SEASIDE SAVE THE DATES

Here's one for all of you Ben and Jerry's fans! A Save the Date made to mimic a Ben and Jerry's ice cream lid! How much fun is this to send out to announce your upcoming nuptials at the beach? This adorable little disk with lighthouses in the background is the perfect thing to set the tone for your seaside wedding!! I also like this simple and different invitation that carries the same color scheme and the feel of the sea-- and fun! You can find these little gems from Linda and Harriett's in stores and on line. It's a tiny company with some big ideas and some things I haven't seen anywhere else. It's worth checking into. Go to Linda and Harriett's site and find out where you can buy these in your city!

These cute little pins made from "mistakes" and hand constructed are a great little touch. Use them instead of a bow on your bridesmaids gifts, as a favor for a bridal shower or just for something fun to wear at your rehearsal dinner! What a great idea! Have fun shopping for Linda and Harriett's clever paper goodies!

TODD FRANCE PHOTOGRAPHY

The first time I got a photo from Todd I was blown away! I had never worked with him, but he sent me some samples and a price list. I could not wait to see more. His style is very personal and his photos are stunning. You can tell how much fun these couples are having with him. Finding a photographer takes more than just looking at great pictures. There are plenty of great talents out there who know how to take those. Finding a photographer that you "click" with is just as important. In Todd, you will find both!

Photos Courtesy of Todd France Photography

DO ME A FAVOR

To do favors or not to do favors? If you are asking yourself this question and tired of the same old favor ideas that no one really wants, then check out Products With Personality. These favors are so cute and you are sure to find a favor that fits your wedding theme. I chose these three favors to showcase some of the clever ways you can show your guests you thought about them on your wedding day. Butterflies that dress up your tables are also filled with wildflower seeds for your guests to take home and scatter in the yard. Or, these little lanterns, perfect for an outdoor wedding. You can bring light to the evenng and your guests can enjoy them all summer on the patio.

If you are planning an eco- friendly wedding, try these, and many others, that will be a lasting and lovely memory for your guests. I love these little boxes. They are organic and can be filled with anything- organic or otherwise! Another idea for seeds are these personalized bags of seeds.

Whatever your wedding theme, you will have plenty of ideas to choose from at PWP! It's a great place to go "surfing" for ideas! Thanks to Sarah for turning me on to this site and for sharing this wonderful little company!

THE STRINGS OF A GUITAR

No one can say it better than Christopher Dunn- so here is his bio direct from his website:

"A native of Maryland, United States, Christopher Dunn received his Bachelors of Music, Masters of Music and Graduate Performance Diploma from Peabody Conservatory. Mr. Dunn was a recipient of the Peabody Merit Award and Howard County Arts Scholarship during his studies with Julian Gray, Ray Chester and Manuel Barrueco at the conservatory.
Mr. Dunn is owner/president of Classical Guitar Ceremonies Inc. performing for up to 175 clients annually providing music for Maryland, Washington DC, Virginia, Pennsylvania and Delaware. Clients have included private clientele, state politicians, senators, diplomats, and Fortune 200 companies. Mr.Dunn's company was featured in "The Knot" 2008 Real Weddings.
As a founding member of the Aurora Guitar Quartet, recent concerts seasons have included concerts in United States, Costa Rica and Japan. The quartet will be performing in Canada, Europe and the United States in 2008-09 and is releasing a new Latin American CD spring of 2008. Mr.Dunn also performs as a soloist and in the The Dunn- Stornant Duo with flautist Rachel Stornant. In 2003 Dunn performed Vivaldi's A Major concerto in Costa Rica with the Sinfonica Independencia Orchestra. In addition to classical performances, Mr Dunn performs as a studio musician for popular music groups/song writers and is part of a new mix media electronic group in Baltimore with poet Stephen Reichert."

I love his sound and he is cute too! His selections are not the usual wedding music, but a lovely collection of unique and lilting melodies. Please check out his website, listen to beautiful music and find out more about Christopher and his guitar.

Photos and Bio courtesy of Christopher Dunn

GET MARRIED WITH COLIN COWIE

Let Colin Cowie help you design a perfect wedding on a budget! Tune in to Get Married every day for tips on everything from dresses to honeymoons. Learn from the experts how to have a dream wedding without breaking the bank! Here's a clip from one of the episodes on budgets and perfect weddings:

Get Married is on every weekday at 7:30 AM on Lifetime. It's worth getting up for!!

Another great resource for you budget savvy brides is the Get Married website and Blogger Brides. Here you will find tips, advice from experts, other brides, blogs and more. Go shopping from the wonderful list of sponsors or check out the star bloggers and their blog posts. You can build a wedding website, keep track of that budget, your registry and what you still need to do. So, visit my friends at Get Married and watch the show. You will definitely have a picture perfect day!!

MY LITTLE ANGEL

A little while back I wrote about my little granddaughter and the horrible wrenching of my heart because of my daughter's actions. I wanted to take a break from the bridal world to update you and introduce you to my little angel- my heart! She is the best thing ever to happen to me and she is a wonderful and bright child- funny, creative and a joy to know! Her little world is in upheaval right now, but I am working with the court system and her school to try make things a little easier for her. Ailish is 5 and in kindergarten. She is reading, she loves to count and she has an imagination that won't quit! Enjoy the photos!!

WINTER FUN- Snow angels and my first time ice skating

SLEEPOVERS AT NANNY'S- I love to cuddle with Nanny

BAKING VALENTINES- I love to help Nanny cook and I have my own apron















MY FIRST HAIRCUT- after I tried to do it myself!














MR PHILLIP AND I BACKSTAGE AT THE NUTCRACKER-I LOVE the ballet

A HONEYMOON ADVENTURE

There's a new trend in wedding registries- well, maybe not so new, that seems to me a great idea for many couples. Many of you are already established with a home and don't want to go to your favorite department store and walk through trying to figure out what to put on a registry. So, start a honeymoon registry. This gives your guests the oppportunity to give you a gift that will will be more beneficial and make your honeymoon exciting- maybe with a few surprises.

This honeymoon adventure is one that is sure to please all of you who enjoy the water and the beach. Pura Vida Adventures has a honeymoon package that is the perfect blend of excitement, adventure and relaxation. Spend the day learning to ride the waves, taking yoga class and enjoying the beautiful beach. Then relax in your luxurious accommodations and enjoy exotic cuisine in the evening, topped off with a moonlight stroll on the beach. This resort is in Malpais, Costa Rico at the Hotel Tropico Latino. Here's what you get with the honeymoon package:

The revitalizing seven-day, six-night adventure combines surfing, yoga andrich cultural experiences, along with the expansive rainforest and stunningbeachfront locale, for a rich and fulfilling retreat.- Daily Surf Instruction (Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced)- Daily Relaxing Yoga Classes- Private Beachfront Villa and Bungalows at the Deluxe Hotel Tropico Latino
- One-Hour Beachfront Massage (with a full menu of spa amenities available)- All Meals (delectably fresh and inventive cuisine served at both the hotel's open air "Playa Boa" and the select local restaurants)- And more...

You can also plan your entire wedding with Pura Vida Adventures. If you are looking for the perfect Destination Wedding- here is one that will be sure to please everyone on your guest list. This honeymoon adventure is worth looking into!