2014

wedding guide
Corletts reect on 64 years together Meyers reect on 50 years Unique Weddings Wedding Mishaps
and more!
PUBLISHED BY

THE COURIER PRESS THE CLAYTON COUNTY REGISTER THE GUTTENBERG PRESS NORTH IOWA TIMES

Corletts reect on 64 years together

Page 2 WEDDING GUIDE

Tuesday, February 4, 2014

Over those 64 years, the two have raised 10 children and enjoyed over 40 grandand great-grandchildren. They have lived on farms all over; everywhere from Marquette and Volga City to Wauzeka and Prairie du Chien. There was even a brief stint in Oklahoma. Ralph said he always dreamed of being either a vet or a cowboy, but settled on being a farmer. According to Ralph, it was one of the best decisions he ever made. My nickname is farmer, he said. I love to farm and fix things up. I loved every day I farmed. Throughout his life, Ralph often combined his love for farming and fixing by

fixing up, and then running farms, doing that at least seven or eight times. Even though he is now retired, Ralph still cannot sit idly by, and can often be found painting or mending fence at the Pleasant Ridge Road farm he and Olga live on, along with one of their sons. He also buys and sells hay and attends a number of sales in order to keep himself busy. I cant just sit in the house, Ralph said. I have to do something. Even when he is inside, Ralph cannot sit still. He rearranges the furniture weekly. After all, he has to make room for more CORLETTS cont. on pg. 9

Ralph and Olga Corlett, married October 1, 1949, celebrated 64 years together this past fall. (Photo by Audrey Posten) By Audrey Posten The pictures on the wall tell me stuff, said 85-year-old Ralph Corlett. The pictures are numerous, with dozens lining every free inch of wall, mantle or table space in the home he shares with his wife, Olga. The pictures tell him about his children and grandchildren, his Irish ancestors, his favorite horses, even the farms he has lived on and managed throughout his life. Ralph has a photo for everything. And with every photo, a story. Pointing to a team of horses, he explained how, at 13, he first met the 9-year-old Olga when she traveled throughout the area with an oat thrashing team. During their teenage years, the two would attend the same thrashing parties and dances. I remember she would always ride a bike, Ralph said, wearing blue shorts and a white blouse. I would always keep track of her. Its just one of those things. Ralph was not the only one keeping track. Olga also admitted that, growing up, she had a crush on him, too. So why did she eventually decide to marry him? She dont know yet, Ralph answered with a smile. But marry they did on October 1, 1949. Ralph was 21 and Olga, 17. This past fall, the couple celebrated their 64th anniversary.

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Tuesday, February 4, 2014

Shall we dance?

WEDDING GUIDE Page 3

Harlan and Shirley Meyer reect on 50 years

By Melissa Spielbauer Combs Harlan and Shirley Meyer have been married 50 years. One can learn some interesting things from those who have spent many years together. While sitting in the kitchen of their home in rural Guttenberg, some interesting tales were told while light snow blew around on a winter afternoon. In 1963, Harlan, a determined young gentleman, noticed a young lady who was from the area at the Communia Dance Hall in Communia. Shirley was attending the dance with one of her girlfriends and her boyfriend. They were outside the hall when Harlan noticed Shirley and decided to ask her to dance. Shirley didn't take too much interest in him, and declined. He asked her what her name was. Having little interest, she decided to make up a name and said Elizabeth Brown. There was no dancing that day. After a time, the rejected young lad had another chance at a dance that was held at Lakeside Ballroom. He saw her and approached her again. The determination must have worked. They have been together ever since. After some time, Harlan and Shirley were engaged in September of that year, and in the following January were married. Harlan and Shirley said their vows on a Friday afternoon at Hope Lutheran Church in Littleport on January 24, 1964. A wedding reception followed the ceremony, held at the church. A bigger celebration, a dance, was held at the same place that they first saw each other, the Communia Dance Hall. Shirley remembers the snow that day and walking around in her hoop skirt. The building featured a long dance hall with long benches on each side. Their evening wedding dance was one of the last dances held at the hall before it was eventually taken down. Harlan's father, Clarence Meyer, and others who were friends and relatives, had formed a band, the Jolly Ridge Hillbillies, and they played the tunes for the dance. Clarence played the accordion. The dance hall was full of people celebrating the event. Shirley said, "There was hardly room to dance." After the dance, at home the cows had to be milked and other farm chores had to be completed at the Meyer family farm in Osterdock. Shirley said, "I learned a lot about farming when I got married." As a young couple they milked about 25 cows, separated the milk, and sold the cream to the Osterdock Creamery. Shirley fed the hogs slop only once. She helped out in many other ways on the farm throughout the years, but never again fed the hogs slop. Shirley said, "Slop stinks." She did a lot of cooking, as there was always someone with a big appetite on the MEYER cont. on pg. 9

Harlan and Shirley Meyer of rural Guttenberg recently celebrated 50 years together. (Photo submitted)

Shirley and Harlan Meyer were married January 24, 1964, at Hope Lutheran Church, Littleport. (Photo submitted)

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Page 4 WEDDING GUIDE

How to make your wedding unique

evening with an elaborate fireworks display with a six-digit price tag. If your budget is a bit more down-toearth, there are still ways to personalize your special day. Add a personal touch by selecting floral arrangements that say something about your interests and hobbies. Janis Lerch, Elkader Floral Shop, has created bouquets and centerpieces that have used shotgun shells, deer antlers, even morel mushrooms. I love creating something that says something about the couple, Lerch said. While traditional arrangements are still the norm, Lerch is seeing trendier statements with succulents, which were big last year and promise to be even bigger this year. Pinterest, a website that lets people share ideas, photos, recipes and so on, has had a significant influence on brides. Lerch said several have brought photos from the popular website to their consultations with her. Specialty arrangements can mean a bit of extra work for Lerch, who sometimes has to hunt down the elements needed for a bouquet or centerpiece. She prefers to finalize special orders four months in advance to give her enough search time. The important thing is that this is the brides day and her flowers should be exactly what she wants, Lerch said. I cant think of anything right now thats out of question. Its often just a matter of finding all of the key pieces. Holly Purman, owner of Hollys Bridal Boutique, downtown Elkader, is also seeing the influence of Pinterest. If a bride comes in asking for something really trendy, you can bet shes seen it there, Purman said. Purman added that lace-covered gowns as well as vintage-, country- and outdoorinspired dresses are popular now. Many brides are adding a pop of color with a sash at the waist or colored tulle under a fuller skirt. Like anything else, special dress orders take more time, especially during the fitting process. Though Purman can work within a very short time frame, shes more comfortable when brides order their dresses eight or nine months in advance. There will always be girls who are like Holy cow! Im engaged and getting married in six months! I can deal with that. But there does seem to be a trend to planning 12 to 18 months out, and thats certainly better. If youre tired of the same old wedding cake, there are several ways to add creativity to this reception staple. Here are a few, from Pinterest, of course! Many favorite foods can be made to resemble wedding cakes. For example, if the bride and groom are pizza lovers, a tiered

Tuesday, February 4, 2014

By Pam Reinig For the rich and famous, creating a unique and memorable wedding is a simple matter of adding a few more zeroes to the wedding budget. For example, when Grammy-winner Beyonce married rapper-music producer Jay-Z, she dropped a cool $60,000 on her favorite flowersorchids, which were flown in from Thailand for the occasion. For her wedding to actor Tom Cruise, Katie Holmes wore a $45,000 Gucci gown; slightly less was spent on a designer dress for their then-infant daughter. The couple were serenaded at their reception by Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli and closed out the

Holly Purman, owner of Hollys Bridal Boutique, Elkader, says many brides are adding unique touches to their gowns. tower of pizza might be a great alternative to a traditional cake. For something strikingly different, rounds of cheese can be stacked to resemble a tiered cake. Cake pops, cake balls, cake shooters and trues and cupcakes are also showing up on reception tables. Lerch and Purman noted that touches that run through the rest of the wedding elements like special colors can carried over to cakes, table linens and other wedding details.

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WEDDING GUIDE Page 5

By Melissa Spielbauer Combs Linda Ludovissy and Nancy Schroeder, owners of Blooming Branches, invite you to explore many wedding options. Blooming Branches, a floral and gift shop in Guttenberg, is open to serve brides with the important decision of flowers and decor. Wedding rentals will make your wedding day complete. Vases, candle holders, and table scapes are available. Linda says, "We will go the extra mile to make sure the bride has a stress free day." For a complete look Blooming Branches and Dress Your Event in Guttenberg will sit down with the bride to discuss many rental services that they provide. Dress Your Event can provide beautiful linens, and chair covers. It is encouraged to set up the free counsultation early to start preparation. Friendly staffs are ready to help. Linda and Nancy do the designing of flowers with the help of Nicole Moser. The designers have over 50 years of combined experience in floral design.

Fresh and silk flowers are available. Staff can create bouquets, corsages, hair pieces and boutonnieres. They can also design wedding ceremony and reception arrangements. Deliveries can be arranged and friendly staff member Augie Petche, will deliver them. The bride can choose any color for flowers. Good advise is to plan ahead. The staff encourage the brides to make an appointment three to six months before the wedding date to discuss plans for flowers and rentals. Customers are invited to sit down with staff and discuss colors and types of arrangements. Flowers can be designed for any budget, large or small weddings. Fresh flowers are all unique and slightly different. The bride may bring in a photo of what she wants. Colors should compliment the wedding colors. The bride is encouraged to come back one month before the wedding date to finalize flower preparation. Staff is available at shorter times to design flowers for their special day. A good choice for longer lasting fresh flowers for a summer wedding are roses, carnations, lilies and alstroemeria. Flowers are an important part of the wedding day. They make a statement and create special memories. Also available are wedding jewelery items. The staff at Blooming Branches will design a look for your wedding that will be picture perfect, like one out of a magazine. Blooming Branches, a full service oral shop oers many options for the bride. Linda Ludovissy (left) and Nancy Schroeder show some examples of ower arrangements, vases, and a wedding book that can be viewed at consultations. (Photo by Melissa Spielbauer Combs)

Elkport-Garber Community Center

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*Seating available up to 350 people *Do your own catering or book your preferred caterer (full kitchen available) *Large stage and bar area *Air conditioned/heating *Half of building rentals also available *Reasonable rental rates *Nearby full hook up camping available at Elkport Campground adjacent to community center (Contact: 563-255-2672) Like us on facebook @ Elkport-Garber Community Center

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Page 6 WEDDING GUIDE

Sports World a good choice for engraved wedding gifts

Come on in and look, said Camille. It may give you some good ideas. We offer computer generated, laser engraved text and graphics on a lot of different items. Camille noted that Sports World has engraved knives, flasks, money clips, lighters, grill sets, mugs and more for the gentlemen. Also, people may bring in items that they wish to be engraved in order to add a personal touch.

Tuesday, February 4, 2014

By Ted Pennekamp When considering what might make good gifts for groomsmen, bridesmaids, or the happy couple themselves, one might do well to consider a visit to Sports World of Prairie du Chien when a wedding is approaching. Camille Kapinus of Sports World said that there are numerous engraved items in the store which would be excellent choices for gifts.

Glassware, wine tools, coasters and grill sets are just a few of the many laser engraved items available at Sports World. Fluted glassware or stemware might be favored by the ladies, who might also enjoy jewelry boxes, picture frames, or a wine presentation with an opener and other wine tools in a nice wooden and lined box. Items for a couple could include engraved platters, relish trays, photo albums, or a martini set. Custom wedding mirrors with personalized themes are also popular. Camille also said that Sports World has brochures available through which numerous items may be ordered for a groomsman, bridesmaid, wedding couple, or anniversary couple. Sports World is located at 113 W. Blackhawk Ave., Prairie du Chien. The phone number is (608) 326-5118. The email address is asi@sportsworld1.com and the website is www.sportsworld1.com.

Personalized picture frames, stemware, mugs, asks, and wine presentation sets are nice gifts for groomsmen, bridesmaids and couples.

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Tuesday, February 4, 2014

Toasting to a less frilly yet fun wedding decision

WEDDING GUIDE Page 7

Prairie du Chien store helps take the stress out of choosing the right beverages
By Correne Martin Nearly every little girl dreams about how elaborate her wedding day will be. She imagines the sparkling dress, the vibrant flowers, the room full of guests, the moment she kisses her new groom. Though her dreams are filled with details about the frocks and frills of the special day, brides-to-be dont usually concern themselves first with what beverages will be served at the reception and dance. Yet, it can be a rather intricate decisionoftentimes taken on by the groom or the couples parents. Quality Beverages (QB) in Prairie du Chien is certainly a one-stop shop for any wedding beverage needs, whether they be alcoholic or non-alcoholic. The store is the only one in the area to offer refrigerated trailer rentals and a variety of barreled (or keg) beer choices. Barrels of 1919 Root Beer are a very popular option as well. Of course, QB also sells hard liquor, wines, champagnes, soda, gift baskets, cheese and sausage trays and more for wedding receptions, rehearsal dinners, bachelor/bachelorette parties, bridal showers, etc. And for assortments purchased in bulk, discounts are frequently provided. When it comes to deciding which types of beverages to serve party guests, there are no right or wrong choices. However, most couples are on a budget and Quality Beverages focuses on helping its customers stick to that budget. Were all about customer service, QB Oce Manager Sam Ferguson said. We like to sit down with them and explain what options are best for what they want and what they can afford. Ferguson said renting kegs of beer, tappers and refrigerated trailers is their biggest wedding-related service. Before renting, customers are asked to make a deposit to hold the day. In the summer especially, the trailers book up fast. Patrons must also provide QB with a copy of their drivers license and insurance card to keep on record in case of damages or non-returns. Once the customer leaves, they are responsible, Ferguson noted. Fees for the rentals are charged by daily, weekend or weekly rates. According to Ferguson, most people rent them Friday through Sunday. QB has six trailers available in small and large sizes, allowing enough space for up to six kegs to be tapped at once. The store employees even load the barrels for customers, making it as trouble-free for the patrons as possible. All they have to do is bring everything back to us, she added. While most people utilize the trailers for alcohol or even food storage, the root beer barrels are very much on trend at this time for weddings. Ferguson said most people dont want to deal with making punch anymore. [The root beer] is easier and we do tons of it, she said (also pointing out that graduation time is a huge root beer sales period for the store). When it comes to cases of beer and wine coolers, Quality Beverages has nearly every brand customers might want on its shelves. While Busch Light, Bud Light, Miller Lite, Mikes Hard Lemonade and Seagrams are the most in-demand in the local market, if something is out of stock or not offered in the store, the staff will find it and make a special order. Discounts are provided if customers purchase more than 10 cases. If wine or champagne is a couples preference for their party, Quality Beverages has plenty of that as well. Some couples might choose to put different bottles of wine on each reception table or chamBEVERAGES cont. on pg. 12

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Page 8 WEDDING GUIDE

Mishaps happen
By Pam Reinig Few weddings go off without a hitch (pardon the pun). But most mishaps are minor and usually go unnoticed by guests. Often, these imperfect moments make for amusing anecdotes after the ceremonysometimes long after the ceremony. The Register gave readers an opportunity to share their wedding day mishaps but received only one response, which is reprinted later in this article. Maybe Midwesterners are unusually lucky; a quick Internet search uncovered dozens and dozens of awkward wedding moments. Here are a few: I went to a wedding where the father of the groom made a speech that included statistics on divorce rates. At the reception, the brides stingy father asked me and several others to pay for our food. I ended up paying for day-old Chinese foodapparently the bride and groom wanted a well-known Chinese restaurant to cater their reception, only the restaurant doesnt cater, so they picked up the food the night before. I went to a friends wedding, and during the ceremony, it was painfully apparent that the ociant was either intoxicated or hadnt slept in several days. After taking us all through the life story of the groom, whom he apparently knew from childhood, the ociant said the following: And, Jennifer, I dont know anything about you since you didnt return my calls, but Im sure youll produce children just as wonderful as John. I realized after the wedding I spelled my grandmothers name wrong in the wedding programs in the memorial section listing all of our grandparents who had passed away. Her name is Catharine and I spelled it P-A-T-R-I-C-A. The worst part is Im named after her. (My caterers name is Patrica and I was talking to her while I was typing the programs.) I fell smack-dab on my bottom during our first dance! My husband and I did a non-choreographed swing dance to Bobby Darins More. Weve been attending our schools swing club for a few years and I had practiced a few moves at my dress fittings. It seemed like we could do it. But when the moment came, I took too big of a step backward and tripped on the back of my dress. There was no stopping me down I went! My husband helped me up, and I spent the rest of the dance and the remainder of the night carrying my short train. My sister, who was my maid of honor, had a bit too much to drink and fell on the dance floor, completely ripping open the back of her dress. I quickly got her a jacket but she threw it at me while yelling, I have no shame! She spent the rest of the night walking around with her dress completely open. I have to say it was more embarrassing for me than her! The florist forgot to bring the aisle runner, so we used a paper one that the church had. They pinned it down to the carpet in the aisle and when I walked over it, my train snagged the pins and I was dragging the runner up the aisle with me until a guest helped me out! We had an outside, destination wedding. A deer wandered in and started eating off the veggie tray during our first dance! And heres the story we received from Judy Olson of Colesburg. Though her wedding ceremony went off without a hitch, there were several tense moments leading up to it. My husband-to-be was serving in the Air Force, stationed at Barksdale AFB, Louisiana. We wrote to each other daily.

Tuesday, February 4, 2014

About ten days before he was scheduled to come home for our wedding the letters stopped. It never occurred to me that he might have changed his mind about getting married. When he discovered that no one had been taking the letters to the post oce due to an illness, he called me to say that he was coming home for ten days in a few days. But due to some world crisis, all leaves were canceled. Lorimer asked to speak with the colonel and was given five days leave. He headed for Iowa and just over the Iowa border his old car broke down. He called me to come and get him. I can still see this dejected guy sitting in front of the oil station. Once home we had to obtain our license, buy him a suit and buy a car. Things fell in place, and we were married as planned the evening of June 18, 1952, in Guttenberg. Two days later we left for Louisiana. Quite a culture shock for a young girl who had never been off the farm. It has been nearly 62 years since this happened and we are still together with a wonderful familythree children, nine grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

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Tuesday, February 4, 2014

Microtel Inn & Suites an economical option for brides and grooms
Microtel offers a large, nice room at an affordable price, said Assistant General Manager Kara Gisleson, who noted that Microtel has been in operation for about three and a half years. Complimentary drinks include coffee, cappuccino, hot chocolate, tea and your choice of juice. We also offer a complimentary huge full, hot breakfast with many items to choose from on the menu, said Gisleson.

WEDDING GUIDE Page 9

Microtel Inn & Suites is part of the Wyndham Hotel Group. Microtel in Prairie du Chien is a recipient of the 2013 TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence Award. Microtel Inn & Suites is located at 1833 S. Marquette Road, Prairie du Chien. The phone number is (608) 326-8500.

Gisleson noted that Microtel has quite a bit to offer including a fitness center, a heated, indoor swimming pool with a hot tub, an elevator, free WiFi for your wireless Internet needs, free long distance callGuests at Microtel Inn & Suites can relax in the heated, ing, cable television, board indoor swimming pool and the indoor hot tub. games, a 252-square-foot meeting room to accommodate up to 15 people, guest By Ted Pennekamp laundry services, in-room microwave and For couples seeking a more economical refrigerator, and free daily snacks includoption regarding bridal suites, the newest ing cookies, salsa, nachos and cheese. motel in Prairie du Chien, Microtel Inn & Suites, may be the right choice.

MEYER

continued from pg. 3

Harlan said, "It helps in life to have good neighbors." Fond marriage memories include gatherings with neighbors. Shirley said, "We stay together because we get along, and compromising works for marriage to work." Shirley and Harlan have four grandchildren: Breanna, Madison, Nicholas, and Jayden. Harlan said, "We could become snow birds and go somewhere warmer during the winter, but we want to stay close to grandchildren." Harlan and Shirley live in the country between Guttenberg and Garber. Marriage is a challenge but can be made into many fond memories. After 50 years, Harlan and Shirley are looking forward to many more memories.

CORLETTS

farm hungry farm help and a hungry family. Shirley always made the most of everything; she still does some canning. Later on, the farm changed a little. They expanded the dairy herd, and eventually sold milk to AMPI (Associated Milk Producers Inc.). The Meyers got out of the hog business, and gained a beef herd. They operated and lived on the family farm in Osterdock for 31 years. Harlan and Shirley raised three children. Jim turned 40 last summer and now operates the family dairy farm. Philip is 35, and JoLynn is 32. Shirley said, "The best times were raising a family, and taking some family trips with the motor home." Other good times remembered are when just the two of them attended AMPI conventions Shirley said they were like a vacation. Harlan said, "The conventions made a lot of good memories."

cont. from pg. 2

While each of them has their own personality and interests, both agreed that their shared propensity for stubbornness is what has kept their marriage going. Ive got a temper, shes got a temper, Ralph said. You fight it out. Everybodys gotta do that. Weve got another year yet to 65. You gonna stick it out? he asked Olga. Shes been threatening to go for 30 years now, he said jokingly. Not really, Olga said with a roll of her eyes. Thats what nearly 65 years does. Ill start talking and shell correct me, Ralph fired back with a wink.

After all, he has to make room for more photos. Olgas always cussing me out for changing the house around, he said. She says, Oh, God, hes at it again. Olga keeps herself busy too. She is an accomplished quilter, and often makes quilts with other women at Swede Ridge Lutheran Church. In the past, she even made clothes and wedding dresses. She is also a pianist, playing for the local group the Dingalings, as well as at her church. Ralph marveled that she plays by ear, never having had a lesson in her life. I come from a musical family, Olga said. My mother was an organist and my dad was in a quartet. If we didnt have a piano in the house, I might not have known I could play.

Did you know? Sand art symbolic of weddings

Symbolic gestures are commonplace during wedding ceremonies. The exchange of rings, stomping on a glass and lighting of candles are each among the various traditions associated with different faiths. Couples who would like to try something a bit different can opt for pouring sand. Choose two different colored sands and decorative vessels that can hold the sand until a special time in the ceremony. You also will need another large, clear container that will contain the sand once it is poured. A glass vase or heart-shaped vessel works well. To symbolize the joining of two lives together, both the bride and groom can take one of the colors of sand and begin pouring them together into the larger container. The ribbons of sand will join and meld together, much as the couple's separate lives will now become one. The finished sand art can be kept on a mantle as a remembrance of the wedding day for years to come.

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Page 10 WEDDING GUIDE

Choosing the right wedding reception favors

Bridesand grooms-to-be should not underestimate the importance of handing out wedding favors, a tradition with a rich history. A wedding favor is considered a symbol of good will to guests, and there are many different wedding favors on the market. Finding the right one can take a little work. It is usually a good idea to find something that suits the theme of the wedding and is both long-lasting and practical. Try to avoid anything that is too kitschy. A couple's budget should be considered when choosing wedding favors. A couple may want to give their guests lavish gifts but should only do so if their budget allows. It may be challenging for couples to find favors that fit the theme of their wedding, as well as their own personalities and budgets. But it can be done. The following are some favor-finding guidelines.
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Tuesday, February 4, 2014

Be creative Wedding favors can be just about anything, so there's no need to stick to Jordan almonds or wine bottle stoppers. The more creative couples are, the more receptive their guests will likely be. For example, for an autumn-theme wedding, fill mason jars with the ingredients for a spiced cake and give the recipe directions on a tag. For a summer wedding, gift guests with a sun and surf survival bag, full of sunblock, a beach towel and sunglasses. Complete the theme Some weddings follow a particular theme from start to finish, and wedding favors should stick with that theme. Couples who will showcase their love of travel on their wedding days may want to give guests keychains or purse holders that feature popular landmarks around the world. Those who are admitted beach bums may want to present a small fishbowl with sand and a goldfish inside, reminiscent of days at the seashore.

Go traditional Couples who opt for universally appealing favors can lean toward some popular options, such as silver cake servers, candlestick holders, decorative photo frames, or engraved keepsake boxes. Aim for favors that have utility. Otherwise, favors may end up collecting dust on someone's shelf. Food and beverage gifts are fun Food favors mean guests can enjoy their gifts and not have to worry about finding space inside their homes to display trinkets. Food favors can be lavishly decorated cookies, fine chocolates, petit fours, small bottles of champagne or cupcakes decorated like the wedding cake. Favors are often integral to wedding celebrations. Selecting a favor that will be appreciated and fit with the wedding is often a fun and stress-free part of planning a wedding.

Planning a perfect wedding is no small undertaking. From scheduling venues and hiring vendors to tasting menus, lots of decisions must be made when planning a wedding. But when the pieces fall into place, the entire day can be magical. One of the final components of weddings are the favors guests will take home with them as mementos of the festivities. Though favors don't require immediate attention, that does not mean couples should wait until the last minute to make decisions regarding their wedding favors.

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Unique details at themed fall wedding

was her wedding binder, which she carried to every planning meeting. The binder now serves as a sort of scrapbook of the months preceding the wedding. The couple were married at St. Mary's Church in Guttenberg, right next door to the merry-go-round where they once played together. The bride wore a dress with a long, rued skirt recalling a cancan. Her hair was styled in vintage finger waves, and she carried a white fan. The groom chose a tuxedo with coattails. Bridesmaids were fitted in red dresses with V-necklines in front and back, evoking Satine, the films main character. The brides personal attendant wore a top hat reminiscent of Harold Zidler, owner of the cabaret.

WEDDING GUIDE Page 11

Friends and family were on board with the themed wedding - except for one detail. Megan and Marcus invited their flower girl to wear a neon green tutu and wings, playing the part of the film's green fairy. My mother thought I was crazy. She said, Thats going to look ridiculous! Megan smiled. The flower girl, on the other hand, loved it. She was Tinker Bell. She had wings. Black linens and gold runners decked every table at the reception hall in New Vienna, where friends and family gathered to help the newlyweds celebrate. Megan was able to buy, borrow, or make the items used to decorate. Red and black feathers, ribbon, jewels, red luggage, and an UNIQUE WEDDING cont. on pg. 12

Elkaders Only

Mr. and Mrs. Susice were married after years of friendship turned romantic. The couple recently bought a home in Guttenberg, and just returned from honeymooning in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. (Photo courtesy of Milestone Portraits by Thea)

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We met in school at St. Marys. He would chase me around the merry-go-round and try to catch me and kiss me, Megan (Sadewasser) Susice recalls from her early childhood. Her husband, Marcus, chimes in, I did catch you. The couple was married last September in a Moulin Rouge! themed event. Its a film Megan and Marcus have enjoyed together many times. Its a movie about a courtesan, but its still a really

good love story, said Megan. With a little imagination and a lot of planning, their Moulin Rouge wedding captured numerous movie details. The bride credits theknot.com, a wedding planning website, with the successful organization of her intricate nuptials. The site is free to use and covers every detail from budget planning to programs for the ceremony. Bridesmaids can connect and weigh in on plans, and couples can use the site to host a wedding website for guests. Megans other secret weapon

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Page 12 WEDDING GUIDE

Tuesday, February 4, 2014

BEVERAGES

continued from pg. 7

Put us at the beginning of your planning if you want to assure we have enough of what you want. You just never know what might be back ordered, Ferguson said. We only get deliveries once a week, so if you wait until the last minute, and were out of something, you might have to take your second choice. after the wedding day. Ferguson recommended that a basket filled with champagne, pretty glasses and other goodies might make a nice honeymoon suite surprise. For further worry-free assistance regarding one of the most enjoyable parts of the wedding, contact Quality Beverages at 326-7777 or sales@quality-beverages.com, or find the store on Facebook.

UNIQUE WEDDING
elephant sculpture helped set the stage. Following the meal, guests were provided a choice of four flavors of cake vanilla with strawberry filling, marbled cake with chocolate mousse, and Snickers or Milky Way, both with caramel filling.

cont. from pg. 11

Those who wish to have a taste of wines or beers before purchasing them for the big day might opt to participate in one of the stores monthly wine and beer tastings, during which Quality Beverages Office Manager Sam Ferguson and Floor Manager many are sampled. Tracy Hebel are available at the store on Marquette Road in Find out about Prairie du Chien every day to help with wedding planning needs. these events, as well (Photo by Correne Martin) as special sales and freebies, by signing up for QBs new pagne at the head table and parents table. VIP Text List. Text QBLIQUOR to QB can help take the stress out of selecting the perfect red, white or bubbly by of- 36000 to get signed up for free. fering the opportunity to mix and match a variety and still receive a discount (for six Once the beverage list for the big day is organized, Quality Beverages makes local or more bottles). cheese and sausage trays, which are popOne key point for bridal couples to re- ular for showers, rehearsal dinners and member, especially if beverages are an im- bachelor/bachelorette parties in particuportant part of the couples celebration, lar. They also put together attractive gift is to contact QB early on in the wedding baskets full of products that might help planners kick back and relax before or planning process.

The groom conjured a particular scene from the film with the bottle of Absinthe he placed at the head table. Hes very frank about his role in wedding planning. I did the best thing I could have done by not saying no, he said. I didnt argue with her decisions, and the wedding was all I expected and more.

Maid of honor Sara Sadewasser toasted Megan and Marcus Susice at their Moulin Rouge! themed wedding last fall. The head table was laden with red, white, black, and gold ribbons, feathers and jewels; and was lit from beneath by strings of white lights. (Photo courtesy of Milestone Portraits by Thea)

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