppers to groom’s cakes, the game is changing.

A groom’s cake is typically a Southern tradition, according to Kim Sperl, pastry chef and owner of Bella e Dolce in Che-boygan. Sperl said back when wedding cakes were tradition-ally white cake and vanilla frosting, a groom’s cake allowed for chocolate or other flavors to be added to the reception.

Angie Foldenauer from Jo-han’s Bakery in Petoskey said the groom’s cake was often

sliced, packaged up and sent home with single women, who could then put the confection under their pillows so they can have sweet dreams about their future husbands.

Foldenauer doesn’t really think that’s the case anymore, and said nowadays a groom’s cake is something fun and spe-cial just for the man in your life.

“It’s something the groom relates to; usually there is a sports theme, or golf, or hunt-ing. It reflects his hobbies or interests; it’s a masculine cake,” said Foldenauer.

Sperl attributes their rise in popularity to baking shows on television, and the trend start-ed growing about five years ago.

A groom’s cake is also usu-ally a surprise for the groom. Foldenauer said she has never once had a groom walk in and order his cake; it’s usually a re-quest from the bride or groom’s mother.

“Many brides order one

BY MELISSA FRUGÉ UP NORTH BRIDE

PHOTOS COURTESY BELL A E DOLCE

His & hersCakes as unique as your personality

as a surprise for their new husband (for) when they get to the reception site,” said Sperl. “Since the entire wed-ding is in so many ways more about the bride, it’s her way of making the groom feel spe-cial on their wedding day.”

“It’s so detailed. People are usually pretty excited to see (the groom’s cake),” added Foldenauer.

Sperl said groom’s cakes usually have a table of their own and do not share the table with the wedding cake. Often the groom’s cake will be set on a smaller table next to the cake table or next to the wedding party’s table.

Cake toppers are also evolving. For years it was the traditional bride and groom, or hearts and bells that sat atop the bridal cake to sym-bolize togetherness.

Now there are hundreds of options to choose from, and the figurines have changed to reflect the times and styles. Foldenauer said people also are thinking outside of the traditional box and going with something a little more mod-ern like monograms or fresh flowers.

“Brides like it because they can use the same flowers from the reception or their bouquets on the cake. It adds

a nice pop of color and ties everything together,” said Foldenauer.

“I also like if the wedding couple has the original cake topper from their parents’ wedding or something really meaningful like that,” added Sperl.

Foldenauer said she sees the more traditional bride and groom cake toppers be-ing used by older couples or people entering their second marriages.

“The sky’s the limit when it comes to finding something that will make a couple’s wedding cake truly individual to them,” said Sperl. ■

SHUTTERBUGS PHOTOGR APHY

PHOTO COURTESY JOHAN’S

22 UPNORTHBRIDE.COM

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24 UPNORTHBRIDE.COM

Planner

6-12 MONTHS■ Choose the kind of wedding you will have, date and time.■ Discuss the budget, and who will pay for what.■ Make arrangements with the officiator.■ Reserve the wedding and reception locations.■ Select your wedding dress, veil and accessories.■ Choose the bridesmaids, groomsmen, ushers and

honored roles.■ Have formal black/white photo sitting for announcements.■ Send announcements of your engagement to bride’s and

groom’s local and hometown newspapers.■ Meet with the florist, photographer, caterer, videographer,

and DJ or entertainment to discuss budgets and options.■ Draw up guest list with fiancé and families.■ Plan reception music and reserve band or orchestra.■ Contact rental coordinator for equipment reservations.■ Discuss honeymoon and reservations. (Traditionally the groom

makes all the honeymoon arrangements.)■ Arrange for time off work if necessary.■ Buy a good sturdy notebook to store brochures and notes■ Develop record-keeping system for invitations, RSVPs, gifts,

and thank-you notes.

A wedding should be planned in stages with every decision made as early as possible. Begin by setting deadlines, then check off each task as you complete it.

BRIDE’S PLANNER

4-6 MONTHS

■ Plan new living arrangements and home furnishings.■ Select and register wedding gifts and patterns.■ Select color scheme.■ Order dress and accessories.■ Order bridesmaids’ dresses, shoes and accessories.■ Contact men’s formalwear specialist for men’s attire.■ Have parents select attire.■ Order invitations, announcements, programs, napkins,

matchbooks and thank-you notes.

2 MONTHS■ Choose wedding bands and engraving.■ Order wedding cake.■ Check marriage license requirements.■ Plan ceremony, reception, menus, master of

ceremonies and music.■ Plan rehearsal dinner and bridesmaids’

luncheon.■ Complete guest list and address invitations.■ Make arrangements for lodging for out-of-

town guests.■ Purchase gifts for attendants and groom.■ Plan reception seating if necessary.

1 MONTH

■ Confirm all arrangements and contracts.■ Mail invitations so they will arrive three weeks

before the wedding.■ Pick up wedding rings.■ Arrange for transportation to ceremony and

from ceremony to reception.■ Attend final fittings.■ Have your hair and makeup done as you

would like to have it on your wedding.■ Schedule any tanning, manicures, etc.■ Purchase guest book and keepsake album.■ Contact your insurance agent about naming

your fiancé as beneficiary on your life insurance, will and auto policies, and about buying homeowners’ and floater insurances to protect wedding gifts.

■ Open joint checking and savings accounts. Decide on a budget and savings program. Discuss them with your financial representatives.

■ Write thank-you notes as gifts are received.

UP NORTH BRIDE 25


1 WEEK■ Pack for honeymoon.■ Give bridesmaids’ luncheon/party; give attendant gifts.■ Confirm directions, housing, timetables with attendants.■ Brief head usher of any special seating arrangements.■ Arrange for rental returns.

2 WEEKS

■ Get marriage license.■ Give caterer final guest count. Don’t forget the wedding

party, photographer and DJ.■ Arrange to have your own gown pressed and delivered.■ Arrange to change your name on driver’s license, Social

Security card, credit cards, bank accounts, insurance, etc.■ Make arrangements for moving into your new home.

1 DAY BEFORE

■ Pack the “going-to-church” bag and “emergency” bag.

■ Attend rehearsal and rehearsal dinner.■ Find a quiet moment to give your fiancé

his wedding gift.

THE WEDDING DAY

■ Have a nice relaxed breakfast.■ Have hair and make-up done.■ Relax and let the planning take care of itself.

26 UPNORTHBRIDE.COM

Reception

For many years, a tradi-tional part of American weddings has been a

formal reception with a sit-down dinner.

But today, many couples are parting with tradition in favor of a more unique gathering.

A classic formal dinner with cocktails following the ceremo-ny is the expected course for your average wedding event.

“For the bride/groom who want something unique, con-sider having a brunch, af-ternoon cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, or even a light evening buffet,” said Ginny Mc-Callum with A Matter of Taste in Charlevoix.

Putting your own twist on the traditional meal offers the opportunity to customize the event to fit your personality and budget.

“We offer many varieties of

buffet-style meals, including brunches. They can be a nice lighter alternative to a heavy meal,” McCallum noted.

If you’re including small children in your ceremony, working with them before late afternoon or evening provides the best results, especially when it comes to the wedding pictures. For weddings where just the immediate family members are the guests, a brunch is an ideal intimate gathering following the cere-mony. To avoid offering alcohol at the event, a morning meal provides the perfect setting.

“Couples can also serve a tapas meal,” McCallum said. “Tapas-style food encourages guests to stand, walk around and mingle with others during the meal.”

Tapas is a meal typically of-fering a wide variety of snack

foods or appetizers, and can be served either cold or hot.

“You may be able to save a little on the meal with a more casual style, although it will depend on the choice of foods offered,” McCallum noted.

An afternoon tapas-style meal provides the opportunity for guests to partake in an early day ceremony, and allows for guests to mix and mingle and still get to bed at a decent time. This option is also quite viable for ceremonies involv-ing small children or elderly guests.

“If planned right you can save money by having a lighter meal of this kind, and that may allow you to hold it in a higher-end venue,” McCallum noted.

A late afternoon cocktail party with hors d’oeuvres is also a fantastic alternative to a formal dinner, and recently

Good tasteBY MARK LINDSAYUP NORTH BRIDE Exploring alternatives to sit-down dinners

R.J. SCOTT PHOTOGR APHY

UP NORTH BRIDE 27

on the rise as the chic thing to do. Couples often choose to offer a very light hors d’oeuvre meal with cock-tails to keep the reception light and the atmosphere more fun. This style re-ception allows for a single venue, should the couple plan for the reception to hold over into a party with drinks and dancing.

“Many couples are choos-ing to put their own unique spin on the venue of their reception as well as the meal,” said McCallum.

Rather then renting a room and having a catered sit-down meal, the use of outdoor settings and non-traditional venues has become very popular.

“Because we’re located in Charlevoix and have sev-eral beaches nearby, we’ve done many receptions there,” McCallum noted. “People often want to have a barbecue or pig roast in a pavilion at the beach, at the fairground or a local park.”

It’s also a great idea to research the local area for interesting venues that may exist. A reception in a well-known popular local setting can be far more memorable than a formal dinner.

“We also do a lot of re-ception dinners at people’s homes,” McCallum said.

Hosting the reception at your home or at a relative’s can also save quite a bit of money and offer a more casual feel. If you have guests that may have dif-ficulty with getting around to multiple venues for your event, a home-based meal is a wise option. ■


E.C. CAMPBELL PHOTOGR APHY

28 UPNORTHBRIDE.COM

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Honeymoon

After the emotional wedding ceremony and reception, most

couples are off to start their lives together on their honey-moon.

With all the planning involved in pulling off the perfect wed-ding, it is easy to leave packing details until the last minute. This can result in time lost replacing forgotten items once arriving at the destination.

A good idea to avoid this mess is creating a packing list. Whether you create one list, a

list for his and hers, or incor-porate an ours list, by making a copy and keeping it with your carry-on luggage, honeymoon-ers are prepared if their lug-gage is lost or stolen.

“I would suggest checking a 10-day weather forecast for your destination. This way, you know what to expect. Why take a bunch of stuff you aren’t going to need,” said Jeff Pagel, owner of The Clothes Post in Petoskey.

Here are some suggestions for packing for a successful hon-eymoon trip, according to the

website www.theknot.com.For the bride, make sure to

include a pair of jeans or khakis and a lightweight jacket. Also, a sundress, little black dress and a cardigan are good attire for late night dinners.

Those headed for a warmer destination should pack two swimsuits and a cover-up. For everyday wear, include four play shirts, which are short-sleeve button downs, tank tops and T-shirts, along with two pair of shorts. It is a good idea to pack a pair of walking shoes or sandals

Dressed for successBY KRISTIN BATESUP NORTH BRIDE

30 UPNORTHBRIDE.COM

as well as a pair of evening shoes. Along with lingerie, add some accessories such as jewelry and scarves which will help stretch the wardrobe throughout the trip.

“For the groom, it is a good idea to include a sports coat or suit coat. Along with a nice pair of pants and a couple of shirts, a sports coat will add some versatil-ity to their wardrobe,” said Pagel.

Other important items for the groom to consider are a light-weight jacket, a swimsuit, a pair of jeans or khakis, and four shirts. For recreation, it is recommended to pack a pair of walking shoes and tennis shoes.

“An easy way to incorporate color and switch up an evening’s attire is to use a pocket square or hanky, which is folded into the top left pocket of a sports coat. This is something that is a forgotten ac-cessory and has recently become more popular, especially for men who feel a tie is too constraining,“ said Pagel.

For toiletries, which can be expensive at different destina-tions or hard to find, make sure to include deodorant, shampoo and conditioner, razors, shaving cream, cosmetics and lotion, as well as two travel size toothbrush-es and toothpaste.

After all, who wants to waste time shopping when there is a honeymoon to enjoy? ■time shopping when there is a honeymoon to enjoy? ■

UP NORTH BRIDE 31

32 UPNORTHBRIDE.COM

The Dance

One of the most memo-rable and romantic moments of your

wedding day is your first dance together as a married couple.

You might be a bit worried about it — you want to create a romantic and elegant impres-sion.

“You want to present some-thing likable and memorable,” said Art Barber, a local dance instructor.

Barber has been teaching couples to dance for more than 30 years and offers dance les-sons and choreography for all occasions.

For most couples, using a dance instructor is a great way to prepare for the wedding

dance. Dance lessons are not just for the bride and groom; many times the entire wedding party will be in the spotlight during the wedding dance and should be prepared.

“Don’t assume that you will magically figure it out on your wedding day,” said Barber. “To dance together comfortably and without stepping on each other’s toes requires an under-standing of dance position and partnering skills.”

Dance classes can be sched-uled for the entire wedding party to attend as a group.

“It can be a fun way to in-volve your family and friends in the wedding planning,” Barber noted. “They will also want

to look good at the wedding dance.”

Often a bride and groom will attend four to six lessons prior to their wedding, depending on their level of skill. If a special or unique dance style is chosen, a couple can spend weeks or months planning choreography and learning the style.

“The sky is the limit really as far as options for the bridal dance,” Barber said.

The fox-trot is the classic tra-ditional wedding dance style, mostly because it is very easy to learn and works well with slow songs. The waltz is anoth-er favorite among couples and is a more formal style of dance. For something a little more so-

First stepsBY MARK LINDSAYUP NORTH BRIDE Lessons for a memorable dance


UP NORTH BRIDE 33

phisticated, consider the salsa, rumba and cha-cha. These are Latin dances that are fun and great to know, but require much more time to learn.

Whichever dance style you choose for your special day, remember that it is ultimately a special time meant to be shared by the two of you. A simple slow dance, swaying to a favorite song while wrapped in each other’s arms, works for many couples.

“I always recommend a simple slow dance pattern to couples,” Barber said.

A dance instructor can do more then simply teach a few dance steps. They may also as-sist with the selection of your

special song and identifying the dance style that is compatible with the song.

“Outside of playing an instru-ment, dance is the greatest ex-pression you can make toward music,” Barber noted.

Dancing has long been a pop-ular hobby, and recently has taken the spotlight more and more because of popular televi-sion shows highlighting it.

“Dance is something you’ll use for life once you’re com-fortable. You won’t just dance at your wedding and then discard it,” Barber said. “There are quite a few groups locally that hold dance events that are open to the public.”

Dance lessons can be a very

affordable way to make your wedding more memorable.

“Lesson packages can start as low as a couple hundred dollars for basic instruction and range in price upward de-pending on your skill level and goals,” Barber noted.

Whether you’re already com-petent on the dance floor or have never taken a step to mu-sic, lessons will make your first dance together feel natural and effortless. You have both worked very hard to ensure that your wedding day will be full of memories that you will cherish for a lifetime. Dance lessons will help you take your first steps to a new life together with style. ■

PHOTOGR APHY BY YOSHR.J. SCOTT PHOTOGR APHY

34 UPNORTHBRIDE.COM

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UP NORTH BRIDE 35

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Gifts

Your guests have it easy — they simply have to look at the bride and groom’s

registry to find the perfect gift.But as the bride and groom, it’s

expected to do a little gift giving of your own. Tradition dictates that a little token of appreciation should be given to each member of the wedding party either at the rehearsal dinner or before the ceremony.

What you choose to give is to-tally up to you, but it doesn’t have to be something generic. There are many meaningful trinkets you can give from the heart that your friends will cherish forever.

Northern Michigan is a one-of-a-kind place. To remind your attendants of your special day with something only found here, there’s the Petoskey stone. Katelynn Murray from Grandpa Shorter’s in Petoskey said the Petoskey stone cutlery is always a great option because it’s practi-cal and anyone can use it, plus it’s all made locally.

Linda Teska from Linda Mi-chaels Jewelry in Petoskey said often a bride and groom will want to coordinate their gifts and the Petoskey stone works well for bridesmaids and groomsmen. At Linda Michaels they sell many items with Petoskey stones such as pocket knives and necklaces. Or sometimes couples will be part of the wedding party, and a bride and groom may want

to present them with a picture frame or clock made from the state stone.

“The stones are used for so many things,” Teska said. “It’s a neat all-purpose idea, unique to our area.”

Of course, the gifts don’t have to match. A groom may give his groomsmen a flask, a money clip or even tickets to a sporting event, while the bride may want to give her bridesmaids jewelry.

Teska said it’s all about creat-ing something special. At Linda Michaels they can create a vari-ety of looks for your bridesmaids such as custom dyed freshwater pearls to match the dresses or delicate butterfly wing earrings, made from real wings, perfect for outdoor weddings.

Judith Ann Boyer from Harbor Springs has been creating cus-tom jewelry for almost five years and said torsades — several strands of beads, chains or crys-tals twisted together to make one big necklace or bracelet — are very popular and unique.

“You can create anything you want, choose different colors or textures and mix them all up or wear them separately,” said Boyer. “But don’t wait until the last minute to buy your gifts, especially if you want a custom piece.”

Kris Rundblad from Mer-ryMakers in Charlevoix said jewelry is always a safe bet when it comes to gifts for bridesmaids, but purses or monogrammed

tote bags also make excellent gifts. Spa certificates and pam-pering products could be includ-ed for a unique touch. Pashminas or wraps are also considerate ideas because they can be used again, and are really nice in case the weather on the wedding day suddenly turns a little colder.

Gifts for groomsmen can be a little more difficult, but Rundblad said right now cigars are experi-encing an upswing in popularity, so consider a nice lighter or cigar accessories along with a package of cigars to enjoy.

Remember your friends have often spent a lot of time and ef-fort to make your big day a little extra special. Let them know how much you care about them by giving them a thoughtful gift. It doesn’t have to be a lot, but the gesture will be greatly appreci-ated. ■


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UP NORTH BRIDE 39

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Saying “I Do”

W ith picturesque lake shores, rolling hills, fiery sunsets

and thousands of twinkling stars, Northern Michigan has a lot to offer brides wanting to say “I do” surrounded by the beauty of nature.

Unfortunately, hundreds of other people may have the exact same idea. So in order to have the perfect outdoor wedding, you need to start planning early because there are lots of things to consider.

Nature is unpredictable — at any moment the weather can shift. Although the day of your wedding may dawn clear and bright, by late afternoon it

might be cold and rainy. Even a perfect day full of sunshine has its drawbacks; guests could bake in the heat, bugs could swarm around their heads, and birds could leave the happy couple gifts they re-ally weren’t expecting.

Jim O’Donnell from Rental Express in Indian River said it’s always a good idea to have a tent on standby.

“Pre-planning is essential,” O’Donnell said. “You’d hate to decide the morning of your wedding you need a tent and not have one on reserve.”

The number of guests deter-mines what size tent you will need, how many chairs and tables to rent, and whether or not the outdoor space you

want to use is large enough to accommodate everyone.

Kris Rundblad from Mer-ryMakers in Charlevoix, who specializes in weddings and event planning, had this ad-vice.

“If you are planning to be outside for the ceremony and reception (especially) at a private home you must plan for tents, tables, chairs and all other items necessary to cre-ate a venue,” she said.

Rundblad also suggested having a professional in-spect the site to make sure the space is suitable for what you have in mind. O’Donnell agreed, saying he will come to your chosen site free of charge to make sure everything will

Nature’s cathedral


What to do when saying “I do” outdoors


UP NORTH BRIDE 41

Nature’s cathedral

be just right. “I tell people you can always

have an empty chair, but it’s not good to make people stand because there aren’t enough seats to go around,” O’Donnell added.

What other arrangements will you need to make? For instance, will you need por-table toilets? The place you’re considering for the reception site might have facilities, but O’Donnell reminds people that the plumbing at Grandma’s cottage probably can’t meet the needs of 100 (or more) people. O’Donnell said they have re-stroom trailers that are air-conditioned and have running water, just like the real thing.

You will also have to think about whether you will need extra lighting, electricity, generators, linens, silverware, glasses, plates, a bar, a dance floor, etc.

“We’ve got a pretty good system,” O’Donnell explained. “Let us ask the questions. You might not be thinking about skirting, but I am.”

O’Donnell also said he likes to set the tent up a few days before an event takes place, especially if rain is in the fore-cast. He said having the tent set up beforehand ensures the ground will stay dry and gives you time to decorate or make last-minute adjustments.

“It’s also important to have a back-up plan,” Rundblad said.

The biggest thing is for the bride, groom and their families is to be fully aware of all the possibilities.

Rundblad advised people to research about placing indoor options on hold, such as res-taurants or reception halls; there will be a cost associated

with that. She said if you have your heart set on having the event outdoors you may want to consider reserving a larger tent to compensate for more people wanting to remain un-der shelter.

Rundblad said it’s better to be safe than sorry.

“Should the weather not be conducive to an outdoor cer-emony, don’t let it rain on your parade,” she said.

Ultimately your budget will guide your decisions. O’Donnell said choosing to have your wedding take place at an established venue prob-ably won’t cost any more than creating one yourself. The major difference will be the amount of work placed on the bride, groom and families’ shoulders.

Regardless of your deci-sions make sure to talk to the experts; they can help your perfect day go off without a hitch. ■




42 UPNORTHBRIDE.COM

Transportation

Arriving in styleBY MELISSA FRUGÉ UP NORTH BRIDE

You will put a lot of thought into your wed-ding.

Your dress will be chosen with the utmost attention to detail, you will pore over end-less menu options, flowers every shade of color imaginable, and most importantly, where one of the biggest events of your life will take place.

But once you choose a venue, how will you get there? Will you take the beat-up old sedan you drive every day, or will you ar-rive in style?

There are so many options now when it comes to hiring a vehicle that you need to take a moment and figure out exactly what you want.

Questions to answer are:— How many people are go-

ing to ride in the vehicle with you? From four to more than 30, there are vehicles that can accommodate even the largest wedding parties.

— Do you want a stretch limo, classic car, party bus or some-thing unique such as a trolley to ferry you around before and after the ceremony?

— How much are you will-ing to spend on transportation? Some companies require a two-hour minimum, but many don’t. There are options to fit every budget.

Most importantly before you commit to any company, Laurie Knierim from Above the Bay

Limousine advises people to take the time to inspect the ve-hicles for themselves. Knierim said it’s also vital to research the company and make sure they are licensed by the state and properly insured.

“MDOT (Michigan Depart-ment of Transportation) has a website with a list of licensed operators and they update it every day,” said Knierim.

It’s also important to con-sider the type of wedding you’re having. Buses tend to get the party started and are perfect for longer trips or bachelor and bachelorette parties.

Bill Cote runs the Boyne Bus out of Boyne City and said they can fit almost 30 people on the


UP NORTH BRIDE 43

bus. With a bathroom, kitchenette, bar (and bartender) and karaoke machine, there’s a definite party atmosphere onboard.

Renting a trolley to cruise around in is something that is sure to turn heads.

“A trolley adds character to the party and can easily accommodate a lot of people,”said Enzo Lieghio from the Mackinac Old Time Trolley Company in Mackinaw City.

You may also want to consider hir-ing a bus or vehicle to ferry out-of-town guests from their hotels to the recep-tion site. For example, Cote said there is a two-hour minimum for reserving the Boyne Bus, but those two hours don’t have to be consecutive. Maybe you want guests to be taken from one place to another and then back again with a minimal amount of fuss. It’s another option to consider and ask about when researching companies.

Whether you choose a limousine, bus or trolley to chauffeur you about on your special day is up to you, but no mat-ter what, remember to ask about state certifications, licenses and insurances. Your wedding day is yours to enjoy with-out any added stress. ■





44 UPNORTHBRIDE.COM

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Extensive Wine, Draft & Liquor Selection • Full Non-Smoking FacilityOpen 7 Days A Week • Fun For All Ages • Like No Other Bowling Alley!

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up north bride - spring 2011

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