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keep guests in the moment Tweeting and updating statuses? Maybe not ...

WEDDINGS UNPLUGGED
Keeping the guests in the moment Tweeting and updating statuses? Maybe not ...

by Melissa Ezarik

he average recent wedding guest shared 22 wedding-related photos on social media sites. Four in 10 said this social sharing was encouraged. These social media stats, from a survey of more than 1,000 adults from bridal stationery website Wedding Paper Divas, dont surprise local wedding planners Katherine Jacox or Amy Cagginello. Instantaneous messaging and photo sharing its such a popular, second nature thing, said Jacox, owner of Paisley Events in Ridgefield. She also attributes social media sites buzzing with in-the-moment posts from guests to the average age for getting married being a lot younger than even five years ago. Cagginello, owner of Milford-based Amy Champagne Events, has seen couples placing signs with a custom hashtag for wedding guests to use when posting to sites like Twitter and Facebook. Its unlikely, however, that all of the seven in 10 Twitter-using wedding guests surveyed who admitted to tweeting about a wedding while in attendance, or the five in 10 who checked in to a wedding using Facebook or Foursquare, had the bride and grooms blessing to share far and wide. While theres going to be the occasional wedding guest trying to one-up the photographer and everyone else by being first to post a first kiss photo, Jacox said its more likely that guests are super-excited to witness the nuptials and just dont think about it. And here comes the bride (and groom) with a request: Leave the iPhone at home. This unplugged wedding trend is related to a few other current trends more intimate weddings, encore (second) marriages, and the rustic bride movement, Jacox said. The way Cagginello sees it, social media and
Unplugged on page 5

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I Do, I Do: Fall Bridal Hersam Acorn Newspapers

October 3, 2013

The wonderful wearing of the veil

by Lois Alcosser
The popularity of strapless wedding gowns has made bridal veils and headpieces more important than ever. There will always be oohs and ahhs from the guests as they see the bridal gown for the first time, but the brides face and hair have become the center of attention, which makes the choice of a veil a subject in itself. Bridal consultants in the areas many superb bridal shops say that fingertip veils take first place, because they are elegant, romantic, but also practical and comfortable for the bride to wear. The graceful length (just to the fingertips) enhances any style gown. The fingertip veil is usually trimmed with the same trim as the gown lace, beading, or simple satin edging. Of course, many brides see themselves in a chapel-length veil (longer than fingertip), which is more formal and traditional. For weddings in a religious environment, this look can be quite breathtaking. It requires a stately posture and a selfconfident attitude. It is also a clue to the groom that he should be equally well dressed. Once in a while, a bride will go all out and wear a cathedral-length veil (six to 12 inches longer than the gown), which was the length of choice for previous generations, especially at church weddings. On the other side of the veil world is the charming, contemporary birdcage veil, which looks like more of a fancy hat, covering the face (usually just covering the nose) and the back of the head, a sort of Audrey Hepburn look. This is particularly good looking with a short dress or a suit, and it is designed to be part of an ensemble. There are also one-of-a-kind hand-painted veils, by DebraMoreland for Paris. They are lightly stenciled with flowers, birds or abstract designs. These are truly heirloom veils. Investing in a veil can start a family tradition. Six generations of women in one family have been wearing the same Belgian lace veil. Any veil that is to be worn again must be cleaned professionally and preserved in acid-free paper. I would agree that anything one-of-a-kind is big right now, said Ashley Krauss, owner of A Little Something White Bridal Couture in Darien. One of the trends I love is brides who wear their mothers veil. We have a lot of brides that are coming to us and want to wear their mothers veil, but want to make a change to it. For one bride, we are removing it from the cap the mother wore and applying lace (the same lace used in the brides gown) to the mothers veil to create a beautiful lace trim. The one thing every consultant agrees on is No tiaras! For awhile, back when, the bridal headdress would come as close as possible to royal attire, and veils would descend from crowns, coronets, multi-tiered and layered peaked adornments that could make the bride several inches taller. This almost required an even taller groom, which didnt always happen. There are very many vintage wedding portraits where the bride dominates the scene so completely that the groom almost looks like her butler. Another fashion note: rumor has it that for second or third weddings, the bride usually doesnt wear a veil, except if its the grooms first wedding. Bridal shops consulted for this article are The Plumed Serpent in Westport, Sukrans in Norwalk, Sposa Bella in Fairfield, Maries Bridal Shoppe in Fairfield, and A Little Something White in Darien.

The history behind the veil

Wedding day attire has changed in many ways, but one component of getting dressed for a wedding that has withstood the test of time is the wearing of a wedding veil. Though many brides know it is tradition to wear a bridal veil, many do not understand why. Here is a look at the history behind the veil and why it is continued to be worn today. Why a veil The veil and the bouquet that a bride carries may predate the wearing of white. Although there is no definitive reason for wearing a veil, many surmise it has to do with ancient Greeks and Romans fear of evil spirits and demons. In fact, this is where many of the bridal traditions actually come from, including bridesmaids wearing similar dresses in order to serve as decoys for the bride. In an effort to frighten away or disguise the bride from evil spirits, brides-to-be were dressed in brightly colored fabrics like red and obscured by a veil. But in many cases, the veil prevented the bride from seeing well. That is why her father or another person gave her away. He was actually escorting her down the aisle so she wouldnt bump or trip into anything. The veil also served as a method of shielding the brides face from her future husband, especially in the cases of arranged marriages. Superstition has it that it is bad luck for the groom to see the bride prior to the wedding. A veil hiding her face also ensured that the groom would not see his soon-tobe-betrothed until the ceremony. Eventually the meaning behind the veil transformed as weddings evolved into religious ceremonies. The veil came to symbolize modesty and obedience. In many religions it is seen as a symbol of reverence for women to cover their heads. When white wedding dresses were worn to symbolize chastity, the white veil followed suit.

Alternatives to a veil When weddings are held outdoors a more and more popular idea the bridal wardrobe takes on a very different personality. For a destination Caribbean beach wedding, the bride will often wear a wreath of rosebuds, leaves, feathers or sparkles, something very storybook looking. Flower wreaths usually match one or more of the same flowers that are in the bouquet. Wreaths have been made of shells, sequins, ferns or berries, and if there are also little girls sprinkling rose petals, they might be wearing similar wreaths. Theres an increasing trend to wear hair up, baring the back of the neck, and favorite hair ornaments for this choice are brooches of some sort, enameled flowers, rhinestone hairpins or some special piece of jewelry. Interesting fashion note: there are signs that the requisite strapless wedding gown is morphing into gowns with small cap sleeves, sweetheart necklines; less bare skin. But no matter what, the gown, the veil, the wreath or the single flower, will be the one outfit that the bride will always remember.

 October 3, 2013

I Do, I Do: Fall Bridal Hersam Acorn Newspapers

Wedding day food trucks serve up reception fun

by Melissa Ezarik

Gourmet, you say?

Whether it rolls up ready to serve as full caterer, or the fun fare is there as a plus-one, gourmet food trucks are making an appearance at Connecticut wedding receptions. Given the popularity of food trucks these days spotted not only in urban centers and on The Food Network, but even along Route 1 its not surprising that couples have a desire to hire these businesses for their weddings. Just how popular are they? When American Culinary Federation members were surveyed last fall, nearly two-thirds labeled food trucks a hot trend. And among consumers polled for the National Restaurant Associations 2012 Household Survey, 43% said they have purchased items from a food truck, with the Northeast respondents being most likely to have done so (51%). Many independent food truck operators supplement regular street service with catering work, explained Annika Stensson, senior manager of research communications for the association. Brick-and-mortar restaurants with food trucks are also using them for catering jobs, she said. Here are some questions couples must answer before bringing a food truck into the wedding celebration mix: Is it an add-on or the sole food provider? Of the 30 or so weddings done by GMonkey, a Durham-based vegetarian, eco-friendly food truck owned by holistic nutritionist Ami Beach Shadle and organic chef Mark Shadle, about half had the truck as the only caterer, and half had it in addition to other caterers. Obviously, the variety of food offerings helps make this determination. If an add-on, is the main caterer aware of and OK with the food truck? Not every venue is going to welcome the food truck idea, so if this is important to you, youll be making arrangements around the same time you book your location. . Is the site ideal for a food truck? Amy Shadle has found that the best venues allow the truck to be the primary focal point, with parks, farms, and other scenic locations with

it is very good quality seafood, said owner Cathy Szabo. And with so many local food truck options, the search for the perfect wedding day fare will surely be delectable.

Local food trucks that cater

Biago Express; biagoexpress.com, 203-490-2433 Big Green Truck; biggreentruckpizza. com, 203-752-9547 The Big Grey Pizza Truck; ctpizzatruck.com, 203-859-5981 Catering By Roxanne; cateringbyroxanne.com, 203-428-7788 The Cheese Truck; thecheesetruck. com, 203-850-3504 The Cupcake Truck; followthatcupcake, 203-675-3965 Eddies Pizza Truck; eddiespizzaNY. com, 917-710-4757 Fire Engine Pizza Company; thefireenginepizzaco.com, 203-333-3473 Frank Andrews Mobile Kitchen; franksmobilekitchen.com, 860-6691221 GMonkey; gmonkeymobile.com, 860759-8880 GotChef; gotchef.com, Little Red Seafood Truck; szabos-seafood.com/The_Little_Red_Seafood_ Truc.html, 203-543-235 Maddys Catering; maddysfoodtruck. com, 203-550-2464 Rocket Fine Street Food; rocketstreetfood.wordpress.com/, 860-6895585 Super Duper Weenie Truck; superduperweenietruck.com, 203-334-0033 Wild Hog BBQ; hogwildbbqct.com, 203-994-9944

lots of space being ideal. The only requirement for us is that we be parked on a flat surface area and nothing muddy, she said, adding that GMonkey becomes a conversation piece that guests want a tour of. How will guests get be served? Some trucks deliver the food and set it up buffetstyle, and others have the added fun factor where guests order directly from the truck window on-site, said Stensson. Are special diets a consideration? Dark chocolate, red velvet, ultimate vanilla, white chocolate cream cheese, and salted caramel cupcakes are served from a vintage-style truck. These decadent delights are all part of the deal with The Cupcake Truck, a Hamdenbased food truck business. But for couples contending with food allergies, this particular option may not be the one. With food truck

kitchens being tight for space, its probably not reasonable to assume any of these businesses could accommodate serious food allergies (though it wouldnt hurt to ask). Is it a good value? Having a truck provide food for a private event can be a budget-friendly food option that adds a unique flair, said Stensson. GMonkey, for instance, tends to run $20 to $60 per person and up, depending on how involved the menu is, Shadle said. Their seasonally inspired food is sourced heavily from local farms and food producers, and menu ingredients are natural, organic, and fair trade. The Shelton-based Little Red Seafood Truck, meanwhile, serves New England-style seafood, from lobster rolls and fried shrimp to clam chowder and tuna and swordfish burgers. Though our truck is unique and fun, the food that comes out of

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I Do, I Do: Fall Bridal Hersam Acorn Newspapers

October 3, 2013

Books to inspire on the road to wedded bliss

by Melissa Thorkilsen
Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue If only those were the sole elements required to plan for what is to some the most special day of the brides life, the wedding day. Between loving parents and future-in-laws, friends, relatives and perhaps ones own pre-conceived notions of what should happen after the proposal, planning a wedding is not for the faint hearted. But luckily, there are a variety of helpful sources to guide every dreamy-eyed bride and eager groom into the state of wedded bliss. The first step is to figure out how you are going to organize all the information that will be flying at you from the day you say yes to the walk down the aisle. While you could just get yourself a three-ring binder with many pocket folders, there are other options like, The Knot Ultimate Wedding Planner: Worksheets, Checklists, Etiquette, Timelines and Answers to Frequently Asked Questions, by Carla Roney. This book is filled with worksheets, timelines, and checklists, and while it keeps you organized, there are plenty of tips, inspirations and answers to issues at each step of the process. But if all that isnt enough or you would rather create your own binder, then Mindy Weiss (wedding planner to the stars) and Lisbeth Levines The Wedding Book, The Big Book for Your Big Day, is a basic encyclopedia of wedding planning advice. While both of these books have general and specific advice for all aspects of wedding planning, there are other elements you may want to focus on in greater depth. When thinking about your dress, Vogue Wedding: Brides, Dresses, Designers, by Hamish Bowles has a glorious selection of gowns that may not be in your budget, but will inspire ideas for what is. And speaking of budget, as I was writing this article, I came across an intriguing wedding site, costofwedding.com, which told me that the average cost of a wedding is $25,656. On this website, you can figure out the projected cost of your own wedding using the Wedding Cost Estimator, which will ask specific question geared to your plans. If after using this you feel you need to reassess your expectations, you might want to pick up a copy of A Practical Wedding: Creative Ideas for Planning a Beautiful, Affordable, and Meaningful Celebration, by Meg Keene. The author manages to focus on things that should matter, by staying creative and focused. She uses common sense and a sense of humor with great advice, plus plenty of vignettes from other couples who have navigated the process successfully. Judith Johnson, author and ecumenical minister, has officiated at many weddings over the past 14 years and has written a very helpful planner focusing on the ceremony itself, called The Wedding Ceremony Planner: The Essential Guide to the Most Important Part of Your Wedding Day. In it she offers guidance for both traditional and contemporary ceremonies, with advice on everything from structure to specific wording. And last but not least, consider the cake. You need not be a baker to fall in love with the photos of cakes in Chic and Unique Vintage Cakes: 30 Modern Cake Designs from Vintage Inspirations, by Zoe Clarke. Dont be intimidated by the recipes. Just use the book for the pictures for your own baker to create the cake of your dreams. And sometime in the frenzy of planning, it is hoped that one doesnt lose sight of the end game that with the wedding comes the marriage. Amidst the planning, take a moment to gather up a few novels for the honeymoon. J. Courtney Sullivans The Engagements will have you contemplating your engagement ring in a new light as she explores the variety of commitments that define relationships and marriage. Wallace Stegners classic work, Crossing to Safety, follows two married couples from youth to old age and leaves us with an understanding of what it takes to grow and learn and change in order for love to prevail. Audrey Niffeneggers novel, The Time Travelers Wife, while not a realistic novel, is lovely for its portrayal of true love and fate combined for a marriage that transcends time. And while almost anything by Nicholas Sparks will inspires romance, The Wedding will help make you feel that the commitment you have just made will last forever.

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 October 3, 2013

I Do, I Do: Fall Bridal Hersam Acorn Newspapers

Unplugged
continued from page 1

weddings are currently playing a game of tug-of-war, she said. Some of her current clients under no circumstances want photos of their wedding posted on social media. Why should the world see an amateurs quick-takes when a big investment has been made in a professional photographer (who surely prefers to not see smartphones photobombing the ceremony scene)? If a client has not specifically asked their guests to kindly unplug, it goes without fail that a guest will step into the aisle during the crucial moments of a ceremony, said Cagginello. These moments are intended to be classic and timeless. Having a point-and-shoot camera or the most current iPhone generation in the photo not only ruins the photo but dates it, as well. In Jacoxs experience, most couples looking for an unplugged wedding have been to one themselves and experienced how much more intimate and traditional it feels. But lest unplugged dreams depend upon unbridled enthusiasm for catching a perpetrator in the act, experts suggest visible but polite requests.

being appropriate. Most couples even those who may initially think it would be fun to post bigday updates have no clue where their phones are for most of their wedding reception. But, Jacox said, shell often see after-party pics and mid-honeymoon pics. Another idea is to post a bride-and-groomholding-thank-you-sign photo at the end of the day, while still in gown and tux. Just keep in mind that once guests see you posting, they may well see Facebooking as fair game and simply view their photo sharing as caring.

Social Rules for Wedding Guests

Bryan Haeele photo

The best way is to make a note in the ceremony programs, said Cagginello. It might read: We are honored to have you here today! Please be present in the moment and allow our esteemed photographers capture our day. The officiant or ushers could also make the request.

For an unplugged reception as well, Jacox suggests placing a sign by the guestbook or by the table cards and perhaps even in the restrooms noting that you have chosen to refrain from social media to make this a more sentimental event. Letting the DJ in on the idea doesnt hurt, either, with a reminder announcement

1. Wait for the bride or groom to post first, even if its not until post-honeymoon. 2. If you do post that day because the couple is chronicling the event themselves, or because they are absolutely the share-every-detail publicly kind of friends, realize that check-ins with tags are less intrusive than photos. 3. Respect wishes for an unplugged ceremony and/or reception. 4. When in doubt, dont.

Wilton church named a top ceremony location

The Wilton Congregational Church is one of 14 wedding ceremony locations throughout the East Coast featured on the Martha Stewart Weddings website. Established in 1726, the Wilton Congregational Church is the epitome of classic New England structures: quaint, historic, and full of small-town charm, the website says of the church. Wilton Congregational, at 70 Ridgefield Road in Wilton, is the second Connecticut location featured on the list. The first is the Old State House in Hartford. Other locations featured include the Four Seasons Restaurant in New York City, the Peggy Rockefeller Rose Garden at the New York Botanical Garden, and New Yorks City Hall.

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I Do, I Do: Fall Bridal Hersam Acorn Newspapers

October 3, 2013

Our funky-jam wedding plan

by Lisa Rose McCormick
In the throes of wedding planning, most mothers and daughters squabble over things like the dress, invitations, guest list, dcor, and just how stretched the limo needs to be. But not so for my daughter, Rachel, and me in the planning of her October 2012 wedding to Terry Knoche. In spite of the fact that I had a very specific vision for my only daughters wedding (Im a bit of a detail freak), we were cruising along, agreeing or at least compromising on almost all the major decisions. And then my daughter said this: Were walking down the aisle to a Grateful Dead song, mom. Turns out she and her groom had some pretty clear visions of their own. While her words werent entirely a surprise, they did send me into a bit of a panic. Everyone knows Rachel and Terry are big fans, er, obsessed, with a certain type of music. They follow the Jambands like Phish, Govt Mule, and others, old and new; they devote virtually all of their leisure time to attending concerts and traveling to festivals. Our extended family, however, includes a bunch of classical musicians, so incorporating the bride and grooms unconventional tastes with the expectations of our family and guests was going to be a challenge. No Here Comes the Bride As much as I imagined my daughter walking down the aisle with her dad to Palchelbels Canon in D, I knew Rachel was right that their music defines who they are and it was paramount that the tunes accompanying their wedding represented and pleased them. Their honeymoon was planned around a Govt Mule festival in Jamaica, and Terrys grooms cake was a Phish logo, so I knew we had to go all the Woods, on which he played piano with the string quartet. The lyrical, modern piece was just right for a chilly, sunny fall day, evoking both poignant longing for days and loved ones past, as well as bright, optimistic celebration. At the musics crescendo, the afternoons light breeze built to a sustained gust of wind, and Rachels full-length veil flew for a few minutes. Moments later, the new Mr. and Mrs. Knoche walked back up the aisle to Not Fade Away. Of course, the receptions music was specialized and personalized, too. After the bridal party made their entrances to Phish, the newlyweds danced to Bob Dylans Wedding Song. Rachel danced with her dad to James Taylor, and Terry with his mother to The Beatles. The reception at The Matrix got into full gear when Connecticut-based funk band Deep Banana Blackout, a longtime favorite of Rachel and Terrys, took the stage. Since the couple had discovered their mutual passion for the band on the night of their first date at Weir Farm back in 2002, dancing to the band at their wedding was the fulfillment of a long-shared dream. This eight-piece funk/jazz group, a staple at Bridgeports Gathering of the Vibes, rocked out for two sets, and it was exactly what Rachel and Terry wanted: much more loud, funky concert than wedding band show. For our late night snack, we surprised Rachel and Terry with a music festival standard, something Ive learned is sold in the parking lots after concerts, along with hot dogs and unlicensed T-shirts. Its not the usual wedding food, but grilled cheese delighted these crazy kids, and ended our night with one more funky, offbeat twist.

Allison Murphy

way, but didnt yet have a clue how. It took me a few listens of the Grateful Dead songs in question before I could make out lighthearted, joyful melodies through the meandering, improvisational jam sound. I soon got on board, but how to perform this music for the ceremony was still the challenge. We tracked down a string quartet comprised of members of the Ridgefield Symphony Orchestra, and I held my breath while I told them we didnt want any of the usual wedding music not a single note of Bach, Vivaldi, or Here Comes the Bride. I was pleasantly surprised when the groups violinist/rep said they were happy to sign on for something different and fun, but they needed sheet music. An online site provided arrangements for string quartet of songs we could use for the before and after music. Our guests were seated to tunes by The Beatles, The Doors (yes, Light My Fire was one), Cream, and Led Zeppelin.

Arrangements for the ceremony songs, however, were not to be found in any published form, but luckily for us, the brides brothers are both musically inclined. Older bother Robb McCormick is a pianist who headlines at a dueling piano bar in Columbus, Ohio. Younger brother Christopher McCormick is in college, majoring in music composition. Christopher spent much of his summer break arranging the songs we couldnt find. Timing was tight, and I still had my doubts, but when I heard his version of the Deads bouncy, upbeat China Cat Sunflower, chosen for the bridesmaids walk, I knew our quirky plan could work. For the brides walk with her dad, Robb played his own arrangement of Bird Song on solo piano, and just like its title, it was lilting and melodic, sweet and serene. For the interlude, when the bride and groom lit unity candles, Christopher gifted his sister with his own composition, To Watch His

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