Bridal Readiness

You're getting married. You've got the guy, the ring, the date, and the venue. Everything is falling into place perfectly. But wait. You are doing more than having the party of your life featuring a big white dress. You, my dear, are changing identities. You are leaving that single girl and that child/daughter behind...You are about to become a married woman, a grown woman with her own home, husband and family. The process of crossing this bridge entails a lot more than planning a wedding... When I coach Brides, they are dealing with the present and the future. But what about the past? Is there anything you haven't finished. Anyone you haven't said goodbye to? Any closure you need? If you say no, think again. Have you gotten rid of all the gifts and cards and trinkets from all your old boyfriends? What about the lingerie you wore with another man? Or the jewelry he gave you? Is there anyone you need to tell that you are getting married? Before you begin your new life, think of how you want to create a sacred space with your new husband. Part of that is letting go of the intimacy you may have shared with others. There is only room in your marriage for the two of you. Although you will not read this in popular magazines, my best advice to you is for both of you to leave all prior relationships in the past. Don't talk about them, don't bring them into your house. Why? Because they will be an invasion of the sacred space of two of you are creating. Best Wishes for a wonderful Married Life together!

Surprise!

From the TV show mobbed with Howie Mandell

And You Thought You Had Wedding Woes!!!

From Reuters -- ..HARARE (Reuters) - Zimbabwean Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai's plan to get married this weekend faced a second legal challenge on Thursday from another woman who said she was romantically involved with him, fuelling a scandal that has already hurt his reputation. The dispute has handed long-serving President Robert Mugabe political ammunition as he seeks to extend his three-decade rule in an election expected within a year since Tsvangirai is his main rival. On Thursday, Nosipho Regina Shilubane, a South African woman, lodged a legal challenge to try to block the premier's wedding, the day after the High Court threw out an application by another former lover to halt the ceremony. In papers filed at a magistrates court she said she was engaged to Tsvangirai after being introduced to him by her church pastor at a hotel in South Africa in September 2009. Shilubane, who did not appear in court, said Tsvangirai had taken her on holiday to Singapore, the Seychelles and Botswana and that the two were "still engaged to be married". Tsvangirai's colorful private life has come under scrutiny since the death of his wife Susan in a car crash in 2009, with local media reveling in stories of his relationships with numerous women. The other woman keen to halt the wedding - Locardia Karimatsenga - is appealing a judge's decision to reject her challenge to Tsvangirai's marriage to fiancee Elizabeth Macheka. If the wedding were blocked it would be a major embarrassment for Tsvangirai, who had been expected to invite Mugabe, his political partner in a fractious coalition formed after a disputed 2008 election, as well as some foreign leaders to the ceremony. While 88-year-old Mugabe has been criticized for turning what was once one of Africa's strongest economies into a basket case, Tsvangirai is now being publicly questioned over his dealings with women and money. (Reporting by MacDonald Dzirutwe; Editing by Andrew Osborn)

The Wedding Dance Video!

Watch them go! From You Tube

Thank you notes!

If you are the Bride, make sure you write your thank you notes as soon as possible for all your gifts -- Engagement, Bridal Shower and Wedding. Thank the giver, reference the gift and possibly your use of it, and if the giver attended the wedding, include wording to the effect that "We were happy you were able to share our special day with us." A handwritten thank you is still the gold standard for wedding, engagement and shower gifts. Many brides use thank you notes printed in the same font as their invitations. Others use a thank you care featuring a wedding photo. A cute idea is a photo of the Bride and Groom holding up signs (one each) with the words, Thank You! Some "high tech" brides are also texting or emailing friends, relatives, etc. photos of themselves holding or using the gift. This does not replace the formal thank you note, but is a sweet addition to those who have the time to do so. It connects the giver, receiver and gift and provides a kind of "history" of the giver's participation in the event! Note: If you do not like the gift, plan to use or even keep it, you are still obligated to write a thank you note. You can use phrases like "there are no words" or "thank you for your unique gift," thereby maintaining etiquette without having to lie. The most important elements are that the thank you notes are timely and heartfelt! And if you are overwhelmed, trying Bridal Coaching! Perfect Bridal Coaching for the Bride.

Engagement Gift Etiquette

The following etiquette rules are from Emily Post's Weddings by Peggy Post (her daughter-in-law), Third Edition (New York, HarperCollins Publishers, Inc., 1999): From the following website: http://www.do-it-yourself-gifts.com/wedding-gift-etiquette.html Wedding Gift Etiquette : Engagement Gifts

"Traditionally, engagement presents are given only by close relatives and intimate friends upon the announcement of your engagement and are almost always intended especially for the bride. When the engagement party is a small dinner, cocktail party, or luncheon and a guest wants to give a gift, he or she takes it to the party. If everyone brings a gift, the bride-to-be may open them as part of the festivities. When the party is a large reception or cocktail party, gifts are not generally taken; if they are, they should not be opened during the party, to avoid embarrassing those guests who (correctly) did not bring any. The bride-to-be may decide to give her fiance a small engagement present, such as a pair of cuff links, a watch, or a key chain. These items may be engraved with the date of the engagement."

From Australia -- Top 100 Love Songs for Weddings Chosing songs for your wedding DJ to play, Wedding Band to perform or even for your Wedding Video music has now been made easier with Wedding Central's Top 100 Hits, Songs, Singles. Wedding Love Songs Need some ideas for romantic wedding love songs? Romantic love songs are a feature of every wedding. The slower tempo of love songs is ideal for the first dance by the bride and groom and also the father-daughter dance. Top 20 Classic Love Songs Top 10 Popular Love Songs Top 10 Extra Cheesy Love Songs Top 100 Love Songs of All Time From: http://mag.weddingcentral.com.au/music/songs/love-songs.htm

Top 10 Gay Wedding Destinations

From cheapflights.com Top 10 Gay Wedding Destinations Posted: 06/01/2012 7:00 am Gay Marriage , LGBT , Cheapflights.Com , Destination Weddings , Gay Marriage Legalized Gay Wedding , Slideexpand , Photo Galleries , Wedding Destinations , Travel News SHARE THIS STORY The steadily increasing stream of states and countries legalizing gay marriage has dramatically changed the lives of LGBT people and their loved ones in recent years. Although lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals have been getting married in their own private ceremonies for many years, that they can now have their commitments legally recognized in several countries is of profound importance. -- Michael Brazile

Bridal Registry at Audrey's Museum Store

BRIDES, Audrey's Museum Store, at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles, offers Bridal Registry and personalized, caring Ketubah Services, beautiful Judaica, including kiddush cups, menorahs, mezzuzah holders and many other exquisite gifts for your new married life! Call and ask for Barbara Lang or Michelle Bourdon: Audrey's Museum Store Skirball Cultural Center 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90049 E-mail: audreys@skirball.org Telephone: (310) 440-4505 From the Website: http://shop.skirball.org Enrich your Skirball experience with a visit to Audrey's Museum Store, featuring a large range of gifts— art prints and sculpture, unique jewelry from around the globe, books, music, and classic and contemporary Judaica including tallitot and ketubbot— or take home souvenirs of a special exhibition. Every purchase at Audrey's supports the Skirball and its educational programs. Shop with ease •Free parking •Personalized service •Friendly and knowledgeable staff •Free gift-wrapping •Free gift registries •10% discount for Skirball Members

Audrey's Museum Store Mission Audrey's Museum Store was created to expand and enrich the visitor experience for adults and children. Using educational handouts, display signage, and website resources, Audrey’s knowledgeable and service-oriented staff extends the lessons of the Skirball's core exhibition, Visions and Values: Jewish Life from Antiquity to America, by making ceremonial objects for life cycle events and holidays that are inspired by the Skirball's own collection both accessible and relevant to contemporary life. For changing exhibitions, Audrey's presents an array of related merchandise. Visitors deepen their knowledge of immigration, American history, and multicultural traditions through a focus on niche books, music, jewelry, and educational toys.

Recommended Reading for the Engaged Bride

Emotionally Engaged and The Conscious Bride if you want to look at the psychological side of transitioning from being single to being married. If you don't feel the need, Bridal websites and magazines are highly recommended. Don't go to overload, but read articles about planninng, preparation, relationships with in-laws and other members of the Bridal party. The better your preparation and attention to detail, the smoother your big day will go!

Engaged! (kpp)

I have been working on a match, a Jewish Shidduch. It has been an exhilarating and exasperating ten months as I not only matched two people, but then coached them for over six months. The client was the man who came to me and said, "Find me a wife." I ran an ad and the right one appeared. Beautiful, gamine-like, smart, and a match for my client's temperament. They both seemed to know right away. This was not dating, this was a process of getting to know someone to be a lifetime mate, and in the process, learning how to have a relationship with the other person. Even when two people have chemistry and connection, sometimes compatibility takes time. Everyone is different. Some people like to sleep with the window open, some people are morning people, others are not. This couple is a beautiful couple that God brought together. I was blessed to be the matchmaker and coach/mentor.
Mazel Tov(kpp)! Believe and Achieve Coaching for all your relationship needs!

$3500 Engagement Ring Accidentally Given to Goodwill

The Bride has now become the diamond. The Groom hid the ring in the pocket of an old coat, which he then, having forgotten about the ring, donated to Goodwill. Moral of the story -- just give her the ring -- and insure it! Congratulations to the happy couple! And to the finder, please return the ring! Bridal Coaching for your Happily Ever After.
www.perfectbridalcoaching.com


http://news.yahoo.com/video/odd-15749658/engagement-ring-given-to-goodwill-accidentally-28968693.html#crsl=%252Fvideo%252Fodd-15749658%252Fengagement-ring-given-to-goodwill-accidentally-28968693.html

Feeding Tube Weight Loss -- Insanity

This is a dangerous, danagerous fad and any doctor who does it is unethical. If you need to lose weight before your wedding, see your own doctor or a registered dietician, recommended by your doctor. There are no quick fixes. Many brides lose weight from the stress of planning their weddings -- that is one thing. But fad diets or feeding tubes are short-term and may be dangerous or even fatal. You not only want to live to see your wedding day, you want to go on and be a married woman -- a wife. Ask yourself, what is the weight I want to be for life? And what do I need to be eating to get there. If you ate three - five (small)healthy meals a day, would that do it? If you gave up soft drinks, would that do it? How about candy, baked goods, and fast foods? You know what you should be eating. And don't forget about exercise! Please, please do not endanger your life for your perfect day! A sane, calm bride is a happy, PERFECT, bride! If you need help with staying on track, Bridal Coaching is for you. At Perfect Bridal Coaching I work with all my brides on having a safe and sane perfect wedding experience.

It's almost time....

Wedding Season is almost upon us. Actually, many Brides are now in the stages of planning their weddings. This is the time to get organized, whether you are using Wedding Planning Software, a notebook, or the "old-fashioned" index card system. The more organized you are, the easier the process will be, the more detailed you wil be able to get and the more "Perfect" your wedding planning experience will be. For help, please visit us at Perfect Bridal Coaching, www.perfectbridalcoaching.com, and give us a call if you would like some coaching! Best wishes! Paula

The Royal Wedding

Less than a month away now! Prince William and Kate Middleton will wed on Friday, April 29. It is the most exciting and newsworthy wedding around! Stay tuned for more news.

Even if after your wedding you will not be ba Royal. on your big day, you will be the Princess! As the Bride, you can celebrate the fact that the wedding is about you! Enjoy!

From AOL News: Bride Orders 5' Cake -- a Cake Version of Herself

Bride Orders Giant Wedding Cake Shaped Like Herself
Mar 23, 2011 – 4:04 PM

AOL News Do you take this bride, to have and to hold -- and to eat?

A wife renewing her wedding vows after 10 years of marriage ordered a cake that looks just like her.

Chidi Ogbuta, 35, opted for the 5-foot replica of herself wearing a wedding gown and a veil at the celebration in Dallas.

"I searched for months to find someone who'd make my dream come true," she told Metro. "Originally the plan was for two cakes -- one of me and one of [my husband] Innocent.


Wacky Weddings and ProposalsBarcroft / Fame Pictures21 photos This bride looks good enough to eat. Chidi Ogbuta, right, and her husband, Innocent, cut into an amazing cake -- a life-size version of Chidi in her wedding dress. The 5-foot dessert was served at a celebration after the couple renewed their wedding vows. It contained 200 eggs and 7.5 liters of amaretto, and weighed 400 pounds.(Note: Please disable your pop-up blocker)
http://xml.channel.aol.com/xmlpublisher/fetch.v2.xml?option=expand_relative_urls&dataUrlNodes=uiConfig,feedConfig,localizationConfig,entry&id=891018&pid=891017&uts=1300827444
http://www.aolcdn.com/ke/media_gallery/v1/ke_media_gallery_wrapper.swf
Wacky Weddings and Proposals
This bride looks good enough to eat. Chidi Ogbuta, right, and her husband, Innocent, cut into an amazing cake -- a life-size version of Chidi in her wedding dress. The 5-foot dessert was served at a celebration after the couple renewed their wedding vows. It contained 200 eggs and 7.5 liters of amaretto, and weighed 400 pounds.
Barcroft / Fame Pictures
"Unfortunately, it took five weeks to make and we ran out of time."

New Day, New Styles

Lots of shredded tulle. Resewn, reconfigured. Fewer tiaras. Still strapless, still elegant. Still perfect. If you need support, try Bridal Coaching!

Exquisite Wedding

Last night I attended the most exquisite wedding. It wasn't just that the bride was beautiful -- she is beautiful every day, or that the venue was breathtaking. This wedding was low-key, elegant and fun. The food was fabulous, the cake beautiful, the dress a creation. But what made this wedding special was all the love in the room. You could see that all the guests were really connected to the bride and groom and really happy for them. The wedding was beautiful and inspiring. And the bride was the calmest bride I have ever seen. Best wishes to the beautiful couple for a long and happy life together!

The Private Bride

They say Chelsea Clinton wants privacy. That is understandable. Then why, (no criticism intended) was she having a pedicure in a public salon? If you are a private bride, consider having a manicure, pedicure or facial at home! It will cost a little more, but you will have your privacy and will be able to relax! Until then, Perfect Bridal Coaching is here for you!

Wedding Planners

Wedding Planners can make planning your wedding easy and stress-free (or less stessful), or not. When looking for a Wedding Planner, be sure to research the Planner/Company thoroughly. Ask a lot of questions:
* How many weddings have you planned?
* What is your training/background?
* How many cell phones do you have? (Believe it or not, there are wedding planners not reachable by phone)!
* Can I speak with two or three of your Brides (for references)?

Most importantly, make sure you are both clear what services the planner with be providing and what all the fees total. It goes without saying, follow your gut, and hire someone you like! Your wedding planner should be your best friend on the day of your wedding. And for help with your head-set, Bridal Coaching is available for you!