http://bridesclub.com/blog/index.cfm This is the blog for Bridesclub.com. en-us Tue, 21 May 2013 01:29:28 -0700 Thu, 03 Sep 2009 14:00:00 -0700 BlogCFC http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss kris@ldedge.com kris@ldedge.com kris@ldedge.com http://bridesclub.com/blog/index.cfm no http://bridesclub.com/blog/index.cfm/2009/9/3/Lust-is-not-Love Some of life's greatest lessons are counter intuitive. Growing up I always believed the ultimate in an interpersonal relationship was love. Now those exact words didn't exist, but the thought process was the same. Some men select a bride because she has pretty eyes, some because she has pretty hair. A man once married his bride because she could sing. On the morning after their marriage, when he saw her without any paint or powder on, and saw a part of her hair on the dresser, he looked at her and said," Sing, for hell sakes, sing!" Eric Fromm, renowned social psychologist explained that sexual desire is in the minds of most people and is associated with love. As such, they are easily mislead into confusing love with physical desire. In a previous blog (Abigail the Monster) I explained that love is not the end goal, it is the beginning of the process. If love isn't the starting point, your ending point will most assuredly be anything but happiness and joy. Couples often fall in lust thinking they are falling in love. Being physically attracted to each other is very important, but sexual combustibility is a short fuse and a spark. The 5-year itch is a direct result of falling in lust. Falling in love requires action of a different nature than sexual prowess. Lust is temporary satisfaction, love can be eternal. Love requires effort and patience and can be the epitome of passion. Lust is passion run amok. It is the elimination of boundaries and leads to broken hearts, broken marriages and pain. Newlyweds Current Affairs Engagements BridesClub Wedding Planning Weblogs Thu, 03 Sep 2009 14:00:00 -0700 http://bridesclub.com/blog/index.cfm/2009/9/3/Lust-is-not-Love http://bridesclub.com/blog/index.cfm/2009/9/3/Our-Greatest-Challenge It is has been said that you will marry or raise your greatest challenge! Yesterday I invited my granddaughter's parents over to our house. Abigail, my granddaughter, is the cutest little piece of energy in existence. Her dad sent me this response. I told Heather about the discussion, and this was her reply Let's refer to "Abigail" as... The Monster. The Monster only slept for an hour today. The Monster is very grumpy. I am making the Monster stay in her crib for at least 20 minutes in hopes that she will cry her sleepy monster self to sleep. My guess would be, the monster won't be up for a late night. And neither will her innocent prey. (aka... me) It is through our challenges that we grow. A mother's love is strong because of what she gives up. It is given because the mother is good, not because of anything the child has done. The mother serves and sacrifices for her offspring and brings about a level of love to be emulated. In a marriage relationship, your starting point is love. The story is told of a young couple that received the following advice from their minister after the marriage ceremony, "You are at the end of your problems." Some months later, the husband, seeing the minister, approached him and told him about all the problems they have been having, ending his frustrated diatribe with "you said we were at the end of our problems." To which the sage gentleman replied: "Yes I did, but I didn't indicate which end." Current Affairs Marriage Licenses Engagements BridesClub Thu, 03 Sep 2009 13:52:00 -0700 http://bridesclub.com/blog/index.cfm/2009/9/3/Our-Greatest-Challenge http://bridesclub.com/blog/index.cfm/2009/9/3/You-married-Perfection Have you ever wondered what would happen if a perfect man married a perfect woman? I'll wager that he would shoot her inside of a week if she didn't strangle him first. The story is told of a husband, who after three months of marriage, sat down to dinner with his wife and said: "I think it's time we discussed some needed areas of improvement in our marriage. I'll like to share a list of things you can improve on and then you can share your ideas with me." The wife sat down and gathered her thoughts. As her husband started to read his list, she held up her hand and said: "Before you start, I want you to know that I don't have a list of things you need to work on, I'm very pleased with the person I married. The next thing you should know is that the weaknesses your about to illustrate are the very things that prevented me from marrying someone better than you. Okay, now I'm ready." Current Affairs Engagements Brides Club News Thu, 03 Sep 2009 13:44:00 -0700 http://bridesclub.com/blog/index.cfm/2009/9/3/You-married-Perfection http://bridesclub.com/blog/index.cfm/2009/9/3/Vivid-Images-Photography-LLC-promotion Enter to WIN with Vivid Images Photography, LLC Schedule your FREE photography consult appointment by October 3rd and be entered to win a 3 tiered round wedding cake from Vertu Cakes, Rascal Flatts tickets, or the grand prize of a 2 night stay in a Luxury Bay View Suite at the Outlook Inn on Orcas Island. Book your wedding photography with Vivid Images Photography, LLC... and you will be entered to win a horse drawn carriage at your wedding provided by Country Wagon. -Vivid Images Photography, LLC www.myvividwedding.com www.vividimagesphotography.blogspot.com (253) 720-1564 Brides Club Happenings Current Affairs Wedding Photographers Engagements Bridal Shows Thu, 03 Sep 2009 13:13:00 -0700 http://bridesclub.com/blog/index.cfm/2009/9/3/Vivid-Images-Photography-LLC-promotion http://bridesclub.com/blog/index.cfm/2009/9/1/Davids-Bridalblog-link Hi, A bride deserves to have all of her wedding day dreams come true, but finding the perfect wedding dress and complimenting accessories can be stressful! To ensure a stunning and carefree walk down the aisle, Angelique Serrano, Latina magazine Fashion and Beauty Director and David's Bridal Style Council member, is sharing her expert advice on how to pick the right dress for every body type and accessorize it with all the right touches. Angelique has an exclusive video podcast live on the David's Bridal blog, www.blogs.davidsbridal.com, that makes finding a gorgeous wedding day look easier and more affordable than ever! From beautiful hues and figure-flattering styles to veils and heavenly headpieces, Angelique will show brides-to-be how to stylishly weave all the key elements together. Closely monitoring the fashion industry for Latina and as the former Director for the New York Fashion and Beauty Center, Angelique is always in the know about the latest fashion trends. If this is something that you or your readers may be interested in, please check out the blog or visit You Tube to view Angelique's podcast. Please let me know if you'd like any additional information on the David's Bridal Style Council or Angelique Serrano. Thanks! Best, Catherine Wedding Dresses Tue, 01 Sep 2009 14:13:00 -0700 http://bridesclub.com/blog/index.cfm/2009/9/1/Davids-Bridalblog-link http://bridesclub.com/blog/index.cfm/2009/8/18/Find-a-Hidden-Lazare-Diamond-Ring-in-Seattle Dear Friends of Brides Club, We are writing to personally invite everyone to participate in a high tech treasure hunt for a $20,000 Lazare Diamond Ring hidden somewhere in Seattle. We have partnered up with the folks running the Marci Diamond Dash on Saturday, August 29th and we want to give everyone the chance to join in on the fun!!! The Marci Diamond Dash is a city-wide treasure hunt brought to you by Marci Jewelry. In this high tech treasure hunt teams of two will be solving clues and riddles delivered to each team's cell phone via text message! The game is totally FUN and totally FREE!! Some lucky team of two will be celebrating at Jillian's Billiard Club (apx 1PM) with a Lazare diamond ring worth $20k!! The Marci Diamond Dash will kick off at the Seattle Center under the east side of the Space Needle at 10AM and teams will get ready to run, bike and dash around Seattle for a hidden $20,000 Lazare diamond ring! So you must be thinking how can I win a spot to compete for a $20,000 Lazare diamond? Good question! Everyone has to sign up to play at www.marcidiamonddash.com to submit their story of why they should win one of the limited spots in the contest. If spots are limited, how can I be sure to win one? As a member of the Brides Club community you are privileged to a keyword that will enter you in an exclusive pool of candidates. When submitting your story you must include the codeword, "DIAMOND09BC" to be placed in the special candidate pool. When will I find out if I'm selected? You will receive an email confirming your spot within a couple of days. The contest will only be accepting entries until Thursday August 27th and by the nature of limited spots, the earlier you enter, the greater your chances of being accepted. We are very excited to be a part of this event. We hope that a Brides Club community member wins!! If you do, you'll have to take us out for a nice candle lit dinner to thank us!! Best of luck! We'll see you on Saturday, August 29th!! Thanks, Brides Club Brides Club Happenings Current Affairs Wedding Rings Engagements Brides Club News Bridal Shows Tue, 18 Aug 2009 15:41:00 -0700 http://bridesclub.com/blog/index.cfm/2009/8/18/Find-a-Hidden-Lazare-Diamond-Ring-in-Seattle http://bridesclub.com/blog/index.cfm/2009/8/13/Noisy-Isolation Noisy Isolation Posted on August 12th, 2009 Richard Himmer We live in a world of noisy isolation. Our contact with electronic gadgets exceeds our contact with humans. We're busier, faster, brighter, and full of more information than at any time in the history of mankind. But do we talk to each other? The microchip explosion has changed our ability to become intimate with our loved ones. We text them quick statements that are Egyptian characters in nature: mostly consonants or acronyms. LOL (laugh out loud), BTW (by the way), TTYL (talk to you later), and OMGTKOFGG (oh my gosh the kitchen's on fire, gotta go). The Instant Messaging phenomenon is replacing the heart to heart intimacy critical in a relationship. If you want a better relationship, turn off your electronics and learn more about the one you love. Create a bubble, kind of like a force field, around yourself to prevent the world from getting in and spend some time with your family and loved ones. Current Affairs Thu, 13 Aug 2009 12:44:00 -0700 http://bridesclub.com/blog/index.cfm/2009/8/13/Noisy-Isolation http://bridesclub.com/blog/index.cfm/2009/8/13/Flying-Under-the-Radar Flying Under the Radar Posted on August 12th, 2009 Richard Himmer In the year 2009, it is currently vogue to be wired 24/7. It's harmful, but it is cool. Without the ability to fly under the radar screen for a period of time to recharge your batteries, you are living on the edge of stress and your body and mind are red lining. I think being cool is just the opposite. Take an evening this week and fly under the radar screen. Drive your friends and relatives bonkers and turn off all electronic contact power from 5PM to morning. Achieve some balance by finding some 'me' time without electronics. Meditate, singularly focus your mind on something or on nothing and regenerate your batteries. Think of yourself as a rechargeable battery. Stop the world for a short time and get off. The hustle and bustle of life will still be there when you get back. Here's a thought: take the time and spend it with a loved one. Just talk. Talk about life, before and after the present. If you are married, get to know your spouse better. If you're a mom or dad, listen to your child. Present tense relationships are not developed multi-tasking. You must be there, both body and mind. The most effective way to enjoy this time is by improving your communication skills. Here are two articles on the Power and the Art of Questioning. Balanced Living from the Start, Communication, Family, Marriage recharge batteries Editorials op-ed Thu, 13 Aug 2009 12:40:00 -0700 http://bridesclub.com/blog/index.cfm/2009/8/13/Flying-Under-the-Radar http://bridesclub.com/blog/index.cfm/2009/8/10/Check-out-one-of-our-Expo-Sponsors-Grand-Event-Rentals www.grandeventrentalswa.com Grand Event Rentals 1606 130th Ave NE Bellevue, WA 98005 p:(425)462-7368 f: (425)454-3715 www.grandeventrentalswa.com Robbys@grandrents.com "Life is a Celebration" As Featured in Seattle Bride Magazine's 2009 Vendors' Choice Awards Grand Event Rentals has just been voted Runner Up in: "Place for Rentals" Bridal Shows Mon, 10 Aug 2009 16:38:00 -0700 http://bridesclub.com/blog/index.cfm/2009/8/10/Check-out-one-of-our-Expo-Sponsors-Grand-Event-Rentals http://bridesclub.com/blog/index.cfm/2009/8/7/Seeking-New-Content Hey all you brides out there: We are looking for some new hot content. We are updating all of our social media and need your help! If you have anything~ fun or unique photos, videos, or experiences~ you would like to submit to our "you tube", blog, website, etc; Please send what you have to our webmaster at webmaster@bridesclub.com Thanks~ Brides Club Happenings Fri, 07 Aug 2009 13:51:00 -0700 http://bridesclub.com/blog/index.cfm/2009/8/7/Seeking-New-Content http://bridesclub.com/blog/index.cfm/2009/8/7/Bridesmaid-gift-Ideas Here are some ideas for fun and different bridesmaid gifts: Play This is Your Life at a bridesmaid luncheon or party: A fun way to accomplish this is to create a game show atmosphere at the bridesmaid luncheon, a "this is your life" type of format in which the bride creates personalized biographies of each of her bridal attendants and then purchases unique bridesmaids gifts that match each attendant. The fun is in the "awarding" of each bridesmaid's gift as she is introduced and the personal biography read by the bride. Fun things to include in this game are childhood stories that are appropriate to share with other members of the bridal party; At a summer garden party or traditional tea-party with the bridesmaids and attendants, place homemade or pre-bought flower containers as centerpieces, then give one to everyone as a gift. If you are planning a destination wedding: As you shop for the groomsmen and bridesmaids gifts for your wedding party, take time to purchase gifts that are not only sentimental but also representational of the fun and exciting location that you have chosen for your destination wedding. Wouldn't it be fun to have a sleepover? Almost every girl's childhood includes girlfriend sleepovers complete with movies, munchies, lots of gossip and laughter. If your bridal attendants are childhood friends, why not revisit the "good old days" with a bridesmaid sleepover and movie night? Hosting a Bridal Party sleepover is not only reminiscent of childhood fun but a great way to relax and unwind together. What IS a bridesmaid luncheon? The bridesmaids' luncheon is a special event, hosted by the bride, that is held approximately one month prior to the wedding. The purpose of the bridesmaid luncheon is to allow the bride an opportunity to show each of the bridesmaids how much she appreciates all that they are doing or have done to assist with the planning, strategizing and all other necessary preparations for the upcoming wedding. A creative bridesmaid gift that is very popular is the charm bracelet. Why not try creating a unique bridesmaid gift for each member of your bridal party by shopping for specialty charms for each of your attendants. The charm bracelet has long been a unique way to express personal hobbies, accomplishments and friendships that are held dear to the wearer. Bridal Party Fri, 07 Aug 2009 13:33:00 -0700 http://bridesclub.com/blog/index.cfm/2009/8/7/Bridesmaid-gift-Ideas http://bridesclub.com/blog/index.cfm/2009/8/6/New-Wedding-Cakes-in-Hawaii---wwcakesbyjemcom--JEM I have been doing this at Turtle Bay Resort for 2 years. Now I have been on my own for 2 1/2 years. I currently go to school at Grosbonnet for patisserie classes. I have been very happy and excited to bring to Hawaii my designs and style. I look forward to having you visit my website: http://www.cakesbyjem.com/cuswed.htm Mahalo for your time! Wedding Cakes Thu, 06 Aug 2009 21:12:00 -0700 http://bridesclub.com/blog/index.cfm/2009/8/6/New-Wedding-Cakes-in-Hawaii---wwcakesbyjemcom--JEM http://bridesclub.com/blog/index.cfm/2009/8/6/Design-Photography-Wedding-Photography-101 Need tips for choosing professionals in the wedding industry? Here is one of our favorites! Tips for Choosing a Wedding Photographer Experience Level - Has this person photographed other weddings? Does he/she do this for a living or for fun? In this industry, photographers come and go daily. Many people who own a digital camera believe that they can easily deliver a wedding. Experience counts here on a one time, one chance event such as this. A brand new photographer may be fairly talented and everyone has to start somewhere, but do you want to trust your once in a lifetime event to a newcomer? Their experience should show in their work and in the way they work with people. Presentation matters! If a professional photographer can not present numerous and full wedding albums of weddings from start to end, telling the wedding day story, you may want to strongly reconsider using his/her services. Anyone can photograph a few good photos and highlight them from a few dozen weddings, but can they photograph an entire wedding with the same quality and style? Finally, you can always check with the Better Business Bureau for complaints and ask for referrals of their most recent weddings and ask them about their experiences. Photographic Style - Are the images that you are shown, what you would like to see? Can you picture yourself photographed the same way? Is there a satisfactory mix in different styles? There are "buzz" words flying about everywhere about photojournalism, formal, classic, contemporary, candid, illustrative and so on. All colorful adjectives aside, do you like what you see? Does the work of the photographer suit your desired style? Truth in Advertising ? Read the package contents and understand it, ask questions. Know what items are included, time allotted, overtime charge costs, costs for proofs or negatives (digital files) and ????? Also, is this the photographer that will be photographing your wedding or will they send in who ever is available? Don't be shocked, this happens more often than you can imagine. Many studios have numerous photographers. Be sure to ask and be certain that you know which photographer is going to be there and see HIS/HER work and meet them. Don't let a salesman sell you anyone but the actual photographer of the work you are viewing! Personality - Is the photographer that you meet someone that you can get along with? Is the "chemistry" there? People have walked away from hairstylists and tailors for less. This is a person that you are going to spend most of the day with. Could you handle it? Does he or she seem service oriented and a people person? Will they be smiling with you..........all day? Will they draw out the emotions desired and deliver them in your images? Appearance - Ask the photographer how he/she intends to dress. The last thing that you want is a conflict at the wedding about the photographer wearing a sweatshirt and jeans with sneakers at your favorite country club. Is this person well groomed? It is after all, your wedding! Price Range - Although, the last thing you want to do is shop by price, is this person within your budget? If not, is he or she worth the difference? A lot of times we tend to surpass our budget constraints to get what we really want. If you see and like it, you'll find a way. In any case, make sure you understand what everything costs, including your album! Delivery - How long does it take to get your proofs back, your finished album, your bridal portrait, etc.? Go ahead and ask. Some photographers take months to deliver your proofs. Be sure of how long things take to turn around. Also, how are they delivered to you? Prints? DVD? Online? All of the above? Offering - Whether it's a la Carte or packages, do you understand what you get in your contract? Is there any room for changes and will it cost to do so? Sometimes the packages are fixed, sometimes they can be customized, in any case, ask. How much time will he/she spend? What if you need more time? Are the images edited? What if you want them in Black and White as well as color? Make sure that you know what's coming and what your limitations are. For example, some photographers offer you a DVD of your images, but you can not legally print from this DVD, only view the images. You may have thought that you were getting the images with copyright release to you to print on your own. If the photographer is offering credits towards certain items such as an album, do you understand what the credits are worth? Will the credits cover the entire cost of what you believe you are getting? Contract - Do you understand the contract? Is it fair? Is everything spelled out? When it comes down going to court, only what is WRITTEN really counts, not what was promised. Make sure that you have no doubts before signing. Read it ALL. What about deposits and payments? References - A personal reference is always the best and people love to talk. Get a list of references from the photographer and check them out personally. A photographer who doesn't have references or is afraid to give them to you may not be the person that you need to hire. Most should be willing to offer these and make them recent weddings, not just one here and there spread out over a multiple year period. One last place to find an excellent photographer is to ask other long time vendors that you may already be working with. Need tips for choosing a Disc Jockey, Caterer or Baker or other vender? Email us for more information. Let us assist you in choosing the vendors that best suit your needs and desires by giving you the tools to ask the right questions. Contact Sterling at sterlingwardphotography.com We look forward to hearing from you! Sterling Ward has been in the wedding and entertainment industry for over 23 years. As both a wedding photographer and a wedding Disc Jockey, he has experienced the wedding day from start to end hundreds of times. The wedding industry is his professional passion. See his work at 2brides2grooms.com and sterlingwardphotography.com Phone him with questions or comments at 360-701-8469. photography_video Thu, 06 Aug 2009 17:16:00 -0700 http://bridesclub.com/blog/index.cfm/2009/8/6/Design-Photography-Wedding-Photography-101 http://bridesclub.com/blog/index.cfm/2009/8/5/Early-Bird-Special-From-Elegant-Images-for-Seattle-Wedding-Expo The Seattle Wedding Expo is coming up Aug. 22nd and 23rd. We decided to give you a head start. We will be offering a special on all our packages! $350 off Any wedding photography package for dates Oct. 1st-April 30th. $250 off Any wedding photography package for dates May 1st-Sept. 30th. It gets better, you can take advantage of this special right now! That's right beat the rush and secure your date before the show! (Pssss.....The first 10 Brides will also receive a free engagement session.) Chat with you soon! Carrie Stark Elegant Images Photography www.e-iphoto.com www.e-iphoto.blogspot.com www.starknakedphoto.com 425.361.2488 photography_video Bridal Shows Wed, 05 Aug 2009 13:26:00 -0700 http://bridesclub.com/blog/index.cfm/2009/8/5/Early-Bird-Special-From-Elegant-Images-for-Seattle-Wedding-Expo http://bridesclub.com/blog/index.cfm/2009/8/5/Dont-Say-I-Do-until-you-Read-These 1. "How To Win Friends and Influence People" by Dale Carnegie This is a timeless piece of literature. Mr. Carnegie weaves stories, anecdotes, and wisdom from the ages on how to get along with people, business associates, clients, and family. This book introduces you to the importance of asking questions before rendering judgment. 2. "The Anatomy of Peace" by The Arbinger Institute Jim Ferrell and his staff have written an incredible book on developing relationships. Arbinger has developed a language of their own and it's sweeping the nation. Learn what it means to get 'Out of the box' and how to stay there. Every husband, wife, mother, father, and in-law needs to have the tools found in this book. This is a preview of Don't Say "I Do" until you Read These. Read the full post (252 words, estimated 1:00 mins reading time) Current Affairs Engagements BridesClub Wedding Planning Wed, 05 Aug 2009 12:41:00 -0700 http://bridesclub.com/blog/index.cfm/2009/8/5/Dont-Say-I-Do-until-you-Read-These