Sharon Naylor is the author of over 30 wedding books, including 1000 Best Secrets For Your Perfect Wedding, 1000 Best Wedding Bargains, Your Special Wedding Vows, Your Special Wedding Toasts, The Mother of the Bride Book, Mother of the Groom, The Groom's Guide, The Essential Guide to Wedding Etiquette, The Complete Outdoor Wedding Planner, and more. She has appeared as a wedding expert on Nightline, Lifetime, Inside Edition, ABC News, Fox 5 News, and on hundreds of radio stations nationally and internationally. Read more about Sharon Naylor here. Sharon is also happy to asnwer your wedding-related questions in her forum. 
Heather and Michael Fazio decided on a traditional wedding for their April 17, 2004 wedding date, with a large guest list of 175 people. “Deciding on our style was mostly a compromise from what both Mike and I had grown up with,” says Heather, age 32, the owner of Document Bandit. She goes on to talk about her groom, 27 year-old senior database analyst Michael: “He is originally from Long Island NY and had been to very elaborate, expensive weddings. I am originally from Massena NY, a very small town in Upstate NY, and grew up with nice, but never elaborate weddings. We threw something that was a mix of both for ourselves and for our family and friends who attended.”
Why We Chose Our Wedding Location:
“Albany is exactly between both of our hometowns. His – four hours South in Long Island. Mine – four hours North in Upstate NY. For the specific location, the moment we walked in, we knew it was the place. We were both quiet, looking around, impressed and just happy. We both felt immediately that this is where we want to exchange our vows and celebrate with friends and family. (http://www.franklinplaza.com)”
How the Groom Helped:
“Mike was wonderful. Before we went full force into planning, he let me know ahead of time that he was there for whatever I needed and to not hesitate to ask. It ended up that he chose most of the food for the reception, he choose the DJ, and the tuxes for the men.”
Including the Parents:
Heather says that she and Mike didn’t use the traditional arrangement of planning as full partners with their parents, but they found a way to include them that added up to a better bonding experience: “Mike and I paid for the entire thing ourselves, short of small cash gifts from both sides as engagement gifts. I think because of that, neither side wanted to feel as if they were intruding. I kept both Moms updated frequently with decisions we were making and I asked for their opinions often. It doesn’t mean that I always used their advice, but it was a bonding experience with my Mom and with my Mother-in-Law.”
All About My Gown Shopping Trip:
“I bought a beautiful A-line, halter gown from Moonlight Designs at a beautiful boutique in Latham, NY called Thoughts & Best Wishes. It was white, had a semi-cathedral train and was made of regal stain. From the moment I and my best friend (and Maid of Honor) walked in, we were greeted like old friends by the owner. I only tried on four dresses that day, and was almost settled on one. I decided to sleep on it that night, and couldn’t get ‘the’ dress out of my mind. I kept picturing the Swarovski Crystals lined down the back to the end of the train and the beautiful beading, and realized how stunning it would look in the candlelight during the ceremony. I wasn’t wrong.”
What the Bridesmaids Wore:
“My Bridesmaids wore black, floor-length, spaghetti strapped A-line gowns from Impressions Bridal.”
What the Men Wore:
“Mike and his Groomsmen wore black tuxedos with plaid cumber bunds that were the same pattern as my family’s Scottish tartan.”
Our Bridal Party:
Heather names their lineup of bridal party members:
Ginny – best friend from childhood, Maid of Honor
Laurie – big sister, Matron of Honor
Marianna – sorority pledge sister from college, bridesmaid
Memoli - sorority pledge sister from college, bridesmaid
Tera - sorority pledge sister from college, bridesmaid
Mary – Mike’s little sister, bridesmaid
Robyn – friend, bridesmaid
Kimberlynn – niece of bride, flowergirl
Matt – Mike’s little brother, Best Man
Mark – Mike’s little brother, Best Man
Teddy – childhood friend, groomsman
Adam - childhood friend, groomsman
Ian - childhood friend, groomsman
Scotty - childhood friend, groomsman
Neci - childhood friend, groomsman
Brendan – Mike’s cousin, ring bearer
Our Ceremony:
“It was very quick!” says Heather. “The ceremony was approximately 12 minutes long – though it was beautiful. Everyone was seated in chairs covered with starch white cotton covers, and candles were lit around the room. Our officiate was a good friend of both of us and wore traditional Scottish dress. We also had a bagpiper outside playing for guests as they came in. We had two readings, one by my childhood friend and another by Mike’s cousin. Mike and I both wrote our own vows. Well, I wrote mine, lol. Mike had found ‘vows’ online and started saying some of what the officiant was supposed to say.”
Our Reception:
Heather says, “It was fun and beautiful. The tables were covered with starch white table cloths and had silver candelabras in the center of each. Our head table was placed in the middle of the room where anyone and everyone could approach us.”
Our Wedding Menu:
“The high-light of the menu was the Filet Mignon. It was amazing. Many guests also commented on the cocktail hour fare. The Franklin Plaza had gone above and beyond our menu choices and had four large, round tables of every appetizer you could imagine put out for our guests.”
Our Cake:
“We choose not to have a traditional wedding cake. It’s not something that either one of us enjoy. Instead, The Franklin Plaza created individual chocolate souflette’ cakes served warm.”
Our Centerpieces:
“The centerpieces were silver candelabras that held six white candles in each.”
Our Favors:
“Our favors were vanilla scented white candles wrapped in white tulle with ribbon.”
Our First Dance Song:
Heather and Mike danced their first dance as husband and wife to “Thank You” by Led Zeppelin.
What were your favorite parts of the wedding?
Seeing Mike’s face for the first time as I walked down the aisle – by far. The food, the DJ, being with friends and family.
The Most Unique Things About Our Wedding:
“There are probably a few things that would be considered unique. I wore white sneakers instead of heels or shoes for the ceremony and reception. We did not have a wedding cake, and we did not do a bouquet/garter toss. Instead we held an anniversary dance and the couple married the longest (49 years) won a beautiful white rose silk bouquet. Also, instead of having table numbers, I purchased black frames and made table names. I named each table a place that was special to Mike and I, and included a little story about why it was special. Almost everyone there had gotten up to read the stories on the other tables. Many told me it was a fantastic conversation starter and very romantic. We also had a wonderful magician entertaining guests for the cocktail hour.”
Our Honeymoon:
“We went to Paradise Island in the Bahamas and stayed at The Atlantis for 8 days.”
Heather’s Best Advice to You:
“Please remember that the small things that you worry about are really not that important. Your guests are not going to remember the favors, the programs, what color your flowers were or what your Bridesmaids wore. They are going to remember great food, great music and being there to share an amazing day with you. Make an effort to include your family and future in-laws by keeping them updated with the planning, and do not turn into a bridezilla! The day is about you and your future husband, but it’s also about the joining of two families. Keep a sense of humor.”
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