30

I admit that sometime ago, I thought that I would never find "The One" who would be the one to love me , be the person to guard my heart and be my partner for life.. Until he came. 

Nothing in this world prepared me for the love that I have for him. Sure parenthood is one thing, family and friends love maybe but nothing like the love of your soul mate. 

Today I celebrate my love and his 30 years of life! I am THANKFUL to have him, Will continue to cherish him and LOVE him for life! 

Happy Birthday Scott. I Love You! 

 

 

10 Creative Ways to Make Your Flower Girl Stand Out

By: Amber Burton

 

 

Gone are the days when flower girls wore poufy white dresses and satin ballet flats. Lately, brides have been choosing more trendy ensembles for their small bridal attendants. From cowboy boots to elaborate tulle, these children are working the aisle with their unique style!


1. Flower Crowns

Laura Murray Photography

From the album: A Cozy Cottage Wedding in Denver

2. Colorful Dresses

Ashley Garmon Photographers

From the album: A Bright Fiesta-Inspired Wedding in Austin, TX

3. Cowboy Boots

SamClarkPhotography

From the album: A Country Wedding in Papillion, NE

4. Patterns

Braedon Photography

From the album: A Chic Outdoor Wedding in Santa Ynez, CA

5. Fairy Wings

Jennifer Lindberg Weddings

From the album: A Charming Rustic Wedding in Austin, TX

6. Patriotic

Brinton Studios

From the album: A Fourth of July Wedding in Sedalia, CO

7. Country Chic

Photo Love Photography

From the album: A Stables on the Hill Wedding in Fayetteville, AZ

8. Stripes

Heather Ann Design & Photography

From the album: A Classic Summer Wedding in San Antonio, TX

9. Tons of Tulle

Shea Roggio Photography

From the album: A Storybook Garden Wedding in Wilmington, DE

10. Damask Prints

Stephen Dohring Photography

From the album: An Old-Hollywood Wedding in St. Petersburg, FL

Wedding Trends That Need to Be Retired

Every year the wedding rules seem to change, and while we love seeing certain trends stick around, there are ones that we just wish would go away. If you're planning your big day right now, here are some trends that we feel just aren't trendy anymore.

Cutesy favors that wind up in the garbage
If it's not food or alcohol, no one actually wants it -- but everyone will be pressured to take something home. If the couple does not have an attachment to something specific, then just nix the favor idea. No one will miss it. A nicer option to consider is to do a donation to a charity, but the charity should be personal to the couple. No need to give out anything other than a note saying that a donation has been made.

MCs that "get the party started"
There has been an influx of radio DJs being used at weddings. These DJs may play great music on the radio, but their personalities don't translate well at a wedding. They aren't great working with a timeline, and will frequently derail the timing of the entire event just to play music. This can have adverse affects on the food and the rest of the affair. Instead, work with a seasoned professional who works with events.

Club weddings
It's one thing to want your guests to be in a relaxing and fun atmosphere, but it's another to turn your reception into a nightclub. Bringing in lounge furniture, smoke machines and LED hi-tops are great for an after-party, but not appropriate for a reception. Guests need to have appropriate chairs and tables, and should be able to hold a conversation instead of competing with "fist pumping" music.

Peonies
I love peonies, I even grow them in my garden. But they are all I see and all brides ask for. In the NJ, NY and PA area, their season is super short, and even when they are in season, they are extremely expensive. There are fabulous alternatives, but no one knows about them because everyone has peony fever. Instead, think roses, ranunculus, and dahlias.

Buffets
This isn't really a trend, but it does need to stop. Nothing good happens with a buffet, but many couples feel they are giving their guests a variety. What they are actually giving is a chance to stain their clothes, wait on a long line and get their food back to their table and have it be cold. If a bride truly wants the "mix and mingle" aspect of a buffet, consider a cocktail reception instead. Offer various stations and enough hand passed hors d'oerves so that guests never have to wait on line. Considering how much everyone favors cocktail hour, why not make that the entire wedding.

Chocolate fountains
It's not cute. It's not sanitary. It makes a mess. Every venue I have ever work with hates when this is requested of them. This is a recipe for disaster.

Performances
Why is Cirque de Solei at your wedding? Are you in the show? Did you get engaged at a performance? Why is some guy walking around in a bubble? It's only cute if it means something to the couple. If it's just to show off to your guests, I'd recommend the couple put their money towards something else. Performances also tend to stop the flow of the wedding and that's no good.

Wedding gowns that look like lingerie
Not every bride wants the Cinderella ball gown, and many will choose to flatter their figure with something more form fitting. This doesn't mean open back, fitted through the knees, plunging down to you-know-where. There are thousands of designers that offer countless design options that aren't reminiscent of bedroom attire.

Stress Less By Not Doing These Things on Your Wedding Day

Photo: Caili Helsper Photography
 

Stress can ruin a bride's big day more than an unexpected downpour during an outdoor wedding, and that's saying a lot right there! So how do you handle all the pressure without completely cracking? If you know you have a tendency to get all worked up, avoid doing these things the day of for your own sanity and everyone else's, please.

1. Don't DIY
Any crafty DIY projects you've had in the works should have definitely been completed by now, but what we're really referring to is brides that try to DIY the entire wedding setup to save some money. "Having a point person there to assist you who preferably isn't part of your bridal party or a family member involved in the wedding can be critical," notes Shafonne Myers, a wedding planner and founder of Pretty Pear Bride. "If you don't have a day-of coordinator, expect to be stressed with ensuring that everything goes well."

2. Don't starve yourself
If you're not at the weight you want to be on the day of your wedding, starving yourself isn't going to help you get there (sorry!). Doing so will only lead to stress from being hungry, explains Myers. And we all know how grumpy and irritable hungry people can be...

3. Don't oversleep or sleep too little
Beauty sleep is a must-have for any bride. "Try to get at least seven hours the night before, and for heaven's sake, don't drink too much at the rehearsal dinner and sleep in," warns celebrity wedding and event specialist Donnie Brown. "One thing runs late and everything else will too. Your primary responsibility on your wedding day is to be present and on time." Too little sleep, and you'll likely be a bridezilla!


4. Don't argue with anyone
Seriously, it's so not worth it! This is what you have a wedding planner or bridesmaids for, says Brown. "If someone ticks you off, sick the planner or the girls on them. You stay pristine and sweet and unblemished by frown lines."

5. Don't try to micromanage everything
Or you'll drive yourself crazy! It's finally time to let go of control and just relax and enjoy your day, advises Brown. After all, that's why you hired professionals, right?

Serve Your Favorite Foods From Childhood At Your Wedding

By: Simone Hill

 

Your menu is the perfect place to add personalization and have a little fun. We love the idea of taking a more casual approach to wedding food, and are huge fans of trends like breakfast for dessert and comfort food dishes. And the new creative idea we’re seeing these days is taking your favorite nostalgic eats (like pop tarts!) and serving them in creative, and surprisingly sophisticated ways. The wow-factor is seeing favorite foods you loved as a kid re-imagined for a gourmet palette. See some of our favorite ways your favorite nostalgic foods can be served at your wedding.

1. Chicken Nuggets on a Stick
Photo: Ashley Garmon Photographers; From the album: An Intimate Modern Wedding in Austin, TX

2. After Party In-n-Out Burger, Fries and Milkshakes
Photo: Josh Gruetzmacher; From the album: An Elegant Wedding at San Francisco City Hall in San Francisco, CA

3. Dippin Dots Dessert
Photo: Emily Steffen Photography; From the album: A Shabby Chic Wedding in Minneapolis, MN

4. Cookies and Milk
Photo: Mirelle Carmichael Photography; From the album: A Private Winery Wedding in Napa Valley, CA

5. Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup Shooters
Photo: Q Weddings; From the album: A Bohemian Chic Wedding in Austin, TX

6. Candy Apples
Photo: Antonia Rocha Photography; From the album: A Fall Styled Shoot at a Private Residence in Hartford, CT

7. Cotton Candy Favors
Photo: Jenny Demarco Photography; From the album: A Preppy Styled Shoot at Bella Verenna in Spicewood, TX

8. State-Shaped Pop Tarts
Photo: Paper Antler

10 Things You Didn't Know About Being a Bridesmaid

Photo: Universal Pictures/Courtesy of Neal Peters Collection
 
No one teaches you how to be a bridesmaid. Sure, you can scour wedding message boards or highlight the pages of a bridesmaid survival guide. You learn what not to do by watching the movie Bridesmaids, or you can ask a veteran bridesmaid for a few quick tips. But you may find yourself running away from the chiffon and right towards the champagne. If you're a rookie bridesmaid, or someone who has done this more times than they can count, here are 10 things nobody has ever told you about being a bridesmaid.

1. It's expensive (but it doesn't have to be).
When it comes to spending money on the bridal shower or bachelorette party, express budget limitations to the maid-of-honor early on.

2. You can make the wedding weekend a mini-vacation.
Once your bridesmaid duties come to wrap, make a vacation out of the rest of the weekend, especially if you're traveling to a new destination.

3. Your body is a wonderland that'll accumulate some damage throughout the wedding adventure.
Thing week-long blisters that cling to your toes, headaches that linger past the "morning after," and exhaustion that a spa day can attempt to cure.


4. 75 percent of being a bridesmaid means being the life of the party.
A main chunk of your responsibilities as a bridesmaid is making sure the bride, and her guests are breaking it down on the dance floor and having a memorable time that'll shine through each Instagram photo.

5. The other 25 percent of being a bridesmaid means being the bride's personal assistant.
You may have been her sidekick in middle school and her wing woman in college, but now, you'll take on the role of her personal assistant. Making last minute trips to the drugstore for eyelash glue, helping her lick her wedding envelopes shut, and being her DIY centerpiece muse.

6. It's a good excuse to play dress up and get pampered.
What better way to justify spending a morning getting your hair and makeup done than celebration of a close friend tying the knot?

7. You'll learn how to be less selfish and more selfless.
As a bridesmaid, you'll do things you don't love, like smiling for a thousand photos, dancing with a groomsmen who smells like tequila, or give a speech at the rehearsal dinner.

8. It's also your time to shine.
Being a bridesmaid gives you the chance to do what you do best. Maybe you're a crafty person who can help with DIY projects. If you're organized, you can help with the to-do list. If you're the comedic one in the bunch, you can call the bride regularly to help her de-stress.

9. Always a bridesmaid doesn't mean every wedding you go to is the same.
Every bride, every venue, every group of people is dynamic. Your 13th time as a bridesmaid can feel like your first.

10. You'll have an unforgettable time.
Whether you tripped down the aisle, or the bride morphed into a last minute bridezilla, or because you spent the night slow dancing with a groomsmen who looked like Brad Pitt — a girl can only dream.

Jen Glantz is a "Professional Bridesmaid" and the founder of Bridesmaid for Hire. She's the author of All My Friends Are Engaged and frequently wears old bridesmaid dresses to the grocery store and on first dates.

The Importance of Good Manners While Dining

  

Forget "You are what you eat." You are how you eat. Dining with good manners is an important way to make a great lasting impression, as well as a way to ensure that you’re invited again.

1. There's no such thing as being fashionably late, only unfashionably tardy! An eight o'clock invitation to an intimate dinner party means eight o'clock, which allows time for cocktails and a sit down dinner at eight forty-five.
   
2. Flatware is positioned in the logical order of its use; in other words, moving toward the plate. Thus, diners should use the outermost fork for the salad, the middle fork for the fish course, and the innermost fork for the dinner itself. Knives and spoons sit on the right of the plate, again using the same intuitive order. If you're serving a fabulous soup for starters, the soup spoon goes in the outermost position. Assuming you're serving a fish course, place the fish knife in the middle and the knife closets to the plate is reserved for dinner (make sure you keep the sharp edges of your knife facing toward the plate, with the bottoms of your flatware neatly angled).
3. Dine as quietly as possible. Chew with your mouth closed and don’t slurp when you drink.
4. Only use your utensils for eating. The knife is not a laser pointer nor should it ever touch your mouth – no knife licking! If you're not taking food from your plate to your mouth, your utensils should be resting on the dinner plate.
5. Fork is not a forklift. Don't load up your utensils with large amounts of food and shovel it into your mouth. This is not a Coney Island eating contest. The knife is initially held in the right hand and the fork in the left. Grasp your knife and fork in a relaxed, natural manner, never with clenched fists.
6. Take smaller portions. When dining buffet-style, avoid ‘vulture syndrome’ and don’t load up your plate. It’s more elegant to take smaller, more civilized portions and make another trip to the buffet if you’re still hungry.
7. Excuse yourself to blow your nose. Instead of blowing your nose at the table, walk to the bathroom or a private area.
8. Put your cell phone away. Unless someone is ill or you are a physician on call, there is no need to have a cell phone at the dinner table. If you need to make an urgent call, make it either before or after sitting down. If a real emergency occurs during dinner, excuse yourself and walk to another room to place the call.
9. Wash your hands before sitting down for a meal. It is much more sanitary to dine with clean hands. There's nothing worse than noticing someone's filthy nails while you're eating.
10. Be polite even if the food served doesn't fit within your diet. If you have dietary restrictions that you have not communicated to your host, keep your explanation short. Simply tell the host you're sorry, you recently became a vegetarian and no longer eat beef, then ask for a larger portion of the other selections if possible. Take responsibility for not informing your host of your dietary restrictions earlier.
11. Finish chewing and swallowing before speaking. Never talk with food in your mouth. Never!
12. Allow other guests to finish before speaking. This may not have to do with your table manners, but avoiding interrupting people during conversations is polite and respectful.
13. Ask your tablemates to pass anything you need. Don't reach past your neighbor at the table. If you need someone to pass the salt or wine, ask the closest diner for it to be passed to you.
14. Practice utensil Morse code. Once used your utensils should not touch the table again. When you are resting, during a meal, your knife stays at the one o'clock position and your fork at the four o'clock position. Once you have finished eating, place your utensils parallel to each other across your plate, with the handles at the 4 o’clock position and the knife blade and fork tines resting close to the plate's center. This silently informs your server that you are done eating and your plate can be removed.
15. When leaving the table during the meal, place your napkin on your chair. Once everyone has finished dining, the host will place his or her napkin on the table and you should follow suit. Don't refold it, crumple it, or wad it up- simply, place it on the left of your dinner plate.

--Colin Cowie

A Dream Wedding Reception ... From a Groom's Point of View

Photo: Getty Images
 
Your groom is totally ready to get married — and he's even more ready to get down on the dance floor. "I find that grooms very much look forward to the wedding reception; I think they actually look more forward to the reception than the actual wedding ceremony!" says Melissa Samek, senior event consultant for Clementine Custom Events in Chicago.

While brides have their eyes on the details — making sure your string quartet can take cover if rain erupts and guaranteeing your guests will never forget our DIY-favors — "men are much more interested in the party because they want to eat, drink, socialize and dance," Samek explains. "The groom is typically more concerned with seeing old friends and family, and making sure everyone is having a good time."

With that in mind, here are the things your groom likely wants to check off his reception to-do list:

Getting down to good tunes.
Men care deeply about the music they'll hear at their reception, so whether you're planning your own iPod playlist or working with a band or DJ, be cure to throw in a few (dozen) songs your groom will love to get down to.


Noshing on delicious eats.
The way to a man's heart, they say, is through his stomach. So don't forget that at your wedding reception, your groom will be splitting his time between you and the buffet line.

Drinking with his friends.
He'll stash a flask in his jacket pocket if necessary, but don't make him go to such extremes. Let your man have a say in whether you host an open bar, have custom cocktails or sip on something extra-special for your toasts.

Finally, "it's always fun to surprise the groom with something personal at the reception," suggests Samek. "It makes them feel super special and loved. For example, I had a groom whose favorite movie was Ghostbusters. So the bride surprised him with a little cake shaped as the Stay Puffed Marshmallow man, and the band played the Ghostbusters' theme song when she presented it to him."

Too cute!

9 Bridal Shower Confessions You’ve Got to Read

By: Ivy Jacobson

 

 

If your upcoming bridal shower is stressing you out, don’t worry — you’re not the only one. After searching Whisper (the addictive app that lets you post anonymous secrets for all to see), we can definitely promise you that you’re among many brides-to-be who are also worried about opening sexy lingerie from their grandmother.


Here are nine of our favorites that you’ve got to read:

A New Service Guarantees a Rain-Free Wedding Day For $100K

Hyer Images

 

By: Simone Hill

 

It’s true, there’s actually a service that can guarantee it will not rain on your wedding day — if you have a spare $100,000 in your wedding budget. A company called Oliver’s Travels recently started offering couples who get married at their wedding venue in France this expensive service. What they’re doing is called “cloud seeding,” and it involves releasing (via airplane) a chemical compound called silver iodide into the clouds to get them to quickly create rain and then disappear.
But we’re not convinced having a rain-free wedding day is such a good idea, or worth the price tag. Here’s why:

There are much less expensive ways to protect your wedding from the rain.
A tent is the first option comes to mind. Having an indoor Plan B is another. Or, if you really want a bright and sunny wedding why not throw a destination wedding somewhere where it rarely ever rains. You can also use historic weather reports (for free!)  to help you choose a wedding location and date that’s less likely to have rain.

There could be (harmful) unintended consequences.
Oliver’s Travels says what they’re doing doesn’t hurt the environment, but this is the first time (that we know of) cloud seeding will be used for weddings. Even if cloud seeding hasn’t been harmful when used for other purposes it’s possible there could be unintended consequences when used in this new way. That’s why we’re hesitant to jump on board when there are great alternatives.

A little bit of imperfection is okay, and can actually make your day more memorable.
Romantic rain photos, a rainbow backdrop, a sudden rain shower that ends up cooling off a hot day — there are actually a lot of great, unexpected outcomes that can come from the rain. And no matter how big your budget you can never guarantee that every single thing will go exactly as planned. That’s okay, because those aren’t the things that really matter when you’re standing at the altar saying your vows.

There is a chance it isn’t actually going to rain (but you’d still have to pay).  
It takes three weeks to set up the process to prevent rain because they have to hire a crew and an airplane to be on-call the week of your wedding. And the cloud bursting process is done a day in advance. That means you can’t make a quick decision the day-of if clouds start rolling in or get your money back if it turns out to be a sunny day.

7 Genius Chalkboard Wedding Projects

By: Bridget Clegg

 

There are lots of new and clever chalkboard craft supplies out there that make DIY wedding projects a total breeze. You don’t need a chalkboard to make it happen either. There are chalkboard stickers and labels, chalkboard contact paper and even chalkboard 8-1/2″x11″ paper! See the creative chalkboard projects below (and shop the products to make them yourself!).


Chalkboard Mug Wedding Favors

Photo: Megan Thiele Studios

 

Give your guests a mason jar mug during the cocktail hour that doubles as a wedding favor. Attach chalkboard stickers and write in their names and table number for a quick and easy escort card.

Shop It: Chalkboard Canning or Kitchen Labels, ZigPosterman, $14.95 for pack of 27

Clothespin & Chalkboard Table Numbers

Photo: Untamed Heart Photography

 

Attach mini clothespin signs to small centerpieces for a DIY chalkboard table number. Follow this tutorial to make the clothespin chalkboard signs. Tip: instead of painting the wood, use chalkboard vinyl labels!

Shop It: Chalkboard Vinyl Stickers, Hobby Lobby, $2.79 for pack of 16

Chalkboard Fan Place Setting

Photo: Shannon Cunningham Photography

 

Use chalkboard paper to create paper fan place settings for guests are your reception. Just cut out your desired shape from the chalkboard paper and use double stick tape to attach it to jumbo craft sticks (like these!). Set out pieces of chalk on every table so guests can write in their own sayings for fun photo opps.

Shop the craft supply! Chalkboard Paper: ChalkInk.com, $131.99 for 100 sheets

Chalkboard Bride & Groom Chair Signs

Photo: Allison Davis Photography

 

Make your own chalkboard paint, then brush it on plain wooden plaques (available at craft supply stores) to create pretty bride and groom chair signs. Added bonus of mixing up your own batch of chalkboard paint? You can make it in any color you want! Use this chalkboard paint recipe.

Chalkboard Paint Window Sign

Photo: Jenn Hopkins Photography

 

Repurpose an old window by chalkboard painting the panes and writing out directions to the various wedding day activities. Hint: acrylic chalkboard spray paint adheres best to glass.

Shop It: Chalkboard Spray Paint, Home Depot, $5.98 for 1 can

Chalkboard Welcome Wreath

Photo: Elario Photography

 

Create a wedding day wreath by painting a plain wooden plaque with chalkboard paint and writing in a welcome message. Use a chalk marker to for a smooth and mess-free alternative to regular chalk.

Shop It: Chalk Markers, ChalkInk.com, $4.99 for 1 marker and Staples, $13.99 for pack of 4

Photo Booth Chalkboard Speech Bubbles

Photo: Beyond Beyond

 

Let your guests get creative in the photo booth by making your own speech bubble props. Just follow this guide and use genius chalkboard contact paper!

Shop It: Chalkboard Contact Paper, Michael’s, $10 for 15″x36″ roll