A dream wedding...

Six weeks and 68 applications later, Stephanie and Brian were chosen as the winning couple of The Western New England Great Wedding Giveaway! And what a giveaway it is...the first of its kind in western New England, over 20 of the area's finest wedding professionals teaming up to giveaway an actual wedding valued over $35,000 and growing! Now the fun has begun as anyone and everyone can chime in with their opinions by voting on the very elements that make up Stephanie and Brian's wedding. Presently on deck for voting is Stephanie's wedding gown. She's very brave and she'll have to go with the voters, but she can't go wrong with the choices. Bancroft Bridals will be dressing Stephanie and has offered beautiful 2010 styles that are absolutely stunning! Make sure you visit the website and vote for your favorite wedding gown, read Stephanie and Brian's winning story, and find out about all the professionals involved. Check back often, as you could be a winner too!
www.westernnewenglandgreatweddinggiveaway.com

it's been a while...sorry

Hello everyone!

Yes, this blog has been missing for a while, but it's time to revise, revitialize and renew and do what we do best...share information about weddings! So much happening and we'll do our best to keep updated with the latest information, events,and trends in the area. We hope you stop back on a regular basis and make I Do and Beyond a part of your wedding planning!

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.

Bridal Buzz...Advance Notice Sale!

I know searching for just the right wedding gown can be a challenge, but here's the heads up on a terrific opportunity!! Bridal Heirlooms will be celebrating their 10th Anniversary...and you get the party with their End of Summer Clearance Sale! One Day Only, Saturday, August 22nd, Bridal Gowns starting at just $199. Bridesmaids Dresses starting at $25, Mothers Dresses starting at $75, plus more accessories and goodies too numerous to mention!! So take advantage of this sale...stop in at Bridal Heirlooms, 17 College Street, in the Village Commons, South Hadley, MA. 413-532-4848. www.bridalheirlooms.net

Pictured: Christine and Shirley of Bridal Heirlooms

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!