Weddings 2009 tab

A Special Publication of Register Publications July 2009

2 - Journal-Press, Tues., July 7; Harrison Press, Wed., July 8; The Dearborn Co. Register, Rising Sun Recorder & Ohio County News, Thurs., July 9; The Market Place, Mon., July 13,2009 Elegant and affordable! ★★★ ★ ★ Rated 5 stars for food & service. ★★★ ★ ★ We guarantee you in writing to meet or beat any comparable facility with 5% discount plus $100.00. Beautiful water fall and gazebo for your outdoor weddings. Your own catering if you like and a full service bar. There is plenty of on-site parking available. Nice hardwood dance floor. Special offer with area churches. For details please check with manager. 10265 US Hwy 50 • Aurora, IN 47001 812-926-7600 Reception Hall Reception Hall ★ www.starlightreception.com ★ MS - If you have a hybrid car parked in your garage, recycle rain water to irrigate backyard plants and have replaced just about every bulb in your home with compact fluorescents, there's a good chance that you're environmentally            conscious. But what if you've just gotten engaged and want to impart some of these green ways of thinking to the wedding? What can you do to be earth-friendly when tying the knot? Wedding industry    insiders say that the trend of going green with weddings is growing    exponentially. David Cooperrid- er, a business professor       at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, says that going green is one of the great business opportunities       of the 21st century, and there is much potential for the wedding industry. He offers that wedding vendors that are not going green will be at a competitive disadvantage to those who do. Going green for your wedding day doesn't mean you have to compromise on the elements that will make the day special. It just means you can take a look at the details and the bigger    picture and develop strategies that will minimize the impact on the plan- et. ❀Go local: From food to flowers, choose vendors that use locally grown and raised products. This reduces      the amount of smog generated and fuel consumed to bring items in for your wedding. Many caterers are now collaborating with local farms and other vendors to offer organic, locally grown menu items. It pays to ask about availability. ❀Go to your guests: Figure out where the greatest number of your guests reside and then hold the wedding     nearby. For example, a couple from the Northeast who has relocated to the West coast, but has all of their family still in the east, may want to hold their wedding in the east. It is less expensive and more environmentally      friendly for the couple to simply fly to the wedding, rather than having hundreds of guests drive or fly west. ❀Be mindful of wardrobe choices: Choose items that really can be worn New wedding mantra: old, new, borrowed ... Green An outdoor wedding featuring locally   grown flowers can save on the energy     it would take to power a large reception hall. SEE GREEN , PAGE 4

BY ERIKA SCHMIDT RUSSELL NEWS EDITOR ure uncle Bob can take video at the wedding, but can uncle Bob provide wireless     microphones, two or more cameras, editing, and high-definition or BluRay copies of the video? Moments to Motion, owned by 1995 South Dearborn High School graduate Sean Richey, can provide all of those video services and more. Richey started on the path to wedding videography after doing video for a friend's wedding. That video was shot on just an ordinary     video camera someone can buy at any store. "But I saw how much they enjoyed it, and I liked being a part of the experience," said Richey. By day he's an airline pilot, and on weekends he's usually booked doing weddings. Anyone who wants a professional       and unique wedding video from Moments to Motion, though, should book early, as he warns on his Web site. "We don't double book," said Richey. One wedding per day is his rule, and that is because he spends all day with the happy couple. Often he arrives at the salon or hotel or home to take video of the bride and her attendants getting their hair and makeup done, talking to the bridesmaids      and asking for their stories about the couple, he said. His day at the wedding can be 17 hours, but all of the video taken does not end up in the finished product. A typical video runs about half an hour, but videos can be up to one and a half hours, he said. Richey sees himself as a storyteller, telling stories about the couple and their families along the way. Richey often interviews the couple's grandparents, and usually ends the wedding     video with a grandparent giving advice. Twice, without his knowledge, a grandfather has passed away shortly after the wedding, and the closing advice     takes on extra meaning, he said. "I ask brides to fast forward 40 years, and they have grandkids who find a photo album and see a picture of a great-grandfather they never met. Wouldn't it be nice to show the grandkids     a DVD where they can see and hear their great-grandfather talking about their grandparents?" said Richey. Journal-Press, Tues., July 7; Harrison Press, Wed., July 8; The Dearborn Co. Register, Rising Sun Recorder & Ohio County News, Thurs., July 9; The Market Place, Mon. July 13,2009 - 3 205 Harrison Ave, in Historic Downtown Harrison, Ohio Tasteful & Elegant Rehearsal Dinners & Bridal Shower Packages. Offsite Catering Available 513.202.0200 "Visit our website www.marketstreetgrille.com for menu options." "Call 513.202.0200 for available dates." Lisa's Sew & Tux Rentals Starting at only $59.95 With 6 paid Tuxedo Rentals Get the Groom's Tuxedo FREE Call about Ring Bearer Special 812-934-2585 2033 State Rd 229 Batesville, IN 47006 Keep the love story moving " Iask brides to fast forward 40 years ... wouldn't it be nice to show the grandkids a DVD ?" —SEAN RICHEY Sean Richey's business Moments to Motion     concentrates on on-of-a-kind wedding     videos. SEE MOVING , PAGE 4

4 - Journal-Press, Tues., July 7; Harrison Press, Wed., July 8; The Dearborn Co. Register, Rising Sun Recorder & Ohio County News, Thurs., July 9; The Market Place, Mon., July 13,2009 Bachelor • Bachelorette Parties Wedding Day 2-36 person capacity plenty of room - try standing or dancing in a limo Call for pricing 513-520-1116 again. Skip the rented tuxes and ask groomsmen to wear a similar styled suit that they can add to their work wardrobe. Bridesmaids can wear a simple black cocktail dress so that they're not left with a taffeta creation      that will only hang in the closet   afterward. If you decide to go more traditional with wardrobe, find out if gowns can be recycled or donated      so that they can be reused in another way. ❀Choose recycled materials for wedding invitations and announcements:       There are an increasing number of suppliers creating invitations      from recycled materials. Some will do all the assembly for you; other less expensive items may be more hands-on. Cut down on further use of paper by creating a wedding Web site where you post directions, maps, party times, and other essential     information so you avoid extra slip-in sheets with your invitations. ❀Create car-pool options: Bus guests to your venue to save on gas. It is also a safer option for those who will be indulging in alcoholic      beverages at the party since they won't have to drive on the return     trip home. ❀Investigate ecologically responsible    wedding jewelry: According to Greenkarat, purveyors of ecologically   responsible engagement rings and wedding bands, 2,500 tonnes of gold are mined each year, even though there is enough gold above ground (already mined) to satisfy all demands of the jewelry industry for the next 50 years. Much of it sits in bank vaults and in the form of old and unused jewelry. See if you can recycle old jewelry into something new. Or embrace the sentimental hand-me-down rings from a grandmother       or other relative. GREEN , FROM PAGE 2 Most of the weddings Richey handles are in the region, Cincinnati, Southeastern    Indiana, Lexington, Louisville and Indianapolis, although he did travel to Sarasota, Fla., and did a wedding at the Cleveland Browns stadium, he said. Package prices range from $2,839 for a two-camera, Love Story or photo montage, no time limit wedding with five copies of the DVD or BluRay to $4,679 for the rehearsal, wedding with four cameras at the ceremony, three at the reception, stedi-cam, Love Story and photo montage. The Love Story is an extra day of shooting, where he talks to the couple about how they met, and how and where they got engaged and more. "Sometimes we'll re-create the engagement     if they got engaged locally," said Richey. Most still photographers in the region are used to working with videographers,       and "when they're taking pictures      of the bridesmaids, I'm working with the groom and groomsman," said Richey. And there are some occassions where Richey and his crew can capture extra- special moments a still photographer can't. "I had a wedding ceremony where the attendants were all at the alter, and they had reclosed the doors and were waiting for the bride to come down the aisle. The father of the bride was in a wheelchair. Well, it was taking forever, everyone was whispering. and the wedding     planner went to check on the bride and her father. A few moments later, the doors opened and there was the father of the bride standing there with a cane. He actually got to walk his daughter down the aisle," said Richey. Everybody was in tears, and the wedding     video captured the amazed gasps and everyone's tears of joy, said Richey. Richey also can capture other family moments, he's working on launching a biography service, compiling a one- hour feature on a family member with a narrator and stories of that person's life and places in it, he said. For more information, or to check out Richey's work go to www.momentsto- motion.com or call him at 1-513-252- 7519. MOVING , FROM PAGE 3

Journal-Press, Tues., July 7; Harrison Press, Wed., July 8; The Dearborn Co. Register, Rising Sun Recorder & Ohio County News, Thurs., July 9; The Market Place, Mon. July 13,2009 - 5 inding a wedding gown that makes you feel like a princess does not have to be stressful. In fact, it can be a whole lot of fun -- if you know the secrets      of navigating the sea of bridal salons,      designers and outlets. Even better, your dream wedding gown does not even have to cost a fortune. Really! Finding the right dress is a lot like finding Mr. Right. Many of the same rules apply: 1. It's all about the right fit. Most likely,    you have fantasized about your wedding     dress from the time you were a little    girl. But now that you're actually getting married, you probably feel overwhelmed        by all the choices -- and unsure     of what looks best on your body type. You should start your search by scouring bridal magazines and Web sites for photos of all different types of dresses. Keep a file of all the styles that are appealing to you, and bring those images with you when you actually go to a bridal salon or dress shop. Use magazine and online sources to find suggestions for bridal salons in your area, but also ask friends and family for referrals, suggest experts. Then, make appointments with a few of them. You can bring mom and the maid of honor to the appointment. But do not bring too many people because it's ultimately       your decision. Try on various styles to see what looks best and use those images you pulled as a guide. You may want to bring a pair of shoes that are about the same height as the ones you'd like to wear on your wedding day but keep in mind that alterations are done after you pick a gown. 2. Good manners and charm count. The gown you select should also reflect the formality of your reception. If you are having an evening reception with more than 200 guests, then you can opt for a floor-length dress with a long cathedral train, according to the magazine     Contemporary Bride. But daytime or semiformal brides should choose simpler dresses with chapel- or sweep- Take the stress out of picking the perfect dress Finding the perfect wedding dress does not have to be stressful when a bride does her research and thinks outside the box when looking for the perfect dress. Brides should look at ivory or white designer bridesmaid dresses to potentially cut costs. F F SEE DRESS , PAGE 8

6- Journal-Press, Tues., July 7; Harrison Press, Wed., July 8; The Dearborn Co. Register, Rising Sun Recorder & Ohio County News, Thurs. ,July 9; The Market Place, Mon., July 13,2009 We feature the latest styles, trends, and colors for Brides from Alfred Angelo, Allure, Bonny, Alexia, Forever Yours & Casablanca.  For maids from Alexia, Jasmine B2 & Levoff. Tuxedos by Jim's Formalwear. New Beginning Bridal Family owned and operated since 1997 New Beginning Bridal 6020 SR 350 Aurora, IN 812-926-0210 www.newbeginning bridal.com Sale Ends 2-28-09 To help you get a better understanding of how to plan a wedding and when you should be making certain decisions, here's a timeframe you can follow that should ensure that your wedding goes off as smoothly as possible. 10 to 12 months before If you haven't done it already, this is a good time to announce your engagement and introduce your respective families. Since most reception halls and churches have busy wedding schedules, it is also important to book both as early as possible,     preferably at least a year in advance of your wedding day It's also a good idea to start putting together       a guest list around this time and ask your parents whom they'd like to invite     as well. Also, since your budget will determine just about every aspect of your wedding, sitting down and determining what you can spend, and developing a savings plan should be first and foremost. 6 to 9 months before This is the time when you want to start booking some services, such as a florist, caterer, a DJ/band, and a photographer.        However, some of the more experienced          DJs and bands as well as photographers           might have their schedules booked a year in advance,       so this might be something you'll want to consider doing shortly after you get engaged and choose a date. Also, this is a good time to inform any guests who will be traveling significant distances of the date of your wedding. The earlier your guests can book a flight, the less expensive        that flight will be. This is also a good time to order gowns for both the bride and bridesmaids, as some manufacturers require a few months to ship to bridal shops. You might want to ask someone such as your priest or rabbi to be the officiant of your wedding. And much like out-of- town guests will save travel dollars the earlier   they learn of your wedding date, you will likely save money, too, if you book your honeymoon       around this time. 4 to 5 months before This is a good time to decide on wedding invitations, of which there are many styles to choose from. Also, now is ideal to start hunting for a wedding cake by sampling a number of different bakeries and their style of cakes before ultimately making a deci- sion. Just to be sure, confirm that all of the bridesmaids have ordered their gowns and start looking for a tuxedo for the groom as well as the groomsmen. If you haven't done so already, purchase      your wedding rings and let any other people you'd like to participate in your wedding (ushers, readers during the ceremony, etc.) know of your inten- tions. 2 to 3 months before Finalize your guest list and mail out your invitations. If your guest list includes       a considerable amount of people who are spread out geographically, mail the invitations as close to 12 weeks in advance as possible. This is also a good time to finalize your menu choices for your guests, and find all your wedding accessories such as the ring pillow, candles, etc. Also, since it is tradition to provide gifts for those in the wedding party as Counting down to the big day SEE COUNT , PAGE 8

Journal-Press, Tues., July 7; Harrison Press, Wed., July 8; The Dearborn Co. Register, Rising Sun Recorder & Ohio County News, Thurs., July 9; The Market Place, Mon. July 13,2009 - 7 Located 20 minutes East of Ohio-Indiana Border

8 - Journal-Press, Tues., July 7; Harrison Press, Wed., July 8; The Dearborn Co. Register, Rising Sun Recorder & Ohio County News, Thurs., July 9; The Market Place, Mon., July 13,2009 Let us help make your Wedding Special Hall and Pavillion Rental inside and outside up to 300 persons Recently Remodeled Bring your own caterer Kitchen Facility Bar Service Bartenders included Harrison VFW Duwell Post 7570 Veterans of Foreign Wars www.vfw7570.org 9160 Lawrenceburg Rd., Harrison 513.367.6633  513.325.9174 Hilvers Catering Serving Greater Cincinnati Brides Since 1931 Meadowbrook Banquet Center Ross, Ohio Wedding Pavillion Available 513-681-2135 www.hilvers.com length trains that are shorter. 3. It should make you feel like a million     bucks. Most people cannot afford a custom-made couture dress but that does not mean you have to forego designer       gowns altogether. Keep an eye out for trunk shows or sample sales held at bridal salons in your area. An older- style gown or one that's been previously   tried on at a show or sale can be just the gem you're looking for -- and it will cost much less. Consider wearing a designer bridesmaid     gown in ivory or white, which can make a simple yet stunning wedding dress. Simple is the key word. Avoiding lots of beading or sequins, which require      lots of detail from seamstresses, can keep the price of your dress down. You can also settle for a silk blend instead      of pure silk. Making concessions and being flexible will help you keep your budget in check. And you can certainly       consider designer knockoffs or bridal outlets such as David's Bridal, which sells off-the-rack gowns for a few hundred dollars instead of a few thousand. 4. Never settle for less than the best. No matter what your budget, you should always pay attention to the quality    of the gown. Look closely at the dress to make sure the seams are straight, and any beads, sequins or details      are fastened tightly. There should be no loose threads. And the hems -- particularly after you've been fitted -- should stay in place even after a firm tug. You have to walk down an aisle, dance, and spend an entire day -- one of the most important days of your life -- in this dress. It should be durable and fit you well. Once you pick a dress, it has to be ordered      (unless it's off-the-rack or a sample).      When it arrives, you will go through three to four fittings. Schedule your last dress fitting one week before your wedding day. Often, because of nerves, brides tend to lose or gain a little    bit of weight just before the big day. So it's important to test the fit as close to your wedding date as possible. Plus, this way the shop or tailor will hold your dress until almost the last minute - - and you don't have to worry about getting     anything on it or having your husband-to-be           see it before the big day! DRESS , FROM PAGE 5 Wedding Party Packages & Spa Bridal Showers Group, Individuals & Custom Packages Discounts on groups over 10 in Wedding Package & Bride is free! Contact our Bridal Coodinator 513-202-9111 Email:info@parlourontheavenue www.ParlourOnThe Avenue.com 120 Harrison Ave • Harrison, Ohio well as the parents of the bride and groom, this is a good time to decide on and purchase those gifts. Just to be safe, confirm that all groomsmen have ordered their tuxedos and finalize all transportation, both to and from the wedding and to the airport for your honeymoon. 1 to 2 months before Schedule the first bridal-gown fitting.      Also finalize the readings you'd prefer during the ceremony and mail them out to anyone who has agreed to do a reading. If your family prefers to host a small gathering for close family and friends after the wedding rehearsal, the night before the wedding, this is a good time to order any food or drinks you might want to serve that night, or make a restaurant reservation. 3 to 4 Weeks Before Confirm your honeymoon arrangements      and see if your wedding rings are ready. This is also when you should get your marriage license and check the guest list to see who has and hasn't RSVP'd. For those who have yet to RSVP, you might want to contact them so you can get a closer idea of what the head count will be. You should also prepare and order your wedding program around this time. 1 to 2 Weeks Before Get a final attendance count and submit it to the caterer as soon as you know of it, while also providing a final seating chart. Pick up the wedding gown and tuxedo.    Make sure the wedding party picks up their attire. Also, finalize your vows and confirm     all wedding-day details such as transportation, photo schedules, and addresses. And don't forget to pack for your honeymoon. The Day Before This is mainly when you rehearse for the ceremony and make any final confirmations you might have to make. Also, make sure to get some sleep so you'll look good in all of your wedding-day         photos. COUNT , FROM PAGE 6

Journal-Press, Tues., July 7; Harrison Press, Wed., July 8; The Dearborn Co. Register, Rising Sun Recorder & Ohio County News, Thurs., July 9; The Market Place, Mon. July 13,2009 - 9 Dearborn Country Club 170 Country Club Ln. Aurora, IN 812-926-1747 Just off of SR 148 "Perfect" "Beautiful" "Breathtaking" "The food was outstanding" " I can't remember having this much fun at a wedding" Give them something to talk about… Schedule your next special event at Southeast Indiana's finest banquet facility. Accommodating up to 350 here are many grooms-to- be who leave choosing their wedding day attire to the last minute. After all, it's something that doesn't require much thought at all, right? Actually, choosing your attire requires careful consideration of several variables. As such, many men are intimidated by the process, another reason for procrastination.      However, acquiring a few pointers will help make the process easier if you have limited experience     with wedding day attire. It's first important to consider the style of your wedding. What time is it being held? What is the size of the wedding     party and the number of attendants?       Will it be held in a church with a reception at a fancy catering hall, or is it a more laid- back affair at a park or on the beach? All of these questions will help determine the formality of the event. Your wardrobe choices should coincide with this level of formality. Tuxedos are often the attire of choice for weddings that are moderately or ultra formal. A tuxedo with a bow tie and tails is a very formal look. For the majority of weddings a tuxedo without tails, with a matching vest and regular tie, will be adequate       for the groom and groomsmen. On some occasions, especially casual weddings,       grooms choose to wear a sports jacket and slacks rather than a tuxedo. Tuxedoes are flattering for most men, especially when a black tuxedo is chosen. Black is slimming, and simply slipping into a tuxedo can enable anyone to look sophisticated. Working with a tuxedo shop representative can help you to find a tuxedo that fits well. These garments are available in a number of sizes, but a reputable       shop will make minor alterations to ensure a perfect fit. You want to be sure there is no pulling in the jacket and that the pants are a good length. Also, shirt sleeve length is important (the cuffs should extend past the jacket a little bit), as well as the fit of the shirt collar. You want to be comfortable the entire duration of your wedding. Tuxedo jackets come in many styles, with the basics being single- or double- breasted. Double-breasted jackets may add a little bulk, which should be avoided by heavy men or those who are very slim. Jackets also come in different lengths. Choose one that is proportionate to your height so your body does not look overwhelmed by the jacket. Here are a few of the styles: ✦ Cutaway jacket: This jacket is shorter in the front and tapers     to one longer tail in the back. It is traditionally a formal daytime jacket. ✦ Traditional tuxedo jacket: As mentioned,        this can be single- or double- breasted and feature varied numbers of button closures. The lapels may also be varied. A peaked lapel forms a "V" at the collar and points upward. A notched lapel has an indentation at the collar in the shape of a triangle. A shawl lapel has no indentation and smoothly curves around the neck. ✦ Mandarin jacket: Mandarin-style jackets    do not have a lapel but a collar that stands straight up. There are six buttons along the front. It is worn with a mandarin-style            shirt without a tie. ✦Long coat: The long coat is best worn by tall, broad-shouldered men and is traditional         in colder weather. The coat extends      beyond the fingertips of the wearer. ✦ Dinner jacket: This is a variation on the regular tuxedo jacket, but it is usually ivory or white in color. This can set the groom apart from other members of the A tuxedo should coordinate with the formality and style of a wedding. Male wedding attire takes thought, planning SEE ATTIRE , PAGE 10 T T

10 - Journal-Press, Tues., July 7; Harrison Press, Wed., July 8; The Dearborn Co. Register, Rising Sun Recorder & Ohio County News, Thurs., July 9; The Market Place, Mon., July 13,2009 • Family owned and operated. • Warehouse on site. • Both Peppe and Carmen have degrees in Fashion and Design. • Large showroom and selection of latest styles and accessories. • Professional courteous service that makes your job easier. • In house professional alterations. • Exceptional quality and value. • Out of town wedding experts. Peppe Ramundo & Son 5229 Glenway Ave. Cincinnati, OH 513-921-2400 pepperamundoands on.com Peppe Ramundo & Son Premiere Tuxedo Specialist Not redeemable for cash. Not valid with other offers Ad must be presented at time of registration. Expires 12-31-09. Celebrating 40 years with $40.00 off for you toward each tuxedo rental in your wedding party with this ad wedding party. Many grooms-to-be opt to rent their tuxedo instead of purchase one. Wedding experts recommend renting the attire three months before the wedding. All groomsmen should rent their tuxedos from the same shop for a uniform look. It is also customary to coordinate the tuxedos    with the gowns bridesmaids will be wearing. One way to do so is with a similar     colored tie, vest or cummerbund. Take a color swatch of one of the bridesmaids'       gowns with you to the tuxedo store for assistance with matching the look. Pick up the tuxedo a day or two before the wedding and try on every piece, including        the shoes, to check for fit. This way you have time for an exchange if something is not right or to pick up a missing tie or cufflink, which is apt to happen. Rented tuxedoes usually need to be returned       the day after the wedding or the next business day. Elect a member of the wedding party to handle tuxedo returns because you're likely to be on your honeymoon       at this point. ATTIRE , FROM PAGE 9 While couples about to get married may differ with respect to personal style or what season in which to hold their wedding, most agree that having photo memories of their wedding is essential. That's why a photographer is such an important part of the wedding planning process. Although professional wedding portraits       and albums are a key component to good memories, candid shots from you -- the family and friends who attend the wedding -- are some of the most cherished photos a couple can have. Here are some tips for capturing all the incredible moments of this important day. ■ Familiarize yourself with the camera:     Take some time to learn the ins and outs of your camera before you're called upon to take pictures of the wedding. Learn the best way to zoom and focus, and find out if your camera has any special     features, such as black and white capabilities or panoramic views. Also, don't forget to charge or replace the batteries. For those with digital memory   cards, purchase a new one with plenty of space so you can freely snap away. ■ Tell a story: Start taking pictures before the wedding even occurs.      If you're a friend or a family member, capture the special events leading up to the wedding, such as dress fittings, choosing wedding rings, the bridal shower, or shots of the bachelor party. This way the photos can be put together to tell the entire story of the wedding, culminating with the big day. ■ Go for the close-up: Stand no more than 4 to 6 feet from your subjects when snapping a picture.      You want to be sure the couple is the central focus of the picture, not the distracting background items. ■ Shoot candid shots: Posed pictures Impromptu guest photos make many memories too SEE GUEST , PAGE 11

Journal-Press, Tues., July 7; Harrison Press, Wed., July 8; The Dearborn Co. Register, Rising Sun Recorder & Ohio County News, Thurs., July 9; The Market Place, Mon. July 13,2009 - 11 Nothing sets the mood for a picture perfect wedding day like flowers. Leave the arrangements to us, and we'll help you step down the aisle in style. Hiatt's Florist, Inc. www.hiattsflorist.com 513-367-0444 1106  Stone Drive Harrison, OH Perfect Petals EXPERTS IN THE ART OF EXPRESSION® American Legion Post 199 American Legion Post 199 10700 Campbell Rd. Harrison, OH 10700 Campbell Rd. Harrison, OH 513-476-1969 or 513-367-9180 513-476-1969 or 513-367-9180 "New" Reception Hall Weddings Reunions Meetings Dances Full Service including Catering More Than Words Can Say SAVE50% - 70% Off Competitor's Prices Large Selection of Diamonds from $99 - $6,000 All work done on location Large selection of diamonds, gems & gold Custom jewelry design Diamond  setting Jewelry repair Ring sizing Always buying gold and silver Full Line of Bridal Jewelry, Accessories & Engravable Gifts The Jeweler's Box (previously known as The Jeweler's  Bench) 1083 Eads Parkway, JTS Plaza, Lawrenceburg  812-537-0901 have their place, but candid shots can really     capture the mood and excitement of the day. Snap away while everyone is dancing, when the couple isn't looking, or if you see a special moment that others    may not be aware of. ■ Include pictures of party participants:       The couple will have plenty of images     of themselves and their wedding party in a photographer's album. What they may be missing are the people who actually attended the wedding. Be sure to take plenty of pictures of the people who came together to share in this special     day. ■ Special surprise: Thanks to the immediate        gratification that digital cameras provide, you can treat the happy couple to a preview of their wedding pictures even before the big day has ended. Use the time between the wedding ceremony and reception to have a few prints of the nuptials printed. Place them in a photo album and give this gift to the couple at the reception. GUEST , FROM PAGE 10 (MS) -- In the past, if a man chose the right ring with which to propose, successfully rented a tuxedo and arrived      at the wedding ceremony on time, he was given a commendation for completing his groomly duties. How the times have changed. Today the wedding is no longer just the woman's domain; men are equal partners     in the wedding-planning process. The 21st century couple is older, according to statistics, and more financially          secure than couples from previous decades. As such, many are taking on the entire cost of the wedding     themselves. With such a financial     obligation on their shoulders, couples are sharing how and where to spend. "Couples today are equals, both in how they earn money and what they're able to accomplish time- wise," offers Mark Walerstein, creator     of GroomsOnline. com. "As a team, they share the decisions on everything from what gifts to register for to what color linens to have at the reception." According to a 2007 survey of recently       married couples by The Knot Wedding Network, the groom was significantly       involved in planning: 36 percent     of grooms were 'very involved'        and 57 percent of grooms were 'somewhat involved.' Respondents          to a GroomsOnline poll indicated similar numbers, with 38 percent of grooms 'very involved' and over 60 percent 'somewhat involved.' It also seems that brides-to-be are excited about sharing responsibilities.      It takes the pressure off of them to get everything      done within a hectic schedule. Provided the groom checks in with her about some of the decisions,       today's bride is enthusiastic    about a groom who wants to be involved. She may see this participation     as a reflection of what will come in the future -- with her husband also being involved in the household and raising children. With these factors in mind, grooms An ever-increasing number of grooms- to-be want to have a say in the wedding- planning process. Yes, real men plan weddings SEE MEN , PAGE 12

12 - Journal-Press, Tues., July 7; Harrison Press, Wed., July 8; The Dearborn Co. Register, Rising Sun Recorder & Ohio County News, Thurs., July 9; The Market Place, Mon., July 13,2009 Your Full  Service Florist WEDDINGS ARE OUR SPECIALTY! WEDDINGS ARE OUR SPECIALTY! WEDDINGS ARE OUR SPECIALTY! WEDDINGS ARE OUR SPECIALTY! Our florist is expertly skilled in wedding bouquets Call Toni Kuhn for a free wedding consultation www.caseysoutdoor.com 21481 Stateline Rd. Lawrenceburg, IN 47025 (812) 537-3800 Fax (812) 539-2307 Garden Center• Florist • Landscaping SHARE THIS WITHA FRIEND ! Find this special section and all of Register Publications' special sections at www.thedcregister.com are increasingly turning to a resource dedicated to all of their wedding- planning and shopping needs. At GroomsOnline.com, they can find information          about getting engaged, weddings, bachelor parties, honeymoons,       tuxedos, the best man, groomsmen, parents of the groom and the bride, and more. The now decade-old site also features a wide array of gifts for groomsmen, the best man and ring bearer -- and now bridesmaid gifts, too right in its easy- to-navigate gift shop. Registries at other stores are largely   geared toward women, but not ones created at GroomsOnline. Men can develop a specialized gift registry,       choosing among one of the largest selections of gifts exclusively for men and their interests. Men dedicated to being an integral part of their wedding preparation can visit GroomsOnline.com today as their one-stop resource for planning and gifting. When it comes to weddings, it seems there are as many traditions as there are guests. Unless you've taken the trip down the aisle before, chances are you're in for a surprise or two with respect to what's expected of you once the pre-wedding planning     and commitments start to take shape. One aspect of the wedding that isn't obligatory but has become popular    over the years is the engagement party. While it's not mandatory, the engagement party is something more and more couples have chosen to include      as part of their pre-wedding planning. And just like most other things associated with weddings, the engagement party comes with its own etiquette as well. ■ Invitations: While this might seem like a no-brainer, it's important that only those guests who will be invited      to the wedding are invited to the engagement party. No one who won't be getting a wedding invite should be invited to the engagement party. In addition, not all wedding invitees       should be invited to the engagement         party. ■ Gifts: The engagement party is a celebration of the engagement and somewhat of a meet-and-greet for the couple's parents and other family members. Guests are not expected to bring gifts, but if they do, open them in private or after the party. ■ Toasts: The bride's father is ex- pected to offer the first toast of the evening in honor of the bride- and groom-to-be. Guests then take a drink, but the couple does not. The groom-to-be then says a few words before toasting his bride-to-be and her family. Other guests can then offer toasts if they're so inclined. ■ Hosting duties: It's often consid- ered the responsibility of the bride's parents to host the engagement party, but this isn't set in stone. If the bride's parents are divorced, for instance, the party can be hosted by another relative     of the bride's. However, the best man or the maid of honor should not be considered as hosts of the engagement     party, as they will have additional       responsibilities down the road. ■ Timing: Because the length of engagements varies greatly depending    on the couple, timing can be another      tricky element of the engagement     party. For those who will have a particularly lengthy engagement, one to three months after the initial announcement           is generally the norm for the engagement party. Another good rule of thumb for those with longer engagements is that the party should take place roughly a year before the wedding. Couples with shorter engagements,           on the other hand, can get by with an engagement party roughly six months before the wedding. Etiquette a must for engagement parties MEN , FROM PAGE 11