...every bride needs to experience a show

You're planning one of the biggest, most exciting days of your life. You'll be saying "I Do" to the one you love. It's also the time for planning. And a must for every bride and groom on the road to planning a wedding should be attending a bridal show. Comparison shopping, tasting cake, looking at linens, interviewing photographers, looking for the wedding gown of your dreams...it can all be found at a bridal show. A few hours spent wandering the isles will fill you with wedding information and options that can set you on the right path to planning the day of your dreams...or if you're close to being done with your planning you can find just the right items to complete your mission.

The Western New England Fall Bridal Show is November 13, 2011 at the MassMutual Center in downtown Springfield, MA. It's the area's largest single day bridal event that brings the area's finest wedding professionals together for one day, in one location for a convenent day of discovery!

Advance registration and tickets available through the website at www.cjcevents.com.

local trends shared by local experts...

Western New England has many wonderfully talented wedding professionals and we thought we would share a few with you!

Eutopia Events is very creative and thinks outside the box to achieve a bride and groom's desired wedding,whether it is a wedding cake, decor, or to add that extra touch to the day.

The team of Lauren Mace and Ruthie McDonald want to share these trends for local weddings:
• Welcoming reception at the ceremony – light Hor’Deourves and non-alcoholic beverages, especially at an outdoor wedding where it may be hot and guests might arrive early
• Doing a wedding cake and dessert buffet with something non-traditional such as pies or a favorite dessert.
• Buttercream wedding cakes. Many couples are going back to the traditional buttercream cakes rather than fondant, for both taste and looks.
• Choosing different colors for the bridesmaids dresses rather than sticking with one hue.
• Mixing table shapes and sizes – Couples aren’t sticking with the traditional round table these days, they are opting to mix it up to create variety and customize their reception to better fit their style.
• Outdoor weddings – couples are opting to do this because it provides a more personal touch to their day
• Vintage styles – from wedding dresses to the ornate details of the décor, weddings are taking on old style charm with a modern twist.
• Eco-weddings continue to be popular. From recycled paper for invitations to using food from local farmers and providers, couples are more aware of their wedding carbon footprint.

Located in Massachusetts, Eutopia Events has a passion for throwing amazing parties.
Email eutopiaevents@gmail.com
Phone 508.735.1701 or 413.475.2282

it's bridal show time...

This Sunday marks the 5th year for the Western New England Fall Bridal Show at the MassMutual Center, Springfield, MA, from 11-4pm.

The area's finest wedding professionals will be on hand as well as an amazing New York style runway fashion show with the latest styles in bridal gowns, bridesmaids, special occasion and even fashions for the little ones in your wedding! Taste cake and food samples, sign up for giveaways including a honeymoon from Magical Escapes.

Come early for the $199 bridal gown sample sale. Yes, you heard it...just $199 for a bridal gowns...these gowns were originally priced $800-2000...talk about a savings! Plus if you arrive early you'll also be awarded free wedding bands! Value of $600. Bridal shows are a wonderful way to see everything and find exactly what you want for your wedding...talk about even more savings with free wedding bands!!!

So bring your groom, your attendants, your mom...wear comfy shoes, and just make a day of it! Check the website at www.cjcevents.com.

it's all in the look

Recently I had the opportunity to attend an interesting appointment with bride-to-be, Stephanie Smith, winner of the Western New England Great Wedding Giveaway. If you're not familiar with the Wedding Giveaway, it's a wonderful group of talented wedding professionals joining forces to give away a complete wedding package to one lucky area couple. You can catch up on the activities and all the participating services by visiting the web site at www.westernnewenglandgreatweddinggiveaway.com.

This appointment was for Stephanie's hair. Salon Karma, of East Longmeadow, will be making Stephanie's hair look beautiful on her wedding day! They are experts and really listen to their clients, especially the brides, as it's such a apecial day and so important to have the best look. In these photos you'll see Claire and Jessica, both extremely talented and passionate stylists, working with Stephanie to give her three options for her wedding. All were beautiful and each complimented Stephanie and the hair piece she has from Roxy's Jewelry Boutique.

Everyone knows someone...

Everyone knows someone whos life has been touched by cancer, especially breast cancer. It could be a mom, a relative, a friend, a friend of a friend...I've never met someone who could not say they don't know someone who has been affected by breast cancer.
That being said, this Sunday is the Rays of Hope Breast Cancer walk and it's not to late to donate to this GREAT cause! Every dollar counts, be part of the cure!!!

https://foundation.baystatehealth.org/NetCommunity/SSLPage.aspx?pid=282

Founded in 1994 with 500 walkers, the Rays of Hope walk has grown to attract over 15,000 participants. These participants include more than 460 teams, hundreds of individual walkers and over 300 committee volunteers who work to help Rays of Hope raise funds to improve the breast health of the people in our communities with quality and compassion in partnership with Baystate Regional Cancer Program's Comprehensive Breast Center. Last year through the Baystate Health Foundation, Rays of Hope raised over $812,000 to benefit people throughout Western Massachusetts and surrounding communities.

So...help out. It's not too late to participate! If you can't walk, then sponsor a team. If you can't sponsor a team, just donate. Every dollar helps!

Bridal Buzzzz...It's in the Bag!

Recently these amazing little goodie bags were handed out to brides who attended the Day of Elegance Bridal Show at Look Park. Full of unique items...here's a little tidbit of what was found!

Custom Couture Invitations and Graphic Design Services, Carla David Design included a cute little sample of thank you cards with envelopes. A simple, but beautiful design, easy to use for shower or wedding thank yous. From beginning to end, Carla David Design can custom design a whole range of details for your wedding. Save-the-Dates, shower invitations, wedding invitations, favor tags and labels and so much more. You can view the website at www.carladaviddesign.com. Thank you Carla David Design for the addition to the goodie bag!

Next, Hailey's Dragonfly Garden Botanicals included a great little 15% OFF coupon for their amazing Organic and All Natural Skin Care products. Certified organic and all natural, this is a company where you can come to nourish and nurture your Mind, Body and Spirit. Face and body scrubs, bath salts, shower gels, amazing specialty soaps, plus gift baskets can all be found at Hailey's! Visit www.haileysdragonflygarden.com.

Planning a wedding...go to a bridal show!

How does a bride plan her wedding? Well, you start by gathering information. You buy a bunch of magazines and pick up every free local wedding publication. Then you scour the Internet looking for ideas all while making a big list of those things you just love. Then you get really searching and you attend a bridal show. Bridal shows allow you to view a number of different products and services at one location. It saves the time of driving around from place to place, allowing easy comparison shopping. Most bridal shows have a fashion segment allowing you to view the latest styles in bridal gowns and wedding attire. For the bride watching their budget, many exhibitors offer show specials and discounts for reserving them from the show. They also tend to give away some great prizes too.

So mark your calendar and plan to attend the Day of Elegance Bridal Show at the Garden House at Look Park on Sunday, September 20, 2009 from 11-4pm. A beautiful fashion show by Pearl Bridal Boutique will take place in the Garden House Tent with jewelry featured by Roxy's Jewelry Boutique. Magical Escapes will be focusing on wonderful affordable honeymoon locations as well as giving away a Honeymoon to Las Vegas! Taste food samples from the area's finest caterers and bakeries and relax in this stress-free location. For more information visit the website at www.cjcevents.com. The Garden House at Look Park is located at 300 N. Main Street, Florence, MA.

Pure Soy

Equus Candles brings the ever popular Non Toxic & Biodegradable Soy Candles for wedding party favors. You can choose your color to coordinate with your wedding colors or theme and pick a custom fragrance. To finish up, you'll have a custom label that you can even add your own artwork to. You can visit their website at www.equuscandle.com for more information and favor pricing.

Soy candles burn longer and cleaner. By using natural soy, Equus Candles supports American Farmers and Green Weddings as soy is a renewable resource!

Let the Comments Begin...

The "webisodes" are rolling on www.413wedding.com, the area's first reality wedding that follows a couple, Jessica and Gainer, as they plan their wedding. You can comment on the episodes and even join the forum and post your own questions about your own wedding. Get wedding planning tips from the area's experts and you could even win some prizes.

Check out www.413wedding.com. They want to hear from you!

What's Your Sexy?

A Different Kind of “Girl’s Night Out”

Bella Donna “What’s Your Sexy?”

A fun and unique boudoir-style portrait experience to celebrate the beauty of every woman. This is an opportunity to express your inner beauty and unique personality, from elegant to wild, by yourself or in an enjoyable boudoir-style portrait gathering.


The party hostess invites up to 10 of her closest female friends to our studio for a private “girl’s night out” event. While enjoying wine and hors d’oeuvres, each woman has an opportunity to express her personal definition of sexy with exquisite portraiture. The experience starts with professional make-up application by Lynn Tassinari Wegiel, followed by your private portrait session. Bring your favorite lingerie, furs, wraps, jeans, and other outfits. This is guaranteed to be an absolute blast for everyone! This amazing session can be had by calling Denise Smith Photography, 85 Maple Road, Longmeadow, MA 413-567-3339
www.denisesmithphotography.com

ABC's of Weddings...E is for Eco-Friendly

One of the popular buzz words associated with weddings lately is Eco-Friendly, Eco-Chic...or "Green" Weddings. You don't necessarily have to have a totally complete "Green" wedding, but you can reduce your carbon footprint, save a few trees, support a charity and support local farmers by considering adding a few "Green, eco-friendly" elements to your wedding. Here's a few suggestions:
• In lieu of a favor, give a donation to a local charity
• Cut down on fuel, have your ceremony and reception at the same location.
• Donate the leftover uneaten food from your reception to Rachael's Table.
• Use locally grown organic fruit in and on your wedding cake.
• Hire a totally digital photographer
• Give tree saplings for wedding favors
• Use recycled paper for your wedding invitations
• For your reception meal, use local organic vegetables
• Support a non-profit organization through one's choice of a wedding venue, such as a museum, cultural center, "green-friendly" venue or landmark building.
• For traditional chocolate favors, use organic chocolate or Fair-Trade candies.
• Reception food/Catering; consider using a caterer that uses only local sources for their ingredients or sustainable resources for chicken or fish.

7 Quick Tips for Bridal Gown Shopping

Careful planning is essential for your wedding preparations to go smoothly. Headaches and stress does not exactly make a blushing, beaming bride. You may have heard of rumors about otherwise placid females morphing into bridezillas, especially when it comes to picking a wedding gown. If you are keen NOT to be one of them, then review these tips:

1. Envision yourself on your big day. What do you see yourself wearing? Take into account the circumstances, your style. Are you going to have a beach wedding or a garden wedding? Or are you going to have a traditional church wedding? Consider the season; a wrap, strapless, skinny straps, or sleeves.

2. Decide on your budget. Formulate a general price range so you can be flexible enough in choosing from the wide variety of designs.

3. Do some homework. Browse the internet, books, magazines -- leaf through them and figure out which styles flatter you and which ones don't, which style you would be comfortable in. Narrow down your options and find the designs which suit your personality best, but do keep an open mind.

4. Research bridal salon locations, customer reviews, recommendations and price range -- these are the vital issues you have to deal with. Do some research on the internet. You might be tempted to order a dress from Ebay on the cheap, or from some shop across the country, but why take a chance on such an important decision. Look for shops near your area. Ask friends and relatives for recommendations.

5. Call the shops you've selected. Find out more about the store and the kind of goods it offers. It's best to make an appointment so you'll have time to browse and try on gowns. Learn about their staff through these phone conversations, as well.

6. Be practical. You may want to look like a princess on your wedding day, but surely you don't want to go broke doing so. Set a budget, set a design and find a dress that fits into both. Keep your options open as you do not need to stick to one bridal shop. Look for special sales, trunk shows, sample sales and end of season discounts. Go explore until you find the perfect one.

7. Keep open minded. Good full service bridal salon consultants and owners know their gowns, prices, and styles. They might suggest a designer or style you have not considered, that although may not look like much on the hanger, may look beautiful on you. Be flexible and give it a try!

Above all, have fun shopping for your gown. Know that it's a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so make the most of it. Know what you want, go for what you want. It is your wedding after all.

Winter Accents

Well, the holidays are just around the corner. Who couldn't use a little bling and shine for a winter wedding. Here's some wonderful accents that can catch anyone's eye!

The Fifth Food Group

At the Day of Elegance Bridal Show, I discovered the fifth food group! Cookies!!

You may ask...why cookies? Why not?! And that's the name of the business...Why Cookies? Light, delicious little morsels that are perfect for weddings and showers. Susan, of Why Cookies, even makes party favor bags. Your guests will love them.

ABC's of Weddings...B is for Boutonniere

Time to adorn your men...yes, B is for boutonniere, a flower worn on the lapel. Traditionally, a boutonnière was worn pushed through the buttonhole of a jacket, but now simply pinned onto a jacket lapel. I know men aren't usually big fans of "wearing a flower," but it's just one special day and the boutonniere usually compliments all the flowers in the wedding.



This is one of my favorites! (Thanks Suzanne!)

Website Fun

I'm addicted to this site and I'm sure once you've played with it, you'll find it just as habit forming. It's call Polyvore and it allows you to mix and match images from anywhere to create your own style. It's not only for weddings, but also for interior design and all kinds of clothing. It lets you click and drag and play with colors and style. It even tells you the designer and where to locate the items you're working with. I'm having fun. You will too...

A Hidden Pearl

I've recently found a pearl...Pearl Bridal Boutique. It's a hidden gem located in Holyoke that carries a few exclusive designers not to easily found. Pearl carries bridal gowns, veils, and bridesmaids gowns. I especially like the Lynn Lugo bridesmaids designs. Silk shantung, charmeuse and silk dupioni, they are customizable with sashes, wraps and flat hem trims in beautiful complimenting colors to satisfy any size and style wedding.

Planning Fun with WeddingWire

The internet can be a bride's best friend. I thought I would share a new, growing internet address…WeddingWire. You can find it at http://www.weddingwire.com/. I've personally met the team at WeddingWire when I attended a recent conference. These guys exciting and smart! They know what brides want and need to plan their wedding. They have amazing tools that allow brides to manage their own wedding, blogs and an interactive community with all kinds of information. And…they've added Martha Stewart. Check it out!

The ABC's of Weddings...A is for...

A is for Apple Martini, a perfect signature drink for a fall wedding. Dress it up with an apple slice.

Green Apple Martini

2 oz. vodka

1 oz. apple Schnapps

Splash of midori

big ol’ squeeze of lime juice

thin granny smith slice for garnish

Sour Apple Martini

2 oz. vodka

1 oz. apple Schnapps

big ol’ squeeze of fresh lime juice

thin apple slice for garnish

Combine ingredients (except garnish) with cracked ice and shake it up till ice cold. Serve in a martini glass.

A Tasty Find

I had the pleasure of enjoying a glass of wine with dinner that I thought I would share. Hogue Late Harvest White Riesling from the eastern part of Washington State. It was delicious with a touch of fruity apricot pear with the right touch of sweetness. Perfect for any special occasion, rehearsal dinner or wedding. Visit www.hoguecellars.com for information.