Every bride and groom should have someone like Lynda Shainauskas on their side. The Woodstock native is a certified wedding planner who enjoys helping couples plan for their special day.
Through Seasons By Peg (103 E. Van Buren St. in Woodstock, 815-206-3666), where she has worked since it opened in 2007, Shainauskas acts as operations manager. As the store’s bridal offerings have grown, she has also taken over running that aspect of the business.
“The bridal business was a natural progression from our home décor and silk floral design capabilities,” she explained. “We did a bridal shower and thought, ‘We could do bridal arrangements.’ And it just grew from there.”
Seasons By Peg’s silk floral arrangements are special because they are so high-quality and realistic, people often touch them to find out if they’re real or not. Not only are they more cost effective than fresh flowers, they aren’t affected by the weather.
Not Your Mother’s Wedding
Seasons By Peg does it all, including helping engaged couples budget, referring vendors and creating custom “candy buffets” — one of the hottest trends in weddings today (pictured).
“With the popularity of Food Network shows like ‘Ace of Cakes’ and cake challenges, people are looking to do signature cakes and sweets tables,” she said. “Self-serve candy buffets are a new trend. A candy buffet can add fun and color to a wedding reception, and is a way to celebrate the couple’s childhood candy favorites. Glass jars are filled with colorful candies — M&M’s, Jelly Bellies, gummy bears and wrapped chocolate are just some candies I’ve seen.”
Today’s cake toppers look different than those of yesteryear, too. “I’m seeing more toppers that are monograms of the couple’s initials and new last name,” she said.
Many receptions now are also featuring signature drinks chosen by the couple. “Weddings are getting to be a lot more personalized,” she said. “They’re definitely not the weddings of our parents’ generation. These are big custom events.”
Help Along The Way
Whether a couple needs help planning every detail of the wedding or someone on the day of to execute the details, Seasons By Peg can accommodate. “The level of planning we offer depends on what the couple is looking for,” Shainauskas said. “We offer all kinds of packages. Some people have no clue where to start in the planning process. Some want a few gaps to be filled. I’ve found with most couples both working fulltime, the peace of mind knowing someone else is getting all the details in order is a huge relief to them.”
The level of service also determines how far in advance a wedding planner needs to be brought on board. “For full service, a year in advance is standard,” she said. “That’s usually how far most churches, banquet halls, etc., need to book their spaces. For people who want someone to ‘run the show’ on the wedding day, two to three months suffice. My mantra is ‘the sooner, the better’ when it comes to wedding planning.”
The Perfect Wedding
Gauging a wedding’s success is pretty simple, according to Shainauskas. “The mark of a successful wedding is when the couple is happy and smiling and not looking stressed out,” she said. “No wedding is going to be totally stress-free, but my hope is to reduce the stress by taking on responsibilities.”
The overall ambiance of the day is inarguably a major factor in pulling off a successful wedding, she added. “People look at the dress, the cake and food,” Shainauskas said. “But the biggest thing, no matter the venue or color scheme or any one single detail, is the mood. People today are looking for more dramatic lighting schemes, for example, to enhance the mood.”
Ambiance is also created by the venue itself, she added, and recently, in McHenry County and beyond, mansion settings have become hugely popular. “They are unique and have a ton of character,” she said.
Words of Advice
Brides and grooms are bombarded with advice on their wedding from the moment they announce their engagement. Shainauskas has but a few simple thoughts. First and foremost is to set a budget. “Even in this economy,” she said, “couples are finding ways to finance the wedding of their dreams.”
Next, she advises both partners to get involved in the planning. “Her wedding day is every girl’s dream growing up, but the groom is going to be there, too — it’s a special day for him and he has to enjoy it and feel like a part of it,” Shainauskas said. “It’s OK for the groom to have opinions.”
Finally, on the wedding day, Shainauskas said it’s important for the bride and groom to be spectators, which can be challenging with all of the demands they’re faced with. “They need time to sit down and enjoy dinner and cake and take in the ambiance,” she advised. “You can still find time to greet everyone, but it’s important to take in the day that you planned for the past year
or so.”
To help encourage this, many couples are doing away with a head table and instead going with a “sweetheart” table where just the two of them sit. That way, too, the wedding party can sit with their dates, family and friends.
And while some of these modern wedding trends might seem like a stretch to traditionalists, Shainauskas assured, “You can still honor family traditions and make your own special day by putting your own spin on it.” 
Deck the Hall
From an intimate affair to a wedding with up to 600 guests, D’Andrea Banquets & Conference Center (4419 Northwest Hwy. in Crystal Lake, 815-459-7234) says it’s dedicated to creating a superior experience for its wedding clients. With three wedding package levels (Platinum, Silver and Gold) available and seven unique spaces, it offers something for every budget and style.
“Clients can customize their package to their liking,” said Lynnette Kaszuba, director of sales and catering. “All packages include creative and delicious menu options prepared by expert chefs.”
D’Andrea has more than 35 years of experience in the banquet industry, and its No. 1 goal is to create a trouble-free day for the bride and groom, Kaszuba added. “We act as a bridal coordinator from start to finish so everything is taken care of from the moment they get here to when they leave.”
For its stellar customer service, staff, sales and food quality, 99 percent of its clients have rated D’Andrea a “5” — its highest rating.
Kaszuba said a wedding trend she’s noticed recently is brides becoming more frugal. They and are doing away with things like top-shelf liquor, but still want to customize. “They’re low-key — they’re not going all out as much, but they still want to throw a nice reception,” she said. “The look of room is important and most brides want chair covers.”
Ring of Truth
When it comes to every bride’s best friend — her diamond ring — the most popular is and always has been the round, brilliant cut. It is the most brilliant, and in industry terms, has the highest amount of “fire” (due to the facet shapes and proportions). Hearts on Fire diamonds, which are sold at Steffan’s Jewelers (325 N. Front St. in McHenry, 815-385-6070), are almost always round brilliants. Hearts on Fire, however, also offers a square cut meant to compete with the popular princess cut.
“The princess cut made its debut in the ’90s and it remains popular today,” according to Marketing Director Robin Largo. “Part of this may be due to the fact that, per carat, princess-cut diamonds are less expensive than rounds. For example, a 1-carat princess of very good quality is approximately $6,400 retail versus $8,600 for a round brilliant with similar characteristics.”
Boat-shaped marquise stones, which were popular in the ’70s through the ’90s, are often brought into Steffan’s to be reset into newer, contemporary mountings. “Interest in this shape is increasing as some jewelry designers are using marquise diamonds in their bridal lines,” Largo said. “In addition, some of our younger customers (18 to 25) are requesting them.”
Regarding settings, the solitaire reigns supreme throughout the industry, according to Largo. “Also, antique-looking styles — those with a lot of melee (small diamonds) running up and down the shank and surrounding the center stone — are very popular right now. However, we are seeing more organic looks as designers are using recycled metal in an effort to appeal to eco-conscious consumers.”
Mark Schneider Designs (pictured) are extremely popular at Steffan’s. “His work is advertised in bridal magazines and on ‘The Knot,’ has several pieces on permanent display at the Smithsonian Institution, and we have shoppers drive from as far as northern Wisconsin and Indiana to view his designs at our store. Schneider designs contemporary and traditional settings and uses high-quality side stones and melee,” she said. “Most importantly, he incorporates a Secret Heart — a round diamond inscribed with ‘Love You Forever’ set in a heart-shaped bezel at the bottom of the ring shank.”
Schneider, a friend of president and owner Suzanne Cannon, meets with her customers annually at Steffan’s. This year, he will be there Fri., March 19 and Sat., March 20. Contact the store to set up a free consultation.
Wine and Dine
Having a wedding catered is a great option for a rec center, VFW, church, hall, home or outdoor venue. McHenry-based Classic Events & Catering (CEC) (815-355-6555) helps create “magical” wedding days, according to President Bernice Zubrzycki. “We transform wedding dreams into reality,” she said. “Our expert staff takes the time to sit down with clients and not just listen, but we really hear all of their wishes.”
CEC has more than 30 years of banquet, catering and event planning experience, Zubrzycki said. “We have a variety of choices to fit a clients’ vision and your budget,” she said. “From an elegant sit-down plated affair to themed station buffets or a stylish hors d’oeuvre and cocktail reception.”
CEC’s wedding clients continually sing its praises. Jane and Dave Roesch of Inverness, Illinois used CEC for their daughter’s Bahamas-themed wedding. CEC Catering did an amazing job, they said. The staff was always smiling, even when they were in the pouring rain. The food was outstanding and the presentation was beautiful.
Honeymoon Memories
The wedding went off without a hitch (no pun intended!) and now it’s time for the newlyweds to get swept away in a paradise far from reality for a while. No one deserves it more after orchestrating such a huge event. But where in the world to go? Neelie Kruse, CTC, owner of Cary Travel Express (9 Jandus Rd. in Cary, 847-639-3300) recommends Tahiti (pictured), officially known as French Polynesia. This couples’ destination is comprised of 118 romantic islands and atolls. The best way to enjoy Tahiti, she said, is by lodging in an overwater bungalow, which is situated on stilts over a lagoon.
Most have sundecks and platforms from which guests can step off directly into the lagoon waters for swimming, snorkeling or watching the sunset. “They are very popular now and very romantic,” Kruse said.
The Greek Islands are another recommended honeymoon destination with their exotic, ancient, atmosphere full of sugar-cube villages, white-sand beaches, domed monasteries, classical sites and the sparkling sapphire Aegean Sea.
“Greek Island cruises are very romantic and a great way to see more of the Greek Isles,” she added.
Stunning Hair
On a bride’s special day, she and her wedding party, and sometimes her and her groom’s mother and grandmothers have their hair done professionally. “We also are seeing brides come in for facial and massage services — sometimes with their maid of honor — a week before the wedding to relax,” according to Shelly Hyland, Paul Hyland Salon & Day Spa (318 Memorial Dr. in Crystal Lake, 815-455-0780).
The morning of the wedding, “It takes quite a lot of coordination to pull it off, but luckily we have a large staff to accommodate large wedding parties and the services go beyond updos and hair styles — we also do manicures, pedicures, acrylic nails, and makeup/eyelash extensions for wedding participants,” Hyland said.
Usually, the bride comes into a salon a number of weeks before the wedding for a practice-run of hair and makeup. “She might also arrange to have her hair trimmed and colored/highlighted a week or so before the wedding,” Hyland explained. “Practice sessions ensure that the bride looks perfect on her special day and reduces the stress.”
Hyland recommends French manicures for “a classic look.”
In terms of bridal styles, Hyland said she’s still doing the traditional updos but many updos are looser with larger, more natural curl patterns (pictured).
“Many brides are opting to leave their hair down with beautiful, flowing curls and height at the crown of the head to frame their headpiece,” she said. “Makeup is also very natural looking and eye lash extensions are very popular to add more drama to the eye.”
Casey Walker, marketing coordinator for Lasting Impression Hair Design (40 West Terra Cotta Ave. in Crystal Lake, 815-477-7373) agreed the “loose look” is definitely gaining popularity.
“We are seeing brilliant facial framing in the front and loose, pinned tresses in the back,” she said. “For ladies wanting to let their hair down a little, we can create a beautiful look by pinning the hair in an elegant side ponytail.
The look brings more attention to the side and is very flattering with strapless dresses.
“Whether designing a tight, clean updo or a loose, tousled style, we are seeing more decorative accents used,” she continued. “Many are choosing to add a little glimmer with sporadic rhinestones, add flair with floral headpieces, and many still wear the common tiara. [Our philosophy is to] work with each member of the bridal party to design an outstanding look that will endure lifetime memories.”
Sweet Nothings
What wedding would be complete without the cake-cutting ceremony? “Wedding cakes are one-of-a-kind to ensure that each bride has a memory that lasts a lifetime,” said Carrie Curie, owner of the new SweetPea Cakes (40L N. Williams St. in Crystal Lake, 815-477-CAKE). “Our most popular cakes are whimsical in design, yet traditional in flavor (pictured). Vanilla bean and chocolate still remain favorites among our clients.”
All of SweetPea’s cakes are covered in a superior European fondant that can be blended with any custom color. “Cupcakes, signature desserts and grooms cakes also popular selections that enhance our clients’ wedding receptions,” Curie said.
Sweets tables are increasingly popular at wedding receptions. Sugar Hills Bakery (644 S. Main St., Algonquin, 847-658-8765) not only creates specialty wedding cakes, but offers a variety of these tempting sweets tables.
“Our European-style pastries and baked goods include fruit tarts, éclairs, tiramisu, opera cake slices, cheesecake — you name it,” said Owner-operator Anna Majewski, whose Algonquin and Wheeling locations serve all of Chicagoland.
Sugar Hills’ custom cake designs, colors and flavors are only limited to the client’s imagination, she continued. Cake and filling options are seemingly endless.
Sidebar 1: What’s Hot in Rings?
Hot trends at Studio 2015 (11701 Catalpa Lane in Woodstock, 815-337-2015) include “larger center diamonds and less diamonds surrounding it, a single engagement ring instead of a wedding set, and white metals such as white gold, platinum, and palladium,” General Manager Brian Tessmann said. Studio 2015 offers designer bridal lines such as ArtCarved, Elma Gil and Gabriel And Co., along with the Studio 2015 collection of engagement rings made in the store. “If there is something that isn’t quite what the customer wants, we can also custom create the piece of her dreams using custom designs,” he said.
Sidebar 2: How About a ‘Weddingmoon’?
Destination weddings and “weddingmoons” have become as popular as honeymoons, according to Valerie Kearns, a travel agent at SW Travel (3909 Three Oaks Rd. in Cary, 847-462-0056). “It’s a wonderful way to celebrate the beginning of a new life together,” she said. Here are a few recommends:
- Hawaii — The Aloha state has always been a popular destination for weddings with beautiful landscapes, simple U.S. regulations and easy access from the mainland. “Choices range from the sparkling oceanside locations in Maui to lush mountainsides and valleys in Kauai,” Kearns said.
- Jamaica — “Yah mon!” This island nation is another popular choice with easy access from the States. Resorts offering free weddings with a minimum stay and the backdrops of endless beaches and sunset views make this an ideal choice. Many resorts in Jamaica, such as Sandals and Moon Dance Resorts, offer a wedding coordinator to assist the couple with their plans.
- Mexico, the South Pacific and cruises are other popular choices for weddingmoons. A caveat: marriages in foreign destinations often require sometimes complicated requirements (so do the research before you book!).
Capturing the spirit and energy of a wedding forever through photographs is something every couple hopes their photographer can achieve. Robin Pendergrast (RFP Photography Inc., 815-477-3480), an accomplished photographer with a immense portfolio, strives to provide intriguing and creative depictions of the weddings he photographs. “We have a portfolio of wedding photographs available to review at www.rfpphoto.com, which reveals many of the techniques that we use to capture the memories of your wedding,” Pendergrast said. His services include giving clients ownership of negatives and electronic files, which is unique in the county, and offers photo, lamination and mounting services.
