Showing posts with label Special Events Provided By AtUrBest. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Special Events Provided By AtUrBest. Show all posts

Saturday, April 26, 2014



Congratulations to our "Happy Couple" 


Got Married
April 24, 2014 
Charlotte, NC
We met 7 years ago April and fell in love. God has carried us through many struggles together. He has now blessed us with a life full of Love, Praise and Thanks. To God be the Glory!!!!

Thursday, March 1, 2012

Tammy Levent- Coming To Charlotte, NC

Tammy Levent: Entrepreneur, Travel Expert, Author and Renowned Speaker


Imagine that within six months you lost your business and your savings to a violent robbery, then lost your grandmother in a fatal car accident that left your two children, ages nine and two, in the hospital’s intensive care unit. Picture quitting the telemarketing job you took to keep your home so you could sit by your children’s bedsides and wonder if your daughter would ever be able to speak again and if your son would lose his sight. What you would say if a nurse came up to you in the ICU and asked “If it had nothing to do with money, what would you do?”

Tammy Levent didn’t have the energy to think of an intricate answer, so she said the first thing that came to her mind: “I would travel the world.” From that moment, she realized that was her passion and her goal. In 1995, with no assets, she leveraged strategic partnerships to build Elite Travel, which has since skyrocketed into one of the fastest growing, most trusted travel groups in the nation for corporate incentive, leisure, destination wedding and honeymoon travel. Elite Travel has the distinction of being named an American Express agency.


I WHIP IT with Tammy Levent----

Levent devotes herself to helping other women discover the power they have to change their lives, no matter what their circumstances. She sums up her mantra of success in the acronym “I WHIP IT” – meaning Incredible Women Have Infinite Power In Themselves. I WHIP IT was born when Tammy held her first whip while sitting at her desk training employees in sales at her telemarketing job. For the first time in years, she felt like she had control. She took that feeling and ran with it.


With her new web show I WHIP IT Out at whipitoutshow.com and her day-long WHIPshops™ that “take the work out of it,” Tammy guides other women – whip in hand – to find their courage, declare their goals, and use strategic partnerships to make those goals happen. Unlike many speakers, Tammy doesn’t stop at motivation; she gives immediately usable step-by-step instruction on how to create a business and lifestyle around your passion. And, with Levent’s travel expertise, you won’t find yourself in a stuffy conference room at one of her retreats unless you get lost on the way to the resort penthouse.

Tammy Levent is the CEO of Elite Travel and single mother of Katie, 25 and Jordan, 20. She is the author of the bestselling book Women Who Mean Business, and lives in Tampa, Florida with her better half, Rob. She owns an impressive collection of whips. Tune in to her show on www.Whipitoutshow.com and to book her WHIPshop™ series register at www.TammyLevent.com.


Tammy Levent
Tammy@EliteTravelGroup.net This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
www.EliteTravelGroup.net
www.TammyLevent.com
1-866-726-9090

Elite Travel’s Credentials include:
• 2012 Coming Soon featured in her first book – “Women Who Mean Business”
• 2011 Launch of her “Whip it now show” (Women have infinite Power in Themselves) including I whip it Workshops and Retreats – unleash your inner power!!
• Corporate Sub-committee of the Board for Ruth Eckerd Hall Foundation
• 2011 Featured in “The Crave” Book
• Advisory board for the Sustainable Entrepreneurship & Innovation Alliance at the University of South Florida
• 2011 Inducted and Honoree in the World’s Whos Who
• 2011 Speaker & Sponsor, 1st Tampa Bays Womens Conference
• 2011 Women Extraordinaire Award
NSA – National Speakers Association member
• Member: CLIA, IATAN, Tahiti Tiare Certified agency, Certified Destination Wedding Specialists
• Gourmet Inclusive Vacation Consultant for El Dorado Spa Resorts & Hotels as well as Azul Hotels by Karisma Elite Award Winner “Top 10 Selling Agency for El Dorado Royal”
• Official Travel Sponsor, Tampa PWG show sponsors, Elite Events in Atlanta
• Publications: The Perfect Wedding Guide, Bride’s Magazine, Modern Bride, Florida Bride, For the Bride, The Robb Report, Conde Nast Traveler, Weddzilla.com
• Platinum Preferred Agency Couples Resorts 13 years in a row
Master Agent with AMResorts
• Travel Impressions/ American Express Vacations Global Award worldwide Best of the Best Agency 14 years in a row
• Best of the Best Sandals Agency
• 2005, 2006, 2007 Fast 50 top growing companies in Tampa Bay
• 2011 National Diversity Council -Finalist Glass Ceiling Award
• 2002 & 2008 Finalist Tampa Bay Business Woman of the Year
• 2008 Finalist TBBJ Ultimate CEO of the Year
NBC Travel Show -Destination Wedding & Honeymoon Seminar presented by Tammy Levent
Featured on NBC’s Hollywood’s “Extra”

Tammy herself has been featured internationally, including:
  • The Perfect Wedding Guide
  • Bride's Magazine
  • Modern Bride
  • Florida Bride
  • For The Bride
  • The Robb Report
  • Conde Nast Traveler
  • Travel Weekly Spotlights
  • PeterGreenberg.com
  • Tampa Bay Illustrated
  • Travel Agent Magazine
  • Choice Lifestyle
  • Panache Vue
  • Orlando Style Magazine
  • Tampa Style Magazine
  • Pulse Magazine
  • Tampabay Parenting Magazine
  • Applause Magazine


For More Info: On upcoming Dates contact - AtUrBest Special Events -
Email - aturbestevents@live.com
Subject: Whipit Series ---

Thursday, February 23, 2012

"The Wedding Affair"


Contact: Amanda Sherman
AtUrBest Special Events

Phone– 704.502.0312
Fax –866.295.6201
www.aturbest.com


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
“AtUrBest Special Events applauds the City Council and Conference Center Management decision to suspend activities at the Conference Center”.

The Wedding Affair "A Premier" Bridal Expo, is among the many organizations affected by the closing of the Gastonia Conference Center.  The Wedding Affair Expo was scheduled for April 21-22nd, 2012. 
Amanda Sherman, CEO of AtUrBest Special Events, commented "that we were looking forward to hosting this event at the newly opened conference center.  We are in agreement with the city council's decision to temporary close the Conference Center.  We feel that it is in the best interest of our sponsors and exhibitors.  Their safety is our main concern.  Our clients who were scheduled to attend "The Wedding Affair" would be traveling from New York, Florida, California and surrounding states.  This event would have made a major contribution to the Gastonia Conference Center."  

Monday, February 20, 2012

Market Your Company with a Low Cost High Impact Guide Program Ad




Market Your Company with a Low Cost High Impact Guide Program Ad

Placing an ad in the April 21/ and 22, 2012  The Wedding Affair Guide Program is the first step to being RECOGNIZED as a year round supporter.  In addition to having your ad in our Guide, your company name or logo will be displayed on all event literature throughout 2012. Reach our diverse audience of supporters and sponsors all year long by placing an ad in our souvenir guide program.

Friday, February 17, 2012

Bridal Wedding Savings Coupons



"The Wedding Affair" - Join us for  "The Wedding Affair" - Plan A Wedding - Plan A Life - April 21-22, 2012

 Just  engaged don't miss out on "The Wedding Affair", the best place to be to meet with vendors for all your wedding needs and after the wedding.   Register today for at www.nytheweddingaffair.com.    The Wedding Affair is here to help your bridal planning a breeze.


Your Bridal Wedding Savings Coupons -


Tuesday, February 14, 2012

"The Wedding Affair" - Speciality Designer - Tara Davis


Congrats to  Our Specialty Designer- Charlotte own  Flow by  "Tara Davis"  making her debut at the Magic Show in Las Vegas -Women's Wear Daily.  Mrs. Davis will showcase her fabulous designs for "The Wedding Affair on April 21-22, 2012 at the Gastonia Conference Center.


Tuesday, January 17, 2012

The Wedding Affair Congratulates "The Darden's on their 50 Wedding Anniversary



 "The Wedding Affair " - is proud to send out congratulations to Mr & Mrs Darden on renewing their vows "50" years of marriage -

Sunday, January 1, 2012

PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE



AtUrBest Special Events
www.aturbest.com
Phone–866.767.7935
Fax –866.295.6201
events@aturbest.com
www.aturbest2.blogspot.com
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Amanda Sherman

“The Wedding Affair”
To Collaborate with a NC Regional Bride to help her experience the Maya Marriage of Many in Belize on 12/12/12

In conjunction with Romantic Travel Belize will experience the Magical Wedding Ceremony Set in Ancient Mayan Temple Set for 12.12.12

36 Couples Will Partake in Once in a Lifetime
Unique Wedding Experience

/24-7PressRelease/-Charlotte, NC –January 1, 2012 – AtUrBest Special Events is looking for “The Wedding Affair” Signature Bride & Groom to win an opportunity that will surpass their wildest dreams.  AtUrBest Events has been selected to join forces with a North Carolina Regional Bride to win a coveted Wedding-Moon Package at the luxurious Maya Marriage of Many in Belize.  This epic Wedding Event will be held on the last of the alliteration dates, 12/12/12, just days before the 5,126 year old Ancient Maya Calendar ends.  

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

"The Wedding Affair" Searching For Bridezillas



"The Wedding Affair" -

 Is proud to announce the search for Bridezillas for Season 9.  "The Wedding Affair" and it's affiliates are looking for the right couples to be a part of a wonderful and exciting show. 



Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Our New Look


We've had to keep our lips sealed for the past few months, but we're very excited
to finally announce that AtUrBest Special Events -The first thing we'd like to point out
is our new look. It's stronger and bolder than ever before.



Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Enter to win a FREE 10-DAY Weddingmoon in Unbelizable Belize!!!

Belize's unspoiled beauty, history and nature create the backdrop as your participate in the "Maya Marriage of Many". As the 5,126 year old Mayan Calendar draws to an end in December 2012, it is a time of renewal, rebirth, and new beginnings.

Monday, August 8, 2011

New York Presents "The Wedding Affair" April 21-22, 2012




Produced by:
AtUrBest Special Events & iPower Global Solutions
The Bridal Event of the Year!
April 21-22, 2012
Gastonia Conference Center
145 South Marietta Street
Gastonia, NC 28052


For The Bride and Groom

Meet face-to-face with the hottest vendors.

Find spectacular table décor, gowns, honeymoon destinations, invitations, venues, jewelry, cakes, musicians, photographers, florists & more!

" The Wedding Affair" features an amazing Elite Fashion Show,
Cake tastings, Beauty Services, Cocktails, Hors d'Oeuvres,
Suprise give-aways & Fabulous Gift Bags!
Enjoy both "The Wedding Affair" Journal with vendor information &
Destination Wedding and Honeymoon Venues listed in the special E-magazine.



Exhibitor Information


Join an elite group of wedding professionals that have figured out how to capitalize on the $120 billion weddings market.

Take advantage of this unprecedented opportunity to reach out personally to the many brides and grooms in the Gastonia area as well as the surrounding counties. Bridal shows are a fantastic way to come face-to-face with brides who are ready to book your services. You can choose to be a part of our Premier VIP Red Carpet or pick from the standard Vendor booths. Whatever your choice, register today, as space is limited and assignments are made on a first-come, first-served basis.

Get promoted in "The Wedding Affair" program guide distributed to all guests.




WHY BRIDAL SHOWS WORK


1. Bridal shows provide a lot of prospects in a short period of time.
2. Bridal shows allow you to outshine thecompetition on the spot!
3. Bridal shows allow more opportunities to demonstrate your products.
4. Bridal shows are great relationship builders with customers.
5. Bridal shows allow you to feel the pulse of the industry.
6. Bridal shows help build staff morale.
7. Bridal shows increase your bottom line!

For details call 866.767.7935 or email getinfo@nytheweddingaffair.com

Friday, June 24, 2011



New York Presents “The Wedding Affair”
Produced by: AtUrBest Special Events & iPower Global Solutions
The Bridal Event of the Year! April 21-22, 2012


Take advantage of this unprecedented opportunity to reach out personally to the many brides and grooms in the Gastonia area as well as the surrounding counties. Bridal shows are a fantastic way to come face-to-face with brides who are ready to book your services.

You can choose to be a part of our Premier VIP Red Carpet or pick from the standard Vendor booths. Whatever your choice, register today, as space is limited and assignments are made on a first-come, first-served basis.

Post –show access to database of registered brides’ names, addresses,emails. Listing in showcase program with address, web site and email. Sponsorship information is available.




For more information email us at: www.nytheweddingaffair.com

Saturday, December 26, 2009

Help Us Stop "Domestic Violence" - Act Like A Lady Plus Size Fashion Show

Join us for an evening of elegance, fashion and pure fun.


Act Lke A Lady Plus Size Fashion Show

January 30, 2010 at 6:00 p.m.

724 Montana Street Unit P Charlotte,NC 28216

Tickets $10.00 in Advance

$15.00 at the door..


For More Information contact

GeKeysha Murphy 704-756-7415
Shelia Murphy 704-712-3353
Amanda Sherman 704-502-0312

Doors open at 5:00 p.m.

Shows start promply at 6:00 p.m.


****Proceeds going towards various Domestic Violence Programs and Services*****

Thursday, October 29, 2009

How to Create Memorable Occassions

Who? Everyone wants to give the perfect gift. Prepaid catalogs are the way to go. There is something for everyone.

What? The gift giver selects one of our prepaid catalogs to give. The catalog recipient chooses the gift he or she wants online and redeems it. The selected gift is delivered directly to the recipient.

When? Birthdays, weddings, new baby, hostess/thank you, holidays, Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day/Father’s Day. And many, many more personal occasions are perfect to give a Prepaid catalog.

Why? Popular brand names like adidas®, Sony®, Ghirardelli®, Cuisinart®, and more. Huge selection of home décor, gourmet foods, electronics, educational toys, jewelry, and more. Fast and easy ordering and redemption. Prepaid catalogs are a joy to give, a pleasure to receive.


For More Information Email wedsaturbest@yahoo.com

*****SPECIAL COUPLES WANTED*******

We would like to announce that we are looking for Special Couples... Gala Affairs has chosen to expand our search to reach out above and beyond for couples who Take The Next Step (TTNS).

These Special Couples that we are looking for are individuals who stepped in and provided support for the family. Whether you are the biological parent or the stepparent. If you are ready to be husbands, wives, fathers and mothers to everyone in the household than you are who we want for our event.

These Special Couples will be chosen to be joined by matrimony in front of a select number of friends and families.

Please email us at "eventsaturbest@gmail. " In The Subject Line put SPECIAL COUPLES WANTED" to receive a special application.

Thursday, October 1, 2009

50 Birthday Celebration

Hello Everyone,

Well we have finished with our MYBDD wedding. It was a wonderful event I am glad the couples were able to tie the knot and move on with their lives... Now on to our next event...

We will start out with the planning of my husband's "50" Birthday Celebration so I will be looking for ideas for the "Old Basketball player that use to shoot the balls sky high in to the hoop.... Henceforth getting the nick name "Sky Walker" because of his jump shots... well it has been a long long time since he has jumped that high...

We are celebrating the weekend of November 27 thur November 29, 2009 with family and friends coming down to surprise him... So please keep it a secret.... So lets see what kind of theme should we go with... I thought about he Basketball theme, I thought about the NY theme, I also thought about the Karate theme for all of his close friends you know he loved his Karate I have a short time frame to get all of this planned... any suggestions please let me know...

Email me at wedsaturbest@yahoo.com

For those that need ideas for a "50th Celebration"

you can use these ideas....

The Rock'n Fifties 50s party is so popular that we have dedicated this entire section to Rock'n Fifties 50s birthday party ideas.

Read through the Rock'n Fifties 50s party ideas and incorporate the best birthday party ideas into your party. Create your own party plan and remember to include invitations, decorations, games, activities, party food, beverages, party cake, party snacks, gift bag favors and costumes.

Back to the Teen Years (heres what a friend did)

She threw a surprise party for her mother's 50th birthday. Since she "came of age" in the 1950s, I had a 50s theme. The invitation read "[her name] is going back to the 50s!" I encouraged guests to come dressed in 50s style. I even bought a few cheap accessories so she could dress 50s-style (like bright red lipstick, cheap white canvas shoes and funky shades). I bought her a book on the 50s. She loved it. To cut back on expenses, I made some nice pasta and bean salads, served punch (no booze). Try making up a 50s trivia quiz. If he was a younger kid in the 50s, try themes like Howdy Doody, Davy Crockett, Roy Rogers, Mousketters, etc. Since he's a guy, buy him a 1950s car as a gag gift (Matchbox or Hotwheels, of course).


A "Genuine Antique Person"

Have a "Genuine Antique Person" party. Although it is still more of a jest at 50, it is original and has many possibilities for decorating. If you try for an aged country theme you can simulate the air of antiquity fairly cheaply. Fill small metal pails with flowers for centerpieces. You can buy small wooden wheelbarrows in craft stores to paint and scatter in the function room for decoration. Use candles generously. Scour yard sales and flea markets for "antiques" - wooden wheels, hurricane lamps, weather vanes, let your imagination go. Renaissance Foil has an antiquing product that you can apply to many surfaces, creating aged-looking pails, bowls and candlesticks, which you can find at craft stores. Place squares of dusty blue, green, and red (the shades that are common in "country" decorating) fabric and permanent markers at each table for people to sign and make an "antique person" wishes quilt. Make chocolates for favors using country molds.


Choose His Favorite

I am also saving and planning a surprise 50th for my husband. He loves to go fishing, so I have decided to use fishing for the theme and use his fishing stuff for the decorations. This not only saves a lot of money, but I know he will enjoy it.Pick something that your husband enjoys and go with it, the possibilities are endless. You will save money, time, and he will use what you choose.
CH

Imitation is the Highest Form...


This Is Your Life
Instead of having an "over the hill" party, I suggest having a "this is your life party." Along with the invitation ask your guests to return a questionaire in which you have asked some variation of the following:



2.My favorite thing about Fred (use guest of honors name) is ______________.


3.The funniest thing I ever saw Fred do was when he _________________.


4.The happiest I ever saw Fred was when he____________________.


5.The dumbest thing I ever saw Fred do was____________________.


6.Fred drives me crazy when he _______________.


7.My most memorable moment with Fred was ____________________.


8.List five words that describe Fred.

You may to make up your own questions or add to these. You may also want to ask the party guests to share a favorite photo of or story about the guest of honor. The hardest part is deciding how to share this information with guests. You may want to have them put these answers on video, have a slide show, have the party guests read the stories or quips out loud, or invite several special people to tell their stories. If you feel awkward acting as an MC, then ask a good friend or minister to do it for you. Make sure you allow yourself plenty of time for planning .

The best part of a party like this is that everyone can participate - children, grandchildren, parents, aunts, uncles, cousins, old friends, new friends and spouses. You can also put the answers, stories, and photos in a scrapbook for the guest of honor to keep.

You will have some laughs and you may even shed a tear or two, because memories are a truly special gift which make getting older worth it.



Memory Lane

Awhile back my aunt had a 50th party for my uncle. It was great. Her theme was " A Ride Down Memory Lane". She collected photos from friends and relatives and put them all over the house. She even invited his best friend from where he grew up. She had a baby picture and a picture of him in the service, and a picture of them in their dating years blown up and made into posters. The cake was decorated to look like the house he grew up in. But best of all, and this might sound alittle corny, but she had all these old games. Like marbles, spin the bottle, checkers ect..You should have seen all of us grown up kids, nieces and nephews playing marbles. I never knew that was supposed to be a game. And spin the bottle with your favorite uncle was OK too. He said he never had so many pretty girls kiss him in front of his wife and her not get mad.

But to top the evening off another uncle had just restored an old car that was from the time frame of his teens. So they drove around town in it. And even though we all told them to come straight back to cut the cake, they were gone for along time...We still pick on them about going out an necking..Anyway he still talks about that birthday as the best one yet, and all of us really enjoyed the real ride down memory lane. It was just wonderful to see all those pictures of the early years and to hear his stories that went along with them.


Black and White

For the person looking for a good 50th birthday party idea..... Have all of the guests dress in black and then be sure that the guest of honor dresses in white (or vice versa - guests in white and guest of honor in black) - either way it makes for a fun evening - the guest of honor is immediately recognizable and the pictures look great!

Saturday, September 12, 2009

Jack and Jill Showers and other Co-ed Wedding Parties

In days of yore it seemed that until the wedding day, guys and girls celebrated separately: girls had showers and guys had bachelor parties. Like many other traditions, this one, too, is having a major makeover: coed showers are definitely cool and “ette” has joined “bachelor” as girls get together for a final fling with their best friends.

Like your guy friends as much as your girl friends? Coed wedding showers, dubbed “Jack and Jill” showers are the same as traditional showers, but, you guessed it, the groom and his friends are invited, too. When planning a Jack and Jill shower, think party activities or themes that work for guys and girls: Kitchen, wine or stock the bar, travel, outdoor gear, or tools and gadgets work for a coed party. Note to planners: tempting as it might be, save the lingerie shower for “girls only.”

Even the segregated bachelor and bachelorette parties are seeing the walls come down. Nowadays, the event is either combined into one party or split into two parts: one part together and one part separate. It’s a great way to leave the wedding details aside and have some quality time with your closest friends.

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

One More Lucky Couple For MYBDD

Well Charlotte we have discovered that there was one more lucky couple that we wanted to give an opportunity to be apart of Marry Your Baby Daddy Day on September
24, 2009.

Our Couple are very special because they have gone through some serious trials and tribulations...They celebrate 25 years of being together. They were once married and had separate because of all types of issues.

This couple did raise their two children throughout all the problems and separate issues that tried to stop them from being a happy family well no more they will be married again on September 24, 2009..

They are blessed with two children ages 20 (daughter) and 19 (son) plus a wonderful granddaughter (17Th months old)...

We like to welcome Patrice Bynum & John Bynum, Sr. (congratulations to the both of you)...









Now the countdown begins we have 54 days to get the couples wedding attire, invitations, favors, honeymoon night, etc and then aisle so they can start their family as husbands and wives in holy matrimony with their beautiful children as a whole family on Thursday, September 24, 2009. "Oh one catch the couples will not know the location of the wedding, reception or the honeymoon until the day"...

Sunday, July 19, 2009

Marry Your Baby Daddy Day Winning Couples

The Winning Couples for MYBDD in Charlotte, NC

Vincell Staton & Gale McDowell
Vonrique Brown & Kaya Carter

Our winning couples have never been married before.


... Gala Affairs By AtUrBest wants to thank all applicants that applied.



Now the countdown begins we have 64 days to get the couples wedding attire, invitations, favors, honeymoon night, etc and then aisle so they can start their family as husbands and wives in holy matriomony with their beautiful children as a whole family on Thursday, September 24, 2009. "Oh one catch the couples will not know the location of the wedding, reception or the honeymoon until the day"...

We would like to thank Herbert White of the Charlotte Post for bringing the story to the Charlotte area.



A little about our couples -

Our first couple Vincell & Gale they have been together for 22 years with five children together. They have lived in Charlotte, NC all their lives.

Gale Age 40 is a Receptionist
Vincell Age 42 is a Cook






Their children ages are 18, 12, 11, 8, 6 (three daughters and two sons).

Our second couple Vonrique & Kaya they have been together for 14 years with four children together. They have lived in Charlotte, NC all their lives.





Kaya Age 27 is a Lead Care Manager
Vonrique Age 31 is a Cook

Their children ages are 12, 9, 8, 7 (three daughters and one son).


First Gala Affairs would like to thank the vendors that have offered the services of their companies to participate in this wonderful event without a blink of any eye...


We have Heaven Sent Catering, April's Floral, Uptown Limousine Service, Always with Love, Photography By Terendius, Rev. Beatrice Hollins of Mt.Pleasant Holliness Church, Rev. Sydney Charnley of Eternity Wedding Ceremonies, EQ Music-DJ -AJ, Maryann of We Cut Cakes, Joyce St. Cyre, of Diversity Den Cafe, Homewood Suites and the Marriott Resident Inn Unvesity Research Park Charlotte, NC.

We like to thank all the family and friends that have made donations to help bring this vision to reality without you and the vendors this would not been able to take place. If there is some people that we haven forgotten, please forgive us but you will be recognized in The Wedding Journal.


"The Art Of Marriage"

The little things are the big things.
It is never being too old to hold hands.
It is remembering to say "I love you" at least once a day.

It is never going to sleep angry.
It is at no time taking the other for granted;
the courtship should not end with the honeymoon,
it should continue through all the years.

It is having a mutual sense of values and common objectives.
It is standing together facing the world.
It is forming a circle of love that gathers in the whole family.
It is doing things for each other, not in the attitude
of duty or sacrifice,
but in the spirit of joy.

It is speaking words of appreciation and demonstrating
gratitude in thoughtful ways.
It is not expecting the husband to wear a halo or the wife to have wings of an
angel.
It is not looking for perfection in each other.

It is cultivating flexibility, patience, understanding and a
sense of humor.
It is having the capacity to forgive and forget.
It is giving each other an atmosphere in
which each can grow.

It is finding room for the things of the spirit.
It is a common search for the good and
the beautiful.
It is establishing a relationship in which the independence is equal, dependence is mutual and
the obligation is reciprocal.
It is not only marrying the right partner,
it is being the right partner.

"Author Unknown"



A Marriage
By Michael Blumenthal


You are holding up a ceiling
with both arms. It is very heavy,
but you must hold it up, or else
it will fall down on you. Your arms
are tired, terribly tired,
and, as the day goes on, it feels
as if either your arms or the ceiling
will soon collapse.

But then,
unexpectedly,
something wonderful happens:
Someone,
a man or a woman,
walks into the room
and holds their arms up
to the ceiling beside you.

So you finally get
to take down your arms.
You feel the relief of respite,
the blood flowing back
to your fingers and arms.
And when your partner's arms tire,
you hold up your own
to relieve him again.

And it can go on like this
for many years
without the house falling.