All things

Bridal

Easy Ways
to Trim
Wedding Costs
pg.10

Wedding
Good Luck
Charms
pg. 8

Bliss [January 2016]

January 2016

4 - Josh & Sarah Eckard

6 - Eric & Leslie Chapman
8 - Wedding Good Luck Charms
10 - Easy Ways to Trim Wedding Costs
12 - Changing Your Last Name
13 - Smart Phones for Weddings
14 - Factors to Consider When Hosting
an Outdoor Wedding

Bridal Photography
courtesy of:

Sarah
Eckard
2

Bliss [January 2016]

Leslie
Chapman

Bridal
Shower
History
The modern bridal shower may trace its origins the 1890s.
The Old Farmers Almanac says the first bridal shower
hostess filled a paper parasol with small presents and turned
it over the head of the bride-to-be. Soon the concept caught
on, and many other women began showering future brides
in such a manner. Naturally, as presents became larger and
heavier, the tradition of literally showering the bride with gifts
was modified - but the name has stuck.
Bridal showers are designed to equip couples with many of
the necessities to start their new life together. This custom is
believed to have evolved from an old dowry system, in which
a bride was expected to bring valuables to the marriage.
The dowry was originally intended as compensation for the
burden of supporting a wife placed on the groom. Some
parents of the bride were not rich enough to afford an ample
dowry, so friends and family members would offer small gifts
to help offset this financial responsibility.
Today, both the bride and groom are equal partners in the
marriage, bringing together their collective wealth. However,
showers are still held regardless of the financial need of the
bride as a way to offer good wishes before she embarks on
her new journey.
-Metro Creative Connection

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[January 2016] Bliss 3

Bliss [January 2016]

Josh and I met in September of 2012 while I was in nursing

school. We both feel very lucky to have met because, if it
wasn't for my being enrolled in that exact class, I would not
have met Lindsay, who introduced me to Josh. Lindsay and
her family knew immediately that Josh and I would end up
being together. Without them, I never would have crossed
paths with my soul mate. After a couple of months of movie
nights, going to Scarowinds, and talking on the phone,
Josh asked me on a date in January, and from then on, we
became inseparable.
One year later in February, I was having a particularly bad
week, and Josh said he would take me up to the mountains
and we would go shopping to cheer me up. Little did I know
that he had planned to take me to an overlook called Thunder
Hill where we had stopped on one of our very first dates the
year before. When we arrived, he said, I made something
for you. He then pulled a photo book from the back of his car
and waited as I looked through every page. It had pictures
of our entire year together from beginning to present, and on
the last page was a picture I had never seen: it was a ring! In
shock, I looked up, and there was the ring in the case held by
very nervous hands. Of course, I said yes. I can't remember a
time when I've felt more excited!
Next were wedding plans on top of more wedding plans! But
before much was done, something happened that I feared
would change our lives forever. Josh had been involved in a
serious motorcycle accident on July 4, 2014. There is nothing scarier than receiving a phone call late at night telling
you that your loved one is in harms way and being given no
information whatsoever of their condition.

It happened when he was driving his bike home from
work one night when a car obliviously pulled in front of him.
After being airlifted to Wake Forest Baptist Hospital, Josh
woke up with tubes down his throat, chest tubes, many facial
fractures as well as a fractured sternum, six broken ribs, and
a slight brain bleed. The moment he awoke, I told him what
had happened, but he couldn't talk because of the tubes. I
found some paper and a pen, and he began to write. At the
moment, I felt nothing but relief because he was waking up,
able to communicate, and aware of who I was, all things I had
feared he would never be able to do again. He asked me
questions like Was anyone else hurt? and How broken am
I? After hearing what damage was done he wrote, Will you
still marry me? I burst into tears and assured him I didn't plan
on going anywhere.

Recovery was a long brutal road involving months of wired

shut jaws, overcoming muscle atrophy, irregular heart rates,
new medications and their side effects, and much more. But
with the wedding and honeymoon in sight, Josh overcame
all odds and recovered beautifully and just in time for the
big day! We were married on March 14, 2015. I could not
have asked for a more perfect day!
From tears in every
eye, sweet heartfelt I-dos, and many delicious treatsto
dancing and tossing flowersmy wedding was everything I
dreamed it would be and more! It's true what they say about
your wedding day being a blur. It's like one moment youre
waking up thinking Oh my goodness! I'm getting married today! and the next, it's all said and done, and you're in the car
with your husband saying, Oh my goodness! We got married
today!
With everything we've been through so far, we've learned
quickly not to take each other for granted, and we do our best
to make every moment count. God has blessed us so much
already and continues to bless us every day.

Gourmet & Specialty Catering

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[January 2016] Bliss 5

Bliss [January 2016]

Eric and Leslie were

acquaintances in high school
who started chatting at their
five year high school reunion.
Afterwards they went out
with some friends and have
been together ever since.
The first three years of
their relationship were long
distance with Leslie living in
Chapel Hill while Eric lived in
Icard and then in Cullowhee,
North Carolina. They
enjoyed weekends meeting
in the middle in Burke County
and Eric spent his school
breaks in Chapel Hill.
Leslie moved back to
Morganton to go to nursing
school at Catawba Valley
Community College and
it was then that their
relationship truly blossomed.
They enjoyed movie nights,

hanging out with friends and

bonfires. After four and a
half years Eric finally worked
up his courage to ask Leslie
to marry him. He knew how
important family and friends
are to Leslie so he chose
an afternoon surrounded by
their closest friends to pop
the question. Eric is not shy
and usually loves being the
center of attention, but this
moment caused his hands
to shake and his voice to
quiver. Leslie grinned from
ear to ear as she said yes.
On a beautiful May afternoon
the couple wed in Maiden
surrounded by their family
and friends. They spent their
honeymoon relaxing in Tybee
Island, Georgia. They now
live in Connelly Springs with
their dog, Bella.

Lake Hckory
Country Club
Hckory, North Carolna

A private Club providing an elegant wedding venue,

detailed event planning, and a professionally trained staff
for Hickory brides since 1923...

Weddng Receptons, Rehearsal Dnners,

Engagement Partes, Brdal Showers,
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~Call today to book your event~

430 17th Avenue NW
Hickory, NC 28601
(828) 328-2981

www.lakehickorycc.com
Photo Credit: Joy Davis Photography

[January 2016] Bliss 7

Spiders, doves and sugar cubes

all can be symbols of good luck
on couples wedding days.

Wedding C
Good Luck
Charms

ouples wedding days are

special moments, ones they
hope pave the way to a
life filled with happiness and good
fortune. Thats why the bride and
groom surround themselves with
close friends and family who want to
celebrate and support their new life
joined together.

Whitfields

Flowers & More

10%
OFF
Any Wedding Order Scheduled By March 31, 2016
Stop by to see
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stock!
8

Bliss [January 2016]

Perhaps due to superstition or

tradition, many couples employ
some wedding day strategies
to increase their good luck. The
following are some of the symbols
that couples may want to keep an
eye out for on the day they walk
down the aisle.
Its good luck for the bride to see
a dove on the way to the wedding
because doves symbolize peace
and prosperity. Because doves
mate for life, this symbol is doubly
beneficial on a couples wedding
day, as it can be a harbinger of a
long, happy marriage and home.

 Some brides believe sugar cubes tucked

into their wedding gloves leads to a sweet
union.
Hindu tradition states that rain on a
wedding day is good luck. Rain is believed
to be a symbol of fortune and abundance,
especially after times of drought. Whats
more, rain can foretell a strong marriage.
Thats because a wet knot is more difficult to
untie.
Ancient Romans were so concerned with
ensuring good luck that they actually studied
pig entrails to determine the luckiest time to
marry. If they consulted with the English, they
might determine that a wedding shouldnt
take place on a Saturday, which is unlucky.
English tradition states Wednesday is the
best day to get married.
In Holland, well-wishers would plant pine
trees outside of newlyweds homes as a
symbol of fertility and luck.
Grooms may want to give

a coin to the

first person they see on the way to their

weddings. This is another symbol of good
luck.
Some couples plan to marry during a
full moon, because that can symbolize
good luck and good fortune.
On a couples wedding day, tears from a
bride or a child during the ceremony is
considered lucky. English folklore suggests
that brides who discover spiders in their
gowns are in for some good luck.

The Chinese believe that lighting fireworks

at their wedding ceremonies chases away
evil spirits. A red umbrella also might be held
over a Chinese bride to keep bad spirits at
bay.
Many grooms do not see their brides
in their wedding gowns before their wedding
ceremonies, feeling it is bad luck if they do.
Many brides also do not wear their complete
wedding outfits prior to their big day.
-Metro Creative Connection

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[January 2016] Bliss 9

Easy Ways
to Trim
Wedding Costs
C
Custom Design
Loose Diamonds
Semi-Mounts
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10

Bliss [January 2016]

ouples planning their

weddings realize
pretty quickly just how
expensive weddings can be.
Depending on where couples tie
the knot, the costs can stretch into
the tens of thousands of dollars,
leaving many young men and
women to scramble to find ways
to trim costs without trimming
quality.
Many couples look for ways to
cut wedding costs, and couples
facing that very dilemma should
know that there are several ways
to save money but still host the
wedding of their dreams.

Guest list
Guest lists can consume a
significant portion of couples
wedding budgets. When compiling
the guest list, couples should
keep in mind that guests will need
save-the-date cards, invitations,
catered meals (including cocktail
hour, dinner and dessert), drinks,
and gifts (including hotel gift
bags and wedding favors). So
the cost per guest will be more
than just the per person cost of
the meal couples negotiate with
their caterer. Couples who can
pare their guests lists down to just
family and close friends can save
a substantial amount of money
without affecting their ceremonies.

Reception
A couples wedding reception also will chew up a lot of their
wedding budgets. But there are ways to reduce the costs
of receptions, too. Couples planning on having a morning
wedding can shift their receptions from the evening to the
afternoon, when the cost per meal will be considerably
less. Afternoon receptions also can be alcohol-free, saving
couples even more money. If a nighttime reception is a
must-have, choose a limited cash bar instead of an open
bar. Limited cash bars often provide guests with free beer
and house wine while guests who prefer liquor or mixed
drinks must pay for their own libations. If you are planning
an outdoor wedding reception, you may even be able to
provide your own alcohol, which can save considerable
amounts of money.
Couples also can trim reception costs by choosing the least
expensive meal package. Packages often differ greatly in
price but are not always so different with regard to their
menus. If you find the packages offered by your venue are
similar, choose the least expensive option.

Arrangements
Floral arrangements are a big and potentially expensive
part of many couples weddings. The bride needs her
bouquet, as do her bridesmaids. In addition, many couples
decorate their ceremony space with flowers, and of course
reception table centerpieces typically include flowers as
well. When working with your florist, request in-season
flowers, which will cost considerably less than exotic
flowers that are out of season. In addition, let your florist
know your budget and ask that he or she recommend
flowers that wont break the bank.

Gifts
While its become customary to prepare gift bags for guests
staying in hotels, couples should not go overboard with
such gifts. Gift bags need not include more than a snack, a
bottle of water and a homemade thank-you card. Couples
also should not break the bank with regard to reception
gifts, which have also become a standard offering.
Keep such gifts simple and inexpensive, even opting for
homemade gifts if you and your future spouse are skilled
with crafts.
Wedding costs can be eye-opening for couples preparing
to walk down the aisle. Fortunately, there are many ways to
cut costs without cutting quality.
-Metro Creative Connection

[January 2016] Bliss 11

Changing Your
Last Name
Although a large percentage of women still change their last names upon getting
married, many carefully weigh the pros and cons of such a
change before making their final decisions.

Wedding
Styles
for your preference
and your

Budget

Newton
Florist Inc.
115 N Ashe Ave. Newton, NC

828-464-4321
Newtonfloral.com

12

Bliss [January 2016]

While many brides opt to take their

husbands surnames upon tying the knot,
over the years the popularity of such a
decision has ebbed and flowed. Recent
years have suggested the practice is once
again gaining steam.
A 2011 study published in Names: A Journal
of Onomastics indicates that younger brides
are more likely to embrace the tradition of
taking their husbands names in marriage.
According to the study, women who married
between the ages of 35 and 39 were 6.4
times more likely to keep their maiden
names than those who married between the
ages of 20 and 24.
Many brides view taking their spouses
name as the natural transition from being a
singleton to being a married woman. Other
brides prefer they share the same last name
as their future children, making the choice
to take their husbands name a logical
decision. Some brides feel having the same
last name as their husbands helps them feel
more like a family.
Changing ones name also may make it
easier to deal with various issues. Finances,
travel and even parenting concerns may be

easier when women take their husbands

last names than when they dont.
But some brides still prefer to keep their
maiden names or hyphenate those names
with their husbands surnames. Some may
view changing their names as sacrificing
their personal identities, while others may
want to hold on to a family name they are
proud of. Interesting names also can be
hard to give up. Brides who find taking their
husbands name would be a tongue-twister
may prefer to forego this tradition.
Very often women who occupy positions of
prominence in their professions keep their
maiden names, feeling that taking their
husbands names will affect the cache they
have built up thus far. Women uncertain
of what to do in such situations can keep
their maiden names professionally and still
change their names legally.
Changing ones last name is a personal
preference and a decision that couples
should discuss together. Discuss the
decision well in advance of the wedding so
that both parties are aware of each others
feelings on the subject before tying the knot.
-Metro Creative Connection

Smartphones
for Weddings?

ore couples are utilizing their smartphones

when planning their weddings, according
to the The Knot 2014 Real Weddings
Study. The study, which surveyed nearly 16,000
brides and grooms married in 2014, found that the
use of smartphones to access wedding-planning
websites nearly doubled from 2011 to 2014. In 2011,
just 33 percent of couples surveyed acknowledged
accessing wedding-planning websites via their
smartphones. But that figure rose to 61 percent
in 2014. Sixty-one percent of brides admitted to
researching gowns on their smartphones, marking
a substantial increase from 2011, when 27 percent
acknowledged using their mobile devices to
research gowns. Wedding vendors also can benefit
from strong mobile sites, as 57 percent (up from
22 percent in 2011) of survey respondents in 2014
admitted to researching prospective vendors on
their mobile devices.

bridalfair
cleveland

county

March
5th-6th,
2016
LeGrand
Center
Shelby

Vendors, Door Prizes,

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-Metro Creative Connection

[January 2016] Bliss 13

Factors to Consider
when Hosting
an Outdoor Wedding

the

house

terrell, north carolina

The T. F. Connor House is an

elegant and pictureques venue for
weddings, receptions, corporate
events, and social gatherings
from large to small. All events
are reserved on a first come, first
served basis. Guest can mingle on
the lawn, the endless porches
or in the reception hall.
for more information:

828.445.3860

t.f.connorhouse@gmail.com

9210 sherrills ford road

terrell, nc 28682

14

Bliss [January 2016]

any couples tie the knot

outdoors, as nature can
provide an idyllic backdrop
on such a special day. In many
ways, planning outdoor weddings
is similar to planning weddings that
take place with a roof overhead and
four walls surrounding couples and

their guests. But there are some

distinct features of both indoor and
outdoor weddings, and couples
planning the latter would be wise to
consider the following factors before
they commit to a location for their
ceremony.

Laws
Laws dictate what can and cannot be done in open spaces,
and couples with outdoor locations in mind should confirm
local laws and regulations before they commit to a location
for their wedding. Research which permits you might need
and if there are any rules or restrictions at each location you
are considering. The cost of such permits may be negligible,
but the rules may restrict what you can do in a given space
and how long you can do it. Discuss these rules with each
other to determine if the rules are something both of you can
live with.

Location
Proximity to your reception venue and the hotel where guests
are staying is another factor to consider if you are planning
on hosting an outdoor wedding. A remote location might
provide stunning views and privacy, but guests might tire if
the ceremony location is far from the hotel and/or reception
venue. This should not be too big an issue if the ceremony
and reception are held at the same locale, but couples should
still look for nearby lodging before booking remote outdoor
locations.

Weather
Weather is perhaps the biggest factor couples must consider
when planning an outdoor wedding. Outdoor weddings
are best held during those seasons when the threat of
precipitation is insignificant and temperatures are mild, but
it's still necessary to have a backup plan just in case Mother
Nature does not want to cooperate. If possible, find an
outdoor location that provides access to an indoor ceremony
facility in case of inclement weather. If that's not possible,
monitor the forecast as closely as possible and arrange for a
tent to be erected should rain start to fall. (Note: The cost of
such tents can be considerable, so build this contingency into
your budget.) If the forecast is calling for chillier temperatures
than you had hoped for, email out-of-town guests a few days
in advance to remind them to dress warm.

Logistics
No matter how beautiful a backdrop may be, photos of an
outdoor ceremony can be compromised. Couples, along with
their photographers, should visit the site in the weeks before
their weddings to determine arrangements for the ceremony
that will guarantee photos are not compromised by sunlight
or shade. Facility managers can probably offer advice as to
the best places to hold the ceremony and seat guests, but a
run-through at the location with your photographer in tow can
help ensure your photos come out perfect.
-Metro Creative Connection

828.455.8726

facebook.com/calahstephensphotography

[January 2016] Bliss 15

HICKORYS ONLY FULL SERVICE HOTEL

WHERE YOUR SUCCESS MATTERS.

Mixing business and pleasure with style and ease is

no problem for the Crowne Plaza of Hickory. Unlike all
other Hickory area hotels, Crowne Plaza of Hickory helps
guests stay well rested with specialized Sleep Advantage
in-room amenities, followed up with, pool and sauna,
new fitness center equipment, 100Mps Free Internet
and Full Service Food and Beverage amenities. As a
standard, the Crowne Plaza will offer deeply discounted
room stays for local Hickory and surrounding area
residents on all weekend dates.
In 2015, we renovated our Grand Ballroom in order to
serve our wedding and other guests in luxurious style,
from new chairs, wall coverings, carpet, lighting and
Audio Visual equipment. The Crowne Plaza of Hickory
also provides services for planning business meetings

and social events with 12,000 square feet of versatile

meeting space and superior service to ensure your event
is a huge success!
Our Professional Sales Team will guide you in every
step of pre-planning for your Wedding, School Reunion,
Family Reunions, Birthday Celebrations and many more
of those milestones that need to be celebrated in style!
During your event, you will be assisted by a Crowne
Meetings Director on site to ensure that your event
goes 100% as planned. We have an outstanding culinary
team that will provide you some of the best food
presentations in the Catawba Valley. Our professional
service personnel will always be on hand to provide for
your every need, from bartending to personal service.

1385 L enoi r - Rhy ne B o ule vard S E | Hickor y, NC | 828-32 3- 1000