NEW LOGO!!!

Hey everyone,

So here is my new logo and I'm so excited because I can now brand everything! Thanks to my wonderful graphic designer and friend Joi L. Howard I have a fresh new look to add to my website, marketing materials, and business cards. I'm looking forward to my business cards being printed and I'm looking for a web designer. If anyone knows of a good one, please let me know ;)

Hope you like!

New Reality TV Series - Wedding Day

TNT's new reality wedding show premiered on Tuesday June 16th. It was an emotional roller coaster for me because of the story that was depicted of a young couple in love.

Four days before their 2007 wedding, the bride-to-be was rushed to the hospital due to a near fatal car accident that she was involved in. Her fiance' rushed to her bedside and sat with her while she was in a coma, and fighting for her life. Her survival rate was slim to none and it was a sad and terrifying experience for the young couple. However, her hubby to be supported her through the long road to recovery.

TNT's new show gives couples that have overcome major obstacles on their way down the aisle the wedding of their dreams and more. Hosts Diann Valentine (celebrity wedding planner) and Alan Dunn (celebrity event planner and food expert) both work together to create an amazing, and unforgettable experience for each deserving couple.

For more info, CLICK HERE.

I absolutely loved this show, from the touching young couple's story to seeing them at the altar, it was truly a wonderful end to my evening. So where will you find me on Thursdays at 8/7 c? I'll be curled up on my couch with my favorite blanket and some popcorn watching TNT's new series "Wedding Day." If you're looking for something that makes you feel warm and fuzzy... I suggest you do the same ;)

Thoughts on the show??? I would love to hear from you...

Did someone say PHOTOGRAPHER???

Choosing the right photographer can be quite a task. Of course you will want to select someone that will be able to capture the moments that you will cherish for a lifetime with that unique artistic flair that you are looking for. I have come across a couple of excellent photographers and I would love to share their information with you! These photographers are AWESOME and produce top-notch photographs. Many of them offer wedding packages and some also do engagement sessions and more. Check out their sites and info below and please let them know that I sent you ;)


Open Air Photography
by Katie Stoops
http://www.youropenair.com/

Images by Kenya
Kenya Gibson
http://www.imagesbykenya.com/

Christina Smith Photography
http://www.christinasmithphotography.com/

Aaron Spicer Photography
http://www.aaronspicer.com/

Check them out! Have FUN :)

Bridal Wars - Choosing your Bridal Party

This is something that everyone seems to have planned out at the exact moment that they are engaged. Not so fast. These people are not just a set of nice looking people that will be standing next to you on your special day, these are people that you know are your true friends and that will be there to support you in the years to come. It's not always an easy task. Curly Sue from kindergarten will think, "Oh I know I'm in the bridal party!" and Handsome Joe will say, "Of course I'm the best man right?!?!" Although this may seem like a light task, it is actually something that you will want to put a lot of thought into before asking and making your final decisions.

Being a bridesmaid or groomsmen is more than just standing at the altar on the day of the wedding. It's about friendship, support and a mutual understanding between you and the couple that you will be there. Not just on that day but in the years to come. Don't get me wrong...your job is also to make sure that the bride and groom stay sane throughout the entire planning process but it is not as simple a task as most people make it out to be.

With some bridal parties there is definitely tons of drama and that is why it is important to re-evaluate who exactly is worthy of standing next to you on one of the most important days of your life.

Think about it...it could save you lots of stress in the long run!

Happy Planning!

What Marriage Is Really About

Here is a funny joke that was sent to me from a wonderful friend. I wanted to share this because I feel that during wedding planning it is important to take time to release and have fun ;) So here's to enjoying the often stressful process. Happy Planning!

This is what marriage is really all about . . . . ...

He ordered one hamburger, one order of French fries and one drink. The old man unwrapped the plain hamburger and carefully cut it in half.. He placed one half in front of his wife. He then carefully counted out the French fries, dividing them into two piles and neatly placed one pile in front of his wife.

He took a sip of the drink, his wife took a sip and then set the cup down between them. As he began to eat his few bites of hamburger, the people around them kept looking over and whispering. You could tell they were thinking, 'That poor old couple - all they can afford is one meal for the two of them.'

As the man began to eat his fries a young man came to the table. He politely offered to buy another meal for the old couple. The old man said they were just fine - They were used to sharing everything.

The surrounding people noticed the little old lady hadn't eaten a bite. She sat there watching her husband eat and occasionally taking turns sipping the drink.

Again the young man came over and begged them to let him buy another meal for them.. This time the old woman said 'No, thank you, we are used to sharing everything.'

As the old man finished and was wiping his face neatly with the napkin, the young man again came over to the little old lady who had yet to eat a single bite of food and asked 'What is it you're waiting for?'

She answered . . .



'THE TEETH.'

Wedding Budget 101

Tips on Determining Your Budget

Sitting down and determining a budget can save you from many headaches, impractical plans and unnecessary debt. Laying out the blueprints for how much you (and your parents if applicable) can afford will help to make the planning process less stressful and keep you in tune with your spending. Whether you are planning a small wedding of immediate family or a large wedding with 300 guests you will want to make sure that your budget includes all the expenses that you expect to incur.

Think about your vision, what is most important to you and what you can do without. What resources, tools and arrangements will you be able to make on your own and provide for yourself? Does your Aunt own a bakery and would she be willing to do your cake as a wedding gift? What things will you most definitely need to purchase for your special day? Are photographs the most important to you and are you willing to splurge on an awesome photographer? Make sure to consider these questions when mapping out your budget as they will have an effect on how and exactly where your money is spent.

Be sure to start with an exact dollar amount that you and your significant other believe that you can spend on your wedding.
Before picking a venue and before committing or signing any contracts for services, be sure to establish and allotment of funds for each element. Consider the costs for each vendor/venue to ensure that you are in alignment with your budget --i.e. marriage license fees, wedding attire, food & beverage costs, attendant accommodations etc.

Place a value on your wedding day elements.
Know exactly what you want and what you are willing to pay in order to get what you want. If you are offered a package that gives you a lot of wedding day extras that you are not interested in then, you are not getting the best "bang for your buck." You want to satisfy your expectations of quality and service by getting exactly what you are willing to pay for. Research multiple options and give yourself plenty of time to compare prices and offerings. This will allow you to maximize your budget while also being economical.

Be thorough when preparing your budget.
Being thorough allows you the opportunity to see just how much you will be spending. It will paint a more realistic image in your mind and will minimize the possibility of under budgeting or overspending. You will want to determine what costs will be mandatory and which costs are not that necessary. Remember that most mandatory costs are also adjustable. While you may have budgeted $1000 for your wedding dress you may end up only spending $750. That means that you saved $250. These allocated funds could possibly be used toward another element or as a cushion for other miscellaneous expenses. Whatever you decide!

Most importantly, remember that you don't have to go into poor house to have a fabulous and memorable wedding. It is all about being realistic, researching and having a plan. If you keep this in mind the variations and possibilities are endless!

Below you can find a general list of wedding day elements to include when sitting down to plan your budget. Happy Planning...

Attendants Accommodations
Bridesmaids' Luncheon
Ceremony Venue
Officiants' Fee
Organist/Pianist Fee
Vocalist Fee
Instrumentalist Fee
Flowers for Ceremony
Flowers for Reception
Bridal Bouquet
Flowers for Bridal Attendants
Corsages
Boutonnieres
Bridesmaids' Gifts
Groomsmen's Gifts
Bride's Gift for Groom
Groom's Gift for Bride
Parent's Gifts
Attendants' Gifts
Honeymoon Costs
Save the Date
Invitation Stationary
Invitation Printing
Invitation Postage
Calligraphy
Ceremony Program
Favors
Marriage License
Health/Physical and Blood Test Fees (if applicable)
Music for reception (Band, DJ or Both)
Photographer
Videographer
Reception Venue
Food & Beverage Costs (per person) **this will most likely be your most costly expense
Tips, Tax & Gratuity
Cake
Transportation
Parking Fees for guests
Bridal Gown
Bridal Accessories (jewelery, headpiece, shoes, lingerie)
Groom's Tux
Rings (Bride & Groom)
Beauty Costs (makeup, hair, nails)
Wedding Consultant Fees
Miscellaneous Fees

This is a general list in order to help you start thinking about what to include when planning your budget. You can also find helpful tools such as the budgeting tools on The Knot or on Wedding Wire. Click the links for more information.

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The Cloisters Offers Relief

The recent decline in the economy has taken a toll on many but there are still glimmers of hope shining through. Don't have enough money for the caterer right now? Thinking of postponing that summer wedding for next spring? Well the ever popular wedding venue the Cloisters (Baltimore County, MD) has put together a dazziling package deal to help brides and grooms continue with their plans amidst the struggling economy.

Check out their recent posting courtesy of Baltimore Office of Promotion & The Arts.














THE CLOISTERS OFFERS ELOPEMENT PACKAGE
Planning a wedding in tough economic times has just gotten a lot easier. The Cloisters offers an inexpensive elopement package in a beautiful castle and wooded setting.

http://www.cloisterscastle.com/

Pre-Marital Fritz

Recently, people have asked about suggestions for premarital counseling. I know that sometimes we can get so wound up in the hoopla of planning our one special day that we forget to focus on the marriage and trust me great marriages don't just fall out of the sky. The commitment and time that it takes requires a lot of hard work.

Of course, when one decides to get married they think about forever. "I will be with this person forever." "I will wake up every morning next to this person forever." "I will have to deal with this person leaving a Hansel and Gretel trail of their socks all over the bedroom floor and leaving the dishes in the sink...forever." ;)

Being committed to one person for the rest of your life is a challenge. It is a GOOD challenge but it is a challenge. This is because you are two totally different people and personalities under one roof. No matter how much you may have in common and no matter how great you think your relationship may be there is always room for learning!

Most times your church or officiant may have a premarital program that you can enroll in.

Here are a few helpful websites, counselors and books that serve as excellent tools.

Website:
This website is one of my favorites! My friend and I visit often for helpful tips, articles, seminars and to improve our relationships with our husbands. I highly recommend this site.

Family Life
Offers conferences, seminars, resources and tools for healthy relationships and marriages.

Counselors:
If you live in the DC Metro Area, here are a few counselors that can help you with your premarital counseling sessions.

Joseph W James, Ph.D.
Washingon D.C. Area Psychologist

4400 East West HIghway

Suite 712

Bethesda, MD 20814

301.657.1144

Christine Alvarez, M.A.
16010 Annapolis Road
Bowie, MD 20715
Phone: 301-262-2270

Dr. Stephanie
Chrysalis for Families
14440 Cherry Lane Court
Suite 218
Laurel, MD 20707

Books:
And last but not least, some great reading materials.

Making Love Last Forever
by Gary Smalley

A Handbook for Engaged Couples: A Communication Tool for Those About to Be Married
by Alice Fryling and Robert Fryling

Before You Say "I Do": A Marriage Preparation Manual for Couples
by H. Norman Wright and Wes Roberts

Good luck and hope this helps!

Selecting a Date for Your Wedding

The date that you choose for your wedding can set the tone for the type of wedding you will have and make a difference in your wedding budget. There are many differences in prices when deciding on the time of year that you want to get married. For instance, if you decide to get married during "peak wedding season" then you will be paying a higher price for your venue.

Do you want to get married during a time when it will be more expensive or would you rather marry when the prices are much lower?

Peak wedding months are May through September and the prices for most venues are often elevated during these times. If you are looking to save a little then this is one factor that you may want to consider when choosing the perfect wedding date. Think about it this way, another perk to staying away from "peak wedding season" is that you will not have to compete with other friends and family members that may to want have their weddings on the same day.

What to do before you "I DO"

Now that you have said yes, here comes the stress! Or maybe not. Here are some helpful tips for newly engaged couples.

1. Get Organized

This is something that many couples fail to start with. Getting organized is Step #1.

(After taking sometime to enjoy being engaged of course but not too much time!)

Set a date, decide how many guests you will invite, set a budget, pick a venue and start moving forward. There is so much to do that there will be times when you will just want to run to the nearest Justice of the Peace. Not to worry, everything will be fine - keep your planning stress-free by getting organized. Whether you decide that you are not getting married for 11 months or if you decide that your wedding is going to be in 3 weeks, time is of the essence. So once you have decided that you will soon be saying "I DO" figure out "HOW TO".

2. Get Glamorous

Yes, that right brides! Look for that one in a million, "I look gorgeous and I don't want to take it off" dress. Start your search by looking for gowns that are flattering to your figure and that express your personality and style. You will want to browse the internet, look through magazines and set up a few appointments to go to a couple boutiques to try them on.

(Helpful Tip: It may be a good idea to only take a couple close friends or your mom as you will want someone that will give you their honest opinion.)

Remember that this day is about you and you want to feel comfortable in what you are wearing while looking absolutely stunning at the same time. Also, try a dress that you maybe wouldn't necessarily pick off the rack, it just may be the one or it may help you make your decision. Have fun, and trust me you will know when it's the ONE!

3. Get In Tune with your Vision

Maybe you have known all your life that you wanted to get married in a castle carrying pink roses being driven away in a horse drawn carriage. Or maybe you just know what you like and haven't really thought about what you want. Either way, sit down and talk with your future hubby and outline what is most important to each of you. Is it really important to you have your wedding ceremony in a church? Does your significant other really want to have a live band and the reception? Are photographs really important to the both of you? This will help you when creating your budget and also in determining the design elements for your special day. You will want a day that expresses your unique individuality as well as your oneness as a couple. Talk to each other, decide what is most important go from there.

4. GUEST LIST!!

Will your wedding be large, small or somewhere in between? Decide how many guests you will invite to share in your special day and witness your upcoming nuptials. This is key when researching venues for your ceremony and reception. You will want a space that can accommodate your guest comfortably and that fits your vision and style. So get a pen and paper start jotting down those names that you don't want to forget. Check out the guest list manager on The Knot.

**Brides and Grooms BEWARE: this is the number one reason that couples argue during the wedding planning process...it's practically normal. Almost every couple will have a little tussle or a heavy weight battle over who and who not to invite. "And this too shall pass."**

5. Get A Venue

Securing a venue should also be one of your top priorities once you are engaged. Depending on the time of year that you want to get married and how high in demand your selected venue is will determine just how much time you have to book it. Do some research. Find out if the space can accommodate the number of guests that will be attending. Check availability. Set up an initial walk-thru for you and your significant other. Ask for a proposal, suggested caterers list, guidelines and restrictions, payment schedule, refund policies, etc. You will want to know this before putting down a deposit and signing the contract. Be thorough when talking with the coordinator at the site. Once you have decided, BOOK IT! Put down your deposit to secure your wedding date and you're all set.

You've officially started the wedding planning process. Whew! Now that you've accomplished that you will see that everything else will just fall into place. Remember the first step to stress-free wedding planning is: GET ORGANIZED! Happy Planning...

Need help planning your special day? Weddings By K offers unique personalized wedding services for an unforgettable event.