Forever...Weddings and Events

How is the economy effecting your wedding planning?

2009-01-27T12:26:00.000-08:00

Everyone is talking about the slow economy. It seems like prices keep getting higher and wages are staying the same. In some severe cases, people are losing their jobs, stores are going out of business. This is not a reason to cancel or postpone your wedding. You can still have the wedding of your dreams, even if you are on a budget. It may take a little more work, a lot more creativity, but you can still get everything you need to make it a magical, memorable event, and still save some money when it comes to your nuptuals budget.

One thing to do is to hire a wedding planner. You're thinking, uh? Isn't that an extra expense? This isn't an advertisement to hire just me, but hire any wedding planner, AFTER you've done your homework. Make sure your planner can SAVE you money through exclusive discounts and promotions with vendors. You might spend $1200 on a wedding planner but save $2000 or more on vendors because she worked for you and negotiated prices. This works because the wedding planner has a really close relationship with her vendors. They have worked together previously, and have established a respectible working relationship. If you went and asked a professional wedding vendor to lower a price, you'll probably be out of luck!

Another way to cut costs for your wedding is by thinking outside the box. You can literally save thousands by not having a floral arrangement as a centerpiece. Candy, candles, mirrors, and other such items are beautiful centerpieces for a mere fraction of the cost of flowers. Also use flowers in minimum when it comes to decorating. Use flowers that are in season, are not too difficult to find, and that are hearty and will withstand severe heat (we are in Fresno!) and severe cold.

Order online! You can get many wedding necessities online for wholesale prices. Check and recheck the website to make sure it is a reputable company. You don't want to end up spending more rebuying everything because a "fly by night" company messed up your order.

Try to get all of your wedding needs in one place. For example, if you rent a banquet hall, they will provide food, linens, flatware, dishware, tables and chairs, and the location for one low price. If you decided to save money and have it at Aunt Hilda's house, make sure you won't be spending more in rentals than you would if you just rented a spot.

I've mentioned it before and I'll mention it again: DO YOUR HOMEWORK!!! Check around to make sure you are getting the best price and the highest quality for your dollar. A wedding planner can help ensure this goes smoothly and will save you an extensive amount of time on the search and quality of the vendors.

Also, to help save your money, Forever Weddings has actually lowered their prices to help soften the blows of the slow economy. Contact me today to find out how I can help you get the best wedding for your money at our new low prices. Wedding coordinating and officiating services have slashed prices. Our first consultation is free so don't spend money on a free interview. That is money that you have wasted had you decided not to hire that professional.

Call or email today for our new low prices. AND..... just because our prices are lower, that doesn't mean our quality of services have decreased nor have we taken services out of our packages.

I can't wait to hear from you!!

Wishing you...

2009-01-04T19:36:00.001-08:00

Wishing all of you a happy and prosperous New Year. We are very excited for some upcoming changes in Forever Weddings. We are still offering affordable wedding planning and officiating packages. We are also excited to be travelling out to the central coast again this year for a wedding! We've done that in the past and love it! I'm also excited to be working with some new vendors this year and as always, we are looking for new ways to grow and expand to better suit your needs as a bride. If you are looking for someone who is flexible, easy to work with, and allows you to enjoy your day your way, then look no further! We are now offering a new special so be sure to look for it on the Special Offer page of our website. Our first consultation is ALWAYS free so if you have any questions, you are considering hiring someone for your wedding, or you just want to meet me, then feel free to contact me today! I look forward to meeting with you and can't wait to begin a fun and busy 2009! Happy New Year!!

Please Join Us for a Free Event!

2008-10-07T19:15:00.001-07:00

Please join us for an Evening Wedding Event.

Preview the latest fashions for your wedding from invitations to photography
and talk to local vendors who are available to share helpful tips and ideas
for your special day.

Capture your moment: Wedding videography on display provided by Blare Media.

When:
10/24/2008 at 04:00 pm
Where:
Blare Media
5756 N. Marks Ave., Suite 170
Fresno,
United States
Email Contact:
info@weddings4hire.com

Tips for a Happy Marriage

2008-08-27T17:12:00.001-07:00

1. Never both be angry at the same time.

2. Never yell at each other unless the house is on fire.

3. If one of you has to win an argument, let it be your mate.

4. If you have to criticize, do it lovingly.

5. Never bring up mistakes of the past.

6. Neglect the whole world rather than each other.

7. Never go to sleep with an argument unsettled.

8. At least once every day try to say one kind or

complimentary thing to your life's partner.

9. When you have done something wrong, be ready to

admit it and ask for forgiveness.

10. It takes two to make a quarrel, and the one in the

wrong is the one who does the most talking.

Nominate Forever Weddings to receive an award!

2008-06-27T15:15:00.000-07:00

MTV casting for destination weddings

2008-06-24T19:54:00.001-07:00

MTV’S NEWS & DOCUMENTARIES DEPARTMENT PRESENTS

TRUE LIFE: I’m Having a Destination Wedding

True Life employs first-person narrative storytelling to provide a window into the lives of young Americans. To date, the series has explored topics as complex as living with a disorder such as autism or obsessive-compulsive disorder; living in extreme poverty; and being deployed to and returning from military service in Iraq.

From the MTV Website: “Since its initial episode in 1998, MTV's award-winning True Life documentary series has told remarkable real-life stories of young people and the unusual subcultures they inhabit. Whether documenting the lives of gay marriage activists, individuals dealing with obesity, or teens in high school--the True Life series tells its stories solely from the varied voices and points-of-view of its characters--putting the series in the unique position of reflecting the state of youth culture at any given moment. “

A follow up to our enormously successful True Life: I’m Getting Married, True Life: I’m Having a Destination Wedding will focus on the growing trend of young people choosing to get married thousands of miles from home. Formerly for celebrities and the ultra-rich, these weddings have become more accessible to couples looking to add a “twist” to their big day. Production will begin in the first week of July, with a tentative air date in September 2008. The crew will be following these couples at their job and home (personal life), through the planning process and all the way down the aisle.

If you are interested in possibly being on this show, please let me know and I can get you in touch with the right person.

*Don't worry! You don't have to be a Forever Weddings client, nor will I try to sell you anything! :)

Candy Buffets for your wedding

2008-06-06T13:38:00.000-07:00

Forever Weddings is very proud to introduce the launch of our new venture. Sweet Treats Candy Buffets for your wedding, shower, birthday party, or other special event is sure to have your guests talking for a long time afterwards. Our service includes lots of candy to choose from, including chocolate, beautiful displays, set up and tear down, table with cover, and more! This is what people are saying about candy buffets:

"One of the first things I knew I wanted for my wedding was a candy buffet! An entire table dedicated to candy? How can you go wrong with that?"

"More and more brides want to see a tower of sweets at their reception."

" I absouletly love this idea when I saw it in the Martha magazine."

"Don't do a favor they'll forget, give them a wedding candy buffet...it's a sure bet!"

"This memorable spread didn't cost a fortune or take much prep work. It was simply a fun, unexpected idea that instantly set the party tone."

The Latest Wedding Craze

2008-05-24T14:29:00.000-07:00

Want to know what it is? Of course you do, that is why you clicked on this link. The newest in fun wedding add-ons is having a photo booth! Guests and brides and grooms alike all have a ball when they rent a photo booth. How it works is you rent a photo booth for three hours and you get so many pictures from the booth. I know one company in Fresno/Clovis (Fun Photo Booths) will even provide a box of dress up type items for you to have fun with. There are two sets of photos, one goes in a keepsake book and the other goes into a wedding favor. What a fun and novel idea! I think this is great because it's still very new and you're guests will probably be talking about it for awhile afterward; "a photo booth, who woulda thought?" If you would like more information on finding a photo booth for your wedding, just let me know. I'd be happy to direct you in the right place. Happy wedding season!!

Officiant Available

2008-05-08T16:41:00.000-07:00

Forever Weddings has been in business nearly three years. During that time, we have focused mostly on wedding planning and have done some officiating as an extra. Now that we have our baby and would like to spend as much time as possible with him, we are now offering officiating and elopements as more of just a supplement. While we are still doing coordinating and planning, I would like for officiating to take more of a front seat this year while my son is still a baby. So if you or someone you know needs an officiant, think of Forever Weddings. We are experienced, professional, and we have three officiants on staff, including myself. We offer unlimited vows that are customizable to fit your own style or we can help you write your own vows. Our prices are very affordable, starting at just $150. Our first consultation is free, so give us a try!

2008 Wedding Statistics

2008-04-21T17:39:00.001-07:00

This was taken from fresnoweddings.net

2008 Wedding Trends Report
http://www.FresnoWeddings.Net/
Developed by third-party surveys of brides and grooms throughout the U.S.
How couples will plan their wedding (U.S.)
1. Family and friends 86%
2. Internet sources 84%
3. Bridal magazines 66%
4. Wedding planning books 47%
5. Bridal events or fairs 36%
Type of wedding couples will plan (U.S.)
Traditional 51%
Casual 19%
Formal 13%
Unique 10%
Extravagant 2%
Theme 3%
Other 2%
Estimated weddings by month (U.S.)
Jan - 128,660
Feb - 133,367
Mar - 157,127
Apr - 160,742
May - 197,530
Jun - 225,373
Jul - 229,229
Aug - 233,413
Sep - 209,668
Oct - 202,042
Nov - 169,878
Dec - 152,488
Total spending on wedding (U.S.)
2007 - $28,838
2008 - $28,800
2009 - $29,710
2010 - $30,649
2011 - $31,618
2012 - $32,617
2013 - $33,648
Overall Trends (from survey)
1. Designers are pushing wedding dresses with alternative styles and necklines, but brides still
favor the strapless gown.
2. The biggest trend for bridesmaids' attire is the wear-again dress.
3. Couples still prefer traditional white wedding cakes, but custom-designed cakes are becoming
popular.
4. Consistently designed invitations, save-the-date cards, programs, escort/place cards, menus,
and thank-you cards are becoming trendy.
5. Cinematic videography is a new and exciting alternative to standard photography and video
services.
6. Online photo showcasing, which allows couples, their family and friends to view, share and
purchase wedding photographs is a rising trend.
7. Extravagant weddings that include big gowns, multiple wardrobe changes, towering lush floral
centerpieces, gilded place settings, seven course meals, and elaborate dessert displays are
expected for 2008.
8. 1980's fashion styles are popular, including textured dresses, bright colors, wide belts or
sashes, big jewelry, and cover bands.
9. White gold and platinum wedding rings continue to outpace yellow gold.
10. Currently in style are antique wedding rings for men and women, as well as exaggerated, big,
bold jewelry.
11. Destination weddings are growing in popularity due to all-inclusive packages offered by
resorts and easy planning through their websites.
12. High-end kitchen gear and practical cooking items are currently popular wedding gifts.
Average Spending By Zip Code:
Fresno, CA - Metropolitan Area
Location 2008 Avg Wedding Cost 2008 Est. Weddings
93210 (Coalinga, CA) $ 18,158 136
93234 (Huron, CA) $ 12,365 16
93242 (Laton, CA) $ 20,846 9
93602 (Auberry, CA) $ 27,746 9
93608 (Cantua Creek, CA) $ 15,320 7
93609 (Caruthers, CA) $ 21,434 19
93611 (Clovis, CA) $ 35,768 145
93612 (Clovis, CA) $ 23,271 453
93616 (Parlier, CA) $ 18,203 7
93619 (Clovis, CA) $ 36,923 30
93621 (Squaw Valley, CA) $ 28,192 1
93622 (Firebaugh, CA) $ 17,128 55
93625 (Fowler, CA) $ 22,454 32
93626 (Friant, CA) $ 30,659 2
93628 (Hume, CA) $ 26,947 1
93630 (Kerman, CA) $ 18,821 82
93631 (Kingsburg, CA) $ 25,163 91
93640 (Mendota, CA) $ 14,707 58
93641 (Squaw Valley, CA) $ 25,789 1
93646 (Orange Cove, CA) $ 14,989 41
93648 (Parlier, CA) $ 15,471 71
93650 (Fresno, CA) $ 20,429 69
93651 (Prather, CA) $ 31,881 9
93652 (Raisin City, CA) $ 21,791 1
93654 (Reedley, CA) $ 21,351 142
Location 2008 Avg Wedding Cost 2008 Est. Weddings
93656 (Riverdale, CA) $ 19,104 31
93657 (Sanger, CA) $ 22,578 140
93660 (San Joaquin, CA) $ 14,214 25
93662 (Selma, CA) $ 21,016 207
93664 (Shaver Lake, CA) $ 33,865 4
93667 (Tollhouse, CA) $ 31,721 5
93668 (Tranquillity, CA) $ 19,910 7
93675 (Squaw Valley, CA) $ 26,723 9
93701 (Fresno, CA) $ 11,632 65
93702 (Fresno, CA) $ 14,222 221
93703 (Fresno, CA) $ 17,865 170
93704 (Fresno, CA) $ 27,540 150
93705 (Fresno, CA) $ 21,229 145
93706 (Fresno, CA) $ 15,453 183
93710 (Fresno, CA) $ 24,098 431
93711 (Fresno, CA) $ 36,869 296
93720 (Fresno, CA) $ 36,937 337
93721 (Fresno, CA) $ 10,543 87
93722 (Fresno, CA) $ 27,097 392
93723 (Biola, CA) $ 24,949 16
93725 (Fresno, CA) $ 18,254 140
93726 (Fresno, CA) $ 21,134 347
93727 (Fresno, CA) $ 21,710 301
93728 (Fresno, CA) $ 19,304 85
93730 (Fresno, CA) $ 40,808 29
Visalia-Porterville, CA - Metropolitan Area
Location 2008 Avg Wedding Cost 2008 Est. Weddings
93207 (California Hot Springs, CA) $ 21,023 1
93208 (Camp Nelson, CA) $ 42,111 0
93219 (Earlimart, CA) $ 14,719 36
93221 (Exeter, CA) $ 24,461 62
93223 (Farmersville, CA) $ 16,845 49
93235 (Ivanhoe, CA) $ 18,086 18
93244 (Three Rivers, CA) $ 24,513 2
93247 (Lindsay, CA) $ 18,127 70
93256 (Pixley, CA) $ 15,846 21
93257 (Porterville, CA) $ 19,958 388
93260 (Posey, CA) $ 24,826 1
93262 (Three Rivers, CA) $ 33,073 1
93265 (Springville, CA) $ 27,909 14
93267 (Strathmore, CA) $ 18,324 19
93270 (Terra Bella, CA) $ 17,950 26
93271 (Three Rivers, CA) $ 32,295 8
93272 (Tipton, CA) $ 17,644 17
93274 (Tulare, CA) $ 21,206 360
93277 (Visalia, CA) $ 29,032 401
93286 (Woodlake, CA) $ 18,196 35
93291 (Visalia, CA) $ 21,568 225
93292 (Visalia, CA) $ 26,826 208
93603 (Three Rivers, CA) $ 22,801 1
93615 (Cutler, CA) $ 14,671 24
93618 (Dinuba, CA) $ 19,581 165
Madera, CA - Metropolitan Area
Location
2008 Avg Wedding
Cost
2008 Est.
Weddings
93601 (Oakhurst, CA) $ 28,087 5
93604 (Bass Lake, CA) $ 28,019 5
93610 (Chowchilla, CA) $ 18,275 116
93614 (Yosemite Lakes, CA) $ 32,015 35
93636 (Bonadelle Ranchos-Madera Ranchos,
CA)
$ 34,085 28
93637 (Madera, CA) $ 23,855 298
93638 (Madera, CA) $ 17,914 248
93643 (North Fork, CA) $ 27,957 14
93644 (Oakhurst, CA) $ 28,346 90
93645 (O Neals, CA) $ 26,372 1
93653 (Raymond, CA) $ 28,056 2
93669 (Wishon, CA) $ 32,186 1
Yosemite National Park
Estimated number of weddings 2008 = 48
Estimated average spending 2008 - $22,412
Average Spending Per Specific Service (note some not available)
Entire U.S. AVERAGES for 2008
WEDDING CEREMONY SITE AND SERVICES
How many research ceremony products and services online?
Answer: 100% said yes
Ceremony location rental - $573
Ceremony decorations - $438
Officiate/Pastor/Priest - $178
Rehearsal Dinner - $990
WEDDING ATTIRE & ACCESSORIES
How many research bride and groom attire and services online?
Answer: 100% said yes.
Wedding Dress - $1,010
Groom's suit or tux - $190
Headpiece/veil - $241
Bride Accessories - $246
Groom Accessories - $146
MAKEUP & HAIR SERVICES FOR BRIDE
How many research bride hair and makeup services online?
Answer: 100% said yes.
Hair/Makeup Service - $128
FLOWERS
How many research wedding flowers and services online?
Answer: 100% said yes.
Boutonnieres/Corsages - $134
Bride Bouquet - $115
Bridesmaid Bouquets - $184
Ceremony Flowers - $332
Flower Girl Flowers - $38
Reception Flowers - $769
ENTERTAINMENT - DJ SERVICES - MUSICIANS
How many research wedding and reception entertainment online?
Answer: 100% said yes.
Ceremony/Reception Band - $1,442
Ceremony/Reception DJ - $554
Ceremony/Reception Musicians - $441
PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEO SERVICES
How many research wedding photography and videography online?
Answer: 100% said yes.
Photographer - $1,546
Videographer - $1,173
RECEPTION SITE AND SERVICES
How many research wedding reception sites and services online?
Answer: 100% said yes.
Reception Beverages/Bartender - $1,656
Bride/Groom Hotel - $256
Reception Decorations/Centerpieces - $808
Favors - $271
Reception Food Service - $6,032
Reception Location - $1,943
Reception Rentals - $834
WEDDING CAKE
How many research wedding cakes and services online?
Answer: 100% said yes.
Cake - $415
Cake Knife Set - $34
Cake Topper - $32
INVITATIONS & STATIONARY
How many research invitations and stationary online?
Answer: 100% said yes.
Bridal Shower Invitations - $74
Guestbook - $39
Invitations & Reply Cards - $330
Personal Stationery - $99
Save The Date Cards - $124
Thank You Cards - $64
TRANSPORTATION SERVICS - LIMOS
How many research transportation for their wedding online?
Answer: 100% said yes.
Car Rental - $224
Limo Rental - $525
HONEYMOON
How many research honeymoon locations and services online?
Answer: 100% said yes.
Honeymoon - $2,899
BRIDAL CONSULTANT - PLANNER
How many research consultant - wedding planner services online?
Answer: 100% said yes.
Bridal Consultant/Planner - $1,110
http://www.FresnoWeddings.Net/

New Message Forum

2008-04-21T12:17:00.001-07:00

I have created a new message forum just for you! Feel free to take a look around, invite your friends. I hope to see all of you there! Receive special discounts, helpful wedding tips and more!

Please Help Sponsor Me!

2008-04-09T16:31:00.000-07:00

I'm still here! (with a special offer!)

2008-04-09T15:53:00.000-07:00

Wow, it's been a very long time since I've posted here. It's been an extremely busy year and I can't believe it's already mid-April! I had a baby in January, yay! and started back to work just in time for wedding season. Wedding season has started off full force this year and we're already looking at full weekends! It's so exciting. As much as I enjoyed being on maternity leave, I was very happy to be back into the swing of things. I took six weeks off and my husband/associate took over calls and appointments for me and even in that short amount of time, I felt I had fallen out of the loop. My first mixer back with Premier Bride and I barely knew any of the vendors! C'mon guys! I wasn't gone THAT long. So in light of the maternity leave, we decided to move out of the office we shared with some of the other vendors. I was hardly there for awhile and frankly, I'd rather spend that money on my new little boy. So, we're back to meeting at Starbucks which actually works really well for us. It's closer to my home, and we're helping to keep some people employed. So, now that I'm back to working again, I'd like to celebrate my new baby boy with you by having some new specials! So here ya go! When you call or make your appointment, mention the maternity special.

10% off any package including officiating, wedding coordination, and elopements

I can't resist! Here's a picture of my little boy, Gryphon Michael

Bridal Show Special

2008-01-04T16:49:00.000-08:00

Join us at the Premier Bride Showplace and receive many special offers and discounts!

Up to 20% off wedding coordination and officiant services
Officiant services starting at just $100
Elopement packages starting at just $550
Low deposits, payment plans, free consultations, everything to take the stress off of you while planning your wedding!

Sunday, January 27, 2008
10am - 4pm
Fresno Convention Center

For more information, you can email me at misty@forever-weddings.com

Hope to see you there!

Casting Call for Bridezilla's TV Show

2007-11-19T15:48:00.000-08:00

I found this ad and thought some of my readers my be interested. You can be on the Bridezilla's TV Show!

Are you planning a wedding in the next six months?
(November 2007 - April 2008)

Are your wedding preparations getting out of control?

Are you doing everything in your power to make sure your wedding day is perfect?

Are you swamped with a massive To Do list for your big day?

Do you think you have what it takes to be on America’s top-rated wedding show?!

$$ All participants will be generously compensated. $$

Our staff will also edit together your own personal wedding video, eliminating the high costs of a videographer!

Interested? Please call our casting office at:
(213) 417-4437

Or e-mail us at:
bridezillascasting@yahoo.com

Please include a photo of you and your fiancé.

Save the Date!

2007-11-03T13:49:00.000-07:00

The Central Valley wedding event of the season is January 27, 2008!

Come join us at the Premier Bride Showplace!
Sunday, January 27, 2008
10am-4pm
Fresno Convention Center

Tickets are $5 in advance, $8 at the door

Email for more information

New Services for 2008!

2007-11-03T13:41:00.000-07:00

For the past month, I've been working on revamping all that Forever Weddings has to offer. We've discontinued selling invitations and accessories and have put more of a focus on wedding services. We still offer flexible wedding planning packages and day-of coordination, but I have changed some of the services that are included with each package. For the day-of, I've added two more hours of pre-planning time. So instead of the usual three hours, you get five! You also receive vendor referrals and discounts with day-of. Prior to the change, you just received a general vendor list. I've extended that to my preferred vendors and discounts, so now you can save money without having to buy a larger package!! In addition to the changes to our planning packages, we've added a second officiant package. So now, we have two to fit your budget. Before, we had an all-inclusive officiant package for $350, but we've also added a package for brides and grooms that do not need everything included in that package. So now, we have a standard package for $250. Neat, huh? And last, but certainly not least, we are going to broaden our marketing for our elopements and small wedding packages. These are all-inclusive packages at affordable prices, starting at $550 at any location of your choice. These are great for couples who are stressing too much about planning, couples who don't want the drama of a large wedding, or couples who just want to "get it over with." These are great. We've done them in Yosemite, Kings Canyon National Park and the Central Coast, but we definitely aren't limited to those locations. Want to do it on top of Half Dome? In a public park? Your own backyard? These packages are great and don't let the "elopements" title fool you, you can customize your package to include your guests! So those are some of the new services we have to offer, but they probably won't stop there! I'm taking the holiday season to overhaul everything so that you will get more services for your money. Weddings are stressful enough! Don't make it worse, hire a professional!!

Til Death do we part....or sooner

2007-09-26T16:13:00.001-07:00

Wow, has it been a whole month since I last posted a blog? Well, readers, wedding season for Forever Weddings is drawing to a winter close very soon and after receiving a cancellation yesterday, I felt the need to bring up a very touchy subject: Cancelling weddings. This year, I have had three cancellations, three postponements (one bride), and a couple who has put off their wedding indefinitely, with no future date planned. I have the following reasons: not enough money to pay vendors, too much stress caused by planning (isn't that what I was hired for?? That's a WHOLE other blog!), pre-marital issues, etc. The thought that has been waring on my mind is: shouldn't all those things be dealt with BEFORE the engagement? A buget is a HUGE importance and then you don't lose out on deposits from vendors who can't change the date. My bride who ran out of money would have SAVED money had she not changed her date three times and actually took my advice regarding design and budget, but like I said, that's another blog entirely. So now, I have to say that I hate getting that dreaded call from a teary bride whose wedding has to be cancelled, but I'm amazed that it is this common of an occurance. I have to say to all of you Brides-to-be, plan, plan, plan ahead. I do not want you to be one of those cancelled brides, money down the drain, having to tell family and friends. Know what you're getting into, relationship-wise and financially BEFORE you start planning the wedding of your dreams. Remember, it's not always about the wedding....you have a whole life of marriage after that one day. Okay, readers, that's my marriage counselling 101 for the day, week, month. Carry on....

Premier Bride Showplace

2007-08-22T11:02:00.000-07:00

Save Money
Meet Vendors
Enter Contests
Win Prizes

There's so much to do at the Premier Bride Showplace!

August 26, 2007
10am - 4pm
Fresno Convention Center

Tickets are $5 in advance, $8 at the door

Receive special bridal show discounts from hundreds of vendors

Visit the Forever Weddings Booth and find out how you can save 20% off your purchase!
For more information, or to see a list of vendors, visit Premier Bride Showplace

Creative Wedding Ideas

2007-07-24T16:36:00.000-07:00

I came across these two youtube videos and thought they were very fun. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did! And kudos to you if you are brave enough to do an invitation like the one below.

Win a Year of Wedding Inspirations!!!

2007-07-02T14:06:00.000-07:00

Okay, so one of my friends and colleagues is holding a contest on her blog. You can post a comment to her blog and be entered to win four subscriptions for wedding magazines. You can view her blog and comment on it at http://weddingsbysocialites.blogspot.com/2007/06/win-year-of-wedding-inspirations.html Good luck!!

You May Kiss the Bride

2007-06-10T12:24:00.000-07:00

Those five little words are the epitome of weddings, the moment that you have waited your whole life for, the sealing of your marriage promise with a kiss. Your first kiss as a wedded couple. It should be magical. So, why in the world do we get these cheesy little pecks, like you don't even want to touch each other? As an officiant, as well as a coordinator, I help a lot of couples write their wedding vows to each other. They are emotional and full of love and tears. They are some of the most personal words ever said to each other and I am amazed at how many couples actually leave out the kiss. I had one bride who refused to do it. I don't want to kiss him in front of everyone, she said to me. The groom wrote it in at the last minute and the bride was embarrassed and unhappy. I understand that we, the audience don't want a makeout session, I'm not saying that. I'm just saying that as a happily, newly wedded husband and wife, you shouldn't approach the kiss as though you are in first grade! Eeew, he's got cooties!! Enjoy your first kiss as husband and wife. Yes, you'll have many more kisses in your lifetime together, but this is your first! You can't get it back. Embrace each other, enjoy each other, and remember the love that brought you to that altar and smooch away!!

Must....Get....To....Rehearsal.....

2007-05-12T13:11:00.002-07:00

Okay, I admit it. I may have taken on a bit too much this weekend. Not that I'm complaining, I am loving every minute of it. My energy can go much longer than my eyes can hold out. (how dare they try to sleep when I have things to do!!) Anyway, yesterday I helped set a beautifully formal event for a friend. I came home long enough to scarf a PBJ and change my clothes, then I was off to Coomb's Riverbend Ranch. I admit again, that I have never been out there. But it's easy, the road dead ends right into the golf course. Lucky for me! 20 minutes early! So I go into the clubhouse and no one knows where I am supposed to be. Apparently, I'm supposed to go back up the hill and wait at the locked gate. Okay, so I call my bride to make sure that is where I need to be. No one is there yet and I'd hate to be sitting around somewhere I shouldn't be. She confirms where I'm supposed to be. She says go through the gate, follow the road, it will change to dirt, follow the dirt road to the river, then you'll see where everyone is. Easy enough! So I drive down to the gate and voila! the gate is open. Follow her directions, deeper, deeper, deeper, into an abyss. Luckily, I have this little honda following behind me, so I figure, this must be the right place, she's going to the rehearsal too! So we are driving through potholes, around downed trees, dodging golf balls alongside the course, but not to worry! The honda is following me! The whole time I'm thinking, oh my gosh, how did the catering truck get down here? What's going to happen with guests in fancy cars? I'm in a 4 wheel drive and this drive is difficult. So we get to a stopped security truck blocking the road and we get out and talk to the guard. Apparently, we missed a turn about two miles back. According to the guard, I will see a big oak tree and on the other side of the oak, there is a grassy road which will take me to the park. Gotcha. So we drive back down, the honda (who is the mother of the flowergirl I found out after we stopped at the security guard), in tow. Okay, so I find the oak tree and lo, and behold, there are cars in the park!!! But no grassy road. Just a park, rabbits are running around, picnic tables are sprinkled along the grass, there's a gazebo, and barbecue's, but on the other side is where I need to be. So, here I go, with honda in tow and we just cut right across the park, driving around bunnies, dodging barbecues and we make it to the other side. The entire wedding party is waiting for us and watching up 4 wheel in. What a way to make an entrance!!!

Summer Special!

2007-05-09T20:17:00.000-07:00

The heat is upon us! To think, it was freezing a week ago! To celebrate the sweltering summer, Forever Weddings if offering 10% off ANY purchase. That includes officiating, coordination, design, decorating, accessories, and more! Simply print out the coupon below and present it at your FREE initial consultation. It's that easy!

We'd love to have you join us

2007-04-09T15:01:00.000-07:00

I am a member of a special team of people who care about the health of America’s babies. That’s why we have banded together to raise money and participate in the March of Dimes WalkAmerica. I am asking you to join our fundraising efforts today by sponsoring my walk or joining our team.

Contributing online is fast, easy and secure. You can donate directly from my personal webpage with a credit/debit card or PayPal. If you prefer, I can also accept cash or check. Just click the appropriate box on my webpage.

The money we raise helps save premature and sick babies. Premature birth is the #1 cause of newborn death and the biggest threat to babies’ health today, and through WalkAmerica, the March of Dimes is funding important research to find out why premature birth happens and what can be done to prevent it. There’s nothing more important than to give every baby a healthy start in life.

We need your help. Please join us in the fight against prematurity. Visit my webpage and sponsor me in the walk that saves babies or join our team!

With your support, there’s hope.

My personal web page address for donations is....
http://www.walkamerica.org/teamMisty

Would you like to see what WalkAmerica is and why I’m walking?
Click the link to see the video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BVghSy-Cens

The March of Dimes mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth, and infant mortality.

Thank You!