Page 45 - Indulge February/March 2017

Cast your reception Photo courtesy Wesley Works Photography

in a new light

As any photographer will tell Anywhere from 15 to 40 lights Uplighting can transform a room
you, it’s all about the light. can be used, depending on into a magical space.
The right lighting sets the scene and the size of the room. “They
makes the difference between ordinary add simple, affordable, color, rather than something too bold or
and extraordinary. elegance every time.” rich. “One of our favorites is what we
call “champagne white.” It’s very subtle,
The same concept can be applied But not all lighting is equal says but just makes rooms look stunning.”
to your reception venue through Barrett. Most overhead lighting at a
the use of uplighting, one of the reception hall does a fair job of making If you’re considering uplighting,
newer trends offered by wedding a room bright, but rarely does it add Barrett advises that you pick a
entertainment services. dimension or sophistication. When we vendor with extensive hands-on
uplight a room we can often dim or experience. “There are plenty of
“Nothing sets the mood like uplighting eliminate the overhead lights and rely on times where finding the perfect
does” says Wesley Barrett, owner the soft ambient glow of the uplights to placement gives that total balance.
of Wesley Works Entertainment & fill-in the room. It’s that soft glow that Lighting should be thought of like
Photography in Emmaus. adds depth and class to a room and décor, so proper placement matters.
is why photographers love uplighting, You can have too many on one wall,
What, exactly, is uplighting? As Barrett says. It’s amazing what a well lit or an improperly placed light can
Barrett explains, uplighting consists of backdrop can do for a photo. create unwanted shadows.”
small, narrow beam lights placed around
the perimeter of a room. They’re put at With that in mind, Barrett says, he
the base of a wall or architectural feature advises customers to use a neutral
and shine upward — thus the name.

Merging finances after getting married

Newly married couples should make every effort to be on negative attitudes about discussing money with their soon-to- February/March 2017 • indulge | 45
the same page regarding their finances. be spouses. If money is causing this type of issue before the
Couples can spend months or even years planning their wedding, delaying the conversation until after tying the knot
weddings, but should also give some thought to life beyond can be a big mistake. Don’t hide negative financial information
their wedding day. from a prospective spouse.

One of the more important matters couples must consider Deal with debt
is how to manage their finances once they tie the knot.
Discussing money can be a tricky issue, particularly when Hiding debt is a big mistake. Discuss debt early on and
couples have long been accustomed to handling their own come up with a way to pay it off together. The experts say, like
accounts. The financial resource Bankrate.com says some of it or not, once you’re married, your spouse’s debts become your
the most common financial problems newly married couples problem. His or her credit score can impact your ability to get
encounter include overspending and managing debt. credit as a couple. It’s best to handle debt efficiently.

Here are a few tips for couples who want to make the Choose a money manager
transition to sharing finances go as smoothly as possible.
One person may be more organized when it comes to paying
Start bills. Whether you keep separate accounts or combine them,
conversing it is easier for one person to take the lead and manage the
early finances from month to month. Money can funnel into a joint
account specifically established to pay bills.
According to a
recent poll by the Develop a joint budget
National Foundation
for Credit Counseling, Not only do finances need to be merged, but so do lifestyles.
more than two-thirds of Couples must be on the same page regarding their spending
engaged couples had habits. Work out a budget and savings plan together.