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

Just this passed Sunday, my twins were dedicated at church in an intimate and loving ceremony.  Many of our friends and family joined to witness this important milestone; some even traveled from out of state.  We celebrated afterward with a big family-style dinner at one of our favorite restaurants, Boulevard Five72 , where the babies were honored with many cards and gifts.  It was truly wonderful. Although the dedication didn't require the same preparation and attention a wedding would, dressing my little angels for the occasion took some effort.  Since my babies are a year old and walking, I found myself rubbing elbows with brides who were shopping for their flower girls and ring bearers ... all attempting to find the perfect ensemble.  After all, flower petals & rings are very important things!  But when it was all said and done, I found the most superb pieces that matched what I'd envisioned since they were born (pictured below). Now, tak...

As in fashion (sans the reality show, Project Runway), also for weddings one day you're in ... and the next day you're out .  WeddingChannel.com , the number-one wedding and gift registry website, has created a list of wedding details not to skip during wedding planning this year.  Some of Hollywood’s top A-listers like Katie Holmes, Ben Affleck, Jennifer Aniston, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Katherine Heigl, Jim Carrey and Billy Joel, gave an insider’s look at what’s in (and out) for 2012.  Take a look: Wedding Dress In: Coy coverage Out: Dare-to-bare necklines Although designers have been creating dresses with sleeves for years, Kate Middleton has brought the trend mainstream. Don’t consider long sleeves your only option. Think: capelets, illusion sleeves, sheer backs and even a bolero for a demure wedding day look that’s all your own. “Every bride wants a gown and wedding that is uniquely ‘theirs,’” says Randy Fenoli, star of TLC’s Say Ye...

Thankfully videography/cinematography is regaining it's strength and popularity among brides and grooms.  As I always say, there's nothing like a MOTION PICTURE, and the trend of using video for save-the-date communication is growing leaps and bounds.  After all, unlikely someone in receipt of an ultra-modern video reminder will forget to make note of your upcoming nuptials.  You just can't throw something like this aside in a pile of bills. Brides and Grooms, you can contact your favorite cinematographer OR even grab your FlipVideo camera and create your own little masterpiece.  It's all up to you.  The best thing about any finished product is that it will be a living, breathing reflection of your love and the amazing new life you're soon to embark upon. Check out a few of our all-time favorites: - - - - - - - - - - by Rashana Anderson Founder & Managing Director, THE BRIDAL PARTY

WeddingWire , the nation’s leading wedding technology company, announced earlier The Bridal Party is a winner of a 2012 Bride’s Choice Award™!  This award recognizes the top 5 percent of local wedding professionals from the WeddingWire Network who demonstrate excellence in quality, service and professionalism. The Bride’s Choice Awards™ are determined exclusively by recent newlyweds (brides and grooms) through extensive surveys and reviews, which means our past clients have spoken on our behalf and selected us to receive this honor.  This is our 3rd time receiving this award (having won the 2009 Bride's Choice Award and 2010 Bride's Choice Award ) and we THANK YOU so very much! - - - - - - - - - - by Rashana Anderson Founder & Managing Director, THE BRIDAL PARTY