Part 1 - Capital Region Living Magazine

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Editors letter
Weddings are a joyous occasion, but counting down to the big day can
bring a variety of emotions. Once the proposal occurs and the announcement is
made, it’s like a mad race to the finish line - book the church, tour reception
sites, research photographers, choose the music (band, DJ or both), find a florist
who shares your vision, pick out the perfect invitation, and perhaps most important, find that dress that will leave you (and your groom) breathless. There are
so many decisions to be made in the months leading up to your day that even
the most organized person can feel overwhelmed.
To help you breathe a little easier during the process, our Bridal Guide provides you with the Capital Region’s leading experts in all things weddings. From
the top reception sites to salons (for men, too), bridal shops, a plastic surgeon,
florists and more – you will have no problem choosing a vendor who will make
your day shine. There are also a few articles to help you out. If you’re having a
hard time deciding just who your best man should be, why not make it man’s
best friend? That’s right – your dog. Rachel R. Baum of Bark Busters Home Dog
Training offers great advice if you’re considering having your furry friend be a
part of your day. Photographers Dino Petrocelli and Michael Gallitelli give some
great pointers to ponder when choosing your photographer. After all, once the
wedding is said and done, it’s those photos that will keep your day alive.
There are no words to describe what your wedding day will be like; it represents different things to different people. But one thing is certain: it is one of
the most important days in your life and you want to make sure it represents
everything you are as a couple. Enjoy your day and most importantly….your
long marriage ahead.
—MBG
Photo by Michael Gallitelli
Bridal Cover:
Venue: Sixty State Place • Photography: Dino Petrocelli • Decor: Experience & Creative Event Design
Bride dressed by: Angela’s Bridal • Groom dressed by: Men’s Warehouse • Hair & make-up: Claire’s Hair
The Reveal
Photos by Rob Spring Photography
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Above: Bridal gown by Pronovias, made in Barcelona. Off-white satin drop waist circle cut gown with intricate beading and
inverted box pleating along her extended cathedral train. Beaded cathedral veil by Malis Henderson. Below: Bridal gown
by Pronovias, made in Barcelona. Off-white sheath gown made of tulle and English netting that was intricately beaded and
detailed with caviar beads and sequins. Her gown originally had two straps and was made to be a strapless blousy top that
was a custom done by Angela's Bridal. Drop chandelier earrings also by Malis Henderson. Gowns from Angela’s Bridal.
Honeymoons
By The Grateful Traveler, Vikki Moran
Is it more fun to plan the wedding or the honeymoon? That may be a bigger question than the egg and chicken question for those newly engaged.
While many couples may love to go to Monaco for Formula 1 Racing or the
Super Bowl, relaxing on the beach, outdoorsy-style trips or even Disneyworld
may be more to your liking. Whatever you choose, here are a few tips that may
be of help and create long lasting memories.
• Always splurge on your hotel. This is a once in a life trip. If you can
spend one thing to make your honeymoon perfect, make it your hotel. The
amenities vary wildly from property to property so you will want to make certain
that one you choose will have everything you want. Do you want gardens to
stroll? Perhaps a balcony to enjoy the views and breakfast each morning or a
great glass or wine at night. Do you want to be central or tucked away in the
mountains or by the sea? Is a spa important to you?
• Enlist the assistance of a travel agent. This is not the trip to take chances
with. You will want to be contacted if travel arrangements delay or change and you
will be far too busy to deal with these issues as the wedding approaches. A good
travel service can also let you know if there are special rooms or accommodations
made available to honeymooners, as well as help with sightseeing and adventures.
• Put a good camera on your wedding registry or buy one for yourself if
you do not have one. On your wedding day, everyone will have you covered
from the professional photographer to your family and friends. You are on your
own when you are on the honeymoon and you will want to capture memories. If
you choose Disney World, set up photo shoots by purchasing PhotoPass photos.
The Disney photographers can take pictures with your camera and make them
very special.
• Do not forget what is most important in your life. If you are a history
buff, plan on incorporating those wonderful history-seeking side trips into your
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honeymoon. You may be married now, but what makes you happy (besides your
spouse) will be a great experience to share. I once saw a couple having a great
time taking creative and funny pictures at the Tower of London. I enjoyed watching them enjoy each other in the presence of great history. As it turns out, they
were both history teachers and this was their perfect idea of a honeymoon.
• Keep it simple. While country hopping is great and packed with many
great experiences, there is something to be said for traveling, unpacking and
relaxing after the business of planning the wedding. A beach resort or a wonderful river cruise somewhere in the world will allow you to unpack and relax.
When the trip winds down, forget souvenirs…this is your time and being selfish
is allowed!
Some historians believe that the word “honey” from honeymoon does not
refer to honey as affectionate terms, but rather, honey as in the food. It is believed
that honeymooners are meant to drink honey mead for one full month when
newly married. Take the time to enjoy your month or week or two, of sweet living. www.planning-your-wedding.com.
TheKnot.com lists eight of the
hottest trends in honeymoons as:
• Adventure Trip • Private Villas • Green Honeymoons • Foodie Trips
• Intimate Cruises • Boutique Hotels • Country Hopping
• The Sporting Life (trips to world class sporting events)
Wedding day dogs
By Rachel R. Baum, CPDT-KA; Bark Busters Home Dog Training
"Bailey has been through good times and bad ever since I rescued him seven
years ago. He's always been there for me when I needed him and he's going to be
with me on the happiest day of my life."
"I got my dog Sadie before I even met my fiancé. Of course she's going to be
in the wedding!"
"Emma and Duke are part of the family. We can't imagine not having them
walk down the aisle with us."
For many engaged couples, their dogs are an integral part of their lives.
Including their best friends and family members - two legged and four legged in their wedding ceremony makes perfect sense. Besides, what could be cuter
than a Corgi in a bowtie?!
Dogs can play any number of roles in the big event. For example, as a flower
dog, your pup can carry a basket of rose petals or a bouquet of flowers. Attaching
a ring to your dog's collar with a ribbon makes your dog the official ring bearer.
Your dog can be the best man or maid of honor, or accompany your mom or dad
down the aisle. And of course, your wedding photographs will have everyone
grinning naturally if your dog is included in the pictures.
Here are some things to consider if you are thinking about having
your dog participate in your wedding:
Dogs that are shy, uncomfortable around people or are aggressive are not
good candidates for wedding participation.
Like small children, even the best-behaved dogs will have a "moment" that
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could be potentially embarrassing or hilarious, depending on your point of view.
If you would prefer no surprises on your special day, keep your dog at home with
a pet sitter or in a kennel.
Some wedding venues have a no-pet policy. Check to be sure that yours is
okay with your plans.
Guests, especially those with allergies, will appreciate being forewarned that
your furry friend will be part of the ceremony.
Hire a trainer to help you teach your dog the skills he or she will need to be
a wonderful wedding companion.
Delegate the care of your dog on the big day to your trusted dog trainer so
you can enjoy every moment of the wedding.
But...what if your dog barks at the slightest provocation, pulls on a walk,
jumps on people, or doesn't listen to you? Can your dog still participate in the
most important day of your life without causing a disaster?
With specialized training before the event, and professional handling on the
day of your wedding, you can be proud to have your best friend with you on your
special day.
Bark Busters Home Dog Training offers initial in-home training by a certified professional dog trainer, attendance with your dog on the day of the wedding,
pick-up and delivery back to a designated destination, and peace of mind that
your dog is in caring hands.
For more information, call or email Rachel Baum, CPDT-KA, Bark Busters
Home Dog Training (248-1781; upstateny@barkbusters.com) to learn more about
how your dog can become a Wedding Day Dog!
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