After "YES," Before "I DO" and Everything In Between

A fter the vows have been said, the wedding cake has been cut and the last dance ends ... wouldn't you LOVE to only be left with these for the rest of your life?! First, I'm pleased to present Amy Squires Photography ... Also, it's my pleasure to share Jessica Claire's photographic genius ... So, if you're lucky enough to live in California or fortunate enough to fly either of these ladies wherever you are, GO FOR IT! Memories are priceless .

T he holidays are always a wonderful time to plan milestone events like weddings ... after all, the holidays are all about family anyway. And for the first time, I'm working with a couple planning a Black Friday wedding (the day after Thanksgiving). The bride and groom both have open-minded artistic visions, so their primary focus is that their wedding is received and remembered through emotion. While the color scheme is still evolving, the signature warm hue "Dahlia" has been locked in. So, here's my first inspiration board for this couple's nuptials. AUTUMN CANDLELIGHT Credits (top, left to right): Delicate Ceremony Programs tied with Dahlia satin ribbons (photo courtesy of TheKnot.com ); Chandelier Draped Ballroom - Richfield Regency ; Autumn Wedding Party park scene (photo courtesy of Brides.com ); Autumn Hue Bouquet - by Avi Adler ; Dupioni Silk Shantung Flowergirl Dress - Little Flowers ; Tall Stems in Vases amidst Votive Candles (photo courtesy of TheKnot.

M y good friend Tamiko Hargrove of Helen Julia NY brought this cute little list to my attention today. It's Real Simple Weddings' Lingo Cheat Sheet ; a list of popular acronyms used by brides-to-be across the country, particularly on message boards and blogs (yes, brides, you have your own language). Here's the list, to help you make sense of it all: BM: Best man, or bridesmaid DW : Destination wedding FBIL : Future brother-in-law FFIL : Future father-in-law FG : Flower girl FH : Future husband FMIL : Future mother-in-law FOB: Father of the bride FOG: Father of the groom FSIL : Future sister-in-law GM: Groomsmen GP: Grandparent MOB: Mother of the bride MOG : Mother of the groom MOH : Maid of honor OOTG : Out-of-town guests RB: Ring bearer TBP : The Bridal Party (no secret why this one's my favorite ... wink ) (photo courtesy of WeddingChannel.com; gown, Elie Saab for Pronovias)

Award-show season is upon us! And, the star-studded 14th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards took place last night in Los Angeles. Most agree, the show was a huge success ... "by actors for actors." Here are a few cues from the red carpet for brides: Red Carpet Cue: Actress, America Ferrera Option for Brides: Avine Perucci, Demetrios Red Carpet Cue: French actress, Marion Cotillard Options for Brides: Badgley Mischka, Pronovias Red Carpet Cue: Actress, Sara Ramirez Options for Brides: Jim Hjelm, Rina di Montella

I've been working quite closely with a lovely couple anticipating a June 2008 wedding for a while now. When first we met, the bride expressed great interest in a "butterflies and fairies" theme and I really loved this fun idea, along with the chocolate / turquoise color scheme chosen. Also, the venue booked is one of the sweetest and most romantic in this area, The Madison Hotel's Conservatory (pictured above). Here's my first inspiration board for this couple's special event. FAIRY TALE FLUTTER Credits (top, left to right): Wedding Ceremony Adorned with Feather-light, Hanging Paper Butterflies; Butterfly Motif Invitation - Style On A Budget ; Butterfly & Dragonfly Place card Holders - Beau Coup ; Chocolate Wedding Cake w/ Blue Scroll Detail - Crumbs of Paris ; Seated Bridesmaids in Turquoise Gowns (photo courtesy of TheKnot.com ); Grass & Butterflies Centerpieces / Place settings; Strung Paper Butterflies - Shinoda Design Center ; Flower girls w/ Fai

J. Crew just launched CREWCUTS Weddings & Parties, which features adorable dressy items for kids (especially flowergirls). Stop by JCrew.com and check it all out (including this sassy little number)!

I first discovered Angel Threads in 2003 and was immediately impressed by the quality of their hand-crafted bridal accessories. A couple of my own keepsakes were made at Angel Threads . Several of their pieces are perfectly suitable for passing down through the generations and I encourage all interested in the idea of creating heirlooms to take a look at what they have to offer. My favorite? Their hand-stitched silk garters! (pictured above) Ballroom Chair Covers Ringbearer Pillows Wire-mesh Flowergirl Baskets

The fashionista in me simply could not resist posting about this. I'm actually quite shocked I'm just finding out about them. What are they, you wonder??? Louis Vuitton's Monogram Shearling pieces ... "Storm" and "Thunder!" Though rather strange, I think these are adorable. I can't say these are my characteristic type of bags, as they are likely an acquired taste , but I'm swooning nonetheless. Grab one for $3000+ by calling 1-888-VUITTON.

(photo courtesy of Don Ptashne ) Getting married is an inordinately massive event that demands, often times, overwhelming amounts of time and energy. For most, it is a joyous milestone dreamed about for many years in advance. Thus, it goes without saying that brides are focused on their weddings ... down to the minor details. With that said, this goes out to all brides everywhere: IT'S YOUR DAY ! Your wedding is about the loving relationship you and your fiance have built together and the promising new life you will soon begin. Just because the two of you wish to fulfill the dreams that YOU have built and refuse to compromise what should be one of the happiest days of your life does not mean you are selfish, obnoxious or a Bridezilla . More specifically, do not allow your bridesmaids to place the above labels on you. Here are a few scenarios to brace yourself for: The bridesmaids don't like the dresses you've chosen. The bridesmaids hate the color scheme you've decid

Isn't it always the same story? Someone is engaged to be married ... bridesmaids dresses are selected, usually $100 - $700 a pop ... after the wedding, the dress sits in the back of the closet never to see the light of day again. There are even movies made about it (i.e. 27 Dresses )! Ready for an alternative? Check out twobirds bridesmaid , who have created dresses the bridesmaid can wrap in 10 different ways to compliment HER individual style and body shape. There are currently 10 colors to choose from and they fit all sizes (yes ... even PLUS size). Not a bad idea at all. ;-)

Be sure to pick up the Sunday Star Ledger this week. Their special Bride & Groom section will be included ... chock full of helpful articles, ideas and vendors for New Jersey couples! You'll even see an ad for The Bridal Party !

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE boxed invitations! So when I stumbled upon Simply Modern Weddings' post, Cool Bridal Shower Invites (which featured an ultra cute Jill Smith invite sold on one of my favorite sites, PlumParty ), I was inspired to share it plus a few finds here. Because let's face it, sometimes it's good to think inside-the-box . Candy Mail Yum Box Invitation ... for a fun-filled bridal shower Grapevine & Cork Letterpress Invitation ... for vineyard and winery themed affairs Sittin' Pretty Champagne & Fun Invitation ... perfect for bachelorette parties Start Spreadin' The News ... NYC inspired save-the-date / invitation

Scenario #1: You're engaged and within a year or so, you will become a Mrs. and will be in many ways RESPONSIBLE for another adult Scenario #2: You're a newlywed, still adjusting to for better or for worse , taking your new way of life as it comes ... in stride Scenario #3: You're a party/event planner and you simply can not resist evolving and expanding your beautifying and entertaining skills Whatever the case may be, you'd be wise to check out the classes being hosted by 2 of my absolute favorite specialty stores! PotteryBarn Spring Decorating Class Call your local store for details - Cost: FREE! SUNDAY, JANUARY 20: Learn tips on updating and accessorizing your home. Class time is limited, so be sure to call your local store for class times and to reserve your space. Cooking Classes at Williams- Sonoma Bridgewater Commons Mall, NJ - All Classes 7pm to 9pm - Cost: $55 per class WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 30 - Bowl Game Party: Host a party for the big game this year. We gu

For those who have already walked down the aisle ... this one's for you, courtesy of WeddingWire.

Need wedding cake ideas? Wondering if your style is whimsical, modern or rustic? Thinking about incorporating seasonal accents? Want to highlight your hometown or favorite location? Fabric or floral motif on the brain? Well, herein lies a treasury of inspiration! (available at most book stores, including Barnes & Noble )

Just for laughs ... an oldie but goodie. ENJOY!

I first started to notice this such number sequence craze with 4-4-04. And last year ... well ... let's just say the number 7 seemed to be lucky for just about everyone: July 7, 2007 fell on a Saturday and the rest is literally HISTORY. So, here we are 6 days into 2008 and Friday, August 8 th continues to generate lots of buzz in the wedding industry. Why? The date has a pretty nice ring to it. It's set to be really popular for Chinese weddings (since eight is considered the most fortuitous of numbers within that culture) and it is the chosen date for the start of the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games (no coincidence). It falls on a Friday ... though not optimal for most engaged couples (Saturday is still the prime choice for weddings), still attractive nonetheless because of the possibilities for great themes and deals via automatic lower prices for Friday night weddings. Turn the number 8 on it's side and you get the infinity symbol = FOREVER, NEVER ENDING, UNTIL THE END OF TIM

While thumbing through my wedding magazines and blogs for the day, I came across this post over at Delight Your Senses , who actually referenced the original author from Planning...Forever . I was really happy to see this, because many brides confuse the coordinators at their chosen venue with professional event planners or consultants. One is not a substitute for the other and they do not cancel each other out. I think this puts everything into perspective quite well ... easy as 1, 2, 3. 1. On-Site Coordinators are responsible for the venue. Their alliance and most important concern is the venue. The venue pays their salary. A professional wedding planner is responsible and accountable to services requested by you. She/He is a third party, an advocate and the director of your vendors and your wishes. 2. On-Site Coordinators may have limited vendor referrals. Most of them will have a source of vendors that they love to use at their facility. Because this DJ doesn't scratch their fl

Three offbeat finds ... for the non-traditional couple: Not Your Ordinary Topper Especially for the think outside-the-box bride and groom, GaugeNYC crafts letter and word sculptures to top the most glamorous of cakes! Using common materials such as aluminum, brass and sterling silver, these shining pieces leave lifelong impressions. Custom designs are also available by request. Will You Be My Bridesmaid? This set of 6 vividly colored cards offer a touching and stand-out way to ask your best gals to stand up for you at your wedding. Each also comes with matching bracelets. Conveniently available for purchase through AdvantageBridal.com . Thanks For Making The Trip What a cute and affordable way to thank guests for attending your destination wedding?! These Luggage Favor Compartments are just too clever. After all, there's no etiquette book that says you must package favors in pastel colored, ribbon wrapped boxes with your monogram attached. Just fill these up with

What's summer without ice cream? With that said, consider this delightful DIY confection as a charming addition to your bridal shower or bridesmaid tea: Ice Cream Cone-Shaped Cupcakes! Design them according to your color palette ... arrange them as centerpieces ... gift them as favors. You can't go wrong. This one's sure to be a hit no matter what. Cake pan available at JCPenney .com .

Note: If you haven't noticed already, I'm on a fitness kick ;-) To my husband's surprise, about 3 weeks before Christmas, I decided I wanted a Nintendo Wii. He was shocked, as were others who pretty much know I'm not really into video games. Nevertheless, once I played a few rounds of Wii Sports on a whim one day, I was hooked. While attempting to surprise me with a Wii for Christmas, my husband quickly found that it was one of the hottest and hardest gifts to find. Just when it seemed all hope was gone, he was able to "strategically" secure one, and not for a trumped up eBay price, but for it's retail $250 price tag. (Yea Babe!) Wii Sports , the game collection that comes with the console, is great because you can bowl, play golf, tennis and baseball, even box. It's lots of fun, it's interactive and it raises your heart-rate ... hence, a good source of exercise! So, I was not too surprised when I heard Wii Fit would be hitting North America soo

How cute is Juicy Couture 's NEW Honeymoon Travel Case?! Reasonable excuses to buy: Great gift Fashionable find Permissible purchase Peace, Love, and Juicy!

For many brides-to-be and Americans overall, lose weight is the #1 New Year's resolution! Few succeed in keeping their resolutions, nevertheless when planning a wedding and deciding to lose weight or change eating habits, it's something you'll want to really try to commit to. Easy tools that help keep you motivated and organized are crucial. About 3 years ago I was introduced to FitDay , a great online weight loss tool which is really very intuitive. For those of you who have already heard of FitDay , you've discovered how helpful it can be in your quest to lose weight and eat healthier altogether by offering a FREE diet and weight loss journal through which you're able to track your foods, exercises, weight loss and even nutritional goals. For example, if you've decided you need to monitor your calcium or cholesterol intake, this can help you keep track of how well you're taking care of your bones in addition to how healthy you're keeping your heart by