Unique Ideas For Your Beach Wedding - Planning Your Own: 12/1/08

Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Beach Wedding Ceremony Ideas

Your BEACH WEDDING is going to be one of the most important days of your life, not only that - to have a BEACH WEDDING IS ONE OF A KIND, so make the most of your time. You want it to be perfect and completely, uniquely you. That's part of what having a beach wedding is all about - you're trying to break out of that cookie cutter wedding mold. Here are a few great ideas to help make your beach wedding ceremony extra special.

Canopies
Many beach brides have canopies over their altar. If the canopy is swathed in light, shimmering fabric, it can add just the right effect to a beach ceremony. Imagine walking down the aisle, covered entirely by delicate canopies gently fluttering in the wind! A canopy over the entire aisle, accented with gorgeous tropical flowers, can create a perfectly romantic feel.

Late Afternoon Ceremonies

While getting married underneath the beautiful, bright sunlight that only a beach has to offer in the middle of the day, the beach can be just as romantic at dusk. Consider having a sunset wedding on the beach - if your location is right, you might be able to have your ceremony right in front of the sun setting over the ocean! Decorate your beach theme ceremony with lots of torches and lanterns to create a super sensual effect.

Flower Petal Aisle

Instead of simply sprinkling your beach wedding aisle with rose or flower petals, why not create a thick, lush carpet of petals that will make you feel like you're walking on air? While the expense is a little extra, the effect it has on your beach theme wedding is truly worth it. It will add both dimension and depth to your ceremony, truly setting you apart from the crowd.

Here are some collections, with matching color motifs! It may be difficult to choose a color combination, but in these collections, would help you to decide easier.

Use your wedding to express you and your groom's personalities and you can definitely guarantee that your wedding will be like no other! Incorporating even the smallest details - no matter how small - is what will help make your wedding extra special for both you and your guests. Above all, relax and have fun with your planning!

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Related articles:
My Wedding Day Part 1: Procession Going To The Beach
My Wedding Day Part II: Wedding Ceremony By The Beach
My Wedding Day Part III: Photo Shoots
My Wedding Day Part IV: Reception By The Beach
Wedding Theme Collections
Determining Your Wedding Theme
Choosing Your Beach Wedding Gown
Planning A Destination Wedding
Choosing Your Bridal Bouquet
Tips To Have A Very Unique Beach Wedding
The Secret of a Successful Planning Your Own Wedding
Making The Best of Your Hot Summer Wedding
Tips For A Perfect Beach Wedding
Beach Wedding Brides
Wedding Planning Tips (1-8 Weeks)
Wedding Planning Tips (2-4 Months)
Wedding Planning Tips (4-6 Months)
Wedding Planning Tips (6-9 Months)
Wedding Planning Tips For The Brides
Wedding Preparations - Questions to Ask
My Own Wedding Preparations

Tuesday, December 30, 2008

"The Pride of Hingotanan Bohol" - My Life's Journey to Success: My Sister's WEDDING at CHRISTMAS in BOHOL

Saturday, December 20, 2008

Basic Preparation Every Bride/Groom Should Do

That's myself, my girls and may parents walking down going to the beach to finally meet the man of my dream. I felt as though I was the most beautiful and sexiest woman during that day...:) This is our very own day, no other than...

Every bride/groom wants to look beautiful when they walk down the aisle. When you are paying thousands of dollars for photographs, you may as well do your best! Chances are, he/she loves you just the way you are, but there are some considerations you can make to ensure you are on top of your game.

EXERCISE

Selecting a dress that will make you look and feel great is an important first step. But what happens when you look in the mirror and notice trouble spots like saggy arms or unsightly folds in your back? When this happens it’s not uncommon for brides to try quick-fix diets to help them get in shape. Unfortunately, many dieting brides make fitness mistakes that not only prevent them from reaching their goals but also cause unnecessary stress and sometimes even illness. Those are two things no bride needs! Here are five of the most common diet mistakes as well as some tips to help you avoid them.

Too much, too late.

One of the most important things to remember if you are trying to lose weight is to start early. For example, don’t try to lose 20 pounds two months before the big day. The key is to plan ahead so that you can lose the weight (or just tone up) gradually. So if you’re dream-wedding day includes you being in great shape, then include fitness as a “to-do” on your overall wedding checklist. That way it will be a priority in your wedding planning.

No matter how far or close your wedding day may be, it is always beneficial to stick to an exercise regime to ensure that your body and mind are in top working order. Brides/grooms who need to shed some kilos fast could try cutting carbohydrates and starchy foods from their diet, while remembering to drink lots of fresh water and keeping up their recommended 30 minutes of physical activity per day.

Those with a bit longer to plan may opt to take up a personal training regime with a qualified trainer. Most local gyms can recommend a personal trainer in your area, and diet is often included in the training regime.

Setting unachievable goals.

Many women get engaged and begin imagining themselves drastically thinner or more sculpted. Be realistic with yourself. If you’ve never been a size 6 in your life, then it is probably unrealistic to think you can magically transform just because you are getting married. And, do you really want to look so different on your wedding day that most people (including your fiancé) hardly recognize you?

Radical diets or fitness programs.

Brides typically are short on time and long on to-do lists. This leads many to try unhealthy fitness programs or starvation diets. Don’t be tempted by diets that promise quick, drastic results with little effort from you. You should avoid any programs that suggest taking “diet” pills or eating unbalanced meals (like eating only cabbage soup for a week). And, don’t be lured into trying dangerous things, like laxatives.

Not exercising.

It’s very easy for brides to say “I don’t have time to exercise” or “I’m too tired to exercise”. But diet and exercise should always go hand in hand. Consider them to be like yin and yang. Without activity your body can’t burn as many calories. If you are very short on time, try to exercise in small 10-minute bursts throughout the day. And, keep in mind that little things help too, like taking the stairs or parking at the outer edge of the mall parking lot. Plus, if you are tired from all of your planning, exercise will help give you back some energy.

Skipping Meals

It’s not uncommon to get caught up in your planning and then realize at 9 p.m. (as your head begins to ache) that you haven’t eaten a thing all day. While it may not be an uncommon scenario, it is unavoidable. Not only is skipping meals unhealthy, it can lead to binge eating. That often means eating very fattening foods and/or overeating all at once. To avoid this, try packing light snacks to keep on hand throughout the day. Good examples include carrot sticks, cheese strings, peanut butter on crackers, etc.

Getting in shape doesn’t have to be complicated and it doesn’t require a lot of time. If you are trying to lose weight or firm up before your wedding, below are some sample plans to help you get started. Keep in mind that the most important thing is for a bride to feel good about herself. And no matter what size or shape, all brides are beautiful on their wedding day!

SKINCARE

Doing all you can to achieve a healthy glow before your wedding day is a worthwhile pursuit. Daily exfoliation is recommended in the lead up to your wedding, and some brides/grooms also opt for a facial in the fortnight before the big day.

Be careful not to have your eyebrows waxed on the day of the wedding, as large red marks can look unsightly in photographs! A gentle exfoliation, cleanse, and moisturizing regime should be best to keep your skin supple for the big day.

CLOTHING

If you are a bride, have your dress and underwear fitted by a professional! Ill-fitted dresses or incorrect undergarments can turn the perfect wedding day into a nightmare, and you may not even realise it until you get your photos back!

Ensure you attend regular dress fittings in the lead up to your wedding day, even if your dress was bought off-the-rack. It could still pay to have it altered to fit your individual body shape. Ask your dressmaker for tips on the right underwear and perhaps even order the garments from the dressmaker - as they have the best idea of bridal underwear necessities!

Shoes also need to be comfortable. Not only will you be exchanging your vows in them, but you will be traipsing around town to get photos taken and kicking up your heels on the dance floor at the reception. Your shoes need to do more than match your dress, they must be comfortable and the correct size!

For grooms, suit fitting is just as important as getting the bride’s dress right. Ensure you have a tailor fit your suit and undershirt to your individual size. There is nothing worse than coat tails that drag on the ground or trouser legs that finish halfway between the knee and the ankle! Grooms should also give their shoes a good shine before the big day - look your best!

SOUL

Preparing for a wedding can be an exhausting task. Ensure that you keep communicating with each other and make joint decisions about what your perfect wedding day will hold. It is also great to put aside some time for non-wedding related pursuits, such as sports, or spending time with friends and family.

Meditation and massage can also be helpful in the lead up to your big day and ensure that both the bride and groom are happy, glowing and feeling their absolute best!

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Friday, December 19, 2008

How to Look Great On Your Wedding Day

Brides have always diverse opinion on various ways how to look great on their big day!! But I know one thing, that every bride wants to look perfect on her wedding day. This is a once in a lifetime experience, even if it is your third or fourth go, you still want to look your absolute best on the day! Looking good for the biggest day of your life is something which requires careful preparation by both the bride and the groom.

For me looking great on your wedding day means being radiant, relaxed, and ready to start a brand new existence with the person whom you've chosen to spend the rest of your entire life. Your hair, nail, makep, dress - and how you'd look in that dress - are all part of becoming the bride you wanted to be on that on that special day. Since photographs are taken on that day remain part of your life forever, it's just important to feel and look your best!

Your wedding dress if one of the most important items in your wedding plan. Make sure to take enough time to choose one that suits you best - not your best friend, not your bridesmaid, your maid of honor, and not your mother. For sure, you'll want a dress in which you can stand, walk and dance without worrying about the "wardrobe malfunctions" or causing your discomfort. Allow necessary time if you decide on having the dress made, but

even if bought "off the rack", you still need time for tailoring or any adjustments to be made if any.

Like mine, I had to file for a two-week interruption from work (to fly to Philippines all the way from Africa), had my gown finalized in terms of style and my measurements!

Do not empower your dress and your headpiece with a flamboyant hair style or color that overwhelms everything else. Keep it simple and classic, and remember to practice the look you want at home or with your stylist before the wedding day! I remember when I was still on the process of choosing the gown I ever wanted to wear, I used to look at every gown style I see on the net and by way of imagining myself wearing that particular dress!

Have your nails professionally manicured the day before your big day. This is one thing you do not want to do far in advance right? Reduce the chances of a broken nail, chipped polish, of if using applied nails one coming off, by having your manicure as late as possible. Your hands will be one of the focus of attentions when showing off your new wedding ring, and for the photos!

Make up is the last thing you'll make to worry over, and that comes on the big day itself. Don't try to transform yourself into a different person with dramatic eye makeup or dazzling lipstick. Do it light, more natural is better! Use a slightly heavier hand than with your usual daytime makeup so your photos won't have you appearing washed-out looking, but don't overdo it! Avoid deep red lipstick, as well as too pale-pink. Frosted eye shadows or lipsticks are a definite NO!

Make sure to buy a new mascara to avoid clumping, hand it over to your hairdresser or you do it yourself. ALSO, if you ever have a very sensitive skin, this is NOT the time to try a new brand, and the last thing you want to do is head for the altar with blotches or zits thanks to an allergic reaction! :)

The night before your wedding is not the time for partying, so get eight hours of restful sleep. If you're having a rehearsal dinner, or a bachelorette bash, make sure that it ends early, and drink slightly, or better yet, not at all!

Don't gorge yourself the night before. We all know that there might be any strange forces at work which will try to make your wedding gown just a wee bit snug in the morning. To overcome excitement and nerves, try taking a long walk - it can help with prenuptial jitters. A relaxing bath with soothing background music, a cup of herbal tea, and you should be ready to doze off with images of a happy future marriage in your dreams.

DON'T GET TOO EXCITED, TRY TO RELAX AND DO EVERYTHING IN PROPER ORDER. AVOID PANICKING...With these simple tips, I'm sure you will have a perfect wedding of your dream and may this day be the beginning of a lifetime joy and happiness!
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Related articles:
My Wedding Day Part 1: Procession Going To The Beach
My Wedding Day Part II: Wedding Ceremony By The Beach
My Wedding Day Part III: Photo Shoots
My Wedding Day Part IV: Reception By The Beach
Wedding Theme Collections
Determining Your Wedding Theme
Choosing Your Beach Wedding Gown
Planning A Destination Wedding
Choosing Your Bridal Bouquet
Tips To Have A Very Unique Beach Wedding
The Secret of a Successful Planning Your Own Wedding
Making The Best of Your Hot Summer Wedding
Tips For A Perfect Beach Wedding
Beach Wedding Brides
Wedding Planning Tips (1-8 Weeks)
Wedding Planning Tips (2-4 Months)
Wedding Planning Tips (4-6 Months)
Wedding Planning Tips (6-9 Months)
Wedding Planning Tips For The Brides
Wedding Preparations - Questions to Ask
My Own Wedding Preparations

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Guide In Buying A Diamond "Engagement Ring"

Attention ladies who are getting engaged or on your way to finally put your dream ring on your finger, I have collected some tips and ideas what to look for your ring, so as to the guys who are the ones whose pockets are at stake!

We are not talking about hundreds of dollars here, thousands to loose or to gain (if we know all the basics) in exchange of this wonderful stone in just one piece of ring. So we deserve to know all these important information about diamonds.

For the guys: It doesn't matter if its going to be a surprise proposal and have the ring ready with you, or you could opt as "ring to follow" and take your fiance with you to the stores with loads of potentials that she might like. Paying attention to her jewelry likes and dislikes is the first big step towards finding her the perfect engagement ring.

Buying a diamond is one of the most expensive purchases you are going to make. Experts say, acquiring knowledge of the 4C's is crucial before purchasing any diamond: carat weight, diamond clarity, diamond color and diamond cut (not shape). Other advanced characteristics of diamonds include diamond fluorescence and diamond enhancements. By understanding each diamond characteristic and knowing which questions to ask when purchasing a diamond, you are much more empowered when it comes time to make your diamond investment.

4C's of Diamond Quality

Diamonds are graded by four characteristics: cut, carat (weight), clarity, and color. All four of these properties determine how much a diamond is worth.

Cut - What is the proportion of the diamond? Round brilliant diamonds are commonly cut with 58 facets. The better proportioned these facets are on the diamond, the more light will be reflected back to the viewer's eye. This is extremely important. When cut properly, the diamond will sparkle more. Diamond cuts are measured by the table percentage, so always ask for it. A good table percentage is between 55-60%. Cut also refers to the shape such as: round, pear, and oval.
If you are having a diamond mounted, write down the measurements of your stone. Measurements never change. Measure the stone after it is mounted and verify that it matches the appraisal and/or certificate.
Carat - How big is the diamond? Larger diamonds often cost more per carat due to their size. There are 100 points to a carat. Hence a 50 point diamond is 1/2 a carat. (There are 5 carats to a gram.) Always get the actual point size of a diamond rather than a fractional weight. Sometimes jewelers will try to sell a .90 diamond as a 1 carat diamond. A .90 diamond should be substantially less expensive.
Clarity - How clear is the stone? Clarity ranges from flawless (perfect) to I (included). Here is a chart:
Color: Diamond colors generally range from D - X for white and yellow diamonds. D is the whitest. Around S they become "Fancy" yellow Diamonds. One can also find green, pink, red, blue and brown diamonds - though these are usually irradiated.
Be certain to ask: Do you guarantee the color and clarity of your stones? Many states allow dealers to be off by one color and/or one clarity.

In addition to this, Ebay has also compiled a "Guide in Buying Diamonds", to know more...

Know Diamond Cut and Shape
Determine Diamond Carat Weight
Study Diamond Clarity
Considering Diamond Color
Spot Certified Diamonds
Maintaining Your Diamond

Consider my own experience: My husband, as a Geologist, no doubt he knew what to buy for me, however, all he wanted was for me to choose the one I would have liked, also to get the perfect size of my finger! Do I make sense to you? What does mine looks like?

1) Cut - Round Brilliant Cut
2) Carat - 0.45 Carats, as I have tried bigger ones but unfortunately, they didn't look nice on my tiny finger!
3) Clarity - VVS1 (yes its close to flawless)
4) Color - G

In a TWO-TONE 18 carat Gold (white and yellow)!

Would you be able to figure out what do mine looks like?...:)

Saturday, December 6, 2008

My Personalized Anniversary Gift

If you google "Anniversary Gifts", you'd be given a hell loads of sites where you can read usefull ideas and tips, or if you want to order online, or even some romantic ideas to make yours a memorable one! Its you choice, depending on your taste and how you gonna celebrate it. As for myself, I always wanted to give some special touch, unique as possible as I could (if I can find any or can be able to do it myself), which is only limited to paper works, computer works by using my expertise in Powerpoint.

Even before I decided to have this one, I always thought of something that I can be able to put our wedding photo with matching love dedication on it, but I wasn't sure if will be made of paper or glass or wood, until I imagined a plaque-award like thing. So my sister managed to find a shop who makes personalized gifts (in Philippines), this is made of an Acrylic glass.

Madelyn & Stuart

Our Anniversary is the perfect time to
tell you what you mean to me.
How I depend on you to love me
for who I am
and believe in me for what
I hope to be.
How I feel loved each time you smile
or touch my hand and,
when I need someone to listen,
I know you'll understand.

So I celebrate this special year
of loving you,
grateful that we have the happiness
life gives to just a few.

I love you now & forever,
Madelyn

30th November

You don't have to spend a lot of money to be able to give an extraordinary present, "value doesn't count at all, its the thought that counts".

Photo above is a paper and a pen holder, which is made of the same material as the plaque style (1st photo)!

Madelyn

On our wedding day when we said "I do"
I knew I had found a true partner in you.
Someone to come home to when the day is through
Someone at the heart of everything I do.

So, not just on our anniversary
But each day all year through
I am so very grateful for
Your love - Your heart - For you!

Love always & forever,
Stuart

30th November

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

We Celebrated Our 1st Wedding Anniversary

Every couple would do some effort to have a memorable celebration, not necessarily a big one, but at least a romantic one, with matching "candle lighting" or with "bunch of roses", special foods on a romantic dinner together!