COLIN'S LATEST BOOK

It's Here!! The latest book from famed wedding expert Colin Cowie is in stores now! With 1001 tips on how to make your wedding fairytale perfect, it is worth it just for the photos! In this book you will find tips on centerpieces, bouquets, ceremony and reception decor and how to bring your ethnicity into your wedding theme. This is what they are saying about the book:

"Full of the sophistication and elegance that only Colin could have envisioned, WEDDING CHIC takes the bride step by step, through all of the sumptuous details, describing choices and how to work her personal vision, family traditions and story of courtship into one incredible event."

About Colin:

Colin Cowie’s renowned parties have made him a favorite of Oprah Winfrey, Jerry Seinfeld, John Travolta, heads of state and royalty, and many others–and secured his place as one of the most sought-after wedding planners in the world. He appears regularly on the Ellen DeGeneres Show, Oprah Winfrey Show and The Early Show and is a frequent contributor to O Magazine, Brides, and People. Born in Zambia and raised in South Africa, he now resides in New York. Colin Cowie Lifestyle, his event-planning, interior design, and lifestyle company, is based in Los Angeles and New York.

So, get to the bookstore and get your copy while they are hot! This book is full of amazing photos and great ideas for any wedding!! Thanks to Jessica Ritt at Keri Levitt for the photo.

A SWEET LITTLE WEDDING

When Danea called me to help her with a small wedding for 50 people, I thought "what can I do to help her?" She had a venue picked out, but as we explored it we found the cost was prohibitive and full of hidden charges. So, I set about trying to find a perfect spot for Danea and Joseph to have a perfect day on a budget. When I saw The Joseph Ambler Inn, I was excited! Not only was it a beautiful place to get married, but Danea could custom desiign a wedding based on their budget. Wendi was wonderful to work with and very helpful in giving us ideas of what to do. As soon as Danea and Joseph saw the Inn, they were hooked! Joseph Ambler Inn has gorgeous grounds for a ceremony, several reception locations and accomodations for the wedding couple and the guests. The food is perfect and the charm of the property are unsurpassed. .






















































The next thing Danea needed help with was flowers. Again, with a small wedding on a small budget we had to be creative. Who better to call than Leslie at Whimsical Welcomes! Leslie always has great ideas and perfect product to make any bride happy! These are some of the wonderful flowers that Leslie has created- beautiful...Yes?!









We found cameras for the tables and decided to let the guests be the photographer. Candids from the guests in a beautiful book would be personal and fun. Danea and her aunt could make the invitations from a computer template. Danea was so easy to sork with because she was flexible, realistic and understood the limits of her budget. Her expectations never exceded her wallet and that is key to making a wedding on a budget look like the "sky's the limit"! Girls, decide what your priorities are, be realistic and hire a planner who can help you find the right fit for your budget and your dreams!

PARKLIFE PRESS

Parklife Press- a wonderful example of letterpress invitations. This little North Carolina company is based in North Carolina, but will work with you wherever you are! They are flexible, personal, can work quickly and are very affordable. They also use tree- free, acid- free cotton paper.
This is the latest design for Parklife- Quill. It is beautiful!














Other favorites of mine are Arboretum and Velvet Waltz.

There are several designs perfect for a "green" wedding. Orchard and Californian are examples of these. So, go to Parklife's site and look at all of the simple and elegant designs. They are unique and beautiful!

ENGAGEMENT ON ICE

Wouldn't it be wonderful to have him pop the question right here in the Big Apple?! Well, you can drop the hint by sending him the link to how at http://www.therinkatrockcenter.com/. Here are the details:

The cost of the Engagement on Ice package is $200 from Jan. 5 through April, all inclusive. Reservations are required and availability is limited. Call 212-332-7655 to schedule an Engagement on Ice, which includes: · Admission front-of-the-line access for two · Two skating passes · Skate rentals for two · Signature song played during or after the proposal (music provided by proposer) · The option to drop off a bouquet of flowers that can be skated out and presented to new fiancée · Private time on the ice for proposal and ‘victory lap’ · Champagne toast at rink-side restaurant Rock Center Café· For an additional $200, a three-course dinner for two is available at Rock Center Café. Window tables can be reserved.

If he didn't do it over the holidays, maybe this will inspire him! GOOD LUCK LADIES!!

photo courtesy of Stak Photography

A GRANDMOTHER'S PLEA

From the moment she was born and every day since, she has been my heart and my joy! Now, at 5, she has been taken from me, taken from her home, her stability, her toys, her life by my child, whom I also loved and nurtured and who gave me joy. Now, all I have is pain in my heart and fear of the future of not only my child ( at 32), but my precious grandchild. I am resolved to find a way back for this little jewel. She is smart beyond her years, she is funny and clever and loves to cuddle. For the last year, she has shared my bed, as she feels safe with me. There is no other human on the Earth that I love more. What can I do?! I must do something. If you know what or how I would appreciate knowing. I am lost and broken and devastated beyond words. I write this to you all as therapy and as explanation of my absense and with the hope that someone has something positive to offer. I must get back to my daily posts- again as therapy and because I miss all of you. I just have not had the strength to be creative. My creativity and my brides are what will keep me going and give me purpose to forge ahead every day. Please continue to read- as I will try to get back to reading. Thank you all for your patience, your loyalty and your wonderful feedback!