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The Darien Times

FALL BRIDAL 2011

HERSAM ACORN NEWSPAPERS

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The Lewisboro Ledger

Know your color scheme and wedding motif before ordering invitations. Will place cards and programs match the bridesmaids dresses, owers or centerpieces?

Bryan Haeffele photo

A FLOOD OF PAPER

Winning & witty ideas for wedding invitations

by Lois Alcosser
Practically the only thing that hasnt changed about wedding invitations is Mr. and Mrs. Smith request the honor of your presence. But even thats been streamlined to Betty and Tim are delighted to invite you to Jennifers wedding. Everything else is a fabulous example of todays technology, digital graphics and cinematic style. The traditional trio of invitation, response card and envelope, usually shielded by a rectangle of tissue paper, is becoming pass, though, according to Ashley Flood, owner/designer of Wiltons A Flood of Paper, historyconscious families still may choose that style. Invitations are now part of the theme of the entire wedding from Save the date, which might be mailed a year before the event, to Thanks for the gift. In between are: invitation, pre-stamped response postcard, place cards, program, menu, names of wedding party and others in the cast somewhat like a list of movie credits. They all are part of a personal, designed package: same color scheme, same motif and part of the dcor of the wedding itself. Lets say the wedding is going to be on the beach and the reception at a nearby country club. Everything, from the table centerpieces to the eventual thank-you notes, will have a seaside theme (shells, a sailboat, an anchor, beach umbrella, etc.) Ashley explains, Maybe

Invitations continued on page 2

Fall Bridal Hersam Acorn Newspapers

October 13, 2011

Invitations continued from page 1

because we live in an instant communication world, brides want every connection to their guests to be coordinated into a package that reflects their personal style. This makes each wedding a one-of-a-kind celebration. The contents of the package can be in an envelope that opens up with pockets for the various cards. Something to read A new favorite has been re-born from a one-time singular form of printing: letterpress. This results in almost an embossed look on thicker paper, separating it from the usual look of off-set type vintage, but modern. A Flood of Paper has a complete collection of wedding stationery albums, but because Ashley is a designer, most brides skip the albums and work with Ashley one-on-one. But this means that the bride should know what the color scheme and motif of her wedding will be before she chooses the invitations. Will the place cards and program match the color of the bridesmaids dresses or go with the centerpieces or flowers? The bride (and whoever else in the family assists her, usually her mother) have to be like producers of a wedding movie. Invitations should go out at least two months before the wedding, but Ive had couples who come in two weeks before, and somehow weve made it work. But the real fun and excitement comes with leisurely, relaxed timing, Ashley says. Because her shop is in a separate cottage, with a cozy, intimate feel, she can give a bride uninterrupted time. She also makes week-end appointments, if needed. What about older couples marrying for the second time? They usually want the invitations to be simpler, even casual. There are dozens of different style invitations that have been very successful. One destination wedding, to take place on a West Indian island, was printed on a luggage tag. I want to help people find exactly the right thing. And what I like best is to see the excitement when they look at the final product, and its just what they had in mind. The skill, patience, knowledge and desire to make brides and their families happy was recognized recently in a big way. A Flood of Paper was voted 2011 Best of the Gold Coast wedding invitations. A Flood of Paper is at 265 Danbury Rd. (Route 7) in Wilton the little stone house with the red door; 203-529-3030.

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Couples, today, are looking for wedding invitations that reect their personal style. Bryan Haeffele

at the wedding, Ashley murmurs. And certainly a contemporary, savvy souvenir. The classic ivory- or cream-color invitation with black printing has morphed into navy/yellow, pink/green or whatever the bride chooses as the color scheme of the wedding itself.

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Fall Bridal Hersam Acorn Newspapers

ADVERTORIAL

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ISLANDS OF SUN, SEA AND ESCAPE
Antigua is a major sailing and yachting center, and that that may be one reason that a number of famous people frequent the island. They include fashion designer Giorgio Armani, Viv Richards, West Indian cricket legend (the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua was named in his honor) and Timothy Dalton, the actor of James Bond fame. Sailing has been a central part of Antiguas culture for centuries. Given Antiguas rich marine tradition, it is no surprise that boats of all sorts can be hired in on the island. Most hotels have Sunfish or Sailfish, and a number of companies hire yachts. The highlight of Antiguas boating scene this year will be the 50th Annual Antigua Charter Yacht Show. It takes place from Dec. 4th through 10 at Nelsons Dockyard, and American Airlines Flight 673, beginning on Nov. 17, will get you there in plenty of time! But you dont have to be a sunbather or a yachtsman to enjoy Antigua and Barbuda. Diving and snorkeling are favored by many visitors, and the two islands have hundreds of wrecks to explore and good shelf diving. Divers can arrange for equipment through their hotel or guest house. For those who want to partake of nature on terra firma, hiking and bird-watching are there to enjoy. Antigua has many hiking trails, and there are a multitude of bird species to be found. And, if you are ecologically minded, you might want to try zip-wiring through the rain forests or sign up for Antiguas Rainforest Canopy Tours. But lets not forget the historical side of these extraordinary islands. Antiguas English Harbor is the ideal place to get in touch with the islands past, and in the 1780s the British, under Captain Horatio Nelson, made the harbor their Caribbean base. It is also the site of the restored British colonial naval station called Nelsons Dockyard, mentioned above and named, of course, after Nelson, who later became Vice Admiral. It was also at English Harbor that a British peer and Acting Commander Thomas Pitt, the second Baron Camelford, shot dead a lower-born officer in a pistol duel because the latter refused to bow to His Lordship. Dining is another activity to savor in Antigua and Barbuda, given the islands sumptuous cuisine. Around much of the islands, menus are geared toward tourists and offer typical Euro-American style food. However, if you

Antigua has 365 beaches, one for each day of the year. Most rest inside the calm, protected waters of the Caribbean and all are open to the public. Antigua and Barbuda Department of Tourism

American Airlines Begins Direct Flights from New York on Nov. 17 Located southeast of Puerto Rico in the Leeward Islands, the popular Caribbean destination of Antigua actually consists of two islands Antigua and Barbuda, plus several smaller islands. These islands offer just about everything that a New York-area couple looking for a winter getaway could desire: warm, steady winds, a coastline of safe harbors and a protective, nearly unbroken wall of coral reef. Temperatures in Antigua and Barbuda generally range from the mid-70s in the winter to the mid-80s in the summer. Beginning on Nov. 17, you can fly to Antigua on a new direct, nonstop flight operated by American Airlines from John F. Kennedy International Airport. American Airlines Flight 673 departs from JFK at 8:25 a.m. on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, arriving in Antigua at 1:40 p.m. The return flight, 678, departs from Antigua the fol-

lowing days Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, arriving at JFK at 7 p.m. Both flights use a Boeing 737-800 with 16 seats in Business Class and 132 seats in Coach. * * * By TRAVEL MASTER Antigua and Barbuda are great destinations for honeymooners or those who just want to indulge their love of the sun and the sea. Sailing, yachting, snorkeling and scuba diving are available, as is just lying on the beach. So are tennis, golf and sightseeing, including some interesting historical venues. As for the beaches, there are 365 of them on Antigua, one for each day of the year. Most of them rest inside the calm, protected waters of the Caribbean Sea. All are open to the public, and so the challenge is just making a choice!

You dont have to be a competitive sailor to enjoy Antigua and Barbuda, but if you are, you will nd it the ideal destination for indulging your seagoing passion. Antigua and Barbuda Department of Tourism

prefer to sample the native fare, youll have no trouble finding a restaurant that serves up tempting local specialties. The beaches, the boating, the nature exploration, the history and the cuisine you have found plenty to enjoy on these unique islands. Now its time to return home on American Airlines Flight 678, and if you can stand a little more pampering select the sumptuous Business Class cabin! For additional information about Antigua and Barbuda, please log onto www.antigua-barbuda.org.

Fall Bridal Hersam Acorn Newspapers

October 13, 2011

Planned to Perfection
A STRESS-FREE, JOYOUS WEDDING
by Robin E. Glowa
No Bridezilla here, Patrick Macoy says, laughing. My bride, Lindsay, was so on top of all the planning details and took care of everything so much ahead of time that when our wedding day arrived, it was completely relaxing, and really joyous. I couldnt have asked for a better experience. The Macoys, who were married on July 7, 2011, are part of the growing trend of todays bridal couples who are finding new and unusual ways to implement their wedding dreams. Lindsay and Patrick were willing to consider several alternatives when planning their wedding, such as holding their ceremony and reception on a Thursday evening, instead of on a weekend. This worked out wonderfully for us, says Lindsay, and I think couples who are planning their weddings, if they can be flexible with their date, will find there can be extreme economical advantages. Photographers, caterers, venues all consider weekday or evening jobs to be extra income, as they are usually already booked for weekends, and they may be willing to negotiate pricing, give discounts or throw in extra added value. Lindsay continues, saying, We did all our major stuff very early on. It really was

Patrick and Lindsay Macoy, who were married last July, said that planning well ahead was the key to their fun-lled wedding. Airen Miller Photography

203-431-0906

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Fall Bridal Hersam Acorn Newspapers

the key to our successful wedding. There werent any last minute hassles because we had taken care of every last detail well ahead of time. We booked our venue 13 months ahead, picked out a photographer a year ahead. I would definitely say that planning 12 to 13 months ahead of time was definitely the way to go, at least for us! A wedding celebration is the perfect time to showcase the unique interests of the bride and groom. Lindsay and Patrick are both natives of New England and share a deep-rooted love of the outdoors and the extraordinary beauty of nature. When it came time to plan for their wedding ceremony, they knew they had to incorporate the bucolic background of natural New England. Patrick says, We found exactly what we were looking for at The Pavilion in Middletown. Its a gorgeous location with a private lake ... our ceremony was held in a gazebo surrounded by pine trees. This was such a romantic setting; it really struck us

as being just perfect for what we wanted to do. Being outdoors and having an early evening ceremony was so nice; it was very rustic, very New England and it was just what we were looking for. We then held our reception in their indoor facility, which we were thrilled with. The Pavilion is very well known for their food, Lindsay adds, and we were so pleased; we had wonderful service and incredibly delicious food! We did have our cake made elsewhere we actually had cupcakes, made by Kims Cottage Confections. They looked really great, each cupcake was decorated with tiny hydrangea petals to coordinate with the hydrangeas we used for the bridal flowers. We found The Pavilion by googling Onsite Wedding Facilities and Outdoor Wedding Sites, she says. Of course, the Internet is such a great tool for planning. Brides and grooms really can find most everything they are looking for online. Also, the facility Perfection continued on page 8

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Fall Bridal Hersam Acorn Newspapers

October 13, 2011

The goal of Melani Lust Photography is to give you a choice of wedding photographs that express the excitement, the most touching moments, the most vivid memories of every part of the event. MelaniLustPhotography

Getting to know you

BEFORE ONE PHOTO IS TAKEN
by Lois Alcosser
How do you pick the wedding photographer whos best for you? The photographs of your wedding will last longer than the flowers, the cake, even your wedding dress. Theyre not only memories for you, your husband and children, but for their children ... and on and on. Wedding photographers each have their own special style, not just in the pictures they take but in their whole relationship with bride, groom and their families. Do you want impersonal efficiency, an unobtrusive presence, or do you want someone who really gets to know you, your husband-to-be, your likes and dislikes, the way you interact all with the goal of giving you a choice of wedding photographs that express the excitement, the most touching moments, the most vivid memories of

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 October 13, 2011

Fall Bridal Hersam Acorn Newspapers

every part of the entire event. Melani Lust is very much the involved-style photographer. She says, We make you look the best you have ever looked in your life while capturing the passion, emotion and glamour of the day. This doesnt just happen. Before Melani takes even one photo, she has spent lots of time in advance to learn the best angles to photograph the couple, how they interact, their various expressions, attitudes, posture, all aimed at achieving an extraordinary photographic legacy. The photographs look beautifully natural, but thats because we use very special portable lighting equipment for a soft, flattering light, and we know the right angles to make people look gorgeous, she says. We can handle any lighting situation. Theres a minimum amount of retouching, perhaps removing a bra strap or touching up fly-away hair. Or wiping out an EXIT sign during the fathers speech. Sometimes, we have to stage things to make them look natural. Melani points to a picture of a radiant, smiling bride and a tender, loving groom. That photo looks absolutely candid, but to create that moment and those specific emotions, I actually had to tell the bride and groom to pinch each others behinds! Sometimes, Ill tell the groom to whisper something naughty in the brides ear and that can make a great photograph. Melanis wedding packages include several innovations. There is a proof book which contains every single picture taken, from preparing for the wedding, dressing for the wedding, the ceremony and the reception, from start to finish. This can be around 1,100 photographs. To make the choice easier, Melani also provides an album of Photographers Favorites, the 150 pictures she thinks are best. She even has a booklet suggesting ways to display different size photographs on a wall, table, or as a framed group of pictures. Melani is often asked for suggestions about color schemes, flower arrangements, bridesmaids dresses. One thing shes adamant about is make-up. Often, with all the kiss-

The studio culls from around 1,100 photographs to provide a preview album of Photographerss Favorites 150 pictures they think are the best. MelaniLustPhotography

ing and such, the brides make-up is gone at the end of the wedding. I recommend special wedding make-up. It lasts perfectly the whole day. Melani also takes special, romantic pre-wedding photographs of the couple for the guest sign-in book. She also prints thank-you notes with an iconic photograph of the bridal couple. She can do destination weddings anywhere in the world one bride wanted Grand Central Station, another, the Lincoln Memorial. Together, she and her assistant speak Spanish, French, Italian, Bulgarian and Russian.

In a brochure she uses to describe her services and fees, Melani writes: The era of assembly-line coverage and common, ordinary albums is over. We understand our clients needs for exclusive, classic products, and exceed their expectations. We represent the grace, distinction and style that is possible in wedding photograph. To see what she means, go to melanilustphotography.com, or call her at 203-247-6983.

I Do I Do

Will you be mine?

Intimate Moments Dept

announces the opening of their

Helen Ainson

FRENCH LINGERIE MOTHER OF THE BRIDE EVENINGWEAR

Fall Bridal Hersam Acorn Newspapers

October 13, 2011

Perfection continued from page 5

you end up choosing is usually quite helpful with any remaining planning details.

In fact, Lindsay adds, We found our justice of the peace at a wedding show that The Pavilion hosted The Pavilion Catering Wedding Show. We werent looking to have a particularly religious cer-

emony, at which point Patrick interjects, and we werent looking to write our own ceremony; it was not in our best interest to write our own vows! Lindsay agrees, saying, That would have been too hard, but our justice of the peace was amazing. We had free rein with the ceremony; she made wonderful suggestions, but, most importantly, she supported us and what we wanted to express during the ceremony. Patrick says, We wanted our event to be special, but we also wanted it to have a relaxed sense of fun, too. We chose an absolutely fantastic DJ, and we both cant say enough about him. I would urge anyone who is considering a DJ to hire Kenny Q. He was awesome! He fit in with our guests, and he created a fantastic party atmosphere by making the event so much fun. He had a dance off with my brother, and, at one point, he even had Lindsay take over as DJ. We know that our guests had a blast and so did we!

with prospective couples, we would say, dont be afraid to do things a little differently, and include the people who are closest to you. I had both my parents walk me down the aisle; I had a bridesman in addition to my bridesmaids. And Patrick brought both his grandfathers to our wedding day, who have since passed away. The diamond in my engagement ring belonged to his maternal grandfather, and his wedding band was his paternal grandfathers. Ill share one last tidbit with you, she says. Etsy.com. This is an amazing Web site. I found all my jewelry, gifts for my bridal party, a beautiful birdcage to hold the wedding cards. I definitely saved money shopping here, and I highly recommend that other brides check it out!

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Wedding photos to remind the couple of playful moments.

Lindsay says, We loved our wedding, Airen Miller Photography and if we had to share any other thoughts

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