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.

ABC's of Weddings...D is for Diamonds (and more!)

One of the first purchases for a couple who have decided to get married is an engagement ring. The first thing that comes to mind is a diamond ring, but engagement rings don't have to be that perfect diamond. We've seen so much more, like ruby and emeralds, alone or with diamonds. Vintage and antique settings. But it all comes down to personal style.

This One's for Groom's To Be...

Is a Proposal in Your Future?

Guys...how long have you been with your girlfriend in a serious relationship? Six months? A year...two years or more? Did you know that Valentine's Day is the second most popular day to pop "the question?" So...what are you waiting for...?

Are you nervous about that engagement ring? Here's some information to help guide your way.

No. 1: When Buying an Engagement Ring, Don't Automatically Think You Can't Afford Quality

Platinum is the metal of choice. An engagement ring is an investment in beauty with a meaning of long lasting love, but it doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg. Even De Beers, a popular name associated with diamonds, carries Platinum rings costing as little as $2,650.

No. 2: You Can't Go Wrong With A Classic Style

A solitaire diamond ring has been a classic design for decades. There is true elegance in showcasing a unique, single diamond in a solitaire ring setting, but is is also important to get a sense from your fiancé about her preferences.

No. 3: The Necessary Question:

What is Her Ring Size? If you have no idea and don't want to ask, try one of these methods. A jeweler can calculate her ring size from any of them.

Trace the inside of one of her rings onto paper.
Borrow one of her rings, something she wears often.
Put one of her rings on your finger and mark where it rests with a pen, then get yourself to the jeweler!

No. 4: Choose Wisely
Buy a ring that symbolize your love, and that she'll want to wear for the rest of her life .

Jewelry should mirror a relationship--beautiful, unique and lasting.

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.

C is for...Cake & Confections

What's a wedding without delicious wedding cake! Many brides and grooms are expressing their style in theme and color on wedding cakes, even the old traditional stacked cake has taken on a new twist. It's called "personality!"
Dessert buffets can feature cupcakes with a variety of flavors. Provide a cute cake box so they are easy for guests to take home at the end of the night.

Holiday Giving!

It's that time of year and I'm sure you don't have to be reminded of those who are having problems making it during this holiday season. We always have a soft spot for children and this year we would like to remind you to consider giving a toy for tots! Between now and December 15th, two area wedding professionals are collecting Toys for Tots. Please feel free to drop your toys at:
Bancroft Bridals
225 Springfield Street, Agawam, MA
or
Durocher Florist
184 Union Street, West Springfield, MA

You would be helping make a child's holiday brighter!
Thank you!