The Perfect Groom’s Gift

It’s not always easy to find the perfect gift for a man, and that’s mostly because they are not likely to go around dropping hints as to what they want.  So when it’s time to shop for a wedding gift for your future husband, it is up to you to search your memories and use your powers of deduction to come up with something spectacular. Here are a five great ideas to help you choose the perfect gift.

A Little Something Special. It’s natural for us women to appreciate the small details in life.  Show your groom that you want your wedding celebration to be a fun, light-hearted experience by surprising him and his groomsmen with a bottle of his favorite alcohol before the wedding.  Make it a bottle he doesn’t have often and can enjoy a pre-wedding toast with his friends.  Only give him one bottle to share, enough for one drink each…just to be safe.

Something for the wedding. The night before the wedding present the groom with something to rock on the wedding day. Give him a watch that you’ve had engraved with a message from your heart. Not only will it be personalized from you but it will symbolize the start of a new time in your lives.

Another great option for the wedding day is a pair of awesome cuff links.  You can have them personalized with his initials or you can go outside of the box and get him something that will really represent his personality.  Check out these handmade sterling silver cuff links by King Baby Studio.   He’ll appreciate adding this little bit of personalzation to his tux.

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Something for the Honeymoon. The honeymoon is the perfect opportunity to show your new husband just how much you really know him by arranging a special excursion for the two of you. If your husband likes hiking, snorkeling, touring, dining, etc. take the time to plan a special event just for him.  This is perfect if he enjoys the outdoors and will be a memorable bonding experience for the two of you.

Something for the House. After the wedding and honeymoon festivities have subsided, you and your husband will begin building your life as newlyweds. To help kick start the process, give him something for the house. Tools are great for the inevitable home improvements or if your man is into landscaping, surprise him with the necessary tools, and maybe even a starter plant/tree that will grow along with your relationship.

Something for life. Here is your chance to give him something really special, something he will treasure for years to come. Think back on your time as a couple and create a memory book for him with pictures of events that lead up to your wedding day. Give it to him the night before your wedding so he has something that will make him even more excited to take the next step with you.

Sneak Peek of TLC’s “Wedding Island” Episode 2

I really loved the premiere of TLC’s new reality wedding show, “Wedding Island” which aired last night.  What did you think about the show? Crazy fun right? I loved watching wedding planner, Sandy Malone pull off the impossible and create a perfect wedding day for couples.   If you missed the episode last night, don’t worry because there is another new episode on tonight. Yep, one more episode of following Sandy Malone and her team run around throughout Vieques Island as they put together a dream wedding for two couples. Sandy is the only wedding planner on the tiny island, and that means, she has to work even harder in making sure all wedding planning is on track and executed beautifully.

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 On tonight’s episode: Sandy Malone has booked two weddings on the same day, (12.12.12.), and that means her team must work extra hard to make this happen!  Sandy faces a demanding bride on one side, and on the other side,  a couple who relies on Sandy to be their planner and their minister.
Bride Jessica and her groom want to have their wedding set at a venue with an ocean-view,  details of lace and turquoise colors, and a sunset ceremony. However, Jessica is one demanding bride, and Sandy wants to make this bride happy. Oh, and did I mention there is some major drama like losing the wedding rings? Will they find it, or will Sandy come to the rescue?
The second wedding, the couple wants to get married at 12:12pm, with a hand fasting ritual at the ceremony, and then a romantic lunch following.  They want a simple and elegant wedding to share their love with each other. This couple is also asking Sandy to officiate their wedding.
 So how will Sandy and her team pull off two weddings in one day? Keep in mind there are limited supplies and resources on the island, so how will this all come together smoothly for both weddings? You will have to tune in tonight and find out.
“WEDDING ISLAND” premieres tonight at 10/9c. So set your DVR’s, or watch it live tonight! You will not want to miss this episode.

Sneak Peek of TLC’s “Wedding Island” Season Premiere

I can not believe it is Wedding Wednesday already! How the week flies. I guess when you get to browse through the lovely of lovelies each and every day, the time sure goes by fast. Today on this gorgeous Wedding Wednesday, I have some amazing news! As you know by now, I have a huge crush on TLC and their wedding shows. So much so, that with all the fun we have had with TLC’s “Something Borrowed, Something New”, “Four Weddings”,  and  “I Found the Gown”, another gorgeous show to TLC Thursdays on Bridal Hot List has landed in our laps. Yep, Thursdays just got better here at BHL. The new reality show making its debut is …drumroll please….”Wedding Island”! What is “Wedding Island”?  Why don’t we take a look at what this show is all about!

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This show features wedding planner extraordinaire, Sandy Malone and her team as they go through the logistical challenges of coordinating nuptials on Vieques Island, a tiny rock in the Caribbean. Vieques Island is known for its beautiful beaches, incredible and stunning views, and unfortunately, limited resources and supplies.  This island is a perfect destination for any couple who is in love and wants to share their love in the “island” way.  For wedding planner, Sandy who is the only wedding planner on this remote island seven miles off the coast of Puerto Rico, it’s all business. She organizes and coordinates strict schedules, large crews, and endlessly complex details.   Sandy is a wedding planner with determination and wants to just “get it done”. She is the only one who can deliver the most perfect wedding day for her  bride and her groom.  With the current obstacles that exist with this tropical paradise, Sandy and her small team, including her husband,  Bill, must rely on vendors who set their watches to the unpredictable and usually lackadaisical “Island Time”. At the same time,  they have to pray for the weather to be cooperative on wedding day. Then there are the demanding brides-to-be, who will keep pushing until they have the wedding of their dreams.

Oh my, sounds like an amazing show, right?  I know I am super excited to see how this incredible wedding planner can pull off the impossible, and create a beautiful and lovely Island wedding for couples.

On tonight’s premiere episode:TLC

Sandy Malone has to work extra hard to make sure wedding dreams come true for couples, Wes & Laura and Franco & Tere. However there are some challenges along the way like storms and flower mishaps. Will Sandy be able to create the perfect wedding day for these couples? Or will “Island Time” get in the way of this gorgeous day? What will these weddings look like after all the obstacles that come Sandy’s way? Make sure to tune in tonight and find out.

“WEDDING ISLAND” premieres with a full episode sneak peek tonight at 10/9c, and the second episode airing tomorrow evening in its regularly scheduled time-slot of Thursdays at 10/9c. So make sure to visit BHL tomorrow for another sneak peek.

So set your DVR’s, or watch it live tonight!

Three Tips for Flower Girls and Ring Bearers

Incorporating a beloved child or children into your wedding ceremony adds both sentiment and a whimsical touch to your special day. For a blended family becoming united as one, this tradition can be of major significance, as your kids will be there to witness and celebrate the establishment of your new family. Bridal Hot List has three simple tips for making the little ones of your bridal party feel included and confident in their duty.

#1- Practice makes perfect. You want to be sure the young ones are well prepared for what to expect,  and when and where they should go. Remember, this is probably the first wedding they’ve ever attended, let alone been a part of the ceremonial procession. If possible, have them visit the ceremony site several times so they are familiar with the surroundings. They can pick a certain spot on the floor where they want to stand. It is a good idea to let them know how long they can expect to stand at that spot. Give them physical cues, like start walking at the sound of the steel drums, or after Aunt Julie passes the first row of chairs with bows. The rehearsal itself can be a chaotic time, so having the little ones pre-rehearsed will get everyone to dinner and drinks faster and it also sets a good example for the adults!

#2- Include some kid-friendly fun. If there won’t be other kids their age at the wedding, let them invite a friend or two so they can enjoy themselves at the reception. Set up their own table with some kid-friendly activities and snacks. If their ceremony clothing is rented, formal, or elaborate, have them bring a change of clothes and comfy shoes so they can tear up the dance floor with the adults and just be kids!

#3- Embrace the hiccups. The best moments happen when a child says or does something funny, misguided, or super touching without even realizing it. These are the moments that create the fond memories of your wedding that everyone talks about. This can also work as great blackmail when that little flower girl or ring bearer grows up and the time comes for their own wedding! Have the cameras ready and rolling to capture their moment in the spotlight as well as intimate moments with the bride and/or groom. Lastly, don’t forget they deserve a bridal party gift too!

Rehearsal Dinner from HornBlower Cruises and Events

It seems like summer is passing by quickly, and it has been a gorgeous one so far. All the lovely soirées which I find in my inbox each day and drool over for hours, has me always smiling. Oh, how I love summer. Weddings galore! Do you know what else I love? I go totally crazy in love for a good rehearsal dinner. Mostly one that involves an incredibly stunning yacht and so utterly breathtaking views. Sound amazing or what? I am thinking yes!  I am talking about rehearsal dinners from HornBlower Cruises & Events. This is not  your typical rehearsal dinner at some fancy restaurant. Don’t get me wrong, I love me some fanciness, but this rehearsal dinner just got nautical.  Yep, totally nautical. Not to say, you have to be a a lover of boats or anything. But just a fan of constant ocean views surrounding you on all sides, gorgeously delicious food, entertainment, and oh so romantic sunsets. This is my kind of rehearsal dinner.  An elegant and lovely affair hosted at one of the most scrumptious spots in Southern California. Newport Beach, California.

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Bar Champagne

Imagine sitting at your rehearsal dinner with your love, your friends and family close to you, while you take a sweet journey around the Newport Beach Harbor, enjoying iconic spots, and amazing views of the Pacific Ocean. How about a romantic walk with your sweetie? Hand in hand, you walk around the gorgeous fleet, and find that perfect spot on one of the stunning decks to enjoy the sunset together. Romantic right? I mean, can you say nautical romance?

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The romance does not stop with sunsets and all.  The evening is bright with the twinkling of the stars, and gorgeous night views of the harbor. Take a step on the top deck with the one you love, and stare out to the open sea with the stars above. It keeps getting better right? I think so. This cruise is amazing and just perfect for you and your guests as you begin your lives together.

HornBlower Cruises & Events invites you to step aboard one of their luxurious yachts, and allow them to take you on an unforgettable cruise around the beautiful Newport Beach Harbor and enjoy a night of fine dining, dancing, and incredible ocean views. All enjoyed with your friends and family. If that sounds oh-so-fabulous to you, then consider HornBlower Cruises & Events for your rehearsal dinner. Your  rehearsal dinner all gorgeously delivered to you by HornBlower Cruises and Events in beautiful Newport Beach, California.

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Three Fun Summer Wedding Ideas

Good Morning lovelies, Sunday morning is looking oh so gorgeous today. Hot, but still gorgeous. It is Summer, and that means barbecues, cold drinks, and days at the pool or beach. I am loving summer. What I like even more than summer, are summer weddings. Summer weddings and all the fun that you can have. Here are some fun summer wedding ideas for you and your guests. Ready to jump into some fun goodness? I know I am.

  • Beach BBQ: Treat your guests to a lovely day at the beach and enjoy some burgers, hot dogs, lemonade, and some sweet watermelon. Why not replace this with the traditional rehearsal dinner. Who says you have to have your rehearsal dinner at a fancy restaurant  If you are more of the beach gal and beach guy, why not be at a place which you are most happy? Enjoy the beach, the sun, the soft sand on your feet, and some relaxing too.  One word of caution is to make sure not to get too much sun, or wear that sunblock, so you are not a tomato on your wedding day. You want to make sure you are looking fresh and photo ready. Yes, go ahead and head to the beach, but just make sure to take care of that skin! 
  • Cool off: With gorgeous outdoor weddings comes the summer heat, so it is time to cool off your guests with something cold and delicious. At the ceremony, have a drink station serving cold lemonade, ice tea, or cucumber immersed water. Something besides water can attract your guests to a cold treat without being too boring.  You may not want to serve alcoholic drinks during this time, save that for after the “I Do’s”. Your ceremony is special and the most important part, so you probably want it to be as romantic and sweet as can be.
  • Smoothie/Juice Bar: If you are opt to a more healthier treat for your guests, then try a smoothie/Juice Bar at your summer wedding. There are ice cream bars, s’mores stations, and candy bars, which are oh so amazing and so delicious. However if you are more on the healthier side and your guests may be too, go for the Smoothie/Juice Bar. You can even have a signature juice which can be served to your guests, and make it more personal and fun.  Why not take wheat grass shots? Get energized and ready to party and have a great time!

 

 

 

 

Five Trending Eyeliner Shades for Bachelorette Parties

One of the most fun perks of being in the bridal party (aside from the wedding, of course!) is a good girl’s night. A bachelorette party or night on the town is one of the best places to try out a new look. Here’s my guide to ditching the standard black eyeliner in favor of a fun trendy shade.

Stila Eyeliner in Lionfish ($20, beauty supply stores)

Stila’s eyeliners always go on smooth and have a great color payoff. Lionfish is an unbasic brown that is warm and a little glamorous. It’s the perfect shade for those of you looking to break out of a classic routine without being overwhelming. This shade is complimentary to every skin tone and will transition well into the fall. The gold tones give skin a subtle glow, which is perfect for summer.  Keep an eye out for this new staple shade, it’ll be your new favorite liner.

Covergirl Liquiline Blast in Silver Spark ($6-$7, drugstores)

 

A silvery-grey can help break any girl out of a dark eyeliner habit. The grey is neutral like black, but isn’t nearly as dramatic.  This shade in particular is smooth and smudgable, making it perfect for beginners or advanced glamour girls. Silver Spark is very complimentary to cooler skin tones and eye colors. The formula wears for a long time, but won’t be a pain to remove at the end of the night.  This low maintenance liner also transitions well from day to night.

Urban Decay 24/7 Liner in LSD ($19, beauty supply stores)

It’s almost impossible to talk about trendy eyeliners without mentioning Urban Decay’s line of liners. They recently rebooted their entire brand and rolled out a bunch of new shades in their famous 24/7 eyeliners. One of the breakout shades is LSD, a blue-toned shimmery liner. Don’t be intimidated by the blue though, this shade is fun, trendy, and surprisingly complimentary to many skin tones. LSD was initially introduced as a limited edition shade, but is now a part of the permanent line.  Thin application along the lash line gives a subtle sparkle, but packed on it creates a wide-eyed sultry look.

M.A.C. Pearlglide Eyeliner in Black Line ($16, M.A.C. counters)

Earthy tones are on the rise this summer, and this liner is one of the best ways to wear it! The Pearlglide formula is one of my personal favorites because of how smooth and soft it is. If you are more comfortable with black liner, this dark earthy shade may be your new go-to. The khaki green tone in this liner is very complimentary to warm skin tones and have the ability to bring a sparkle to green and brown eyes. Going lightly and tight on your eyes warms your face for a romantic look.

Covergirl Ink It! in Golden Ink ($5-$7, drugstores)

There’s no harm in going a little glam for girl’s night! Open up your eyes with a touch of gold, like this one from Covergirl. You can pair this with any of the other liners listed, and keep the gold on your inner corners. Small pops of color have been popping up everywhere, with gold leading the pack. This formula is incredibly well pigmented, so a little bit goes a long way. If you’re going super glam, use this liner as a shadow pencil for a golden glowy look.

Which of these shades are your favorite? Leave a comment down below saying which shade you’ll be keeping an eye out for!

A Guide to Wedding Cake Size and Servings

At BHL, we are totally head over heels in love with everything wedding. You can say that we are kind of obsessed.  We are constantly surrounded by  beautiful soirées, gorgeous blooms,  stunning gowns, sweet engagement sessions, elegant styles, adorable couples, and more! Included in this lovely mix of wedding details, we are also a huge fan of wedding cakes. Yep, the wedding cake, which can be the jaw dropping gorgeous detail of the reception. Whether they are tall and extravagant, short and simple, we love them every which way. As much as the design, the style, and intricate details catch our eyes, and we kind of want to never cut into that beautiful sweetness, we are very interested in the logistical details of it all. How much cake will you need for your guests for your wedding day? Lets face it, weddings come with a price, and sometimes a huge price tag, which means you may have to look closely at every detail of the budget. Well, actually it is a good idea to create a budget and determine how much you like to spend for each item. But, more on that later! Getting back to cakes! Wedding cakes that is.  We thought it would be helpful to share this fun infographic on wedding cake sizes and servings. So, looking at your guest list, and those attending your wedding reception, you can determine how much cake you really need. Now, sometimes, you may just want to get a huge cake and “wow” your guests, and just have leftovers. Which is totally fine. However, if you are trying to save on some bucks, then take a look and see how much cake you like to serve to your guests. Ready to dig in and eat some cake? I know we are! We love ourselves some cake.

 

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Simple DIY Wedding Tips

Although you will be excited about planning your upcoming wedding, try and keep things in perspective so that the costs don’t get out of hand. You can have a beautiful and inexpensive wedding if you carefully plan a budget and stick to it. The advice in this article will help you to keep within your wedding budget, while still having an unforgettable day.

Purchasing your wedding gown on the internet can be a budget saver, cutting down your costs by hundreds of dollars. Make sure to order early so you have time for alterations if any need to be made. It is also important to realize that alterations can cost quite a bit of money. Make sure the costs are included in your budget.

It is obvious that that most important aspect to think about in a marriage is the one whom you will marry. Never rush into this decision that will change your life. Give this person’s habits a great deal of consideration.

If you’re one of the many people who don’t want to spend upward of a thousand dollars on a fat-and-sugar-laden wedding cake, check with local bakeries for lighter, individual-sized wedding pastry suggestions. Many bakeries offer beautiful cupcakes with a variety of healthy fillings.

Brides who want a look of luxury can embellish their wedding bouquets with something that sparkles, like rhinestones, Swarovski crystals, or even a tiny bit of diamonds. For example, incorporate vintage brooches, Swarovski crystals or costume jewelry into the design. For a consistent look, all of the stones should coordinate in terms of cut, color, and size.

It might be a friend or a family member. All that’s needed is someone who can happily carry your gear during the ceremony and photo sessions. They can also be of assistance in rounding everyone up for the group photographs, and this will make sure no one is left out.

Find out if the lights at your reception venue are the type that can be dimmed. You may not think this detail is important; however, consider the effect of low lights on parts of your reception. For example, you may want to dim the lights for your first dance or other important dances and brighten them when you want everyone to participate in dancing. Be sure to ask the if the venue has this feature before you commit to it.

A beautiful wedding on a budget is possible if you plan carefully and have realistic expectations. It is possible to have your dream wedding and keep your wallet full by choosing to follow the advice from this article.

Wedding Wednesday: Same Sex Wedding by Great Officiants

On this fabulous Wedding Wednesday, I am thrilled to share an incredible milestone in California.  Two weeks ago on Wednesday, June 26, 2013, The Defense of Marriage Act was found to be unconstitutional. Meaning, the law barring the federal government from recognizing same-sex marriages legalized by the states, is unconstitutional. Many had been standing by eagerly waiting for these results. When the results came in,  cheers of victory were heard all around. What a perfect day for this to occur! Wedding Wednesday never looked better. On today’s Wedding Wednesday I wanted to share something very special.  One of the many couples who have been long waiting for this very important decision, finally had the chance to legally marry. This couple had been waiting for thirteen years to stand in front of their friends and family, and share their love. You can imagine the joy and happiness when the results came in. Pure excitement. It makes me happy when two people who love each other can now become married in the state of California. Great news indeed.  Four hours after the decision, this couple was legally married. They were married by Alan Katz of Great Officiants in Long Beach, California.  So in love, that they could not wait to finally be married.

Here is a video of their story:

 

On Wednesday, June 26, 2013 Toni and Carol were legally married.  Happiness, joy, laughter, and all other adjectives describing a good time.  Congrats to the lovely couple! I am totally smiling right now. Yep, smiling from ear to ear. Ah, what a wonderful day indeed. My wedding loving heart is overjoyed and in full gear. Nothing but love here. Wedding Wednesday is amazing! Totally in love.

 

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If you are a couple who has been waiting to get legally married, then do not wait any longer, and head to Long Beach, California and stop by the Great Officiants.  They will issue you a marriage license and perform a ceremony for you.

For more information:

Alan Katz
Presiding Officiant
Great Officiants
www.GreatOfficiants.com
info@GreatOfficiants.com
(855) Wed-Vows  / (855) 933-8697