2 | Lee Enterprises - Western Region Bridal Guide 2025
W edding g oWn Preservation 20 % OFF wedding gOwn preservatiOn After your wedding, it is important to have your gown professionally cleaned and preserved.This simple step will create an heirloom for future family members or a keepsake to treasure all your own.
308-532-2760 1805 West A Street, North Platte Westfield Shopping Center
Lee Enterprises - Western Region Bridal Guide 2025 | 3
308.708.0678 | hellobeautifulbridal.com | 2309 Central Ave. Kearney, NE Bridal | Party | Tuxes | Officiating
WEDDINGS BY younes hospitality
275 - 850+ GUEST CAMPACITY FOUR BALLROOM OPTIONS ONSITE GUEST ROOMS CUSTOM CEILING LIGHTING
200 - 650+ GUEST CAMPACITY SIX BALLROOM OPTIONS TWO CONNECTING HOTELS CUSTOM UP LIGHTING
100 - 350+ GUEST CAMPACITY COMPLIMENTARY FACILITY RENTAL THREE BALLROOMS OPTIONS ONSITE GUEST ROOMS
YOUNES NORTH
YOUNES SOUTH
HOLIDAY INN
WWW.YOUNES.COM | 308-238-7002
4 | Lee Enterprises - Western Region Bridal Guide 2025
Bridal store in town of 300 brings in brides from far away. Even Europe. A Dreamy Oasis in L2oomis
MARY JANE SKALA Kearney Hub
Europe. “Who wouldn’t love a job when you can help girls find the dress of their dreams?” Axtell said. Something old Axtell is just the store’s third owner. Bridal Isle was opened by Marie Thorell in her home 41 years ago. Eventually, she moved it to 315 Commercial St. In 2009, she sold it to Jonell Mueller. Axtell worked part-time for Thorell while raising five children, and then another six years for Mueller. Axtell had never thought about owning a business, but one evening, as she drove home from the store, she called her daughter Haley and floated an idea: “I’d like to buy the Bridal Isle,” she said. “I thought my daughter would laugh, but she said, ‘Go for it,’” Axtell said.
When she told her husband Darry she wanted to buy the shop, “he absolutely thought I was crazy, but I did it anyway. He has since learned that it’s a good career,” she said. She has never looked back. Something new Axtell put her own touches on the store after she purchased it. It’s filled with personal touches, like the mannequin that wears the gown worn by Axtell’s mother Elaine in 1952 when she married Bob Turnquist. Nearby is a large black- and-white portrait of the couple. Axtell named one of the three spacious fitting rooms for her mother, too: the Great Laine Room. The others are the Aunt Lee Room, named for her Aunt Leda, and the Marie Room is named for the store’s founder.
LOOMIS — In a little town west of Holdrege, surrounded by cornfields and grain silos, sits one of the Midwest’s best- kept secrets. It’s the Bridal Isle, located just off Highway 23. It’s a sunny, warm, inviting, 9,500-square-foot gem of wedding dresses, veils, shoes, jewelry, mother-of- the-bride dresses and more. Then again, maybe it’s not a secret. The shop sold 542 bridal gowns last year, according to owner Karla Axtell. It sold to brides from Holdrege and Kearney, from all over Nebraska, and from Kansas, Colorado, and even Rapid City, S.D., an eight-hour drive. Brides have ventured in from New York and California. Some brides have even come from
Lee Enterprises - Western Region Bridal Guide 2025 | 5
Karla believes the store’s success and its caring, committed staff are a blessing from God. “I have the most amazing staff. They all get along well, and they all care about the brides,” she said. Her right-hand assistant is Dana Abramson, the manager, who has been at Bridal Isle for 18 years. She does a bit of everything, from answering the phone to taking inventory to managing the books and more. Abramson, who has three grown sons and two grandsons, joked that her job at Bridal Isle “is my girl time.” “Dana has an amazing brain that doesn’t forget anything,” Axtell said. The staff also includes 10 consultants, who assist brides in finding the perfect dress, along with two full-time and four part-time seamstresses. Best sellers Bridal Isle sells gowns of all sizes, from petite to plus. Its three main brands are Allure, Morilee and Stella York, but it offers others, too. Popular fabrics right now are silk, satin or soft crepe. “Ball gowns are coming back again. Everything old is new again. When my mom got married in 1952, her dress had a basque waist. Now that is coming back,” Axtell said. Basque-waist dresses have a slightly dropped waistline and a dramatic V-shape to the bodice, which creates a focal point at the center of the body. Bows are back, too, especially on the shoulder or the back of the dress. Pearls often accentuate today’s gowns as well. Veils are replacing headpieces. Many
brides want cathedral-length veils, often with pearls. “Some brides choose gowns that are more simple, and then pick a more elaborate veil,” Axtell said. She opened the door to a cozy room full of veils of all sizes. Brides can have their names and wedding dates painted on the veil, or have them adorned with wee flowers or other designs. When Axtell bought the store in 2015, the average cost of a wedding gown was $900. That price now ranges from $1,500 to $1,700. Advance planning Ideally, a bride should order her gown nine months ahead of her wedding. That allows four to six months for it to arrive at the store and three months for alterations. “A lot of brides come in six months ahead of the wedding. That’s harder to figure out if we have to order a dress, but we assure her she will have a fine dress,” Axtell said. Some brides shop just a few months or even a week or two before the wedding. Bridal Isle has gowns that can be purchased off the rack. The store also sells jewelry and shoes for the big day. Many brides are choosing shoes by Converse. “They go for comfort now,” Axtell said. Mothers of the bride Axtell caters to mothers of the bride, too. The Bridal Isle carries 800 mother-of- the-bride dresses. “It used to be that mothers wanted neutral colors, but people began asking for bright pinks and greens, deeper greens, so I’ve started ordering deeper
colors,” Axtell said. Recently, one mother selected a black dress. That was once a no-no for the mother of the bride, “but she looked beautiful. It’s no longer a faux pas to wear black,” Axtell said. As far as tuxedos and bridesmaid dresses, the bulk of that is now handled online. Attendants come into the store to get fitted, but ordering is all done online. Items are shipped directly to members of the wedding party. “This saves us time and headaches for the bride. After the wedding, the men ship the tuxes back to the company,” Axtell said. Even the COVID-19 pandemic didn’t hurt Bridal Isle. Despite closing for three weeks, 2020 turned out to be one of Axtell’s busiest years. “Brides did a lot of rearranging of wedding dates that year. Some ceremonies were postponed, while other brides had smaller weddings than they had planned, but brides still had to come in for fittings,” Axtell said. At the store’s entrance, she has placed a flowery chalkboard that says, “Isle start my forever in this dress.” That’s the store’s mantra. As its website says, “Every bride deserves to feel beautiful on her big day.” If you go Bridal Isle is located at 315 Commerce St. in Loomis, just south of Highway 23. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and closed Sunday. Book your appointment online at bridalisle.com or call 308-876-2583.
6 | Lee Enterprises - Western Region Bridal Guide 2025
Plan Your Perfect Wedding with Us! FREE Ba Sue wn y u B k a Ds ue H e B k f 10 R ms
Why Choose Venues on South Locust? • Complimentary Shuttle between Comfort Suites and the Venue • On-Site Catering to simplify your planning • Table, Chair & Linen Rentals included
• Reception Venue Pricing starting at just $500 • Bar Service Included to keep the celebration going • Event Planning Services Available for a stress-free day • Customized Wedding Party Favors for a unique touch
1607 S. Locust Street Grand Island, NE
228 Lake Street Grand Island, NE
CONTACT US TODAY! Csy Sme (308) 850-7356 r Csy.sme@ emn. m
Lee Enterprises - Western Region Bridal Guide 2025 | 7
Love isn't just in the air at a wedding, it should also be on the plate. Say I Do To The Menu
FREEPIK ©
FREEPIK ©
FREEPIK ©
GREEN SHOOT MEDIA Get away from generic menus and go with food you love to create a memorable meal on an even more memorable day. START WITH THE CONTRACTS Before setting the menu, check the regulations for your chosen venue. There may be in-house catering services you must use or a list of preferred vendors you need to choose from. If you do choose another caterer, you may also have to pay an additional fee, and that should be
ceremony’s style and your personality. Traditionally, a plated wedding menu will start with appetizers, then move to a salad course, entrée and wedding cakes and desserts. A buffet menu also starts
with appetizers, then includes salads, sides, proteins and, lastly, wedding cake and desserts. STATIONS Serving foods that lend themselves to it, such as appetizers and desserts, at serve-yourself stations is a fashionable idea that also gives guests some control over their own dish. Think things like a coffee bar, an ice cream station or crostini bar. DON’T FORGET THE DRINKS Ask your caterer about what kind of drinks they make available. If local laws and your venue allows, you may need a separate vendor (and budget) for alcohol. Budget allowing, ask your bartenders to come up with a signature cocktail for your wedding. TAKEOUT Think about having to-go or takeout boxes for your guests to take desserts, cake or even whole entrees with them. This will encourage them to enjoy the party and the dance floor while they can and have a snack to enjoy when they get home or back to their hotel room.
included in your budget. CONSIDER THE VIBE
Think about what type of food you want to serve and whether it matches the style of the ceremony you have in mind. There’s plenty of room to bend the rules, but bear in mind dietary restrictions, cultural requirements and the abilities of your vendors. Look for caterers that have prior experience with the type of menu you have in mind. MAP OUT A BUDGET Set a budget and stick to it. Talk to vendors and be honest about your resources and rely on their expertise to maximize what you can afford. Ask your catering team for ideas that match your
8 | Lee Enterprises - Western Region Bridal Guide 2025
Creative and unique options for your wedding and reception venues. Think Outside the Box
FREEPIK ©
ADOBESTOCK ©
ADOBE STOCK ©
GREEN SHOOT MEDIA And because it sets the tone for so much of the ceremony or reception, it’s an important one. Before landing on a specific venue, think about how the day will unfold. Will you want the ceremony and reception in the same location? Will you be allowed to design and decorate the space the way that you want? Is the cost of the venue within your budget? These are all critical questions that can help you narrow down your choices to a select few. Here are some venues you may not have considered for your big day. LOCAL PARKS City, state and national parks often offer some stunning backdrops for your wedding, your reception or both. Visit the park several times before your big day, if you can, and make note of how busy the park is and the position of the sun. You don’t want your guests squinting to see you in the afternoon glare, nor do you want them peering into the gloom of a forest glade. Also make notes about the park’s facilities. Is there plenty of parking? Bathroom access? Does it also have sports fields or other activities that may be in use the day of your wedding? Once you have a few potential spots picked out, reach out the to city, state or
federal department responsible for that park. Make sure they allow weddings, fill out any necessary paperwork, pay the fees and make sure you get a copy of the rules (there are going to be rules). Look for any restrictions on the number of guests, chairs, toilets, cleanup and more. WINERIES AND BREWERIES These venues may have an event space that they are happy to let you use for your ceremony, your reception or both. For a fee, of course, but you may also get plenty of booze to use, too. Either location lends itself to plenty of décor ideas, menus and, of course, cocktails. Also ask if the grounds will be available to you for photo shoots before your big day. Vineyards, in particular, have a striking natural backdrop that your photographer will be happy to make use of. Just like with any other venue, ensure you know the local rules for holding a wedding at the winery or brewery; the event planner at the venue should be able to help you. Also talk to your vendors about the setup at the location and, if possible, meet them there beforehand. GARDENS Botanical gardens, arboretums and other natural settings make stunning venues, even in the fall. The key to pulling
off these weddings is to let the natural landscape carry most the weight of décor and florals. Talk to your florist about more subtle arrangements to make the most of your setting. Because many of these spaces are exclusively outdoors, you should have a Plan B should the weather go south. Ask the venue what they suggest; they may have a pavilion or other space that can give you shelter. Vintage farms. Thinking rustic? Consider a local country farm for your venue. These venues combine the best of both worlds – classic outdoor beauty and reclaimed barns. Many vintage farms offer plenty of space for a large guest list. You’ll also be supporting local farmers, as many have found ways to host events tosupplement their regular revenue streams. HISTORIC HOTELS For a more intimate setting in fall, small historic inns, lodges and hotels can help whisk you and your guests away to a simpler, more understated time that is equal parts charm and nostalgia. LARGE ESTATES You likely have one of these restored mansions in your neck of the woods, and they create an idyllic setting for a unique indoors ceremony or reception.
Lee Enterprises - Western Region Bridal Guide 2025 | 9
Tuxes from $125-$190!
—WEDDING— Take 10% OFF any 2025 Wedding package when you book by March 31, 2025 —WEDDING— For all your online and in-person formal needs.
Rent 5 tuxes or suits receive the 6thFREE!
2118 Central Ave Kearney • (308) 455-3232
Moonlight Ridge Vineyard To book your wedding and reception 8150 N. US Hwy 281 | Grand Island, NE 68803 | Call#308-381-2337
805 York Drive, Cozad, NE 69130 Ph: (308) 784-3700 Fax: (308) 784-3707 gm.ne3700@staycobblestone.com www.staycobblestone.com “BIG CITY QUALITY, SMALL TOWN VALUES ...” ®
Kevin Kelsey General Manager
10 | Lee Enterprises - Western Region Bridal Guide 2025
Wedding photographers share their tips for your big day. From Behind The Lens
PHOTO BY JAMIE WIESELER ©
MEGAN KELLEY Scottsbluff Star-Herald
When it comes to style, Woods’ business name and editing style mirror each other. “Stylistically, I prefer bold, colorful images,” she said. Jamie Wieseler of Jamie W Photography out of Ogallala has been taking photos for 12 years, with about 10 of those being mostly weddings. Because of her location, her style is sometimes considered “rustic” or “cowboy,” but I’m usually what they consider more like light and airy,” Wieseler said. Jessica Mikoloyck of SunnyFreckles Photography, based out of Scottsbluff, is all about emotions and loves capturing magical moments with magical people. “I understand the importance of documenting all of the moments in people’s lives,” Mikoloyck said, “no matter how big or small.” Making the day special and capturing those moments is important, but the first step with wedding photographers is a consultation, to determine if their styles mesh and determine a game plan for the day. If a photographer’s style doesn’t mesh with the couple or the schedule for
“First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes baby in a baby carriage.” Or not. This recess rhyme of old may be outdated, but there’s one piece in a wedding that has stood the test of time: photography. After all, photography is literally capturing moments in time that the couple truly wishes to cherish forever. No matter the path in which a couple decides to get to their happily ever after, three Nebraska wedding photographers give insight into what to do and not to do when it comes to the big day. According to TheKnot.com, almost 90% of couples hired a photographer, making photographers the third most popular wedding vendor or service used. When looking for wedding photographers, there are a number of things to consider, professionals said. Kiri Woods of Sugar Divas Photography in Kearney has been a full-time photographer for three years and has done part-time work for about eight years. Woods makes it her goal to make the
PHOTO BY JAMIE WIESELER ©
everyday woman feel like a supermodel. “I want my brides to feel like a diva for a day,” she said. One point Woods made was that weddings cannot be cookie-cutter: each couple is different, therefore, each wedding must be treated as such. “I don’t shoot every wedding day the same, because not every wedding is the same,” she said. “You have to understand their love story.”
Lee Enterprises - Western Region Bridal Guide 2025 | 11
PHOTO BY JESSICA MIKOLOYCK ©
PHOTO BY KIRI WOODS ©
PHOTO BY JESSICA MIKOLOYCK ©
it’s OK to sit down and have conversations first before signing contracts or paying deposits and making sure that you know all of the things check each other’s boxes.” Another trend popping up is the turn away from traditional weddings, meaning outside of a church. “I think (these) are really fun,” Woods said. “So whether it’s out by a river in your family’s field or at a local park or doing an elopement up in the mountains,” nontraditional weddings aren’t out of the norm. Woods has a wedding scheduled this year that will be taking place in a vintage, old movie theater.“How cool is that?” she said. “(The couple) is going to be on stage and their guests will be in the theater seating.” When it comes down to the big day, these three experienced photographers have some key advice.
“Make sure they are experienced because a wedding day is a lot,” Wieseler said. “Especially in western Nebraska, they’re almost like a personal attendant, because wedding planners aren’t as prevalent out this way.” “You have to have good communication,” Woods said. “If you do not have a photographer that you feel is communicating with you enough, that could be a red flag.” “I would really like to think that hiring a wedding photographer is like finding the right dentist,” Mikoloyck said. “You know, dentists can feel scary. Doctors can feel scary, lawyers can feel scary, but you’re entrusting this one day to them. I really think the most important thing that a wedding couple needs to make sure is that they ask their photographer what their backup process is.”
the day doesn’t work, there’s no sense in going forward. “I really want (the wedding day) to go the way they want it to go,” Wieseler said. “You know, it’s really about managing expectations. Those expectations are important, especially when a bride has a whole list of inspirational photos she wants done. Before the days of TikTok and your friends’ Facebook walls, “if we wanted inspiration, we had to Google it,” Mikoloyck said. “And then Pinterest came, and we all loved it until we hated it.” Mikoloyck explains that brides “see the magic, and that’s what they want.” “It’s really awesome, but we have access as artists… coming at us from like, all sides all the time,” she added. “So managing that is a very unique experience because you have a wedding couple with certain expectations. “It’s been an interesting journey, as the trends have changed over the years.” It’s not just the items that have changed, like styles of dresses, but how these artists go about photographing them. “One of the trends that I do see, that I hope never goes away,” Woods said, “because it really lends to a more stress- free wedding, are the first look photos.” One trick Mikoloyck has learned over the years is to stick to a timeline. “I know that I can walk away from that day, ensuring that I got all of the photos that we had planned and that we had talked about,” she said. “I do think that there’s some wedding couples who prefer a ‘YOLO’ approach to their day and don’t necessarily want to be stuck to a timeline. But I think without getting feelings hurt,
PHOTO BY KIRI WOODS ©
12 | Lee Enterprises - Western Region Bridal Guide 2025
Trendy, simple and delicious, naked cakes are all the rage. L2et Them Eat Cake make your naked cake pop. Accent the frosting with a top layer of juicy strawberries or blackberries. Drizzle on some white chocolate or add dollops of whipped cream for added flavor.
These additions will accent your cake with interesting colors. You can even mix in some romance by adding a unique wedding topper or sliced figs, which are recognized in many cultures as a symbol of peace and bounty. A WINTER (OR SUMMER) TOUCH Thinking of designing your cake specific to the season? Top it with natural elements such as evergreen branches or cranberries for a special touch. Keep the icing white to convey a look of classic tradition. Looking to warm up your guests with your dessert? Add some rich, bold flavor with melted salted caramel on top of the cake. Offer complementary drinks such as warm apple cider and black coffee to push your sweet course to a new level. Chat with your local cake-maker for other ideas on pulling off the perfect naked cake. Your guests will surely point to your beautiful dress as the highlight of your wedding, but your unique cake won’t be far behind.
FREEPIK ©
GREEN SHOOT MEDIA The mostly unfrosted delicacies have received a boost in popularity thanks to celebrity ceremonies across the world. But you don’t have to be a famous actress to bring the delicious beauty of a naked cake to your wedding. By using cake layers connected with only minimal amounts of frosting, these wedding desserts offer a light, bright Doniphan Area Event Center
sweetness in every bite. If the trend continues, naked cakes will be the hottest dessert choice for many
weddings to come. ADD SOME FLAIR
Less icing doesn’t have to mean less flair. There are plenty of creative additions that can result in a stunning, well- rounded cake. Add fruity or flowery touches to really
• Constructed with both Modern and Rural Influences • Perfectly Located: 10 miles from Hastings, 10 miles from Grand Island • 3 miles from I-80 • Main Hall Capacity: 400 Meeting Rooms: 30 & 50 (or combined) • Kitchen Facilities Available • Large Parking Lot • Great Rates!
doniphan@hamilton.net 402-845-4466
Lee Enterprises - Western Region Bridal Guide 2025 | 13
OPEN YEAR ROUND Mo-Sa 9-5PM Su12-5PM
The Archway offers an intimate and rustic venue overlooking our campus of breathtaking lakes, bridges, and natural Nebraska native landscape. Located just inside the monument, our 125-guest event venue features a full bar, audio-visual system, and a host of other amenities. The Archway’s outdoor facility, overlooking the monument and lake, is a picturesque backdrop
making your wedding ceremony unforgettable. Add the Archway to your most amazing day – we can’t wait to meet you! Contact Cherry Hill at 308-237-1000 or chill@archway.org to arrange a tour or for more information.
Spanning proudly over I-80 at Exit 275 in Kearney, NE • archway.org
14 | Lee Enterprises - Western Region Bridal Guide 2025 Millard West grad loving life in Rural Nebraska after marrying farmer. Opposites Attract MARJIE DUCEY World-Herald Staff Writer Miles Peterson caught Lauren Lundgren completely by surprise with his marriage proposal. The two had met in their sophomore year of college at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He was majoring in agriculture economics and Lauren in child, youth and family studies. Miles liked her outgoing personality and she liked his easy go-with-the-flow personality. “We really clicked right away,” Lauren said. “It’s true what they say, opposites attract.” In May of their senior year, Lauren’s girlfriends told her they were going to do a last girls get-together before their graduation a few weeks later. They decided to meet at James Author Vineyards near Lincoln. “In my head I thought nothing of it,” Lauren said. “We all got dressed up, and once we got there, we went to take pictures and that’s where I saw Miles at the top of the hill waiting for me. It was very special.” The Petersons were married in March, and now live in Bertrand, where Miles farms corn and soybeans. That’s 45 minutes west of Kearney. Lauren, who went to Millard West, said she’s adjusting well to farm life. She’s also started her own day care. “I definitely had to get used to not getting my Amazon
PHOTOS BY ANNA MANTINI LLC ©
packages in one day, but that adjustment hasn’t been too bad,” she said. “I love how slow paced things are out here, and I enjoy getting to watch Miles do what he loves from start to finish every year.” FINDING THE RIGHT TIME Since Miles is a farmer, they had to pick a day for the wedding that wasn’t during harvest or planting. “That left us with the winter months or the dead of summer. I was trying to dodge both of those seasons, so March felt like a great in-between,” Lauren said. They went for a timeless and elegant celebration, with lots of black and whites with little greenery. Their tablecloths were ivory with black napkins. Centerpieces were white florals and greenery. “Our head table was the trickiest thing for myself to think of what I wanted,” Lauren said. “Barbie at Hy-Vee Florals nailed my vision. Lots of single flower vases all along the head table. It was perfect.”
Lee Enterprises - Western Region Bridal Guide 2025 | 15
MEMORABLE MOMENT Their private first look before the ceremony and sharing their vows together was a sweet moment they’ll never forget. “Being alone together was so special and a lot less nerve-wracking,” Lauren said. “We were able to take it all in and enjoy each other’s words and raw emotions.” BAND WINS OVER DJ Food and drinks were their biggest expense with 415 guests. They opted for a band over a DJ, but said it was worth every penny. “Downtown Collective knocked it out of the park. They were incredible,” Lauren said. “So many compliments on how amazing their performance was, and I can’t tell you how awesome and easy they were to work with. We love them.” They wanted their dog to be a part of their day, so they printed a couple of Fathead photos of her and had her on the dance floor. “Everyone got a kick out of that.” A CORNY MOMENT SAVED They were serving popcorn during cocktail hour and had cute custom popcorn bowls for their guests. However, they forgot to pick up the popcorn the
Friday before the wedding. “Thankfully our wedding coordinator at 402 Events caught the mistake while setting up, and my brother’s friend was able to run and pick it up in time for cocktail hours,” Lauren said. “I had no idea until a couple days after that it all happened.” The couple said their Memory Box Photo Booth was a hit. It’s called “the Glam Booth.” “It ended up being one of our most complimented things at our wedding,” Lauren said. PIZZA ANYONE They’ve gotten a lot of use out of their Ooni Pizza Oven. “It works great for a fun date night at home,” Lauren said, “and we’ve been able to make so many different Lauren says she never realized how good Miles would look wearing his wedding band. She feels so lucky to be called his wife and appreciates how patient and loving he is. “Our wedding day was absolutely perfect because of him, and I thank him all the time for putting up with me during the planning process. He was always my reminder that not everything has to be kinds of pizzas. We love it.” Rocking his wedding ring
perfect and the day will be amazing.” Miles said Lauren is a gift from God. “She motivates me to be a better person every single day. Her compassionate and loving attitude makes every day with her such a joy,” he said. “She has been the most incredible wife and my love grows larger for her every single day.”
We provide a wide variety of rentals and services to help make your wedding day dreams come true 111 West 3rd St Ogallala, NE 69153 308.778.6348 www. somethingborrowedne.com
16 | Lee Enterprises - Western Region Bridal Guide 2025
D
% %
R
Cindy and Chuck Brader
YOUBRING THE PARTY... and we’ll do the rest! • Personalized Party Consultation • Private Room with a Fully Stocked Bar THELAGER ROOM
The perfect place to just host weddings and receptions, reunions, business meetings and employee parties and picnics.
• Private Bartender • Buffet Style Food • Food Package Options
• Stylish Theme & Decor Design • TV’s Speaker & Microphone • Set Up & Tear Down Provided
402-984-8976
www.palsbrewingcompany.com 308-221-6715
1600 E Monument Rd, Glenvil, NE 68941
Enjoy Your Stay In Complete Comfort! 4619 South Lincoln Avenue • York, Nebraska • (402) 362-6661
Complimentary Hot Breakfast Free High Speed Internet On-Site Applebee’s Restaurant Indoor Pool Conference Center 24 Hour Fitness Center Guest Laundry Ballroom* Renovated Property, 2025 *Open To Outside Catering Services Shuttle Available To Holthus Convention Center - York Stone Creek Event Center - McCool
Where you stay with people who care!
PROUD TOBETHE BEST
Lee Enterprises - Western Region Bridal Guide 2025 | 17 Advice from a Nebraska designer on finding the right flowers for a fairy-tale wedding. Let YourLove Bloom their flowers on something that's not going to last for them.” Wedding flowers are very important to the ceremony, but it’s ultimately up to what the bride and groom want for their special day. As long as they can have their special day, that’s all that matters.
“It makes me incredibly happy when I can immerse not only the bride, but the entire party, family, everybody within this ‘fairy-tale’ evening, day or whatever,” Lipscomb said.
GRACIE SMITH Grand Island Independent
Weddings are a joyous time in the lives of most couples. Planning a wedding, though, can be stressful and time consuming, with finding the right venue, outfits and foods. Finding the right flowers for the occasion also can be difficult, including the perfect bouquet with which to walk down the aisle. For people who want a flower-filled wedding, there are also table centerpieces, aisle decor, installations, and boutonnieres and corsages to fret over. According to Jeffrey Lipscomb, a floral designer for Williams Flower Company and Greenhouse, flowers can be incredibly important for weddings, as they can help emphasize the couple. It can also help get attendees excited for the ceremony. “You want to enhance not only the bride but the entire surroundings, so it kind of pulls people in and puts people in a formal setting, country setting, nonformal, you know,” Lipscomb said. “Pulls them in and gives them a break away from everyday doldrums.” But why is it difficult? Well, it doesn't have to be. Lipscomb said it helps when the bride comes in with a basic idea for what they want. “You don't have to come completely prepared, but it always helps if you have a base color feeling that you want,” Lipscomb said. “It always makes it easier for whoever's designing.” Lipscomb has worked with brides who have both majorly detailed plans and those who have had none. It’s Lipscomb's job to help conceptualize what the bride wants; he figures out details of the wedding to decide which would be best. “Time of day, the feeling, whether they want it to be formal, opulent, very over the top,” Lipscomb said. “Or if they want it to be very casual or somewhere in between.” There are also some popular wedding flowers people can choose from. Lipscomb said roses will always be a common choice, and baby's breath have made a resurgence in weddings. “Baby's breath used to be really popular, and then it went into hibernation, and now it's starting to make a resurgence,” Lipscomb said. “So people are looking for things with baby's breath in it now, which is amazing, you know; everything's reciprocal.” While there are no wrong flowers to choose from, Lipscomb recommends people avoid delicate flowers like gardenias or orchids. According to Lipscomb, delicate flowers don’t hold up for long lengths of time and are more likely to get ruined. “The people would waste their money,” Lipscomb said. “And I don't like to see people waste their budget that they've set for
FREEPIK ©
18 | Lee Enterprises - Western Region Bridal Guide 2025 Kearney seamstress has advice on how to sew up savings for a perfect fit. So Much To Do, SewLittle Time
complicate the alteration process. “At first I was struggling because of the language,” Ingry said, “but I was confident I could alter the dresses.” In her role as a seamstress, Ingry has had a front-row seat as hundreds of brides selected their gowns. She can say with credibility that selecting and purchasing a gown is only the beginning of a process that could require quite a bit more attention before the gown is ready for the wedding day. Ingry said some of her most memorable experiences as a seamstress unfolded in surprising and unexpected ways. As an example, she said one bride had selected a sleeveless gown, but the gown that arrived had long sleeves. It was a serious mistake, but the bride’s mother and friends suggested that the bride try on the dress. What happened was almost magical. The sleeves were a hit! “Everyone loved the sleeves. They added an element of sophistication,” Ingry said. What’s a good way to save money and time? With the cost of alterations often ranging from $200 to $800, the best way to limit or reduce alteration expenses is to order the size gown that’s closest to the bride’s size, Ingry said. A gown that fits well from the beginning will reduce the time spent by the seamstress and will limit the number of fittings. Some brides may have their dress custom made, or for a touch of sentimentality, they might want to wear their mother’s dress. Either of those options could require a good deal of alterations and multiple fittings, so don’t be shocked if the gown gets to be more expensive than anticipated. One additional consideration brides might encounter is how delicate the gown is. Beads, sequins, lace and other adornments increase the complexity of alterations. For example, with more lace or detail, there may be additional charges for the bridal gown alterations. For brides trying to stick with a budget, plowing lots of additional cost into their gown will mean tightening the belt on other expenses, or deciding it’s worth it to wear a gown that is guaranteed to make lifetime memories for both bride and groom.
MIKE KONZ Kearney Hub
time in selecting the dress, but depending upon the initial fit of the dress, other complexities will come into play in purchasing and preparing the gown for the special day. That’s the advice of Ingry Barroso, a seamstress who, during the past four years, altered 600 dresses for brides in the Kearney area. Ingry has been around needles, thread and fabric for most of her life. In her native Venezuela, Barroso made traditional custom outfits for children. She comes from a long line of tailors and seamstresses, or “sastres” and “modistas.” Her uncle’s skills were well known. He tailored tuxedos for Colombian dignitaries. When Ingry began altering wedding dresses in the United States, she noticed there was a difference in the style and construction of wedding gowns. Venezuelan dresses are simpler. U.S. dresses are festooned with beads, sequins and other adornments that can
One of the most common questions that comes up when shopping for the perfect bridal gown is, “How much does a dress cost?” It’s logical that cost is a common question because the gown is one of the most expensive items on the wedding day list, and that’s because the gown plays an important role in the wedding itself. So when brides select their dress, you can’t blame them for being so careful to pick out the perfect gown. It’s important for brides and the people who help them prepare for the big day to give gown selection the attention that it’s due. But be careful. Although it’s natural for wedding gown price considerations to rise to the top when selecting what to wear, there is a related matter. Brides also must be careful about how much time they spend selecting and preparing their dress. Remember that it’s normal to invest
Lee Enterprises - Western Region Bridal Guide 2025 | 19 Formal Wear Rental Specializing in professional guaranteed fit.
• 100’s of the newest tuxedos and accessories • Free groom’s tuxedo with 5 or more rentals • $10.00 off suggested retail price • Special ring bearer tuxedo for $130.00
Jim’s Formal Wear Elite Formalwear Retailer of the Year 2022
504 N. Washington, Lexington • 324-3451
20 | Lee Enterprises - Western Region Bridal Guide 2025
SOLO | BAND
COVERING: songs from Johnny Cash, Tyler Childers, The Lumineers, CCR and more!
REVIEWS:
Rascal Martinez is a must see! - RedCloud Opera House The man is a true professional and master of his craft. - David Waterman Wedding p It was by far the most special part of our night! - Andrea Milus Chicago Weddin g
BOOKHERE
Lee Enterprises - Western Region Bridal Guide 2025 | 21 Band or DJ? Ensure that you get the best entertainment for your money. We Got The Beat process. Cost, of course, is also a factor. You’ll want to decide if they’ll play through the entire event or just the reception.
Four hours of music is a good baseline to begin from when negotiating, but ask about overtime if the party goes into overdrive. THE SHOW Make sure your band or DJ can dress and present their show appropriately. Fog machines and disco balls probably won’t work well with a black- tie event. Express this early on and share any themes or the venue location so the look of the show will match. Professional DJs and bands will always be prepared to reflect the vibe of almost any wedding ceremony or reception. THE DEAL After you’ve covered all these bases, it’s time to seal the deal with a contract. Within the contract, the specific terms of the length or the performance and any overtime costs should be covered, as well as break times, deposits and the refund policy should the show fall short of expectations. Also, if the bandleader or DJ you meet becomes ill or unavailable on the date of the event, ask who will replace them and set up a time to meet with them as well.
GREEN SHOOT MEDIA No reception is complete without music. The couples’ preferences have to be balanced with entertaining their guests. So, the big decision becomes, hire a band or a DJ? Before deciding, make sure to ask some basic questions to make sure you find the one most aligned with your needs. BUDGET As you might guess, bands are more expensive than DJs. But live music can create a specific atmosphere that can’t be achieved by a DJ. On the other hand, DJs can tailor music to a wide variety of preferences from the original artists. Check around online to get a feel for what either might cost and weigh your musical desires against your budget. Or split the difference — have a band play at the ceremony and a DJ spin at the reception. THE VIBE The size and type of your wedding event will dictate the vibe. If it’s a small, quiet ceremony and brief reception, the romantic feel created by a string quartet might be the perfect background music. If it’s an all-out bash with large numbers of people, a DJ might be the right choice to meet a variety of tastes and requests. But traditional wedding bands are also adept at playing a wide variety of music and can act as a focal point for guests who don’t want to dance, according to the Wedding Wire. THEME AND VENUE If your wedding has a theme, you might want to reflect that mood in the music. Make sure the band or DJ can meet your requirements. Also take into account the venue and any restrictions. A band will need a larger performance space than a DJ, of course, and special power and logistics may be involved (stages, amplifiers and PA systems, lights, etc.). MUSIC AND REVIEWS Whether you choose a band or a DJ, you’ll have some musical preferences, so ask either to send you a suggested playlist based on these choices and any music that is of particular interest (first dance, ethnic or theme music). Don’t forget to include the ability to handle requests from guests. Professional entertainers will be more than happy to also send you references and links to video of past performances. The bandleader or DJ will also act as an MC for the event, so get a feel for their personality. You might want to take in a live performance to gauge the music and rapport with an audience. AVAILABILITY AND COSTS Because top wedding bands and DJs are in demand, make sure you choose with enough advance notice to ensure availability on you wedding date. Six months in advance is good time to begin the booking
22 | Lee Enterprises - Western Region Bridal Guide 2025
Tips for the perfect rehearsal so your wedding can go on without a hitch. Practice Makes Perfect
GREEN SHOOT MEDIA The events during your wedding day can often give you butterflies or feelings you aren’t familiar with. The entire wedding party may find themselves nervous about making a mistake during the ceremony. A rehearsal is a great way for everyone involved to familiarize themselves before the big day. A rehearsal should involve the entire party, especially young children who may be a flower girl or ring bearer. They should understand the importance of their role and exactly what is expected of them. Don’t be impatient if they don’t get the hang of it the first time. LINING UP Decide which of your party will be accompanying each other down the aisle and in what order. Many brides choose to sort appearances by height or factors like how long they have been friends. This order should be discussed before the rehearsal, so each member knows where to line up. You should also determine the pace you wish your party to travel down the aisle. Plan to choose a point for them to stop
See us for all your Wedding Needs
FREEPIK ©
for a photo opportunity before the next couple begins. Take the time to practice this until you are satisfied with the progression. A quick tip for success is to ask your wedding party to wear the shoes they will use at the event. This makes it easy for them to get a feel for walking in heels or uncomfortable dress shoes. TEST EQUIPMENT Once you are confident that your wedding guests are proficient in the wedding process, you should ensure the equipment that will be used is working properly. Test lighting fixtures or spotlights if they will be in use during the ceremony. It’s also beneficial to check the sound equipment if you will be playing music to accompany you down the aisle. Unless you are hiring a professional to operate these important details, give the task to a trusted guest from the wedding. CELEBRATE WITH DINNER After the rehearsal, reward your friends and family for their hard work and dedication to make your wedding day special. An affordable meal and celebration is usually a grand gesture that everyone appreciates.
Custom Design Save the Dates • Invitations • Envelopes Programs • Favors • Napkins Signage • Thank yous & so much more! 308.237.4677 • info@kearneycopycat.com 2100 Avenue A • Kearney, NE 68847
Lee Enterprises - Western Region Bridal Guide 2025 | 23
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24Made with FlippingBook Online newsletter maker