the grapevine spring bridal guide 2014

Upload: grapevine

Post on 03-Jun-2018

219 views

Category:

Documents


0 download

TRANSCRIPT

  • 8/12/2019 The Grapevine Spring Bridal Guide 2014

    1/12

    Bridal Guide

    Trends and Tradition

    Youll find plenty of both packed intothese 12 pages, as well as the purveyors

    of wedding services to help you plan

    your special day and create memories

    that will carry you into the future.

    Index of Advertisers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-3

    Conversations in the Computer Age . . . . . . .B-5

    Finding That Special Dress . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-6

    Rienzis Rich History in Vineland . . . . . . . . .B-7

    What To Do With Tattoos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-9

    Cleaning and Preserving Your Gown . . . . . .B-10Rings Ever Romantic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B-10

    CONNECTING YOU TOO N N E C T I N G Y O U T O SOUTH JERSEY. WEEKLY.O U T H J E R S E Y W E E K L Y

    Tara Cintron shimmers in her Rienzi gownat Scotland Run Golf Club, Williamstown.

    PHOTO:MEYER PHOTOGRAPHY, COURTESYRIENZI BRIDAL SALON

    RIENZI BRIDAL SALONhas been keeping up with thetrends in bridal fashion for

    more than 60 years. With a

    recent expansion of theirshop, they now have moreinventory, dressing rooms,

    and accessories than ever.

    FOR MORE DETAILS, TURN

    TO PAGES B-6 AND B-7.

    sSPRING

    2014

  • 8/12/2019 The Grapevine Spring Bridal Guide 2014

    2/12

    Anyone believing marriage has always

    reflected forever love and dreams of a

    bright future would be wrong. Images of

    beautiful bridal couples gazing into each

    others eyes actually reflect a relatively

    recent phenomenon because emotional

    attachment has formed the basis of the

    coupling for only 100 to 150 years.

    Historically, marriage legally contract-

    ed two peopleand often their families

    intereststo a lifetime commitment.

    Wealthy families with property or title

    often arranged alliances to maintain their

    money for subsequent generationsthink

    European royalty or Downton Abbey

    nobility. In poorer communities, village

    elders often arranged marriages.

    Property rights, monogamy and mar-

    riages to have children have changed over

    the centuries. In America, the state has

    played a greater role in marital contracts

    since colonial times. Massachusetts first

    required marriage licenses

    for early settlers in 1639.

    Across the United States,

    they became common by the

    19th century.

    The 1960s Womens

    Movement began defining

    distinct spousal roles for a

    more equalized union.

    Couples divided the labor,

    domestic obligations andfinancial responsibilities.

    In modern society, most

    people expect to be in love

    when they marry. However,

    as both men and women

    seek their version of happi-

    ness, glaring problems with

    their logistics may not be

    enough to discourage them.

    With a 50 percent divorce

    rate, couples must learn to

    manage their expectationsby selecting a mate who

    truly reflects common

    ground.

    Ironically, evolving

    male/female roles over 50

    years have often brought

    greater demands and expec-

    tations from the relation-

    ships themselves. International best-sell-

    ing author and matchmaker Hellen Chen

    describes an entitlement mentality among

    singles who drift in and out of relation-ships as they search for complete emo-

    Marriage has evolved through

    the agesfrom arranged

    unions to computer dating.{ BY SHARON HARRIS-ZLOTNICK}

    {B-2

    }

    the

    grapevine

    |

    MARCH

    26,

    20

    14

    2014 datesalready starting

    to book upMake an appointment

    now to see our BeautifulRegency Ballroom and what

    the Ramada Vinelandhas to offer

    Mention this ad when youbook your wedding and

    receive a complimentarychampagne toast for all!!!

    2015

    Bridal GuideSPRING 2014 s

    Ashlee Symanski and her parents at

    Eastlyn Golf Course. Through endless gen-erations, wedding trends and even the def-inition of marriage has changed.

    PHOTO COURTESY ROBERT ALAN STUDIO

  • 8/12/2019 The Grapevine Spring Bridal Guide 2014

    3/12

    tional security from their partners.

    Chen claims that children raised by

    materially and emotionally overindulgent

    parents may see themselves as the center

    of attention, believing they deserve what-

    ever they want. When spouses do not

    pamper them in the same way, the harsh

    reality is a rude awakening.

    At a recent workshop, Chen urged

    attendees to view marriage as an institu-

    tion forged for two people in love whowant to create a family. Unfortunately, she

    explained a troubling modern scenario

    where additional criteria like money, sta-

    tus, jobs and other components factor into

    the mix. This ever-growing list of require-

    ments can make men and women reluc-

    tant to marry.

    Finding an eligible, compatible partner

    has become more difficult for numerous

    reasons. These include financial stability,

    peer pressure, changing demographics

    and sexual orientation, disappearing stig-mas about single parenthood and other

    relationship issues.

    Television viewers are bombarded with

    dating website advertisements for all

    interests, ages, cultures and religions.

    Professional matchmakers continue to

    charge plenty, and in the last decade, tele-

    vision schedules include more dating

    shows.

    Overall, although more sophisticated

    online matchmaking services offer addi-

    WWW.GRAPEVINENEW

    SPAPER.COM

    |

    the

    grapevine

    {

    B-3

    }

    INDEX OFADVERTISERS

    CAKES

    Cakedoodles ..........................B5 Crust N Krumbs Bakery ........B7

    CATERERS

    Martins Catering ..................B4

    (SEE ALSO RECEPTIONS/PARTIES)

    FINANCIAL SERVICES

    Century Savings ....................B3

    FORMAL WEAR/CARE

    Garden State Cleaners ..........B8 Rienzi Bridal Salon ..............B11

    FLOWERS

    Antons Flowers ....................B9

    Colonial Flowers ....................B6

    HAIR AND MAKEUP

    Frinj Hair Studio ....................B8

    Salon Fabrojae ......................B7

    Todayz Trendz ........................B9

    True Beauty Salon..................B3

    INVITATIONS

    Phoenix Business Forms ......B8

    Sir Speedy ............................B9

    JEWELRY

    Donderos ..............................B6

    LODGING

    Fairfield Marriott ....................B6

    Ramada Inn ............................B2

    LIMOUSINE SERVICE

    Touch of Class Limousines ..B5

    PHOTOGRAPHY

    Robert Alan Photography ....B7

    T&F Camera ..........................B4

    RECEPTION/PARTIES

    Eastlyn Golf Course ............B12

    Fairfield Marriott ......................6 Five Points Inn ..........................7

    Larrys II ................................B9

    Espositos Maplewood III ......B10

    Martins Catering ..................B8

    Merighis Savoy Inn ............B10

    SHOES

    Als Shoes ..............................B2

    TENT RENTALS

    Rental City ............................B9Continued on next page

  • 8/12/2019 The Grapevine Spring Bridal Guide 2014

    4/12

    tional avenues to finding love, these abun-

    dant meeting tools have not halted a

    global marriage decline. The most recent

    U.S. Census Bureau statistics, which ana-lyzed all adult men and women, report

    that 51 percent are currently married, an

    all-time low for American marriage rates.

    In Ohio, the Bowling Green State

    University National Center for Marriage

    and Family Research conducted a modern

    marriage study. Researchers discovered

    that the U.S. marriage rate is 31 marriages

    per 1,000 unmarried women, down from

    92.3 per 1,000 in 1920.

    Although the number of married

    women is historically low, singles contin-

    ue in their search.

    It may take longer, but later marriages

    seem more successful. Some 90 percent of

    adults over 45 have married, with more

    couples staying together.

    The definition of marriage is rapidly

    changing throughout the U.S. The legal-

    ization of same-sex marriage in multiple

    states has created new opportunities with-

    in the wedding industry. The IBISWorld

    market-research firm states the $51 billion

    industry employs nearly 800,000 people.

    A 2013 analysis by the Pew Research

    Center revealed that because of better

    education, more focus on parenting and

    easing opinions on single life, American

    adults are pickier and will delay marriage

    to find lasting love.

    Getting To Know Each

    OtherThe good news is that millions of cou-

    ples exchange wedding vows every year.

    Pastor GaryStieglerof the Redeemer

    Lutheran Church in Vineland explains

    that there are two distinct officiates with

    different purposes.

    Governmental and judicial figures, plus

    {B-4

    }

    the

    grapevine

    |

    MARCH

    26,

    2014

    Bridal GuideSPRING 2014 s

    PHOTO COURTESY T&FCAMERA

    Heather Donahue chose flowers in pastelshades. PHOTOCOURTESYROBERTALAN STUDIO

    those who qualify for an online certifica-

    tion, perform secular civil ceremonies.

    Few provide any pre-marital guidance.

    Conversely, religious institutions usual-

    ly require some form of counseling. Most

    in the clergy want couples to be thorough-

    ly acquainted. The Roman Catholic

    Church is the most structured while other

    denominations may have mixed rules,says Stiegler.

    Stiegler, a former marketing profes-

    sional, changed careers at 50. He esti-

    mates he has married 150 couples over 15

    years as a pastor.

    Although the ceremony includes the

    words what God has joined together, let

    not man put asunder, God has little to do

    with success. Enduring marriages must go

    beyond lust, physical attractions and unre-

    alistic expectations of love, says Stiegler.

    As time permits, he expects to meet at

  • 8/12/2019 The Grapevine Spring Bridal Guide 2014

    5/12

    least once with a couple, about six months

    before the wedding. Stiegler gives them

    Premarriage Awareness Inventory (PAI)

    packet of 100 relevant premarital ques-

    tions. The survey evaluates a couples

    responses and reactions to seven specific

    issues, including family, money, children

    and personal lifestyles.

    Stiegler states, This multiple choicehomework covers the most volatile topics.

    A guideline helps me score and analyze

    their thoughts. There is an occasional

    gross disjoint because couples often do

    not discuss these issues, which creates a

    basis for our conversation.

    The PAI comes in three test categories

    for specific marriage candidatesfirst-

    time married couples who have not lived

    together; cohabitating couples who may

    not realize the changes that come with

    marriage and couples where one or bothpartners were previously married.

    Conversations in theComputer Age

    Each generation confronts new distrac-

    tions that challenge their relationships. As

    many social niceties, expectations and tra-

    ditions have eroded, so has the communi-

    cation of developing and sustaining a

    courtship and marriage.

    Watch any old movie or talk to older

    couples. They will talk of a time when

    courtships were conducted by letter or

    phone calls. The introduction of theInternet and its e-mail, texting and social

    media functions has transformed how and

    how well couples communicate.

    Recent studies, published by the Pew

    Research Center and Brigham Young

    University (BYU), reveal eye-opening sta-

    tistics. Pew reports on the large role of

    technology among partnered Americans in

    married or committed relationships88

    percent use the Internet; 71 percent use

    social networking sites and 93 percent

    have a cell phone. These figures mirrorthe general population.

    WWW.GRAPEVINENEW

    SPAPER.COM

    |

    the

    grapevine

    {

    B-5

    }

    Our 29thYear in Business

    Melissa and Gilbert Langlois chose EastPoint Ligthtouse for a wedding day photoshoot. PHOTO COURTESY ROBERT ALAN STUDIO

    For eight years, Davids Bridal has

    polled newly engaged and married women.

    Its latest Whats on Brides Minds sur-

    vey reports that prior to the proposal, 20

    percent of the respondents are anticipating

    their Internet identification by reserving

    usernames with their potential married

    surname. Another25 percent have seriously

    considered the idea.

    Most consider this technology positive,

    but online communication can alsoincrease tensions and stifle conversations.

    Data reports that up to 25 percent of cou-

    ples text each other while at home togeth-

    er and approximately 9 percent reconcile

    an argument by texting.

    The results of BYUs nationwide

    polling of 276 young adults appeared in

    the October 2013Journal of Couple andRelationship Therapy. It claimed constantconnections and over usage can lower a

    relationships quality. Women may use

    text messages to apologize, work out dif-

    ferences or make decisions, while men

    may text too frequently to avoid direct

    conversation.

    Societys communications have

    entered a new age, says Vineland thera-pist and Advanced Practice Nurse Yvonne

    Burgess. She has practiced in Cumberland

    County since the 1990s and opened her

    Vineland office earlier this month.

    The Internet, via individual texting

    Continued on next page

  • 8/12/2019 The Grapevine Spring Bridal Guide 2014

    6/12

    communication and broader social media

    like Facebook, has advantages. Social

    media and texting benefit couples separat-

    ed by distance or unable to communicate

    throughout the day. It eliminates waiting

    for information, says Burgess.

    She also stresses the negatives when

    used as a substitute instead of an enhance-

    ment, especially in a disagreement. The

    downside often involves intent. Burgess

    claims that 90 percent of communication

    is non-verbal because of face-to-face body

    language. It is easy to misinterpret the con-

    text of online conversation and voice

    inflections. Social media also can be used

    as a weapon against one partner.

    Burgess states, Social media cannot beundone. A spouse or significant other who

    seeks revenge by posting certain informa-

    tion or resending a personal message can't

    take it back. It also opens the person up to

    scrutiny by current or potential employ-

    ers, which can add an unfavorable dimen-

    sion to the individuals life.

    Anything that someone would not say

    in person should not be conveyed en

    masse without added context information.

    I am not sure how many therapists would

    recommend solving communication dif-

    ferences through social media."

    Texting can become problematic for

    any generation. Burgess urges couples to

    agree on their style and frequency of

    online communication because the num-ber and content of texts may reflect larger

    issues like insecurity or jealousy.

    Couples must lay ground rules. Making

    sensitive information more public may cre-

    ate an uncomfortable scenario for both.

    They must recognize how privacy may be

    compromised if someone sees their phone

    screen. Couples should be careful with

    abbreviations and never send provocative

    photos. Also, each language has its own

    slang and innuendo, Burgess says.

    Finding That Special Dressat Rienzi Bridal Salon

    Very little matches the excitement of

    shopping and selecting a wedding gown.

    Since 1970, co-owner Josephine Stringari

    has operated Rienzi Bridal Salon in

    Vineland. She now co- owns the shop with

    her daughterLeslie Stringari Ferrari.

    Together, they personally attend to every

    bride.

    For 2014, Rienzi brides can now enjoythe shop's spacious expansion, completed

    in mid-January. By acquiring the adjacent

    store, Rienzi doubled its total square

    footage to approximately 3,800 square

    feet. The renovation has added dressing

    rooms, increased the showroom floor and

    created enough space to add new designer

    lines and accessories.

    Our brides may now stay longer and

    shop at ease. We are open six days, with

    evening hours on Thursday and Friday,

    says Stringari Ferrari.

    Stringari Ferrari claims that bridal

    trends move more slowly than daytime

    fashion. She says, Bridal fashion is not a

    year-to year scenario. Trends, not seasons,

    dictate their styling. Wedding gown styles

    have a two-year cycle. Once famous

    {B-6

    }

    the

    grapevine

    |

    MARCH

    26,2

    014

    Bridal GuideSPRING 2014 s

    Bridal Guide cover girl Tarain her Rienzigown and accessoriesstrikes a pose withhusband Mike Cintron.

    PHOTO: MEYER PHOTOGRAPHY,

    COURTESY RIENZI BRIDAL SALON

    Continued on page B8

  • 8/12/2019 The Grapevine Spring Bridal Guide 2014

    7/12

    WWW.GRAPEVINENEW

    SPAPER.COM

    |

    the

    grapevine

    {

    B-7

    }

    Come in and talk with ourwedding cake design specialist

    Coveniently Located in MagnoliaCourt Shopping Center

    Owned & Operated byAnn Cantoni Family & Staff

    1370 Main Rd. Vineland

    (856) 690-1200 Fax (856) 690-1229

    OPEN: Tues.-Fri. 6:30-5pm

    Sat. 6:30-3:30pm Sun. 6:30-1pm

    CLOSED MONDAY

    We use only the

    freshest high qualityingredients

    Salon Fabrojae

    ENJOY A DAY OF BEAUTY

    Callto

    Speakto

    ourBridal

    Consultant

    Next to Black Olive Restaurant

    Celebrate Your Bachelorette at

    MadisonSquare

    782 Brewster RdVineland, NJ 08361

    (856) 794-9696salonfabrojae.com

    Rienzis Rich Historyin Vineland

    Rienzi Bridal Salon co-owner

    Josephine Stringari has always loved

    to sew and design. As a young

    woman, Stringari understood that a

    girlfriend's suggestion of a job open-

    ing would set her on a career path inthe bridal industry. She went to work

    for the late Albert Zuccharini, the

    shop's original owner. He had opened

    in the late 1940s as a counterpart to

    his Philadelphia bridal salon.

    In May 1970, Stringari bought the

    business and has since twice

    enlarged the store. Her daughter

    Leslie joined her as co-owner, learn-

    ing the business by working alongside

    her mother as a young girl. Several

    other family members also became

    part of the team through the years.

    Stringari has witnessed an evolu-

    tion in the bridal industry.Prospective brides used to come to

    the shop with a bridal magazine and

    an idea of what they wanted. Today's

    brides are more informed.

    Our brides have done some

    research and come in with pictures

    they have pulled off the Internet.

    They still start with their budget, usu-

    ally telling me they can spend 'no

    more than' on their gowns. Some

    also try to match their gowns with

    their wedding reception venue,

    Stringari says.

    She is pleased with the more

    diverse age group of customers, but

    acknowledges that has its own sizing

    and style challenges. Stringari claims

    that some women may want a more

    provocative or tighter dress to seem

    more sophisticated.

    Stringari states, When we dress a

    bride, we strive to ensure that hergown reflects the quality of our

    salon. For brides of all sizes, we can

    fit a beautiful dress to their body

    shapes that will avoid a look that is

    too revealing."Sharon Harris-Zlotnick

    Back to front: Co-owners Josephine

    Stringari and Leslie Stringari Ferrari;Taylor, Katherine, and Samantha.PHOTOS: MICHELE LOW

  • 8/12/2019 The Grapevine Spring Bridal Guide 2014

    8/12

    designers introduce a trend, it then trick-

    les down in price.

    For example, after years of demand,

    fewer than half the designers are showing

    strapless gowns. Gowns with small shoul-

    der caps, small sleeves or keyhole backs

    with shoulder decoration have replaced

    the strapless style.

    Another changing trend is fabric. Satin

    has lost popularity, and designers are

    going for a softer, more romantic look

    with lace throughout a fuller skirt.

    Some unusual wedding styles, like

    jumpsuit bridal wear, have emerged, but

    Stringari Ferrari says that it has not suc-

    ceeded in her shop. She believes these

    designers may be more focused on a nicheBridal Guide

    SPRING 2014 s

    {B-8

    }

    the

    grapevine

    |

    MARCH

    26,2

    014

    GARDEN STATE CLEANERSPremium Dry Cleaning

    Uggs

    Leather

    Suede

    Furs

    Fast

    Convenient

    Affordable

    Christening&CommunionPreservationAvailable

    Like us on Facebook for Exclusive Offerings!

    Right InYourNeighborhood!

    Locatedin theShopRite Plazaat Lincoln & LandisAvenues

    856-697-2444

    Crystal and Garrett Klaver were wed in Atlantic County Park with the Great Egg HarborRiver as a backdrop. Later, they were photographed at the brickworks, also in the park.PHOTOS COURTESYT&F CAMERA

    Invitations byPHOENIX

    for all your

    SPECIAL

    OCCASIONS

    Call Todayto schedule your

    appointment or pick upone of our invitation

    albums for your at home

    convenience...

    Call Brenda or Joanne

    856.691.22662231 N.E. Blvd., Vineland

    yourinvitationplace.com/

    invitationsbyPhoenix 856-696-3900

    2630 E. CHESTNUT AVE. VINELAND NJ

    Amanda Morgans Boutique of

    CREATIVITY&STYLE

    Share Your Special Day with Us

    Full Bridal & Prom Servicesor Any Elegant OccasionMake-UpManicuresPedicures

  • 8/12/2019 The Grapevine Spring Bridal Guide 2014

    9/12

    market like destination weddings rather

    than a traditional ceremony.

    As much as brides search for their

    dream dress, the tougher economy has

    forced brides to shop carefully, keeping

    the price in mind. Rienzis top-tier full

    line of gowns remain priced below $1,600.

    For those on a very tight budget or

    short on time, Stringari Ferrari advises

    taking advantage of their sale/sample sec-

    tion. She promises ample selection at

    numerous price points.

    What To Do With TattoosThe brides physical appearance has

    also changed. Unlike past generations,

    many of todays brides may have a visible

    tattoo. A January 2012 online Harris Poll

    of 2,016 adults found that at least 21 per-

    cent of all U.S. adults have at least one tat-

    tooalmost 50 percent more than in 2003.

    Tattoos are often age and geographical-

    ly driven. Westerners have the most; those

    living in the East, Midwest and South

    WWW.GRAPEVINENEW

    SPAPER.COM

    |

    the

    grapevine

    {B-9

    }

    Merighis Savoy Inn can accommodate an outdoor ceremony, and Heather and Brandon

    Kavanaugh took advantage of the beautiful setting. PHOTO COURTESYROBERT ALAN STUDIO

    Antons Florist was founded in1973. Because of our Unique Style

    and High Quality of weddingcreations we have become oneof South Jerseys PREMIERE

    wedding designers.

    Floral Fantasies

    FOR ANY BUDGET

    152 Harding Hwy.

    Vineland, NJ 08360

    856-697-1234

    FIND US ON

    Facebook

    Continued on next page

  • 8/12/2019 The Grapevine Spring Bridal Guide 2014

    10/12

    report the fewest. Adults between 30 and

    39 have the highest number of tattoos.

    The percentage of adults with tattoos

    drops significantly after age 50.

    Stringari Ferrari says her clientele is

    evenly split as to whether or not to buy a

    gown that reveals the tattoo. If they do,

    brides must then decide whether or not to

    cover it up.

    Professional makeup artists can lessen

    the colorations or make the tattoo invisi-

    ble with minimal effort.Cosmetologist

    Danielle Ruthig of TodaysTrendzin

    Vineland says the process is similar to

    applying regular makeup.

    We wash the skin with a cleanser and

    then apply a primer. We follow that with a

    special hypoallergenic foundation, similar

    to a concealer, that totally covers the tat-

    too. It does not drip or run and dries

    quickly. Our product lasts up to 10 hours

    and washes off with regular soap and

    water, says Ruthig.The size of the tattoo determines the

    time needed for application. Ruthig says a

    smaller tattoo may take 20 minutes and

    makeup prices start at $35. She advises

    that it be the last process of the day before

    leaving the salon.

    Cleaning and PreservingYour Bridal Gown

    After the wedding, what happensto the

    gown? Stringari Ferrari claims that although

    she has offered a preservation process for

    years, brides have rarely used her service.

    AndyPaek,owner ofGarden State

    Cleaners in Vineland, offers gown preser-

    vationstarting at $125. Depending on its

    condition, cleaning a gown maytake twoweeks.

    Most brides maybe unaware of their

    gowns condition. If the stains have not

    caramelized and turned brown,our multi-

    step process includes pre-spotting to

    remove food, wine or dirt stains on the

    dress or the train. Next, we use a gentle

    {B-10

    }

    the

    grapevine

    |

    MARCH

    26,

    2014

    Bridal GuideSPRING 2014 s

    Say I Do With

    Voted VinelandsBest of the BestFine Dining & Italian Restaurant

    Receptions ShowersRehearsal Dinners and more

    Sit Down or Buffet AvailableWe can customize a package to

    meet your specific needs

    856.692.2011 maplewood3.comMon.Thur. 49:30

    Fri.Sat. 410:30 Sun. 19 p.m.200 N. Delsea Drive Vineland NJ

    Newly Renovated Banquet Room

    New Party PackagesDinner or Luncheon

    Off premises catering available

    Rings Ever RomanticAlthough some customs have

    changed, rings remain in vogue. Fortheir ring choices, Dondero Diamondsand Fine Jewelry of Vineland has guid-ed couples since 1948.

    Co-ownerKevin Kleinersays,"Preferences evolve over time, so cou-ples should never buy engagementrings or wedding bands based ontrends. I caution couples to think care-fully before making such a momen-tous purchase. The whole idea of ourstore is meeting our customers' needs

    with appropriate choices."While traditional round and

    princess diamond cuts remain themost popular, two others have madeinroads. The square cushion cut stonehas rounded edges. A radiant cut iseither a square or rectangular stonewithout pointed corners, giving thediamond a flattened corner edgeappearance.

    Wedding bands are typically a jointdecision, but Kleiner says thatprospective grooms usually buy an

    engagement ring alone since the deci-sion is so personal. However, just incase the chosen ring is not quite right,a Dondero's purchase includes a gen-erous return policy.

    Kleiner states, "A man has a greatopportunity. He can surprise a womanwhile creating beautiful memories

    about one of the most important occa-sions of their lives."

    Today's couples find it difficult tomatch their wedding bands so theladies typically match their engage-ment ring with a band. They eithercustomize the ring or choose a setmade together.

    "White gold is still on top, but thereis a subtle trend towards gold androse gold for bands. Colored dia-monds, like chocolate with white or

    black with white, have become popularaccent stones," Kleiner says.For years, men have gravitated to

    less expensive alternative metals liketitanium, but many are now onceagain buying gold wedding bands.Kleiner believes that although gold iscostlier, the prices have stabilizedenough to make men more comfort-able. He says men have shifted theirpriorities and prefer to spend theirmoney on a gold band over a one-timewedding expense.

    Sharon Harris-Zlotnick

    PHOTOS COURTESY ROBERT ALAN STUDIO

    PHOTO COURTESY T&F CAMERA

  • 8/12/2019 The Grapevine Spring Bridal Guide 2014

    11/12

    cleaning process and reexamine the gown

    to ensure it meets ourhigh standards.

    Finally, we press outall the wrinkles so that

    it looks good enough to wear again, says

    Paek.

    For an additional $25, Paek will store the

    gown, keepsakes or accessories in a large 4-

    foot-long by 2.5-foot-wide preservation

    chest. It maintains a beautifulmemory.

    For those wishing to selltheir gown, sev-

    eral websites reach an unlimited potential

    audience. One site,www.preownedwed-

    dingdresses.com offer advice on selling a

    usedwedding gown.

    Prior to selling, experts advise these tips:

    Clean the gown immediately;sell with-

    in three seasons.

    Realistically price the gown. Those

    with differentuses and from various design-ersmay retain up to50 percent of their

    original retail value. Negotiate when possi-

    ble.

    Honestlydescribe the gown with com-

    plete details.

    Photographsof the bride in the gown

    increase its marketability.

    Choose online bridal marketplace and

    consignment sites over generic sales sites.

    Whenever possible, communicate

    directly with potential buyers.

    Consider donating thegown to charity.I

    WWW.GRAPEVINENEWSPAPER.COM

    |

    the

    grapevine

    {B

    -11}

    Melissa and Gilbert Langlois watch the sunset on their wedding day along the Delawareshoreline. RIGHT: Heather and Trevor

    Donahue get well wishes from their bridalparty. PHOTOS COURTESY ROBERT ALAN STUDIO

    Andy Paek, owner of Garden State Cleaners,completes the cleaning and preservation of abrides gown.PHOTO: MICHELE LOW

    Visit Our NewlyExpanded Showroom

    www.rienzibridalsalon.com

    Bridal Gowns

    Bridesmaids

    Flower Girls

    Mothers Gowns

    Sweet 15 &16 Gowns

    Party Dresses

    Prom Gowns

    Graduation

    Dresses

    Semi-formal

    CommunionDresses

    Bat Mitzvah

    The latest styles for

    745 E. LANDISAVE. VINELAND 856-692-4060Mon. & Tues. 10 a.m.5:30 p.m. Wed. & Sat. 10 a.m.4 p.m.

    Thurs. 10 a.m.8 p.m. Fri. 10 a.m.7 p.m.

    Pleasing brides for over 60 years

    Mori Lee strapless

    dropped waistline

    Mori Lee high

    illusion neckline

  • 8/12/2019 The Grapevine Spring Bridal Guide 2014

    12/12

    {B-12

    }

    the

    grapevine

    |

    MARCH

    26,2

    014