January 20, 2009
The Debut: About a Bride’s January Newsletter
As stated previously, About a Bride is opening January with exciting new paths and developments!
Starting with our monthly newsletter…
- want to discover creative ways to make your event even more unique?
- hear from local wedding and event vendors and see their work?
- get great advice, discover new trends, enter contests?
- have your upcoming event featured or share the details of your fabulous event!
Brides (and Brides-to-be): if you want to feature your wedding (upcoming or past), email me directly at ellen@aboutabride.ca
Wedding & Event Vendors: If you would like to write an article for the newsletter or have an image for the cover, email me directly at ellen@aboutabride.ca
So, without further delay…
the January issue of the About a Bride Weddings & Events Newsletter:
January 8, 2009
If you can’t remember your lines, look to the couple in front of you…
So my previous post was about a couple who married and remarried each other 97 times over the last 20 years….
I had to add this one —- hey, if you are ever on Jeopardy and the category “Wedding Trivia” or “Guinness World Records” come up, you know you are set, thanks to About a Bride! š
It’s almost the beginning of a joke, but it’s real life. How many married couples can an officiant marry at once? Well, initially, the record for the largest vow renewal ceremony was on April 20th, 2008 where 338 couples were married in Barcelona, Spain. In fact, all 338 couples wore their original wedding attire! But with a little more research, I discovered that even that record was surpassed by double that same year, only a couple months before! In Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, there was a vow renewal ceremony for — get this — 624 couples!!!!! That’s over 1200 people just getting married — one has to wonder what the guest seating chart looked like!
This amount of brides beats the “chasing brides” scene in the movie, The Bachelor with Chris O’Donnell or the World’s Famous Bridal Event at Filene’s Basement.
Photo Courtesy of Helen Fearne Video Productions
January 7, 2009
How I love thee….let me count the ways…
…so the wedding day is supposed to be the ONE special day of your life, eh??? Well, this couple have renewed their vows, not once, twice or even three times…
David and Lauren Blair of Tennesse, USA married for the 97th time in 2004 in Las Vegas. Their “first” wedding was in 1984, so in the 20 years, they’ve married (remarried) each other about an average of 4.7 times a year — every season perhaps! That would be a really cool thing — to say “well, for my Spring 2005 wedding, we really wanted to go with a “Asian red” theme because at our Winter 2004 wedding, we had so many red tablecloths left over…”
That’s almost a wedding planner’s dream. Almost.
The couple had three weddings the first week they were married (first, at Universal Studios where they met, then in Chicago where family lived and then again on their honeymoon in Las Vegas). It’s kind of cool, for once David proposes, they set a $100 budget, get new outfits, find a location and gain another anniversary date!
Which leads me to think — David has no problem asking “Will you….” but does he remember all the anniversaries??! š
Here’s are some small links to the very-married couple: http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/records/modern_society/people_and_places/most_marriage_vows_renewals_-_same_couple.asp
http://www.durangotelegraph.com/04-08-19/mountain_exchange.ht
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4161/is_/ai_n19323011 (with the full list of places they’ve married)
January 6, 2009
The moments that take our breath away….
I am not completely certain of my feelings about comedian George Carlin. I didn’t really follow him and don’t know too much about him, except his well-known “speaking ability”. Anyhow, I am a member of the Women in Niagara business networking group and in the end-of-year director/magazine, I read this speech from George Carlin and thought, “wow, that really speaks volumes!” So, I decided to post it here. Why? Because it is a good reminder of staying true to your priorities, taking the excess out of your life and getting to the real heart of things. Namely, weddings and planning events! Ha, I jest. Honestly, as a Christian, for me, the real priorities are what we call the Fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
And so you might be thinking how does this apply in terms of wedding and event planning…some examples….
1. Peace, Goodness & Joy: Remind yourself why you are planning this event: celebrating the birthday of a loved one, the desire to publicly share in the decision you made to share your lives together, to raise money for a really important community charity etc…..Remember this, when the details overwhelm you….
2. Kindness: I absolutely love weddings where the couple use the money people give them at the reception for a good cause or their favors are seeds for planting flowers and trees.
3. Patience & Self-Control: Most events are notorious for becoming stressful and in that stress, we can easily be irritated. Whether it’s the flower girl who doesn’t want to throw the pretty flowers on the floor, the ringbearer that doesn’t smile for pictures or the slideshow that is resolute on making today its day off, these are the moments that can make us laugh, but only if we have patience and see the bigger picture of the overall moment, not the detail.
4. Love & Faithfulness: This is where you show love and have tons of faith in your planner….I would vouch to say that all events have, as their foundation for why they are even being organized in the first place, love and faith. Would one marry someone they didn’t love? Would one spend countless hours writing to sponsors in order to raise money for a good cause? It’s all in the name of love and faith that the hard work and effort will do a great deal of good!
And on that note:Ā Here is George Carlin’s speech –
The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider freeways, but narrowerĀ viewpoints. We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, moreĀ conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness. We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom. We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often. We’ve learned how to make a living, but not a life. We’ve added years to life not life to years. We’ve been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We conquered outer space but not inner space. We’ve done larger things, but not better things. We’ve cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We’ve conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We’ve learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less. These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes. These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete…
Remember; spend some time with your loved ones, because they areĀ not going to be around forever.
Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side.
Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn’t cost a cent.
Remember, to say, ‘I love you’ to your partner and your lovedĀ ones, but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you.
Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again.
Give time to love, give time to speak! And give time to share theĀ precious thoughts in your mind.
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.
December 31, 2008
Ringing in the New Year!
Its come time to ponder: is it the end of the year, or the fresh beginning of a new one???
I’d like to think it’s both. A time where we can reflect on the last year, see how we’ve grown and changed, laugh again at the funny moments and anticipate the coming year.
And so with reflecting — it’s been a fabulous year. Not only did About a Bride “travel” from the States and launch in the Niagara region, but now it’s grown up into an official federal Canadian corporation! And since it’s Canadian “integration”, I’ve had the opportunity to meet a ton of wonderful, aspiring AND inspiring people – both fellow industry professionals and clients. Ah, yes, my 2008 clients. What a beautiful bunch of people! Thank you so much for sharing your special moments with me!
And now the anticipation part!
- About a Bride will continue it’s Fabulous Fashion Fridays, highlighting spectacular wedding dresses. Also, this column will extend to Bridesmaids dresses as well. After all, those are your girls; they’ve gotta look good too!
- Other exciting news is that About a Bride will launch a monthly newsletter with articles from local vendors, planning info and special features like “Inside Your Wedding” column and gallery. What’s extremely cool about this newsletter — especially if you are a bride – is that you can have a featured picture/article in the newsletter telling about your upcoming wedding and the chance to win a small but very special gift from About a Bride. *Brides, please email me at ellen@aboutabride.ca to enter*
Oh and did I mention that this newsletter is just in its baby steps to becoming the About a Bride Magazine?
Yes, it will be a fantastic year!
I am also looking forward to my upcoming events — these listed are just the first third of the year! Among the events About a Bride is hosting and coordinating:
- the “Tulle Party” – networking party for wedding/event professionals;
- the “OnBoard!” – Basketball Tournament & Fundraiser;
- the “Only Way to Love” – Valentine’s party for a local church;
- the “Safety in the Sandbox” – Safety Awareness Festival & Picnic for a local Niagara community;
- the “Night at the Opera Ball” – a Masquerade Ball & Fundraiser
Could there be more? Yes! About a Bride is also launching a contest for 2009 brides and grooms come mid-February. The lucky winning couple pretty much gets a free wedding! And actually, everyone who participates is a winner — for just by entering the contest, you get “gift certificates” from the vendors in the different categories! How’s that for planning?!
About a Bride Weddings & Events, Inc., wishes you a wonderful and safe holiday and hopes everyone has a fantastic new year filled with joy, peace and wonderful memories!
December 27, 2008
Coming Event: Networking Party in 2009
To all wedding and event planners:
About a Bride Wedding and Events will be hosting a networking party in March 2009. The actual date is still being determined but I wanted to give you a heads up.
Ever flushed out hundreds (if not thousands) of dollars to participate in a tradeshow/expo?
Ever tried your hand at “entering” the conversation circle at a cocktail party?
Ever gave your card and avoided the “akwardness” at a Business Card Exchange?
Here is an event opportunity that definitely will be more interactive and effective than a tradeshow and definitely more fun than a Business Card Exchange…itsĀ the Tulle Party whereĀ networking-meets-cocktailĀ party with a lotĀ of entertainment, games, wine and food thrown into the mix.
There areĀ plenty of advertising opportunities for you to get involved in andĀ get you and yourĀ business name out there: you can purchase ad space in the Event Sponsorbook, do aĀ vendor display booth or advertise on theĀ About a Bride Weddings and EventsĀ website. One awesome part is that your admission ticket guarantees a visual display of your business at the event.
Or, if you want to really advertise your business, skills and talent, you can become a sponsor of the event. What this means is that you take what you are good at and incorporate it into the “operations” of the event. What I am looking for are vendors. For example, a caterer might want to contribute hors d’oeuvres for the event; a decorator might want to design the tables; a winery may want to contribute the wine for the evening. Your sponsorship would be in lieu of the admission and you have a guaranteed ad in the Event Sponsorbook.
There is so much more to this event: games to really get to know other wedding and event professionals, awesome prizes, terrific food and wine etc etc.
This is definitely a first in the Niagara region and an extreme advertising boost for your business. So, if one of your business plan goals was to either a) really market your business or, b) find more cost-effective alternativeĀ advertising/marketing avenues…..this event is for you.
FeelĀ free to contact me via email or phone for more details.
ellen@aboutabride.ca
289.668.7933
Looking forward to the New Year and meeting you!
…we’re back….. and in a BIG way
Hello wedding world!
Wow, it’s been a while….I haven’t posted since theĀ end of October! Some of you may know that not only is About a Bride Weddings and Events being “birthed” here in the Niagara region…but yours truly is gonna be birthing in April. That’s right, this event planner has a big event to plan — the birth of their first baby, a little boy. My husband and I are very excited for this new experience in our lives!
And here is proof that I am definitely a planner, at heart:
1. We are due in April — right before the big wedding season happens, esp those beautiful outdoor June weddings I am looking forward to! This gives me time to try and understand our child’s schedule and still be able to do the weddings a couple of months later.
2. All of my nauseousness/morning sickness, adversity to food happened during this pastĀ summer…which allows me to have completely taken advantage of all the holiday eating for Thanksgiving and Christmas. I get to use the “I’m eating for two” phrase and take that extra slice of cheesecake!
3. I completely get out of shoveling duties. Yes.
So as our little boy kicks his “hello” to all of blogworld, I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! I hope all excitement, joy and peace comes to you and your family in the coming year and I look so forward to working alongside all my 2009 brides — it will be awonderful time!
Blessings to all…
October 24, 2008
Fashion Fridays #5 — Shimmering all the way!
Isn’t this an eye-catcher?
It reminds of what people call the “glamour” ages….with actresses such as Rita Hayworth, Lana Turner and Betty Grable. This would be a perfect dress if you are planning a “classics” wedding or a formal “black and white” theme. Or, if you pretty much want your wedding to look like it’s straight out of a movie from the Turner Movie Classics channel!
So simple….yet, so elegant.
This is a Justin Alexander dress (Style #8281). It’s a strapless mermaid style dress with fringe beading and a chapel length train. What’s really neat about the designer is that in 2006, Justin Alexander was the proud recipient of the Debi Award for “Distinctive Newcomer” in the bridal gown industry.
October 23, 2008
Appreciating the colors….
Isn’t Fall a visually beautiful season?
(I’m not a cold-weather girl, so that is why I say visually!) š
In appreciation, here are some pictures from my backyard and the trees surrounding my house. When designing a wedding, especially one with a Fall theme, I would use these colors as my inspiration. I would also use some rich purples in there as well…I didn’t find any purples near my house, but I have seen it and its just glorious!
Enjoy!
October 1, 2008
Awesome Movie about Marriage….
Obviously, the wedding comes first….but after that, the two of you have a marriage to build. And from personal experience, no matter who you are or what your background is/was, this takes a lot of work, patience, love, grace and encouragement.
I recently found out that a Christian movie, called Fireproof, came out last weekend. It’s about strengthening your marriage and putting the right priorities in place. The tagline: “Caleb is an amazing fireman. But is it too late to fireproof his marriage? His job is to rescue others. Now Caleb Holt is ready to face his toughest job ever…rescuing his wife’s heart”.
Since I found out that this small-indi-film was only playing for a week in a very limited number of theatres, my husband and I went to the late show, driving the 45 mins past Buffalo. AND IT WAS SO WORTH IT! There was only one other couple in the theatre, but, it was an amazing movie — it makes you laugh and it will definitely make you cry tears of both sadness and joy!
If you happen to miss it this week, be sure to rent it when it comes out on DVD!
Here is what people had to say (from the website):
“I’ve spent my entire life trying to win in two different pro sports. What I appreciate about FIREPROOF is that it’s an entertaining and challenging reminder of what it takes to win in marriage!”
Joe Gibbs, Owner, Joe Gibbs Racing
“Amazing! Action-packed, heartwarming, and a great resource to help strengthen and affirm marriages!”
Dr. Gary Smalley, author of Change Your Heart, Change Your Life
“FIREPROOF is an excellent film that makes marriage-commitment real and attainable with Christ’s grace.”
Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz, Archdiocese of Louisville
“On top of a powerful message and the potential to change lives and marriages, this is one great movie!”
Bubba Cathy, Senior Vice President, Chick-fil-A
For movie times and locations, http://www.fireproofthemovie.com
About a Bride Weddings & Events, Inc., 