Congratulations to Mr. & Mrs. Dorenzo!

Veronica Enns July 25, 2011

We first introduced the couple and their engagement story with you in April of this year, and we are excited to congratulate the couple on their marriage and their wedding day on July 3rd 2011. If you missed our post "On the road to I Do' Melissa & Gavin", Click here to check it out! Melissa is a DIY bride all the way, she arrived at The Palms Pavilion and started decorating at 05:45 a.m on the day of her wedding!

Thinking ahead, Melissa did much of the work before hand such as folding the napkins, creating the programs, and creating personal touches like her picture board featuring many pictures of her and Gavin.

Her table settings included brown table linens with pink runners, which matched her centerpieces that she also created herself. Square Glass Vases filled with glass beads and adorned with different variations of Gerbera Daisy's and Roses.

Melissa made her table number cards and her programs, she was a busy girl!

The lovely head table!

It was a very warm day, but The Palms Pavilion made a beautiful backdrop for Melissa & Gavin's Big Day.

Gavin and his groomsmen had no problem entertaining themselves while his beautiful bride was getting ready!

The Bridesmaids looked lovely in their dresses which were made by the Bride's mother Cathy.

Okay we know you have been waiting to get a glimpse of the bride, and here she is getting ready.

The guests have all arrived and it is time for the ceremony to begin.

It's official everyone, these two have tied the knot!

The Wedding Cake was a beautiful 3 tier cake with paper lanterns hung in the corner, which gave a fun focal point to the room.

The Cocktail Hour gave couples a chance to take some fun and silly pictures in the Photobooth, and then the couple made their grand entrance. Mr. & Mrs Dorenzo walked down the stairs as husband and wife and they got a very warm welcome by all of their guests.

The Reception was kicked off with a great slide-show of pictures of the couple, from all of the their adorable baby pictures up to photos of them when they started dating and of course their engagement pictures. This couple has something magical and it shows! After Dinner, the couple made their way around the room and visited with guests. These love birds were just glowing with happiness. The evening continued with a playful cutting of the cake and of course dancing! The Dance

We want to wish these two the best and may they always smile as brightly as they did on this day!

Do it your way, you'll be happier in the end.

Veronica Enns July 23, 2011

This morning on Facebook a friend of mine was lamenting over guilt about not wanting a traditional wedding. My advice to her? Don't be guilty! This day in age a wedding can be anything you want it to be, and more. So don't feel guilty. Break traditions, forge your own path. Your wedding day will come and go and what you will be left with are the memories of this special time in your life. Make the memories good ones and plan a wedding that speaks to you and your dream, don't have a wedding for anyone but yourselves! Here are a few examples of "Non-Traditional" weddings that we think are FABULOUS!

This awesome couple had their wedding IN A CANDY STORE! Who needs a church when you can tie the knot surrounded by Lollipops!

Love dressing up in costumes?

Have a Masquerade Ball!

White dress and satin shoes not your cup of tea?

Check out this bride and her Rock n Roll Leopard theme wedding complete with red gown, and a leopard accented cupcake adorned wedding cake!

The thing to remember is that the bottom line is that it's YOUR DAY and you have to decide what that means for you!

Wedding Traditions...where they came from?

Veronica Enns July 22, 2011

Everyone has heard of "Something old, something new...Something borrowed, and something blue" right? Have you ever wondered where that tradition started? We decided to look for the origins of a few popular wedding traditions. "Something old, something new...Something borrowed, and something blue"

The "old" was usually a personal gift from mother to daughter, a symbolic piece of wisdom for married life. The "new" symbolized the new family being formed by the marriage. "Borrowing" is especially important since it is to come from a happily married woman, thereby lending the bride some of her own marital bliss. "Blue" has two traditions, ancient Roman maidens wore blue on the borders of their robes to denote love, fidelity and modesty, while Christians associate it with the purity of the Virgin Mary.

The Bridal Shower

The Bridal Shower tradition has its roots in the 1800's. The story is told of a poor miller who fell in love with a wealthy maiden. But, the father of the maiden was against the marriage. He refused to provide a dowry for her, and a bride could not marry without a dowry. The story goes that the bride had generous friends who "showered" her with so many gifts, they could forego the missing dowry.

The Bride and the Grooms "side"

In very early days, fathers would offer daughters as peace offerings to warring tribes. Because of the hostility, the families were placed on opposite sides of the church so the ceremony could proceed without bloodshed. The ceremony united the two warring factions into one family, and the danger was resolved. Today, family members still sit on opposite sides.

The Wedding Party

During the "marriage by capture" era, close friends of the groom-to-be assisted him when he kidnapped the bride from her family. The first ushers and best men were more like a small army, fighting off the brides angry relatives as the groom rode away with her.

Bridesmaids and maids of honor became more common when weddings were planned. For several days before the marriage, a senior maid attended to the bride-to-be. This maid or matron of honor, as we know her today, ensured that the bridal wreath was made and helped the bride get dressed. All bridesmaids helped the bride decorate for the wedding feast.

For a long time, bridesmaids wore dresses much like the bride's gown, while ushers dressed in clothing that was similar to the groom's attire. This tradition began for protection against evil rather than for uniformity; if evil spirits or jealous suitors attempted to harm the newlyweds, they would be confused as to which two people were the bride and groom.

The Honeymoon

In ancient times, the Teutonic people began the practice of the honeymoon. Teutonic weddings were only held under the full moon. After the wedding, the bride and groom would drink honey wine for one full moon cycle (thirty days). This "moon" (i.e., "month") became known as the "honey moon." While the name survived, the purpose of the honeymoon changed. After the wedding, newlyweds would leave their family and friends to go and do what newlyweds are supposed to do. Today that purpose survives, only now a vacation is incorporated, usually to a romantic get-away locale.

Wedding traditions have carried on from past centuries and will continue on, but you don't have to stick to what has been done by everyone else. Traditions have to start somewhere, so there is no harm in starting your own family wedding tradition to be passed down to your future generations!

Cocoon ~ A Resale Boutique

Veronica Enns July 14, 2011

If you are looking for a nice addition to your closet like a cute pair of heels, jeans or maybe even some summer dresses, Cocoon is the place to go.

Shopping on a budget doesn't mean you can't splurge! Set your own trends and find unique jewelry and accessories that can blend perfectly into your wardrobe. Brides, find gifts for your bridesmaids here and give them something with character, history and charm just like your friendship!

The owner Summer O'Neil is someone who has passion for the community that she lives and works in, and she donates 10 percent of the stores profits to local charities. On top of donating to charities, Summer also supports local Artists & Non-Profit Organizations, which is part of the appeal of the store. You will see the work of local artists, and other small vendors who each have something unique to bring to the table.

Kodo Fragrances is one of the local names you will find at Cocoon, they offer local, unique, hand-made perfumes.

We aren't the only ones who think Cocoon is doing something right, as they were featured in an article in The Upstate Business Journal, published in June of this year. (Click Here to Read Article)

Summer Dresses, Skirts, Jeans, Vests, Heels & Sandals are fashionable and affordable so you can keep up with the seasons and trends without breaking the bank.

Cocoon is located at 1431 Park Avenue, in Chico and is the place to go to Buy, Sell & Trade your clothes, accessories, furniture, household items, and other goods. Make sure to stop in during these business hours: Tuesday - Thursday 10am - 2pm Friday - 10am - 5pm Saturday - 11am - 6pm

You can find Cocoon on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Cocoon.ResaleBoutique or call (530) 343-5440 to find out more!

Wedding Planning Made Easy ~ Why You Should Attend a Local Wedding Expo~

Veronica Enns July 11, 2011

Wedding planning is different for everyone, some do extensive research online before ever talking to vendors, and some go through a wedding coordinator who handles all of the details for them. No matter where you fall on that spectrum it is still a good idea to take the opportunity to meet local wedding vendors face-to-face and learn about the products and services they offer. Not sure if a Wedding Expo is your scene? Read on and you might change your mind! Some of the vendors you will meet include Photographers, Videographers, Photo Booth Companies, DJ’s, Wedding Venues & Ceremony Sites, Officiants, Wedding Coordinators & Event Planners, Wedding Cake Decorators/Bakeries, Caterers, Bridal Shops & Formal Wear, Florists, Jewelers, Party Rentals & Décor, Travel Agents, Stationary and more.

Taste samples from caterers and bakeries, drink champagne, and mingle with other brides who are planning their weddings. Bring your walking shoes and a notepad so that you can ask vendors all of your burning questions! A great piece of advice we found was to have mailing labels made with your contact information so that you can enter into all of the great drawings and raffles for prizes without getting a cramp from writing!

Did the words Drawings & Prizes get your attention? The expos offer you the chance to win giveaways, discounts and other sweet prizes. Wedding Dresses, Romance Packages, Beauty Packages, Cakes and other goodies can be yours just by being the lucky winner!

If you are looking for great deals, a wedding expo is the place to be. Vendors will be offering discounts and deals for booking with them at the expo. Pick up business cards, brochures, coupons and product information that will help you be more organized when choosing the wedding professionals that are right for you.

Mark your calendar for these upcoming events:

Chico Wedding Weekend August 18 & 19th, 11 AM TO 3 PM Neighborhood Church 2801 Notre Dame Boulevard Chico, CA 95928 Click Here to Purchase Tickets

Luxury Wedding Show Sunday, August 19, 2012, Noon - 4:00 pm Tsakopoulos Library Galleria 828 I St Sacramento, CA

The Yuba-Sutter Fall Bridal Show Sunday, September 9, 2012, Noon - 5 pm Yuba City Fairgrounds, Yuba City CA

Chico Wedding Weekend January 11-13, 2013

The Yuba-Sutter Bridal Show Sunday, January 27, 2013, Noon - 5 pm Yuba City Fairgrounds, Yuba City CA

The Dream Wedding Show February 24, 2013, 11 am - 4 pm Cal Expo 1600 Exposition Blvd., Sacramento

Have you attended Wedding Expo’s before? We would like to hear your opinions about your experience!

Vendor Feature: Adornments by Debbie!

Veronica Enns July 9, 2011

Are you looking for unique handmade jewelry for your wedding, or maybe as a gift for your bridesmaids? We recently found Debbie, a great local lady with a fabulous online jewelry store Adornments by Debbie.

" Hello my name is Debbie and I have a shop on Etsy where I sell my handmade jewelry and hair accessories. The name of my shop is Adornments by Debbie, a one woman show where you will find a wide array of jewelry for weddings as well as everyday wear. I offer free shipping on all items and I love custom orders so feel free to contact me. Please stop by often as items are continually added."

Debbie's items are beautifully crafted and she offers custom jewlery so you can be sure that everything will go with your chosen colors!

We love this Rhinestone and White pearl set, classy with a touch of bling!

Debbie is offering a 10% off sale right now with FREE shipping! Enter 10offplusfreeship at checkout to receive your discount!

If you love your purchase from Adornments by Debbie, please come back and comment here!

It doesn't have to be new to be Fabulous!

Veronica Enns June 29, 2011

These days many brides are looking for ways to keep their budgets down. For some, that may mean more do-it-yourself projects and for others they may have to trim their guest list slightly. Another great way to accomplish this without having to sacrifice, is to buy used! Buying used for your wedding doesn't have to mean lowering your standards, there are tons of great deals out there if you are willing to look for them! Everything to used chair covers, votive candles, flower girl dresses, and even your wedding gown. If you are thinking "no way!"; keep reading.

Many women decide after their weddings not to keep their dresses or change their minds after purchasing a dress and can't return it. This is often the case when you buy an off the rack sale dress, but fear not because you still have options. A search on *craigslist turned up a few great dresses at REALLY good prices!

We suggest you that you try on as many dresses that you need to in the bridal stores to get an idea of the style you like, and to make sure you know what size dress you will need. You can also research different designers that offer the style gowns that you like, so that you can narrow down what you are looking for. Doing your homework will save you time, and it will also help you if you do start shopping for used dresses because you will know what you like! Do you see yourself in a Maggie Sottero Dress, or possibly a Casa Blanca? A simple search online could potentially help you save a lot of money, and help you keep your budget in line.

This Alvina Valenta is listed at over a $1200 discount!

This dress would be awesome for a Destination wedding...and it is less than $100!

This dress from Allure Bridal is almost $1000 off of the retail price!

Craigslist isn't the only option for finding pre-owned dresses. There are great sites like PreOwnedWeddingDresses.com and also Etsy.com and of course good ol' Ebay.

Stay tuned...in the future you may even be able to buy your fabulous pre-owned dress right here at The 530 Bride!

Summer Weddings

Veronica Enns June 27, 2011

Life is sweet, and a great example of life's sweetness is a fun and casual summer wedding. Personal touches and thoughtful accents such as hand painted signs, framed photographs and photo-booths make for a great party! Check out these lovely summer wedding photos shot by the talented Essence Photography.

Glass beverage dispensers and chalk-boards create an effortless and fun display, and can tie into the overall decor. Keeping the theme consistent, the guest tables are adorned with glass jars in the place of traditional water goblets.

The centerpieces perfectly capture the essence of the outdoors, varying from manzanita branches adorned with flowers, candles and green moss, to lanterns also surrounded with moss.

"Spread the Love" Jam favors at each place setting with the couples name and wedding date are a great keepsake and personal touch.

The outdoor seating is nice and open, and mixing up the centerpieces helps the decor flow nicely.

After dinner, its time to head to the dance floor! As you can see this couple chose a simple dance floor decorated with white lights which creates a nice romantic glow and looks great in pictures. Guests can enjoy themselves by hopping in line for the photo booth, using playful props and chalkboards. The photos will make for a great keepsake, and would also be fun to insert a copy of the guests photos within their thank-you cards.

Essence Photography captured some great shots of this fun crowd!

Are you a summer bride? Tell us your engagement story and wedding inspirations by emailing us at features@the530bride.com

To see more great work by Essence Photography who specializes in Wedding, Portrait, Newborn, Family, Maternity, Engagement, Special Event, and Senior Portrait Photography. Priceless Memories, At A Price You Can Afford. Visit www.EssencePhotog.com or call (530) 440-3450.

Things We Like: Gift Registry 360

Veronica Enns June 26, 2011

Wedding gift registries have evolved significantly over the years, now technology has brought us the capability of having online wedding registries. Guests can browse your wedding registry on websites such as Bed Bath and Beyond, and once they select the gift they can have it wrapped & shipped to you including a personalized message on the tag. Gift Registry 360 gives you the option of combining wedding registries so that guests can view all of the items the couple has registered for through multiple retailers. This helps guests because they can see your entire list without having to search your registry at each store, and it helps the couple to keep their registry list straight and make sure they haven't registered for the same item twice by accident. Add items from some of the following retailers:

Macy's
Crate&Barrel
Williams Sonoma
Target
Home Depot

If you have a smart phone, you can even get an app to update your registry by scanning the barcode!

The Gift Registry 360 website allows you to create a Style Board online to design themes for your home room by room.

Create a Widget to Share Your Registries

Share your 360 list with friends and family. Send an email or download our widget to add to your wedding website, facebook profile, blog, or other social networking sites to allow guests to easily access your 360 list.

Send out announcements to your guests by selecting one of their many stylish designs...

Unsure of what you should register for? Each couple is different, some are brand new starting out so they will need a lot of the start up items for their new life together in their new home. Others have been living together and may already many of the day-to-day items but could really use a nice pot & pan set, kitchen appliances, serving platters, and other little home goodies.

Refer to some of these great websites for creating your wedding registry, finding registry checklists, frequently asked questions, must-haves & more.

Bed Bath and Beyond - Registry Essentials Club Wedd - Target - Frequently Asked Registry Questions Crate&Barrel - Checklist Macy's - Wedding Registry Checklist Kohls - Create your Wedding Registry JCPenney - Create your Wedding Registry

Northern California Bed & Breakfast Honeymoons

Veronica Enns June 22, 2011

Ask any bride about her dream honeymoon and it most likely will revolve around romance, relaxation, peace & quiet and maybe even a little adventure. Some couples go to the Bahamas, Mexico or Hawaii, but many couples are postponing their honeymoon due to job restrictions or other financial reasons. Choosing a local destination is most often less expensive, and you can still customize your honeymoon to fit your needs. Bed & Breakfasts are the new vacation spots for people of all ages because it basically is a three-in-one deal: destination, lodging & food. First, consider what your needs are and find the Bed & Breakfast that best fits what you are looking for. Things to consider are:

Price per night
Minimum Stay Duration
How far in advance do you need to book the room
Deposit
Room Size
Private Bath
Honeymoon Packages (Champagne, Dinner, Spa Services or other perks)
Food & Drinks
Proximity to desired attractions (Beaches, Restaurants, Amusement Parks or Events)

Some of the Bed & Breakfasts that stood out, offer a charming and romantic alternative to honeymooning out of state. With many reasonable rates & packages, you really can plan a romantic and memorable honeymoon.

Carmel Country Inn Carmel, CA www.carmelcountryinn.com Toll Free: 1 (800) 215-6343

Features several room options, perfect for special occasions such as honeymoons and anniversaries. "You'll find our B&B in Carmel, CA, situated near Monterey, on the beautiful Central California coast offering galleries, fabulous antique & boutique stores, award winning restaurants and the enjoyable Sunset Center all within walking distance. Our Carmel California Inn provides spacious suites and cozy studios all with comfy down comforters, romantic fireplaces and some with luxurious Jacuzzi whirlpool tubs." - Carmel Country Inn ____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Weller House Inn 524 Stewart Street Fort Bragg, CA 95437 Toll Free: 1 (877) 893-5537 www.wellerhouse.com

Listed on the National Registry of Historic Places, this Bed & Breakfast is a breathtaking Victorian Mansion with charm. "Easy walk to dining, shopping, and live music nightly. Very quiet street two blocks from the ocean and off of the main street. 10 minutes North of the village of Mendocino. Within 10 minutes of a wide variety of activities including Skunk Train, party boats, canoeing, golf, tennis, and a health club. Horse back riding is also available within 5 minutes." ___________________________________________________________________________________________________

The Chateau Tivoli 1057 Steiner Street San Francisco, CA 94115 (800) 228-1647 www.chateautivoli.com

"Step inside to enter a world of Victorian splendor, filled with hand-carved woodwork, crystal chandeliers, period wallpapers, and oriental rugs. Charm and color are what San Francisco is all about, and there is perhaps no inn more charming or more colorful than the city's most celebrated "painted lady", the Chateau Tivoli." _____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Durham House Inn 2280 Durham Dayton Hwy Durham, CA 95938 530.342.5900 www.durhamhouseinn.com

Featured on the National Registry of Historical Places, you will find generously sized rooms decorated with Victorian furniture. Surrounded by beautiful greenery, almond orchards and two 500 year old oak trees, you will have no trouble escaping to this retreat!

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Cory's Country Inn Chico, CA 95973 Reservations: (530) 345-2955 www.coryscountryinn.com

"The Inn is a lovely blend of country lodging, fine food, bird watching, a bocci court, guided hikes to Mount Lassen, an outdoor movie theater and beautiful art representing the best of Northern California." - Cory's Country Inn ____________________________________________________________________________________________________

O'Brien Mountain Inn 18026 O'Brien Inlet Road O'Brien, California 96070 (530) 238-8026 www.obrienmountaininn.com

If you are looking for romance & adventure, The O'Brien Mountain Inn offers you the best of both worlds in a elegant yet casual environment surrounded by lush forest views. Located near Lake Shasta, you can find outdoor adventures such as fishing or exploring the Shasta Lake Caverns or go wine tasting at some of the nearby wineries.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

On The Beach Bed and Breakfast 181 N. Ocean Ave Cayucos CA, 93430 Toll Free 1 (877) 995-0800 www.californiaonthebeach.com

On the Beach Bed & Breakfast, well the name speaks for itself doesn't it? With ocean view rooms, immediate access to the pier and the beach, and great amenities you might end up wanting to never leave! It's the Perfect blend of comfort and class in addition to the beautiful scenery, plus with activities available including wine tasting, Hearst Castle tours, horseback riding, surfing, kayaking, fishing and hiking.

If you know of a Bed & Breakfast or honeymoon destination that you would like to recommend, let us know!

I'm the MOH!

Veronica Enns June 15, 2011

Here at The 530 Bride our focus is on Northern California Weddings...but I am going to make an exception, just this one time... My Best Friend is getting hitched and I'm the Maid of Honor (MOH)!

The wedding will take place next summer at a beautiful lakeside resort and although it is still early in the planning process we've already decided on a Rustic/Romantic Country theme (like how I say We? I'm also the wedding planner!).

The Bride (and bridesmaids) will be wearing cowboy boots and carrying bouquets of Sunflowers and Daisies. The ceremony will be in the evening and the reception will be casual and intimate.

Stay tuned for more MOH posts from me, The 530 Bridesmaid!

On the road to 'I Do' Regina and Max

Veronica Enns June 13, 2011

Regina and Max - September 4, 2011

Regina: "We met through a mutual friend at a get together in January of 2005, when we were 17 and a half. Max was very shy, so I made a bold move and put my number in his phone (even though he didn't technically ask for it). We started talking the next day, and never stopped.

We've been together over 6 years now (February 20th is what we consider our anniversary). Max asked me to marry him on October 12th 2010..It was just a random night when I got home from work he had rose petals trailing to the bedroom, where he was all dressed up and was on one knee. I remember being so stunned when I walked in the door! We are both so excited for our wedding to get here, and to top it off our honeymoon will be in Fiji!

Regina and Max will be getting married at The Palms Pavilion in Chico, CA and will each have 6 members of their wedding party, and a guest list of around 140 people. Their wedding colors are turquoise, hot pink, with some touches of peacock accents.

They have chosen Special Times Catering as their caterer who will also supply the table linens. Lisa's Flor Decor will be creating the bridal bouquets and the boutonnieres for the guys. The orchid centerpieces and votive candles will create a simple but elegant overall decor.

Regina and Max are really an energetic couple who just keep each other smiling and laughing, and you can really tell they have something special. Their guests will no doubt feel honored to witness these two starting their new life together as husband and wife!

Wedding Planning 101: Wedding & Event Insurance

Veronica Enns June 10, 2011

You may have a moment of confusion when a wedding venue lists having "Wedding Insurance" or "Event Insurance" as a requirement in their rental contract. This may because with all of the planning you are doing, and research you have done to make sure you don't forget anything; this seems to be the one things that goes off the radar. What is Wedding Insurance? Each insurance company may have different policies and exclusions so make sure you read the fine print and that you find a policy that meets your needs. In general, wedding insurance policies cover your expenses should a vendor or venue cancel on you, go bankrupt, or can not accommodate your event as promised. In addition, it will also protect you from injuries, extreme weather or other emergency events out of your control which would cause you to not be able to have your event.

It covers your wedding against extreme situations that might cause postponement (severe weather, accident, sudden illness) and against financial loss if the event goes on but you have a glitch along the way – no-show vendors, lost photographs, damage to the wedding gown, and more.

If you're worried about recovering your deposits if a vendor goes bankrupt or doesn't deliver as promised
If you're concerned that extreme weather or an unexpected illness or injury could force you to postpone
If the bride or groom is in the military and approved leave could be canceled

A recent story of a bride and groom traveling by plane to their honeymoon, and the plane had to turn around because of a hostile environment at their destination country. A gift of wedding/honeymoon insurance from the grooms aunt actually protected the couple from losing their deposits, flight & hotel money. Well worth it! Wouldn't you agree?

What is Event Insurance? Simply put, it protects the venue you are having your wedding festivities at so that they are not liable if anyone should be injured or any damages occur to the property during your event. There is misconception that the insurance is covered through your security deposit which is not the case. The good news, is that most policies are very affordable and are only effective for the day of your event.

Having event insurance will give you peace of mind, so that if anything happens you will not be held liable. While the majority of venues do not allow candles or open flames, the insurance can still cover you in the case of a fire or any other problems that occur during your event.

Don't let something minor be the reason your wedding gets postponed! Read on to find information on what type of coverage you may need, and the where you can find coverage.

What you should know before you shop for insurance: - The date and location of your event - The requirements from your venue, look over the contract to see if the amount of coverage required, for example: Policy Coverage Limit Deductible General Aggregate $1,000,000.00 $0.00 Each Occurrence $1,000,000.00 $0.00

Understanding the insurance terms: Event means the private reception and accompanying ceremony, if any, described on the declarations page. Event includes set up and break down and any rehearsal or rehearsal dinner scheduled within 48 hours in advance of the event if the event is a wedding.

Incident is an accident, or an event, including a series of related offenses giving rise to an actual or alleged personal injury committed at the event location.

Looking for Insurance? Get a quote from one of these Insurance companies:

WedSafe (www.wedsafe.com)
Private Event Insurance (www.privateeventinsurance.com)
Event Insurance Now (www.eventinsurancenow.com)

Did you have purchase wedding or event insurance? Tell us about your experience and if you felt it was a necessary precaution.

Plus Size Bridal Gowns

Veronica Enns June 8, 2011

For the curvy brides out there, it difficult to find the perfect dress but we found some great advice from other brides out there who have been in your shoes! Perhaps the hardest part is finding a local bridal boutique that carries a variety of sizes. There are very few things more frustrating for a bride than to not be able to try on the dress that she loves, because the store doesn't have her size! If you are concerned that your local bridal boutique may not carry your size or dress designer, call ahead! Keep in mind, that many stores only carry sample sizes, and they may have limited sizes depending on the designer. In most cases, a gown can be let out up to three sizes, so if you find a gown that you love consider having it let out. Another tip is to look for a gown with a corset/lace-up back because this gives you a little more flexibility in exactly how tight or loose you tie it.

Some fun tips we found from other brides to make dress shopping stress free:

1. Take your own shoes. 2. Choose your entourage wisely, you want to be surrounded by positive energy. Your closest friends and family will be there for you to find a gown that fits your personality and they will be honest with you about how a dress looks. But you don't want someone negative there to make you feel uncomfortable. 3. Bring photos of what you have envisioned yourself looking life on your wedding day. Give the consultant an idea of your style, and type of gowns you are drawn to. 4. Don't be afraid to tell your consultant what you like about your body and things you would like to accentuate! 5. Take the consultants recommendations on dresses to try on, they can find gowns that are flattering for any shape. 6. Most importantly remember your fiance proposed to you as you are, not "Will you drop X pounds and marry me?" If you want to lose weight for yourself and your health that is great, but in the eyes of your fiance you are beautiful right now, as you are, so don't feel you automatically have to lose weight because you are getting married!

If you are looking for more styles and sizes and would like to order a gown online, check out these websites:

Plus Size Bridal (http://www.plussizebridal.com/) Alfred Angelo (http://www.alfredangelo.com/) Romantic Gowns (http://www.romanticgowns.com/) Darious Cordell (http://dariouscordell.com/)

Eco-Friendly Weddings

Veronica Enns June 5, 2011

With all of the months or even years that go into planning a wedding, many brides do not really think past their big day. Making efforts to be eco-friendly as much as possible along the way, can reduce the waste at the end of your event. Paper save-the-dates, wedding invitations, bridal shower invitations, bachelorette party invitations, wedding programs, menus & thank-you cards are the typical stationary that is used throughout the course of an average wedding. Depending on how many guests you have, that is a significant amount of paper being used.

If you are not planning to rent flatware, plates & glasses you will most likely end up with several garbage cans full of plastic cups and plates from your event. In the scheme of things, most brides have their minds on "higher priority" issues such as making sure the day goes smoothly, no one forgets the marriage license and that she doesn't trip while walking down the aisle. All of that is understandable, and that is why companies are creating easy to use products that are still fashionable, yet a little more kind to mother earth.

Here are some of the latest eco-friendly products that will not only help you create a beautiful and thoughtful event, but will also help out the environment.

Compostable Cups, plates, cutlery & more are available as an alternative to plastic. These clear corn plastic cups are 100% compostable. With the same look and feel as clear plastic cups, our PLA cups will completely compost under commercial composting conditions in just 45-60 days. The great thing about these products is that they are relatively the same price as plastic products, and they are becoming more easily accessible in local stores. (http://www.biodegradablestore.com) (http://www.mrtakeoutbags.com)

Blooming Favors by Cast Paper Art; Guests will first enjoy it as a decoration on their table at your wedding but when they take it home, they can plant it and watch it bloom. Choose from year round or holiday favors & ornaments or gift tags, which would be great for a bridal shower, or a garden themed wedding. Buy the gift tags to use for adorning packages, for all sorts of occasions. The favors and gift tags can be specially ordered, and can have lettering printed on them. Cast Paper Art also carries stationary such as invitations, save the dates, reception cards and more made from 100% recycled cotton and abaca (banana) fibers, both acid and chlorine free. Inclusions are natural plant materials and/or perennial wildflower seeds. The inks are water soluble and natural-based. All envelopes and components are comprised of 100% certified post consumer waste stock. Visit Cast Paper Art for more great products.

Featured in Bride & Bloom, these dress lines are setting trends for being ecologically aware. Adele Wechsler, has an Eco Couture Collections, which features dresses made of certified organic hemo or silk, vegetable dyed silks, fair labor practices, and hand-cut elements. www.adelewechsler.com

PURE by Justin Alexander, is a line that features all organic fabrics without sacrificing fashion and beauty. The organic fabrics used include cotton, organza, pure silk, cotton sateen and chiffon. "The laces which adorn the dresses in the PURE collection are made from organic,cotton sometimes with shells, wooden beads or real pearls sewn within the pattern. " (Bride & Bloom) Check out Justin Alexander's PURE collection. Flowers can eat up a large portion of your budget, and are often thrown away after your event unless your guests decide to take home your extra flowers. If you have a backyard or access to some good soil, water & sunshine, a great idea is to plant the flowers for your wedding! Certain types of flowers such as hydrangea and peony's can be very expensive to buy from your florist. But if you buy the flowers from your local garden or hardware store you can simply plant them and watch them grow. The added bonus is you get to enjoy the flowers much longer, and for flower arrangements on the more simple side you can cut the flowers that you need and the plant will continue to produce more buds in the future. Simple Gerbera Daisy Centerpiece

Simple Hydrangea Centerpiece

As favors, set-up a seed station where your guests can select the seeds they would like to plant. Provide a variety of mixed flowers, or even vegetables for them to plant, and you can dress up the seed packages or create your own envelope with your monogram or wedding date filled with seeds.

If you are curious to see what your carbon footprint is for your wedding, check out the Carbonfund.org site where you can enter the number of guests attending your wedding, number of flights taken to attend your wedding and also the number of cars & average miles driven. If your goal is to have a ZeroCarbon wedding, the website has a link to donate to their fund to offset the C02 emmission from your event.

Check back to find more Eco-Friendly wedding ideas, favors & gifts. Do you have an eco-friendly idea? Share it with us and other local brides by leaving a comment!

Planning a Small Wedding

Veronica Enns June 3, 2011

It is easy to get lost in all of the wedding buzz and excitement after you announce you are getting married. It is even easier to get persuaded by other people's ideas of how your wedding should be. You know who you are, and what you like! Focus on what is going to make the two of you happy in the long run instead of trying to impress or please everyone else. Having been in your shoes, I know that isn't easy. So let me help you clear your mind of everything wedding, and start from a clean slate. Read a few of the following statements and answer honestly, either in your head or say it out loud!

1. I love to be the center of attention, the bigger the crowd the better. (yes or no) 2. My wedding is going to be the event that people rave about for years (yes or no) 3. Having my close friends and family members present as we say our vows, is the most important part. (yes or no) 4. You only get married once so why not splurge and go big! (yes or no) 5. Napkins, centerpieces, and table numbers need to correspond with the linens perfectly, or my day would be ruined! (yes or no) 6. We need a DJ to get people dancing because our wedding is going to be a party! (yes or no) 7. Our wedding party will be over 10 people (yes or no) 8. I will need a wedding coordinator to help me with the planning details (yes or no) 9. I want to have a "Platinum Wedding." (yes or no) 10. I am comfortable spending at least $10,000.00 on our wedding. (yes or no)

If you answered no to more than half of these questions, you may be leaning towards having a small and intimate wedding rather than a large event. We are here to tell you to go for it, and have fun with it while you are planning. Small and more personal weddings are becoming very popular not only due to finances, but it helps you connect with your guests. There is a misconception that you only get to have an informal out of the box wedding if it is your second or third marriage..that is so not the case!

Find a location that speaks to you, whether it is a cabin in the forest, a beach-house, bed & breakfast, a friends backyard or Paris, at the end of the day you will have the rest of your lives to think back to this wonderful time in your life so make it special. Checkout some of these photos of real weddings on IntimateWeddings.com.

Some of the challenges you may face are: - Deciding if you should elope, or have a very small intimate event with friends and family - Finding a venue or location that is appropriate for just the two of you, or for a smaller group - Choosing your wedding party members, or not to have them at all! - Paring down the guest list

Some unique touches & benefits for small weddings - Having a friend or family member be the officiant for your ceremony - Maid of Honor & Best Man instead of a large wedding party - Guests bring a dessert or favorite dish for the reception - Including your pets in the ceremony - Displaying old photos at each of the tables - Make your own wedding cake - The bride and groom serving the guests their cake or champagne - Personalized notes to your guests in the ceremony programs - If you have children, having them walk you down the aisle - With less guests you can afford higher quality items such as better wine or champagne, or possibly plated dinner instead of buffet.

Advice from Real Brides:

".... To make the final decision we created our golden rule: If we haven’t seen or spoken to them on a regular basis in the past year, they’re not invited." (Melody, Real Bride/Intimate Weddings.com)

"You know, weddings with hundreds of guests are merely big productions, and distractions. All big weddings have at the core, moms and sisters, grooms and dads, kids, (yours or your relatives) and a couple friends. Everything else is background noise, even the other bridesmaids. So with a small wedding, you have most everything a big wedding has, only more time to spend with the ones that matter most."(www.personal.umich.edu)

Look for restaurants in your area with a banquet room or private patio, wineries, bed & breakfasts, hotel banquet rooms, community centers & memorial halls, parks & other city owned locations that allow events.

Gold vs. Platinum

Veronica Enns May 31, 2011

We have talked about diamond shapes, color and clarity so naturally the next step would be to choose your metal and setting for your ring. Have you ever wondered what the difference is between platinum and gold? While there are many debates on which is more durable, we have done our best to find the answer! Gold:

Gold jewelry has been the norm for decades, and still seems to be the most popular choice for bridal jewelry. When choosing gold jewelry you should be informed about the gold content which is going to be a factor in price and durability. To measure the purity of gold, there is a carat or karat system that measures the gold content that is mixed in with other metal content such as alloy to create the final product of a gold ring or other piece of jewelry. So for example:

9kt gold contains 37.5% pure gold (375 parts per thousand parts).

14kt gold contains 58.5% pure gold (585 parts per thousand parts).

18kt gold contains 75% pure gold (750 parts per thousand parts).

Essentially the price will go up as the gold content rises, especially with the price of gold increasing.

Gold colors include: Yellow Gold, White Gold & Rose Gold

Currently, white gold seems to be the most popular choice of the three, while rose gold seems to be rising in popularity. Rose gold has a vintage appeal, and has inspired some beautiful pieces such as the rings below.

With colored gold such as white gold & rose gold, you should understand that the jewelry is made with a mixture of metals. "White gold is an alloy of gold and some white metals such as silver and palladium. White gold can be 18kt, 14kt, 9kt or any karat. For example, 18kt yellow gold is made by mixing 75% gold (750 parts per thousand) with 25% (250 parts per thousand) other metals such as copper and zinc. 18kt white gold is made by mixing 75% gold with 25% other metals such as silver and palladium. So the amount of gold is the same but the alloy is different." (http://gilletts.com.au)

You may have to get your jewelry rhodium plated "dipped" after awhile depending on how often you wear your jewelry and how much the white gold gets worn off. There are cases where you could own your ring for years without ever having to get it re-rhodium plated, yet for some they may have to do this as often as every 6 months to a year. Make sure to ask your jeweler if they offer this service in their store, and determine the cost if it is not included in a warranty plan.

Platinum:

We did a little homework on platinum, to see why it has become so popular. From the scientific standpoint, we can definitely see why a jeweler would prefer to work with platinum. It is highly resistant to corrosion, has a melting point of 2041.4 compared to gold at 1337.58 and a boiling point of 4098 k compared to gold at 3080 k. Not that you would ever boil your ring, but it is interesting to see how strong platinum really is. So what does that mean for you? Platinum is a great option for Men's Wedding Bands as well, because of the scratch resistant surface. Platinum prongs are sturdier and can keep your diamond secure in its setting. Plus, you won't have to worry about tarnishing, and you wont have to get your ring "re-dipped" / rhodium plated.

Because platinum has more durability, you will be paying a higher cost for the jewelry itself and will have a higher expense should you need to size your ring or make any repairs. Platinum is not completely scratch proof, so you may need to have the surface of the jewelry refinished or buffed out. Ask your jeweler for pricing on sizing, and repairs for platinum jewelry to make sure that you are informed on what the maintenance costs will be.