CAKES AND SWEETS Corner Village Bakery 1100 W Garfield Bartonville, IL 309-966-2305 See Our Ad LeBakery 4700 N University St Peoria, IL 309-693-9190 See Our Ad Sweet Moments by Sophia 309-676-5086 See Our Ad Email CATERING Barrack's Cater Inn 309-692-3990 Website Catering By Kate 309-251-7061 See Our Ad The Catering Company 309-678-9000 Website DRESSES & TUXEDOS Country Bride 7320 N University Peoria, IL 309-691-5151 See Our Ad Dejure Formalwear and Bridal Palace Peoria 309-685-0313 Morton 309-263-8155 Website Ducky’s Formalwear Metro Centre 4700 N University Peoria, IL 309-692-6050 Website Savvi Formalwear and Bobbie’s Bridal Peoria 309-688-1411 Bloomington 309-664-0354 Website Seno Formalwear 5201 W War Memorial Dr #532 Peoria, IL 309-692-0031 website Hayloft Dress Shop Mossville Rte 29 309-579-3141 Website FLOWERS Sterling Flowers 3020 N Sterling Ave Peoria, IL 309-682-2320 Website FURNITURE Martin Furniture 1965 E Washington St East Peoria, IL 309 694-4381 See Our Ad HORSE & BUGGY RIDES Carriage Classics Peoria, IL 309-579-2833 Website INVITATIONS The Bronze Frog 7724 N Grand Prairie Dr Peoria, IL 309-692-4707 See Our Ad INSURANCE Pekin Insurance 2505 Court St. Pekin, IL Website JEWELRY Potter & Anderson 24927 N Sherian Peoria, IL 309-691-6575 Website LIMOUSINE Cassano Limousine 309-369-2655 See Our Ad Deluxe Limousine 309-637-5466 Website PHOTOGRAPHY Elizabeth Rowe Photography 309-241-5015 Website Event Pro Photography 309-689-0299 Website Gregory Horne Photography 218 Tamarack Ave Morton, IL 309-521-1810 Website

Today's Couples Pledge Their Love in Platinum Current wedding trends run the gamut from destination nuptials to bridesmaid gowns in deep hues to ethnic celebrations and ceremonies. However, when it comes to selecting engagement rings and wedding bands, the tried-and-true tradition of choosing Platinum remains stronger than ever. POWER OF PLATINUM Engagement- and wedding-ring sets in Platinum have maintained their title as the white-hot trend for couples saying 'I do.' Why does Platinum continue to dominate the wedding scene? "It is the most precious of all metals," explains Michael O'Connor, Jewelry and Fashion Expert and Television commentator. "Noted for its purity, beauty and strength, Platinum has a natural white luster that enhances the sparkle of diamonds and other gemstones." Therefore, after making the investment in a colorless diamond, a Platinum setting will not affect the purity of the diamond in a negative way; similarly, after investing in a colored gemstone, Platinum will not cast any other color into the stone and thus the stone will stay true to the radiant color intended. Jeweler to the stars Neil Lane, agrees that there is no substitute for Platinum. "Platinum has a unique cache about it that appeals to celebrities," he says. "Platinum symbolizes romance and beauty and has set the standard for celebrity weddings." Platinum is a very rare metal -- 30 times rarer than gold -- making it the coveted treasure of discerning couples from Rodeo Drive to Main Street. "Platinum -- while more expensive than other precious metals -- is well worth the investment," says O'Connor. "Most couples spend a tremendous amount of money for one wedding day on items that will not last, but an investment in a Platinum engagement ring and wedding ring will celebrate their union and last a lifetime." Given the unique attributes of this precious metal, it is not surprising that it has come to signify emotional connections and lasting bonds, particularly among women. In fact, according to an independent research study, 76 percent of all brides-to-be agree with the statement, "Platinum is the only metal that I would choose or the one I would choose above all others for my engagement ring." Some of today's most popular celebrities agree that Platinum is the must-have choice for engagement and wedding rings. BEYOND RINGS Platinum goes beyond the wedding couple. It can be enjoyed by attendants and parents as well. Platinum necklaces, cufflinks, earrings, pendants, bracelets, tiaras, barrettes, combs and hairpins are hot this season for the bride and her entire bridal party. Short and long cluster earrings with diamonds or other gemstones are a new trend. Cuff bracelets with strands of diamonds are in vogue. Creating the layered look with Platinum pendants is hot this season. New designs run the gamut from geometric objects like circles or squares, to hearts and religious symbols. Grooms and their attendants are selecting brushed cufflinks mixed with small diamonds or engraved with their initials.

RECEPTION SITES & HOTELS AmericInn 9106 N. Lindbergh Dr. Peoria, IL 309-692-9200 Website Country Inn & Suites 309-589-0044 5309 W. Landens Way Peoria, IL See Our Ad Countryside Banquet Center 659 School Street Washington, IL 309-694-0900 See Our Ad Embassy Suites 100 Conference Center Drive East Peoria, IL 309-694-0200 Website Itoo Hall 4909 W. Farmington Rd. Peoria, IL 309-676-9725 Website Knights of Columbus 7403 N. Radnor Road Peoria, IL 309-692-9696 Website Knights of Columbus Pekin, IL 309-353-4000 See Our Ad Landmark Banquet Facilities 3225 N. Dries Lane 309-685-8200 Website Luthy Botanical Gardens 2218 N. Prospect (in Glen Oak Park) Peoria, IL 309-686-3362 Website Monte Cristo Room 605 Ten Mile Creek Rd Germantown Hills, IL 309-383-4417 See Our Ad Par-a-dice 21 Blackjack Blvd East Peoria, IL 309-699-7711 Website Pekin Country Club 310 Country Club Dr Pekin, IL 309-347-3144 ext 3 See Our Ad Pere Marquette 501 Main Street Peoria, IL 309-637-6500 Website Sommer Park Peoria, IL 309-691-8423 Website Spirit of Peoria 225 NE Adams Peoria, IL 309-363-6169 Website Spring Hill Suites by Marriott 2701 W Lake Ave Peoria, IL 309-681-2700 Website Weaver Ridge Golf Club 5100 Weaver Ridge Blvd. Peoria, IL 309-690-4044 Website Wingate by Wyndham 309-589-0033 7708 N. Rt. 91 Peoria, IL See Our Ad WEDDING SUPPLIES American Rental 921 E War Memorial Dr. Peoria, IL 309-688-1412 Website WEDDING VEILS Bridal Veils by Nancy Shefts 6006 N. Big Hollow Rd Peoria, IL 309-691-7227 Website