You’ve said yes…now what?

Get from “Will you?” to “I do!” in record time with our local wedding guide.
By Shannon McLaughlin

The best compliment I received after my wedding this past October was that it “felt just like us.” Planning a wedding can be a bit overwhelming, but remember that the most fun and memorable weddings are those that reflect the personalities of the bride and groom. It’s easy enough to have a textbook wedding, but allowing your tastes and quirks to guide your decisions will result in an event that you and your guests will treasure forever. Sound like a lot of work? Take a deep breath, we’re here to help. On the following pages you’ll find tips on how to plan the wedding day of your dreams—from finding the perfect site to choosing “the” dress.

OH HAPPY DAY!

One of the first things you and your fiancé will think about after getting engaged is when to wed. It’s best to set aside some time where you can discuss what you want your wedding to be like. Traditional or non-traditional? Formal or informal? The style you opt for is sure to influence the rest of your decisions. Do you prefer the ceremony and reception to be indoors or outdoors? If you chose the latter, the weather in your location will narrow down your choice of potential dates. When opting for an outdoor affair, you should also discuss how you’ll react if the weather is not on your side on your special day. Before you pick a date, look into any other upcoming family events—graduations, other weddings, pregnancies or births—to make sure you aren’t making attendance tough for your guests. If you’re cost-conscious, many venues charge discounted rates during less popular times of the year and on Fridays and Sundays.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by having to make so many decisions, consider hiring a wedding planner, who will not only save you money along the way, but will also save you stress throughout the planning process, and most importantly on your big day. At RM Creative Events Managements in Meadowbrook (www.rmeventsinc.com), they will help you realize the wedding of your dreams. Whether you want an intimate gathering of your closest friends and relatives at a remote destination, or a big blow-out at the hottest spot in town, they can make it happen. With a team of wedding professionals who have decades of combined experience to meet all of your needs, their services cover everything from placing your wedding announcement and invitation services to planning an unforgettable honeymoon.

WITH THIS RING…

Confused about the four C’s (cut, color, clarity and carat weight)? Take advantage of our area’s jewelers who can help guide you in selecting the perfect wedding bands. My fiancé and I found the wedding band of his dreams within minutes at Fred Straub Jewelers, in Abington (www.fredhstraub.com). Family-owned and operated, Fred Straub Jewelers provides their professional wisdom while offering a diverse selection of engagement rings and wedding bands.

Another local favorite is Mark’s Jewelers (www.marks-jewelers.com) in Montgomeryville. Let their talented staff provide their assistance in finding wedding jewelry that suits you perfectly. Take note of which rings appeal most to the bride-to-be—she is the groom’s best barometer of what style to select. The employees at Fred Straub and Mark’s Jewelers have a wealth of diamond knowledge and are eager to share it to help select the perfect engagement ring, and wedding bands that will be cherished always, and last forever.

YOU’RE INVITED!

Cyrano Designs Couture Invitations in West Chester (www.cyrano-invitations.com) is a full service design studio specializing in custom-designed, handmade invitations and stationary, including save the dates, programs, menus, place cards and thank you notes. Known for their attention to detail and dramatic, stylish concepts, Cyrano Designs offers endless design options, including luxurious and handmade papers, one-on-one personal service and a relaxed, creative environment that guarantees a fun, stress-free experience. With 14 years of designing under his belt, owner Bill Fitzpatrick is the most experienced custom designer in the tri-state area, and has twice been awarded the honor of invitation designer for VIP Magazine’s Ultimate Weddings TV Show on CN8 and NBC10.

The Paper Chase in Peddler’s Village (www.peddlersvillage.com), well known for many fine paper products, has expanded their invitation design area to include several premier companies. They now offer custom invitations, announcements and stationary from Crane, William Arthur, Vera Wang, Chloe B, Carlson Craft and others. In-house overnight printing is also available using their Inscribe system.

If you are anything like me, writing in a straight line can be challenging enough—
so be sure to set aside part of your budget for a professional calligrapher. “I have been practicing and taking art and calligraphy classes for 22 years,” said Lynda Asprinio of Write Away for You (www.writeawayforyou.com) in Doylestown. “Calligraphy engages immediate attention, adds elegance and a seal of individuality to invitations, while relieving the client of a time-consuming responsibility,” said Asprinio.

LET THE FAIRYTALE BEGIN

Depending on the type of wedding you’ve decided to have, the “perfect” reception can be anything from an elaborate grand hotel ballroom to a small gathering in a garden. Before meeting with potential venues, it’s best to have some basic information handy, such as the event date, number of guests, budget range and the type of atmosphere you’d like to create. Below is a list of some of our favorite local venues in Bucks and Montgomery counties.

At Abington Art Center (www.abingtonartcenter.org) in Jenkintown, the open-air pavilion overlooking the Sculpture Park makes a perfect backdrop for your outdoor wedding. The newly married Defazio’s of Philadelphia commented, “Their professionalism, expertise, and eye for detail made our wedding day perfect. We had the time of our lives that day and the Art Center looked gorgeous.”

Celebrate your special event in sophisticated style at the James A. Michener Art Museum (www.michenermuseum.org) ideally located in the heart of scenic Doylestown and housed in a beautifully restored historic site. During your celebration, you and your guests may stroll through their galleries and view works by many well-known regional and national artists.

The Joseph Ambler Inn (www.josephamblerinn.com) in North Wales is a colonial country estate nestled on 12 acres of beautifully manicured lawns and gardens. The inn is certainly more than an overnight retreat (although be sure to recommend that your guests reserve a room!)—their elegant wedding package includes a four-hour open bar, food and drink, butlered hors d’oeuvres, a cake and an overnight stay in the well-appointed wedding suite.

Mercer Museum’s (www.memorableaffairs.com) seven floors of towers, gables and parapets (available for your guests’ perusal) is connected to the Elkins Reception Gallery, displaying the museum’s collection of Bucks County paintings, including Edward Hicks’ world-famous “Peaceable Kingdom.”

The Normandy Farm Hotel (www.normandyfarm.com) in Blue Bell is an elegantly restored historic property where old-world charm tastefully meets first-class hospitality. Over 120 hotel rooms and suits are available. Elegant ballrooms, gardens and terraces are offered as different possibilities for ceremony or reception locations. Dine on upscale Continental cuisine by celebrity chef, Jim Coleman and his team.

Occasions in New Hope (www.occasionsnewhope.com) is the artistic wedding and event locale where dramatic and glamorous events unfold and where picturesque meets urban sophistication. Your guests will gather at the ostrich leather-wrapped bar, dine in the warm and refined atmosphere of their chic dining room and dance under the stars in a sunken garden courtyard by the fountain.

The surrounding natural landscape and well-manicured golf course at Springfield Country Club (www.springfieldcc.net) lend an English-countryside feel to intimate receptions (for 35 to 75 guests) or grand fetes (accommodating up to 800). Indoors, three ballrooms offer a backdrop of stunning chandeliers and a gold-toned palette, so you can elegantly mix in your choices for colors and flowers.

For larger parties (up to 325), choose Talamore at Oak Terrace Country Club’s (www.talamorepa.com) light-filled Conservatory ballroom in Ambler—with a grand staircase, 30-foot waterfall and two-story mezzanine ballroom. For more intimate receptions (up to 100), have dinner and dancing in the two-story, vaulted Magnolia Room, which boasts a turn-of-the-century fireplace. Or host your event outside, where guests can relax among swan-studded lakes and blossoming wisteria gardens.

FOOD, GLORIOUS FOOD!

Max Hansen Caterer (www.maxhansencaterer.com) provides exquisite food and impeccable service, and ensures that every detail of the food, its preparation, and presentation meet their standards, and more importantly, your expectations. From the hors d’oeuvres to the desserts, they take pride in their ability to create the perfect menu to suit the needs of the host—whether your event has 50 or 5,000 guests. In the end, it makes you look good—and that’s what’s important to them—your complete satisfaction and enjoyment.

“It did not seem possible that food could taste as glorious as its presentation, and yet, words cannot describe,” said one bride. “You have made a lifetime of dreams come true in a single evening. If I hadn’t been terrified of breaking my neck in my first (and last) pair of Manolo Blahniks, I would have run down those wobbly stairs and kissed the chef and everyone in his wake.”

Whether you’re dreaming of a towering white wedding cake elaborately decorated with flowers or a whimsical cake with polka dots, a one-of-a-kind edible masterpiece can be yours to enjoy at Rilling’s Bucks County Bakery in Warminster (215-357-3860), where they cater to every taste. Their experienced staff is passionately committed to make the cake of your dreams. Rilling’s has been a family-owned business since 1936, and thrives on making incomparable, custom cakes for happy couples who come from near and far. Call today to schedule a wedding cake consultation to ensure your cake has the sweet taste you crave.

PLAYING DRESS-UP

Collecting pictures from magazines can certainly help in deciding what styles you prefer, but when it comes to finding out what looks suit you, it’s best to visit several bridal salons in person to get an objective opinion.

Exquisite Bride (www.exquisite-bride.com) in Princeton specializes in designer and couture gowns, in a full range of sizes, as well as stunning accessories for the bride. Browse their elegant boutique as you search for the gown that will bring out the best in you. Their bridal industry veterans listen and use their expertise and flair to help you create a look as unique as you are—one that lets you be yourself, while flattering your figure. Exquisite Bride has recently opened a second location in Millburn, where they will be the exclusive retailer for Vera Wang bridal gowns in the entire state of New Jersey.

Brides-to-be often put the same amount of energy spent finding the perfect dress into finding bridal shoes that match their personality and style. To ensure that your chosen shoe style will suit your wedding gown, we recommend visiting the Shoe Café in Newtown (215-860-6980), where they offer a huge selection of designer bridal shoes and formal footwear, including dyeable bridal shoes. They also offer the option of adding a little sparkle by customizing bridal shoes with stones, clips and ornaments. Elegantly handmade jewelry for the bride and her bridal party are also available, including breathtaking pearl cuffs with crystals.

To ensure that your husband-to-be is well groomed, visit Ventresca (www.ventresca.com) in Doylestown. As third-generation custom tailors, owners (and brothers) Frank and Len Ventresca know how to create an exquisite custom suit or tux for any groom’s big day. Rental tuxes are also housed on-premises, along with accessories such as shoes and cufflinks, which round out the collection.

COLOR YOUR BRIDESMAIDS BEAUTIFUL

When deciding on wedding colors, the bridesmaids’ dresses almost always come into play. Work with hues that complement the surroundings of your venue, or if your space has a neutral tone, use big, bold colors to spice things up a bit. Let each of your bridesmaids express her own style by playing around with several options within a specific color range—be sure to agree on a dress that your bridesmaid will be able to wear again and again, and please, no shoulder pads.

David J. Witchell (www.davidjwitchell.com) in Newtown has a substantial bridesmaid and mother of the bride business in their boutique. With the direction and guidance of Galina Witchell, his business partner for over sixteen years, every woman—regardless of body style, size or age—leaves feeling confident that she looks her very best. “We not only create and fit the perfect dress; we also accessorize it with jewelry and handbags you won’t find anywhere else,” said Witchell.

WAKE UP AND SMELL THE FLOWERS

Flowers can be one of the most beautiful and dramatic elements of your big day. Apart from the bride, centerpieces are usually the most admired part of a wedding celebration—guests will be staring at them for several hours, so picking the ideal look can be daunting. “By using 3 to 4 different styles of centerpieces scattered around the room, you get completely away from the cookie cutter look and really show your guests the thought and care that went into creating a lovely environment,” said Jill Lewko of An Enchanted Florist (www.skippackflorist.com), a full-service flower shop in Skippack Village. “The possibilities are as endless as your imagination and that of your professional florist,” said Lewko.

“Pick a theme and stick to it,” said Georgianne Vinicombe of Monday Morning Flower & Balloon Company in Yardley (www.sendingsmiles.com), who believes it’s not about having tons of flowers everywhere, it’s more about creating a lasting impression. “Don’t be afraid of color or incorporating unusual elements! Less is more, and make it memorable,” she added.

PICTURE PERFECTION

Steve Brown, the principal photographer of Looking Glass Photography (www.lookingglass-photo.com) is so popular with brides; he has been honored to receive a 2009 Bride’s Choice Award from WeddingWire.com. “We could not have been more pleased with how perfectly he captured the essence of our day,” said one happy couple who hired Brown for their wedding. “He has such a magical way with people. All of our guests commented on his professionalism and his easygoing style that made everyone feel instantly at ease. He makes a bride feel like the most beautiful, radiant woman on earth. His pictures told the story of our wedding from beginning to end, more than words ever could,” they added.

Rudy and Susan Stroh are the proud owners and photographers of Wellington Photography (www.wellingtonstudio.com), which is situated on five picturesque acres in beautiful Chalfont. Faithfully serving Montgomery and Bucks County for twenty years, their commitment to creating exquisite wedding photography and providing friendly service, with keen attention to detail, impresses clients with the most discriminating of tastes.

HAIR COMES THE BRIDE

At David J. Witchell, they treat their bridal parties in a very unique way. “The diversity and high level of talent of our stylists is what a bride is paying for when she comes to our salon,” said owner David Witchell. “It is likely to be the most photographed event in any woman’s life, so the investment in a great hairstyle and makeup should be a priority.”

The expertly-trained staff at David Witchell Salon beautifies and transforms the bride-to-be into an enhanced version of herself. “One bride’s biggest fear of having professional makeup applied was not looking like herself, but she was thrilled! The total design complimented every facet of her wedding and truly made her event the fairytale wedding she dreamed about for years,” Witchell said of a bride who even had her wedding dress custom made in their boutique. “She was not able to find the perfect dress for her body…our team of seamstresses went to work and redesigned an existing dress to create her vision. That story is the best representation of who we are and what we do to achieve perfection for the bride and her party,” said Witchell.

REFRESH YOUR SPIRIT

Here comes the bride? Not until she is relaxed. The best way to de-stress a bride is by hours of pampering at a local spa.

The spa at David J. Witchell is the perfect place for the bridal party to relax and enjoy each others company for an afternoon of indulgence before the big day. It is expected that the women will come in to get ready, but often they have special days just for the groom and his gang! “Yes, it’s like stepping into uncharted waters for a bunch of guys to come to a spa for the day, but we are prepared to help them feel relaxed and welcome,” said Witchell. “We guide them through the experience and make them look and feel their best for the big event as well.”

“In order to look your best, you must also feel your best,” said Sharon Cross, owner of Inner Spa (www.innerspa.org), an all-natural day spa in Newtown.

Whether its stress relief, or the need to spend time with your family and friends, The Face and Body Spa (www.fbspa.com) in Yardley has a treatment to cover your needs. “Make sure your skin looks just as great as the gown. Facials are an amazing way to not only relax, but refresh your visage,” said owner Heather Dempsey-Gade. For brides who don’t want their skin to match the color of their dress, The Face and Body Spa uses Yonka’s Sunkiss sunless tanner treatment to give brides year-round summer radiance.

GIFTS THAT KEEP ON GIVING

On the big day, thank the men in your life, from your groom and his guys to your dad and the ring bearer, with hand-selected gifts. Share the love and say “thank you” with individual and expressive gifts from Love Illuminati (www.loveilluminati.com) in Newtown, like their vintage bottle openers and belt buckles.

Not sure what to get the girls? Yardley’s The Face & Body Spa ensures that the bridal party is looking their best with a customized look from a professional make-up artist. This is a great way to say ‘thank you’ and bond with your bridal party before you say ‘I do.’

Be sure to visit Beautiful Wishes (www.beautifulwishes.com), an upscale gift boutique in Huntingdon Valley, with unique items that you won’t find anywhere else. Their “My Maids and Me” picture frame is perfect for displaying a photo of the bride and her bridesmaids. Reward the special men in your life with modern two-tone cuff links that can be engraved with 3 initials at no additional cost. Their “Happily Ever After” robe is especially adorable for slipping into while getting your hair done or covering up at the pool. For those couples who are looking to reinvent their registry, Beautiful Wishes provides a wedding registry service that is sure to exceed your gift-giving and gift-receiving expectations.

Shannon McLaughlin is a freelance illustrator and Bucks & Montgomery Living Magazine’s Editor-in-Chief.