Congratulations Brides-To-Be

It’s the Holidays,
and that usually
means couples all
over the world
are getting
engaged!

If you are a
Brides-To-Be,
planning your
upcoming Wedding,

Congratulations!

What a great way to
start out the new year!

And there are so many
Bridal shows
in January to choose from.
Choose wisely, because some are
better than others.
We recommend all the shows that
we will be attending which are
listed under Bridal Shows on our
website.

These snow scenes are beautiful,
but it sure is nice to be outside
in the warm sunshine like today.
Days like today and yesterday, are
the reason we all love living in
sunny Southern California!
The snow is fun to visit, but living
in it every day is a different story.
For comfort, I’ll take a beach scene
over a snow scene any day!
Snowboarding works great in the sand.
Sand is a lot like snow, but much warmer.

We hope your Christmas was just as
wonderful as ours was, and that you all
have a safe, and very Happy New Year.

Try to slow your life down, relax and
enjoy the rest of this year with your
Family & Friends.

We’ll see you in January...

The Importance of Stopping

The Importance of Stopping

Your body is
meant to be
in a state of
balance,
Yin and Yang,
activity and
rest, being
and doing.
Your body is
constantly
giving you
feedback about
the necessity of stopping
(Via feelings of fatigue, stress, etc,).
If you do not pay attention to your body’s
messages, you may just get a cold. People
that have truly learned that art of not
paying attention to their body may develop
more severe physical or emotional problems.
(In addition to not feeling well, there are
time costs to not being in optimum physical
health-i.e.-doctors visits, needing more rest
and sleep than normal, etc.) There is a reason
people feel so good after a Yoga class or
meditating or a walk in nature.
They are giving the body what it needs.
The body needs you to stop.

What is so great about stopping is that
when you go again you are more efficient,
productive and creative. As a matter of
fact, one of the biggest ways people
LOSE TIME is to be constantly busy.
There are many cycles and rhythms in life
and the more we attune to our own energy rhythms,
the more we will allow ourselves to stop. How many
people do you know that are happy being constantly busy?
Yes, there is a temporarily relief to get one more thing
done on your list. However, develop the trust and faith
that if you slow down you will give yourself MORE TIME.

Stopping is a way to receive from life. Take in life;
take in your partner. Savor your food; do not eat to fast.
Enjoy your children. Remember the real reasons why you do
the things you do. It is probably to enjoy your life more.

So stop, take a nice deep breath in, exhale all the way out
and slow down. See how much your life improves.

by Todd Creager, Relationship Therapist
www.toddcreager.com

Weddings Become Marriages

Getting Married
should be about
the Marriage and
not just about
the Wedding.

So many Brides
get caught up
in planning a
perfect Wedding,
they don’t think
about the “Ever After”.

I am a firm believer in
Marriage and “Happily Ever After”.

That doesn’t mean that everything in
your life after your Wedding will always
be perfect, but if your expectations aren’t
unrealistic you can have a very happy life
together.

When you go through the good times, it is so
wonderful to have someone to share and enjoy
those times with, and when times are tough,
you have someone by your side to help you,
and you can work through them together.

The secret is, not having any secrets from
each other.

That doesn’t mean that you need to report to
each other on every little detail of your life,
but that you always share your feelings and
opinions with each other.

You can agree to disagree, but at least you are talking.

Pick your battles carefully, everything is not worth
fighting about.

Starting with the day you say “I Do” to each other,
work together as a unit and you can accomplish so
much more in life.

Don’t try to change each other, just accept each others
faults and focus on your strengths.

Work to bring out the best in your partner, and allow
them to bring out the best in you as well.

Always make time for each other, and remember why you
fell in love, and you should stay in love for the rest
of your lives!


A few “Words of Wisdom”
shared with you from
Debbie Christensen, Publisher
of The Wedding Guide.

Laws Concerning Marriage

A man and
woman must
follow certain
laws when they
marry.
The United States
and Canada have
basically the same
marriage laws.
Neither nation has
federal marriage
laws, but each
state and province
has its own
regulations.

In all except four states,
both the man and woman must
be at least 18 years old to
marry without parental consent.
Nebraska and Wyoming require
a couple to be at least 19.
Mississippi and Rhode Island
have a minimum age of 21.
Most states allow people to marry
as young as 16 with parental consent.
In some states, a person under age
16 needs a judge's permission to marry.

According to law, both the man and
woman must freely consent to marry.
If a person is forced or tricked into
marrying against his or her will, a
judge will annul (cancel) the marriage.

State laws prohibit close relatives from
marrying each other. Laws also forbid
a person to marry if he or she is married
to someone else. A person who marries
a second time while a first marriage is still
in effect commits the crime of bigamy.

Some states permit a couple to marry even
if the bride or groom cannot be present at
the wedding ceremony. However, another
person must serve as a proxy (substitute)
for the absent bride or groom.
This type of marriage is called marriage by proxy.

How much fun would that be?

If an unmarried couple live together as
husband and wife, a court may declare
them married after a certain period of time.
The time period varies among the states
that permit such common-law marriages.
It is usually several years. A couple do
not have to have a license or wedding
ceremony for a common-law marriage.

Again I ask, how fun is that, without any celebration!

Freeze-Dried Wedding Bouquets

Freeze-drying is
a process for
flower preservation
that retains the
color and texture
of products.
Unlike air drying,
the product's shape
is maintained by
virtue of it being
frozen.
While frozen, the moisture
is removed by way of vacuum,
leaving all other substances
in the flower, such as pigment
and structural parts immobilized.

The result is a beautiful, natural
looking product that lasts many years
with proper care. To preserve the
luster and life of the product,
pre- and post-treatments are applied.
The process requires a machine containing
two refrigeration units and a vacuum system.

As soon as we receive your flowers, we apply
a pre-treatment and use infra-red heat to
evaporate excess moisture. Next, the flowers
need to be frozen within fifteen minutes to
prevent the petals from turning brown.
After twelve hours the drying process starts,
which takes up to fourteen days of carefully
regulating the freeze-dry machine. When the
product is dried, the post-treatment must be
applied within twelve hours. If necessary, we
enhance the colors of the flowers, and your
Wedding bouquet is ready for framing.

Nature’s Beauty will preserve your freeze dried
flowers by mounting them in a wide variety of
attractive choices, including shadow boxes,
glass cases, or frames with an acrylic dome.

As one of life’s most joyous events, a wedding
comes with heart-warming memories.
To preserve those memories, Nature’s Beauty will
create a lasting tribute including photos,
invitations and other heirloom objects to compliment
your wedding flower bouquet.
What better way to remember your wedding for
many years to come!

www.naturesbeauty.us

Summer to October Weddings

This is such
a busy time
of year.

The transition
from summer to
school and the
Holidays is always
difficult, especially
when you have students
getting back into
their weekly schedule.
It seems that everything
hits all at once.

You go from relaxing on a lazy summer day,
to the beginning of school when there seems
to be 4 activities scheduled for each day!

Because of our cold weather this summer,
we feel robbed of our usual sunny Southern California
summer season.

For Brides, the cooler weather was sometimes a welcome
relief from the sizzling heat, other times made for a
chilly outdoor ceremony at the beach.
When we did finally get the hot weather, it was so extreme,
we were all miserable.

Questions to ponder...

When was the last time we had 113 degree weather one week,
and had the temp. drop to 60 degrees in just a few days?

And, when was the last time we had so much rain in October?

Fortunately, this year October Weddings have had pretty good
weather on the weekends.

Did you know that October has as many Weddings now as June?

It’s not the “off season” anymore.

Have you seen any trees changing color yet in your neighborhood?

Wedding Customs

Many wedding
customs have
been popular
since ancient
times.
For example,
Roman brides
probably wore
veils more
than 2,000 years ago.
Bridal veils became popular in the
United Kingdom and the New World during
the late 1700's.
The custom of giving a wedding ring dates
back to the ancient Romans. The roundness
of the ring probably represents eternity,
and the presentation of wedding rings symbolizes
that the man and woman are united forever.
Wearing the wedding ring on the ring finger of the
left hand is another old custom. People once thought
that a vein or nerve ran directly from this finger
to the heart. An old superstition says that a bride
can ensure good luck by wearing "something old,
something new, something borrowed, and something blue."
Another superstition is that it is bad luck for a bride
and groom to see each other before the ceremony on their
wedding day.

After many weddings, the guests throw rice at the
bride and groom as a wish for children and good fortune.
Rice was once a symbol of fertility, happiness, and long life.
The bride may toss her bouquet to the unmarried female guests.
The woman who catches the flowers will supposedly be the next
to marry. This custom probably started in France in the 1300's.
The bride may also throw her garter to the unmarried men.
The man who catches it will supposedly be the next male to marry.

Marriage In Other Cultures

In most countries,
one man marries
one woman, and they
stay married unless
one of them dies or
they are divorced.
This system of marriage
is called monogamy.

Some societies permit polygamy, in which a
man has more than one wife, or a woman has
more than one husband. The marriage of a man to more
than one woman is called polygyny and is practiced
by many African and Middle Eastern peoples.
Islamic law permits a man to have as many as four wives.
Some societies practice polyandry, the marriage of a
woman to more than one man.

In certain cultures, marriage involves a gift from the
family of the bride or groom to the other's family.
In many societies, for example, the bride's family gives
money or property to the groom or his family.
Such a gift is called a dowry. In some cases, the dowry
is given to the bride so that she and her husband may
benefit from it. In other cultures, the groom and his
family present gifts to the family of the bride.
This offering is called a bride price.

Some societies require a person to marry someone who belongs
to his or her own tribe or group. This custom is called endogamy.
In other places, an individual must follow the rules of exogamy
and marry a person from another tribe or village. The most common
rule of exogamy requires a man or woman to marry someone outside
his or her own family.

Each culture has its own rules about which family members a person
is forbidden to marry. However, most societies forbid incest, which
is marriage or sexual relations between certain close relatives.
In nearly all cultures, such relatives include a parent and child or
a brother and sister.

Back to school time Weddings

Well, it’s
back-to-school
time for a good
part of the
nation.
Today has been
described as
“The most wonderful
day of the year”,
by some parents.
Back-to-school
means back to business
as usual for most people.
This is the time to start
working towards any goals you want
to achieve before the end of the year,
and begin thinking about the holidays.
Wedding season used to end at Labor day,
but now it extends well into November.
In fact, October is usually the second,
or third busiest month for Weddings.
The weather is much cooler, and some
facilities consider October their off
season, so the prices will be lower than
in the summer months.
The weather is always a consideration when
planning your Wedding.
Enjoy this back-to-school night, or
just a Wednesday night with your family,
and check back next week for another blog
about life before and after your Wedding!

What Marriage Means

Marriage is the
relationship
between a man
and a woman who
have made a
legal agreement
to live together.

When a man and woman marry,
they become husband and wife.
Marriage is also an important
religious ceremony in many of
the world's religions.

In India and many other countries,
most marriages are arranged by parents'
deciding whom their children will marry.
But in Western countries, including the
United States and Canada, nearly everyone
makes his or her own decision about whom
and when to marry.

Most couples decide to marry because
they love each other and want
to spend the rest of their
lives together.

A man and woman who marry usually hope
to share a special sexual relationship
and a permanent romantic attraction.
But each hopes the other will always
be a close friend as well. Each also
expects the other to help with many problems
and to share certain responsibilities.
These responsibilities include earning a living,
budgeting money, paying bills, preparing meals,
and taking care of a home.

In the United States, about 21/2 million couples
marry each year. However, many people choose
never to marry. Some people who remain single
may not find a mate with whom they want to share
their life. Others may not want the many
responsibilities required of a successful marriage.
Still others prefer to stay unmarried because they
enjoy their independence.

Most couples who marry plan to have children and to
raise them together. A husband and wife are required
by law to protect and care for their children.
Marriage thus serves as the basis of family life.

Weddings and Parties with the Pioneers

The pioneers
brightened
life on the
frontier
with parties
and other
get-togethers.
They mixed
work with
fun and sports
whenever possible.

In autumn, they held cornhusking
contests and nut-gathering parties.

In spring, they assembled in maple groves
to make sugar and syrup. The women often
got together for quilting parties.
The quilts were much in demand as bedcovers.

The settlers always enjoyed a house-raising.
The men stopped working on the house now and
then to run races or to hold wrestling bouts
or shooting contests. After the job was finished,
everyone celebrated with a lively feast.
The women prepared plenty of food, and after eating,
the settlers sat around telling stories. As a rule,
someone brought along a fiddle, and dancing and
singing went on until late in the night.

A wedding was a special time of fun and celebration.
The pioneers liked to play tricks on a couple about
to be married. Sometimes the women "kidnapped" the
bride while the men rode off with the groom.
Of course, both managed to escape in time to be married.
During the couple's wedding night, some guests, usually
young men and boys, gathered outside the newlyweds' home.
There, the assembled group shouted, banged on pans, and
otherwise created great noise in a tradition called a
charivari (pronounced shihv uh REE).

A wedding custom called charivari is widespread in various
European societies. On the wedding night, friends of the
bride and groom provide a noisy serenade by banging on pots
and pans outside the couple's bedroom. The desire to avoid
charivari led to the practice of leaving on a honeymoon
immediately after a wedding.

Attitudes About Marriage.

Almost every society
has certain traditional
ideas about marriage.
For example, most
societies expect men
and women to marry.
In addition,
most cultures
have traditions about
the role and the main
duties of a husband
and a wife.
Traditionally, the husband is expected
to earn a living, and the wife is expected
to manage the household and raise children.

Many Americans disregard traditional marriage patterns.
For example, a large number of married couples share
responsibilities that have been traditionally handled by
either the husband or the wife. An increasing number of
married women have paying jobs and help support their
families financially. In 1940, about 15 percent of all
married women earned money.

In the early 1990's, about 60 percent held a full- or
part-time job. More and more husbands share responsibilities
traditionally handled by women, such as cooking, doing
housework, and caring for the children.

On the average, men and women stay single longer than they
once did. In 1950, men married at an average age of 23, and
women married at an average age of 20. By the mid-1990's,
the average marriage age was about 26 for men and about
age 24 for women.

Weddings Become Marriages

Weddings will become
a marriage.

Getting Marrried should be
about the Marriage and not
about the Wedding.

So many Brides get caught up
in planning a perfect Wedding,
they don’t think about the
“Ever After”.

I am a firm believer in Marriage
and “Happily Ever After”.

That doesn’t mean that everything in your life after your Wedding
will always be perfect, but if your expectations aren’t unrealistic
you can have a very happy life together.

When you go through the good times, it is so wonderful to have someone
to share and enjoy those times with, and when times are tough, you have
someone by your side to help you, and you can work through them together.

The secret is, not having any secrets from each other.

That doesn’t mean that you need to report to each other on every little
detail of your life, but that you always share your feelings and opinions
with each other.

You can agree to disagree, but at least you are talking.

Pick your battles carefully, everything is not worth fighting about.

Starting with the day you say “I Do” to each other, work together as a unit
and you can accomplish so much more in life.

Don’t try to change each other, just accept each others faults and focus on
your strengths.

Work to bring out the best in your partner, and allow them to bring out the
best in you as well.

Always make time for each other, and remember why you fell in love, and you
should stay in love for the rest of your lives!

By Debbie Christensen

Wedding Traditions

Many couples prefer a traditional
religious ceremony, though some
people depart from custom.
Some even write their own wedding
service.
A traditional marriage
ceremony begins with the bridesmaids
and ushers walking slowly down a
center aisle to the altar.
They stand on each side of the altar
throughout the ceremony. The groom
enters and waits for the bride at the altar. The bride then
walks down the aisle with her father, another male relative,
or a family friend. She wears a white dress and veil and carries
a bouquet. At the altar, the bride and groom exchange marriage
vows and accept each other as husband and wife. The groom puts a
wedding ring on the ring finger of the bride's left hand, and the
bride may also give the groom a ring. After the ceremony, the bride
and groom kiss and then leave down the main aisle.

People of many backgrounds follow the traditional wedding ceremony,
but certain religious groups add their own features to it. For example,
different Protestant groups have their own versions of the ceremony.
Many Roman Catholic weddings take place during a Mass, and the bride and
groom receive Holy Communion.

Most Jewish weddings are held under a special canopy that represents
the couple's future home. At the end of the ceremony, an empty glass
or other breakable object is placed on the floor and the groom breaks
it with his foot. This act symbolizes the destruction of the ancient
Jewish Temple in Jerusalem and reminds the couple that a marriage can
also break if it is not protected.

Mormon weddings are held privately in Mormon temples. Only church
members in good standing can attend these ceremonies. Mormons believe
that marriage and family life continue after death.

A Quaker man and woman marry at a public gathering where they
declare their commitment to each other. Quakers believe that
God makes a couple husband
and wife, and so a minister or other official is not required.

Many wedding customs have been popular since ancient times.
For example, Roman brides probably wore veils more than 2,000
years ago. Bridal veils became popular in the United Kingdom
and the New World during the late 1700's.
The custom of giving a wedding ring dates back to the ancient
Romans.
The roundness of the ring probably represents eternity, and
the presentation of wedding rings symbolizes that the man and
woman are united forever. Wearing the wedding ring on the ring
finger of the left hand is another old custom.
People once thought that a vein or nerve ran directly from this
finger to the heart. An old superstition says that a bride can
ensure good luck by wearing "something old, something new,
something borrowed, and something blue."
Another superstition is that it is bad luck for a bride and groom
to see each other before the ceremony on their wedding day.

After many weddings, the guests throw rice at the bride and groom
as a wish for children and good fortune. Rice was once a symbol
of fertility, happiness, and long life. The bride may toss her
bouquet to the unmarried female guests.
The woman who catches the flowers will supposedly be the next to
marry. This custom probably started in France in the 1300's.
The bride may also throw her garter to the unmarried men.
The man who catches it will supposedly be the next male to marry.

Limousine Service Tips for Southern California

Limousines: What To Look For

by Sherry Walters, Classic Limos
http://www.classiclimos.com


Every bride wants the perfect
mode of transportation for her
wedding day, a professional
chauffeur and elegant service
at an affordable price.
However, over 75% of the vintage
limo companies in California are
operating without a license or
valid insurance, pedaling fake
Rolls-Royces or offering entry
level Packards as “American Rolls Royces.”
It is fraud to suggest that they are the real thing.
The industry knows that most brides don’t inspect
their wedding vehicle before booking it, so be sure
you do and know what to look for. Don’t just look at
a photo either - many cars don’t look nearly as nice
in person. A vintage car should always be mechanically
safe and sound. Be sure the air conditioning works and
that the vehicle is clean and in good condition.
Select a company with a solid reputation; one that cares
about its vehicle collection, chauffeur service, and has
an “A” rating with the Better Business Bureau.

Being late is the number one complaint against limo companies.
Hire a company only if they have an “On Time Guarantee”.
Be sure they will provide you with the name and mobile number
of your driver in advance, including the exact time he’ll be
arriving to pick you up.

Finally, ask about an “all inclusive” price quote. Hidden or
phony fees can include sales tax, refueling charges, license fees,
or PUC fees. Be aware of how the company charges for overtime as well.
Avoid those that have overtime surcharge rates or round everything to
the nearest hour.

Remember, personal service and an elegant vehicle will be
the crowning touch to your wedding day.
Plan ahead and choose wisely for the perfect
vintage car service.

Wedding Wednesday Event Showcase

This Wedding Wednesday
and Special Event Showcase
will offer you the opportunity
to sample a variety of delicious
menu items and services from the
Brownstone Cafe and Event Center.
In addition, see samples of the
services from various vendors for
your upcoming special event.
Whether you are in the beginning of your
planning or just trying to wrap up everything,
this is the perfect event for you.

Join Us and Get Inspired!

Wednesday, June 30th

6pm to 9pm

Event Held At

Di Amore Gift Boutique &

Brownstone Event Resource Center

200 N. Harbor Blvd. Fullerton, CA 92832 (Corner of Harbor & Amerige)

714-526-2512


*Event Held Last Wednesday of the Month From January to October
Pre-Registration Required


http://events.constantcontact.com/register


Contact:
Jill Dretzka
Brownstone Cafe & Catering
info@brownstonefood.com
(714) 454-3356

Bridal Show at The White House

Here is a unique
Bridal show
this weekend that
is FREE and the
location is giving away
a FREE Wedding!

We will see you
on Saturday!

On SATURDAY JUNE 19, 2010
the Anaheim White House,
a National Historic Landmark
is rolling out the RED CARPET
and GIVING AWAY a complete…

$20,000 WEDDING to one LUCKY BRIDE who attends
the first Anaheim White House Bridal Show & Wedding Expo!


THE ANAHEIM WHITE HOUSE
National Historic Landmark
887 SOUTH ANAHEIM BLVD., ANAHEIM

11:00 - 4:00

•NO ENTRANCE FEE to the Bride and her guests!

•Complimentary Fabulous Hors d’ oeuvres and Champagne

* Be one of the first 50 Brides who enter the gates at the
Anaheim White House and you will be given 10 free raffle tickets,
thereby increasing your chance to win the $20,000 wedding and
other prizes.

* Bruno Serato the owner of the Anaheim White House and
West Wing Banquet Hall is making sure every Bride who attends will
feel special and just like a celebrity.

• Every Bride will be receiving a gift bag.

• Over 50 Top Bridal Professionals will be available to assist Brides
on how to have the Cinderella Wedding of their dreams on any budget.

MMCC Productions
(714) 772-1381 • (310) 397-2711
www.ocweddingshow.com
www.weddingbridalexpo.com

Bridal Registry

Bridal Shower and Wedding Gift Registry


Experience the comfort of a luxury hotel, the serenity of a world-class spa, and escape to a romantic retreat every day at home in your very own Private Quarters.

Luxury linens and accessories for your master bed and bath at affordable prices.

Meet with your own personal consultant to register for everything you need to create the bedroom and bathroom of your dreams!



Please join us for a

Bridal Registry Showcase

Saturday, June 5 - 10:00-2:00

A Legendary Affair
505 N. Sepulveda Blvd.
Manhattan Beach • (310) 372-5200



Hosted by Bridal Registry Consultant

Debbie Christensen
562-425-7069
DebbieC.privatequarters@gmail.com
http://www.DebbieC.privatequarters.net


• FREE HEAD MASSAGER to Brides that use our service and register by June 30th!

Bridal Show this weekend!

Bridal Show
Hyatt Hotel
Long Beach
THIS WEEKEND!
MAY 23rd
NOT
MAY 30th!

produced by Bridal Showplace

Sunday, 05/23/10
11:00am ‑ 4:00pm

Hyatt Regency Hotel - Long Beach
200 S. Pine Avenue, Long Beach

Bridal Showplace
562-924-2048
www.bridalshowplace.net

New Idea for Bridal Showers

Here it is-the launching of my new Private Quarters business!

Experience the comfort of a luxury hotel, the serenity of a world-class spa, and escape to a romantic retreat every day at home in your very own Private Quarters.

Please come to my Private Quarters party, so you can see the different quality makes. You can feel the products, get more information about them, see our 7-layer bed, place an order, book a party or shower, or
pick a date for your personal Bridal registry.

We will be sharing the comfort on

Thursday, May 6th

6:30-8:30 pm

A Legendary Affair
505 N. Sepulveda Blvd.
Manhattan Beach, 90266

I hope to see you there!

• What a perfect idea for a Bridal Shower!

• It's easy, very personal, fun and FREE.

• We offer free gift wrapping and delivery of your gifts to your shower or Wedding.

Check out our website for more information on our personal
Private Quarters Bridal Gift Registry, at www.DebbieC.privatequarters.net.

Thanks!

Debbie Christensen
Private Quarters Representative
562-425-7069
Debbie@WeddingGuideonline.com

Bridal Shows

(More to come next week on the new business...)

Two different styles of Bridal Shows this Sunday.
Brides should attend both!

C.W. Originals Presents

The Silver Le Bridal Gala
April 25 • 11am-5:30pm
Anaheim White House/ West Wing
1238 South Beach Blvd., Anaheim

Show Highlights
We will give away two honeymoon trips!
* Two breathtaking fashion shows!
* Exhibitors' samples and displays,
and show specials!
* The opportunity to view and tour
this venue!
* First 100 brides to register receive
a special gift!
* First 200 brides at show go in drawing
for a trip!
* Great prizes given out all during show
hours!

C.W. Originals to Donate 50% of all ticket sales
from all bridal show attendees in 2010 to the
American Red Cross.
C.W. Originals
714-851-6790 • 951-272-6206
http://www.cworiginals.biz

AND,

Premier Bridal Shows

April 25 • 11 am - 4 pm
Long Beach Convention
& Entertainment Center
300 East Ocean Blvd., Long Beach


•See hundreds of ideas and services for your wedding day
including stunning displays and the latest wedding fashions
at our Dancing Down the Aisle Fashion Shows which include
a fusion of the hottest styles and dance choreography!

•Shop, compare and get insights and expert advice from
Southern California's leading wedding experts.

•Sample food! Taste gourmet cakes and food samples,
indulge in a mini make-over or have your pictures taken
in a photobooth.

Door prizes, give-aways and show discounts!

All Brides receive SWAG Bags filled with goodies from Crate & Barrel,
Magazines, Wedding Planning ideas, Samples and more!
Premier Bridal Shows
(714) 572-1363
http://www.premierbridalexpos.com


C.W. Originals Bridal Show Tips

1. Plan to make a day of it and enjoy it! There are many exhibitors,
and you want to make sure that you have time to speak with anyone
you need to, so allow extra time to view the venue.

2. Wear comfortable shoes-you will be doing a lot of walking around
and standing when speaking to all the exhibitors.

3. Bring along a friend. It is always good to have someone to share
the experience with and to offer a second opinion. This is a great
opportunity to bond with your Mothers and Mother Inlaws- To-Be!
We offen have special events just for them.

4. Bring printed self-adhesive labels with the following information:
your name, address, phone, email, and wedding date if known.
This will save you time and allow you to sign up for drawings or
anything you want very quickly.

5. Bring a notebook to make notes. Ask lots of questions, and take
notes and any price quotes offered or new ideas. The best way to
find out whether or not a service is right for you is to have a
conversation with the exhibitors. Collect any information you are
interested in so you can review it once you get home.

6. Create a new email account. Register for a free e-mail address
that you can use when filling out forms. That way you have a separate
e-mail account just for Wedding information, so it’s easier to sort
through, and keep track of contacting the vendors you want to meet with.

•Most of all try to enjoy the time planning your beautiful wedding!
Bridal shows are a lot of fun!

new Wedding business

Exciting news!

I'm just starting in a business
that is absolutely perfect for
Bridal showers.
Check back next week to see all the
details.
In the meantime, I hope to see you
at the Bridal show this Sunday in
Laguna Beach. It is the first time
we have attended this show, and it
sounds like it will be a great day.
You can find more details on our website
under Bridal shows, at
http://www.weddingguideonline.com

Until next Friday...

Easter

It's Good Friday

and Easter weekend!

We, here at The Wedding Guide,

want to wish you and all of

your family a wonderful Easter

however you choose to celebrate.

We will be having fun being together

with our family and that is our favorite

way to spend any Holiday!

Until next week...

March Weddings

Can you believe it is only
one week before Easter?

This is a great time for a
spring Wedding!

March is still considered the
“off season” so as a Bride you
can take advantage of reduced
rates by having your Wedding
this month.

In Southern California we
don’t usually need to plan
around harsh weather.

This weekend is going to be warm and sunny,
perfect spring days. This is absolutely the
best weather for your Wedding.

In the summer months, it is very hot for you
as a Bride with your gown and veil. You want
to feel fresh on your Wedding day, and not hot,
sweaty and sticky. Not to mention all the men
in tuxedos. Keep this in mind, especially if
you are planning to have an outdoor Wedding.

If you are having an outdoor ceremony or reception,
you must always have a back-up plan in case of rain,
strong winds, or intense sunshine.
This means either a room at the site, or a rental
company who can tent your event. In your planning,
you want to think of the comfort of you and your
guests, as well as the food, cake and decorations.

Enjoy the weekend, and a warm
CONGRATULATIONS to all of the
Brides and Grooms getting married
in March!

photo by:
http://www.harrisonpiperphoto.com

Spring is Here

Today is Saturday,
the first day of
Spring.
And, what a wonderfully
warm and beautiful day
it is!

A day like today reminds me
of why we live in sunny,
Southern California.

You should be outside
enjoying the sunshine
instead of being inside
on your computer!

I am having issues with my computer.
So many that it needs to go in for
repair. That is never fun.
It's means a lot of extra work
to back up all your information,and
hope that you don't lose anything
important. And, going without your
computer is impossible.

I would say that is a good excuse to
sign off and go enjoy the rest of the
day! I suggest that you do the same,
and come back to your computer after
sunset. It will still be here, patiently
waiting for your return...

Think of a Wedding in Ireland

Irish Toast

Health and a long life to you.
Land without rent to you.
A child every year to you.
And if you can't go to heaven,
May you at least die in Ireland!

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Ireland is also known as the Emerald Isle
because of its beautiful green countryside.
Rolling farmlands, which are mainly pasture,
cover much of the central part of the country,
and mountains rise near the coasts.

Large numbers of young people in Ireland once remained
single and lived with their parents until they were over the
age of 30. Farmland and jobs were scarce, and few young
people could afford to marry and raise families. However,
marriage practices have changed, and today young people
marry earlier than they did in the past.

The Roman Catholic Church has long played a major role in
Irish social life. Almost every Irish city has a Catholic cathedral,
and nearly all the towns and villages have a Catholic church.
Most people attend church regularly.

Many of the Irish enjoy visiting their neighborhood pub (public house).
People gather in the country's pubs to drink beer and whiskey, talk with
friends, and listen to music.

The favorite alcoholic drink in Ireland is beer. A type of beer called stout
is especially popular. The Irish use barley malt to make Irish whiskey,
a world-famous liquor. A drink called Irish coffee is made with coffee,
Irish whiskey, brown sugar, and cream.

One of Ireland's most famous dishes is Irish stew. This dish is made by
boiling layers of potatoes, onions, and pieces of mutton in a covered pot.
Another traditional Irish meal consists of boiled salt pork, cabbage, and
potatoes.

Many people consider the Irish to be exceptionally warm-hearted and friendly.
The Irish also have a reputation for hospitality, close family ties, and skill as
writers and storytellers.

It sounds like a wonderful place for a Wedding!

Wedding Fun Facts

Fun Facts

ALL BRIDES STAND TO THE LEFT!
There used to be a good reason for
the bride to stand at the altar at the
left hand of the groom and on the way
out of the church, to be on his left arm.

It was not just a meaningless matter of
etiquette. It enabled the groom to keep
his right (and sword) hand free to defend
his bride and himself from attack and capture
by jealous rivals.

BRIDAL PHOTOS: The first photograph of a bride
was made in 1854 by a pair of ‘daguerreotypists’
named Southworth & Hawes. Have you selected
your Daguerreotypist yet?

THE TOAST: In days of yore, a piece of toasted bread
was placed in the bottom of a wine goblet which was
then passed to every guest. The last to receive it was
the honored lady. She ate the wine soaked toast and
received everyone’s compliments. The custom of sharing
a drink then became known as a toast. The traditional toast
to the newlyweds is “Health, Wealth and Happiness.”

Wedding Consultants and Coordinators

Planning and coordinating
your wedding will be so
fun and easy, right?

Wedding consultants/coordinators
are usually considered luxury services,
but are in fact as much of a necessity
for a wedding as a professional DJ, florist or baker.
Yes, you could hook your portable music player up to
the sound system and have your cousin push the buttons.
Yes, you can go to the wholesale district, buy a truckload
of flowers and arrange them yourself the day before your wedding.
And yes, Aunt Mary can bake her famous lemon cream cake and swirl
little rosettes all over it. So why not also have your recently
married sister (who will only be 7 months pregnant at your wedding)
coordinate it, since her wedding went beautifully? Because
that's not the kind of service you need on your one day to shine.
A product is a product, but professional service is what makes
the difference.

Walking with you through the process of planning of Your Day,
addressing every detail and ensuring the least amount of friend,
family, and hair-loss possible is what wedding consultants do best.
We allow for all of your loved ones to celebrate with you, not work
for you, on your wedding day by providing you with a team of quality
professionals to carry out the flawless execution of your plans.
Planners can be there from the beginning to answer any questions
you may have, and stay with you until the last light goes out and the
hall is empty.
We've seen what works and what doesn't so your wedding doesn't
end up as a case study in “What Not to Do”. Our job is to make sure
every element of your Wedding day - the most important day of your
life - goes As You Like… If you don't remember anything going wrong,
then we've done our job just right!

So rather than trying to do it all yourself or stressing your family
and friends, make sure you budget for a consultant. Your peace of
mind is worth every penny.

Plus you won't have that little worry wrinkle in the middle of your
forehead in all of your pictures!



written by Donya Vaughn

http://www.asyoulikeservices.com

What Getting Married Means

Getting Married Means You'll Have

Getting married means you'll have
Someone's hand to hold,
Even when you're feeling sick,
Even when you're old.

It means when you sit down to eat,
Someone will be there,
So you won't have to tell your day
To an empty chair.

It means that you can have some kids
Just like a mom and dad,
And play with them all afternoon,
Except when they are bad.

It means that when you need some help,
Someone will help out,
Someone always near to you
So you won't have to shout.

But best of all is when it's time
To turn out all the lights:
You won't have to be alone
Those long and scary nights.

So even though you don't have toys,
You don't have to care:
Once you're married you can be
Each other's teddy bear!

Copyright by © Nicholas Gordon

http://www.a-weddingday.com
photos by Harrison Piper Photography
http://www.harrisonpiperphoto.com

California Weddings in 2010

Hi!
Wow, is it the middle
of January already?!!

It’s time for me to get
back to doing my weekly blog.

With the Holidays, and working
on the 2010 issue, getting the
book ready to print, it has been
a very busy end of the year for us.

Now, January is an even busier month!

‘Tis the season for Bridal shows.

This is a great year for a Wedding!

Now is the time to do your planning.

We will be attending several Bridal shows every
weekend in January and February.

As a Bride, you should attend a couple of shows,
and enjoy being “a star for the day”.

Check out the list of local Bridal Shows on our
website at: http://www.weddingguideonline.com


Please come by our booth if you are at a local
Bridal show listed on our website, to pick up a
copy of our brand new 2010 issue of The Wedding Guide,
and to say “Hi!” to whoever is working at our booth.

I will be attending most of the shows myself, but when
there are two or three shows on the same day, either my
husband and daughter, or a friend will be at some of my
booths handing out books at the conflicting shows.
I would love to meet you!

Above is our cover for our 2010 issue.

Remember to always BRING ADDRESS LABELS to the shows to
make your day easier.



On a personal note:

My daughter just turned 15 last week.
What people say is so true, she is growing up way too fast
for me.
It’s hard to believe that it has been fifteen years since we
were blessed to have her come into our lives!


With this crazy weather I hope everyone is staying warm and dry.

I wish everyone who reads this, a very healthly and happy 2010!

And, CONGRATULATIONS BRIDES AND GROOMS!!

Until next Friday...

Debbie