this is your life…do what you love!

 

photo credit

 

 

 

 

It’s a new day…

That song that Jennifer Hudson has been singing in those Weight Watchers commercials is stuck in my head! Mostly because I’ve been away from my business for too long and it’s time to get to work! But also because I feel that I’ve finally gotten my father and personal life stabilized enough that I can return to some semblance of my business at least until I’m back 100%.

“It’s a new dawn, a new day
a new life for me
And I’m feeling good”

“It’s a new day!!”

So thanks, JHud!

#10 – All Things Bridal – Make your list and check it twice…

Creating an itinerary/checklist for the “Day Of” and even the “Week Of” your wedding is essential for a successful day.

Your “Week Of” checklist will include activities such as: 1) checking with any guests who haven’t RSVP’d so you will be able to, 2) provide a final head count to the caterer; 3) pack for your honeymoon and wedding night; 4) confirm beauty appointments, for example. Any last minute things that come up or still need to be handled must appear on this list. Provide a copy to your MOH or LIW (Lady in Waiting) so that they will be able to assist you with checking items off the list quickly.

The itinerary for the “Day Of” will have an hourly schedule of the day’s events to ensure that you stay on track. This list will also be provided to your LIW, as this is her main responsibility. She is your personal assistant (although, your MOH may also serve in this capacity.) Some brides have even created a separate itinerary for the bridesmaids and groomsmen to help keep things orderly.

Both of these lists help to keep your day orderly and stress-free. Utilize them as much or as little as you need them.

See ya next time,

z

🙂

#7 – All Things Bridal – Favorite Web Resources

ok, i’ll admit it…i’m a web addict. i swear i have some type of disorder or something, because when i’m online, it’s nothing for me to have like 30 tabs open on one Mozilla window and 20 or so on the other and i keep switching back and forth. when something interesting pops up, i just have to take a look. so, while planning my own wedding [and ever since then :-))], i’ve compiled a list of some pretty great online resources to use when planning your own fete.

enjoy and share a few of your own, if they’re not here already! LOL

its a pretty long list. take your time to review it, take a break if necessary and come back later…but most importantly, enjoy.

Related to Love

A Huge Collection of Famous Celebrity Romantic Love Letters.url

Romantic Scavenger Hunt

Looking to create a romantic scavenger hunt? Here are our tips and ideas, to help you get started!

Blue Ridge Cabin rentals | North Georgia cabin rentals | Log cabins in Georgia for Rent

Blue Ridge Cabin Rental and North Georgia Cabin Rentals Available in the North Georgia Mountains. on Blue Ridge in North Georgia and the Toccoa River area

Favorite Wedding Photography

Bambi Cantrell – Wedding Photos and Image Gallery – View the beautiful wedding photos and intimate portrait image gallery of Bambi Cantrell.

Jerry Ghionis

Le Love. Montreal Wedding Photography Contemporary photojournalistic wedding photography with an artistic flair by award-winning fine art photographer Irene Suchocki.

D. Park Photography | Orange County Destination Wedding Photographers Based in Orange County, modern classic wedding photographers for the truly original, authentic and timeless love stories.

Kim Mendoza Photography – San Francisco Bay Area Wedding & Lifestyle Photographer Wedding & Lifestyle Photographer Kim Mendoza. Located in Mountain House, California a contemporary Wedding photographer serving the San Francisco Bay Area and All of Northern California with contemporary wedding photography style. Full Service photography with custom budget packaging for smart brides on a budget.

Jasmine Star Photography Blog The Photography Blog of Jasmine Star, an international wedding photographer based in Orange County, California.

David Jay

Mike Colon | Destination Wedding Photographer, Orange County Mike Colon Photography – destination celebrity wedding photographer servicing Newport Beach, Orange County, Los Angeles, New York, Italy, Mauritius and Dubai.

The Blog of Dane Sanders | Destination Wedding Photographer | Newport Beach, California | Photographer – Author – Speaker This is the blog of Destination Wedding Photographer Author and Speaker Dane Sanders based in Newport Beach, California

Jasmine Star – Favorites

South Asian, Multicultural & Interfaith Weddings | Seshu Photography Seshu Photography offers documentary photography services to discerning wedding and portrait clients in New England and anywhere around the world.

Stephanie Fay Photography Blog Wedding photography that has a creative, photojournalistic feel

thebecker.com 949.385.0073 thebecker.com is the home on the web to becker, an internationally acclaimed wedding photographer from orange county in southern california.

Wedding

wedding on a budget-Wedding Shoes and Wedding Cake Topper at Bridal People wedding on a budget : dyeable wedding shoes, wedding cake toppers, wedding favors, wedding gloves, veils, Wedding Shoes and Bridal Accessories

Bridesmaid wedding bouquet – Shop sales, stores & prices at TheFind.com Bridesmaid wedding bouquet – 1,921 results from 435 stores, including Black Bridesmaid Dress Postage, Red Bouquet Bridesmaid T-Shirt Ringer T-Shirt, Bouquet Table Holders, The Bridesmaid Chronicles: First Love, Red Tulip Hand Tie 2 Dozen Tulips – Wedding Bouquet :, The Bride’s Book of Wedding Superstitions, and more…

Christian Louboutin official website. Luxury french shoe and bag designer. Christian Louboutin official web site. Luxury french shoe and bag designer

Gifts International Inc – Tulle Fabrics Bolt Wholesale and Retail Excellent Quality Tulle Fabrics. #1 Organza Bag and Ribbon Source. Huge Selections, Best Quality and Low Prices Guaranteed. Save 5% when you order $300+ of any combined Tulle Fabric.

Veils

Wedding veils Wedding veils handmade using high quality bridal fabrics

Lingerie

Wedding Dresses, Bridesmaid Gowns and Accessories from PeriDress

GondaluvsGondo’s biography – Project Wedding This biography is about GondaluvsGondo’s wedding planning.

kohler44’s biography – Project Wedding This biography is about kohler44’s wedding planning.

klovesb’s biography – Project Wedding This biography is about klovesb’s wedding planning.

Mosaic Maker: A world of creative photo possibilities. Make a mosaic from a photoset, favorites, tags, or individual digital photographs or images. It’s a whole world of creative photo possibilities — themes, colors, shapes. So, get that digital camera out and shoot some photos!

Do it Yourself Wedding Invitations Our exclusive do-it-yourself wedding invitations feature luxurious papers and unique embellishments for less than $1 each.

Ceremony Arrangements

Thefrenchimport’s biography – Project Wedding This biography is about Thefrenchimport’s wedding planning.

d1rtymart1n1’s biography – Project Wedding This biography is about d1rtymart1n1’s wedding planning.

Tulle Fabric Tulle,54

Gifts International Inc – Products

Bridal Tulle Illusion 54″ wide 50 yards $39.50 – 108″ wide 50 yards $64 Tulle – Bridal Illusion, Glimmer Tulle & Nylon Netting at discount prices

Premium Nylon Tulle. – Fabric Tulle – BBCrafts.com Premium Quality Nylon Tulle Designed for Wedding Decoration, Tutu, and Draping. Wholesale Available After Registration. Fast Shipping Within 24 Hours. Available in 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, 54, 108 inch.

Inspiration Board | Inspire The bride

Wedding reception themes Ideas for wedding reception themes are given to help tie all of the elements of your special day together.

classy’s photos – page 6 – Project Wedding – page 6 These photos were uploaded and saved by classy during wedding planning.

The Bride’s Cafe A blog for the edgy-sophisticated-romantic bride.

Real DC Wedding: Sonya & Janssen – The Bride’s Cafe A blog for the edgy-sophisticated-romantic bride.

Overstocked and Ivory Bridesmaid Dresses | 12k Wedding Blog I think I just decided I want ivory bridesmaid dresses. I found some very nice ones at Overstock.com

Jodi’s biography – Project Wedding This biography is about Jodi’s wedding planning.

WMforever’s biography – Project Wedding This biography is about WMforever’s wedding planning.

Wedding Favor Ideas | Cheap Party Favors | Unique Reception Favors Unique wedding favor ideas. Whether you are looking for unique, cheap or elaborate wedding favors, you are sure to find the perfect wedding favor ideas for your wedding in our favors planning section. Our favor ideas suit many wedding themes and styles.

cchoi4’s photos – Project Wedding These photos were uploaded and saved by cchoi4 during wedding planning.

Womens Shoes & Accessories at metrostyle.com Womens Shoes & Accessories at metrostyle.com

Dresses, Cakes, Bouquets, Centerpieces, Real Weddings, Color Palettes, Decorations, Favors, Etiquette Tips, Traditions, Wedding Planning Tools, Beauty and Fashion for your Wedding from Martha Stewart Weddings Martha Stewart Weddings — gowns, bouquets, invitations, color palettes, cakes, favors, etiquette, traditions and ideas for the perfect wedding. Find your wedding dress, choose a bridesmaid dress, get inspired by floral centerpieces, use our wedding planning tools, and more. Your online source for planning and designing your big day.

Unique Wedding Ideas, Wedding Favor Ideas Best source for unique wedding ideas and wedding favor ideas. Beau-coup offers popular wedding themes, creative bridal shower ideas, planning tips and much more!

How To Throw A Theme Wedding Beau-coup offers unique ideas and tips to help you select a great theme for your wedding.

TheFROCK.com – Vintage wedding dresses, rare evening gowns, antique, designer and couture clothing from Christian Dior, Worth, Cristobal Balenciaga, Fortuny, Pierre Balmain, Paul Poiret, Valentino, Doucet, Givenchy, Madame Mme Gres, Norman Norell, Halston, Ceil Chapman, Courreges, Charles James, Yves Saint Laurent, Jean Desses, Lucien Lelong, Hattie Carnegie, Geoffrey Beene, James Galanos, Rudi Gernreich, Jeanne Lanvin, Hanae Mori, Jacques Heim, Jacques Fath, Paco Rabanne, Jean Patou, Adrian, and other important designers and designs from the last 100 years. A broad collection of vintage bridal dresses and wedding gowns, and a rare collection of celebrity garments and memorabilia. Vintage wedding dresses, rare evening gowns, antique, designer and couture clothing from Christian Dior, Worth, Cristobal Balenciaga, Fortuny, Pierre Balmain, Paul Poiret, Valentino, Doucet, Givenchy, Madame Mme Gres, Norman Norell, Halston, Ceil Chapman, Courreges, Charles James, Yves Saint Laurent, Jean Desses, Lucien Lelong, Hattie Carnegie, Geoffrey Beene, James Galanos, Rudi Gernreich, Jeanne Lanvin, Hanae Mori, Jacques Heim, Jacques Fath, Paco Rabanne, Jean Patou, Adrian, and other important designers and designs from the last 100 years. A broad collection of vintage bridal dresses and wedding gowns, and a rare collection of celebrity garments and memorabilia.

All Pumps at Spiegel.com Shop our collection of pumps, slingbacks, and other high-heeled shoes at Spiegel.com.

Pumps & Slingbacks at Newport-News.com  Shop the hottest styles and trends in women’s clothing, including shoes, swimwear, perfect wear-to-work looks and accessories.

Free Vector Art – Free damask seamless pattern Vector graphic Free damask seamless pattern for free download, related with tags pattern, floral, ornaments in EPS files.

Team America damask custom wallpaper – Crest and Damask vintage wallpaper Vintage, in wine-making, is the process of picking grapes and creating the finished product. A vintage wine is one made from grapes that were all, or primarily, grown in a single specified year. In certain wines it can denote quality.

Invitation Ideas & Inspiration – GondaluvsGondo’s biography – Project Wedding Invitation Ideas & Inspiration. remoteassistance.commygatsby.compaper-source.comwww.mypersonalartist.com.www.celebrationsinpaper.comwww.liongraphics.comwww.notfromabox.comwww.invitationlane.comwww.. This biography is about GondaluvsGondo’s wedding planning.

TIPS**JDWeddingDay’s biography – Project Wedding This biography is about JDWeddingDay’s wedding planning.

Color Tulle Bolts – 53″ x 40 yards (colors) Double Faced Tulle Bolts in colors lavender, orange, turquoise, mint green, peach, gold, black

The DIY Veil – almostSMN’s biography – Project Wedding The DIY Veil. For less than $5 total, I’m very happy with how my veil has turned out. If you are thinking of making your own veil, I hope these instructions help!1. I bought 54

Ghana_Bride’s biography – Project Wedding This biography is about Ghana_Bride’s wedding planning.

DIY Bridal Shower Favors for Under $1ea – its.nicsknack’s biography – Project Wedding DIY Bridal Shower Favors for Under $1ea.   A few months before my own wedding, my MOH was hosting he. This biography is about its.nicsknack’s wedding planning.

WeddingWire – Free Wedding Websites, Wedding Checklists, Wedding Guestlists & Wedding Planning Tools WeddingWire offers free wedding websites, wedding checklists, and wedding planning tools. Easily manage your wedding guestlist, seating chart, wedding vendors, and much more.

Wedding Cakes

WEDDING CAKE PICTURE | Pictures Gallery | Maisie Fantaisie Wedding Cake Picture Gallery – featuring a selection of wedding cake pictures by Maisie Fantaisie.

Reception

Cocktail reception … | Brides.com

Cocktail Wedding Receptions – A Cheap and Classy Alternative to Expensive Wedding Receptions Cocktail Wedding Receptions – A Cheap and Classy Alternative to Expensive Wedding Receptions

Cocktail Wedding Receptions Your Wedding – Cocktail Wedding Receptions. Info on Planning Cocktail Wedding Receptions including Cocktail Party Wedding Receptions & Cocktail Party Ideas

Cocktail Wedding Reception – 7 Tips To Help You Plan Cocktail Wedding Reception – 7 Tips For Your Wedding Reception

Your Fairy Tale Wedding Planner: free Low-Budget Wedding Reception Ideas & printable Save Thousands On An Elegant Wedding sharing | KeepandShare kw020: free Low-Budget Wedding Reception Ideas – click now, it’s free!

Yellow & Orange Wedding Flowers, Tulle and Favor Supplies Discount Silk Roses

Wild Hibiscus Wild Hibiscus Flowers in Syrup, best served as a garnish in Champagne or a good Sparkling wine.

Invitations – Ribbon and Bow Projects – DIY Weddings – MarthaStewart.com

Unique Wedding Reception Idea: Wine Tasting for a Wine Wedding Theme If you are looking for a unique wedding reception idea and especially if you are having a wine wedding theme, consider doing a wine tasting at your wedding reception! Here are complete instructions

DIY Wedding Card Box How to make an amazing tiered wedding card box using hat boxes or other interesting boxes.

Moments that take Our Breathe Away, Wall lettering decal by OffTheWallExpression on Etsy This beautiful design would look wonderful in your home, as a reminder to cherish the special moments in your life!!This decal comes in your choice of two color…

Girl Marries Boy – The Standard in Luxury Bridal Gown Consignment FAQs GMB is the premier choice for brides-to-be looking to purchase pre-owned designer, couture, and custom wedding gowns. Now you can afford the dress of your dreams—not your budget. FAQs

Wedding Invitations that match your style and budget. | Pear Tree Greetings Look through affordable wedding invitations at Pear Tree Greetings and find the perfect match for your wedding.

Complete 12 month wedding checklist, wedding calendar, and wedding timeline The #1 website for weddings featuring wedding gowns, bridal gift registry, wedding etiquette and advice, invitations, bridesmaids dresses, wedding planning ideas, vows, music, photography and much more!

Wedding_Timeline.pdf (application/pdf Object)

Wedding Checklist & Timeline | OneWed.com Use this FREE interactive checklist to manage all your wedding planning details. Add, subtract and edit tasks. Write yourself helpful notes. And definitely, delegate to friends & family.

“Wedding Dream” red-and-yellow Polyvore inspiration board « Weddingbee Gallery

Bridesmaid Dresses: The Dessy Group Bridesmaid dresses and formal dresses from Dessy Creations in New York. View the collection: find a retailer. Find bridesmaid dresses and formal gowns by Dessy as well as evening, bridesmaid and formal dresses by After Six. Elegance for your special occasion!

Gift Registry 360 – Wedding Registry – Bridal Registry – Gift Registry Wedding Registry – Creating your wedding registry? Browse through our large selection of bridal registry items and start creating your gift registry today.

California Wedding Locations, California Wedding Services. Chicago Weddings, DC Wedding Venues. San Francisco Bay Area, Wine Country, Los Angeles, Orange County and San Diego Weddings. Beach Weddings. Find the best California, Chicago and D.C. wedding venues: virtual tours, photos, detailed info. Pre-screened wedding services and dress salons.

Press: Wedding Experts at Here Comes The Guide

please excuse some of the categories and corresponding entries, as previously stated, my mind is moving in a gazillion different places when online. just bear with me, i promise i’ll do it again! LOL

see ya tomorrow,

z

🙂

#5 – All Things Bridal – Remaining Stress Free

no matter where you are in your planning, i’m sure you’ve already experienced some level of stress. this is because planning a wedding takes a lot of time and effort. wedding planning coupled with a job or kids is a recipe for anxiety and stress. this is not to say that it is impossible.

if you are taking on the task of planning your wedding, keep in mind the following tips:

• ask for help – your bridesmaids and maid/matron of honor may have already begun to help you organize things; your friends and family members will also be willing to assist you; should you need further help, don’t be afraid to ask
• get organized – use a planner (online or notebook) to help sort everything out; you will have many decisions to make from now up until the wedding day, having some sort of organization will help things not become too overwhelming
• put together a timeline and prioritize tasks – again, there will be many decisions to make; keeping a task list together and setting a deadline on the calendar for those items will help keep you organized; this also helps you to be able to visualize everything that needs to be done and bring in extra help, if necessary
• take time to relax – de-stress whenever you feel the need to; hot bubble baths, listening to music, going for a walk or run, laughing at your favorite comedy, treat yourself to a spa day, whatever works for you; just do something

understand that there will be stress involved and accept it, but don’t let it overtake you. nothing is perfect. ultimately, you are planning a wedding, a celebration of the love between you and your fiancée, but only one day out of many that you will spend with them. focus on the love between the two of you, work through the stress and have fun.

see ya tomorrow,

z

😉

Next Installment – Ways to Save Money on your Wedding

#4 – All Things Bridal – Romantic Gestures

i just got in from a wedding where i was the second shooter for the amazing Atlanta photographer, Zac Long of FengLong Photography. thank you again Zac for giving me the opportunity to shoot along with you. i had a great time, learned a lot and have some great experience under my belt.

during the pre-wedding candid shots, the bride received a special delivery of a long, brown box with a white ribbon around it. she opened the box to find a beautiful diamond bracelet and a note from her soon-to-be husband. his note simply declared how much he loved her and then he reminded her of the 3 words that he used to describe her the day they met. [these words have been kept secret to protect the loved! :-)] of course, there were a lot of ooh’s and awwww’s in the room among the bridal party, and rightfully so. how romantic of a gesture that was!

the marriage ceremony, with its’ traditions and practices, is all about the declaration of one’s love for their fiancee. why not make a special and memorable declaration at your wedding.

you could:

• write your own vows or prepare list of “10 things i love about you” and read it to each other during the reception
• send a short note/video to your fiancee, to be read before the ceremony (the night before or the day of, it’s your choice); you could even make a series of notes leading up to the big day
• read a love poem to your spouse during the ceremony/reception
• if you’re so inclined, write a song or poem about your fiancee and perform or recite it for them on your wedding day

these are a few simple things that come to my mind. try one or two, or come up with your own.

i’d love to hear your ideas.

please share them with me in the comments section.

see ya tomorrow,

z

🙂

SFF is here!!!

what is SFF, you might ask??

well, in response to a blog post by Tofurious, i have begun my SFF posts.

SFF stands for

Shoe Fetish Friday!

you see, i have a love for shoes that cannot be compared to anything else. i’m not sure how many pairs i own, but its a lot. i think i have a shoe fetish. i love shopping for shoes, i love looking at shoes, i always notice other people’s shoes, i can’t help but love all things about shoes, but they have to be 3″ or higher. (hey, i’m 5’5″, i got to get in the game somehow!)

my husband often questions me when i bring home another pair of shoes. “they’re black (insert any color you like here). don’t you have another pair just like them” and i respond “no, these are a different style“. those who don’t share my love, can’t understand (i.e. most husbands!) it’s not just another black shoe, it’s a wedge or its a strappy or its a platform stiletto…the options are endless!

like, i just noticed the other day, as i pulled out my new-er candy apple red Y.Not platform pumps, that my old red patent Jessica Simpson platform peep toe pumps are out of style. they don’t look the same to me now, they look frumpy-ish. of course, what do i see when i go to TJMaxx the next day, my JS pumps, but newer, redone, same shoe but the platform is covered! since i have my Y.Not pumps, i’m ok for now. besides, i like my Y.Not pumps better. :-))

i recently came across a beautiful pair of L.A.M.B. shoes at 32% of the retail price! for those in the know, that’s a steal. soft, supple leather inside and out, comfortable insoles, mmmm, beautiful. i ended up returning them to the store, though. i had two problems with the shoes: 1) they run small, so i needed a half or whole size larger (no pb, i could have stretched them out; 2) i found the shoes at TJMaxx (the same time I saw the JS pumps!) and they had been picked over and scratched and scuffed to the point where I would have to change the color to get them to look right and i didn’t want to change the color because it was that color that drew me in the first place. Alas…

ok, so my love for shoes is what is prompting me to make SFF a regular blog post. i’ll be out scouring the stores and the internet to find the newest and cutest shoes and reporting back to you about what i find.

here is the first official SFF shoe! (and yes, it is officially saturday on the east coast, but it’s still friday on the west coast!)

Badgley Mischka’s Randall pump found at endless.com. through endless.com, it comes in 3 colors – blue, bordo and rose (pictured below).

for those of you brides looking to add a little splash of color, these would be great!

i am in love with its soft, delicate satin petals that gently graze the open toe along with the open arch and side areas which daintily accentuate parts of the foot not normally featured.

isn’t it nice? mmmm. enjoy.

til next time,

z

😉

by the side of the road…

i found this pretty gem while out running errands today. Enjoy.

🙂

z

by the side of the road...

tuesday’s tip…communication!

Effective communication within a relationship is essential.

I was fortunate enough to marry a wonderful man in the fall of 2009. I love him dearly and we have wonderful times since we have a lot in common. However, no matter how much we have in common, there will always be differences between us. I can’t stand that he leaves the toilet seat up or that his idea of cleaning is throwing bleach everywhere and letting it work its ‘magic’. Ugghhhh!! SMH!

The differences between you and your spouse may take many different forms. It may be something as simple as whether or not the toilet paper goes over or under on the roll (over, right??). However, that difference could make you and your spouse like polar opposites when it comes to how you spend and save money, for example. Either one of those differences can cause frustration, stress and major arguments.

The only one ‘easier-said-than-done’ way to handle these differences is to communicate, effectively. Communicate with each other –  not mommy or daddy or coworker or friend about what your spouse is not doing. And this communication should begin as soon as you start dating. Major things like whether or not to have children or your view of money must be discussed before you say “I DO”.

Dating? Newly engaged? Wedding date set? It’s never too late to start communicating effectively to ensure the longevity of your marriage.

Was this post helpful? Would you like to see more like this? Please leave your thoughts, concerns and comments below.

Have a Great Day!

DISCLAIMER: all thoughts and opinions expressed herein are my personal views and offer suggestions and information based on my own research, experiences and beliefs. i am not a licensed therapist. this is in no way an attempt to diagnose or treat any issue that you may have.

like the wind…

my running shoes have been getting abused lately!!

boot camp (bc) last week…. ran/walked 2 miles today… bc tomorrow… bc on thursday…gurney on friday! LOL