TOO CUTE...FOR WORDS!

In one of my fits of click the other day, I happened on these adorable cookies. Whether you want to say thanks to your wedding party, show off your new monogram at the wedding or give your out of town guests a sunny welcome to your city, these little wonders are a perfect way to do it. There are many more cookies on http://www.rollingpinproductions.com/. Even the name is so cute!

WIRED Q AND A...QUESTIONS PLEASE!

Calling all confused, stressed and otherwise "in the weeds" brides! Please send me your questions which I will be compiling for a Q and A at the Wired 96.5 Bridal Event on April 20. I will post answers to your questions, as well. But, if you are in the Philadelphia area, or can be on April 20, I will be answering questions as part of a presentation and Wired will be giving away a wedding! You might be the lucky bride if you are there! So, ask away and get your tickets to the show. Details begin on the radio on Monday. Listen and see how to enter for your chance to win. Keep reading for the next few weeks as I post more details about the show and vendors that will be there. Good luck everyone! I am waiting to hear from all of you.

I WOULD LIKE TO ANNOUNCE...!

A special deal for brides who need engagement, wedding or save the date announcements until August. Contact Announcements Galore and use this code : AFFAIRS15.

Today, I was approached by Dawn at Announcements Galore about her adorable business. I thought you would like to know about their services for save the dates, invitations and wedding announcements, like this one here. Your photos are the focus of these cute creations and it is all up to you what they look like! Take a look and mention where you saw them and Dawn will give you a gift. Thanks, Dawn, for letting me in on your little secret!! Love it!

MAKE IT OFFICIAL

I am often asked about where to go and what you need for a marriage license. I have also had to find a ketubah or a Quaker marriage certificate for a bride. So, here is some helpful information for Philadelphia brides. In addition to the web sites noted for the examples here, also try http://www.newketubah.com/ and http://www.calligraphica.com/ for more beautiful ideas. It is a nice idea to use your Quaker marriage certificate as a guest book. This way, all of your guests feel they are part of your ceremony. Of course, either thing is a perfect decorative addition to your home. Now, for more practical information. What you need for a marriage license:

• Both parties must apply for their license in person.
• The couple must wait three days before they can marry.
• The license remains valid for 60 days.
• The license can be used in any county in Pennsylvania, but cannot be used out of state.

What to Bring
• Identification: Both parties must present a current, valid photo I.D. such as a driver's license, passport, military I.D., resident alien card or consulate card as well as a Social Security card or any other form of I.D. issued by an official entiry which reflects the applicant's Social Security number.
• Proof of Prior Marriage Dissolution: A widowed applicant must submit a certified copy of the death certificate of the deceased spouse. A divorced applicant must provide a certified copy of the most recent divorce decree.
• Money: The cost of a marriage license is $50 (additional fees may apply), in the form of cash or money order. Checks and credit cards are not accepted.

Where to Go
PHILADELPHIAMarriage License BureauRoom 415 City HallPhiladelphia, PA 19107(215) 686-2233M-F 8:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Following is a partial list of other marriage-license offices in Pennsylvania. Call your town or city clerk's office if it is not listed here. Most offices are open Monday through Friday excluding holidays; hours vary slightly.
MONTGOMERY COUNTYTel: 610/278-3000Main & Swede StreetsNorristownM-F 8:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.Fee: $40 cash only
BUCKS COUNTYTel: 215/348-6272Main & Court Streets, 3rd FloorDoylestown or local District CourtsM-F 8:00 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.Fee: at Courthouse, $50 cash only; at District Courts, $52 money order
DELAWARE COUNTYTel: 610/891-4404Front and Veteran SquareMediaM-F 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.Fee: $50 cash only
LEHIGH COUNTYTel: 610/782-31735th & Hamilton StreetsAllentownM-F 8 a.m. to 3:45 p.m.Fee: $35 cash only
NORHTHAMPTON COUNTYTel: 610/559-3776Government Ctr., 669 Washington Street, Rm. 107EastonM-F 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.Fee: $35 cash only
MONROE COUNTY570/420-3710N. 7th & Monroe StreetsStroudsburgM-F 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.Fee: $30 cash or money order

"SOLEFUL" BLING

Is this clever or what?! A little bling, a little blue and your new initials and wedding date on your bridal shoes! The bling is as simple as going to the craft store for the beads and the glue. And, it makes a great photo for your wedding album.
I love the idea!!

INITIALLY, IT'S BLUE

Here are some beautiful, blue ways to incorporate your new initials into your wedding decor. Little cakes with your monogram can be a nice touch on the dessert table. Monogrammed ribbon to tie your programs. And, how about monogrammed water bottles in the out of town gift bags? Thanks to Martha Stewart for more ways to flaunt your new name and to have your "something blue" somewhere besides your thigh!

HAPPY EASTER! HAPPY SPRING! HAPPY LIFE!!

Leave it to Martha Stewart to have such happy images for spring! Not only are these goodies perfect for your Easter table, but also for your bridal shower (hint! hint!). And, the bouquets are so beautiful and scream SPRING! Good luck to all of you spring brides out there!

I'VE BEEN INVITED...!

I have been invited to be a guest blogger on Elizabeth Anne Designs blog! It was so much fun doing my series of post and I had a hard time stopping. So many wonderful things to tell their readers about Philadelphia and my favorite weddings! Thanks, Rebekah and Ami! I loved being a part of your wonderful blog!

WHAT'S NEW?

She has been around for a long time and has always produced beautiful work, but Nancy Saam has a new website and you will be so glad you visited! Nancy brings delicate and dreamlike perfection to all of her creations. Check out the new site and see why she is one of the best around!

GRACE THIS STAGE!

Attention Philadelphia brides! Last week I discovered a diamond in the rough! The theater and adjoining hall at Old Academy Players is a reasonable and unique venue for your wedding. Get married on the stage that Grace Kelly got her start on and then walk across the lawn to this little hall with 2 brick walls and lots of windows. It only holds about 100 people, but it is charming!! Use your imagination and step back in time to be a princess for a day! Great for a DIY bride with a budget! Imagine the possibilities.

A ROSE IS NOW A ROSENTHAL?

Knowing how to and remembering all the places you need to change your name can be a daunting experience. So, now there is a website just for that purpose! http://www.missnowmrs.com/ is the perfect place to make sure you have changed your name in all the right places- and you can do it safely and securely. What a great tool for every new bride!

I'M GOING TO BE WIRED!

I am so excited! I have been asked to participate in a bridal event for radio station Wired 96.5 in Philadelphia. It is being held at the Harrah's Casino in Chester, Delaware County in April. I will be giving a presentation before the fashion show and I will be helping with the wedding of the lucky couple chosen as the winners of the wedding giveaway. Stay tuned for more details and photos of the show!