Great Website For DIY Brides

Most brides have become budget conscious in this economy, and rightly so.  As a result, many have taken on DIY (Do It Yourself) projects, some of which are delegated to family members.  Here is a great site that supports DIY.

http://www.diywedding.org/

Cutting Cost For Your Wedding Day Flowers.

While planning the décor for your wedding, consider ways to cut cost.

Summer wedding - tropical flowers

First and foremost, use flowers that are in season.  Flowers that are in season are fresher and because they are high in quantity, you will receive a lower price. Find ways to reuse the flowers; recycling flowers from the ceremony site and using them for the reception site is a great way to keep your costs down.

The flowers from your ceremony,  can be reused as centerpieces on cocktail and cake tables, in the bar, entryways and restrooms.  Also, after all formal photographs are taken, reuse your bridal and bridesmaid bouquets to decorate your head table, gift table, guest book table, and even your pool, if there is one for an outdoor  wedding.

Outdoor Ceremony - Flowers reused at the entryway at reception.

Flowers from ceremony reused for table with favors.

Take the petals from your ceremony arrangements (if the arrangements allow) and scatter those petals on certain tabletops at your reception, this is popular for the cake table.

Use potted plants as centerpieces and after the reception, the guests get to take those home as their favors.

If you are having an outdoor wedding and there is a pool, bring the pool to life by floating the  bridesmaids bouquets in the pool, when it gets dark and the pool is lit they are even more beautiful.

Bridesmaids bouquet floating in a pool

And just when you think you have exhausted all of your possibilities in recycling your flowers,  here is one more tip – at the end of the night thousands of dollars’ worth of flower arrangements will be left to wither away, why not add some cheer to someone else. Arrange ahead of time for the flowers to be delivered to a local hospices or nursing homes, from this you will have a feeling of gratitude.  This a great gesture, and normally is highly appreciated.

With all the planning that goes into a wedding it is highly important that you are organized. Your wedding florist/flowers should be all decided upon at least three months in advance.  Time slips away when there is a lot to plan, soon you will be wondering where did the time go.  Happy planning.

Wedding Gowns, A Fit For Everyone

The most important and most memorable special garment you will ever wear is your wedding gown.  Though shopping for your gown should be a joyous occasion, it can be an extremely overwhelming experience.  The dress should totally match your personality;  also, keep in mind that the accessories, and shoes help to create that complete look.

Here is a detailed video that touches on most tips you need to know.

Samantha’s wedding dress and accessories.

Samantha’s choice of dress and accessories completely complimented her style.  It was a long thought process, but long-term she achieved that special look she envisioned.  I think she mastered it.

Alita Graham silk satin white strapless gown

She wore an Alita Graham silk satin white strapless gown.  It had a mermaid silhouette.  The gown is called a no waist with princess seams.  The entire bodice is ruched.  She decided on the look because it was very figure flattering.  The back of the dress was laced to secure the bodice.  Her Maid of Honor had to get wedding day instructions to make sure the dress was secure.

The Cathedral Veil

 

 

She wore a cathedral-length veil with Swarovski crystal sewn through the veil.  That was her something borrowed.

 

Crystal and pearl headband

 

She also wore a crystal and pearl headband that was purchased at Kleinfelds.

The jewelry was designed by Ilana Karliner, Tejani in NYC.

 

 

Her jewelry was designed by Ilana Karliner, Tejani in NYC.  Ilana came to one of her fittings with a variety of pieces so she could choose the right bridal jewelry set.

She wore silver crystal teardrop earrings, a silver swirl crystal cuff bangle with an openable clasp and a silver crystal 16” drop necklace.

Touch ups Kristal Silver shoes

 

 

Her shoes – Touch Ups Kristal Silver – Open toe silver shoes with crystal along the bands and a larger crystal in the center.

The complete look - gown with accessories

Though it can be hectic creating that complete look,  have fun and don’t forget it is one day that is supposed to represent you and your mate.

Flowers for a Tropical Wedding

I came across this article, and  had just started writing a similar article.  Thanks to Bridezilla Times for sharing  http://www.bridezillatimes.com.

10 Best Flowers for a Tropical Wedding

Posted by Janet on January 16, 2010 · Leave a Comment

Large Anthuriums – Picture Source: www.bigislandtropicals.com 

Weddings would not be complete without stunning fresh flower blooms that truly make the event more beautiful. Even if you are having a tropical wedding at an outdoor setting, where there is already a lush of greenery and abundance of foliage all around, it would still be apt to have flowers to make the atmosphere more romantic and the scene more breathtaking. If you are going to hold a tropical wedding anytime soon, here are ten of the best tropical flowers that you could use for your big day.

1. Anthuriums – When you say tropical wedding, one of the first flowers that would immediately come into mind are anthuriums, which are very popular in bouquets as well as tabletop centerpieces. These flowers, which come in either tulip or heart shape, are truly a favorite in tropical weddings.
2. Orchids – Orchids are small but elegant tropical wedding flowers that paint the wedding scene with different colors such as purple, pink, yellow, and lavender. Dendrobiums are some of the most popular wedding orchids there are, as these are widely used in leis, bridal bouquets, hair ornaments, and altar decoration. Other types of orchids you can consider for your tropical wedding include Moth and Cymbidium.
3. Heliconia – This one is often dubbed as the “architectural plant” as you would often see this in hotels and corporate offices. But it can also be arranged in such a way that it would make a spectacular table centerpiece and decorative elements for wedding receptions. These flowers, which come in vibrant oranges and reds can surely give life to the wedding event.
4. Leis – A lei is not exactly a species of flower but a necklace made of dendrobium orchids or any other type of flowers. We have to make mention of this because it is one of the trademarks of tropical weddings.
5. Birds of Paradise – Exotic and beautiful, these are the best words to describe this type of flower, which comes in multiple blooms that would pop out a fan of vibrant color. Birds of paradise can turn any tropical arrangement into a dramatic piece of art.
6. CBougainvillea – Picture Source: www.desert-tropicals.com 

   Hibiscus – Tropical hibiscus are either red or pink flowers that can be used to accent wedding colors or other wedding flowers such as orchids and lilies. These are great to use as decorative pieces, hair ornaments, or table centerpieces.

7. Lilies – One thing that makes lilies popular as a tropical wedding flower is its heat resistant quality. Aside from that, they are lovely flowers that can be used in bouquets or wedding decorations and be paired up with orchids, hibiscus, or roses.
8. Roses – Roses are some of the versatile types of flowers that you could find in almost any kind of wedding. Even in tropical weddings, they are a big hit, not only because they are pretty and bright but also because they do very well in warm conditions. Mix these up with birds of paradise or various types of orchids to be able to come up with a gorgeous tropical flower arrangement.
9. Amaryllis – Great as bouquets or potted centerpieces, amaryllis comes in a wide variety of solid colored and striped flower petals. Favorite colors include red, white, orange, pink, and yellow.
10. Bougainvillea – This flower, which has a broad array of shades such as pink, fuchsia, red, orange, white, yellow, and even violet and indigo, can be used to shower colors all over your tropical wedding event.

A tropical wedding is beautiful for a number of good reasons. One of which is the fact that you can make use of elegant, striking, and gorgeous blooms of flowers that can add the word, “special” to this wonderful occasion.

My Upcoming Nigerian Wedding – A Unique Engagement

My upcoming wedding will be a Nigerian Wedding – my first.  It is very exciting as I am getting to learn so much about the culture – the food, the music, wedding celebrations, and their fashion.  Thanks to Chinyere and Douglas, who are one  of the  most organized couple I have ever worked with,  they have literally made my job easier than normal.

Their engagement story, love it!

“A High Stock Proposal”

(in the words of Chinyere)

December 2009 . . .

There we were, beachside at the famous Fiesta Americana resort in Los Cabos, Mexico at an evening soiree with colleagues and friends of Douglas. I had truly enjoyed the last five blissful days of escape to this tropical paradise. I joined Douglas on an annual company trip at which we were now on the final day at an an evening beachside farewell gathering.  I sat enjoying the sounds of the  live Mexican band strumming familiar American tunes. I was so happy to be there with Douglas, the man I had grown to know and love for the past 3 years.

After enjoying a great meal, sipping Chardonnay and briefly chatting with others, I sat quietly reflecting on the last few days of pure magnificence. Our first day couples massage on the beach, horseback riding at sunset the next day, long walks along the ocean shoreline, and waking up every morning to a beautiful sunrise overlooking the rock-laden shores of the beach. This was truly paradise . . . and then my thoughts were abruptly interrupted.

Los Cabos

“What’s up people!?”  I hear Douglas’ cheerful voice on the microphone. I hadn’t noticed he had even left the table. ‘Oh goodness . . .’  I think to myself  ‘What is he doing up there? He may have had one too many drinks’.
“Can you hear me?” he says. The crowd replies “Yes” and so he continues. Then something occurred to me, I remember earlier Douglas mentioned that he had some presentation that he was going to do that night, he never explained what it was exactly.
Douglas  proceeds to talk of the great accomplishments American Classic Agency,  the company he works with, has had in the year 2009 and how he was looking forward to an even better 2010. And then he begins talking about “high stocks” and investments and how he’s noticed that in his life, there was this particular stock he was investing in that was consistently rising in value over time. At that moment, he lost me and I think just about everyone else listening to him. ‘I wonder what stock he’s talking about?’ I think to myself.  He appeared a bit nervous, in a way that I haven’t ever seen him before.
And then I notice he slowly starts walking toward me, continuing to talk about how this particular “stock” was becoming so valuable to him.

“Well, I didn’t want to start this new  year without doing one thing.” Douglas says, “I want to ask Chinyere Muforo to be my wife,” he states as he bends down on one knee, opening a white box revealing an astonishingly beautiful ring. Looking into my eyes, with the biggest smile on his face he says, “Chinyere Muforo, will you marry me?” All I see are flashes from what seemed like a million paparazzi cameras flashing all at once. People run up to the table, applauding and cheering. Then I hear women gasping, “Oh my God, he asked!” as they all swarm the table to get a good look at the ring. I look at him,  then look at the ring – still nothing comes out.

Chinyere's Engagement

Did she say yes!?” a person yells from the crowd. Douglas looks at me, smiles and winks.

“Yes! YES!” I manage to say as tears run down my face, still in utter shock. And then, as if on cue, the band begins playing “Let’s Stay Together” by Marvin Gaye. I thought to myself, God has truly blessed me with the man of my DREAMS! I suppose I was the valuable “high stock” that Douglas was referring to. The perfect analogy by a financial advisor!
Later I find out that the whole moment was caught on camera. Douglas had it all set up in advance by planting a camera with one of his friends sitting at our table. Douglas’ proposal to me has become a YouTube sensation!

See the “high stock” proposal in this link:

(The behind the scenes commentary is hilarious!)

Moon Dance Resort

Moon Dance Resort is an all inclusive resort sitting right on  Negril‘s famed 7 miles white sand beach in the island of Jamaica.  This property has two distinctive properties – Moon Dance Villas and Moon Dance Cliffs.

MOON DANCE VILLA

This  is a beach front property with spacious,  elegant one to five bedroom villas that come with a private chef and bartender, also pools, jacuzzi and a private beach.  With the lush tropical garden and the scenic back drop of the beautiful Caribbean sunset glistening on top of the water, it creates the perfect venue for your destination wedding.   Should you book a minimum of 15 rooms, your wedding is complimentary, this includes an on-site wedding coordinator, ceremony, officiant, license and paper work, boutonniere and reception.

Wedding at Moon Dance

Swim Up Bar and Upper Pool

A View From The Villas

Poinciana One Bedroom Villa

Midnight Cove Five Bedroom Villa

Sunset at Moon Dance Beach

Moon Dance Cliffs and Spa

Moon Dance Cliffs is an all-inclusive boutique hotel which offers something for everyone. An awesome view, comfortable rooms, delicious food, well maintained grounds, beautiful beaches, magnificent sunsets and a well-trained staff who is extremely friendly and accommodating.  I strongly recommend Moon Dance Resort.

The beautiful water at Moon Dance

Moon Dance Suite – Living Room

Moon Dance Hotel

Come to Moon Dance and enjoy this true tropical hotel.  Experience the vibes and the beautiful atmosphere.  You will have no problem mon!

Destination: Wedded bliss

Far-away wedding can be hassle-free affair.  This trend has grown steadily over the past 10 years.  Please click the link below to learn more about destination wedding trends.

Destination: Wedded bliss.