Happy Anniversary Jenna + Ben

Happy Anniversary
Jenna and Ben McCue
October 26, 2008

Jenna saw her flowers for the first time! She loved them!

Jenna and Ben decided to do a sand ceremony. The sand ceremony is used in place of the unity candle. As the couple pours the sand into a container, the grains are mixed and can never be separated. Be sure to pick a container that is timeless and matches your decor.

Lanterns with berries and nuts decorated each table.

The guys have a tradition of singing “You’ve Lost that Loving Feeling” when their friends get married. I'm not sure how many times they’ve performed it, but the harmonies were spot on!

Favors of caramel apples were given to guests- yummy!

Vendors

Calhoun’s Catering
Rosewood Photography
Lisa Foster Design
A Special Notes DJ
All Occasion Party Rentals
Ryan’s Wedding Videography

Have a wonderful Ever After!
Planner Girl:)

Traditions: Why do we do that?

Have you ever wondered: Why do we do that?        The Rings: The wedding ring has been worn on the third finger of the left hand since Roman times. The Romans believed that the vein in that finger runs directly to the heart. The wedding ring is a never-ending circle, which symbolizes everlasting love.

The Veil: The bridal veil has long been a symbol of youth, modesty, and virginity as well as its ability to ward off evil.

The Tiered Cake: The origin of the tiered wedding cake also lies in Anglo-Saxon times. Guests would bring small cakes to the wedding and stack them on top of each other. Later, a French baker created a cake in the shape of the small cakes and covered it in frosting. It is now known as the tiered cake.

The Giving Away of the Bride: The tradition of the father giving away his daughter has its roots in the days of arranged marriages. Daughters in those times were considered their father's property. It was the father's right to give his child to the groom, usually for a price. Today a father giving away his daughter is a symbol of his blessing of the marriage.

Why is the bride on the left? Simple, grooms in Anglo-Saxon England often had to defend their brides, the bride would stand to the left of her groom so that his sword arm was free. No guys this does not mean you can bring a sword!

The Maids: The bridal party is a tradition that has been established for many centuries. For a long time the purpose of the bridal party was to fool evil spirits. The bride's friends dressed similarly to her in order to confuse any evil presences that might be lurking about. Today bridesmaids are there to support the bride in the stressful times during the wedding.

The Best Man:  In ancient times, men sometimes captured women to make them their brides. A man would take along his strongest and most trusted friend to help him fight resistance from the woman's family. This friend, therefore, was considered the best man among his friends. In Anglo-Saxon England, the best man accompanied the groom up the aisle to help defend the bride.

The Bouquet Toss: Tossing the bouquet is a tradition that stems from England. Women used to try to rip pieces of the bride's dress and flowers in order to obtain some of her good luck. To escape from the crowd the bride would toss her bouquet and run away. Today the bouquet is tossed to single women with the belief that whoever catches it will be the next to marry.

Something Old, New, Borrowed, Blue:

Old- represents the bride's link to her family and continuity with the past.

New- represents hope for good fortune and success in the future.
Borrowed- usually comes from a happily married woman and is thought to lend some of her good fortune and joy to the new bride.
Blue- is a symbol of love, fidelity, and purity of the bride.

Get the scoop!
Planner Girl:)

Above Pics provided by: Photographs of You, Photography by Sabrina, Rosewood Photography, Watson Studios, Arlin Yeager Photography, Hope Photography, Tom Nancy Photography.

Honeymoon Spotlight: St. Lucia

Regency LaToc Golf Resort and Spa
Picture high glamour and exquisite surroundings. This resort is often compared to Hawaiian resorts, but with inclusive food, drinks, and activities. Also, St. Lucia is closer, so the flight is shorter and less expensive.

Property Specs
250 acres of lush, tropical, hilly terrain, and dramatic ocean bluff

Sandals exclusive ‘Millionaire Suites’ on a scenic bluff with 1600 sq. ft., wall-less rooms and panorama views. These suites are highly popular and difficult to reserve.

One of the largest fresh- water swimming pools in the Eastern Caribbean

Nine hole golf course on-site with complimentary greens fees

Stay and Play at two nearby Sandals resorts (The Grande and Halcyon)

Along with many onsite restaurants, enjoy a new pizzeria and Cricketers Pub.

Get your choice of two airports to fly into and option for private car transfers for some suites.

You get one honeymoon- enjoy it! Call or email us today for your Sandals quote!
Planner Girl:)

Happy Anniversary Ashley + David

Happy Anniversary
Ashley and David Lyons
October 18, 2008

I loved Ashley's Princess dress!

It made a great picture when twirling on the dance floor.

The DJ played some great music, but guests were just not willing to dance. The groomsmen on the other hand, were more than willing to work the dance floor!

Michael Jackson's Thriller was their theme song!

Seriously! They had a great time!

Vendors

Rosewood Photography
Powell Florist
Gary Loe Productions
Anderson Rental

Have a happily Ever After!
Planner Girl:)

Honeymoon Spotlight: Jamaica

Want a romantic Jamaican getaway?

Here are 7 Sandals resorts that are sure to meet your every criteria! All are Couples only!

Sandals, Montego Bay: Fun, Party, Beach, Clubs
- Close proximity to the Montego Bay Airport (15 minutes)
- Jamaica’s largest private white sand beach with ‘walk-out’ rooms/suites steps from the sand
- Departure lounge to use if need to check out early and have a later flight

Royal Caribbean: Exotic adventures from Britain to Bali

- Close proximity to the Montego Bay Airport (20 minutes)

- Private off-shore island sanctuary with beach cabanas

- Exotic Thai restaurant located on the off-shore island, Sandals Cay

- Walk- out rooms steps from the Caribbean Sea
- River suites where you can step into the pool from your private patio

Sandals Carlyle: Small size, big charm, sweet, quaint
- Close proximity to the Montego Bay Airport (20 minutes)
- Charming beach side bed & breakfast
- Conveniently located in Montego Bay, just minutes from shops and clubs
- 24 hour room-service for all rooms

Whitehouse European Village and Spa:
- White, pristine beaches
- European Village in the heart of Jamaica
- Untouched south coast of Jamaica is newly discovered
- Endless stretch of pristine beach gives every room/suite an ocean view
- Seven gourmet restaurants
- Extremely large pool area, excellent water sports and scuba diving

Negril Beach Resort and Spa: A beach lovers dream.
- The famed seven-mile beach
- Most rooms walk out steps from the beach, with breathtaking sunsets
- Excellent Scuba diving
- Beautiful swim up River Suites & Romantic two story loft Suites

- Six gourmet dining choices

- Gorgeous Plantation Suites with Plunge Pools

Grande Ocho Rios Beach and Villa Golf Resort: From mountains to sea, the Caribbean Rivera

- Excellent Golf and Country Club nearby (free greens fees and transfers)

- Villa Suites with private pools

- Eleven dining choices including nine world class restaurants and two grills
- Large spa with unique Tropical Solarium
- Three resorts in one: Caribbean Rivera, Manor House, Ciboney Villa Suites

Sandals Royal Plantation, Ocho Rios: Upscale resort, often used by celebrities
- 74 Oceanfront suites with personal butler service
- Golf transfers and greens fees included at Sandals Golf and Country Club nearby

It's your Honeymoon, go all-inclusive and worry free! Call or email us today for your Sandals quote!
Planner Girl:)

The How To's on Wedding Toasts

Who should give the toast?

Traditionally, as the host, the father of the bride would give the toast. More commonly today, the best man and maid of honor also give toasts. In addition, other wedding party members, the father of the groom, etc. are also likely to give a toast. It’s best to determine in advance whom you would like to give the toast. Don't forget to give the names to the MC for introduction. It’s good to have no more than 3 toastmasters!

When is the toast given?
Traditionally, toasts occur following dinner, prior to the cutting of the cake or serving of the desserts. The father of the bride should speak first, followed by the best man and maid of honor.

What should the bride and groom do during the toast?
You do not have to stand. If you are seated you can remain seated. Raise your glass and sip your drink only after others have raised theirs.

How to write the toast.
Brainstorm ideas and ask yourself some questions. How did you first meet the bride/groom? How were you told of the engagement? Were you present when they met? How were you told of their new relationship? Is there scripture or a poem that would fit you or them?

Tips to delivery of the toast.
Keep it brief. Don't try to be something your not. If you're not funny, don't try to be a comedian. If you are sentimental, it’s OK to include it in your toast. It’s also OK to prepare notes. Don’t forget to practice a few times to be sure you’re familiar with what you want to say. Beware of the ‘ums’ and words that creep into the spaces of your speech. It’s OK to pause and slow your speech. Be sure you eat something, and be sure not to drink too much before your toast.

Raise your glass!
Planner Girl:)

Happy Anniversary Davina + Kevin

Happy Anniversary
Davina and Kevin Blazer
October 5, 2007

The flower girl and ring bearer held hands as they went down the aisle!

The centerpieces were Davina’s vision! She used river rock, moss, and gold fish to give a natural look.
Davina even grew her own topiaries for the wedding!

Vendors
Rex Bradford Jones
Waldorf Photography
Samuel Franklin Floral
Ogle Entertainment of Special Notes


Have a happily Ever After!
Planner Girl:)

Sand Ceremony

The sand ceremony has become a popular substitute for the unity candle. It’s a great option for outdoor ceremonies where candles are at the mercy of the wind! The concept is similar to the unity ceremony.

The Meaning
As the two sands blend, the grains symbolize a coming together of two lives into one. The colored grains, once poured into the unity vase can never be put back into their separate vases. They are forever entwined just as the hearts and lives of the bride and groom.

Variations
Children: If children are a part of the new family, the sand ceremony can involve them also. Some families choose a different color for each member.

Including God: Some sand ceremonies will have the pastor or reverend pour white sand either in the bottom of the container or throughout to represent God in the marriage. You may also put a stone in the bottom to represent that God is the cornerstone and foundation of the marriage.

Parents- Just as the mothers would light a candle in the unity ceremony, they can also pour sand during their entrance down the aisle. The sand can be a different color or can match the color of their child.

The container
The container that you decide to use is very important. If it’s going to be on display, think about where you will put it. It should match the décor. You can put it in an heirloom vase, a vintage bottle, or monogrammed vase. The possibilities are endless!
These containers can be found on Daisy Days.

Colors
You can pick colors that match your wedding or simply black and white or black and cream to match any décor.

I recently had a couple use scented salt instead of sand. Bath salts are good aroma and decor for your home!

Check out some sample sand ceremony vows!
Choose your container wisely if you plan to keep it for a while!
Planner Girl:)

Sandals 101

Sandals has many terms that you should know!

Couples only! The entire atmosphere from the rooms and restaurants to the activities is tailor made for romance and relaxation. You can chill out the entire time, or add in some adventure if you choose! The ratio of couples to space is amazing!

All inclusive. Don’t think that means they are boring with no choices. Each property has 10 or more room types, numerous restaurants, and a ton of free land and water activities. What’s included: accommodations, meals, premium drinks, non motor sports, transportation from the airport, and more! Included sports range from sailing and snorkeling to water skiing! And, the pool never closes!

Three room categories
Basic room with refrigerator stocked sodas and juices.

Concierge rooms have a fully stocked refrigerator with sodas and liquor.

Butler service rooms come with personal butlers that are unobtrusive. They will give you a cell phone to contact them when you need them. They can unpack your luggage, fix you a drink, take room service orders, or bring you a forgotten item when your lounging on the beach. They can even set up a meal on your private balcony for you! They are in the butler's lounge awaiting your call!

Stay and Play. Stay and Play means you can stay at one resort and play at other nearby Sandal’s resorts. Take Sandal’s free transportation to nearby resorts to eat at their restaurants, play on their beaches, and enjoy their activities- all for free. It’s a great way to double and triple the fun!

 
 
Do your homework!
Call or email us today for your Sandals quote!
Planner Girl:)