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

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

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.

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

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

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

No drama, Marry Mama

Read original article about Gala Affairs by at Ur Best in The Charlotte Post

It’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

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

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...

Colour Meanings of Mothers Day Flowers

Flowers come in every colour and shade imaginable, from deep red roses to pale white and purple orchids. While most of us have a favourite colour, not all flower colours have the same meaning. It may seem obvious that sending red rose is a romantic gesture, and that pink roses are the traditional mother's day flower... but why? And what exactly do the colours mean?

Pink is the perfect choice for mother's day. Again pink roses are the traditional choice however pink camellias make a beautiful alternative. Conveying feelings of youth, joy and innocence, pink is associated with happiness and grace.

Lavender is somewhat similar to pink with its meanings of femininity, grace and elegance. Nearly all lavender flowers give a soothing and gentle feel to any floral arrangement, known for their delicacy and preciousness. It is the grown up and mature version of pink, and as such is very suited for older mums.

Green flowers represent nature itself, and make a great addition to any bouquet. While not a colour that is normally used on its own in a display, green compliments virtually every other colour in nature. Sending the sense of renewal and life, green flowers embody health and good fortune.

Yellow, the colour of cheerfulness and joy. While in the animal kingdom yellow is a sign for danger, in flora it is an attraction colour made to bring wildlife. Yellow flowers are most often associated with friendship , appreciation and happiness. Daffodils are a very fitting mother's day flower, being very much in season and a well loved favourite.

White the mark of purity and simple beauty. Whether in the delicately small bells of lily of the valley or silky smooth petals of fragrant gardenias, white has always been a symbol of humility and pureness. White on white bouquets make for a striking display, with white also working well with all pale colours, especially pink, blue, peaches and yellows.

Red is undeniably the colour of love, passion and desire. While red flowers, especially roses, are most commonly given to wives or girlfriends by men this doesn't mean they should not be given on mother's day. Its symbolism of love is not restricted purely to the romantic sense and red roses make an excellent gift.

Purple is associated with the royalty and ceremonies. In the past purple was a rare colour in dyes for clothes and even in nature, so it was only the rich who could afford to wear purple or have purple flowers in their homes. Part of this rarity and dignity is still carried across with deep purples adding contrast and intensity to any bouquet.

Blue soothes the mind with its calming and cooling shades. Offering serenity to any room, pale or profound blue shades are a great combination with the pureness of white. Most often given to represent openness or peace, blue flowers such as irises or hydrangea make for a calm and gentle gift.

Mothers Day Flowers colour meanings can make a massive impact on how they are received. Choosing the right colour for your mothers bouquet is a matter of focusing on the feelings and emotions you wish to convey.


Article provided by Rossie Richards

Also for gift ideas:
Ribbon of Choice www.tsherman2.ordermygift.com

You've Proposed – Now What?

So you've found the engagement ring. You've mustered up the nerve to propose. And to your delight, she's said YES! Now what? Most grooms think they're done after the proposal, but not quite fellas. Although your bride will most likely take the lead in wedding planning activities, your work isn't done. Let us tell you what your next steps are.

• Take the lead in coordinating the groom's party – Your bride will have enough on her plate. This is an area where your involvement will be key. Once you've decided who you want to stand beside you at the ceremony, volunteer to initiate contact, communicate important wedding updates, select the tuxedo choice, coordinate sizing among the groomsmen, and pick out the groom's party gifts. In addition to your bride's other planning duties, she will be busy coordinating things for her bridesmaids. She will appreciate you taking the lead with the groomsmen.

• Ask to receive periodic updates on the status of planning activities – Your bride does not want to feel as though you don't care about the detail and effort that is going into creating a special day for the two of you and your guests. By asking to be kept abreast of wedding planning efforts on a regular basis, you have communicated to your bride that you care about the end product just as much as she does.

• Plan the honeymoon – This is something that has traditionally been tasked to the groom. So guys, let's make sure to follow through. After the long, hectic, and tiring planning process, your bride can take joy in knowing that once the wedding is over, she can retreat to a destination that you took such care in planning and making special for the two of you.

• Just be supportive – If you've flipped through the TV channels, you've no doubt seen the notorious bridal meltdowns. While we hope this doesn't happen to you and your bride, you can help ensure a stable mental state by being supportive throughout the planning process. If your bride is upset about something, try to understand why and help to create a resolution. If your bride is excited about something, share in her excitement.

You've proposed and she is just beside herself at the prospect of planning a wedding celebratory event as you begin new lives together. Follow the tips listed here to ensure your bride feels the same way once the big day draws near.



"Article Provided by " Articlesbase

Gala Affairs By AtUrBest has Partnership with Marry Your Baby Daddy Day™

Marry Your Baby Daddy Day™ Charlotte, NC
September 24, 2009


Greetings!

Marry Your Baby Daddy Day™ and Gala Affairs By AtUrBest is looking for unwed couples with children in the Charlotte, NC and surrounding areas. Couples should already live together, engaged couples with no wedding date are preferred, but not mandatory. Wedding is scheduled for September 24, 2009.

We are also looking for local vendors and companies to contribute services and goods.

You must be comfortable being interviewed by the media.

Please forward this email or simply respond if you are interested. Nominations are not accepted. Couples must apply directly at www.marryyourbabydaddy.com. Applications are $25, 1 application per couple.

Marry Your Baby Daddy Day™ was featured in ABC NEWS 20/20, CBS Early Show, The Baltimore Sun, CNN, The New York Daily News, The New Yorker, Fox News, Essence, The Wendy Williams Experience and more. Please visit website for photos and other info. You may also call 212 946 5164 or email.

Visit Our Website
Maryann Reid
Marry Your Baby Daddy
www.marryyourbabydaddy.com

Gala Affairs By AtUrBest
www.galaaffairsbyaturbest.com
Charlotte, NC

web: http://www.marryyourbabydaddy.com

Don't Forget The Wedding Insurance

Taking the time to compare wedding insurance is probably not on most bridal checklists, but it's something that couples should consider together. When planning the details of a wedding day, brides and grooms are thinking about the flowers, the cake and of course, the gown. There's enough on their plate without worrying about what could go wrong. Wedding day insurance offers protection in case something should happen to mar the celebration.


For many people, planning a wedding is probably much like embarking on a college education: there's a lot more to it than people think who haven't already been through it before. It's more than planning a party; there are some pretty serious emotions involved -- all around. It can be highly stressful at times. There are ways, however, to mitigate this stress and make this a happy time.

If you want to bypass most of this stress altogether, consider hiring a professional wedding coordinator to do all the legwork for you and even absorb much of the logistical stress on the big day itself. A competent coordinator will orchestrate the entire event for you, for a percentage of your total wedding budget. Before you balk at the idea of adding yet another cost onto everything else that must be paid for, realize that professional wedding planners often actually save the couple money by knowing how to get certain services for a much lower cost than the general public would pay for the same thing. And since the wedding coordinator's fee is a percentage of the budget you've already set, you won't actually be adding another cost. Considering how much work you will be saved, hiring a coordinator may be something that's well worth looking into.

Whether you hire a professional coordinator or organize the wedding all by yourself, there are many additional ways to minimize stress. One consideration is event insurance, just in case anything should go wrong. Wedding event insurance is quite comprehensive and can cover a wide range of possible disasters. According to one source, the top five reported claims include:

* damaged wedding attire

* having to re-take the wedding photographs

* having to cancel the wedding due to an illness or bereavement

* caterers not showing up

* loss of wedding rings

While it's never desirable to have to actually use insurance and file a claim, it's a good thing to have the policy in place nonetheless. This is the first day of the rest of your married life, and you want it to be as perfect as possible. Whatever you do, don't allow little mistakes or omissions to become calamities. It may not be understood by those who have not been through it, but on your wedding day, everything seems so much larger than life -- whether good or bad.

The last thing anyone wants is to have their wedding be remembered as a disaster, and with how much of an expense weddings can be these days, it only makes sense to have some form of insurance. After all, a wedding can cost as much as (or more than!) a down payment on a house, and you wouldn't buy a house without insurance, right? Right!



Information provided by Kathy Hildebrand with Tidbits and Stuff

Let's Talk About Spring Weddings

Well its time to plan our Spring Weddings: We will give you a few ideas to choose from: Spring is the most popular wedding season, so it's important to have a good idea of the different spring wedding themes.

We are going to provide you with a few color ideas, wedding dresses, decorations, flowers and favors. First thing you should think about is your what will be your colors: You must remember darker colors absorb the sun's heat but do a better job of reflecting rays. Ligther colors don't absorb as much heat but don't UV rays as well. If its an outdoor wedding, lighter colors are highly recommend.

Spring Wedding Colors:


Some good two-color combinations could be:

Light blue and chocolate
Light blue and ivory
Light blue and pastel green
Light blue and white

Pastel green and ivory
Pink with any green
Lavender and yellow
Some good three-color combinations might be:

Ivory, lavender, pastel green
Ivory, pink, sage
Ivory, lavender, sage
Pastel green, pink, lavender
White, chocolate, pink

Since spring colors are so soft, it's actually hard to find a combination that doesn't work well! Talk with your wedding planner or friends and family to get a second opinion if you're unsure about several colors together.




Spring Themed Wedding Invitations

One of the first steps in setting the mood for a spring wedding is sending out spring themed wedding invitations. Typically, wedding invitations with a spring influence have spring flowers or spring scenery on them. And although many newlyweds are opting to send pocket invitations these days (very popular), there are still quite a few who want to make their wedding truly unique.

There are a ton of different wedding invitations with beautiful flowers on them (many of which can be found in the "spring flowers" section below).

Or in order to save some money, some couples might choose to get the less expensive, more affordable wedding invitations. This way, they can have more money to spend on the spring wedding decorations!


Spring Themed Wedding Attire

The Wedding Dress
Part of the reason why spring weddings are so popular is because of the wonderful weather! Of course this depends on where you live, but generally speaking, spring weather is great.

Because the temperatures are typically not too hot and not too cold, there are a lot of options for the wedding dress. It is best to choose a more versatile dress that can suite you in both warm and cold weather. (Maybe try to find a dress that is light but that can be paired with a wrap.) This is especially important if you live in a fluctuating climate where Spring temperatures could vary 30 or so degrees Fahrenheit (10-15 degrees Celsius).

Here are some good fabrics for spring weddings:

Batiste (an opaque fabric that is very light)

Charmeuse (a good satin-substitute although it doesn't hold a shape well)
Crepe (a thin fabric available in a wide variety of fibers and finishes)

Damask (made of various fabrics and has patterns/designs woven into it)

Duchesse Satin (a lightweight hybrid of rayon/polyester and silk)

Georgette (another lightweight fabric with a crepe surface frequently made with polyester or silk)

Spring weddings also allow room for adding an elegant touch of color to the wedding dress. Today, many brides choose to have a sash or embroidery of a different color on their dresses. There are certainly quite a few unique and stylish spring colors to choose from! See the spring color palette below.

Wedding Party and Guest Attire

Today's weddings are becoming more and more colorful. Pulling from the color palette below, one could come up with a unique color pattern for both the bridesmaids and the groomsmen. Guests could also come up with creative, tasteful outfits perfect for that spring wedding.


Here are some good ideas for a spring wedding outfit:

Sleeveless top
Spaghetti strap
Tea length dress
Cocktail dress
Skirt and top (rather than full length dress)
Strapless top/dress


Spring Flowers

You can save a lot of money on your wedding by purchasing in season flowers. In fact, you can save even more money if you can manage to work out a deal to use the church's flowers (if getting married in a church). Typically churches have lots of flowers for special Sunday services such as Easter Sunday.

Here is a non-exhaustive list of flowers that are in season during spring:







Allium

Anemone
Bells of Ireland
Boronia
Cherry Blossom
Daffodil
Forsythia
Hyacinth
Hydrangea
Lilac
Lilies
Magnolia

Narcissus
Pansy
Peony
Ranunculus
Snapdragon
Stephanotis
Sweetpea
Violet
Wisteria






How can I have a Spring Wedding Reception?

Why stop at just making a ceremony spring-themed when you can do the same for your wedding reception? The theme of spring can be carried through to your reception with spring wedding favors, spring decorations and even a spring menu!


Spring Wedding Favors

There are quite a few spring wedding favors to choose from that embody the atmosphere of spring. From beach chair tea light place card holders to seashell placecard holders to lily pens in a gift box, it would seem that your imagination is the only thing that limits you from finding the most unique spring favors.

Other popular spring wedding favors are seed packets (to thank guests for their contribution in "growing" your love) or birds nests.




Spring Wedding Decorations

Just like with wedding favors, there are a number of spring wedding decorations out there. Try purchasing decorations that are pastel blue, pink or lavendar. You could also put seasonal flowers up as centerpieces at the reception tables. Instead of having wedding attendants throw rice or bird seed, you could have them release butterflies or throw rose petals.






When it comes to having a spring themed wedding, you are only limited by your imagination!


Spring Wedding Menu Ideas

The icing on the cake for a spring themed wedding could be your menu. Try serving fresh young vegetables such as sugar snap peas, baby carrots, baby asparagus or potatoes. You could even serve fresh carrot cake, yum!


Fresh fruits would also be quite festive. Consider serving strawberries, mangos, apricots or pomegranates.

Get out there and have a unique, spring wedding using some of these ideas! Remember, you are only limited by your imagination, so think of creative ways to make your wedding special and different from the rest! Have a spring wedding!


Information provided by Hubpages:"

Choosing a Wedding Destination

One of the first decisions you need to make after you decide to have a destination wedding is which destination is right for you. Are you looking to elope? Or, do you want a larger destination wedding? Whichever you decide, here are some things you need to consider in your destination wedding planning.

• Consider the marriage laws. Some locations in the US as well as some countries require more than just two people who want to get married before they let them say "I do." For example, a couple can go to Arizona, obtain their license and get married with no waiting period. But, if you're planning to elope or have a Wedding in Washington, DC, there is a five-day waiting period to receive your license, and the bride and groom must both be present to apply for a license.

In Massachusetts there is a three-day waiting period, but the couple can obtain a waiver by petitioning the court. And, in Colorado, where couples themselves may solemnize their own marriage if they apply to the County Courthouse, and cousins can marry each other, same-sex partners are not allowed to wed, although same-sex marriage is legal in Massachusetts, and civil unions of same-sex partners is legal in Vermont. You get the picture? Even in the U.S. you have to do your research to familiarize yourselves with marriage laws.

• Your budget. Another concern about the location is the cost of the wedding itself. Some locations are just more traditionally affordable than others. Traveling out of the country is going to cost you more in most cases then traveling to just another state. Take into consideration travel expenses (flying or driving) as well as the wedding-related expenses. In some cases it just makes sense to have an inexpensive elopement ceremony and spend the bulk of your wedding costs on the honeymoon.

• Does the location provide wedding planning help to you? If you're eloping that may be simply contacting a wedding officiant and having your ceremony on a public beach or park which allows ceremonies. However, if you're planning on a larger destination wedding ceremony with family and friends, you may need help coordinating everything. If you can spare the money and want fewer headaches, go with a resort which offers wedding planning services.

****RATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE***** PLEASE CHECK WITH VENUES ********



Georgia Mountain Wedding Location Top Inn & Resort in Pine Mountain, Georgia:

For your Georgia mountain wedding. Mountain Top Inn & Resort is located in the middle of Roosevelt State Park, Georgia's largest state park with one of the best hiking trails in the Southeast. Located just one hour southwest of Atlanta and known as the gateway to Callaway Gardens, Pine Mountain has become one hot wedding location.

Nestled among the oak trees, the Mountain Top Inn & Resort wedding chapel was made for weddings, and includes a separate bride and groom's dressing room in the rear of the chapel. Constructed of Georgia Pine and natural rock, the wedding chapel features stained glass windows, magnolia floral decorations and soft candlelight, and can accommodate up to 100 guests. (For smaller, more intimate outdoor weddings, you may also want to consider their Gazebo, which is only steps away from the Chapel. The Gazebo is also perfect for wedding photos.)

There are several different wedding packages available, from small Chapel and Gazebo packages starting from $450 to the Full Wedding Package starting from $3,625.00 which includes:

Chapel
Gazebo
Minister (couples can supply own officiate)
Flower Package, which includes bride's bouquet and groom's boutonnière
Photo Package - 30 4X6 photos on a CD or printed taken before, during and after wedding
3 camera DVD of the ceremony & reception
Reception in the Reception Center, with first 40 guests included in the price ($10 per person additional)
Bride and groom's Wedding Cake
Brides gift box which include toasting glasses
Rehearsal
If you wish, you can have the full wedding package with 2-nights lodging for $3,975.00 for Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, and $4,475.00 for Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Area attractions include:

Roosevelt State Park
Callaway Gardens
Warm Springs, GA
FDR's Little White House
Roosevelt Stables
Contact Information:

Mountain Top Inn & Resort
P.O. Box 147
Pine Mountain, GA 31822
Local: 706-663-4719
Toll Free: 800-533-6376
mountaintopinnga.com








There are a few wineries in Colorado this is one of them. Grand Junction, Colorado is a nice beautiful wine country wedding. The Wine Country Inn, located near Grand Junction in Palisade, Colorado's first wine-themed hotel, situated in the middle of 21 acres of vines.

If you decide to have your wedding at the Inn, you can choose from several different sites on the property, from the outdoor Pavilion among the vines, a landscaped courtyard, the Vineyard Ballroom, or several smaller sites for more intimate ceremonies. For your reception, you can have the Chef create any type of event you want, from a formal dinner to a more casual hors d'oeuvres reception. And, before or after the wedding, you and your guests will have many opportunities for wine tastings, as the Inn is adjacent to two wineries and a short drive to many more.

The area around Grand Junction is truly an outdoor lover's paradise. For hikers, you have the awesome Grand Mesa National Forest, the world's largest flat top mountain, dotted with hundreds of lakes. Grand Junction is also located at the confluence of the Gunnison and Colorado Rivers, a dream location for rafters and kayakers.

For more information on having your wedding at the Wine Country Inn, you can call 970-464-5777, or email them at inquiries@coloradowinecountryinn.com. Their website is located at ColoradoWineCountryInn.com



Devil’s Thumb Ranch
3530 County Road 83
Tabernash,CO

Devil's Thumb Ranch is west of Denver, offering a 2,900 square foot barn with views of the Continental Divide for your "I do" moment. The Broad Axe Barn was built with wood recovered form a Civil War-era barn in Indiana, and accommodates up to 140 perople. For those seekign a smaller, more intimate wedding space, they also offer the Timber House, which can accommodate up to 30 people, and offering views of the Continental Divide as well.


Devil's Thumb Ranch is a perfect Colorado Destination wedding location, affording you and your guests numerous activities to keep everyone happy: hiking, snow shoeing, cross-country skiing, fly fishing, raft trips on the Colorado Rive, as well as their own Ranch Creek Spa, which offers body soaks, scrubs and wraps, massages, facials and foot and hand treatments.

You can get more info on hosting your wedding at Devil's Thumb Ranch by calling 800-933-4339, emailing them at www.devilsthumbranch.com, or by going to their website at Devilsthumbranch.com.



While searching around for Caribbean wedding packages recently I came across this little gem at Bolongo Bay Beach Resort on St. Thomas Island in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

If you're thinking of eloping, or wanting a small intimate wedding with the two of you and a few family members and friends, then you might want to consider the "Barefoot on the Beach Wedding" package for $1,000 which includes:

Wedding planning services
Clergy for ceremony
Bottle of champagne
2 keepsake flutes
Bolongo Bay bride & groom t-shirts
witnesses
They also offer another small wedding package which features a sunset ceremony aboard a Catamaran. This package costs $3,000 and includes the following:

2-hour wedding cruise
Wedding planning services
Clergy for ceremony
1 hour with a professional photographer
Wedding photo album
Bouquet & boutonniere
Fresh vegetable crudités
Assorted cheese & fruit tray
Open bar including champagne
The Catamaran cruise wedding package accommodates up to 20 people, with additional guests costing $55 per person. The Catamaran holds 49 people.

Bolongo Bay hotel is located on the beach on St. Thomas, which is a U.S. Virgin Island, which means U.S. citizens don't need passports. They offer work out room with exercise equipment, as well as a water-sports center, with complimentary use of kayaks, sunfish sailboats, windsurfers, aqua tri-cycles, swim mats and snorkel equipment to their hotel guests. Their freshwater pool has a swim-up bar. For more information regarding wedding packages, you can email weddings@bolongobay.com.

Lake Las Vegas Resort and Casino Wedding Package

Las Vegas is a hugely popular wedding destination. But, when most people think of a Vegas wedding, they either think of those little cheap wedding chapels, or an expensive resort on the Strip. Lake Las Vegas Resort and Casino is a little different. It's in Henderson, Nevada - close enough to the Strip, but also close to the beautiful Lake Mead National Recreation Area. This gives you and your guests ample things to do, from gambling in the casinos to taking in nature.

Lake Las Vegas Resort and Casino surrounds a 320-acre private lake, and offers lakeside lodging, as well as two world-class golf courses. They offer several different wedding packages, but this one for a small wedding celebration really caught my eye. It's for small weddings up to 20 guests, for $3,250.00, and includes:

Two night's one bedroom lake view accommodations
Use of Celebration Plaza Gazebo, Town Heart Courtyard, or Grand Gardens ceremony venue
Chair Rental up to 20 guests
Non-denominational wedding Officiant
One hour rehearsal with Officiant
Wedding Planning Service
Pre-recorded ceremony music
Bride's Color Choice of: Brides 12-Rose hand-tied satin ribbon bouquet, Groom's Boutonniere, Maid of Honor 5-Rose Bouquet, Best Man's Boutonniere, 4 bags of rose petals
Professional Staff Photographer
24-Wedding Photos on CD Format
First Dance
Champagne & flutes
They also offer a wedding package for up to 40 guests, and a wedding package up to 150 guests. For more information call 866-399-2747 or email jkgreen@intrawest.com

White Mountains of New Hampshire Wedding Spot
New Hampshire is dotted with quaint and lovely bed and breakfasts perfect for an intimate wedding. So, which one do you choose? Here's one that specializes in small weddings from just the two of you on up to 80 people. But, what it has that many others don't are year-round stables. And that means a grand entrance on a white horse or a romantic carriage ride any time of the year.

Farm By the River Bed and Breakfast with Stables
2555 West Side Rd.
North Conway, NH

Just two miles from the village of North Conway (near the Maine border), the Farm By The River sits on 70 acres in the Mt. Washington Valley of the White Mountains of New Hampshire. It's a great location for the outdoor enthusiast, no matter your passion:

downhill skiing
cross-country skiing
horseback riding
hiking
snowmobiling
mountain climbing
ice climbing
For winter weddings you can have an intimate ceremony of up to 20 people, performed in front of the fireplace. Larger weddings (up to 80 people) can take place in the warmer months in the garden. A Justice of the Peace is conveniently located on site (for an additional fee), and you can customize any wedding package with:

champagne
flowers
wedding cake
chocolates
carriage or sleigh ride
dinner package
For those of you looking for an elopement package, they have that as well. Priced at $700 (Fall foliage and holiday prices are a bit higher), the just-for-two package includes:

3 night stay in a super deluxe room with two-person whirlpool tub and fireplace
king or queen bed with mountain views
full patio/fireside breakfast each morning
complimentary sleigh ride/carriage ride for two or two horseback rides (weather permitting)
complimentary bottle of champagne
small cake and flowers
For more information please visit them at farmbytheriver.com. You can also email them at info@farmbytheriver.com, or reach them by phone at 1-888-414-8353.


Montana Destination Wedding Location

Izaak Walton Inn
290 Izaak Walton Inn Road
Essex Montana

The Izaak Walton Inn is located in Essex, Montana, right on the edge of Glacier National Park, and perfect for those couples who enjoy the outdoors.

Built in 1939 by the Great Northern Railroad, and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Izaak Walton Inn has racked up quite a few awards in recent years:

Voted by Sunset Magazine as one of the top ten 2008 "Spring Flings"
Named by Snow Country Magazine as "best cross country ski resort" in the Mountain Region, 2003
Izaak Walton Inn is situated in an area which affords couples and their guests the best the Glacier National Park area has to offer:

Whitewater rafting
Backcountry skiing
Cross-country skiing
Hiking
The Izaak Walton Inn boasts 33 rooms which can accommodate up to 101 guests, including 4 authentic cabooses used as "caboose cabins." And, yes, there is a "honeymoon caboose."

For your wedding, you have several different locations at the inn to choose from, including the Frank Krshka Outdoor Pavilion, which is a large open-air covered pavilion with raised cobblestone area; the Signal Room, which is an indoor facility; and the Fireside Lobby, for more intimate weddings.

For more information you can go to their website at: IzaakWaltonInn.com; email them at: stay@izaakwaltoninn.com; or call them at: 406-888-5700


Honolulu Wedding Packages for a Lovely Beach Wedding
The New Otani Kaimana Beach Hotel
2863 Kalakaua Ave Honolulu, HI
Tel: (808) 923-1555

Located 9 miles from the Honolulu International Airport, The New Otani Kaimana Beach Hotel is located on the shore of Kaimana Beach, at the far end of historic Waikiki.

Other than being a beautiful, ocean-front venue for a wedding, the Kaimana property also has some interesting history behind it. In the early 1900s, the site used to be the home of a prominent Honolulu family, and also contained a hau tree, under which sat none other than Robert Louis Stevenson. The original home is gone, replaced by the hotel, but the tree remains.

The Kaimana offers two very affordable wedding packages, one called the "Let's Be Together" wedding package ($1,320), which includes 2 nights ocean front room, and the "Families United by Marriage" wedding package ($1,730), which includes an ocean suite for the whole family. Both packages also include:

>>Ceremony in the Sans Souci Room or the Imperial Lanai
>>Non-denominational minister
>>(2) Fresh flower leis
>>Chilled bottle of champagne for toasting
>>Fresh pineapple welcome amenity

You can call them at 808-921-7016 or email them at hawaiianwedding@kaimana.com. for more information.

Paradise Cove

Located at the Ko Olina Resort on the leeward coast of Oahu, Paradise Cove is one of the largest luau shows in Hawaii, with 12 ocean-front acres.

You have three choices for locations at Paradise Cove: Paradise Cove Beach; Imu Gardens with an ocean backdrop; and The Point, surrounded by the Pacific Ocean and Waianae Mountains. They offer two wedding packages, Package A for $1,470 and Package B for $1,365. Too bad the beauty of the location didn't inspire a more creative package name than A or B The only difference between the packages is that Package A includes a deluxe Luau package for the wedding couple. Both Packages include:

>>One-way limousine transfer from Waikiki
>>Non-denominational minister or officiant
>>Hawaiian seasonal lei for the wedding couple
>>One tier wedding cake
>>Bottle of champagne or sparkling cider for toasting
>>Two keepsake champagne flutes

The ceremony for both packages is 1 hour. Paradise Cove will also help with your reception, with catering and entertaining. You can get more info by emailing events@paradisecove.com.

For more information on weddings on Hawaii, particularly waterfall weddings and how to plan a Hawaiian wedding, you can also go to our website pages at Weddings on Hawaii and Weddings on Maui .

Florida Private Island Resort for Your Wedding
It's the Little Palm Island Resort & Spa, a private island resort, which has been listed among the top resorts in the world by Condé Nast Traveler and Travel+Leisure magazine. Oh, and it also has won numerous other awards, including receiving a Spa Finder Magazine's Reader's Choice Award, and considered The Best Hotel Suite by Zagat survey in 2006. Not shabby.

Now, is it all-inclusive. Rate includes complimentary valet parking, boat transfers to and from the island, all watersport amenities including kayaks and small motor boats, concierge service, fitness center, a welcome bottle of champagne, and all non-alcoholic beverages throughout your stay. You may also choose a plan which includes your three meals, which would make it all-inclusive. You can also choose a plan where your meals are a la carte.

They have many different wedding packages available, from simply hosting your ceremony (which includes a ceremony for just the two of you, for all you eloping couples out there), to weddings up to 40 people.

Little Palm Island Resort & Spa looks simply gorgeous. The hard part would be deciding among the different locations at the resort to have your wedding: the white sandy beach, the tropical Zen Garden, their Sunset Dock, or their harbor-view Palapa Point gazebo. You can find more information by emailing weddings@littlepalmisland.com

Have a look for yourself at Little Palm Island.

Another Florida Spot

In addition to Club Med Sandpiper, there's also the Amelia Island Plantation, located at 6800 First Coast Highway on Amelia Island, Florida. The resort offers 72 holes of championship golf, 3 1/2 miles of beach, a spa, 23 clay tennis courts, and more.

According to their website, the all-inclusive package includes:

* Choice of spacious accommodations
* Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner in nearly all of their reataurants (excludes alcohol, room service, PLAE and Member Clubhouse)
* Unlimited greens fees on Oak Marsh, Ocean Links or Amelia River (formerly Royal Amelia) with cart and practice balls prior to play. Advance tee times (including arrival and departure days) may be booked at the time room reservations are confirmed
* Unlimited tennis court time; use of ball machine and round robins
* Use of Health & Fitness Center (workout room, whirlpool, sauna, steam room, lap pool and lockers)
* Beach chairs and umbrellas
* Nature Tours on property (excludes kayaking and Segways)
* Fishing rods and reels for surf fishing
* Beach Towels at Beach Club
* Bicycles (single speed)

You can find more by going to their website at aipfl.com. Among their awards are:

***AAA Four Diamond Resort 27 Consecutive Years
***Condé Nast Traveler- 2004 Gold List: The Reserve
***Travel & Leisure T & L 500- “Ultimate Guide to the Greatest Hotels in the World” – 2004

Santa Fe WeddingLove the southwest? Then a Santa Fe wedding should be on your destination wedding short list.
Some favorite wedding venues in Santa Fe include:


Georgia O'Keeffee Museum
217 Johnson Street


Hyde park Lodge
740 Hyde Park Road


JW Eaves Movie Ranch
105 Rancho Allegre Road


But, our favorite is the Loretto Chapel, located at 207 Old Santa Fe Trail. (We'll talk about other Santa Fe wedding venues in future posts).


The Loretto Chapel was recently showcased on the Style Network's series "Married Away," and is host to more than 200 weddings a year.

Built in 1878, the Loretto Chapel was modeled after Sainte-Chapelle in Paris, and has consistently been named "the best place to get married" by the Santa Fe Reporter's "Best of Santa Fe."


Why is the Loretto Chapel so special? Try thge 150-year-old stained glass windows and Italian gothic altar for starters. But the real draw is the mysterious staircase to the choir loft twenty-two feet above, with two 360-degree turns and no visible means of support, a design very innovative for its time and still perplexing experts today.






In the late 1800s a mysterious man came to the chapel looking for work and built the staircase after expert carpenters concluded that a staircase couldn't be built due to the small size of the chapel. Legend has it that the mysterious staircase-builder was none other than St. Joseph, the patron saint of carpenters.


So, what better way to celebrate the mysteries of love than in a chapel with a mysterious staircase?


Those looking to elope to Santa Fe are in luck, with a wedding package for just the two of you at the Chapel for $750 for an evening wedding lit by chapel candles.


Those couples looking for more elaborate weddings will want to check out the "Sant Chapelle" package which includes the minister, flowers, photography and a string quartet for $5,500.


Call for more information at 505-982-0092.


And, what's eloping or a wedding without a honeymoon? Our recommendation is La Fonda Hotel on the Plaza. The plaza is a great place to stay to experience all that Santa Fe has to offer. Call them at 1-800-523-5002 for more information.

Photo by Matt Howry
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mhowry/

One&Only Ocean Club
Paradise Island Bahamas
www.oneandonlyresorts.com
Self-coined as “the absolute pinnacle of luxury and service in The Bahamas”, One & Only Ocean Club certainly lives up to it. After undergoing a $100 million renovation and expansion in 2000, the property boasts opulent rooms and suites that offer awe-inspiring views of Paradise Island’s tranquil beaches, as well as three private 4,000 square foot villas featuring infinity-edge lap pools and landscaped gardens.

In addition to the luxury accommodations, The Ocean Club’s Dune Restaurant by renowned chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten marks a culinary delight set romantically on outdoor patios looking out to sea. Other amenities include full-service spa villas, water sports & recreation, tennis and a most impressive Ocean Club Golf Course created by famed pro golfer and course designer Tom Weiskopf.





Mandarin Oriental Miami
500 Brickel Key Drive
Miami FL
305.913.8383
momia-reservations@mohg.com
www.mandarinoriental.com/miami/
Mandarin Oriental, Miami is one of Americas finest hotels. Ideally located on prestigious Brickell Key, its deluxe, waterfront location perfectly befits the opulence youll find within.

The rooms and suites are sumptuous. The award-winning restaurants and bars are some of the finest in Miami. And our Spa, with its uninterrupted view of the bay, is one of the most beautiful in the world. No wonder the hotel is popular with celebrities and captains of industry alike.

The hotel is ideally situated and equipped for business and our extensive leisure facilities make it the perfect choice for a holiday in Miami. So whatever the purpose of your visit, why not take a little time to explore our site and view the luxury that awaits you. We hope you enjoy it










Cap Juluca
Anguilla British West Indies
www.capjuluca.com
Hailed as one of the most beautiful resorts in the world-Cap Juluca is the hallmark of elegance and sophistication.

The sprawling 179-acre property located on the British West Indies island of Anguilla is surrounded lush coral reefs and pristine beaches-creating ultimate paradise. It has received countless accolades for the uniqueness of its Moroccan architecture--luxurious rooms, suites and Moorish-style villas adorned in Caribbean motifs, and textured interiors.


In step with its tranquil nature, Cap Juluca offers its guests A-list spa rituals including massage lessons for couples. Guests that are interested in snorkeling can observe the rare, tropical fish found in the protected marine reserve, Little Bay, while on land, receive a guided horticultural tour of the resorts blossoming gardens. Tennis and croquet are played on the premises. The new Greg Norman designed 18-hole championship course is minutes away at the Temenos Golf Club. Golfing excursions to St. Martin or Nevis can be arranged, as well as day trips to neighboring islands.













Mandarin Oriental Riviera Maya, Mexico
Delivering an unrivaled experience of pleasure and exclusivity, Mandarin Oriental Riviera Maya, Mexico offers one of the most naturally glamorous settings in the world for your wedding. The hideaway resort is set on 36 secluded acres offering the ultimate sanctuary, where verdant tropical jungle meets pure white, pristine beach. You will find magnificent mangroves, crystal-clear lagoons and a spectacular cenote, a deep, freshwater reservoir sacred to the ancient Mayan that serves as the resorts centerpiece.

The resort design allows creative effects to make a visually stunning wedding. An outdoor terrace can be a theatrical scene with the night sky filled with stars and candlelight highlighting the lush greenery. At the end of the evening, after all the glamour and glitz, you can walk to the beach and relax together, listening to the peaceful lap of waves with the sand cooling your toes.

The 25,000-square-foot Spa at Mandarin Oriental Riviera Maya is an enchanting complex of contemplative space, where crisp lines and vibrant hues are soothed by natural colors and organic textures. A stunning vision of free-flowing space and contemporary design, it is an extraordinary enclave of rejuvenating experiences. The Spa has merged Mayan techniques and philosophies with those from the world over into a potent blend of treatments, ensuring an optimal wellness experience. The splendid riches of ancient Mayan philosophy, when harmoniously blended with Asian rooted healing rituals, create a force of great power and inspiration. Reserve simultaneous treatments in our VIP Couples Suite, this is the ideal wedding gift to yourselves.

With dining serving as a focus of the resorts innovation and imagination, a tantalizing selection of restaurants and bars excite the palate, accompanied by mesmerizing vistas of lagoons, mangroves and the calming ocean. Creative international cuisine is influenced by sophisticated Mexican fare at Ambar, the resorts signature restaurant; panoramic ocean views define Aguamarina, with its striking, ultra-modern, minimalist design colored with ocean blues, sleek silver and natural woods; the beachfront Ceviche Cha Cha Cha serves the catch of the day; healthy fare is found at the Caf Mayana, and the Lobby Lounge is a stylish retreat for afternoon drinks.







Other wedding locations try this link:
http://www.locationweddings.net/Location_Weddings.html

Celebrate The 7 Days of Valentine's

Start today and enjoy the week::: Happy Valentine's Day:

Day 1 - Light a candle at dinner
Day 2- Gift a pair of tickets to a movie, show or game
Day 3- Write three short love poems to say how you feel
Day 4- Fly four balloons, proclaiming "I love you"
Day 5- Give five favorite flowers or recorded sons
Day 6 - Sweeten Valentine's with six chocolate hearts
Day 7 - Enjoy a celebration you both will remember

New Website

We promised you a new look and its has been created take a moment to view our website:

www.GalaAffairsByAtUrBest.com