Her Impressions Fall 2015

impressionsHerLocal Vibrant You!

Leader-Telegram MagazineFall 2015

Wedding planning checklist, guest list pointers, bridal fair

vendors & more

INSIDE

a Casualwedding trends

ViewViewWEDDINGS

WITH A

business rooted in friendship

Linyage

making it lastlong-term commitments

2 Leader-Telegram Fall 2015 Her impressions

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Leader-Telegram Fall 2015 Her impressions 3

macarons(not to be confused with macaroons)

the fantastical world of

They make a scene whereever they go. This little French pastry is the talk of many a wedding circle. The meringue- and almond-based confections are hot- ticket items at weddings and showers.

Macarons can be customized to t whatever theme may be present. The color and avor combinations are limited only by your imagination and palate.

Basic recipes for macarons are easily found on the Internet. Just pick one and let your imagination run wild. Remember, add your dry avorings/colors to the dry mix and the wet avorings/colors to the wet mix before you mix the two together.

See a different spin on the macaron on page 36 of this issue of Her Impressions.


from the editorTo all you vibrant women,In July, my family drove to Colorado to attend a wedding in the mountains.

As you might imagine, we had a wonderful time. We stayed at historic Grand Lake Lodge, surrounded by Rocky Mountain National Park and perched on a hillside above Grand Lake.

The outdoor wedding took place at the lodge. It was a moving, magical moment to watch the bride carrying owers and walking down the hillside to her groom.

We attended another wedding in June in the Twin Cities, this one at a golf course. We enjoyed gazing out the clubhouse windows at the lovely grounds as we ate dinner and danced after the ceremony.

Writer Jocelyn Syrstad wrote about nontraditional wedding venues in the Chippewa Valley for this fall issue of Her Impressions. While the settings might lack a majestic mountain backdrop, they denitely provide plenty of beauty for that special day.

Writer Eva Apelqvist unveiled wedding trends for this issue. I spotted one hot fashion at the summer weddings I attended: both bridal gowns had pink accents.

How do you make love last? Writer Debra Hagen-Foley shared advice from women who have stayed in long-term relationships.

Finally, writer Maralene Strom wrote about two longtime friends who launched a business featuring vintage-inspired wedding dresses that reect a brides heritage.

Ill be attending one more wedding this October. Ill have to check if the brides dress has pink accents.

Blythe WachterHer Impressions editor

Editor Blythe Wachter [email protected]

Advertising Sales Director Kathy Hayden

[email protected] 715.833.7420

Magazine Coordinator Catie Carlson

[email protected] 715-830-5823

Design & Layout Angela Rediess

Her Impressions is published three times a year by the Leader-Telegram.

Copyright 2015 Eau Claire Press Company. All rights reserved.

Next issue: January 2016

See it online @ leadertelegram.com/magazines

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Wedding ChecklistWhat to do & When

Making it Last32p.

More couples opt for nontraditional venues to celebrate their special day

Couples take charge of wedding day, make own rules

6p.12p.

24p.14p.

Guest ListPointers

Weddings with a View

a Casual affair

Women share secrets from their own long-term commitments

contentsLocal Vibrant You!

Her Food&Drinkp.37 p.38 Bridal Fair Vendors

Eau Claire natives create vintage-inspired dresses 28p.Linyage: a Business Rooted in Friendship

Her Spotlight


12+ Months before Announce your engagement in the

local newspaper. Have engagement photos taken. Choose a wedding date. Decide who will officiate your

ceremony. Decide on the budget and style of

your wedding, and determine who will be paying for what.

Enlist help. Consider hiring a bridal

consultant. If your budget wont stretch that far, ask relatives and close friends to help you with the more difficult or complicated tasks.

Reserve the ceremony and reception sites.

Optional: Have an engagement party.

9-12 Months before Ask your chosen friends/relatives

to be in the wedding party. Interview vendors: caterers,

florists, photographers, videographers and bakers. Get written estimates.

Decide what type of entertainment to have: live musicians, a pianist, a DJ, a band?

Consider a wedding insurance policy to cover the deposits youll be making.

Start planning the guest list. Ask your families to make lists of who they would like invited.

Let out-of-town guests know your wedding date so they can make travel plans.

Select a wedding gown, as well as any necessary accesories: shoes, veil, headpiece, etc.

6-9 Months before Decide on a color scheme. Choose a caterer. Remember to get

a written contract.

to-do checklist

Cont. on pg 9


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Staying healthy requires a daily commitment. It is not always easy to get out of bed for those early-morning workouts or jump on the treadmill at the end of the night when you nally have some free time, but such eorts are a great way to maintain a healthy lifestyle into your golden years.

Many men and women know there are plenty of excuses to skip workouts. Overcoming such excuses can sometimes be dicult, but there are ways to ensure you stay on the right track toward a healthy lifestyle.

Excuse #1: I dont have enough time to exercise. Shortage of time is a factor for many busy individuals. The Department of Health and Human Services recommends the average person get at least 150 minutes a week of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes a week of vigorous aerobic activity. Thirty minutes per day can easily be broken up into three, 10-minute sessions. Take the stairs, jog on your lunch hour or do deep-seated squats while preparing dinner. Its easy to t in daily exercise if youre willing to be creative.

Excuse #2: Im too out of shape. Getting back into shape is a prime motivator for exercise. However, fear of being able to keep up or personal body image issues sometimes keep people from exercising. There are workout routines for all tness levels. Starting slowly and building up intensity can help spur endurance and results.

Excuse #3: Gyms are too expensive. You dont necessarily need a gym to get in shape, but the programs and guidance oered at health centers certainly make it easier. Gyms may have dierent price plans based on members needs, and many gyms are willing to work with prospective members operating on tight budgets. Check with your health insurance provider, too, as you may be eligible for rebates or discounts if you make a predetermined number of visits in a given time span or use an in-network gym.

Excuse #4: Working out is boring. Performing the same routine day in and day out can be monotonous. Thats why it is important to vary your exercises and try new things. If youre usually on the machines at the gym, try a group class instead. Enlist a friend to come along and it can make the workout more interesting.

Excuse #5: Im too tired to work out. Routine exercise wakes up the senses and gives you energy, and daily workouts promote a more restful slumber. Over time you may nd that you feel more rested and energized.

Working out regularly promotes good mental and physical health. Its easy to avoid exercise with a series of excuses, but now is the time to stop avoiding exercise and commit to a healthy lifestyle.

For more infromation on exercise and tness, contact Highland Fitness and talk with one of our coaches.

Article provided by Metro Creative Graphics, Inc.

NO MORE EXCUSES


maid of Honor: The maid of honor serves as the bride-to-bes right-hand woman as she plans her wedding and gets ready on her big day. Maids of honor typically go gown shopping with the bride and may even choose or offer suggestions about the color and style of the bridesmaids dresses. Once a dress style and color has been chosen, the maid of honor will make sure everyone is fitted on time.

A maid of honor will also plan the bridal shower, sending invitations and arranging for lodging for out-of-town guests if necessary. Many brides want the details of their bridal showers to be a surprise, and maids of honor should honor those sentiments when possible. A maid of honor also plans the bachelorette party, though many brides do not mind being involved in the planning of such parties.

The maid of honor may be asked to help address save-the-date cards and envelopes as well.

Come the day of the wedding, the maid of honor will ensure the brides day is as stress-free as possible, helping to address any last-minute issues that may arise. Maids of honor may be asked to serve as the legal witness to the wedding and sign the wedding license before the reception. At the reception, the maid of honor will toast the bride.

Best man: The best man is the maid of honors counterpart, helping to plan the bachelor party and toasting the groom at the reception. The best man also tends to hold the rings during the wedding ceremony, and during the day of the wedding, he will coordinate the groomsmen to make sure everyone is ready to go on time. The best man may arrange transportation for the groom and groomsmen on the day of the wedding and may also return the groom and groomsmens attire the following day if the newlyweds are departing on their honeymoons.

Bridesmaids/Groomsmen: The bridesmaids and groomsmen serve similar functions, acting as sources of support as couples plan their weddings. Bridesmaids and groomsmen help to plan the bachelorette and bachelor parties and may also be asked their opinions as couples make decisions regarding their weddings. Bridesmaids and groomsmen must be prepared to take pictures once couples have officially tied the knot. They also must help the brides and grooms with any issues that may arise in the hours before couples become husband and wife.

Flower girl/ring bearer: Flower girls and ring bearers are often young relatives of the couple, whether they are a young brother or sister or a niece or nephew. The responsibilities of the flower girl and ring bearer are typically limited to the ceremony, during which they will walk down the aisle, either together or individually, before the father of the bride escorts his daughter to the altar or stage.

Father of the Bride: The father of the bride walks his daughter down the aisle during the ceremony, and, along with his wife, may pay for the wedding, though many couples now finance their own nuptials. The father of the bride will dance with his daughter during the reception, and some fathers may even share a special toast for the newlyweds during the reception, though such a toast is not traditionally required.

Bridal parties play a big role on couples wedding days, and those roles are both an honor and a responsibility.

Being asked to join a bridal party is both an honor and a responsibility.

When asked to take on such significant and meaningful roles,

men and women may recognize the honor but be unsure of what their

responsibilities are as couples move forward with their wedding plans.

Bridal party roles can vary depending on certain circumstances,

but many couples still want their bridesmaids and groomsmen to

perform many of the more traditional tasks associated with their roles.

The following are some of the tasks bridesmaids and groomsmen can expect to perform in the months

leading up to the wedding and during the wedding itself.

Article provided by Metro Creative Graphics, Inc.

Responsibilities of bridal party

members


Choose and book a musician(s). Book a photographer and/or

videographer. Book a florist. Select and book a DJ or band. Decide on a

honeymoon destination, and start planning the trip.

Select wedding invitations.

Send out save-the-dates. This is especially helpful for out-of-town guests who will need to book flights/drive a long distance.

Pick out your bridesmaids dresses (its fun to get them involved in the process).

4-6 Months before Attend premarital counseling, if

required. Help both mothers shop for their

wedding-day attire. Select music for the ceremony. Choose readings for the ceremony. Register for gifts at a couple of

your favorite stores. Reserve a block of rooms in a

nearby hotel for travelling guests.Remember to ask for any group discounts or special packages.

Make appointments for gown fittings.

Check the requirements to obtain a marriage license.

Make sure contracts and arrangements are complete with all of your vendors.

Get or renew passports, if needed.

Select a baker and order the cake.

Rent tuxes for the groom and groomsmen.

Make sure the bridesmaids order their dresses.

Decide where youll be living after the wedding.

3 Months before Carefully prepare directions to

guide guests to the ceremony, reception and hotels. For guests who will travel a long distance to your wedding, consider assembling an information package on fun things to do in your area.

Coordinate with the officiant about wedding-day details, and plan the time for the rehearsal.

Plan a rehearsal dinner for your wedding party and your family.

Begin addressing invitations. Give the caterer an estimate of

the number of guests you expect. Also, taste-test possible entrees and make your selections.

Make sure all reservations are in place for honeymoon travel.

Shop for gifts for your attendants. Reserve your wedding-day

transportation and any other rental needs.

Select wedding bands together. Confirm wedding cake details with

the baker.

2 Months before Mail out your

wedding invitations. Finalize the

music that will be played during your ceremony. Meet with your reception musicians/DJ and orchestrate a plan for the evening. Dont be shy about voicing your preferences, down to the volume, favorite songs youd like to hear or even songs you dont want played.

Pick out any remaining bridal accessories, such as jewelry.

Make appointments with a hairdresser, makeup artist and manicurist. Try out hairstyles with your hairdresser.

Write your vows. Gather necessary documents

you will need for your marriage license.

Confirm details with all your vendors.

Hire the limousine or other transportation for the wedding day.

Finalize honeymoon plans.

1 Month before Apply for your marriage license. Check that your menu selections

and service plans are locked in place with the caterer.

If youre having a formal dinner for your reception, start the seating chart and make place cards.

Check with your florist to confirm times of flower deliveries.

Make plans to change your name on documents, including drivers license, social security card and financial accounts. Fill out change-of-address forms at the post office. If you will be travelling on your honeymoon immediately following the wedding, you can travel under your maiden name to simplify things.

Meet with your photographer to specify the formal shots you want taken of the bridal party, as well as specific candid shots youd like taken during the reception.

Create a ceremony program for guests to reference.

Keep track of wedding gifts as they arrive and which thank-you notes youve written (An Excel spreadsheet makes this simple).

2 Weeks before Finalize the RSVP list, and

call any guests who have not responded.

Cont. on pg 13

Cont. on from pg 6


PLAN THE WEDDING OF YOUR DREAMSFlowers, dresses, and cake, oh my! Are you overwhelmed by all the questions about planning your dream wedding:

How can I make the wedding ceremony unique but traditional and/or green?

Can it be done on my budget?

What does the best man and maid of honor do? Bridal shower and/or

bachelorette party?

Where should we go for the honeymoon?

Will my mom and I be speaking by the day of the wedding?

Take a deep breath, relax, and make a visit to your local public library. The library has print, AV, and electronic resources that can help you plan and MORE as you create a special day to celebrate with friends and family.

At the library, youll nd books with checklists and timelines; creative ideas for decorations; advice on dealing with family and invitation etiquette; help with writing your own vows or a quote for the toast.

Plus, you can check out music for the ceremony (CDs and sheet music); DVDs on learning to dance for the reception; travel books for the honeymoon destination; as well as humor in all formats to help relieve the stress as the big day approaches.

From dating to wedding to marriage and beyond, if you have questions, your local public library can help you nd the answers.

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Article provided by Indianhead Federated Library System.

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Books are just theBeginning

Leader-Telegram Fall 2015 Her impressions 11785056 9-13-15

Many people dream of becoming parents, but for some, that dream is dicult because they have trouble achieving pregnancy on their own. At Mayo Clinic Health System, we have the privilege of helping patients try to make that dream a reality.

Following are answers to common questions about the fertility program in Eau Claire. Specic infertility treatments vary by location. Visit the website of the location nearest you for more information.

Whats normal? How long should we try?It can take a healthy couple up to a year to conceive. Couples may begin evaluation after one year of unprotected, appropriately timed intercourse (every day to every other day around expected ovulation) OR begin evaluation within six months if there is history to suggest there may be diculty getting pregnant. History that may contribute to diculty includes the woman having had irregular menstrual cycles or a tubal pregnancy, or if the man has had history of pelvic injury.

What is an infertility workup? During a workup, we evaluate a couple to determine the cause of their infertility. This can include lab work and imaging.

What is infertility monitoring?We monitor a woman through a cycle to see if she is ovulating and/or to measure the response to treatment. Sometimes this involves lab work, as well as ultrasound, to look at the ovaries and uterus. We also monitor patients that are undergoing in vitro fertilization at another facility.

How does the process work?Before the appointment, patients are mailed paperwork that should be completed and brought to the rst appointment. The initial appointment is a one-hour visit with a nurse practitioner to complete a health and reproductive health history, evaluate the circumstances and discuss testing. Both partners are encouraged

to attend. By the end of the appointment, the couple receives information regarding the plan for the next steps, which may include lab work, ultrasound, etc.

What treatments do we offer locally?We induce ovulation through two oral medications, as well as some injectable medications. This method tricks the ovary into releasing at least one egg. We monitor the womans cycle to make sure the medication is working and that it is an appropriate dose.

In Eau Claire, we support larger centers, such as Mayo Clinic in Rochester and others that do in vitro fertilization. While we dont oer in vitro, we perform follow-up care, such as lab work and ultrasounds locally, so patients dont have to travel as far to receive care.

We also provide intrauterine inseminations.

Visit Eau Claires Obstetrics & Gynecology page at mayoclinichealthsystem.org, or call 715-838-6100, for more information.

By Rhiannon Riley, nurse practitioner, Obstetrics & Gynecology

HAVING DIFFICULTY BECOMING PREGNANT?

The fertility program can help.

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Dos Invite true friends, not people you

feel obligated to include.

Compile the guest list together. This is a reection of you as a couple, said Elaine Swann, an etiquette coach based in San Diego.

Discuss the list with both sets of parents if theyre paying for the wedding. If youre paying for your wedding, you have complete control of your list, Swann said.

Start early to allow for changes.

Invite more guests than you expect will attend. Wedding venues suggest you invite 10 percent more guests than you can accommodate to allow for nos. The exception is small weddings where an exact head count matters.

We invited 240 and 200 came, said Melinda (Mel) Parrish of Alexandria, Va., who married in 2014. The 40 (who declined) included some far-flung relatives.

Allow single guests 18 or older to bring a date.

Say adults only on the invitation if you do not want children at your wedding. Then dont make excep-tions, Swann said.

If your partner has a large family, accept his larger list. Youre mar-rying a family, not just one person, Swann said.

Handle each guest-list faux pas individually. If you can, ask a close relative to handle the calls.

Even though ours was adults only, a few people replied that they would bring their kids, Parrish said. My mom handled it.

Be forthright with those you havent invited, says TheKnot.com wedding website. If someone you did not invite says, I cant wait to come to your wedding, reply with, Wed love to invite everyone, but, with our venue and budget, we cannot. Then change the subject.

Apply the same rules for second weddings.

It gets easier, said Simone Vega, a New York City wedding planner. Youre older. Youre not as likely to make deci-sions out of guilt.

Donts Create A and B lists.

Thanks to social media, the B people will quickly learn they received their in-vitations much later than other people did, Swann said.

Let your parents bully you, warns TheKnot.com, particularly if you are paying for the wedding.

Equate your guest list with a gift solicitation list by including people you know wont come. Thats gauche, Swann said.

Refuse to invite a parents new partner because you dont like him or her.

Invite people to the wedding but not to the reception.

Imagine being the guest in the parking lot who realizes everyone else is headed to the party, but youre not invited, Swann said.

Send online invitations.

Share your list on social media. It may be seen by uninvited acquain-tances, and it may hurt feelings.

Assume a guest is a yes or no. Be prepared for them to come, no matter the circumstances, Parrish said.

The bottom line is respect and consider-ation of guests, Swann said. With each decision you make, think about how they will feel.Tribune News Service

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Review your wedding-day transportation plans and make sure drivers are clear about addresses, times and number of passengers.

Give the song list to your DJ or the band in a nal consultation.

Have a nal gown tting, and make sure your bridesmaids dresses are altered if needed.

Make sure someone knows how to bustle your gown, because you will be unable to do it yourself.

Pick up your wedding bands. Begin packing for the honeymoon. Ask a friend or family member to

arrange for wedding gifts at the reception to be delivered to your home or another safe spot.

Make sure all clothing and accessories for the wedding party are ready.

Conrm that out-of-town guests are set up with hotel accomodations, transportation & wedding-day directions.

1 Week before Make nal checks with

all your vendors: ofciant, musicians, orist, photographer, videographer, transportation provider, caterer, baker and DJ/band.

Wrap gifts for attendants and decide when youll be giving them out (rehearsal dinner, reception, etc.).

Inform your bank of your travel plans, especially if youll be out of the country.

Inform your caterer of the nal head count. Include vendors, such as the photographer, who will also need to eat.

Give all your vendors an emergency phone number to call on the day of the wedding (i.e., not your own number, youll be busy enough).

Finalize the reception seating chart.

See that checks are written and ready to be handed out to vendors at the agreed-upon times.

2-3 Days before Bride: If needed, have your gown

pressed or steamed. Groom: Have your nal tting and

pick up your formalwear. Conrm pickup times and

locations for the limousine or car rental if you have one.

Pay off any nal balances to vendors.

1 Day before Take time to relax and enjoy a

massage, manicure and pedicure.

Traditionally, this is the day for your rehearsal ceremony and dinner. Remember to bring along any ceremony accessories or decorations.

Give your marriage license and vows to your ofciant (one less thing to remember on the big day).

Get some sleep!

The Day! Allow plenty of

time for dressing, makeup and hairstyling.

Give wedding bands to the best man.

If you plan on photography before the ceremony, allow ample time so youre not rushed.

Relax, and remember: This is your special day, the result of all your careful planning. Now its time to enjoy. Refuse to let anything get to you. Savor every moment of this sacred day.

Post-wedding Prearrange for someone to return

the grooms tux, as well as any other rented items.

Have your gown cleaned and pressed.

Write and send out thank you notes for gifts. Try to get them done within two months after the wedding.

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Cont. on from pg 9


Couples take charge of wedding day, make own rules

a Casual

By Eva Apelquist


More couples are saying I do to a casual wedding style these days.Stuffy rules are getting tossed, with brides and grooms now fully in charge of their big day, said Chippewa Valley wedding service providers who weighed in on current trends.

FashionHere comes the bride: Kathy Hall, manager of The Bridal Sweet at Foreign 5, Chippewa Falls, finds a definite shift toward more casual styles. Some fashion trends according to Hall:

Many brides add colored lace or trim to their

dresses, Hall said. Think a pink sash or red ties for a

lace-up back.

Cont. on pg 16


Good for the guys: For grooms and groomsmen, Hall said she sees more bow ties and lots of suspenders. Gray is trending for tuxedos.For a more relaxed style, groomsmen are wearing khakis, or even jeans, with a white shirt and tie.John Muldoon of Muldoons Mens Wear in Eau Claire also said fashion rules have relaxed. He sells and rents more light-colored suits than in the past and sometimes sees grooms and groomsmen forgo jackets or just wear them for pictures.

According to Muldoon, more men buy tuxedos now than in the past, as opposed to renting them. This sometimes makes financial sense because, except for the shoes, it sometimes is cheaper than renting.

Blushing bridesmaids: Brides are allowing bridesmaids to select dresses that will work well for them, Hall said. Often the bride chooses a color and the bridesmaids pick whatever style fits best for their body type.

Dresses are creeping shorter, as in knee length or above.

JewelryLisa Anshus of Anshus Jewelers in Menomonie sees a return to more classical looks in jewelry. While white and pink gold wedding bands are still popular, there is a strong move toward yellow gold.

Single stones shine, as opposed to the halo ring set with many small stones. Anshus also sees more oval and colored diamonds blue, pink and canary yellow.

There is more customizing, with people designing their own wedding bands for a unique look.

distinctly originalLocally produced jewelry with a

distinct style, from wedding rings to bridal jewelry.

Commission a piece from this series. Above: Rough uncut natural diamond, 2.12

carat total weight in this 14k white gold engagement ring valued at $4,800 designed

and created by Elizabeth R. Griggs.

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Straps are coming back and edging out strapless looks, though detachable straps remain an option.

Gowns feature shoulder coverage, including lace or sheer fabric accents.

Fit and flare dresses fitted dresses that flare below the hips, a more comfortable version of the tight-fitted mermaid style are coming into vogue.

Sweetheart necklines low at the front and shaped

like the top of a stylized heart are still in but add a

sheer or lacy illusion neckline (a panel attached to the

bodice).

Cont. on pg 18

Cont. from pg 15


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Anshus also mentioned an interest in estate jewelry. Many brides-to-be have Grandmas old ring refurbished or reset the stones in a new design. Engravings on the bands exterior can contribute to an antique appearance.

FlowersMore casual oral arrangements are popping up, said Michele Hawkins of Foreign 5s oral department.

Bridal bouquets now often look like they were picked randomly out of a garden, with even stems showing.

BeautyJon Schabell, an educator with Fantastic Sams and The Salon Professional Academy in Eau Claire, believes the social media website Pinterest, which allows users to share images and videos, is a contributing factor to couples wanting to do weddings their own way.

Schabell highlighted some beauty trends:

Less is more. Makeup is trending toward a more nude, neutral look, with less color in eye shadow for a softer result. Eyebrows tend to be less bold but still dened. Many brides choose very red lipstick for an almost retro look. Lash extensions are popular.

So why should all engagement rings look alike? Vintage-inspired

rings with colored metals and ornate details are what brides are looking for today. Working

with your jeweler to find or create a custom look will allow

you to show off your personality.

Marlor Jewelry806 S. Hastings Way

Eau Claire, WI 715.831.6303

M-W-F 9:30 5:30Th 10:00 7:00Sat 9:30 3:00

no two brides are the same

Cont. from pg 16


Looser looks: Todays brides often want to look as though they did their own hair, even if the style is elaborate. Updos still dominate but with a less sprayed, softer look than in the past. Often braids are woven into less structured hairstyles. Headbands and decorative clips top tiaras as nishing touches.

Nailing the look. Nails get rounded tips, as opposed to the square tips of the past. Ombre nails, which gradually shift from dark to light color hues, are popular. The white ends of French tip nails might be decorated with rhinestones or other bling.

The wedding party might come to a beauty salon together not only on the day of the ceremony for makeup and hair, but also earlier for manicures, pedicures and massages, Schabell said.

TattoosSunshine Schultz, owner of Original Skin Tattoo in Spooner, pointed to weddings tying the knot with tattoos.

Husbands and wives might, for example, get half a tattoo each. When they hold their forearms together, their tattoo halves make a whole image.

Schultz tends to dissuade tattooing dates because they feel cold and nite to her. Instead, she encourages meaningful symbols. For example, some get a tattoo of the longitude and the latitude of a place meaningful to the couple, such as the wedding venue or the place where they met.

More couples want tattooed rings as opposed to real ones, especially people who work with their hands and cant wear jewelry.

For bachelorette parties, women sometimes get the same tattoo to celebrate their friendship and the event.

ReceptionsIn addition to presiding over religious wedding ceremonies, the Rev. Sandra McKinney of Unity Christ Center in Eau Claire does her fair share of nuptial planning. She sees a lot of young couples moving away from wedding traditions. 1316 Fairfax St., Eau Claire, WI

715-833-7504 instylesalonbycolleen.com

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ATTENTION BRIDES

Make sure to ask about our OFF-SITE SERVICES.

Cont. on pg 20


Venues: More couples are choosing outdoor weddings. McKinney refers to the outdoors as Gods sanctuary and admires the connection to nature of those couples.

Couples also are selecting nontraditional wedding venues such as museums, libraries, orchards and gardens. They often have somebody build a pergola as a centerpiece for the ceremony.

Seating: While McKinney usually insists on keeping the traditional front row for the mothers of the bride and groom, the rest of the seats are up for grabs. Often people sit wherever they want for the ceremony, rather than specically on the brides or grooms side.

Ceremonies: Traditionally the bride and groom lit a unity candle during the ceremony, but now couples often pick other symbols to symbolically tie them together, such as strings or ribbons.

Wedding parties: There are more mixed-gender wedding parties now. For example, the best man might be a woman and the brides attendants might be male.

Receiving lines: Often todays couples opt for no receiving line or they might choose to have one with only the bride and the groom in it.

Same-sex weddings: New traditions are being created all the time for these ceremonies. McKinney recently ofciated at a same-sex wedding where the families of the two brides gathered at opposite ends of a bridge.

One bride and her family and friends started walking from one end of the bridge, and the other bride with her family and friends started from the other end. Both sides came together in the middle of the bridge where the ceremony took place.

Food & BeveragesWedding feasts: Tony Draganowski of Bijou Bistro and Catering in Eau Claire provides boutique-style catering, in which all the food is made from scratch. People are asking for more artistic food choices, he said.

Other trends include buffets and food stations that each offer a different type of cuisine, such as Asian, Italian or vegan.

Some parties bring old family recipes for Draganowski to prepare.

Let us help with your wedding catering needs!Ribs - Chicken - Pulled Pork - Ham Sandwich Potato Salad - Coleslaw - Beer - And More!

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Weddings Events Rehearsal Dinners Room Blocks

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| | |

Cont. on pg 22

Cont. from pg 19


784753 9-13-15

Article provided by Sakura Skin Spa.

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See a Licensed Aesthetician. A Licensed Aesthetician has gone to school and has been trained in skin care. They will be able to analyze your skin type and address the concerns you may have. They will also be able to help you wade through all of the dierent treatments and products available to you and help you choose the correct ones.

If you are interested in doing Botox or other injections, I would suggest starting no later than 6 months prior to your big day. If you have never done injections, this is imperative. If your skin has lots of damage or deep wrinkling, you may need more than one treatment to fully achieve your desired results. The rule of thumb: It took you a long time to cause the damage to your skin, so it is going to take some time to repair the damage! Also, make sure that you do your research. Your Injection Specialist should be a trained Medical Professional with extensive experience in Injection Services. I cannot stress enough how important this is! Ask around - word of mouth is a great way to help you nd the right Injection Specialist for you!

Start on a good skin care routine. It doesnt need to be excessive but using a great cleanser, exfoliator, treatment products and moisturizer are key! Keep it simple, keep it you, and you will be more likely to stick with it and see the great results!

HydraFacials are a phenomenal way to start getting your skin on track. These treatments are quick, painless and very relaxing! Leave with an instant glow and visible change in your skin!

SPF! Make sure you are applying your sunscreen each and every day. Even in the winter months. Many people think they are only susceptible to sun damage when it is warm and sunny. Help prevent the damage before it begins!

Facials are a phenomenal way to help keep your skin in check! Whats better than relaxing and being pampered while someone is treating your skin? I personally cannot live without facials! Rejuvenate your mind and skin at the same time! Many facials also include scalp, neck, shoulder and/or hand

massages. You will not only leave relaxed and rejuvenated mentally, but your skin will look as fabulous as you feel!

Waxing. Waxing is something that you should not do for the rst time the week of your big day! Once you know how your skin will react and the amount of time you need between waxes, you will be able to schedule your treatment to sync with your big day!

Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize! Find a correct moisturizer for your skin and use it! Moisturized skin looks healthy and helps to reduce ne lines and wrinkles!

Relax. Take a deep breath. If you follow some of these simple tips, your skin will thank you and will repay you by looking absolutely gorgeous and healthy on your big day!

Get your dream skin for your dream day!

Your wedding is a day that most girls have been planning in their minds since they were 5! Sorry guys, but its true! The dress, the owers, the venue! You spend so much time planning to make sure that everything is perfect for your big day that sometimes you overlook one of the most important pieces of the dream wedding puzzle - your skin!

It is important to get started as soon as possible. Depending upon your skins current condition and your desired results, you may need more time to get your skin in top condition.

Article provided by Sarah Green, Owner & Licensed AestheticianSakura Skin Spa, Eau Claire, WI


Cheers: Craft beers are popular. But Draganowski mostly nds wine poured often French varieties. People seem to favor small-lot wines rather than mass-produced ones, he said.

Small and sweet: Miniature desserts are growing in favor, such as small cupcakes, desserts in shot glasses and cookies. There is denitely a move away from big, dramatic cakes, though sometimes a cake shares space with the mini desserts.

InvitationsShowing the Pinterest inuence, wedding invitations are becoming more creative.

Kelly Zugay and Andra Barkey, owners of Minneapolis-based branding and design boutique With Grace and Gold, shared several wedding invitation trends:

Many couples are adding illustrations to the stationery for a personal touch.

Hand-lettering and modern calligraphy are used to add a romantic feeling.

Woodland themes combine well with the new rustic wedding theme. Think leaves, trees, branches and birds.

Invitations are often bold and colorful.

PhotographyMajor changes took place some years back with the introduction of the digital camera, said wedding photographer Dennis Steinke of Always Over The Top Photography in Eau Claire.

What changed the most is while photographers used to take 300 to 400 photos, they now snap around 1,400, which allows for more variety, he said.

Steinke sees a denite trend toward informal portraits. When a wedding party posed in the past, for example, they used to stify hold the owers at the waist. Now they all might hold the blooms differently.

For sele lovers, the photo booth is still popular. Steinke brings one to almost half the weddings he covers.

With brides and grooms entirely in charge of the big day, there is much room for freedom and creativity in weddings.Apelqvist is a freelance writer based in Spooner.

Celebrate your Special Event overlooking beautiful Lake Hallie.Weddings, Bachelor/Bachelorette Parties, Banquets, Birthday Parties, Class Reunions, Christmas Parties, Graduations, Any Occasion715.861.5442 www.lakehalliegolf.comO Hwy. OO in Hallie

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Cont. from pg 20


@Leader-Telegram readers shared these Facebook posts about wedding trends:

A wedding I attended in May had puzzle pieces for a guest book. ... When done, they could assemble the puzzle pieces and hang (the puzzle) as wall art. Bridget Kurtenbach

I love the (Facebook) group Wedding, Bridal, Shower Stuff ... CHIPPEWA VALLEY, WI. Perfect place to go for advice! Getting married next year:) Bethany Knutson

Do-it-yourself idea for wedding table centerpieces: Spray-paint

pine cones to match the wedding

colors. Each one can go in a wide glass vase with pebbles, and put in some fiber optic gorgeousness! Bethany Knutson

Food bites: Midnight snack of pizza or taco bar or chicken fingers. I havent seen much cake at weddings either lately candy bars, ice cream, cupcakes, etc. Kelsey Kaufman

Guest book bench: Everyone signs their name on the bench. Sara Bachand

Heirloom rings love them! Three-band wedding (ring) set. Lori Klug

Photo booths. Lori Mayer

Guest book canvas!! Also, for the sand cermony, pour the sand in a picture frame (your picture in the center) instead of a vase. Lacey Spehle

My brother-in-law painted this picture and our guests signed the leaves. We also had cardboard cutouts made of us before the wedding for the photo booth. The guests loved them! Carly Blaeser

I had my bridesmaids make and decorate their own cakes, all different flavors, so guests could have more variety. I got to see how artistic they are and it was fun. And cheap! Ericka Hovland

Whats Happening Weddings

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When Americans think about their dream vacation, the land down under comes out on top.Australia is once again the top international bucket list destination according to a new survey by Travel Leaders Group that included responses from 3,371 U.S. consumers. Its followed by Italy, Ireland, New Zealand and a European cruise on the Mediterranean. In fact, Australia was number one in Travel Leaders surveys in 2009, 2011 and 2013 as well.

A strong U.S. dollar means American travelers are getting more for their money around the world, including in Australia, so if its your dream international destination, 2015 is a great time to plan a trip.Of course, Australia is a vast place and is almost the size of the continental United States. It also has just as diverse a landscape, from bustling cities to rugged mountains, lush forests and stark deserts to rolling hills and pristine beaches. Most of the country has four seasons: winter from June to August, spring from September to November, summer from December to February and fall from March to May. But even the winter is relatively mild.Given its size, and the fact that most Americans have limited vacation time, it makes sense to concentrate your trip on a few areas. A travel agent can help you figure out when to go, how to get there, where to stay and what to see in a way that fits your budget.Travelers who love to swim, snorkel, surf and sail will want to head to the Great Barrier Reef, which stretches along the Queensland coast in the northeast. Ranking as the worlds largest coral reef system, its home to a large and colorful array of marine life.Vacationers who want to spend time in one of Australias cities should put Sydney on their list. Located in the southeastern part of the country, Sydney is known for its harbor and iconic bridge and opera house, as well as world-class restaurants and the sun-drenched Bondi Beach. But with culture abounding, Melbourne is giving Sydney a run for its money as one of the top up-and-coming destinations in Australia.The center of the country is the place to explore aboriginal culture by visiting Uluru, also known as Ayers Rock. The sandstone monolith in the outback is one of Australias most recognizable landmarks and is sacred to the aboriginal people. Its vivid color is especially spectacular at sunrise and sunset.Every visitor to Australia should make time to see its unique wildlife. Travelers who take the 150-mile drive along the Great Ocean Road on the southeastern coast will pass by stunning scenery including places that offer a chance to spot kangaroos and koalas, as well as whales, dolphins and seals.Finally, Australias wineries have developed a worldwide reputation for excellence and a visit to a wine-growing region is a delicious way to cap off a trip. There are more than 60 regions, from Hunter Valley in the east to Margaret River in the west, and nearly everyone has an annual festival that celebrates local food, wine and culture.

Americans Top Dream Destinations

Article provided by Denise Petricka, Higgins Travel Leaders.


Cottage Winery & Vineyard, MenomonieFor Teresa Jorgenson, wedding coordinator at Cottage Winery & Vineyard, her years spent working at a convention center in Eau Claire made her realize how so many area weddings looked the same.

Many of us have watched a bride and groom exchange vows, rings and kisses

at tried-and-true wedding venues.Theres the traditional church

ceremony and reception at a hotel ballroom, the

outdoor ceremony followed by dinner and dancing in a convention center and

the growing popularity of barn weddings all of

which lend themselves to beautiful celebrations.

But what if a couple wants to think outside the box and do something completely different?

With more and more venues popping up around the Chippewa Valley,

couples can choose from a multitude of

wedding locales.Here are just two

examples of the nontraditional

venues established in the past three years that

are proving popular with couples.

ViewWEDDINGS WITH ABy Jocelyn Syrstad


So when the opportunity came to turn the Menomonie property into a wedding venue, Jorgenson jumped at the chance to give Chippewa Valley couples a scenic setting among the grapevines.

Working at the convention center, I knew a lot about venues, she said. There were no unique or memorable places around here. I wanted to offer a unique, elegant, outdoor venue in the country.

We felt a need for it in the Chippewa Valley. And our venue gives couples a chic destination for their wedding while staying in the area.

Now in its third season, Cottage Winery & Vineyard hosts weddings almost every Saturday from the end of May through early October. Sometimes multiple weddings are booked in a single weekend.

The venue can seat 200 guests for the ceremony, plus an additional 100 for post-dinner events.

Although Jorgenson declined to say how much the venue costs because it varies, she did note couples pay more than they would for a hotel ballroom but the price is comparable to a barn wedding.

We denitely have a country feel but also a more elegant feel, Jorgenson said. This is not your typical barn wedding.

The venue is adorned with chandeliers and other ceiling dcor. Theres European cottages, a stone bridge over a waterfall, gazebos and plenty more to make a really unique setting for a wedding.

The venue provides tables and chairs, a bridal suite, a bartender, parking and ceiling dcor. Guests have access to indoor restrooms.

Unique VenuesFollowing are some examples of nontraditional wedding venues in the Chippewa Valley, or talk to service providers for ideas:

Birch Hill Barn, 40-acre farm with restored 100-year-old dairy barn, Glenwood City; birchhillbarn.com; 847-732-1997

Cottage Winery & Vineyard, N7391 Highway F, Menomonie; cottage-wine.com; 715-864-8898

Dixons Apple Orchard, 22404 20th Ave., Cadott; dixonsapples.com; 715-313-0315

Farm to Fork Wedding Retreat, 21 acres with organic gardens located on the Buffalo River, S1-93 Highway BB, Mondovi; farmtoforkretreat.com; 715-833-9975

Hickory Hills Golf, a three-season pavilion can be used for weddings on the 100-acre grounds, E4080 Hickory Road, Eau Claire; golfhickoryhills.com; 715-878-4543

Inn Greener Pastures, a barn-turned-pavilion on the 360 acres is used for weddings, with an adjacent silo available as a bridal suite, 2594 Romanowski Lane, Chetek; inngreenerpastures.net; 715-353-2697

The Enchanted Barn, weddings take place in a restored 1880s barn, with dining in the loft and cocktails in a milking parlor, 1543 6 Avenue, Hillsdale; theenchantedbarn.com; 715-254-1557

Villa Bellezza, vineyard features picturesque bluff land views and striking architecture, 1420 Third St., Pepin; villabellezza.com; 715-442-2424

Whites Wildwood Retreat, couples exchange vows under a vine-covered arch in front of woodlands, 18059 Highway OO, Chippewa Falls; wwretreat.com; 715-726-2068

Whitetail Golf Course, one of the area courses hosting weddings, E8414 760th Ave., Colfax; whitetailgolf.com; 715-962-3888

This is not your

typical barn wedding.

- Teresa Jorgenson

Cont. on pg 26


Other dcor, linens and china are not included, so couples must arrange for those on their own. The staff will take care of setting up and taking down the event.

Although the venue doesnt have its own caterer, Jorgenson gives couples a booklet listing about 25 service providers. The booklet also includes preferred vendors for other aspects of the event.

We do a lot of the work for them, but there is a lot they can do to customize their day, Jorgenson said. We dont want to limit these couples, so they are able to do whatever they want to do.

Weve had people do fireworks, have cigar rollers, bring in their dogs. Whatever they want, we hope to accommodate.

Jorgenson advised couples to book a wedding at Country Winery & Vineyard six months to a year ahead of the date. Couples work directly with her to make sure their event is exactly what they want.

Theyll work with me from booking to the big day. And on their day, Ill be the vendor coordinator, Jorgenson said.

I go over everything with the couples, and because of that, I get to know them quite well. Thats my favorite part because each couple is so unique from the next, she said.

dixons apple Orchard, Cadott

When Becky Mullane and her husband, Jim, moved from New Mexico to Cadott after a forest fire destroyed their original apple orchard in 2011, they instantly thought of using their new 100 acres as a wedding destination.

Its such a beautiful area that we thought (of) weddings right away, Becky Mullane said. We were just getting into doing weddings in New Mexico when the fire happened, and we really enjoyed it very much.

The couple planted apple trees in May, but an abundant crop wont grow for about three years. The couple plans to continue hosting weddings after the apples appear.

Dixons Apple Orchard hosted its first wedding Aug. 15 and is booked through October. Weddings already are scheduled for 2016.

Its really special to be part of such a joyful day, Mullane said. I like to help the brides design their wedding. Each wedding ends up looking so different.

At Dixons, a shed accommodates at least 250 guests for receptions, and there is an overflow area. Couples can have their ceremony near a pond or in the woods.

There is an on-site bridal suite for the wedding party to get ready, as well as a fire pit for smores and a large lawn where guests can play games such as horseshoes.

Dixons provides a horse-drawn carriage to bring the bride and groom to the various sites. Guests ride in wagons.

We were just getting into doing weddings in new Mexico when the fire happened, and we really enjoyed it very much.

- Becky Mullane

Cont. from pg 25

Contributed photo


We provide the place, the wagon rides, the horse-drawn carriage. They provide everything else, Mullane said.

Couples work directly with Mullane to create the day they desire. The venues website says the orchard offers rustic charm and breathtaking beauty.

Couples can decorate the venue however they like. Mullane said she doesnt like taking over the decision process but offers suggestions if needed.

The Mullanes have plenty of ideas for future improvements.

Were not stuck in our ways, Mullane said. We will always be very attentive to what people are wanting.

Our goal is to try to stay on the edge and keep the orchard a desired, stress-free place for couples. Were always going to have a niche with the private, primitive, peaceful woodland venue, she said.

We just want to make the most of the day. These couples days are going to be special. Thats the biggest goal in all of this, she said.

Syrstad is a freelance writer based out of the Twin Cities.

785467 9-13-15Photo by [v] imagery + design

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Outdoor ceremonies have grown in popularity, and theres no question that Mother Nature can provide the most beautiful backdrop for any event! As a popular lakeside wedding venue in the Eau Claire area, weve learned a thing or two about the art of planning an outdoor celebration. Avoid some surprises on your big day and consider these helpful tips to ensure that your ceremony lives up to your expectations:

1. Power Up. An outdoor ceremony will likely require sound equipment, if you want everyone to hear your beautiful vows. You may have musicians that require power for their keyboard. Maybe a DJ is supplying you with ceremony music. Whatever the case, be sure there is plenty of power available. Lake Wissota Golf & Events oers plenty of power for outdoor events, with electrical outlets located around the entire exterior of the facility.

2. Plan For Enough Seating. While this may seem obvious, keep in mind that your outdoor location may not come with seating. This adds extra cost to your already growing budget, so be sure to have a plan to seat your guests. At Lake Wissota Golf & Events, we provide all of our ceremonies with up to 150 seats, with additional seating available at a minimal cost.

3. Keep All of Your Guests In Mind. That eld may be beautiful and that spot on the hill may be the best

view youve ever seen, but have you taken into account the fact that the terrain may be rocky, uneven, steep, or just plain dicult to maneuver? Be mindful of how accessible your location is. With sidewalk ramps and golf carts, our facility and grounds are easily accessible for anyone requiring assistance.

4. Dont Start O On The Wrong Foot. This may seem like a no-brainer, but youd be surprised how many overlook this seemingly small detail brides and bridal parties particularly. Know the terrain on which youll be walking! Heels are not always the best option. Heels sink into soft ground and can send you ying if youll be walking on uneven or rocky surfaces. At Lake Wissota Golf, you have the benet of a lake-side or lush, green backdrop, yet you and your guests are provided with a solid surface to stand and walk on. The perfect option for anything from ip-ops to sky-high heels!

5. Have A Back-up Plan. This is without a doubt the single most important secret to planning an outdoor event of any kind! Mother Nature doesnt always like to cooperate, and since you have no control over her behavior, its imperative to have a back-up option secured. At Lake Wissota Golf & Events, theres no need to worry about changes in the weather our lakeside ceremonies can quickly be moved indoors to ensure that your guests (and you) are warm and dry!

6. Let Nature Take Its Course. When planning an outdoor wedding, many brides-to-be fail to recognize that less is always more. Nature is what sets the scene for guests. The decorative details should enhance, rather than detract from this natural scenery. Keep it simple, personalized and classy. From the landscape of our pristine golf course to the surrounding backdrop of the lake, we pride ourselves on the beauty that our setting oers for an outdoor ceremony and wedding photos alike.

If you are considering an outdoor ceremony, we welcome you to visit with our experienced event planner to learn more about outdoor celebrations, as well as our beautiful facility and food options.

6 Secrets to Planning Your Outdoor Ceremony

Article provided by Angela WelchEvent Manager at Lake Wissota Golf & EventsFounder and Facilitator, Chippewa Valley Wedding Professionals


Two Eau Claire

natives create

vintage-inspired

dresses for brides

business rooted in friendship

By Maralene Strom

Linyage original.

Contributed photo


Seeing. The future.

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Lindsay Ulness and Sarah Hrudka became lifelong friends in fth grade. Growing up in Eau Claire, they supported and encouraged each others artistic talents.

Two years ago fashion designer Ulness and creative director Hrudka decided to launch their business partnership, which brings together past and present in original, vintage-inspired wedding and special occasion dresses.

Slightly more than a year ago, the 2006 Memorial High School graduates returned to their childhood roots and opened Linyage in downtown Eau Claire.

The 20-somethings are creating a thriving business, reaching beyond the Chippewa Valley. They readily admit it is a work in progress as they continue to develop their brand, which takes a customized approach to each client.Creating new heirlooms

A one-room, second-oor studio above The Stones Throw is Linyages home. Light streaming through a window illuminates a couch, cream-colored walls and

Far Left:

Linyage partners Lindsay Ulness, left, and Sarah Hrudka create one-of-a-kind designs for wedding and special- occasion dresses.Contributed photos

Cont. on pg 30


shelves lled with photos and vintage items in the studio, 21 S. Barstow St.

Visitors see a sewing machine, shears, worktable, ironing board and dress form draped with the beginnings of a customized wedding gown.

Linyage creates individualized gowns that celebrate heritage by incorporating vintage lace, buttons and beading from gowns worn by other brides in the clients family.

To come up with designs, Ulness and Hrudka converse with brides about their style, the story they want woven into the design and what pieces of fabric or other materials they want highlighted on their dress.

The embellishment may be a doily made by a family member decades ago, a piece of a wedding dress or a crocheted bedspread, or buttons, beading or sequins.

If the bride merely desires a vintage keepsake, Ulness and the client select accents from the designers vast collection rather than family treasures.

Vintage pieces also are added to hair accessories, ower bouquets and wedding decor.

Passion for art

Ulness began designing clothing in childhood.

For my 12th birthday, I asked my parents for a sewing machine, she said, so she could sew designs she drew on paper.

Lace, beading and buttons always fascinated Ulness. She sewed and wore clothing inspired not by mass-produced, look-alike teen fashions but by vintage pieces she discovered at yard sales, antique shops and thrift stores.

Dreaming of becoming a fashion designer, Ulness studied apparel and textile design at UW-Madison, nishing her training at Fashion Institute of Technology in New York. She worked with different designers for three years before returning to Wisconsin.

Hrudka, meanwhile, has a penchant for capturing couples stories in her camera lens. She draws on the artistic gene pool she inherited from her father, a painter, she said.

He encouraged me to look at things in a three-point perspective, she said.

Hrudka studied graphic design at the Art Institutes International Minnesota

in Minneapolis. She cultivated a marketing foundation and

photojournalism skills.

Cont. from pg 29

Linyage partners Lindsay Ulness, right, and Sarah Hrudka have been friends since fifth grade.

Contributed photo


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It takes its name from the root word Hydrate,to cause to take up moisture. This ability to

moisturize the skin separates the HydraFacialfrom all other skin resurfacing procedures.

The treatment is soothing, refreshing,non-irritating, and immediately effective.

She takes documentary approaches behind her camera lens to enhance her marketing strategies and creative memory pieces for their clients, she said.

I love opportunities to tell stories and hold the space for individuals to be raw and inherently themselves. These experiences (are) what draws me back to the shutter time and time again, Hrudka said.

Her photojournalism skills add another dimension to Linyage. She creates memory pieces to reect the process toward the big days events.

Prior to the wedding, Hrudka takes photos to tell the story of the brides dress and the legacy incorporated within the design. When the dress is completed, a photo shoot is done at the brides choice of location.

One bride chose to have her photo shoot on the farm she grew up on, next to a owing stream. Her dogs attended so she could get photos taken with them.

Photos, along with sketches and fabric swatches as a dress takes shape,

become part of the memory piece Linyage gives to the bride.

Creating awareness

Social media plays a signicant role in helping Linyage reach out to markets beyond Eau Claire and Minneapolis.

Hrudka writes a blog, and Ulness leads creative workshops for aspiring fashion designers and artists.

The women take advantage of special events to raise awareness of Linyage.

Most recently they hosted a tent at the inaugural Eaux Claires music and arts festival, where visitors could create a ower crown. Ulness displayed her grandfathers sewing machine, which she uses to this day.

As this business with a strong tie to the past has taken root in the womens hometown of Eau Claire, they have declared Linyages mission to be to plant where youve been rooted and grown.

Strom is a freelance writer based in Chippewa Falls and the owner of MCS & Associates, Intl Business/Non-Prot Consultant.

Linyage original.

Contributed photo


Marriage formalizes your commitment to another person and intention to stay together forever.

Yet for every 1,000 people in Wisconsin in 2014, there were 2.7 divorces. And this is the lowest divorce rate in more than a decade.

Why do some relationships last for decades and others dont survive the rst year?

Eight women from the Chippewa Valley, central Wisconsin and Ontario, Canada, with extensive relationship experience shared their secrets for making love last. All combined, they have spent more than 265 years in committed relationships ranging in length from four to 56.5 years.

These relationships include 11 marriages, with half of these women married only once. The shortest of these once-married relationships is currently 35 years.

Carol, Donna, June, Lisa, Shari, Virginia, Connie and Nancy offered advice for those preparing to walk down the aisle with their betrothed.

Keep communication open.Good communication in a marriage cant be stressed enough. Researchers say communication issues are the most commonly referenced problem in divorces.

In a 2013 Internet-based study of 2,201 participants, psychologist Robert Epstein and colleagues found those who were most satised in their

relationships reported the most effective communication.

What is good communication? According to Lisa, a 39-year-old Eau Claire resident, good communication is constant.

That does NOT mean constant conversation. It means shut up and listen

Love seems the swiftest, but it is the slowest of all growths.

No man or woman really

knows what perfect love is

until they have been married a quarter of a

century. Mark Twain

making it lastBy Debra Hagen-Foley


to each other, said Lisa, who has been married twice and divorced twice and now is in a seven-year relationship with no interest in marrying again.

Be fully present for your partner. Hear each other out. Communicate personal boundaries about what you want, what you expect and what you are willing to give of yourself for your partner and vice versa, she said.

Expectations change as life changes. Communicate those changes, Lisa said.

For Connie, married 35 years, communication means listening even when you are tired, remembering that no one can read minds, (cutting) each other some slack.

Everyone has an off day, so give your partner some space, said the 58-year-old from Vesper.

Be kind.Donna, 59, has been married for 41 years. She urged couples to talk about money and make a financial plan.

The Landsdown, Ontario, resident also urged women to let their partner know what they need to feel loved, appreciated and respected.

If you want to talk, make sure it is the right time, not when the other person is focused on something else. Say you want to talk and talk, dont accuse, she said.

Fight fairly, and dont keep bringing up the past, Donna advised. The ability to disagree respectfully is an important component of a good relationship.

Carol, 55, of Joyceville, Ontario, has been in a continuous relationship for 21 years, including marriage for the past five. She also emphasized communicating openly about what you both want and expect from each other.

Discuss financial issues and what you want in life before you make any commitment, she recommended.

Virginia, 75, of Eau Claire advised, Kindness, shared interests and enjoying each others company, trust, cherishing each other.

Virginia and her partner, Carol, along with seven other same-sex couples, successfully petitioned for the right to marry in Wisconsin. Same-sex marriages have been legal in the state since last year.

Over time in their 40-year relationship, Virginia said, infatuation and physical attraction have made way for deeper, more sustaining and more delightful feelings.

Respect and trust each other.According to Lisa, You must build and maintain trust in one another, always, always, always. Keep your promises your word is your bond. Be able to count on one another.

Shari was married on Aug. 22, 1987. The couple recently celebrated 28 years together.

Nancy was first married on Feb. 16, 1974. The marriage lasted 23 years. The couple have remained good friends since the divorce.

June was married on Sept. 26, 1945, and was married 56.5 years when her husband passed away.

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Added Carol, My advice for a lasting relationship would be to always respect each other.

Know yourself, be yourself, love yourself.Shari, 58, born in the Chippewa Valley and now living in Hartland, has been married 28 years. She passed on advice she learned from her brother: Be yourself. Dont pretend to be someone you are not, and encourage your partner to be authentic also.

Research backs up this advice. Couples who have an unrealistic view of the relationship, based on putting their best selves forward, are more likely to become disillusioned when reality sets in, life coach Shane Sorenson wrote at his self-improvement website MakeYourBestSelf.com.

Donna thinks by marrying at a young age, she didnt take time to know herself.

I wish someone had told me to live my live first, do what I wanted to do, spend money on myself, etc., before committing to marriage, she said.

Nancy, of Eleva, who has been married three times for a total of 27 years, now is committed to loving herself.

My advice is to have an excellent relationship with yourself because wherever you go, there you are, said Nancy, 58, currently happily single.

Know your partner.Several of the women stressed the importance of really getting to know your partner.

We did spend a lot of time together getting to know each others likes and dislikes, Carol said.

Epsteins 2013 research supports the importance of knowing your partner,

from hopes and dreams to favorite pizza toppings. Knowledge of partner was cited as the second best predictor of relationship satisfaction after communication.

If you and your partner have been honest with each other, you should have learned about each others habits. Some of these are likely different from your own, Shari said.

If you are committed to being with this person for the long haul, be prepared to accept or at least overlook habits you find annoying. Dont expect marriage will change the person.

As Shari said of her 28 years of marriage, I knew he was like that when I married him, so I cant expect that he will change now.

Carols first marriage, at age 17, took place less than four months after she met her spouse. Her recommendation: The best and first thing that comes to my mind is get to know your partner. Dont rush into anything.

Dont sweat the small stuff.It takes a lot of compromise and letting the small things go to make any relationship work, Donna said. At the same time, do not let the small things all build up until you explode and then start a huge fight.

June, 87, married 58.5 years and widowed for more than a decade, offered this advice: Ignore a lot of stuff.

On reflection, the Eau Claire woman recognizes the amount of time couples waste by arguing over little things.

Connie expanded on the idea of choosing your battles.

Life is too short to get hung up on trivial matters that are blown out of proportion. Committing to building a long-term relationship is the merger of two sets of traditions, ideas, foundational beliefs, etc., she said.

She shared the story of shopping with her husband for decorations for their first Christmas tree. They only had been married for four months at the

time.

When it came to picking out the tree topper, I was

searching for the perfect angel tree topper, and my husband was looking for the perfect star. It didnt take long to realize that childhood memories were important to us

and that we didnt even think about the

possibility of something other than what we (had)

experienced, she said.

After talking about it in the aisle of the store, it was quite

apparent that having a star tree topper was very important to my husband. While this wasnt a battle, it is important to pick your battles.

We have had a star on our Christmas tree for 35 years. To this day, I suggest that an angel would look GREAT on our tree. I only receive a smile as the star is put in its prominent place, she said.

Maintaining a sense of humor will help you to get through the inevitable rough spots in the months and years ahead, as you create your own happy-ever-after.

Hagen-Foley, a Chippewa Falls native, is a freelance writer and the dean of academic excellence and institutional effectiveness at Mid-State Technical College in Wisconsin Rapids.

Want to test your relationship

skills? You can take the Epstein

Love Competencies Inventory

@myloveskills.com.

Cont. from pg 33


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Prep: 30 min. + chilling

Process: 20 min. + freezing

Yield: 1 qts. (1 cup sauce) or

12 servings

Ingredients 6 egg yolks 1 cup sugar 3 cups heavy whipping cream 1 cup whole milk 1 vanilla bean cup spiced rum tsp. ground nutmeg

SAUCE: 6 T. unsalted butter 1 cup packed brown sugar 1/3 cup heavy whipping cream 2 T. light corn syrup 2 T. spiced rum

Directions 1. In a small bowl, whisk egg yolks and sugar; set aside. In a large heavy saucepan, combine cream and milk. Split vanilla bean in half lengthwise. With a sharp knife, scrape seeds into pan; add bean. 2. Heat cream mixture until bubbles form around sides of pan. Whisk a small amount of hot mixture into egg mixture. Return all to pan, whisking constantly. Cook and stir over low heat until mixture is thickened and coats the back of a spoon. and temperature reaches 160 degrees. 3. Quickly transfer to a bowl; place in ice water and stir for 2 minutes. Stir in rum and nutmeg. Press plastic wrap onto surface of custard. Refrigerate for several hours or overnight. 4. Discard vanilla bean. Fill cylinder of ice cream freezer two-thirds full; freeze according to the manufacturers directions. When ice cream is frozen, transfer to a freezer container; freeze for 2-4 hours before serving. 5. For sauce, in a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar, cream and corn syrup; cook and stir until sugar is dissolved. Remove from the heat; stir in rum. Serve with ice cream.

Prep: 35 min. Bake: 10 min./batch + cooling

Yield: about 1 dozen.

Ingredients3 egg whites 1 cups confectioners sugar cup pistachios Dash salt cup sugar

CHOCOLATE FILLING:4 oz. bittersweet chocolate, chopped cup heavy whipping cream 2 tsp. corn syrup 1 T. butter

Directions1. Place egg whites in a small bowl; let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. Line baking sheets with parchment paper; set aside. Place confectioners sugar and pistachios in a food processor. Cover and process until pistachios become a ne powder. 2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Add salt to egg whites; beat on medium speed until soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating on high until stiff peaks form. Fold in pistachio mixture. 3. Place mixture in a heavy-duty resealable plastic bag; cut a small hole in a corner of bag. Pipe 1-inch-diameter cookies 1 inch apart onto prepared baking sheets. Bake 10-12 minutes or until lightly browned and rm to the touch. Cool completely on pans on wire racks. 4. Place chocolate in a small bowl. In a small saucepan, bring cream and corn syrup just to a boil. Pour over chocolate; whisk until smooth. Whisk in butter. Cool, stirring occasionally, to room temperature or until lling reaches a spreading consistency, about 45 minutes. Spread on the bottoms of half of the cookies; top with remaining cookies.

Prep: 1 hours +

freezing

Yield: 4 dozen

Ingredients1 package white cake mix (regular size) cup canned vanilla frosting 1/3 cup seedless raspberry jam, melted 2 to 3 T. raspberry liqueur Red food coloring, optional 48 lollipop sticks 2 lbs. dark chocolate candy coating, chopped Pink candy coating, chopped Pink sprinkles and decorative sugar, optional

Directions1. Prepare and bake cake mix according to package directions, using a greased 13-in. x 9-in. baking pan. Cool completely on a wire rack. 2. Crumble cake into a large bowl. Add the frosting, jam, liqueur and food coloring if desired; mix well. Shape into 1-inch balls. Place on baking sheets; insert sticks. Freeze for at least 2 hours or refrigerate for at least 3 hours or until cake balls are rm. 3. In a microwave, melt dark candy coating. Dip each cake pop in coating; allow excess to drip off. Insert cake pops into a styrofoam block to stand. Melt pink candy coating; drizzle over cake pops. Decorate some cake pops with sprinkles and sugar if desired. Let stand until set.

photo by Taste of Home



Pistachio Chocolate Macarons

Raspberry Truffle Cake Pops

Eggnog Ice Cream with Hot Buttered Rum Sauce


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Prep/Total Time: 30 min.

Yield: 3 dozen

Ingredients 2 English cucumbers 1 package (8 oz.) cream cheese, softened lb. smoked salmon or lox 1 T. 2 percent milk 1 tsp. lemon-pepper seasoning 1 tsp. snipped fresh dill Salt and pepper, to taste cup heavy whipping cream Additional snipped fresh dill

Directions 1. Peel strips from cucumbers to create a decorative edge; cut cucumbers into -inch slices. Using a melon baller, remove a small amount of cucumber from the center, leaving the bottom intact. 2. Place the cream cheese, salmon, milk, lemon-pepper and dill in a food processor; cover and process until blended. Transfer to a small bowl and season with salt and pepper. 3.In another bowl, beat cream until stiff peaks form. Fold into salmon mixture. 4. Pipe or dollop mousse onto cucumber slices; garnish with dill. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Prep: 30 min. + chilling Bake: 25 min. + chilling Yield: 3 dozen

Ingredients 4 cups (32 oz.) plain yogurt 1 beef tenderloin roast (1 lbs.) 2 T. olive oil, divided 1 tsp. salt, divided tsp. plus 1/8 tsp. white pepper, divided 1 medium cucumber, peeled, seeded & diced 1 T. nely chopped onion 1 garlic clove, minced 1 T. white vinegar 1 French bread baguette (1 lb.), cut into 36 thin slices 1 cup fresh arugula Sliced grape tomatoes, optional

Directions 1. Line a ne mesh strainer with two layers of cheesecloth; place over a bowl. Place yogurt in strainer. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. 2. Rub tenderloin with 1 tab

Documents

Her Impressions Fall 2015