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BRIDE’S GUIDE The Valley News | February 2014 PLUS: Love that lasts Couple celebrates 58 years together Dream come true Former paralegal takes over bridal shop Freshen up your French mani Stay on schedule with our planning timeline Shop local for unique gifts Bon voyage See the hottest honeymoon destinations for 2014 PHOTO BY KAY LAVONIER, DAYGER PHOTOGRAPHY Local sweethearts plan wedding while 3,000 miles apart
Transcript
Page 1: Bride's Guide 2014

BRIDE’S GUIDEThe Valley News | February 2014

PLUS:

Love that lastsCouple celebrates58 years together

Dream come trueFormer paralegal

takes over bridal shopFreshen up your French maniStay on schedule with our planning timelineShop local forunique gifts

Bon voyageSee the hottest honeymoon

destinations for 2014

PHOTO BY KAY LAVONIER,DAYGER PHOTOGRAPHY

Local sweetheartsplan wedding while 3,000 miles apart

Page 2: Bride's Guide 2014

BRIDE’S GUIDE – THE VALLEY NEWS | January, 2014

Custom-Made Weddings Begin Here!

Custom-Made Weddings Begin Here!

k

JP Jewelers is your local jeweler offering amazing quality at wholesale prices. Owner and GIA certifi ed goldsmith James Pauldine

specializes in custom jewelry and design services. If you can imagine it, JP can create it!

Let us help you select the perfect piece to symbolize your special day...

s

315-342-G LD (4653)

www.jpwholesalejewelers.com

136 West Bridge StreetOswego, NY 13126

Page 3: Bride's Guide 2014

BRIDE’S GUIDE – THE VALLEY NEWS | February, 2014 - 1

Your Honeymoon Can Be a

Canalview Travel Services Inc.598-8300

www.canalviewtravel.com

NEW LOCATION!67 S. Second Street, Fulton

Let the Experts at Canalview Travel Make Your Travel Plans and take the Stress off of you!

! Separate Menu! Separate Entrance

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Rte. 481 North, F 593-7400

Table of contents

Cover photo by Kay Lavonier, Dayger Photography. For more information, visit daygerphotography.com. The bride is Jessica Young Recckio of Auburn, N.Y. She married Neal Recckio on June 1, 2013. The image was taken at their wedding reception at Emerson Park in Auburn, N.Y.

Honeymoon Hotspots ......................2

Style tips for every season .......... 3

As Time Goes By .................................. 4

Gifts from the Heart ......................6

Travis Floral Still Blossoming 4 Generations Later ....................... 8

5 Alternatives to the Traditional French Manicure .. 10

Twice As Nice ..................................... 12

Just in Case ......................................... 13

Wedded Bliss ......................................14

The Ultimate Wedding Calendar ...16

Page 4: Bride's Guide 2014

2 - BRIDE’S GUIDE – THE VALLEY NEWS | February, 2014

CANALVIEW TRAVEL OFFERS AN INSIDER’S VIEW OF THE BEST NEWLYWED VACATIONS.

By Ashley M. Casey

While the thought of planning a vacation immediately after your wedding can be daunting, a romantic honey-moon doesn’t have to break the bank — or your sanity.

The experts from Canalview Travel in Fulton have lots of advice for newlyweds planning their trips. Read on for their travel tips and destination recommendations.

“Let the travel agent know this is your honeymoon,” said Canalview agent Amy McDougall. “If you don’t men-tion it, you won’t get the welcome basket or complimen-tary (items) that some places offer.”

Canalview Travel offers a wedding registry option to couples saving for a honeymoon.

“For the bride that has all the apartment things, peo-

ple can buy gift cards here (to) go toward your h o n e y m o o n , ” M c D o u g a l l said. “We can help people set up a regis-try and make it look nice.”

Be sure to give yourself a breather be-tween the wedding and your departure. Agent Becky Smith suggested that Saturday brides book their honeymoon on a Monday in-stead of Sunday.

“If your reception ends at midnight, you don’t want to get up and go to the airport at 4:30 in the morning,” Smith said.

If you plan on changing your last name, save the paper-work for when you return. Don’t use your married name on your travel documents, or you could run into identity issues at the airport.

“Book your honeymoon in the name that appears on your passport,” McDougall said. “You can’t change your name until after you’re married, and it takes more than a day.”

Smith and McDougall said beachy destinations — the Dominican Republic, Jamaica or Mexico — are always a hit, but there are a few hidden gems that don’t get the recognition they deserve. There are many deals available for people who think that other regions are out of their budget.

“We’re hoping people will branch out. Instead of a Ca-

Honeymoon Hotspots

Page 5: Bride's Guide 2014

BRIDE’S GUIDE – THE VALLEY NEWS | February, 2014 - 3

ribbean cruise, why not a Mediterranean cruise?” Mc-Dougall said. “It’s not all about the beaches.”

For those who want to stay within the United States, Disney is a surprisingly romantic destination.

“Disney’s a lot of fun without kids,” McDougall said. “That’s a lot of fun for couples because Disney’s roman-tic. There’s a lot of romantic resorts that cater to adults and couples.”

Smith said couples can enjoy the amusement park as well as gourmet dining and spas. But regardless of where you go, make sure you have time to enjoy each other’s company.

“(Don’t) plan too many activities in advance,” Smith said. “Keep it relaxed.”

“You pack too many things into it and it’s over before you know it,” McDougall said.

By Ashley M. Casey

While June may be the most popular month for brides, that’s no reason to over-look the other 11 months.

Whether you’re exchanging vows in a sunny vineyard or a winter wonderland, these seasonal pointers will help you create a stylish wedding.

When it comes to spring and summer fabrics, the bride and her ‘maids can stave off heat in fun, airy fabrics such as organza or chiffon. If you go pretty in pastel, as per warm-weather wedding tradition, add a pop of bright color in a bouquet or sash. The men can go casual and cool with suits made of twill, seersucker, linen or khaki.

Summer weddings play right into the trend of do-it-yourself elements and going green. Print your wedding invitations on card stock made from recycled paper. Why stop at something borrowed when you can repurpose a bunch of brooches in place of an easily wilting !ower bouquet? Sites such as Pinterest and The Knot are great sources to collect crafty ideas for your wedding.

As for the colder months, be sure to incorporate pashminas for the bridesmaids in case it gets chilly. Remember that fall and winter fashion calls for heavier, richer fab-rics such as brocade, velvet, satin or taffeta.

Base your color scheme off the rich reds, yellows and oranges of autumn. A winter bride might choose emerald, cranberry or midnight blue, too. Purple, brown and earth tones provide an understated glamour. For an unexpectedly fresh touch, mix shades of blush, cream or sage with darker tones.

Of course, don’t feel as though you are married to these rules. If you’re an October

bride who feels suffocated by satin, go for a lace gown. Conversely, dark shades for winter are not a requirement — if your color scheme is bold or pastel, go for it! These guidelines are merely an outline of general wedding season trends.

Style tips for every season

Page 6: Bride's Guide 2014

4 - BRIDE’S GUIDE – THE VALLEY NEWS | February, 2014

By Ashley M. Casey | Photos provided by Mr. & Mrs. Squitieri

As a young woman in New York City, Anne Squitieri wanted to set her coworker up with a guy she thought her friend would like.

Her friend wanted to do the same for her. The two argued about who was going to meet whom first.

It turned out they were talking about the same man.

“I was walking down Second Av-enue and they said, ‘There he is!’” recalled longtime Fulton plumber Al Squitieri, now 75. Fifty-eight years of marriage later, it’s safe to say that Anne won out over her friend.

The Squitieris, who now live in Fulton, were married in a “no-has-sle” ceremony on the evening of May 27, 1956. After 10 children and almost six decades later, they’re still together.

“Our marriage has been blessed because of our faith,” said Anne, now 76.

“What God puts together, noth-ing will put it asunder,” Al said. “The devil was in many of the details, but the One stronger than us prevailed.”

In addition to their strong faith, the Squitieris have a couple of other tricks up their sleeves for staying married so long.

“Compromise: there’s a lot you’ve

got to overlook and concede to,” Anne said.

“I was a young man in West Harlem. It was a wild life, but she got through that,” Al said.

He added, “(It’s) will-ingness to admit when we’re wrong, get by it and get over it … One of the spouses has to have more patience than the oth-er.”

The Squitieris had only a brief honeymoon after their wedding, so for their 25th anniversary, the children sent them to Disney World in Florida.

“Don’t know why,” joked Al. “With 10 kids, we have been living in Disney World for years.”

“We were like two kids in a candy store,” Anne said of the trip.

For their 50th anniversary, the children sent the Squitieris to their hometown of New York City, where they saw a Riverdance show and

stayed in the Commodore Hotel (now known as Grand Hyatt New York).

But it’s not the extra honeymoons that the Squitieris call their most trea-sured memories. For Al, the births of their oldest child, Theresa, and their youngest grandchild, Alexis, are high points in his life with Anne.

“Watching (our) kids grow up and become strong individuals” has been Anne’s favorite. She said of her chil-dren, “It’s nice to know that if any-thing ever happened to me or to him, that they would be there to take care” of each other.

Al and Anne Squitieri would like to thank their children: Theresa, Tony, Joe, Lorraine, Arlene, Al Jr., Chris, Danielle, the late David, and Vicky, and also Candyce.

See more photos of the Squitieris on page 5.

As Time Goes ByAFTER 58 YEARS, AL AND ANNE SQUITIERI STILL STICK TOGETHER.

we’re wrong, get by it and get over it … One of the spouses has to have

AFTER 58 YEARS, AL AND ANNE SQUITIERI

Mr.

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These photos of the Squitieris — and their sons and daughters — were taken in 1981.

Page 7: Bride's Guide 2014

BRIDE’S GUIDE – THE VALLEY NEWS | February, 2014 - 5

2014 BRIDE’SGUIDE

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Mr. and Mrs. Squitieri pose on Lido Beach in March 2013.

Mr. and Mrs. Squitieri share a moment on their 45th anniversary in 2001.

Page 8: Bride's Guide 2014

6 - BRIDE’S GUIDE – THE VALLEY NEWS | February, 2014

* Free Consultations* Custom designs to fi t any budget* Most weddings include delivery & set up* Best value to achieve desired look

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Contact: Brenda Wilson, Wedding Specialist

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Bridge Street Jewelers

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Article and photography by Ashley M. Casey

For the couple that wants something more romantic or quirky than the basic toaster or gift card, shopping locally pays off.

The Village Shops is a 13-room gift shop in Fulton that offers unique gift items from about 25 local vendors, in-cluding Polish pottery, jewelry, kitchenware, wall hang-ings and more.

Reneé Doney and her mother, Ruby Whitten, first start-ed The Village Shops in 2010 as a Christmas gift shop. The shop is housed in Doney’s late father’s kitchen busi-ness. After he passed away, the building sat empty for a couple of years until Doney and Whitten decided to try their hands at selling gifts.

What started as a seven-week Christmas venture is now a year-round business. The vendors, most of whom hail from Oswego County, rent space in the shop to sell their wares: clothing, jewelry, pottery and other crafts.

“They don’t want to just do craft fairs,” Doney said. “For people who do something special, it gives them a place to show their things.”

Doney said she and

Gifts from the Heart

THE VILLAGE SHOPS’ WEDDING REGISTRY OFFERS GIFTS WITH A PERSONAL TOUCH.

Renee Doney co-owns The Village Shops with her mother, Ruby Whitten. They opened the store in 2010.

Page 9: Bride's Guide 2014

BRIDE’S GUIDE – THE VALLEY NEWS | February, 2014 - 7

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her mom introduced the wedding registry about a year and a half ago.

“We had a lot of people come in looking for wedding gifts,” she said. Now, couples can register for their own gifts, and Doney is looking to expand her wedding rep-ertoire.

“I want to get some rental things, like cake toppers (and) card holders,” she said.

Many of the items available at The Village Shops are crafted by locals and are “not your average wed-ding gift,” Doney said.

“It’s very eclectic,” she said. “(We have) really special gifts that are more meaningful.”

One popular gift is windchimes. Doney said she has received notes from grateful brides and grooms saying, “That was my favorite thing that we got.”

“It’s so much nicer than money,” Doney said. “It’s something personal.”

The store also offers free gift wrapping for buyers who are in a hurry. That personal touch is what makes The Village Shops unique.

“When people see a box that says it’s from The Village Shops,” Doney said, “they get ex-cited.”

Page 10: Bride's Guide 2014

8 - BRIDE’S GUIDE – THE VALLEY NEWS | February, 2014

By Ashley M. Casey | Photos provided by Brenda Wilson

As a child, Brenda Wilson said she didn’t have much to do with her family’s Hannibal flower shop, Travis Flo-ral. But as she grew older, “I just kind of fell into it,” she said.

Wilson is the third generation of her family involved with Travis Floral, which is one of Oswego County’s oldest full-service florists. Her grandparents started the business in 1945, and Wilson’s parents, Jim and Sandie Travis, took over 30 years later. Now, Wilson and her children even help out in the flower shop, with her daughter making corsages and her son doing chores around the shop as well.

About seven decades from its beginning, Travis Flo-ral is still a fixture in the Hannibal community.

“We are multigenerational. We have families that my family has done four generations of their weddings. People bring in pictures of their mom’s, grandma’s or aunt’s flowers that we have done,” Wilson said. “That being said, it is our goal to remain cutting edge and on top of trends for each new generation that uses us.”

Wilson said the community connection is strong be-tween Travis Floral and its customers.

“Knowing them personally, you have to be there for them. If someone passes away … if their daughter gets engaged,” she said. “Usually they’ll call me at home to tell me they’ll be in or message me on Facebook.”

She said social media has changed the way Travis Floral approaches business. Sites such as Pinterest al-low brides to create a highly personalized vision for their weddings and keep in close contact with the flo-rist.

“The biggest change in weddings from my dad’s era to mine is in communications. It is vital to pick a florist that understands social media and can communicate via email. Pinterest is the most recent tool social media has brought to the mix. We follow all our brides’ wed-ding boards so we intimately know what they want and get a big picture of how they want their day to go from beginning to end,” Wilson said. “Whether a bride lives here or out of town, they love being able to email ques-tions or changes to their order.”

Travis Floral includes 10,000 square feet of green-house space for custom growing. The shop also shares space with Brenda and husband Ron Wilson’s wine and liquor store. Wilson said they can create custom labels and and provide mini-bottles for weddings.

“It’s nice for gifts, too. The brides can give them to their groomsmen or the girls,” Wilson said.

Over the years, Wilson has worked on many different weddings. She said it’s hard to choose a favorite be-cause each couple’s event is so personalized.

“They’re all special,” she said. “All of them are inter-esting because they’re challenging.”

One bride wanted all of her wedding flowers to be

organically grown, so Wilson worked closely with an organic farmer to make the bride’s green dream come true.

“At the last minute, she wanted pepper plants in her centerpieces,” said Wilson, who went out to cut pep-per plants from the field. “(They) had little bell peppers on them. They were really cute with mason jars and lace.”

It’s not just the brides who have specific visions for their special day. Wilson recalled one groom with a unique design request.

“The guy (worked on) golf courses, so I had to or-der fairway green. I had to make putting greens for the centerpiece,” she said.

“We’ll go out of our way to do it all,” Brenda said. “We’ll accommodate any crazy idea.”

Travis Floral Still Blossoming 4 Generations Later

AFTER NEARLY 70 YEARS, THE HANNIBAL FLOWER SHOP IS GOING STRONG.

From left to right: Christine, Lisa, Brenda Wilson, Sandie Tra-vis and Jim Travis. In the back: Jim Wheeler.

Travis Floral created these bridesmaids’ bouquets.

Page 11: Bride's Guide 2014

BRIDE’S GUIDE – THE VALLEY NEWS | February, 2014 - 9

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Page 12: Bride's Guide 2014

10 - BRIDE’S GUIDE – THE VALLEY NEWS | February, 2014

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By Ashley M. Casey | Photography by Sara Schmidt

Many brides steer away from !ashy nail colors so as not to distract or detract from the rest of their wedding ensembles.

But that doesn’t mean you’re stuck with the classic nude nails and white tips. While there’s nothing wrong with the timeless French manicure, modern nail art offers classy options for the chic bride that won’t interfere with your wedding look. Read on for a few suggestions.

1) Lovely in LaceMatch your nails to your gown with a lace manicure.

Cut lace into small rectangles roughly the size of your "ngernails. Paint your nails nude or pastel to make the lace really pop. While the polish is still tacky, gently press the lace onto your nails. Use a toothpick to reposition it if needed. Trim the excess and "nish with a topcoat for staying power.

2) Over the MoonGive your hands a retro feel with this half-moon manicure

with a touch of “something blue.” First, paint your nails white and let them dry completely. Then, place a three-hole punch reinforcement sticker about halfway up the nail bed. Paint the top half of the nail blue and let dry. Gently remove the reinforcement sticker to reveal your perfect half-moon. Finish with topcoat to make your mani last.

3) Gradient GlitterFor a touch of sparkle that won’t interfere with your

wedding bling, try this subtle technique. Apply a nude or neutral base color, and then layer a glitter polish starting halfway up your nail. The glitter effect should be heaviest at the tips. Glitter polish can be thicker, so allow extra time for your nails to dry, or use a quick-dry topcoat to speed the process.

4) Words of LoveIt’s easy to imprint your tips with some special text. Cut

out strips of newspaper — perhaps your engagement an-nouncement — and paint your nails a light color. Pour some rubbing alcohol in a small bowl or glass dish and soak each dry, painted nail for 10 seconds. Before the al-cohol dries, place a newspaper strip on your nail and press down for 5 seconds. Gently peel off and let dry before ap-plying topcoat to set the design. You can also use sheet music or classic books to achieve the text effect.

5) Champagne Wishes and Caviar DreamsFor a luxe yet funky texture, try a caviar — or microbeads

— manicure. You can buy microbeads from beauty stores or from the scrapbooking section of a craft store. Paint your nails white. Sprinkle the beads over your wet nails. Have a paper plate handy to catch excess beads, which you can save for your next caviar mani, or a craft project. Seal the edges of your nails with topcoat to keep the beads from falling off.

5 Alternatives to the Traditional French Manicure

See page 11 for photos

Page 13: Bride's Guide 2014

BRIDE’S GUIDE – THE VALLEY NEWS | February, 2014 - 11

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Page 14: Bride's Guide 2014

12 - BRIDE’S GUIDE – THE VALLEY NEWS | February, 2014

By Ashley M. Casey | Photos provided by Brittany Eickler

Brittany and Dan Eickler are in between weddings. While most people usually make do with one ceremony,

Brittany and Dan’s long-distance relationship made them decide to have two: one legal ceremony on Christmas Eve 2013, and a larger celebration in September 2014.

Dan, 24, a native of Fulton, is in the Air Force, so most of the time he is away from Brittany, 18, who lives in Granby. The two met while working at McDonald’s, where Brittany is a manager. They began dating in August 2012.

“Even when I "rst met her, I knew I could trust her,” said Dan, an airman "rst class stationed in California.

A year later, while Dan was home for a week, he told Brit-tany he wanted to make up for missing their "rst anniversary. He booked a luxurious hotel suite with a balcony and took Brittany to Canale’s Restaurant in Oswego.

“I told her I wanted to take some pictures on the balcony because we were dressed up nice,” Dan said.

“I knew he was going to (propose) some time when he was home that week,” Brittany said. “I just didn’t know when.”

While they were snapping photos, Dan popped the ques-tion. Brittany said yes, and they began discussing marriage. They decided to do the legal ceremony while Dan was home for the “holiday exodus,” as he called it.

A friend of Brittany’s family happened to be a justice of the peace, so the couple and their families met at Dan’s parents’ house in Phoenix on Dec. 24, 2013. As for the holiday date, Brittany wanted an even day of the month because other milestones in their relationship had happened on even-num-bered days. There were a few snags in their plans, however.

“I was in a really bad mood because everything kept going wrong,” Brittany recalled. “I was happy after, but the process of getting there was terrible.”

Brittany got lost on the way to her hair appointment, and then the zipper got stuck on her !ouncy tea-length dress.

“My mom had to lace up the back, which took a long time, so I was late,” she said.

Meanwhile, the couple’s respective families were gathering anxiously at the Eickler home. Dan’s mother was frantically calling and texting both her son and daughter-in-law-to-be, asking where they were. After half an hour, all wardrobe dif-"culties had been solved and the ceremony got underway.

Despite the roadblocks, neither Dan nor Brittany was rattled.

“People were asking, ‘Hey, are you nervous?’” Brittany said. “I don’t get the nervous jitters like most people.”

“It takes a lot to get to me,” Dan said. “I knew what I wanted to do. I was excited — I was ready to be married.”

Soon after the wedding, Dan had to head back to Califor-nia. The couple is tentatively planning a bigger ceremony in September, when Dan has a month off. The brunt of the plan-ning falls on Brittany’s shoulders in her husband’s absence.

“I’ll probably end up getting the (venue), but we’ll have to collaborate when it comes to doing the invitations,” Brittany said. “We’ve talked about what kind of colors we want … He’ll help me with the money.”

In addition to making wedding planning a little trickier, be-ing apart is hard for the newlyweds.

“Sometimes I get in a mopey mood because I miss him, but usually I’m "ne,” Brittany said.

Dan said communication and trust are key in their relation-ship. He said even if their schedules don’t match up, he and Brittany try to text throughout the day and talk for at least 10 or 15 minutes.

“You have to put effort into it. You can’t just let it "zzle and die,” Dan said.

As for the future, the couple is waiting to "nd out Dan’s next post. Then, Brittany will move there to be with him.

Brittany said their relationship dynamic hasn’t changed much since getting married.

“It doesn’t change how we react toward each other,” she said.

As for Dan, he said marriage feels “more de"nitive” and allows them to make more long-term plans together.

“I guess I feel more grown-up,” he said, adding jokingly, “I never feel like I’m going to truly grow up — I just know how to act in public.”

Twice As NiceTHREE THOUSAND MILES APART, A LOCAL COUPLE PLANS TWO WEDDINGS.

Brittany and Dan Eickler pose on their wedding day, Dec. 24, 2013, at the home of Dan's parents in Phoenix.

Page 15: Bride's Guide 2014

BRIDE’S GUIDE – THE VALLEY NEWS | February, 2014 - 13

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Celebrating our 35th Anniversary!

Just in CaseBy Ashley M. Casey

You’re enjoying brunch with your bridesmaids when — oh no! — there goes your mimosa, right into your maid of honor’s lap. While your special day may not be the perfect day, make sure you have these items up your sleeve for those last-minute emergencies:

1) Needle & thread — Snags and rips can happen, and not just to the girl with the long train and veil. Bring thread to match the groomsmen’s and bridesmaids’ out"ts as well as black and white.

2) Double-stick tape — Secure dress straps and prevent potential wardrobe mishaps with a well-placed piece of tape. Make sure it’s hypoallergenic to avoid a skin reaction.

3) Medicine — Antacids will quell a queasy tummy’s jit-ters, and pain killers and allergy medicine will relieve snif!es when the pollen count is more than you expected.

4) Bobby pins — In addition to taming loose tresses, bobby pins can be used in a pinch to close a faulty zipper or hold up a hem that’s too long. For a better hold, lightly spritz bobby pins with hair spray.

5) Granola bars — The last thing a member of the bridal party needs is to faint from hunger in the middle of the cer-emony. Pack protein-rich snacks to fuel up for the busy day and tide you over until the reception.

6) Tissues — From dabbing away tears of joy to blotting the oil off a glowing bride’s face, tissues will go a long way in saving the day.

7) Comfy shoes — If you opt for heels at your ceremony, you may want something a little easier on the ankles for the dance !oor. Many stores sell foldable or roll-up !ats that you can stash in your clutch if you need to give your feet a breather.

8) Clear nail polish — A clear coat of polish can repair a chipped nail or a run in your pantyhose.

9) Adhesive Bandages — Soothe your blistered feet and other minor boo-boos. If you don’t mind standing out, choose a fun color to match your wedding color scheme.

10) White chalk — If you

can’t blot out a stain on your dress or the groom’s col-lar, camou!age it with a bit of chalk. Make sure to get your garments professionally cleaned after the wedding!

Page 16: Bride's Guide 2014

14 - BRIDE’S GUIDE – THE VALLEY NEWS | February, 2014

Wedded Bliss

By Ashley M. Casey | Photography by Heather McCoy

Gina Bush "rst began working in a bridal shop by mistake.

While visiting a friend’s bridal shop, Gina was mis-taken by a customer for a bridal consultant. She de-cided to play along and helped the woman choose her wedding gown.

Gina, a self-professed lover of color and fashion, was hooked. She began to learn about the world of wedding fashion from her friend, who was looking to sell the shop.

As it turned out, Gina was looking for a change too. She worked as a paralegal for a law "rm and was ready for something different.

“The HR person asked me, ‘Do you really like your job? You seem like you’d like event planning or wed-ding planning,’” Gina recalled.

She soon began taking online classes to become a certi"ed wedding planner. In August 2012, she bought Keely’s Bridal and Formal Wear in Baldwinsville and rebranded it as Bliss Bridal and Formal Wear.

“My husband was very supportive, and we decided just to go with it,” Gina said.

Now, Bliss Bridal is a “one-stop shop” for wedding fashion and more. In addition to bridal gowns, Bliss Bridal stocks dresses for bridesmaids, !ower girls and mothers, as well as prom attire. The shop also dyes shoes, sells accessories and provides on-site altera-tion and dress preservation services.

“I love helping people,” Gina said. “I’m getting really good at eyeing people’s size so I can steer them in the right direction.”

She helps her clients "nd more than just a dress. A few customers have tugged at Gina’s heartstrings. She recalled one young woman who entered the shop with her mother, who was ill.

“The daughter asked if she could try on wedding dresses, but she wasn’t ready to buy,” Gina remem-bered. “A few months later, (the same) girl came in and looked at the clearance rack … Her mother had passed away. She was looking for the dress her mother loved.”

Another woman, whom Gina has dubbed “the bus lady,” frequently visits Bliss Bridal. Gina said that the woman had suffered many hardships, and she wanted

GINA BUSH WENT FROM FAMILY COURT TO FASHION MAVEN AS OWNER OF BLISS BRIDAL.Gina Bush bought a friend's bridal shop in Baldwinsville in 2012. It became Bliss Bridal and Formal Wear.

Page 17: Bride's Guide 2014

BRIDE’S GUIDE – THE VALLEY NEWS | February, 2014 - 15

Pick the Perfect Ring

Specializing in Custom Designs

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With the fast pace of the fashion world, sometimes it’s hard for brides to know what the latest style is. Gina Bush gave some insight for the year’s trends.

“The most popular style right now is strapless, but it is going to be sleeves,” Gina said.

The classic lace-sleeved gown worn by Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge (née Kate Middleton), at her 2011 wedding to Prince William kicked off the bridal world’s af"nity for sleeves.

“One thing I see leaving (is) the one-shoulder,” Gina said. “They’re nice, but I de"nitely see that they’re fading.”

Lace is in vogue for 2014, as are metallic shoes and accessories.

WHAT’S IN AND WHAT’S OUT

to help her out.

“I was willing to give her a dress because I knew she didn’t have anything,” Gina said. “My goal is to get this woman married in one of my dresses.”

Gina said her biggest challenge is staying on top of the trends.

“We’re always a season ahead,” she said. “I’m look-

ing at the trends and trying to "gure out if people in Baldwinsville are going to stick with the styles (or try something new). You can’t please everyone.”

Despite the constant change in styles, it is worth seeing her clients’ reactions.

“When mothers cry … it’s exciting and it’s happy,” she said.

Page 18: Bride's Guide 2014

16 - BRIDE’S GUIDE – THE VALLEY NEWS | February, 2014

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By Ashley M. Casey

Planning a wedding can be stressful, but having an idea of what’s coming at you next will help you pull everything together in time for your special day.

Devote a calendar to your event — either handwritten or online, depending on your style — and leave lots of space for notes. Then, mark these key milestones down and check them off as you go:

12 MONTHS BEFORE

9 MONTHS BEFORE

transportation) and of"ciant. Make sure you get your arrangements in writing.

and guests.

6 MONTHS BEFORE

and !ower girls.

3 MONTHS BEFORE

arrangements with the hostess.

in the newspaper.

4-8 WEEKS BEFORE

with your partner.

2 WEEKS BEFORE

in your shoes for the wedding day.

a "nal count.

facial or waxing).

(See page 13.)

1 DAY BEFORE

before the ceremony.

The Ultimate Wedding CalendarKEEP IT SIMPLE AND STRESS-FREE WITH THIS PLANNING TIMELINE

Page 19: Bride's Guide 2014

BRIDE’S GUIDE – THE VALLEY NEWS | January, 2014

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Premier Lakeview WeddingsCustomized Events Accommodating 100 – 400 GuestsPremier Lakeview WeddingsCustomized Events Accommodating 100 – 400 Guests

Page 20: Bride's Guide 2014

BRIDE’S GUIDE – THE VALLEY NEWS | January, 2014

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