BEAUTY Associates in Dentistry Peoria, Bartonville, Washington, Canton, Elmwood Website 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 Mackinaw Valley Street Cafe 100 Water St Peoria, IL Website Michael's Italian Feast Washington, IL 309-444-1984 Germantown Hills, IL 309-383-2777 Website Peppers Cafe 416 Main St (LL of Commerce Bank Building) Peoria, IL 309-637-6900 See Our Ad Rizzi's 12 State St Peoria, IL 309-673-2500 Website DRESSES & TUXEDOS Britches & Bloomers 4700 N University St Peoria, IL 309-692-2266 See Our Ad 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 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 Floral Expressions 2412 N University Peoria, IL Website FlorEscence 203 S Sampson St Tremont, IL 309-925-5531 Picket Fence 310 N 4th St Chillicothe, IL 309-274-BUZZ (2899) Website HONEYMOON Alexander Travel Metro Centre 4700 N University 309-693-3511 Website HORSE & BUGGY RIDES Carriage Classics Peoria, IL 309-579-2833 Website INVITATIONS Calligraphy by Lisa Paper Dreams Design Studio Website JEWELRY Free to Bead 1311 E Seiberling Ave Peoria, IL> 309-682-2323 Website LIMOUSINE Cassano Limousine 309-369-2655 See Our Ad PHOTOGRAPHY Elizabeth Rowe Photography 309-241-5015 Website Event Pro Photography 309-689-0299 Website JB Photography 309-369-5665 Website Sei Bella Photography 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.

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