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!

Helping Hand

Everyone once and a while wonderful events come our way that we just feel we have to tell everyone about. As many of you know and experience first hand, the economy is tough out there for many people. We just wanted to take a moment to promote an awesome event that helps many many area families.
Have some fun and support a terrific agency!
Dance Party
April 25, 2009
6:00 PM - Midnight
Easthampton American Legion
190 Pleasant St., Easthampton, MA

Community Resources has served western MA families since 1989. They are the ONLY Autism Support Center for all 4 counties of Western MA. We currently serve more than 990 families with new referrals coming to our agency every month. Due to the state budget crisis they are in danger of losing funding used to directly support families.

You can help them get closer to their goal of raising $25,000--all of which will go directly to support families. Registration is just $20 for this event. www.communityresourcesforautism.org. Please contact Jamie Oltmans or Lynn Ford at 413-529-2428 for more information and to register for the Dance Party. Come party or just make a donation...remember...what comes around, goes around...it's all good!

Belle of the Ball

Calling all previous bridesmaids...and anyone else who has a prom or bridesmaids gown just sitting in their closet, doing nothing. Here's your opportunity to move it out of your closet, recycle it and give it new life! Springfield Women's Committee has re-opened the Belle of the Ball Boutique for prom-goers in the area. They are collecting gently worn gowns to redistribute throughout the greater Springfield area, so that no girl gets left behind and unable to attend their prom because they cannot afford a dress. Dresses in all sizes, length and styles are needed and can be dropped off at Naomi's Inn, 20 Springfield St. in Springfield, MA or at NUVO Bank during bank hours or at Mall Services at Eastfield Mall, Boston Rd. in Springfield, during mall hours. For more information check http://www.naomisinn.net/belle.html or call 413-433-6019

Reality Wedding In Western MA

A different type of reality wedding is happening in our area and we wanted to give you an advance look at this new on-line reality series!

It’s called 413 Wedding and it’s going to follow a local couple through the process of planning their wedding. Episodes will start showing up on the show’s Web site April 15. There’s a trailer for the series up right now. You can check it out here: www.413wedding.com

You can also get involved in talking about the show or even discuss your own wedding plans with other couples. We're very excited about this series and hope you stop back often!

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.