Married with Children ~ How to Blend Your New Family~

If you are an engaged couple with children you may be looking for unique ways to incorporate them into your wedding.  Many couples are planning their second wedding and want to symbolize your two families joining together to become one big family.  By including your children or future children in the ceremony, you will give them the opportunity to be recognized and honored as your family grows. The ceremony gives the bride and groom the opportunity to incorporate the children into their vows, either by promising to not only commit to each other as husband and wife but to also be nurturing parents and to always love and respect one another as a family.   You can write your own vows or words for your ceremony, or consult your wedding officiant for tips on making the children feel included on this special day.

1. Sand Ceremony - Sand ceremonies consist a glass vase or bottle that will be filled by different color sand representing each part that comes together to fill the vase.  The bride, groom, and children would each have a vial of sand in different colors and will take turns pouring their sand into the vase as the wedding officiant performs the ceremony.  The act of pouring the sand is very moving, and the glass jar or vase is a great keepsake for your new chapter in life.

2. Exchanging of a special gift or token - matching bands, bracelets or necklaces.  this can be customized to fit for your family such as age appropriate gifts or keepsakes and can be something simple like a sterling silver band or charm, or something extravagant like a family heirloom.  It is the thought that counts when it comes to a family ceremony.

3. Unity candles - Unity candles can be used to represent each individual flame coming together to light the candle.  If the child or children are young, you can have a family member assist with the candles.

4. Special role in the wedding party - There are many different roles in the wedding party such as flower girls, ring bearers, junior bridesmaids or groomsmen.

5. Special toast or speech  - Appropriate for older or adult children who would be able to cherish your thoughtful words as you give a special toast or speech either at the ceremony or reception.

6. A Note on Your Ceremony Programs - A special note thanking or honoring the adult children who will become part of an even bigger family, or who have supported your journey to aisle.

Every family situation is different, so it is important that each couple finds a unique way to say 'I Do' that works for their unique family.  Tell us about your ceremony, and share ideas with other brides looking to create a Blended Family Ceremony.

Custom Monograms, Save the Dates and Wedding Announcements by The 530 Bride

Custom graphics and monograms are key when keeping your wedding details cohesive and personable, and we would like to bring this service to you in a easy and affordable way. What is your style? Traditional with classic flourish designs and neutral tones, or modern designs with clean lines and dramatic patterns? Start with an egagement announcement if you want to spread the word but don't have a date yet.  When you have found the perfect date for your event, move on to the Save-the-Date cards using your engagement pictures and use this opportunity to introduce your theme to your guests.

Wondering where to start?  Once you let us know you are interested in having graphics created for you, we can work with you on finding the colors and designs you like.  We can save you time by sending both digital and hard copy proofs for your approval, and when we reach the final product you recieve a digital copy of your designs for you to take to the printer of your choice.  We set the size and resolution of the images to your needs, and assist you in finding a print shop in your area.

To request a free consultation contact us at info@the530bride.com or call (530) 988-8344

Featured Venue ~ Gover Ranch Events Garden

We had heard about this country gem, and all of the praise is well deserved!  If you are looking for an effortlessly beautiful outdoor venue, Gover Ranch should be on your list of venues to check out.   When you tour the grounds of The Gover Ranch Events Garden, you may have the feeling you are walking in the Secret Gardens with all of the greenery, fountains and roses.  We were lucky enough to see the site being set up for a wedding that day, take a look for yourself at some of these snapshots from our time at The Gover Ranch.

Gover Ranch is located at 3774 Gover Road, in Anderson.  To find out more about this lovely venue and schedule a tour, call Gover Ranch (530) 365-7091  or send inquiries to goverranchgarden@gmail.com   and Like them on Facebook!

Did you get married at the Gover Ranch? Share your comments and photos with us!

Guest Post: Top 10 Reasons You Should Hire a Professional Photographer

Guest Post by Kelly Samuelson

In this economy, budgets are tight. People are trying to decide where to cut wedding costs.  Should I get a cheaper dress? Skip the DJ and use an iPod?  Have my friend/Uncle do the photography (or worse, skip it all together)?  In my opinion, I have just named the 3 biggest things NOT to skimp on.  Here are the top 10 reasons why you should hire a professional photographer for the most important day of your life.

1. MEMORIES When the day is over, you'll be left with only  a few keepsakes; your dress, some leftover favors, possibly a few place cards.  However, everything will (hopefully) be recorded in photographs and video.  When taken care of properly, photos will last a lifetime.  You can show them to your grandchildren.  They will outlive the dress, the favors and possibly even your personal memory of the day.

2. YOU CAN SEE WHAT YOU MISSED Being a bride is sort of dizzying.   There are lots of things to do, obligations, a bunch of relatives and friends from out of town. It's a whirlwind event, and while you will have the most amazing time, you will miss parts of it.   Seeing what your reception hall looked like when it was empty, or that hilarious dance your cousin and your college roommate did - a professional photographer is more likely to catch those moments so you can live them later when things calm down.

3. HAVE SOMEONE ELSE TO HELP ORGANIZE YOUR DAY You may have hired a wedding planner, a day-of-coordinator, or a maybe your mom is running the schedule of events.  Your caterer will follow a schedule and a DJ will help the reception transition smoothly.  A professional photographer can be another organized person on hand to help with your event.  They should consult with you ahead of time to work on a schedule, pick a shot list and make sure that your Aunt Kathy is where she needs to be for the family group photos.

4. TO THINK OF THINGS YOUR FORGOT Professional photographers will have their own shot list in addition to the on you provide.  They have experience and creativity to come up with poses and shots you will love.

5. SO UNCLE BOB CAN KICK BACK AND ENJOY THE WEDDING You probably have an Uncle/Aunt/Cousin, etc who has a decent digital camera and takes great pictures of their kids/flowers/anything.  They may want to take photos at your wedding ( and be sure to let them)  but don't make it their responsibility.  Hiring a professional means that Uncle Bob can enjoy the cocktail hour if he wants, snap shots of you during the ceremony if he wants, and still visit with Cousin Sammy.

6. FOR PEACE OF MIND A professional photographer not only has experience, but they have a business license and possibly even insurance.  They have a workflow system that backs up all of your wedding photos in triplicate.  They have a backup camera, backup lenses, spare batteries and flashes.  They expect the best and plan for the worst.  A professional photographer is always striving for the best photos.  They want nothing more than a happy bride who will give them amazing referrals as well as be a a returning client for future photographs.

7. TO PRESERVE FRIENDSHIPS This is the worst case scenario kind of situation, but it's also a legitimate reason why you should hire a professional.  It goes like this: Your friend Sara is a great photographer (who may be even thinking of starting a business) and you want her to take your wedding photos.  Sara shows up for the event and maybe she makes a mistake, or the some of the files end up getting lost and you wind up paying more than you think is fair.  There are 100 different ways that working relationships with friends can go wrong.  If you friend is not a professional following all of the standards of Reason #6, please hire someone. It's not worth losing a friend over photos.  It's not worth losing memories because you gave a huge job to someone who wasn't ready yet.  If you really want to help your friend build a portfolio, invite her to take photos as well, just don't put all the responsibility on her for this important day.

8. FOR THE PERKS A lot of wedding photography packages come with amazing perks or services to take advantage of such as engagement sessions, day after creative shots.. and more.  For example, I offer a photo booth and will soon be adding a photo upload station for guest photos as well.   Perks included in a photography package makes life easier and can often make your reception more fun!

9. FOR THE PRINTS Professional photographers don't get your photos printed at Wal-mart, Walgreen's, or Rite-Aid.  Your wedding album from them won't be scrap-booked, it will be professionally printed in a bound book of your photos.  They have access to printing services that most people don't.  The photos you will be handed after the wedding will be better than any digital file or Wal-Mart print.

10. FOR THE EXPERIENCE Photographers are fun, and they know how to make people relax so they can capture natural, amazing photos.  They're silly and creative, playful and excited to be part of your day. Most will retouch your photos as well, giving you the rock-star, magazine cover treatment.  They want you to enjoy your day, and for all of the reasons listed, you will!

Written by Kelly Samuelson Kelly Samuelson is owner of Authentically Beautiful Photography in Mt. Shasta, California. With over 12 years experience in photography, she loves photographing weddings and being a part of a couple's day.  To learn more about Kelly and Authentically Beautiful Photography, visit www.AuthenticallyBeautifulPhotography.com and "Like" her on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/AuthenticallyBeautifulPhotography.

Bridal Shower Trends ~ Perfume Design Events

The bridal shower is an opportunity for the Bride to be surrounded by her closest girlfriends and family members, while playing games, opening gifts, and talking a whole lotta' wedding!  The challenge for those who are planning the event, is to not only find the perfect date, time and location but to plan for some entertainment as well.Bridal shower games don't have to be the only source of fun, and a hot new trend is available right here in the "530" area! Perfume Design Events by Studio Parfum, offers a creative and fun element to bridal showers, bachelorette parties, birthday parties and other events.  The Bride and her guests will have the opportunity to create a personalized fragrance just like the stars!  Studio Parfum is a hit in Hollywood, and has recently been featured in the 2011 Enjoy Magazine for Northern California.

Perfume Design Parties are fun, for all ages, and affordable, and gives each guest something to personalized that they can use long after the bridal shower ends.  How does it work? First, book a party with Studio Parfum, by selecting one of their party packages or have a custom party created for your needs.  Your designer will show you some of the differences between the oils and allow each guest to choose the scents they like from the 20 essential oils offered, and combine scents until they have found the perfect blend!  All of the botanical oils are alcohol and water free, and are skin friendly.

Bridal Shower packages come with party favors, a variety of bottle sizes such as the .3 oz roll-top bottle that comes with a beautiful bag, which is great for keeping in your purse.  You will also get to keep your fragrance "recipe" so that you can easily re-create it in the future.  Interested in booking this fun party favorite? Just contact Carole with Studio Parfum for information and to book your party today. After booking an event with Studio Parfum, post it on our facebook wall for a chance to be entered into our next drawing!

Carole Thomas ~ 530-763-3467 signatureperfumes1@gmail.com Ask Carole about Perfume Workshops by Studio Parfum and upcoming events in Yuba City and the Chico area!

Save time, with the Virtual Salon and Dressing Room with Brides.com

Hoping he will pop the question? If he has already put a ring on it but you are early in your planning stages, Brides.com has the perfect feature for you!  You can use this fun feature to search through wedding dresses and select silhouette, color, hemline, designer and price.  The virtual dressing room also features bridesmaid dresses to make finding the perfect gown easy and convenient.   The Virtual Beauty Salon gives you countless options for eye shadow, lip-sticks and gloss, foundations and hair styles.  No photos available? Simply select a model with a similiar body type, face shape and complexion, invite your bridesmaids over for cocktails and let the dressing room fun begin!

Check out Brides.com to get started, and share your photos with us for a chance to win a mini-makeover!

We have another WINNER!

We have the winner from last weeks giveaway from Amanda's Party Gals!!  Out of 13 valid entries the winner is... Lucky #12 Samantha Allen!

Samantha has 24 hours to respond to the email informing her of her win before we will choose another winner!

Congrats Samantha!

Featured Vendor ~ Sublime Cake Design

Sublime Cake Design is a new business to Redding, CA and for those of you who with a sweet tooth, listen up! I first met Wiley Saccheri a couple  months back and could see the passion he has for his craft!  As the owner of Sublime Cake Designs, he brings fresh designs to the table and offers a bright and modern storefront to the city of Redding. When you look through Sublime Cake Design's portfolio you will quickly see the creativity and playfulness of the cake decorators and that there really are endless possibilities with cakes. Weddings, Bridal & Baby Showers, Birthdays, Anniversaries and other events are all the perfect time to have a cake that captures the moment.

  3-D Cakes make a statement and are very memorable, what bride wouldn't want a Tiffany & Co. Cake? Amazing!

Cupcakes are great treats for events and have become an alternative for brides who want something different but still tasty!

Cupcakes can also make great favors for bridal showers and weddings.

With all of these tasty cupcake flavors, you can feel free to mix and match to give your guests choices but they might just want one of each!

Stop by Sublime Cake Design's Grand Opening on August 27th at 2550 Bechelli Lane in Redding,  from 10 AM to 4PM for free mini cupcakes all day long!

To sweeten the deal, enter the raffle for a$ 100 gift certifcate!You can always visit Sublime Cake Design's website atwww.SublimeCakeDesign.com, or stop by their Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/SublimeCakeDesign

Let us know which cupcake flavor is your favorite!

WeDo Designs Showcase August 19th 2011

If you were one of the many brides who attended the WeDo Designs showcase at The Palms Pavilion, this will be a fun recap for you! If you weren't able to make it to the event we will let you know what you missed!  WeDo Designs offers affordable decor including luxury linens, centerpieces, dishes & flatware rentals, chair covers, uplighting, wall paneling and more.  For brides still in their planning stages, visiting a showroom that displays many different colors, textures, table settings and centerpieces will give you an idea of what you are drawn to. When guests arrived at the showcase they signed up to be entered into a drawing for luxury linens for up to 100 guests, provided by WeDo Designs.  There were also photo albums full of beautiful photos of designs and decor by WeDo Designs, that really shows the creativity and versatility of this company.  Guests enjoyed tasty treats by Bacio Catering and some refreshing punch provided by Holiday Inn.

Peacock feathers and deep blue tones grabbed the attention of guests right away! Every inch of the room had something interesting for your eyes, and I couldn't count how many times I heard brides say "Oh, I love that!"

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When it comes to linens, WeDo Designs carrries a multitude of colors and textures that can fit perfectly with any decor and color scheme.  One lucky showcase guest will win a set of luxury linens for up to 100 guests for their bridal shower or other event, so ladies and gentlemen make sure to stop by WeDo Design's Facebook page tomorrow evening at 5pm to find out who won! (Click here to visit the WeDo Designs Facebook page.)  The 530 Bride will keep you posted on other local events, and other chances to win great prizes and services.

Which table setting was your favorite? Let us know by leaving a comment here!

Featured Vendor ~ Jaz Events

Many brides spend some time reading bridal magazines and watching shows on T.V. like My Fair Wedding, or Platinum Weddings, and they may think that the beautiful weddings they see are beyond their reach.  We hope to show Northern California Brides that you have access to vendors that can create events that are magazine and t.v. worthy. Jaz Events is the go-to source for event furniture that can transform your venue, and make a lasting impression on your guests.  Offering both indoor and outdoor furniture, Jaz Events can help stage the furniture to flow with your venue and your decor.  Jaz Events can take the couple's vision and concept for the event and add their expertise which equates to some pretty cool events if you ask us.

As you can see the combination of the furniture and some uplighting can really create an exceptional atmosphere.   The ladies of Jaz Events think outside of the box, and offer an affordable way to style your venue and add that wow-factor you have been looking for.

Where do you start, you ask? Simply set up a consulation with Jaz Events to look through their catalogue and find the furniture that will suit your needs.  After considering thinks like the layout of your venue or party location, how many guests you are planning on having, the number of seating areas you would like, and the atmosphere you would like to create; Jaz Events will take it from there.

We asked about set-up and rental, and Jaz Events makes it easy.  They deliver the furniture, set-up/stage your event, and then pick it up after the event.  Pretty simple!  What we found impressive were all of the different furniture and staging options, and the endless possibilities you have at a very reasonable price.

You may have seen some of the lovely designs by Jaz Events at the January Chico Bridal Showcase, or the recent Open House at the Palms.  When you meet with Jaz Events it is very clear that these ladies love what they do, and take pride in their work! You can check out their portfolio of designs, or contact them to schedule a consultation by visiting their website at http://www.jazevents.com

Mark Your Calendars ~ WeDo Designs Showcase at The Palms on August 19th

We Do Designs is opening their showroom to you, and you won't want to miss out on seeing their beautiful work.  You will see a great mix of colors, textures and centerpieces that can complete your theme for Weddings, Bridal Showers, Corporate Events and more.

But wait, it gets better! Attend the event and you will have a chance to win a full set of linens for your event for up to 100 people.  Who could pass that up?  Contact WeDo Designs with any questions and we hope to see you there!

Win a Gift Basket from Amanda's Party Gals!

Our next awesome giveaway package is fromAmanda's Party Gals!

 A great idea to incorporate into a Bridal Shower or Bachelorette Party is having a Party Gal's consultant come to your house (or wherever you are hosting the shower/party). It is a fun and inexpensive option for having an awesome party that everyone will have a blast at!

Make Margaritas or Cosmo's, serve the Brides favorite snacks and make it a Slumber Party (see this post for Slumber Party ideas) or follow your Party Gal's party with a night on the town.

One of our readers will win a Fabulous Gift Basket from Amanda's Party Gals valued at over $150. To enter leave a comment on this, or any other post on The 530 Bride starting today and ending Tuesday, August 23rd. For your entry to be counted, please include your email address so we can contact you if you are the winner!

If you would like an extra entry to the contest, Visit Amanda's Party Gals on Facebook and Like her and tell her that we sent you!

The winner will be announced next Wednesday and will have 24 hours to reply claiming their prize before a new winner will be chosen.

And the WINNER is......

We had a great day at the Chico Bridal Showcase, and it's time to announce our winner from todays contest!

The Winner of the $50 Gift certificate to a Salon or Spa of their choice is...

Jill Roosee!

Jill was entrant number 71 out of the 96 entries in our Guest Books. Congrats Jill!
We have left Jill a message informing her of her win and she has 24 hours to call us back and claim her prize before another winner is chosen.

We have another giveaway coming up this week so stay tuned for that post!!!

It's almost here! Get your Chico Bridal Showcase tickets in advance!

This weekend is the Chico Bridal Showcase, only a day and a half left to get your advance tickets and save money! Advance tickets are $7.50, and tickets at the door will be $10.00. Visit the Chico Bridal Showcase website to purchase your tickets!

Be sure to look for The 530 Bride, we look forward to meeting all of you!!!

Thank You!

We have sure been busy preparing for the upcoming Chico Bridal Showcase, and time has flown by these last couple weeks.  We just want to take a moment and thank all of you who check out our website and take the time to comment on our articles.  Facebook and Twitter have also been great ways for us to connect with all of you, and please keep all of the comments and feedback coming because we love to hear from you! As always we would love to feature local couples on our site, from those who are newly engaged, recently married or those who have celebrated many years of happy marriage.  Please feel free to contact us at features@The530Bride.com.

Congratulations to Mr. & Mrs. Dorenzo!

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.

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?

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!