by Vikki Hopes, Abbotstord News
The Abbotsford News is taking a unique multimedia approach to a special upcoming wedding publication.
"Image Magazine: Wedding Edition" is not only being published as a 32-page glossy magazine that will be distributed the week of March 2, but a 76-page extended interactive version will be posted online at abbynews.com on that date.
This online version will be available for a full 365 days, with a new update in 2016.
The online edition features numerous articles of interest to brides- and grooms-to-be on topics such as selecting the gown, dress terminology, cakes and design, destination weddings, top 10 trending photo locations, choosing the rings, and flower girl alternatives.
Readers will be able to view more than 20 videos and click on dozens of helpful links, as well as access full-colour images and useful tips and stats.
Readers can also connect directly with local vendors by simply clicking social media links within their advertisements.
The online edition also includes video and photos from the Valentine's Day wedding of Jeramey and Angela of Abbotsford.
Seventy-five guests attended their intimate wedding at the historical Clayburn Church in Clayburn Village. (See story below.)
Another special feature in "Image Magazine: Wedding Edition" is a look at the 10 finalist couples in the new reality-based Soulmates contest.
The couples were selected from among those who responded to a post on the Abbotsford News' Facebook page.
A select few were then asked to email their responses to 30 questions, and an Abbotsford News panel selected the finalists.
A profile on each couple will be included in the wedding publication, with access to a video of them and their full responses to the questionnaire.
Readers will then be invited to participate in online voting, starting March 2, at abbynews.com/contests to eliminate the contestants.
The couple with the lowest number of votes at the end of the five-week voting period wins $3,500 from Lanka Jewels in Mission. The nine other couples all receive a $200 gift certificate from Lanka.
There will also be a $250 shopping spree prize draw for those who participate in the voting.
Married on Valentine's Day
by Carol Aun, Black Press
February 14 is a particularly special date for Angela Angus, in addition to it being the day she got married.
Valentine's Day was the first time she went on a date with her husband, Jeramey, and it is also the day her parents were married.
Angela, who was born and raised in Abbotsford, and Jeramey, who was born on Vancouver Island, but lived across the country growing up, met for the first time at a Christmas party 17 years ago. They were just friends until they met for a movie last year. Their first date was at Paliotti's in Abbotsford.
The couple dated for eight months and were engaged for three and a half months before they tied the knot.
Angela worked like a "powerhouse" to pull everything together. There were nine in the wedding party. The bride selected a princess dress with crystals and the groom wore a Vera Wang tux with a textured black tie.
Seventy-five guests attended the Angus wedding, which took place in a historical church in Clayburn Village. The reception was held at the Best Western hotel.
Both Angela and Jeramey enjoy spending time outdoors, and incorporated that theme into their special day. They focused on neutral and earthy colours and had their centrepieces on wood trunk circles. Pine cones were scattered on the tables, and instead of a miniature bride and groom topping their cake, they had two evergreen trees.
What the couple will remember most about their wedding are the speeches, which came from the heart.
Angela is "thrilled" to have married her best friend. "We laugh and have the most amazing times together."
Watch for "Image Magazine: Wedding Edition" coming soon in The Abbotsford News and online at abbynews.com