Back to Basics
Love is patient. Love is kind.
Don’t let pessimism and statistics scare you. Your marriage should and can be a life-long journey! Think for a minute on this question: What is it that makes you love your fiance right now…this moment? It’s those basic, core qualities in our soul mate that make us want to spend the rest of our lives teaming with them. Characteristics that come imprinted in our DNA and develop throughout years of maturity. Circumstances of life strengthen or weaken who we are, but in essence, the person you love in this instant has had the same sort of character and resolve their whole life. The fabric of what makes them tick doesn’t change.
Those things that are endearing now can still be endearing in ten years and beyond. No, really! Maybe what is needed are more reminders to revisit a few commonly known basics like patience and kindness. Let’s be honest. You show patience and kindness to one another now, and get along pretty well (you’re getting married, afterall). There’s no reason to throw these good manners to the wind and assume loving relationships stay loving when missing the common courtesy we give strangers on a daily basis.
When you feel irritated with the one you love most, try to remember that they are the same person you were enamored with yesterday. Extend patience when you’d rather lash out; offer kindness as oppose to rudeness or indifference. Often times, a little grace goes a long ways…or in this case, lasts many happy years!
Your New Beginnings Bridal Studio Team
Category: Class-less
Ok, yes, it’s your wedding and it’s your day, but seriously? Here are a few examples of princess brides run-amuck! (File these in your “DO NOT DO” list).
Most of us witnessed a certain high-profile wedding last year where the bride requested all guests to wear white or black…period. Here in the real world where we live and have great relationships with people we call friends and family, you just can’t do that! Brides are allowed to control the attire of the wedding party and that’s it. Your guests are graciously attending your celebration and bringing a gift to boot…they aren’t coming to spend an evening bowing down and meeting demands of a crazy girl! Remember…a disrespectful bride earns disrespect.
You have a great money-saving idea for your 250 guest wedding…after the ceremony, instead of hosting a reception for everyone, just meet up with your favorite 45 besties of your choosing at a restaurant for dinner! NO, NO, NO! Can you imagine the backlash from that move? Showing preference of certain guests over others is a serious mistake, not to mention the worst of manners. Receptions are for the purpose of greeting and being grateful to all of your guests, and in turn letting them congratulate and show their happiness for you. They do not need to be elaborate and expensive gatherings, but they do need to happen, and part of being a good host is making sure SOMETHING is served…even if it’s just a small dessert with coffee.
People always want to give the perfect gift, right? So, in order to “help” them decide, you print on the invitation “Cash Gifts Preferred”. What, and anything but is unacceptable?? The only thing they read from those three words is “Arrogant Self-Centered Couple”. Though the information could be helpful to some, the invitation is not the place to announce it. Word of mouth from family is good for that kind of thing. Wedding websites are also an appropriate place to talk about “the downpayment for your house”, but formally printed on an invitation is a BIG etiquette “faux pas”.
The easiest way to fit into the Class Act Catagory is by following the oldest rule in the book: treat others as you would be treated. Simple as that!
Your New Beginnings Bridal Studio Team
Setting the Date
He asked, you said “YES”!! Congratulations! Now to the first hurdle of wedding planning: setting the date. When considering this question, is it the matter of a specific day of the year that is important, the season, or are you flexible? The answer to that question will be the driving force behind your wedding date.
If it is that specific date on the calendar that you must have your wedding, then you need to be willing to “settle” for the available venues and professionals that have your date open, especially if it’s at the height of wedding season (May through September). Book as early as possible and have an open mind with plenty of “Plan B’s” on your list. Keep in mind that “Plan B’s” could end up costing more, so be prepared when the date cannot be compromised.
Seasonal and Holiday weddings are great because they lend nicely to themes. It’s also helpful because out of town friends and family may be able to attend more easily. Be careful to clarify the businesses and facilities you utilize will actually be open and operating normally. For instance, churches hold many events during the Christmas season, so overbooking and double scheduling could cause some issues. Fourth of July weddings are great fun, but what if all of your caterers or bakeries close that day? Just be well aware of the calendar and confirm, confirm, confirm.
Fly by the seat of your pants? You could get some awesome deals by not being picky about dates, times and places. “Off Season” weddings are a fabulous way to save money. Wedding professionals would love to book a wedding during those months, and will more likely than not, cut you some great deals…it’s a win/win for everyone. Now if you’re in a hurry, have a heavy travel schedule or just want to pass on the stress, contact a wedding planner (of which we have the best!) who will work their magic for you.
Congratulations again! Happy planning!
Your New Beginnings Bridal Studio Team
History of the Ring
Historically speaking, the engagement process was just as important as the wedding itself…of course marriages use to be for the purpose of politics or business, thus the engagement was all about negotiations. Romantic, huh? Well, let’s just thank our lucky stars we don’t have to endure things like family reimbursement, ownership transfers and net worth! Besides, since we now marry because we love, we not only get to spend the rest of our life with our best friend, but with that, comes the awesome tradition of the wedding ring…DOUBLE SCORE!!
The wedding band symbolizes eternal love because it has neither a beginning or end. Rings were first made from circlets of grass that decorated a bride’s wrists and ankles…another tradition that has evolved in our favor! Whether a simple gold band or an elaborate display of “bling”, few, if any, couples ever wed without exchanging rings. We couldn’t imagine a ceremony without rings…talk about ho-hum! Afterall, what would we brag on if we didn’t have our rings? JUST KIDDING guys…of course we have you to brag on first and foremost and forever (wink, wink)!
Your New Beginnings Bridal Studio Team
Seth and Jessica Chavira
I had the pleasure of being a part of Seth and Jessica’s wedding at Sander’s Mansion. This amazing couple was an absolute pleasure to work with. Their love for each other, their family and their friends was the central theme of the day. Enjoy these photos, courtesy of Tasha Owen Photography.
Warmly,
Coral Pentecost, Wedding & Event Planner
