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Changing
Namespg. 22

Bridal Party
Responsibilities
pg. 12

Bliss [July 2015]

[July 2015]

In
LOVE?

Start your journey

with the

kitchen
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DREAMS!

Our showroom is filled with kitchens

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s
t
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4 - The Basics of Shopping for Wedding Rings

6 - How to Successfully Negotiate with Wedding Vendors
8 - Finding the Right Wedding Photographer
10 - Featured Bride - Tori
11 - Did You Know
12 - Bridal Party Responsibilities
14 - Simplify & Save On Your Wedding
16 - Recycle & Repurpose
18 - Featured Bride - Tara
19 - Did You Know - Cake Cutting
20 - Donnas Story
22 - Changing Names
23 - Classic Wedding Songs

Tori
Parker
Bridal Photography
courtesy of:

Tara
Gregory
[July 2015]

Bliss

f
o
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The opping for
Sh

Bliss [July 2015]

g
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W ngs
Ri

Engagement ring purchases are usually a

solo endeavor, with the groom having an
idea of the ring style and color his brideto-be prefers. But couples usually shop for
their wedding ring sets together, and such
excursions can be special and meaningful.
Like many decisions couples make when
planning their weddings, choosing rings
comes down to personal preference. There
are no steadfast rules when it comes to
purchasing wedding rings, but some
guidelines can make shopping far easier.
As couples prepare to shop for rings, it can
help for each person to list the attributes
he or she would like in a ring. This should
include the type of metal, color, width, and
even cost. Couples may find they
have different preferences, and this is
perfectly fine, as wedding rings do not
have to match.
A wedding band should complement the
engagement ring but not be a perfect match.
An ornate engagement ring might look better
with a simple band, and vice-versa. Similarly
cut gemstones also can complement an
engagement ring. If the bride chooses to
wear both her engagement ring and wedding
band together on the same finger, she should
choose a band that will accommodate
the curves of uniquely shaped
engagement rings.
Couples can make some early choices even
before they visit jewelry stores. Narrow
down your options so the experience will not

be overwhelming. When the time comes to

shop, give yourselves at least two months
to browse and then choose the rings you
like best.
Lifestyle and daily routine should be
considered at all times. These rings will be
worn daily, and no one wants to fret about
a ring being too delicate to stand up to
everyday wear and tear. Also, think longterm. Trendy rings can be fun, but will they
still seem like such a good idea when
you are celebrating your twentieth
wedding anniversary?
When getting rings sized, both the bride
and groom should go when their fingers
arent swollen from exercise or early in the
morning after they may have retained fluid.
Shopping should take place when hands
arent too hot or cold. This will allow the
best size so the bands fit comfortably and
will have enough wiggle room should fingers
swell or shrink a little bit.

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People can protect their investments by

keeping the ring on as much as possible
and only removing it when engaging in
demanding physical activity or when
working with chemicals. Store the ring in a
safe spot when you are not wearing it so you
are less likely to lose it.
Wedding rings can be purchased from any
number of retailers. Just be sure the rings
are of good quality and sellers stands by the
craftsmanship.

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- Metro Creative Connection

[July 2015]

Bliss

How to
successfully
negotiate with

g
n
i
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W ndors
Ve

Bliss [July 2015]

Before signing, find out

if there is room for
negotiation with wedding
vendor pricing.
The average wedding tends
to be one of the most costly
ventures in a couples life
together. Many couples
seek ways to cut costs, and
negotiating with prospective
vendors is one way to do
just that.
Too often couples overlook
haggling for better prices
because they may be
intimidated by the process
or simply want to plan
the most memorable day
regardless of cost. Many
vendors build some wiggle
room into their prices, and
the key for cost-conscious
couples is to find the right
strategy to unlock that lower
price.

Explore your options.

Weddings are big business

for vendors, and the
competition is stiff. Visit
a variety of vendors and
compare their services
and prices prior to making
any decisions. This will
give you an accurate range
of costs and information
for future negotiations.
Vendors may be willing
to match competitors
prices, so knowing what
the photographer down the
street charges can provide
you with some negotiating
leverage.

Dress modestly for

meetings. Its tempting to

want to dress to impress, but
very often wedding vendors
judge potential clients by
their appearances. If you
walk in with a designer
handbag and driving the
latest model luxury vehicle,
a vendor may get the
impression you have extra
money to spend. While
you do not have to play the
pauper, dress modestly so
your appearance doesnt
hurt you at the negotiating
table.

Never take the first offer.

A good business person
will tell you there always
is room for negotiation.
Avoid the loaded question
of What can you spend
on this? by the vendor.

Instead, let them bring up

a price first, and realize
that this first quote can
almost always be negotiated
down. Inform the vendor
that you would really like
to work with them but he
or she needs to lower the
price. See if they can offer a
different package or provide
a discount.

Negotiate the big-ticket

items first. Discounts on
big-ticket items, such as
the reception venue, will
save you the most money.
For example, you will save
more by getting 20 percent
off at the catering hall than
if you save 20 percent on
your wedding gown. Once
you free up extra money,
you may find you dont
have to negotiate as hard
with smaller vendors.

Walk away if need be.

Always have a Plan B in

place. This way if you tell
a vendor that their price is
too expensive and you have
to pass, you really have
a fall-back option. Some
vendors will sweeten the
deal, but others will actually
let you walk out the door.
And remember, youre more
likely to get a better price
by being amenable and
well-mannered than making
threats or arguing.

Some deals arent actual

discounts. A vendor may be
able to work with you by
offering additional services
in lieu of actually taking
money off of the price tag.
Extra photo prints, a dessert
bar and an extra hour of
time in the limousine may
seem like great deals, but
thats only the case if you
truly need these bonuses.
Even if its a great deal,
youre still spending more
than you had hoped.

Wedding prices can be

overwhelming. However,
negotiating for lower prices
is always an option for costconscious couples.
-Metro Creative Connection

Before signing,
find out if there
is room for
negotiation
with wedding
vendor pricing.
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Photo Credit: Joy Davis Photography

[July 2015]

Bliss

Finding the

right
wedding

photographer

Long after the final toast has been made or the last couple has
left the dance floor, wedding photos will help couples relive the
wonderful memories of their ceremonies and receptions.
Wedding photographers realize the important role photography
plays in a wedding. Photos are how couples document their
nuptials, and the right photographer can make all the difference.
The following tips can help guarantee a successful wedding shoot
and beautiful photos to recall the best moments of the day.
-Metro Creative Connection

Bliss [July 2015]

Seek referrals

There are scores of wedding photographers, and some

are better than others. Word of mouth from other couples
can help. Referrals can offer insight into a photographers
personality and his or her abilities to work with the
wedding party and guests throughout the day.

Know
what each
package
includes

The photographer should

clearly spell out which items
and services are included as
part of the contract. There
should be no surprises when
its time to pay the balance
of the photographers fees, so
go over each itemized detail
to be sure the package in
your contract is the one you
really want.

Discuss a backup
plan with
confident the photographer
and firm
Choose a photographer
who is

A good photographer will be

able to direct photo subjects and
get everyone to participate and
in line. Brides and grooms likely
wont want to handle such tasks
on their own, so a confident and
firm yet cordial photographer
can be an invaluable asset.

Mishaps happen, even on the most carefully planned wedding

day. Discuss what the photographer does to safeguard your
digital photo files. Are they backed-up to a cloud or a secured
offsite server? Does the photographer bring along a second
camera in case the primary one has a malfunction? What
happens if he or she is ill on the day of the wedding? How is
a replacement chosen? Understanding how the photographer
adapts to unforseen situations can make you feel more confident
in choosing one photographer instead of another. The camera
gear should also have adequate memory to store all of the photos,
and a few backup batteries cant hurt, either.

Prepare a shot list

Communication is key

Meet with the photographer before the wedding and provide

a list of all the shots you absolutely need to get. This way the
photographer can plan for these as well as capture the candid
moments throughout the day.

An important component of wedding photography actually

starts well before the wedding day. The way a photographer
communicates with you about your wishes and desired shots is
very important, as this is when to discuss specific shots you want
taken during the ceremony, such as whether the bride wants to be
seen and pose with the groom prior to tying the knot. In addition,
this is a great time for the photographer to get familiar with each
venues rules regarding vendors.

Consider hiring
a photographers
assistant
or second
shooter

The photographer is less

likely to miss a shot or fail to
capture various perspectives
of the wedding if he or she
works with a partner. While
one photographer is doing
close-up portraits, the other
may be capturing candid
moments from onlookers
from another angle.

828.455.8726

calahsullivanphoto@gmail.com

facebook.com/calahsullivanphotography

[July 2015]

Bliss

Featured Bride:

Tori Jonathan Parker

Have you ever met someone you felt like youve
known for a thousand years? Someone your soul
gravitates toward as if yours knew theirs in another
life? Thats the feeling he gave me. We had known
one another for years, but it was always bad
timing. But somewhere in the back of my mind he
always had a place.
I was just starting out as a hairstylist, and he was
a client at the salon I worked at. One of my co
workers called in sick, knowing I had a thing for
him and of course she made it a point to pass him
on to me. A few weeks after that we decided to go
out. It was awkward, I wont lie, but what first date
isnt? We must have hit it off because after that,
the rest was history. The next few years were a
whirlwind! We were engaged, bought our first home,
got a puppy, had our first son, and had a beautiful
fairytale wedding.

10

Bliss [July 2015]

It was September 14th 2013 outside of Harper

House, a local historical mansion, underneath
the giant oak trees, on a beautiful sunny day,
surrounded by all of our friends and loved ones.
It couldnt have been more perfect. We went on a
weeklong honeymoon to Hatteras Island which
only made perfect sense, since its our place.
We go there every year.
Since then our family has grown. We had our
second son December 28th 2014! Having two small
children can definitely add stress to anyones life
and marriage, but at the end of the day, family is
everything. I would do it all a thousand times over.
Gods plan is perfect and I see that more and more
every day. We are truly blessed!

Wedding
Flowers
Many people feel the type of
flowers chosen for wedding
ceremonies symbolize different
things. While some couples may
make their final decision on
wedding day flowers based cost,
they may be surprised to know what
different flowers have traditionally
symbolized. For example,
according to TheKnot.com, a
multiplatform resource for all
things nuptial, roses have long been
considered a symbol of beauty and
love. Writers and poets alike have
long relied on roses as metaphors
for emotion, beauty and true love.

Lily of the valley is another popular

flower thats more than just a
natural beauty. Though lily of the
valley is one of the more expensive
flowers couples can choose for their
weddings, some legends link the
flower to happiness, while followers
of Englands royal family no doubt
remember that lily of the valley was
the flower chosen by Duchess of
Cambridge Kate Middleton for her
2011 wedding to Prince William.
-Metro Creative Connection

[July 2015]

Bliss

11

y
t
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P
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BResponsibilities
Being asked to join a bridal
party is both an honor and a
responsibility. When asked to
take on such significant and
meaningful roles, men and
women may recognize the
honor but be unsure of what
their responsibilities are as
couples move forward with their
wedding plans.
Bridal party roles can
vary depending on certain
circumstances, but many couples
still want their bridesmaids and
groomsmen to perform many
of the more traditional tasks
associated with their roles. The
following are some of the tasks
bridesmaids and groomsmen can
expect to perform in the months
leading up to the wedding and
during the wedding itself.

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Hickory (828) 345-1290
PureReflectionSpa.com

12

Bliss [July 2015]

Maid of Honor: The maid of

honor serves as the bride-to-bes
right-hand woman as she plans
her wedding and gets ready on
her big day. Maids of honor
typically go gown shopping
with the bride and may even
choose or offer suggestions
about the color and style of the
bridesmaids dresses. Once a
dress style and color has been
chosen, the maid of honor will

make sure everyone is fitted on

time.
A maid of honor will also plan
the bridal shower, sending
invitations and arranging for
lodging for out-of-town guests if
necessary. Many brides want the
details of their bridal showers to
be a surprise, and maids of honor
should honor those sentiments
when possible. A maid of honor
also plans the bachelorette party,
though many brides do not mind
being involved in the planning of
such parties.
The maid of honor may be asked
to help address save-the-date
cards and envelopes as well.
Come the day of the wedding,
the maid of honor will ensure the
brides day is as stress-free as
possible, helping to address any
last-minute issues that may arise.
Maids of honor may be asked to
serve as the legal witness to the
wedding and sign the wedding
license before the reception. At
the reception, the maid of honor
will toast the bride.

Best man: The best man is

the maid of honors counterpart,
helping to plan the bachelor

party and toasting the groom at the reception. The best man also
tends to hold the rings during the wedding ceremony, and during
the day of the wedding, he will coordinate the groomsmen to make
sure everyone is ready to go on time. The best man may arrange
transportation for the groom and groomsmen on the day of the
wedding and may also return the groom and groomsmens attire the
following day if the newlyweds are departing on their honeymoons.

Bridesmaids/Groomsmen: The bridesmaids and groomsmen serve

similar functions, acting as sources of support as couples plan their
weddings. Bridesmaids and groomsmen help to plan the bachelorette
and bachelor parties and may also be asked their opinions as
couples make decisions regarding their weddings. Bridesmaids and
groomsmen must be prepared to take pictures once couples have
officially tied the knot. They also must help the brides and grooms
with any issues that may arise in the hours before couples become
husband and wife.

young relatives of the couple, whether they are a young brother or

sister or a niece or nephew. The responsibilities of the flower girl and
ring bearer are typically limited to the ceremony, during which they
will walk down the aisle, either together or individually, before the
father of the bride escorts his daughter to the altar or stage.

Father of the bride: The father of the bride walks his daughter
down the aisle during the ceremony, and, along with his wife, may
pay for the wedding, though many couples now finance their own
nuptials. The father of the bride will dance with his daughter during
the reception, and some fathers may even share a special toast for
the newlyweds during the reception, though such a toast is not
traditionally required.
Bridal parties play a big role on couples wedding days, and those
roles are both an honor and a responsibility.
- Metro Creative Connection

Flower girl/Ring bearer: Flower girls and ring bearers are often

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[July 2015]

Bliss

13

y
f
i
l
p
m
i
S
andSave
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Bliss [July 2015]

Planning a wedding is complicated. Once couples

choose a date and location for their ceremony, they can
then can get down to the nuts and bolts of the big day.

expensive brands. The majority of guests likely wont

even notice, but couples will notice how much money
they save.

When planning a wedding, many couples are governed

by a budget. Budgets often get stretched, but even
those brides- and grooms-to-be who spend more
than they had initially hoped often find themselves
not going too far over budget. One of the best ways
for couples to stay within spitting distance of their
budget or even come in under budget is to take steps
to simplify the ceremony and reception. Simplifying
a few aspects of the wedding can save couples money
without forcing them to make sacrifices that affect the
look or feel of occasion.

Choose a classic cake. Elaborate cakes may

be de rigueur, but the cost of an especially elaborate
wedding cake can make a cost-conscious couples
collective jaw drop. Instead of a specially designed,
labor-intensive cake, choose a classic cake that wont
break the bank. Classic cakes can add an elegant touch
to a wedding without extending a couples budget.

Turn floral arrangements into

multi-purpose accessories. Bridesmaids

typically carry beautiful floral bouquets during the

wedding ceremony. But such bouquets are quickly put
down and forgotten once a couple has officially tied the
knot. Couples can save a few dollars by repurposing
floral bouquets and other floral arrangements used
during the ceremony. Once the ceremony has ended,
repurpose floral bouquets as centerpieces for the
reception tables and turn flowers used as aisle
markers during the ceremony into small centerpieces
on the escort card table or place them alongside the
guestbook. This saves you the trouble of choosing
various floral arrangements to display throughout the
reception venue and also saves you money.

Scale back on the alcohol offerings.

Some couples opt for a full-service, top-shelf bar at

their wedding. While thats a nice gesture, its also an
expensive one. Couples can save a substantial amount
of money by simplifying the alcoholic offerings at
their reception. Instead of a full top-shelf bar, offer
guests one or two choices of popular liquors such as
whiskey, rum and vodka and steer clear of especially

Trim the guest list. Trimming the guest list is

arguably the most effective way to simplify a wedding
while simultaneously saving some money. Once you
have compiled a list of potential invitees, peruse that
list to determine if there are any people who can be
trimmed from the list. This is easier for couples paying
for their own wedding, as they wont feel pressured
to invite any friends or colleagues of their parents
whom they dont know personally. But even couples
splitting the cost of their weddings with their parents
should speak with
their parents about
trimming the guest
list to make the
affair a little
less expensive.
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[July 2015]

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15

e
l
c
y
c
e
R
o r Repurpose
o
t
s
y
a
w
y
n
a
m
e
h
T

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Bliss [July 2015]

Brides want to look their best on their

wedding days. In addition to professional
hairstyling and makeup, many brides invest
in extravagant wedding gowns.
Estimates suggest the average wedding
gown costs $2,000. Brides who indulge by
purchasing a designer dress can pay upward
of $5,000 for their gowns. But even the most
expensive dress will only be worn once by
the blushing bride. Fortunately, there are a
variety of ways brides can reuse or recycle
their wedding gowns.

Anniversary
tablecloth
Measure out the length of a dining table, and
cut and sew the gown into a special occasion
tablecloth. Take it out each year on your
anniversary.

Stuffed
animals
Present children with cozy friends that they can

love for years. Cut out a pattern for a bunny or bear

and use it to craft a stuffed toy from the gown.
Visit a local craft shop for stuffing fill and buttons
for eyes.

Donation
Some less fortunate people cannot afford a gown.

Heirloom
One of the easiest ways to get more from your

gown is to pass it down to another bride after your

wedding day. Brides frequently save and preserve
their gowns with the intent of passing it down
as an heirloom to a daughter or another family
member. Maintain the beauty of the gown by
hiring a professional dry cleaner or wedding gown
preservation service to treat and package the gown
before storing it for some lucky ladys future use.

Religious
outfit
If you feel the style of the gown wont keep up with
the times, the fabric of the gown can be repurposed
into a baptismal outfit or a communion dress or
suit. Christian children are welcomed to the faith
in white clothing, which is a symbol of purity and
cleansing of sin. Seamstresses can fashion beautiful
dresses or suits from original wedding gowns.

Play
clothes
Many little girls and boys like to play dress-up.

And rather than have a gown sitting in the closet,

use it to make play clothes for little ones. The gown
can be turned into a dress for a fairy princess or an
ice queen.

Work with a church or shelter and find out where

you can donate the gown to be used by someone
who normally would not wear something so lavish.

Theater
prop
Many plays and musicals feature wedding

scenes. An upstart theater company may benefit

from having a wedding gown in their costume
department.

Handkerchief
Cut out a piece of
the gown and
sew the hem. Offer it as
the something old or
something borrowed
for a loved ones wedding.

Wedding
Styles

Wedding gowns do not

need to be relegated to a
closet once a bride has said
I do. Turn that dress into
something useful for years
to come.

for your preference

and your

Budget

Ornaments
or favors
Lace from gowns can be turned into doilies, accents
on other clothing, undergarments or decorative
pieces for the home. A lace-covered lampshade
can be a creative way to commemorate your
wedding day for years to come.

Art
Use the gown as a background for artwork.

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Simply stretch it across a wooden frame and

staple on the back. You then have a handy
canvas at the ready.

Newton
Florist Inc.

Nursery
dcor
Decorate a babys nursery with a portion of the
wedding dress, which can be turned into a crib
skirt or pillow. The dress can also be used to
create frilly curtains. A white dress will blend
with just about any pattern.

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ur Fun DJs

Yo

828-320-9951

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828-464-4321
Newtonfloral.com

[July 2015]

Bliss

17

Featured Bride:

TARA Josh Gregory

Josh and Tara met for the first time in high school, at East
Burke High. They became friends throughout their time at
East Burke, and during senior year their relationship had
grown beyond friendship. Josh made Tara paper roses
and left notes on her car to convince her to go to senior
prom with him. It worked. After senior year, they parted
ways. Josh left for UNC and Tara was off to UNCW. They
stayed in touch through AIM, online instant messaging,
and after a few visits to see each other they became an
official couple. Two years of challenging, long distance
dating ended when Josh joined Tara at UNCW. They were
fortunate to be able to spend a lot of time growing and
learning together the next couple years until graduating
in 2009. Josh jumped into his first job while Tara
continued on to graduate school.
With seven and a half years of dinners, movies, beach
trips, and many other fun and important experiences,
Josh decided to ask Tara to marry him. Since Tara has a

18

Bliss [July 2015]

sort of sixth sense of being able to tell when something

is out of the ordinary, Josh found it difficult to figure
out how to pop the question. So he decided to catch
her off guard and surprise her with the ring as she was
waking up one morning. Josh was terribly nervous while
proposing, which is out of character for him. As he asked
the important question, Josh was stumbling over his
words making Tara giggle. She smiled so big that it was
obvious her answer would be yes!
On a gorgeous October day, outside of Asheville, the
couple wed in a grassy open field overlooking a colorful
fall backdrop with close friends and family. Following the
big day, they traveled to Seattle and took a road trip down
the Oregon Coastline, through the Redwood Forest, with
a stop in Napa Valley, and ended in San Francisco. After
this adventure, the couple returned to their first home
together in Durham, NC, where they live today with their
Great Dane puppy named Franklin.

e
k
a
Ctting
Cu

The timing of when a couple cuts the

wedding cake can have a specific meaning.
Long ago, the cake was usually cut at
the very end of the reception and would
signal to the guests that it was the end of
the festivities. Today, cutting the cake is
an unspoken signal that represents that the
formal wedding is nearing a close, and
guests who would like to leave can do so
without worry of being rude. Many couples
will cut the cake right after dinner as a
courtesy to older guests who may want to
get started on their trips home. This affords
them the chance to make an earlier exit,
rather than staying through the dancing
that could extend into the wee hours of
the night or missing the cake entirely.
Cutting the cake mid-reception also serves
another practical purpose for couples who
are paying a photographer by the hour.
Photographers typically go home after the
cake-cutting, so a mid-reception cutting can
save couples a substantial amount of money.
-Metro Creative Connection

[July 2015]

Bliss

19

Craig & Donna

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Flowers & More

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Bliss [July 2015]

I can truly say he is my

How we met:
I was living with my daughter in
my parents house after a nasty
divorce. I swore off men for
good. I was focused on her and
getting a place of our own.
We met on Facebook. One night
we came across each other on
a mutual friends thread and
we friended each other. We
started liking each others posts
and commenting frequently. He
was funny and smart and seemed
to have a lot going for him. He
worked off the Gulf of Mexico
on large ships for major oil
companies. He was the one that
protected all the wild life and
would shut the operation when
marine life would be in any
danger. I was intrigued. He was
gone for eight weeks at a time
and we lived 4 hours apart. No
chance of this turning in to more
than a friendship. Right?
Soon we were live chatting on
Facebook. I initiated the first
round. Then, every night after I
put my daughter to bed, I would
turn on chat and wait. I could
count on a message from him by
10:00. We flirted. I told myself
it was fine, a safe way to play
without getting close. I looked
forward to our conversations.
Craig never mentioned meeting,
but when I realized how much
I enjoyed his virtual company,
I wanted to see if he was as
engaging in person. I asked if
he wanted to chat on the phone
since we live 4 hours apart
and couldnt meet face to face.
His voice was different than
I expected a reminder that I
knew nothing about him other
than his online persona. Yet our
conversation was long and easy,
and I loved his laugh. We would
talk for hours about nothing and
everything.
After four months of chatting
online we decided to meet. I

best friend.

drove all the way to Emerald Isle

thinking if he is a dud I could
still enjoy the beach. When we
met it was like seeing someone
you have known forever. Six
months later I introduced him to
my daughter. She was excited
to meet this man that made
mommy smile. My six year old
was a tomboy so when she had
to get dolled up I was thrown
off. I guess that is just the way
she processed the situation.
She later told me that she really
wanted him to like her. Not
every man can handle someone
elses child, especially if they
have any emotional and mental
issues such as my daughter. He
was so patient and kind to her.
A few months later we moved
in together. Craig was still
working in the Gulf of Mexico
and needed to be near a port so
we decided on Wilmington. We
stayed there for three years until
Craig lost his job due to the BP
Oil spill. We moved back to the
Hickory area close to my family
and friends.

we got there is was hot and

muggy, but we were looking
forward to seeing the waterfall
at the top. We made it to the
half way point. It was beautiful
some small falls with a lot of
vegetation. I was taking pictures
and living in the moment. I
didnt see Craig down on one
knee. He said hey hon, just
a sec I replied. I had to get
one more photo. When I turned
and seen him on one knee
I was shocked. Tears of joy
overwhelmed me. He told me
that he wanted to spend forever
with me and asked me to marry
him. I said yes of course.

Our Day:

We were married November, 1,

2014 at New Jerusalem Lutheran
Church. We had planned on
getting married at the outdoor
chapel where there is a small
waterfall, how appropriate,
but Mother Nature had other
plans. It was a small ceremony
with just our closest family and
friends. We had our reception at
the Vintage House in downtown
Hickory. We honeymooned in
the mountains of Asheville.
I can truly say he is my
best friend.

Designers and DIY

Welcome

The Proposal:
We had been living together
with my daughter for five years.
Marriage came up and he always
said one day. By this time I had
given up on getting remarried
and just focused on us.
On Saturday, August 10, 2013
Craig and I were driving to go
hiking at South Mountain State
Park, something we both enjoy
doing. I was trying to figure out
why he didnt take a side job
that was offered. We were saving
for a new car since my car was
on its last leg. He said that we
havent spent a lot of time
together recently and he would
like to spend today with just
me. He was fidgety and quiet.
I looked out the window and
mentally ran through all the
things I should be doing. When

935 3rd Ave SE, Suite 104

Hickory NC

828-304-0188

www.unifourfloral.com
[July 2015]

Bliss

21

g
n
i
g
n
a
Ch es
m
a
N

Although a large percentage of women still

change their last names upon getting married,
many carefully weigh the pros and
cons of such a change before making their
final decisions.
While many brides opt to
take their husbands surnames
upon tying the knot, over the
years the popularity of such a
decision has ebbed and flowed.
Recent years have suggested
the practice is once again
gaining steam.

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112 N Main Ave. Newton, NC 28658
QueenofDiamonds.com | 828.466.1999

22

Bliss [July 2015]

A 2011 study published

in Names: A Journal of
Onomastics indicates that
younger brides are more likely
to embrace the tradition of
taking their husbands names
in marriage. According to the
study, women who married
between the ages of 35 and 39
were 6.4 times more likely to
keep their maiden names than
those who married between the
ages of 20 and 24.
Many brides view taking
their spouses name as the
natural transition from being
a singleton to being a married
woman. Other brides prefer
they share the same last
name as their future children,
making the choice to take
their husbands name a logical
decision. Some brides feel
having the same last name as
their husbands helps them feel
more like a family.
Changing ones name also
may make it easier to deal with
various issues. Finances, travel
and even parenting concerns
may be easier when women

take their husbands last names

than when they dont.
But some brides still prefer to
keep their maiden names or
hyphenate those names with
their husbands surnames.
Some may view changing
their names as sacrificing
their personal identities, while
others may want to hold on to
a family name they are proud
of. Interesting names also can
be hard to give up. Brides who
find taking their husbands
name would be a tongue-twister
may prefer to forego this
tradition.
Very often women who occupy
positions of prominence in their
professions keep their maiden
names, feeling that taking their
husbands names will affect the
cache they have built up thus
far. Women uncertain of what
to do in such situations can
keep their maiden names
professionally and still change
their names legally.
Changing ones last name is
a personal preference and a
decision that couples should
discuss together. Discuss the
decision well in advance of the
wedding so that both parties
are aware of each others
feelings on the subject before
tying the knot.
-Metro Creative Connection

Classic
songs
to include
on your
wedding
reception
playlist
Felix Mendelssohns
Wedding March is popular at
wedding ceremonies near and
far, but many songs also enjoy
such widespread popularity.
Sentimental standards help
shape the celebration. Unless a
couple intends to buck all trends,
the following are some popular
wedding reception staples.
Unforgettable
Made popular in the early
1950s by Nat King Cole,
Unforgettable experienced a
resurgence in popularity in the
1990s thanks to a remix of the
song that turned it into a duet
between the late Cole and his
daughter, Natalie.
Unchained Melody
The Righteous Brothers classic
was a hit in 1965 but rose to
even greater popularity when it
was included in the 1990 film
Ghost. Couples still love to
cut a rug to this song at their
wedding receptions.
The Way You Look Tonight
This oft-covered song is one
of the more romantic songs to
grace the American songbook.
Billie Holiday, Frank Sinatra and

Fred Astaire have put their own

unique spins on the song.
At Last Although Ella
Fitzgerald was not the first artist
to record this song, her version
is arguably the most popular.
What a Wonderful World
Louis Armstrongs rousing
rendition of this classic can
make any reception even more
upbeat. The song is especially
popular for mother-son and
father-daughter dances.

Hickorys Industrial
Chic Event Center
Wedding & Receptions
Bridal Showers
Full Catering
Full Bar

Wonderful Tonight
Many couples love this Eric
Clapton classic about enduring
love. And guests love to grab
their significant others to take
their own spins around the dance
floor.
Last Dance Donna Summers
Last Dance is an ideal choice
for the final song of the evening.
By the time the song switches
from the slow-moving opening
chords to a more upbeat pace,
guests will be grabbing their
party favors and heading for the
door.
-Metro Creative Connection

828-320-4566
For Details

18 2nd St. SE
warehouse18venues.com
[July 2015]

Bliss

23

HICKORYS ONLY FULL SERVICE HOTEL

WHERE YOUR SUCCESS MATTERS.

Mixing business and pleasure with style and

ease is no problem for the Crowne Plaza of Hickory.
Unlike other Hickory area hotels, Crowne Plaza
of Hickory helps guests stay well rested with
specialized Sleep Advantage in-room amenities,
followed up with, pool and sauna, fitness center,
100Mps Free Internet and full service food and
beverage outlets.
We have recently renovated our Grand Ballroom
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services for planning business meetings and social
events with 12,000 square feet of versatile meeting
space and superior service to ensure your event is
a huge success!

Our Professional Sales Team will guide you in

every step of pre-planning for your Wedding, School
Reunion, Family Reunions, Birthday Celebrations
and many more of those milestones that need to
be celebrated in style!
During your event, you will be assisted by
a Crowne Meetings Director on site to ensure
that your event goes 100% as planned. We have
an outstanding culinary team that will provide
you some of the best food presentations in the
Catawba Valley. Our professional service personnel
will always be on hand to provide for your every
need, from bartending to personal service

1385 L e n o i r-R hy ne B oule va rd S E | H i c ko r y, N C | 8 2 8 - 3 2 3-1000