2 LI NCOLN TI MES-NEWS, Lincolnton, N.C.

, Wednesday, March 28, 2012 2012 Bridal Section

Par l i er
We ser vi ce al l speci al even t s
f r om Wed di n gs t o f est i val s.
Locat ed i n Den ver , Nc
Cal l J i mmy Par l i er
70 4 - 4 77- 6 0 6 1
www.ji mmy par l i er hor set r an spor t .com
751 H Hwy. 16 N. Denver, NC
www.ChillinAndGrillin.com (704) 966-0677
- Partial Services and Same Day Services Available. -
We are more than just a caterer. We are easy to work with, have great food, no hidden cost, on-site grilling
and a dedicated, professional sta. We partner with other professionals to oer you full wedding services.
Planning
Organization
Catering
Ceremony Director
Vendor Management
Cakes
Bartenders
Photography
Entertainment
DJ Services
Instrumentals
Limousine
Horse and Buggy
Floral
Dove Releases
Hair Styling
Makeup
Mary Kay Products
Tents, Tables, Linens, etc.
Pampered Chef Products
31 Products
Ask about "up-scaling" and "blinging" your cake table or sweetheart
table with custom linens and jewels of your choice.
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LTN73729-32312
For most brides-to-be, the
choice of a dress is among the
rst and most important deci-
sions in planning a wedding.
With thousands of choices in
every price range, nding the
perfect wedding dress can be
a difcult and time-consuming
process. But by making some
decisions before setting foot in
a store, the search will be both
easier and a lot more enjoyable.
First things rst
Start by knowing your limits.
To avoid disappointment down
the line, determine the maxi-
mum amount that you can spend
on a dress -- and dont forget to
include all the little extras, such
as undergarments, shoes, jew-
elry, veil, and/or hair ornaments.
Next, take an inventory of your
personal style. If you know that
youre not comfortable in strap-
less or sleeveless dresses, for
example, you can immediately
eliminate these options.
Firm yet exible
There will be no shortage of
opinions -- from mothers, sis-
ters, friends, and store person-
nel -- about your choice of a
wedding dress, but the decision,
ultimately, is the brides alone.
A great strategy is to be open
to suggestions about dresses to
try on, but reserve the right to
choose the look that feels right
to you. With so many potential
options, you might want to con-
sider bringing along a camera
and taking photos of yourself in
the dresses that could be con-
tenders.
Go for a attering t
Remember: Your goal is to
nd a dress that atters your
body and expresses your per-
sonal style -- not to t into
a particular size. If you look
ghostly in white, feel free to
choose a creamier shade or a
dress that has decorative ac-
cents of a different color near
your neck, shoulders and face.
Similarly, theres no rule that a
wedding dress has to be oor-
length. If youre planning a
daytime or more casual wed-
ding, you might want to con-
sider a tea-length dress.
Comfort is key
Style and t may be the
two most important factors
in choosing a wedding dress,
but comfort should be a close
third. Ask yourself if you will
be comfortable in a particu-
lar dress given the setting in
which your wedding will take
place. For instance, if youve
always dreamed of an outdoor
wedding, you may want forego
a dress with a long, trailing
train that could trip you. Even
if youre planning an indoor
event, having a dress and shoes
that are as comfortable as they
are beautiful will greatly in-
crease your odds of enjoying
your special day to the fullest.
Wedding dress for success: Stay true to your personal style
Contributed
Brides often try on numerous dresses before choosing the
one theyll wear on their walk down the aisle.
LI NCOLN TI MES-NEWS, Lincolnton, N.C., Wednesday, March 28, 2012 3 2012 Bridal Section
WEDDING
200 Club Drive Cherryville, NC 704-435-6597
Restaurant Open: Thursday & Friday 11am-9am Saturday 11am-4pm Sunday BuIIet 11am-2pm
Let Us Cater Your Next Event!
ARRANGEMENTS
Event Coordination
Bar/Bartender
China and Formal Dinnerware
White Wedding Chairs and Tables
GiIt and Place Card Tables
LCD Player Screen and Sound System
GiIt Basket Ior the Bride and Groom
Indoor Back-up Space Ior Outdoor Venues
(in the event of inclement weather)
Formal Linens
Grand Foyer
At Cherryville GolI & Country Club, we oIIer a banquet
room and a private dining room with a Iull bar Ior
your wedding reception (or class reunion).
We can plan a menu to Iit all your needs (prior menu
selection and tasting available to bride and groom),
and we also oIIer a proIessional, trained
staII to serve you.
LTN73133-32312
4 LI NCOLN TI MES-NEWS, Lincolnton, N.C., Wednesday, March 28, 2012 2012 Bridal Section
Established 1952 Establish
Bridal Show
DAYSTAR PREMIER
SATURDAY, MARCH 31 1:00PM TO 4:00PM
DAYSTAR FAMILY WORSHIP CENTER 115 INDUSTRIAL PARK ROAD LINCOLNTON
Sponsored in part by:
STILL ACCEPTING VENDORS!
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FREE ADMISSION
Brides Register Online at www.daystarcog.com (Click on Bridal Event 2012)
Brides Cake Drive
Giveaways and More
Fashion Show
Multiple Prizes
Exhibits
Helpful Hints
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Brides Register Online at
LTN73059-32312
All eyes are typically on the
bride during a wedding. But
that doesnt mean the groom
should be a shrinking violet.
While the bridal gown may
garner the oohs and aahs,
what the groom wears on his
wedding day is quite important
as well.
In many ceremonies, the
groom spends several minutes
standing beside the alter await-
ing his bride-to-be. Before the
rst notes of Here Comes
the Bride are played, all eyes
will be on him as he anxiously
awaits the start of the ceremo-
ny. As such, it is essential that
the groom look well-polished
and is dressed in accordance to
the tone and scope of the wed-
ding.
Because most weddings are
formal occasions, grooms of-
ten choose to wear a tuxedo
or high-end suit. A well-tted
tuxedo combined with a formal
Finding the right wedding wardrobe for your groom
Contributed
While eyes certainly may be trained on the bride, the groom
can expect his share of admirers as well. Being well dressed
at his wedding is essential.
shirt, tie and vest is the clas-
sic wedding ensemble. Gener-
ally the tuxedo jacket is single-
breasted with three buttons and
satin trim. This style is univer-
sally attering to most mens
frames.
Accessorizing the tuxedo can
mean different things. Some
choose to wear a vest while
others opt for a cummerbund.
Others add suspenders. These
accessories, including the tie
or bow tie and the vest, can be
all black like the tuxedo or can
be coordinated with the colors
of the wedding party. For ex-
ample, if the bridesmaids are
wearing butter yellow gowns,
the groomsmen can wear yel-
low accessories. However, to
set themselves apart from the
groomsmen and ushers, grooms
tend to go with the classic black
and white and forego colors. On
some occasions, grooms may
choose to wear a white tuxedo.
A well-groomed groom is
also an important wedding day
must. He should be well-shaven
and have recently had a haircut.
If he has facial hair, it should be
trimmed and neat.
Because he will be photo-
graphed all day long, a groom
can choose to take some cues
from his soon-to-be-spouse.
He may indulge in a manicure
to ensure nails and cuticles are
neat. A dusting of translucent
facial powder can tame shiny
skin in photos. Some couples
opt for teeth whitening prior to
the wedding to ensure a spar-
kling smile.
When dressing the rest of the
men in a wedding, they should
take their cues from the groom,
but not be carbon-copies of
him. Fathers of the bride and
groom can set themselves apart
with a pocket square or a spe-
cially colored boutonniere.
The exception to a tuxedo
or a suit would be for a casual
wedding, particularly one held
at the beach or in a park. Then
the groom can wear what will
coordinate for the occasion,
such as a dress shirt and slacks,
or even sandals and shorts for
the ultra-casual wedding.
LI NCOLN TI MES-NEWS, Lincolnton, N.C., Wednesday, March 28, 2012 5 2012 Bridal Section
A Break from the Ordinary
From this Day Forward
A Break from
the Ordinary
Platinum
Color Stones
Custom Work
Class Rings
Plating
Watch Repair
3 Master Jewelers
and J Master Watch
Repair Man are on Staff
Diamonds
Trade-Ins
Lngraving
Gold
Silver
Pearls
(704) 732-073J
Charlene Sisk shows Ben
and Nikki the perfect
wedding bands for their
upcoming May wedding.
J607 Last Main Street Lincolnton
(located between Staples and Lowes)
LTN74022-32312
The first time I met Charles, he was
working for an accountant and I was
working at a local cafe. Charles would
stop in daily and visit me.
One particular day he stayed til we
closed and offered to walk me home. (I
only lived a block from the cafe). Of
course, I had a boyfriend at the time, but
that soon came to a halt when I KNEW
that he was the one for me. I guess you
could say, it was love at first sight!
Six months later we were married on Christmas Eve 1957. It has been 54 years now
and we are still very much in love.
Over the years we have raised 2 children, Phyllis and Wayne. They have blessed us
with 2 grandchildren Jarrett and Charli.
We now enjoy being Mr. and Mrs. Claus during the Christmas holiday. We have been
playing Mr. and Mrs. Claus for the past 3 years. With each passing year we become closer
and closer. There is no one else in the world that could love me more, care for me more,
or know me better.
This is why my husband is still the "Love of My Life."
The love of my life
Charles and Charlene Sisk
Couples often fret over what
to serve their guests at the re-
ception, and rightfully so. Re-
ception costs can comprise a
majority of the wedding-day
budget. When spending $100
or more per guest, you want to
ensure youre getting what you
paid for and that guests enjoy
what theyre eating.
Filet mignon may be a good
choice, but steak tartare is
probably best avoided. Find out
which foods to avoid serving
your wedding guests.
* Exotic cuisine:You may
be a risk taker when it comes
to cuisine, but others may
not share your zeal for exotic
foods. Now is not the time to
introduce guests to the wild and
wacky. If youve seen an exotic
dish on the Food Network or
the Travel Channel, give it a try
another time.
* Anything on re: Why risk
an accident for a spectacle?
Baked alaska, cherries jubilee,
apples ambe ... these are foods
that might provide a show, but
the cost of that show may not
be worth it in the end.
* Raw food: Clams on the
halfshell or sushi-grade tuna
may seem like good ideas, but
keep in mind that it is hard to
ensure quality when feeding
200 people at the same time.
Foods that require special re-
frigeration or immediate ser-
vice for freshness are best left
for other occasions. Dont risk
food poisoning on a room full
of people unless you want your
wedding to be remembered for
stomach cramps.
* A long, sit-down meal:
Two or three courses is ne,
but if guests have to sit through
a never-ending parade of cours-
es, that limits their ability to
mingle and have a good time.
* Anything too elaborate:
The faster servers can get food
out to guests the better. If they
have to sit there piping mashed
What not to serve at a wedding
See SERVE, page 20
6 LI NCOLN TI MES-NEWS, Lincolnton, N.C., Wednesday, March 28, 2012 2012 Bridal Section
Welcome to Vesuvius Vineyards
6173 Vesuvius Furnace Rd.
Iron Station, NC 28080
(?04) 996-l566 : (843) 422-40?9
info@vesuviusvineyards.com
www.VesuviusVineyards.com
Jay W. Thompson and
John W. Lineberger III
Take a trip back in time for your
special event. Vesuvius Vineyards
offers one of the most unique and
unforgettable backdrops, sure to
make your event one-of-a-kind
and leave your guests speachless.
s
John W. Lineberger III
Jay W. Thompson andd
LTN73487-32312
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Brides-to-be thinking of ask-
ing a pregnant friend or fam-
ily member to be in the bridal
party should know such a re-
quest is common. Recent nd-
ings indicate that around half
of all weddings now have at
least one member of the bridal
party showing off a baby bump
-- sometimes its even the bride
herself.
Barring a medical condition,
there is no reason a pregnant
woman cant be in the wedding
and fulll her obligations, so
feel free to invite that special
someone to be in the wedding.
There are just a few things to
consider to help make it easier
on everyone involved. Think
over these things.
* Gowns: One of the things
brides and bridesmaids often
fret about is the gown they
will be wearing. While non-
pregnant members of the bridal
party wont uctuate much in
weight from the day of their
rst ttings to the wedding day,
a pregnant woman is growing
with new life within her from
the moment of conception.
This will have to be taken into
consideration. Some maternity
designers create bridesmaid
dresses for pregnant women,
but they may not exactly match
the other gowns in mind. Ask
the bridal store if alterations
can be made to a standard
gown, including ordering a
much larger size, adding elas-
tic panels or another way to
ensure the gown will stretch
over a growing belly. Also, be
considerate and choose a gown
in an empire waist style so that
it is attering for the pregnant
bridesmaid.
* Shoes: While pregnant,
some womens feet swell.
Having strict restrictions on
footwear can make a pregnant
woman uncomfortable. Low
heels or ballerina slippers can
be comfortable and fashion-
able. The other members of the
bridal party may also thank you
for choosing a sensible shoe.
* Breaks: Many activities
during the wedding are bound
to be tiring. But someone who
is pregnant may feel it more
than others. Ensure your ma-
ma-to-be has ample time to sit
and rest. Also, try to have plan-
ning meetings near a restroom
where she will be comfortable.
* Nonalcoholic drinks: From
bachelorette parties to the wed-
ding itself, be sure there are
plenty of nonalcoholic and de-
caffeinated drinks she can en-
joy. Pregnant women need to
have a lot of water to meet the
physical demand of pregnancy
as well.
* Travel: In the latter months
of the pregnancy, many doctors
advise against air travel. Spend-
ing long hours in a car may be
uncomfortable as well. If you
were thinking about having the
wedding far away, these are
things that must be taken into
consideration. You may want to
revise your plans if your heart
is set on having this woman in
the bridal party.
* Ceremony: It can be tiring
for a pregnant woman, espe-
cially one in the last trimester,
to stand for a long period of
time. If you are having a long,
religious ceremony, see if a seat
can be arranged so your brides-
maid can sit down when she
needs a rest.
* Declined invitation: Some
pregnant women will jump at
the chance to be in the wed-
ding, while others may realize
their limitations and prefer to
attend only as a guest. Have a
another person in mind in case
your bridesmaid invitation is
declined, and do not hold it
against the person if she feels
she wont be able to commit
during her pregnancy.
* Patience: Although all eyes
are generally on the bride on
her special day, having a preg-
nant bridesmaid may garner a
share of oohs and aahs and
attention for her as well. Its
a humble bride who can share
her spotlight for a while. And
remember, the something
newat your wedding may be
that new baby who is on the
way!
Things to consider when a bridesmaid is pregnant
LI NCOLN TI MES-NEWS, Lincolnton, N.C., Wednesday, March 28, 2012 7 2012 Bridal Section
LTN74095-032312
In the fall of 2007 Katherine
and I met as freshmen at Appala-
chian State University (ASU)
through a Christian organization
called the Baptist Campus
Ministry (BCM). During that
first year we became close
friends, hanging out almost
every day with a small group of
people that became like family.
Katherine and I even went to the
BCM Spring Semiformal dance
together as friends our freshman
year in order to get the cheaper
price. For the first three years of
our friendship this is how things
were. We were just friends. I
expressed feelings for her our
sophomore year, but she did not want a romantic relationship at that point so we left things as they
were. Looking back, I am thankful of those first three years as friends. During that time we grew
into the people we are today and are now able have a relationship that has a solid foundation of
friendship.
At the start of our senior year at ASU my feelings for Katherine began to resurface. I tried, and
failed, to ignore them thinking that they were feelings that would not be returned the same way.
However, unknown to me at the time, Katherine had begun to have similar feelings for me, but, like
me, did not think they would be returned. Apparently, everyone around us could see that each of us
liked the other except us. Finally, a couple of our friends came to me and convinced me that I just
needed to go ahead and ask her out. Two days later we were out on our first date. A second followed
the first and on our third date we watched the sunrise over the valley at a beautiful overlook on the
Blue Ridge Parkway and I asked her to be my girlfriend.
In the six months that followed that third date Katherine and I left the just friends stage of our
relationship behind. Our feelings towards each other changed from those of simply friendship to
those of love. At this point, though we had only been dating a few months, we had known each other
for three and a half years and I was positive that she was the girl I wanted to spend the rest of my life
with. I made plans to ask her to marry me at the same spot where six months to the day earlier I had
asked her to be my girlfriend.
In preparation for my proposal, I approached her father and received his blessing, purchased a
diamond engagement ring, and enlisted the help of my roommates to carry out my proposal plan. I
put together a picnic breakfast, complete with some of her favorite breakfast foods and a vase of
sunflowers, her favorite flower, and had my roommates go ahead of us on the morning of the
proposal to set everything up. The night before I had set up everything in our living room and they
had taken pictures so that they could replicate it that morning. Upon arriving at the overlook, my
roommates pulling out as we pulled in, Katherine and I made our way over to the picnic. At this
point Katherine had no clue about the coming proposal and thought that this date was only celebrat-
ing our six months of dating. As we enjoyed breakfast, we watched the sunrise, talking, laughing
and just enjoying each others company. After breakfast, the moment had arrived for me to ask her
to spend the rest of her life with me. As I built up my courage to start, we walked around a bit and
took some pictures together. On our way back to where the picnic was set up we stopped to admire
the view of the valley and I began to speak, expressing my love for her. I finished by going down on
one knee, with the engagement ring in hand, and asking her to be my wife. With a smile on her face
she gave me her answer, a resounding YES, and I slipped the ring onto her finger.
With our wedding approaching more quickly every day, I cannot wait to start the rest of my life
with Katherine, my best friend and the love of my life. Our relationship is one that is based on
friendship and on our faith in God. We try each day to put Him first in our lives and for that I am
truly grateful. I am so thankful to be marrying a woman as amazing as Katherine and I cannot wait
to see what our life together will bring.
A relationship based on friendship and our faith in God
Andrew Blakeley and Katherine Wiggins
C
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Andrew agrees that he and
Katherine will LOVE using
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Katherine and Andrew are
looking forward to dinners
on the back deck using this
Kenmore 4 Burner Grill.
A
Sears of Lincolnton is Locally Owned and Operated by Rick Blakeley
Hours: Sun. 12:30pm-5:30pm,
Mon.-Fri. 9am-7pm and Sat. 9am-6pm
917 E. Main St. Lincolnton
8 LI NCOLN TI MES-NEWS, Lincolnton, N.C., Wednesday, March 28, 2012 2012 Bridal Section
B
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Shopping
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Lauren helps
Alex with a new
shirt purchase.
Lauren makes a purchase from
store owner, Donita.
Theres no better way to say
job well done to a wedding
vendor than by offering a tip.
Although tips are not manda-
tory, they can show a DJ, cater-
er or another hired helper just
how much his or her exemplary
service was appreciated.
Some vendors include tips
in their regular schedule of
charges, primarily catering fa-
cilities that will be hiring wait
and bar staff for the event. Oth-
ers do not include a gratuity
into their charges, so it is up to
the customer to provide a tip if
desired. Fifteen to 20 percent is
usually customary according to
wedding etiquette experts and
may be adjusted depending on
the size of the wedding and the
Gratuities for wedding
vendors a nice touch
quality of the job done.
Businesses owned and oper-
ated by a single person, such
as a orist or photographer, of-
ten pocket all of the proceeds
charged for wedding services.
Therefore, a gratuity for such
vendors is typically unneces-
sary. Businesses that hire out
staff, such as a large music
and entertainment company or
a limousine service, will pay
employees a salary. Couples
can show those employees they
appreciate the job done for the
wedding with an additional tip.
A catering hall typically
has a staff working behind the
scenes to keep guests happy.
These staff members include
coat-check personnel, a cater-
ing manager, kitchen staff, and
parking attendants. It can be
customary to tip these indi-
viduals. One dollar per guest
is typically sufcient. Or you
can choose to individually tip
those who went above and be-
yond.
Even though weddings can
cost several thousands dol-
lars, and the idea of parting
with another dollar can seem
monumental, it is important for
couples to factor tipping into
their overall wedding budgets.
Otherwise, they may be ask-
ing family members or the best
man to loan cash for tipping or
dipping into the honeymoon
fund. It may be necessary to
keep about $1,000 to $1,500
Contributed
Couples often show their appreciation to wedding vendors
with a generous gratuity.
available for gratuities alone.
It is considered poor etiquette
to tip a ceremony ofciant. In-
stead, a donation to the church
or a charity can be made.
Tipping is entirely up to the
couple getting married, but it
can be a nice show of appre-
ciation to hard working wed-
ding vendors. Thank-you notes
or recommendations are other
ways to show appreciation for
the services provided and dont
cost a penny.
LI NCOLN TI MES-NEWS, Lincolnton, N.C., Wednesday, March 28, 2012 9 2012 Bridal Section
Established 1952
315 E. Main St.
Downtown Lincolnton
From This Moment On...
Alex presents
Lauren with a
beautiful
engagement
ring from
Stroups
Jewelers
while owner,
Joe Stroup
looks on.
LTN74023-032312
704-735-7112
The first time I met my husband, Joe
Stroup, I fell for him literally.
My young friend, Kristie Lawing
(Fredell) was nine years old when I took her
to have her ears pierced. I had never been in
Stroups Jewelers before, but there was a
parking space right out front. So we went in.
Ruth Stroup offered to help us.
Kristie wants her ears pierced, I said.
All right, she responded. And what
about you? Don't you want yours done, too?
I had never had my ears pierced due to
squeamishness. My three sisters had pierced
ears, but I had never considered it because I
couldn't stand the thought of it.
But I looked at that gentle, motherly lady,
and assumed she was going to do the pierc-
ing. I hesitated, then impulsively made a decision that changed the course of my life. I decided I
could survive having my ears pierced.
I believe I will, I agreed.
Let me get my son, she said.
My heart sank. I had thought I could manage it. But at the hands of a young man...? I wasn't so
sure.
When Joe came, I voiced my concern. Has anyone ever fainted when they had their ears
pierced? His answer was quick and confident. Oh no, he said. We've done hundreds of ears and
no one has ever fainted.
My faint heart took heart. Maybe it would be fine.
I had to go first. There was no way I could do it if I had to wait for my young friend to get hers
done. So Joe pierced my ears first. Then he started on Kristie. She had one ear pierced when I
fainted. Joe says I just started sliding down the wall to the floor.
Kristie waited with one ear pierced while Joe and his dad, Paul, revived me with a wet towel.
Then he pierced Kristie's other ear.
Joe phoned that evening to check on me. We got to know each other a little bit on the phone, and
enjoyed the first of many dates that weekend.
Some months later, Joe was sick and went to the doctor. He endured having a blood test, then
asked me to marry him. Back then, you had to have a blood test before getting married. Joe wanted
to get married before the time limit on his blood test expired so he wouldn't have to have another.
We were married April 18, 1977 at Asbury United Methodist Church. We both worked until 6
p.m. that day. It was a Monday.
Joe picked me up at my apartment. He brought me a beautiful corsage of sweetheart roses made
by his grandmother, Sarah Stroup. She had picked the flowers from her rose garden.
We got to the church at seven for our seven o'clock wedding. Rev. Don Fisher was waiting in the
lobby in his black robe. The two candles on the chancel table were lit, and my mother, Nellie Hovis,
was playing "O Perfect Love" on the organ. There were five guests in the church - my father, Pervie
Hovis; Joe's parents, Paul and Ruth Stroup; and his two grandmothers, Sarah Stroup and Prue Cash.
The pastor walked down the aisle and Joe and I followed. Mother left the organ and joined us at
the altar with our other guests. After the wedding, the pastor took pictures with Joe's little camera.
Our first son, Josh, was born three years later, on Valentine's Day, 1980. Josh was twenty-one
months old when our twin sons, Caleb and Joel were born in November, 1981.
Joe's mom always says she was looking for a wife for Joe that day I came in to Stroup's Jewelers
for the first time. His dad always said I fell for Joe that day when he pierced my ears. I guess he was
right. Our marriage has lasted thirty-five years...so far. I thank God for the wonderful man He has
blessed me with.
This year Stroup's Jewelers is sixty years old (1952-2012) and Joe has worked there forty years...
so far. I have worked there part time for a lot of those years. Now, our son Joel works in the business
with us.
I fell for him
By Janice Stroup
Did you know?
Not all couples are in love with the idea of being the
center of attention on their wedding day. Some couples
are simply uncomfortable in front of crowds both big
and small.
However, such couples who are about to walk down
the aisle might want to take a cue from Prince William
and his now princess bride, Catherine Middleton. In
what many called the social event of the year and some
called the most talked about wedding since Prince Wil-
liams late mother, Diana, walked down the aisle rough-
ly 30 years earlier, the prince and his bride stayed cool
under pressure despite the knowledge that their wedding
was being broadcast all over the world.
The Nielsen Co., which monitors television viewer
habits across the globe, reported that, in America alone,
22.76 million viewers watched the ceremony as it was
taking place between the hours of 6 a.m. and 7:15 a.m.
EDT on Friday, April 29. That viewing was spread
across 11 different networks, including ABC, CBS,
NBC, CNN, BBC America, andE! Entertainment.
But broadcast networks were not the only ones to
reap the rewards of what came to be known as the Royal
Wedding. E! Online reported its 23.6 million page views
the Friday of the wedding was the most the site had ever
garnered, while ABCNews.com, no stranger to big news
stories itself, saw its online trafc reach its highest point
since the 2008 presidential election.
10 LI NCOLN TI MES-NEWS, Lincolnton, N.C., Wednesday, March 28, 2012 2012 Bridal Section
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Engagement photo tips
Newly engaged couples
choose to capture the occasion
in photos that they can cher-
ish. Often, one of these photos
is used as an announcement to
family and friends and might
even be published in the news-
paper.
Engagement photos may be
part of a package negotiated
with the photographer who will
be covering the wedding day.
Some couples enlist the help
of a friend or a budding pho-
tographer to capture an engage-
ment shot. The average cost of
engagement photos can range
from $200 to $500. Some cou-
ples opt to use a photographer
who might specialize in other
areas (i.e. fashion models) but
may want to break into the
wedding biz because of how
lucrative it can be. Costs may
be negotiated as a result.
When shopping around for a
photographer, there are certain
things couples should keep in
mind. The rst and most impor-
tant is selecting a photographer
you can relate to. If you dont
feel a connection with the pho-
tographer, he or she will have
trouble coaxing the shots that
will produce the best results.
He or she should also be a pro-
fessional and have some ex-
perience working with posing
couples. This way the photos
dont look stiff or contrived.
Here are some other tips that
can lead to great photos.
* Find a photographer who
ts your style. If youre a
quirky couple, go with a quirky
photographer. If youre re-
served and a follow-the-book
type of couple, then select a
more traditional photographer.
Some photographers out there
forget that this is your moment
and want to impart their idea
of what you want. Make sure
he or she takes your ideas into
consideration.
* Select one who is open to
different shoot locations and
brainstorming. Some of the
best photos occur in natural
settings, where things arent
entirely planned. If a photogra-
pher simply works out of a stu-
dio, you may want to select one
who has more free reign with
different locales.
* Choose your location wise-
ly. Certain locations will stand
out in your minds because they
are visually stunning or are
special places where you have
spent moments as a couple. By
choosing a place that offers a
personal connection, theres
a good chance youll appreci-
ate the photos in the long run.
Also, be open to the fact that
unplanned stops may offer a
See TIPS, page 11
LI NCOLN TI MES-NEWS, Lincolnton, N.C., Wednesday, March 28, 2012 11 2012 Bridal Section
Walk-Ins Welcome
OPEN: Tuesday-Saturday
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Merle Norman offers these
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Amy Brown, owner, Merle
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1650 Ramsey Farm TraiI Crouse, NC
704-530-5966
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Hours M,T,W,F 8:30-5:30
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great background for the im-
age. Be open to the unexpected.
* Try random poses and
some candid shots. Although
you might have a vision of the
perfect photo in your mind,
experimenting with different
ideas can sometimes lead to
a great photo you really love.
Expect to take your share of
kissing, nose-touching and por-
trait shots. But some fun poses,
such as running or jumping (or
rolling around on a beach full
of waves) can produce candid
shots that are truly masterpiec-
es.
* Choose clothing that ts
the mood. If time and budget
allows, have several different
wardrobe changes so that you
can see which outts work and
which ones dont. A formal out-
t, comfortable street clothes,
something beachy or cloth-
ing that ts with your interests
(such as polo or baseball) can
make for interesting engage-
ment photos. Avoid clothing
that is too trendy or busy, which
may take away from the actual
images in the long run. Plus,
you dont want to look back at
these photos in the future and
say, What was Ithinking?
Avoid matchy-matchy, though.
If you are dressed alike, you
may appear to be trying too
hard.
TIPS
(continued from page 10)
12 LI NCOLN TI MES-NEWS, Lincolnton, N.C., Wednesday, March 28, 2012 2012 Bridal Section
Weddings
Receptions
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shows Alex and Lauren wine
glasses and wine stoppers to
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Libba Thompson, owner,
shows Lauren and Alex
some wonderful items great
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Before discussing table set-
tings for their weddings, many
couples nd it helpful to brush
up on some oral terminology
before visiting orists.
It can make you appear more
knowledgeable and prepared
if you understand what will
be discussed and are able to
choose what you want. It also
helps to ensure your money is
being spent in the best way pos-
sible.
Here are some common and
some lesser known orist terms
that can be advantageous to
know.
* Biedermeier: A nosegay ar-
ranged tightly with concentric
circles of differently colored
owers. The owers are wired
into a holder with only one type
of ower in each ring.
* Bouquet: A dense bunch of
blooms that are kept together in
a bouquet holder, wired or tied
with ribbon.
* Crescent: One full ower
and a owering stem wired to-
gether to form a slender handle
that is held in one hand.
* Garden: A centerpiece fea-
turing wildowers.
* Nosegay: Small, round
bouquets composed of densely
packed round owers and ll.
*Oasis: Specialized foam
that is used in bouquet holders
and centerpieces to retain water
and keep blooms fresh.
* Pomander: A ower-cov-
ered ball that is suspended from
a ribbon. It is often carried by
child attendants.
* Posies: Smaller than nose-
gays but similar in design.
* Presentation: A bunch of
long-stemmed owers cradled
in the brides arms. Its some-
times known as a pageant bou-
quet.
* Topiary: Flowers trimmed
into geometric shapes.
* Tossing: A smaller copy of
the brides bouquet to use in the
bouquet toss.
Floral terms to know
LI NCOLN TI MES-NEWS, Lincolnton, N.C., Wednesday, March 28, 2012 13 2012 Bridal Section
WOOD MILL WINERY AND VINEYARD
Lincoln Countys Premier Wedding Destination
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Finishing Touches For you Special Day!
Denise Norman consults with
Nikki about her perfect wedding
look while Ben familiarizes
himself with the lastest styles!
De De
NNik Ni
lo l
him
Sherry Ballard, owner and
stylist, shapes up Alexs hair
while Lauren gives her
approval.
2114-2116 Arney Street (behind Lincoln Seafood)
Lincolnton, NC 704-748-2626
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incolnton, NC ton, NC NC NC incolnton, NC colnto ccol NCC NCC NC NNNN n, on on to o ln o ntt ln llnnn co oo co ncc inc nn in nn i o NC NC NNN n, n, t ntonn, N in in olln o c 704-748-2626 704-748-2 7704-74 7 6 04 8 70 77004-7 -74 -77748 4 74 7 8- 88-226 -2262 62 6 6 622 8 66666 77700 77 4 704 66222 6 8 7 48 6 48--2
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According to TheKnot.com, the unofficial experts on
all things weddings, there are some things that may
surprise the average person about weddings across
the country. Here are some facts to consider.
Weddings in Iowa and Nebraska are the biggest,
averaging 200 guests.
The average engagement ring costs more than
$5,800.
Most brides have one do-it-yourselI element, such
as Iavors or escort cards.
"Can You Feel the Love Tonight" and "Lady in
Red" are the two most popular Iirst dance songs
(even though 87 percent oI brides wear white).
Only 19 percent oI couples rely on a wedding
planner.
Ancient Romans broke a cake over the bride's
head to symbolize Iertility. Today, brides must be
Iortunate to have only a little cake smashed in
their Iaces!
Wacky Wedding Facts
14 LI NCOLN TI MES-NEWS, Lincolnton, N.C., Wednesday, March 28, 2012 2012 Bridal Section
Main Office
704-735-1104
West Branch
704-732-8051
Vale Branch
704-462-5180
Triangle Branch
704-483-9598
Boger City Branch
704-735-9993
New Hope Road branch
704-867-4000
Forest City LPO
828-245-2262
Carolina Trust Bank
Lincoln Countys Hometown Bank
Member of FDIC
Equal Housing Lender
www.carolinatrust.com
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Open A Savi ngs Account Today
St ar t Bui l di ng Your Nest Egg
Treva Carey, Sr. Vice President, explains to Lauren and Alex the advantages of
opening up a savings account with Carolina Trust Bank.
2.29 ct. center
diamond with .84
ct. t.w. side diamonds
mounted in 14K
Estate Jewelers, Inc.
Custom Jewelry & Repair
704-732-1186 or 704-732-0286
David & Carol Self
Larry Gilbert, Manager
218 E. Main St., Lincolnton, N.C.
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Ben and I went to the School of Technology at the same
time in high school and remember each other from there but
never crossed paths. Then at the wonderful bar of Zippers in
Lincolnton, I remember going with friends and seeing this
cute guy that could sing and he was handsome but I was
always too shy to talk to him. Years later, I went back to the
same bar and he was there, appeared to be single and he talked
to me this time. I was so excited, because I was shy and would
have never gone up to him first. The next thing I knew he
asked to be my friend on Facebook and we chatted for a few
weeks then we had our first date and I guess I should say the
rest is history!!!!
This is a funny story!!!
I had been down at Oconee, S.C. for the weekend while
Ben was down there working and we had talked about getting
married, and things that we wanted out of life. We talked
about the kinds of rings that I liked, and then nothing else was
said about it. Then he came home from Oconee from work a
few weeks later and he wanted to go look at rings, again I
showed him what I liked but he had something else in mind,
he liked. I knew a few days later that he had bought a ring but
didn't know when he was going to pop the question????
On Wednesday, April 27th, I had had a bad day at work and
was not in a very good mood, it was storming outside and they
were calling for really bad storms like tornado weather, so of
course, I was in a panic. I noticed his cell phone was ringing
more than normal and he was getting more text messages than
normal, but didn't think a thing about it (this was people trying
to see if he had popped the question yet). He told me that the
storm was going to pass and I was still in a panic and was
fussing that we needed a radio with batteries, a candle and a
flashlight in case the power went out. He, of course, was
laughing at me. So then he asked me if my car was locked and
I said I hope so my purse is in the front seat. He said imag-
ine that!!! Then he said you need to check and make sure, so
I got my keys and went to the front door and hit the lock
button and looked down and there was the beautiful diamond
ring on my key ring and he said, Nikki will you marry me!!!
How we met
LI NCOLN TI MES-NEWS, Lincolnton, N.C., Wednesday, March 28, 2012 15 2012 Bridal Section
HOURS: MON.-TUES.-THURS.-FRI.-SAT. 9 AM - 5:30 PM
CLOSED SUN. & WED.
Family Owned & Operated For 35 Years
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Make Your Home Beautiful
Julie Dixon shows Nikki and Ben a
Southern Heritage, Oak Sleigh bed,
from Kathy Ireland Home
Julie Dixon shows Lauren and Alex
the new Comfort Solution, extended
life, no sag mattress.
%HGURRP6XLWHV0DWWUHVVHV%RE7LPEHUODNH3ULQWV
,URQ%HGV'D\%HGV5HFOLQHUV6RIDV
}1N7(,(-(,|,
By Julie Dixon
Mark and I met in 1987 on a blind date. It was love at first
sight. He knew he had fallen for me when on our second
date, we were hiking at South Mountain and I was trying to
impress him, when I gracefully lost my footing on the rocks
and he had to help me up. We started laughing then and
havent stopped since!
So far, our love has lasted 28 years. We dated for five
years and have been married 23 years. Mark and I have
operated Factory Mattress Sales together since 1991. We
are raising two beautiful children, Rachal, 18 and Jacob, 12.
We are a thankful couple who knew that the Lord
brought us together and is sustaining us. We still compli-
ment each other; we laugh at each other and laugh with
each other. There is not a day that goes by that we do not
laugh.
Our strengths and weaknesses compliment each other. We
know this and lean on each other through lifes trials and
heartaches. We give each other space, but are always
together at the end of each day.
Throughout this life, one thing I hope I leave especially
with my children is that lief is what you make of it, and
always remember to laugh a little along the way and always
be thankful for the ability to do so!
Laughter goes a long way
Some might say a long ce-
lebrity marriage is one that en-
dures the duration of the newly
betrotheds trip down the aisle.
Weve seen Britney Spears
dissolve a marriage after 55
hours and Kim Kardashian call
it quits after 72 days. It seems
even money cant buy matri-
monial happiness.
But some cou ples have been
together for 50, 60 years and
say theyre still as much in love
as they were the day they spoke
their I dos. What do they
know that others do not?
According to clinical psy-
chologist and relationship guru
Dr. Phil McGraw, We all need
to be exible and to compro-
mise in marriage, but youve
got to be true to your core traits
and characteristics, what I call
your authentic self. Some cou-
ples enter a relationship pro-
jecting a persona they believe
the other person wants -- one
that really isnt what theyre all
about. This could be a woman
trying to ll the role of her
husbands nurturing mom or
a guy playing the protector to
his wife. In reality, marriage is
more of a partnership, and truth
and trust are often at the basis
of good marriages.
There are many other se-
crets that marriage experts
will offer to couples seeking
the magic formula. Whether
youre pondering marriage or
have already tied the knot, con-
sider the following advice to
make a marriage endure for the
long haul.
* Theres no such thing as the
perfect marriage. Some couples
create an image of what they
think marriage is supposed to
be, and that image that often
goes poof once reality sets in.
Even soulmates are bound to
frustrate or irritate one another
from time to time.
* Couples should express
their frustrations. Bottling up
frustrations can eat at a person
and eventually destroy a mar-
riage. Talking about the things
that are bothering you with
your partner opens up a dis-
cussion and can help you work
through things.
* Divorce should not be seen
as a viable option. Couples who
want to bail on the marriage at
every turn could be directing
their energy toward divorce
as the only solution instead of
discovering ways to remove
the cause of strife. Experts
say that there are a few issues,
like adultery, abuse and drug/
alcohol addiction, that may be
reasonable catalysts for divorce
if personal safety and sanity is
being compromised.
* Make time for romance.
Its easily said but not so eas-
ily done. Too often married
couples forget what it was like
to date when all of their atten-
tion was spent on each other in-
stead of the house, kids, work,
etc. Today there seems to be
Secrets to a long and happy marriage
See SECRETS, page 17
16 LI NCOLN TI MES-NEWS, Lincolnton, N.C., Wednesday, March 28, 2012 2012 Bridal Section
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Honeymoon how-to
After the thrill of wedding festivities dies down, couples often
jet off to a honeymoon retreat and begin an entirely different ad-
venture. The honeymoon may create mixed feelings, some con-
cerning the chance to spend time alone after months of planning
and a few feelings of anxiety over spending the rst night together
as a married couple.
According to a recent survey from Brides magazine, one in
three brides plan to get into bed on the wedding night and ... sleep.
After all of the hoopla of planning and enjoying the wedding, most
people are exhausted. Others say they plan to stay up and relive
moments of the day. Only about half of all couples think they will
consummate the marriage on their wedding night.
Taking the pressure off of the wedding night means that the rest
of the honeymoon may be lled with opportunities to be amorous.
Here are some things to think about.
* Accept the fact that some wedding nights and honeymoons
arent exactly whats pictured in the movies. Dont try to live up
to a Hollywood-inspired ideal.
* A wedding requires a lot of work. Many people nd them-
selves to be physically exhausted afterward. Others nd they are
so wound up that they cannot relax.
* Try to make the honeymoon stand apart from other nights by
packing nice lingerie or nighttime attire so that the memories will
be special.
* Pack some candles and mood music, or ask the resort to han-
dle these details for you. These items can help set the scene.
* Make sure your packing list includes special toiletries and
birth control methods if youre not ready to start a family.
LI NCOLN TI MES-NEWS, Lincolnton, N.C., Wednesday, March 28, 2012 17 2012 Bridal Section
We Turn Your Vision into Reality
www.VerdictRidge.com
7332 Kidville Road, Denver, NC 28037(704) 257-0100
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even more distractions, from
e-mails to texts to pressure and
obligations at the ofce. Happy
couples nd the time to spend
quality time with their spouses
-- even if thats only 10 minutes
of alone time a day.
* Put we rst. Many people
operate on a me mentality.
When youre part of a couple,
give more to your spouse than
you take. If he or she is doing
the same, youre working col-
lectively for the benet of the
marriage instead of yourselves.
* Respect each other. Often
couples having troubles realize
they treat strangers better than
they treat each other. Would use
the insults or unattering terms
that you sometimes throw at
your spouse with a complete
stranger? Probably not. Good
marriages are based on a foun-
dation of respect and love. Its
easy to lose feelings of love if
the respect is gone.
Contributed
Couples who have stayed married for decades often put each other rst and share a mutual respect.
SECRETS
(continued from page 15)
18 LI NCOLN TI MES-NEWS, Lincolnton, N.C., Wednesday, March 28, 2012 2012 Bridal Section
Lincolnton
626 Center Dr.
704-735-2556
Boger City
2667 E. Main St.
704-742-7365
Vale
9576 NC Hwy 10 W.
704-462-0226
Many blessings, Alex and Lauren! g y
www.tdspharmacies.com
Dr ug St or e
Local l y Owned, Local l y Oper at ed
LTN74032-32312
Alex Bryant and Lauren Brookins will be married on June
9, 2012 at the First United Methodist Church in Lincolnton.
Alex, originally from Ellerbe, is an avid outdoorsman and
enjoys hunting and fishing throughout the southeast. He is
employed by Little River Vineyards and Winery in Mt.
Gilead, where he oversees all aspects of the winemaking
process and also manages the sales and marketing depart-
ment.
Lauren, a Lincolnton native, joined The Drug Store in
2009, a community pharmacy her father George, acquired in
1995. She currently manages The Drug Store in Boger City,
and works closely with their two other pharmacy locations
in Lincolnton and Vale. Lauren enjoys helping make the
community surrounding Boger City healthier. Lauren has
also gained a love of fishing from Alex and both can be
found fishing in exotic locations throughout the world.
The couple met while both were attending The University
of North Carolina at Charlotte. They were introduced by
mutual teammates of the cheerleading and baseball teams
during the 2005 regular season basketball matchup of North
Carolina and Duke. Their love for one another grew
throughout their college experience. Lauren obtained a BS
in Child and Family Development and Alex graduated with
a BS in International Business.
Both are dog lovers and have a four-year-old Boxer, Mav-
erick and a five-year-old Yellow Labrador, Riptide.
Their love of fishing took them to the western coast of
Costa Rica in search of Sailfish and Marlin in December of
2010. After a day of catching Blue, Striped and White
Marlin, Alex took Lauren to Playa Hermosa. As the sun
kissed the water on the last sunset of 2010, Alex dropped to
one knee and asked Lauren to be his wife.
The Costa Rican proposal
A Quick Visit To Willow Creek Inn & You Will Understand
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LI NCOLN TI MES-NEWS, Lincolnton, N.C., Wednesday, March 28, 2012 19 2012 Bridal Section
Jim Dancoff shows Nikki and Ben an Infiniti
G35X, a great 2nd car
PRO-MOTI ON
Mot or Co., I nc.
704-735-0303
2527 E. Main St.
Lincolnton
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Engaged couples about to
take a trip down the aisle are
increasingly choosing to pay
for the wedding themselves.
Where it used to be tradition
for the brides parents to han-
dle the bill for the occasion, to-
day the responsibility for fund-
ing has largely fallen into the
hands of the prospective bride
and groom.
To meet the nancial de-
mands of the modern wedding,
some individuals turn to loans
for nancing a portion or all of
the wedding. You may ques-
tion whether this is a good
idea.
As with any situation, there
are pros and cons. The same
can be said about a wedding
loan. The following are some
factors you will need to con-
sider before taking out a loan.
One of the most important
things to realize is that a wed-
ding loan, like any loan, will
need to be paid back and inter-
est fees will be included. What
that means is that, by the end
of the payback period, you
will have spent several thou-
sand dollars more on the loans
than the original principal
amount when interest is added
in. If youre taking out a loan
because youve already gone
above budget on wedding ex-
penses, a loan may push that
budget even further into the
red.
That being said, there are
some instances where a loan
may be an option that works
for a couple. For example,
couples who anticipate con-
siderable monetary gifts from
guests attending the wedding
can offset the cost of the loan
with those gifts. Some couples
might begin their professional
careers after their wedding,
which will increase their sal-
ary enough to repay the loan
quickly. Others may actually
have the money for the wed-
ding, but want to use a loan as
a way to establish strong joint
credit as a new couple.
However, many couples take
out loans because they simply
cannot afford their dream wed-
ding. In a world where many
people already live beyond
their means -- nancing cars,
homes, retail purchases -- a
wedding loan may just be an-
other shovelful of soil on a -
nancial grave. The consensus
among nancial experts is that
it is better to scale back the
wedding or postpone it until
you can save money the old-
fashioned way instead of tak-
ing out a loan.
But if a loan seems the only
option, here are some tips.
* Shop around on a wed-
ding loan, just as with any
other loan. Find the best rates
and terms before settling on a
lender.
* Decide how much you
can afford to pay back within
2 to 3 years and how much
the monthly payment will be.
Then take out the loan only in
that amount.
* Figure out which portions
of the wedding can be scaled
back to make the nances
work.
* See if options like re-
nancing a home or borrowing
from family would be better
than taking out a loan.
* Look at banks, credit
unions and even programs
sponsored through your em-
ployer to compare rates on
loans.
* Wedding loans may be se-
cured or unsecured. A home
or car can serve as a form of
security in a secured loan. Un-
secured wedding loans do not
require a form of security.
* Personal loans, like wed-
ding loans, generally have
low annual percentage rates.It
may be worth it to take out the
loan rather than using a credit
card for nancing because the
cards rates could be double.
Keep in mind that a wedding
loan -- even if it comes at a low
interest rate -- means youre
starting out your new life to-
gether with a large amount
of debt for an event that lasts
one day. Think about whether
the wedding of your dreams is
worth using that joint checking
account to pay off months of
wedding debt.
Is a wedding loan right for you?
20 LI NCOLN TI MES-NEWS, Lincolnton, N.C., Wednesday, March 28, 2012 2012 Bridal Section
www.LindysFurniture.com
5 pc. Espresso Bedroom
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Amy Mullins, agent, goes over some insurance benefits
with Nikki and Ben prior to saying I do.
Jill Howard, owner-agent, finalizes the paper work for
Lauren and Alexs new insurance plan.
LTN74025-032312
potato roses on dishes or as-
semble intricate canapes, the
delay might not be worth the
presentation. And remember,
the more bells and whistles, the
higher the price tag.
* Fast food: This is your
wedding, and you want the
food to t with the scale of the
day. A formal wedding gener-
ally includes a formal meal.
Although it may be alright to
include some fast food inspired
dishes at the cocktail buffet,
steer clear of burgers and fries
for the main meal.
* Themed food: Dont dye
that baked potato purple be-
cause you want the wedding to
be a plum-colored affair. Also,
its best to avoid themed food,
unless it is part of a cultural
wedding or can be pulled off
with class. Its much easier to
pass off crepes and croissants
for a Parisian wedding than gi-
ant turkey legs and tankards of
ale for a Renaissance-themed
one.
* No food at all: Whether
your wedding is small or grand
in scale, guests will expect
some sort of food. Be sure to
have some butler-passed hors
doeuvres or some well-placed
pickings for guests to grab
while mingling. After all, they
will need something to provide
the energy to mingle and dance,
and food can help buffer the ef-
fects of too many cocktails.
SERVE
(continued from page 5)
LI NCOLN TI MES-NEWS, Lincolnton, N.C., Wednesday, March 28, 2012 21 2012 Bridal Section
Caterings
For
Weddings!
Full Meal Or
Pick-Ups
Let us cater to your
special day/and or
rehearsal dinner
with delicious food
and impeccable service.
THE HOME PLACE
Restaurant and Catering Service
(704) 732-4371
1700 NC Hw,. 27 West Lincolnton
Open Monda, through Saturda,
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See our complete menu and catering menu
at www.homeplacerestaurantnc.com
Wedding Essentials
By Kings
Initations \edding Stationery Napkins
laors Champagne llutes Guest Registers
704-735-7415
22 Last Main Street, Lincolnton
carol.kingsatt.net Mon-lri 8am-5:30
LTN74034-32312
Carol King helps Ben and
Nikki with selections
rom the catalog or their
wedding ceremony.
Among other things, they
ound the sand ceremony
items ery interesting!
A tiered wedding cake is
often a tting conclusion to a
wedding reception. Todays brides
and grooms are experimenting
with cake avors and designs so
their cake is a unique representa-
tion of their persona as a couple.
Its no longer necessary to
stick with a white cake with
buttercream frosting for your
wedding day. Think about ex-
ploring other avor and lling
combinations that will tempt
the guests taste buds. For those
who cant settle on just one a-
vor, how about having a differ-
ent avor for each layer?
Couples getting married
in the fall may want to think
about a spice cake that evokes
the feelings of sipping a mug
of spiced cider. Cream cheese
frosting is often a pairing with
spice cake, or think about a
layer of caramel that will make
it taste like youre enjoying a
candied Halloween apple.
A hummingbird cake may t
the bill for a spring wedding. This
is made with mashed bananas,
pineapples and chopped pecans.
This cake is perfect when paired
with cream cheese frosting.
Yellow or white cake are
universal favorites for wed-
dings. Some pizzazz can be
added through the use of cre-
ative llings. Consider some-
thing citrusy and summery for
a summer wedding. Raspberry
preserves or lemon curd are tart
and sweet. For a tropical air,
mangoes or passion fruit can be
mixed with touches of coconut.
A winter wedding can be ac-
cented with rich avors, like a
decadent chocolate cake lled
with chocolate ganache and
black cherries -- in a black for-
est style. Those toasting to the
good life may want an almond
cake enhanced with some ne
liqueur and simple chocolate
buttercream.
Couples should sit down
with their baker and sample
a number of avor combina-
tions to determine a recipe that
works for them.
Pastry companies also may
be able to develop a cake that
encompasses a couples fa-
vorite avors or symbolizes a
special moment in their lives.
A Boston Cream Pie-inspired
cake may liven up the wedding
of a couple who became en-
gaged in Boston. Maybe a can-
noli cream lled cake will usher
in memories of a trip to Italy. Kids
at heart can enjoy candy confec-
tion cakes lled with gooey choc-
olate, nuts and marshmallows.
Whatever the case, couples
can use their cake as a center-
piece that wows the senses of
taste as well as vision. Consider
displaying this culinary master-
piece on a table with the seating
cards placed around it so that it
can be enjoyed the entire night.
Flavorful wedding cakes as unique representation
Ccontributed
Wedding cakes can be an array of shapes, sizes and
avors.
22 LI NCOLN TI MES-NEWS, Lincolnton, N.C., Wednesday, March 28, 2012 2012 Bridal Section
Saine Saine Hardware Hardware
Owned & Operated by Jerry & Terry Saine
704-735-3911
127 8pake Road, Lincolnton www.AceHardware.com
HOURS: Mon.-Fri. 7:30am-6:00pm 8at. 7:30am-5:00pm
Short Sleeve
T-Shirt
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19
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34
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42
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36
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LTN74047-32312
L ets K eep T he
Magic I n T he A ir
we love having you here
129 Roper 0r|ve, L|rco|rlor 704-736-2000
Heidi, at the Lincolnton Hampton Inn,
registers Lauren and Alex for their
upcoming wedding party
Rehearsal
D
inners
Accomodations
For Your
Guests
R
eception
s
LTN74035-032312
Personalized
Group
W
eb Pages
Bridesmaids are an impor-
tant part of the wedding party,
and most brides opt to have
a handful of close friends
and family members play a
special role in the wedding.
Choosing a gown and a col-
or that will flatter all of the
bridesmaids typically takes a
little work.
An overwhelming major-
ity of couples choose to have
a formal wedding. The aver-
age number of bridesmaids
for these formal weddings is
four. Considering around two
million weddings take place
in North America every year,
thats a lot of bridesmaids for
whom gowns and other attire
must be planned.
Many bridesmaids worry
about the gowns they will
wear come the big day. Hor-
rible bridesmaid dresses
have been the butt of jokes
for years, and many people
have their own stories of
garish gowns theyve been
asked to don for a wedding.
Some have said that brides
intentionally choose ugly
gowns for their bridesmaids
to ensure theyre not out-
shined come the wedding
day.
Although this may be the
case for some, most brides
aspire to select gowns that
will be flattering for all. And
color scheme is integral in
the choice of gown.
Every well-planned wed-
ding carries a color scheme
throughout. This includes
the color a bride selects for
her bridesmaids to wear. But
not every color accentuates
everyones features. There-
fore, some experimentation
might be necessary to find
a color that is flattering to
all and fits with the color
scheme.
Depending on hair col or
and skin shade, there are many
attering hues available for
gowns. When making this de-
cision, consider bridesmaids
ethnicity and skin tone.
African-American:Women
with dark skin and hair may
really shine in jewel-colored
gowns, including silver, gold,
purple and salmon. Very pale
colors may be daring and con-
spicuous.
Asian and olive-skinned
women: Those with a slight
yellow tone to their skin will
look good in many colors, in-
cluding red, navy, peach, and
fuchsia.
However, avoid colors in
light yellow, aqua, gray,
taupe, or mint, which may
make the bridesmaid look
washed out.
Fair skin:Ladies with pale
skin will benet from richly
colored gowns in jewel tones.
Pastels may work, but be care-
ful about those depending on
hair color. Pink or red-hued
gowns may clash with some-
one with auburn hair. Yellow
and green may not work with
a fair brunette. Gray and silver
may wash out someone who is
pale and blonde.
Once a color is chosen,
brides also need to consider
the season. Certain colors may
look out of place depending
on the season. For example,
an evergreen or deep blue may
seem wintry during a summer
wedding.
Similarly, russet or brown
may work for the autumn
but not for a spring wedding.
Many brides gravitate toward
mid-level blues, greens, pinks
and purples for their wed-
dings, simply because those
colors transcend the seasons.
After colors are worked
out, the style of the gown de-
serves consideration. Because
not every bridesmaid has the
same physical attributes, many
brides are now open to select-
ing a color and length and al-
lowing the bridesmaid herself
to choose the exact style.
This way someone who is
busty wont feel uncomfort-
able in strapless, and someone
who is thin wont be over-
whelmed by a lot of rufes.
The intent is to have brides-
maids feel beautiful and com-
fortable, and different styles
can help achieve this.
Making the effort to choose
a gown color and style that is
attering to all in the bridal
party will help the ladies feel
they are truly a special part of
the wedding.
Choosing a hue for the bridesmaid gowns
LI NCOLN TI MES-NEWS, Lincolnton, N.C., Wednesday, March 28, 2012 23 2012 Bridal Section
LTN72968-32312
Consignment
Open:
Tues-Fri 9am-5pm
Sat 9am-2pm
10% OFF
Store-Wide
Sale
LTN73148-032312
203 E. Main St.
Cherryville, NC 28021
704-435-4554
*Under New Ownership*
Numerous Varieties of
Kids & Adult Clothes, Shoes,
Bridal & Formal Wear!
First dance song ideas
If Michael Buble or Nat King Cole arent on your playlists,
chances are you may be looking for a rst-dance song thats a little
less traditional for your wedding reception.
Couples considering a song thats a little different and speaks
to them but wont necessarily offend the wedding purists in atten-
dance, might want to consider the following tunes:
All I Want is You (U2)
Amazing (Aerosmith)
Crash (Dave Matthews Band)
Crazy for You (Adele)
Faster (Matt Nathanson)
For You I Will(Monica)
Here Without You (3 Doors Down)
Kiss Me (Sixpence None the Richer)
Ill Stand by You (The Pretenders)
Love Song (The Cure)
No One (Alicia Keys)
Nothing Compares to You (Sinead OConnor)
Suga Suga (Baby Bash)
Without You (Rent Soundtrack)
You Want to Make a Memory (Bon Jovi)
24 LI NCOLN TI MES-NEWS, Lincolnton, N.C., Wednesday, March 28, 2012 2012 Bridal Section
CONGRATULATIONS
Alex Bryant and Lauren Brookins!
From Abernethy Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram
Lauren and Alex
enjoyed a complete tour
of the dealership.
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