The “What I Love About” series are sweet, simple, personal, and affordable. Whether this is your entire gift or a sweet touch you add on top. Your valentine will cherish your thoughts put on paper. Let your personality shine be it goofy, cheesy, romantic, practical. And as the manufacturers say ‘keep a tissue box handy’. Try out “What I love about you by me” and “What I love about us by me”.
 
Available at a variety of retailers, including Barnes and Noble, Amazon, Papyrus, Knock Knock (the manufacturers).

What an amazing event this past weekend. Take a look...

I introduced myself to THE Martha Stewart. All smiles here!

What an honor and a pleasure to meet Claudia Hanlin from The Wedding Library, who put this whole show together. Not just that - she shared a few connections and gave an amazing and insightful presentation.

Here Claudia is, sharing a few wedding planning secrets!

Are you in the market for something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue?

And of course a few crowd pleasers like amazing entertainment. Sing it girl!

Today I met with one of the most kind and generous people I have met in a long time. Andre, with his avant garde hair and charming smile, has a magic all his own. A gentle demeanor, yet straight to the point, helpful and giving, and equally respectful and appreciative of anyone in the room. Andre Maier, who knew that walking over to say hello would lead to such an inspiring meeting. I look forward to working together with you and having many happy brides who love their amazing wedding photos because you were there capturing their most cherished moments.

This is the year you are taking control of so many things in your life – you are deciding who your life partner is, who you want to stand by you, how you will use your resources to make your day special. Take charge of your health too.  A healthy, happy bride is a beautiful bride. If this is an area you want to improve on, see a holistic professional for real solutions and not just a diet. I met Stephanie Grosso who is a holistic practitioner, nutritionist, and overall inspiring lady. She just opened The Conscious Bachelorette for those of you who want to send yourselves off into married life with a treat for you and your bridesmaids of holistic nourishing immersion.  She has the passion, skills, and know how to Really solve your health questions and pamper you all day. Talk to her now so you can be your fully vibrant self on your big day. All the best!

Now is the time for some festive family time and even celebrating a little extra for those who are are newly engaged. Enjoy this special time, and remember you can also learn a few things - time with relatives around the holidays is a great time to learn about family values. Ask about what holidays are the most popular and important, find out about recent weddings and what went well or could be improved upon, lean in to hear the family gossip and try to accommodate a few of the quirks, listen in to food preferences and allergies. This personal information will be priceless in planning your wedding and making sure your vip guests are fully accommodated. Enjoy!

We’ve all seen the movie, but now let’s get real about who those special ladies will be.
 
Who are they?
The friend you can depend on and who loves you and can deal with a little bit of crazy. She is helpful and understanding, but also can be very determined to get things done.
She can make it on your wedding day (there is always one who is overseas or perhaps expecting to deliver a baby)
She says yes to helping you on your special day.
 
How will you ask?
It can be as simple as a call or text.
Better would be laying out a few of the details – how special they are to you, asking politely that they be a bridesmaid, what you are hoping they will do for you (buy a dress, attend the wedding, etc)
Nowadays there are themed cards, cookies, wine all around asking friends to be a bridesmaid. These are definitely cute and thoughtful ways to ask the question and pretty fun to consider so I encourage you to explore if you enjoy that kind of thing.
 
What happens next?
Connecting your bridesmaids and introducing them to each other. Let them know who else is in the group. Then they can get to know each other, possibly plan a bridal shower or bachelorette party, and generally be in touch. A group email, or text, or Facebook group can encourage intermingling.

My favorite part of attending a reception is the dance party - and the man behind the curtain who makes the magic happen is your DJ. Oh yes, the DJ has a lot to do with how your night will go. Of course it is best to choose a DJ who you have experienced the magic with, but there is more to the story. Speaking with Steve at Music by Steve, I was reminded that DJs (and all of your other vendors too) need to have contingency plans. Such as…

• Backup speakers in case one gets blown out
  
• What happens if the laptop is no longer functioning as expected
• Does he/ she have music both online and offline? This will mean they have a wealth of resources, but also are not putting all of their eggs in one basket.

So these are a few tips and tricks to ensure your DJ is providing you with not just the ultimate experience, but also a reliable one. (And in case you are wondering Music by Steve had 10 out of 10 in passing these questions). I have yet to hear them at a party, but I’m sure we will cross paths soon.

Hi Ladies. This for those having Indian ceremonies before the wedding. You will want your hands looking their very best for those close up 'ring' shots and henna shots, so time to get a manicure! My suggestions:

• Get a manicure before your henna. This way your nails look great in the photos, and you won't lose any of that deep color to soaking your fingertips or having lotions rubbed on you.
  
• Gel manicures are the way to go. They last longer, don't chip, help prevent your nails from breaking. Now that these are popular, go for it!
• If you are having a haldi ceremony where yellow paste is going to be put on you, beware. You will be tempted to wipe it off with your hands/ fingers/ nails... and if you do get it on your nails and your nails are a lighter color, they will be stained yellow. Do your best not to use your nails when taking it off and wash them with soap immediately to help reduce staining.
  

Okay, now you're ready to book your mani/pedi. Enjoy!

At the end of your wedding day, you may be done with your flowers and off to live your new life, but those flowers can still have some life to give. Here are a few ways to extend the joy and beauty your flowers give:

-       Give arrangements to guests to take home and enjoy. Florists can arrange bouquets so that they are giveaway friendly or come and wrap flowers at the end of the night to give your guests. They will be coming to pick up their vases anyway. 

-       Donate them to a non profit: hospital, orphanage, senior center, homeless shelter, women’s center, VA hospital, or others. You can even get a tax deduction for doing so. Simply get a receipt from the charity for about half the original cost (you used the flower at your wedding first so half the cost is an appropriate amount).

-       Leave it up to the fates. Some may go to bold guests, staff may take some after clean up is done, some will go to the garbage.  

-       If you prefer to go green, old flowers can be composted, which in my opinion is better than them going into a plastic bag and into a landfill. 

Enjoy your flowers on your big day and if you can extend that beauty and joy for another day, more power to you!