I love animals and critters… from the toad to the elephant~ well, aside from the butterfly, I could do without the insect world. And snakes…oh, and I really don’t like woodchucks either. Anyways…

Pets. Do they really belong in or at a wedding? (I won’t even get started on the practice of humans marrying their pets. That’s just a realm of ridiculousness of another dimension. …Is this only in America?) Aren’t they just a little too unpredictable to have around the smoked salmon you paid %$#$ for? Sure, they’re stinkin cute running around a garden wedding with a bow around their neck… in the movies. But, wearing tuxes and satin and lapping up your champagne behind your back?

I get it. Your pet is family. And, makes for great photojournalism. But, when you’re delegating wedding day duties to those trusted individuals, how do you say “Beth, you get to be the pooper scooper, OK?” What’s Beth going to say?? Awkward.

Obviously, I haven’t been to a wedding where there’s been integral pet involvement, but I’d probably be the self-appointed guest that hangs out with the dog and the little kids to make sure a tail isn’t stepped on or a piece of cake isn’t snatched out of a tiny hand… but that’s just me.

Who’s been to a wedding where pets play an integral role like the ring bearer or the clean plate foreman?

Photo courtesies:

Black lab pup: Cora

Pup with tennis balls: Cutglass decanter

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The oh-so fabulous blog of Elizabeth Anne Designs just recently launched their new project… The EAD Library.  The EAD library is an amazing resource for BRIDES EVERYWHERE!  We’re talking hundreds of vendor links to help you with your wedding planning and inspiration for your big day! A lot of work went into such a comprehensive list.  It’s a must read, for sure!

And, they keep adding to the list of vendors.  If you’re a MagnetStreet Weddings bride that would like to share your fab experience, we would love and appreciate if you would submit a vendor review.

Thank you so much!

It was 62 years ago this month that the bikini made its debut in Europe.  However, the navel wasn’t publicly paraded on America’s beaches, until the 1960′s.  Think Elvis movies and Beach Blanket Bingo.

I still haven’t figured how bikinis get continually more expensive when there’s less and less of it every year… Oh well.

Need another suit for that destination honeymoon or to welcome the dog days of August?  Retro-designed swimsuits are a fun blast from the past.  Via Closet Charm, I found this adorable halter style, pink with white polka-dot one piece from Delias.com (also in black).  Not usually one for polka dots, they are starting to grow on me. Too cute!

Retro-style suits can be very flattering as well.  From classic sheaths and bandeaus to swimdresses, you can even get your suit custom-made at Esther Williams swimsuits online store.

Happy Monday Everyone!

Bikini info source: www.JustLuxe.com[poll id="6"]

What is it that you want your guests to remember about your wedding? Amazing food that your guests will rave about for weeks afterward? Music that keeps them shaking their tail feathers all night? Or, perhaps something much more exotic?

Am I implying one more thing to stress out about or to spend more money on~ just to make an impression? Not at all. I’m simply talking about giving your guests something special to remember your wedding by~ your signature, so to speak.

Let me explain. I received an email from Joy, who described a spectacular wedding and reception she had recently attended… At the reception, each table was given the name of a location rather than a number. The guest card indicated the table to sit at.  Joy sat at the Overture Center for the Arts.

“In the middle of the table was an explanation written out as to why this location was special to the couple. They had purchased season tickets at the Overture Center, and saw six plays that were new to both of them. And before each play, they dined at a new (different) restaurant. A table beside us was the Camp Randall – UW Football Games table. Another was The Vilas Zoo. And another, Concerts On the Square…” Joy said, “It was so interesting to get a glimpse of their relationship within the dating experience.”

Offering a glimpse of your personality or in this case, into the dating experience, is such a creative and fun way to give your guests an experience, a memory~ a special take away of yourselves.

Via Elizabeth and Anne Designs, I read about another real wedding that is incredibly charming and illustrates my point beautifully as well.

What kind of signature will you leave? I’d love to hear your ideas!

Photo Courtesy: lucianvenutian
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