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BRIDAL TRENDS FOR 2011 pg. 4
NEED A FAVOR? Unique Wedding Favors pg. 7
A CHANGE OF PACE The Wedding Cupcake pg. 16
THE OLDER BRIDE Marriage from the Perspective of the Bride Over 30 pg. 11
ShoreChic
Wedding Amanda & AmosWilliams pg. 20
5 Bridal Trends
The Top Five Trends to Keep Your Wedding Stylish and Fashionable in 2011
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No one wants to be “so last year” on her wedding day, so take some time to get caught up on the latest styles for the new year. These top five bridal trends for 2011 will help get you off to a great start.
One
1950s inspired wedding gowns. This trend started in 2010, and will be hotter than ever for 2011. Look for bridal gowns with natural waists, tulle skirts, and lace or bow embellishments. Symmetry is also back for wedding gowns in a big way. And, veils are a must with the classic ‘50s inspired gowns. Another fun way to add your own personal touch to these classic gowns is to wear custom bridal jewelry in a pale pink or blue color.
shrug, a fur wrap, or a lace bolero, 2011 brides will find that they have lovely options for elegant cover ups. This is a wonderful thing for a cold weather bride, of course, and also a great option for a bride who wishes to make her strapless gown more conservative for a church ceremony. The cover up can be quickly removed for the reception, allowing for a fresh new party look.
Two
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Cover ups. Many designers are now showing coordinating cover ups to wear with their strapless wedding gowns. Whether it is a sheer beaded
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Polished hair and makeup. After several years of beachy bridal hair, the trend has swung back toward a more classic elegant look. Smooth chignons,
braided buns, and other similar classic pulled-back hairstyles make a wonderful accompaniment to the 1950s gowns, so popular for 2011. Such hairstyles will give the bride a sophisticated and ladylike appearance, which is truly gorgeous. Makeup will be equally polished for the next year. Think of red lipstick, soft eye makeup, and of course a radiant, healthy bridal glow!
Four
Custom bridal jewelry. While the overall trend for 2011 is toward a — continued on next page
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classic ‘50s sensibility, that doesn’t mean that personalization has lost its popularity. The clean lines of the 2011 bridal gowns are the perfect canvas for experimenting with custom bridal jewelry. Some of the top options include: wearing colored crystals or pearls instead of all white jewelry, layering necklaces, and mixing and matching necklaces and earrings. This customized trend also makes it very easy for a bride who is wearing family jewelry for her wedding to layer in some new pieces for a fresh, stylish take.
Five
Short bridal gowns. Virtually every designer now has a collection of knee length wedding gowns in their collection. For 2011, the short gown trend is stronger than ever. These cute little numbers are ideal for destination weddings, City Hall nuptials, and quirky or informal sorts of ceremonies. A short wedding gown is also a fantastic option for the bride who wants to have two wedding dresses. She can wear a traditional one for the ceremony and then slip into one of the cute short dresses to party at the reception. It’s a great way to enjoy the best of both worlds. Article by Laura Firenze, EzineArticles.com Expert Author. She writes on fashion, jewelry design and trends in the wedding industry.
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Smooth chignons, braided buns, and other classic pulled-back
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hairstyles make a wonderful accompaniment to the 1950s gowns which are so popular for 2011.
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Need aFavor? W
Unique Wedding Favors to Wow Your Friends and Family
When planning a wedding, choosing the perfect wedding favor is a detail that often gets overlooked amid choosing the right dress, best catering and most beautiful flowers. Wedding favors are an opportunity to thank family and friends for all that they have done for the happy couple. They are also the perfect way to remember the wedding for years to come. That’s why choosing truly unique wedding favors will make a huge impact on your wedding and guests. There are several ways brides can go about choosing unique wedding favors. Most try to tie them into the “theme”of the wedding. Others try to coordinate with their wedding colors or table decorations. Whatever the goal, here are some truly unique wedding favors to consider when planning the ultimate wedding:
can serve as a stylish placeholder before going home with each guest. To really take it to the next level in unique wedding favors, have the wedding photographer take a photo of each guest or couple and forward a copy to them when they are printed. Often weddings are occasions where people look their best and a photo would be treasured.
Unique wedding favors that still capture the sentimental spirit can also include a personalized CD burned with the songs from the wedding. Most songs are chosen ahead of time, so the CD can include the ones used for the bride and groom's first dance, her father/daughter dance, his mother/son dance and the bridal party dance. There will still be plenty of room for some of the happy couple's favorite or sentimental songs as well. A customized CD label is the perfect finishing touch.
The Sentimental Favor The Everlasting Favor Brides who favor sentimentality tend to like unique wedding favors that highlight the day and the happy couple. A small sterling silver picture frame with the date engraved
One of the best ways to commemorate a wedding day is to give guests a gift that will stay with them forever. Unique wedding
favors that fall into this category include any sort of live plant or flower. Small flowers or saplings can be used to decorate the tables with greenery as well! Guests will love the idea of planting a tree or plant in their own yards and will remember the wedding day every time they look at the tree. Plant wedding favors are also a perfect solution for brides planning a “green” wedding. Many brides try to avoid the waste that often comes with typical wedding favors.
The Edible Favor
Giving guests the gift of food has always been a very popular wedding favor solution! There are ways to make unique wedding favors edible, however. It just takes a little thinking outside the box. Customizing edible treats is always a good way to take a wedding favor to the next level. Cookies and chocolates are easily customized with the wedding date or couple's name. Specialty fortune cookies are another — continued on next page
Wedding favors are an opportunity to thank family and friends for all that they have done for the happy couple. They are also the perfect way to remember the wedding for years to come.
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The
artinsborough M T The Martinsborough, a spectacular location for your special event, wedding or reception, is located in historic uptown Greenville in the restored Jefferson Blount-Harvey Building. The premier event space combines uptown historic heritage with a contemporary atmosphere. It offers a charming canvas accommodating large numbers of guests for parties or seated dinners. Surrounding windows allow natural light to bring out the warmth of the tall ceilings, brick and hardwood floors. The space is striking and functional, providing a creative setting to compliment your event.
Events are magical at The Martinsborough. From beautifully upholstered chairs, to adjustable lighting, exquisite décor options, and the talents of Scarborough Fare Catering, your
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event is sure to give you pleasure and satisfaction. Years of event experience combined with an incredible locale assure wedding receptions, rehearsal dinners, events, fundraisers, and any special event will make lifelong memories.
Whether an intimate dinner for 50 or a formal gala for 250, The Martinsborough provides direction and expertise in helping you achieve your heart’s desire. They offer free consultations to perfect menus, layouts, time lines, and to coordinate with other vendors whom are involved in your special event. In addition, their representatives are on site for the entire event, so you can be stress and worry free! Scarborough Fare Catering is the exclusive caterer for The Martinsborough. Committed to designing and executing flawless, memo-
rable events by combining fabulous food with the highest level of customer service, Scarborough Fare has been a premier caterer in Greenville and eastern, NC since 1998. Their professional, organized staff will take your party ideas from theory to reality. They offer menu planning, rental equipment, linens, event staffing, and special décor. They also provide vendors such as musicians, florists, entertainers, coordinators and photographers. Scarborough Fare’s food is prepared with the freshest ingredients from growers and purveyors around the world including the best in eastern, NC. Whether it’s a birthday party, a Texas-style bbq, a seminar lunch for 50, or a glorious wedding of 250, Scarborough Fare’s imagination and expertise will make it great.
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E Southern Hospitality
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and First Class Service welcome you at the Hilton Greenville.
Your wedding day is the start of a truly beautiful, exciting journey you embark on as a couple. Let the first day of the rest of your lives begin with a flawlessly executed wedding celebration at the Hilton Greenville. Nestled right in the heart of a bustling southern community, the Hilton Greenville is the area’s premiere full service hotel. The Hilton Greenville features over 25,000 square feet of newly renovated banquet space, as well as 141 well-appointed hotel guest rooms-including six elegant suites. Other features include: a romantic outside courtyard, Christinne’s Seafood Grille and Chophouse and Glennon’s Martini Lounge, providing endless possibilities for your dream wedding. The Hilton Greenville boasts an award winning culinary team ready to serve you and your guests a menu that is sure to excite any palate. We feature a vast array of selections, including, but not limited to,
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southern style brunches, themed or customized buffets, chef attended reception stations and elegant three course plated meals. Let our chef customize the menu you have always imagined, creating a personalized reception you and your guests will love! Your wedding day is all about you and your vision. With over 50 years of combined management experience, let our expert Sales and Catering team guide you through every detail of this special day. When you choose the Hilton Greenville, you choose the very best in event planning. Whether it is an intimate rehearsal dinner in our award winning restaurant Christinne’s, an outdoor wedding ceremony in our courtyard, or a 600 person reception in our Carolina Ballroom, our team is guaranteed to meet and exceed your expectations. From start to finish, our experienced managers will provide inspiration, personalized service and
exceptional planning to make sure your event is impeccable. The Hilton Greenville provides you the assurance that all of your needs are taken care of. Allow the Hilton Greenville to be your “one stop shop,” providing first class guest accommodations, flexible indoor and outdoor venue space including the Carolina Ballroom, West Wing Ballroom, outside courtyard, Christinne’s Seafood Grille and Chophouse and Glennon’s Martini Lounge for your ceremony, reception, rehearsal dinner and bridal shower needs. We can do it all under one roof, making the planning that much easier. Your journey begins with the Hilton Greenville as your wedding destination! For more information, please call 252-3555000; visit us on facebook or at our website www.greenvillenc.hilton.com. Article by Sarah Rowland Senior Sales Manager, Hilton Greenville
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The Older Bride E
Marriage from the Perspective of a Bride Over 30
Every little girl dreams of her wedding day— the colors she’ll use, the types of flowers she’ll hold, the song that will forever be their first dance. Most of us, though, don’t imagine that we’ll be in our thirties when our big day actually, finally comes!
In 2009, the average bride was 25.9 years of age according to the US Census. That may give comfort to the most recent co-eds, but for the rest of us, it’s just another reminder. Like a growing number of ladies, I didn’t find my groom-to-be until I had been out of college for over ten years. I was established in my career, had a home, and knew (or at least had a better understanding of) who I was and the type of man I wanted to join me in life’s journey. As an “older bride,” my journey to walking down the aisle was different than most June brides. The thirty-plus bride is at a different place in life and needs to make allowances for the marital adventure. Believe me; it certainly has its advantages! The older bride is less likely to be swayed by popular culture and will lean towards a more classic wedding that will stand the test of time (and without the heartache twenty years from now when the style of the moment is now something at which to laugh!)
independent adult child than the twentythree-year-old’s mom. If the mom is willing and able to join the bride on the planning journey, hopefully they can enjoy it together as friends, and the mom can offer a friend’s perspective instead of that of a domineering parent. The older bride will have a different bridal party, too. Most likely you aren’t the first among your circle of friends to get married. Married friends will be able to offer insight that is so important for those first few years. You will have someone to go to for advice when you just can’t understand your man.
and purchase items that I needed and I wanted in the colors and styles that I liked. As an older bride, my home was more established, so my family and friends were able to help my home grow. I didn’t need a coffee pot; I was given a food processor. I didn’t need a broom; I was given the most beautiful, comfortable Egyptian cotton sheets. Plus, since I already had my house for ten years and had a lot of things that a newer bride would need, some people very generously gave gift cards. These allowed my hubby and me to fill in the gaps.
Due to the busy lives of those no longer single, bridal showers and bachelorette party may be a little harder to schedule, but once you do, your married sister will appreciate a night away from your crying niece even more!
While planning your wedding, no matter your age, enjoy the journey of the planning. Take time to get away on small, inexpensive day-trips with your spouse-to-be. Be thankful for the tears and joys that brought you here and helped create this lovely woman that is finally walking down the aisle.
Speaking of showers… my home was filled with hand-me-downs. I inherited most of my kitchen supplies and furniture. All of the second-hand treasures were appreciated. Over time I was able to add to my collection
Article by Amy Bass Chen, a Farmville native, who enjoys writing, hiking, acting, and helping brides prepare for their special day. She and her groom Cheng can be reached at chengandamy @yahoo.com.
Since she has had a longer amount of time to dream, she is more likely to have a wedding like she wants. There are a lot of decisions for the bride to make; having a better understanding of who you are makes your choices a little easier. Keep in mind, though, the mother of the older bride has also been waiting a long time to see her little girl walk down the aisle. Of course, your mother has also had a longer time to adjust to having an
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Flowersas Decor
The beautifying effect of floral decoration
Because of their beauty and symbolism, flowers are ever present in wedding celebrations. Nonetheless, in spite of their beauty, you shouldn’t just place flowers anywhere and everywhere. The art of floral arrangement and how you use flowers as decoration is highly important so that, not only will the beauty of the flower show, but also the area where they are placed them will be highlighted. If poorly prepared, the flowers will wilt easily and will not look as beautiful as they should, which defies the very purpose of decorating with flowers in the first place. With the proper knowledge and preparation, decorating your wedding with flowers will create a truly beautifying effect. Before deciding where to place them, choose first the type of flowers by evaluating on some important aspects. The color of the flower should match or complement your color motif. Also, the flower has to be in season, so that it will be available easily and won’t cost too much. When using fresh flowers at your wedding, here are some ideas you can explore. For some of them, you can even cut cost by doing them yourself. A basic understanding of flower decorating can get you through your floral decorations without having to pay fees to florists or interior designers. You can use your wedding flowers on wrist corsages. Not only will this serves as an accessory for your entourage, but this can make your whole wedding look
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Flowers and their Meanings
coordinated. The pews, aisle, and altar, if you are holding a church ceremony will look decadent when you use flowers as decorations for these areas. Flowers are popularly used as centerpieces during weddings. You can place them in small bundles or have them in large vases. Place flowers in the gazebo or in the arc designed for the couples. You can place a lot of leaves or a lot of greens to highlight the arc, but you can place flowers in them as well to make it more soft and romantic. Chairs can also be accented with floral designs. Place silk or real flowers in the chairs along with ribbons and laces to decorate each piece. Wedding cakes are often decorated with fondant icing, some even with Swarovski crystals, but the most popular and classic decoration
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is flowers. Icing shaped as flowers or silk flowers lining up the cake make for a truly romantic wedding cake. Favors can include floral designs, as well. They can be practical, edible or decorative, simply incorporate the floral design in the body of the favor, in the packaging, or in the wedding label. Flowers are intended to soften up the look of an area or an item when used as decor. As for their meaning, flowers have always symbolized love and affection. They can be the best decor to reflect the true meaning of ones wedding. With proper use and preparation, flowers can liven up the room, bring an air of romance, and simply beautify.
Article by Criss White / articlesnatch.com.
Alstroemeria aspiring Amaryllis dramatic Anemone fragile Apple Blossom promise Aster contentment Azalea abundance Baby's Breath festivity Bachelor Button anticipation Begonia deep thoughts Black-Eyed Susan encouragement Camellia graciousness Carnation - Pink gratitude Carnation - red flashy Carnation - white remembrance Carnation - yellow cheerful Chrysanthemum - white truth Chrysanthemum - red sharing Chrysanthemum - yellow admirer Crocus foresight Daffodil chivalry Delphinium boldness Daisy innocence Freesia spirited Forget-Me-Not remember me Gardenia joy Geranium comfort Gladiolus strength of character Hibiscus delicate beauty Holly domestic happiness Hyacinth sincerity Hydrangea perseverance Iris inspiration Ivy fidelity Jasmine grace and elegance Lavender distrust Lilac first love Lily - Calla regal Lily - Day enthusiasm Magnolia dignity Marigold desire for riches Orange Blossom fertility Orchid delicate beauty Passion flower passion Poppy consolation Queen Anne's Lace femininity Rose - pink friendship Rose - red passionate love Rose - red & white unity Rose - white purity Rose - yellow zealous Star of Bethlehem hope Stephanotis good luck Statice success Sunflower adoration Tulip - pink caring Tulip - purple royalty Tulip - red declaration of love Tulip - white forgiveness Tulip - yellow hopelessly in love Violet faithfulness Wisteria steadfast Zinnia thoughts of friends
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I A Change of Pace If you're reading this, then you are most likely planning your wedding, or perhaps helping a friend plan hers. This is a day that you may have pictured your entire life. However, when you were planning your wedding, chances are you never ever pictured having cupcakes instead of something more traditional.
The Wedding Cupcake
While this may be a newer idea to some, many are finding that it is a very simple and fun option. But why would someone do this, you may ask. Let's look at four advantages to having cupcakes at your wedding. First of all, cupcakes are much easier to transport. Consider how most wedding cakes today have many different layers that are boxed separately and then put together at the wedding reception. Or, some bakeries layer the cake all at once and try to transport the entire thing to your wedding. In some cases, cake layers end up melted, dropped, etc., which would ruin this fun part of the wedding. Cupcakes, however, are generally boxed side by side. The boxes are full, leaving little room for the cupcakes to slide and get ruined. Because traditional wedding cakes take time to assemble at the reception site, your baker will be charging for this additional work. Cupcakes do not need to be “assembled.” So, this will be much easier on your pocketbook.
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The second advantage is that cupcakes are much, much easier to serve. Some reception halls actually charge money for cutting and serving cake but with cupcakes this fee can be avoided. Without worrying about having to make perfect cuts, you can have a friend serve the cupcakes, or even have guests serve themselves. This not only costs less, but also takes the worry out of serving. The third advantage of having a cupcake wedding cake is the option of getting different flavors. With an actual wedding cake, you can be limited in this regard. However, with a cupcake wedding you have many different options of flavors that it will be sure to match each of your guests own and unique tastes, leaving everyone with a happy and memorable wedding experience.
The fourth advantage to having a cupcake wedding cake is the final result — the individual serving.
Do you have to sacrifice beauty for convenience? No. Wedding cupcakes can have all the decorations of traditional wedding cakes. Figurines of the happy couple, bells, doves or hearts; decorations of flowers, fruits, candy, ribbons, jewelry and so on can all be used to decorate cupcakes as beautifully as traditional cakes. The fourth advantage to having a cupcake wedding cake is the final result — the individual serving. Were you ever served a piece of wedding cake with a part of a decoration which you couldn’t identify? With a cupcake wedding cake, each and every serving is individually decorated. The result? Every guest is served a beautifully decorated piece of cake. Consider these advantages to having a cupcakes for your special day. They’re beautiful, elegant, delicious, and really appreciated by brides and guests alike!
Article by Janine Sinclair, an experienced writer who writes for the Sydney Wedding Cake site. She also writes extensively about wedding invitations.
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A
A spa-themed bridal shower is one of the most fun and exciting themes that a host may consider. This is not just extraordinary, but the host of this can actually save some money. Options are endless when organizing such. If you will be hosting a spa-themed bridal shower for a friend, the venue could either be at home or at a real spa center. If you are a bit confused on how to plan a spa-themed bridal shower, here is the list of ideas to help you — from the party invites and food to bridal shower games, spa activities and party favors.
Invitations
Spa Shower
A fun, exciting theme for a bridal shower!
choices as well like juices with cut up fruits like apple and orange slices. Don't forget to ready plenty of water with sliced lemons and cucumber to really show off real spa.
PartyActivities
This is where the fun begins. You may include games and other fun and exciting activities to keep the party alive. One great idea for a spa-themed bridal shower is to set up small spaces where guests can comfortably have their massage, facial, manicure and pedicure. There are so many things you can do when planning a spa-themed bridal shower. Your
imagination is the limit. Last, but not least, end the day by giving guests party favors that also reflect “spa.” Popular ideas include: scented candles, aromatherapy kits, towels, lotions, etc. There are various party supplies from bridal shower invitations to bridal shower gifts, favors and games that are available locally and online. If you can’t make the essential items at home, shopping is a quick, easy way you can do to finish the plan. Article by Janet Verra. Verra authors a variety of articles, including weddings. For personalized party favors, visit Mybridesmaidsgifts.com and browse their extensive collection.
Once you’ve picked the location, the guest list and the date, the next thing to do is to buy invitations and start sending them out. There are many specialty stores that offer bridal shower invitations in various templates and designs. However, if you want to make your own at home, then you are also free to do so. With the help of the Internet and your own PC, homemade invitations can really be very easy. Alternatively, you can invite people without printing anything. You can send them an electronic invitation, or e-vite to their e-mail addresses. Whether electronic or printed invites, they must include the date of the bridal shower, time, location, name of the guest of honor (bride), information on where the bride has registered, and some specific instructions, the dress code, for example. And since it is a spa party, another great idea to include is a printed gift card certificate that entitles each guest to a day of fun and relaxation. Again, you can print these certificates at home.
Party Food
Since the theme is like having a healthy and pampered lifestyle, the food should be simple and of course healthy. Food suggestions include small sandwiches, fruit and/or vegetable salads, cheese, crackers and the like. For the drinks, go for healthier
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Shore Chic
Amanda Joyner and Amos Williams 5.15.2010
Amanda & Amos May 15, 2010 Jewel of the Waterway Hubert, NC Photography by: Hooman Bahrani Vesic Photography
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Their Big Day Amanda Joyner & Amos Williams May 15, 2010 Ceremony & Reception Jewel of the Waterway, Hubert, NC (overlooking the Intercoastal Waterway, location rented through Emerald Isle Realty) Officiate Reverend Gene Asbill Photography Hooman Bahrani, Vesic Photography, Winston Salem, NC Videography Matt Evans of SENC Films, Wilmington, NC Wedding Director Teresa Rowlett (and Kim Joyner, the bride’s mother) Invitations WeddingPaperDivas.com Gown Lila Couture, Atlanta, GA Bridesmaid Dresses Affordable Elegance, Greenville, NC Groomsmen Linen Suits Cameo Bridal and Formalwear, Swansboro, NC Wedding Cake Kathy Canby Cakes, Jacksonville, NC Flowers Albert’s Florist, Salter Path, NC Hair Jennifer Metsinger, Greenville, NC Catering Wimpie’s Steam Bar & Grill and the US Foods Executive Chef Entertainment The Main Event Band, Zac Brown Band, Victor Hudson & 13 The First Dance Song Lady Soul by the Temptations Departure/Honeymoon The Bride and Groom left the reception by boat, cruised down the waterway and toasted to their future! They spent their honeymoon at the Paradissus Playa Conchal in Costa Rica.
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Ask About Our Special Rates for Wedding Parties, Family & Guests!
Best Western Suites of Greenville —We’re Here To Handle All Your Wedding Needs. For a memorable stay with the personal touch, reserve your suite at the Best Western Suites of Greenville. Our awardwinning hotel offers much more than traditional hotels. All-suites, All interior rooms and All non-smoking. We feature fine amenities, including: complimentary breakfast with delicious Belgium waffles and Dunkin’ Donuts® coffee, whirlpool suites, wi-fi, valet laundry, fitness center, pool, plus in-room refrigerators, microwaves, hair dryers, coffee/tea makers and more.
Contact us to handle all your wedding needs! Call us today!
Best Western Suites of Greenville 2310 NE Greenville Blvd., Greenville, NC www.bestwesternsuitesgreenville.com 252.752.2378 (BEST) • 800.723.0344 (Reservations)