Bring on the BLING for Mom

My Wedding boutique, A Beautiful Touch, is participating in a Bridal Show this Sunday, February 8, at 12 noon, at The Merion in Cinnaminson, NJ. In addition to the beautiful gifts we give away to one lucky Bride at the Show, we have a little something special for the MOB and MOG! These crystal pins can embellish a tote bag, lapel or whatever you like. They each retail for $29.95.

And the winners are...
Nancy Martin, Haddon Heights, NJ (MOB) and
Catherine Ferrara, Turnersville, NJ (MOG)

Congratulations!!!

The "Wow Factor"!

Creating unexpected touches that instantly surprise and delight your guests is what we call the "wow factor". They can be as small as adding a unique DIY (do-it-yourself) detail to your placecards, or something more substantial, such as the show-stopping floral design that embellishes the aisle seat in this featured photograph. The oversized philodendron leaf is what makes this touch so dramatic and sensational. I love it!

I enjoy when I see my Brides come up with creative and personalized projects that will enhance their Wedding and make it a truly one-of-a-kind celebration. I hope to see and share some of their inspirational ideas!

(Photo courtesy: Ana Ortiz & Noah Lebenzon's destination Wedding in Rincon, Puerto Rico)

Just Engaged!!

Congratulations! If you are recently engaged, your head is probably whirling with a million different ideas. BUT, before you even consider going out dress shopping, there are few things that you should do before that. InStyle magazine has a list of 6, very to the point, tips that you will need to think about.

I included a link below so you can get started...ALSO, while your there, check out the Beauty section and start experimenting with your Hollywood Hair Makeover! Make sure you upload YOUR photo it is more authentic that way!!

http://www.instyleweddings.com/weddings/gallery/0,,20245251,00.html?cid=winter-engaged

Love the antique ring!!! (Photo courtesy of http://www.ifiancee.com/wedding-rings/antique.html)

NOTE: We are participating in a Bridal Show, on Sunday, February 8 at 12 noon...

The Merion
Rt. 130
Cinnaminson, NJ

Picture Perfect!

This article in Modern Bride was really insightful. Mastering these easy techniques and tips, such as posturing, lipstick application etc., will help you take more flattering pictures anytime!!!

http://www.brides.com/fashion/dresses/feature/slide/169110/#_slide=169114_chip=0

Romantic Travel for Honeymooners

While browsing on the internet, and casually glancing out the window at the falling snow, I started thinking about the many romantic Honeymoon destinations that "my" Brides have recommended to me and other future Brides.

If you are newly engaged and want to plan an unforgettable Honeymoon but don't know where to start, I came across a GREAT website that was incredibly informative, comprehensive and enjoyable. It contains information on such topics as a Honeymoon Bridal registry, best places for romance, advice on packing, money saving tips and how to avoid a hurricane on your Honeymoon! I included the link so you can begin exploring and start planning the most romantic Honeymoon ever!! Photo courtesy of Travelzones.net

http://honeymoons.about.com/od/honeymoons101/u/honeymoonadvice.htm#s1

Greetings from Disney!

Since I just returned from my Disney family vacation, I thought it would be so apropos to write about what many consider a "magical" Wedding and Honeymoon destination. This was my fourth trip in 20 years, and every time seems to bring special memories. My thoughts go back now to a former Bride, Diane Coleman (and yes, I still remember her full name:-), who was married there 8 years ago. She choose to wed on Valentine's Day, on the beach and at sundown. Her pictures were romantic, yet casually elegant, with the serene water in the background and the setting sun in the distance.

Getting married in front of Cinderella's castle would definitely be a little too much for me, but Disney has a Pavilion for more traditional couples, like Diane, who would like to tie the knot without Mickey and his crew. It actually looked quite enchanting from a distance (I could only see it from the monorail as I traveled to and from our villa). The Grand Floridian Resort and Spa, which is the neighboring property, is a beautiful facility. I was fortunate enough to visit when it first opened.

I included a link so you could view photos of the properties, interior, props, etc. From what I hear, it can be quite expensive to get married at Disney. If you are looking to save money, it might be best to have a small reception locally and then venture off to Orlando for your Honeymoon! Make sure you visit in the off season so you can focus on your special memories and not the crowds and long lines:-)!

http://honeymoons.about.com/od/florida/ss/disney_weddings.htm

ABC News: First Comes Marriage, Then Comes Love

I was very intrigued the other evening when I sat down to watch an ABC news 20/20 special: the science of seduction. The basis of this story is how an Indian man moved to the United States to attend graduate school and then decided to stay for work. After years of dating, he could not find a women he wanted for a life partner. So he turned to his family back in India for help...

...they answered an ad for "Groom wanted for a beautiful young girl". The couple met and in 10 days they decided to seal the deal, had a lavish and traditional Hindu wedding and the rest is history. Wow. I am always very fascinated by the traditions of other cultures and how they compare to the American way of life.

These pictures show the engagement and marriage of a beautiful young Indian couple.

Apparently, the success rate for "arranged" marriages is very high probably due to the attitude "I am in this forever" and "love will come later". This last statement reminds me of a time when I was much younger...my Grandmother asked me, "well Cherie, why don't you want to become serious with boyfriend A " , and I responded "he is a very sweet person Gram, but I don't like him in that way", her answer to that was "well you will GROW to love him". Hmmm, maybe there was some merit in her very wise words:-)

In fact, my neighbor, Arun, is Indian and his parents arranged his marriage 28 years ago. We have very enlightening conversations about this traditional idea, which is why I choose to comment on it. So what do you think? What is the secret to a successful and lasting marriage? Chemistry, values, similar educational backgrounds, science? It sure would be fascinating to finally pinpoint the answer to this age old subject.

Take a look at this 20/20 documentary and gather your own opinions. Also, as a sidenote, take a close look at all the rich, beautiful jewel tones that are present in Hindu weddings and the elaborate embellishment on the Brides body before her Wedding.

Click on link below...
ABC News: First Comes Marriage, Then Comes Love

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"TRASH the DRESS!"

Would you EVER, E V E R even think about "trashing" your dress after your wedding? That's exactly what some Brides are doing! They are scheduling photo shoots on the beach, or other "not so pristine" locations as a way to add more creative and unconventional pictures to their traditional Wedding album.

(Photo, left: Courtesy of Kamilla Harris)

Well, OK, maybe not trashing them. Actually, the term "trash the dress" is just a buzzword that was intended to ignite interest in this national Bridal phenomenon that made it's mark in Atlantic City in the summer of 2007. The name apparently doesn't accurately reflect what necessarily happens.

To some Brides, the very thought of even the slightest little speck of dirt soiling her beloved dress, sends chills racing up and down her spine! Depending upon the ideas of the Bride and her photographer, her dress is not trashed or destroyed. It certainly will become wet, sandy or muddied on the bottom, obviously. A Bride should definitely consider the cost, fabric and sentimental value of her dress before booking a session like this.

(Photos: Courtesy of Ryan Estes)

I think that this is a very intriguing idea for an open-minded Bride to capture creative, fun, spontaneous and possibly even edgy photographs. It is a great way to get more mileage out of a dress that may otherwise stayed sealed in a box for a very long time. You can always have it cleaned and preserved AFTER your day on the Beach!! And since we are so close to the Jersey Shore, why not? A very cool idea!

I am providing two links to photographers who are experienced in TTD sessions...

http://kamilaharris.com/
http://www.ryanestesblog.com/2008/06/11/sarah-matt-trash-the-dress/

Graphic Thinking - Customized Invitations and Thank you Cards

If you are thinking about a truly customized photo invitation or a beautiful and original thank you card to send after your Big Day, I love the work of artist and designer Linda, at graphicthinking.com. Her invitations and designs are completely UNIQUE. I love that you can work one-on-one with the designer, have unlimited revisions and she will professionally retouch your photos. Additionally, her prices are very competitive! I especially love them for second marriages, thank yous, Holiday gretting cards and birth announcements.

I have personally ordered from Linda for my son's first and second birthday bashes and have been so happy with the end results!! She will work with you to create a one-of-a kind invitation for your very special day. I provided a link so you can browse her gallery and see what I mean. I also included a few samples for you to view....

http://www.graphicthinking.com/wedding.htm

Destination Love!

Just one look at these images makes me want to pack my bags and jet off to a warm, tropical island! (Click on image to enlarge). Many couples are planning DESTINATION and BEACH Weddings as a unconventional alternative to the more traditional setting.

I found these new COFFEE FAVORS which I absolutely love because of the romantic and authentic appeal of the photos. Inexpensive and easy to pack, these favors will be a welcoming surprise for your friends and family as they arrive in their hotel rooms!!! For those who are staying local, these beachy gifts will be a tasty treat at any shower or Wedding. Bon Voyage!


Available in Coffee (1.95 ea.), Cappuccino, Cocoa and Cocktail Mixes ($1.75 ea.).
PERSONALIZATION is included in the price of the favors.