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Bridal Guide
A Guide to the Most Memorable Day of Your Life
2016
Gazette Newspapers
2
January 2016
Gazette Newspapers
The Bridal Guide
Invitations are a couple’s first impression
BY STAFF
A beautiful
setting
for your
special day.
Gazette Newspapers
JEFFERSON – Invitations set the tone of a
couple’s wedding and fortunately there are choices
suitable for all personalities. Couples may choose
classic or contemporary,
casual or elegant or even
whimsical. Some may
even have trouble selecting from all the different
sizes, shapes and fonts,
and the assorted papers,
colors, ribbons and foils.
When considering
where to go for invitations, the couple might
wish to consider someplace which offers more
than just invitations.
“We can do most anything that anybody needs
for a wedding,” said Mike
Lemponen of Great Lakes
Printing in Jefferson. “We
have a large selection of
catalogs to look through
which include invitations,
napkins, programs, cards,
champagne glasses, guest
books, etc.”
The invitations are
in various price ranges.
Engraved invitations or
those with more color are
likely to be higher priced.
Larger invitations could
also cost more to mail.
When deciding on how
to word the invitation, the
couple should know who is
hosting the reception – the
bride’s parents, groom’s
parents or the bride and
groom themselves or a
combination.
The invitation samples
will also give an idea of
how to word invitations.
“(Some couples) will try
to match their wedding
colors, others just use a
standard color, which is
usually black,” Lemponen
said.
It can take about two
weeks to receive an invitation order and, since
out-of-town guests should
receive their invitations at
least six weeks before the
wedding, orders should be
placed about three months
before the wedding. Keep
in mind some caterers
want a count two weeks
before the event.
People are often unsure
of how many invitations
to order. One rule when
determining the number
of invitations to order is
to figure about two guests
per invitation and add
extras for errors or additional guests.
“I’ve had people come
in and say, ‘I need 50,’ and
then they come in later
and say, ‘No, we need to
make it 150,’” Lemponen
said. “Well, now their
price just went up quite
a bit.”
Price reductions per
invitation occur every 25
to 50 cards. If a second,
small order is made after
the initial order is placed,
the cost will be higher
than ordering an extra
25 or 50 cards with the
original order.
If couples want to
custom-design their invitations, Great Lakes
Printing can accommodate
them. However, they will
not have raised print. The
cost will be about the same
as ordering regular invitations since those are stock
designs. Couples should
remember to include maps
and other information
with the invitation. A
complete packet should
be taken to the Post Office to ensure proper
postage before mailing.
For more inf ormation,
contact Great Lakes Printing, 46 W. Jefferson St. at
(440) 993-8781 or 1-800252-8781.
FILE PHOTOS
Stop by our tourist
information center for:
• Visitors’ Guides
• Driving Tour Maps
• Winery Maps
We can create customized
information packets for your
wedding party
800-337-6746
www.VisitAshtabulaCounty.com
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January 2016
Gazette Newspapers
3
The Bridal Guide
Rent what is needed for the perfect wedding
BY MARIAN MCMAHON
Gazette Newspapers
MENTOR/ASHTABULA – More than ever, many
couples are choosing to have
their weddings just the way
they want. It does not seem to
matter if they follow “rules,”
as long as they are happy with
the result.
Some themes currently
being followed are Great
Gatsby, shabby chic, rustic or barn, just to name a
few. Many couples are also
preferring to have outdoor
weddings.
With so many couples
wishing to have weddings
their way, there is a need to
rent the items they need or
would like.
One place to go is Sun
Rental in Mentor.
“We have everything from
A to Z,” said Melanie Larkin,
sales manager for Sun Rental.
“We have items that we rent
that can be used for showers,
for rehearsal dinners, for
events that go on in between
the ceremony and the reception, and then we have items
for the reception, and for the
ceremony as well.”
Some of the items they
rent include tents, chairs,
China and glassware, linens
and chair covers, centerpieces, lighting, wedding arches,
head table backdrops, sound
systems, and more. They also
rent bars, dance floors, heating, air conditioning and other
items to meet all needs.
Larkin said they can provide appropriate rentals for
most types of weddings from a
more casual backyard barbecue to a very elegant, formal
setting.
For the casual outdoor
wedding they can rent a spit
for a pig roast or grills, and
simple tables and chairs.
They also have simple canopies which can easily be set
up by the customer.
Sun Rental has a showroom with displays that can
give people ideas on how to set
tables, or types of centerpieces
which can be put together.
“We’ll do what we can to
help them with colors and
quantities and sizes and
things like that, but we’re
not a wedding planner per se,”
Larkin said.
They do not rent centerpieces, only the glass vases
or bowls which can be used
to hold flowers or other items
which make up the center-
pieces.
Sun Rental has eight different styles of chairs and
about 12 different tables for
rent. The chair bands and
sashes and linens come in
different colors to match about
any color theme.
There are also package
deals people can get which include a tent, tables and chairs
with plastic table covers. For
example, that package for 32
people is $356, without anything else.
Larkin said, for additional
cost, Sun Rental has people
who can handle the setup
and takedown of all the rental
pieces.
“Our rentals are usually
from Thursday to Monday or
Tuesday and we only charge
a one-day rate for that time
period, so it usually gives
them enough time to do the
setup and takedown on their
own,” Larkin said.
One very popular rental
piece is a beaded tree which
lights up. The 40-inch tabletop ones rent for $40, but
she noted an elaborate floral
display could run much more.
Asked what has been
popular, Larkin said a lot of
people were getting the burlap
table covers, linens and chair
bows for a rustic theme.
“Our head table backdrops
are really popular right now,”
Larkin said. “They’re putting
up curtains and beads and
things to give more focus to
their head table.”
Of course couples can rent
just one item like an arch or
just the linens or China—
whatever they need.
Larkin added they are
part of a wedding showcase
so customers who book with
more than one vendor within
the network can get discounts
on the services.
Sun Rental Center, which
serves, Lake, Ashtabula,
Cuyahoga and Geauga counties can be reached at (440)
942-6106. The showroom is
at 7467 Mentor Ave. in Mentor. See the website at http://
sunrental.com/index.asp.
In Ashtabula, Bernie
Muto, owner of Designs by
Bernie, is an event coordinator and wedding planner with
more than 30 years’ experience. She also has a separate
rental business.
While she does have tents,
tables and chairs, she does
have linens, glassware, centerpieces, skirting, lighting,
big ceiling treatments and
more.
People can just rent the
items and do the setup themselves, or they can opt to hire
Muto to do the setup and
takedown. She said most of
her customers just hire her
to take care of things, and
arrange everything.
“They get all these ideas
off Pinterest which are really
more natural, more earthy,”
Muto said, when asked what
couples were doing. “I’ve seen
a lot of the mason jar looks
and the burlap.
“But I think trends are
changing a little more now;
things are becoming a little
more crisp, and a little more
designed; not so much over-
See RENT pg 13
Gazette Newspapers
Bridal Guide 2016
PO Box 166 • 46 W. Jef ferson Street,
Jef ferson, Ohio 44047
(440) 576-9125 Fax: (440) 576-2778
Publisher Emeritus....................................................John Lampson
President/Publisher..........................................................Bill Creed
Lake County Executive Editor..............................Katherine Wnoroski
Ashtabula County Senior Editor.............................. Stefanie Wessell
Graphic Design...................................................................F. Hilger
PHOTOS COURTESY OF DESIGNS BY BERNIE AND SUN RENTAL CENTER
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Meghan Berkowitz ~ Owner
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440-415-0533
152 South Broadway, Geneva, OH
440-466-5851
www.stylingonbroadway.com
4
January 2016
Gazette Newspapers
The Bridal Guide
Exploring options for wedding transportation
BY BILL LEVY
Gazette Newspapers
Whether a couple needs
a ride to the ceremony, the
rehearsal dinner, the reception, or is looking for a
unique bachelorette party,
chances are good they will
find what they are looking
for from a very capable company in the area. If brides
and grooms are unsure of
what they want, the local
companies can probably
help with that as well.
If looking to transport
a large amount of people,
Cutting Edge Limousine
in Willoughby may be a
good choice. In business for
almost two decades, owner
Joe Yesilosky said his business has increased by “600
percent” since relocating to
a bigger, state-of-the-art facility on Hamman Parkway.
He said that weddings, and
services related to weddings, account for roughly
half the business.
“We specialize in the
larger groups,” he said. “We
have party buses that can
accommodate large groups
of people. Whether they are
going to the ceremony, from
the ceremony to the reception, or the reception back
to the hotel, we have all
different sorts of packages.”
He also noted how the
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other vehicles his company
owns including stretch limos, a 1967 Fleetwood Cadillac, a stretch Cadillac, a
stretch Excursion, a stretch
H2 luxury Hummer and a
luxury Sedan.
This allows Cutting Edge
to be flexible and accommodating.
“We have done all sorts
of things,” Yesilosky said.
“Sometimes we will take
the bride to get her hair and
nails done before the ceremony. Sometimes groups
want to meet at a park or
another spot for pictures
and we can do that as well.”
If the bride and groom
are looking for a very unique
ride to the ceremony, they
may want to think about
calling Buckeye Classic
Limousine in Painesville
whose fleet includes a 1929
Chevrolet Landau and a
1930 Model A.
A relatively new company, it is owned by Joe
Mazzone, who also owns
Buckeye Auto Electric. Maz-
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5038 CARPENTER ROAD, ASHTABULA
zone said it was his antique
car hobby that led him to
start his this business a few
years ago.
“I have had this idea (to
start a transportation company) for awhile,” he said.
Mazzone stated he can
offer the bride and groom a
unique experience.
“It is unique to arrive
in a (classic car),” he said.
“Some weddings have a ‘50s
or ‘20s theme.”
While his company works
other events such as proms
and anniversaries, Mazzone
also said weddings are the
bulk of his business.
Though they primarily
focus on transporting the
bride and groom, Mazzone
noted that companies in
Northeast Ohio work well
together.
“I may refer someone to
another company and they
may refer people to me,”
he said. “It all works out.
You can hire more than one
company.”
Some companies also
cater to the special events
leading up the big day,
such as Barrels and Bridge
Tours, located in Jefferson.
Now in its second year, it
offers winery tours with
worry-free transportation,
while also showcasing some
of the beautiful bridges
Ashtabula County is known
for. It offers day trips to the
general public, as well as
custom, private packages
for special events such as
anniversaries, birthday parties, retirement celebrations
and bachelorette tours.
The company was founded by Nancy Hamper, a
teacher is Jefferson, who
was taking an online course.
“It started as a school
project,” she said. “I thought
it would be a lot of fun.”
She admitted, though,
there was an ulterior motive.
“I am a big advocate of
Ashtabula County,” she
said. “People that have
lived here for years have
come up to me and said
they didn’t realize that
there is this much to do.
It is a chance to showcase
the area.”
She said she is not surprised with how well the
bachelorette tours are doing.
“I think they like the
wine aspect of it,” she said.
They are certainly able
to design a custom package, Hamper said. While it
is not a regular occurrence,
they have also provided
wedding transportation.
When hiring a company,
there are certain things
to look for, according to
Yesilosky.
“You want to meet with
them,” he said. “You want
to visit their location and
see the vehicles firsthand.
You want to make sure they
are capable. Anyone can
See TRANSPORTATION pg 14
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January 2016
Gazette Newspapers
5
The Bridal Guide
Here come the brides…to choose their gowns
BY MARIAN MCMAHON
Gazette Newspapers
GENEVA/WILLOUGHBY HILLS – Many people
would say the most important purchase a bride
makes for her wedding is
her gown. For that reason,
many bridal sites recommend finding a gown about
six to nine months before
the wedding.
At Kathy’s Boutique in
downtown Geneva, while
most of the brides come in
thinking they know what
they want in a bridal gown,
most of them end up buying something else.
“I tell the girls, ‘You’ve
got to try them on, even
though you say you don’t
like it,’” said owner Kathy
Mullins.
More often than not,
they are surprised to find
they love a different style.
She added it seems the
brides who want the simplest dresses are the ones
who end up loving and buying the ball gowns.
She is finding a lot of
her brides want some color
on their dresses.
“Especially my older
brides, and even some of
my younger ones,” Mullins said. “They want to
do something different for
their wedding.”
One bride recently selected a white dress with
powder blue appliqué. A
dress on display in the
store has red appliqué.
Since Kathy’s Boutique
carries gowns and dresses
for all occasions, some-
times a bride will choose
something out of the bridal
line. One recently fell in
love with a medieval-style
gown.
“I bought it just because
I know our area has the
Medieval Faire and I just
got a few of these kind in,
just in case,” Mullins said.
She also has some
gowns which have been
selected for proms and
pageants as well as by
some brides.
One particular ball
gown had a ruched strapless bodice and an empire
waist with silver polka
dots on the organza skirt.
While strapless dresses
have been very popular,
more brides are currently
opting for dresses with
straps, or requesting
straps be added to a strapless dress.
Mullins does all her
own alterations. She said
brides changing their
weight after they order
the gown can be an issue.
Brides who lose weight can
have their dresses taken
in, but the gowns do not
have much material to
be let out. Sometimes she
has had to add panels, but
See GOWNS pg 6
Kathy’s Boutique
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6
January 2016
Gazette Newspapers
GOWNS
The Bridal Guide
From page 5
few weeks, otherwise it is
eight to 12 weeks.
“Because I end up with
a lot of last-minute brides,
I have a company and I
can call them up (and say)
‘I need a variety of sizes,
a variety of different kind
of styles, and then I order
that way,” Mullins said.
What has recently been
popular for bridesmaids,
Mullins said, are the short-
switching out a zipper or
buttons for a corset is also
an option. A corset is good
because it can adjust the
fit of the dress by two sizes,
or in just one area.
She also noted they
should not be concerned
with the size, but only with
how the dress fits.
Mullins said she has a
supplier who can provide
in-stock dresses within a
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er, girly dresses and cowboy boots.
Coral, darker purples
like plum, oranges and
browns have been popular
colors.
The mothers she is seeing are preferring dresses
with jackets, at least for
the church.
They are also choosing
colors that will match with
the bridal party. If not,
they are choosing colors
like champagne, navy or
black.
The flower girls are often wearing white or ivory
dresses with touches of
color to match the bridal
party. Mullins noted the
little girls often have different likes than the bride
or their moms. Dresses
with appliquéd flowers
have been popular, too.
For jewelry, her brides
seem to like heavier, sparkly pieces.
Mullins said, apart from
veils, some of the brides
were using hairpins with
crystals or flowers for their
hair.
Kathy’s Boutique is at
18 N. Broadway in Geneva. The number is (440)
466-2661. The website is
kathysgownboutique.com.
Galleria Gowns in Willoughby Hills is owned by
Pina Sbrocca and managed
by her daughter, Clara
DeLisio.
Brides coming to Galleria are mainly selecting
ball gowns or fitted flair
gowns.
“We’re stepping away
from a lot of strapless and
we’re going in for a lot
of straps or cap sleeves,”
DeLisio said. “The strap
itself is decorative and it
could a thinner strap; it
could be a lace strap; it
could be a wide strap.”
Some brides are choosing three-quarter length
sleeves. There is also a
trend to get away from lace
and more toward satin,
she said.
Blush, champagne and
pale gold tones are the
popular colors for gowns.
Many brides are opting for
a slight splash of color or a
contrast like a blush dress
with champagne lace, or
vice versa.
The brides do want
trains, she said, but the
very long cathedral trains
have not been made for
years, unless custom-ordered.
“The one thing we’re
seeing a lot of is the shadow train,” DeLisio said.
“It’s when you have a lace
train with a lining underneath, whether it’s a satin
lining or a taffeta lining,
and then that lining is
shorter than the lace. Then
you sort of have that lace
peek-a-booing out without
any fabric underneath it.”
DeLisio suggests brides
come in with “an open
mind” and try different
dresses since they often
choose something other
than what they thought
they wanted.
Footwear has changed
quite a bit, she said. Brides
are not choosing the typical white or silver bridal
shoes. Many are choosing shoes to match their
color theme or their bridal
party.
As far as accessories,
the preferred ones are
decorative hair pins like
a hair clip organza flower
with crystals. Headbands
and headband wraps that
tie are also popular. The
wraps can be worn different places on the head, or
even around a bun.
Veils are still popular with brides choosing
them shorter with a lace
or beaded edge. Cathedral
lace veils, which are very
long, are generally paired
with simple dresses.
One look which DeLisio
has been seeing brides
request is the Gatsby or
Roaring ‘20s look.
“They want to be romantic and delicate; that’s
where that thin lace dress
comes in, with the pearls
and the hair done like in
the ‘20s and the red lipstick,” DeLisio said.
When she has asked
brides about their themes,
the responses have recently been mainly Great
Gatsby, shabby chic and
barn burlap. More brides
are getting married outside as well.
Bridesmaids’ dresses
have been mainly in neutral tones with about half
being long and half being
short.
Some brides will have
their attendants wear the
same dresses in different
colors. The selections are
then colors like rum pink,
champagne, Victorian lilac, platinum and charcoal,
not anything like the rainbow colors of the past.
However, most are providing the name of a particular designer, choosing
the color and setting guidelines on the fabric and
style of dress the bridesmaids can select.
She noted designers are
offering up dresses in up to
60 different colors.
Galleria
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“Navy blue is still huge,”
DeLisio said. “Navy blue is
the new black and has
been the new black for a
few years already. It’s just
a very elegant color and
everyone seems to wear
it well.”
Chiffon is the preferred
fabric for bridesmaids but
soft net, or soft tulle, is
gaining in popularity.
Again, the shoes being
chosen are not what used
to be worn by bridesmaids.
They are wearing anything now, even Toms and
Converse—with their pretty little dresses.
At Galleria, the mothers do not want jackets,
preferring dresses that
have younger styles, since
they don’t want to look like
“moms.”
DeLisio said the moms
want to look more fashionable these days, but they
still want to cover their
arms somewhat.
“They don’t want to be
so fancy and take over;
they never want to outstage the bride,” DeLisio
said.
Navy and jewel tones are
the preferred colors. Black
is not nearly as popular
as it once was. The moms
also do not try to match the
bridesmaids, just complement them.
The brides are mainly
choosing flower girl dresses which complement the
bridal gown, such as having
a touch of lace, but not the
same style. Some like to
have the girls wear a white
or ivory dress with a sash
to match the bridesmaids.
Ivory is the most popular
for wedding gowns as well
as the flower girl dresses.
Galleria also has little
dresses for American Girl
dolls which match the flower girl dresses, so the little
ones can have a “friend”
with them on the wedding
day.
DeLisio said it generally
takes about six months for
her dresses to come in, so
she recommends brides
choose their dresses about
nine months before the
wedding.
Galleria Gowns is at
27297 Chardon Rd. in Willoughby Hills and Willoughby Hills. Call (440)
943-6065 or e-mail info@
GalleriaGowns.net. The
website is www.galleriagowns.net
January 2016
Gazette Newspapers
7
The Bridal Guide
Choosing the right wedding venue
BY BEATRICE SHANNON
Gazette Newspapers
KIRTLAND - Lantern
Court Estate, owned by
Holden Arboretum, is as
beautiful as its name. The
former country home of the
Warren Corning Family
is available for a gracious
outdoor or indoor wedding.
There are outdoor terraces,
woodland gardens, and the
grand Georgian-style mansion itself, built in 1945, is
furnished with the original
antique furniture.
“The estate has been a
venue for wedding ceremonies and family celebrations
since 2008,” said Shannon
Bradick, event coordinator
for Lantern Court. “We
have 30 to 50 weddings per
year at this site, as well as
at Thayer Center on the
Holden grounds. If you love
a natural woodland setting
with a traditional flair, this
is the place.”
The gardens are in bloom
spring through fall and
there are woodland paths
and terraces, even a glass
arcade, to entertain guests
year round. “As you can
see, in all seasons, it’s a
wonderland out every window,” Bradick said. “We’ve
done Christmas holiday
weddings indoors, as well
as entertained corporate
groups, bridal parties, birthday parties and celebrations
of life.”
The mansion can accommodate 80 people for a
reception in the arcade, and
tenting in the warm season
in the adjoining courtyard
accommodates 40 more.
There are several sites
there, or at the arboretum
itself, from which to choose,
which seat approximately
50 to 120 guests.
When renting Lantern Court, the home and
grounds are yours exclusively for the event. No other
event will be held there at
the same time. The second
floor of the home is avail-
SUBMITTED PHOTOS
Lantern Court Estate and grounds, part of Holden Arboretum in Kirtland, is available
for weddings and celebrations year round.
able for the bridal party
and groomsmen and family
to ready for the ceremony.
Each of the rooms is set up
for convenience and comfort. The spiral staircase is
popular for brides to make
their entrance before the
ceremony.
The Lantern Court mansion has three large kitchens for food preparation.
“We have a list of caterers who are familiar with
our facilities,” said Bradick.
“This makes the food service
so much easier and one less
thing to worry about. They
are ready to design a menu
based on what the wedding
guests need and want.”
Guests can enjoy one of
two terraces in good weather. One is large enough to
seat 90 people.
The library is a popular place for drinks and
cocktails. Guests can enjoy the living areas of the
home, each with views of
the woods and gardens.
There are so many choices
for wedding photographs
on the grounds. There is a
wildflower garden, a pond
area, and an English garden
in bloom spring to fall.
“I encourage the wedding
party to walk the grounds
on a day well before the
wedding with their photographer to choose the perfect
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9
The Bridal Guide
Flowers transform wedding venues
BY MARTHA SOROHAN
Gazette Newspapers
Fresh flowers transform
a wedding venue indoors
and out.
That’s why betrothed
couples should contact the
florist early in the wedding
planning process.
“They should call as
soon as they can just to
save the date,” said Michelle Brennan, of Morris Flowers and Gifts on
Washington Street in Conneaut. “That’s the most
important. Up to a year
in advance, that’s actually
good. They should call a
couple of months in advance for sure.”
Sandy Daughters, of
Daughters Florist and Gift
Shop in Madison, recommends an appointment
with the florist as soon as
the bridesmaids’ dresses
have been purchased.
“Until they’ve made the
big ‘field trip’ when they’re
all trying on dresses, the
bride’s color choice may
change. Maybe the original
color doesn’t look so good
on some people,” she said.
Once colors are established, Daughters asks
brides to e-mail a picture
of the bridesmaids dresses
and provide all pertinent
information.
“When we sit down with
the bride, then, we have an
idea of the flowers she’d
like to see, and can customize her visit,” Daughters
said.
Some brides walk into
a flower shop knowing exactly what they want down
to the smallest detail.
Others are more easygoing.
“It all depends on the
bride,” Brennan said.
“Some will show me what
they like and ask me to use
this or that, but most of the
time, in this area, brides
are not so picky. We select
the bride’s bouquet first,
then play off that.”
Many brides’ floral
ideas come from Pinterest,
which Daughters calls “a
florist’s best friend.”
“That’s really helpful,
because sometimes the
brides have a small idea
but change their minds
once they look through the
books,” Brennan said.
Daughters says brides
who use Pinterest tend
to be more educated and
decisive.
Still, nine out of ten
want some advice.
“If they seem to be
wanting in ideas, I speak
up, and for a bride set in
her ways, I may gently let
her know if something is
not a good color combination,” Daughters said.
Brides no longer have to
be concerned about what
flowers will be available
for their weddings. With
the possible exception of
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peonies, lilacs and lily-ofthe-valley, every flower is
available somewhere in the
world year-round.
“I get a kick out of it
when they ask about ‘seasonal’ flowers, as if we’re
going to go out and cut
them,” Daughters said.
“Even if flowers arrive
in not-so-good shape, our
wholesalers fix within
hours, in time for the wedding.”
A greater challenge
comes when Mother Nature’s array of colors may
not match the color a bride
has in mind.
“If a bride picks teals
and blues, it’s sometimes
hard to get the flowers
to match,” Brennan said.
“We work with brides by
talking them into complementary colors rather than
the exact. It’s easier to find
something that goes with
a shade of blue, or blend a
few blues that coordinate.
Blended flowers often look
nicer, too.”
Flower delivery varies
from florist to florist.
While Morris Flowers
delivers inside and outside
Ashtabula County, more
commonly, the bride’s relatives pick up flowers the
morning of the wedding.
“I’ve delivered flowers
to Cleveland and Erie, Pa.,
but sometimes when the
wedding is that far away,
the family picks them up,”
Brennan said.
Daughters Florist and
Gift Shoppe offers what it
calls “full service” delivery, even pinning corsages
on women and boutonnieres on groomsmen.
“We don’t just drop
flowers off,” Daughters
said. “We also head over
to the reception. If it’s a
venue where they ‘flip’
rooms, which is popular
at hotel venues in Cleveland, we stay and make
that transition. We often
allow people to use our
glassware, and we’ll go
back and pick things up
at midnight.”
Daughters goes the extra mile by adding small
touches. She once surprised a family hosting
a wedding at Cleveland’s
Rock-and-Roll Hall of
Fame by placing small
vases of flowers at 20 restroom sinks.
“The father of the bride
came up to us afterward
and the first thing he said
was that there were even
flowers in the bathroom,”
said Daughters, a sole
business owner for 35
years.
Couples in this area
should count on spending
at least $1,000 for flowers.
Those outside Ashtabula
County may spend up to
$30,000.
FILE PHOTO
“The average bride
uses two or three types of
floral arrangements per
venue, including ceiling
treatments to enhance it,”
Daughters said.
“Couples may spend up
to $30,000 for huge, elaborate weddings, where there
are flowers everywhere,”
Brennan said. “Some big
floral centerpieces can cost
up to $300 apiece. Here,
$1,000 should cover it, for
the centerpieces, bouquets
and boutonnieres.”
Both florists say that
the days of saving money
by using silk wedding
flowers are over.
“People used to think
silk flowers were inexpensive, but it’s not true now
due to the quality of silk
good enough for a wedding,” Daughters said.
“Most people who try
to save money by doing
silk for their bridesmaids
still want a fresh bridal
bouquet,” Brennan said.
Brides may offset costs
by being creative with
centerpieces, going what
Brennan calls the “DIY”
route.
Though still traditional,
Ashtabula County brides
these days are choosing
hand-tied stem-wrapped
bouquets for themselves
and their bridesmaids.
“They like the looks
of flowers pulled in with
the stems showing, with a
little bit of ribbon for color,
a little more ‘country’ looking” Brennan said.
In larger cities, “theme
weddings” are all the rage.
“The theme weddings,
playing off where the
couple met and how, are
big. Couples are more
creative because of Pinterest,” Daughters said. “But
it makes it fun. It gives us
a way to theme it all new.
We go over the top. That
makes it fun.”
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10
January 2016
Gazette Newspapers
The Bridal Guide
Lake Erie a big draw for weddings, receptions
BY MARTHA SOROHAN
Gazette Newspapers
While brides and grooms
may fret about the wedding dress, the flowers and
venue, what guests will most
remember is the reception.
Couples have many
reception site choices in
Ashtabula and Lake Counties.
They range from small to
large, accommodating as few
as 25 people and as many as
300 and up.
With a trend toward holding weddings and receptions
at the same site, popular
sites in Lake and Ashtabula
Counties overlook Lake Erie.
“Definitely, Lake Erie is
a huge factor,” said Catering
Sales Manager Julie Hale, of
The Lodge and Conference
Center at Geneva-On-theLake.
One of the smaller such
venues in Ashtabula County
is the Conneaut Arts Center,
founded by Finnish immigrants as Kilpi Hall.
Typical of other “venue
only” sites, it requires bridal
couples to hire a caterer,
entertainment, and other
amenities.
Conneaut Arts Center
Executive Director Penny
Armeni says that bridal
couples get more than just
a room when they book the
reception at the facility,
considered ideal for small
weddings
It is handicapped-accessible and accommodates about
100 people at round tables.
“What I tell people is
that we always have an art
exhibit in the main hall, so
they have the ambience of
a century-old building, plus
an art exhibit, plus a lovely
view of Lake Erie,” Armeni
said. “It’s a wonderful, warm
and inviting room for a small
ter also has a covered wooden terrace to accommodates
couples who want to marry
outdoors.
“Some get married outside on our covered terrace,
and hold the reception inside. Or we can tent the lawn
and have an outdoor wedding overlooking Lake Erie.
Others with more than 100
guests will rent tents and
wedding – or a shower.”
There is even a baby
grand piano on the small
stage available for an additional fee.
“We provide tables and
chairs, a good sound system,
and a full kitchen where a
caterer can work. We don’t
provide catering, but we
offer suggestions,” she said.
The Conneaut Arts Cen-
tent the lawn. They use the
building for the food and bar,
the band is on the terrace,
and everyone is outside.
We’ve had lovely weddings
that way,” she said.
So many are buying into
that concept, Armeni says,
that rentals are full through
the first week in August,
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Gazette Newspapers
VENUE
picture site for their special
day,” Bradick said.
Musicians on the terrace—no problem. A deejay,
band, speakers and iPod
can all be arranged.
“So after everyone gets
engaged on Valentine’s Day,
11
The Bridal Guide
From page 7
we get a ton of calls for tours
of Lantern Court and the
grounds,” Bradick said.
Tours are Monday
through Friday. Call
Bradick for times and information at (440) 602 3835
or e-mail her at sbradick@
holdenarb.org.
“It’s really rewarding for
me to help someone realize their wedding dream,”
Bradick said.
Lantern Court is located
at 9203 Kirtland-Chardon
Rd. in Kirtland.
Reception in the Lantern Court Arcade room.
ERIE
2016.
“There’s very little that’s
open,” she said.
At the other end of the
size spectrum on the west
side of Ashtabula County is
The Lodge and Conference
Center at Geneva-On-theLake, known to locals as the
Geneva Lodge.
The facility can accommodate indoor and outdoor
weddings and indoor receptions with as few as 25
guests and as many as 280
due to banquet rooms of
multiple sizes.
Hale says the Lodge is
a popular wedding and reception choice with bridal
couples because out-of-town
guests who stay at the lodge
do not have to leave the
building.
In addition to the lodge,
new vacation cottages just
east of the lodge will be
ready for occupancy this
summer.
“It’s convenient,” Hale
said. “Guests can come and
enjoy all that Ashtabula
County has to offer – wineries, the Geneva-On-the-Lake
strip, and more. If they have
a block of time over the
weekend, I recommend a
wine shuttle, and if not, we
recommend other things in
the area.”
The Lodge’s lakefront gazebo is such a popular wedding venue that it is often
the site of two weddings per
day – one afternoon and one
evening – during the season,
From page 10
with reception following
inside the lodge.
Bridal couples who book
the Lodge for their receptions are required to use its
catering service.
Sit-down or buffet dinners are available.
“Buffets are nice because
there is less work on the
couple’s end, and they don’t
have to worry about place
cards or meal counts, and
the guests can eat as much
as they want,” Hale said.
“On the other hand, with
an elegant sit-down dinner,
people don’t have to leave
their seats. So both have
their plusses and minuses.
In terms of popularity, it’s
about half-and-half.”
A major draw at The
Lodge is the outdoor lakefront gazebo, the site of
about 55 weddings a year.
“The trend is for vintage,
rustic weddings and all of
them want the gazebo,” said
Hale.
In case of rain, Geneva
Lodge has a Plan B. It holds
weddings in the lobby or
on the banquet room dance
floor.
“If it’s a smaller wedding,
we can use two sections of
the room. Typically, the ceremony and cocktail hour are
about 30 minutes apart, so
we don’t have time to ‘flip’
a room, so we will use the
dance floor as a back-up option if the reception is set up.
But only about five times in
the last two summers have
we had to move the ceremony
indoors,” Hale said.
The Geneva Lodge is
booked for weddings through
September of 2017.
“People should call as
early as possible, as soon as
you’re 100 percent sure, because I never know if a date
will be taken,” Hale said.
In other reception venues
around Ashtabula and Lake
Counties, catering prices
vary according to the menu.
A less formal reception buffet
with pasta, meatballs, and
chicken, plus potato, salad,
rolls, coffee and punch, will
be less costly than an event
with “carving stations” with
ham, turkey or roast beef.
In Ashtabula County,
prices for buffet meals start
around $10 per person. Hors
d’oeuvres, dessert, and alcoholic beverages are always
extra – along with reception
site fee and entertainment,
whether a live deejay or
band.
To cut costs, serving
wine and beer are preferable to an open bar.
Caterers with their own
venues, such as Waters Catering in North Kingsville,
charge more to cater off-site.
But venues such as Waters
Catering will help bridal
couples with DJs, flowers,
cake bakers, and more.
“We try to make it memorable,” said Waters Catering JoEllen Hipps. “It’s
demanding but satisfying
work.”
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12
January 2016
Gazette Newspapers
The Bridal Guide
Preserve your memories with the right photographer
BY STEFANIE WESSELL
Gazette Newspapers
JEFFERSON - A wedding
is one of the most important
days in a couple’s life, so
choosing the right photographer to help preserve the
memories of the day is an important step in the weddingplanning process.
“These images mark the
start of your family album,
and they can’t be easily redone. I hear too many times
of people being let down with
the results that a non-professional has produced. Couples
choosing to let a ‘friend’ do
it, or ‘I know someone with
a good camera’ or ‘we’re just
going to let our guests take
the photos,’” photographer
Heather Martello with Martello Photography of Jefferson said. “This is all well
and good and you may feel
that you will be saving money
by doing this, but in the long
run I can guarantee you will
be disappointed.”
Martello said that photos
are the only lasting memory
a couple will have of the day,
and if they don’t turn out as
they want, then their memories will be ruined.
“In wedding photography,
you generally get what you
pay for. The less you spend,
the more disappointment
you risk. Investing in a professional photographer will
allow you to relax and enjoy
your day, having entrusted
your beloved wedding memories to a true pro,” Martello
said.
Besides the photographs
themselves, going with a
professional photographer
has other benefits as well.
“With the right professional photographer, the day
can go so much smoother.
Some of the times, I feel like
a wedding planner. Making
sure everything is in place,
nothing is forgotten and
reassuring the bride this is
their day and nothing will
start without her,” Martello
said. “A professional photographer knows how to handle
the situation and remain
calm in some unpredictable
moments. He or she maintains the highest level of
professionalism at all times
during your wedding day
and tries to make everything
runs smoothly.”
A couple should look for
certain qualities in their
photographer, and not be
afraid to ask him or her
questions.
“Making sure personalities mesh is important. How
many weddings have the
photographer actually been
a main shooter? Does the
photographer handle his or
herself professionally? What
is the style of photographer’s
images...are they copying
standard Pinterest ideas, do
their images evoke emotion,
are they traditional or have
a photojournalistic style?”
Martello said.
As for price range, Martello said that, photographers starting off or new in
the industry start off around
$600, but experienced photographers that know what
they are doing and have lots
of experience range from
$1,800 to $4,700 in NE Ohio.
“It also depends if packages or collections come
with canvases, albums, online galleries, slideshows,
engagement sessions, two
shooters or one and prints
or just a DVD/flash drive,”
Martello said.
As for the latest trends,
Martello said the ‘first look’
is popular now.
“This is where the couple
meet up before the ceremony. It’s only the couple and
photographers. The bride
looks away and the groom
walks up behind her and
taps her on the should and
she turns around and they
hug and kiss,” Martello said.
“This really evokes lots of
emotions and make for some
great images. Canvases are
in style now. This is definitely the way to go instead
of framing.”
Martello said photographers are also making it
easier for people to share
their photos.
“Everything is online
now. Wedding galleries are
set up for family and friend
sharing. Teasers are uploaded to Facebook for tagging
and sharing,” she said.
When it comes to ideas
and locations for the photographs, Martello said the
photographer should run the
show, but ideas beforehand
at the last meeting is great
so everyone is on the same
page.
There are some great
locations right in Ashtabula
and Lake counties for photos.
Photographers with Robert Barbian Studio, located
in Painesville, said wedding
photographers can help their
wedding clients find unique
locations for their photos.
Often modern brides and
grooms have other places
of interest or unique spots
special to them. Depending
on the season, many of the
park settings in the nearby
counties are excellent spots
for that special day photography stint, Robert Barbian
Studio photographers said.
Martello said some of
the popular locations she’s
used in the past have been
the Harpersfield Covered
Bridge, Lake Shore Park,
Meadow Ridge, Holden
Arboretum, Geneva State
Lodge, GOTL, Coffee Creek
Estates, Lake House Inn,
and any of the local wineries.
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January 2016
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RENT
done but like just one kind of
flower, and square-like cubes
and a little more symmetrical, a lot of silver and a lot of
sparkle, but not overdone.”
She suggests couples
make an appointment and
bring a list of things they like
and don’t like and pictures in
magazines of what they like,
what their colors are and any
other information they can.
Muto can then offer suggestions and write up a
quote on the costs, then they
can decide how much or how
little they want.
When the rent items,
such as components to put
together centerpieces, they
13
The Bridal Guide
From page 3
can also choose to have Designs by Bernie put them
together, place on the tables
and collect after the wedding.
They can also pick up the
items on Thursday or Friday
and return them after the
weekend.
“Anytime I do rent something, I charge a deposit
that is refundable when they
return everything and nothing is damaged,” Muto said.
She suggests letting
guests know things like
centerpieces are rented and
should not be taken to avoid
being charged for them.
Muto said some people
have a large budget and can
splurge on all the extras but
she also works with couples
who have a limited budget
to help them get the most
for their money.
“You don’t have to overdo
it to have a beautiful wedding—a little bit of lighting,
a little bit of candlelight, a
little bit of shimmer, a little
bit of ribbon—that all goes a
long way,” Muto said.
Designs by Bernie can be
reached at (440)812-4790 or
at [email protected].
To see more of her work,
go online to www.facebook.
com/pages/Designs-by-Bernie/138911809459850.
VOTED
Ashtabula’s
Best Catering
Company
From the cocktail hour to
the cake and every course
in between, let us take care
of all the details for a
beautiful and memorable
wedding day.
Complete
Catering &
Party Rentals
Norman D.
Banquet Center
2720 Carpenter Road
Ashtabula, OH 44004
(Formerly Knights of Columbus Hall)
Our facilities will sit up to
225 people in our main
banquet hall. We also
have available smaller party
room at this location that
will sit between 65-70
people. We offer round
guest tables. Please contact
us if you have any
questions about our center.
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Gerriann & Dave Kiphart
440-223-6672 or 440-964-3716
3108 W. 13th St.
Ashtabula, OH 44004
440-964-6446
or
440-998-6968
Fresh and Silk Bouquets • Corsages
Boutonnieres • Centerpieces • Ceremony
DESIGNS
byBERNIE
(440) 812-4790
www.weddingsbybernie.com
[email protected]
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OVER 40 YEARS
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• Ceiling Deco
• Chair Covers
• Backdrops
• Uplighting
• Wedding Coordinating
3523 State Rd., Ashtabula, OH 44004 • 440-998-6968 • www.tonyscateringdeli.com
14
January 2016
GAZETTE
NEWSPAPERS
Publisher of your community
newspapers since 1876
AWARD-WINNING
COMMUNIT Y NEWS!
Gazette Newspapers
The Bridal Guide
TRANSPORTATION
From page 4
“It is very important
they have the insurance on
the passengers,” he said.
“You want to check that.
We have it. It is a very long
and expensive process (to
obtain insurance).”
Cutting Edge Limousine can be accessed by
logging on to www.cuttingedgelimousine.com.
Its phone number is (440)
946-7400. Buckeye Classic Limousine’s web address is buckeyeclassiclimousine.com and it can
be reached by phone at
1-800-USA-5561. To contact Barrels and Bridge
Tours log on to www.barrelsandbridgetours.com or
call (440) 488-6250
have a limo and do this on
the weekend, but you want
to make sure they are reputable. This is our full-time
job. We have a showroom
and the public is encouraged to see it. You want to
make sure they have the
proper insurance.”
That thought was
echoed by Mazzone.
With our local features,
sports, shorts, headline
stories, and editorials,
there is something
to suit every taste.
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• Wedding Packages for 150 Guests starting at $3,500
• Banquet Hall Holds 500+
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• Wedding Receptions, Reverse Raffles, Parties of Any Kind
• Small Banquet Room Holds 60 People. Perfect for Meetings,
Corporate Training, Baby and Bridal Showers, Birthday Parties
• Full Liquor License
• Special all inclusive non-profit pkgs. available
starting at $16/person
WE PRIDE OURSELVES IN GIVING YOU GREAT SERVICE
IN A CLEAN AND COMFORTABLE ATMOSPHERE.
January 2016
Gazette Newspapers
15
The Bridal Guide
Tips for choosing a wedding photographer
BY DAWN BUBONIC
Gazette Newspapers
PERRY - Planning a wedding day can be an exciting,
yet daunting, task. Luckily,
choosing a wedding photographer can be easy with
some helpful tips. 
With so much to do, a
wedding can be overwhelming; choosing the dress, flowers, cake, venue, music and
guest list. With all of this,
how important are wedding
pictures? When the cake
and party favors are gone,
the invitations are recycled,
the bouquet is wilted and
the dress is preserved (or
trashed), the wedding pictures will still be there and
tell the story of the day.
When choosing a photographer, there are several
things to take into consideration.
There are several styles
to choose from, traditional,
bold/edgy and romantic.
Most couples don’t want
their parents’ wedding photos but more natural photos
that tell the story of the day.
A majority of photographers
have already moved to this
style of photography. The
beauty of this style is it
captures the flow of the day
and allows the couple time
to relax. 
Photographers can range
drastically in price. Professional photographers have
an extensive investment in
equipment including camera
bodies, lenses, lighting and
so much more. In addition,
they will invest countless
hours working on photos
after the day is over.
Location, location, location. If an outdoor location
is chosen, it is always a good
idea to have an indoor location as a backup in case of
inclement weather. There
are numerous parks and
beaches in the area with
stunning views that make a
wonderful setting for photos.
In addition, the church and
reception hall may have recommendations of locations
for wedding pictures.
A photographer should
have experience and be comfortable working with large
groups. This is important
because there may be time
constraints to take group
shots.
Photographers should
have a portfolio available to
view or may share a glimpse
of a previous client’s photo
gallery. This helps determine if the style is compatible with the client’s desired
look. Details such as posing, light and composition
can also be viewed. A lot
of time and work is put
into planning the wedding
day. Were the small details
captured such as the rings,
church, flowers and party favors?  Are there impromptu,
posed and large group shots?
A wedding day is a roller
coaster ride of emotions. The
portfolio should show these
emotions and have fun and
carefree moments caught
as well as the romantic and
intimate moments.
The photographer should
not be shooting any other
events on the day of the
client’s wedding. This allows the photographer to
provide the client with their
full attention and avoid any
conflict in their schedule.
Depending on the photographer and the needs of the
client, a second photographer may be necessary. The
photographer should be able
to determine the necessity of
a second shooter or assistant
based on the client’s venue
and shot list.
The photographer should
provide pricing and detail
what is included. A photographer may include an
engagement session free of
charge or at a discount when
booking a wedding. Print
packages vary can sometimes be customized to meet
a client’s needs. The ordering
process, payment policy and
refund/cancellation policy
should be clearly stated. Clients should inquire about
how prints will be received
and any restrictions regarding digital prints.
A professional photogra-
Here’s to a Wonderful Reception!
Create the perfect atmosphere
for the party of a lifetime.
We strive to make every aspect
of your special day perfect!
Weddings • Parties • Meetings • Reunions
Seating up to 400
Air Conditioned Comfort
Caterer of Your Choice
Linens and Chair Covers Available
Long and Round Tables
For more information about the
Banquet Hall call (440) 593-5273 ext. 5
Conneaut Human Resources Center
327 Mill Street, Conneaut, Ohio
pher will edit wedding photos
to ensure that their client
obtains a quality product
that represents their artistry.
This is what separates a good
photographer from the friend
of a friend who has a camera
and can take the pictures. A
professional will color correct
photos, remove imperfections
and add a special touch that
can transform an ordinary
photo into a dreamy, timeless
keepsake.
Post-processing takes
time, a lot of time. With
the right photographer, it is
worth the wait. 
These are general tips to
help simplify the process of
choosing a wedding photographer. Taking the time to
find the right photographer
for a wedding will provide
treasured memories that will
last a lifetime.
Don’t Forget
Your
engraving
10% OFF
with this coupon
Expires 12-31-16. One per wedding.
Engraving • Giftware
Wineglasses & Cake Server Set
Picture Frames • Bridal Party Gifts
PLAYALL
AWARDS
On-Site Laser,
3 Engraving
Machines
440-992-7529
4542 Main Avenue
Ashtabula
16
January
January 2016
2016
Gazette
Gazette Newspapers
Newspapers
The
The Bridal
Bridal Guide
Guide
Book your special
occasion today!
The Ashtabula Towne Square Community Room is the perfect venue for your wedding reception, graduation or
other special occasion. Located in the east concourse near Super Kmart, the room seats approximately 100 guests.
Amenities include:
• (12) 5ft round tables and (2-3) 8ft
oblong tables (tablecloths not provided)
• 100 chairs
• 42-inch flat-panel TV with DVD player
• Podium
• Pull-down projector screen
• Wifi
• Kitchen with full-size refrigerator,
microwave and sink
• Private restroom
3315 N. Ridge Rd. East • Ashtabula • 440-998-2020 • www.myashtabulamall.com