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

I originally posted this entry a year and a half ago and it continues to be one of the most popular...tons of views, 77 comments, etc.  And since I STILL get emails from these "prospective clients," I figured re-posting wouldn't be such a bad idea. Be careful. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Yesterday, I received my first wedding scam attempt (guess my latest marketing and advertising efforts are starting to work). I received an email from an "Irish" bride-to-be whose fiance was offered a job in the U.S. and needed help planning a small wedding in New Jersey. I vaguely remembered hearing of certain swindle attempts on wedding vendors (especially photographers and videographers), so my radar peaked immediately, however, I didn't jump to any conclusions right away. I responded to the email, drew up a preliminary proposal, quoted cost of service and submitted an invoice for payment. Nonetheless, when it became apparent that the bride-to-be and her French fia...

I'm working with a couple planning a mid-September wedding who've chosen to design their event around the theme "Garden Of Eden."  They've decided to ground the ambiance in sage green and soft brown.  To complement the greens and browns of their color scheme, the couple may consider infusing burgundy, whites and lots of candlelight.  Here's my first inspiration board for this couple's nuptials. GARDEN OF EDEN Credits (top, left to right): Real Flower Ring Pillow (photo courtesy of Style Me Pretty ); Groom in Brown Suit w/ Green boutonniere (photo courtesy of TheKnot ); Chocolate Colored Personalized Aisle Runner (photo courtesy of The Pissed Off Bride blog ); Bride w/ Bridesmaids wearing Sage Green gowns (photo courtesy of Jan Garcia Photography ); Courtyard Ceremony Space - The Imperia ; Delicate Green Fan Programs - Wedding Things ; Multi-Height Floral Arrangements wrapped in brown ribbon ( Elizabeth Bailey Floral and Event Design ); Celadon Draped S...

Filene's Basement that is... They're known for awesome bargains on almost everything, but nothing's more exciting than their annual Bridal Gown Events when brides-to-be can save hundreds, even thousands of dollars on designer wedding gowns. Rashana Anderson Founder & Managing Director, The Bridal Party

Treat yourself or your bridesmaids to candy lip savers, ice cream sugar scrubs, soda pop shower gel, candy butter cream and body smoothie lotion.  Where can you get all of this?  The answer - Dylan's Candy Bar !  That's right.  It's not just about gummy bears, lollipops and taffy anymore.  Ralph Lauren's daughter's candy shop has expanded into the world of beauty.  I can't wait to try the Birthday Cake Batter Body Smoothie Lotion (made of Shea Butter, Vitamins A & E, Aloe Vera Extract, Chamomile Extract and Jojoba Seed Oil). And before I forget, here's some nutritional info for you health nuts out there: Suggested servings per week – 100% unlimited. Gentle enough to use daily. In the shower or bath, massage onto moist skin. For extra polishing effect, exfoliate dry skin prior to bathing or showering. Rinse well and follow with Re-Treat™ Soda Pop Shower Gel for cleansing. After bath or shower, try Re-Treat™ body Lotion Smoothie or Re-Treat™ Candy Body...

Today's Weekly Wedding Eye-Candy features a gorgeous February wedding that took place in Florida, shot by Paul Johnson . The bride and groom met while attending film school and immediately after graduating produced an award-winning short film together. How artistic! Feast your eyes ... Rashana Anderson Founder & Managing Director, The Bridal Party

Monday night, I attended The Wedding Salon ...the much anticipated annual luxury wedding showcase, held at The Roosevelt Hotel in New York City. As always, there were several romantic fashion shows, jaw-dropping tablescapes, musicians, photographers and caterers in abundance. A fabulous show, indeed.  And I'm sure I may have crossed paths with a few of you while there, but since it was quite crowded, we'll just have to make plans to chit-chat another time.  For now, check out a few of my snapshots below. A couple of the gorgeous gowns on display and on the runway (side note...the first is the gown I chose for my cousin, Farrah - as soon as I saw it, I knew it was perfect for her) : Gorgeously adorned tables and place settings: Delectable dessert options, including the fabulous designs of Sylvia Weinstock herself! Awesome "living art" displays courtesy of TEN31 : And last but not least, my putting off purchasing "Colin Cowie Wedding Chic" finally paid ...

The winner of the Our Philosophy? GIVEAWAY is Jess DePiano ! Jess, please email us with the address you'd like your the bridal party collection by philosophy® to be mailed to. THANKS AGAIN to all participants. Rashana Anderson Founder & Managing Director, The Bridal Party

Attention After "Yes," Before "I Do" & Everything In Between blog readers...this is by far THEE wedding event to be sure to attend: The Wedding Salon! See Spectacular Table Décor, Jewels, Honeymoons, Invitations, Musicians, Photographers, Florists and More (including Sylvia Weinstock, Colin Cowie, Deborah Hurwitz of the Jersey Boys and David Tutera). Show date: Monday March 23, 2009 Show hours: 4pm to 9pm Venue: The Roosevelt Hotel Address: 45 East 45th Street - New York, NY 10017 Complimentary Tickets ($50 value, admits 2) are available now! Just visit www.WeddingSalon.com and use code MRFNY09C. Rashana Anderson Founder & Managing Director, The Bridal Party

Today's Weekly Wedding Eye-Candy features a recent wedding that took place in Colorado at Keystone Ranch, shot by Julie Harris .  Julie decided to "go au naturale with the light and be a journalist" since the ceremony was held at dusk and the light was constantly changing, but the results prove this to be a successful choice.  Beautiful gown, an abundance of design character...and the emotion of the day easily shines through.  Feast your eyes ...

Your After "Yes," Before "I Do" & Everything In Between archive reminder has arrived! Take a look back at what we were discussing one year ago. * Are You A Subscriber? (instructions for how to sign up for email notifications from After "Yes," Before "I Do" & Everything In Between ) * What's On Your Registry [2nd Edition] (five great registry picks) * Planning A Wedding... A Mental Challenge? (wedding commercial sure to yield a few laughs) * Eva et Tony's Parisian Invite (a closer look at Eva Longoria and Tony Parker's wedding invitation) * Inspiration Board: Crystal Ball Rashana Anderson Founder & Managing Director, The Bridal Party

We were thrilled to learn our Autumn Candlelight newlyweds, Shakira & Jason , were featured in this week's issue of JET Magazine .  The handsome couple, referred to as a "Prescription For Paradise," were acknowledged as follows: Jason Edward Ellington made the former Shakira Denise Nowell his wife at the Richfield Regency in Verona, N.J.  The bride is a graduate of Ramapo College of New Jersey.  She is a registered nurse in Englewood, N.J.  The groom is a graduate of DeVry University.  He is an operation manager in Newark, N.J. and also principal designers for a graphic design firm.  Riviera Maya, Mexico, is where the couple honeymooned. We worked diligently on this event from start to finish, to ensure it was a true reflection of the love this couple shares and we're very proud to see their union published.

Share your wedding on Weddingbook , from The Knot! Just last month, The Knot announced its acquisition of Weddingbook , the most popular wedding application on facebook and it's actually very cool. Weddingbook is outfitted with The Knot's essential wedding planning tools as well as the following features: Wedding Profile Box Wedding Countdown Clock Guest Book Local Vendor Info Wedding Party Organizer Guest List Tally Engagement Photo Slot Wedding Status ( The bride is ... ) Links to your wedding website and gift registry Message Boards  The Bridal Party is already a fan , so we'll see you there!

Don't forget to enter to win your very own the bridal party collection by philosophy (courtesy of The Bridal Party , of course ... no pun intended) All submissions must be entered by 11:59 P.M. EST Thursday, March 12. To enter... just post a comment to the original post ! To increase your chances: * Follow us on twitter (include your twitter name with your comment) * Become a fan of The Bridal Party on Facebook * Become a follower of this blog on NetworkedBlogs Giveaway rules : * Contest is open to U.S. residents only. * Everyone is welcome to participate: brides-to-be, past brides, bloggers, etc. * All submissions must be provided by 11:59 P.M. EST, March 12. * Winner will be announced on March 19. GOOD LUCK!

Today's Weekly Wedding Eye-Candy features another New York couple shot by Henry Chan . There seems to be something new to discover with each of Henry's shoots. I am certainly a huge fan! Feast your eyes ...