Weddings where the bride becomes a celebrity are all the rage right now. Why be who you are when you can be someone else right? And why not make the most important promises you're going to make looking like someone you're not? Eek.
The other day I walked past a photographer's and there was a picture of a bride, hands on hip, big ol' bouquet of red roses in her hand, and a look that said "Don't mess with me." Really. Is that how you want to be remembered at your wedding?
Or how about those glazed smiles. Why not be happy, teary, ecstatic, overwhelmed, intense... all the things that you are at a wedding. Forget the shots that detail your cummerbund or your hair ornaments. Get the ones that capture your joy!
Why not do something that is going to help your marriage last? Why not take photos thinking about the things that make your relationship fabulous? Those expressions, whether viewed tomorrow or 20 years from now, are going to keep calling you back to how you felt when you got married.
Talk about your wedding ceremony: If you haven't had it yet, whisper how much you're looking forward to hearing your community's reaction to the things you have to say to one another. Or if your photographs are happening afterwards, talk about how awed you were to hear your community promise to support you. Your happiness will glow.
Tell your beloved what piece of underwear you just removed. The sudden intensity of your sweetie's gaze will be worthy of a couple shots.
Find a particularly powerful statement from your wedding vows and whisper it into your beloved's ear, started by the comment that: I can't believe that I get to:
Let yourself experience how incredibly happy you are. Say so. Shout it out! And then have your picture taken!
Be amazed at how it feels to have all your friends and family gathered. Think about who isn't there. Let yourself be just the slightest bit teary.
Warn your SweetPea not to get to tired or too drunk because you have a lovely treat for him/her in the room after the reception. Again, watch those eyes spark.
Allow yourself to feel just the tiniest bit smug that you are this happy.
Reminisce about what it felt like to stand at the end of the aisle and realize that you were about to make your wedding vows to one another.
Giggle about what went wrong in the ceremony. (something always does.)
Have your photographer take pictures of you having a wonderful time, anticipating and reliving the wedding ceremony and your marriage. That will create the most amazing pictures. And you will treasure them forever. And every time you look at one, you'll remember, that's when you told me about... that's when we laughed about... and you'll deepen your marriage with every viewing. That's a portrait worth having. Your photographer will be stunned at how fabulous your photos are. You? You'll be happily married with the pictures to prove it!
Bottom Line?: Give your relationship the chance it deserves to succeed wildly, against all odds! After all, you deserve it. Your relationship deserves it! There's a lot more info to help you create the wedding ceremony of your dreams, the wedding vows of your heart and the marriage of a lifetime over on my website: http://annkeelerevans.org And to help you create the wedding vows that will become the blueprint for your incredible, happily and healthily ever-after marriage, I'd like to invite you to sign up to receive 2 free wedding vow templates: http://annkeelerevans.org/weddings/free Go on! I dare you, be happy together!
The Rev. Ann Keeler Evans, The Wedding Priestess - helping you move from "I do" to happily and healthily ever after!
By Ann Keeler Evans
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Thursday, July 23, 2009
The Ins and Outs of Creating a Bridal Registry
What a Bridal Registry is:
A bridal registry is a way for brides and grooms to let their friends, family and coworkers – the wedding and bridal shower guests – know what their personal style, likes and dislikes are.
Why to Create a Bridal Registry:
Some brides and grooms choose not to create a bridal registry, claiming they would prefer their guests to choose unique and personal gifts. Without a bridal registry, guests are left in a precarious situation where they can either give money, which not everyone is comfortable with, or select a gift that may or may not be enjoyed by the bride and groom.
Furthermore, bridal registries are more of a help than a hindrance for your guest. You must remember that not every guest will intimately know the brides and grooms likes and dislikes. A bridal registry makes it easier for your guests because they can choose a gift, knowing that it is something you will enjoy.
When to Create a Bridal Registry:
Three to four months before your wedding is usually a good time for brides and grooms to register for their bridal registry. This leaves ample time before the bridal shower and wedding to get the word (of mouth) out about your bridal registry. If asked, you can tell others about your bridal registry, but in general leave it up to your immediate family and bridal party to pass the word around about the bridal registry or bridal registries.
If for some reason your bridal shower will be sooner though, register for your bridal registry earlier – a least a month beforehand. You may also choose to do it earlier if you are having an engagement party (again, create your bridal registry about one month before that event).
Where to Create a Bridal Registry:
Choosing one department store for your bridal registry is easy, as you can really create a one stop shopping experience for your guest. However, smaller specialty stores may better suit your likes and dislikes for the bridal registry.
Remember, you don’t have to choose just one store. Brides and grooms can create a bridal registry at several stores but keep it under four bridal registries – otherwise there are too many options for your guests and it can be overwhelming.
Stores including Linens N Things, Bed, Bath and Beyond, Williams-Sonoma, Pottery Barn, Crate and Barrel, Pier One and Macy’s all have bridal registries. In addition, you can create a bridal registry at some discounters like Target and higher end stores like Tiffany’s also have registries.
Choose stores you like to create bridal registries. Don’t choose a store just because it’s where you mom or sister registered – this is your bridal registry and it should reflect your personal style.
What to List on your Bridal Registry:
A bridal registry usually contains a selection of tabletop accessories like plates, china, glasses, crystal and flatware, in addition to bedding, bath accessories (towels, etc), and kitchen gadgets.
Take into account what you already own. If you have a great blender and a fabulous set of dishes, then don’t register for those items. Also consider that your tastes may change over time. Although you might not be the dinner party type right now, that could change in a few years and registering for items that will help you with that later is a great idea.
Also, be sure to include plenty of items on your registry so that they is enough for guests to choose from. You also might want to check the registry a few weeks before the wedding and add additional items, if a lot has been purchased.
Written by Sarah Caron
A bridal registry is a way for brides and grooms to let their friends, family and coworkers – the wedding and bridal shower guests – know what their personal style, likes and dislikes are.
Why to Create a Bridal Registry:
Some brides and grooms choose not to create a bridal registry, claiming they would prefer their guests to choose unique and personal gifts. Without a bridal registry, guests are left in a precarious situation where they can either give money, which not everyone is comfortable with, or select a gift that may or may not be enjoyed by the bride and groom.
Furthermore, bridal registries are more of a help than a hindrance for your guest. You must remember that not every guest will intimately know the brides and grooms likes and dislikes. A bridal registry makes it easier for your guests because they can choose a gift, knowing that it is something you will enjoy.
When to Create a Bridal Registry:
Three to four months before your wedding is usually a good time for brides and grooms to register for their bridal registry. This leaves ample time before the bridal shower and wedding to get the word (of mouth) out about your bridal registry. If asked, you can tell others about your bridal registry, but in general leave it up to your immediate family and bridal party to pass the word around about the bridal registry or bridal registries.
If for some reason your bridal shower will be sooner though, register for your bridal registry earlier – a least a month beforehand. You may also choose to do it earlier if you are having an engagement party (again, create your bridal registry about one month before that event).
Where to Create a Bridal Registry:
Choosing one department store for your bridal registry is easy, as you can really create a one stop shopping experience for your guest. However, smaller specialty stores may better suit your likes and dislikes for the bridal registry.
Remember, you don’t have to choose just one store. Brides and grooms can create a bridal registry at several stores but keep it under four bridal registries – otherwise there are too many options for your guests and it can be overwhelming.
Stores including Linens N Things, Bed, Bath and Beyond, Williams-Sonoma, Pottery Barn, Crate and Barrel, Pier One and Macy’s all have bridal registries. In addition, you can create a bridal registry at some discounters like Target and higher end stores like Tiffany’s also have registries.
Choose stores you like to create bridal registries. Don’t choose a store just because it’s where you mom or sister registered – this is your bridal registry and it should reflect your personal style.
What to List on your Bridal Registry:
A bridal registry usually contains a selection of tabletop accessories like plates, china, glasses, crystal and flatware, in addition to bedding, bath accessories (towels, etc), and kitchen gadgets.
Take into account what you already own. If you have a great blender and a fabulous set of dishes, then don’t register for those items. Also consider that your tastes may change over time. Although you might not be the dinner party type right now, that could change in a few years and registering for items that will help you with that later is a great idea.
Also, be sure to include plenty of items on your registry so that they is enough for guests to choose from. You also might want to check the registry a few weeks before the wedding and add additional items, if a lot has been purchased.
Written by Sarah Caron
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Wedding Fashion for Men
As the supporting role next to your leading lady, you'll need to make sure your wedding day attire is nothing less than Oscar-worthy. Of course, there are many things to consider before selecting the perfect style. Time of day and season are crucial factors, as are theme and location.
Below are five Men's wedding fashion trends for this upcoming fall, suitable for a formal, casual, or outdoor event.
The White Wedding
Throughout fashion history the white tie tuxedo has been dubbed the extreme elegance in men's formal wear. Although white is not a typical color worn in fall, it does seem fitting for a winter wonderland themed wedding or perfect against the backdrop of thick sheets of snow. For an updated take on this classic look, try a vest instead of a cummerbund, it will look more slimming and look less dated.
Shop Joseph & Feiss's White Two Button Notch Lapel by Men's Wearhouse and Bella Luna Collection Vest & Euro Tie in White.
The Double Breasted Suit
You can thank Tom Ford and Gucci for the reincarnation of the modern, double-breasted suit. The revamped silhouette has gone from an American box-cut to a more sliming look, with broader shoulders and a slim waist. Look for a double-breasted suit with a "Kent" cut, a style named after The Prince George, Duke of Kent. His infamous suit included a longer lapel line that extended into the waist, instantly adding height and a flattering slimmer waist.
Try Emporio Armani's double-breasted jacket in lightweight raffia, emporioarmani.com
The Monochromatic Man
A monochromatic color scheme looks clean and sleek and yet adds just a touch of modern sophistication. For a casual or daytime event a charcoal suit is completely appropriate over a tone-on-tone shirt set, such as a gray oxford and a long platinum tie.
Get the look with a gray pin-striped suit, $525, by Kenneth Cole Reaction, kennethcole.com. Gray shirt, $250; tweed vest, $415; tweed tie, $125, by Band of Outsiders, bandofoutsiders.com. Metallic silver leather loafers, $480, by Cesare Paciotti, cesare-paciotti.com.
The Skinny Tie Affair
Below are five Men's wedding fashion trends for this upcoming fall, suitable for a formal, casual, or outdoor event.
The White Wedding
Throughout fashion history the white tie tuxedo has been dubbed the extreme elegance in men's formal wear. Although white is not a typical color worn in fall, it does seem fitting for a winter wonderland themed wedding or perfect against the backdrop of thick sheets of snow. For an updated take on this classic look, try a vest instead of a cummerbund, it will look more slimming and look less dated.
Shop Joseph & Feiss's White Two Button Notch Lapel by Men's Wearhouse and Bella Luna Collection Vest & Euro Tie in White.
The Double Breasted Suit
You can thank Tom Ford and Gucci for the reincarnation of the modern, double-breasted suit. The revamped silhouette has gone from an American box-cut to a more sliming look, with broader shoulders and a slim waist. Look for a double-breasted suit with a "Kent" cut, a style named after The Prince George, Duke of Kent. His infamous suit included a longer lapel line that extended into the waist, instantly adding height and a flattering slimmer waist.
Try Emporio Armani's double-breasted jacket in lightweight raffia, emporioarmani.com
The Monochromatic Man
A monochromatic color scheme looks clean and sleek and yet adds just a touch of modern sophistication. For a casual or daytime event a charcoal suit is completely appropriate over a tone-on-tone shirt set, such as a gray oxford and a long platinum tie.
Get the look with a gray pin-striped suit, $525, by Kenneth Cole Reaction, kennethcole.com. Gray shirt, $250; tweed vest, $415; tweed tie, $125, by Band of Outsiders, bandofoutsiders.com. Metallic silver leather loafers, $480, by Cesare Paciotti, cesare-paciotti.com.
The Skinny Tie Affair
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Theme Wedding Cake Ideas
Creating a great wedding theme? Make sure that every detail, right down to your cake, matches your theme. Whether your cake becomes the all out centerpiece of your reception or is just an elegant desert with simple decorative touches, adding a little bit of theme flair to your cake will take you a long way.
Nowadays, contemporary weddings don’t necessarily call for a “traditional” white wedding cake. You can feel free to create a fun cake which expresses your love for your fiancée and culminates your interests. Anything is possible, but remember to show class and style and try to match your cake to the theme of your wedding.
Once you have decided on the theme or decorations for you wedding, take a few minutes and consider how you can create a great look for your cake as well. Just remember to have fun, and avoid themes which may be offensive to some of your guests. Here are a few suggestions:
1) Romantic: Tiered with roses, traditional bride and groom topper and white icing. For extra dramatic effect, add a water fountain and trailing vines.
2)
Holiday
theme: For weddings taking place in winter or around Christmas time, add holly, mistletoe, pine trees, bows, snowflakes and ribbon. For Valentine’s Day weddings, heart and red and pink icing with roses and a bride and groom topper will work great! For Halloween themed weddings, a spooky haunted house cake or an elegant cake decorated with spider webs, fall leaves or candy would be fun.
3) Personalized theme: Add the colors of your wedding to your cake and match it to the color of your bridesmaid’s dresses. Also consider decorating with the same flowers as you have in your bouquet on the cake in icing.
4) Beach wedding: Adorn an elegant white tiered cake with seashells, starfish, seahorses and “sandy” airbrushing. Waves, bubbles, fish, ships and seaweed can also be added for a fun look.
"Article provided by Wendy O."
Monday, July 20, 2009
Featured Wedding Designer Adele Wechsler
Adele started out with distinctive designs that combined fine International laces and fabrics with luxurious yarns in silk, angora, mohair and cashmere. Her quality of work attracted women wanting distincive special occasion wear.
Her fabrics looked fabulous in shades of white and ivory. Her knit ensembles became popular for weddings. Adele had studied at the Natal Technikon in Durban, South Africa, which offered the finest design program in the country. After meeting her husband she joined him in Toronto, Canada. In 2002 Adele expanded her business in the US.
In 2007 Adele worked with Zulu artisans who produced the exquisite beading that adorned the HELLO AFRICA collection. Adele also created the ECO COUTURE bridal wear
as well...
We are feauring her HELLO AFRICA collection this week....
Her fabrics looked fabulous in shades of white and ivory. Her knit ensembles became popular for weddings. Adele had studied at the Natal Technikon in Durban, South Africa, which offered the finest design program in the country. After meeting her husband she joined him in Toronto, Canada. In 2002 Adele expanded her business in the US.
In 2007 Adele worked with Zulu artisans who produced the exquisite beading that adorned the HELLO AFRICA collection. Adele also created the ECO COUTURE bridal wear
as well...
We are feauring her HELLO AFRICA collection this week....
How to Choose Your Wedding Cake
Wedding Cakes
Most brides have dreamt of their wedding day, imagining the gorgeously decorated and decadent cake they will have displayed on a table at their reception site. Most likely they have seen hundreds of wedding cakes at other weddings, in photos in magazines and on television and in the movies. Most of the cakes advertised are glorious concoctions that have numerous tiers, are dripping with pearls, flowers and other small details.
The wedding cake is often the center of attention and something everybody is likely to remember. However, when it comes down to it, and you actually are at the place when you are picking your wedding cake out, besides perhaps an idea in your head or a picture from a magazine you have clipped out, you may really have no clue on how to actually choose your wedding cake.
There are a number of important factors to consider when choosing your wedding cake:
Date and location of your wedding:
The first item to consider is the date of your wedding and where it will be. Some factors to consider are the time of year-if the weather is hot such as in summer time and your wedding reception is going to be outdoors, this can limit you in the types of frostings you decide to select. Butter cream frostings are more likely to drip, ruining your otherwise gorgeous cake.
If your wedding reception is at a hotel or restaurant you may also be limited in whether or not you can even bring a cake in from outside their establishment. Some hotels and restaurants or the caterers you are using may also make
wedding cakes, or even dictate where you get your wedding cake from. They may even charge you a fee to bring in a cake from an outside vendor. If you are having your reception at a restaurant, they may not allow you to bring in a cake from anyone but a licensed baker. If you wanted to make your own cake or have a relative bake it for you, this is a question you need to consider when selecting a restaurant, or who will be baking your cake. You can talk to your wedding coordinator at the reception site to see if they have recommendations about nearby bakers. But do remember that you should also talk to friends and relatives who have used bakers they recommend since the reception site may just refer people they know from the business and who exchange perks and referrals. This may not be a reference for the best baker out there.
Also consider how far away the reception site is from the bakers. There is usually a delivery fee. If your wedding reception site is far, your wedding cake costs can be increased considerably. If your baker does not deliver, this could cause a potential problem. You do not want to have to deliver your own cake or rley on someone else to deliver a cake with more than one tier. You have enough stress on your plate than to worry about the cake being destroyed on its way to your reception site. At least if the baker ruins it, they have to replace it with another one!
Another factor to consider with regards to the date of your wedding when choosing your wedding cake is whether or not the baker you desire to make your wedding cake is booked out. Some of the best bakeries can book out 6-8 months or even a year in advance.
Most hotels, restaurants and other wedding reception sites will charge you a fee for each slice of cake cut. You will want to check with them to see how much. You will also want to ask if they have someone on staff who will cut the cake for you and who is trained in cutting wedding cakes as there is a very special way to cut a wedding cake, especially if you have a large reception and just enough cake to go around. Wedding cake slices are typically much smaller than slices of cake you would cut at home or get in a café. The wrong person cutting your cake could mean a disaster made of your cake and not all the guests getting enough.
How many people will be in attendance at your wedding:
Knowing approximately how many people will be at your wedding is an important factor to consider when choosing your wedding cake. A wedding reception with 25 people will require a smaller cake with less tiers (less money) as compared to a wedding reception with 150-200 guests in which you are most likely going to need at least 3 tiers. Remember, the more guests you have, the larger your cake is going to be.
You should give your baker an idea of how many people will be at the reception, if there will be other desserts such as a Venetian hour and if you want to send cake home with the guests. You will need as many slices as you serve if you decide to do this.
Article provided by K.B.M.
Most brides have dreamt of their wedding day, imagining the gorgeously decorated and decadent cake they will have displayed on a table at their reception site. Most likely they have seen hundreds of wedding cakes at other weddings, in photos in magazines and on television and in the movies. Most of the cakes advertised are glorious concoctions that have numerous tiers, are dripping with pearls, flowers and other small details.
The wedding cake is often the center of attention and something everybody is likely to remember. However, when it comes down to it, and you actually are at the place when you are picking your wedding cake out, besides perhaps an idea in your head or a picture from a magazine you have clipped out, you may really have no clue on how to actually choose your wedding cake.
There are a number of important factors to consider when choosing your wedding cake:
Date and location of your wedding:
The first item to consider is the date of your wedding and where it will be. Some factors to consider are the time of year-if the weather is hot such as in summer time and your wedding reception is going to be outdoors, this can limit you in the types of frostings you decide to select. Butter cream frostings are more likely to drip, ruining your otherwise gorgeous cake.
If your wedding reception is at a hotel or restaurant you may also be limited in whether or not you can even bring a cake in from outside their establishment. Some hotels and restaurants or the caterers you are using may also make
wedding cakes, or even dictate where you get your wedding cake from. They may even charge you a fee to bring in a cake from an outside vendor. If you are having your reception at a restaurant, they may not allow you to bring in a cake from anyone but a licensed baker. If you wanted to make your own cake or have a relative bake it for you, this is a question you need to consider when selecting a restaurant, or who will be baking your cake. You can talk to your wedding coordinator at the reception site to see if they have recommendations about nearby bakers. But do remember that you should also talk to friends and relatives who have used bakers they recommend since the reception site may just refer people they know from the business and who exchange perks and referrals. This may not be a reference for the best baker out there.
Also consider how far away the reception site is from the bakers. There is usually a delivery fee. If your wedding reception site is far, your wedding cake costs can be increased considerably. If your baker does not deliver, this could cause a potential problem. You do not want to have to deliver your own cake or rley on someone else to deliver a cake with more than one tier. You have enough stress on your plate than to worry about the cake being destroyed on its way to your reception site. At least if the baker ruins it, they have to replace it with another one!
Another factor to consider with regards to the date of your wedding when choosing your wedding cake is whether or not the baker you desire to make your wedding cake is booked out. Some of the best bakeries can book out 6-8 months or even a year in advance.
Most hotels, restaurants and other wedding reception sites will charge you a fee for each slice of cake cut. You will want to check with them to see how much. You will also want to ask if they have someone on staff who will cut the cake for you and who is trained in cutting wedding cakes as there is a very special way to cut a wedding cake, especially if you have a large reception and just enough cake to go around. Wedding cake slices are typically much smaller than slices of cake you would cut at home or get in a café. The wrong person cutting your cake could mean a disaster made of your cake and not all the guests getting enough.
How many people will be in attendance at your wedding:
Knowing approximately how many people will be at your wedding is an important factor to consider when choosing your wedding cake. A wedding reception with 25 people will require a smaller cake with less tiers (less money) as compared to a wedding reception with 150-200 guests in which you are most likely going to need at least 3 tiers. Remember, the more guests you have, the larger your cake is going to be.
You should give your baker an idea of how many people will be at the reception, if there will be other desserts such as a Venetian hour and if you want to send cake home with the guests. You will need as many slices as you serve if you decide to do this.
Article provided by K.B.M.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Marry Your Baby Daddy Day Winning Couples
The Winning Couples for MYBDD in Charlotte, NC
Vincell Staton & Gale McDowell
Vonrique Brown & Kaya Carter
Our winning couples have never been married before.
... Gala Affairs By AtUrBest wants to thank all applicants that applied.
Now the countdown begins we have 64 days to get the couples wedding attire, invitations, favors, honeymoon night, etc and then aisle so they can start their family as husbands and wives in holy matriomony with their beautiful children as a whole family on Thursday, September 24, 2009. "Oh one catch the couples will not know the location of the wedding, reception or the honeymoon until the day"...
We would like to thank Herbert White of the Charlotte Post for bringing the story to the Charlotte area.
A little about our couples -
Our first couple Vincell & Gale they have been together for 22 years with five children together. They have lived in Charlotte, NC all their lives.
Gale Age 40 is a Receptionist
Vincell Age 42 is a Cook
Their children ages are 18, 12, 11, 8, 6 (three daughters and two sons).
Our second couple Vonrique & Kaya they have been together for 14 years with four children together. They have lived in Charlotte, NC all their lives.
Kaya Age 27 is a Lead Care Manager
Vonrique Age 31 is a Cook
Their children ages are 12, 9, 8, 7 (three daughters and one son).
First Gala Affairs would like to thank the vendors that have offered the services of their companies to participate in this wonderful event without a blink of any eye...
We have Heaven Sent Catering, April's Floral, Uptown Limousine Service, Always with Love, Photography By Terendius, Rev. Beatrice Hollins of Mt.Pleasant Holliness Church, Rev. Sydney Charnley of Eternity Wedding Ceremonies, EQ Music-DJ -AJ, Maryann of We Cut Cakes, Joyce St. Cyre, of Diversity Den Cafe, Homewood Suites and the Marriott Resident Inn Unvesity Research Park Charlotte, NC.
We like to thank all the family and friends that have made donations to help bring this vision to reality without you and the vendors this would not been able to take place. If there is some people that we haven forgotten, please forgive us but you will be recognized in The Wedding Journal.
"The Art Of Marriage"
The little things are the big things.
It is never being too old to hold hands.
It is remembering to say "I love you" at least once a day.
It is never going to sleep angry.
It is at no time taking the other for granted;
the courtship should not end with the honeymoon,
it should continue through all the years.
It is having a mutual sense of values and common objectives.
It is standing together facing the world.
It is forming a circle of love that gathers in the whole family.
It is doing things for each other, not in the attitude
of duty or sacrifice,
but in the spirit of joy.
It is speaking words of appreciation and demonstrating
gratitude in thoughtful ways.
It is not expecting the husband to wear a halo or the wife to have wings of an
angel.
It is not looking for perfection in each other.
It is cultivating flexibility, patience, understanding and a
sense of humor.
It is having the capacity to forgive and forget.
It is giving each other an atmosphere in
which each can grow.
It is finding room for the things of the spirit.
It is a common search for the good and
the beautiful.
It is establishing a relationship in which the independence is equal, dependence is mutual and
the obligation is reciprocal.
It is not only marrying the right partner,
it is being the right partner.
"Author Unknown"
A Marriage
By Michael Blumenthal
You are holding up a ceiling
with both arms. It is very heavy,
but you must hold it up, or else
it will fall down on you. Your arms
are tired, terribly tired,
and, as the day goes on, it feels
as if either your arms or the ceiling
will soon collapse.
But then,
unexpectedly,
something wonderful happens:
Someone,
a man or a woman,
walks into the room
and holds their arms up
to the ceiling beside you.
So you finally get
to take down your arms.
You feel the relief of respite,
the blood flowing back
to your fingers and arms.
And when your partner's arms tire,
you hold up your own
to relieve him again.
And it can go on like this
for many years
without the house falling.
Vincell Staton & Gale McDowell
Vonrique Brown & Kaya Carter
Our winning couples have never been married before.
... Gala Affairs By AtUrBest wants to thank all applicants that applied.
Now the countdown begins we have 64 days to get the couples wedding attire, invitations, favors, honeymoon night, etc and then aisle so they can start their family as husbands and wives in holy matriomony with their beautiful children as a whole family on Thursday, September 24, 2009. "Oh one catch the couples will not know the location of the wedding, reception or the honeymoon until the day"...
We would like to thank Herbert White of the Charlotte Post for bringing the story to the Charlotte area.
A little about our couples -
Our first couple Vincell & Gale they have been together for 22 years with five children together. They have lived in Charlotte, NC all their lives.
Gale Age 40 is a Receptionist
Vincell Age 42 is a Cook
Their children ages are 18, 12, 11, 8, 6 (three daughters and two sons).
Our second couple Vonrique & Kaya they have been together for 14 years with four children together. They have lived in Charlotte, NC all their lives.
Kaya Age 27 is a Lead Care Manager
Vonrique Age 31 is a Cook
Their children ages are 12, 9, 8, 7 (three daughters and one son).
First Gala Affairs would like to thank the vendors that have offered the services of their companies to participate in this wonderful event without a blink of any eye...
We have Heaven Sent Catering, April's Floral, Uptown Limousine Service, Always with Love, Photography By Terendius, Rev. Beatrice Hollins of Mt.Pleasant Holliness Church, Rev. Sydney Charnley of Eternity Wedding Ceremonies, EQ Music-DJ -AJ, Maryann of We Cut Cakes, Joyce St. Cyre, of Diversity Den Cafe, Homewood Suites and the Marriott Resident Inn Unvesity Research Park Charlotte, NC.
We like to thank all the family and friends that have made donations to help bring this vision to reality without you and the vendors this would not been able to take place. If there is some people that we haven forgotten, please forgive us but you will be recognized in The Wedding Journal.
"The Art Of Marriage"
The little things are the big things.
It is never being too old to hold hands.
It is remembering to say "I love you" at least once a day.
It is never going to sleep angry.
It is at no time taking the other for granted;
the courtship should not end with the honeymoon,
it should continue through all the years.
It is having a mutual sense of values and common objectives.
It is standing together facing the world.
It is forming a circle of love that gathers in the whole family.
It is doing things for each other, not in the attitude
of duty or sacrifice,
but in the spirit of joy.
It is speaking words of appreciation and demonstrating
gratitude in thoughtful ways.
It is not expecting the husband to wear a halo or the wife to have wings of an
angel.
It is not looking for perfection in each other.
It is cultivating flexibility, patience, understanding and a
sense of humor.
It is having the capacity to forgive and forget.
It is giving each other an atmosphere in
which each can grow.
It is finding room for the things of the spirit.
It is a common search for the good and
the beautiful.
It is establishing a relationship in which the independence is equal, dependence is mutual and
the obligation is reciprocal.
It is not only marrying the right partner,
it is being the right partner.
"Author Unknown"
A Marriage
By Michael Blumenthal
You are holding up a ceiling
with both arms. It is very heavy,
but you must hold it up, or else
it will fall down on you. Your arms
are tired, terribly tired,
and, as the day goes on, it feels
as if either your arms or the ceiling
will soon collapse.
But then,
unexpectedly,
something wonderful happens:
Someone,
a man or a woman,
walks into the room
and holds their arms up
to the ceiling beside you.
So you finally get
to take down your arms.
You feel the relief of respite,
the blood flowing back
to your fingers and arms.
And when your partner's arms tire,
you hold up your own
to relieve him again.
And it can go on like this
for many years
without the house falling.
Wedding Thank-you's
When should notes be written?
Contrary to popular myth, the happy couple does not have a year’s grace period. All thank you notes should be written within three months of the receipt of the gift. Ideally, a response should be written on the day you receive a wedding gift. If that’s not possible, set a daily goal. It’s a lot easier to write three or four notes a day than to have to write a hundred notes in a month after the wedding!
What stationery should be used?
First of all, stationery is the operative word here: No fill-in-the-blank cards, no pre-printed cards, no phone calls, no emails and no generic post on your website!
Who needs a note?
•Anyone who gives you an engagement, shower or wedding gift, even if you have thanked them in person. Individual notes should be written to people who contributed to a group gift.
•Anyone who gives a gift of money: cash, checks, contributions to savings accounts and donations to charities. Mentioning the amount is optional, but it does let the person know the correct amount was received. You should mention what you plan to do with the money.
•Your attendants. A warm personal note attached to your gifts to your attendants will let them know how much you appreciate their efforts and support on your behalf.
•Anyone who hosted a party or shower for you. Ideally these notes should be written within two days of the event. Each host or hostess should be thanked individually with a note and a thank you gift.
•People who house or entertain your wedding guests. A note and a small gift should be sent to anyone who houses or entertains out-of-town wedding guests.
•People who do kindnesses for you. The neighbor who accepts delivery of your gifts when you are at work; the cousin who supervises the parking at the reception – anyone who assists you before, during or after your wedding.
•Suppliers and vendors. You don’t have to write everyone you hire for services, but anyone who exceeds your expectations will appreciate a courteous note of thanks.
•Your parents or whoever is hosting your wedding.
Ten Do’s and Don’ts of Thank You Notes
1.Do personalize your notes and make reference to the person as well as the gift.
2.Do remember that a gift should be acknowledged with the same courtesy and generous spirit in which it was given.
3.Do be enthusiastic, but don’t gush. Avoid saying a gift is the most beautiful thing you have ever seen unless you really mean it.
4.Don’t send form letters or cards with printed messages and just your signature; don’t use email or post a generic thank you on your wedding web site in lieu of a personal note.
5.Do promptly acknowledge the receipt of shipped gifts by sending a note right away or calling and following up with a written note in a day or two.
6.Don’t mention that you plan to return a gift or that you are dissatisfied in any way.
7.Don’t tailor your note to the perceived value of the gift; no one should receive a perfunctory note.
8.Do refer to the way you will use a gift of money. Mentioning the amount is optional.
9.Don’t include wedding photos or use photo cards if it will delay sending the note.
10.Don’t use being late as an excuse not to write. Even if you are still sending notes after your first anniversary, keep writing!
By Peggy Post
Contrary to popular myth, the happy couple does not have a year’s grace period. All thank you notes should be written within three months of the receipt of the gift. Ideally, a response should be written on the day you receive a wedding gift. If that’s not possible, set a daily goal. It’s a lot easier to write three or four notes a day than to have to write a hundred notes in a month after the wedding!
What stationery should be used?
First of all, stationery is the operative word here: No fill-in-the-blank cards, no pre-printed cards, no phone calls, no emails and no generic post on your website!
Who needs a note?
•Anyone who gives you an engagement, shower or wedding gift, even if you have thanked them in person. Individual notes should be written to people who contributed to a group gift.
•Anyone who gives a gift of money: cash, checks, contributions to savings accounts and donations to charities. Mentioning the amount is optional, but it does let the person know the correct amount was received. You should mention what you plan to do with the money.
•Your attendants. A warm personal note attached to your gifts to your attendants will let them know how much you appreciate their efforts and support on your behalf.
•Anyone who hosted a party or shower for you. Ideally these notes should be written within two days of the event. Each host or hostess should be thanked individually with a note and a thank you gift.
•People who house or entertain your wedding guests. A note and a small gift should be sent to anyone who houses or entertains out-of-town wedding guests.
•People who do kindnesses for you. The neighbor who accepts delivery of your gifts when you are at work; the cousin who supervises the parking at the reception – anyone who assists you before, during or after your wedding.
•Suppliers and vendors. You don’t have to write everyone you hire for services, but anyone who exceeds your expectations will appreciate a courteous note of thanks.
•Your parents or whoever is hosting your wedding.
Ten Do’s and Don’ts of Thank You Notes
1.Do personalize your notes and make reference to the person as well as the gift.
2.Do remember that a gift should be acknowledged with the same courtesy and generous spirit in which it was given.
3.Do be enthusiastic, but don’t gush. Avoid saying a gift is the most beautiful thing you have ever seen unless you really mean it.
4.Don’t send form letters or cards with printed messages and just your signature; don’t use email or post a generic thank you on your wedding web site in lieu of a personal note.
5.Do promptly acknowledge the receipt of shipped gifts by sending a note right away or calling and following up with a written note in a day or two.
6.Don’t mention that you plan to return a gift or that you are dissatisfied in any way.
7.Don’t tailor your note to the perceived value of the gift; no one should receive a perfunctory note.
8.Do refer to the way you will use a gift of money. Mentioning the amount is optional.
9.Don’t include wedding photos or use photo cards if it will delay sending the note.
10.Don’t use being late as an excuse not to write. Even if you are still sending notes after your first anniversary, keep writing!
By Peggy Post
Friday, July 17, 2009
Traditional and Unique Reception Decorating Ideas
Fall is a beautiful time of year to have a wedding, I should know, mine is scheduled for October 2010. Depending on where you live, the weather is mild and the color changes are awe inspiring.
I have looked through hundreds of books, tons of websites, and spoken to many friends, as I'm sure any bride-to-be does, in search of ideas for reception themes and colors. Every bride wants her wedding to be unique as well as a reflection of herself and her partner. Personally, I have
been looking into traditional décor with a little flair. I'm a DIY kind of girl, in my own eyes, my wedding won't be personal to me unless I have a hand in it, or I hand craft it myself.
Champagne Theme: If you're looking for a classic style and theme combination, a champagne theme is always fresh and sophisticated. Champagne color1 is a slightly off-white, light golden color, the same as your favorite bottle of bubbly, and it matches perfectly with pure white as a color pair for your reception.
To take it a step further, think tiny bubbles when designing your reception decorations. For your centerpieces, consider white flowers in a vase with glass beads. Glass beads create a strong base to hold up flowers, and you can use an up light to brighten2 up the arrangement and really make it sparkle. If you're going to use candles, remember that gel candles are ideal in keeping with your theme because they form with bubbles. Try to find gel candles contained inside champagne flutes, and if you can't, you can always buy a kit and make them yourself. I'm sure everyone has received the email about the dangers posed by gel candles and I can assure you, they are no more dangerous3 than regular wax candles, and About.com can verify.
Keep your linens within the champagne color family as well. Beside your necessary linens like tablecloths and napkins, you can use tulle to tie bows4 on the backs of chairs and sachets5 for rice or favors.
The versatility of a champagne theme reception is in the matching of utensils and place settings. Silver or gold silverware will compliment your shimmering décor, along with your cake stand, champagne buckets, and cake cutters.
"Article provided by April Barr"
I have looked through hundreds of books, tons of websites, and spoken to many friends, as I'm sure any bride-to-be does, in search of ideas for reception themes and colors. Every bride wants her wedding to be unique as well as a reflection of herself and her partner. Personally, I have
been looking into traditional décor with a little flair. I'm a DIY kind of girl, in my own eyes, my wedding won't be personal to me unless I have a hand in it, or I hand craft it myself.
Champagne Theme: If you're looking for a classic style and theme combination, a champagne theme is always fresh and sophisticated. Champagne color1 is a slightly off-white, light golden color, the same as your favorite bottle of bubbly, and it matches perfectly with pure white as a color pair for your reception.
To take it a step further, think tiny bubbles when designing your reception decorations. For your centerpieces, consider white flowers in a vase with glass beads. Glass beads create a strong base to hold up flowers, and you can use an up light to brighten2 up the arrangement and really make it sparkle. If you're going to use candles, remember that gel candles are ideal in keeping with your theme because they form with bubbles. Try to find gel candles contained inside champagne flutes, and if you can't, you can always buy a kit and make them yourself. I'm sure everyone has received the email about the dangers posed by gel candles and I can assure you, they are no more dangerous3 than regular wax candles, and About.com can verify.
Keep your linens within the champagne color family as well. Beside your necessary linens like tablecloths and napkins, you can use tulle to tie bows4 on the backs of chairs and sachets5 for rice or favors.
The versatility of a champagne theme reception is in the matching of utensils and place settings. Silver or gold silverware will compliment your shimmering décor, along with your cake stand, champagne buckets, and cake cutters.
"Article provided by April Barr"
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Eco Friendly Wedding
Your wedding announcement or invitation can set the tone for your environmentally friendly wedding. There are many options today for 100% recycled, partially recycled or completely tree free papers from wedding invitation suppliers. If you are interested in making your own invitations, the choices are unlimitied. Consider all these places for paper on your wedding day:
•engagement announcements
•save the date cards
•shower invitations
•shower thank you notes
•wedding invitaitons
•ceremony programs
•place cards
•menu cards
•wedding announcements
•thank you notes
Many brides today are communicating electronically to cut down on paper and waste. You may be interested in creating your own unique personal wedding website at Wedding Window. No need to know HTML!! There are lots of styles to choose from and it is fully cusomizable and reasonably priced. There is a seven day trial, so you can check it out and see if it if for you. It is a great idea to have one place to put all your information. And at the end of your wedding, they have an option to get an archived copy of the site on CD.
Ceating a wedding that isn't wasteful or polluting is appealing to more couples. The number of earth-friendly products and services is growing, giving the bride and groom a range of options. It is often as simple as buying local. For instance, supporting a local artisan is much more earth friendly than having cheap trinkets shipped half way around the world.
One of the more obvious eco-friendly wedding favor ideas for couples is to give something organic. There are many options if you want to give small trees, seeds, bulbs or plants.
Endangered Species has organic milk and dark chocolate bars which make an elegant earth friendly wedding favor. Each bar features an at-risk animal with a range of colors sure to match your event.
The symbolism and beauty of gifting a tree is certain to thrill your guests. The National Arbor Day Foundation makes it easy for eco-friendly brides to give trees for their favors. The trees are delivered in an easy recyclable plastic tube with your choice of customized label. Your recipients can plant their trees right away, store them in a refrigerator, or grow them indoors for months.
The Green World Project provides live evergreen tree seedling favors. Their motto: By giving trees or seeds to your guests, everlasting memories will take root and grow along with your marriage. The tree can be presented in a stylish tube with directions on how to reuse the tube as a birdfeeder. Very clever!
Favors 4 Wedding has a wide variety of unique wedding favors. From flower bulb wedding favors to seed favors in many design and color options.
One of the best ideas comes from The I Do Foundation's Favors for Charity program. This program allows you to make donations to your favorite charity in honor of your guests. Once you sign up with the I Do Foundation, you decide which nonprofit organization to support with your wedding donation. A great way to give to your guests!
Tender Seed Company has mini plantable seed shape favors and lavender organza favor bags.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Oleg Cassini Wedding Dress Designer
If you’ve seen Oleg Cassini dresses, you of course know that they are quality at an affordable price. Oleg cassini wedding dresses offer you everything you need at a affordable price. You’ll get a quality dress and with a designer look at an affordable price – that’s for sure.
There are plenty of different designs of the Oleg cassini wedding dress, which will appeal to most brides. Maybe you have heard this before but most people would not be aware that Oleg Cassini was the couturier who designed for Jackie O, Marilyn Monroe, and so many other American icons.
If you have decided to get married and your looking for a great deal on your wedding dress, you can’t go wrong with an Oleg cassini wedding dress. Any dress made by Oleg Cassini is one that you can count on for your wedding – they are elegant, stylish and affordable at the same time.
Mostly all Oleg Cassini dresses can be found at David's Bridal Shop.
The Guy Guide to Bachelor Parties
The old bachelor party tradition usually includes lots of drinking, toasting, dirty songs and good gags and, of course, the occasional stripper. But modern bachelor parties can also include anything from a weekend paintball bash to a casual get-together with close pals for a night of bowling and beer.
Whether mellow, or wild, responsibility for organizing the bachelor party usually falls to the best man. Meanwhile, the rest of the groomsmen can usually be relied upon to chip in for expenses.
Since there's nothing worse than a groom in need of a monster hangover cure (brides can be very touchy about this - go figure) the traditional "night before" bash is inceasingly being moved to the week before the wedding ceremony.
For more helpful tips on how to throw a memorable bachelor party or stag night, check out related Web guides offering expert advice and suggestions on entertainment, activities, gag gifts,and other ideas for honoring, and good-naturedly poking fun at, the groom-to-be...
Bachelor Party Guide - From Grooms Online, and a top spot for learning more about throwing a first-class bachelor party bash including tips on appropriately-named party drinks and martini recipes, party planning and activities, and The Skinny on Hiring Adult Entertainment,
The Doomed Groom - Bachelor party central - with a mixed bag of great tips for best man speeches and party ideas, advice on bachelor party trip destinations, strip club reviews and ratings, plus party supplies and gifts in the online store.
Bachelor Party Help - Just what it says, featuring a clickable map for finding strippers in all 50 U.S. states, plus reviews on recommended books, Top Ten party planning and limo hiring checklists, first-person stories, related articles, a bachelor party blog and more...
How to Plan a Bachelor Party - Common sense tips on party planning and financing, with related visitor feedback, and links to more how-to's for the best man and groomsmen.
Guide to the Bachelor Party - A short checklist followed by a handful of reader-submitted bachelor party ideas.
Bachelor Party Tips - Including drinking games, bachelor party gags, gifts, tips on where to go and "some guidelines on where to draw the line..."
Bachelor Parties - A New Spin on an Old Tradition - More on modern bachelor party with tips on alternative party ideas, activities and venues.
Adventure Bachelor Party - Here's a place that will help plan a skydiving, fishing, rafting or wrangling adventure for the guys. Fun that you can actually remember afterward, what a concept! If you are palnning a bachelor bash, stop in and get some great ideas.
"Article provided by Chiff.com"
Whether mellow, or wild, responsibility for organizing the bachelor party usually falls to the best man. Meanwhile, the rest of the groomsmen can usually be relied upon to chip in for expenses.
Since there's nothing worse than a groom in need of a monster hangover cure (brides can be very touchy about this - go figure) the traditional "night before" bash is inceasingly being moved to the week before the wedding ceremony.
For more helpful tips on how to throw a memorable bachelor party or stag night, check out related Web guides offering expert advice and suggestions on entertainment, activities, gag gifts,and other ideas for honoring, and good-naturedly poking fun at, the groom-to-be...
Bachelor Party Guide - From Grooms Online, and a top spot for learning more about throwing a first-class bachelor party bash including tips on appropriately-named party drinks and martini recipes, party planning and activities, and The Skinny on Hiring Adult Entertainment,
The Doomed Groom - Bachelor party central - with a mixed bag of great tips for best man speeches and party ideas, advice on bachelor party trip destinations, strip club reviews and ratings, plus party supplies and gifts in the online store.
Bachelor Party Help - Just what it says, featuring a clickable map for finding strippers in all 50 U.S. states, plus reviews on recommended books, Top Ten party planning and limo hiring checklists, first-person stories, related articles, a bachelor party blog and more...
How to Plan a Bachelor Party - Common sense tips on party planning and financing, with related visitor feedback, and links to more how-to's for the best man and groomsmen.
Guide to the Bachelor Party - A short checklist followed by a handful of reader-submitted bachelor party ideas.
Bachelor Party Tips - Including drinking games, bachelor party gags, gifts, tips on where to go and "some guidelines on where to draw the line..."
Bachelor Parties - A New Spin on an Old Tradition - More on modern bachelor party with tips on alternative party ideas, activities and venues.
Adventure Bachelor Party - Here's a place that will help plan a skydiving, fishing, rafting or wrangling adventure for the guys. Fun that you can actually remember afterward, what a concept! If you are palnning a bachelor bash, stop in and get some great ideas.
"Article provided by Chiff.com"
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Alfred Angelo Featured Designer
Our designer pick this week and next since it is a short week will be to Alfred Angelo.
Alfred Angelo offers all styles and designs for all size brides. We are featuring one of the plus size gowns for our plus size brides.
Every bridal gown available in sizes 2-20 and 16W-28W with the Alfred Angelo famous fit.
• They don't charge a premium for women's size wedding dresses.
• Choose the length for your wedding dress - short, regular, long
• Extend your train up to 48" on most gowns.
Satin, Crystal Beading & Sequins
Embroidery with Metallic Accents
Optional Beaded Halter Strap
Semi-Cathedral Train
16W to 30
Ivory/Metallic, White/Metallic, Ivory/Gold Leaf, White/Gold Leaf, Ivory/Silver Frost, White/Silver Frost
Enjoy: we also suggest checking out www.gabayourinnercircle.blogspot.com for interesting reading....
Alfred Angelo offers all styles and designs for all size brides. We are featuring one of the plus size gowns for our plus size brides.
Every bridal gown available in sizes 2-20 and 16W-28W with the Alfred Angelo famous fit.
• They don't charge a premium for women's size wedding dresses.
• Choose the length for your wedding dress - short, regular, long
• Extend your train up to 48" on most gowns.
Satin, Crystal Beading & Sequins
Embroidery with Metallic Accents
Optional Beaded Halter Strap
Semi-Cathedral Train
16W to 30
Ivory/Metallic, White/Metallic, Ivory/Gold Leaf, White/Gold Leaf, Ivory/Silver Frost, White/Silver Frost
Enjoy: we also suggest checking out www.gabayourinnercircle.blogspot.com for interesting reading....
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Festive Fourth of July Sweets
Out-and-About Cheesecake
This no-bake dessert combines sweetened brie and cream cheese with fresh blueberries in single-serving cups that are perfect for backyard parties.
Makes: 8 servings
Prep: 20 minutes
save to recipe box
already saved
add to shopping list Ingredients
1 4-oz. round Brie cheese
1 8-oz. pkg. cream cheese
3 Tablespoons granulated sugar
1 tsp. finely shredded lemon peel
1 Tablespoons lemon juice
4 cups fresh blueberries
1/3 cup butter toffee-glazed sliced almonds or honey-roasted almonds
8 purchased maple leaf candies (optional)
Directions
1. Remove and discard Brie rind. Let Brie and cream cheese stand at room temperature for 15 minutes to soften. In a medium mixing bowl beat Brie, cream cheese, sugar, lemon peel, and lemon juice with electric mixer on medium speed until smooth. Set aside.
2. Divide blueberries and cheese mixture among eight 10-ounce disposable drinking glasses, alternating layers of berries and cheese. Sprinkle almonds over cheese mixture. Cover each cup with plastic wrap; secure with decorative string. Serve immediately or refrigerate up to 4 hours before serving. Top with maple leaf candies before serving. Makes 8 servings.
Test Kitchen Tip: To make one large cheesecake instead of individual servings, place blueberries in the bottom of a shallow 2-quart rectangular plastic storage container. Dollop with cheese mixture and spread over berries to form an even layer. Sprinkle almonds over cheese mixture. Cover to tote.
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 8 servings Calories 225, Total Fat (g) 16, Saturated Fat (g) 9, Monounsaturated Fat (g) 4, Polyunsaturated Fat (g) 1, Cholesterol (mg) 45, Sodium (mg) 193, Carbohydrate (g) 15, Total Sugar (g) 11, Fiber (g) 4, Protein (g) 6, Vitamin C (DV%) 14, Calcium (DV%) 7, Iron (DV%) 3, Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet
Frozen Berry-Orange Bombe
This layered dessert, featuring raspberry sorbet, chocolate ice cream, and orange liqueur looks flashy but it's so simple to make. Prep takes just 15 minutes.
Prep: 15 minutes
Freeze: 1 hour plus 4 hours
save to recipe box
already saved
add to shopping list Ingredients
3 cups strawberry or raspberry sorbet, softened
2 cups low-fat or light chocolate ice cream
1 tablespoon orange liqueur or orange juice
2 cups fresh raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, and/or strawberries
Fresh mint sprigs (optional)
Directions
1. Line a 2-quart bowl with plastic wrap. Press sorbet on bottom and two-thirds up the sides of the bowl to form a shell. Cover and freeze at least 1 hour.
2. Soften chocolate ice cream. Gently stir in orange liqueur or orange juice. Spoon into the center of the sorbet shell, pressing down to remove air bubbles. Cover and freeze for at least 4 hours.
3. Unmold frozen mixture. Remove plastic wrap. Serve with berries. If desired, garnish with mint. Makes 10 servings.
Nutrition Facts
Calories 123, Total Fat (g) 1, Saturated Fat (g) 1, Monounsaturated Fat (g) 0, Polyunsaturated Fat (g) 0, Cholesterol (mg) 2, Sodium (mg) 17, Carbohydrate (g) 27, Total Sugar (g) 24, Fiber (g) 1, Protein (g) 1, Vitamin C (DV%) 40, Calcium (DV%) 4, Iron (DV%) 1, Fruit (d.e.) 2, Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet
Berry Dessert Nachos
This dessert is ideal for backyard get-togethers. Bake cinnamon tortilla chips until they're crispy and then top them with fresh berries and low-fat whipped cream. Serve cinnamon ice cream on the side.
Bake cinnamon tortilla chips until crispy, then top with berries and low-fat cream topping.
SERVINGS: 6 servings
CARB GRAMS PER SERVING: 31
3 8-inch plain or whole wheat flour tortillas
1 tablespoon butter, melted
2 teaspoons sugar
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3/4 cup fat-free or light dairy sour cream
3/4 cup frozen light whipped dessert topping, thawed
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3 cups fresh raspberries and/or blackberries
2 tablespoons sliced almonds, toasted
1 tablespoon grated semisweet chocolate
1. Preheat oven to 400 degree F. In a small bowl, stir together sour cream, dessert topping, vanilla, and 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon. Cover and chill while preparing tortillas.
2. Lightly brush both sides of each tortilla with melted butter. In a small bowl, stir together sugar and 1/8 teaspoon cinnamon; sprinkle over tortillas. Cut each tortilla into 8 wedges; arrange on two ungreased baking sheets. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until crisp. Cool completely.
3. To serve, divide tortilla wedges among six dessert plates. Top with raspberries and/or blackberries and sour cream mixture. Sprinkle with almonds and grated chocolate. Makes 6 servings.
Nutrition Facts Per Serving:
Servings: 6 servings
Calories 213
Total Fat (g) 7
Saturated Fat (g) 3
Cholesterol (mg) 8
Sodium (mg) 168
Carbohydrate (g) 31
Fiber (g) 5
Protein (g) 5
Diabetic Exchanges
Fruit (d.e.) .5
Other Carbohydrates (d.e.) 1.5
Fat (d.e.) 1.5
Receipes provided by Better Homes & Garden
Thursday, June 25, 2009
How To Plan a Wedding Reception Seating Chart
Planning the seating chart for a wedding reception can be time consuming and stressful. Reduce the stress by following this simple plan.
Follow the steps outlined below to plan the seating chart for a wedding reception.
Map out the room on a piece of poster board. Make sure to note the band or DJ, cake table, restrooms, dance floor, entrances/exits, and buffet table if applicable. Draw each table and the amount of seats that accompany each table. Talk to the event coordinator at the reception site and ask him/her how many people each table can sit comfortably.
Decide whether the guests will be assigned to a table or a specific seat. A couple can specify that guests sit at a certain table number, and the guests can seat themselves where they choose to sit at that specific table. Or the couple can put place cards at each seat.
Give each table a name or number. Some couples prefer to number the tables while some prefer to give each table a name that is personal to their relationship. For example, a couple that loves to travel may name each table a place that they have been together (Paris, Rome, Florida Keys, Wisconsin).
Retrieve the pile of RSVPs and sort them, so all the “yes” responses are together. If there are some missing and it is past the date listed on the RSVP, then call those people and let them know that a final count is needed.
Count all the people that will be attending the event and make sure that there are enough seats available in the seating chart that you made above. If there aren’t enough seats, then another table may have to be added. If there are too many seats, then add more space in places that might be congested by decreasing the amount of tables in that area. Consult the wedding coordinator for help.
Begin to sort the guests using the RSVP cards to get a rough estimate of who should sit together. For example, if the reception area can hold ten tables of eight, one would separate the RSVP cards into ten piles of eight. Couples should work together on this to make it easier.
Once the RSVP cards have been sorted into the right amount of people per table, check each pile for elderly, small children, pregnant women, and anyone with a disability. Place those people at the top of the pile, so they can be given priority seating near the front and close to the bathrooms.
Also, place family and close friends at the top of each pile, because they should be given priority.
Figure out how many children will be attending the wedding reception. Are there enough to have a children’s table? If the children are under the age of seven, they should probably sit with their parents.
Place each pile of guests on a table on the seating chart composed on the poster board. Arrange them until each pile is on a table.
Using a pencil (in case of last minute changes) print the name of each guest at his/her seat on the poster board. If assigning guests to tables and not seats, write their names inside the table.
A few more tips:
Go over the seating chart and layout of the room multiple times with the wedding coordinator before the wedding, so he/she can give advice and make comments. Give the wedding coordinator the seating chart the day before the wedding, so he/she can make sure the room is set up in the right order.
If there will be place cards, put them in alphabetical order before handing them over to the wedding coordinator. It will help him/her easily find the names when putting out the place cards on the day of the wedding.
Posted by April Bowles
Sunday, June 21, 2009
How To Choose The Perfect Gown
We are going to pick a designer to showcase their wedding gowns.
When you make a decision to pick your dress remember it is different from when you picked your prom dress, sweetheart dress, and even your cotillion gown. Now you have step up in the big lead.
As you take your journey view thousands and thousand of dresses you want to make sure you remember the important things....
(Maggie Sottero) www.maggiesottero.com
A long formal dress is suitable for a church wedding of a civil ceremony although many brides do prefer wearing a smart dress or tailored suit for the Registry office.
Some religions also frown on sleeveless dresses or low cut outfits and this will need to be taken into account too.
No matter which style you pick, remember that the back view is as important as the front, you will have you back to everyone during the ceremony.
Choose fabric that is resistant to crushing and creasing.
Detachable trains that can be removed or hooked up are also wise.
Dress ideas and colours will need to be discussed with the groom without revealing all the details so that the colours and styles of the wedding party can be coordinated.
Look in the mirror
Be realistic and don’t try and aim for what Hollywood starlets look like on their wedding days, most of us don’t have personal trainer and chefs to look after us and help keep us in shape.
Don’t set your goal posts too close to the moon, you will only be disappointed and feel like a failure when your big day is meant to be a celebration of your love for one another.
Concentrate on the real you!
Think about what you normally wear, what colours suit you and which styles flatter you figure and most important, which outfits make you feel on top of the world, What type of ceremony and theme are you looking to create- traditional or relaxed, formal or informal.
Colours
White dresses are not obligatory these days, if you don’t feel white is your colour or will complement you then don’t wear it.
Wedding gowns are becoming increasingly popular in cream, pale gold, pale blue, pale pink and red. There is also a trend these days to go for darker colours like burgundy or shades of green which is a beautiful idea for a Christmas wedding.
You will feel better in a dress that flatters your complexion or one of your favourites instead of going with white because it seems to be the norm. If wearing a bright coloured dress the details should be kept to a minimum.
The Right Style for your Shape
Choosing a style that flatters your shape can make a huge difference to how you look and also give you a huge confidence booster.
Trying on dresses that either don’t suit your body or the ceremony is not only a waste of time but can also depress you and you might find that you give in a buy the wrong dress anyway. A sure fire way to put a dampener on your big day. Dresses that don’t cost a fortune are available at http://www.everyweddithing.co.uk along with all the accessories you will need.
Tall and Thin
-- Choose a ball gown with a strapless, fitter bodice
-- Bony shoulders or collar bones can will suit dresses with a higher neckline that are long and fitted
-- If you feel you are too thin for this style consider that you can set of your height and leanness with some delicate detailed embroidery or beading.
Short with a fuller, feminine Figure
-- Try an empire line dress which has a seam under the bust line and in the right fabric, the dress will flow instead of cling
-- A Knee length dress will also look good, the longer dress will add height and give you a taller silhouette
-- Sleeves should also be long but not too tight if considered.
Thick Waist
-- Conceal a wide waist with a boned corset or wear a decorative jacket that falls just below the waistline
-- Avoid fitted ballerina styles
Very Full Bust
-- To draw attention away from the bust choose a dress with a long bodice or cowl neck
-- Dresses with a natural waistline will draw attention to the bust area
-- Pick a plain bodice and avoid low necklines
-- Pick a detailed hem if you want to add a little something that you feel might be missing on the top
Full or Wide Hips
-- Avoid bustles and ruffles or tiered dresses
-- Most styles will look great but avoid tight styles around the hips
-- Princess styles that are fitted on the top and flare slightly to the hem will help disguise larger hips
-- Ball gown styles in simple fabrics will also draw attention away from the hips
Big bottom
-- Avoid bows or back fastening ties
-- Consider a light train from the top of the bodice or waist
Wide Shoulders
-- Wide straps will narrow the appearance of your shoulders or cover then completely
-- Draw the focus to a v-neckline
-- Wearing a sheer wrap will also soften the effect
-- Do not wear puffed sleeves, don’t even consider them!
Short or heavy legs
-- Opt for a long dress
-- Sheath styles which are straight but not too clingy will add height
Short Arms
-- Three Quarter length sleeves will be flattering
-- Do not go sleeveless
Chubby Arms
-- Choose long simple sleeves that are not too tight
-- Wear a bolero, shrug or wrap
Pregnant Brides
Maternity bridal wear is a fairly specialist item to fin and not offered at standard bridal shops. Having a bump does not equal frump. Pregnant brides can still have the dress of the dreams.
If you are having a baby or have just had a baby then take into account the fact that you are going to have long day, so go for comfort when choosing what to wear.
Don’t try to squeeze in a corset style dress in the size you used to be.
Your dress will have to allow for your changing shape and you will need to find a reliable dress maker for last minute alterations.
If you want to disguise the pregnancy go for a dress that is one size up and getting the bust altered. A big bouquet will also disguise the tummy area.
You do not need to sacrifice style to be comfortable, tight waists and figure hugging dresses with tightly laced bodices are not worth sparing a thought for as they will only torment you on your special day.
Focus on showing off your new curves with a focus on the shoulders or bust
Styles that are perfect for the pregnant bride are Empire lines, princess lines or A line dresses. These styles flare from under the bust, the empire line has a straighter skirt. A Chiffon overlay can be added to soften the lines of your dress or opt for a medieval style dress with long flowing sleeves.
Made to measure maternity bridal wear is available at www.everyweddingthing.co.uk at an affordable price.
Some guidelines when deciding on a dress:
-- Try on as many different styles as you like and view them from as many different angles as possible, take some shoes along that will be similar in height to the ones you may wear. To get the full effect have the shop fit you out in a veil with the dress as you wont want to take your wedding dress with you when you go veil shopping
-- Take your time to make a decision and don’t feel pressured by pushy sales people.
-- How much deposit is required and when is the balance due
-- Does the price include VAT
-- How much extra are the alterations
-- How far before the wedding must you order
-- How many fitting will be required and do they offer Saturday or after hours fittings
-- Can you arrange a fitting with accessories, lingerie and shoes
-- Get confirmation of all appointments and money paid in writing
-- How far before the wedding will the dress arrive
-- Do the shop offer storage garment bags
-- Ask about the care instructions for getting the crease out before your big day
-- What is the shops policy on cancellations
-- Have you added the dress to your wedding insurance
-- If you are going to hire your dress, check to see if the chosen dress will be available on your day, cleaned and ready for collection. Does the hire price include a full 24 hours. Does the dress have to be cleaned before its returned (an added expense) After the wedding who will be entrusted with delivering the dress back to the hire shop as it should be
About the author:
Hellen McMaster is a successful wedding professional helping brides pick the best dresses that suit them at www.everyweddingthing.co.uk along with all the necessary accessories like veils, tiaras and jewellery.
Hellen also has a sister website specialising in wedding stationery design and favours at affordable prices. Widest range of Tartan and Scottish themed stationery on the internet and also uses the exclusive Pride of Scotland theme ribbon
By Hellen McMaster
When you make a decision to pick your dress remember it is different from when you picked your prom dress, sweetheart dress, and even your cotillion gown. Now you have step up in the big lead.
As you take your journey view thousands and thousand of dresses you want to make sure you remember the important things....
(Maggie Sottero) www.maggiesottero.com
A long formal dress is suitable for a church wedding of a civil ceremony although many brides do prefer wearing a smart dress or tailored suit for the Registry office.
Some religions also frown on sleeveless dresses or low cut outfits and this will need to be taken into account too.
No matter which style you pick, remember that the back view is as important as the front, you will have you back to everyone during the ceremony.
Choose fabric that is resistant to crushing and creasing.
Detachable trains that can be removed or hooked up are also wise.
Dress ideas and colours will need to be discussed with the groom without revealing all the details so that the colours and styles of the wedding party can be coordinated.
Look in the mirror
Be realistic and don’t try and aim for what Hollywood starlets look like on their wedding days, most of us don’t have personal trainer and chefs to look after us and help keep us in shape.
Don’t set your goal posts too close to the moon, you will only be disappointed and feel like a failure when your big day is meant to be a celebration of your love for one another.
Concentrate on the real you!
Think about what you normally wear, what colours suit you and which styles flatter you figure and most important, which outfits make you feel on top of the world, What type of ceremony and theme are you looking to create- traditional or relaxed, formal or informal.
Colours
White dresses are not obligatory these days, if you don’t feel white is your colour or will complement you then don’t wear it.
Wedding gowns are becoming increasingly popular in cream, pale gold, pale blue, pale pink and red. There is also a trend these days to go for darker colours like burgundy or shades of green which is a beautiful idea for a Christmas wedding.
You will feel better in a dress that flatters your complexion or one of your favourites instead of going with white because it seems to be the norm. If wearing a bright coloured dress the details should be kept to a minimum.
The Right Style for your Shape
Choosing a style that flatters your shape can make a huge difference to how you look and also give you a huge confidence booster.
Trying on dresses that either don’t suit your body or the ceremony is not only a waste of time but can also depress you and you might find that you give in a buy the wrong dress anyway. A sure fire way to put a dampener on your big day. Dresses that don’t cost a fortune are available at http://www.everyweddithing.co.uk along with all the accessories you will need.
Tall and Thin
-- Choose a ball gown with a strapless, fitter bodice
-- Bony shoulders or collar bones can will suit dresses with a higher neckline that are long and fitted
-- If you feel you are too thin for this style consider that you can set of your height and leanness with some delicate detailed embroidery or beading.
Short with a fuller, feminine Figure
-- Try an empire line dress which has a seam under the bust line and in the right fabric, the dress will flow instead of cling
-- A Knee length dress will also look good, the longer dress will add height and give you a taller silhouette
-- Sleeves should also be long but not too tight if considered.
Thick Waist
-- Conceal a wide waist with a boned corset or wear a decorative jacket that falls just below the waistline
-- Avoid fitted ballerina styles
Very Full Bust
-- To draw attention away from the bust choose a dress with a long bodice or cowl neck
-- Dresses with a natural waistline will draw attention to the bust area
-- Pick a plain bodice and avoid low necklines
-- Pick a detailed hem if you want to add a little something that you feel might be missing on the top
Full or Wide Hips
-- Avoid bustles and ruffles or tiered dresses
-- Most styles will look great but avoid tight styles around the hips
-- Princess styles that are fitted on the top and flare slightly to the hem will help disguise larger hips
-- Ball gown styles in simple fabrics will also draw attention away from the hips
Big bottom
-- Avoid bows or back fastening ties
-- Consider a light train from the top of the bodice or waist
Wide Shoulders
-- Wide straps will narrow the appearance of your shoulders or cover then completely
-- Draw the focus to a v-neckline
-- Wearing a sheer wrap will also soften the effect
-- Do not wear puffed sleeves, don’t even consider them!
Short or heavy legs
-- Opt for a long dress
-- Sheath styles which are straight but not too clingy will add height
Short Arms
-- Three Quarter length sleeves will be flattering
-- Do not go sleeveless
Chubby Arms
-- Choose long simple sleeves that are not too tight
-- Wear a bolero, shrug or wrap
Pregnant Brides
Maternity bridal wear is a fairly specialist item to fin and not offered at standard bridal shops. Having a bump does not equal frump. Pregnant brides can still have the dress of the dreams.
If you are having a baby or have just had a baby then take into account the fact that you are going to have long day, so go for comfort when choosing what to wear.
Don’t try to squeeze in a corset style dress in the size you used to be.
Your dress will have to allow for your changing shape and you will need to find a reliable dress maker for last minute alterations.
If you want to disguise the pregnancy go for a dress that is one size up and getting the bust altered. A big bouquet will also disguise the tummy area.
You do not need to sacrifice style to be comfortable, tight waists and figure hugging dresses with tightly laced bodices are not worth sparing a thought for as they will only torment you on your special day.
Focus on showing off your new curves with a focus on the shoulders or bust
Styles that are perfect for the pregnant bride are Empire lines, princess lines or A line dresses. These styles flare from under the bust, the empire line has a straighter skirt. A Chiffon overlay can be added to soften the lines of your dress or opt for a medieval style dress with long flowing sleeves.
Made to measure maternity bridal wear is available at www.everyweddingthing.co.uk at an affordable price.
Some guidelines when deciding on a dress:
-- Try on as many different styles as you like and view them from as many different angles as possible, take some shoes along that will be similar in height to the ones you may wear. To get the full effect have the shop fit you out in a veil with the dress as you wont want to take your wedding dress with you when you go veil shopping
-- Take your time to make a decision and don’t feel pressured by pushy sales people.
-- How much deposit is required and when is the balance due
-- Does the price include VAT
-- How much extra are the alterations
-- How far before the wedding must you order
-- How many fitting will be required and do they offer Saturday or after hours fittings
-- Can you arrange a fitting with accessories, lingerie and shoes
-- Get confirmation of all appointments and money paid in writing
-- How far before the wedding will the dress arrive
-- Do the shop offer storage garment bags
-- Ask about the care instructions for getting the crease out before your big day
-- What is the shops policy on cancellations
-- Have you added the dress to your wedding insurance
-- If you are going to hire your dress, check to see if the chosen dress will be available on your day, cleaned and ready for collection. Does the hire price include a full 24 hours. Does the dress have to be cleaned before its returned (an added expense) After the wedding who will be entrusted with delivering the dress back to the hire shop as it should be
About the author:
Hellen McMaster is a successful wedding professional helping brides pick the best dresses that suit them at www.everyweddingthing.co.uk along with all the necessary accessories like veils, tiaras and jewellery.
Hellen also has a sister website specialising in wedding stationery design and favours at affordable prices. Widest range of Tartan and Scottish themed stationery on the internet and also uses the exclusive Pride of Scotland theme ribbon
By Hellen McMaster
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Our Tribute To Father's Day
A Dad is a person
who is loving and kind,
And often he knows
what you have on your mind.
He's someone who listens,
suggests, and defends.
A dad can be one
of your very best friends!
He's proud of your triumphs,
but when things go wrong,
A dad can be patient
and helpful and strong
In all that you do,
a dad's love plays a part.
There's always a place for him
deep in your heart.
And each year that passes,
you're even more glad,
More grateful and proud
just to call him your dad!
Thank you, Dad...
for listening and caring,
for giving and sharing,
but, especially, for just being you!
Happy Father's Day
Father's Day Cocktail!
Father's Day is a special occasion and it is a great excuse to make your father a special drink. Whip up Dad this manley drink Azucar Morena!
Drink Recipe Ingredients:
1.5 oz. Johnnie Walker Black Label
2 oz. cream soda
1 dash granulated brown sugar
1 fresh lime(s)
Drink Recipe Preparation:
Rub rim of a rocks glass with half a lime and dip into brown sugar to coat.
Add ice, Johnnie Walker Black Label and squeeze a lime on top.
Add cream soda.
Drink Receipe provided by The Bridal Lounge
who is loving and kind,
And often he knows
what you have on your mind.
He's someone who listens,
suggests, and defends.
A dad can be one
of your very best friends!
He's proud of your triumphs,
but when things go wrong,
A dad can be patient
and helpful and strong
In all that you do,
a dad's love plays a part.
There's always a place for him
deep in your heart.
And each year that passes,
you're even more glad,
More grateful and proud
just to call him your dad!
Thank you, Dad...
for listening and caring,
for giving and sharing,
but, especially, for just being you!
Happy Father's Day
Father's Day Cocktail!
Father's Day is a special occasion and it is a great excuse to make your father a special drink. Whip up Dad this manley drink Azucar Morena!
Drink Recipe Ingredients:
1.5 oz. Johnnie Walker Black Label
2 oz. cream soda
1 dash granulated brown sugar
1 fresh lime(s)
Drink Recipe Preparation:
Rub rim of a rocks glass with half a lime and dip into brown sugar to coat.
Add ice, Johnnie Walker Black Label and squeeze a lime on top.
Add cream soda.
Drink Receipe provided by The Bridal Lounge
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Charlotte Combats Fatherless Homes
According to statistics, over half of Black American households are single-headed female households. The National Institute of Health, reports that almost 70% of Black children are born out of wedlock. This Father's Day marks a step in the right direction.
A major call to couples starts this week for those who want to get married via Marry Your Baby Daddy Day™, and are ready to strengthen their 2 parent home. These are loving couples who want a chance to tie the knot in front of their community and families. On September 24, 2009, 5 chosen couples will take a leap into the next phase of their journey together as husband and wife. Local celebrity wedding dress designers, cake makers, wedding planners and more are all on board to make this a day 5 loving couples with children will never forget in Charlotte, NC. It's a free all expenses landmark event.
"This is a momentous occasion for all of Charlotte and its families. I am glad to be a part of change," Amanda Sherman, Charlotte wedding planner and MYBDD™ licensee says. She and her company, Gala Affairs By AtUrBest, are facilitating the event in September at the Charlotte Museum of History.
Other Charlotte participating vendors include: Resident Inn Marriott, April's Floral Expressions,
Homewood Suites Charlotte Research Park, Uptown Limousine Luxury Car Service, and more.
"This is the first event of its kind in Charlotte. The phone is constantly ringing with couples ready to take their vows for their relationship and their kids. This September, fathers will not only be saying "yes" to mommy, but their children too," Reid says, author and founder of Marry Your Baby Daddy Day™. Recently, she wrote an article in Newsweek about individual responsibility and the impact of the Obama family on psyches of black unmarried parents and the growing number of out of wedlock Black children.
To date, MYBDD™ has been featured on CNN, 20/20, NBC Nightly News, CBS Early Show, Baltimore Sun, NPR, The New Yorker, the Wendy Williams Experience, etc.
Media interested in interviews or doing a series should call 212 946 5164 or email bstewart@marryyourbabydaddy.com.
For more information on MYBDD™ in Charlotte, NC please go to www.marryyourbabydaddy.com or call 212 946 5164.
About Marry Your Baby Daddy, Inc.
MYBDD™ is an all expenses paid wedding event that began in NYC in 2005 with 10 couples as an effort to strengthen 2 parent households in local communities. There have been several events since then. MYBDD has received national recognition for its efforts.
About Maryann Reid
Maryann Reid is an author of women's fiction for St. Martins Press and founder of MYBDD, LLC. She is also a sought after tv/radio relationship expert and can be seen regularly and local and national talk shows like the CBS Early Show, ABC NEWS, Wendy Williams, and others.
A major call to couples starts this week for those who want to get married via Marry Your Baby Daddy Day™, and are ready to strengthen their 2 parent home. These are loving couples who want a chance to tie the knot in front of their community and families. On September 24, 2009, 5 chosen couples will take a leap into the next phase of their journey together as husband and wife. Local celebrity wedding dress designers, cake makers, wedding planners and more are all on board to make this a day 5 loving couples with children will never forget in Charlotte, NC. It's a free all expenses landmark event.
"This is a momentous occasion for all of Charlotte and its families. I am glad to be a part of change," Amanda Sherman, Charlotte wedding planner and MYBDD™ licensee says. She and her company, Gala Affairs By AtUrBest, are facilitating the event in September at the Charlotte Museum of History.
Other Charlotte participating vendors include: Resident Inn Marriott, April's Floral Expressions,
Homewood Suites Charlotte Research Park, Uptown Limousine Luxury Car Service, and more.
"This is the first event of its kind in Charlotte. The phone is constantly ringing with couples ready to take their vows for their relationship and their kids. This September, fathers will not only be saying "yes" to mommy, but their children too," Reid says, author and founder of Marry Your Baby Daddy Day™. Recently, she wrote an article in Newsweek about individual responsibility and the impact of the Obama family on psyches of black unmarried parents and the growing number of out of wedlock Black children.
To date, MYBDD™ has been featured on CNN, 20/20, NBC Nightly News, CBS Early Show, Baltimore Sun, NPR, The New Yorker, the Wendy Williams Experience, etc.
Media interested in interviews or doing a series should call 212 946 5164 or email bstewart@marryyourbabydaddy.com.
For more information on MYBDD™ in Charlotte, NC please go to www.marryyourbabydaddy.com or call 212 946 5164.
About Marry Your Baby Daddy, Inc.
MYBDD™ is an all expenses paid wedding event that began in NYC in 2005 with 10 couples as an effort to strengthen 2 parent households in local communities. There have been several events since then. MYBDD has received national recognition for its efforts.
About Maryann Reid
Maryann Reid is an author of women's fiction for St. Martins Press and founder of MYBDD, LLC. She is also a sought after tv/radio relationship expert and can be seen regularly and local and national talk shows like the CBS Early Show, ABC NEWS, Wendy Williams, and others.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Wedding Planning with Less Stress
Beginning to plan a Wedding can actually have fun during the process. At AFavor4U we help plan weddings everyday and we'd like to share a few key planning elements with you.
It is crucial to keep the right attitude. Don't let the importance of the day overwhelm you. Yes, it may be the most important day of your life, but something will inevitably go wrong and if you keep your sense of humor everything will be beautiful! It can only be the perfect day if you relax and let it be.
It helps to start your planning as early as possible. Nothing will stress you out more than having too many last minute details to deal with. Having all of the little details planned well in advance will give you luxury of time to pamper yourself on the day of the wedding.
Set a budget and stick to it. Wondering how you are going to pay for everything will suck the joy out of your wedding and WORSE your honeymoon!
Decide on a tone and style. Do you want a traditional or contemporary wedding? Formal? Casual? Deciding on these issues early will help with Gown selection, color selection, reception location, flower choice....well everything! Important Tip Don't be afraid to include contemporary, traditional, formal or casual elements to suite your personalities and style. It's your wedding, it should be about YOU not a rigid set of rules.
Share some tasks with trusted friends and relatives. Lighten the load a little, you don't have to do everything.
Find good service providers and suppliers. Look for quality as well as price. Also, look for good service and the willingness to work with you. Check references, better business listings, get recommendations from friends. Quality dependable providers will reduce your stress tremendously.
Finally, remember to include exercise in your daily routine. After a day filled with tasks and decisions you deserve a little time to yourself. Set aside at least half an hour to do an activity that best suits you. This can involve going to the local gym, swimming, sports, yoga or even walking around your neighborhood. This will help relieve much stress and help you feeling fit, trim, and beautiful.
Provided by AFavor4U
It is crucial to keep the right attitude. Don't let the importance of the day overwhelm you. Yes, it may be the most important day of your life, but something will inevitably go wrong and if you keep your sense of humor everything will be beautiful! It can only be the perfect day if you relax and let it be.
It helps to start your planning as early as possible. Nothing will stress you out more than having too many last minute details to deal with. Having all of the little details planned well in advance will give you luxury of time to pamper yourself on the day of the wedding.
Set a budget and stick to it. Wondering how you are going to pay for everything will suck the joy out of your wedding and WORSE your honeymoon!
Decide on a tone and style. Do you want a traditional or contemporary wedding? Formal? Casual? Deciding on these issues early will help with Gown selection, color selection, reception location, flower choice....well everything! Important Tip Don't be afraid to include contemporary, traditional, formal or casual elements to suite your personalities and style. It's your wedding, it should be about YOU not a rigid set of rules.
Share some tasks with trusted friends and relatives. Lighten the load a little, you don't have to do everything.
Find good service providers and suppliers. Look for quality as well as price. Also, look for good service and the willingness to work with you. Check references, better business listings, get recommendations from friends. Quality dependable providers will reduce your stress tremendously.
Finally, remember to include exercise in your daily routine. After a day filled with tasks and decisions you deserve a little time to yourself. Set aside at least half an hour to do an activity that best suits you. This can involve going to the local gym, swimming, sports, yoga or even walking around your neighborhood. This will help relieve much stress and help you feeling fit, trim, and beautiful.
Provided by AFavor4U
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Perfect Wedding Guide's Summer Bridal Show
Date: Sunday, June 21, 2009
Place: Hilton Charlotte University Place
Time: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Price: $10 AT THE DOOR
Location: 8629 JM Keynes Drive
Charlotte, NC 28262
Contact: Cathy Terry
Phone: 704.814.0969
Email: charlotte@pwg.com
Website: www.charlottebridalshow.com
Perfect Wedding Guide's Summer Bridal Show will be the place to be on June 21st to plan your entire wedding in ONE day! The beautiful ballrooms at the Hilton University Place in Charlotte, NC will have some of Charlotte's finest wedding professionals on hand to help you plan your Perfect day.
Fashions, Photography, Catering, Bridal Consultants, Ceremony Locations, Hotel Accommodations, DJ's, Flowers, Gift Registry and more, will all be available in a relaxed and intimate atmosphere.
-Receive expert advice
-Win Fabulous gifts and prizes
-Taste cakes and catering specilaties
-Save time and money
One lucky bride-to-be will win a honeymoon giveaway compliments of Mann Travels and American Express Vacations!
Pre-register online and receive $5 off the $10 admission. Bride will be admitted free with one paid admission. CASH ONLY AT THE DOOR.
How To Pick The Perfect Wedding Music
If you’re about to be married, you, know that the most important part of the wedding is the actual wedding ceremony itself. And one of the most important aspects of the wedding ceremony, besides the exchange of vows, is the music.
"Music has the power to set a mood, evoke emotion, and give moment cohesiveness," says Nina Calloway of About.com. "Are you a traditional Wagner's "Here Comes the Bride" and Pachelbel's "Canon in D" type of couple? Or are you more contemporary, looking for a song that captures your spirit like Norah Jones's "Come Away with Me"?"
Experts say the most important factor in choosing wedding music for the ceremony, is where you are holding the event. "If your ceremony will not be in a religious setting, you can choose just about any kind of music you like -- although you will want to stay within the bounds of good taste!," according to WedAlert.com. "On the other hand, if your ceremony will be in a church or synagogue, or conducted by a clergy person at another location, you will probably need to stay within guidelines set by the clergy person or the church."
There are several distinct parts of the wedding ceremony and each merits different kinds of wedding songs. In the prelude, for instance, when guests are gathering in anticipation of the beginning of the ceremony, it is often advisable to have gentle jazz or chamber music, according to elegala.com "The music should not overpower the mood; rather, it should complement the budding excitement," says the site. On the other hand, the music for the bride’s entrance should reflect the excitement and be dramatic and sweeping. "The traditional selection is Wagner's Bridal Chorus (Here Comes the Bride), but many brides are not afraid to insert something a little more reflective of their unique personality," says the site.
You might also choose to have a vocalist singing anywhere from one to four wedding songs during the ceremony, according to WedAlert.com: "Appropriate places in the ceremony for vocal selections, depending on church guidelines, may include: (1) during the seating of the mothers or lighting of candles by the mothers; (2) immediately before the processional; (3) before the vows; (4) during the lighting of the Unity Candle; and (5) during the serving of communion to the congregation, if this is included in the ceremony."
In order to find just the right songs for the vocalist, you can ask her for her own suggestions and then ask to hear her sing a few selections. "Before deciding whether the songs suggested by your musicians are really what you want, you should go to a store that sells sheet music and songbooks and browse in the wedding section," advises WedAlert. "Chances are, you may find something that more closely expresses what you want to say than the songs suggested by your musicians." Further, you might even want to hire a songwriter to pen a custom wedding song just for you.
However you choose your music for that special ceremony, keep in mind that the music is bound to be one of the things your guests remember most. If it’s special to you, it will be special to them, as well.
The Web has all the information you need to select the right wedding songs for your special occasion. Be it instrumental wedding music or wedding love songs for vocalists, you can count on sites like Ez-Tracks.com to provide a full complement of musical alternatives. Saying "I Do" has never been this much fun!
By Wendy Aron
"Music has the power to set a mood, evoke emotion, and give moment cohesiveness," says Nina Calloway of About.com. "Are you a traditional Wagner's "Here Comes the Bride" and Pachelbel's "Canon in D" type of couple? Or are you more contemporary, looking for a song that captures your spirit like Norah Jones's "Come Away with Me"?"
Experts say the most important factor in choosing wedding music for the ceremony, is where you are holding the event. "If your ceremony will not be in a religious setting, you can choose just about any kind of music you like -- although you will want to stay within the bounds of good taste!," according to WedAlert.com. "On the other hand, if your ceremony will be in a church or synagogue, or conducted by a clergy person at another location, you will probably need to stay within guidelines set by the clergy person or the church."
There are several distinct parts of the wedding ceremony and each merits different kinds of wedding songs. In the prelude, for instance, when guests are gathering in anticipation of the beginning of the ceremony, it is often advisable to have gentle jazz or chamber music, according to elegala.com "The music should not overpower the mood; rather, it should complement the budding excitement," says the site. On the other hand, the music for the bride’s entrance should reflect the excitement and be dramatic and sweeping. "The traditional selection is Wagner's Bridal Chorus (Here Comes the Bride), but many brides are not afraid to insert something a little more reflective of their unique personality," says the site.
You might also choose to have a vocalist singing anywhere from one to four wedding songs during the ceremony, according to WedAlert.com: "Appropriate places in the ceremony for vocal selections, depending on church guidelines, may include: (1) during the seating of the mothers or lighting of candles by the mothers; (2) immediately before the processional; (3) before the vows; (4) during the lighting of the Unity Candle; and (5) during the serving of communion to the congregation, if this is included in the ceremony."
In order to find just the right songs for the vocalist, you can ask her for her own suggestions and then ask to hear her sing a few selections. "Before deciding whether the songs suggested by your musicians are really what you want, you should go to a store that sells sheet music and songbooks and browse in the wedding section," advises WedAlert. "Chances are, you may find something that more closely expresses what you want to say than the songs suggested by your musicians." Further, you might even want to hire a songwriter to pen a custom wedding song just for you.
However you choose your music for that special ceremony, keep in mind that the music is bound to be one of the things your guests remember most. If it’s special to you, it will be special to them, as well.
The Web has all the information you need to select the right wedding songs for your special occasion. Be it instrumental wedding music or wedding love songs for vocalists, you can count on sites like Ez-Tracks.com to provide a full complement of musical alternatives. Saying "I Do" has never been this much fun!
By Wendy Aron
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Planning A Second Wedding
Planning a second wedding involves many of the same challenges as planning a first. The fact that you're remarrying doesn't necessarily mean that you'll be downsizing your wedding. For example, if your future spouse is a first-time bride or groom, she or he may want a big wedding with all the trimmings. Look at the big picture first when planning a second wedding.
Once you and your partner agree on the type of wedding you want-whether it's small and intimate or big and lavish-you'll need to begin planning. For a large event, and especially if you're a busy person with a lot of other responsibilities, you may want to engage a wedding consultant to help.
Planning a second wedding: should you hire a wedding consultant or do it yourself?
Wedding consultants can scout sites, advise you on etiquette, manage the budget and coordinate a whole range of people and projects, including the caterer, the music, the florist and the other service providers. They can obtain discounts and negotiate pricing with vendors. Wedding consultants have a wealth of experience in solving problems, paying attention to details and dealing with the unexpected. For this reason, they can help avert catastrophes and save you a lot of headaches.
There are many different levels of service and types of wedding planners. At one extreme, the full-fledged consultant can handle every detail for you. At the other, a wedding day coordinator is someone who will orchestrate the events of the ceremony and reception and see that things run on schedule. And there are all levels of wedding planning services in-between. Think about what kind of assistance you need. Here are some tips to help you decide if you need a wedding planner, and what kinds of services are appropriate for you.
A wedding consultant can help you:
• Select a site for the ceremony and reception.
• Find all the suppliers you need, including the florist, the caterer, the musicians, and the video and still photographers.
• Manage communication between vendors. For example, the caterer will need to know when and how to obtain access to the reception site to begin food preparation.
• Coordinate your wedding rehearsal with the person officiating.
• Supervise all the details of your wedding day.
The cost of a wedding planner can vary widely. If you hire someone early on to coordinate most of your wedding arrangements, expect to pay this person on a fee basis (generally 10 to 20 percent of the total wedding costs). If you hire someone to provide selected services, you will probably be charged a flat fee, depending on the nature and extent of the work. The bottom line: If time is money for you, wedding consultants can be a good investment; and savvy ones will be able to pass on enough savings to defray much of their fee.
If you're not hiring a wedding consultant, you may want to delegate some of the responsibilities to appropriate family members and good friends. For example, if your future mother-in-law is a gourmet cook, you could ask her to research caterers and bakeries. If a friend is an avid traveler, he might be enlisted to come up with ideas for the honeymoon.
Once you've announced your remarriage, it's probably time to start planning your second wedding. Particularly during certain times of the year, popular sites and suppliers are in heavy demand. It's wise to begin a year ahead of time. If your wedding will be small, you may have some leeway here.
Proper second wedding etiquette to make your second wedding the most perfect day of your life.
If you plan it right, it can be better than the first! Certainly, it will be different, because there's a very special etiquette to second weddings. You are probably already wondering about a number of issues.
How big should your second wedding be?
Weddings between people who have been married before are, as a rule, smaller and less formal or lavish affairs than a first marriage. However, there is nothing to say that it has to be that way. Many second timers are marrying someone for whom it is the first time. In that case, it might be unfair to limit the celebration to family and close friends. Naturally, you'll want to be gracious about whom you invite.
The wording of your second wedding invitation is another point to consider.
According to etiquette specialist Emily Post, there are two options for wording a traditional wedding invitation correctly. The first applies to a young bride or divorcee, in which case her parents extend the invitation as though it were a first wedding using the bride-to-be's married name if she has retained it, or her first and middle name if not. For a more mature encore bride-to-be, it is appropriate to issue the invitation in your own name and the name of your future husband.
To whom should you send a printed second wedding announcement?
If you intend to have a small wedding, you will want to send printed announcements to the family and friends who were not included among the wedding guests, or in the case of a larger wedding, to acquaintances and business associates who were not invited. Plan to have the announcements mailed the day after you are married.
You want to look beautiful, but what's considered appropriate second wedding etiquette when it comes to a second wedding dress?
Once upon a time, it was considered inappropriate for encore brides to wear white or a long wedding dress. A simple suit or dress in a pastel color or off-white was recommended. However, today you may wear white, because it is the color of joy and celebration and no longer represents chastity. While a beautiful bridal gown is perfectly acceptable, consider your age and figure before you make your selection. A woman over forty will look far more elegant in a dress that isn't frilly or too long.
While it is preferable for an encore bride to forego the veil, you may want to wear one for religious reasons. If the bride is wearing a formal wedding gown, the groom may wear a classic a tuxedo or a dark suit. If, however, the bride is attired in a less formal suit or dress, the groom would most likely want to wear a suit, rather than a formal tuxedo.
Should others be included in the wedding party?
It is quite common for couples getting remarried to dispense with the wedding party, if that means numbers of bridesmaids and groomsmen, unless it is a first wedding for one or the other of them.If the bride has been given away by her father at a previous wedding, it would seem silly for him to give her away again. But it is perfectly acceptable for the bride and groom each to ask a very close friend or relative to stand with them during the ceremony.
If there are children and/or stepchildren involved, finding a place for them in the bridal party is a nice way to make them feel a part of the new family. A young boy can serve as ring bearer; while a young girl can be a flower girl. Older children may wish to accompany their parents to the altar as best man or maid of honor.
What is proper second wedding etiquette when it comes to who should pay for the wedding?
If the bride has never been married before, traditionally her parents would assume most of the costs of the wedding, although in modern times it is not unusual for the groom's family to help with the costs or for the bride and groom themselves to pay or help pay for some of the expenses. The fact is that 40 percent of today's couples assume the responsibility for paying for their wedding, especially when it is not their first marriage.
It's a good idea to determine a budget you are both comfortable with before making any wedding plans. You'll need to agree on your priorities before you move forward to avoid beginning your marriage with a disagreement or worse yet with outstanding debt.
Receiving gifts the second time around.
Many couples who are getting married for the second time already have a full complement of silver, china, crystal and other gifts including linens and kitchenware. In fact, most people need to edit their collections so they can combine households without having two of everything cluttering their new home.
If you have sterling silver or fine linens with a monogram on them, how will your new husband feel about an initial that represents your former husband's last name? The answer is to ask him. Silver, especially, is ultra expensive to replace these days. Many people buy antique silver with monograms other than their own and don't even think about it. But, ultimately, it's a decision you both should feel comfortable about.
You may feel uncomfortable asking people to give you gifts the second time around . You can mention to friends and relatives that you would prefer it if people did not feel obliged to provide a gift and ask them to pass the message along . It is not appropriate to add a "no gifts please" message on your invitation as it tends to emphasize the gift. If new friends wish to give you a gift, they may ask your older friends and relatives for ideas. You can offer up a few fun and inexpensive gifts for them to suggest, but only if asked.
Should you change your name when you remarry?
While a more traditional bride usually opts to take her husband's last name as her own, it is perfectly acceptable in today's world for her to retain her own name or use a hyphenated form, i.e. Amy Wetmore marries John Sullivan and becomes Amy Wetmore-Sullivan. When making this decision, however, there are a number of considerations. For example, if you have children of your own, you might prefer to retain the same last name they have to make matters simpler for them and you. Imagine that every time you make a call regarding your children, you will have to say, "Hello, this is Mrs. Sullivan, I'm Nancy Wetmore's mother. Or, it may be that your children want you to keep the same name they have for emotional reasons.
Another reason for keeping your own name may be that you are recognized by that name among business contacts. It is possible to use your own name in business, but your married name in every other part of your life.
You can always change your name at a later date, remember, by filing a petition for a name change with the court. However, the marriage license and certificate cannot be changed.
If you decide not to take your husband's name, you will undoubtedly have to find a diplomatic explanation to provide the more traditional members of both families, who may be surprised. You can point out, if questioned, that there are practical reasons for keeping your own name, but that the decision in no way reflects your feelings or attachment to your new husband and his family.
Info provided by how to remarry.com
Saturday, May 23, 2009
No drama, Marry Mama
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Read original article about Gala Affairs by at Ur Best in The Charlotte PostIt’s never too late to tie the knot after starting a family.
Marry Your Baby Daddy Day, a national movement to promote family commitment through marriage, is spreading to Charlotte. Organizers are recruiting five couples with children for a free mass wedding Sept. 24 at Charlotte Museum of History. MYBDD started in New York five years ago to strengthen African families through traditional matrimony.
“To change this issue, black women need to get themselves together,” said Maryanne Reid, an author and founder of MYBDD. “We need to say as a community no more out of wedlock births and make it happen.”
Amanda Sherman, owner of Gala Affairs by At Ur Best, is organizing the Charlotte weddings. She said interviews are underway for prospective couples, and sponsors have been lined up to provide wedding essentials from catering to gowns and tuxedoes.
“I thought it would be a wonderful idea in Charlotte,” Sherman said. “I thought it would work well here. I’d like to move up next year to 10 like Maryann does in New York. It’ll be an annual thing and we’ll be looking for more families.”
Reid, who has organized the weddings of 40 couples in New York and plans to add another 10 this year, said families benefit from marriage, especially kids. More than 6 of every 10 black children in the U.S. (64 percent) are born to unwed parents, and the social costs rival the economic price tag of poverty through government-sponsored programs.
“I realized there are so many out of wedlock children, I thought it was a threat not only to women, but to their children,” Reid said. “They are so worried about being with someone so badly they get pregnant and don’t make good decisions with their bodies. It’s a very convoluted situation.”
Marry Your Baby Daddy Day is also good for the bottom line. Married families are in better position to leverage assets as opposed to being split, which is also manifesting itself during the recession.
“It’s not an issue of marriage and staying together,” Reid said. “It’s an economic issue because couples are now trying to stay together.”
For information, call (212) 946-5164.
On the Net:
Marry Your Baby Daddy Day
www.marryyourbabydaddy.com
Article done by The Charlotte Post Reporter Herbert L. White
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Mireya Navarro Author 'Green Wedding' Planning Your Eco-Friendly Celebration.
New York Times reporter Mireya Navarro will sign her book
Engaged couples planning a wedding may consider buying invitations made of recycled paper, choosing a venue close to where their guests live to limit long-distance travel, and serving food that is seasonal, organic and local.
These are just a few ways couples can host a more ecologically friendly wedding, according to Mireya Navarro, a New York Times journalist who recently published the book 'Green Wedding: Planning Your Eco-Friendly Celebration.' Navarro will sign and discuss her new book at Village Books, located at 1049 Swarthmore Ave., today at 7:30 p.m.
Navarro, 51, who divides her time between Pacific Palisades and Washington Heights in Manhattan, decided to write the book after receiving positive responses from an article she wrote in 2007 for the New York Times called 'How Green Was My Wedding.'
'It turned out to be a great story,' Navarro said. 'It's pretty novel what these couples are doing.'
For the book, she spent one year interviewing couples and conducting research, while working full-time as the West Coast Style correspondent for the New York Times in the Los Angeles bureau. She is now the Times' environmental reporter in New York.
A native of Puerto Rico, Navarro moved to the United States to attend college. She earned her bachelor's degree in journalism from George Washington University in Washington, D.C., and her master's degree in journalism from Columbia University in New York.
She has worked at the New York Times since 1989, winning the Pulitzer Prize with a team of journalists in 2001 for the series, 'How Race is Lived in America.'
Navarro married her husband, James Sterngold, a Palisades resident and reporter for Bloomberg News, in 2005 before she discovered the trend of green weddings. She has two step-children: Marina, a senior at Palisades Charter High School, and Sammy, a sophomore at New Roads School in Santa Monica. She and James have a bicoastal marriage, traveling from coast to coast to see one another.
'Green Weddings' serves as a typical how-to-guide for wedding planning, providing tips on how to chose a venue, dress, invitations, caterer and flowers, but through the lens of an environmentalist.
'Couples reported that it doesn't take longer to plan for a green wedding,' Navarro said. In fact, many vendors, such as caterers, do not offer organic food, so there are fewer options.
The goal of a green wedding is to avoid excess and waste, Navarro said. For example, party favors are optional and invitations with layers of paper are unnecessary.
Navarro suggests that brides buy their wedding gown second-hand or borrow one. If they want to buy brand new, they should choose a dress made of eco fabrics that they can wear again, sell or donate after the wedding. 'Do something, don't let it sit in the closet,' she said.
A major way couples can help the environment is to conserve electricity and minimize transportation, Navarro said. Couples should choose a venue that can accommodate a ceremony and reception to avoid shuttling and marry at a time that doesn't require air conditioning or heat.
In the end, 'I hope they look at wedding planning in a different way,' Navarro said. 'But remember it's a party and a celebration; I wouldn't want [couples] to go crazy ' they should do what they can to have the wedding of their dreams.'
Navarro hopes this emerging trend of green weddings will shift the bridal industry toward better practices but believes it will take time.
'The couples I interviewed are in the minority,' Navarro said. 'I call them pioneers.'
Article By,
Danielle Gillespie , Staff Writer Pacific Palisades Post, Pacific Palisades
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Happy Mother's Day
I had written this for my mother a long time ago. I would like to share it our readers.
On this Mother's Day, so many families are blessed to be able to tell our mothers Happy Mother's Day. For all the mothers who have gone on to a better place, we still cherish you in our hearts, minds and souls.
I remember Momma always saying time your time in everything you do;
Always say please, thank you, yes and no;
Always say good morning, or how do you do;
Always respect your elders in everything you do;
Always remember no matter what you do, Momma will always love you;
On this Mother's Day, I will always remember Momma;
No matter what the situation, the problem or the cause
w always thought the world was going to come to the end,
but some how mother always knew exactly what to say or do,
She would always make everything seem so right.
The world prospers with all the new mothers young and old,
caring for the new babies, so tender and innocent and yet so small,
kissing that crying little toddler that just fell and skinned his or her knee,
smiling as that six year old just tied his or her shoes,
shaking your head as your teenager tells you that you just don't understand.
What a blessing it is to be able to say that whatever you remember that was so special that your mother has taught you, or even given you.
You will always be able to cherish it in your own special way.
Thank you Momma because I do remember how you have passed on your values,
how you took the time to teach us right from wrong; showed us how to stand up for ourselves; showed us how to be good mothers and fathers for our special ones;
Thank you Momma for being number one in our lives so many young and old.
For all the mothers, (and the fathers who have to be mothers also)... Happy Mother's Day. Its a blessing to have you...
On this Mother's Day, so many families are blessed to be able to tell our mothers Happy Mother's Day. For all the mothers who have gone on to a better place, we still cherish you in our hearts, minds and souls.
I remember Momma always saying time your time in everything you do;
Always say please, thank you, yes and no;
Always say good morning, or how do you do;
Always respect your elders in everything you do;
Always remember no matter what you do, Momma will always love you;
On this Mother's Day, I will always remember Momma;
No matter what the situation, the problem or the cause
w always thought the world was going to come to the end,
but some how mother always knew exactly what to say or do,
She would always make everything seem so right.
The world prospers with all the new mothers young and old,
caring for the new babies, so tender and innocent and yet so small,
kissing that crying little toddler that just fell and skinned his or her knee,
smiling as that six year old just tied his or her shoes,
shaking your head as your teenager tells you that you just don't understand.
What a blessing it is to be able to say that whatever you remember that was so special that your mother has taught you, or even given you.
You will always be able to cherish it in your own special way.
Thank you Momma because I do remember how you have passed on your values,
how you took the time to teach us right from wrong; showed us how to stand up for ourselves; showed us how to be good mothers and fathers for our special ones;
Thank you Momma for being number one in our lives so many young and old.
For all the mothers, (and the fathers who have to be mothers also)... Happy Mother's Day. Its a blessing to have you...
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