Details.....

The devil is in the details -- and during weddings the devil goes by the name " The Future Mrs. So and So".

Don't get married.....

...... if you can't afford the wedding!!!

If it is a year later and your very generous wedding planner is still after you for a final payment that she allowed to be paid after the wedding because all of your available funds were going to the actual costs of the wedding -- you should have just went to the courthouse.

I love this -- what a youthful, fun way to lighten up your wedding cake!!

Rainbow Sprinkle Wedding Cakes!!!

This is hysterical...... and a serious hint people.

Another GREAT article

http://shine.yahoo.com/love-sex/really-happens-wedding-night-152500339.html

Thought this was interesting enough to share.

http://shine.yahoo.com/love-sex/retro-marriage-trend-makes-a-comeback--for-better-or-worse-202655294.html

Wedding program - awesome idea

Now this is not my idea I saw it this morning in Huffington Post Weddings but thought it was too cool not to share! But let me warn you to clear this with your ceremony site first (especially if it is inside of a church) so you're not hit with a "surprise" cleaning fee.... But with that said here's the link - enjoy.
http://bit.ly/Saz8ve

Chapter One

Ok, really it's just the prologue but I am looking for some feedback so if you would like to read the first five pages of my book WEDDING PLANNERS ARE PEOPLE TOO: Stories of Chemo and Cake. Email me and I will send you a pdf to check it out.

Alcohol

Brides.... Most of you want to begin the celebration of your wedding day with a glass of champagne -- and for some of you as the ceremony draws near, have a couple to calm your nerves. But remember this, your adrenalin wears off as each wedding event is accomplished. If you drink too much before the ceremony as you calm down after arriving safely down the aisle you may have some difficulty getting through the first dance... It's ok to be nervous but not to be drunk.

Money!

Everyone is on a budget -- the only difference is the number.... There are many ways to hit the current trend within all budgets -- it just takes some vision, some creative financing and a great planner to make it happen. Paper products are super important and I believe the invitation sets the entire mood and theme of your wedding. Carry little pieces of that (a monogram, the font, colors, etc...) throughout your wedding and reception just make sure not to overdo it!

Big tall cake

If you want to add some height to your wedding cake but don't have that many guests to feed -- ask your bakery for fake (but decorated) styrofoam layers!! Just be sure your wedding planner or the catering captain knows which layer is fake so that you and your groom aren't trying to slice your first piece of cake together out of a piece of styrofoam!

Flowergirls and Ring Bearers!!

The secret to getting those children down the aisle is simple – use hot wheels or candy as a reward that they could pick up at the end of the walk. Immediate gratification works..... telling a 4 year old you're going to take them to Disneyland is not motivation -- again, immediate gratification. Period. I once had a child that was attached to his security blanket..... a bit like Linus. That was his reward, just use something they will make the journey for!!

Kristen and Bob

This wedding was at the amazing Piazza in the Village -- the chapel is lovely and the balcony above the courtyard is perfect for a dramatic bouquet toss. Photography -- Vim Studio, Flowers - April, May, June Designs, Music - Serenata Strings, Minister - Love Notes, Cake -- Meringue Bakery, DJ - Carpe Diem.

Best wedding favor advice ever!

Before you choose your wedding favors here's something to think about.
If you choose an edible favor you need to provide at least one per guest. However, if you choose to give an item - playing cards, coasters, etc... You really only need to give one per person because couples only take one.... And be aware that at some point your wedding memorabilia that bears your special date won't make the spring cleaning cut.

Someone asked me today why I stopped planning weddings.... They looked at my blog and -- well, that's kind of the point of my book; if you look at the end result, at the photographs, and see the beautiful wedding images, the smiling faces, happy brides -- it looks like everything was a dream come true. What the photos don't show is my chaotic journey to get each wedding completed -- the procrastination, the fights, the panic, I just couldn't take it or put my brides through it anymore.

Melissa and Dallas

This wedding was at the beautiful Lantana Lodge in Pilot Point, Texas -- it was perfect Spring weather for this outdoor wedding. Photography -- Hampton Morrow Photography, Flowers - April, May, June Designs, Minister - Love Notes, Cake -- Candy Haven, DJ - Lost Dog, Rentals from SEAT by Design.

Movie observation

I was definitely more the Penny type Wedding Planner than the Mary Fiore one......

Christine and Justen

This wedding was sooo much fun to work on -- the bride's dress is an original by Just for You Creations. The ceremony occurred outside at Coyote Ridge Golf Club and the reception was in the ballroom. Photography -- Vim Studio, Flowers - April, May, June Designs, Minister - Love Notes, Cake -- Delicious Cakes, DJ - Rip It Records and they had a photobooth from Create the Memories.

Weather advice

If you are planning an outdoor wedding -- don't do that unless you have done two things:
#1 Can live with the fact that it may become an indoor wedding no matter how much planning or praying you do.
#2 Really believe in #1.

The Book

Query letter is Done!! Book Proposal is being Tweaked!! Getting excited -- are you, or more importantly..... are you in it?