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.