THE 2015 BRIDAL HOOK UP

CHOOSING A
PHOTOGRAPHY
PACKAGE
pg. 3
CHOOSING

GROOMSMAN
pg.6

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Contents
Table Of

3 Choosing a Photography Package

4 Successfully Negotiate
with Wedding Vendors

5 Wedding History
6 Guide to Choosing Groomsman
10 Wedding Beauty Preparation

S L

SethCover Bride Lauren

(& Groom)
Courtesy of
Jeff Peckham Photography

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FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING

A WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY PACKAGE
Couples must make a host of important
decisions when planning their weddings.
Some decisions, such as choosing a venue to
host the reception, require more effort and
research on the part of couples than others.

photoshoot is on your list of needs, then look

for an agency that provides such services as
part of its packages or agencies willing to
include the engagement photoshoot for free
or for an added fee.

One decision that couples must make

carefully concerns the photography
package they choose for their ceremonies
and receptions.Wedding photographers
play a big role on a couples big day, and
its important that men and women about
to tie the knot consider a host of factors
before choosing the men or women they will
ultimately task with visually documenting
their wedding days.

PARTY SIZE: The number of people on the

ENGAGEMENT PHOTOSHOOT: Couples who

want to do an engagement photoshoot
may want to negotiate such a shoot into
their photography package. Some agencies
include engagement shoots in their packages while others do not. If the engagement

guest list should factor into your choice of

wedding photographer. If your guest list
is especially large, then you might want to
consider hiring two or more photographers
to document the day. Many agencies offer
separate packages for couples who want one
photographer and couples who prefer two or
more photographers, so it pays to examine
the price differences between such packages
to see if more than one photographer can
fit into your budget. Couples with relatively
small guests lists can typically get by with
just a single photographer to document
their ceremonies and receptions.

TRAVEL: When discussing a wedding

photography package, ask how much travel
is included in the package.This is important for couples whose ceremonies are in a
separate location from their receptions. If
the distance between the ceremony site and
the reception venue is considerable, you may
have to pay extra for the photographer to
travel between both sites.While a reasonable amount of travel is typically included
in a photography package, its best that you
confirm this prior to signing an agreement.

VIDEOGRAPHY: Many photography agencies

also offer videography services in some of
their wedding packages.Videography can be
a great way for couples to document their
wedding days, and it can be fun for couples
to watch their wedding videos with their
families down the road.
-Metro Creative Connection

Mooresville Tribune HITCHED 2015 3

HOW TO SUCCESSFULLY
NEGOTIATE WITH

WEDDING VENDORS

Before signing, find out if there is room for negotiation with wedding vendor pricing.
The average wedding tends to be one of
the most costly ventures in a couples life
together. Many couples seek ways to cut costs,
and negotiating with prospective vendors is
one way to do just that.
Too often couples overlook haggling
for better prices because they may be
intimidated by the process or simply want
to plan the most memorable day regardless
of cost. Many vendors build some wiggle
room into their prices, and the key for costconscious couples is to find the right strategy
to unlock that lower price.

EXPLORE YOUR OPTIONS

Weddings are big business for vendors, and
the competition is stiff.Visit a variety of
vendors and compare their services and
prices prior to making any decisions.This
will give you an accurate range of costs and
information for future negotiations.Vendors
may be willing to match competitorsprices,
so knowing what the photographer down the
street charges can provide you with some
negotiating leverage.

DRESS MODESTLY FOR MEETINGS

Its tempting to want to dress to impress, but
very often wedding vendors judge potential
clients by their appearances. If you walk in
with a designer handbag and driving the
latest model luxury vehicle, a vendor may
get the impression you have extra money
to spend.While you do not have to play the
pauper, dress modestly so your appearance

4 HITCHED 2015 Mooresville Tribune

doesnt hurt you at the negotiating table.

NEVER TAKE THE FIRST OFFER

A good business person will tell you there
always is room for negotiation.Avoid the
loaded question ofWhat can you spend on
this?by the vendor. Instead, let them bring
up a price first, and realize that this first
quote can almost always be negotiated down.
Inform the vendor that you would really
like to work with them but he or she needs
to lower the price. See if they can offer a
different package or provide a discount.

NEGOTIATE THE BIG-TICKET ITEMS FIRST

Discounts on big-ticket items, such as the reception venue, will save you the most money.
For example, you will save more by getting
20 percent off at the catering hall than if you
save 20 percent on your wedding gown. Once
you free up extra money, you may find you
dont have to negotiate as hard with smaller
vendors.

WALK AWAY
IF NEED BE
Always have a Plan B
in place.This way if you
tell a vendor that their
price is too expensive
and you have to pass,
you really have a
fall-back option. Some
vendors will sweeten
the deal, but others will
actually let you walk

out the door.And remember, youre more

likely to get a better price by being amenable
and well-mannered than making threats or
arguing.

SOME DEALS ARENT ACTUAL DISCOUNTS

A vendor may be able to work with you
by offering additional services in lieu of
actually taking money off of the price tag.
Extra photo prints, a dessert bar and an
extra hour of time in the limousine may seem
like great deals, but thats only the case if you
truly need these bonuses. Even if its
a great deal, youre still spending more
than you had hoped.
Wedding prices can be overwhelming.
However, negotiating for lower prices is
always an option for cost-conscious couples.
-Metro Creative Connection

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WEDDING HISTORY
The timing of when a couple
cuts the wedding cake can have
a specific meaning. Long ago,
the cake was usually cut at the
very end of the reception and
would signal to the guests that
it was the end of the festivities.
Today, cutting the cake is an
unspoken signal that represents
that the formal wedding is
nearing a close, and guests who
would like to leave can do so
without worry of being rude.
Many couples will cut the cake
right after dinner as a courtesy
to older guests who may want
to get started on their trips

home.This affords them the

chance to make an earlier exit,
rather than staying through
the dancing that could extend
into the wee hours of the night
or missing the cake entirely.
Cutting the cake mid-reception
also serves another practical
purpose for couples who are
paying a photographer by the
hour. Photographers typically
go home after the cake-cutting,
so a mid-reception cutting
can save couples a substantial
amount of money.

-Metro Creative Connection

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THE GUIDE
TO CHOOSING

GROOMSMEN
Grooms-to-be face many
decisions regarding their
pending nuptials, but few may
prove as delicate as choosing
the groomsmen for the big
day. Friends who expect to be
groomsmen may be disappointed
if they are not ultimately chosen,
while brothers may feel left out
if they are not asked to walk a
bridesmaid up the aisle.
Choosing groomsmen should
not be taken lightly. Groomsto-be who are facing some
difficult choices with regard to
that decision can follow a few
pointers to ensure they make the
right call.

PICK A NUMBER
Before you even consider who
you want your groomsmen to
be, speak to your fiance about
how many bridesmaids she
hopes to have.The number of

groomsmen and bridesmaids

typically matches, so your
fiances intentions may make
your decision a lot easier.
For example, if you have two
brothers and several friends
youre considering, but your
fiance only intends to have
a maid of honor and one
bridesmaid, then you can just
ask both of your brothers to
serve as groomsmen. Friends are
unlikely be offended if family
members get the nod ahead of
them, so discuss numbers with
your fiance before you begin
trimming your list of candidates.
If you already have an idea
of who you want to be your
groomsmen but your choices
outnumber your fiances, see if
she has anyone else she can add
to her party so no one is left out.

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CHOOSE THE BEST MAN FOR THE JOB

Many grooms pick a brother to

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serve as their best man, and while thats a

nice sentiment, its important that grooms
recognize that being a best man carries
with it some responsibility.A best man will
organize the bachelor party, give a toast at
the wedding and handle any post-wedding
duties, such as returning the tuxes or
arranging for the newlywedstransportation
to the airport. If your brother is already
incredibly busy or if you doubt he is up to the
task of being a best man, then you might be
better off asking him to be a groomsman and
finding another best man whos more capable
of juggling the numerous responsibilities
that come with being best man.

DONT FORGET YOUR FIANCES FAMILY

While you should not feel pressured to pick
anyone in particular as your best man, if your
fiance has any brothers, ask her if she had
her heart set on including any of them in the
bridal party. Some brides want their brothers
to be groomsmen, so discuss this with your
fiance before asking anyone to line up
beside you.This discussion can go both ways
as well, as you can ask your bride-to-be to
include a favorite sister in her bridal party if
you so desire.

CONFIRM THEIR AVAILABILITY

When asking friends or family members
to be groomsmen, its best to ensure they
can actually make it to the ceremony.This
is a concern for grooms who are planning a
destination wedding or those getting married in their fiances hometown and not
their own, as some guests, including potential
groomsmen, may not be able to afford to
attend an overseas or faraway ceremony.
When asking, explain the situation to them,
and let them know you fully understand if
they cannot commit to being a groomsmen
due to travel or financial concerns. Confirm
their availability as soon as possible, as you
dont want to be down one groomsman come
your big day. For those who you want to be a
groomsmen but are unable to make it, it can
be a nice gesture to buy them a groomsmen
gift as a token of your appreciation for their
friendship.

CHOOSE THE

BEST
MAN FOR
THE JOB

Many grooms face difficult decisions when

choosing their groomsmen. But there are
ways to make such decisions a lot easier than
they may seem.
-Metro Creative Connection

Mooresville Tribune HITCHED 2015 7

2015

WEDDING

PROFESSIONALS
ALLEN TATE
A
S
Stephanie
Richart
BB & T
Lisa Qualls
REMARK
KABLE RECEPTIONS Rich Lange
ADVOCARE
Zahid Buttar
STATESV
VILLE COUNTRY CLUB
Bria James
MARY KAY
Julie Phalen
BEAD LADY
Kathleen Reeder
WINK LASH
L
SKIN STUDIO
Kris Bowser
ARBONNE
Paige Futrell
BR
RIDAL AFFAIRS
Victor Huaman
WEDDIN
NG WISHES BY CLARK
Margaret Clark
BE
EAUTI CONTROL
Ramona Sitler
LITTLE
TT
DR
REAMER PRODUCTIONS
Jenny
H
HOLIDAY INN
Brett Hicks
CAND
DLEWOOD SUITES
Melissa Cruz
CRE
EATIVE C
CATERING AND EVENTS
Shane Smith
BIS
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Alan Bishop
SOUTHE
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Michelle Mewitt
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Jamie Current
PURE BARRE
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Courtney Parnell
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SPRINGHILL
L SUITES CANDLEWOOD
Chhristine Patterson
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wedding

Be smart about

BEAUTY PREPARATION
All eyes are on the bride and
groom on their wedding
day. Feeling beautiful and
dapper can boost a couples
confidence and ensure they
look back on their wedding
photographs and videos with
pride.
Certain beauty basics and
makeup and hair strategies
can help any bride look
spectacular on her wedding
day.The following are some
dos and donts of wedding day
beauty preparations.

DO employ the services of a

professional hairstylist and
makeup artist. Professionals have the experience and
tools of the trade to help
you to look your best. From
contouring to make your face
seem slimmer to enlarging
the appearance of small eyes,
some tricks of the trade are
best left to the pros.

DONT forget to schedule a

trial run. Make this appointment several months before
the wedding day so you have

ample time to work with your

stylists and experiment with
colors and hair arrangements
to fit your personality and
the style of your gown.Take
plenty of pictures and notes
so you will remember what
needs to be on hand for the
wedding day.

DO allot enough time for the

wedding day beauty appointment. If you will be going to a
salon, block out two or more
slots instead of one.This way
the stylist does not over book
and will not feel rushed. Many
brides opt to have stylists
come to their homes.There
may be an extra charge for
this service, but it may be well
worth the cost.

DONT make any drastic

changes to your appearance
right before the wedding.
This includes changing your
hair color or texture, extreme
tanning, using colored contact
lenses, or chopping off all of
your hair. Its better to wait
until after the wedding to
change your style.

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DO bring a veil, headpiece, hair

extensions, and any other accessories to your hair consult.This
enables the stylist to practice
working with these items.

DONT tweeze or wax brows too

close to the start of the ceremony.
Redness and swelling are common side effects of tweezing and
waxing, and they can be difficult
to mask with makeup. Instead,
take care of hair removal a day or
two prior to the wedding.

DO exfoliate your skin prior to the

wedding.This doesnt necessarily
mean you should endure a harsh
fruit acid peel or another procedure.You can exfoliate with a
gentle washing of your skin with
a nubby washcloth to remove any
dryness and errant flakes. Moisturize well to ensure a smooth
palette for makeup application.

styles tend to stay better when

hair has a little grip.Dirtyhair
is easier to work with than shiny,
freshly washed locks. If you must
wash, remember to thoroughly
dry your hair before going to your
appointment.

DO wear a little extra makeup

than you are accustomed to wearing because it will show up better
in photos. However, do not wear
so much that you look clownish.
A makeup artist can help you
achieve the right balance.

DONT have bridesmaids wear

makeup that is bolder than yours,
especially red lips. No one should
upstage the bride.
DO experiment with any products
you havent used before to test
for allergic reactions and see how
well they wear.

DONT wash or condition hair the

DONT wear too much under-eye

day of the wedding. Intricate

concealer or one that is too light

of a shade.This can draw more

attention to problem areas than
remedy them.

FOUR CORNERS

Framing and Gallery

DO bring a pain relief medication

in case a tight hairstyle or headpiece causes a headache.

DONT forget that men need a

little help as well. Exfoliation and
moisturization can help dry skin.
Guys should use a new razor and
plenty of cream before shaving
to avoid irritation.A dusting of
finishing powder can banish shiny
noses and foreheads for photoready faces.

Wedding Memories
...to last a lifetime!

Services
Chances are more photographs
will be taken of a newlywed
couple than at any other moment
in their lives. Certain beauty dos
and donts should be followed
so couples put their best faces
forward.
-Metro Creative Connection

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Mooresville Tribune HITCHED 2015 11

2015

Vendors

Holiday Inn Express

Carolina Carriage Company
Mary Kay by Michele Arnold
Gary Eller Photography
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DJ Supery Balloons & Video
Debbies Heavenlty Touch Catering
River Creek Lodge
IT Works Global
Prints Charming Photo Booth
Mann Tavels
A & J Rentals
Daveste Vineyards
Wedding Wishes by Clark
Statesville Country Club
Sweet Thing Bakery
Western & Southern Life Insurance
Vista at Walnut Hill
Silverleaf Photography
dilishi Frozen Yogurt
Origami Owl
Morgan Nicole Designs
Ramada Hotel & Conference Center
Strauss Studios, Inc.
Sheri Allison Photography
Courtyard by Marriott & Hampton Inn
Statesville Chiropractic Clinic
Katie Whalen Photography
Historic Sharpe House
Downtown Buds
Salice Boutique
Remember When

Make all your wedding

plans easier by attending

THE STATESVILLE BRIDAL EXPO

Vendors including orists,
decorators, photographers,
videographers, wedding attire
specialists (dresses & tuxedos),
caterers, wedding & event
planners, DJs, musicians, hotel
management, health & beauty
specialists and travel agents
will be available to discuss your
wedding plans and ideas.
All Registered brides at the
event will be entered into a
free drawing for a $750 and
$250 spending card along with
various door prizes generously
donated by many of
our vendors.

Bridal
Expo
2015
15

Sunday, February 22, 2015

1:00-5:00pm Statesville Civic Center
Admission: $5.00
Groom enters free with Bride

Presented By
For More Information Call

704-878-3493

Salice Boutique will be presenting

the Runway Show and debuting
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12 HITCHED 2015 Mooresville Tribune

or visit us on the web at

www.ci.statesville.nc.us

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Brown-Smith

couple united in marriage in afternoon ceremony

14 HITCHED 2015 Mooresville Tribune

Story
COVER BRIDE
Lauren Elizabeth Smith and Seth Alan
Brown, both of Mooresville, pledged their
wedding vows on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2014 at
the First Baptist Church, Mooresville.The 3
p.m. ceremony was officiated by the Revs.
Bradley Dillard and Steve Sellers. Musicians
included the brides father, Keith Smith, and
the grooms uncle, Mark Collard.
The bride is the daughter of Keith and
Beth Smith of Mooresville and the
granddaughter of Mickey and Carolyn
Penninger of Kannapolis, Mrs. Juanita Smith
of Kannapolis and the late Donald Smith.
She is also the great-granddaughter of
Mrs. Delfina Penninger of Concord. Lauren
graduated from Mooresville High School in
2007 and from Elon University in 2011. She
will be graduating from the Gardner-Webb
University School of Divinity in May 2015.
Currently, she is employed as director of
childrens ministries at First Baptist Church
Mooresville.
The groom is the son of Stan and Michelle
Brown of Mooresville and the grandson of
Gerry and Ursie Collard of Aurora, Colo., Mrs.
Marion Brown of Denver and the late Rev.
Harold Brown Sr. His honorary grandmother
is Mrs. Ruth Stafford of Troutman.A 2009
graduate of Lake Norman High School, Seth
graduated from Gannon University in Erie,
Pa. in 2014 as a physicians assistant.
Given in marriage by her parents,
the bride wore an ivory colored organza over
satin gown designed by Maggie Sottero.The
sheath gown featured a sweetheart neckline
with an illusion bateau overlay of organza
soutache lace complementing a fitted bodice
and a trumpet skirt that extended to a
chapel length train.The gown was accented
with a beaded belt of Swarovski crystals and
rhinestones.
The bride wore a simple one-tier, tulle veil
trimmed with small pearl beads. She carried
a bouquet of sunflowers accented with babys
breath, and the stems were wrapped with a
handkerchief that was once carried by her
great-grandmother, Mrs. Charlotte Bruton.
Mary-Neil Jackson of Mooresville was the
maid of honor.
Bridesmaids were Victoria Brown of Raleigh,
Courtney Jackson of Richmond,Va. and

Brittany Lackey of Mooresville.

All of the attendants wore navy and white
striped boat neck dresses, which provided a
simple yet bold statement at the altar. Paired
with a gray and gold necklace and matching
earrings, these were the perfect addition to
the brides vision.
Jackson Lindsey of Durham served as the
best man.
Groomsmen were John Patrick Brown,
brother of the groom; Brandon Smith,
brother of the bride; and Wes Hardin of
Mooresville.
The ring bearer was Andrew Harrah.
The brides mother wore a navy colored
sheath dress with pearl accents at the
neckline, and the mother of the groom chose
a burgundy lace overlay dress.
The church was decorated with two mixed
floral arrangements, which were placed on
the altar.These were
accented by golden
euonymus plants.The
pews in the sanctuary
were marked with
Auto Home Life Retirement
burlap bows accented
with babys breath.

Protect your world

Altar flowers were

placed in loving
memory of the
deceased grandparents
of the bridal couple,
the Rev. Harold L.
Brown Sr. and Donald
G. Smith.
Following the
ceremony, a
cake-cutting
reception was held at
First Baptist Church.
A dinner reception
was held later at
Homewood Suites
in Davidson.
The newlyweds
honeymooned on a
cruise to the Bahamas.

Call me today to discuss your options.

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James McCall
704-663-1230
961 North Main Street
Mooresville, NC 28115
jamesmccall@allstate.com
Call or stop by for a free quote
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