Dana and Michael - April 2009

wedding reception was held at the Shadowbrook in Shrewsbury, New Jersey. The photographer for the event was Gerard Photography.

Jacquelyn and Dennis - February 2009

Wedding was held at The Imperia in Somerset, New Jersey.

Kaitlin and Ryan - February 2009

Wedding reception was held at the Spring Lake Bath and Tennis Club in Spring Lake, New Jersey. Jeri Houseworth Photography.

Kathy and James - January 2009

Wedding was held at the Shadowbrook in Shrewsbury, New Jersey.

Joan and Samy - January 2009

Wedding was held at The Palace in Somerset, New Jersey. Steven Tackeff Photograhy.

Sara and Terrance - January 2009

Wedding was held at the Shadowbrook in Shrewsbury, New Jersey

Hiring Babysitters for Your Wedding

So you've gotten the replies from your wedding invitations, but some guests are on the fence because they have babies and small kids who can't sit through a reception. You have a decision to make: should you hire babysitters or not?

If you are inviting guests with children, then you should definitely consider hiring a babysitter or babysitters during your ceremony, reception, or both. This gives your guests more flexibility and a chance to fully celebrate your nuptials.

In your invitations or save-the-date information, you may want to give guests a reply option for a babysitter. At least this way you'll know how many guests may need someone to watch their kids and if you'll need to hire more than one babysitter.

If you do decide to hire a babysitter, then you may need to reserve an extra room or two. The hotel should be able to place the babysitters in adjoining rooms to give children more space and create areas for sleep and play. This is especially useful if guests have children with varying sleep schedules.



Photo by gratsy, sxc.hu

Designer Wedding Attire for Less

You could feel a bit like a guestzilla when trying to find something to wear to a wedding. It's even more challenging when you find the right dress, but it turns out to be the same exact dress that Julia Roberts wore to the Oscars and at the same nothing-to-sneeze-at price.

No longer do you have to sacrifice your personal style or your hard-earned pennies if you look for a similar dress with a more buyer-friendly price tag!

Spring/Summer

BergdorfGoodman.com $1550.00
Macys.com $178.00

Fall

BergdorfGoodman.com $1990.00

Macys.com $99.00

Winter

BergdorfGoodman.com $640.00

Macys.com $137.99

*First photo is from Bergdorf and second photo is from Macy's reading left to right.

How to Never Spend Valentine's Day Alone

Invariably on February 14, 2010 some people will smile and some people will cringe. There are those individuals, couples, friends, even co-workers, however, who have found that the day is not solely meant to be spent in pairs.

Valentine's Day, makes a great excuse to host a memorable event. The theme is implied and instead of exchanging loving glances and holding hands with one person, maybe you decide to play love songs or "anti-love songs" with your closest friends. You could also set certain fun rules that no couples are invited to your party or that couples have to treat their significant others like people they are just meeting for the first time. Yes, it sounds a bit like role playing, but I don't think you'll receive any complaints.

So you have the theme and the decorations should be easy. Heart decorations, rose-scented candles, and colors of red, pink, white, all spell Valentine's Day. If you want to add a bit of mystery to your event, try adding some dark purples or even black tones to your Valentine's Day floral decor. As gift favors, you can give guests little boxes of chocolates or flowers that are personalized with a ribbon bearing your name or better yet - from "a secret admirer."

What kinds of ideas do you have for your Valentine's Day party?

Who Pays for What?

Whether you believe marriage to be an emotional, spiritual, physical, or even mental investment, most couples will agree that it is definitely a financial one.

If you and your fiance are receiving money from your families for wedding expenses, then you might be trying to figure out who actually pays for what. You should probably discuss how their money can be spent, which has the added benefit of making your family feel that much more appreciated.

Traditionally, the breakdown of who pays for what is as follows:

Bride and Family Pays For:

• The wedding and reception venue
• Any and all bridal attire and floral needs (except for the bridal bouquet)
• The bridesmaid luncheon and wedding shower
• Photography and videography
• All catering, entertainment, and professional service cost

Groom and Family Pays For:

• Marriage license and officiant's fee
• Groom's outfit, bachelors' dinner and both bride's rings
• Bride's bouquet and going-away corsage, boutonnières for men and corsages for mothers and grandmothers
• Rehearsal dinner and honeymoon

Of course, several couples don't follow these rules that may or may not apply their own wedding needs. Also, with different family structures and familial relationships, not everything can be so easily divided. Even though not all of the tradition is practical, but you get a sense of where you could allocate a generous contribution toward your wedding.

Photo by foxumon, sxc.hu