5 Wedding Catering Options Your Guests Won’t Be Expecting

When it comes to wedding food, boring formal plated dinners are out and casual fun eats are in. Here are some awesome catering options to think about while planning your wedding this year that haven’t been done a million times before. Serving up these mouth watering morsels is sure the make your day a memorable experience for all.

Food Trucks

Give some of your local businesses a huge boost by hiring them to cater your wedding. Not only will the locals appreciate your business, but your guests will be thrilled at your unique personal taste and take on dining. You can hire a food truck instead of a buffet or sit-down dinner, or you could hire a food truck to come to the reception a few hours in to provide a late night snack for guests who have been drinking and dancing. Food trucks are also budget friendly

Bowl food

Bowl food is lighter than a buffet but is more substantial than canapes, and gives your guest a broader selection to choose from. The fair is served in small stylish ceramic pots with cutlery, and meant to be ate standing up, or on the move. I can’t think of a better way to mix and mingle aPict a wedding.

Picnic

An absolutely perfect idea for an outside wedding reception. Have wicker baskets scattered throughout the reception location stocked with carrots, dips, hard cheeses, flatbreads, grapes, and a bottle of nice wine. Set up a station for guests to grab some of their favorite cocktails, while enjoying a game of croquet on the lawn etc. Have blankets and throws available for people who want them.

BBQ food

Have your favorite BBQ restaurant cater your wedding reception. You don’t have to be out West wearing cowboys at the rodeo to enjoy some authentic BBQ every once in awhile. Think beef brisket, baby back ribs, baked potatoes, sweet potato fries, variations of classic macaroni and cheese, and cornbread. Your guests will love it, and this is also a very kid friendly option if you have a lot of families with kids attending your wedding.

Breakfast for dinner

If you and your fiance are a big fan of brunch, then why not let your guests in on the fun? There’s nothing wrong with serving breakfast for dinner, in fact it’s such a good idea I might do it tonight! If you’re have a country style wedding, serve your guests a country style breakfast. Think sausage and egg casserole, french toast, crispy bacon, cheesy grits, and donut holes with dipping sauces for dessert. Don’t forget to have some mimosas and bloody mary’s to liven things up!

These five ideas are a great way to turn your ordinary every day wedding into something unique and get your guests talking. Not only will guests thank you for your creativity, but your stomach and wallet will as well. Enjoy and bon appetit!

10 Bachelorette Party Dos and Don’ts

Do: Communicate

Whether it's your best friend or your sister who's in charge of planning the festivities, talk to your girls about what you envision for the party. Do you feel like going out, or getting pampered -- or both? This is also your opportunity to lay down a few ground rules. Don't be afraid to set boundaries! Totally against any fake penises making an appearance? You're allowed to say so, and even to ban them -- nicely, of course. On the other hand, if you're not offended by a little phallic paraphernalia, let them know that too.

Don't: Be Bossy

While your thoughts and suggestions are welcome (and even helpful) to whoever is planning the party, that doesn't mean your ideas should include a full, preplanned itinerary you just happened to go ahead and put together.

Do: Give Your Girls Options

If your dream single-girl trip involves plane tickets and hotel rooms for everyone, offer a few budget-friendly alternatives closer to home. Maybe you'd love to head to Napa, but a local winery would be just as fun.

Don't: Get Wasted

Just because the stereotypical bachelorette party is a boozy night on the town with your best friends doesn't mean you have to drink yourself sick. Stay in control so you can remember the night, not spend the second half of it in the bathroom.

Do: Consider Renting a Dress

You'll obviously want to look hot, but instead of agonizing over buying a really expensive dress in the midst of all the money you're dropping on the wedding, rent a dress from a website like RenttheRunway.com. Just don't spill any G&T on it.

Do: Have a Theme

Something as simple as a karaoke night, a spa day or an old-school pajama party can count as a theme, but feel free to steal ideas from the college frat party arsenal. That's right, we went there. Toga party, anyone? We also love the idea of a Mad Men- or Boardwalk Empire-themed bash.

Don't: Kiss Another Guy

So this one is obvious but clearly important. If you go around announcing it's your bachelorette party, attractive bachelors will probably offer to buy you a drink. This is fine (and frugal and fun), but don't get too flirty. Remember: The whole point of this shindig is to celebrate your upcoming nuptials, oh right, to that guy. Speaking of guys, please, please skip the sweaty male stripper.

Do: Consider a Coed Party

A joint party won't work for every couple, but if you and your groom-to-be share the same group of friends, it might be kind of fun to get everyone together for one big prewedding party.

Don't: Invite Your Mom (or His)

No matter how cool she is (and we know some pretty cool moms), it's just weird to have your mom at a party like this. Even if you don't feel awkward, your girlfriends will probably feel strange taking shots with your mom. Just saying.

Do: Take Plenty of Photos

Keep your camera handy, or make sure at least one person is the DP (designated photographer), so you can capture lots of candid snapshots and posed glamour shots from the night or weekend. Take videos with your phone or a Flip camera, and maybe even ask your friends to record video messages to you as you say farewell to singlehood.

Music Monday "I Loved Her First"

Renee and her father danced to his for their Father/Daughter dance and I shead a few tears for sure. I have loved this song and it was nice to see them dance to it.

First Goal, Fricks and Fair!!

Hello my Blogger Buddies..... Here is the Weekend Recap!

Friday what I thought would be me getting off of work at normal time turned into 9pm... Yes 9pm on a Friday waiting on the Carpet people to come and do some cleaning on the 2nd floor. While I was waiting on them, I got a chance to FINALLY find Junior Bridesmaids shoes for Jacelyn and Xzyria.

I picked this shoe because it would go great with their dresses (The Shoe is Ivory by the way) and it gives them the sparkle they have been wanting as well.


After getting home, the kids had dinner and were heading off to bed so Scott and I made it a Netflix night and he made my day a little brighter with some Sweet Treats:

Its one of the many reasons I love him, he knows how to make me smile after a long day.

Saturday was jammed packed for us and we got off to an early start. It was Isaiah's First Soccer game and he was all ready and geared up to go!

The Golden Knights not only won their game but Isaiah scored a goal as well!! Great Job Big Guy!

Jace and I didn't get to the game, but we did take my Mom to get her dress altered and her shoes ordered for the big day.... Another check off the list.

We all pulled up at the house at the same time and we had to get ready for our afternoon stuff. Jacelyn and Isaiah were going over to Brandy's house for the day while Scott and I got ready for the Beck/Fricks Wedding!

So some of you might remember me talking about David and Renee before......

I have to say.. People come along in your life for one reason or another and David is one of those people for Scott and I. We all instantly clicked and when we met Renee, we knew that there was something special for him in her. This weekend was there wedding and besides our own wedding, I could have not been more excited to see 2 people be married than them. Here are a few highlights from their special day:

 

 The Beautiful Bride and Groom....

 

Guess who's next???

The beauty of Open Bar Photos... LOL

I have to tell you that I sat down in the seat without even looking at the fact that my name was on my Menu Card until Scott said some... So nice.

The Yummy Fillet. Scott's Choice.

The Halibut. My Choice.

And no evening would be complete without a Crazy Photo Booth Photo!

By the way, their wedding favors...Homemade Beer. So Sad that I forgot to take a picture of the beer table but we will be enjoying ours this weekend while we watch football with our friends.


Sunday we got up and headed out for family day at the LA County Fair! We love to go to eat, hang with the kids and sweat off a few pounds as well...LOL. Here are a few photos from the day:

The front gate Family Photo

The Boys cooling down...

 

Me and Mini Me... Love this one so much.

Walking on Sunshine.....

 

Somethings just should not be Deep Fried.... Just Sayin'

Boys on the water ride.... out of the 100 tickets Scott got, 72 went to this ride....LOL

 

The aftermath to the Water Ride.... Priceless.

 

 

After the day at the fair, we came home to cool down, have dinner do some laundry.

 

Here is whats on tap for this week:

 

1. Hair/Makeup Schedule

2. Cake Tasting this weekend

3. Work on the rest of the RSVP's

4. Gearing up for the Bachelorette Party.

5. Work on Scott's gift.

 

 

40 days to go.......

 

 

 

10 Signs She Is The One

There are a lot of lists out there for women about how to find The One -- that special person you could build a life with. But as a guy, I find it's not something we talk about all that often. It got me thinking... what qualities would make for a great partner for my life, as a guy?

Your life is better when she's around. Things start to click. You land that new job. She helps you get your stuff organized. You start cooking again. You start really reducing that debt. She just makes you want to be a better person.


Your close buddies and family can't help but be charmed by her. Maybe you don't care what other people think, and that's fine. Isn't it nice, though, when your family and friends are just as enamoured with your girlfriend as you are? When you can all hang out and she holds her own? When she can tell dick jokes and listen to grandma talk about Jeopardy?


She's motivated and handles her business. Motivation is a huge turn-on for me. Somebody who can handle her business (whether that means working hard at her job, or juggling clients as a freelancer, or planning her future) is somebody who you can rely on. Boo co-dependency!


She has your back. Ah, Michelle Obama...what a woman! It means so much to know that your partner is in your corner and you owe it to her to be in hers. When you feel supported, it makes a world of difference.


She calls you on your shit. The flip side. Somebody who cares for you wants to you succeed, and she will help you, even if it means tough love. I'm not talking about nagging (which is THE WORST). I'm talking about somebody who keeps it real when you need her to. She gives you honest feedback on your writing. She plays devil's advocate. She calls out your messy room. Yeah, I'm mad at first, but I appreciate it later.


You trust her, but you are still a bit jealous. I used to brag that I was never jealous about my girlfriend. Now I realize that a little bit of jealousy is not a bad thing. I like the thought that I have to work to keep my relationship going, and I like knowing that people out there think my girlfriend is hot. At the same time, I don't want her to actually cheat on me....I just like the idea that she is desired, but I'm enough of a stud that she is gonna stick around. It's an ego game, I guess. But I think a bit of jealousy (note: I'm not talking insane, angry jealousy here...) shows you care.


She is funny. This is so important. Dating somebody without a sense of humour, or even a wildly different sense of humour, is torture. If she laughs at your jokes, and you at hers, she is probably a keeper. Humour = hot.


She is in the same place as you. In my experience, timing and location can impact relationships more than just about anything else. Does she want to travel the world? Is she stable? Does she just want something casual? Is she interested in having kids? Is she religious? A lot of these questions can be deal-breakers, and the more you have in common ("oh, I just want a casual, no kids relationship where we travel the world and pray to our God the Giant Spaghetti Monster too!"), the better.


You have sexual chemistry. This is critical. She isn't your friend, she's your romantic partner. If the sex isn't happening, and it can't be saved with therapy and lots of talking, then you may need to DTMF (Dump The MotherF***er -- all credit to Dan Savage). To further steal from Mr. Savage, it helps if both of you are GGG (Good, Giving, and Game) for just about anything in the bedroom.


She makes you feel...like a natural man. I'm not naturally a terrifically manly man. I play basketball and keep in shape, and I'm (pretty much) straight. Also, I look good in a suit. In a lot of ways, however, I can be pretty effete and/or childlike. Consequently, it is important to me to be in a relationship with somebody who doesn't constantly emasculate me. Even the most liberal, bicycle-riding, hippy-dippy, skinny-jeans wearing, bi-curious dandy likes to feel like a high-status man sometimes.


Also read Josh Bowman's "Ten Signs She Might NOT Be The One" and "She's The One" by Tom Matlack.

Who Pays For What: The Dollars & Cents

This comprehensive guide helps specify the financial responsibility of everyone involved in your wedding.

The bulk of many wedding etiquette questions center around financial issues. In past generations, the bride's family paid for the majority of the wedding expenses. The groom's lucky family got off with just the rehearsal dinner, and the groom himself paid for the honeymoon, the bride's rings, and assorted other small expenses.

That was then. Nowadays, with the costs of weddings growing and many couples marrying later when they are more likely to have careers and incomes of their own, more brides and grooms are contributing to, or even picking up entirely, the cost of the wedding. And the parents of many grooms are also contributing more than in the past; a popular option is to have the bride's family, the groom's family, and the couple each contribute one-third.

For reference, the following is the traditional breakdown of expenses:

Bride's family pays for: Engagement party (optional) Wedding invitations and other stationery (announcements, thank-you notes, etc.) Services of bridal consultant Wedding gown and accessories Flowers for ceremony and reception sites Bouquets for bridesmaids Music Photography Videography Ceremony Reception Bridal party transportation to ceremony and reception Family's wedding attire Bride pays for: The groom's ring The bridesmaids' luncheon Gifts for the bridesmaids Wedding gift for the groom Attendants pay for: Bachelor and bachelorette parties Gifts for the bride and groom (can purchase individual gifts or chip in on a group gift) Wedding attire and accessories Transportation to and from wedding town or city

Groom's family pays for: Engagement party (optional) Rehearsal dinner Their own wedding attire Groom pays for: The bride's rings The marriage license Officiant's fee His formalwear Personal flowers: the bride's bouquet, boutonnieres for wedding party, corsages for mothers and grandmothers Gifts for the groomsmen Wedding gift for the bride Gifts for parents Honeymoon Transportation to the honeymoon

Friday Letters

Dear Body,

 

I hope the Antibiotics kick in and take this Ear Infection away... TMI maybe but hey, its life.

 

Dear David and Renee,

 

We are SO EXCITED AND HAPPY for you guys! Cant wait to celebrate with you guys this weekend for your wedding.

 

Dear Kids,

 

Dad and I are excited to take you to the LA County Fair... We are going to eat and play till we cant no more... Love Family Time.

 

Dear Wedding Guest,

 

Thank You all for your RSVP's .....Keep them rolling!

 

Dear Scott,

 

Well you were able to do the impossible... Convert me from Blackberry to iPhone. I am excited to join the Apple world and I am Thankful that you were able to get me there. I hope that yours comes right behind mines so we can enjoy together. I Love You and I hope you are having an awesome day!

 

 

 





Create Your Own Ceremony Programs - Project Wedding

Create Your Own Ceremony Programs - Project Wedding

Its Ok Thursday .......

I saw a few of my Bridal Buddies doing this so I thought I would join in on the fun.. Here we go:

 

Its OK

 

that I can do it all... I just have to learn that it will all work itself out

 

 

It OK

 

to ask for help when you need it

 

Its OK

 

to be excited for the changes in my life and if people don't understand my smile... O well.

 

Its OK

 

for me to speak my mind, that's what I have it for.

 

Its OK

 

for me to have Raspberry Sorbet and Rocky Road Ice Cream in my freezer... Sometimes its needed.

 

Its OK

 

for me to Love and be Loved... It was a hard road to get here but I'm glad to be here.

 

Its OK

 

to want that iPhone 5 and possibly get it.. I'm hopeful.

 

Its OK

 

to countdown to Our Wedding... its been a long time in the making so 44 here we come

 



10 Things No One Tells You About Gown Shopping

I finally found Her: The perfect dress for my wedding on September 1! I'd like to give a special shout-out to my consultant Andrea from Bridal Reflections in Carle Place, Long Island, for her unwavering patience, arms of steel, and contagious smile. 25+ dresses later, here's what I learned. (Catch up on part 1 of my dress shopping experience, here.)

 

1. Undergarments can drastically change the look of a dress.

You already know that wearing a strapless bra or a regular one with clear straps is non-negotiable. Even so, I’d recommend getting your measurements taken before you start this process, especially if you've lost weight recently, like I did. When I tried on the winning dress for the very first time, my bust looked...off. The culprit: Undergarments one cup size too small and three inches too big around the waist. Armed with my correct size, I slipped on the dress again—it's amazing what a difference a few inches can make.


2. Wear just enough makeup to feel pretty—don't go overboard.

Being surrounded by a billowing sea of white fabric makes you hyper-aware of your appearance. Under-eye circles that were barely noticeable before look stark. Pale pink lipstick is drowned out by fluorescent lighting. You don't have to get dolled up for your consultant; apply just enough so that you feel presentable. But whatever you do, DON'T apply self-tanner in the days leading up to your appointment, in order to avoid damaging any of the dresses. Also wear your hair the way you've planned it for the wedding.


3. Consultants can't stand when you "yes" them to death.

They can't assist you properly if you don't tell them how you really feel. "It's beautiful," I murmured, after stepping into each dress or pulling it over my head. Unaware that I was saying this for Each And Every Gown, Andrea eventually called me out on it: "I'm not the designer; you won't hurt my feelings, you know." Ten "nos" (including the Lazaro style pictured above) helped me get to my final "yes." Also consultants rarely outright told me to take something off, so when they did, I knew they were being truthful. If they use the words "we can do better," you'll know.


4. Do "the aisle test" to make sure the gown looks good from every angle.

Before making my final decision, Andrea helped me into the top contender one last time, veil and all, and had me walk around the periphery of the store to meet my dad at the front entrance. Walking towards him and seeing his stunned reaction solidified how much I loved the dress. Go ahead, sit, shimmy, and even twirl in the gowns while trying them on—if it's the right one, you should feel as if you never want to take it off.


5. Trying on wedding gowns is physically (and emotionally) draining.

Wedding gowns are so heavy that getting in and out of them is a workout in itself; I'd find myself ravenous (and in need of a good nap) afterwards! Up until that point, I had made major planning decisions (venue, photographer, DJ), but when I saw how I looked in my dress, it was as if all that was just a fuzzy dream that suddenly became crystal-clear when I woke up. Not the weepy type, I was mortified when tears streamed down my cheeks. On the other hand, a bride-to-be friend of mine who sniffles at commercials was mystified by how detached she was to the gown she bought. That's the beauty of wedding planning—no two brides will ever have the same exact experience.


6. Make Mom love you forever by trying on a dress she recommends, even if you hate it.

If Mom has been looking forward to this moment ever since you played dress-up as a little girl, oblige her just this one time and try on one of her recommendations. It's a win-win: Either she'll see that you were right about lace looking all kinds of wrong on you, or you may shock yourself by purchasing one of her picks, like I did.


7. Ask if there are any discounts they can offer you.

Some salons offer discounts if you purchase bridesmaid or mother of the bride/groom dresses there as well. At trunk shows, which feature an entire collection from a specific designer, brides can get a percentage off (usually 10-15), for buying a gown that same day. If you're serious about a dress and can't make the show, try it on beforehand and see if they'll grant it to you at the lower price anyway.


8. You’ll have to sign on the dotted line for even the smallest details.

In order to buy a dress, you'll have to commit to a certain size ahead of time, and they're teeny-tiny compared to regular clothing sizes (a bridal size 6 is equivalent to a size 2 in "normal" clothes). I expected that, but I was surprised to learn I'd have to sign off on the length of the heels I'm wearing on the day of the wedding (this would affect my alterations). If you're planning on customizing your gown by adding sleeves, embellishments, or dropping/raising the waist, be prepared to answer very specific questions about that as well.


9. Repeat after me: You are not a failure if you have to try on more than 10 gowns before finding The Gown.

Shopping can be a scene out of a romantic comedy: The excitement in the bridal salon is palpable, you're swilling champagne, everyone coos over how stunning you are, and you wish you could bottle how giddy you feel. What movies don't show you is how despondent it can feel if it takes four, or five, or six visits before you find anything that even remotely feels like you. Everyone from my doctor to my neighbors got a kick when "the bridal editor couldn't even find a dress."


10. Do it once, do it fabulous.

Andrea repeated this mantra to me throughout my appointment, and it's stuck in my head ever since. You're (hopefully) only going to shop for a wedding gown once in your life—drown out everyone else's opinion and you'll hear a silent little voice tell you which one you should choose. Then, when you pick it, lie to everyone except a handful of people you can trust not to spill the secret. For any of my guests who are reading this, I'll be wearing a lace, A-line Jim Hjelm dress.

10 Things You Should Never, Ever Wear to a Wedding

10: Black

Yes, tuxedos are black, and you'll almost certainly see an abundance of dark sport coats at any union, but black is traditionally a no-go color at weddings -- especially for women.

Black dresses connote mourning and death for many people, but there's a difference between showing up to your best friend's nuptials in funeral garb and wearing a sleek, little black number to an evening wedding. As long as the dress feels fun and light, regardless of how dark it is, you should be fine. Sequins usually work, as do black cocktail dresses for formal ceremonies. However, if there's even the slightest chance it could fit into a procession for the deceased, put it back on the rack and slip into something more colorful.

9: Something Skimpy

Nothing screams "look at me" like a skimpy outfit.

There's nothing wrong with showing off a little leg or décolleté every once in a while, but there's a time and place for such things, and weddings aren't one of them.

No, you're not exactly showing up the bride, but showing off your assets is a surefire way to take away from her big day, so don't do it.

8: Jeans and a T-shirt

We don't care how casual the wedding is and how laid-back the bride in question might be, attending in jeans and a T-shirt is not an option.

It doesn't matter if it's on the beach, in your mom's backyard, or even if you don't know the couple very well. If you're bothering to show up, the least you can do is throw on a dress or a pair of khakis and a button-up shirt -- again, assuming it's a casual ceremony. Also, just to be clear, don't even think about slipping on a pair of flip-flops. Pumps, heels, flats, loafers and sandals are a go, but plastic footwear is a huge wedding no-no. (Possible exception: If the wedding invite explicitly states that it's a "flip-flop casual" beach event, you may wear them.)

7: A Tux

There's only one guy in a penguin suit here today, and it's not you (unless, of course, the ceremony is a black-tie affair, in which case you, the groom, and every other male in attendance is bowtied out).
However, just as it's in bad taste to upstage the bride, you shouldn't go out of your way to one-up the groom. Although it's doubtful he'll run into a closet and weep or complain about you to all his friends if you show up looking better than he does, it's just not polite. Yes, we know you can't do anything to tone down your innate good looks, but the least you can do is dress them down in a sport coat and leave the super-suit to the man saying "I do"

6: Bellbottoms and Other Dated Attire

Bellbottoms may work for a stylish night out on the town. But try sporting these wide-legged pants at your college roommate's wedding, and you might as well shake, shake, shake your booty back to your place for a change of clothes. Disco isn't cool when people say "I do."

That's not to say that you can't invoke other styles and eras with your wedding guest garb. A 1960s pencil skirt will allow you to turn heads without causing a distraction, and a dress with an empire waist and cap sleeves will invoke the 1940s without making you look like a has-been. Just remember to adhere to the style of the wedding -- we've established that bellbottoms won't fit into even the most casual ceremonies, but a vintage sundress won't do at a black-tie affair, either.

5: A Tiara

You'd think we wouldn't even have to mention this one, but you'd be surprised by what attention-seeking guests have tried to pull off. So, we'll just state it plainly: Do not, under any circumstances, wear a tiara to any wedding other than your own. Not only is it disrespectful to the bride, it'll just make you look desperate and ridiculous.

This rule, of course, extends to crowns, ornamental headbands or anything else that could be mistaken for a tiara or any other headpiece the bride may choose to wear.

4: A Prom Dress

Prom is like a pre-wedding for teenage girls. There's food, drink, dancing and after-parties where … well, we won't go there. Also like weddings, it's not out of the ordinary for a well-to-do young lady to drop $1,000 or more on a dress she'll wear only once -- many of which look suspiciously nuptial-ready.

So, if you still have your prom dress and it's not out of style or too juvenile, slipping it on again for a formal affair might be awfully tempting, even if you're a decade or more out of high school. But you have to be careful, as there's a fine line between donning a vibrantly colored formal evening gown and a white, champagne or blush dress that'll make you look too much like a bride. Use discretion and err on the side of caution. If you're at all unsure, leave the flashy dress for the high school kids and wear something more elegant and adult.

3: A Pantsuit

You're going to a wedding, not a meeting at the office!

Drop the business persona and show your style in a skirt, dress or any kind of clothing that would look out of place with a coffee stain. This is a celebration of two people choosing to unite their lives together forever, so the least you can do is find something that isn't overly stuffy and businessy to wear. We're not just talking about your standard black or charcoal suit. This rule also applies to pretty pastel skirt-jacket combos. They might work for a dinner event, but they just set the wrong tone for weddings.

Yes, we know some very powerful women frequently wear pantsuits, but even Hillary Clinton wore a vibrant dress on Chelsea's big day, and if she can do it, you can, too.

We'd also advise staying away from businessy accessories -- trade the giant bag or briefcase for a clutch, and don't wear any scarves that scream "I belong in cubicle No. 4!"

2: Anything Loud or Garish

People are there to look at the bride, not your obnoxious hat/dress/purse/shoes/eye shadow. Donning loud or garish apparel and accessories is a surprisingly common method of wedding-crashing women use to upstage the bride. Your outlandish choices might not be directly comparable to the bride's traditional white garb, but everyone -- including the new Mrs. -- will likely take them as a sign of extremely poor taste or a desperate call for attention. You'll get people talking, but you probably won't like what they have to say!

1: White

It's never a good idea to wear anything that could conceivably be mistaken for a wedding dress. But, just like the tradition against wearing black to on the big day, we think this rule can be broken -- if you go about it the right way.

A simple, off-white dress or skirt should be fine, and if you want to be absolutely sure you're not stepping on any perfectly manicured toes, get a glimpse of the bride's dress before the big day. Make sure your white outfit of choice is dramatically different, so if she's wearing a full-skirted gown, your slender, white evening gown shouldn't pose much of a problem. If she's wearing a simple number, though, pick another color. Even if you look your best in white, you won't care what color you're wearing when she's staring daggers into your eyes instead of saying "I do."

The 10 Best Fitness DVDs for Brides

Clear some space in your living room and crank up the speakers—these 10 at-home workouts are going to get you in the shape of your life, and just in time for your wedding day.

Your wedding-day beauty checklist is filled with dress fittings, hair trials, spa treatments and more—at this point in the game you may not have time to head to the gym until midnight. Why not get your daily workout done at home? These 10 fitness DVDs will help you strengthen, tone, improve flexibility, and slim down your bridal body—most in as few as 20 minutes a day. Whether you want to dance, lift weights, or tackle Pilates for the first time, we've found a great way for you to get in shape for your wedding.                    

Pop Physique

 

This sexy ballet and Pilates-inspired class was only available in select California and Maryland locations, but now you can get the lean, toned body of a dancer at home. Grab a yoga mat, a sturdy chair, and two different sets of dumbbells (one heavier, one lighter) to complete the core- and lower-body focused workouts, which improve endurance and flexibility while toning lean, strong muscles. You'll be doing plenty of challenging isometric holds under the careful guidance of Pop Physique's awesome instructors, each of whom provides clear instructions, pointers about where you should feel each exercise, and suggestions for making the moves easier or more challenging depending on your skill level.

Bridal Body Bonus: The workouts also improve posture, a must for gorgeous wedding portraits, especially if you're wearing a strapless gown.

Canyon Ranch Strong & Sculpted

 

Can't make it to the luxurious Canyon Ranch for a week of wellness? You can still enjoy three of their amazing fitness classes without booking a flight. The 20-minute routines—one focused on core, another on total strength training, and another on yoga—are specially designed to help you get a leaner body and stronger bones and muscles using only a workout mat and a pair dumbbells. Instructors all provide helpful direction while you perform strength training basics like squats, lunges, planks, shoulder presses, and biceps curls—but if you're relatively new to lifting weights, tackle the strength training workout first, where the instructor provides an even more detailed breakdown of each exercise.

Bridal Body Bonus: Don't miss the guided savasana (or corpse pose) at the end of the yoga DVD, which is perfect for stressed-out brides-to-be who are having trouble getting into a relaxed, meditative state on their own. (And to head off stress before it starts, avoid these 11 things before your wedding!)

Rhythmica Cardio Dance Party

 

Even the most fitness-loving brides will admit that cardio can be a bit boring—especially if you're spending a half an hour or more trudging away on the treadmill. Shake things up with Rhythmica Cardio Dance Party's three, fast-paced workouts. The Latin-inspired routine is packed with hip-swiveling moves that attack the core, while the sharp, hip-hop style sculpts your arms, abs, and lower body. The final workout, called the "Get Fit House Party," feels closest to the type of choreography you'd see a pop star perform—a fusion of club dance styles with lots of plyometric hops. Some of the combinations are challenging, but there's enough repetition that you'll have 'em all down by the last round. And the routines are really no more difficult than the dance classes you'd take at the gym—you simply get the benefit of sweating, shimmying and shaking it in your own living room sans an audience. Plus, who cares if your technique isn't perfect? Just keep moving as fast as the enthusiastic instructor and you're guaranteed a sweaty workout session.

Bridal Body Bonus: Keep practicing—you might pick up a few moves for your reception!

Mari Winsor's Lower Body Pilates

 

You don't need to be a seasoned practitioner, or a star on the spring-loaded reformer, to get a great Pilates workout. Three 20-minute mat-based routines devoted to slimming your hips and thighs and sculpting your derrière will make slipping into that honeymoon bikini a whole lot less daunting. (And if you're worried about a little extra around your middle, the DVD also comes with a free abs workout you can download online!)

Bridal Body Bonus: We mentioned you're going to look amazing in a bikini, right?

Zumba Fitness Exhilarate

 

This fully loaded fitness program gives you everything you need to go from a beginner to a booty-shaking Zumba pro. The 7-disc set devotes an entire DVD to breaking down the rhythm and moves—which incorporate merengue, salsa, reggaeton, calypso, cumbia, and belly dance styles—into easy-to-follow steps. The videos even offer the option to flip your view of the instructors so you can mirror their movements while facing them, or follow from behind like you would in a traditional dance class setting. Most DVDs also have two soundtrack options: One featuring verbal directions and another music-only option for the more experienced exerciser who just wants to dance along without extra instruction. The only equipment you'll need is a sturdy chair and the Zumba Toning Sticks included with the program. (Oh, and the toning sticks rattle like maracas. Sold.)

Bridal Body Bonus: For brides with just a handful of days left before the big day, Zumba Exhilarate comes with the "Tight-on-Time" plan as well as a guidebook featuring a stretching regiment and an accelerated 10-day fat loss program complete with healthy recipes. The program also features a "Super-Sculpting" plan and a beginner plan.

Core Fusion 30 Day Sculpt

 

This DVD, based on the popular class at Exhale Mind Body Spa, features 30 different workouts and tells you exactly which routine to do, when to do it, and even when to take a rest day. (Yes, you get rest days!) Drawing from Pilates, yoga, and the Lotte Berk Method, Core Fusion focuses on building dancer-like strength and technique. And each session is only 20 minutes long. That means there's no excuse to knock out a workout every day! To be able to complete all of the routines you'll need a yoga mat, a sturdy chair, and a wall but it's also recommended that you have dumbbells, a Pilates ball, and a Pilates strap if you're not very flexible.
Bridal Body Bonus: Working your behind off now, means more wedding cake later!

Yogalosophy

 

One look at Jennifer Aniston's yoga instructor, Mandy Ingber, and you know exactly where Jen's enviable bikini body comes from. Her unique—and totally effective—yoga-meets-strength training style couples traditional poses with stretching and toning exercises that target every muscle group. Mandy's moves make the workout a fat burner, but it's her empowering attitude that makes it fun. (This is a yogi who, as she sinks into a squat, asks you to repeat with her a NSFW version of "I have a great backside.") She's also quick with reminders to listen to your body and do what feels good to you. The DVD features a 35-minute express routine as well as an intense 55-minute workout that adds sun salutations, a strength challenge, and a cool-down stretch on to the shorter session. Once you've mastered the workout, you also have the option to turn off the verbal cuing and follow Mandy's moves to music alone—perfect for exercisers who complete the routine regularly and prefer not to break their flow.

Bridal Body Bonus: Just like Jen, your long, lean physique will look great in a sheath wedding dress.

Xtend Barre Lean & Chiseled

 

Created by a former professional dancer and choreographer, Lean & Chiseled is a flowing, feel-good workout that's just as set on helping you tone your body through ballet- and Pilates-inspired floor work as it is on developing dancer-like grace and poise. You'll only need a sturdy chair and a pair socks to complete the hour-long routine, which can also be broken down into separate upper body, barre, and core workouts if you're crunched for time. And don't worry if you don't have a childhood ballet class to fall back on for the basics. The DVD also comes with a quick video guide that walks you through dance terminology if words like relevé, passé, and arabesque are literally a foreign language to you.

Bridal Body Bonus: This core-tightening workout cinches your waist for an hourglass figure.

Addicted to Sweat

 

Based on the class offered exclusively at Hard Candy Fitness, Madonna's signature fitness club, this dance-heavy program is not for the faint of heart—or for the beginner in search of an easy-to-pick up workout. Already-fit brides, however, will love challenge of the super unique routines. Two of the four discs feature intense dance cardio combinations that test your stamina and agility (and, to some degree, your dance skills) while the remaining two offer more traditional follow-along workouts that require only towels and a sturdy chair to hit every muscle in your body. Each DVD also features a helpful tutorial option. On the dance DVDs, tutorials serve as an opportunity to get familiar with the steps sans music. (You may want to run through them a couple of times before heading into the fast-paced "performance.") And with the workout DVDs, the tutorials provide safety tips and step-by-step instructions for correctly completing the exercise elements, a great feature for brides who want to complete the routine regularly without being interrupted by the instructor throughout the workout.

Bridal Body Bonus: Addicted to Sweat is based on the actual workout Madonna performs several times a week, so her enviable arms are as good as yours. Hello, sleeveless wedding dress!

This is Yoga

 

Perfect for yoga-lovers or anyone looking to add a ton of awesome flows to their at-home workout repertoire, This Is Yoga aims to be "the complete yoga encyclopedia." Featuring the amazing instruction of yoga expert Tara Stiles, the four-disc set is packed with a workout for nearly every goal or occasion whether you want to build strength, boost energy, relax, wake up refreshed in the morning, or settle into bed at night. The collection also includes three workouts devoted to beginners and well as a comprehensive pose library with how-tos for every category of posture from seated to inversion.

Bridal Body Bonus: Tara's do-anywhere yoga flows are perfect for traveling so you can keep up with your workouts while on your honeymoon.

 

This is where it all began....

Some might know the story of Scott and I but there are parts that some might know more than others... Here is one of those parts.

Today 4 years ago, Scott organized a Happy Hour for us and co-workers to hang out. He said that we would all meet up at a local Bar, O'Brien's, where he knows the Bartender and they have great snacks. I agreed to go and was actually pretty excited to go and hang with everyone outside of work (especially him)...

So I stood in my closet, looking for the right thing to wear.. Something that was still me and not too out there and found Jeans (Of Course) , Top and Ugg boots.

I got to the bar and actually sat in the car for about 5 minutes before going in. Apart of me wanted to see other people arrive so I could walk in with them and the other part of me was nervous. I got up the nerve and walked into the bar. He was there with a smile on his face and a seat for me. I met the bartender and proceeded to order a drink. I waited for people to come but was excited to have a moment with just He and I...

About an hour into it, There were more drinks, laughs and good times... But no other co-workers. The running joke is that he set me up by not inviting anyone else while he swears that he did.

As the night began to come to a close, I remember going to the ladies room and basically having a talk with myself in the mirror about him (Yes it was the alcohol mostly but hey..what can I say)

I remember thinking, He is a co-worker, we cant have a relationship but then I heard myself saying.. You had a great time tonight with a great guy...What could it hurt??

Here we are 4 years later and 45 days until our wedding and I can not be happier. Sometimes that leap of faith or a alcohol induced self conversation is just what you need to find the one you love....


Mr. Cameron.... There is no one in this world better matched for me. I am over the moon excited to be your wife. I Thank You for your patience, your understanding, your care and you LOVE.

10 Signs You've Found "The One"

Today marks the one-year anniversary of the most obvious and easy, most joyful and profound decision of my adult existence: To marry the Love of My Life, Kiran.




We eloped to the Santa Barbara courthouse on September 12, 2011. Didn't tell anyone before we did it. Took only our dog as our witness. The craziest part was that I'd only moved to LA to be with Kiran two months prior, and we had been in an intimate relationship for a mere five months.
We have spent every single day since falling more madly in love, unfolding deeper connections, and nestling further into one another's hearts and souls.


However, the journey here wasn't straightforward, the jungle path not always clear. Kiran and I met in January 2008 on a beach in Costa Rica and discovered an instant, close friendship. I knew within minutes of speaking with him that he was The One. Yet still it took me three years to embrace my intuition fully. Three years for us to connect romantically.


Why? I believe we simply had to overcome our fears: we each had failed marriages and were embroiled in difficult current relationships; I knew I'd have to uproot my life to move from San Francisco to LA; etc. We had to work up the courage to take the bold, life-changing leap of faith into each other's arms.


On the one hand, I'd like to save you those confusing years we endured between becoming friends and uniting as partners and lovers. On the other hand, I've made the mistake of plunging headfirst into a serious relationship that wasn't satisfying and spent years trying to force it to work. I would rather you avoid traveling down that dark road.


Together, Kiran and I have come up with this list of 10 signs that you've found true love. We agree that all 10 exist in our romance. And, as further evidence, very few of the 10 were present in our previous serious relationships.


1. Fireworks Explode

Some people say you don't need an initial spark of sexual attraction to form a satisfying and enduring romantic relationship. We disagree. When you first meet your person, there ought to be Fourth of July-worthy fireworks.

Sure, the flames of passion won't keep a relationship going strong forever. You'll need mutual respect, compassion, and great communication. But physical connection provides a powerful platform upon which to build intimacy and trust.

2. It's Comfortable

While there are sparks, you also should feel, when you're hanging out with your person, like you're wearing a pair of soft, cozy pajamas. There's no struggle to play some archetypal role (the Sexy Slut, the Nurturing Mother, the Cool Guy). No desire to be just a bit funnier or smarter, better looking or a better athlete. You're yourself, and that's awesome.

3. Your Hearts Say Yes

You commit to each other whole-heartedly and without reservation. Kiran says, "YES is the greatest word we have in our quiver of love arrows. YES tells us what we want. And by expressing that want, we express ourselves. We express what we believe. We express our claim on this world. Saying YES to our love affirms my life."

4. Radical Honesty Abounds

Do you find yourself keeping secrets from your partner? That's a sure sign he or she is not The One.
When it's true love, you should find yourself wanting to share everything. Opening up the fire hydrant of your heart and gushing out your most closely guarded sources of pride and shame. And on a daily basis, you should want your beloved to know what you're up to; whom you're seeing, emailing and texting; what you're thinking and feeling. Your love is made simple and true by being honest.

5. We Comes Before Me

Psychologists say that we live in an age of narcissism. We're each wrapped up in our individual journeys. I've personally spent the better part of the last ten years on a spiritual journey to sort myself out and find peace.

But the moment I met Kiran, I realized that I would put us, our needs, and our goals, ahead of me, mine, and I. It's been incredibly inspiring and freeing. I fully anticipate that having children (which we hope to do soon) will only increase that sensation exponentially.

6. Nothing Means More

Kiran writes, "Descartes had it wrong. It's not, 'I think, therefore I am.' It's, 'I love, therefore I am.' There are no achievements that mean more to me, that I value greater, than growing this love--growing it large and strong, reaching for the infinite sky and pushing deep into the endless layers of the earth. A mighty sequoia that is immutable in its presence, strength, and inspiration. So large a champion of life that it daunts all in its proximity."

7. It's a Romance, not a Relationship

Kiran and I wrote an entire blog on this subject alone. You should feel swept away by your relationship. You ought to want to scream about your partner's awesomeness to the world.
On the contrary, here's a huge red flag: you spend more time talking about your relationship than actually living it. You're constantly dissecting, negotiating, and evaluating. People say, "Relationships are work." Most of the time, it shouldn't feel like that. It should feel happy, fulfilling, and fun.

8. Friends and Family Agree

Oh, how I wish I'd listened to my friends and family. They told me over and over again during my unhappy years with my ex-boyfriend that I should let go of him and move on. But did I heed their advice? No. I stubbornly continued to struggle to make our relationship work for years.
The contrast, when my romance with Kiran ignited, couldn't have been more striking. My friends and family rejoiced. My best friend Jen pulled him aside at her birthday party and said, "We've been waiting for you for years." Similarly, his mother welcomed me into his family with open arms.

9. You Can't Wait to Come Home

I believe one of the most valuable tests of your connection to your partner lies in being mindful of how you feel when you're returning home from a trip. On the plane back to San Francisco during my first marriage, I would find myself overwhelmed with sadness. Constrained. Short of breath, even. I attributed this to my innate wanderlust. "I'll always be happiest when I'm on the road," I'd tell myself.
But in my marriage to Kiran, everything is different. I have, for the first time in my life, cut trips short to come home to him. I get excited as I step onto the plane back to LA, my heart beating like a schoolgirl's. Home is where my LOML is. I want to be near him always.

10. You Feel Like You've Won the Lottery

Every morning when I awake, I see Kiran's thick black curls massed on the pillow next to me and I think, "Thank God, it's real. I'm married to the Love of My Life." I genuinely feel, on a daily basis, as though I've won the lottery.

When I first moved to LA in late June of 2011, Kiran and I discovered that we had both come across something poet Theodore Roethke had said about his wife: "More than I'd hoped; Less than I'd dreamed." We concurred that this was a crying shame. Rather, we are blessed to have found, "More than I'd dreamed; Everything I deserve."

May this be your mantra, too. May it guide you away from compromise, and towards the fulfillment of your wildest hopes and desires. Because that's what it's like when you find The One.

Photo of the Week

This Photo of the Week is my fiancee and the upgrade of the TV... As you can see... We went from a Small Fry to a BIG MAC! I am happy for him because not only is it a great investment but it is much deserved .. He is a hard worker and should have something great for himself. Love You Babe and I glad you love "60".

9/11 Love: 5 Love Stories Born Out Of September 11th, 2001

The events of September 11, 2001 touched too many lives and broke too many hearts.
But from the ashes of the tragedy, love found a way to triumph.

Below, five inspiring love stories that unfolded in the wake of the World Trade Center attacks.

Support Group Spouses

 

Ben Salamone and Donna Teepe met in a 9/11 support group and fell in love after both of their spouses died when American Airlines Flight 77 hit the Pentagon, according to the Washington Post. Five years after the attacks, and four years after they began dating, Salamone asked Teepe to marry him on Christmas Eve.

 

Survivors

 

Dan and Jean Potter were married long before 9/11, but both were lucky to walk away from the tragedy safely, reports CBS Minnesota. Jean was working in the north tower when the first plane hit. Dan, a New York City firefighter, didn't know his wife was already safely out when the building fell. He thought she had died -- until he received a call telling him Jean was at a firehouse in Chinatown.

 

Filling The Void

 

Floyd Rasmussen lost his wife, Rhonda, on 9/11 when she was killed while working at the Pentagon. The couple had decided to skip work that day to plan for an upcoming move to California, but decided last minute to go into their offices at the Pentagon anyway. According to the Washington Post, Rhonda was working in the office directly at the point of Flight 77's impact, and traces of her were never found. Floyd never got over her, and kept searching for Rhoda, or someone like her, when he found Brenda Barnum through an online dating site. The two fell in love and married, and even had the approval of Rhonda's mother.

 

9/11 Saved My Marriage

 

Kimberly Morgan's marriage was on the rocks when 9/11 hit. She'd been forced to resign her job as teacher when she became pregnant, and she and her husband were barely making ends meet. In an opinion piece by Morgan on Yahoo! News, she wrote that one missed mortgage payment caused a panic and fights that lasted for days, and resulted in several trips to a marriage counselor. But September 11, 2001 changed all that when her husband's status as a Navy Reservist was immediately changed to active before the first tower fell. His military job led to a government job, which resolved their money problems, and in turn, saved their marriage.

 

An Unlikely Love Story

 

Jennifer Gardner Trulson has a perfectly happy life living with her husband, Douglas Gardner, and two small children in Manhattan, until she lost Douglas in the World Trade Center on 9/11, and her world turned upside-down. After his death, she resigned herself "to be a widowed single mother." But just 10 months after September 11, she met the man who would become her second husband. They married, and Trulson wrote a book about her experience as a 9/11 widow who found love again.

 

Do a Vendor Check In! - Project Wedding

Do a Vendor Check In! - Project Wedding

We Remeber.....9-11

Bride to Be In Store Event

 

 

Introducing….
The Future Mrs. ______________

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Exclusively on Saturday, September 15.
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6 Brides and Their Unexpected Shoes

There is more than meets the eye when you look at a bride’s wedding attire. Often times, you can’t even see her shoes! So we pulled together a round-up of some of the most unexpected gown-shoe combos we’ve seen.

 

Feathery White Pumps

This bride's Vouelle shoes were shipped in from Paris. She had them signed by guests at her bridesmaids luncheon and put on display in the church foyer before the ceremony.

Rubbery Peep Toes

After months of searching, Hanh finally settled on this pair of light purple rubbery Vivienne Westwood heels.

Pink Booties

To spice up her already striking black-and-white wedding dress, Kristin wore hot pink Christian Louboutin booties

Cowgirl Boots

After going barefoot for their ceremony, Monica and Tory changed into these cowgirl boots for dinner and dancing

Winter Boots

As soon as the couple decided on a snowy city for their wedding, Ashley picked out a pair of aqua-colored Uggs to wear under her gown.

Comfy Flats

Instead of traditional heels, bride Brit wore these comfy Toms for dancing.