Bride Amp Amp Groom - Spring 2018

Spring 2018 Magazine
A Royal
Wedding
of Your
Very Own
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Contents
FEATURES
12 Follow Your Brunch Hunch
Enjoy your favorites morning, noon, and night.
30 Flower Girl Fashion

Fashion trends for the little ones.
34 Distinctive Designs
Brides ring in the era of self-expression.
38 Purple Reigns in the Wedding World angelaryanphotography.com 38

Pantone color of the year.
Spring 2018
44 Classic Cocktail Comeback
Timeless libations for every season.
48 Our Great Big Barn Wedding

Exchanging vows under post & beam.
54 Pretty and Sophisticated

How to work the plant-based trend
into your menu.
58 What’s Cooking? 74
Great gifts and gadgets for the foodie couple.
74 A Royal Wedding of Your Very Own

How to plan a British bash.
80 Gorgeous Green
The Greenery trend is still going strong
for 2018.
84 Bridal Buzz
Latest news and happenings.
FEATURED VENUES
62 The Asa Waters Mansion
68 The Beechwood Hotel
IN EVERY ISSUE
Nearby Nuptials
18 Jodi & Michael
26 Meghan & Kevin
DIRECTORIES
92 Function Facility Guide
96 Wedding Resources Guide

www.bridegroommag.com 7
™
Publishers
Richard E. Chevalier
Germaine A. Chevalier
President
Robert R. Chevalier
robert@chevalierassociates.com
Account Executive
Chrissy Carelli
chrissy@chevalierassociates.com
Website and Digital Media Manager

Lyndsay Hommé
lyndsay@chevalierassociates.com
General Manager
K.C. O’Brien
kc@chevalierassociates.com
Art Director
Rick Bridges
richardbridgesdesign.com
Contributing Writers
Stacey Marcus
Connie Jeske Crane
Emily Marcus
The Two of You Are Cindy Papish Gerber

Jennifer McNally Monac
Perfectly Matched...  BRIDE & GROOM™ Magazine

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8 Spring 2018 BRIDE&GROOM

Follow Your
Brunch
Hunch
Enjoy Your Favorites Morning,

Noon, and Night
by Stacey Marcus
L ooking for a fun twist to your wedding menu? Why not share your
fetish for French toast or celebrate your passion for pancakes? Couples are
adding brunch items to their wedding menus no matter the time of day.
“Brunch is interactive and colorful. Donut bars, loose-leaf tea bars, and
champagne are great choices for casual and creative wedding celebrations,”
adds Elaine Twombly of the Catered Affair in Hingham.

At the Kimpton Marlowe Hotel in Cam-
bridge, director of catering Nicola Dresser
says, “Brunch items are a great crowd
pleaser with endless options, whether as
a late-night snack to keep guests dancing
or as an unexpected treat for a daytime
wedding. Tartines are a great way to pack
a flavorful punch! They pair easily with
sweet or savory brunch items—a sweet
tartine with fluffy scrambled eggs or a sa-
vory tartine with a delicate, buttery pastry.
We give couples the ability to be adven-
turous and create their own tartine with
our chef to reflect their own personal style
and tastes. This is also a nice change from
the all-so-popular avocado toast. When
thecateredaffair.com
planning an afternoon soiree, all that’s
left to add are fun and festive cocktails!”
notes Dresser.
“Donut bars, loose-leaf

tea bars, and champagne
are great choices for casual
and creative wedding
celebrations.”
Emma Roberts of Capers Catering has

a smorgasbord of brunch offerings for
weddings. “I think couples are drawn to-
wards brunch options when they want a
more casual and relaxed reception. Every-
one loves brunch food, and there’s such
a wide variety of fun items to choose
from…crepe bars, top-your-own waffle
bars, bagel bars, cold-pressed juice bars,
omelet stations, top-your-own bloody
mary or mimosa bars, to name just a
few,” says Roberts.
Fun and funky selections are just what
make wedding menus special. “Couples
are adding a unique twist to their wedding
receptions by including classic breakfast
and brunch items such as French toast with
fresh fruit, whipped cream and Vermont
maple syrup to their dinner menu. Many
couples have also taken a liking to having
an omelet station available for their guests.
continued on page 14
meredithjanephoto.com
These quirky menu selections really make

weddings stand out,” says events man-
ager Nancy Mascera of Avenue in Long
Branch, NJ.
Nicole Mattiello of Pranzi Catering and
Events notes that donuts are a fun and
trendy way to sweeten your wedding.
“Make a beautiful donut tower wedding
cake, include them in your dessert dis-
play, or use them as favors that guests
can enjoy the following day! Who doesn’t
love a delicious donut? They are so fla-
vorful, and many donut shops and ca-
terers will even customize donut flavors
to coordinate with your event theme,”
says Mattiello.

“Everyone loves brunch food,
and there’s such a wide variety
of fun items to choose from.”
Nancy Batista-Caswell, proprietor of Oak +

Rowan in Fort Point, says the team loves to cre-
ate the exact experience couples are looking to
achieve for their guests. “For couples looking to
serve brunch not just during the day, but also
thecateredaffair.com
into the evening, we offer stationary/passed
items such as ham and whipped ricotta tar-
tines with kumquat and fig on our house-baked
bread, along with buffet/sit-down selections
such as vegetable frittata, eggs Florentine, and
French toast. Bloody marys, mimosas, and a se-
lection of wines and beers are also available,”
says Batista-Caswell.
As you can see, opting for a brunch-inspired
menu is so much more than your classic
“breakfast-for-dinner” meal. Brunch foods com-
bine comfort and fun with a sense of adventure
and decadence.
Stacey Marcus is a freelance writer based
in Marblehead.
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Nuptials
nearby
Jodi and Michael Mota

September 4, 2016
Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul
Providence, Rhode Island
Reception: Gillette Stadium,
Foxboro, MA
18 Spring 2018 BRIDE&GROOM dbphotori.com

Jodi Ricci worked as Michael Mota’s assistant at a large marketing company in Rhode Island. It would be an
understatement to say that they enjoyed working together. The two of them became best friends and wanted to spend every
second together.
Jodi was the captain of the New England Patriots Cheerleaders, and the team was in the Dominican Republic on their
annual swimsuit calendar trip. The couple had been dating for a couple of years at that time. Michael decided that it was time to
propose, so he surprised Jodi by flying down with a yellow canary diamond. The entire squad looked on as Michael got down on
one knee and popped the question.
Michael and Jodi gave themselves a year to plan the wedding. The first
event of the wedding was an engagement photo session at Walt Disney
World. The couple chose to have the reception at Gillette Stadium because
of Jodi’s involvement with the Patriots, and because they had lots of great
memories there. They wanted an over-the-top wedding and Gillette is truly
a grand location. Excitement remained high during the planning process.
In fact, when they were having the food tasting at the stadium, Michael
fainted in Tom Brady’s suite.
On the big day, September 4, 2016,

they had a beautiful ceremony at the
Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul
in Providence.

And then the fun really began… A live video
streamed on the jumbotron as the newlyweds
took the field at Gillette Stadium, entering
through the inflatable helmet arch as they were
announced over the loudspeaker.
Optum Field Lounge was transformed into

a fairytale locale with thousands of pale yellow
garden roses, white hydrangeas, candlelight,
beautiful linens, chandeliers, and white fabrics.
The six-tier cake was covered in roses as well.
Fairytale accents included Alice in Wonderland
chairs for the bride and groom. Guests were
served a three-course dinner, and the band Ra-
diance played all night long. To keep the party
going, a Game Day Buffet was rolled out at
11:00 pm. A large fiber optic tree was placed
in the middle of the dessert room where
guests could help themselves to treats at the
candy bar, as well as hundreds of mini pastries
and Italian cookies. One of the highlights of the
reception was when the Patriots Cheerleaders
performed for the groom.
The best advice Jodi and Michael have to give to a
bride and groom is to enjoy the planning process and
the days leading up to the wedding. Even though it
may be stressful at times, it’s one of the most exciting
events you will ever plan in your life.

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Nuptials
nearby
Meghan and Kevin Olson

September 23, 2017
Sterling National Country Club
Photographer: Meghan-Rose Photography

meghan-rose.com

Kevin and I met through mutual friends on Face-
book. Kevin trekked over one afternoon during a
snowstorm in December 2013 to plow out the house
where I lived. He asked me to take a ride with him
and we spent the next five hours riding around in the
snow. I knew he was the one almost immediately
but there could be no doubt when, in 2014, my dad
had a heart attack and was diagnosed with esopha-
geal cancer shortly thereafter. Throughout this ordeal,
Kevin was my rock, my shoulder to cry on, and my
best friend.
After my dad passed away in June 2015, Kevin
asked my mother and went to the cemetery to ask my
dad for permission to marry me. Kevin had been giv-
en his mother’s engagement ring, and my mom gave
him a ring from my dad, so he had a new ring made
combining the two. On the Saturday after Thanksgiv-
ing, my brother had a bonfire in his yard, and about
thirty of our closest friends were there. At one point,
my brother got up to make a speech, thanking every-
one for their love and support during our dad’s illness.
When he finished his speech, he turned it over to
Kevin and the bright lights came on. Suddenly Kevin
was on one knee with ring in hand. Naturally, I said
yes! My brother set off some fireworks and everyone
cheered.
We started planning right away and set a date far enough in advance so we would have time to save and have everything we hoped for. I knew that I
wanted a rustic country feel, and I wanted everyone to be comfortable and to have a great time. I wanted a party!
We looked around at venues and nothing caught my eye until we came up the driveway to the Sterling National Country Club. One look at their
grounds—the gazebo and water features, the ballroom, the bridal suite—and I knew it was where I wanted to say “I do.” Everyone there, from Jeff, the gen-
eral manager down to the wait staff, made it so easy. When we went to the tasting, it was difficult to decide because everything was amazing. We ended
up offering chicken chausseur and pork tenderloin with an eggplant vegetarian option. It was all cooked and served to perfection.
My first purchase after setting the wedding date was my wedding gown. I went to Marry and Tux in Nashua, NH, and I only had to
try on three gowns before I found the one I wanted—an ivory strapless Cara Mia lace ball gown with a corset and medium-length train.
Before having my gown altered, I had two hearts cut out of my dad’s favorite blue shirt and asked the seamstress to cover them in lace from my grand-
mother’s wedding gown. She sewed one of the hearts to my train where it was visible the whole day; I put the other one inside my dress to keep next to
my heart.

For the centerpieces, I filled pint mason jars with
fairy lights and wrapped jute around the covers and
filled quart mason jars with blue hydrangeas and
baby’s breath. We painted the table numbers on 7”
lengths of trees, which had the tops cut at an angle.
The trees were from the woods where Kevin grew up,
which happened to be the land was in my dad’s fam-
ily for almost 100 years, so my dad grew up there,
too. I originally wanted lace and burlap table run-
ners, but Jeff proposed round mirrors instead, which
pulled it all together and looked amazing. For the fa-
vors, we ordered cozies and had chocolates made
by Stewart’s Chocolates in Holden in the shape of
cowboy boots.
We found the bridesmaids’ dresses at David’s Bridal.
The long, navy blue dresses had lace at the top and a
slit up the front which showed off the cowboy boots.
I carried a bouquet of sunflowers, wheat, and greens
wrapped in burlap, and my maid of honor and my
bridesmaids carried smaller versions of my bouquet.
The flower girl wore a lace and tulle navy blue dress
with cowgirl boots and carried a tiny version of our
bouquets. The men wore sand colored vests with ivory
shirts and navy blue ties from Bonardi’s Formal Wear in
Worcester. All the men wore dark blue jeans and cow-
boy boots.
We decorated the gazebo with sunflowers, and hung
mason jars with sunflowers from the aisle chairs ev-
ery fourth row. We had water bottles with personalized
event labels—a great call since it is was sunny and al-
most 90 degrees that day. Two local craftspeople made
me a beautiful wooden sign for the seat where my dad
would have sat. We also set up a “memory” table in the
bar area where we displayed photos from the weddings
of our grandparents and great-grandparents, as well as
a photo of my late uncle.
Our cake was made by Elena at Baked in Holden. We
had four tiers with carrot, red velvet, chocolate, and va-
nilla cake. Each layer was wrapped with lace and burlap,
and there was a willow tree figurine on top. We had a
DJ and a videographer and photographer.
The whole day was a continual series of happy mem-
ories; there’s not one thing I would change. Sterling Na-
tional Country Club was a great choice because it was
convenient for all our guests to have everything in one
place. The staff members were incredibly accommodat-
ing, friendly, and eager to please, which left me with the
feeling that nothing less than perfect was acceptable.
The only advice that I would give to future couples
is to make sure to give yourself enough time to plan
exactly what you want. Two years seemed like a long
time at first, but the time just flew by.
Flower Girl Fashion
by Stacey Marcus
Now that you’ve chosen the cherubs for your bridal party, how do you decide
what they will wear? We asked Lindsey Bennett, lead designer for Azazie, an online
bridal boutique, for her thoughts on flower girl fashion trends. Read on for some
great insight on how to dress the little darlings.

B&G: How have the styles changed over
the last few years?
LB: Flower girls’ dresses haven’t changed
drastically over the past few years, but we
have seen some slight updates to mod-
ernize the look and correspond to up-
dated bridal and bridal party dress trends.
Waterfall skirts and illusion necklines and
hemlines have emerged, while interest-
ing back designs—keyhole, crisscross
straps—are also being incorporated for a
fresh feel. Cascading or tiered ruffles are
another way to add a delicate touch to a
flower girl’s dress, tying back to a popu-
lar bridal party trend. As far as sleeves,
capped, sleeveless, and short-sleeves
are still prevalent, but spaghetti straps
are growing in popularity in keeping with
bridesmaid styles.
B&G: What are the colors that are
trending today?
LB: Flower girl dresses are typically white
or ivory with a hint of color to fit the color
scheme of the wedding. Some brides opt
to have their flower girls wear the same
shade as their bridesmaids. Popular bridal
party colors for spring include metallics
and shades of green, as well as “dusty”
colors in shades such as blue, rose, and
sage, which serve as the perfect comple-
ment to these hues. The venue will also
impact the color selection. An outdoor
wedding looks great highlighting the
green tones of the surroundings, where-
as a beach wedding can look romantic
using soft, muted earth tones such as
champagne or sky blue. Another staple
that looks great on kids is pastel. You can
never go wrong with a lighter shade of the
alisonwhitephotography.com
bridesmaids’ dress color.
B&G: How should the flower girl dresses
complement bridesmaids dresses? “An outdoor wedding looks great high-
LB: An effortless and beautiful way for lighting the green tones of the surroundings,
flower girl dresses to complement brides-
maids gowns is to incorporate the cho- whereas a beach wedding can look
sen color into the little girl’s dress on a romantic using soft, muted earth tones
smaller scale. Whether it’s a sash around
such as champagne or sky blue.”
the waist, a bow in the hair, or the hue of
the little girl’s shoes or flowers, a pop of
color mapping back to the wedding color
scheme creates a beautiful visual for the
big day. Brides might also consider having
the flower girl wear a small corsage to cor-
respond to the wedding color scheme as a
subtle yet sweet way to create a cohesive
look. If bridesmaids are wearing a sequin
gown or a style with sparkling embellish-
ments, flower girls could be adorned with
a shimmering tiara or embellished sash.
Flower girls should always be included in
the theme, while making their own age-
appropriate style statement.
B&G: What are the fabrics we will be
seeing?
LB: For flower girls, it’s important to
consider fabrics that won’t wrinkle or
easily tear. For that reason, a head-
to-toe silk dress is not ideal, while
tulle makes for a fun skirt fabric.

Layering it with cotton, lace, or silk on the

top makes for a beautiful combination.
Textured lace is also rising in popular-
ity, offering additional dimension to
dresses. Of course, comfort is also key,
so itchy fabrics should be avoided. Little
girls can get restless during the cer-
emony, and having a flower girl tugging
at her attire can be a distraction when
all eyes should be on the happy couple.
Season and location should also be fac-
tored in, as a beach wedding will call for
a more ethereal, casual fabric, whereas a
formal function at a fancier venue might
call for a princess/ball gown silhouette in
more structured fabric.
B&G: Any advice on avoiding the com-
mon pitfalls of outfitting a flower girl?
LB: I think the best advice to avoid the heels and stick to flats for comfort; con- dress allows them to move easily so
pitfalls is to make sure your flower girl sider straps instead of a strapless gown to that they can enjoy the party alongside
is comfortable. While it can be tempting avoid fussing; opt for a tea-length dress everyone else for the duration of the
to put these cute little ladies in an out- instead of floor-length to avoid tripping; wedding.
fit mimicking the adults, with all the bells try not to overdo the accessories and in-
and whistles, we need to remember that stead give them one or two accents that Stacey Marcus is a freelance writer
based in Marblehead.
they’re still kids. If they’re not comfort- will still make them feel like a princess;
able, the ceremony may suffer. Avoid high and most importantly, ensure that their
Distinctive
Designs
Brides Ring in an Era of Self-Expression
by Stacey Marcus
Diamond rings have been sporting the hands of newly can elevate a traditional setting to an entirely new level. While
engaged women since ancient times. In the mid 1940s, diamonds are always in vogue for engagement rings, millen-
DeBeers revived the ritual with its famous “Diamonds Are nials are also opting for nontraditional stones, such as color-
Forever” campaign. Today’s brides are blazing new trails by changing alexandrite, beautiful tanzanite, black opal, and even
selecting nontraditional wedding rings that express their aquamarine. We are in an age when anything goes, and brides
individual style. are embracing the idea of individuality and self-expression!”
True Colors says Jordan Fine, CEO of JFINE.
“Brides today want to be unique and they don’t mind taking Kathryn Money, vice president of strategy and merchandising
chances with colors, settings, and stones. When it comes to at Brilliant Earth agrees: “Customers are seeking products that
choosing an engagement ring, natural pink, blue, and even express their individuality and are increasingly drawn towards
green diamonds are trending. These precious and rare dia- uniqueness. They want a ring that isn’t like everyone else’s,
monds originate from only a few mines in the world, and they which we’re seeing manifested in many different ways, such

as choosing a distinctive ring setting, using colored gemstones
in lieu of a diamond, using a fancy (non-round) diamond, or
opting for rose gold.” Money adds that 16% of respondents in
a recent survey they conducted favored a colored gemstone
engagement ring over a diamond. “Brides are increasingly gravi-
tating towards colored gemstone rings, including sapphires in a
range of hues, emerald, morganite, and aquamarine as a way to
create a distinctive, stylish statement that can also hold personal
meaning. Morganite gemstones set in rose gold settings are
definitely trending!” says Money.
Insuring Your Ring
Are the rules different for insuring a nontraditional wedding
ring? We asked Janece White, senior vice president at Chubb 1.97 carat fancy light-yellowish green diamond surrounded by Argyle
Personal Risk Services. “For starters, when selecting your forever pink melee and set in 18K gold.
ring, be careful you understand the durability of your selection.
For example, it’s understood that a diamond is the hardest sub-
stance on the planet and can take everyday ware with little
concern. However, that is not the case with other gem choices.
Second, select a reputable jeweler who can explain how to take
care of your ring, assure you of its actual origin, and provide
authentication of your chosen stone. With diamonds, it’s fairly
common to get a diamond certificate, but that is not the case
with other gemstones. Last, but not least, make sure you insure
your purchase for its replacement value. After going through
all of the trouble to find the perfect ring, you want to make
sure you can replace it if something unfortunate happens,”
notes White.
Behold these eight exquisite engagement rings:
Argyle Origins ring with 2.02 carat oval fancy intense purplish-pink
diamond surrounded by Argyle pink diamonds and white diamonds
and set in platinum.
JFINE Three-stone ring with 1.63 carat fancy gray diamond and .40 carat
3.64 carat Natural Australian Black Opal. fancy purplish-pink diamonds set in Argyle pink diamonds.
1.12 carat fancy orangy-yellow marquise, 1.59 carat Argyle blue
diamonds and .01 Argyle pink diamonds set in platinum and pink gold. continued on page 36
Brilliant Earth
Windsor Ring
Lyrical shapes scattered with shimmering
diamonds form a halo around a glistening
center morganite gemstone in this unique
engagement ring. Morganite has been
increasing in popularity due to its romantic
“millennial pink” hue that pairs perfectly with
trendy rose gold.
Lotus Flower Ring

A subtle floral diamond halo blooms around a center
oval sapphire in this exquisite engagement ring.
The deep royal blue gemstone exudes a regal feel,
while the oval shape gives the ring a sense of elegance.
Cambria Ring
This glittering halo setting features delicate pavé
diamonds that encircle a vibrant yellow round sapphire
and adorn the band. An open gallery makes this ring
light and feminine for a truly special look.
Lena Ring
A cushion-cut emerald is the main attraction of this 18K
yellow gold ring. Emeralds have historically known for
their radiant hue. In fact, the color was named Pantone’s
Color of the Year in 2013 for that very reason.

Beyond All
Expectations
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A wedding at The Manor is the ultimate marriage of elegance and romance. We will help you plan an
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All you have to do is find the love of your life... we’ll take care of the rest!
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Purple Reigns
in the
Wedding World
by Stacey Marcus
Purple lovers will delight in the plethora of ways the color is being celebrated this year, thanks to the
Pantone Color Institute naming Ultra Violet its Color of the Year for 2018. For those of you not familiar
with the ritual, Pantone has been declaring a color of the year since 2000. “Ultra Violet is a magical
color for weddings,” says Leatrice Eiseman, executive director of the Pantone Color Institute. She notes
the color’s inferences to mystery and intrigue and the dynamic fusion of red and blue as the perfect
pairing to inspire a couple to be open to the potential in their new worlds together.

Tablescapes and Takeaways
“At ForYourParty.com, we love to help our couples include
trending colors and designs in their wedding, and one of this
year’s hot shades is definitely Pantone’s Color of the Year,
Ultra Violet. With an assortment of darling purple products
and print options, brides can add a touch of the fun hue
to their tablescapes or takeaways through our personal-
ized coasters, cocktail napkins, cups, or gift bags. This pop
of color complements other shades of purple as well for a
subtle trend influence and monochrome palette,” says Sari
Mintz, president of ForYourParty.com.
Apparel and Accents

“Ultra violet is a great color for a bridal party, as it really
stands out and photographs beautifully. For spring and
summer, it can be a great complement to yellow and teal
colors, and for fall and winter, it can stand on its own against
neutrals for a surprising pop of color,” says Lindsey Bennett,
Azazie’s lead designer.
Ring in the Possibilities

Diane Lloyde Roth, owner of L’Armoire, notes that the purple color of this tanzanite perfectly exemplifies Pantone’s Color of the
Year. “The uniqueness of this stone is its infinite ability to change from the deepest violet to a blue-based purple. Looking into
this stone, we are reminded of the boundless possibilities ahead in our life!” says Roth.
Takes the Cake
Purple also takes the cake for frosting or cake details. “Purple can be a soft, romantic shade or a dark and vivid jewel tone; it can
be used as a bold canvas for an all-white cascade of florals, or it can appear as a single stunning dark violet peony on an all-white
tiered cake,” says Jeanne Topham of I Dream of Jeanne Cakes.
Cheers to Ultra Violet
Ultra Violet is a great color to use in mixing cocktails. “What bride doesn’t want to feel like a princess on her wedding day? Why
settle for princess when you can be an empress? The Emperor’s Sour uses the naturally violet Empress Gin, which was made for
the Empress Hotel in Victoria, British Columbia. Its stunning color gives this drink a vibrancy to the eye that few spirits can match.
Adding egg white for the frothiness gives it a cloudlike impression that will match any bride’s dress well. Also, its beauty can be
modified to match the wedding party; the garnish, an edible flower, can be matched to the highlight colors of the wedding,”
notes Brice Peressini, lead bartender at The Victor.

Purple Posies
Benjamin Newbold, creative director of
events and floral design at Winston Flow-
ers, presents a few posies that highlight
the hue’s flower power. “Ultra Violet is
an artistic, energizing, and mysterious
hue that adds gorgeous color to a wed-
ding. Many of my clients are gravitating
towards more neutral colors that look
antique or faded—almost Victorian—which
Ultra Violet has undertones of. Spring
and summer are the perfect seasons to
incorporate this color into your flowers,
as there are many varieties in this shade.
I especially love using anemones, Vanda
orchids, sweet pea, and garden roses, as
well as the playfulness of allium and the
checkerboard pattern of Fritillaria. By pair-
ing multiple flower types in varied shades
of purple, your bouquet or centerpiece
will give off an Ultra Violet hue. Also, the
right lighting will make your Ultra Violet
event glow. The contrast of soft blue
lighting against purple flowers creates
just the right shade—while purple light-
ing and purple flowers are a bit bolder. If
you want your Ultra Violet flowers to be a
star of the show, a dark atmosphere with
spotlights on the flowers makes them
almost fluorescent,” says Newbold.
Pops of Purple
Fritz Bosch of Boston Event Lighting and
Films says to light up the room in Ultra Violet.
“Ultra Violet is a great color for event
lighting. You can use it to add drama to a
room through up lighting or a purple color
wash. You can also add pops of color to
the room in Ultra Violet. Think Prince and
let purple ‘reign!’” says Bosch.
Stacey Marcus is a freelance writer based

in Marblehead.
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Classic Cocktail
Comeback
Timeless Libations for Every Season
by Emily Marcus
Nothing quite sets the mood at an event like a great drink. Cocktails transport us, giving us a taste of an earlier time or an exotic
location. When it comes to concocting creative beverages, more and more couples are opting for the tried-and-true classics to
complement their elegant, retro, minimalist, or vintage vibe. In the words of Robbi Jo Oliver, director of wine and spirits for Mastro’s
Ocean Club, “Traditional drinks are crowd-pleasers. If you are concerned about your guests and want to make sure they are pleased
with the drink options, stick with the basics.” Likewise, bar manager Jenn Harvey of Cambridge’s Temple Bar notes, “Guests are
opting for traditional drinks that don’t need much explaining. After all, simplicity is key.”
Think simple equals boring? Think again. As the traditional trend booms, mixologists and bartenders are adapting their creations for
modern times. Oliver advises, “To elevate these classics and make them more personal and fun, make a garnish bar with many kinds
of olives, spices, peels, and maybe some inedible ones such as flowers and mini umbrellas!” Another option is to adjust the actual
recipe: “Infusing a spirit is a simple way to take a classic and make it more you. You can also sub in a different spirit or modifier,”
explains Kelly Coggins, beverage director of City Winery Boston. Coggins also suggests a drink-testing party before the big day for
those looking to experiment. Or you could get more creative with the vessel the drink comes in, quirky ice cubes, unique food
pairings, or a meaningful name.
Photography courtesy of Mastro’s Ocean Club

However you choose to modify your concoctions, our experts agree that the most important aspect of any wedding cocktail
is that it reflects the couple and their spirit (pun intended). Here they weigh in on their top choices for every season:
Spring
“As the snow starts to melt in Boston and the
days get warmer, but still not as warm as you
want, I think most people start to wishfully
drink, moving back to light-colored spirits in
hopes of drinking summer into existence.
I love making variations on the classic Tom
Collins this time of year, using local peas and
juicing them to give the drink a bright color
and spring flavor.”
—Kelly Coggins, beverage director,
City Winery Boston
“Spring is tricky here in New England, so

I like a drink that represents the tug of war
between winter and summer. The Periodista,
featuring dark Jamaican rum, lime, triple sec,
and apricot liqueur is a wonderful option.
The dark rum speaks to winter, while the
stone fruit notes of the apricot liqueur hint
at the warmer months to come.”
—Jared Sadoian, assistant bar director,
The Hawthorne
Summer
“I think sparkling cocktails play great in any season, but using fresh seasonal produce can always take a
perennial classic to new seasonal heights. For example, a little muddled strawberry shaken and strained
in our French 75 could be a nice, seasonal twist” —Gina Goyette, bar manager, Explorateur
“Any citrus classic would be great during summer such as a gin/vodka Gimlet or a Margarita.”
—Michael Ray, beverage consultant, Chopps American Bar and Grill

Fall
“Bamboo, a sherry cocktail with hints of baking spice. It’s a gorgeous amber color so it really looks like the season, too.”
—Jared Sadoian, assistant bar director, The Hawthorne
“I tend to move to a more spirituous drink. Something cozy with a fuller flavor that I just want to settle into with a great book.
I love an Oaxaca Old-Fashioned. The smoky notes of the mezcal mingle with the mole bitters and reposado tequila to make the
whole so much better than the sum of its parts.” —Kelly Coggins, beverage director, City Wintery Boston
Winter
“A Boulevardier. The warmth of whiskey is
perfect for the colder months!”
—Robbi Jo Oliver, director of wine and
spirits, Mastro’s Ocean Club
“Stirred drinks are more fitting—particu-
larly cognac and bourbon-based cocktails.
Guests should try a Vieux Carré or a
Negroni made with mezcal.” —Chris Keith,
lead bartender, il Casale Belmont
Ultimately, drinks are one of the many ways a couple can get creative and
add those magical (and delicious) details their guests will remember for years
to come. Where they take their inspiration from, what flavors reflect their
personality, and who they wish to honor can all be reflected in a carefully
selected cocktail. While the classic trend is a great place to start, don’t be
afraid to taste and tweak until you’ve found drinks that represent the most
important part of any wedding: the bride and groom.
Our Great Big
Barn Wedding
Steven Gittelman and Elaine Trimarchi met in 1981 and became engaged in April 2015, when they were visiting
property they had purchased in Connecticut the year before. Steve’s plan was to take Elaine for a walk to the far
end of the lake and propose to her there. Unbeknownst to Steve, Elaine put her purse on the back seat, thinking she
wouldn’t need it. Steve was a bit nervous, and when he shut the door of the truck, he realized immediately that he
had locked the keys inside. Not wanting to spoil the moment, he took her on a romantic walk, and on bended knee,
he asked his beloved for her hand. Then, with a smile, he asked her for her keys. She responded that they were safe
in the truck. The property is in a very remote area, so they had a long wait before help arrived, but they managed
to keep warm by building a fire.
Photographer: Michael O’Neil Fine Arts Inc.

michaeloneillfineart.com

The couple had always loved the barn at their Long
Island home. It has a huge cupola and plenty of happy
memories. Elaine was considering holding their nuptials
there, but the deal was sealed when Steve’s younger
daughter got engaged and wanted to be married at
home. Since Elaine and Steve would have their wedding
before hers, she made them promise that they would
get married in the barn, and she would be the first to get
married in the house. They planned for one year, non-
stop. Elaine was in charge of taking care of the traditional
wedding arrangements, and Steve was responsible for
making sure the grounds and barn were up to snuff.
Not long after that, Steve retired and totally immersed
himself in working on the wedding and all that it involved.
“Each day felt as if I was building a huge love note to
Elaine,” he said. He would be up at sunrise and back after
dark. Elaine would meet him after work in the barn to see
his progress. When he finally laid down the wood floor,
Elaine walked in after a long day at work and her jaw
dropped. They decided to have their first dance together
on the floor they had built. Steve said that he knew then
that they were going to make it. “My stroke and all the
fear that had accompanied it just a few months before
seemed very far away.”
Steve and Elaine were married on June 19, 2016, under a
pergola decorated with flowers that Steve built just outside the
barn. Usually used to store and repair equipment, the barn had
a dirt floor, and the mixture of dust and grime made it impos-
sible for any bride to comfortably appear in white. Many of the
grimy plows and engine parts found new life on the walls of
the barn. Even a piece of driftwood made an intriguing corner
decoration. A beautiful touch was added with the twenty-six
window frames, each with a half dozen or so panes, that were
filled with photographs of everyone who was invited to the
wedding. Each frame was softly highlighted by a battery driven
LED light. A parent who had passed away was featured there,
with angels placed next to the frame. The lake in Connecticut
they both love so much appeared in a dozen or so happy
pictures, and their new grandchild was there to look back at
them through her baby eyes. It added a special dimension that
seemed to make everyone feel at home.

Two highlights were the first dance and the first look. Steve
was not expecting the first look to be so moving while he waited
for Elaine in the garden. She came down and he burst into tears
when he saw her. The photographer caught it all. The first dance
was a waltz to “All of Me” by John Legend. Because Steve is not
a natural dancer, they both took lessons on Friday nights, and on
the night of the wedding it was like magic. They seemed to glide
over the floor as if in a dream.
If you’re planning a wedding in your own barn, Steve and
Elaine advise you to keep in mind that you’ll have plenty to do,
so give yourself plenty of time. Unlike booking a wedding venue,
when you’re envisioning an event in your own barn, you’ll prob-
ably want to change quite a bit. Life on a farm may seem roman-
tic, but it leaves something be desired when it comes to having a
formal party: The roof might leak, the floor may not be good for
dancing, and all the equipment that was stored there has to go if
you want to fit in all of those tables. Steve added encouragingly,
“If you have a barn and you’re brave, go for it. You will never
forget it. It takes quite a bit of effort, but it’s worth it; in fact, that’s
the case with any good marriage.”
Pretty and
Sophisticated
How to Work the Plant-Based
Trend into Your Menu
by Connie Jeske Crane
kellybenvenuto.com

If you’re looking to create a wedding menu that’s delicious- that’s what you want to do, and we’ll make sure there’s some-
ly sophisticated and in vogue, plant-based is the hottest food thing you can have. But you know, Mom wants to serve beef
trend for 2018, according to New York restaurant consultancy and it’s her wedding too.’”
group Baum + Whiteman. Today, besides considering what guests and parents want,
In Somerville, Kristen Campbell, director of event sales and Campbell says more couples are crafting menus that reflect their
planning at Forklift Catering, confirms a shift here as well. “We preferences as well. “People have begun to include food as part
are seeing more demand for vegetarian and vegan catering.” of the personalization of their wedding.” The other big change is
In Boston, Emma Roberts, the owner of Capers Catering, the food quality. Rather than adding a pallid vegetarian lasagne
says, “I think you’re always going to have that stodgy New Eng- to your menu as an afterthought, Campbell says, plant-based
land person who is a meat-and-potato person, but I think that’s dishes have become sophisticated, chef-driven fare.
getting less and less prevalent, and more people are open to Choosing a Caterer
new things and creativity.” Obviously, choosing the right caterer is pretty important here.
The huge popularity of plant-based dishes is definitely some- Roberts advises looking for caterers who customize their menus
thing to keep in mind as you’re working out your wedding versus those who offer set packages. “You really need people
menu. Whether you and your partner embrace this dietary who are very interested in vegetables, interested in farm-to-
choice yourselves or just want to include beautiful vegetable table, interested in the cutting-edge…I think if you pick the right
dishes alongside meat proteins, it’s an exciting era. Across New partner, then it’s easy to come up with something that’s fun and
England today, savvy caterers and chefs are elevating plant- interesting.”
based cuisine to a whole new level of dazzle. How far you take the plant-based thing depends on you.
New Mindset While most weddings continue to include both plant- and
Do you want to get onboard with this trend? If the answer is yes, meat-based dishes, it’s not uncommon today, says Campbell,
then the first thing to note is that there’s a whole new mindset to see all-vegetarian or all-vegan wedding menus. “We’ve found
emerging. We used to think of vegetarians and vegans as on that with couples who are vegetarian or vegan, where both
the fringe, and catering was mostly geared towards covering the members are making that dietary choice, they tend to lean
bases. As Campbell says, “For a long time it was, ‘That’s okay if towards making the choice for the whole group.”
coleandkiera.com allegrophotography.com
If you go meatless, buffets work really well versus plated
meals, adds Campbell. “For couples who choose to do a fully
vegetarian or vegan wedding, I find they’re leaning towards buf-
fets because they want to offer guests those choices.”
Serving Suggestions
As for how to wow your guests with vegetables, legumes, and
grains, you’ll want to have lots of discussions with your cater-
er. The caterers we talked to did, however, have some great
guidelines.
Campbell, for example, suggests designing your buffet to in-
clude both familiar dishes and some that invite guests to ex-
plore. “Both of the vegan weddings we did last year had some
sort of pasta component, and I think that’s a really accessible
vegan entrée for people…But maybe also give them the oppor-
tunity to try something that they haven’t had before like lentils
or curried cauliflower.”
Interesting flavors also help woo a crowd, she adds. “People
have a much more diverse palate than they used to, so things
like samosas and Indian dishes lend themselves really easily to
vegetarian flavors.” Finally, Campbell says opting for a late sum-
mer or early fall wedding, when there’s lots of gorgeous local
produce, really helps you deliver pizzazz. “When you look at a
beautiful tomato bar or peaches or beets or anything like that,
you don’t think about missing that meat, because there’s so
much amazing fresh food.”
And ultimately, whether there’s meat or not is really not the
point. As Roberts says, “I think the goal is to try to make beauti- kellybenvenuto.com
ful things so that people don’t even realize that they’re vegan,
because they’re so good and so hearty and so filling and so
pretty that no one is missing the meat!”
Connie Jeske Crane is a full-time freelance writer and reports frequently on
weddings, parenting, sustainability, and social media.You can visit her
at www.conniejeskecrane.com.
coleandkiera.com caperscatering.com

Photos courtesy of: Racheal Provencher Photography
Devens Weddings and Events

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What’s Cooking?
Great Gifts and Gadgets for the Foodie Couple
by Stacey Marcus
What do you give the couple who are up on the latest food trends and first in line when a new
restaurant opens in town? We assembled eight perfect presents for foodie couples to outfit their nest
with the latest gadgets and greatest gifts.
“Kitchen items are the perfect wedding gift because you can hone in on the new couple’s wants and
needs; everyone uses the kitchen for something! Advanced appliances and high-tech gadgets can be
the perfect gift for foodies who love to cook, while simple knives and pans that minimize mistakes
are great for novice chefs. You also can’t go wrong with the abundance of options for coffee and wine
lovers, says Nicole Vellucci, Bloomingdale’s vice president of shopping services.
Here are ten fine gifts certain to delight your foodie friends:

Divine Wine
Coravin’s creative wine system lets you
enjoy your favorite wines by the glass
without corking. A thin needle inserted
through the cork lets you pour wine
without oxidizing the full bottle. Cheers!
$349.95
bloomingdales.com
More Espresso Please!

Inspired by Italy’s passion for espresso,
the Smeg espresso maker delivers
authentic espresso in iconic Italian style.
Taking up little space on your counter, this
slim machine brews a rich shot of espresso
and steams milk for a velvety cappuccino.
$449.95
williams-sonoma.com
Blooming Dinnerware Pots That Pop

This set of four floral-glazed canapé plates T-fal’s Color Luxe cookware adds a sophisticated
was designed by Caskata, the homewares pop of color to any kitchen and features T-fal’s
company that produces luxury china for the patented Thermo-SpotTM technology, which
Met Gala. Set of 4/$80 indicates when the pan is perfectly heated.
markandgraham.com $99.99
amazon.com
A Cut Above!
Words with Boards hand cuts each wooden
piece with standout, personalized messaging.
Each product is handcrafted from sustainably
forested American hardwoods. $159
wordswithboards.com
Veggie Magic
Create tasty alternatives to pasta with the OXO spiralizer,
featuring stainless-steel blades that cut spaghetti, fettucine,
or ribbon-cut noodles out of zucchini, carrots, and more.
$39.99
bloomingdales.com
Not Your Grandmother’s

Crock Pot
The new Wolf multi-function cooker takes
the place of separate rice cookers and slow
cookers. The perfect appliance to slow
cook, brown, steam and sauté food, and
make perfect sous vide and rice. $799.95
jwhdesigns.com
Mix Master
Top Chef alum Heather Terhune says the Kitchen Aid 600
Pro Mixer is a must-have for anyone who loves to bake,
make ice cream, or cook pasta. Several attachments are
available for making sausage, milling grains, and extruding
pasta. $499.95
surlatable.com
Happy shopping!

Tie the Knot with
Westford Charm
Our beautiful storybook hotel will provide

the very best to meet your wedding needs
including elegant rooms, lush landscaped
grounds, exceptional service and food.
219 Littleton Rd. • Westford, MA 01866

978.727.8712 • westfordregency.com
featured facility
The Asa Waters Mansion
H
by Jennifer McNally Monac
ave you heard? There’s a secret in Blackstone

Valley, although word about this quintessential
New England gem is spreading quickly. It’s the
Asa Waters Mansion, located in the heart of
Millbury Center. If you don’t already know about
this exceptional venue, you’ll want to add it to your
list of sites to visit before making any final decisions.

“It’s a spectacular setting, yet it’s very
private too, so couples say it feels like
it’s their home for the day.”
So what makes the Asa Waters Mansion so exceptional,

you ask? Certainly there are a lot of choices in the region, es-
pecially if you’re looking for the timeless elegance that goes
along with a venue worthy of being called a mansion, like
those found in Newport or Lennox. The Asa Waters Man-
sion has so much of what they have to offer, with its stately
columns and 22 interior rooms, constructed with the finest
materials, some dating back 200 years. In fact, the Asa Wa-
ters Mansion has all the grandeur, the beauty, and the rich
architecture of those better known venues, yet it also exudes
intimacy as well as the warmth and charm worthy of a his-
toric home—something not often felt in larger locations, and
certainly not in a country club or hotel ballroom. It’s also one
of the most affordable high-end wedding venues of its kind
in New England. The Asa Waters Mansion checks all the right
boxes without emptying your wallet.
“There’s a sense of magic here,” said John McElroy, direc-
tor of the Asa Waters Mansion. “It’s a spectacular setting, yet
it’s very private too, so couples say it feels like it’s their home
for the day. Unlike other mansion venues, the Asa Waters
Mansion isn’t so vast that it swallows you whole as you enter
the foyer. Instead, it has a feeling of classic familiarity for
our guests. It’s refined, not ostentatious, and couples feel at
ease in its splendor because they know they’re standing in
a place connected to history—and now they’re becoming a
part of that history. It’s like opening your own
grand estate to your family and friends for
your once-in-a-lifetime special event.”
Asa Waters II, the man behind the man-
sion, was born in Millbury in 1769. There, he
learned to be a gunsmith in his father’s shop,
and became quite successful. He and his
brother founded a prosperous armory in the
area, which allowed Asa to found the Millbury
Bank, too. In1823, he became a state rep-
resentative for the Commonwealth of Mas-
sachusetts, and while in this highly respected
position, he developed a plan to erect the
stateliest residence in the country as a gift for
his wife, Susan Holman Waters. Using only
the finest materials from around the world,
construction of the Asa Waters Mansion was
set in motion in 1824. Over two centuries,
the house enjoyed a rich and important histo-
ry, including being a stop on the Underground
Railroad during the Civil War, and Alexander
Graham Bell was once there, as well as
President Taft.
During the last century, the home fell into
significant disrepair, which inspired a large
group of people in town, including the histori-
cal society, to develop the Friends of the Asa
Waters Mansion about 25 years ago and an
extensive restoration began. Their goal was to
bring this pillar of Main Street Millbury back to

its original glory through extensive research. Since then, it’s been From top to bottom, the elegance and charm of the Asa Waters
a labor of love, with the donation of hundreds of hours of work Mansion sets it apart and enhances the beauty of every wedding
from volunteers who have created a very special place. celebrated there.
From late spring into the fall, celebra¬ting on the grounds of
Alvah Reida Photography. Dresses Courtesy of Q Look Bridal and
the mansion is a real treat, with its park-like exterior and bloom- Bella’s Boutique. Linens from Woosta Party Rentals. Rentals from
ing gardens. There’s a lovely bandstand and a brick pathway Boston Rustic Wedding Rentals. Tuxes from Bonardi’s Formalwear.
leading to the gazebo, with antique b¬¬¬lue stone steps out to Florals Millbury Town Florist.
one of the fields. Twinkle lights are used generously throughout. Jennifer McNally Monac is a freelance writer and real estate
Tent weddings are the most popular and can accommodate up agent, who lives and works on Cape Cod.
to 250 people, while those looking for a more intimate, indoor
setting can host a reception with up to 80 people at any time of
year. Winter—Christmas in particular—is an astonishingly beauti-
ful time at the mansion, when an army of volunteers deck the
halls; each room has its own tree! Wreaths, candles, and an
antique sleigh make it a stunning place to be married over the
holidays.
Brides and grooms can choose their own caterers from the
Asa Waters preferred list of vendors. These businesses know the
mansion well and share its mission of providing only the best
experience for couples, allowing them to express their own style
within their specific budget. They take pride in finding ways to
make each wedding significant and affordable, just for you.
When couples step through the doors of the Asa Waters Man-
sion, they feel that they are in the presence of something very
special. A great deal of consideration went into the restoration
of every corner of the interior, as well as the outside with the
splendidly manicured grounds. The restorers kept it very taste-
ful throughout, emphasizing subtle opulence and elegance. It’s
so full of romance, too. The caretakers of this mansion have
worked hard to include amenities that modern couples want,
while staying very close to the period style wherever possible.
5 Great
Massachusetts
& Rhode Island
Expos to
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featured facility
The Beechwood Hotel
E
erbphoto.com
by Jennifer McNally Monac
clectic and charming, yet innovative and urban,

the Beechwood Hotel is a deluxe wedding venue and
luxury boutique hotel located in the heart of Worcester,
Massachusetts. For more than 30 years, it’s been a
dramatic locale for celebrating memorable events for
couples looking to strike the perfect balance between
classic style and contemporary sophistication.
It’s all here under one roof.
erbphoto.com

The privately-owned Beechwood Hotel is the
only four diamond hotel in Central Massachusetts.
With 73 beautifully appointed rooms on five floors,
(many newly renovated, with additional renova-
tions to come), this luxury hotel has everything a
couple and their guests could need to make their
dream destination-wedding a reality.
“One of those unexpected

touches is a full-size
one-hundred-year-old
wedding chapel.”
scottraymondphotography.com
“Couples who choose to get married at the

Beechwood Hotel—and all of their guests—can
expect first-class hospitality, outstanding food, and
an overall high-quality experience from start to fin-
ish,” says Erin Kutz, Director of Social Events. “A
real bonus is the fact that the Beechwood is pri-
vately owned, and the owners are actively involved
in every aspect of what goes on here. Being onsite
everyday at the hotel allows them to keep a pulse
on our guest experience and gives them the op-
portunity to make important decisions in real time.
In addition, they’re selecting fine art for the walls,
working with the chef to curate the most creative
cuisine for their menu, and adding the unexpect- erbphoto.com
ed special touches that set the Beechwood Hotel
erbphoto.com
apart from the rest. They know the importance of provid-
ing an exceptional experience.”
One of those unexpected touches is a full-size one-
hundred-year-old wedding chapel, acquired a few years
back by one of the hotel’s owners. The Maria Gill Wil-
son Chapel was once located in the old Worcester City
Hospital. This gorgeous chapel boasts hand-carved wood
ceilings, along with breathtaking stained-glass windows
that allow for the room to create a romantic ambiance.
Built by a Boston banker in memory of his late wife, the
distinguished Chapel (a love story unto itself) is attached
to the 4,200-square-foot Grand Ballroom, where many
couples have kicked off their wedding day nuptials.
The Grand Ballroom can accommodate up to 250
wedding guests comfortably, with enough space for the
reception dinner and dancing. Not only that, the ballroom
size is flexible, so if a more intimate wedding is what you
had in mind, they can do that too. Just outside is an ex-
pansive brick terrace, perfect for an outdoor cocktail hour,
where guests can enjoy expertly mixed drinks and a se-
lection of delicious passed appetizers and hors d’oeuvres
erbphoto.com
70 Spring 2018 BRIDE&GROOM erbphoto.com

stations. Although there is an award-win-
ning restaurant on the premises, there’s
a separate chef at the Beechwood Hotel
whose sole focus is wedding and special
event menus. He takes pride in the fact
that all of his hors d’oeuvres are home-
made, on-site, and done to perfection.
That’s just the beginning when it comes
to this chef’s creative menus with global
and farm-to-table options available for
couples to enjoy. It’s that attention to de-
tail that sets the Beechwood Hotel apart.
Beyond the chapel, the terrace and the
grand ballroom, the Beechwood provides
a number of fun and aesthetically enticing
locations when it comes to wedding-day
photography. Even though the hotel is
situated in an urban locale, outdoor pho-
tos are a nice option here. Directly behind
erbphoto.com
the Beechwood Hotel, there’s a vintage
farmhouse owned by the hotel. Couples
can take pictures on the porch or across
the street in the well-maintained public
city-space, which has a manicured lawn
and lovely trees. Just outside the Beech-
wood, bistro lights twinkle, and the hotel
will be installing a 26-foot-tall antique
fountain that was originally minted in the
same place where the Statue of Liberty
was created. They recently acquired this
spectacular feature from a park in Phila-
delphia. That’s exactly the kind of unex-
pected specialty items and antiques that
make the Beechwood Hotel unique and
always evolving.
Thinking outside the box and giving
couples the options to make their wed-
ding day as personalized and diverse as
they are is what the Beechwood Hotel
is all about. It’s modern European style erbphoto.com
and vintage flair are the cornerstones of

the Beechwood’s luxury experience, pre-
sented in a timeless and memorable set-
ting. When considering all of the options “Eclectic and charming, yet innovative and
available in the Worcester area, the Beech- urban, the Beechwood Hotel is a deluxe
wood Hotel stands out and delivers.
wedding venue and luxury boutique hotel
Jennifer McNally Monac is a freelance writer located in the heart of Worcester.”
and real estate agent, who lives and works
on Cape Cod.
• On-site Weddings
• Garden Gazebo
Prime 2018 & 2019 • Ample Parking
• Seating from 75 to 260
Dates Available • Picturesque
Landscaped Gardens

A Royal
Wedding
of Your
Very Own
by Cindy Papish Gerber
74 Spring 2018 BRIDE&GROOM dandoke.com

o n May 19, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will say their vows before a crowd
of thousands inside St. George’s Chapel at Windsor Castle. Undoubtedly, millions of
brides across the globe will be watching, taking notes, and wondering, How can I
create a royal wedding of my own?
“Location, location, location,” empha- As they enter through the authentic Goth- Linda Rose, function coordinator. The
sizes Pania Montumer, owner and event ic doors from Windsor Castle and past Na- captivating great hall, Renaissance din-
coordinator of P&M Events. ”One of the poleon’s fireplace from the Tuileries Pal- ing room, courtyard, and oceanside lawn
best things about being a New England ace in France, “our couples feel like they exudes charm, offering a breathtaking
bride or groom is that there are so many are hosting their very own royal wedding.” backdrop for photos. What’s more, “Walk-
amazing venues available.” If you always “Nestled on Gloucester’s rocky Atlantic ing down the aisle in an actual castle can
dreamed of getting married in a real cas- coast, Hammond Castle is the perfect make you feel like a princess marrying
tle, it’s achievable! setting for that memorable event,” says your prince charming!”
Winnekenni Castle majestically over-
looks Lake Kenoza in Haverhill, MA. This
landmark, known as the “City’s Hidden
Crown Jewel,” is surrounded by 200 acres
of scenic conservation land and walking
trails. It offers couples the use of the great
hall (equipped with a baby grand piano
and interior balcony), an outer deck, a
manicured lawn, a courtyard, and a for-
mal garden.
Searles Castle at Windham, a mag-
nificent quarter-scale replica of an actual
medieval manor house, is located only
30 miles north of Boston. “Couples not
only have an English Tudor castle as their
backdrop,” says Shaun DeLorey, sales
and operations manager, but the ven-
ue “also brings guests through history.
gibbonsphoto.com www.bridegroommag.com 75
blackthumbstudio.com
Transportation
Using a horse-drawn carriage will make
you “feel just like a queen,” says Jon Frost,
owner of Remembrance Hill Carriages.
“We provide a team of horses with driver
and footman in full livery and top hats.
Our white wedding carriage is a replica of
the English ‘sociable’ or French ‘vis-à-vis’
blackthumbstudio.com design, similar to those used in Europe.”
With room to accommodate additional
members of your wedding party, this
posh carriage will guarantee you a grand
entrance.
Flowers
Although the royal bouquet will likely
contain at least one traditional sprig of
myrtle (a custom dating back to Queen
Victoria), lily of the valley, and peonies,
Sally E. Jablonski, president and owner
of Herbert Berg Florist, Inc., advises,
“There are other ways to display a royal
quality while keeping down costs. By us-
ing substitutes like freesia, hydrangea,
dahlia, or garden rose, “we can design a
romantic-looking, English-inspired short
cascade.”

couples offer, “small gift bags at each
“One of the best things table with an assortment of individually
about being a New wrapped British candy and cookies,” as
favors. Attaching place cards to imported
England bride or groom tea bags or jam jars is yet another “jolly
is that there are so many good” idea.
amazing venues available.” “Adding gold and silver accents, play-
ing with textures like velvet or sequins,
a touch of candlelight, and even a bit of
sparkle can really change the whole am-
Attire
bience,” says Pania. “It’s important to re-
While Prince Harry will wear a military
member that luxury is personal. Whatever
uniform, Meghan Markle’s jeweled tiara
makes you feel like royalty...it’s all about
and exorbitantly priced haute couture
personal preference.”
gown will unquestionably create a ma-
jor impact. “When Kate Middleton wore Cindy Papish Gerber is a regular contributor to
BRIDE&GROOM™. She writes from Connecticut.
a full lace ball gown with a high neckline
and long sleeves at her royal wedding, it
sparked a trend that’s still happening right
now,” explains Natalie Hanson, manager/ Sources
buyer at 125 Bridal. “Designers will need 125bridalboutique.com
Cake to quickly translate Meghan’s look for britsrus.com
According to UK press sources, Prince American brides.” customcakesbyamanda.com
Harry has requested that banana (his Décor and More bergflorist.com
favorite flavor) be featured in the royal Go all red, white, and blue with British hammondcastle.org
wedding cake. For local couples, Amanda Union Jack decorations or employ an Eng- pandmevents.com
McHugh, owner of Cakes by Amanda, lish garden party theme that combines remembrancehillcarriages.com
suggests combining “banana cake with a pastels, chintz, and doilies. Alan Greaves, searlescastle.com
caramel buttercream or adding some gold owner of Brits R US, a Massachusetts- winnekenni.com
elements, which are very popular. Noth- based retail and online store—“A Source
ing says royal like gold!” for All Things British and Irish”—suggests
The
1761 Old Mill
Restaurant, Cracker Barrel Pub
& Country Store
The Perfect
New England Setting
for Your Special Day!
Photo: Julie Mastromatteo
• Wedding Ceremonies
• Receptions from 10 to 150
• Bridal Showers
• Intimate Rehearsal Dinners
69 State Road East • Rte. 2A

Westminster, Massachusetts 01473
978-874-5941
Visit our website at www.1761OldMill.com
Photo: Julie Mastromatteo chrisrouxphotography.com
For All of Your Wedding

Limousine Service Transportation Needs
❦ Rehearsal Dinners
Limousine Service ❦ Bachelor &
Bachlorette Parties
❦ Wedding Day: Bridal
Party & Guest Services
Exclusive Offer:
$100 Credit
AA Transportation Co., Inc. Towards Any 3 Hour
10% Discount to 605 Hartford Turnpike, Shrewsbury, MA Wedding Package with
Military Personnel 508-791-9100 Ext. 1 Promo Code BG16
www.aatransportation.com

dragonflyshots.com
Gorgeous Green:
The Greenery Trend Is Still Going Strong for 2018
by Connie Jeske Crane
I
f you follow color trends, you know that green had a major moment in 2017.
It was the year the Pantone Color Institute pronounced Greenery 15-0343 as its
color of the year. And we saw “fresh and zesty yellow-green” popping up everywhere
from fashion runways to toss cushions to—yes—wedding color schemes, where
greenery was suddenly everywhere.

Although color trends have moved on
(Pantone’s color of the year is Ultra Vio-
let), when it comes to weddings, couples
remain wildly infatuated with the verdant
hue. Industry observers predict that we’ll
continue to see lush foliage draped across
reception tables, trailing from bouquets,
and tucked into lapels. Among its 2018
trends, Wedding Wire gave a shout out to
“all that greenery that will still be on-trend
for 2018.”
On the local front, Jyl Deering, Boston-
based wedding planner and designer for
Chancy Charm, sees good news for green
as well. “I’ve been doing a lot of meetings
for our spring and summer weddings of
2018, and it is something that comes up
constantly, yes. So I think it’s still on tar-
get and very much a trend.” So why does
greenery remain such a wedding favorite?
Aside from being a fresh and romantic
aesthetic, greenery’s attributes such as af-
fordability and perceived eco-friendliness
are attractive to couples.
In a recent post, popular blogger The
Golden Girl perfectly captured the zeit-
geist: “I’ve always loved flowers, especially
blooms in soft, neutral tones. (Peonies
and Hydrangeas! I die!)… But when I
got engaged, my stomach churned at the
idea of shelling out thousands of dollars
for flowers that are going to get tossed
after just one day!”
Want to know more? Here are the top
five things you need to know about the
greenery trend for 2018:
1. Budget-Friendliness ebacherphotography.zenfolio.com
Choosing this option over traditional flo-

rals can mean big savings for your wed-
ding budget. How much? According to
a survey by The Knot in 2015, couples
spend around $2,300 on their wedding
flowers. Of course, the difference de-
pends on what you select and what flow-
ers you might have chosen otherwise.
But if you opt for ferns, eucalyptus, Ital-
ian Ruscus, mosses, succulents, or other
greenery for your arrangements, Amy Mc-
Glaughlin of Amy McGlaughlin Lifestyles
says, “It could definitely cut [the cost] at
least in half.” ebacherphotography.zenfolio.com
analogwedding.com
2. Style and Versatility

Beyond pricing, greenery works with so
many wedding themes, from rustic to
minimalist to boho or organic. As for uti-
lization, you can add hints of greenery
throughout your celebration, beyond just
bouquets and boutonnieres. “I’ve seen it
on arbors and arches at the ceremony,
and of course, in centerpieces running
down the reception tables,” says Deering.
“I’ve seen brides do greenery or wreaths
on the back of their chairs…and for aisle
markers in the ceremony.” Greenery also
works well in women’s hair design—from
simple sprigs to floral crowns. You can
use it to grace cake layers and even to
accent printed materials. “I’ve seen olive
branches as a symbol on invitations,” says Photo courtesy: Calisto and Co.
Deering.

ebacherphotography.zenfolio.com
3. Subtle Scents
If you’re tired of floral notes, greenery lets you
add fresh scents to your occasion. With eu-
calyptus, for example, Deering says, “Some
brides tuck it into a napkin on their place
setting. It’s not a heavy fragrant scent, but it
adds a nice soothing touch, as do balsams
and things like that in the winter time.”
4. Practicality
As for practical advantages, Deering names
a few: “I do a lot of outdoor weddings, so
even in July or August, when you’re worried
about 90-degree heat and wilting floral ar-
rangements, greenery holds up. It’s not going
to die quickly or wilt.” In addition, she says
in photographs, greenery lends presence and
won’t fade into the background.
5. What’s New for 2018
McGlaughlin has observed several changes
this year, beginning with a shift in shade pref-
erences from sagey greens to darker, more
evergreen shades. She is also seeing mosses
being incorporated, especially in tablescapes.
Overall, McGlaughlin sees more innova-
tion ahead. “People are starting to get very
creative with how they use greenery for the
ceremony and reception décor. One thing
we’re seeing quite a lot of now at the recep-
tion is greenery suspended either in place
of, or incorporated into, overhead lighting….
and also walls of greenery.” As for bouquets,
McGlaughlin foresees more greenery there
as well , and if couples do incorporate flo-
rals, they’re choosing less traditional varieties
versus traditional roses, peonies, and hydran-
geas. “Everyone’s wanting to do something
that’s never been done before.”
Bridal Buzz
Latest news and happenings!
New for 2018: Bonardi’s is offering in-home tuxedo and suit fitting services.
Get your groomsmen together and Bonardi’s will come to you! Ask them
about this service when you select your styles for the men. If you want to
see the latest trends in wedding attire for men, check out Bonardi’s
Formalwear’s newly designed website: www.Bonardis.com.
Celebrating 95 years with locations in Worcester, Sturbridge, Milford,
and Auburn.
Tower Hill Botanic Garden is delighted to announce

an exclusive partnership with Peppers Artful Events.
Peppers is an award-winning catering company,
known for its five-star service and for consistently
creating sumptuous foods and dazzling displays.
Contact Tower Hill at 508.869.6111 or
www.towerhillbg.org/weddings.
Plan a unique wedding at Worcester Art Museum. As part of your special

day of celebration, WAM now includes an engagement photography
session. Your chosen photographer will capture the moment as art
and architecture come together with your engagement. Contact their
wedding consultant for details on having your wedding at the Worcester
Art Museum at 508-793-4327.
At Cameron&Fairbanks, all flowers are cultivated in their own gardens

to suit each bride’s need. Specializing in dahlias, this unique
studio creates floral designs that reflect the beauty of nature.
Contact Cameron & Fairbanks at 339-236-2964
cameronandfairbanks.com.

The Bull Mansion offers a variety of event spaces for any kind of event.
Weddings, cocktail parties, intimate dinners, corporate or nonprofit
meetings, baby & bridal showers all become one-of-a-kind here.
It’s a setting like no other in Central Massachusetts that is rich in
history and charm! www.bullmansion.com. (508) 755-6070
Emerald Invitations now offers the hottest wedding service:

3D Cake Toppers. Step inside the 3D photobooth, take your
photo, and create a 3D image and print it for your wedding cake.
It will be the most talked about item at your reception. Contact
Emerald Invitations at 617-657-0812 for details
or www.emerald-3d.com.
Ballroom in Boston has expanded their excellent teaching staff. They

now offer even more dance instruction for weddings at convenient times,
seven days a week. Their instructors work with brides, grooms, and
wedding parties to prepare the first dance you’ve always dreamed of.
Contact them to get started at (313) CUT-A-RUG or
info@ballroominboston.com.
Castle and Cottage RI, Newport Wedding Florist. It doesn’t matter

whether you’re getting married in a castle or a cottage, you can expect
something beautiful and unique for every style, venue, and budget.
Known for their outstanding customer service, Castle and Cottage can
provide a very detailed, customized floral proposal in less than twenty-
four hours. Contact Castle and Cottage RI, Newport’s newest boutique
wedding florist, at 401-323-2148, www.castleandcottageri.com.
Picture It Photo Booth & Photography provides an exciting flare for any
event. Their team is interactive, fun, professional, and totally affordable!
(401) 699-1067 or www.facebook.com/pictureitphotoboothri.
European Wax Center of Westborough recently

opened European Wax Center of Marlborough at
the Apex Center. From engagement photos and the
bachelorette party to the big day, brides and bridal
parties can stay smooth with 15% off full-price ser-
vices every time you visit until your wedding.*
Call (774) 512-0095 for an appointment in Westborough, or (774) 369-
0690 for Marlborough. *Additional conditions may apply and proof of
wedding needed. Please ask the guest associate for details.
Husband-and-wife photography team Aram and

Kateryna have a special for Bride & Groom readers:
five hours of coverage for $1,500, plus a mini-
engagement session for save the dates.
Contact Kataram at 781-888-0149.
kataramstudios.com.
kataram@kataramstudios.com.
A picture-perfect setting located in Sturbridge, Massachusetts,

featuring rustic elegance in a post-and-beam structure. Beautiful,
on-site ceremony options. Special $50 per person, complete 2019
Winter Wedding Package (January to March) available. Contact Danielle
or Marie at (774)-241-8450 or click www.thebarnatwightfarm.com.

Announce Your
Engagement
in the Fall 2018 Issue of
Magazine
Send your photo and wedding

date to: Chevalier Associates
334 Boston Turnpike
Shrewsbury, MA 01545
or e-mail at info@bridegroommag.com
If you would like your photos returned
please include a self-addressed stamped
envelope.
Photo must be received by July 1, 2018.
Please include this information with photo:
Name of Bride:
Bride’s Residence:
Name of Groom:
Groom’s Residence:
Date of Wedding:
bridegroommag.com
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AVR Photography & Video
30th Anniversary Special
Photography .........$899
DJ ..........................$999
Add Video ............. $699
Add Booth .............$699
Add Up Lights .......$399
avrphotography.com
Call 978.250.8117 info@avrphotography.com
A Historic Estate located in the beautiful Blackstone Valley Corridor.
Asa Waters Mansion; where History and Beauty meet.
Asa Waters Mansion

123 Elm Street • Millbury, MA 01527 • 508.865.0855 • asawaters.org
FUNCTION FACILIT Y
P L A N N I N G G U I D E
Grouped alphabetically by region: Worcester, East of Worcester,

South of Worcester, West of Worcester and North of Worcester
Package Min/Max Number Overnight

Types of Price On-Site Plan Room Ceremony of Events Accommo-
Reception Facility Functions Range Catering Available Capacity Site (Held at one time) dations
Worcester
Beechwood Hotel (Back Cover) Yes Yes 250 Max Yes 1 Yes
E, B, D, W Varies
363 Plantation St., Worcester, MA
Ph: (508) 453-1112 • Fx: (508) 754-0731
sales@beechwoodhotel.com Exchange vows in the authentic Victorian chapel, entertain guests on the terrace and dance the night away in the
www.beechwoodhotel.com magnificent grand ballroom. Contact: Elizabeth Lane.
Bull Mansion (7) E, B, D, W $25 - $100 Yes Yes 25/200 Yes 1-2 No
55 Pearl St., Worcester, MA
Ph: (508) 775-6070 The Bull Mansion offers a variety of event spaces for any kind of event. Weddings, cocktail parties, intimate dinners,
bullmansion@gmail.com corporate or nonprofit meetings, baby & bridal showers all become one-of-a-kind here. It’s a setting like no other in
www.bullmansion.com Central Massachusetts that is rich in history and charm! Contact: Hannah Green.
Mechanics Hall (23) E, B, D, W Varies Yes Yes 150/425 Yes 1 No
321 Main St., Worcester, MA
Ph: (508) 752-5608 • Fx: (508) 754-8442
events@mechanicshall.org Celebrate your wedding surrounded by historic Victorian elegance. Our spacious facilities accommodate intimate
www.mechanicshall.org gatherings or grand celebrations. Contact: Diana Casavecchia.
South of Worcester
Asa Waters Mansion (89) E, B, D, W $30 - $75 No Yes 25/150 Yes 1 No
123 Elm Sr., Millbury, MA 01527
Ph: (508) 865-0855
JMcElroy@townofmillbury.net A historic estate located in the beautiful Blackstone Corridor. Let us make your fairy tale dreams come true.
www.asawaters.org Asa Waters: where history and beauty meet. Contact: John K. McElroy II.
Coachmen’s Lodge (Inside Front Cover) E, B, D, W $30 - $50 Yes No 240 Yes 2 No
273 Wrentham Rd., Bellingham, MA 02019
Ph: (508) 883-9888
Thecoachmenslodge@gmail.com The Coachmen’s Lodge is the perfect venue for any type of event. From intimate showers to bridal event,
www.coachmenslodge.com inside or outside. Contact: Sarah Doolan.
Twin River E, B, D, W $30 - $75 + Yes No 50/1200 No 1 Yes
100 Twin River Rd., Lincoln, RI 02865
Ph: (401) 475-8438 • Fx: (401) 305-5188
dwing@twinriver.com Twin River promises to create the wedding of a lifetime. Distinctively unique. Custom designed wedding packages
www.twinriver.com and menus. Attention to detail. Ideal location. Contact: Donna Wing.
Types of Functions Offered: E - Engagement Parties B - Bridal Showers D - Rehearsal Dinners W - Wedding Receptions

West of Worcester
J. Anthony’s Italian Grill Function Facility (72) E, B, D, W Under $30 Yes Yes 75/260 Yes 1 No
206 Southbridge Rd, N. Oxford, MA
Ph: (508) 832-9705 • Fx: (508) 832-7978
www.janthonysgrill.com For 90+ people (in Café Room), included in the per-person price are: liner, cake cutting, setup/breakdown
charges and the cost of serving two different meals. Contact: Arnold or Jason Villatico.
Leicester Country Club (17) E, B, D, W $30 - $70 Yes Yes 20/300 Yes 2 No
1430 Main St., P.O. Box 138, Leicester, MA 01524
Ph: (508) 892-1390 • Fx: (508) 892-1331
sales@leicestercc.com Two beautifully appointed function rooms lined with windows and outside decks that overlook
www.worcester-wedding.com a garden gazebo and picturesque New England covered bridge. Contact: Sales Office.
Old Sturbridge Village (89) E, B, D, W $50 - $75 + Yes Yes Max 250 Yes 2 Yes
1 Old Sturbridge Village Rd., Sturbridge, MA 01566
Ph: (800) SEE-1830
osvsales@osv.org Let your future begin in our past! Step back in time for a wedding that will be truly timeless, unforgettable,
www.osv.org historical–and all yours! Contact: Event Sales Dept.
Publick House (83) E, B, D, W $35 - $68 Yes Yes Max 250 Yes Varies Yes
On the Common, P.O. Box 187, Sturbridge, MA 01566
Ph: (800) PUBLICK • Fx: (508) 347-3313 x286
sales@publickhouse.com Built in 1771, the Publick House Historic Inn maintains its 18th-century ambiance and warm hospitality. Outdoor tent
www.publickhouse.com and gazebo, old fashioned bake shoppe and beautiful grounds for picture taking. Contact: Catherine O’Brien.
Salem Cross Inn E, B, D, W $30 - $60 Yes Yes Varies Yes 1 No
260 W. Main St. (Rte. 9), West Brookfield, MA
Ph: (508) 867-8337 • Fx: (508) 867-0351
donna@salemcrossinn.com Authentic 1705 farmhouse, spectacular scenery, complimentary wedding planning,
www.salemcrossinn.com established reputation as one of the finest restaurants in New England. Contact: Donna Bennett.
Sturbridge Host Hotel (42) E, B, D, W $57 - $102 Yes Yes Max 350 Yes 2 Yes
366 Main St., Sturbridge, MA 01566
Ph: (508) 347-7393 • Fx: (508) 347-3824
info@sturbridgehosthotel.com Sturbridge Host Hotel features beautiful lakeside offerings, indoor garden terrace and elegant ballroom.
www.sturbridgehosthotel.com Personal attention and delectable cuisine will dazzle you. Contact: Catering Sales Office.
The Barn at Wight Farm (25) E, B, D, W Varies Yes Yes 40-175 Yes 1 No
420 Main St., Sturbridge, MA 01566
Ph: (774) 241-8450
info@T3Chefs.com The Barn at Wight Farm can host your ceremony, reception, or bridal shower in one of our beautiful post and
www.T3Chefs.com beam buildings located at The Collection at Wight Farm, Sturbridge, MA. Contact: Marie Flavin.
The Harding Allen Estate (72) E, B, D, W $35 - $70 Yes Yes 275 Yes 1 Yes
Rte. 122 off Barre Common, Barre, MA 01005
Ph: (978) 355-4920
Massachusetts’ premier wedding and banquet historic mansion–for when it has to be special.
www.harding-allen.com
Contact: Grace Gugliotti.
North of Worcester
Boxboro Regency Hotel
& Conference Center (6) E, B, D, W Varies Yes Yes 75/600 Yes 1-2 Yes
242 Adams Place, Boxboro, MA 01719
Ph: (978) 889-1711
sguay@boxbororegency.com Discover our newly appointed indoor atrium and gazebo. Say, “I do” in our beautiful courtyard with an outdoor
www.boxboroweddings.com wedding feel surrounded by loved ones. Contact: Stephen Guay.
Chocksett Inn (9) E, B, D, W $50 - $75+ Yes Yes 50/300 Yes 1 Yes
59 Laurelwood Rd., Sterling, MA 01564
Ph: (978) 422-3355 • Fx: (978) 422-3187
weddings@chocksettinn.com The Chocksett Inn offers on-site private gardens, Laurelwood Ballroom, canopied deck and 25 guest suites.
www.chocksettinn.com Experience the charm, elegance and hospitality for an unforgettable wedding. Contact: Marissa Dunn.
Devens Weddings and Events (57) E, B, D, W $30 - $50 Yes Yes 5/500 Yes 1 Yes
27, 31 Andrews Parkway, Devens, MA 01434
Ph: (978) 757-3003 • Fx: (978) 772-4903
Jen.Roy@marriott.com Discover your dreams in Devens. Marriott Wedding Planner, accommodating menus and outstanding
www.devenscommoncenter.com service at a NEW stylish venue and hotel. Call for package details. Contact: Sales Office.
DoubleTree by Hilton Leominster (IBC) E, B, D, W $30 - $50 Yes Yes 1/500 Yes 2 Yes
99 Erdman Way, Leominster, MA 01453
Ph: (978) 534-9000 • Fx: (978) 466-3400
www.leominster.doubletree.com Experience the most magical time of your life in our exquisite Grand Ballroom or beautiful garden pavillion.
Call today to schedule a tour. Contact: Social Sales Manager.
Great Wolf Lodge (95) E, B, D, W $30 - $50 Yes Yes 10/400 Yes 3 Yes
150 Great Wolf Drive Fitchburg, MA 01420
Ph: (978) 516-0139
newenglandsales@greatwolf.com Great Wolf Lodge is the perfect setting to start your new lives together. Our experienced staff will assist in
greatwolf.com/meetings creating the wedding of your dreams. Contact: Henry Tessman.
Harrington Farm (11) E, B, D, W $65- $100 Yes Yes 50/225 Yes 1 No
178 Westminster Rd., Princeton, MA 01541
Ph: (978) 464-5600 x222
traci@harringtonfarm.com We offer an elegant country ambiance with spectacular food and service while Mother Nature provides
www.harringtonfarm.com the panoramic views and scenic backdrops for your special day. Contact: Traci Swenson.
The Manor Restaurant Pub Banquet (37) E, B, D, W $35 - $100 Yes Yes 25/400 Yes 1-3 No
42 West Boylston St., West Boylston, MA 01538
Ph: (508) 835-4722 • Fx: (508) 835-3893
info@ourmanor.com Whether you’re planning a lavish or an intimate wedding reception, The Manor can tailor suit the perfect wedding
www.ourmanor.com package for you. Contact: Andrea Rotolo.
The 1761 Old Mill Restaurant (78) E, B, D, W $30 - $50 Yes Yes 10/150 Yes 2 No
69 State Rd East Route 2A, Westminster, MA 01473
Ph: (978) 874-5941 • Fx: (978) 874-0914
1761oldmill@aol.com The 1761 Old Mill offers the best of New England hospitality and charm. Our picturesque setting is the perfect
www.1761oldmill.com location for your wedding, rehearsal dinner or shower. Contact: Rhetta Guimond.
Sterling National Country Club (4) E, B, D, W Varies Yes No 40/225 Yes 1 No

33 Albright Rd., Sterling, MA 01564
Georgianam@sterlingcc.com
www.sterlingcc.com A picturesque setting, beautiful ballroom and stunning outdoor ceremony space along with delicious cuisine and
Ph: (978) 422-0275 a professional staff to ensure expectations are exceeded. Contact: Georgiana Mathieu.
Wachusett Country Club (87) E, B, D, W $30 - $50 Yes No 50/400 Yes 2 No

187 Prospect St., West Boylston, MA 01583
Ph: (508) 835-4484 x223
Caracullen@aol.com Simply elegant and affordable. Exceeding brides’ expectations since 1939. Two beautifully appointed reception rooms
www.wachusettcc.com with cocktails areas and outdoor deck overlooking Wachusett Reservoir and beyond. Contact: Cara Cullen.
Wesford Regency Inn E, B, D, W $50-75 Yes Yes 2/400 Yes 1-2 Yes
& Conference Center (61)
219 Littleton Rd., Westford, MA 01866
Ph: (978) 727-8712 Our beautiful storybook hotel will provide the very best to meet your wedding needs including elegant rooms, lush
sales@westfordregency.com landscaped grounds, exceptional service and food. Contact: Kim Eidens.
www.westfordregency.com
Types of Functions Offered: E - Engagement Parties B - Bridal Showers D - Rehearsal Dinners W - Wedding Receptions

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European Wax Center I Do Foundation
290 Turnpike Road 1133 19th St. NW, 9th Floor, Washington, DC 20036
Westborough, MA 01581 info@idofoundation.org
(774) 512-0095 www.idofoundation.org
115 Apex Drive From charitable favors to registries that give back, we give
Marlborough, MA 01752 couples the opportunity to celebrate generously by supporting
(774) 369-0690 the charity of their choice on their wedding day.
Terri.Radley@waxcenter.com
Beauty 96 Waxcenter.com
Joslin Diabetes Center
1 Joslin Place, Development Office
We provide the ultimate wax experience! Unlike traditional Boston, MA 02215
Bridal Shops 96 waxing, we believe in revealing beautiful skin. Less time, (617) 732-2412
less pain and lower price point catherine.marinello@joslin.harvard.edu
Bridal Shows 96 www.joslin.org
BRIDAL SHOPS Consider making a charitable donation to Joslin Diabetes Center
Cakes 96 Ve’Lace Bridal by Shadia, LLC (5) in lieu of party favors and receive cards personalized by you for
11 Mechanic St., Bellingham, MA 02019 your guests!
(508) 966-0091
Catering 96 Velacebridal@gmail.com
Rachel’s Table
633 Salisbury St., Worcester, MA 01609
www.velacebridal.com
(508) 799-7699
Donation Services 96 Ve’Lace Bridal offers you a fresh and updated yet warm and
Brides, donate your excess food from your banquet to families
welcoming atmosphere. Step into our modern, clean boutique
at a local homeless shelter. Rachel’s Table will deliver for you.
Entertainment 97 as we provide you with the full bridal experience.
The Jimmy Fund
Florists 97 BRIDAL SHOWS 10 Brookline Place West, Brookline, MA 02445
(617) 632-6099
The Original Wedding Expo™ (66 & 67)
jffavors@dfci.harvard.edu
Honeymoon Spots 97 334 Boston Turnpike, Shrewsbury, MA 01545
(508) 770-0092
www.jimmyfund.org/cards
info@originalweddingexpo.com Ranked #1 in New England for breakthrough cancer research/
Jewelry 97 www.originalweddingexpo.com treatment and provides hope for thousands diagnosed with
cancer each year.
Since 1978, The Original Wedding Expo™ has been the
Limousines 97 area’s longest running and most respected bridal show. Why Me, Inc.
1152 Pleasant St., Worcester, MA 01602
Photo Booths 98 CAKES (508) 757-7734
www.whyme.org
Aunty Ellen’s Creative Confections (73)
Why Me & Sherry’s House provides Central New England
Photography 98 16 Central St., Leominster, MA 01453
families with emotional and financial assistance, helping to
(978) 537-5675
emf0605@verizon.net alleviate the pain and isolation of childhood cancer.
Reception Facilities 92 www.AuntyEllensCakes.com
Worcester County Food Bank
From elegant wedding cakes to whimsical birthday, anniversary, 474 Boston Tpke., Shrewsbury, MA 01545
Specialty Lighting 98 bridal and baby shower cakes. We also have cookie and pastry (508) 842-FOOD (3663)
platters, and decadent desserts for any occasion.
The Worcester County Food Bank distributes almost 4 million
Tuxedos 98 pounds of food to nearly 300 local shelters, food pantries,
CATERING soup kitchens, etc. in 60+ communities.
Videography 98 Buggy Whip Catering
343 Providence Road, South Grafton, MA 01560
(508) 839-3458 • www.buggywhipcatering.com
Wedding Internet Services 98 The Buggy Whip Catering Service has been serving traditional
American fair to brides and grooms in Worcester and
surrounding counties since 1953.

ENTERTAINMENT JEWELRY
Festive Events (24) Maria’s Fine Jewelry (3)
260 Long Pond Rd., Plymouth, MA 02360 269 Plantation St., Worcester, MA 01604
(800) 370-8863 (508) 795-0201
davelong@festiveevents.com maria@mariasfinejewelry.com
www.festiveevents.com www.mariasfinejewelry.com
Festive Events believes that every wedding is special and unique. We are a 26-year-old family owned business serving Worcester
Our approach is designed to assist you in planning your perfect county with expert jewelry design and quality craftsmanship.
wedding.
Wedding DJ Specialist Brian Fligg (79) LIMOUSINES

Fitchburg, MA AA Limousine Service (78)
(978) 345-1354 P.O. Box 639, Shrewsbury, MA 01545
brian@sonicdj.com (508) 791-9100 ext. 1
www.brianfligg.com GeorgiaBrigham@aol.com
Fun, modern wedding entertainment featuring photo booths, www.aatransportation.com
architectural lighting, custom music edits, your name in Our professional detail-oriented drivers are trained to give
spotlight, instant photo slideshows, live video and everything you the best service possible. Specializing in weddings,
needed to make your friends jealous. bachelorettes, nights out, prom or any other occasion.
Gray’s Limousine (43)

FLORISTS P.O. Box 760, Boylston, MA 01505
Herbert E. Berg Florist (508) 869-3111, (508) 869-6365
19 Blackstone River Rd., Worcester, MA 01607 www.grayslimo.com
(508) 755-5888, (800) 383-2374 Specializing in weddings, bachelor and bachelorette parties
www.bergflorist.com and airport transportation. Featuring Rolls Royces and other
Herbert E. Berg offers creative floral designs and personalized passenger limousines with uniformed chauffeurs. Visit our
service. Call today for your floral consultation. showroom.
ROCKSTAR LIMO (16)

HONEYMOON SPOTS 2 Commerce Dr. Warwick, RI 02886
brookeellen.com
MEGA Divi & Tamarijn (90 & 91) (888) 725-7871

Oranjestad, Aruba weddings@ROCKSTARlimo.net
(800) 554-2008 www.rockstarlimo.net
www.diviaruba.com ROCKSTAR LIMO is the premier transportation provider that not
MEGA means more all-inclusive choices! With the Divi Aruba or only has vehicles to match your style, but service beyond your
the Tamarijn Aruba’s Deluxe ocean-front MEGA category, you’ll expectations.
have full use of both resorts.
PHOTO BOOTHS Wedding DJ Specialist Brian Fligg (79) VIDEOGRAPHY
Fitchburg, MA
MA Photo Booths (79) (978) 345-1354 AVR Photography & Video (88)
Fitchburg, MA brian@sonicdj.com 92 Chelmsford Rd., Chelmsford, MA 01824
(978) 345-1354 www.brianfligg.com (978) 250-8117
brian@maphotobooths.com info@avrphotography.com
www.maphotobooths.com Fun, modern wedding entertainment featuring photo booths, www.avrphotography.com
architectural lighting, custom music edits, your name in
Fun, unique, and productive! Photo booths produce creative spotlight, instant photo slideshows, live video and everything AVR Photography & Video has been serving New England since
guest sign-in books and instant party favors. Packages include needed to make your friends jealous. 1986. AVR’s goal is to provide you with high quality products at
everything you’d want at an affordable price. very competitive prices.
TUXEDOS
PHOTOGRAPHY Bonardi’s Formalwear (8)
WEDDING INTERNET SERVICES
AVR Photography & Video (88) WEDDING SPECIALISTS BrideGroomMag.com
92 Chelmsford Rd., Chelmsford, MA 01824 Worcester: 179 Highland St., (508) 754-4036 BRIDE&GROOM™ Magazine’s official website! Log on for
(978) 250-8117 Auburn: 482 Southbridge St., (508) 832-7579 sneak peeks at upcoming issues and to find out where to get
info@avrphotography.com Sturbridge: Rte. 20 West, (508) 347-3461 your free copy.
www.avrphotography.com Milford: 156 Main St., (508) 478-0466
AVR Photography & Video has been serving New England since Framingham: 1261 Worcester Rd., (508) 875-6159
OriginalWeddingExpo.com (66 & 67)
1986. AVR’s goal is to provide you with high quality products at Your connection to finding the best Wedding Expos. Buy
Nationwide Service call (800) 752-4036
very competitive prices. discounted tickets online. Comprehensive Planning Guide
www.bonardis.com
features everything from bridal shops to videographers.
Dressing men for social occasions since 1923. Sizes infant to
RECEPTION FACILITIES 71 in stock! We take the worry out of looking your best on your
(see page 92) wedding day.
Men’s Wearhouse (10)

SPECIALTY LIGHTING www.menswearhouse.com
Festive Events (24) With over 1,000 locations nationwide, including all Men’s
260 Long Pond Rd., Plymouth, MA 02360 Wearhouse stores, ordering, picking up and returning a tuxedo
(800) 370-8863 has never been easier.
davelong@festiveevents.com
www.festiveevents.com
Festive Events believes that every wedding is special and
unique. Our approach is designed to assist you in planning
your perfect wedding.
Tag us in your wedding

pics on Instagram for
a chance to be in
@BrideAndGroomMag
#BrideGroomMag
JenniferNevesPhoto.com

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Spring 2018 Magazine

where Happily Ever After begins

kimlynphotography.com kimlynphotography.com kimlynphotography.com

Our experienced & friendly consultants assist one bride at a time

Full Service Bridal Boutique

242 Adams Place • Boxboro, MA 01719

30 Flower Girl Fashion

38 Purple Reigns in the Wedding World angelaryanphotography.com 38

48 Our Great Big Barn Wedding

54 Pretty and Sophisticated

74 A Royal Wedding of Your Very Own

Website and Digital Media Manager

The Two of You Are Cindy Papish Gerber

Perfectly Matched... BRIDE & GROOM™ Magazine

Worcester • Sturbridge • Milford • Auburn

8 Spring 2018 BRIDE&GROOM

Enjoy Your Favorites Morning,

12 Spring 2018 BRIDE&GROOM

“Donut bars, loose-leaf

Emma Roberts of Capers Catering has

These quirky menu selections really make

14 Spring 2018 BRIDE&GROOM

Nancy Batista-Caswell, proprietor of Oak +

Country Elegance with a View

Call Our Sales Office for Best Available Dates

Jodi and Michael Mota

18 Spring 2018 BRIDE&GROOM dbphotori.com

On the big day, September 4, 2016,

20 Spring 2018 BRIDE&GROOM

Optum Field Lounge was transformed into

22 Spring 2018 BRIDE&GROOM

The Party Continues...

DJ’s • Lighting • Photo Booths

Meghan and Kevin Olson

Photographer: Meghan-Rose Photography

26 Spring 2018 BRIDE&GROOM

28 Spring 2018 BRIDE&GROOM

30 Spring 2018 BRIDE&GROOM

32 Spring 2018 BRIDE&GROOM

Layering it with cotton, lace, or silk on the

34 Spring 2018 BRIDE&GROOM

Lotus Flower Ring

36 Spring 2018 BRIDE&GROOM

42 West Boylston Street

38 Spring 2018 BRIDE&GROOM

Apparel and Accents

Ring in the Possibilities

40 Spring 2018 BRIDE&GROOM

Stacey Marcus is a freelance writer based

Where Dreams are Filled

Lakeside or Ballroom Receptions ~ Two Outdoor Ceremony Locations

Complimentary Champagne • Bachelor and Bachelorette Parties • Any Occasion

For reservations call 508-869-3111 or 508-869-6365 Follow all

Timeless Libations for Every Season

Photography courtesy of Mastro’s Ocean Club

44 Spring 2018 BRIDE&GROOM

“Spring is tricky here in New England, so

46 Spring 2018 BRIDE&GROOM

Photographer: Michael O’Neil Fine Arts Inc.

48 Spring 2018 BRIDE&GROOM

52 Spring 2018 BRIDE&GROOM

54 Spring 2018 BRIDE&GROOM

56 Spring 2018 BRIDE&GROOM

Devens Weddings and Events

Perfectly Matched...  BRIDE & GROOM™ Magazine