We at The Wedding Guide want to take this opportunity to send warm wishes to everyone for a successful 2013, and that you and your families are filled with love and good health in the new year. Happy New Year!

New Years Weddings

Will you be married when the ball drops?

Many couples want to begin the new year as man and wife.

We celebrate you!

Here is some history of the Times Square New Year's Eve Ball, in celebration of the end of the year. Revelers began celebrating New Year's Eve in Times Square as early as 1904, but it was in 1907 that the New Year's Eve Ball made its maiden descent from the flagpole atop One Times Square. The first New Year's Eve Ball, made of iron and wood and adorned with one hundred 25-watt light bulbs, was 5 feet in diameter and weighed 700 pounds. It was built by a young immigrant metalworker named Jacob Starr, and for most of the twentieth century the company he founded, sign maker Artkraft Strauss, was responsible for lowering the ball.

As part of the 1907-1908 festivities, waiters in the fabled "lobster palaces" and other deluxe eateries in hotels surrounding Times Square were supplied with battery-powered top hats emblazoned with the numbers "1908" fashioned of tiny light bulbs. At the stroke of midnight, they all "flipped their lids" and the year on their foreheads lit up in conjunction with the numbers "1908" on the parapet of the Times Tower lighting up to signal the arrival of the new year. The Ball has been lowered every year since 1907, with the exceptions of 1942 and 1943, when the ceremony was suspended due to the wartime "dimout" of lights in New York City. Nevertheless, the crowds still gathered in Times Square in those years and greeted the New Year with a minute of silence followed by the ringing of chimes from sound trucks parked at the base of the tower - a harkening-back to the earlier celebrations at Trinity Church, where crowds would gather to "ring out the old, ring in the new." In 1920, a 400 pound ball made entirely of wrought iron replaced the original. In 1955, the iron ball was replaced with an aluminum ball weighing a mere 200 pounds. This aluminum Ball remained unchanged until the 1980s, when red light bulbs and the addition of a green stem converted the Ball into an apple for the "I Love New York" marketing campaign from 1981 until 1988. After seven years, the traditional glowing white Ball with white light bulbs and without the green stem returned to brightly light the sky above Times Square. In 1995, the Ball was upgraded with aluminum skin, rhinestones, strobes, and computer controls, but the aluminum ball was lowered for the last time in 1998. For Times Square 2000, the millennium celebration at the Crossroads of the World, the New Year's Eve Ball was completely redesigned by Waterford Crystal. The new crystal Ball combined the latest in technology with the most traditional of materials, reminding us of our past as we gazed into the future and the beginning of a new millennium.

Holidays Weddings

We wish everyone a Happy Holiday season. Enjoy this precious time with family and friends.

Remember that one small act of kindness can really brighten someones day. Do something nice for someone today, it will make both of you feel good!

For all the Brides and Grooms taking advantage of time off from work during the holidays to have a Christmas Wedding, we wish you a lifetime of happiness. Warm wishes for a Merry Christmas to all!

The Catering Choice

The question of whether or not to use a caterer, a restaurant, or fix your own food is more a matter of choice than cost. It’s difficult to plan, buy food, rent goods, prepare, serve and clean-up after a party and really enjoy going to the party. Friends who could help out prefer to be guests instead of volunteer workers.

Caterers are sometimes called “wedding consultants” for good reason. So much of the wedding revolves around the reception and serving your guests that it becomes the all important task of the caterer to see to all the details of the party.

It makes little difference if your party is for 50 or 500, your caterer should give you an opportunity to order as many or as few of his/her services as you require or as your budget allows. Do not be bashful — ask what is included! You should expect a complete written quotation covering the selected food, services, and extras you have ordered and their cost. Know in advance what you are getting and the total cost. Be prepared to pay a deposit in advance for the caterer to begin ordering your services, food and servers.

A catered rehearsal dinner is an excellent idea. It can be as formal or as casual as your setting and budget dictate. The gift opening party (usually the day after the wedding) is another occasion for which a caterer should be strongly considered. Parents of the bride and groom really have no time to prepare these parties themselves and still enjoy the wedding.

A professional caterer will help you plan your menu according to your wishes and budget and can supply almost all of the party needs including table covering, dishes, silver, ice, music, servers and clean-up people. He/she has the experience to really help you present a successful party with very little stress and worry.

The Benefits of Print Advertising

Regardless of the technological advancements and the trends that keep changing every now and then, printing services still offer the best marketing strategy in the advertising world. Companies rely on print media to communicate to their clients. Newspapers and magazines never run out of popularity and give companies competitive advantage. Print media is the best way in which a company can use to reach out to a specific target audience. For instance, most fashion lovers ensure they get a copy of their favourite fashion magazine on a regular basis. Fashion oriented companies that advertise on these magazines tend to have more clients since the information lands on the desired group. Reaching out to a target audience increases the opportunity of enhancing sales figures. Advertisements on print media have better performance and a longer lifespan, although it varies from one type to another. Magazines generally have a longer lifespan than newspapers although both generally last for long periods. Advertisements in print media are not just seen and forgotten after a while unlike the adverts posted on websites or television. These materials can be kept for years and referred to much later. Television advertisements usually flash and disappear in an instant. Adverts posted on print media however, give one the freedom to go through them at their own pace. Every time they read the magazine or newspaper, they see the same thing. The details therefore remain in the minds of the readers thereby popularizing the brand. Magazines and other print media have a larger target audience.

Advertisements shown on the internet usually reach out to the people watching at a particular time. Some may move out of a specific position for a short moment and miss the details. Print adverts on the other hand not only reach out to the purchasers in full detail, but also close family and friends as it is very easy to share the media. Print advertising gives a company the benefit of special advert positioning. An organization may pay a little more for a larger advertisement section. Instead of a small portion of a page, having a whole page for advertisement increases the visibility of the product. It draws more attention and greatly increases the chances of recognition by potential clients or customers.

Thanksgiving Day Weddings

We at The Wedding Guide wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. Please do something fun with your family, and remember to be thankful for what you have. A wise friend once said to me "No matter who you are, there is always someone who wishes they were you!" I have remembered that many times, as it is so true. I am thankful always, not just one day a year, for who I am, the life I have, and most of all for my husband and daughter and the love of my family and close friends. So, I challenge you to make it the best holiday ever no matter how you will be spending it, from Debbie, publisher of The Wedding Guide.

Gala Bridal Event

Wednesday, November 14, 2012 from 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM The Legacy at Tustin Racquet Club 11782 Simon Ranch Rd., Santa Ana Year End Gala Hollywood Glam Style at The Legacy Tustin

The Legacy Ballroom provides a large open space to design and create your own unique event. The room has floor to ceiling windows that over look the beautiful tree lined and garden-like setting. The serene setting is the perfect spot for wedding ceremonies. The event space accommodates all types of events, wedding receptions, birthday parties, corporate events, and more! Groom's Tungsten Ring from Diana & Co. Jewelry Designs (Value $300) Dress to Impress Rock the Red Carpet Hollywood style Get your photo in front of our Member sponsored Step & Repeat Dance the Night Away Special Awards Savor the Creations from the chefs of Above All Catering Enjoy the sounds of our featured DJ Make Memories with Woody Woods Photography and ePod Photobooth Smell what's in bloom by Exotica Designs Florist See the beauty of Elegant Wind Waves and White Feathers Events Special deals from Diana & Company Jewelry Designs, Premier Bridal Shows, and more! Pick up your complimentary copy of The Wedding Guide VENDORS: Mixer is $10.00 Prepaid and $15.00 at the door. BRIDES ARE FREE (714) 970-6380 OCBrides.com

Last Bridal show for 2012

This is the last large Bridal expo that we will be attending in 2012... Wednesday, November 7, 2012 Sheraton Delfina, 530 Pico Boulevard, Santa Monica, Show Hours: 6 pm - 9 pm Let Sheraton Delfina Santa Monica Hotel help you set the stage for an unforgettable dream wedding created just for you. An elegant cosmopolitan setting and Santa Monica’s only Penthouse ballroom 9 floors above the beach offering coastal, mountain and city views are just the start. In addition to offering a beautiful venue for your most memorable day, Santa Monica provides a gorgeous backdrop and many diverse activities for your out-of-town wedding guests.

Showcasing Southern California's top wedding professionals for all your wedding planning needs. Shop, compare and get insights and advice from the leading wedding experts. Preview new ideas and fresh styles. Taste gourmet cake and cuisine, see fashion, enjoy music/entertainment and take advantage of show discounts and giveaways. Have fun while discovering the best options to make your dream wedding come true! Don't wait in line, buy your tickets today! Friends, Family and Fiancés are encouraged to attend (714) 572 -1363 www.PremierBridalShows.com

Pasadena Bridal Show

Bridal Showplace Bridal expo, November 4, 2012 11am - 4 pm Hilton Hotel - Pasadena 168 S Los Robles Avenue Pasadena, Bringing Brides and Top Wedding Professionals together for over 16 years and 100+ Successful Bridal Shows!Bridal Showplace (562) 381-2865

What does FREE really mean to you?

This is one of the few posts directed to Wedding professionals as well as to Brides and Grooms. It comes back to the old saying which is still true today, that if something sounds too good to be true, it most likely is, so BEWARE! Here is an interesting article by Alan Berg, writer and speaker. - Over the years I’ve heard many discussions revolving around “free” things. Couples may be asking for you to throw in free services, or wedding pros may be talking about getting free ads, so I got to thinking about the value of “Free”. On the surface free usually seems like a good idea: free parking, free samples, free speech, free advice, etc. When we’re on the receiving end of free services and products, we rarely seem to mind. Everyone likes free stuff, regardless of their income bracket. Is free really free? In reality, free is not free. There is a cost, it just may not be yours to bear. Free parking is paid for by the merchant who owns the land, or the municipality that built the parking lot (paid for with tax dollars). Free samples are paid for by the merchant who wants to get your business. Similarly, the free advice you get on the WeddingWire Pro Forums is supported by the technology and manpower behind it, paid for by WeddingWire. You get to use the Pro Forums for free, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t a cost. Do you really get what you pay for? So, is free better than paid? I see the discussions on the Pro Forums all the time; wedding pros asking if it’s worth paying for an ad, versus taking a free one. Why would they think that a free ad, at the back of the listings, would be representative of what a paid ad at the front would get them? That’s like saying that an iPod would do just as good of a job as a professional DJ, since they can have all of the same songs; or their HD consumer-grade video camera will do just as good of a job as a pro. Find the lake with the most fish and then get the biggest net When you go fishing, you look for the lake that has the most of the kind of fish you want to catch. Then get your boat and the biggest net, or the best fishing gear you can, and start fishing. Sure, you may have to buy a permit and the better gear, but you know the reward is worth it. Similarly, when you buy an ad you’re really buying access to an audience. If you feel the audience is worth your while, you should want to get as much exposure to it as you can, not the least. If you don’t feel it’s worth your while they you shouldn’t want to be there at all. Sure, having a free listing will allow couples to find you and read your reviews… if they dig deep enough, or if they already know your name. If they already know your name then it wasn’t the ad that brought them to you. That’s the same as with a search engine result. If you look at your tracking reports for the words and phrases that are used to find your website and the most common ones are your name, then it wasn’t SEO (search engine optimization) that brought them to you. They already knew your name, you just don’t know how. Go Big… or Go Home! When I got my iPad last year they offered free engraving on the back. It’s not that many characters and I didn’t want to put my name. I was starting a new business and I wanted it to reflect my philosophy on business and life: Are you in or are you out? Do you have a toe in the water, or are you in all the way? So I had Apple engrave “Go Big… or Go Home” on my iPad. That’s what I tell my consulting clients when it comes to advertising and business. If you’re going to do it, go all in. That’s the only way you’ll really know if it’s going to work. Is the investment bigger? Sure. Is the potential reward bigger? Absolutely. Almost every wedding pro I know that has a Spotlight or Featured Listing wouldn’t give it up.

photo booths for Weddings

What You Should Know About Renting a Photo Booth for Your Wedding Reception, by Rob Schlesinger / Pics 4 My Party Photo Booth Rentals Photo booths continue to be a very popular addition to wedding receptions. Did you know that there are several different types of photo booths that are available for rent? The two most common types are the Vintage photo booth which is a very large box unit and requires a large area for set up, and the pipe and drape photo booth which is somewhat more portable, but it also requires a large area (about 5’X8’). We hear from our customers that space constraints in the reception hall prevent them from being able to include a photo booth in their reception. Based on feedback from customers some companies have gone to a more compact type of unit that fits on a tabletop. This unit is sleek, elegant and fits in most décor. Many major hotels prefer this tabletop model to the large box models. There are three great features to this type of photo booth. 1. Totally interactive operated 100% by the guest which adds to the fun. 2. This photo booth offers 2 functions in one unit. It offers the 4 pose post card as well as a digital video guestbook where guest can leave messages for the couple eliminating the need for a scrapbook. 3. This type photo booth offers the ability to have larger groups in pictures while the vintage and pipe and drape photo booths are limited to a maximum of about 4 guests at a time. Here are just a few more questions to ask before making your decision to rent from a photo booth company: Do they have staff to stay with the rental for the entire rental period included in the price, or do they just set up the unit and leave? Are all supplies included in the price of the rental? Will the rental fee include unlimited pictures for the rental period? Is there an extra charge for delivery/ set up and take down? Do they offer props with their package at no charge? Are their props of good quality and in good condition? Do they create a banner at a minimal or no charge? Is the company willing to negotiate price if necessary? A photo booth is an excellent addition to a wedding reception. Guests have fun creating the photos and the photos go home with the guest, which makes a great favor. Even though the photo booth may appear to be a large expense initially, a picture will never be thrown away, so it makes memories that last a lifetime!

Last Long Beach Bridal Show for 2012

Bridal Showplace Bridal Show October 14, 2012 • 11am - 4pm Long Beach Marriott 4700 Airport Plaza Drive • Long Beach, CA 90815 We have been bringing Brides and Wedding Professionals together for 17 years and over 100 amazing shows. At our shows you will find an average of 100+ of Southern CA most distinguished wedding professionals offering every product and service for your wedding. Each event offers a variety of on-site features, such as: cake tasting, hors d'oeuvres, mini massages, beauty makeovers, entertainment and live performances. You Can: Have your photo taken at the photo booths Learn the latest trends at the Wedding Planning Seminars Ask the Experts Get free wedding planners and magazines Preview the latest bridal fashions for the entire bridal party featured in our beautifully choreographed fashion shows. Enter to win thousands of $$$ in Door Prizes. Grooms are special too - at each event we hold a separate "Groom's Only Drawing". The first 50 brides in line will receive special Swag bags. (562) 924-2048 • www.bridalshowplace.net

Two great Bridal shows this weekend!

Bridal Show on September 30, 2012 11am - 4pm at Knott's Berry Farm Resort Hotel - Buena Park 7675 Crescent Ave Buena Park, CA 90620 Bridal Showplace has been bringing Brides and top Wedding Professionals together for 16 years and over 100 amazing bridal shows! We are also the LARGEST & LONGEST RUNNING bridal show in Long Beach/South Bay. At our shows you will find an average of 100+ of Southern CA most distinguished wedding professionals offering every product and service for your wedding. Each event offers a variety of on-site features, such as: cake tasting, hors d'oeuvres, mini massages, beauty makeovers, entertainment and live performances. (562) 924-2048 • www.bridalshowplace.net

• AND • Premier Bridal Show Sunday, September 30, 2012 The Grand Event Center 4101 E. Willow Street Long Beach, CA Show Hours: 11 am - 3 pm Showcasing Southern California's top wedding professionals for all your wedding planning needs. Shop, compare and get insights and advice from the leading wedding experts. Preview new ideas and fresh styles. Taste gourmet cake and cuisine, see fashion, enjoy music/entertainment and take advantage of show discounts and giveaways. Have fun while discovering the best options to make your dream wedding come true!

FREE Diamond Ring Keychain for the first 50 Brides who attend a Premier Bridal Show! (714) 572 -1363 www.PremierBridalShows.com We will be at both Bridal shows, handing out our Wedding Guide books, and showing our Elegant Wind Waves. Hope to see you there...

Fun Wedding 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.”

Free Bridal event in OC

Fall Festivities at Black Gold - Our beautifully regal 20,000 square foot clubhouse affords dramatic views and great wedding photos of Orange County, golf course vistas, lake and waterfall and can accommodate over 200 guests. Whether you're looking to book a once in a lifetime "Orange County" wedding reception or a special event at Black Gold, allow our Professional Event Coordinator to personalize your memorable event.

Raffle prizes welcome from OCBrides Members for Vendors and Brides Groom's Tungsten Ring from Diana & Co. Jewelry Designs (Value $300) FREE Let's Make A Deal Tickets -- Win Cash & Prizes or Honeymooon Taste tasty Creations from the chefs of Black Gold Enjoy the live music of The Marieve Herrington Band Make Memories with Ambrosia Events and Jacob Austell Photobooths Smell what's in bloom by Irises Designs See the beauty of Elegant Wind Waves, White Feathers Events, Black Gold Events, and Glow Concepts Fine Linens Special deals from Diana & Company Jewelry Designs, Premier Bridal Shows, Bonny Bridal, Stella and Dot, Nerium International, Time 2 travel, and more! Pick up your complimentary copy of The Wedding Guide VENDORS: Mixer is $10.00 Prepaid and $15.00 at the door. BRIDES ARE FREE (714) 970-6380 OCBrides.com

Bridal Show in Newport Beach

September 16, 2012 - Radisson, Newport Beach 4545 MacArthur Blvd. Newport Beach, CA 92660 Show Hours: 11 am - 3 pm Showcasing Southern California's top wedding professionals for all your wedding planning needs. Shop, compare and get insights and advice from the leading wedding experts. Preview new ideas and fresh styles. Taste gourmet cake and cuisine, see fashion, enjoy music & entertainment, view our Wind Waves in action, and take advantage of show discounts and giveaways. Have fun while discovering the best options to make your dream wedding come true! (714) 572 -1363 www.PremierBridalShows.com

Bridal show this Sunday at MOLAA

MUSEUM OF LATIN AMERICAN ART Upcoming Wedding Event September 9, 2012 • 11:00 - 4:00 Free Tote bag filled with goodies to first 100 Brides, plus one free admission! The Museum of Latin American Art 628 Alamitos Avenue Long Beach, California FREE TOTE to the first 100 brides. Register online. FREE Parking, $5.00 admission Fashion Show: 1:00 Cake & Culinary Samples, Door Prizes, Fashion Show, Entertainment, Shopping. (562) 216-4112 • www.molaa.org

Wind Waves in Redondo Beach

We get to set up our Wind Waves at another Wedding this weekend in Redondo Beach! They are such an elegant and dramatic addition for the Wedding ceremony. We love what we do, and hope to be setting up our Wind Waves at many more Weddings in the near future. Congratulations to the Bride and Groom! www.ElegantWindWaves.com

Wind Waves at Weddings

We will have our Wind Waves at two Weddings this Friday, August 24, 2012.

Thank you to these Brides and Grooms for letting us add to the beauty of your Wedding ceremony. Congratulations and best wishes to the happy couples! Debbie & Lynnie from ElegantWindWaves.com

Wedding Event on Tuesday

OC Brides Bridal Networking Event Tuesday, August 21, 2012 from 6:30 to 9:00 PM Southern Romance in Placentia Placentia Women's Round Table Banquet Center 901 N Bradford Ave Placentia, CA 92870 Elvis will perform a Vow Renewal at 7:15! This quaint venue will surprise you! The Grand Ballroom is reminiscent of Bourbon Street in the French Quarter. With it's spacious outdoor garden with gazebo, it makes the perfect venue for an elegant ceremony and reception. The newly renovated banquet room seats 200+ and is perfect for hosting your special day! Taste the tasty Creations from the chefs of Park Place Catering Enjoy themed music from Elite Sound Entertainment Make Memories with South OC Photography & All Smiles Photobooths Smell what's in bloom by Wonderland Dream Weddings See the beauty of Elegant Wind Waves, Table 7 Events, Wonderland Dream Weddings, and White Feathers Events. Special deals from Diana & Company Jewelry Designs, Makeup by Genesis, Premier Bridal Shows, Nerium International, Honeymoons by Claudia, and more! Pick up your complimentary copy of The Wedding Guide • OC Brides (714) 970-6380 www.ocbrides.com

Outdoor Garden Weddings

Congratulations on your engagement! Consider an outdoor Wedding at our exquisite garden setting in Placentia. Our beautiful garden style wedding gazebo is located on the South Lawn of our Private Clubhouse. The lovely Ballroom overlooks our private golf course and provides the perfect ambiance to host your wedding reception. Hold your reception in our spacious clubhouse overlooking the golf course, providing an elegant setting for your party after the ceremony. Our Ballroom can accommodate up to 250 guests with our portable parquet dance floor.

As your Wedding and Banquet Coordinator, I will assist you in planning a memorable day, which you and your guests will cherish for a life time. Please call me to set up an appointment for a personal tour of our beautiful facilities. Taryn Weickert Wedding Coordinator (714) 524-1591 www.altavistacc.com

Queen Mary Bridal Show this weekend!

17th Annual Queen Mary Bridal Show Sunday, August 12, 2012 • 11am - 4pm The Queen Mary - Long Beach 1126 Queens Hwy • Long Beach

At our shows you will find an average of 100+ of Southern CA most distinguished wedding professionals offering every product and service for your wedding. Each event offers a variety of on-site features, such as: cake tasting, hors d'oeuvres, mini massages, beauty makeovers, entertainment and live performances. You can have your photo taken at the photo booths, learn the latest trends at the Wedding Planning Seminars, Ask the Experts, get free wedding planners and magazines. Preview the latest bridal fashions for the entire bridal party featured in our beautifully choreographed fashion shows. Enter to win thousands of $$$ in Door Prizes. Grooms are special too - at each event we hold a separate "Groom's Only Drawing". Bridal Showplace (562) 381-2865 www.bridalshowplace.net

Orange County Bridal Show

Save time. Shop and compare 100 Greater Orange County wedding products and services. Sunday, August 5, 2012 10am - 4pm $10 admission. Sheraton Park Hotel 1855 S Harbor Blvd Anaheim, CA 92802 (714) 740-4162

This season's smartest brides-to-be will be attending BrideWorld Expo, the area's largest gathering of wedding exhibits, planning ideas, fashion, and fun! Shop and compare local retailers, audition entertainers, sample cake and catering, enjoy a bridal fashion show, and discover many of the absolute best wedding values. (800) 600-7080 www.brideworld.com / Also, see Elegant Wind Waves in action, set up for a beautiful outdoor Wedding ceremony at the Sheraton Park Hotel, Sunday on the way into the Bridal Show. www.ElegantWindWaves.com

Family Portraits at your Wedding

Family Group Portraits: This is one of the few articles specifically directed to the parents of the bride and groom. Once the wedding plans are completed and you’re only days away from the big event, the entire family will begin to gather from near and far to join in the celebration… one of the happiest occasions experienced by your immediate family. As busy as we know you’ll have been, we strongly suggest you set aside one hour with your family to create a cherished memory… the family portrait you’ve talked about for years. Weddings are one of the few celebrations we know of that gathers families together from all over the country and, in some instances, worldwide. There won’t be an easier or more convenient time to have a professional photographer take your family group portrait. So plan a special family time, a day or so ahead of the wedding to create your unique Family Heirloom Portrait.

So much for Brides to do this weekend!

July 28, 2012 - Blush Bridal Couture, Tustin Blush Bridal Couture Designer Preview Sandra Reid, Essense of Australia in attendance! 13011 Newport Ave Ste. 111, Tustin Call for Appointment (714) 573-8000 www.blushbridalcoutureoc.com • July 28 & 29, 2012 - LA Convention Ctr, Los Angeles Bride World Wedding Expo Shop and compare aisle-upon-aisle of wedding products and services, with the famous cake-dive on Sunday. (800) 600-7080 www.brideworld.com • July 29, 2012 - Flawless Events Bridal Loft, Brea Pamper the Bride Day Event Let us pamper you with appetizers, champagne, massages, hair & make-up consultations, facials, and more. Must RSVP to this event. Flawless Weddings and Events Bridal Loft 554 South Brea Blvd, Brea • 714-671-0010 www.flawlessweddingsandevents.net

Two Bridal Shows this Wednesday

Two intimate Bridal events this Wednesday evening, one in Fullerton, one in Redondo Beach for Brides and Grooms to get out halfway through the work week, to eat, drink and have fun at two completely different Wedding reception locations.

Wednesday, July 25, 2012 at 6:30 in the evening Crowne Plaza Hotel 300 N. Harbor Dr., Redondo Beach (310) 530-3003 • www.wsea.com _____________________________________________________________

July 25, 2012 • 6pm to 8pm The Brownstone Cafe 305 N. Harbor Blvd. Ste 115, Fullerton (Corner of Harbor & Wilshire) 714-526-9123 www.brownstonefood.com/catering/weddings

Bridal Networking Event

Wednesday, July 18, 2012 at 6:30pm The Hacienda by Tivoli Terrace 1725 N. College Ave., Santa Ana

The Hacienda, a historic ranch estate built in 1901, is the perfect location for your dream Wedding and Reception. Our garden chapel area is the ideal natural setting flourishing with trees wrapped in twinkle lights, flowering plants, a flowing fountain, and is over looked by the balcony encased with gorgeous ivy. The original adobe house surrounds the inner courtyard providing ambiance and the comforts of home as the bride dresses in her room to become a Mrs. So whether it be an extravagant evening affair of vows exchanged by candlelight or an intimate brunch where guests enjoy a dreamy California day, The Hacienda is the perfect place to say “I Do!” Raffle prizes including Groom's Tungsten Ring from Diana & Co. Jewelry Designs (Value $300-Sorry, for Brides only) Taste tantalizing Creations from the chefs of The Hacienda and Tivoli Terrace Enjoy themed music from MIJO Enertainment Make Memories with a Shutter in Time Photography Smell what's in bloom See the beauty of Elegant wind Waves and White Feathers Events Special deals from OC Hair and Makeup, Premier Bridal Shows, and much more! Pick up your complimentary copy of The Wedding Guide VENDORS: Mixer is $10.00 Prepaid and $15.00 at the door. BRIDES ARE FREE! (714) 970-6380 OCBrides.com

Truck Show for Shopping Brides

Blush Bridal Couture, OC's Newest Hot Spot!

Enzoani Trunk Show July 13, 14 & 15, 2012 www.enzoani.com 10% discount and extra incentives offered by the designer throughout the weekend! Blush Bridal Couture 13011 Newport Ave Ste. 111, Tustin Call for Appointment (714) 573-8000 www.blushbridalcoutureoc.com

Wedding Ceremony Sequence of Events

Ceremony Sequence of Events

Take note of the order and timing of the following events… 1. Seating of the Guests Pre-ceremonial music as the ushers seat the guests. Music usually begins 15 minutes before the ceremony. 2. Seating of Parents After the guests are present and seated, the groom’s parents are escorted to their seats. The bride’s mother is the last to be seated. The bride’s father is waiting with the bride. 3. Groom Takes His Place The officiant, ushers, best man and groom take their positions. 4. Attendants’ Procession The processional music for the bridesmaids, maid or matron of honor, flower girl & ring bearer, begins as they are ready to walk down the aisle. 5. Bridal Procession Following the attendants, the bride’s father offers the bride his right arm as they begin down the aisle. Music is played and the guests rise in honor of the bride. 6. The Exchange of Vows Traditional vows may be exchanged or you may write your own personal vows to recite. 7. Music With Ceremony Music is played during the candle-lighting or other non-verbal portion of the ceremony. 8. The Ring Exchange Be sure to know where your rings are before you go down the aisle! 9. The Kiss Have Fun! 10. The Introductions At the end of the ceremony, the officiant may introduce the newlyweds to the guests as the new Mr. & Mrs. 11. The Recessional The bride and groom lead the wedding party back down the aisle.

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.

Brides at the Beach

Summer Bridal Show at the Beach this weekend. Sunday, July 1, 2012 St. Regis Monarch Beach One Monarch Beach Resort in beautiful Dana Point 11 AM - 4 PM SEE 100s 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! Brides receive SWAG Bags filled with goodies from Crate & Barrel, Magazines, Wedding Planning ideas, Samples and more! (714) 572 -1363 www.PremierBridalShows.com AND, AquaBelle Fashion Bridal Show Upcoming Bridal Show July 1, 2012 • 11:00 - 4:00 Sheraton Pasadena 303 Cordova St., Pasadena $20.00 addmission includes, champagne, hors d'oeuvres, dessert samples, goody tote bags, makeup sessions, spa sessions, 25 great Raffles, and much more!!! (626) 380-5709 www.theaquabelle.com