A Note From The Editor…

Each year at Bee Publishing Co., Inc., we try to offer fresh ideas, new topics and reliable information in our bridal guide, and this work is all done on top of already-busy schedules and continuing deadlines. In addition to visiting the numerous companies, stores and businesses featured in this advertising supplement to The Newtown Bee, we hope you might also take us up on a few of our suggestions on finding your perfect dress (page 13) and then properly caring for it after the ceremony (page 6), or even check into some of the more interesting places to host your reception (page 18-20), among other topics explored within these pages.

As always, there are a number of people who need to be recognized for their help in putting together this annual publication. Thank you to all of the models who donated their time on a recent Sunday morning to pose tirelessly in front of the camera. The dresses, once again, were all provided by Julie Allen Bridals of Newtown. A special thank you to the entire Mattegat family — Melanie, Jay, Lauren and Jaycee — for everything from the gowns and suggestions to the never-ending supply of coffee.

Gianine Crowell, Valerie Fallon and Lynn French Goldsmith modeled the bridal gowns this year. The bridesmaids were Erin Carolan, Lauren Coulter, Elizabeth Dailey, Hallie Pierce, and Katie Ryan. And our adorable flower girls were played by Amanda Crowell, Cassie Fallon and Danielle Spinelli.

Locations for the photo shoots were provided by Lexington Gardens, on Church Hill Road in Newtown, and The Inn at Newtown, at 19 Main Street. Thank you to Tom Johnson, the manager of Lexington Gardens, and to Rob Ryder, the manager at The Inn, and to your respective staffs for allowing models, assistants, a few moms, and a photographer to come into your busy establishments for a photo shoot.

The flowers the models are holding in a number of the photographs were provided by Christina Maturi, the owner of Newtown Florist and the just-elected president of Newtown’s Chamber of Commerce. Thank you, Christina, and congratulations on your presidency.

The editorial, production and advertising staffs of Bee Publishing Co., Inc., are also to be applauded for their additional manpower in providing the stories, layout and ads for Brides 2000.

Thank you all for everything. My best wishes for all brides, and one last reminder for you that while there is always a lot of planning involved in any wedding, your big day is also meant to be a celebration. Go out there and have some fun!

—Most sincerely,

Shannon Hicks

Editor, Brides 2000