Flowers come in every colour and shade imaginable, from deep red roses to pale white and purple orchids. While most of us have a favourite colour, not all flower colours have the same meaning. It may seem obvious that sending red rose is a romantic gesture, and that pink roses are the traditional mother's day flower... but why? And what exactly do the colours mean?
Pink is the perfect choice for mother's day. Again pink roses are the traditional choice however pink camellias make a beautiful alternative. Conveying feelings of youth, joy and innocence, pink is associated with happiness and grace.
Lavender is somewhat similar to pink with its meanings of femininity, grace and elegance. Nearly all lavender flowers give a soothing and gentle feel to any floral arrangement, known for their delicacy and preciousness. It is the grown up and mature version of pink, and as such is very suited for older mums.
Green flowers represent nature itself, and make a great addition to any bouquet. While not a colour that is normally used on its own in a display, green compliments virtually every other colour in nature. Sending the sense of renewal and life, green flowers embody health and good fortune.
Yellow, the colour of cheerfulness and joy. While in the animal kingdom yellow is a sign for danger, in flora it is an attraction colour made to bring wildlife. Yellow flowers are most often associated with friendship , appreciation and happiness. Daffodils are a very fitting mother's day flower, being very much in season and a well loved favourite.
White the mark of purity and simple beauty. Whether in the delicately small bells of lily of the valley or silky smooth petals of fragrant gardenias, white has always been a symbol of humility and pureness. White on white bouquets make for a striking display, with white also working well with all pale colours, especially pink, blue, peaches and yellows.
Red is undeniably the colour of love, passion and desire. While red flowers, especially roses, are most commonly given to wives or girlfriends by men this doesn't mean they should not be given on mother's day. Its symbolism of love is not restricted purely to the romantic sense and red roses make an excellent gift.
Purple is associated with the royalty and ceremonies. In the past purple was a rare colour in dyes for clothes and even in nature, so it was only the rich who could afford to wear purple or have purple flowers in their homes. Part of this rarity and dignity is still carried across with deep purples adding contrast and intensity to any bouquet.
Blue soothes the mind with its calming and cooling shades. Offering serenity to any room, pale or profound blue shades are a great combination with the pureness of white. Most often given to represent openness or peace, blue flowers such as irises or hydrangea make for a calm and gentle gift.
Mothers Day Flowers colour meanings can make a massive impact on how they are received. Choosing the right colour for your mothers bouquet is a matter of focusing on the feelings and emotions you wish to convey.
Article provided by Rossie Richards
Also for gift ideas:
Ribbon of Choice www.tsherman2.ordermygift.com
Friday, May 1, 2009
Friday, April 24, 2009
You've Proposed – Now What?
So you've found the engagement ring. You've mustered up the nerve to propose. And to your delight, she's said YES! Now what? Most grooms think they're done after the proposal, but not quite fellas. Although your bride will most likely take the lead in wedding planning activities, your work isn't done. Let us tell you what your next steps are.
• Take the lead in coordinating the groom's party – Your bride will have enough on her plate. This is an area where your involvement will be key. Once you've decided who you want to stand beside you at the ceremony, volunteer to initiate contact, communicate important wedding updates, select the tuxedo choice, coordinate sizing among the groomsmen, and pick out the groom's party gifts. In addition to your bride's other planning duties, she will be busy coordinating things for her bridesmaids. She will appreciate you taking the lead with the groomsmen.
• Ask to receive periodic updates on the status of planning activities – Your bride does not want to feel as though you don't care about the detail and effort that is going into creating a special day for the two of you and your guests. By asking to be kept abreast of wedding planning efforts on a regular basis, you have communicated to your bride that you care about the end product just as much as she does.
• Plan the honeymoon – This is something that has traditionally been tasked to the groom. So guys, let's make sure to follow through. After the long, hectic, and tiring planning process, your bride can take joy in knowing that once the wedding is over, she can retreat to a destination that you took such care in planning and making special for the two of you.
• Just be supportive – If you've flipped through the TV channels, you've no doubt seen the notorious bridal meltdowns. While we hope this doesn't happen to you and your bride, you can help ensure a stable mental state by being supportive throughout the planning process. If your bride is upset about something, try to understand why and help to create a resolution. If your bride is excited about something, share in her excitement.
You've proposed and she is just beside herself at the prospect of planning a wedding celebratory event as you begin new lives together. Follow the tips listed here to ensure your bride feels the same way once the big day draws near.
"Article Provided by " Articlesbase
• Take the lead in coordinating the groom's party – Your bride will have enough on her plate. This is an area where your involvement will be key. Once you've decided who you want to stand beside you at the ceremony, volunteer to initiate contact, communicate important wedding updates, select the tuxedo choice, coordinate sizing among the groomsmen, and pick out the groom's party gifts. In addition to your bride's other planning duties, she will be busy coordinating things for her bridesmaids. She will appreciate you taking the lead with the groomsmen.
• Ask to receive periodic updates on the status of planning activities – Your bride does not want to feel as though you don't care about the detail and effort that is going into creating a special day for the two of you and your guests. By asking to be kept abreast of wedding planning efforts on a regular basis, you have communicated to your bride that you care about the end product just as much as she does.
• Plan the honeymoon – This is something that has traditionally been tasked to the groom. So guys, let's make sure to follow through. After the long, hectic, and tiring planning process, your bride can take joy in knowing that once the wedding is over, she can retreat to a destination that you took such care in planning and making special for the two of you.
• Just be supportive – If you've flipped through the TV channels, you've no doubt seen the notorious bridal meltdowns. While we hope this doesn't happen to you and your bride, you can help ensure a stable mental state by being supportive throughout the planning process. If your bride is upset about something, try to understand why and help to create a resolution. If your bride is excited about something, share in her excitement.
You've proposed and she is just beside herself at the prospect of planning a wedding celebratory event as you begin new lives together. Follow the tips listed here to ensure your bride feels the same way once the big day draws near.
"Article Provided by " Articlesbase
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Gala Affairs By AtUrBest has Partnership with Marry Your Baby Daddy Day™
Marry Your Baby Daddy Day™ Charlotte, NC
September 24, 2009
Greetings!
Marry Your Baby Daddy Day™ and Gala Affairs By AtUrBest is looking for unwed couples with children in the Charlotte, NC and surrounding areas. Couples should already live together, engaged couples with no wedding date are preferred, but not mandatory. Wedding is scheduled for September 24, 2009.
We are also looking for local vendors and companies to contribute services and goods.
You must be comfortable being interviewed by the media.
Please forward this email or simply respond if you are interested. Nominations are not accepted. Couples must apply directly at www.marryyourbabydaddy.com. Applications are $25, 1 application per couple.
Marry Your Baby Daddy Day™ was featured in ABC NEWS 20/20, CBS Early Show, The Baltimore Sun, CNN, The New York Daily News, The New Yorker, Fox News, Essence, The Wendy Williams Experience and more. Please visit website for photos and other info. You may also call 212 946 5164 or email.
Visit Our Website
Maryann Reid
Marry Your Baby Daddy
www.marryyourbabydaddy.com
Gala Affairs By AtUrBest
www.galaaffairsbyaturbest.com
Charlotte, NC
web: http://www.marryyourbabydaddy.com
September 24, 2009
Greetings!
Marry Your Baby Daddy Day™ and Gala Affairs By AtUrBest is looking for unwed couples with children in the Charlotte, NC and surrounding areas. Couples should already live together, engaged couples with no wedding date are preferred, but not mandatory. Wedding is scheduled for September 24, 2009.
We are also looking for local vendors and companies to contribute services and goods.
You must be comfortable being interviewed by the media.
Please forward this email or simply respond if you are interested. Nominations are not accepted. Couples must apply directly at www.marryyourbabydaddy.com. Applications are $25, 1 application per couple.
Marry Your Baby Daddy Day™ was featured in ABC NEWS 20/20, CBS Early Show, The Baltimore Sun, CNN, The New York Daily News, The New Yorker, Fox News, Essence, The Wendy Williams Experience and more. Please visit website for photos and other info. You may also call 212 946 5164 or email.
Visit Our Website
Maryann Reid
Marry Your Baby Daddy
www.marryyourbabydaddy.com
Gala Affairs By AtUrBest
www.galaaffairsbyaturbest.com
Charlotte, NC
web: http://www.marryyourbabydaddy.com
Monday, April 13, 2009
Don't Forget The Wedding Insurance
Taking the time to compare wedding insurance is probably not on most bridal checklists, but it's something that couples should consider together. When planning the details of a wedding day, brides and grooms are thinking about the flowers, the cake and of course, the gown. There's enough on their plate without worrying about what could go wrong. Wedding day insurance offers protection in case something should happen to mar the celebration.
For many people, planning a wedding is probably much like embarking on a college education: there's a lot more to it than people think who haven't already been through it before. It's more than planning a party; there are some pretty serious emotions involved -- all around. It can be highly stressful at times. There are ways, however, to mitigate this stress and make this a happy time.
If you want to bypass most of this stress altogether, consider hiring a professional wedding coordinator to do all the legwork for you and even absorb much of the logistical stress on the big day itself. A competent coordinator will orchestrate the entire event for you, for a percentage of your total wedding budget. Before you balk at the idea of adding yet another cost onto everything else that must be paid for, realize that professional wedding planners often actually save the couple money by knowing how to get certain services for a much lower cost than the general public would pay for the same thing. And since the wedding coordinator's fee is a percentage of the budget you've already set, you won't actually be adding another cost. Considering how much work you will be saved, hiring a coordinator may be something that's well worth looking into.
Whether you hire a professional coordinator or organize the wedding all by yourself, there are many additional ways to minimize stress. One consideration is event insurance, just in case anything should go wrong. Wedding event insurance is quite comprehensive and can cover a wide range of possible disasters. According to one source, the top five reported claims include:
* damaged wedding attire
* having to re-take the wedding photographs
* having to cancel the wedding due to an illness or bereavement
* caterers not showing up
* loss of wedding rings
While it's never desirable to have to actually use insurance and file a claim, it's a good thing to have the policy in place nonetheless. This is the first day of the rest of your married life, and you want it to be as perfect as possible. Whatever you do, don't allow little mistakes or omissions to become calamities. It may not be understood by those who have not been through it, but on your wedding day, everything seems so much larger than life -- whether good or bad.
The last thing anyone wants is to have their wedding be remembered as a disaster, and with how much of an expense weddings can be these days, it only makes sense to have some form of insurance. After all, a wedding can cost as much as (or more than!) a down payment on a house, and you wouldn't buy a house without insurance, right? Right!
Information provided by Kathy Hildebrand with Tidbits and Stuff
For many people, planning a wedding is probably much like embarking on a college education: there's a lot more to it than people think who haven't already been through it before. It's more than planning a party; there are some pretty serious emotions involved -- all around. It can be highly stressful at times. There are ways, however, to mitigate this stress and make this a happy time.
If you want to bypass most of this stress altogether, consider hiring a professional wedding coordinator to do all the legwork for you and even absorb much of the logistical stress on the big day itself. A competent coordinator will orchestrate the entire event for you, for a percentage of your total wedding budget. Before you balk at the idea of adding yet another cost onto everything else that must be paid for, realize that professional wedding planners often actually save the couple money by knowing how to get certain services for a much lower cost than the general public would pay for the same thing. And since the wedding coordinator's fee is a percentage of the budget you've already set, you won't actually be adding another cost. Considering how much work you will be saved, hiring a coordinator may be something that's well worth looking into.
Whether you hire a professional coordinator or organize the wedding all by yourself, there are many additional ways to minimize stress. One consideration is event insurance, just in case anything should go wrong. Wedding event insurance is quite comprehensive and can cover a wide range of possible disasters. According to one source, the top five reported claims include:
* damaged wedding attire
* having to re-take the wedding photographs
* having to cancel the wedding due to an illness or bereavement
* caterers not showing up
* loss of wedding rings
While it's never desirable to have to actually use insurance and file a claim, it's a good thing to have the policy in place nonetheless. This is the first day of the rest of your married life, and you want it to be as perfect as possible. Whatever you do, don't allow little mistakes or omissions to become calamities. It may not be understood by those who have not been through it, but on your wedding day, everything seems so much larger than life -- whether good or bad.
The last thing anyone wants is to have their wedding be remembered as a disaster, and with how much of an expense weddings can be these days, it only makes sense to have some form of insurance. After all, a wedding can cost as much as (or more than!) a down payment on a house, and you wouldn't buy a house without insurance, right? Right!
Information provided by Kathy Hildebrand with Tidbits and Stuff
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Let's Talk About Spring Weddings
Well its time to plan our Spring Weddings: We will give you a few ideas to choose from: Spring is the most popular wedding season, so it's important to have a good idea of the different spring wedding themes.
We are going to provide you with a few color ideas, wedding dresses, decorations, flowers and favors. First thing you should think about is your what will be your colors: You must remember darker colors absorb the sun's heat but do a better job of reflecting rays. Ligther colors don't absorb as much heat but don't UV rays as well. If its an outdoor wedding, lighter colors are highly recommend.
Spring Wedding Colors:
Some good two-color combinations could be:
Light blue and chocolate
Light blue and ivory
Light blue and pastel green
Light blue and white
Pastel green and ivory
Pink with any green
Lavender and yellow
Some good three-color combinations might be:
Ivory, lavender, pastel green
Ivory, pink, sage
Ivory, lavender, sage
Pastel green, pink, lavender
White, chocolate, pink
Since spring colors are so soft, it's actually hard to find a combination that doesn't work well! Talk with your wedding planner or friends and family to get a second opinion if you're unsure about several colors together.
Spring Themed Wedding Invitations
One of the first steps in setting the mood for a spring wedding is sending out spring themed wedding invitations. Typically, wedding invitations with a spring influence have spring flowers or spring scenery on them. And although many newlyweds are opting to send pocket invitations these days (very popular), there are still quite a few who want to make their wedding truly unique.
There are a ton of different wedding invitations with beautiful flowers on them (many of which can be found in the "spring flowers" section below).
Or in order to save some money, some couples might choose to get the less expensive, more affordable wedding invitations. This way, they can have more money to spend on the spring wedding decorations!
Spring Themed Wedding Attire
The Wedding Dress
Part of the reason why spring weddings are so popular is because of the wonderful weather! Of course this depends on where you live, but generally speaking, spring weather is great.
Because the temperatures are typically not too hot and not too cold, there are a lot of options for the wedding dress. It is best to choose a more versatile dress that can suite you in both warm and cold weather. (Maybe try to find a dress that is light but that can be paired with a wrap.) This is especially important if you live in a fluctuating climate where Spring temperatures could vary 30 or so degrees Fahrenheit (10-15 degrees Celsius).
Here are some good fabrics for spring weddings:
Batiste (an opaque fabric that is very light)
Charmeuse (a good satin-substitute although it doesn't hold a shape well)
Crepe (a thin fabric available in a wide variety of fibers and finishes)
Damask (made of various fabrics and has patterns/designs woven into it)
Duchesse Satin (a lightweight hybrid of rayon/polyester and silk)
Georgette (another lightweight fabric with a crepe surface frequently made with polyester or silk)
Spring weddings also allow room for adding an elegant touch of color to the wedding dress. Today, many brides choose to have a sash or embroidery of a different color on their dresses. There are certainly quite a few unique and stylish spring colors to choose from! See the spring color palette below.
Wedding Party and Guest Attire
Today's weddings are becoming more and more colorful. Pulling from the color palette below, one could come up with a unique color pattern for both the bridesmaids and the groomsmen. Guests could also come up with creative, tasteful outfits perfect for that spring wedding.
Here are some good ideas for a spring wedding outfit:
Sleeveless top
Spaghetti strap
Tea length dress
Cocktail dress
Skirt and top (rather than full length dress)
Strapless top/dress
Spring Flowers
You can save a lot of money on your wedding by purchasing in season flowers. In fact, you can save even more money if you can manage to work out a deal to use the church's flowers (if getting married in a church). Typically churches have lots of flowers for special Sunday services such as Easter Sunday.
Here is a non-exhaustive list of flowers that are in season during spring:
Allium
Anemone
Bells of Ireland
Boronia
Cherry Blossom
Daffodil
Forsythia
Hyacinth
Hydrangea
Lilac
Lilies
Magnolia
Narcissus
Pansy
Peony
Ranunculus
Snapdragon
Stephanotis
Sweetpea
Violet
Wisteria
How can I have a Spring Wedding Reception?
Why stop at just making a ceremony spring-themed when you can do the same for your wedding reception? The theme of spring can be carried through to your reception with spring wedding favors, spring decorations and even a spring menu!
Spring Wedding Favors
There are quite a few spring wedding favors to choose from that embody the atmosphere of spring. From beach chair tea light place card holders to seashell placecard holders to lily pens in a gift box, it would seem that your imagination is the only thing that limits you from finding the most unique spring favors.
Other popular spring wedding favors are seed packets (to thank guests for their contribution in "growing" your love) or birds nests.
Spring Wedding Decorations
Just like with wedding favors, there are a number of spring wedding decorations out there. Try purchasing decorations that are pastel blue, pink or lavendar. You could also put seasonal flowers up as centerpieces at the reception tables. Instead of having wedding attendants throw rice or bird seed, you could have them release butterflies or throw rose petals.
When it comes to having a spring themed wedding, you are only limited by your imagination!
Spring Wedding Menu Ideas
The icing on the cake for a spring themed wedding could be your menu. Try serving fresh young vegetables such as sugar snap peas, baby carrots, baby asparagus or potatoes. You could even serve fresh carrot cake, yum!
Fresh fruits would also be quite festive. Consider serving strawberries, mangos, apricots or pomegranates.
Get out there and have a unique, spring wedding using some of these ideas! Remember, you are only limited by your imagination, so think of creative ways to make your wedding special and different from the rest! Have a spring wedding!
Information provided by Hubpages:"
We are going to provide you with a few color ideas, wedding dresses, decorations, flowers and favors. First thing you should think about is your what will be your colors: You must remember darker colors absorb the sun's heat but do a better job of reflecting rays. Ligther colors don't absorb as much heat but don't UV rays as well. If its an outdoor wedding, lighter colors are highly recommend.
Spring Wedding Colors:
Some good two-color combinations could be:
Light blue and chocolate
Light blue and ivory
Light blue and pastel green
Light blue and white
Pastel green and ivory
Pink with any green
Lavender and yellow
Some good three-color combinations might be:
Ivory, lavender, pastel green
Ivory, pink, sage
Ivory, lavender, sage
Pastel green, pink, lavender
White, chocolate, pink
Since spring colors are so soft, it's actually hard to find a combination that doesn't work well! Talk with your wedding planner or friends and family to get a second opinion if you're unsure about several colors together.
Spring Themed Wedding Invitations
One of the first steps in setting the mood for a spring wedding is sending out spring themed wedding invitations. Typically, wedding invitations with a spring influence have spring flowers or spring scenery on them. And although many newlyweds are opting to send pocket invitations these days (very popular), there are still quite a few who want to make their wedding truly unique.
There are a ton of different wedding invitations with beautiful flowers on them (many of which can be found in the "spring flowers" section below).
Or in order to save some money, some couples might choose to get the less expensive, more affordable wedding invitations. This way, they can have more money to spend on the spring wedding decorations!
Spring Themed Wedding Attire
The Wedding Dress
Part of the reason why spring weddings are so popular is because of the wonderful weather! Of course this depends on where you live, but generally speaking, spring weather is great.
Because the temperatures are typically not too hot and not too cold, there are a lot of options for the wedding dress. It is best to choose a more versatile dress that can suite you in both warm and cold weather. (Maybe try to find a dress that is light but that can be paired with a wrap.) This is especially important if you live in a fluctuating climate where Spring temperatures could vary 30 or so degrees Fahrenheit (10-15 degrees Celsius).
Here are some good fabrics for spring weddings:
Batiste (an opaque fabric that is very light)
Charmeuse (a good satin-substitute although it doesn't hold a shape well)
Crepe (a thin fabric available in a wide variety of fibers and finishes)
Damask (made of various fabrics and has patterns/designs woven into it)
Duchesse Satin (a lightweight hybrid of rayon/polyester and silk)
Georgette (another lightweight fabric with a crepe surface frequently made with polyester or silk)
Spring weddings also allow room for adding an elegant touch of color to the wedding dress. Today, many brides choose to have a sash or embroidery of a different color on their dresses. There are certainly quite a few unique and stylish spring colors to choose from! See the spring color palette below.
Wedding Party and Guest Attire
Today's weddings are becoming more and more colorful. Pulling from the color palette below, one could come up with a unique color pattern for both the bridesmaids and the groomsmen. Guests could also come up with creative, tasteful outfits perfect for that spring wedding.
Here are some good ideas for a spring wedding outfit:
Sleeveless top
Spaghetti strap
Tea length dress
Cocktail dress
Skirt and top (rather than full length dress)
Strapless top/dress
Spring Flowers
You can save a lot of money on your wedding by purchasing in season flowers. In fact, you can save even more money if you can manage to work out a deal to use the church's flowers (if getting married in a church). Typically churches have lots of flowers for special Sunday services such as Easter Sunday.
Here is a non-exhaustive list of flowers that are in season during spring:
Allium
Anemone
Bells of Ireland
Boronia
Cherry Blossom
Daffodil
Forsythia
Hyacinth
Hydrangea
Lilac
Lilies
Magnolia
Narcissus
Pansy
Peony
Ranunculus
Snapdragon
Stephanotis
Sweetpea
Violet
Wisteria
How can I have a Spring Wedding Reception?
Why stop at just making a ceremony spring-themed when you can do the same for your wedding reception? The theme of spring can be carried through to your reception with spring wedding favors, spring decorations and even a spring menu!
Spring Wedding Favors
There are quite a few spring wedding favors to choose from that embody the atmosphere of spring. From beach chair tea light place card holders to seashell placecard holders to lily pens in a gift box, it would seem that your imagination is the only thing that limits you from finding the most unique spring favors.
Other popular spring wedding favors are seed packets (to thank guests for their contribution in "growing" your love) or birds nests.
Spring Wedding Decorations
Just like with wedding favors, there are a number of spring wedding decorations out there. Try purchasing decorations that are pastel blue, pink or lavendar. You could also put seasonal flowers up as centerpieces at the reception tables. Instead of having wedding attendants throw rice or bird seed, you could have them release butterflies or throw rose petals.
When it comes to having a spring themed wedding, you are only limited by your imagination!
Spring Wedding Menu Ideas
The icing on the cake for a spring themed wedding could be your menu. Try serving fresh young vegetables such as sugar snap peas, baby carrots, baby asparagus or potatoes. You could even serve fresh carrot cake, yum!
Fresh fruits would also be quite festive. Consider serving strawberries, mangos, apricots or pomegranates.
Get out there and have a unique, spring wedding using some of these ideas! Remember, you are only limited by your imagination, so think of creative ways to make your wedding special and different from the rest! Have a spring wedding!
Information provided by Hubpages:"
Monday, March 16, 2009
Choosing a Wedding Destination
One of the first decisions you need to make after you decide to have a destination wedding is which destination is right for you. Are you looking to elope? Or, do you want a larger destination wedding? Whichever you decide, here are some things you need to consider in your destination wedding planning.
• Consider the marriage laws. Some locations in the US as well as some countries require more than just two people who want to get married before they let them say "I do." For example, a couple can go to Arizona, obtain their license and get married with no waiting period. But, if you're planning to elope or have a Wedding in Washington, DC, there is a five-day waiting period to receive your license, and the bride and groom must both be present to apply for a license.
In Massachusetts there is a three-day waiting period, but the couple can obtain a waiver by petitioning the court. And, in Colorado, where couples themselves may solemnize their own marriage if they apply to the County Courthouse, and cousins can marry each other, same-sex partners are not allowed to wed, although same-sex marriage is legal in Massachusetts, and civil unions of same-sex partners is legal in Vermont. You get the picture? Even in the U.S. you have to do your research to familiarize yourselves with marriage laws.
• Your budget. Another concern about the location is the cost of the wedding itself. Some locations are just more traditionally affordable than others. Traveling out of the country is going to cost you more in most cases then traveling to just another state. Take into consideration travel expenses (flying or driving) as well as the wedding-related expenses. In some cases it just makes sense to have an inexpensive elopement ceremony and spend the bulk of your wedding costs on the honeymoon.
• Does the location provide wedding planning help to you? If you're eloping that may be simply contacting a wedding officiant and having your ceremony on a public beach or park which allows ceremonies. However, if you're planning on a larger destination wedding ceremony with family and friends, you may need help coordinating everything. If you can spare the money and want fewer headaches, go with a resort which offers wedding planning services.
****RATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE***** PLEASE CHECK WITH VENUES ********
Georgia Mountain Wedding Location Top Inn & Resort in Pine Mountain, Georgia:
For your Georgia mountain wedding. Mountain Top Inn & Resort is located in the middle of Roosevelt State Park, Georgia's largest state park with one of the best hiking trails in the Southeast. Located just one hour southwest of Atlanta and known as the gateway to Callaway Gardens, Pine Mountain has become one hot wedding location.
Nestled among the oak trees, the Mountain Top Inn & Resort wedding chapel was made for weddings, and includes a separate bride and groom's dressing room in the rear of the chapel. Constructed of Georgia Pine and natural rock, the wedding chapel features stained glass windows, magnolia floral decorations and soft candlelight, and can accommodate up to 100 guests. (For smaller, more intimate outdoor weddings, you may also want to consider their Gazebo, which is only steps away from the Chapel. The Gazebo is also perfect for wedding photos.)
There are several different wedding packages available, from small Chapel and Gazebo packages starting from $450 to the Full Wedding Package starting from $3,625.00 which includes:
Chapel
Gazebo
Minister (couples can supply own officiate)
Flower Package, which includes bride's bouquet and groom's boutonnière
Photo Package - 30 4X6 photos on a CD or printed taken before, during and after wedding
3 camera DVD of the ceremony & reception
Reception in the Reception Center, with first 40 guests included in the price ($10 per person additional)
Bride and groom's Wedding Cake
Brides gift box which include toasting glasses
Rehearsal
If you wish, you can have the full wedding package with 2-nights lodging for $3,975.00 for Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, and $4,475.00 for Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Area attractions include:
Roosevelt State Park
Callaway Gardens
Warm Springs, GA
FDR's Little White House
Roosevelt Stables
Contact Information:
Mountain Top Inn & Resort
P.O. Box 147
Pine Mountain, GA 31822
Local: 706-663-4719
Toll Free: 800-533-6376
mountaintopinnga.com
There are a few wineries in Colorado this is one of them. Grand Junction, Colorado is a nice beautiful wine country wedding. The Wine Country Inn, located near Grand Junction in Palisade, Colorado's first wine-themed hotel, situated in the middle of 21 acres of vines.
If you decide to have your wedding at the Inn, you can choose from several different sites on the property, from the outdoor Pavilion among the vines, a landscaped courtyard, the Vineyard Ballroom, or several smaller sites for more intimate ceremonies. For your reception, you can have the Chef create any type of event you want, from a formal dinner to a more casual hors d'oeuvres reception. And, before or after the wedding, you and your guests will have many opportunities for wine tastings, as the Inn is adjacent to two wineries and a short drive to many more.
The area around Grand Junction is truly an outdoor lover's paradise. For hikers, you have the awesome Grand Mesa National Forest, the world's largest flat top mountain, dotted with hundreds of lakes. Grand Junction is also located at the confluence of the Gunnison and Colorado Rivers, a dream location for rafters and kayakers.
For more information on having your wedding at the Wine Country Inn, you can call 970-464-5777, or email them at inquiries@coloradowinecountryinn.com. Their website is located at ColoradoWineCountryInn.com
Devil’s Thumb Ranch
3530 County Road 83
Tabernash,CO
Devil's Thumb Ranch is west of Denver, offering a 2,900 square foot barn with views of the Continental Divide for your "I do" moment. The Broad Axe Barn was built with wood recovered form a Civil War-era barn in Indiana, and accommodates up to 140 perople. For those seekign a smaller, more intimate wedding space, they also offer the Timber House, which can accommodate up to 30 people, and offering views of the Continental Divide as well.
Devil's Thumb Ranch is a perfect Colorado Destination wedding location, affording you and your guests numerous activities to keep everyone happy: hiking, snow shoeing, cross-country skiing, fly fishing, raft trips on the Colorado Rive, as well as their own Ranch Creek Spa, which offers body soaks, scrubs and wraps, massages, facials and foot and hand treatments.
You can get more info on hosting your wedding at Devil's Thumb Ranch by calling 800-933-4339, emailing them at www.devilsthumbranch.com, or by going to their website at Devilsthumbranch.com.
While searching around for Caribbean wedding packages recently I came across this little gem at Bolongo Bay Beach Resort on St. Thomas Island in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
If you're thinking of eloping, or wanting a small intimate wedding with the two of you and a few family members and friends, then you might want to consider the "Barefoot on the Beach Wedding" package for $1,000 which includes:
Wedding planning services
Clergy for ceremony
Bottle of champagne
2 keepsake flutes
Bolongo Bay bride & groom t-shirts
witnesses
They also offer another small wedding package which features a sunset ceremony aboard a Catamaran. This package costs $3,000 and includes the following:
2-hour wedding cruise
Wedding planning services
Clergy for ceremony
1 hour with a professional photographer
Wedding photo album
Bouquet & boutonniere
Fresh vegetable crudités
Assorted cheese & fruit tray
Open bar including champagne
The Catamaran cruise wedding package accommodates up to 20 people, with additional guests costing $55 per person. The Catamaran holds 49 people.
Bolongo Bay hotel is located on the beach on St. Thomas, which is a U.S. Virgin Island, which means U.S. citizens don't need passports. They offer work out room with exercise equipment, as well as a water-sports center, with complimentary use of kayaks, sunfish sailboats, windsurfers, aqua tri-cycles, swim mats and snorkel equipment to their hotel guests. Their freshwater pool has a swim-up bar. For more information regarding wedding packages, you can email weddings@bolongobay.com.
Lake Las Vegas Resort and Casino Wedding Package
Las Vegas is a hugely popular wedding destination. But, when most people think of a Vegas wedding, they either think of those little cheap wedding chapels, or an expensive resort on the Strip. Lake Las Vegas Resort and Casino is a little different. It's in Henderson, Nevada - close enough to the Strip, but also close to the beautiful Lake Mead National Recreation Area. This gives you and your guests ample things to do, from gambling in the casinos to taking in nature.
Lake Las Vegas Resort and Casino surrounds a 320-acre private lake, and offers lakeside lodging, as well as two world-class golf courses. They offer several different wedding packages, but this one for a small wedding celebration really caught my eye. It's for small weddings up to 20 guests, for $3,250.00, and includes:
Two night's one bedroom lake view accommodations
Use of Celebration Plaza Gazebo, Town Heart Courtyard, or Grand Gardens ceremony venue
Chair Rental up to 20 guests
Non-denominational wedding Officiant
One hour rehearsal with Officiant
Wedding Planning Service
Pre-recorded ceremony music
Bride's Color Choice of: Brides 12-Rose hand-tied satin ribbon bouquet, Groom's Boutonniere, Maid of Honor 5-Rose Bouquet, Best Man's Boutonniere, 4 bags of rose petals
Professional Staff Photographer
24-Wedding Photos on CD Format
First Dance
Champagne & flutes
They also offer a wedding package for up to 40 guests, and a wedding package up to 150 guests. For more information call 866-399-2747 or email jkgreen@intrawest.com
White Mountains of New Hampshire Wedding Spot
New Hampshire is dotted with quaint and lovely bed and breakfasts perfect for an intimate wedding. So, which one do you choose? Here's one that specializes in small weddings from just the two of you on up to 80 people. But, what it has that many others don't are year-round stables. And that means a grand entrance on a white horse or a romantic carriage ride any time of the year.
Farm By the River Bed and Breakfast with Stables
2555 West Side Rd.
North Conway, NH
Just two miles from the village of North Conway (near the Maine border), the Farm By The River sits on 70 acres in the Mt. Washington Valley of the White Mountains of New Hampshire. It's a great location for the outdoor enthusiast, no matter your passion:
downhill skiing
cross-country skiing
horseback riding
hiking
snowmobiling
mountain climbing
ice climbing
For winter weddings you can have an intimate ceremony of up to 20 people, performed in front of the fireplace. Larger weddings (up to 80 people) can take place in the warmer months in the garden. A Justice of the Peace is conveniently located on site (for an additional fee), and you can customize any wedding package with:
champagne
flowers
wedding cake
chocolates
carriage or sleigh ride
dinner package
For those of you looking for an elopement package, they have that as well. Priced at $700 (Fall foliage and holiday prices are a bit higher), the just-for-two package includes:
3 night stay in a super deluxe room with two-person whirlpool tub and fireplace
king or queen bed with mountain views
full patio/fireside breakfast each morning
complimentary sleigh ride/carriage ride for two or two horseback rides (weather permitting)
complimentary bottle of champagne
small cake and flowers
For more information please visit them at farmbytheriver.com. You can also email them at info@farmbytheriver.com, or reach them by phone at 1-888-414-8353.
Montana Destination Wedding Location
Izaak Walton Inn
290 Izaak Walton Inn Road
Essex Montana
The Izaak Walton Inn is located in Essex, Montana, right on the edge of Glacier National Park, and perfect for those couples who enjoy the outdoors.
Built in 1939 by the Great Northern Railroad, and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Izaak Walton Inn has racked up quite a few awards in recent years:
Voted by Sunset Magazine as one of the top ten 2008 "Spring Flings"
Named by Snow Country Magazine as "best cross country ski resort" in the Mountain Region, 2003
Izaak Walton Inn is situated in an area which affords couples and their guests the best the Glacier National Park area has to offer:
Whitewater rafting
Backcountry skiing
Cross-country skiing
Hiking
The Izaak Walton Inn boasts 33 rooms which can accommodate up to 101 guests, including 4 authentic cabooses used as "caboose cabins." And, yes, there is a "honeymoon caboose."
For your wedding, you have several different locations at the inn to choose from, including the Frank Krshka Outdoor Pavilion, which is a large open-air covered pavilion with raised cobblestone area; the Signal Room, which is an indoor facility; and the Fireside Lobby, for more intimate weddings.
For more information you can go to their website at: IzaakWaltonInn.com; email them at: stay@izaakwaltoninn.com; or call them at: 406-888-5700
Honolulu Wedding Packages for a Lovely Beach Wedding
The New Otani Kaimana Beach Hotel
2863 Kalakaua Ave Honolulu, HI
Tel: (808) 923-1555
Located 9 miles from the Honolulu International Airport, The New Otani Kaimana Beach Hotel is located on the shore of Kaimana Beach, at the far end of historic Waikiki.
Other than being a beautiful, ocean-front venue for a wedding, the Kaimana property also has some interesting history behind it. In the early 1900s, the site used to be the home of a prominent Honolulu family, and also contained a hau tree, under which sat none other than Robert Louis Stevenson. The original home is gone, replaced by the hotel, but the tree remains.
The Kaimana offers two very affordable wedding packages, one called the "Let's Be Together" wedding package ($1,320), which includes 2 nights ocean front room, and the "Families United by Marriage" wedding package ($1,730), which includes an ocean suite for the whole family. Both packages also include:
>>Ceremony in the Sans Souci Room or the Imperial Lanai
>>Non-denominational minister
>>(2) Fresh flower leis
>>Chilled bottle of champagne for toasting
>>Fresh pineapple welcome amenity
You can call them at 808-921-7016 or email them at hawaiianwedding@kaimana.com. for more information.
Paradise Cove
Located at the Ko Olina Resort on the leeward coast of Oahu, Paradise Cove is one of the largest luau shows in Hawaii, with 12 ocean-front acres.
You have three choices for locations at Paradise Cove: Paradise Cove Beach; Imu Gardens with an ocean backdrop; and The Point, surrounded by the Pacific Ocean and Waianae Mountains. They offer two wedding packages, Package A for $1,470 and Package B for $1,365. Too bad the beauty of the location didn't inspire a more creative package name than A or B The only difference between the packages is that Package A includes a deluxe Luau package for the wedding couple. Both Packages include:
>>One-way limousine transfer from Waikiki
>>Non-denominational minister or officiant
>>Hawaiian seasonal lei for the wedding couple
>>One tier wedding cake
>>Bottle of champagne or sparkling cider for toasting
>>Two keepsake champagne flutes
The ceremony for both packages is 1 hour. Paradise Cove will also help with your reception, with catering and entertaining. You can get more info by emailing events@paradisecove.com.
For more information on weddings on Hawaii, particularly waterfall weddings and how to plan a Hawaiian wedding, you can also go to our website pages at Weddings on Hawaii and Weddings on Maui .
Florida Private Island Resort for Your Wedding
It's the Little Palm Island Resort & Spa, a private island resort, which has been listed among the top resorts in the world by Condé Nast Traveler and Travel+Leisure magazine. Oh, and it also has won numerous other awards, including receiving a Spa Finder Magazine's Reader's Choice Award, and considered The Best Hotel Suite by Zagat survey in 2006. Not shabby.
Now, is it all-inclusive. Rate includes complimentary valet parking, boat transfers to and from the island, all watersport amenities including kayaks and small motor boats, concierge service, fitness center, a welcome bottle of champagne, and all non-alcoholic beverages throughout your stay. You may also choose a plan which includes your three meals, which would make it all-inclusive. You can also choose a plan where your meals are a la carte.
They have many different wedding packages available, from simply hosting your ceremony (which includes a ceremony for just the two of you, for all you eloping couples out there), to weddings up to 40 people.
Little Palm Island Resort & Spa looks simply gorgeous. The hard part would be deciding among the different locations at the resort to have your wedding: the white sandy beach, the tropical Zen Garden, their Sunset Dock, or their harbor-view Palapa Point gazebo. You can find more information by emailing weddings@littlepalmisland.com
Have a look for yourself at Little Palm Island.
Another Florida Spot
In addition to Club Med Sandpiper, there's also the Amelia Island Plantation, located at 6800 First Coast Highway on Amelia Island, Florida. The resort offers 72 holes of championship golf, 3 1/2 miles of beach, a spa, 23 clay tennis courts, and more.
According to their website, the all-inclusive package includes:
* Choice of spacious accommodations
* Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner in nearly all of their reataurants (excludes alcohol, room service, PLAE and Member Clubhouse)
* Unlimited greens fees on Oak Marsh, Ocean Links or Amelia River (formerly Royal Amelia) with cart and practice balls prior to play. Advance tee times (including arrival and departure days) may be booked at the time room reservations are confirmed
* Unlimited tennis court time; use of ball machine and round robins
* Use of Health & Fitness Center (workout room, whirlpool, sauna, steam room, lap pool and lockers)
* Beach chairs and umbrellas
* Nature Tours on property (excludes kayaking and Segways)
* Fishing rods and reels for surf fishing
* Beach Towels at Beach Club
* Bicycles (single speed)
You can find more by going to their website at aipfl.com. Among their awards are:
***AAA Four Diamond Resort 27 Consecutive Years
***Condé Nast Traveler- 2004 Gold List: The Reserve
***Travel & Leisure T & L 500- “Ultimate Guide to the Greatest Hotels in the World” – 2004
Santa Fe WeddingLove the southwest? Then a Santa Fe wedding should be on your destination wedding short list.
Some favorite wedding venues in Santa Fe include:
Georgia O'Keeffee Museum
217 Johnson Street
Hyde park Lodge
740 Hyde Park Road
JW Eaves Movie Ranch
105 Rancho Allegre Road
But, our favorite is the Loretto Chapel, located at 207 Old Santa Fe Trail. (We'll talk about other Santa Fe wedding venues in future posts).
The Loretto Chapel was recently showcased on the Style Network's series "Married Away," and is host to more than 200 weddings a year.
Built in 1878, the Loretto Chapel was modeled after Sainte-Chapelle in Paris, and has consistently been named "the best place to get married" by the Santa Fe Reporter's "Best of Santa Fe."
Why is the Loretto Chapel so special? Try thge 150-year-old stained glass windows and Italian gothic altar for starters. But the real draw is the mysterious staircase to the choir loft twenty-two feet above, with two 360-degree turns and no visible means of support, a design very innovative for its time and still perplexing experts today.
In the late 1800s a mysterious man came to the chapel looking for work and built the staircase after expert carpenters concluded that a staircase couldn't be built due to the small size of the chapel. Legend has it that the mysterious staircase-builder was none other than St. Joseph, the patron saint of carpenters.
So, what better way to celebrate the mysteries of love than in a chapel with a mysterious staircase?
Those looking to elope to Santa Fe are in luck, with a wedding package for just the two of you at the Chapel for $750 for an evening wedding lit by chapel candles.
Those couples looking for more elaborate weddings will want to check out the "Sant Chapelle" package which includes the minister, flowers, photography and a string quartet for $5,500.
Call for more information at 505-982-0092.
And, what's eloping or a wedding without a honeymoon? Our recommendation is La Fonda Hotel on the Plaza. The plaza is a great place to stay to experience all that Santa Fe has to offer. Call them at 1-800-523-5002 for more information.
Photo by Matt Howry
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mhowry/
One&Only Ocean Club
Paradise Island Bahamas
www.oneandonlyresorts.com
Self-coined as “the absolute pinnacle of luxury and service in The Bahamas”, One & Only Ocean Club certainly lives up to it. After undergoing a $100 million renovation and expansion in 2000, the property boasts opulent rooms and suites that offer awe-inspiring views of Paradise Island’s tranquil beaches, as well as three private 4,000 square foot villas featuring infinity-edge lap pools and landscaped gardens.
In addition to the luxury accommodations, The Ocean Club’s Dune Restaurant by renowned chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten marks a culinary delight set romantically on outdoor patios looking out to sea. Other amenities include full-service spa villas, water sports & recreation, tennis and a most impressive Ocean Club Golf Course created by famed pro golfer and course designer Tom Weiskopf.
Mandarin Oriental Miami
500 Brickel Key Drive
Miami FL
305.913.8383
momia-reservations@mohg.com
www.mandarinoriental.com/miami/
Mandarin Oriental, Miami is one of Americas finest hotels. Ideally located on prestigious Brickell Key, its deluxe, waterfront location perfectly befits the opulence youll find within.
The rooms and suites are sumptuous. The award-winning restaurants and bars are some of the finest in Miami. And our Spa, with its uninterrupted view of the bay, is one of the most beautiful in the world. No wonder the hotel is popular with celebrities and captains of industry alike.
The hotel is ideally situated and equipped for business and our extensive leisure facilities make it the perfect choice for a holiday in Miami. So whatever the purpose of your visit, why not take a little time to explore our site and view the luxury that awaits you. We hope you enjoy it
Cap Juluca
Anguilla British West Indies
www.capjuluca.com
Hailed as one of the most beautiful resorts in the world-Cap Juluca is the hallmark of elegance and sophistication.
The sprawling 179-acre property located on the British West Indies island of Anguilla is surrounded lush coral reefs and pristine beaches-creating ultimate paradise. It has received countless accolades for the uniqueness of its Moroccan architecture--luxurious rooms, suites and Moorish-style villas adorned in Caribbean motifs, and textured interiors.
In step with its tranquil nature, Cap Juluca offers its guests A-list spa rituals including massage lessons for couples. Guests that are interested in snorkeling can observe the rare, tropical fish found in the protected marine reserve, Little Bay, while on land, receive a guided horticultural tour of the resorts blossoming gardens. Tennis and croquet are played on the premises. The new Greg Norman designed 18-hole championship course is minutes away at the Temenos Golf Club. Golfing excursions to St. Martin or Nevis can be arranged, as well as day trips to neighboring islands.
Mandarin Oriental Riviera Maya, Mexico
Delivering an unrivaled experience of pleasure and exclusivity, Mandarin Oriental Riviera Maya, Mexico offers one of the most naturally glamorous settings in the world for your wedding. The hideaway resort is set on 36 secluded acres offering the ultimate sanctuary, where verdant tropical jungle meets pure white, pristine beach. You will find magnificent mangroves, crystal-clear lagoons and a spectacular cenote, a deep, freshwater reservoir sacred to the ancient Mayan that serves as the resorts centerpiece.
The resort design allows creative effects to make a visually stunning wedding. An outdoor terrace can be a theatrical scene with the night sky filled with stars and candlelight highlighting the lush greenery. At the end of the evening, after all the glamour and glitz, you can walk to the beach and relax together, listening to the peaceful lap of waves with the sand cooling your toes.
The 25,000-square-foot Spa at Mandarin Oriental Riviera Maya is an enchanting complex of contemplative space, where crisp lines and vibrant hues are soothed by natural colors and organic textures. A stunning vision of free-flowing space and contemporary design, it is an extraordinary enclave of rejuvenating experiences. The Spa has merged Mayan techniques and philosophies with those from the world over into a potent blend of treatments, ensuring an optimal wellness experience. The splendid riches of ancient Mayan philosophy, when harmoniously blended with Asian rooted healing rituals, create a force of great power and inspiration. Reserve simultaneous treatments in our VIP Couples Suite, this is the ideal wedding gift to yourselves.
With dining serving as a focus of the resorts innovation and imagination, a tantalizing selection of restaurants and bars excite the palate, accompanied by mesmerizing vistas of lagoons, mangroves and the calming ocean. Creative international cuisine is influenced by sophisticated Mexican fare at Ambar, the resorts signature restaurant; panoramic ocean views define Aguamarina, with its striking, ultra-modern, minimalist design colored with ocean blues, sleek silver and natural woods; the beachfront Ceviche Cha Cha Cha serves the catch of the day; healthy fare is found at the Caf Mayana, and the Lobby Lounge is a stylish retreat for afternoon drinks.
Other wedding locations try this link:
http://www.locationweddings.net/Location_Weddings.html
• Consider the marriage laws. Some locations in the US as well as some countries require more than just two people who want to get married before they let them say "I do." For example, a couple can go to Arizona, obtain their license and get married with no waiting period. But, if you're planning to elope or have a Wedding in Washington, DC, there is a five-day waiting period to receive your license, and the bride and groom must both be present to apply for a license.
In Massachusetts there is a three-day waiting period, but the couple can obtain a waiver by petitioning the court. And, in Colorado, where couples themselves may solemnize their own marriage if they apply to the County Courthouse, and cousins can marry each other, same-sex partners are not allowed to wed, although same-sex marriage is legal in Massachusetts, and civil unions of same-sex partners is legal in Vermont. You get the picture? Even in the U.S. you have to do your research to familiarize yourselves with marriage laws.
• Your budget. Another concern about the location is the cost of the wedding itself. Some locations are just more traditionally affordable than others. Traveling out of the country is going to cost you more in most cases then traveling to just another state. Take into consideration travel expenses (flying or driving) as well as the wedding-related expenses. In some cases it just makes sense to have an inexpensive elopement ceremony and spend the bulk of your wedding costs on the honeymoon.
• Does the location provide wedding planning help to you? If you're eloping that may be simply contacting a wedding officiant and having your ceremony on a public beach or park which allows ceremonies. However, if you're planning on a larger destination wedding ceremony with family and friends, you may need help coordinating everything. If you can spare the money and want fewer headaches, go with a resort which offers wedding planning services.
****RATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE***** PLEASE CHECK WITH VENUES ********
Georgia Mountain Wedding Location Top Inn & Resort in Pine Mountain, Georgia:
For your Georgia mountain wedding. Mountain Top Inn & Resort is located in the middle of Roosevelt State Park, Georgia's largest state park with one of the best hiking trails in the Southeast. Located just one hour southwest of Atlanta and known as the gateway to Callaway Gardens, Pine Mountain has become one hot wedding location.
Nestled among the oak trees, the Mountain Top Inn & Resort wedding chapel was made for weddings, and includes a separate bride and groom's dressing room in the rear of the chapel. Constructed of Georgia Pine and natural rock, the wedding chapel features stained glass windows, magnolia floral decorations and soft candlelight, and can accommodate up to 100 guests. (For smaller, more intimate outdoor weddings, you may also want to consider their Gazebo, which is only steps away from the Chapel. The Gazebo is also perfect for wedding photos.)
There are several different wedding packages available, from small Chapel and Gazebo packages starting from $450 to the Full Wedding Package starting from $3,625.00 which includes:
Chapel
Gazebo
Minister (couples can supply own officiate)
Flower Package, which includes bride's bouquet and groom's boutonnière
Photo Package - 30 4X6 photos on a CD or printed taken before, during and after wedding
3 camera DVD of the ceremony & reception
Reception in the Reception Center, with first 40 guests included in the price ($10 per person additional)
Bride and groom's Wedding Cake
Brides gift box which include toasting glasses
Rehearsal
If you wish, you can have the full wedding package with 2-nights lodging for $3,975.00 for Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, and $4,475.00 for Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Area attractions include:
Roosevelt State Park
Callaway Gardens
Warm Springs, GA
FDR's Little White House
Roosevelt Stables
Contact Information:
Mountain Top Inn & Resort
P.O. Box 147
Pine Mountain, GA 31822
Local: 706-663-4719
Toll Free: 800-533-6376
mountaintopinnga.com
There are a few wineries in Colorado this is one of them. Grand Junction, Colorado is a nice beautiful wine country wedding. The Wine Country Inn, located near Grand Junction in Palisade, Colorado's first wine-themed hotel, situated in the middle of 21 acres of vines.
If you decide to have your wedding at the Inn, you can choose from several different sites on the property, from the outdoor Pavilion among the vines, a landscaped courtyard, the Vineyard Ballroom, or several smaller sites for more intimate ceremonies. For your reception, you can have the Chef create any type of event you want, from a formal dinner to a more casual hors d'oeuvres reception. And, before or after the wedding, you and your guests will have many opportunities for wine tastings, as the Inn is adjacent to two wineries and a short drive to many more.
The area around Grand Junction is truly an outdoor lover's paradise. For hikers, you have the awesome Grand Mesa National Forest, the world's largest flat top mountain, dotted with hundreds of lakes. Grand Junction is also located at the confluence of the Gunnison and Colorado Rivers, a dream location for rafters and kayakers.
For more information on having your wedding at the Wine Country Inn, you can call 970-464-5777, or email them at inquiries@coloradowinecountryinn.com. Their website is located at ColoradoWineCountryInn.com
Devil’s Thumb Ranch
3530 County Road 83
Tabernash,CO
Devil's Thumb Ranch is west of Denver, offering a 2,900 square foot barn with views of the Continental Divide for your "I do" moment. The Broad Axe Barn was built with wood recovered form a Civil War-era barn in Indiana, and accommodates up to 140 perople. For those seekign a smaller, more intimate wedding space, they also offer the Timber House, which can accommodate up to 30 people, and offering views of the Continental Divide as well.
Devil's Thumb Ranch is a perfect Colorado Destination wedding location, affording you and your guests numerous activities to keep everyone happy: hiking, snow shoeing, cross-country skiing, fly fishing, raft trips on the Colorado Rive, as well as their own Ranch Creek Spa, which offers body soaks, scrubs and wraps, massages, facials and foot and hand treatments.
You can get more info on hosting your wedding at Devil's Thumb Ranch by calling 800-933-4339, emailing them at www.devilsthumbranch.com, or by going to their website at Devilsthumbranch.com.
While searching around for Caribbean wedding packages recently I came across this little gem at Bolongo Bay Beach Resort on St. Thomas Island in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
If you're thinking of eloping, or wanting a small intimate wedding with the two of you and a few family members and friends, then you might want to consider the "Barefoot on the Beach Wedding" package for $1,000 which includes:
Wedding planning services
Clergy for ceremony
Bottle of champagne
2 keepsake flutes
Bolongo Bay bride & groom t-shirts
witnesses
They also offer another small wedding package which features a sunset ceremony aboard a Catamaran. This package costs $3,000 and includes the following:
2-hour wedding cruise
Wedding planning services
Clergy for ceremony
1 hour with a professional photographer
Wedding photo album
Bouquet & boutonniere
Fresh vegetable crudités
Assorted cheese & fruit tray
Open bar including champagne
The Catamaran cruise wedding package accommodates up to 20 people, with additional guests costing $55 per person. The Catamaran holds 49 people.
Bolongo Bay hotel is located on the beach on St. Thomas, which is a U.S. Virgin Island, which means U.S. citizens don't need passports. They offer work out room with exercise equipment, as well as a water-sports center, with complimentary use of kayaks, sunfish sailboats, windsurfers, aqua tri-cycles, swim mats and snorkel equipment to their hotel guests. Their freshwater pool has a swim-up bar. For more information regarding wedding packages, you can email weddings@bolongobay.com.
Lake Las Vegas Resort and Casino Wedding Package
Las Vegas is a hugely popular wedding destination. But, when most people think of a Vegas wedding, they either think of those little cheap wedding chapels, or an expensive resort on the Strip. Lake Las Vegas Resort and Casino is a little different. It's in Henderson, Nevada - close enough to the Strip, but also close to the beautiful Lake Mead National Recreation Area. This gives you and your guests ample things to do, from gambling in the casinos to taking in nature.
Lake Las Vegas Resort and Casino surrounds a 320-acre private lake, and offers lakeside lodging, as well as two world-class golf courses. They offer several different wedding packages, but this one for a small wedding celebration really caught my eye. It's for small weddings up to 20 guests, for $3,250.00, and includes:
Two night's one bedroom lake view accommodations
Use of Celebration Plaza Gazebo, Town Heart Courtyard, or Grand Gardens ceremony venue
Chair Rental up to 20 guests
Non-denominational wedding Officiant
One hour rehearsal with Officiant
Wedding Planning Service
Pre-recorded ceremony music
Bride's Color Choice of: Brides 12-Rose hand-tied satin ribbon bouquet, Groom's Boutonniere, Maid of Honor 5-Rose Bouquet, Best Man's Boutonniere, 4 bags of rose petals
Professional Staff Photographer
24-Wedding Photos on CD Format
First Dance
Champagne & flutes
They also offer a wedding package for up to 40 guests, and a wedding package up to 150 guests. For more information call 866-399-2747 or email jkgreen@intrawest.com
White Mountains of New Hampshire Wedding Spot
New Hampshire is dotted with quaint and lovely bed and breakfasts perfect for an intimate wedding. So, which one do you choose? Here's one that specializes in small weddings from just the two of you on up to 80 people. But, what it has that many others don't are year-round stables. And that means a grand entrance on a white horse or a romantic carriage ride any time of the year.
Farm By the River Bed and Breakfast with Stables
2555 West Side Rd.
North Conway, NH
Just two miles from the village of North Conway (near the Maine border), the Farm By The River sits on 70 acres in the Mt. Washington Valley of the White Mountains of New Hampshire. It's a great location for the outdoor enthusiast, no matter your passion:
downhill skiing
cross-country skiing
horseback riding
hiking
snowmobiling
mountain climbing
ice climbing
For winter weddings you can have an intimate ceremony of up to 20 people, performed in front of the fireplace. Larger weddings (up to 80 people) can take place in the warmer months in the garden. A Justice of the Peace is conveniently located on site (for an additional fee), and you can customize any wedding package with:
champagne
flowers
wedding cake
chocolates
carriage or sleigh ride
dinner package
For those of you looking for an elopement package, they have that as well. Priced at $700 (Fall foliage and holiday prices are a bit higher), the just-for-two package includes:
3 night stay in a super deluxe room with two-person whirlpool tub and fireplace
king or queen bed with mountain views
full patio/fireside breakfast each morning
complimentary sleigh ride/carriage ride for two or two horseback rides (weather permitting)
complimentary bottle of champagne
small cake and flowers
For more information please visit them at farmbytheriver.com. You can also email them at info@farmbytheriver.com, or reach them by phone at 1-888-414-8353.
Montana Destination Wedding Location
Izaak Walton Inn
290 Izaak Walton Inn Road
Essex Montana
The Izaak Walton Inn is located in Essex, Montana, right on the edge of Glacier National Park, and perfect for those couples who enjoy the outdoors.
Built in 1939 by the Great Northern Railroad, and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Izaak Walton Inn has racked up quite a few awards in recent years:
Voted by Sunset Magazine as one of the top ten 2008 "Spring Flings"
Named by Snow Country Magazine as "best cross country ski resort" in the Mountain Region, 2003
Izaak Walton Inn is situated in an area which affords couples and their guests the best the Glacier National Park area has to offer:
Whitewater rafting
Backcountry skiing
Cross-country skiing
Hiking
The Izaak Walton Inn boasts 33 rooms which can accommodate up to 101 guests, including 4 authentic cabooses used as "caboose cabins." And, yes, there is a "honeymoon caboose."
For your wedding, you have several different locations at the inn to choose from, including the Frank Krshka Outdoor Pavilion, which is a large open-air covered pavilion with raised cobblestone area; the Signal Room, which is an indoor facility; and the Fireside Lobby, for more intimate weddings.
For more information you can go to their website at: IzaakWaltonInn.com; email them at: stay@izaakwaltoninn.com; or call them at: 406-888-5700
Honolulu Wedding Packages for a Lovely Beach Wedding
The New Otani Kaimana Beach Hotel
2863 Kalakaua Ave Honolulu, HI
Tel: (808) 923-1555
Located 9 miles from the Honolulu International Airport, The New Otani Kaimana Beach Hotel is located on the shore of Kaimana Beach, at the far end of historic Waikiki.
Other than being a beautiful, ocean-front venue for a wedding, the Kaimana property also has some interesting history behind it. In the early 1900s, the site used to be the home of a prominent Honolulu family, and also contained a hau tree, under which sat none other than Robert Louis Stevenson. The original home is gone, replaced by the hotel, but the tree remains.
The Kaimana offers two very affordable wedding packages, one called the "Let's Be Together" wedding package ($1,320), which includes 2 nights ocean front room, and the "Families United by Marriage" wedding package ($1,730), which includes an ocean suite for the whole family. Both packages also include:
>>Ceremony in the Sans Souci Room or the Imperial Lanai
>>Non-denominational minister
>>(2) Fresh flower leis
>>Chilled bottle of champagne for toasting
>>Fresh pineapple welcome amenity
You can call them at 808-921-7016 or email them at hawaiianwedding@kaimana.com. for more information.
Paradise Cove
Located at the Ko Olina Resort on the leeward coast of Oahu, Paradise Cove is one of the largest luau shows in Hawaii, with 12 ocean-front acres.
You have three choices for locations at Paradise Cove: Paradise Cove Beach; Imu Gardens with an ocean backdrop; and The Point, surrounded by the Pacific Ocean and Waianae Mountains. They offer two wedding packages, Package A for $1,470 and Package B for $1,365. Too bad the beauty of the location didn't inspire a more creative package name than A or B The only difference between the packages is that Package A includes a deluxe Luau package for the wedding couple. Both Packages include:
>>One-way limousine transfer from Waikiki
>>Non-denominational minister or officiant
>>Hawaiian seasonal lei for the wedding couple
>>One tier wedding cake
>>Bottle of champagne or sparkling cider for toasting
>>Two keepsake champagne flutes
The ceremony for both packages is 1 hour. Paradise Cove will also help with your reception, with catering and entertaining. You can get more info by emailing events@paradisecove.com.
For more information on weddings on Hawaii, particularly waterfall weddings and how to plan a Hawaiian wedding, you can also go to our website pages at Weddings on Hawaii and Weddings on Maui .
Florida Private Island Resort for Your Wedding
It's the Little Palm Island Resort & Spa, a private island resort, which has been listed among the top resorts in the world by Condé Nast Traveler and Travel+Leisure magazine. Oh, and it also has won numerous other awards, including receiving a Spa Finder Magazine's Reader's Choice Award, and considered The Best Hotel Suite by Zagat survey in 2006. Not shabby.
Now, is it all-inclusive. Rate includes complimentary valet parking, boat transfers to and from the island, all watersport amenities including kayaks and small motor boats, concierge service, fitness center, a welcome bottle of champagne, and all non-alcoholic beverages throughout your stay. You may also choose a plan which includes your three meals, which would make it all-inclusive. You can also choose a plan where your meals are a la carte.
They have many different wedding packages available, from simply hosting your ceremony (which includes a ceremony for just the two of you, for all you eloping couples out there), to weddings up to 40 people.
Little Palm Island Resort & Spa looks simply gorgeous. The hard part would be deciding among the different locations at the resort to have your wedding: the white sandy beach, the tropical Zen Garden, their Sunset Dock, or their harbor-view Palapa Point gazebo. You can find more information by emailing weddings@littlepalmisland.com
Have a look for yourself at Little Palm Island.
Another Florida Spot
In addition to Club Med Sandpiper, there's also the Amelia Island Plantation, located at 6800 First Coast Highway on Amelia Island, Florida. The resort offers 72 holes of championship golf, 3 1/2 miles of beach, a spa, 23 clay tennis courts, and more.
According to their website, the all-inclusive package includes:
* Choice of spacious accommodations
* Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner in nearly all of their reataurants (excludes alcohol, room service, PLAE and Member Clubhouse)
* Unlimited greens fees on Oak Marsh, Ocean Links or Amelia River (formerly Royal Amelia) with cart and practice balls prior to play. Advance tee times (including arrival and departure days) may be booked at the time room reservations are confirmed
* Unlimited tennis court time; use of ball machine and round robins
* Use of Health & Fitness Center (workout room, whirlpool, sauna, steam room, lap pool and lockers)
* Beach chairs and umbrellas
* Nature Tours on property (excludes kayaking and Segways)
* Fishing rods and reels for surf fishing
* Beach Towels at Beach Club
* Bicycles (single speed)
You can find more by going to their website at aipfl.com. Among their awards are:
***AAA Four Diamond Resort 27 Consecutive Years
***Condé Nast Traveler- 2004 Gold List: The Reserve
***Travel & Leisure T & L 500- “Ultimate Guide to the Greatest Hotels in the World” – 2004
Santa Fe WeddingLove the southwest? Then a Santa Fe wedding should be on your destination wedding short list.
Some favorite wedding venues in Santa Fe include:
Georgia O'Keeffee Museum
217 Johnson Street
Hyde park Lodge
740 Hyde Park Road
JW Eaves Movie Ranch
105 Rancho Allegre Road
But, our favorite is the Loretto Chapel, located at 207 Old Santa Fe Trail. (We'll talk about other Santa Fe wedding venues in future posts).
The Loretto Chapel was recently showcased on the Style Network's series "Married Away," and is host to more than 200 weddings a year.
Built in 1878, the Loretto Chapel was modeled after Sainte-Chapelle in Paris, and has consistently been named "the best place to get married" by the Santa Fe Reporter's "Best of Santa Fe."
Why is the Loretto Chapel so special? Try thge 150-year-old stained glass windows and Italian gothic altar for starters. But the real draw is the mysterious staircase to the choir loft twenty-two feet above, with two 360-degree turns and no visible means of support, a design very innovative for its time and still perplexing experts today.
In the late 1800s a mysterious man came to the chapel looking for work and built the staircase after expert carpenters concluded that a staircase couldn't be built due to the small size of the chapel. Legend has it that the mysterious staircase-builder was none other than St. Joseph, the patron saint of carpenters.
So, what better way to celebrate the mysteries of love than in a chapel with a mysterious staircase?
Those looking to elope to Santa Fe are in luck, with a wedding package for just the two of you at the Chapel for $750 for an evening wedding lit by chapel candles.
Those couples looking for more elaborate weddings will want to check out the "Sant Chapelle" package which includes the minister, flowers, photography and a string quartet for $5,500.
Call for more information at 505-982-0092.
And, what's eloping or a wedding without a honeymoon? Our recommendation is La Fonda Hotel on the Plaza. The plaza is a great place to stay to experience all that Santa Fe has to offer. Call them at 1-800-523-5002 for more information.
Photo by Matt Howry
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mhowry/
One&Only Ocean Club
Paradise Island Bahamas
www.oneandonlyresorts.com
Self-coined as “the absolute pinnacle of luxury and service in The Bahamas”, One & Only Ocean Club certainly lives up to it. After undergoing a $100 million renovation and expansion in 2000, the property boasts opulent rooms and suites that offer awe-inspiring views of Paradise Island’s tranquil beaches, as well as three private 4,000 square foot villas featuring infinity-edge lap pools and landscaped gardens.
In addition to the luxury accommodations, The Ocean Club’s Dune Restaurant by renowned chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten marks a culinary delight set romantically on outdoor patios looking out to sea. Other amenities include full-service spa villas, water sports & recreation, tennis and a most impressive Ocean Club Golf Course created by famed pro golfer and course designer Tom Weiskopf.
Mandarin Oriental Miami
500 Brickel Key Drive
Miami FL
305.913.8383
momia-reservations@mohg.com
www.mandarinoriental.com/miami/
Mandarin Oriental, Miami is one of Americas finest hotels. Ideally located on prestigious Brickell Key, its deluxe, waterfront location perfectly befits the opulence youll find within.
The rooms and suites are sumptuous. The award-winning restaurants and bars are some of the finest in Miami. And our Spa, with its uninterrupted view of the bay, is one of the most beautiful in the world. No wonder the hotel is popular with celebrities and captains of industry alike.
The hotel is ideally situated and equipped for business and our extensive leisure facilities make it the perfect choice for a holiday in Miami. So whatever the purpose of your visit, why not take a little time to explore our site and view the luxury that awaits you. We hope you enjoy it
Cap Juluca
Anguilla British West Indies
www.capjuluca.com
Hailed as one of the most beautiful resorts in the world-Cap Juluca is the hallmark of elegance and sophistication.
The sprawling 179-acre property located on the British West Indies island of Anguilla is surrounded lush coral reefs and pristine beaches-creating ultimate paradise. It has received countless accolades for the uniqueness of its Moroccan architecture--luxurious rooms, suites and Moorish-style villas adorned in Caribbean motifs, and textured interiors.
In step with its tranquil nature, Cap Juluca offers its guests A-list spa rituals including massage lessons for couples. Guests that are interested in snorkeling can observe the rare, tropical fish found in the protected marine reserve, Little Bay, while on land, receive a guided horticultural tour of the resorts blossoming gardens. Tennis and croquet are played on the premises. The new Greg Norman designed 18-hole championship course is minutes away at the Temenos Golf Club. Golfing excursions to St. Martin or Nevis can be arranged, as well as day trips to neighboring islands.
Mandarin Oriental Riviera Maya, Mexico
Delivering an unrivaled experience of pleasure and exclusivity, Mandarin Oriental Riviera Maya, Mexico offers one of the most naturally glamorous settings in the world for your wedding. The hideaway resort is set on 36 secluded acres offering the ultimate sanctuary, where verdant tropical jungle meets pure white, pristine beach. You will find magnificent mangroves, crystal-clear lagoons and a spectacular cenote, a deep, freshwater reservoir sacred to the ancient Mayan that serves as the resorts centerpiece.
The resort design allows creative effects to make a visually stunning wedding. An outdoor terrace can be a theatrical scene with the night sky filled with stars and candlelight highlighting the lush greenery. At the end of the evening, after all the glamour and glitz, you can walk to the beach and relax together, listening to the peaceful lap of waves with the sand cooling your toes.
The 25,000-square-foot Spa at Mandarin Oriental Riviera Maya is an enchanting complex of contemplative space, where crisp lines and vibrant hues are soothed by natural colors and organic textures. A stunning vision of free-flowing space and contemporary design, it is an extraordinary enclave of rejuvenating experiences. The Spa has merged Mayan techniques and philosophies with those from the world over into a potent blend of treatments, ensuring an optimal wellness experience. The splendid riches of ancient Mayan philosophy, when harmoniously blended with Asian rooted healing rituals, create a force of great power and inspiration. Reserve simultaneous treatments in our VIP Couples Suite, this is the ideal wedding gift to yourselves.
With dining serving as a focus of the resorts innovation and imagination, a tantalizing selection of restaurants and bars excite the palate, accompanied by mesmerizing vistas of lagoons, mangroves and the calming ocean. Creative international cuisine is influenced by sophisticated Mexican fare at Ambar, the resorts signature restaurant; panoramic ocean views define Aguamarina, with its striking, ultra-modern, minimalist design colored with ocean blues, sleek silver and natural woods; the beachfront Ceviche Cha Cha Cha serves the catch of the day; healthy fare is found at the Caf Mayana, and the Lobby Lounge is a stylish retreat for afternoon drinks.
Other wedding locations try this link:
http://www.locationweddings.net/Location_Weddings.html
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Celebrate The 7 Days of Valentine's
Start today and enjoy the week::: Happy Valentine's Day:
Day 1 - Light a candle at dinner
Day 2- Gift a pair of tickets to a movie, show or game
Day 3- Write three short love poems to say how you feel
Day 4- Fly four balloons, proclaiming "I love you"
Day 5- Give five favorite flowers or recorded sons
Day 6 - Sweeten Valentine's with six chocolate hearts
Day 7 - Enjoy a celebration you both will remember
Day 1 - Light a candle at dinner
Day 2- Gift a pair of tickets to a movie, show or game
Day 3- Write three short love poems to say how you feel
Day 4- Fly four balloons, proclaiming "I love you"
Day 5- Give five favorite flowers or recorded sons
Day 6 - Sweeten Valentine's with six chocolate hearts
Day 7 - Enjoy a celebration you both will remember
Sunday, February 1, 2009
New Website
We promised you a new look and its has been created take a moment to view our website:
www.GalaAffairsByAtUrBest.com
www.GalaAffairsByAtUrBest.com
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Relationships
All relationships blossom into loving relationships when people decide to share instead of trying to change each other. If you make a mistake by doing or saying something that is hurtful or damaging to the relationship. Having a good relationship means having the energy to enjoy getting out and doing things together. We all want to be loved and have a happy and long-lasting relationship with a person that we care about. Know that both romantic love and the power struggle are not the destination, but are stages on the road to 'real love'.
Relationships are based on Interactions
Whatever happens between two human beings is the expression of a certain equilibrium established soon after they first meet, and subject only to periodic changes. These changes rarely alter the structure of the relationship; they are mainly modifications or shifting of methods. Within every relationship there is sharing. The personal sharing of hopes, wishes, dreams, desires, emotional feelings, pains, frustrations, and fears. A marriage relationship is a catalyst for the sharing of love. The sharing in our relationships works on us from the inside out. Because we humans struggle with selfishness, our relationships require us to give of ourselves, sharing our most precious asset, which is our time. In order to love we must share, our relationships infuse otherness, and teach us that sharing is caring.
Love as an Emotion
Is love, like fear, an emotion with a purpose? There are certainly many general prejudices against this idea. We have been taught from early childhood that love is what happens to an individual when he meets the “right” object of his devotion. With every sharing action of love, there is a reaction to that love. The reaction, comes from it’s reception, but that reaction is not always positive and it may not venture any return. Remember the phrase; give without any strings attached? Well, sharing in relationships often requires us to share without any strings attached. We give because we love, we share because we care. In the love of the sharing itself is the gift, when you share love in any form, you should experience that joy. In fact, if you are a true lover, you should feel that joy deep in your soul, it should tickle your heart.
Sharing In Relationships
The word sharing in relationships is not intended for use with the motivation to acquire anything. It’s not about what you get in return for what you have shared or given. Sharing in relationships gives without expecting reciprocation for any loving activity. The action of sharing shows the intentions of caring and the love expressed through otherness. You can’t express love with selfish intentions. This does not say that if one partner is sharing, that the other partner should just sitting around in receiving mode, that too is selfish. It is saying that just because you give or share something does not mean that you should expect or require any kind of reciprocation. Both partners should be sharing in their relationship, that is how the love flows between them. Sharing in relationships should be because both partners want to be better lovers, and because they want their spouse to know how much they care about them.
Sharing shows caring, and expresses appreciation for the receptions through love. When someone shares something with you, such as a meal, gratitude is often expressed in a verbal form. In order to express meaningful gratitude, one must have felt the feelings that are part of true appreciation. You see that someone cared enough to share with you and you allow your feelings to appreciate it. When you feel love at that level, you want to share your appreciation for it. This is a response to sharing that accepts the love given, enjoys it, and with love, reciprocates appreciation. It shares back of it’s own loving desire, not because of any requirement. It is true that many people voice gratitude without really meaning it, so what? A lover is a planter of love, not of self centered motivations.
The Major Elements of a Satisfactory Marriage
The studies of ordinary workable marriages in middle-class society indicate that many different patterns of marital relations appear to function successfully. There is no one way for two people to relate in order to have a satisfactory marriage, but the following elements appear to be common to the various patterns. A marriage relationship is intended to be the deepest form of sharing, sharing in communication, sharing of material items, sharing a home or residence, and the sharing of ourselves both emotionally and intimately. All this sharing is meant to develop a ever deepening permanent bond between partners and to encourage us to become better lovers.
Sparkle and Shine in 2009 - Shimmering, shining sequins
From the runway to the red carpet of the American Music Awards, sequined eveningwear has already proven to be the way to celebrate New Year’s. Tony Bowls’ new collections offer sparkling styles for all body types in a myriad of colors and formality.
Visit http://www.tonybowls.com/ to view the entire new collection.
Tips for Wedding Planning
Once you have established your budget and your checklist, it's time to make it real! If funds are in place, you can probably make your dream come true with six months' lead time, possibly less (and possibly more, depending on the complexity of your affair).
Below, tips for the planning. If you are not your own wedding planner, may this advice empower you to keep your wedding planner on track and working in your best interests.EnvisionMeditate on the style and overall tone and energy you want for your day.
High formality? Offbeat elegance? Casual chic?Play Dress-up! If you are going to have a bridal party, give your hoped-for attendants plenty of advance notice, laying out your expectations of them, so that they will have ample time and information to think it over before they commit. And don't assume that just because you ask they will -- or should -- say yes.
Next, the guest list. How large a guest list are you comfortable with? Two hundred? Fifty? Whatever your number, list all the couples and then all the singles, adding "+1" because no one wants to attend a wedding alone. (For heaven's sake, if you really want your single friends to come, allow them to bring a guest!) If you choose to include children in your celebration, make special plans for them. Have a separate child-friendly menu and special entertainment, possibly in another room. Make it so that the kids can be kids.
Location, Location, Location!The Where often determines the When. The ballroom you have in mind may be booked on your first-choice wedding date -- or perhaps it is available but the church you desire is not. It's important to secure your location as soon as possible to increase the likelihood of having your celebration on your first- or second-choice day.Yes, You Can but . . . May You?Find out if any element of your wedding requires a permit. And don't forget that marriage license! Most states no longer require a blood test, and a license can usually be obtained in one to three days. Keep in mind that some marriage licenses will expire if not filed within thirty days. So be sure to read all the fine print.
Book Your Vendors Contract with all the individuals and establishments you need to make everything on your checklist happen, from caterer, florist, and DJ to photographer and make-up artist. Do not dawdle. To secure top talent, you may need to book the person six months or more in advance.
Remember, never, ever sacrifice quality for quantity. If necessary, scale back the scope of your wedding to get the best professionals your pocketbook will allow. Organize ItPurchase a three-ring binder with indexable dividers, a pack (or two) of three-hole paper, and a pack (or two) of sheet protectors. Devote one section to each component of your wedding, from "Bridal Attire," "Ceremony," "Reception," and "Stationery" on and on to "Et Cetera, Et Cetera" and "Budget."Use the lined paper in each section to log all communications, decisions, and transactions on items.
Use sheet protectors for the following:• Clippings and photographs of elements you'd like incorporated in your gown (the neckline of one couture gown; the bell sleeves of another, for example), your wedding cake, the reception space, and other aspects of the celebration. • Correspondence, estimates, invoices, and other vendor-related paperwork. Having a paper trail on everything is a must!
Budget CheckEvery time you make a decision, reconcile your budget.Make That Call to Attend!The standard mail date for invitations is at least six weeks before the wedding. For save-the-date cards, at least six months.
Make Your Gift Wish List If you are comfortable having a gift registry, plan on giving it a full day, as it is very time-consuming. Fortunately, many retailers now offer scanners so you can easily select items for your registry.
However, you must still comb each department to personally select your preferences. Also, most retailers offer a limited online registry. But please do not insert gift registry instructions inside your wedding invitations. I believe that your guests should still have the freedom to buy you whatever they would like for your wedding.
I always keep wedding registry information on hand for my clients, and most guests will call and ask. The only exception is when you are asking guests not to bring a gift. And for heaven's sake, don't even think about asking for monetary gifts . . . poor taste!
Reprinted from Weddings Valentine Style: Rich Inspiration for Every Woman's Dream Day by Diann Valentine with Tonya Bolden.
Below, tips for the planning. If you are not your own wedding planner, may this advice empower you to keep your wedding planner on track and working in your best interests.EnvisionMeditate on the style and overall tone and energy you want for your day.
High formality? Offbeat elegance? Casual chic?Play Dress-up! If you are going to have a bridal party, give your hoped-for attendants plenty of advance notice, laying out your expectations of them, so that they will have ample time and information to think it over before they commit. And don't assume that just because you ask they will -- or should -- say yes.
Next, the guest list. How large a guest list are you comfortable with? Two hundred? Fifty? Whatever your number, list all the couples and then all the singles, adding "+1" because no one wants to attend a wedding alone. (For heaven's sake, if you really want your single friends to come, allow them to bring a guest!) If you choose to include children in your celebration, make special plans for them. Have a separate child-friendly menu and special entertainment, possibly in another room. Make it so that the kids can be kids.
Location, Location, Location!The Where often determines the When. The ballroom you have in mind may be booked on your first-choice wedding date -- or perhaps it is available but the church you desire is not. It's important to secure your location as soon as possible to increase the likelihood of having your celebration on your first- or second-choice day.Yes, You Can but . . . May You?Find out if any element of your wedding requires a permit. And don't forget that marriage license! Most states no longer require a blood test, and a license can usually be obtained in one to three days. Keep in mind that some marriage licenses will expire if not filed within thirty days. So be sure to read all the fine print.
Book Your Vendors Contract with all the individuals and establishments you need to make everything on your checklist happen, from caterer, florist, and DJ to photographer and make-up artist. Do not dawdle. To secure top talent, you may need to book the person six months or more in advance.
Remember, never, ever sacrifice quality for quantity. If necessary, scale back the scope of your wedding to get the best professionals your pocketbook will allow. Organize ItPurchase a three-ring binder with indexable dividers, a pack (or two) of three-hole paper, and a pack (or two) of sheet protectors. Devote one section to each component of your wedding, from "Bridal Attire," "Ceremony," "Reception," and "Stationery" on and on to "Et Cetera, Et Cetera" and "Budget."Use the lined paper in each section to log all communications, decisions, and transactions on items.
Use sheet protectors for the following:• Clippings and photographs of elements you'd like incorporated in your gown (the neckline of one couture gown; the bell sleeves of another, for example), your wedding cake, the reception space, and other aspects of the celebration. • Correspondence, estimates, invoices, and other vendor-related paperwork. Having a paper trail on everything is a must!
Budget CheckEvery time you make a decision, reconcile your budget.Make That Call to Attend!The standard mail date for invitations is at least six weeks before the wedding. For save-the-date cards, at least six months.
Make Your Gift Wish List If you are comfortable having a gift registry, plan on giving it a full day, as it is very time-consuming. Fortunately, many retailers now offer scanners so you can easily select items for your registry.
However, you must still comb each department to personally select your preferences. Also, most retailers offer a limited online registry. But please do not insert gift registry instructions inside your wedding invitations. I believe that your guests should still have the freedom to buy you whatever they would like for your wedding.
I always keep wedding registry information on hand for my clients, and most guests will call and ask. The only exception is when you are asking guests not to bring a gift. And for heaven's sake, don't even think about asking for monetary gifts . . . poor taste!
Reprinted from Weddings Valentine Style: Rich Inspiration for Every Woman's Dream Day by Diann Valentine with Tonya Bolden.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Happiness Is Controlling YOUR Guest-List!
Many, many folks who are getting married live by the philosophy that they’ll just invite “everyone” to their weddings because the majority won’t show. Well, that philosophy can get you in big trouble, because what if they do?
Weddings that take place in “hot” spots around the country like South Florida in winter, for example, tend to attract tourists and wedding guests, who jump at the opportunity to turn a wedding invitation into a mini-vacation.
The solution is simple:
* Invite only the number of guests that you can afford to invite. If you can afford 100 guests, send out 50 invitations (Note: most people come in couples.) We’ll call this your “A list”.
People who make the A list should include immediate family members; extended family members (aunts, uncles, and cousins if applicable); your bridal party with dates and spouses; your officiant with spouse (if not a paid officiant).
* People that didn’t make the A List, you’ll place on the “B list”.
The B list is composed of your closest friends, family friends, and business associates (who must be invited). The top 50 on your lists will receive invitations. All others you’ll transfer to a “C list”.
* You now mail 50 invitations, which invite 100 guests to your wedding. When you get a negative response, send out an invitation from your C list until your quota is full.
Once it is, you’ll send no more invitations. 100 people have been invited and 100 people have responded that they are attending. Your budget—and peace of mind—remain intact.
The remaining people on the C list are sent announcements, mailed the day after the wedding.
Happy Wedding Planning!
Article provided by AAWP
Weddings that take place in “hot” spots around the country like South Florida in winter, for example, tend to attract tourists and wedding guests, who jump at the opportunity to turn a wedding invitation into a mini-vacation.
The solution is simple:
* Invite only the number of guests that you can afford to invite. If you can afford 100 guests, send out 50 invitations (Note: most people come in couples.) We’ll call this your “A list”.
People who make the A list should include immediate family members; extended family members (aunts, uncles, and cousins if applicable); your bridal party with dates and spouses; your officiant with spouse (if not a paid officiant).
* People that didn’t make the A List, you’ll place on the “B list”.
The B list is composed of your closest friends, family friends, and business associates (who must be invited). The top 50 on your lists will receive invitations. All others you’ll transfer to a “C list”.
* You now mail 50 invitations, which invite 100 guests to your wedding. When you get a negative response, send out an invitation from your C list until your quota is full.
Once it is, you’ll send no more invitations. 100 people have been invited and 100 people have responded that they are attending. Your budget—and peace of mind—remain intact.
The remaining people on the C list are sent announcements, mailed the day after the wedding.
Happy Wedding Planning!
Article provided by AAWP
Friday, January 2, 2009
Wedding Color of the Year - Pantone's Mimosa
I've been telling you that yellow is a great wedding color for several years, but 2009 might just be the best year for yellow ever. Pantone, one of the leading global authorities on color, has named "mimosa" its top color of the year.
This highly saturated color is filled with sunshine and optimism so it's perfect for your happy wedding day. But, it's also easy for it to become overwhelming and jarring. Here are a few ways to incorporate this color tastefully: ...read more.
More Topics
Bridal Showers and Engagement Parties
Wedding Locations and Destination Weddings- The Place for Your Wedding
Your Wedding Ceremony - Orders of Service, Vows, Readings and More
Wedding Photography
Celebrity Weddings - Read all about Celebrity Wedding Details
A Library of Wedding Readings
Wedding Themes and Styles
Cheap Wedding Tip #15 - Wedding Photography
I've already given you one cheap wedding tip on how to save money on your wedding photography. But here's one I like even more. If you've got a wedding photographer that you just love, but whose fee is considerably more than you've budgeted, ask them about a "Day After Session." Though the name implies that it takes place immediately the day after your wedding, it's actually seldom the case. It's just a weekday, either before or after the wedding, that you and your spouse-to-be dress up in your wedding finery and have an extra photo session. When I considered this as a cost-saving option at my wedding, a "day after session" was only about 20% of their regular wedding rate.
But how does this extra session save you money? Since you know you'll have great portraits, you can use a budget photographer for the day of the wedding. Keep in mind that you'll have the extra expense of doing your hair and makeup, as well as the possibility of needing to get your dress and/or tuxedo cleaned. But it can be a great way to get some excellent photography at a budget price.
What Are Your New Year's Resolutions?
Every year, people resolve to lose 50 pounds, save lots of money, quit smoking, and other well-meaning but rarely completed promises. While I'd love for everyone to get healthy both physically and fiscally, there are some resolutions that you might actually complete, and will help you have a fabulous wedding. Here are my suggestions for New Year's Resolutions for those who are engaged: ...read more.
"You may finish reading the article on About.com"
In The Spotlight - Is Provided by About.com "Wedding Section" is posted by Nina Callaway.
Monday, December 29, 2008
Congratulations Are In Order
To A New Life Together,
I know there are some very happy couples going into the New Year, why because you received that beautiful diamond, sappire, ruby, topaz or whatever your favorite setting is for your engagement ring.
I know with all the celebrating and of lets not forget New Years' Eve you are anxious to start working on your plans for your Wedding Day. If you didn't get engaged on Christmas or New Years', don't worry we still have Valentine's Day ( I have a lot of suggestions for that day so don't even worry). lol....
Here are a few suggestions you would like to start with first:
The biggest part of starting the preparations for your wedding:::
REMEMBER THIS WILL BE A STRESSFUL EVENT: (If you know you do not like to be stressed, HIRE A WEDDING PLANNER) put that on the top of your list.....
MAKE A BUDGET: STICK TO THAT BUDGET:
Sit down with all parties that are contributing to help pay for your wedding.
Have engagement portraits taken.
Place your engagement announcement in the newspaper.
Mail out invitations and announcements.
Decide on the mens’ wedding attire.
Arrange and plan your rehearsal dinner.
Purchase your wedding day accessories.
Arrange attendants' parties.
Book a beverage caterer for the reception and make selections.
Prepare accommodations for out-of-town attendants and guests.
Consider a hairdresser and/or makeup artist and book appointments.
Finalize all honeymoon plans.
I know there are some very happy couples going into the New Year, why because you received that beautiful diamond, sappire, ruby, topaz or whatever your favorite setting is for your engagement ring.
I know with all the celebrating and of lets not forget New Years' Eve you are anxious to start working on your plans for your Wedding Day. If you didn't get engaged on Christmas or New Years', don't worry we still have Valentine's Day ( I have a lot of suggestions for that day so don't even worry). lol....
Here are a few suggestions you would like to start with first:
The biggest part of starting the preparations for your wedding:::
REMEMBER THIS WILL BE A STRESSFUL EVENT: (If you know you do not like to be stressed, HIRE A WEDDING PLANNER) put that on the top of your list.....
MAKE A BUDGET: STICK TO THAT BUDGET:
Sit down with all parties that are contributing to help pay for your wedding.
8 TO 12 Months Before the Wedding:
Select a wedding date and time.
Decide the type of wedding you would like to have (size, formality, and setting).
Begin your guest list.
Consider possible color schemes.Explore pre-marital counseling.
Select your professional: photographer, caterer, consultant, music, etc.
Shop together for your wedding rings.
Decide upon your budget.
Determine who will pay what expenses.
Book your wedding location(s).
Choose your attendants.
Select dress and headpiece, and set a date for fittings and delivery.
Select your bridesmaids' dresses and accessories.
Give thought to your honeymoon location.
5 to 8 Months :
Check the requirements for marriage license.
Select and discuss your color schemes with the florist and/or balloonist of choice.
Again consider pre-marital counseling.
Reserve your wedding day rental equipment (tables, chairs, china, silverware, gazebo, etc.).
Decide upon a gift registry and select your gift choices.
Begin your record of gifts received.
Send thank you notes as soon as possible.
Order your invitations and related stationary needs.
Start shopping for the mens’ wedding attire.
3 to 5 Months:
Finalize your guest list.
Decide upon and order your favors.
Select your baker, then choose your cake, groom’s cake, and mints.
Help both mothers coordinate and find their wedding day clothing.
Review your written agreements forms with all of your professionals (photographer, caterer, D.J., site coordinator, transportation, etc.).
2 to 3 Months :
Have engagement portraits taken.
Place your engagement announcement in the newspaper.
Mail out invitations and announcements.
Decide on the mens’ wedding attire.
Arrange and plan your rehearsal dinner.
Purchase your wedding day accessories.
Arrange attendants' parties.
Book a beverage caterer for the reception and make selections.
Prepare accommodations for out-of-town attendants and guests.
Consider a hairdresser and/or makeup artist and book appointments.
Finalize all honeymoon plans.
2 to 4 Weeks:
Final wedding dress fitting.
Final fitting for your wedding attendants.
Obtain marriage license.
Have your attendants' parties.
Purchase your going-away outfit.
Draw a map to direct your guests to the site(s), if necessary.
Create a calendar of events for the wedding day.
Make sure your accessories are in order (rings, pillow, garter, etc.)
1 to 2 Weeks :
Finalize arrangements with the entertainer(s) and provide a list of music you would like played during special events such as first dance, garter removal and bouquet toss.
Pick up your wedding rings and make sure that the engravings are correct and they fit properly. Contact the guests who have not responded to your invitations. 1 to 7 Days
Make sure your marriage license is in order.
Prepare seating arrangements, if necessary.
Purchase travelers checks, confirm honeymoon reservations.
Pack your baggage for your honeymoon.
Have your wedding ceremony rehearsal.
Instruct your wedding party on what you would like them to do on the day of the wedding.
Have your rehearsal dinner.
Make sure all wedding attire fits properly.
Give the best man the amount the professionals are to be paid on the day of the wedding. Inform your caterer of the total guest count.
Confirm out-of-town guests have transportation and sleeping accommodations.
Check with your florist and/or balloonist to make sure they will arrive when scheduled.
Your Wedding Day:
Relax, enjoy yourself, and remain calm! Allow at least two hours for dressing.
Allow plenty of time to apply your makeup and style your hair.
If professionals are doing your hair and/or makeup, ask them in advance how much time they will need.If photographs are to be taken before the ceremony, allow at least one and one-half hours.
Remember to bring the rings and marriage license.
Seat guests as they arrive. The groom’s parents should be seated about 5 minutes before start time, the mother of the bride is normally seated last.
Take a deep breath, don't worry, and SMILE!
Saturday, December 13, 2008
The 7 Steps to Happily Ever After
The 7 Steps to Happily Ever After
Step 1: Find a shared dream for your life together.
It's easy to get caught up in the small stuff of married life: What's for dinner tonight? Whose turn is it to clean the litter box? Did you pay the electric bill? But the best partners never lose sight of the fact that they're working together to achieve the same big dreams. "Successful couples quickly develop a mindfulness of 'us,' of being coupled," says REDBOOK Love Network expert Jane Greer, Ph.D., a marriage and family therapist in New York City. "They have a shared vision, saying things like, 'We want to plan to buy a house, we want to take a vacation to such-and-such a place, we like to do X, we think we want to start a family at Y time.'"
Step 2: Ignite (and reignite) a sexual connection.
In any good relationship, sex is way more than just a physical act. It's crucial for the health of your emotional connection, too: It's something only the two of you share; it makes you both feel warm and loved; it draws you back together when you're drifting apart. And did I mention that it's a whole lot of fun?
Striking up those sparks when you first meet is easy. Nurturing a strong, steady flame? That's the hard part. When you've got a mortgage, a potbelly, and a decade or two of togetherness under your belts, it can be hard to muster up the fire you felt when you first got together. That's when it's even more important to protect your sex life and make it a priority. "You have to keep working to create allure and seduction for each other or your sex life will become lackluster," Greer points out. "Who wants the same turkey sandwich over and over? You want it on whole wheat! On toast! As turkey salad! On a roll!" (And now I will imagine my husband covered with Russian dressing. Thanks, Dr. Greer.)
As the years go by, you'll keep revisiting and realigning and reimagining the passion you have for each other. And if you keep at it, you'll have a sex life that transcends your marriage's lack of newness, the stresses of family and work, the physical changes that come with aging. Now that's something worth holding on to.
Step 3: Choose each other as your first family.
For years, you were primarily a member of one family: the one in which you grew up. Then you got married, and suddenly you became the foundation of a new family, one in which husband and wife are the A-team. It can be tough to shift your identity like this, but it's also an important part of building your self-image as a duo (and maybe, eventually, as three or four or...).
Step 4: Learn how to fight right.
"Fighting is the big problem every couple has to deal with," says Daniel B. Wile, Ph.D., a psychologist and couples therapist in Oakland, CA, and author of After the Fight. That's because fights will always come up, so every couple needs to learn how to fight without tearing each other apart.
Fighting right doesn't just mean not throwing produce; it means staying focused on the issue at hand and respecting each other's perspective. Couples that fight right also find ways to defuse the tension, says Wile — often with humor. "Whenever one of us wants the other to listen up, we mime hitting the TV remote, a thumb pressing down on an invisible mute button," says Nancy, 52, an event producer in San Francisco. "It cracks us up, in part because it must look insane to others." Even if you fight a lot, when you can find a way to turn fights toward the positive — with a smile, a quick apology, an expression of appreciation for the other person — the storm blows away fast, and that's what matters.
Step 5: Find a balance between time for two and time for you.
Jonathan and I both work at home. This frequently leads to murderous impulses. Though I'm typing away in the bedroom and he's talking to his consulting clients in our small home office, most days it really feels like too much intimacy for me.
But that's my bias. When it comes to togetherness, every couple has its own unique sweet spot. "There are couples that are never apart and there are couples that see each other only on weekends," Greer says. With the right balance, neither partner feels slighted or smothered. You have enough non-shared experiences to fire you up and help you maintain a sense of yourself outside the relationship — not to mention give you something to talk about at the dinner table. But you also have enough time together to feel your connection as a strong tie rather than as a loose thread.
Your togetherness needs will also change over time, so you'll have to shift your balance accordingly. "My husband and I spend a lot of time together, but it's almost all family time," says Katie, 40, a mom of two in San Leandro, CA. "We realized a few months ago that we hadn't had a conversation that didn't involve the kids or our to-do lists in ages, so we committed to a weekly date. We were so happy just to go to the movies and hold hands, something we hadn't done in ages. It felt like we were dating again!"
Step 6: Build a best friendship.
Think about the things that make your closest friendships irreplaceable: the trust that comes with true intimacy, the willingness to be vulnerable, the confidence that the friendship can withstand some conflict. Don't those sound like good things to have in your marriage, too?
"Happy couples are each other's haven," says Holland. "They can count on the other person to listen and try to meet their needs." Greer adds, "When you're true friends, you acknowledge and respect what the other person is; you don't try to control or change them. This creates a sense of safety and security when you're together — you know you're valued for who you are and you see the value in your partner."
Then there's the way, when you've been with someone a while, that you become almost a mind reader. You have a shared history and inside jokes. Your guy knows what you'll find funny, you forward him links to articles you know he'll enjoy, and best of all, you two can make eye contact at a given moment and say volumes without opening your mouths. And is there anything more pleasurable than sharing the newspaper with someone? Sitting in companionable silence, absorbed in your respective reading, sipping coffee, occasionally reading something out loud, but mostly just lazing happily together, communing without needing to speak? Ahh....
Step 7: Face down a major challenge together.
You're sailing along through life, and suddenly you hit a huge bump. A serious illness. Unemployment. The loss of a home. A death in the family. How do you cope?
The truth is, you never know how strong your relationship is until it's tested. All too often, the stress of a crisis can pull a couple apart. But the good news is, when you do make it through in one piece, you might just find yourselves tighter than ever.
"What didn't happen to us?" says Daryl, 28, a preschool teacher in Harrisburg, PA. "My husband lost his job and took a minimum-wage job he was way overqualified for just to make ends meet. He was offered a better job in a mountain town outside San Diego, so we moved. Then during the California wildfires several years ago, our house burned down and we lost everything. We were living in a one-room converted garage with no running water and a newborn. But we found that this chaos somehow brought us even closer together. We took turns losing it. We really kept each other sane."
Hey, marriage is no roll in the hay. It's tough, real work. But the reward, the edifice you build together that will shelter you through years of tough times, is more than worth the effort. The small, friendly cottage you build — decorated with your shared history and stories, filled with color and laughter — will be the warmest and safest retreat you can imagine.
Reprinted with permission of Hearst Communications, Inc.
Step 1: Find a shared dream for your life together.
It's easy to get caught up in the small stuff of married life: What's for dinner tonight? Whose turn is it to clean the litter box? Did you pay the electric bill? But the best partners never lose sight of the fact that they're working together to achieve the same big dreams. "Successful couples quickly develop a mindfulness of 'us,' of being coupled," says REDBOOK Love Network expert Jane Greer, Ph.D., a marriage and family therapist in New York City. "They have a shared vision, saying things like, 'We want to plan to buy a house, we want to take a vacation to such-and-such a place, we like to do X, we think we want to start a family at Y time.'"
Step 2: Ignite (and reignite) a sexual connection.
In any good relationship, sex is way more than just a physical act. It's crucial for the health of your emotional connection, too: It's something only the two of you share; it makes you both feel warm and loved; it draws you back together when you're drifting apart. And did I mention that it's a whole lot of fun?
Striking up those sparks when you first meet is easy. Nurturing a strong, steady flame? That's the hard part. When you've got a mortgage, a potbelly, and a decade or two of togetherness under your belts, it can be hard to muster up the fire you felt when you first got together. That's when it's even more important to protect your sex life and make it a priority. "You have to keep working to create allure and seduction for each other or your sex life will become lackluster," Greer points out. "Who wants the same turkey sandwich over and over? You want it on whole wheat! On toast! As turkey salad! On a roll!" (And now I will imagine my husband covered with Russian dressing. Thanks, Dr. Greer.)
As the years go by, you'll keep revisiting and realigning and reimagining the passion you have for each other. And if you keep at it, you'll have a sex life that transcends your marriage's lack of newness, the stresses of family and work, the physical changes that come with aging. Now that's something worth holding on to.
Step 3: Choose each other as your first family.
For years, you were primarily a member of one family: the one in which you grew up. Then you got married, and suddenly you became the foundation of a new family, one in which husband and wife are the A-team. It can be tough to shift your identity like this, but it's also an important part of building your self-image as a duo (and maybe, eventually, as three or four or...).
Step 4: Learn how to fight right.
"Fighting is the big problem every couple has to deal with," says Daniel B. Wile, Ph.D., a psychologist and couples therapist in Oakland, CA, and author of After the Fight. That's because fights will always come up, so every couple needs to learn how to fight without tearing each other apart.
Fighting right doesn't just mean not throwing produce; it means staying focused on the issue at hand and respecting each other's perspective. Couples that fight right also find ways to defuse the tension, says Wile — often with humor. "Whenever one of us wants the other to listen up, we mime hitting the TV remote, a thumb pressing down on an invisible mute button," says Nancy, 52, an event producer in San Francisco. "It cracks us up, in part because it must look insane to others." Even if you fight a lot, when you can find a way to turn fights toward the positive — with a smile, a quick apology, an expression of appreciation for the other person — the storm blows away fast, and that's what matters.
Step 5: Find a balance between time for two and time for you.
Jonathan and I both work at home. This frequently leads to murderous impulses. Though I'm typing away in the bedroom and he's talking to his consulting clients in our small home office, most days it really feels like too much intimacy for me.
But that's my bias. When it comes to togetherness, every couple has its own unique sweet spot. "There are couples that are never apart and there are couples that see each other only on weekends," Greer says. With the right balance, neither partner feels slighted or smothered. You have enough non-shared experiences to fire you up and help you maintain a sense of yourself outside the relationship — not to mention give you something to talk about at the dinner table. But you also have enough time together to feel your connection as a strong tie rather than as a loose thread.
Your togetherness needs will also change over time, so you'll have to shift your balance accordingly. "My husband and I spend a lot of time together, but it's almost all family time," says Katie, 40, a mom of two in San Leandro, CA. "We realized a few months ago that we hadn't had a conversation that didn't involve the kids or our to-do lists in ages, so we committed to a weekly date. We were so happy just to go to the movies and hold hands, something we hadn't done in ages. It felt like we were dating again!"
Step 6: Build a best friendship.
Think about the things that make your closest friendships irreplaceable: the trust that comes with true intimacy, the willingness to be vulnerable, the confidence that the friendship can withstand some conflict. Don't those sound like good things to have in your marriage, too?
"Happy couples are each other's haven," says Holland. "They can count on the other person to listen and try to meet their needs." Greer adds, "When you're true friends, you acknowledge and respect what the other person is; you don't try to control or change them. This creates a sense of safety and security when you're together — you know you're valued for who you are and you see the value in your partner."
Then there's the way, when you've been with someone a while, that you become almost a mind reader. You have a shared history and inside jokes. Your guy knows what you'll find funny, you forward him links to articles you know he'll enjoy, and best of all, you two can make eye contact at a given moment and say volumes without opening your mouths. And is there anything more pleasurable than sharing the newspaper with someone? Sitting in companionable silence, absorbed in your respective reading, sipping coffee, occasionally reading something out loud, but mostly just lazing happily together, communing without needing to speak? Ahh....
Step 7: Face down a major challenge together.
You're sailing along through life, and suddenly you hit a huge bump. A serious illness. Unemployment. The loss of a home. A death in the family. How do you cope?
The truth is, you never know how strong your relationship is until it's tested. All too often, the stress of a crisis can pull a couple apart. But the good news is, when you do make it through in one piece, you might just find yourselves tighter than ever.
"What didn't happen to us?" says Daryl, 28, a preschool teacher in Harrisburg, PA. "My husband lost his job and took a minimum-wage job he was way overqualified for just to make ends meet. He was offered a better job in a mountain town outside San Diego, so we moved. Then during the California wildfires several years ago, our house burned down and we lost everything. We were living in a one-room converted garage with no running water and a newborn. But we found that this chaos somehow brought us even closer together. We took turns losing it. We really kept each other sane."
Hey, marriage is no roll in the hay. It's tough, real work. But the reward, the edifice you build together that will shelter you through years of tough times, is more than worth the effort. The small, friendly cottage you build — decorated with your shared history and stories, filled with color and laughter — will be the warmest and safest retreat you can imagine.
Reprinted with permission of Hearst Communications, Inc.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Happy Holidays
Greetings Everyone,
In lieu of the holiday season we want to wish everyone Happy Holidays....
no matter what you believe in or how you celebrate your time do it with family and friends and in a postive atmosphere.
For our past readers as you probably notice just like our New President Elect has stated a change has come. Well we have done some changes ourselves we have changed our name to Gala Affairs By AtUrBest. There will also be new changes on our new website.
We want to thank all our readers old and new and no matter what you believe in never let your spirit be pulled down by the negative people. Never let one person dictate how you should live your life.
I want to take this time to also tell you about Networking in these times there are a lot of wonderful, hard working individuals who are experiencing a great deal of lay offs. I would like you to take the time to view ETP Network - Empowering Today's Professional. This is the following link... take a few minutes to view the site.. www.etpnetwork. com
Things which matter most must never be at the mercy of things which matter least,"--Goethe
In lieu of the holiday season we want to wish everyone Happy Holidays....
no matter what you believe in or how you celebrate your time do it with family and friends and in a postive atmosphere.
For our past readers as you probably notice just like our New President Elect has stated a change has come. Well we have done some changes ourselves we have changed our name to Gala Affairs By AtUrBest. There will also be new changes on our new website.
We want to thank all our readers old and new and no matter what you believe in never let your spirit be pulled down by the negative people. Never let one person dictate how you should live your life.
I want to take this time to also tell you about Networking in these times there are a lot of wonderful, hard working individuals who are experiencing a great deal of lay offs. I would like you to take the time to view ETP Network - Empowering Today's Professional. This is the following link... take a few minutes to view the site.. www.etpnetwork. com
Things which matter most must never be at the mercy of things which matter least,"--Goethe
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Red Wedding Invitations for the Holidays
The holidays are a festive and fun time of year when families get together to celebrate so it makes it a perfect time for a wedding. While a holiday wedding may leave you with plenty of choices in terms of themes, one of the best ones if you want to add some dramatic color to the event is a red theme.
Red Wedding Invitations Set the Tone
If you love the idea of a red theme for your wedding, then you’ll want to start off with invitations that set the tone. If your wedding will be a more formal affair, then you might want to consider the Red Celebration Jacket Invitations with their elegant black bow. For more semiformal occasions, the Floral Rhapsody Column Layered Invitations might be a good choice while the Red Riva Wraps Invitations would work for even casual weddings.
Article provide by www. MyExpression.com
Remember, your invitations introduce the theme and set the mood for your wedding so choose invitations that reflect both.
Other Ways of Adding Red to Your Wedding
Adding red to your wedding isn’t nearly as hard as you might think. Start with your wedding flowers. Choose flowers that come in vibrant red colors, such as roses and tulips. Both silk and real versions can be used in moderation because their color is so rich you don’t need much to make a big impression.
With your wedding dress, you can add red accents to pull your look into the rest of theme. For example, add a red sash to your gown, wear ruby jewelry, have red flowers in your hair, dye your shoes and handbag red, or carry a bouquet of red flowers. If you want to keep your look all white, then choose red dresses for your bridal party. Make sure the groom and his attendants wear red cummerbunds, ties, and handkerchiefs as well.
At the reception, make sure you add some red color to your wedding cake. Your cake designer can add read or sugar flowers to the cake. If you want to go even further, you could choose a red velvet wedding cake or a red filling, such as strawberry, cherry, or raspberry.
Make sure to use your red decorations sparingly at the reception though. Too much red can be overpowering. Instead, use the red items as accents to another color, such as white or black. You might use red linen napkins, red flowers or balloons for centerpieces, or red streamers to decorate.
If you’re giving guests a small gift, consider small bags of fiery cinnamon candy hearts or candy wrapped in red foil. Another idea might be a red candle.
Just remember that any theme you choose needs to be carried throughout all of the elements of your wedding.
Monday, October 13, 2008
Holiday Weddings: Getting Married On A Memorable Day
With so many different types of holidays throughout the year, choosing a theme for holiday weddings is pretty simple. And basing your theme on these particular days makes it easier to select the types of decorations, flowers, favors, and overall scheme colors that you'll be using. .
Please be aware that vendor prices, and location fees will most often cost a lot more than if your wedding is held on any other day. Also, Christmas, Valentine's Day, and New Years are extremely popular for holiday weddings, so you need to book all vendor services and locations far, far in advance.
Some brides may opt for a Christmas winter wedding. It's the season of joy, after all, and what better way to celebrate than with a promise of eternal love!
Beware, however, planning your winter wedding too close to the Christmas holidays, some venues will be booked for office parties. On the upside, your venue will probably already be decorated for the holidays, so there's great savings on lights & decorations if you're planning on a Christmas theme.
The Christmas wedding takes special planning, but the fun and special memories that result are definitely worth all the early planning. Be sure to send out your invitations as early as possible so that friends and relatives can plan to attend your wedding during what may be a very busy holiday season.
Besides the Christmas theme of ruby reds and emerald greens, also consider the traditional winter wonderland theme in shades of dark and icy blues, or build your decorating theme around a white wedding — complete with artifical snow, silver snowflakes, and stunning white flowers such as tulips, gardenias or calla lillies
1. Christmas Ornaments - Grab some clear glass Christmas Ornaments and fill them up with whatever you like. Use small rose buds, plastic berries, or other festive filler. Another thought is to make a printout of your names and wedding date, and include it on the inside of the clear ornament. Then simply tie a ribbon with your colors around the top. This is also a great way to add some color to your tables.
Please be aware that vendor prices, and location fees will most often cost a lot more than if your wedding is held on any other day. Also, Christmas, Valentine's Day, and New Years are extremely popular for holiday weddings, so you need to book all vendor services and locations far, far in advance.
Some brides may opt for a Christmas winter wedding. It's the season of joy, after all, and what better way to celebrate than with a promise of eternal love!
Beware, however, planning your winter wedding too close to the Christmas holidays, some venues will be booked for office parties. On the upside, your venue will probably already be decorated for the holidays, so there's great savings on lights & decorations if you're planning on a Christmas theme.
The Christmas wedding takes special planning, but the fun and special memories that result are definitely worth all the early planning. Be sure to send out your invitations as early as possible so that friends and relatives can plan to attend your wedding during what may be a very busy holiday season.
Besides the Christmas theme of ruby reds and emerald greens, also consider the traditional winter wonderland theme in shades of dark and icy blues, or build your decorating theme around a white wedding — complete with artifical snow, silver snowflakes, and stunning white flowers such as tulips, gardenias or calla lillies
1. Christmas Ornaments - Grab some clear glass Christmas Ornaments and fill them up with whatever you like. Use small rose buds, plastic berries, or other festive filler. Another thought is to make a printout of your names and wedding date, and include it on the inside of the clear ornament. Then simply tie a ribbon with your colors around the top. This is also a great way to add some color to your tables.
2. Candy Canes - Candy canes wrapped with ribbons and a romantic verse are another great idea. You can also scatter miniature candy canes on the table for snacking and to add some color, or leave larger ones around the table at each place setting as a place card, or both.
3. Christmas Stockings - This is a more complicated idea, but again the possibilities are endless. You can buy sets of plain Christmas stockings at craft stores and use glitter glue to attach each guests name. Fill the stockings with whatever you like, candies, oranges, thank you cards for their attendance are just a few ideas. Drape them across the side of each chair as a place setting.
4. Christmas Cookies - Make some sugar cookies, or have a friend do it, and use cookie cutters in shapes of Christmas trees, stockings or Santa's, and sprinkle with festive colored sugar or sprinkles. Leave one at each place setting as an after dinner treat.
5. Miniature Christmas Wreaths - Miniature Christmas wreaths can be purchsed at many craft stores, and definately make a statement! To decorate, buy some greenery or plastic berries and leave one at every place setting. This is a great idea if you are craftsy and have some experience.
Use your imagination with your wedding favors, you have a lot to work with if you are using a Christmas theme. Your guests will appreciate the homemade wedding favors and will have something to help decorate their homes and remember your wedding for years to come.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Get Ready It's Time For The Holidays
Last week I noticed while I was in one of the big chain stores that they had already had their Halloween, Thanksgiving and my goodness yes Christmas Items.
What I notice was the Halloween and Thanksgiving section was so small it might have had one aisle between the both. The Christmas aisle was a total of four aisle.
Never the less I will like to dedicate a couple of ideas for the up coming holidays for those that are interested in doing something.
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Halloween:
Autumn is the start of the holiday season and parties abound! Why not start it off with your own Halloween party? It could be a pumpkin carving party for Halloween, a party to usher in the month of October, a horror film viewing party, a child's Halloween party or one for adults only. Have a Halloween block party on the big night! There are so many opportunities to have fun at this time of year, why stop with one party? Make the most of October and have a great time! Start some Halloween traditions with friends and family! Get your imagination going. Whether it's ushering in October with a celebration, throwing a horror film fest, a pumpkin carving party, a Halloween baby shower or a good old Halloween costume party, or a Halloween Wedding (it has been done).
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THANKSGIVING:
Rich orange hues, chocolate browns, bright blossoms, and retro-mod patterns come together to create a decidedly chic & inviting atmosphere that's perfect for everything from special occasions to casual dinner parties with friends! Incorporating the fall color theme...
Use an orange tablecloth with multi-color napkins in autumn colors. Use earthenware dishes in different colors. For instance brown dinner plates, dark orange bowls and mustard colored salad plates. Scatter autumn leaves from your yard on the tablecloth. Decorate with dried gourds of different shapes, colors and sizes.
Invite your guests to help out. People know how much work goes into preparing a Thanksgiving meal, and can feel guilty for showing up at a home where hours of preparation have gone into a feast with no help. Ask them to bring a dish, assign someone to roll duty, to make wure there are plenty of hot ones available. Put someone in charge of dessert. And for dishes - EVERYONE is welcome! Make sure all the work doesn't get piled on one person - it should be a day of giving thanks for everybody! After everyone is seated, go around the table and have each person name something they are thankful for - the dig in!
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Christmas:
Christmas - a time to sing carols, adorn the poinsettia, hear the jingling of bells, make merry with friends and watch the light snow in some areas of the u.s. getting accumulated on the ground to form a natural white blanket. This is an occasion to celebrate togetherness, to hold a party and meet up with family and friends and greet them on this auspicious occasion. Each person wants to celebrate Christmas in an own special way.
Christmas Dinner :
This is the most crucial part of the Christmas party. Because, as you know, the Christmas dinner is the main event of the day for which the whole family gathers and eats together. Set out the dinner table with a white cloth which symbolizes high spirits and creates a soothing party aura. It can also be lighted with scented candles and fluorescent bulbs. If possible, a buffet should be laid out and menu should be planned according to the tastes and preferences of the guests and children. On Christmas Eve, people usually gorge on roasted turkey, roasted vegetables, stuffing, cranberry sauce, bread sauce, Christmas pudding (or plum pudding. The Christmas cake should always be served at the end of the dinner.
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Next Get Ready For New Years Eve
What I notice was the Halloween and Thanksgiving section was so small it might have had one aisle between the both. The Christmas aisle was a total of four aisle.
Never the less I will like to dedicate a couple of ideas for the up coming holidays for those that are interested in doing something.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Halloween:
Autumn is the start of the holiday season and parties abound! Why not start it off with your own Halloween party? It could be a pumpkin carving party for Halloween, a party to usher in the month of October, a horror film viewing party, a child's Halloween party or one for adults only. Have a Halloween block party on the big night! There are so many opportunities to have fun at this time of year, why stop with one party? Make the most of October and have a great time! Start some Halloween traditions with friends and family! Get your imagination going. Whether it's ushering in October with a celebration, throwing a horror film fest, a pumpkin carving party, a Halloween baby shower or a good old Halloween costume party, or a Halloween Wedding (it has been done).
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THANKSGIVING:
Rich orange hues, chocolate browns, bright blossoms, and retro-mod patterns come together to create a decidedly chic & inviting atmosphere that's perfect for everything from special occasions to casual dinner parties with friends! Incorporating the fall color theme...
Use an orange tablecloth with multi-color napkins in autumn colors. Use earthenware dishes in different colors. For instance brown dinner plates, dark orange bowls and mustard colored salad plates. Scatter autumn leaves from your yard on the tablecloth. Decorate with dried gourds of different shapes, colors and sizes.
Invite your guests to help out. People know how much work goes into preparing a Thanksgiving meal, and can feel guilty for showing up at a home where hours of preparation have gone into a feast with no help. Ask them to bring a dish, assign someone to roll duty, to make wure there are plenty of hot ones available. Put someone in charge of dessert. And for dishes - EVERYONE is welcome! Make sure all the work doesn't get piled on one person - it should be a day of giving thanks for everybody! After everyone is seated, go around the table and have each person name something they are thankful for - the dig in!
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Christmas:
Christmas - a time to sing carols, adorn the poinsettia, hear the jingling of bells, make merry with friends and watch the light snow in some areas of the u.s. getting accumulated on the ground to form a natural white blanket. This is an occasion to celebrate togetherness, to hold a party and meet up with family and friends and greet them on this auspicious occasion. Each person wants to celebrate Christmas in an own special way.
Christmas Dinner :
This is the most crucial part of the Christmas party. Because, as you know, the Christmas dinner is the main event of the day for which the whole family gathers and eats together. Set out the dinner table with a white cloth which symbolizes high spirits and creates a soothing party aura. It can also be lighted with scented candles and fluorescent bulbs. If possible, a buffet should be laid out and menu should be planned according to the tastes and preferences of the guests and children. On Christmas Eve, people usually gorge on roasted turkey, roasted vegetables, stuffing, cranberry sauce, bread sauce, Christmas pudding (or plum pudding. The Christmas cake should always be served at the end of the dinner.
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Next Get Ready For New Years Eve
Thursday, September 4, 2008
The Hispanic Professionals Networking Group of NY invites you to its
September networking event. When it comes to politics, Latinos are
playing key roles and gaining power in U.S. government positions. Our
September speaker is a leader with over 20 year career of passionate
activism and involvement in government and politics in New York,
including running for Manhattan Borough President in 2005.
Please join HPNG as we proudly welcome:
Mr. Carlos Manzano
Executive Director, Latin Media and
Entertainment Commission (LMEC)
City of New York
Carlos is the Executive Director of the Latin Media and Entertainment
Commission for the City of New York. In this capacity, he has developed
strategies and plans based on economic development, events, marketing,
public relations, and policy to meet the mission of making New York the
capital of Latin media and entertainment.
Previously, he served as an independent consultant and project manager
in information technology and marketing projects for businesses and
individuals; and Assistant Commissioner for the Beacons program at the
Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD).
I'll see you there!
-Ali
--------------------------------------
AGENDA
6:00 - 6:30 p.m. - Registration
6:30 - 7:30 p.m. - Speaker program
7:30 - 8:30 p.m. - Networking
* $15.00 pre-pay
* $20.00 at the door
CLICK HERE TO PRE-PAY
* Appetizers compliments of HPNG
* Cash Bar
-------------------------------------------------------
ABOUT
HPNG
HPNG holds monthly networking events to bring together Hispanic
professionals from every industry to make new contacts and to share and
exchange ideas.
September networking event. When it comes to politics, Latinos are
playing key roles and gaining power in U.S. government positions. Our
September speaker is a leader with over 20 year career of passionate
activism and involvement in government and politics in New York,
including running for Manhattan Borough President in 2005.
Please join HPNG as we proudly welcome:
Mr. Carlos Manzano
Executive Director, Latin Media and
Entertainment Commission (LMEC)
City of New York
Carlos is the Executive Director of the Latin Media and Entertainment
Commission for the City of New York. In this capacity, he has developed
strategies and plans based on economic development, events, marketing,
public relations, and policy to meet the mission of making New York the
capital of Latin media and entertainment.
Previously, he served as an independent consultant and project manager
in information technology and marketing projects for businesses and
individuals; and Assistant Commissioner for the Beacons program at the
Department of Youth and Community Development (DYCD).
I'll see you there!
-Ali
--------------------------------------
AGENDA
6:00 - 6:30 p.m. - Registration
6:30 - 7:30 p.m. - Speaker program
7:30 - 8:30 p.m. - Networking
* $15.00 pre-pay
* $20.00 at the door
CLICK HERE TO PRE-PAY
* Appetizers compliments of HPNG
* Cash Bar
-------------------------------------------------------
ABOUT
HPNG
HPNG holds monthly networking events to bring together Hispanic
professionals from every industry to make new contacts and to share and
exchange ideas.
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