Two local features: Hellmann/Branson - page 2B Nicks/Wright - page 10B - WEDNESDAY, Feb. 16, 2022 - Maries County Advocate

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Two local features: Hellmann/Branson - page 2B Nicks/Wright - page 10B - WEDNESDAY, Feb. 16, 2022 - Maries County Advocate
Wedding Bells 2022

                               WEDNESDAY, Feb. 16, 2022

                     Two local features:
                     • Hellmann/Branson — page 2B
                     • Nicks/Wright — page 10B
Two local features: Hellmann/Branson - page 2B Nicks/Wright - page 10B - WEDNESDAY, Feb. 16, 2022 - Maries County Advocate
Wedding Bells 2022                                                                   WEDNESDAY, FEB. 16, 2022 ■               PAGE 2B

                                  A Thousand Years, Love
                                        Matthew and Brooke Hellmann, Oct. 9, 2021
                                                         by Roxie Murphy, Gasconade County Republican Feature Writer

Heart beats fast, colors and promises, how to brave,                                                                               She laughs at the memory.
       how can I love when I’m afraid to fall                                                                                      “So my first thought was ‘oh, my, I got into a truck

A
                                                                                                                                with a stranger!’ Even though I knew what he looked like.
             ug. 26, 2017: Matthew Hellmann asked Brooke                                                                        Then I told him that most people introduce themselves at
             Branson to be his girlfriend on their first date.                                                                  the beginning but it’s okay, I will make this an exception!”
             And she said “yes.”                                                                                                   But Matt was paying attention.
                But for as cute as it sounds, Brooke, who                                                                          “The first thing I noticed about Brooke was her per-
was 25 at the time, jokes that their first meeting might have                                                                   sonality, her smile which always makes me smile, and her
been a bit unorthodox.                                                                                                          eyes,” Matt said.
   “We met online through a dating app,” she said. “He                                                                             Driving the back roads, they listened to music and talked
initiated the start of us talking and wanting to get to know                                                                    and finally just pulled over to have a deep conversation.
each other.”                                                                                                                       “We went to Sonic and got food then went back down to
   Two weeks into talking, Matt, then 27, asked Brooke on                                                                       the riverfront and sat on the tailgate of the truck and ate,”
a date. Since Matt was from Villa Ridge and Brooke was           his truck and introduced myself and he looked at me and        Brooke said. “Matt said ‘I think we can make this. So would
from Owensville, they met halfway between.                       said ‘are you going to get in?’ I got in the truck and we      you like to be my girlfriend?’ I say ‘yes’ and we had our
   “Our first date consisted of me meeting him at the riv-       drove half a mile down the road and then he proceeded to                                           See Hellmann, Page 3B
erfront in Washington,” Brooke said. “I had walked up to         introduce himself.”

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Two local features: Hellmann/Branson - page 2B Nicks/Wright - page 10B - WEDNESDAY, Feb. 16, 2022 - Maries County Advocate
Wedding Bells 2022                                                                             WEDNESDAY, FEB. 16, 2022 ■                      PAGE 3B

                                                                                                                                                                               Hellmann
                                                                                                                                                                               • from page 2B

                                                                                                                                                                               first kiss and said our good-byes
                                                                                                                                                                               for the night.”
                                                                                                                                                                                   Three years later, Matt pro-
                                                                                                                                                                               posed.

                                                                                                                                                                                         One step closer
                                                                                                                                                                                   “I knew I wanted to ask Brooke
                                                                                                                                                                               to marry me when I learned that
                                                                                                                                                                               she likes to travel and go places
                                                                                                                                                                               with me,” Matt said. “Also, her
                                                                                                                                                                               willingness to help me work on
                                                                                                                                                                               things and stride to get goals done.
                                                                                                                                                                               The biggest thing was her support
                                                                                                                                                                               she gave me and still does when I
                                                                                                                                                                               pull tractors.”
                                                                                                                                                                                   Matt liked that Brooke was a
                                                                                                                                                                               partner to him.
                                                                                                                                                                                   “The partnership we have and
                                                                                                                                                                               how we discuss everything that
                                                                                                                                                                               we do and go through,” Matt said.
                                                                                                                                                                               “We support each other’s goals and
                                                                                                                                                                               dreams to help make sure we help
                                                                                                                                                                               one another reach those goals and
                                                                                                                                                                               dreams.”
                                                                                                                                                                                   He knew Brooke wanted to get
                                                                                                                                                                               married and he wanted to ask her.
                                                                                                                                                                                   On Aug. 30, 2020, at Maramec
                                                                                                                                                                               Springs State Park, Matt proposed
                                                                                                                                                                               in front of one of the old rock build-
                                                                                                                                                                               ings with a square princess cut ring
                                                                                                                                                                               that came from Kays.
                                                                                                                                                                                   “I think it is safe to say that we
                                                                                                                                                                               both knew from the beginning
                                                                                                                                                                               that we were going to be the one
                                                                                                                                                                               for each other,” Brooke acknowl-
                                                                                                                                                                               edged. “I knew on our first date that
      Hellmann/Branson Wedding                                                              Nicks/Wright Wedding                                                               I was going to marry him. There is
              Page 2B                                                                             Page 10B                                                                     just something about him and Matt
                                                                                                                                                                               said the same thing.”
                                                                                                                                                                                   Her family threw them an en-
                     A special thanks to these couples for sharing their stories.                                                                                                        See Hellmann, Page 4B

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Two local features: Hellmann/Branson - page 2B Nicks/Wright - page 10B - WEDNESDAY, Feb. 16, 2022 - Maries County Advocate
Wedding Bells 2022                                                             WEDNESDAY, FEB. 16, 2022 ■        PAGE 4B

Hellmann • from page 3B

gagement party to celebrate and then the
wedding planning began.
   “We didn’t have much planning because
we knew we were going to get married,” she
said. “So all we had to do was pick a date
and vendors along with my wedding dress.”
   Setting the date came easy because they
wanted a fall wedding, but not towards the
end when it starts to get cold.
   “So we chose Oct. 9, 2021,” Brooke said.
“Colors we also knew were easy since we
wanted a fall wedding. We knew fall colors
were going to be our colors.”
   Brooke wanted a country rustic wedding.
   “My wedding vision, I knew, was going
to be a dream come true because growing
up and going to my grandpa’s farm, I knew
I wanted to have a country wedding and get
married in a barn,” Brooke said. “That was
my all-time dream wedding. Everything else,
I knew, would fall into place. And it did.”
   They found both the rustic theme and barn
at Red Oak Valley on Highway 19 outside
of Owensville.
   Matt’s wedding vision was basically the
same as Brooke’s. Simple, rustic and country.
   “After our proposal and wedding plans
                                                A FAVORITE memory for Brooke was driving her father’s John Deere 60 from the farmhouse to the wedding venue at Red Oak
                 See Hellmann, Page 6B          Valley, Her father stood behind her on the tractor while the bridesmaids rode on the hay wagon.

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Two local features: Hellmann/Branson - page 2B Nicks/Wright - page 10B - WEDNESDAY, Feb. 16, 2022 - Maries County Advocate
Wedding Bells 2022                                                      WEDNESDAY, FEB. 16, 2022 ■        PAGE 5B

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Two local features: Hellmann/Branson - page 2B Nicks/Wright - page 10B - WEDNESDAY, Feb. 16, 2022 - Maries County Advocate
Wedding Bells 2022                                                         WEDNESDAY, FEB. 16, 2022 ■                      PAGE 6B

                                                                                                                                                   Hellmann • from page 5B

                                                                                                                                                   began, my biggest contribution to the
                                                                                                                                                   wedding was when I helped Brooke make
                                                                                                                                                   decisions for the wedding that she wasn’t
                                                                                                                                                   sure of,” Matt said. “I also made sure that
                                                                                                                                                   the wedding was special for both of us.”

                                                                                                                                                    I have died every day, waiting for you
                                                                                                                                                       If planning the wedding wasn’t dream-
                                                                                                                                                   come-true enough, her wedding dress added
                                                                                                                                                   to the bliss.
                                                                                                                                                       “It didn’t take long or many places to
                                                                                                                                                   go,” Brooke said. “I went to David’s Bridal
                                                                                                                                                   and tried on four dresses and each of those I
                                                                                                                                                   tried on I just wasn’t feeling. Then I put on
                                                                                                                                                   the fifth dress and felt like it could be the
                                                                                                                                                   one. I walk out of the room not fully looking
                                                                                                                                                   into the mirror yet. I look over at my mom
                                                                                                                                                   and best friend and they are both crying.”
                                                                                                                                                       The beautiful ballgown style flowed
                                                                                                                                                   gently around her, coming to a V in the back.
                                                                                                                                                       “I didn’t like the ballgown slip underneath
                                                                                                                                                   and without that, it was the perfect amount
                                                                                                                                                   of material and fluff,” she said about her
                                                                                                                                                   dream dress. “My dress was this beautiful
                                                                                                                                                   lace dress with sparkles on top.”
                                                                                                                                                       The seamstress added a beaded belt in
                                                                                                                                                   the middle to break up the sparkle.
                                                                                                                                                                     See Hellmann, Page 7B
THE RECEPTION including an outdoor dance floor with lights strung above and stars sparkling in the sky.

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Two local features: Hellmann/Branson - page 2B Nicks/Wright - page 10B - WEDNESDAY, Feb. 16, 2022 - Maries County Advocate
Wedding Bells 2022
  WED., FEB. 16, 2022 ■          PAGE 7B

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Hellmann • from page 6B                                                                         In-House Catering
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   “It turned out even more perfect than when I bought it.                                          Banquets
   When she finally gets a glimpse of herself in the mirror, she was decided.
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   “I bawled,” she said. “That’s how I knew the dress I chose was by far my dream dress.”
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    The Branson-Hellmann bridal party stayed at the wedding venue, Red Oak Valley,
Friday night to decorate for the wedding.
    “We decorated the venue up on Friday before the wedding and got everything ready
that needed to be done for our big day,” she said. “The day of, my bridesmaids and I got
ready in the Hen House at Red Oak Valley and the groom and the groomsmen got ready
in the hayloft.”
    The photographer visited with both the bride and groom’s party.
    “I wanted to do a cool picture when opening champagne,” Brooke said about the girls’
early morning shenanigans. “But that took a while due to me taking 20 minutes to pop
the cork,” she laughed.
    As the time for the wedding drew nearer, Booke loaded her girls up in a hay wagon
attached to her dad’s John Deere 60 to travel from the farmhouse to the barn.
    “My bridesmaids were on a trailer behind the tractor and my dad standing on the back
of the tractor while I am driving (was one of my favorite moments),” Brooke said.
    They arrived at the barn and the girls lined up, preparing to be cued by the music.                                 500 Seat
    The men wore blue jeans. Matt wore a red button-up shirt and his groomsmen wore                                     Capacity
white button-up shirts.                                                                          Friday Night
    They waited at the front of the barn while the bride and groom’s parents and grand-          Steak Dinner
parents entered to the song Grave By Thomas Rhett.
    As the music changed to Prayed For You by Matt Stell, Brooke’s bridesmaids walked               Sunday
down the aisle.                                                                                    Pan-Fried
    “Right before the ceremony, we were getting ready to start and I was in place to start        Chicken &
walking down the aisle when my maid of honor realized she forgot to grab our rings out
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to the front while I was walking down the aisle.”
    The oops wasn’t a distraction for Matt.
    “My first thought when she came down the aisle was that she looked very beautiful
and stunning,” he said. “Also that I got a little teary-eyed just looking at her in her wed-

                                                                 See Hellmann, Page 9B
Two local features: Hellmann/Branson - page 2B Nicks/Wright - page 10B - WEDNESDAY, Feb. 16, 2022 - Maries County Advocate
Wedding Bells 2022                                                        WEDNESDAY, FEB. 16, 2022 ■           PAGE 8B

THE BRIDAL party stopped for a group photograph on this bridge at Red Oak Valley.

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Two local features: Hellmann/Branson - page 2B Nicks/Wright - page 10B - WEDNESDAY, Feb. 16, 2022 - Maries County Advocate
Wedding Bells 2022                                                                                  Brinkman Farmstead Bed & Breakfast
  WED., FEB. 16, 2022 ■             PAGE 9B

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Hellmann • from page 7B                                                                              for up to 12 of your
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ding dress.”                                          “It was so magical with that setup,”
   They also wrote their own vows.                 Brooke said.
   “Brooke and I decided to write our own             She even fit in a small cake fight with
vows for one another and wanted to have that
special moment with one another speaking
                                                   her little brother.
                                                      “The sunset that evening was beautiful,
                                                                                                                              Tom, Martha, & Ben Blatchford
from our hearts,” Matt said.                       so dancing under that was also beautiful.”
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Brook said.                                        ding planning at all,” she said. “It was like    you need to make your Wedding Dreams come true.
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       Every breath, every hour has                knew that it was.”
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    An outdoor reception followed the              forward to.
ceremony.                                             “We are going on our honeymoon at
    “John Paul (Quick, owner of Red Oak            the end of May for a week, to Tennessee,”
Valley) asked me what my vision was for my         Brooke added.
first dance with Matt, and I said I wanted it to      She and Matt are living in the Union area
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Two local features: Hellmann/Branson - page 2B Nicks/Wright - page 10B - WEDNESDAY, Feb. 16, 2022 - Maries County Advocate
Wedding Bells 2022                                                             WEDNESDAY, FEB. 16, 2022 ■            PAGE 10B

                                                       White Wedding
                                             Dustin and Karlee Nicks, Jan. 15, 2022
                                                    by Roxie Murphy, Gasconade County Republican Feature Writer

K
            arlee Wright was a freshman at   Karlee said.                                    The ceremony took place at the First      were some family and friends who did
            Owensville High School when                                                   Baptist Church on Lincoln Ave in Owens-      not get to attend due to being COVID
            she first met Dustin Nicks.       White snow, red dresses, black tuxes        ville.                                       positive.”
               “It was his senior year,”        Karlee’s vision of the day was simple.       Guests who braved the snow filed into
Karlee remembers. “We started talking,          “To have just the right amount of         the church.                                             Happy beginnings
but that didn’t last long.”                  snow,” she said. “Which God delivered.”         “Our videographer — Daniel Thomp-            The snowy day in January was a dream
   It was two years after Dustin’s gradu-       So they planned their day around the      son — got stuck in the snow no the way,      come true for Karlee and Dustin.
ation before the two reconnected in Janu-    possibility of a snowfall.                   but made it right on time anyway,” Karlee       Two days after they said their vows,
ary 2017 through a mutual friend during         “Picking out the dress — from Mimi’s      said.                                        the couple went to Jamaica for their hon-
Karlee’s junior year. They started dating    Bridal & Boutique — was one of the first        The ceremony began and before she         eymoon and stayed at the Sandals Resort
on Feb. 25, 2017.                            things I did,” Karlee said.                  knew it, she and Dustin were taking the      in Montego Bay.
   “He asked me out through a game of           With help from her mom, mother-in-        short walk up the aisle together.               The couple settled in Owensville.
Hangman,” she remembers. “Our first          law, husband and friends, they chose their      “The snow was definitely a highlight,”            ————————————
date was at the trout park (Maramec State    colors.                                      Karlee said. “And walking down the aisle        Other vendors not mentioned: Karlee’s
Park) in St. James.                             “Red goes great with snow, which we       as Mr. and Mrs. Dustin Nicks.                hair was done by Maranda Lyn Kottwitz
                                             got on the morning of the wedding,” she         Later that evening the couple began       and Machaela Williams. Tyra Mangrum
            A long courtship                 said.                                        their lives together celebrating with fam-   did her makeup. The caterer for the recep-
   The couple dated for five years before       The morning of Jan. 15 dawned snowy,      ily and friends who could make it through    tion was Cuba Lakes Golf Course. Music
Dustin proposed in 2020.                     just as Karlee had hoped.                    the snow.                                    was provided by James Bartel at Hysteria
   “It was Thanksgiving Day at my par-          “I prepared with my girls, mom and           “The (pandemic) did have some effect      Sounds. The wedding cake was from
ents,” Karlee said.                          mother-in-law at my house and hair and       on the wedding,” Karlee said. “There         Kathy Echols.
   Wedding plans began right away. They      make-up were done at the house we just
set a date.                                  bought,” she said.
   “We picked Jan. 15 because that’s the        Dustin and his friend Tanner stayed at         NOW SERVING THURSDAYS & FRIDAYS FROM 2 PM TO 9 PM
day that my parents met (28 years ago),”     Tanner’s mom’s house.

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NIECE’S AND Nephews of the bride and groom were part of the Nicks wedding.
From left are Sutton Wright (Karlee’s niece), Hunter Nicks (Dustin’s nephew) and Holly             100 North 7th Street | Owensville, MO 65066
Nicks (Dustin’s niece.)
Wedding Bells 2022                                                                    Planning a Grand Event?
  WED., FEB. 16, 2022 ■       PAGE 11B

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                                                                                              the
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                                                                                                                                          Weddings, Showers,
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KARLEE’S DREAM wedding came true when a blanket of snow covered the ground
the day before her wedding with Dustin Nicks. Her cascade bouquet is from Old World
Creations in Owensville.
               Wedding photos by Melia Corson and Sarah Maune

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Wedding Bells 2022                                                        WEDNESDAY, FEB. 16, 2022 ■         PAGE 12B

THE MAID of honor for the Nicks’ wedding was Grace Skelton. Corey Nicks, brother of the groom was the best man. Bridesmaids were Makenzi Mistler, Lauren Baker, Megan
Burkhart, and Kyra Daiber. Groomsmen were Tanner Jackson, Chase Copeland, Andrew Scheer and Dakota Gerloff.

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THE NICKS’ were married at Immaculate Conception Church in Owensville on Jan.
15, just ten days after Christmas. They took advantage of church’s Christmas decorations
keeping some lit trees and the red Poinsettias around the alter.
Wedding Bells 2022                                      WEDNESDAY, FEB. 16, 2022 ■   PAGE 14B

                                                                                                ARDEL WRIGHT (photo far left escorts
                                                                                                his daughter Karlee down the isle at Im-
                                                                                                maculate Conception in Owensville. Fr.
                                                                                                Wayne Boyer (center, photo left) was the
                                                                                                celebrant. The mother of the bride is Melissa
                                                                                                Wright (photo above.)

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Wedding Bells 2022                                            WEDNESDAY, FEB. 16, 2022 ■              PAGE 15B

Music is an important component of wedding celebrations
                                                   F
                                                          ew things set the mood of a wedding more           the ceremony location and choices, the recessional may
                                                          effectively than music. Beautiful songs often      be a classical piece or a hymn. Some couples choose
                                                          are incorporated into wedding ceremonies,          an upbeat song for their first official promenade as a
                                                   and romantic or upbeat songs intermingle to create a      married couple.
                                                   festive mix at receptions.                                   • Wedding party entrance song: Couples can ask
                                                       Playlists curated specifically for weddings can be    their music vendor to put together the majority of the
                                                   found online to help couples narrow down their options.   songs for their reception, but they may want to choose
                                                   According to Wedding Forward, a wedding planning          their own wedding party entrance. This song typi-
                                                   guide, wedding planning experts and modern couples        cally is a fast-paced, upbeat song that gets the crowd
                                                   agree that wedding playlists should be have a 60/40       pumping and ready for a fun night. Think “Dynamite”
                                                   split of classics and new wedding songs.                  by Taio Cruz or “Can’t Stop the Feeling!” by Justin
                                                       Music is a personal choice, but couples may ben-      Timberlake.
                                                   efit by considering who will be in attendance at their       • First dance: The first dance song is another per-
                                                   weddings. In so doing, couples can ensure the music       sonal choice for the couple. Slow songs traditionally
                                                   played at their weddings reaches as many people as        are chosen, but couples who want something a little
                                                   possible there:                                           different have increasingly selected faster songs and
                                                       • Wedding processional song: The wedding proces-      paired them with rehearsed choreography. “Thinking
                                                   sional is the moment the wedding party walks down         Out Loud” by Ed Sheeran has become a popular first
                                                   the aisle. Music may be a traditional hymn, classical     dance song.
                                                   music or a favorite contemporary song.                       • Other songs: Couples also will select songs to
                                                       • Bridal processional song: In many traditional       complement dances with their parents, cake cutting,
                                                   wedding ceremonies, the bride walks down the aisle        garter toss, and any other special traditions or mo-
                                                   separately, with her father or both parents. She cus-     ments. They also can make requests to include songs
                                                   tomarily will have a different song from the rest of      of different eras to appeal to guests of all ages.
                                                   the wedding party. While “Bridal Chorus/Wedding              Music is an important component of wedding
                                                   March” is a traditional choice, some brides may prefer    celebrations and deserves some extra consideration to
                                                   a different tune.                                         ensure everyone has a great time while cutting a rug.
                                                       • Wedding recessional song: Again, depending on

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Fun ways to utilize social media in your wedding
Y
         oung couples tying the                                                                                     streams became very popular dur-        courage guests to hashtag photos
         knot today grew up with                                                                                    ing the pandemic, when couples          from the wedding so everyone can
         social media, so it’s no                                                                                   getting married had to pare down        have a good time looking back on
great surprise that so many want                                                                                    their guest lists in order to adhere    the ceremony and reception once
to utilize various platforms when                                                                                   to social distancing guidelines. But    the day has come and gone.
planning their weddings. In fact,                                                                                   live streams can continue to be used        • Plan with your party. Social
the Brides 2018 American Wed-                                                                                       after the pandemic, as there will       media can be as fun, inclusive and
ding Survey found that 87 percent                                                                                   always be guests who can’t make         useful when planning the wedding
of brides turned to the social media                                                                                it to the wedding. Facebook Live        as it can during the wedding itself.
platform Pinterest for inspiration                                                                                  was a go-to social media platform       Brides and grooms can create
when planning their weddings.                                                                                       for live streaming weddings during      their own private Pinterest boards
   On the surface, modern wedding                                                                                   the pandemic, and it can be utilized    and share them with the wedding
ceremonies and receptions may                                                                                       to involve loved ones in the festivi-   party. Everyone can then use the
look similar to the nuptials of yes-                                                                                ties even if they can’t be there in     private board to bounce ideas off
teryear. However, engaged couples                                                                                   person. Live streaming via social       each other. Couples can infuse a
have increasingly incorporated                                                                                      media may be especially useful          little fun into the Pinterest board
social media into their weddings,                                                                                   for couples who want to enjoy           by encouraging their groomsmen
and the following are some fun and                                                                                  destination weddings, which tend        and bridesmaids to post outrageous
creative ways to embrace that trend.                                                                                to be small affairs due to travel       outfit ideas or submit sing-along
   • Create a social media photo                                                                                    constraints.                            song requests to be played during
booth. Guests may take more            that display social media walls.      use a predetermined hashtag when           • Hashtag the wedding. A            the reception.
pictures at modern weddings than       Live event social media boards col-   posting photos and the images are      couple-specific hashtag can serve           Social media is a big part of
the photographers who were hired       lect and curate content from social   then displayed on digital screens in   as something akin to a wedding          modern couples’ lives, so it makes
to document the happy couple’s         media channels and display it on      real time. This can be a fun way to    album, only it’s one everyone           sense for them to find fun ways to
big day from start to finish. Social   a single digital screen. Users, in    engage guests during the reception.    can easily access via the couple’s      incorporate various platforms into
media boards are digital screens       this case a couple’s guests, simply      • Live stream the wedding. Live     chosen social media platform. En-       their weddings.

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Wedding Bells 2022                                                                   WEDNESDAY, FEB. 16, 2022 ■               PAGE 17B

                      How to give weddings a modern touch
N
         o two weddings are the same.    environmentalist ethos when planning        as opposed to just their father, should
         Some couples go to great        their weddings by doing everything          not hesitate to do so.
         lengths to personalize their    they can to eliminate waste and pro-           • Look for a modern venue. One of
weddings, while others make a few mi-    mote conservation. Send electronic          the most awe-inspiring ways to give a
nor tweaks to traditional components     invitations and save-the-date cards in      wedding a modern touch is to choose a
to make ceremonies and receptions        lieu of paper alternatives and choose       venue that reflects a modern aesthetic.
more reflective of their style and the   a reception venue that serves only          Vaulted ceilings, white walls and floor-
sentiments they hope to convey.          locally sourced food and beverages.         to-ceiling windows can create a clean,
   Embracing modern trends is one        In lieu of wedding favors, which tend       modern feel. Outdoor ceremonies also
way couples have looked to set their     to be individually wrapped, make a          can create a modern ambiance.
weddings apart from traditional cer-     donation in guests’ names to a local           • Adjust your attire. Black tuxedos
emonies. There are no rules governing    environmental group and share that          and white wedding dresses are among
weddings, and that affords couples       information with loved ones. When           the first things to come to mind when
certain freedoms as they seek to in-     picking a hotel for guests, find lodging    imagining traditional weddings.
corporate a modern sensibility into      that incorporates sustainability into its   Couples can stay formal but embrace
the festivities. For example, couples    day-to-day operations.                      a more modern look by choosing
can modernize certain components of         • Retire certain traditions. Couples     more colorful tuxes for grooms and
their weddings while remaining loyal     need not feel pressured to incorporate      groomsmen and picking a wedding
to more traditional elements, or they    traditions that no longer reflect mod-      gown with a flair of color. Brides also
can fully embrace a modern aesthetic.    ern sensibilities. It’s up to couples to    can allow bridesmaids to pick their
That choice of how modern to make a      determine which traditions to retire,       own bridesmaid dresses to expand the
wedding is up to the couple tying the    but customs like the garter toss and        modern look even further.
knot, but the following are some ways    bouquet toss may no longer resonate            There’s no shortage of ways for
to give weddings a modern touch.         with modern couples or their guests. In     couples to give their weddings a
   • Leave a small carbon footprint.     addition, brides who want to be walked      modern touch.
Eco-conscious couples can embrace an     down the aisle by both of their parents,

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Wedding Bells 2022                                                                  WEDNESDAY, FEB. 16, 2022 ■               PAGE 18B

                 Tips for finding the right wedding venue
W
           edding planning requires couples                                                                                                    tober are now the most popular months to
           to make many decisions, includ-                                                                                                     get married, so venues will book up quickly
           ing where the wedding will take                                                                                                     during that time of year. Those who have
place.                                                                                                                                         their hearts set on specific days will have to
    A couple’s wedding day is typically                                                                                                        begin the search earlier than couples with
broken into two parts: the ceremony comes                                                                                                      no attachment to a particular date. Conces-
first, and the reception follows soon after.                                                                                                   sions may need to be made if a certain date
Depending on couples’ preferences and re-                                                                                                      is a must.
ligious beliefs, ceremonies may take place                                                                                                         4. Estimate the size of your guest list.
at a house of worship or another location                                                                                                      Price, date and style will factor into wed-
that is separate from the reception venue.                                                                                                     ding venues, but the number of guests also
In some instances, couples may choose                                                                                                          is a major consideration. A trendy restaurant
one location for both the ceremony and the                                                                                                     may seem like the perfect locale, but it must
party to follow. Wedding venues are where                                                                                                      be able to accommodate everyone on the
the bulk of the day will unfold, and couples                                                                                                   guest list. Couples should sit down with
can consider these four tips to find a venue                                                                                                   their families and come up with a list of
that suits their needs.                                                                                                                        potential guests and look for a venue that
    1. Consider your theme and wedding                                                                                                         can accommodate everyone.
style. Most couples know which sentiments      down potential venue options.                   Rentals for chairs, linens, lighting, a dance       Couples also should visit potential ven-
they want to convey during their weddings.         2. Assess the budget. A couple may find     floor, and other extras can quickly add up.     ues in person to see which, if any, details
The venue should match the theme so the        what seems to be the perfect venue, only        Couples should have a set limit they’re         might be missing from online or magazine
entire wedding will feel connected to the      to realize that the cost of the space doesn’t   willing to spend on the venue and let that      advertisements. A host of factors, including
space. A modern wedding, for example, will     fit their budget. Ampersand Travel says the     dictate the location.                           accessibility, should be considered when
be at home in an art gallery or warehouse.     venue accounts for the most significant wed-       3. Availability of the location. When a      looking for a venue.
A wedding with natural elements may work       ding expense, at an average cost of $9,000.     couple wants to get married may determine           Finding the right venue requires careful
better on a ranch or in a botanical garden.    Finding a venue that will maximize dollars      their venue options, especially if they’re      consideration of various factors that are
Zeroing in on the wedding style helps narrow   spent involves looking at what is included.     planning on a budget. September and Oc-         unique to each couple.

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Wedding Bells 2022                                                                                                                                                              WEDNESDAY, FEB. 16, 2022 ■   PAGE 19B

                                                      The rise of the microwedding
T
        he effects of the COVID-19                                                                                                                                                                                          affair may be.
        pandemic have been far-
        reaching. People from all                                                                                                                                                                                                    What goes into a
walks of life have had to confront                                                                                                                                                                                                    microwedding
the pandemic and the changes                                                                                                                                                                                                   Nothing should be off the table
it wrought, and many of those                                                                                                                                                                                               when planning a microwedding.
changes could have some staying                                                                                                                                                                                             The fewer the people who will be
power.                                                                                                                                                                                                                      there, the more freedom planners
    Wedding industry experts note                                                                                                                                                                                           and couples may have. The WPI
that one of the more noticeable                                                                                                                                                                                             notes that microweddings afford
and potentially long-lasting ef-                                                                                                                                                                                            planners and couples the chance to
fects of the pandemic has been the                                                                                                                                                                                          get personal in ways that may not
rise of microweddings. The 2020                                                                                                                                                                                             be possible when organizing larger
Real Weddings Study (COVID-19                                                                                                                                                                                               affairs. Planners can focus on small
Edition) found that 58 percent of                                                                                                                                                                                           details and allow couples to make
couples who planned to get married                                                                                                                                                                                          their ceremonies and receptions
in 2020 ended up reducing their                                                                                                                                                                                             as personal as they would like.
guest list by a significant percent-                                                                                                                                                                                        Couples who prefer microweddings
age. The average reduction was 41                                                                                                                                                                                           tend to emphasize minimalism, so
percent, and some suspect small                                                                                                                                                                                             keeping things simple is something
ceremonies may be the new normal                                                                                                                                                                                            to keep in mind when planning
in the years ahead.                                                                                                                                                                                                         microweddings.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                               Microweddings are an emerging
          Microweddings                                                                                                                                                                                                     trend that make for a realistic option
    Microweddings are not neces-                                                                                                                                                                                            for couples and the people they hire
sarily a new trend, as couples have
always had the option of getting
                                                                            BUNDLED IS                                                                                                                                      to help them plan their big day.

                                                                            BETTER
married with only a small number
of family and friends in attendance.                                  BUNDLED IS
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                                                                      BETTER
                                                                          and Jonathan
However, microweddings could be an emerg-
ing trend, and cost may have a lot to do with          Just ask Drew
                                                       and Jonathan   BUNDLED IS
                                                                          AUTO + HOME =
that. The Wedding Planner Institute notes
that microweddings cost anywhere from                                 BETTER
                                                                 BUNDLED
                                                                          UP TO 28% SAVINGS*
                                                                         IS
$1,600 to $10,000, though the group notes
that most microweddings fall somewhere    Just ask Drew
                                                       AUTOask
                                                       Just
                                                       and
                                                       UP TO     BETTER
                                                                + HOME
                                                             Jonathan
                                                                      Drew =
                                                                 28% SAVINGS*
                                                                                 Like the Scott Brothers — some
in the middle of that range. A 2020 surveyand JonathanAUTO + HOMEthings        =             in life are just better in pairs.
from TD Ameritrade found that 47 percent               UP TO 28% SAVINGS*
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of respondents felt that cost of living was              things in lifeinauto
                                          UP TO 28% SAVINGS*                          are    and home policies for up to 28%
                                                                                               just better in pairs.
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and long-term investments. Engaged couples                   Like       the Scott Brothers
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                                                               auto and home policies for up to 28%
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confronting the well-documented post-                    things         in lifePlus,
                                                                           Contact    are the
                                                                                           me  justmore
                                                                                                today   better
                                                                                                           to  get    ain pairs.
                                                                                                                        quote      and start saving.
pandemic increase in cost of living, includ-
                                              Like  the  Scott        Brothers
                                                             in savings.*
                                                                   bundlegreat
                                                               Another          — the
                                                                                            —     some
                                                                                             more you
                                                                                          pairing?
                                                                                                               policies
                                                                                                               can save!
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                                                                                                                             you
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                                            things in life are         just      betterpolicies in pairs.
ing an unprecedented rise in housing costs,                    auto     and    home
                                                        Contact me today to get a quote and start         for   up    to  28% saving.
                                                Another greatin savings.*
                                                                   pairing? Bundling Plus, theyour  more policies you
could see expensive weddings as luxuries auto and homebundle        policies for up to 28%
                                                                                —     the    more      you     can    save!
they simply can’t afford. Microweddingsin savings.* Plus, the more policies you
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could be viewed as a cost-effective way bundle — the more you can save!
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allows couples to share their big day with
their closest friends and family members.
    The WPI has urged wedding planners to
offer microwedding packages in an effort
to capitalize on this emerging trend. Data                                                          Theresa Ditto, Agent
                                                                                                             109 S 1st St
from The Wedding Report indicated that
                                                                                                    Owensville, MO 65066
the total number of weddings would rise to                                     Theresa Ditto,Certified Agent Agency in
2.77 million in 2021, an increase of roughly                                             109 S 1stCustomer
                                                                                                      St              Excellence
650,000 over the yearly average. Even if                                       Owensville, MO 65066       (573)    437-3726
                                                                               Theresa
                                                                                  CertifiedDitto,AgencyAgent in
only a fraction of couples who tie the knot in                                           109 S Excellence
                                                                                                  1st St                *The average customer who bundles can save these discounts on each policy.

2022 opt for a microwedding, a preexisting                                       Customer                              Discounts may vary by state, property, policy form and company underwriting
                                                         Theresa Ditto,Owensville,
                                                                                Agent MO 65066                        the auto or property policy. Discounts may not apply to all coverages on an auto
                                                                                      (573) 437-3726                              or property policy. Discounts do not apply to a life policy.

microwedding package can help wedding                            109 S 1st StCertified Agency in
planners secure their business. Couples who              Owensville, MO Customer 65066 Excellence*The average customer who bundles can save these discounts on each policy.
                                                                                                Discounts may vary by state, property, policy form and company underwriting
                                                                                               the auto or property policy. Discounts may not apply to all coverages on an auto

opt for microweddings may do so to save                    Certified     Agency       in 437-3726
                                                                                      (573)                or property policy. Discounts do not apply to a life policy.

money, but also to avoid the effort and save              Customer        Excellence
                                                                                American Family Mutual Insurance Company, S.I. & its Operating Companies,
                                                                                                 *The average customer who bundles can save these discounts on each policy.
                                                              (573) 437-3726                    Discounts may vary by state, property, policy form and company underwriting
the time required to plan more lavish affairs.
                                                                                  Life insurance underwritten by American Family Life Insurance Company,
                                                                                               the auto or property policy. Discounts may not apply to all coverages on an auto
                                                                              6000 American Parkway, Madison, WI 53783 ©2021 019569 – 4/21 – 15723485
                                                                                                           or property policy. Discounts do not apply to a life policy.

Such couples may be especially excited to                               *The average customer who bundles can save these discounts on each policy.
                                                                       Discounts may vary by state, property, policy form and company underwriting
                                                            American Family Mutual Insurance Company, S.I. & its Operating Companies,
                                                                      the auto or property policy. Discounts may not apply to all coverages on an auto
work with wedding planners who can plan                                           or property policy. Discounts do not apply to a life policy.
                                                             Life insurance underwritten by American Family Life Insurance Company,
                                                          6000 American Parkway, Madison, WI 53783 ©2021 019569 – 4/21 – 15723485

their weddings regardless of how small the
                                                                                             American Family Mutual Insurance Company, S.I. & its Operating Companies,
                                                                                              Life insurance underwritten by American Family Life Insurance Company,
                                                                                           6000 American Parkway, Madison, WI 53783 ©2021 019569 – 4/21 – 15723485

                                                                     American Family Mutual Insurance Company, S.I. & its Operating Companies,
                                                                      Life insurance underwritten by American Family Life Insurance Company,
Wedding Bells 2022                                                                       WEDNESDAY, FEB. 16, 2022 ■              PAGE 20B

 Picture perfect wedding day photography tips
F
       ew things document weddings more
       effectively than photographs. Care-
       fully curated wedding albums and
portraits hung on walls serve as daily re-
minders of a couple’s special day.
   Photography is often left in the very quali-
fied hands of professional photographers.
However, couples can pitch in to make their
photos really pop. These picture pointers
from industry insiders can help couples put
their best smile forward.

             Leave ample time
   A carefully orchestrated timeline can
ensure photos are the best they can be. Why?
Because a couple who is relaxed and not
overwhelmed will notice that attitude trans-
lates to their photographs. When planning
wedding timelines, couples should leave
ample opportunities for getting dressed,
chatting with the wedding party and go-
ing through various photography settings
to grab great photos, advise the experts at
Martha Stewart.

        Put together a short list
   The photographer will have his or her
ideas of which shots to cover, but a couple
with specific goals in mind should relay that
information to their photographer. For ex-
ample, if a grandparent is getting up in years,
request some solo photos of that person so
you can look back on happy times together.        too far rumpled by dancing or having a            the camera.                                       Couples can practice posing in front of
Certain couples want to be snapped posing         good time.                                                  Delve into the details               mirrors to get a feel for body positions that
with a beloved pet. Putting that on the list                                                           Prepare wedding details, like gowns,        put them in their best light. A photographer’s
helps ensure it will happen.                                  Play your style safe                  shoes, accessories, etc., in advance to save   advice in regard to posture is invaluable as
                                                      A wedding day is not a time for the bride     time once the photographer arrives, suggests   well. Create space between arms and the
   Enlist a family photo coordinator              or groom to try a dramatic new style, accord-     Desi Mendoza, a pro from Dez and Tam           body and learn how to angle the body so
   If the photographer does not have his or       ing to photographer Amanda Lamb. Resist           Photography. Invest in a beautiful hanger      you look your best.
her own assistant, recruit someone who is         the urge for a daring cut or color. It’s also     for the wedding gown as well, because you         Photos will capture wedding day memo-
assertive to help wrangle everyone for the        likely not the place to try out new facial hair   may want to photograph that on its own.        ries forever. Couples can put themselves in
family shots. Attempt to get family photos        or heavy makeup. A couple unaccustomed                                                           the best positions for success by following
when family members are relaxed but not           to the way they look may be shy in front of                     Learn to pose                    some photography guidelines.

       The Insurance Center
                                            Agents Brian Rooney
                                             and Steve Havelka

                                                           ph   573.437.2100                                                                  11 Sherwood Lane
                                                         fax    573.437.2110                                                                  Sullivan MO 63080
                                                    112 North 7th Street                                                                      573-680-1925
                                                         oweNSville, Mo                                                                       Teresalynncakes@gmail.com

                       email: brooney01@hotmail.com                                                                          30 years experience decorating cakes
Wedding Bells 2022
  WED., FEB. 16, 2022 ■           PAGE 21B

                                                                                                  Custom, unique invitations
                                                                                                     save the Date CarDs
                                                                                                     invitations
                                                                                                     thank You CarDs
                                                                                                     Favors

                                                                                                    201 east Peters ave.

        Wedding styles
                                                                                                      owensville, mo
                                                                                                     573-437-8002

E
        very wedding is different, even if      minimal effort. Decor is typically humble
                                                                                                                         Experience the
                                                                                                                          Difference
        many share some common compo-           and blends harmoniously with nature. A
        nents. As couples plan their wed-       boho wedding may take place outdoors or
dings, learning about some popular wedding      in another less traditional venue, such as a
styles can help them create a ceremony that     farmhouse or botanical garden. Wedding
suits them.                                     party attire may be mismatched and show-
                                                case each person’s individual style.
              Classic wedding                                                                                                We pride ourselves on a handpicked
   Classic weddings are the storybook tra-                  Modern wedding                                                collection of dresses with the most up-to-
ditional weddings that many people dream           Brides and grooms who crave contempo-                                    date trends and styles to choose from.
about for years. Key elements include a         rary and current trends may prefer a modern                                 Mimi’s is the only boutique in the area
tuxedo for the groom and a white gown for       wedding. Graphic color schemes, clean lines                                   that offers exclusive designers you
the bride. Formal attire is reserved for the    and minimalistic flowers might be part of                                          won’t find at other stores.
rest of the wedding party. The ceremony         a modern wedding. Attire may be angular
                                                                                                                                                                       to
is conducted in a place of worship before       and edgy, and the venue may run the gamut                                                             Bring this ad in idal
                                                                                                                                                               off yo ur br
everyone retires to a fancy catering hall for   from sleek museum to a city rooftop.                                                              receive $100
                                                                                                                                                        gown purchase

                                                                                                                                                  $100 off
the reception. Traditional weddings also
may include the time-honored customs                       Destination wedding
like toasts, cake cutting, bouquet toss, and       Couples who love to travel and don’t                                                                                      *
                                                                                                                                                           on the 1st visit.
parent-child dances.                            want to worry about the minutiae of wedding
                                                planning may find a destination wedding is                                                                 Ask about our
              Beach wedding                     a good fit. Destination weddings last more                                                                 Mimi’s Brides
   Beach weddings often are casual, laid        than one day and focus on relaxation, activi-                                                               discounts!
back affairs. Dresses may be less structured    ties and lots of fun. Destination weddings
and flow with sea breezes, while guys may       tend to be less formal and less traditional
even don shorts with linen shirts or jackets.   than classic weddings. Due to the remote           35 East Springfield Rd • Sullivan
Guests can expect the party to be much more
free-flowing and the traditions of classic
                                                locations, destination weddings also can be
                                                smaller and more intimate, as many invitees
                                                                                                              573-677-4400
                                                                                                      Hours: Tues. & Thurs. 11:00-7:00pm
weddings may not be part of the celebration.    may be unable to attend. Yet those who can
                                                attend often get to enjoy tropical islands or      Wed. & Fri. 11:00-5:00pm • Sat. 10:30-4:00pm
                                                                                                                Closed Sunday & Monday
             Bohemian wedding                   mountain retreats.
    Free-spirited individuals may dive head        Wedding styles are as unique as the people    www.MimisBridalAndBoutique.com
first into a bohemian style wedding. Accord-    getting married. Choosing a theme that has
ing to wedding planner David Tutera, a boho     the right feeling can help couples make the
                                                                                                Check us out on:
wedding is casual and comfortable. It tends     most of their special days.
                                                                                                  *100 off cannot be combined with any other discount or promotion, Only one ad per bridal gown. Offer Expires June 30, 2021
to come off chic but appears that way with
Wedding Bells 2022                                                                         WEDNESDAY, FEB. 16, 2022 ■   PAGE 22B

 Your wedding timeline guide
W
             edding planning involves many         cards.
             movable pieces that ultimately            This also is a good time to visit stores to
             need to come together on the big      create registry gift lists.
day. Planning is typically a months-long                            6 months out
process, and adhering to certain monthly               Meet with potential florists and other
benchmarks can help couples stay the course.       vendors, like transportation companies and
    Brides magazine offers that the perfect        hotels, to secure these arrangements. Your
engagement period is 12 to 14 months,              place of worship also may require certain
which affords ample time to get organized          classes or preparatory meetings, so be sure
and work with vendors. With that in mind,          to inquire about these.
here’s a 12-month timeline                             Meet with a makeup and hair stylist and
                12 months out                      book a trial. Choose attire for groomsmen and
    At the start of the planning process, es-      give them a deadline for fittings and orders.
tablish your budget, hire a wedding planner        If you will not be getting married in a place
(optional), choose the wedding party, pick a       of worship, hire an officiant at this time.
date, and start to assemble a cursory guest                         4 months out
list. This also is a great time to begin touring       Grooms traditionally arrange the honey-
venues to get a feel for potential ceremony        moon, so this is a fine time to get those travel
and reception locales.                             plans in order. If you need passports, you
                11 months out                      should secure them as early as possible, and
    Now is the time to get a firm handle on        no later than four months prior to the wed-
the theme and scope of the wedding. Start          ding to ensure processing times. Book cake
picking wedding colors and overall design.         tastings and order the cake if it is not part
Also, interview and hire vendors, such as          of the venue food and beverage package. If
photographers, bands and videographers.            you haven’t already done so, the bride should
These vendors tend to book up quickly as           have an initial gown fitting, and wedding
wedding season draws near, so it’s never too       invitations should be ordered at this time.
early to book them.                                                 2 months out
                10 months out                          Secure your wedding license and buy
    This is a good time to start shopping for      wedding party gifts. Address and mail the
a wedding gown because it might take some
trial and error to find the perfect dress. You
also can start shopping for wedding party
                                                   wedding invitations. Undergo a second
                                                   gown fitting and work with the seamstress
                                                   for the final fitting date just before the wed-
                                                                                                         Receptions
attire at this time. Check with formalwear         ding. Finalize any song selections with the
                                                                                                        Exceptional

vendors to see how long it will take for the       DJ or band.
gowns to arrive in the shop for alterations.           The final details will occur in the last
If you haven’t already done so, be sure to         weeks before the wedding. Buy all the
book the wedding venue.                            small accessories and items, undergo final
                 8 months out                      fittings and check in with all vendors for
    Reception halls may have their own             final payments and to ensure they are on
schedules, but you should think about setting      schedule. Notify the reception hall of the
your menu at this time, including deciding         final guest count.
if you will host a seated dinner, a buffet or          Once the wedding day arrives, couples
something else.                                    who have done their best to stay on schedule
    Eight months out also is a good time to        can relax and have a great time with family
finalize the guest list and send save-the-date     and friends.

            To submit a Wedding,
            Engagement or Birth                                                                       Looking for a great setting for your wedding
            announcement to the                                                                       reception? Check us out.
                                                                                                      Seating for up to 300. Kitchen facility available.
        Republican call 573-859-3323                                                                  Just East of Gerald at Hwy. 50 and Old Hwy. 50
          or 573-422-5323 or email
                                                                                                      Knights of Columbus Hall
            news@wardpub.com                                                                          Gerald, MO • 573-764-KOFC                    5632
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