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Finding a Spot to Tie the Knot

(page 4 of 4)


WEDDING DAY JEWELRY

Your ring is a symbol of love built to last a lifetime. Do you want a contemporary setting or an antique reproduction? Smooth or sculpted metal? What will your ring say about you?

Many grooms today are opting for platinum or white gold—many times set with diamonds—over the simple gold band of yesterday. Many brides are creating and selecting designs as original and unique as they are.

Edina-based jewelry store Scheherazade—located in the Galleria—has been carrying unique designs since 1970. The attentive, helpful staff offers superior customer service; the selection features some of today’s best American and international jewelry designers.

A ring that was designed by someone with the talent and knowledge to do it right is a ring that will never go out of style, says owner Scott Rudd.

“Let’s face it, you wear your ring every day,” Rudd says. “You don’t want to be wearing the same ring as everyone else.”

Rebecca Paquette Johnson, owner of BNOX Gold & Iron, on the shore of Lake Pepin, custom designs approximately 75 rings every year.

Bringing a one-of-a-kind ring to life is as thrilling for Johnson as it is for the couple. “I enjoy collaborating with clients in creating rings as unique as they are.”

When the wedding day has come and gone, the gown is packed away, and the honeymoon is over, your wedding ring symbolizes your wedding day, your love, and your lifelong commitment to one another “until death do you part.” Your ring is a major investment you’ll wear for the rest of your life; make sure it’s a piece of jewelry you love.

DISTINCTIVE TASTES

Artistic displays of culinary entrees are white hot in the drama department of the kitchen. Think sculptured art and the intermixing of color and texture. Food needs to be pleasing to the eye as well as the palate, and there is no better occasion to display this artistry than a wedding.

Soile Anderson, owner of Deco Catering, agrees that serving food should be a unique, artistic experience, especially at a wedding celebration. Couples get that and more at Deco Catering, where the emphasis is on custom-designed menus and high-quality cuisine.

“Our success is built on uncompromising quality, superior service, attention to detail, and a distinctive flair that is individually carried out in everything we do,” says Anderson. “We customize each event to our clients’ specifications and requirements.”

By-design menu development is a specialty at Three Sons Signature Cuisine. Couples are encouraged to bring their ideas to the table to represent family or cultural traditions, lifestyle, and personal preferences.

“Many people aren’t aware just how much they can customize their event to ensure that their personalities really come through, without being over-the-top,” says Ben McCallum, executive chef/co-owner.

The kitchen is a “scratch kitchen,” meaning only the freshest, seasonal ingredients are used, he says.

McCallum is reluctant to take all the credit for the outstanding catering reputation Three Sons has earned through the years. He’s quick to point out that the events team is “the heart and soul of the catering company.”

“My chefs are miracle workers,” McCallum says. “But it is our event consultants and coordinators and office staff who regularly meet and exceed our clients’ expectations. Our kitchen and service team are then the experienced professionals that deserve the kudos for pulling the event together and bringing out the best in everyone.”

The fine cuisine of Elegancia Catering is a staple at celebrations ranging from casual to ultra-formal. There is an emphasis on fresh, healthy, locally grown and produced foods, as well as utilizing cooking methods from various styles and cultures, says Ron Combs of Elegancia. “We especially love to work within Latin and Caribbean style cuisines.”

At the end of the day, if a client has had a positive food experience, with memorable service and a stunning presentation in addition to meals that taste great, that’s what it’s all about.

THE GRAND FINALE

Whether it’s an expensive two-week honeymoon or a weekend getaway close to home, couples should try to plan some type of newlywed trip. Many couples who skip a honeymoon regret the decision.

Whether considering an all-inclusive honeymoon in Mexico, an adventurous honeymoon in Europe, or a romantic honeymoon in Hawaii, a whole lot of planning needs to be done before getting on that plane.

At Carrousel Travel American Express, a full-service travel agency based in Minneapolis, the planning is done for you. Destination Wedding and Honeymoon Specialist Carol Flanigan works with travel vendors to provide couples with the best deals and up-to-date information.

And for the couple that thinks they just can’t afford a honeymoon after paying for a lavish wedding?

A popular option is a honeymoon online bridal registry, www.thehoneymoon.com, Flanigan says.

“The registry offers couples the chance to register for special parts of their honeymoon and provide local and out-of-town guests a fun option to the old-fashioned ‘toaster’ type registry,” she comments.

During your honeymoon have fun, relax, and revel in the fact that this trip is the first of many during your long journey through life as husband and wife.

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