Printed in January 2005 issue of Bride and Groom Magazine!
January's issue of Bride and Groom- quotes regarding Wedding Showcase 2005 page 38 BRIDE&GROOM Winter 2005
by Urs u l a F u r i - Pe r r y

The makings of a multicultural wedding Merging your cultures into one seamless and unique event A bride carries her grandmother?s handkerchief, the Russian word for love embroidered in one corner. She stands next to her groom under the Chuppa, a canopy commonly used during Jewish weddings. At the reception, a lasso is tied around their shoulders, as is customary in the groom?s Mexican heritage. She smiles as she remembers the thirteen gold coins he gave her, which represent his unquestionable trust and confidence.

The joining of two people is always a glorious event. When the couple represents two (or more) different ethnicities, religions or cultures, their wedding is only enhanced by their multicultural celebration. Not only will family members appreciate the couple?s thoughtfulness in remembering their heritage, but guests will appreciate the opportunity to witness a unique wedding also. ?Multicultural weddings are interesting,? says Trisha Coughlin Shaw, wedding events specialist at Attention to Detail in North Attleboro, MA. ?These ceremonies combine two cultures, presenting what weddings are all about: current and future families coming together.?

Planning a multicultural wedding may have some unique challenges?especially if the bride and groom are not familiar with each other?s customs. First off, take the time to become familiar with what each of you have to offer. Then, choose traditions with which you?ll both be comfortable and feel will best represent your individual heritages. Here are a few tips to help you out. AT THE CEREMONY Incorporate various traditions into one unique service. Multi-lingual couples, for example, may conduct their ceremony in more than one language.

Couples of different religions also can do any number of things, such as recite prayers or sing hymns from both faiths. Carlos Conejo, a multicultural author and activist and speaker for Multicultural Associates (an internationally recognized group in Thousand Oaks, CA, that provides corporate and personal training to eliminate cultural barriers and improve communication between people from different cultures), recounts a Jewish-Catholic wedding where aspects of both religions were incorporated into one ceremony. ?The Rabbi and Pastor shared roles and responsibilities equally,? says Conejo. ?They were respectful of each other?s culture and traditions, and used humor appropriately. They didn?t detract from the bride and groom, but enhanced the experience.? The two clergymen read from both the Torah and the Bible. ?[Then,] they concentrated on the similarities of the cultures and counseled the couple on how to leverage and embrace those similarities,? Conejo explains. If feasible, have two separate ceremonies. This is a great way to honor both your cultures/ religions without leaving anything out. Jacqui Kingsbury, a wedding consultant for Sharbury, Inc., a wedding and event design company on Cape Cod, recalls just such a ceremony. ?We had an American Catholic bride and an Indian groom who planned two ceremonies (for the same day) to honor both heritages,? she says. ?It was a long day for everyone, but it made both families and guests very happy.? To continue their dual theme, this couple also incorporated various cultural foods into the reception to round out the event. ?The wedding created a one-of-a-kind experience,? says Kingsbury. Dress for the occasion.

Some nationalities or cultures have certain symbols or ceremonial attire specifically used in weddings. ?I?ve witnessed a wedding where the bride was of mixed heritage: Korean and Black,? says Celeste Sheffey of Khoncepts in Boston, a wedding videographer who is also founder of the Multicultural Wedding Showcase in Boston. ?She wore traditional Korean flair to incorporate her heritage into the wedding.?

However if wearing a white gown is more your thing, you can still incorporate something small, yet noticeable. ?Try [adding] some traditional embroidery on your train, or carry a small trinket that?s been handed down to you,? Kingsbury suggests. Incorporating something into the groom?s attire is also an option. ?It could be something as simple as a culturally significant flower or pin on the groom?s lapel,? Kingsbury continues. ?The important thing is that people feel a connection to their culture.?

Get creative. You can also look to your respective heritages for other wonderful cultural nuances to enhance your ceremony. Here are just a few ideas: ? Dress the church in your country?s colors. ? Choose flowers that have some significance to your heritage/nationality. ? Print bilingual programs. ? Instead of a pillow, place your rings on a folded flag from your country and have your ring bearer carry it down the aisle. ? Ask your groomsmen and bridesmaids to carry or wear a culturally significant item?for example, jewelry (or a stone) that is significant in your heritage. ? For a candle lighting ceremony, consider purchasing unique candles from your homeland. ? Decorate your aisle runner with words or symbols from your culture, or opt for a colorful aisle runner that reflects your flag.

AT THE RECEPTION Go for an international flavor. ?[A multicultural wedding] might mean different foods, so why not vary the menu to create an international flavor?? says Conejo. You can create the entire feast around your cultures, such as having a Chinese banquet. If you?re more interested in continental cuisine, choose one or two courses to represent both cultures. For example, serve a delicious wedding soup that is customary in many cultures. Dance it up to your culture. ?Music is always a great way to bring your cultural heritage into your reception,? says Coughlin Shaw.

Provide your DJ with some popular tunes from your heritage, or hire a band that?s bilingual and can entertain in traditional ways also. Greeks, for example, have a traditional wedding dance (the Kalamatiano), as do Hungarians (the Menyasszony Tanc), Jews (the Hora) and many other cultures. In Mexico and a handful of other countries, the bride dances the ?dollar dance,? based on a custom that was designed to give the couple some pocket money for their honeymoon. Whatever the tradition, bring it on?your guests will enjoy the divergence from the usual Chicken Dance and Hokey Pokey.

Give your favors a makeover. Still thinking of candles and picture frames? Why not give your guests wedding favors that have a cultural significance? In Italy, five candied almonds wrapped in tulle are customary, symbolizing the bitter and sweet sides of marriage. In Mexico, the tulle contains delicious wedding cookies. In India, eggs are given at weddings to symbolize fertility?why not give mini chocolate eggs as favors? Spruce up the same old traditions (and create new ones!)

Cut your cake to a song from your heritage, like a fast Tarantella or a fun Polka. Ask the best man to give an Irish toast. Honor your parents with flowers or the sharing of Sake wine (a traditional Japanese ceremony that dates back to a time when sharing sake created a formal bond). Have a dance-off between your two families, set to folk music from both cultures. Your wedding is the chance to give the most creative party of your life. FOR YOUR FAMILIES AND GUESTS Incorporating many different traditions and cultures will be fun and exciting for you both. But unless you explain things to your guests, they may end up being confused by any ?non-traditional? wedding customs. ?[Guests] don?t want to stand there at your wedding, not knowing what?s going on,? says Kingsbury. ?Explain the significance of diffrent cultural traditions. This will create a beautiful experience.? Ask your officiant to do the explaining during the ceremony, or consider printing some background in your programs. (See article on p. 32 for some other suggestions.)

Multicultural wedding planning often comes with double the headaches. ?There may be language issues, dietary issues, decision making issues, gender issues, problems with intimacy zone?you name it, ?Conejo explains. A fair amount of research may be in order. Read up on wedding traditions in both cultures, or have a brainstorming session about cultural traditions with both families.

For extra help, consider attending the Multicultural Wedding Showcase in Boston, on July 23, 2005. ?We?re bringing together different cultures, vendors of cultural wedding items, and more,? says Celeste Sheffey, the Showcase?s organizer. (For more information about the showcase call (617) 442-9912 or go online to http://web.archive.org/web/20050204131858/http://www.khoncepts.com/.)

Communication between your two families is just as important. ?Take every opportunity to ?team build,? as this is going to be your support group for a long time, hopefully. Make sure people?s feathers don?t get ruffled by misunderstandings and lack of sensitivity.? Kingsbury agrees that interaction and the exchange of ideas are key. ?Communication needs to be open, ongoing and extended to both families,? Kingsbury says. Still, families of the multi-cultural couple may insist that certain traditions be included in the wedding. But ultimately, the day belongs to the bride and groom. ?When a couple can determine a happy medium which represents both cultures, it will make the wedding more enjoyable and families more appreciative,? says Kingsbury. If either the bride or groom is uncomfortable with certain traditions, they should make the decision as to what should be included in their special day. Whatever cultural traditions you choose, be sure it will make you happy to have them in your wedding. Ursula Furi-Perry is a freelance writer based in Woburn, MA. Her articles have appeared in more than twenty-five publications. She is currently at work on her first novel and two non-fiction manuscripts.

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June 6, 2004 Press Release Media Contact: Celeste Sheffey 
Co-organizer Khoncepts 80 Blue Hill Avenue, Suite 3 Roxbury, MA 02119 617-442-9912
http://web.archive.org/web/20050204131858/
http://www.khoncepts.com/
celeste@khoncepts.com
Multicultural Arts Expo 2004
 
Patriotic Vizions? What: Multicultural Arts Expo 2004 by Khoncepts and Kingdom Kids is being presented at The Reggie Lewis Track and Athletic Center.
It is their fourth annual event. Multicultural Arts Expo 2004 promises to feast the eyes with a colorfully vibrant display of over 50 artists showcasing their work designed
with a patriotic nod to the visiting Democratic National Convention guests.
Musical entertainment featuring original works by area Rap and R&B singers, Tango dance and Soo Bahk Do Moo Duk Kwan demonstrations,
contemporary African dancers and soloists will provide an energetic backdrop to the days festivities.

Raffle proceeds will be awarded to StandUp for Kids.
StandUp for Kids is "A nationally acclaimed volunteer organization committed to the rescue of homeless and street kids!" .
When: Saturday, July 24, 2004 from 10:30a to 4:00p
Where: The Reggie Lewis Track and Athletic Center, 1350 Tremont Street, Boston, MA
Admission: FREE Free parking and wheelchair accessible

Multicultural Arts Expo 2004 is funded in part
by The Boston Duck Tours, Caribbean Tastes, The Pet Connection, Go Boston Card,
The Comedy Studio, Mix98.5, 
G.T. Carpentry and the Humanistic Guide.
The mission of Expo 2004 is to provide artists an affordable venue to display and promote their artistic endeavors to a culturally diverse and receptive audience.

For more information on Multicultural Arts Expo 2004, visit
http://web.archive.org/web/20050204131858/
http://www.khoncepts.com/Art_Expo_2004.htm

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Press Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 12, 2004 Multicultural Arts Expo 2004 Workshop
Expo 2004 workshop is designed to answer why you should consider participating in craft shows,
how to display your work and business presentation during the craft shows.
Expo 2004 workshop will be held i
n the conference room at The Boston Public Library- Dudley Street Branch, 65 Warren St., Roxbury, MA
from 6:00p to 7:30p, Thursday, March 25, 2004.
The workshop will also focus on how to participate in the upcoming "Patriotic Vizions" library display
under the umbrella of Celeste Sheffey of Khoncepts
that will be exhibited during the month of June 2004 at the Dudley Branch Library.
The "Patriotic Vizions" exhibit held during the month of June
will be free and open to the public during the library's regularly scheduled hours.
The Dudley library's lobby is wheelchair accessible with parking.
For further information- 617-442-9912


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Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 12, 2004 The Boston Public Library- Dudley Street Branch, 65 Warren St., Roxbury, MA,
will feature artists exhibiting their crafts during the month of June 2004 entitled Patriotic Vizions under the umbrella of Multicultural Arts Expo 2004.
The showcase will feature a variety of wonderful items all containing red, white and blue
such as photography collages, dishtowel bunnies, kitchen angels, quilts, Christmas stockings and more.
These talented artists have designed and crafted their red, white and blue items prior to and as well as in continued remembrance of
the tragedy of September 11, 2001 as well as a nod to the incoming Democratic National Convention visitors
during the upcoming event to be held, July 24, 2004
 Multicultural Arts Expo 2004- "Patriotic Vizions"
at the Reggie Lewis Track Center, 1350 Tremont Street, Boston, MA.
Items will be displayed in the library's main lobby display cases during the month of June.
Patriotic Vizions is free and open to the public.
The library lobby is wheelchair accessible with parking.
For further information- 617-442-9912

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Press Release FOR IMMEDIATE Press Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
EXPO 2003 Multicultural Arts and Crafts showcase
Media Contact: Celeste Sheffey 617-442-9912-office
http://web.archive.org/web/20050204131858/
http://www.khoncepts.com/
celeste@khoncepts.com
Multicultural Arts Expo 2003 Workshop and Open House Display
Local artists pay tribute to cultural diversity in the Multicultural Arts Expo 2003 exhibit
 at the Dudley Branch Library,
65 Warren Street, Roxbury, MA.
Workshop information to participate in July craft show, June 5, Noon - 5:30p.m.
Opening night reception of exhibit, June 5, 5;30p.m. - 7:00p.m.
Free. Wheelchair accessible.
Crafters, performers and volunteers are encouraged to visit. 

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Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Celeste Sheffey 617-442-9912-office
http://web.archive.org/web/20050204131858/
http://www.khoncepts.com/
celeste@khoncepts.com
Multicultural Arts and Crafts Expo 2003
What: Multicultural Arts and Crafts Expo 2003 by Khoncepts and Kingdom Kids is being presented
at The Reggie Lewis Track and Athletic Center as the their third annual event.
Multicultural Arts and Crafts Expo 2003 promises to feast the eyes with a colorfully vibrant display of artistic talent and cultural performances
found throughout New England.
Select artists will demonstrate portions of their art on-site that will be featured on Boston Neighborhood Network cable television station. 
Saturday, July 19, 2003 
10:30a to 4:00p 
The Reggie Lewis Track and Athletic Center, 1350 Tremont Street, Boston, MA
Admission: FREE Free parking, wheelchair accessible, air conditioned
Multicultural Arts and Crafts Expo 2003 is funded in part by Citizens Financial, AOL, Staples, The Boston Duck Tours and Sovereign Bank.
Expo 2003?s mission is providing artists an affordable venue to display and promote their artistic endeavors
to a culturally diverse and receptive audience.
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Printed in the Calendar Section of the Boston Globe - May 22, 2003 - World's Fare- Boston's Ethnic Festivals:
Multicultural : Introduction By Carol Band, Globe Staff, 05/22/2003 

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Printed May 9, 2003 - Unity First- (Framingham) or call 617-442-9912 - office

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The Boston Public Library- Dudley Street Branch, 65 Warren St., Roxbury, MA,
will feature African-American artists exhibiting their crafts during the month of September 2002 entitled Patriotic Vizions
under the umbrella of local photographer Celeste of Khoncepts.
The showcase will feature a variety of wonderful items all containing red, white and blue
such as photography collages, dishtowel bunnies, kitchen angels, quilts, Christmas stockings and more.
These talented artists have designed and crafted their red, white and blue items prior to and as well as in remembrance of the tragedy of September 11, 2001.
Items will be displayed in the library?s main lobby display cases.
Patriotic Vizions is free and open to the public.
The library lobby is wheelchair accessible with parking.
For further information- 617-442-9912

********************************************************** 
Subject: words regarding our recent exhibit at the Dudley Library
To: celeste@wedding-khoncepts.com
CC: "Lisa martin"
The Boston Public Library June 18, 2002
Dear Celeste
Thank you so much for allowing us the privilege of having your beautiful exhibit- Wedding Khoncepts- here last month.
The staff all loved looking at it, and every time I looked out the door into the hall, people had their noses pressed up against the glass.
The gown, cap, and other handmade items looked professionally done and were truly lovely as were the photos.
In all, it was a wonderful exhibit,
Thanks again, Sincerely Marylou Coveny-
Boston Public Library- Dudley Branch
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Expo 2002 Arts and Crafts Showcase f
eaturing Wedding Service Companies By Celeste Sheffey Boston, MA 
Customized head pieces, ceramic cake toppers, fabric covered photo albums,
cakes and photography services
are just a few the essentials needed in preparation for one of the most momentous
occasion of a couple's life - their wedding day.
From 1995 to the present, Sheffey's vision was to create a consortium of local Boston vendors
 into a "one stop shop" of services unique but not limited to African American wedding celebrations
that would also translate well into a variety of private and corporate event planning opportunities.
Such services and crafts are creations of the artists themselves
most of whom are located in the Mattapan, Roxbury and Dorchester areas of Massachusetts.
Items are hand made and commissioned by each couple according to their wedding color schemes and wedding theme.
The artists have participated in several individual craft events as well as the yearly
Wedding Expo and Craft Showcase 
Items and services are priced for all three markets, from modest to high end.
This year's first event takes place,
Thursday, April 11, 2002, 5:00p to 7:00p,
The Boston Public Library, Dudley Street Branch, Roxbury, MA.
Their annual Expo takes place, Saturday, July 20, 2002 the Reggie Lewis Track and Athletic Center.
11:30a to 4:00p-
Free admission to both!
Sheffey states her plans are owning one large location to showcase everyone's work by 2005.
Planning weddings and events should be an exciting and fun time,
running here for invitations, and there for flowers and somewhere else for table decorations is not conducive to time conscience couples and executives.
Trends in internet shopping do not necessary apply to couples and event planners who like to sample wedding treats
or feel the smooth lines of a customized cake topper or meet service providers
such as the videographer or photographer.
These factors have a large impact on the success or failure of businesses and are proved true
by the largely popular trend of attending the many bridal expos that take place each year.
Sheffey and Martin feel their artists are unique in that, they have compiled a list
of trustworthy, professional crafts persons
whom they have personally met and whose work they can fully recommend as top quality.
Word of mouth is how many of us obtain new business so it was important
that we sit down with each artist to get a feel for their work ethic and business service mentality.
"I enjoy working with community service providers," said Sheffey, who raised one adult daughter and is raising 3 more children still at home.
She supports herself by working as a photographer, videographer, seamstress
and supervisor of a major law firm,
"I am blessed by God for what I have and hope that I am able to assist other artists in obtaining their dreams
by providing a centrally located facility to showcase our work and to provide our services
to those who want re planning a beautiful wedding or special event with very modest means"
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