winter wedding showcase 2012

• WINTER WEDDING SHOWCASE • Albert Lea Tribune • Wednesday, January 11, 2012

wednesday, january 11, 2012

Inside:Meet an Albert Lea DJ who enjoys providing music at

wedding receptions and other events

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2 Fashion Shows • 1:30 & 3:30You’ll want to see them both!

Multiple professional vendors helping you plan your

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2012 Bridal Expo Exhibitors

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By Brandi [email protected]

In 2000, Jacob Abrego was just 15 years old. Like many teenage boys, he could be found in his bedroom jam-ming out to music.

One day, his mom walked in on him. What she saw was Abrego turn-ing Christmas lights and flashlights on and off to the beat of the music.

It was then that the idea of him becoming a disc jockey came to life.

“She was my first investor,” Abrego said. “She bought me everything I needed to get started.”

Abrego became the face of UpTown Sound.

The first gig he ever did was his aunt’s wedding. Since then, he has done about 200 to 300 jobs including church events for all religions, school dances, birthday parties, anniversary parties and the list just goes on.

“I like the fact that I can be a part of someone’s celebration like that,” Abrego said. “It’s just amazing. I come

home and I think you know what, they actually stayed to the end and ap-plauded, that’s huge.”

In 2006, it was Abrego’s turn to get married and hire a DJ. It was the per-fect opportunity for him to learn what he should be doing to keep people excited and having a good time.

“Before our wedding, he pretty much just played music,” Abrego’s wife Allison said. “After he saw what the guy at our wedding did, he became really involved with the crowd.”

Inspired by the confetti and cos-tumes that his DJ used, Abrego spiced up his performances.

“If you get out there and do some-thing, people are going to remember that,” he said.

Something Abrego is known for is dancing. He spends hours watching videos online in order to learn the dances of new hit songs as well as the older wedding favorites.

“It’s very tough to step out of your comfort zone, you’re not sure how

they’re going to react,” Abrego said about showing off dances and dress-ing up in costumes. “I don’t want to say I’m a different person when I DJ, but I am. It takes a special person to do what DJs do.”

Getting out on the floor and teach-ing the crowd a dance or letting bub-bles soar during the song, “Carwash,” comes second nature to Abrego. It’s the simple stuff that makes or breaks the night.

“The first dance is everything,” Abrego said. “If the CD even skips — that night is going to suck. That mat-ters so much.”

It matters, Abrego said because that moment of being newly married and having that first dance will never hap-pen again.

Before, being a disc jockey was just a fun thing for Abrego to do in his spare time. Now, 12 years later, with the support of his family, UpTown Sound is just getting started.

“I shouldn’t treat a gift like this as a hobby,” Abrego said. “I’ve decided that I’m going to do it as a business. I’m just excited. It’s time.”

• WINTER WEDDING SHOWCASE • Albert Lea Tribune • Wednesday, January 11, 2012 Albert Lea Tribune • Wednesday, January 11, 2012 • WINTER WEDDING SHOWCASE • Page 7

If you can dream it, we can do it!Jolene Bute - Owner/Designer

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Just dance

So you’re getting engaged to be married. Or you’ve just gotten married. How do you let everyone know?

Through an announcement in the Albert Lea Tribune, of course.

Forms are available online at www.albertleatribune.com, click on the “services” tab, and find the ap-propriate tab. Forms are also avail-able at our office at 808 W. Front St. in Albert Lea. Call 507-379-3439

with questions.Couples can announce their engage-

ment any time they choose before their wedding. Announcements after a wedding need to reach our office no later than four months following the ceremony.

Photos may accompany either announcement and may be color or black and white. Photos can be any size.

We discourage couples from sub-

mitting photos that have been taken with a filter (soft focus). While these are beautiful, they do not reproduce well in the newspaper.

People may claim their photos after they have run in the newspaper, or include a self-addressed, stamped envelope for their return.

The information and a jpeg photo (with a resolution of no less than 200) may also be emailed to [email protected].

Tips for getting engagements and wedding announcements published in the Tribune

People preparing to obtain a mar-riage license in Minnesota may en-counter a rather odd situatino. There are two fees involved with the applica-tion for a license at any county court-house in the state. One fee is $115, and the other is $75 less. However, to obtain the license for the $40 fee the couple must present a Premarital Education Certificate when applying. (More specific information about this fairly new Minnesota law is with a separate article in this publication.)

There is a five-day waiting period to pick up the license after the ap-plication is made. The license is valid for six months from the date of issue. And the license is valid only in the state of Minnesota. For those people who might want to get married at the famous Little Brown Church in the Vale near Nashua, Iowa, or elsewhere in that state, then a marriage license from an Iowa courthouse is required. Also, a couple from south of the state line wanting to get married some-where in Minnesota will find out an Iowa-issued license isn’t valid at all.

The age limits for Minnesota mar-riage licenses to be issued are based on the following: 18 years or over, no consent needed; 16 years, but less than 18 years, consent of par-

ents/guardians and court; less than 18 years, no license; less than 18 years and not a resident of Freeborn County, no license.

Pick-up dates for the marriage li-censes are based on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday are the following Monday, Thursday is the following Tuesday and Friday is the following Wednesday. A Minnesota marriage needs two witnesses. Those witnesses must be 16 or older.

The law prefers both parties appear at the time of application. If one party is unable to appear and the require-ments of Minnesota Statutes are met, the license may then be issued. Those requirements include the second party getting a copy of the initial applica-tion, filling out a special form, having it notarized, and returning it to the issuing office. There is a strong prefer-ence for both parties being present when the application is made for the marriage license.

The person who actually fills out the marriage license needs their cur-rent photo ID. If either of the parties has been married before, the person handling the application needs to see a copy of the divorce decree with the judge’s signature, or a certified death certificate of the previous spouse.

Facts worth knowing about marriage licenses

Albert Lea disc jockey hopes to make every gig special

• Perfect location for wedding receptions, banquets, holiday parties, meetings and private dinners.

• Seats up to 480 people or can be separated into thirds to accommodate smaller gatherings

• Overlooks a full length balcony and offers scenic golf course and lake views.

• Two-sided full service bar.• No room rental fee.• Outdoor area by lake for Wedding Ceremonies

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Although the latest Brides Ameri-can Wedding Study shows the aver-age cost of a wedding in 2010 was $26,501, a decrease of 5 percent from 2009, weddings continue to be big business. But many couples are opt-ing to cut the guest list instead of big ticket items like wedding gowns.

In fact, the average wedding gown cost $1,289 in 2010, a 20 percent increase over 2009, according to the study. This is no surprise to the mil-lions who were glued to their televi-sion sets this past April during the most talked about wedding since the 1981 royal wedding of Lady Diana to Prince Charles. Many brides are now emulating the elegant lace gown worn by Catherine Middleton, now the Duchess of Cambridge.

In addition to beautiful lace, the newest trends in wedding gowns include color, soft sleeves, short hem-lines and eco-friendly materials.

Whether it is Chantilly, Alencon, duchesse, guipure, or ribbon, lace has become one of the hottest trends this year. “Designers at all price points have debuted collections featuring full frothy skirts, wildflowers and lace used in both traditional and modern ways,” said Kate Campbell, department chair of Fashion & Retail Management at The Art Institute of Tampa, a branch of Miami Interna-tional University of Art & Design. “This particular trend parallels the more feminine, elegant trends we see in fashion everywhere — including more fitted and ladylike styles remi-niscent of Grace Kelly and Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy.”

While not for everyone, the use of color in wedding gowns has been growing in popularity. Rich and vibrant, or more subdued, color in bridal wear is everywhere. Some brides choose soft pastel colors, such as blush, rose or skin-tone. Others

opt to wear vibrant hues of lavender, green and deep pink. Less bold brides are more likely to use hints of accent color on sashes, bows, embroidery, hems, necklines or beading. “The bride who chooses to add color to her dress is fashion forward and confi-dent — it’s not for the faint of heart,” says Amber Chatelain, lead faculty for the Fashion & Retail Management program at The Art Institute of Ten-nessee — Nashville, a branch of The Art Institute of Atlanta.

Another interesting new trend in bridal wear is short gowns, especially for brides choosing destination and beach weddings. While they may be short in length, these dresses are not short on style. Some offer sophisticat-ed laces, chic feathers or multilayered organza mini-skirts.

Soft sleeves are enjoying a come-back. Designers have debuted soft, romantic sleeves, including tra-ditional cap sleeves in florals and tulle, modern silhouettes using vintage elements, sequin fringe and flutter sleeves, and romantic off-the-shoulder versions. “The softness and elegance of the sleeves in bridal wear mirrors today’s general fashion trends, where designers are high-

lighting the elegance and beauty of the female form in very soft ways,” says Charlene Parsons, who heads the fashion programs at Miami International University of Art & Design.

Eco-friendly options have also increased in popularity. “There are now numerous eco-friendly designers whose sole business is to create wed-ding dresses made with earth-friendly fabrics and materials, using tech-niques that are in harmony with the earth,” said Crystal Shamblee, depart-ment chair of Fashion Design for The Art Institute of Philadelphia. Second-hand and vintage wedding dresses are another eco-friendly choice.

Whatever fashion trends a bride chooses, one that will never go out of

style is a gown that fits well, is figure flattering and makes the bride feel like she’s the most beautiful woman in the world on her big day.

Getting married is a dream. Who hasn’t fantasized about the dress, the jewelry, your dad walking you down the aisle, the music, the cake, the reception following the ceremony?

Because people travel so much these days, weddings aren’t always local any more. Destination weddings on the beaches of Hawaii or the Baha-mas, or in a castle in Scotland or even in a 900-year-old bed and breakfast in Ireland are extremely popular, which can make planning a bit more difficult due to the distance. Often couples

are not able to travel to the wedding location prior to the ceremony to get everything organized, and rely on tele-phone and email conversations.

Not being able to directly interact face to face with wedding organiz-ers at the church and reception hall, and vendors who will be handling the cake, photos and flowers, to name a few, can make planning a bit more of a challenge.

Wedding dreams can turn into nightmares well before the wedding — your wedding dress shop, the caterer or even the venue goes out of business — or the day of — a tornado strikes the church where the wedding was to be held. But sometimes the night-mares end up to be extremely funny stories that will be retold time and time again — and they can happen whether the wedding is taking place locally, or halfway across the country.

Stories like the bride, who shortly before the wedding, discovered her brother thought her dress needed a bit of extra color, and took his finger paints to the beautiful white fabric. Or the cat that decided to give birth — nestled into the folds of the bride’s wedding gown.

“Wedding disasters occur on a daily basis,” said Robert Nuccio, president of R.V. Nuccio & Associates, Inc., the exclusive program manager of the Fireman’s Fund wedding insurance program in the U.S. “Weather, ven-dors going out of business, the father of the bride not being able to attend due to sudden illness — you name it, it’s happened. You can’t plan for these disasters. But you can have a plan B.”

Under one policy through Wedsure.com, a division of R.V. Nuccio and As-sociates, couples can pick and choose al a carte up to nine wedding insur-ance coverage options they want and may need. In addition to cancellation and additional expense, the coverage options also include gifts, jewelry, loss of deposits, photographs and video, professional counseling, rented property, special attire and personal liability and medical payments.

Weather is the biggest offender causing wedding cancellations. If a hurricane, snowstorm, ice storm, tornado or airport closure forces you to move or postpone your destina-tion or travel wedding, Wedsure.com wedding insurance pays all the nonrefundable expenses you incur, including the honeymoon.

Having a plan B can save you plenty of ups and downs on the emotional roller coaster if something turns your dream wedding into a nightmare. For example, if the wedding gifts were to be stolen from the reception, wedding insurance can help protect you from experiencing grief.

“If the photographer fails to appear, or he does show up and takes pictures but is nowhere to be found several weeks later when you want your wed-ding photo proofs, the policy will pay to restage the wedding,” said Nuccio, who is the author of the policy. “This includes flying everyone back, put-ting them up in hotels, feeding them,

redressing them, rebuying the cake, rebuying the flowers, rerenting the facility, rehiring a photographer and flying everyone home. Basically pho-tographs and video coverage will pay to recreate the entire fairytale just for the photographs.”

Planning a wedding takes a lot of time and energy, especially when you and many members of the family have to travel for the event. While a disas-ter could disrupt the dream event, it doesn’t have to cause you financial devastation. Be prepared with a plan B and anticipate that this special time of your life will proceed just like it did in your childhood dreams.

Page 6 • WINTER WEDDING SHOWCASE • Albert Lea Tribune • Wednesday, January 11, 2012 Albert Lea Tribune • Wednesday, January 11, 2012 • WINTER WEDDING SHOWCASE •

Dawson Limousine

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Leave all the details to us.Your destination wedding specialists.

Mike Heideman • 507-383-6019 Mike Trytten • [email protected]

w

M

photobooth

• weddings

• proms

• corporate events

• trade shows

• holiday parties

• graduation

• school dances

• much more

Make your weddingreception a trulyexceptional event!

Call 507-265-3265Conger Inn Catering

& Party ShopConger, Minnesota

• Groom’s Suppers, Wedding Anniversaries, etc.

• Will do catering for any size group, from full sit down meals to sandwiches, salads and desserts made to go.

Starts with the right venue • Receptions & Grooms Dinners • Decoration Packages • Create Your Own Menu –Variety of Choices • Seats 175-200

For More Info Call Moose EventCoordinator Betty at 507-369-5434

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Men's & Ladies' Fine Apparel

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GROOM’S TUX FREE!Tuxedo prices starting at

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Downtown Albert Lea507-377-0848

Priceless Memories

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33rd Anniversary

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• WINTER WEDDING SHOWCASE • Albert Lea Tribune • Wednesday, January 11, 2012 Albert Lea Tribune • Wednesday, January 11, 2012 • WINTER WEDDING SHOWCASE •

Although the latest Brides Ameri-can Wedding Study shows the aver-age cost of a wedding in 2010 was $26,501, a decrease of 5 percent from 2009, weddings continue to be big business. But many couples are opt-ing to cut the guest list instead of big ticket items like wedding gowns.

In fact, the average wedding gown cost $1,289 in 2010, a 20 percent increase over 2009, according to the study. This is no surprise to the mil-lions who were glued to their televi-sion sets this past April during the most talked about wedding since the 1981 royal wedding of Lady Diana to Prince Charles. Many brides are now emulating the elegant lace gown worn by Catherine Middleton, now the Duchess of Cambridge.

In addition to beautiful lace, the newest trends in wedding gowns include color, soft sleeves, short hem-lines and eco-friendly materials.

Whether it is Chantilly, Alencon, duchesse, guipure, or ribbon, lace has become one of the hottest trends this year. “Designers at all price points have debuted collections featuring full frothy skirts, wildflowers and lace used in both traditional and modern ways,” said Kate Campbell, department chair of Fashion & Retail Management at The Art Institute of Tampa, a branch of Miami Interna-tional University of Art & Design. “This particular trend parallels the more feminine, elegant trends we see in fashion everywhere — including more fitted and ladylike styles remi-niscent of Grace Kelly and Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy.”

While not for everyone, the use of color in wedding gowns has been growing in popularity. Rich and vibrant, or more subdued, color in bridal wear is everywhere. Some brides choose soft pastel colors, such as blush, rose or skin-tone. Others

opt to wear vibrant hues of lavender, green and deep pink. Less bold brides are more likely to use hints of accent color on sashes, bows, embroidery, hems, necklines or beading. “The bride who chooses to add color to her dress is fashion forward and confi-dent — it’s not for the faint of heart,” says Amber Chatelain, lead faculty for the Fashion & Retail Management program at The Art Institute of Ten-nessee — Nashville, a branch of The Art Institute of Atlanta.

Another interesting new trend in bridal wear is short gowns, especially for brides choosing destination and beach weddings. While they may be short in length, these dresses are not short on style. Some offer sophisticat-ed laces, chic feathers or multilayered organza mini-skirts.

Soft sleeves are enjoying a come-back. Designers have debuted soft, romantic sleeves, including tra-ditional cap sleeves in florals and tulle, modern silhouettes using vintage elements, sequin fringe and flutter sleeves, and romantic off-the-shoulder versions. “The softness and elegance of the sleeves in bridal wear mirrors today’s general fashion trends, where designers are high-

lighting the elegance and beauty of the female form in very soft ways,” says Charlene Parsons, who heads the fashion programs at Miami International University of Art & Design.

Eco-friendly options have also increased in popularity. “There are now numerous eco-friendly designers whose sole business is to create wed-ding dresses made with earth-friendly fabrics and materials, using tech-niques that are in harmony with the earth,” said Crystal Shamblee, depart-ment chair of Fashion Design for The Art Institute of Philadelphia. Second-hand and vintage wedding dresses are another eco-friendly choice.

Whatever fashion trends a bride chooses, one that will never go out of

style is a gown that fits well, is figure flattering and makes the bride feel like she’s the most beautiful woman in the world on her big day.

Getting married is a dream. Who hasn’t fantasized about the dress, the jewelry, your dad walking you down the aisle, the music, the cake, the reception following the ceremony?

Because people travel so much these days, weddings aren’t always local any more. Destination weddings on the beaches of Hawaii or the Baha-mas, or in a castle in Scotland or even in a 900-year-old bed and breakfast in Ireland are extremely popular, which can make planning a bit more difficult due to the distance. Often couples

are not able to travel to the wedding location prior to the ceremony to get everything organized, and rely on tele-phone and email conversations.

Not being able to directly interact face to face with wedding organiz-ers at the church and reception hall, and vendors who will be handling the cake, photos and flowers, to name a few, can make planning a bit more of a challenge.

Wedding dreams can turn into nightmares well before the wedding — your wedding dress shop, the caterer or even the venue goes out of business — or the day of — a tornado strikes the church where the wedding was to be held. But sometimes the night-mares end up to be extremely funny stories that will be retold time and time again — and they can happen whether the wedding is taking place locally, or halfway across the country.

Stories like the bride, who shortly before the wedding, discovered her brother thought her dress needed a bit of extra color, and took his finger paints to the beautiful white fabric. Or the cat that decided to give birth — nestled into the folds of the bride’s wedding gown.

“Wedding disasters occur on a daily basis,” said Robert Nuccio, president of R.V. Nuccio & Associates, Inc., the exclusive program manager of the Fireman’s Fund wedding insurance program in the U.S. “Weather, ven-dors going out of business, the father of the bride not being able to attend due to sudden illness — you name it, it’s happened. You can’t plan for these disasters. But you can have a plan B.”

Under one policy through Wedsure.com, a division of R.V. Nuccio and As-sociates, couples can pick and choose al a carte up to nine wedding insur-ance coverage options they want and may need. In addition to cancellation and additional expense, the coverage options also include gifts, jewelry, loss of deposits, photographs and video, professional counseling, rented property, special attire and personal liability and medical payments.

Weather is the biggest offender causing wedding cancellations. If a hurricane, snowstorm, ice storm, tornado or airport closure forces you to move or postpone your destina-tion or travel wedding, Wedsure.com wedding insurance pays all the nonrefundable expenses you incur, including the honeymoon.

Having a plan B can save you plenty of ups and downs on the emotional roller coaster if something turns your dream wedding into a nightmare. For example, if the wedding gifts were to be stolen from the reception, wedding insurance can help protect you from experiencing grief.

“If the photographer fails to appear, or he does show up and takes pictures but is nowhere to be found several weeks later when you want your wed-ding photo proofs, the policy will pay to restage the wedding,” said Nuccio, who is the author of the policy. “This includes flying everyone back, put-ting them up in hotels, feeding them,

redressing them, rebuying the cake, rebuying the flowers, rerenting the facility, rehiring a photographer and flying everyone home. Basically pho-tographs and video coverage will pay to recreate the entire fairytale just for the photographs.”

Planning a wedding takes a lot of time and energy, especially when you and many members of the family have to travel for the event. While a disas-ter could disrupt the dream event, it doesn’t have to cause you financial devastation. Be prepared with a plan B and anticipate that this special time of your life will proceed just like it did in your childhood dreams.


Dawson Limousine

Service* Ask about our new limo bus!* Ask about our extended rental rates* Weddings, Birthdays* Concerts/Sports Events* Airport & Casino

Call 507-402-0606for booking/pricing

information

Elegant cakes with decadent taste

Express yourindividuality with

our unlimitedrange of creativity!

1417 St. John Ave, Albert Lea369-0272

[email protected]

For the best weddingexperience possible

Easton, MN • 507-787-2211www.SilhouetteWedding.comHrs: M-F 10-5pm, Sat. 10-4pm Weekday evenings by appt.

Leave all the details to us.Your destination wedding specialists.

Mike Heideman • 507-383-6019 Mike Trytten • [email protected]

w

M

photobooth

• weddings

• proms

• corporate events

• trade shows

• holiday parties

• graduation

• school dances

• much more

Make your weddingreception a trulyexceptional event!

Call 507-265-3265Conger Inn Catering

& Party ShopConger, Minnesota

• Groom’s Suppers, Wedding Anniversaries, etc.

• Will do catering for any size group, from full sit down meals to sandwiches, salads and desserts made to go.

Starts with the right venue • Receptions & Grooms Dinners • Decoration Packages • Create Your Own Menu –Variety of Choices • Seats 175-200

For More Info Call Moose EventCoordinator Betty at 507-369-5434

eutholdsLNorthbridge Mall • Albert Lea

Men's & Ladies' Fine Apparel

373-3142Northbridge Mall • Albert Lea • 373-3142

GROOM’S TUX FREE!Tuxedo prices starting at

$7950 complete

See store for details

Help make your dreams a reality with wedding insurance How the royal wedding influenced the latest bridal trends

Downtown Albert Lea507-377-0848

Priceless Memories

A Gift Suggestion from Clothing CareWedding Gown Preservation*

“The Professionals”116 S. Washington, Albert Lea373-2318

lothingareenterC

33rd Anniversary

SAle20% OFF

gowns(Regular priced, in stock or

special order)

Hurry! Sale ends Tuesday, January 31

Courtly Manor BridalsDowntown Albert Lea • 373-2515

M, T, F 10-5; Th 10-8; Sat. 9-4; Closed Wed & SunExclusions apply.

TUX SPECIAL

ROGO

ReNT ONeGeT ONe 1/2 PRICE

TUXeDO SAle

By Brandi [email protected]

In 2000, Jacob Abrego was just 15 years old. Like many teenage boys, he could be found in his bedroom jam-ming out to music.

One day, his mom walked in on him. What she saw was Abrego turn-ing Christmas lights and flashlights on and off to the beat of the music.

It was then that the idea of him becoming a disc jockey came to life.

“She was my first investor,” Abrego said. “She bought me everything I needed to get started.”

Abrego became the face of UpTown Sound.

The first gig he ever did was his aunt’s wedding. Since then, he has done about 200 to 300 jobs including church events for all religions, school dances, birthday parties, anniversary parties and the list just goes on.

“I like the fact that I can be a part of someone’s celebration like that,” Abrego said. “It’s just amazing. I come

home and I think you know what, they actually stayed to the end and ap-plauded, that’s huge.”

In 2006, it was Abrego’s turn to get married and hire a DJ. It was the per-fect opportunity for him to learn what he should be doing to keep people excited and having a good time.

“Before our wedding, he pretty much just played music,” Abrego’s wife Allison said. “After he saw what the guy at our wedding did, he became really involved with the crowd.”

Inspired by the confetti and cos-tumes that his DJ used, Abrego spiced up his performances.

“If you get out there and do some-thing, people are going to remember that,” he said.

Something Abrego is known for is dancing. He spends hours watching videos online in order to learn the dances of new hit songs as well as the older wedding favorites.

“It’s very tough to step out of your comfort zone, you’re not sure how

they’re going to react,” Abrego said about showing off dances and dress-ing up in costumes. “I don’t want to say I’m a different person when I DJ, but I am. It takes a special person to do what DJs do.”

Getting out on the floor and teach-ing the crowd a dance or letting bub-bles soar during the song, “Carwash,” comes second nature to Abrego. It’s the simple stuff that makes or breaks the night.

“The first dance is everything,” Abrego said. “If the CD even skips — that night is going to suck. That mat-ters so much.”

It matters, Abrego said because that moment of being newly married and having that first dance will never hap-pen again.

Before, being a disc jockey was just a fun thing for Abrego to do in his spare time. Now, 12 years later, with the support of his family, UpTown Sound is just getting started.

“I shouldn’t treat a gift like this as a hobby,” Abrego said. “I’ve decided that I’m going to do it as a business. I’m just excited. It’s time.”

Page 2 • WINTER WEDDING SHOWCASE • Albert Lea Tribune • Wednesday, January 11, 2012 Albert Lea Tribune • Wednesday, January 11, 2012 • WINTER WEDDING SHOWCASE •

If you can dream it, we can do it!Jolene Bute - Owner/Designer

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YES!I want a FREE subscription to

Southern Minnesota Magazine!Return this form to:

Southern Minnesota Magazine808 W. Front St

Albert Lea, MN 56007

Name __________________________________________

Address ________________________________________

City, State, Zip ___________________________________

Phone_______________ E-mail _____________________377-9672 ☞☞

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Just dance

So you’re getting engaged to be married. Or you’ve just gotten married. How do you let everyone know?

Through an announcement in the Albert Lea Tribune, of course.

Forms are available online at www.albertleatribune.com, click on the “services” tab, and find the ap-propriate tab. Forms are also avail-able at our office at 808 W. Front St. in Albert Lea. Call 507-379-3439

with questions.Couples can announce their engage-

ment any time they choose before their wedding. Announcements after a wedding need to reach our office no later than four months following the ceremony.

Photos may accompany either announcement and may be color or black and white. Photos can be any size.

We discourage couples from sub-

mitting photos that have been taken with a filter (soft focus). While these are beautiful, they do not reproduce well in the newspaper.

People may claim their photos after they have run in the newspaper, or include a self-addressed, stamped envelope for their return.

The information and a jpeg photo (with a resolution of no less than 200) may also be emailed to [email protected].

Tips for getting engagements and wedding announcements published in the Tribune

People preparing to obtain a mar-riage license in Minnesota may en-counter a rather odd situatino. There are two fees involved with the applica-tion for a license at any county court-house in the state. One fee is $115, and the other is $75 less. However, to obtain the license for the $40 fee the couple must present a Premarital Education Certificate when applying. (More specific information about this fairly new Minnesota law is with a separate article in this publication.)

There is a five-day waiting period to pick up the license after the ap-plication is made. The license is valid for six months from the date of issue. And the license is valid only in the state of Minnesota. For those people who might want to get married at the famous Little Brown Church in the Vale near Nashua, Iowa, or elsewhere in that state, then a marriage license from an Iowa courthouse is required. Also, a couple from south of the state line wanting to get married some-where in Minnesota will find out an Iowa-issued license isn’t valid at all.

The age limits for Minnesota mar-riage licenses to be issued are based on the following: 18 years or over, no consent needed; 16 years, but less than 18 years, consent of par-

ents/guardians and court; less than 18 years, no license; less than 18 years and not a resident of Freeborn County, no license.

Pick-up dates for the marriage li-censes are based on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday are the following Monday, Thursday is the following Tuesday and Friday is the following Wednesday. A Minnesota marriage needs two witnesses. Those witnesses must be 16 or older.

The law prefers both parties appear at the time of application. If one party is unable to appear and the require-ments of Minnesota Statutes are met, the license may then be issued. Those requirements include the second party getting a copy of the initial applica-tion, filling out a special form, having it notarized, and returning it to the issuing office. There is a strong prefer-ence for both parties being present when the application is made for the marriage license.

The person who actually fills out the marriage license needs their cur-rent photo ID. If either of the parties has been married before, the person handling the application needs to see a copy of the divorce decree with the judge’s signature, or a certified death certificate of the previous spouse.

Facts worth knowing about marriage licenses

Albert Lea disc jockey hopes to make every gig special

• Perfect location for wedding receptions, banquets, holiday parties, meetings and private dinners.

• Seats up to 480 people or can be separated into thirds to accommodate smaller gatherings

• Overlooks a full length balcony and offers scenic golf course and lake views.

• Two-sided full service bar.• No room rental fee.• Outdoor area by lake for Wedding Ceremonies

(507) 373-2007 ext. 104Bryce Nelson, Director of Sales and Events

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you’ll find our prices fit every budget

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• WINTER WEDDING SHOWCASE • Albert Lea Tribune • Wednesday, January 11, 2012

wednesday, january 11, 2012

Inside:Meet an Albert Lea DJ who enjoys providing music at

wedding receptions and other events

AccentsAmericas Best Value InnBelles & BeausBliss Bridal and Formal WearBrant Hemingway Photography & VideoCertified TravelConger Catering & Party ShopDawson LimoDiamond JoDigital Dreams Sound & Light ShowEspecially For YouFlowers To Be by Bree Grizzly SoundHerberger'sHoliday Inn Express & Suites NorthwoodHy-Vee

Jan Bernau PhotographyKelly Lynne Originals LC PhotographyLeutholdslia sophia-Jean JaspersenLinda Kane PhotographyMakeup Artistry By Brooke & Vibrant Airbrush Tanning By KeriMary Kay-Karen RowlandMemories AloftMidwest StainlessMoose LodgeThe SilhouetteSugar Chic Cake DesignsUptown SoundWedgewood Cove Golf ClubWendt PhotographyYour Home Improvement Center

Sunday, Jan. 1512:00-5:00

2 Fashion Shows • 1:30 & 3:30You’ll want to see them both!

Multiple professional vendors helping you plan your

perfect day!

2012 Bridal Expo Exhibitors

I-90 & Bridge Ave., Albert Lea, MNM-F 10-9; Sat. 10-6; Sun. 12-5 • (507) 377-3185 • www.northbridgemall.com

BRIDES REGISTER TO WINOver $2500 in Prizes

including aHoneymoon

Package4 days & 3 nights at the

BREEzES RUNAWAY BAY, JAMAICA

PLUS: $500 towards airfare from

Northbridge MallCERTIFIED

TRAVEL

winter wedding showcase 2012

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