Getting To Know Your Planner: An Interview With Shelly

I was interviewed by Wedding Lovely last week.  This is a website provided to help you with your wedding planning, so, naturally, they interview a planner!

Take a look at how it went.

Getting To Know Your Planner

The Parties Before The Wedding: Bachelorette Party Ideas

It's time to get the girls together and have some fun, but you're not really sure what to do.  Sure, you could do the typical "bar-hopping", and maybe you will at some point, but why not make it more personal and fun {without the sick feeling in the morning}. 
Here are some fun ideas for you and the girls to have a fun and memorable time before the wedding.

• Find a rodeo and some country bars for some fun country dancing

• Head to the local spa for a day of pampering.  Mud baths, manicures, pedicures and finish it off with getting your hair done before you all head out to dinner.

• Spend a day out on the boat in the water.  Find an island, eat some yummy {yet healthy :)} food, drink some homemade lemonade, and play some water volleyball.

• Go on a canoe river trip or a rafting trip

• Put on your cowboy hats and boots and take the girls for a day of horse back riding on the trails.

• Rent a trolley and do a winery tour.  Make sure to eat along the way and drink a lot of water.

• Arrange your own "Pampering Party".  Make some cocktails, finger sandwiches and other delicious foods to munch on, play the bride's favorite movie in the background and mix up some DIY spa treatments. 

• Make up your own wine and cheese party.  Everyone should bring their favorite White and Red wines and some cheeses of different flavors, fruit, crackers/ bread, and of course, some chocolate.

• Organize a scavenger hunt around town.

• Do a cupcake baking class together.

• Go create some pottery.

• Spend the day out on the slopes.  Or, try something new, like rock climbing!

• Run a marathon then go out for some good food and celebration.

Watch later this week for some fun game ideas for your bachelorette party!

Theme Thursday: Blush Pink Romance

A new trend that I'm noticing in weddings this year so far is soft colors and very romantic.  This is an elegant, romantic board following through on the Blush Pink color. 

One of my favorite new finds {a perfect addition to this wedding} is the Pearl Paper Cone, from the David Tutera collection, found at www.koyalwholesale.com

Add some crystal garland for hanging and it is perfect for rose petals, confetti, rice, birdseed, or dried herbs.  Or, put it at your aisle seats and add a little floral for your ceremony. 

Leave a comment and tell us your wedding colors!

The Fit Bride: Simple In-Home Workout!

The hardest part of an exercise plan is getting started.  Try to use the motivation of looking great for your wedding day to get you going.  Once you have made that decision to get healthy it is best to have a plan to follow.  Below is a short in-home workout that will be effective and get you going in the right direction. 



Find a place in your house with enough room to move freely and dress in comfortable clothes.  The exercises are described below with pictures to help you with the form.  Try doing each exercise 10-20 times twice, with a one minute break in-between each one.  Keep moving to keep your heart rate up and burn the maximum amount of calories. 

Warm Up - Jumping Jacks (1-3 minutes)


Split Squat -  Wide split with weight staying on the front heal.  Drop down until your back knee almost touches the ground then return to start.  Keep your head and shoulders up to keep back straight.  Switch legs!


Standing Punches - Stand in an athletic stance with feet shoulder width apart.  Fully extend one arm out and back and then switch.  Move quickly as if punching a heavy bag.   Use anything around the house as weight (cans, milk jugs, etc).

Squat Jumps - Squat down until knees are at about 90*.  Keep head and shoulders up and jump as high as you can in the air.  Squat back down and repeat.

Bentover Flye - Grab the weights you used for the punches.  Bend your knees and while keeping head up bend over at the waist to 45*.  Keeping arms straight, flye out to the side like you are flapping your wings.

Seated Twist - Sit on the ground with your knees bent.  Hold something heavy in front of you and lean back until abs become activated.  Twist your head, shoulders, and weight from one side to the other making sure you don't sit back up.

Squat Thrust - Start in standing position then crouch down to place hands on the ground.  Kick your feet back into a push-up position.  Then return back to the standing position.  Jumping at the end would be a good way to make this one harder.



If you have any questions about this short program or would like to learn more please e-mail me at andy@hfhonline.com.

Goodluck and Get Fit,
Andrew

Matrimonial Monday: A Flash-Mob Proposal

What a super fun way to pop the question!  It doesn't matter how it's done, I still get teary.

How did your guy propose to you?  Share the details...we all want to know!
Happy Monday everyone.

Fashion Friday: Creer {Create} Beauty.Image.Style

I do love Fashion Friday's!  This is a fun little show that happened at The Underground Chicago, in Chicago, IL.  Certainly not a Pronovias Show {watch for the purple clip}, but there are some GORGEOUS gowns. 

So, get your drink and enjoy.

My favorite is at 2:44, what is yours? 


Happy Friday Everyone!

The Fit Bride: Stress - don't let it ruin your wedding!

One thing is for sure, you will be stressed while planning your wedding and on your wedding day.  If you don't get stressed at all then you are a superhero!  How you manage this stress can make or break your big day.  I am sure we have all seen or heard of that show Bridzilla.  Managing your stress will help you not end up on that show and handle your wedding in stride.

I recently watched a film by National Geographic that talked about stress and its affects on our body.  Some stress can be good for our body's but un-managed negative stress can take a tole on us.  Something that seems to be mental can have a lasting negative physical effect on our bodies.  I believe the correct term is phsycosomatic diseases.  We can literally make ourselves sick.

Their are many ways of managing your stress.  Some may work for you and some may not.  The important thing is to find one that works for you and implement it into your daily routine.  Meditation is a form of stress relief used for centuries.  Different types of meditation may work to help release stress and help you relax about everything associated with your wedding.  Below is a link to an article from the Mayo Clinic that talks about different types of meditation.  Check it out and see if any of these work for you.

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/meditation/HQ01070

Get Relaxed,
Andrew

The Fit Bride

Because we all love The Knot, here are 8 wedding day ready tips that I found for you there. 

http://wedding.theknot.com/wedding-beauty-tips/wedding-workout-exercise/articles/fitness-pros-best-tips-for-brides.aspx?MsdVisit=1

Now, a tip from me:
DON'T EVER SKIP BREAKFAST!!!

I know you've heard it before, but it couldn't be more true.  Skipping breakfast will only make you hungrier.  You'll end up eating more throughout the day, and you'll tend to have more "cravings".



Here are some statistics for you found on www.mrbreakfast.com:

• November 28, 2001

A study from the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center found that adult women trying to diet are more successful if they eat a healthy breakfast and avoid mid-morning snacks.

• January 11, 2011

According to a Georgia Centenarian Study, people who regularly eat breakfast have lower rates of Type 2 diabetes and are less likely to develop heart failure over their lifetime than those who don't. The 21-year study of older Americans suggests that regularly eating breakfast may lead to a longer-than-average life span.

• October 26, 2010

A study of 2,379 girls called the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute Growth and Health Study (NGHS) found that breakfast cereal eaters tend to have lower waist-to-height ratios, an indicator of healthy body weight, lower total cholesterol and lower LDL cholesterol.

• October 18, 2010

A University of Tasmania (Australia) study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that both children and adults who skip their morning meal tend to have overall worse eating behaviors and exercise less than those who do eat breakfast. People who skip breakfast also tended to have higher cholesterol, elevated insulin levels, and larger waist circumferences.

 

 

For some healthy and quick breakfast ideas go to:

http://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/recipe-collections-favorites/healthy-meals/breakfast-to-go-10000001047596/index.html

 

The homemade version of the egg-mcmuffin is my favorite!  Give these a try and let us know what is yours.

The Fit Bride

Shape - Up:  The 6-month fitness plan

It is ENGAGEMENT season!!!  Did you know that December is the most popular month to get engaged and, about, 70% of brides want to lose weight before their wedding? Good news!! Starting this month, I will be working with a fitness expert to help you all get fit in 6 months. Keep watching for more information and make sure to share this with your friends!! You don't need to be getting married to get fit!

We will be including healthy recipes, nutrition tips, excersise routines (I might even get my guru to show us how to do them!!), and a whole lot more to help you get ready for that gorgeous dress!  Make sure to share this information with your bridesmaids and make it a group activity ~ or a challenge...

Here are a few tips for you to get started:

1. Write down your current weight and your goal weight.  Keep an excersise diary and watch your progression.  Don't weigh yourself daily, but do start our plan with weight and measurements.  Do these things monthly and always in the morning, around the same time for accuracy.

2. Start out doing a minimum of 20 minutes of cardio, three times a week.  This could include jogging, walking, running, swimming, elliptical (my personal favorite), biking...you get the idea.

3. By week two you should increase your cardio activity to a minimum of 30 minutes. 

4. Your foods should contain high fiber and low calories.  Make sure to check lables and watch serving sizes!!  This is a great time to start using fresh vegetables in your cooking.  Spinach (fresh, not frozen...only because it's much yummier), kales and broccoli are great!  Fruit is very important too.  A wonderful afternoon snack, if you need a little energy boost...a green apple with peanut butter.  Pass on the snickers.

tip:  if you have a sweet tooth and are craving a candy bar, eat a banana.  The sugars in the banana take care of the craving.

5. Try to avoid any high calorie, greasy, processed, fast-foods or deep fried foods.  Since it is hard to quit cold-turkey give yourself one cheat meal per week, just don't overdo it!  Have a slice of pizza, a monster salad (no iceburg lettuce please.  Use romaine, red-leaf, spinach and load on veggies - not the salad dressing) and a beer for dinner.  This sort of "cheat" meal will curb your carb and greasy food craving but will also supply you with the fibers and healthy nutritional needs.

6. Cut soda!  Water is best, but if you can't stand drinking 8 glasses of water a day, Crystal Light is a great thing to add.  Alcohol is another biggie!  Did you know a wine cooler has anywhere between 180 - 250 calories per serving (depending on the brand and flavor).  YIKES!

7. Don't overdo the excersising.  This can do more harm than good.  If it's been a while, ease into it.  Start with walking or swimming...don't just get out there and run 10 miles!  Join a walking, running or biking group.  If you are doing things with people that will be expecting to see you, you're more likely to show up and stick with it.

Go to this website and find out your weight vs. weight loss calorie count.  You can get calorie information on foods and drinks here and become part of a "community".  I use this!!

http://caloriecount.about.com

And, finally, a DELICIOUS recipe from one of my favorite food sites!  I think I know what I'm making for dinner tonight.  White Bean Chili - YUM!!!  This recipe forgoes the fat from the beef and is packed with healthy fibers.  Enjoy!

www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paula-deen/white-bean-chili-recipe2/index.html

I said this before, but make sure to share this information with your friends.  Let's all work together to make this year the healthiest yet!  If you have questions or want certain information, let us know. 

Happy 2012 everyone!!!

Fashion Friday: Pronovias 2012

I love Friday's for many reasons, but I think the biggest reason is this ~ Fashion Friday!!

Fashion Week in New York is done so it is time for me to do one of the many things I love most with my job ~ watch the many wonderful fashion shows.  As some of you know, I'm pretty sure I was a bridal gown fashion designer in a past life.  I could watch and draw bridal gowns all day, so to have a legitimate reason to sit back and watch these fashion show {and bring you the best of the best} is like a dream for me.

This week I am starting out with one of my favorite designers ~ Pronovias.  The gowns this year are unbelievable! 

So, without further adieu, grab your notebook and pencil, champagne and a comfy chair...Enjoy!

Do you have a favorite?  Share with us and write down the time.  Happy Friday Everyone!

Fathers and Daughters

With the latest Father/ Daughter dance that has been all over the news {and re-danced for us on GMA}, I thought I would share some of my favorites over the next week. Enjoy!

These dad's are AWESOME!!  Congratulations!

Theme Thursday: Halloween Theme Inspiration Boards

Halloween.  This is one of my favorite holidays.  I love the chance to turn myself into something I'm really not, maybe to jump out and scare someone and make drinks that have "smoke" pouring out of them.  So, with that being said, I wanted to give you a couple of ideas for your Halloween Themed Wedding {for next year of-course}.

I put together two different ideas - neither of them TOO out of hand, yet, definately Halloween.

First is my more favorite.  A little "blood" dripping here and there, a lot of red and some perfectly placed black.  

Then, there is the more subtle Halloween wedding.  Oranges, Blacks, caramel apples and a beautiful Pronovia dress.  If you wanted to have a more elegant Halloween wedding you could follow the ideas on this board and add a bit more black and maybe a hint of red.

Happy Halloween everyone!

Theme Thursday: Peacocks!

This weekend I am attending a Bridal Open House in my hometown.  I really wanted to use the "Rustic" theme that everyone seems to be loving lately, but I also really wanted to stand out.  This is the board that I put together to follow my theme through {notice the burlap along with all of the bright elegant colors}.

Crazy for the Peacocks!!!

Watch for the pictures from the show next week.  I am bringing my camera so I will be posting pictures of my booth.

Leave a comment and tell me what you think of the colors.  Also, make sure to follow and share my blog for weekly tips, ideas, themes, and all around fun wedding stuff.  

I LOVE this theme!!!

Real Weddings: Italian Style

Marzia and Maurizio: romance and fun in Venice

Marzia and Maurizio got married last summer in a small village not far from Venice.  This was a typical Italian wedding that Stefania would like to share with us. 

If you are interested in having a destination wedding in Italy you can contact Wedding Planner Venice.

Everything started on the hottest Saturday afternoon of the year in the tiny medieval San Gregorio church, hidden in the Venice countryside.

Marzia had a traditional white dress and a gorgeous one rose bouquet.

The path to San Gregorio church is sooo nice and romantic, Marzia's brother walked her to the church along a medieval alley surrounded by the castle ancient walls!

After the wedding ceremony, their friends wanted to play some jokes on the couple, which is something typical in the Italian tradition.

The funniest one was seeing Maurizio taking Marzia to the reception venue using a little chariot! OMG!  Thank God friends were there to help them!

Marzia's visions for her day were simple: roses and lights!  Roses and lights were everywhere with candles in the church, candles in white glasses at teh restaurant, and flying lanterns in the night!

Red rose petals were spread on the restaurant tables as well among the candles.  And for a little lighting emphasis, the rose petals were lying on mirrors along with the candles.

 

Pictures courtesy of Gian_KGB
Wedding Location: Villa Policreti, Aviano
Wedding Church: Chiesa San Gregorio, Castel D’Aviano
Lanterns: www.lanternevolanti.com

Do you have a Real Wedding that you would like to share with us?  Leave your email address and let's blog!!

Wedding Traditions and Their Meanings

How many of you think the "White Wedding Dress" means purity?  I did too! 

Way {way, way, way} back in the day, like medieval times, most brides wore dresses that they already owned or if they were lucky enough, they purchased a practical dress. One that they could wear again.  This pretty much, meant that the general population of brides did not wear white wedding gowns.  Then, in the 1800's when Queen Victoria married, she wore a white, lace gown...and the rest is history.  Actually, the color blue is purity.  And, now you know!

Tossing the bouquet
This originated in England.  Women used to try to rip pieces of the brides flowers and dress to obtain some of her good luck.  To escape the crazy mob of women, the bride would throw her bouquet and run!  Could you imagine this sort of thing happening today??!

Giving away the bride
Can you guess when this one started?  Yep, in the long ago era of arranged marriages.  Daughters were considered to be the fathers property {hmmm!!} and it was his right to give away his daughter to a groom, usually for a price.  Today, though, a father "gives his daughter away" to show his blessing of the marriage.

The wedding ring
The wedding ring has been worn on the third finger of the left hand since Roman Times.  The Romans believed that the vein in your "ring" finger runs directly to your heart.  The wedding ring is a never - ending circle symbolizing never-ending love.  Personally, I love the meaning of this tradition. 

The best man
He's not just there to keep the groom company.  In ancient times men sometimes captured women to make them their bride.  He would often take along his biggest, strongest and most trusted friend to help fight off resistance from the woman's family.  That brute was then considered to be the best man among his friends.  In Anglo-Saxon England the best man accompanied the groom to help defend the bride. 

Bride on the left
In Anglo-Saxon England the bride stood to the left of the groom to keep his sword hand free. 

Something old
This represents the bride's link to her family.  She may choose to wear an heirloom brooch, her great-grandmothers engagement ring {my mother-in-law lent me her grandmothers 3ct hand-etched ring}, or she may wear her mother's or grandmother's wedding gown.

Something new
Representing hope for good fortune and success in the future, most brides choose the wedding gown as their "something new".

Something borrowed
Something borrowed usually comes from a happily married woman and is thought to lend some of her happiness and good fortune to the new bride

Something blue
Something blue symbolizes love, fidelity and purity of the bride

The bridal veil
The veil has long been a symbol of youth, modesty, virginity and was used to ward off evil spirits. 

The bridesmaids
These great ladies were used to confuse evil spirits.  The bride's friends would dress similarly to her to confuse and fool any badness that was floating around.  Today, the bridesmaids are there to support the bride through stressful times.  You know, get her some wine once in a while.

Well, those are my favorite traditions and their meanings and origins.  Post a comment and let us know your favorite traditions. Tell us of new traditions that you've incorporated into your own wedding.

I hope you all have had a great weekend!

Summer Wedding Tips and Ideas

With the weather changing, flowers blooming and a lot more sunshine to be had by all, May through August - with good reason - are the most popular months for weddings. 

Here are some tips and ideas for you to be able to take full advantage of your summer wedding.



The outside setting
Take advantage of the longer days with a later afternoon wedding.  With the sunset behind you, you don't really need to spend a lot with decorations.  Use a flower garden as your nuptial site, a huge, green willow tree, or your families backyard. 

Summer wedding attire
With most of the wedding gowns being strapless, the summer bride is LUCKY!  Be sure to choose a gown that will fit with your location.  If you're getting married on a beach, a simple, light silk, linen or chiffon is perfect.  You could use beautiful hats in your party for a garden wedding, or you could decide to go barefoot for your beach wedding. If you are still getting married in a church and having an indoor/ outdoor reception, something a bit more formal, but still a light weight material is what you will want to find.  Make sure your girls are comfortable with a lighter dress and the guys could go with a linen suit or a pair of khakis and a nice button up shirt and dinner jacket.  And, of-course, a tuxedo is always appropriate for the more formal weddings. 

Summer hair and make-up
You will want to keep humidity in mind when choosing what to do with your hair {all of you!}.  Don't fight your hair, work with it.  Most professionals can design an updo for you that will look fabulous all day.  Keep your make-up light and natural.  You will be more comfortable and it will just look better!

Summery wedding favors
This is a great time to use some delicious fresh fruit for favors for your guests.  Work with your planner to find the perfectly colored, perfectly ripe peach or chocolate covered strawberries.  Also, make sure to offer your guests water {if getting married outside}, a beautiful wicker fan {which can double as your ceremony program} or a personalized parasol to block the sun.

The flowers
Well, this is easy!  It's summer and flowers are everywhere!  There are so many choices, so to help you narrow your choices here are some favorite options:
Hydrangeas, Roses, Lilies, Lilacs, Calla Lillies, Orchids, Stephanoitis, Mums and Zinnias.


Are you having a summer wedding?  Tell us about your details! Gown, flowers, food, decorations...we all want to know!

A Mexican "flavored" Wedding

I love Mexico!  I love the water, the people that I've met, the food and most definately the drinks!  Cinco de Mayo is coming up {YAY!!  another reason to have a party!} so here is an Inspiration Board - Mexican style!

I also created a fun Bridal Shower invitation for my future sister-in-law {ooo...that is so fun to say}.  Since I love Mexican food, and I'm hosting the party, Cinco de Mayo style is what she is getting!

Watch for party pics!

Kate Middleton's Royal Wedding Hairstyle: What is your favorite?

Are you into fashion?  Well so am I and Kate Middleton sure makes it exciting!  With Kate's style and beauty, it makes us just that much more excited to talk about the fairytale dress, the designer shoes, the headpiece, and, of course, the hairstyle.  Here is a video showing us how to get glamorous, royal worthy hairstyles.  Let us know what your favorite is for Kate.

The classic up-do 

The, gorgeous, side sweep

Or, should she just keep it long and flowing?