Marriages are made in Heaven, so why not take your wedding as close to Heaven as possible?

Venue possibilities to peak your interest? The Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs, Vail, Aspen Snowmass, and Breckenridge are just of a few of the incredibly beautiful and popular Rocky Mountain resorts and towns. Whether a bride wants a breathtaking vista from the summit, or on a plateau of one of Colorado’s 14,000-foot mountains or even finds the sun drenched mountain meadows blooming with wild flowers and fauna, more appealing, there is much to be said about saying, “I do!” in a spectacular outdoor setting.

Prefer the Smokies, Cascades, White Mountains, or the Sandias? In short, across the United States, there are so many incredible mountain top wedding destinations in summer, or winter.

As the speaker of the Rocky Mountain Bridal Show in Denver this last weekend, I caught the details of a truly magic mountain winter wedding. Picture this: As the sun is setting on a winter’s afternoon behind the peak of the Aspen mountain, a bride, radiant in her bridal dress, gathers her bridesmaids behind her in a traditional wedding procession. They make their descent, with lights in hand and on skis, winding down the mountain to the bride’s beloved, family, and friends waiting at bottom of the run. A wonderful  twist to a mountaintop wedding!

While in Texas, I heard the story of a recent mountaintop wedding. The bride envisioned a beautiful, yet, understated wedding on an Aspen mountaintop. On the day of her wedding, she and her entourage left Little Nell, and rapidly her plans began to change. An afternoon thunderstorm blew in. Her ascent on the bridal gondola up the mountain came to a halt. The storm quickly passed. They reached the top, nimbly moved the bridal party and guests inside to the country club, and a lovely ceremony and reception ensued! A toast to a versatile bride and her family.

More mountaintop weddings to come!

So first let’s narrow things down a bit and start with the most important one of them all, you, the bride to be!  The best place to start is by googling hair styles and cutting out pictures out of bridal magazines that you love.  Be sure to schedule a consultation appointment with your hair dresser about a week to a couple weeks before the wedding to discuss styles you like and don’t like and to maybe try out a few different looks to see what you like best.  Hopefully after the consultation you will have a pretty good idea of what look you are going to be going for.

One main concern that you want to consider is going to be the style and cut of your dress.  You are going to want a hair style that fits with your dress.  You might not want to have a super extravagant hair style if your dress is much more classic or simplistic.  Your hair stylist will be able to help you with this decision.

Once you have come up with a style for you, start thinking about a look you would like your best girls to show off.  Maybe you want all of your bridesmaids to have the same hair style or maybe you would like them all to show off their individual style; that decision is up to you.  Again, your hair stylist can help you make decisions on this as well.  Depending on the style and cut of your bridesmaids dresses, you will be able to get a more narrow realm of choices; and ask your girls what they like!  They may have a cute, fun idea for their hair that you will love, so make sure you include them on the decision.

Here are a few of my favorite styles for you to look at and maybe get a better idea of just the perfect hair for you!

First Row: Katie Day, Terra Tabbytosavi/ Second Row: Lindsay Docherty Photography, Mark Brooke/ Third Row: Ashley Maxwell, Mark Brooke/ Fourth Row: Jose Villa, Mark Brooke/ Fifth Row: Sarah Yates

I’m a sucker for the idea of a keepsake that is lent and worn during the wedding…especially if it potentially brings good luck!

This bride attached a loved one’s handkerchief to the underskirts of her gown, which was such an appealing idea I had to pass it on. An embroidered handkerchief sewn into your gown on your wedding day with blue embroidery has such a sweet, poignant quality to it that seems in complete harmony with the traditional notion and meaning of the saying. Plus, it’s a great way to knock something blue and old off your list.

image source, image by Richard Israel

Of course, if you don’t have a handkerchief to borrow, you could start your own “something old…” tradition and have one made with a vintage handkerchief to pass on to a friend or family member after your wedding day!

by Sheri Angel Creations

Entertainment

Sonoma and Napa are famous for their quiet, tranquil evenings. Sit by a fire at a small bistro and hear live jazz. Go to a show at one of the numerous small theatre companies nearby. Or, for something a little different, you can tour an olive press and taste fresh-pressed handcrafted olive oils. They’ve got citrus olive oils, extra virgins – even blood orange olive oils. They were just awarded numerous awards and gold medals from the prestigious Yolo awards – so it’s definitely a must-see – and have backstocked over 250 awards in the past few years alone from different competitions in the region. It really is a foodie’s paradise just as much as a wine lover’s haven.

Whet your artist’s palate di Rosa Art Preserve

With more than 2,000 works by 800 artists situated on 200 acres of gorgeous Napa vineyard, the Art Museum boasts one of the best collections in the Bay Area. With modern and contemporary paintings, drawings, sculpture and photographs by well-known Bay Area artists and some internationally famous artists too, it’s a haven for art and nature lovers. Part of the property has even been designated a wildlife sanctuary.

Photo Courtesy of Prestige Entertainment Inc.

A Long time ago planning a wedding used to be much simpler. It used to be a direct expression of your social class. Another limiting factor was that even if you had specific ideas in mind, fortunately or unfortunately, the market for weddings was not vast enough to offer different things. Therefore you were stuck with what was in the market or what you had at home.

Start of the trend When there are not that many choices and you have to go with what you and your family have collected over the years. That is the time that the true you will come out and you will be using the things that you are familier  and comfortable around…

Unfortunately now a days with the variety of choices we have out in the market  we get lost in the glitz and glamour of the stuff and we forget the big picture.

Do we go with the choices, or do we go with the latest trends? Do we go with what is hot in the market, or do we go with what is my personal style? Based on your personal experience I believe there are a few important points you should consider when choosing the colors for your wedding, but first things first, you need to know what different colors mean,  why you like certain colors and how you feel around those colors. Different  colors have different energies and impacts on people; you need to know how they going to affect the overall feel of your day?

If you already have a color theme in mind, you may ask yourself what is the reason? is it my lifelong favorite color or am I compromising because of the color combinations of my venue or the seasonal hint?

The best way to narrow down your choices and to find out your true desired color, is to make an inspiration board. Remember just like anything else, more so, the colors set the tone of your wedding.  The combination of different colors help determine the style of your wedding.

-Do they all have something in common?

-Are they all in the same family range?

-Look at your closet, the color of your living room, kitchen and bedroom. Why did you chose those colors and what do they mean to you?

-Look at your surroundings, what are the colors you are comfortable around already?

-Where am I the happiest, what is the reason that I am more comfortable and relaxed?

-What mood do I want to create?

-What time of  the year will you marry and how is that going to affect your colors?

-What are the accent color?

Sanaz & Morteza’s Wedding. They chose Orange for their wedding. We all know Orange is a vibrant color that brings strong images to one’s mind. Orange is a symbol of warmth and energy and that is the kind of personality they both have,  Ambitious, happy, and enthusiastic.

Marissa & Jeremy chose deep burgundy and red. The symbol of love,  power and warmth.  Their elegance, leadership and mature personalities was shining through out their wedding. They chose white for their ceremony which  is a symbole of thier innocence.

And Victoria & Even below, chose white for both wedding ceremony and reception, she even had her pure personality shine through her ”all white cake”.    A symbol of purity, cleanliness, and innocence.

One mistake you should not make is choosing too many colors. Remember  the goal is to tie everything together, that is why you created a theme. Too many colors are confusing and look unorganized. If you want to use different colors, my suggestion would be using different shades of the same color.

Sarah Merians photography

Natural Expressions Photography

Special thanks to  photographers:

Sanaz & Morteza’s – Prestige Entertainment Inc.

Marissa & Jeremy’s – Natural Expressions Photography.

Victoria & Even’s – Sarah Merians  Photography.

Sanaz & Morteza’s Invitations & Favors, Ferinoosh

With love, Ferinoosh

Classic Menu from The Green Kangaroo

Custom menus, table cards, and place cards, designed to complement the colors and motifs of your wedding, are a simple way to jazz up table décor and amp up your event’s overall look-and-feel.  The menus pictured below were designed in our studio to coordinate with each bride’s wedding invitations and stationery.  Carrying their design motifs from their invitation to the ceremony programs, menus, place cards, and even to the favor tags created a cohesive, stylish design theme that gave each event that little extra something.

It’s a throwback to simpler times, but Lily of the Valley, Hyacinth, Peonies, Gardenias, Gladiolas and, yes, even Spirea more commonly known as “Bridal’s Wreath” are adding that retro vintage look of classic romance to bridal bouquets, corsages and centerpieces. These blooms are the perfect choice if you have selected an Uber Chic, 50’s inspired bridal gown or an ethereal vintage-style gown. The best part is the distinct fragrance each will add throughout your celebration.  Pair up the very traditional rose in an architectural design or pattern throughout the bouquet or arrangements to give it a hint of a contemporary look.  If you remember way back, flowers also had wide satin ribbon bows in the bouquet along with wide satin ribbon tails.

Just think of all the creative things you can do to display your macarons. Try stacking these little ones high in a tower, place in cute to-go boxes as favors or set on vintage platters for your guests to nibble on throughout the event.

Photos compliments of Paulette Macarons

First Row: Shanna Jones Photography/ Second Row: Shanna Jones Photography/ Third Row: Llanes Weddings/ Fourth Row: Heather P. Moore Photography , JL Designs Image by Jill Thomas

No one loves a bridal show more than a bride-to-be! The Dress! The Flowers! The Band! The Reception! The Jewelry! The Invitations! The Travel! The Photographer! The Transportation! (Hundreds of the area’s Who’s Who, the Best of the Best wedding vendors will be at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston. Make plans now, don’t miss out.

The Houston Wedding Showcase
the following weekend
Saturday & Sunday, August 28-29
10-5 p.m.

You will be meet with friendly smiles and open arms, and given amazing freebies and give-aways that only a new to-be bride and groom can imagine, as well as copious vendor coupons and discounts on virtually most everything.

The other most important thing only a bridal show can deliver under one roof? (skip winning another ‘ten-table’ diamond engagement ring) knowledgeable advice from experts on just what you need every step down the aisle. Now, that is priceless!

Marjorie Maxfield,
National Wedding Etiquette Expert
WeddingWire WeddingAce
Spoke at Denver Show last Weekend!
“5 Incredible Ways to Wed & Write Beautifully!”

24/7, brides read my WeddingWire blog: Instant insights on what’s on the nuptial A-list, what’s the ‘new and the next,’ Who’s who in the wedding world and how it affects your wedding, and the celebrity bride and how you can translate high dollar looks into the girl-next-door budget.

Wed-etiquette! is my professional advice also available in my best selling book, “The Write Stuff: A Modern Guide to Personal Stationery & Weddings.” Hip, witty, and an insightful view of wedding etiquette and personal stationery for today’s bride in a changing society, available on Amazon.com.

Be sure to stop by the Houston Wedding Showcase. Last summer, I was a guest speaker at the Houston Bridal Showcase (schedule conflict, could not be at show this year, darn!) and can assure you that this is the Texas bridal show-of-shows.

Only Prince William and & future Princess of Wales, Kate Middleton, are excused from attending either (pronounced I-ther) show. Sit back home on Buckingham Palace, and eat your heart out! All your wedding choices will most probably be made your staff, or had been set in stone for centuries!

Coming back at you with more ideas for eco-friendly wedding gowns.  In addition to looking for used wedding gowns and consignment shops, there are a number of amazing wedding gown designers that are using eco-friendly fabrics and fair wage and labor practices.

Above is an amazing gown from Chris Kole’s collection The Cotton Bride.  His collection is full of gorgeous gowns perfect for the green bride.  He also offers shorter gowns along with wonderful gowns for the mother of the bride.  All made right here in the USA – New York City to be exact. All of his fabrics are all natural!

Then the mother of all eco-friendly dresses is Adele Wechsler.  She really is the industry’s leader in eco-friendly wedding gowns.  She offers a number of collections along with her Hello Africa and Classic collections.  Her gowns are certified organic.  She also incorporates vegetable dyed silks, remnant fabrics and all of the gowns are hand-cut and designed in Canada.

I have also fallen in love with the gowns designed by Elizabeth St. John. Her gowns are appropriately called Eco-Couture.   All of her dresses use eco-friendly fabrics  and are hand-designed right here in the US!

Always look for natural fabrics, local designers and a mission statement behind your designers when going green for your wedding day.

While the Signature Drink is so yesterday, the updated version pays homage to both the bride and the groom. If one is good… TWO is even better!  So move over signature drink and make room for the bride to pick her favorite and the groom to pick his. Pairings can be exotic; imagine a Cosmo or Lavendar Martini for her served along side a Jagermeister or a Jager Bomb for him.  Take it a step further and include a pairing. Consider a Syrah paired with a Dark Chocolate Truffle and a drink from yester-years, the Manhattan along side a cigar. And you don’t have to always think about alcoholic drinks as many people are now lending selections as non-alcoholic drinks or even a small root-beer float shooter?  The combinations are endless and will give your guests a taste of your favorite drinks as well as something to talk about.

Source: 100 Layer Cake

What are some unique ways you are thinking of posing for your thank you picture?

Some people go for the wine, but Sonoma and Napa offer so much more. But, when you’re world famous for your winemaking skills, they can’t be ignored.

Wine & Dine

The most important part about a trip through wine country is getting off the beaten path to discover the hidden gems that lie in and around the area. Remember, a lot of the big industry players have wineries here too. But, the best wineries are the few sprinkled throughout the region that produce in small batches, handcrafting each wine to pull out the most amazing flavors from the grapes. Often, they’ll even pair the wine with small dishes or tasting menus. Just call ahead, they can help you get the most out of your experience. Just remember: drink what you like. Don’t let anyone tell you that there are rules or intimidate you. Everyone’s palate is different, so taste everything – but drink what you like.

There are too many wineries to list, but Gloria Ferrer is typical of many – grapes grown on site, fermented on site and then served to your liking at special tastings.

In business since 1984, the Gloria Ferrer Winery specializes in sparkling wines, chardonnay and pinot noir – some of the most versatile wines in the world. They can be consumed with a range of different meals as a great pairing to pork, red sauces, creamy white sauces, beef and chicken.

They also have extensive experience with accommodating weddings, so don’t be afraid to ask.

Remember, you don’t have to be a wine connoisseur to enjoy a tasting like this. You can craft an entire honeymoon around it, or it can be just one component to the entire trip. Remember, you’re in California – a melting pot of cultures, music, food – it’s got it all!

Gloria Ferrer – Sonoma

At 8:46 this past Wednesday morning, I was well into my daily yoga routine at the Houstonian in Houston, Texas, and far, far away from the fax, computer and iPhone email, and quite deep into a twist that had taken me perpendicular to the floor. I listened for further direction from Rie Congelio, my blithe and breezy “Yoga Body” instructor.

Actually, in the last four years of yoga practice, Rie had said many instructional and inspirational things in her class, yet in the next few seconds she would utter one word that would possibly influence thousands of WeddingWire brides, not to mention change lives, bodies, minds.

So, I listened and over my measured inhale, I heard: “Your next move will be counterintutive.” Say no more. Get me out of here, I have a message for my brides. I packed up my Manduka professional mat and rolled out.

“Counterintutive,” became my mantra. Listen, yoga, at its heart, is about the balance of opposites. The balance in Life. The juxtaposition of Ying and Yang; breath in, breath out. So for brides, who are on what seems a non-stop, life altering twelve month marathon to the alter, or Cabos, the opposite life approach in life would be most welcomed.

Simply stated, brides need to be counterintuitive, they need yoga. As Julia Roberts found in ‘Eat Pray Love,’ we need balance in our lives. She traveled to India, you can get it in your own hometown.

Why yoga? At its core, it is a weight loss technique and stress management, with calming a meditative side. It also makes a bride look good, no great. It does not take two seconds in a studio of several seasoned Yogis with long, willowy, graceful, slender bodies to convince any bride that her guests will be mesmerized, not only by her wedding dress, but by her long, willowy, graceful slender limbs and body. Her new transformation, inner and outer, will be evident as she makes her way down the aisle.

Another salient point: It does not take long to realize the conventional bridal weight loss approach of random starvation 45 days before the wedding is not a sensible, healthy, or effective choice. The end result might be less pounds, but the bride will forgo the potential for that incredible body and calmer mind that only yoga can reward a dedicated follower. There is one caveat: weight training, diet and cardio will help heighten and speed up the visual effects of a yoga-body.

Yoga is everywhere. The New York Times must think it is something to write home about. In August alone, it has had several main news articles, including a Sunday Magazine feature story by  Mimi Swartz, the executive director, Texas Monthly Magazine, on David Friend, the megastar and founder of Anusara Yoga. In addition, on a proceeding Sunday there were two book reviews on yoga in the Book Review Section including Stefanie Syman’s ‘Yoga History’ on how yoga has become a fitness routine for American athelets, C.E.O.’s, movie stars and soccer moms.

David La Spina for The New York Times

Yoga has made its way into the everyday 21st century consciousness: 16 million Americans practice yoga regularly. Yoga studios abound up and down Main Streets from Summit, New Jersey, Hattiesburg, Denver to St. Helena, Napa Valley, and especially major metropolitan cities like LA and NYC.

Yoga classes, or workshops, you’ll discover an appealing array of choices from the 100-plus degree Birkam practice to classes aptly named, “Yoga Flow, Yoga Body, Yoga Heat, and Yoga Stretch.” Rese and PrAna yogawear is worn in class and on the streets. Yoga is a lifestyle. Women get it. A healthier lifestyle is not a choice, but a life commitment.

No yoga class nearby? then download the yoga app, iPractice2, for iPhone and iTouch from Yoga Journal, the bible of the yogis.

Brides, yoga is a counterintuitive answer to your 24/7 text, Twitter, Facebook, iTouch, iPad, iPod, I-have-no-time-for-myself lifestyle.

As practiced in the ashrams of India, one question is asked to occupy the mind, so that one ultimately becomes mindless. So, to you, I pose one thought so you become mindful of your life as a bride and beyond: Live counterintuitive. If not now, when?

Ice cream bar Image courtesy of brides.com

Brides planning deep summer weddings can join us in finding inspiration in these late summer, pastel-hued treats.  We know more than one bride incorporating a fun and whimsical ice cream bar into their receptions this month!

Use ice cream colored pastels as color inspiration for August weddings.  Here are a few of our favorite pastel designs to get you started.

Pastel blue Dandelion wedding invitation from The Green Kangaroo

Pastel pink Ava Shimmer Wrap wedding invitation from The Green Kangaroo

Pastel green Cherry Blossom Pocket Invitation from The Green Kangaroo

Like shoes, shrugs can add color, a little panache…and they’re versatile. Take it off, put it on, wear it for the ceremony, not the reception, maybe put it on again on the honeymoon, lend it to your sister.

Many bridal shops carry shrugs, and of course you can find them online at places like Etsy, where I found a few of my new favorites below!

images clockwise from upper left: Erin Leigh Heart, Bonzie, Holly Stalder, Bonzie ,  The English Dept.

Plum, Magenta and Clementine Wedding Inspiration Board

We all know there is a huge interest now a day on ethnic foods and authentic flavors. People are looking for quality and freshness. They want to feel good even on a night that they are not suppose to watch what they eat or drink. My thoughts are, why not do both. There is nothing wrong with an Organic Tomato Bloody Mary, a light calorie beer or grass fed piece of meat.

As I’m learning how people are getting more and more educated about health and the fact that not only being healthier is good for them but also is “trendy & chic” , I discover one more thing,  people also want the real thing! For example I am one of those people that if I think of cheese, I want the best and the healthiest out there. If I want a glass of wine, I want the best low calorie wine; especially if it’s local…compromising on quality vs. quantity is not in my system. Lately almost 95% of my brides and grooms rather pay more for a better wine, a better piece of meat or a good organic vegetarian plate then before.

Here are some of the food trends I am seeing and I believe they will continue to 2011:

Miniature desserts and retro sweets, miniature loaves of bread and delicately flavored baked goods, snacks and condiments.

Family recopies from kitchen to the wedding menu.

Gourmet, low sodium exotic salts, peppers & seasoning mixes.

Local specialties that are made for that region.

Local farm meat, seafood catches of the day, to cheese, wine, beer and fruits and vegetables.

Dark Chocolate & Chocolate truffles.

Handmade fat-free vegetable chips such as beets, sweet potato, parsnip and celery root.

Assorted nuts tossed in a variety of healthy herbs and spices.

Natural, raw sweeteners.

Water, all-natural beverages, higher quality alcohol, healthy juices such as pomegranate and green grass.

2010 & 2011 “attitude trend”:

“Less is more”. People are going less and less for buffet tables, they rather to have 3 or 4 small but healthier courses’ not to mention chicer look rather than huge buffet tables.

Associating “Healthy” by being trendy, chic, modern & up to date.  They love to show off their healthy and modern side in every plate from small bite appetizers to all organic salad to 100% healthy meat and fresh fish. I have brides and grooms that even ask for healthier cakes.

“Roots”. As people change their shopping status quo’s I see more demand to personalize their menu. They want what I call:  Freshness & Flavor of homemade foods with a modern touch.

With love, Ferinoosh

pictures by http://www.SXC.hu/

But, once we entered the wedding vortex in full swing, the natural short-hand we used for our event was “wedding.” And, anecdotally speaking, this is what I’ve found to be true for many same sex couples who begin their event planning using other terminology. By the time they’ve spoken with caterers, searched for photographers, gone to a cake tasting, stressed over their outfits, and had to explain to their parents what they’re doing, “wedding” is the primary word being used. It’s universal and requires only two syllables.

Even then, however, my partner and I found ourselves in conversations with guests at our own wedding reception about how, though we had just had a wedding ceremony, we weren’t actually married. Not legally anyway. This confused them.

Remember: this was back in 1999 and same sex marriage wasn’t legal anyway (not to mention that it wasn’t even a twinkle in the GLBT eye). But, still our community of straight friends was surprised to learn that our wedding wasn’t a marriage (in the legal sense of the term); just as surprised as people are to learn today that I — one of the gay and lesbian wedding pioneers — am still not legally married.

But, I’m hoping that will change soon. I’m getting tired of filing as “single” with the IRS. It feels like I’m being dishonest every time I check that box.

So, here we are on the verge of 2011 and same sex marriage is now legal in five (5) states (Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, Iowa, and Connecticut) and the District of Columbia, and out-of-state marriages are recognized in Maryland and New York. Even more remarkably, a ballot initiative in California known as Prop 8 has been overturned by a federal judge and the appeal is working its way up to its inevitable finale at the Supreme Court level.

Meanwhile, according to a recent nationwide survey conducted by the Pew Research Center, economic issues are seen as the most pressing matters in the court of public opinion, and same-sex marriage comes in dead last on the list of thirteen (13) issues tested amongst Democratic  AND Republican voters — even with Judge Walker’s recent ruling that Proposition 8 (banning same sex marriage in California) is unconstitutional.

So, where does this leave us?

We begin by holding our breath as we watch the Prop 8 appeals process and wonder if same sex marriage will defy the Pew results and become a wedge issue or remain a shoulder shrug in the 2010 midterm elections .

And, then, for the next few years, many gay and lesbian couples will, as I do, consider themselves “married” in the eyes of their friends and family even though they’ve “only” had a wedding. Or, they’ll go to the states which do allow legal marriage.

And it goes without saying that many other couples will continue to hold meaningful weddings and fabulous receptions in their own home states, even without legal marriage recognition.

For increasing numbers of gays and lesbians and their straight allies (and even those out there who don’t spend any time thinking about this issue), there’s not much difference between a same sex wedding and a same sex marriage.

But, we must remember that, in the eyes of the law, there is a big difference — both in dignity and benefits.

To borrow loosely from Prop 8 proponents, marriage does matter in our society and gays and lesbians are ready to accept the responsibility that goes along with marriage, but we want the rights, too.

Learn More

Where and how same sex couples can legally marry

Frank Rich on social change

Andrew Cohen’s Helpful Talking Points For Any Cocktail Party

Follow Us!

1. Begin each day with a kiss and an “I love you”.  If you are apart, a simple “good morning, I love you” text message can do the trick.

2. Always wear your wedding rings!  Your rings serve as a constant reminder of your commitment and promises that you made to each other.

3. Try to plan a date night once a week.  Sometimes once a week can get quite difficult especially when children enter the picture, so maybe every other week.  A date night does not need to involve a big fancy dinner out, if can be as simple as just some time alone with just the two of you sharing a home cooked meal, a glass of wine, or dessert.

4. Compromise, compromise, compromise!  Arguments are completely normal in relationships.  The key to having healthy arguments is learning to compromise and accepting each others differences and perspectives.  Discuss your issues in a rational and calm manner.

5. Surprises!  Everyone loves surprises.  Leave your spouse little gifts or notes.  Something as simple as a post-it saying “I love you” and leaving it on the steering wheel of their car can be super sweet.  It is the little sweet surprises in life that keep us going and bring a smile to our face

6. Share dreams, aspirations, and future goals with each other.  It is always good to share these things with each other so that you can help each other achieve these dreams.

7. Find a song that can become “your song”.  Sounds cliché, but that way anytime, no matter where you are, and you here this song, a smile will come to your face and you will be reminded of your love for each other.

8. Laugh!  They say that laughing is the best medicine.  Sharing a good laugh together can keep the fun growing in your relationship and will ultimately draw you closer and stronger together every day.

9. Listen.  Listen with empathy; sometimes this can make all the difference in a conversation.

10. Encourage each other.  Being positive and supportive of each other is always important in a healthy relationship.

11. Compliment each other.  Everybody loves compliments.  Give each other compliments when they are due, of course.

12. Respect.  Always treat one another with respect.

13. Fix breakfast!

14. Cuddle.  Intimacy is always important in relationships and reflects love and deep feelings.

15. Apologize when necessary, and Forgive from the heart.  Don’t be stubborn and admit when you have made a mistake and forgive from the heart.

When planning your wedding, keep it green by serving up eco-friendly libations at the bar!  Ask your caterers and bartenders to serve organic spirits along with local and organic bar fruits and juices.  Depending on where your wedding is – see if your caterer would be willing to freshly squeeze your juices as well.  You can also look into a local wineries and some fun local breweries to stock your bar.  Get the best suggestions from your caterer for quantities and make suggestions as needed to be in line with your style and budget!

Now whether you’re having a small intimate or a large event, the use of long family tables can bring a great cozy family feeling to your wedding or event. Sharing a single table makes everyone feel like they’re sharing a great meal and celebrating together.

Here are some amazing images of long tables set up for Outstanding in the Field, a moving culinary adventure with the mission to re-connect diners to the land. I hope these images inspire you to include long family tables in your wedding or your next event.

Real Wedding: Temple Beth Israel: Springfield, New Jersey

With New York City leading the majority of the world with the largest Jewish population, it is estimated that approximately 1,412,000 Jewish people live in the eight counties that compose New York, and over 350,000 in New Jersey, leaving the demand for traditional Jewish weddings as great as it has ever been. (Source)

For this reason many synagogues have added or remodeled their facilities to include lavish reception rooms with on site kosher catering.

Temple Beth Israel, in Springfield New Jersey boasts a newly redesigned ballroom and a synagogue which lends its beauty to any event captured there.

Abacus Wedding Studios is always grateful to be a part of so many rich cultures and traditions, that surround the New Jersey and New York tri-state area, and working with Temple Beth Israel on a traditional Jewish wedding is just another way for our studio to experience and learn about the vast variety of weddings and wedding traditions.

From the signing of the Ketubah (meaning;  document or agreement) to the Hora (considered the national dance of Israel, originated in the Balkins and is a circle dance, where the bride and groom are  lifted up on chairs.) to breaking of the glass, tradition and contemporary art is one of the amazing combinations offered by Temple Beth Israel and many other temps in the New Jersey New York metropolitan area.

Photorgaphy: Rennie M. Abacus Wedding Studios

Video: Rob M. Abacus Wedding Studios