Brides…Your 15 Minutes Starts Here

CALLING ALL BRIDES!!  Are you ready to share your wedding with the world?  If you answered yes, then you probably won’t want to miss out on your opportunity to audition for these Casting Calls for some of our favorite wedding shows…

Say Yes to the Dress Big Bliss

Are you a plus-size Bride who is ready to find the wedding dress of your dreams? If so, the hit TLC show Say Yes To The Dress: Big Bliss, wants to hear from you! Big Bliss is filmed at Kleinfeld Bridal, the world’s premiere bridal salon – located in NYC. The show follows the journey of plus-size brides as they shop to fulfill their dream dress fantasy for their very special day. If interested, fill out our application, and we’ll be contacting you to possibly a film your Say Yes moment! Apply online at: www.kleinfeldbridal.com/tlc/index.cfm.

Say Yes to the Dress

Are you a bride getting married in this or next year in search of your perfect wedding dress but don’t have the first clue how to find it? Are you stressing because your family is trying to take over the planning of your wedding? Are you having a hard time deciding who should be your maid of honor? Do you have a special circumstance or family tradition that is affecting what you will choose to wear on your wedding day? Or does the thought of sifting through hundreds of gowns searching for “the one” make you dizzy with worry? We want to know your unique story and be there to capture your fairy tale as it unfolds at the world’s premier bridal salon, Kleinfeld Bridal. Visit this link to apply: http://www.kleinfeldbridal.com/tlc/index.cfm.

 Four Weddings

TLC’s Four Weddings is currently looking for brides with weddings that will take place from FEBRUARY 2011 – JUNE 2011 in the NEW YORK/NEW JERSEY areas, the greater MIAMIFLORIDA area, and the greater CHICAGO, ILLINOIS area.  If that’s you, please email with details about the date of your big day and WHERE you are located! You’ll want to include your name, phone # where you can be reached, wedding date and location and also attach a current photo.

NY/NJ BRIDES: Email 4WeddingsNY@semisweetproductions.com

MIAMI BRIDES: Email 4WeddingsMiami@semisweetproductions.com

CHICAGO BRIDES: Email 4WeddingsChicago@semisweetproductions.com

Good luck!

Vamos a Celebrar! Happy Cinco de Mayo!

The 1862 victory over the French army by Mexico is not only the reason for Cinco de Mayo but is a fact that is often overshadowed by the delightfully palate quenching discovery of the MARGARITA!!!  And to celebrate, we’re starting our blenders and whipping up a few batches of a homemade recipe we like to call the Sassafras – a sparkling combination of fresh mint, berries, lime juice, prosecco, and of course, tequila.  Are you ready to party?

The Ingredients (makes 1 serving):

  • 1-Cup of Crushed Ice
  • Fresh mint
  • ¼ Cup of Frozen Unsweetened Strawberries
  • ¼ Cup of Frozen Raspberries
  • ¼ Cup of Frozen Blackberries
  • 2-tbsp Lime juice
  • 1 shot (1.5-ounce) of Republic tequila
  • ¾-Cup of Prosecco or Sprite
  • Lime or Strawberry Wedge for Garnish

The Raw Materials:

  • A Blender
  • Margarita Glass

 

The Instructions:

  • Place all ingredients into a blender and blend until consistency is uniform and slushy
  • Pour into a margarita glass
  • Adorn with lime or strawberry garnish
  • Drink up and enjoy!

Happy Cinco de Mayo!!

{photo credit: zoobooz.com}

Barbados is for Lovers!

A few days ago, I received an email from my Sagi-Sister in Spirit and fellow event planner and stylist, Arlene (@bklynblkorchid), which contained the following information and a simple note: Put this on your blog!  She has such a way with words…lol.  So let it be known that it is officially on the blog and if you and your beau have been looking for a romantic getaway, you may find this is just what the Doctor ordered…

Brides, are you interested in a destination wedding in Barbados?  If so, Jet Set Bride is offering a Destination Wedding Experience Tour package (valued at over $3600) for only $599/pp.  It comes complete with:

  • An insider’s view of Barbados
  • Round trip flights from New York City
  • 3 nights all-inclusive 4-star accommodations in Barbados
  • Private transportation and tours to all participating hotels and off-site venues
  • A chance to interact with local service providers such as photographers, florists, beauty professionals, DJ’s and bands
  • Fun excursions, food tastings and the chance to experience the warm Bajan culture
  • And the opportunity to book your destination wedding services at exclusive Jet Set Bride rates

Each tour is limited to only 20 couples and is only valid for travel between June 14th – June 17th.  The deadline to register is May 15th so call Gai at 718.789.1242 or email gai@jetsetbride.com for more information or to register today!

P.S: Check out Arlene’s Blog, FashionStyle, and tell her I sent you.

May is ‘Movies about Marriage’ Month

If you’ve been looking for a way to get the gal pals or bridal party together for a night out on the town, May is giving you several movie nights with the release of these highly anticipated wedding related comedies:

SOMETHING BORROWED [IN THEATRES MAY 6th]

Director: Luke Greenfield
Screenwriter: Jennie Urman, Jordan Roberts
Starring: Ginnifer Goodwin, Kate Hudson, Colin Egglesfield, John Krasinski, Steve Howey
Genre: Comedy, Romance
MPAA Rating: PG-13 (for sexual content including dialogue, and some drug material)
Official Website: SomethingBorrowedmovie.com

Rachel (Ginnifer Goodwin) is a talented attorney at a top New York law firm, a generous and loyal friend and, unhappily, still single…as her engaged best friend Darcy (Kate Hudson) is constantly reminding her. But after one drink too many at her 30th birthday party, perpetual good girl Rachel unexpectedly ends up in bed with the guy she’s had a crush on since law school, Dex (Colin Egglesfield), who just happens to be Darcy’s fiancé. When Rachel and Darcy’s lifelong friendship collides with true love, it leads to unexpected complications and potentially explosive romantic revelations. Meanwhile, Ethan (John Krasinski), who has been Rachel’s constant confidante and sometimes conscience, has been harboring a secret of his own, and Marcus (Steve Howey), an irrepressible womanizer, can’t keep his mind out of the gutter or his hands off any girl within reach.

JUMPING THE BROOM [IN THEATRES  MAY 6th]

Director: Salim Akil 
Screenwriter: Arlene Gibbs, Elizabeth Hunter 
Starring: Angela Bassett, Paula Patton, Laz Alonso, Mike Epps, Loretta Devine, Meagan Good, Tasha Smith, DeRay Davis, Julie Bowen, Romeo Miller, Gary Dourdan, Pooch Hall, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Valarie Pettiford 
Genre: Comedy 
MPAA Rating: PG-13 (for some sexual content) 
Official Website: JumpingtheBroom-movie.com 

“Jumping the Broom” focuses on a weekend wedding in Martha’s Vineyard where two families from divergent socioeconomic backgrounds clash during their first meeting before the big event and are ultimately forced to get along.

BRIDESMAIDS [IN THEATRES MAY 13th]

Director: Paul Feig
Screenwriter: Kristen Wiig, Annie Mumolo
Starring: Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph, Rose Byrne, Wendi McLendon-Covey, Ellie Kemper, Melissa McCarthy, Chris O’Dowd, Matt Lucas, Jill Clayburgh, Rebel Wilson, Michael Hitchcock
Genre: Comedy
MPAA Rating: R (for some strong sexuality, and language throughout)
Official Website: Bridesmaidsmovie.com

Annie (Kristen Wiig), is a maid of honor whose life unravels as she leads her best friend, Lillian (Maya Rudolph), and a group of colorful bridesmaids (Rose Byrne, Melissa McCarthy, Wendi McLendon-Covey and Ellie Kemper) on a wild ride down the road to matrimony. Annie’s life is a mess. But when she finds out her lifetime best friend is engaged, she simply must serve as Lillian’s maid of honor. Though lovelorn and broke, Annie bluffs her way through the expensive and bizarre rituals. With one chance to get it perfect, she’ll show Lillian and her bridesmaids just how far you’ll go for someone you love.  

HANGOVER PART 2 [IN THEATRES MAY 26th]

Director: Todd Phillips
Screenwriter: Scot Armstrong, Todd Phillips, Craig Mazin
Starring: Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, Zach Galifianakis, Jeffrey Tambor, Mike Tyson, Justin Bartha, Ken Jeong, Bryan Callen, Nick Cassavetes
Genre: Comedy
MPAA Rating: Not Available
Official Website: HangoverPart2.com

In the follow-up to the record-breaking hit comedy “The Hangover,” Phil (Bradley Cooper), Stu (Ed Helms), Alan (Zach Galifianakis) and Doug (Justin Bartha) travel to exotic Thailand for Stu’s wedding. After the unforgettable bachelor party in Las Vegas, Stu is taking no chances and has opted for a safe, subdued pre-wedding brunch. However, things don’t always go as planned. What happens in Vegas may stay in Vegas, but what happens in Bangkok can’t even be imagined. 

 Sidebar but noteworthy: Since being an adult means schedules, poll the group in advance to determine the WHO [is interested in going], WHAT[ you’re going to see], WHEN [is the best day/time for everyone], and WHERE [is the most convenient location for everyone].  Now, call me crazy, but I don’t really consider a trip to the movies a complete social experience so I also recommend writing  an interactive activity, such as (pre or post) dinner/cocktails or dancing into the timeline.

{photo credits: comingsoon.net}

Celebrate Earth Day 2011! 7 Ways to Protect the Earth on Your Wedding Day

I bet you didn’t know that the dream wedding you’ve been planning is leaving behind a carbon footprint the size of big foot but it doesn’t have to.  Incorporating any of the following green elements into your wedding will get your emissions down and have you on the road to an environmentally friendly love in no time.

Register with a cause.  Registry sites such as IDOfoundation.org, WeddingChannel.com, and JustGive.org allow you to create registries  with partner stores such as Target and Bed Bath and Beyond and up to 10% of every purchase is donated to a charity of your choice.

Reevaluate your guest list.  Ask yourself if you REALLY need 250 guests in attendance and as you answer keep in mind that more guests means more food, more expenses, and more waste.  And if you’re not sure about the carbon footprint your guest list is leaving behind, CarbonFund.org has a neat little calculator that will help put it all into very clear perspective.

Source Locally.  Some, and even I, may argue that buying locally has it rewards; among them the very rare opportunity to buy additive free fruits, vegetables, meats and flowers that not only create jobs in the community but are actually tastier and healthier for us.  Another big benefit is the cost savings and what wedding budget doesn’t love to hear that?  Encourage your caterer or florist to use materials that are only grown locally or if you’re a DIY bride, sites like Local Harvest and the Agricultural Marketing Service’s Directory of US Farmers Markets will help point you in the direction of the best places to go.

Rent and Recycle.  The wedding dress is probably THE most important element of the wedding day and once the day is done, most never see the light of day again. It’s almost comparable to a tragic love story, isn’t it? Consider a happily ever after for your dress that includes allowing another bride-to-be to rent it for her big day. That’s right…sites like Recycled Bride, Once Wed, Bravo Bride and Wore it Once are online marketplaces for brides who graciously contribute their dresses so other brides can rent or buy them at discounted prices. You may also find bridesmaids dresses, groomsmen suites, and even wedding rings posted on occasion.

Toast with Organic Champagne.  Unfortunately, you won’t save too much by choosing Organic Champagne for your toast but the less expensive alternative, which also comes in organic variety, is Sparkling Wine. Consider these sparkling options for your next champagne toast.

  • NV Albert Mann Crémant d’Alsace (Organic) $18.99
  • Ermite Medici Reggiano “Solo” (Biodynamic) $11.99

Exchange conflict free wedding vows.  Truth be told, there are still tons of “blood diamonds”  crossing American borders everyday.  And while they may be just as beautiful as non-conflict diamonds, the concept of wearing one seems pretty oxymoronic considering that are supposed to be seen as statements of love and blood diamonds, are often born of and perpetuate war.  Make sure you are saying your “I Do’s” with conflict free diamonds by:

  • Buying a diamond that hasn’t crossed national borders during processing.
  • Buying a diamond with a laser-engraved serial number.
  • Buying a diamond processed under ethical labor conditions.
  • Buying a diamond certified by its regional government.

Gift Earth Friendly Favors.  Environmentally friendly wedding favors are the gift that keeps on giving.  And thanks to creative developments, the options range from Celebratory Wedding Poppers to Plantable Favor Boxes.  You may also want to consider these Etsy finds:

Here are some facts about Weddings, courtesy of TreeHugger:

  • 2.3 million: Number of couples that get married in the US each year. That breaks down to more than 6,300 weddings a day.
  • $20,000: The average budget of a wedding in the U.S. (this number increases to £16,000 ($31,222) in the U.K. and decreases to €12,000 ($15,782) in France.)
  • 14.5 tonnes: The amount of CO2 created by the average wedding in the U.K.
  • 80 percent: The percentage of gold mined each year that goes into jewelry, out of 2500 tons.
  • 50 years: Length of time the current amount of already-mined gold could satisfy demand; much of it currently sits in bank vaults and in old, unused jewelry.

{Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/656003 and Treehugger.com}

The Traditionalist Barbie by Vera Wang

Vera Wang elegantly designs wedding gowns that allow brides to express their individuality. Now, through a unique collaboration, that uniqueness goes even further – with a new personalization feature for Vera’s third and final Barbie® Collector bridal doll!

Vera Wang™ Bride: The Traditionalist Barbie® Doll captures the luxury, impeccable detailing, and superior workmanship that define Vera Wang. Based on the celebrated Dovima gown, it features a flattering strapless bodice and mermaid-style waist, flowering into a full skirt. The watercolor pattern on the tulle overskirt is playful and sophisticated, reflecting the designer’s signature approach to bridal couture.

This Gold Label® doll is available for purchase beginning 4/14/11 at 11:00am CDT in the online shop* (details below), with delivery in July 2011. No more than 2,500 total dolls will be made worldwide, but only 1,000 of those will be available for purchase in the online shop** (details below).

To make this treasured gift even more special, BarbieCollector.com is proud to announce its first-ever personalization program! When you purchase Vera Wang™ Bride: The Traditionalist Barbie® doll from the online shop, you can choose the Vera Wang monogram for the package, or you can personalize the package with one letter-pressed monogram initial applied to the front of the doll box, at no additional charge.

Like the bride or bride-to-be, this doll is the perfect reflection of a woman with effortless elegance, timeless beauty, and innate poise. For wedding or anniversary, Vera’s design makes for a timeless gift. Order now, and get Vera Wang™ Bride: The Traditionalist Barbie® doll to the chapel on time!

* The opportunity to purchase Vera Wang™ Bride: The Traditionalist Barbie® doll for $159.95 plus S&P for July 2011 delivery begins 4/14/11 at 11:00am CDT and ends 5/16/11 at 11:59pm CDT in the online shop.

** Vera Wang™ Bride: The Traditionalist Barbie® doll is a Gold Label® doll, and no more than 2,500 dolls will be available worldwide. Of those, no more than 1,000 dolls will be available for purchase in the online shop, with your choice of Vera Wang monogram packaging or letter-press personalization packaging. Limit three (3) dolls per order.

{photos and information credit: barbiecollector.com}