We had the pleasure of attending Neil and Christine’s wedding this past weekend.  My eyes welled early on as I watched Neil escort his mom down the aisle and~  when I didn’t think his smile could get any bigger, it did…  of course as his gaze absolutely fixed on his beautiful, stunning bride as she walked toward him.  I’ve never seen a groom so happy!  He was beaming!  It was a beautiful wedding indeed~ full of joy and meaning.

Making for a gorgeous wedding party were lovely bridesmaids dressed in mint and brown, wear again dresses, on the arms of groomsmen who were handsomely dressed in brown pin-stripe tuxes.  Fabulous!

It was Neil and Christine’s big day for sure but it was clear they had the comfort of their guests in mind the whole time.   We simply felt cared for.  From beautiful and comfortable venues, to amazing food and drink, it was a wonderful party that was simple, classy and completely reflective of this wonderful couple.

Things I loved about this wedding:

1. Instead of signing a “guest book” ~guests signed a photo mat.  A nice keepsake!
2. The wedding programs sweetly done and so thorough: they included the order of events, song lyrics, readings, names of family, attendants, professionals…
3. Also on the programs~ Christine and Neil printed their phone numbers, emails and address for family and friends to stay in touch.
4. Personalized escort cards (so special for the kids too)
5. Table Grace was said.
6. Following a tradition on the bride’s side… Instead of the bride and groom being held at the mercy of clinking glassware to get them to kiss~ guests were requested to sing a few bars from a song about “love.”  Our table chose Love Me Tender... I was surprised at the participation.  Great interaction with guests.  Super fun and cute.
7. I loved how Neil and Christine walked around the reception and made sure they connected with all of their guests!
8. Late night appetizers!
9. Great dancing music!
10. Did I mention the FABULOUS food?
11. The staff was courteous and welcoming.

Lovely!  Best wishes to Christine and Neil for a lifetime of joy and happiness!
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Last week we were inspired by Heidi as she described for us what a wedding looks like that is influenced by tradition.  Even I, a devout drumbeater for all that’s unique was drawn in by the meaningful history represented in a traditional wedding.  However, today for our Inspiration Friday I want to take a look at the other side of that coin, and think outside the box, if you will.  Are you ready to sneak a peak into the hip and modern trend of a novel, unconventional and most memorable destination wedding?  Hang on, it’s fun, exciting, and with a little help, as easy to plan as a traditional, hometown wedding.

Ahhh, the idea of being married in the warm sunshine along the coast of Florida or California . . . the excitement of saying your vows in Jamaica or Paris with iconic landmarks and spectacular views . . . the thrill of a jaunt to Vegas to make your statement of commitment . . .  or a ceremony on the water aboard a cruise ship.  Shall I go on?

As I picture each of these possibilities in my mind’s eye, I’m definitely in my happy place.  It doesn’t seem surprising at all that destination weddings are growing in popularity!

Ever since you can remember, have you always dreamed of a wedding that is just a little bit ~ or a lot different?  Consider the adventure of travelling somewhere gorgeous with dramatic surroundings . . . let it capture your imagination if you are so inclined.  My own wedding was held on a small, private beach, our toes nestled up against one another in the sand, the sunshine and breeze caressing our skin….not a wedding hundreds of miles away from home but our own destination clearly outside of tradition.

Let’s hear from ya’ll.  Are you planning to wed across the sea, the nation or even just the other side of your home state?  Do share the details with us!

Be inspired,
Cheryl

P.S. There are experts to be found that help to streamline the planning process, saving you time, money and stress!  Just google “Destination Weddings” and you’ll see what I mean. Happy Inspiration Friday!
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I had the pleasure of chatting with Brooke when she was a bride-to-be, in the last throes of wedding planning.  As of this past Saturday, Brooke and Jeff are now married!  WAHOO!  MagnetStreet Weddings had the pleasure of designing Brooke and Jeff’s save the date postcards and her wedding invitations.

Wedding Colors: Brown, Green, White

Wedding Party: 12: 6 guys, 6 girls.

Proposal: Total Surprise!  A fun story that involves Jeff proposing to Brooke on the beach, in the rain on May 23, 2007.

Best thing Brooke loves about Jeff: “Oh my~ everything!  He is just pure goodness on legs and he’s constantly making me laugh!”

Honeymooning: Antigua, West Indies.

Brooke and Jeff chose one of my personal favorite save the date designs~ Organic Beauty.  Simple and elegant.  Brooke said, “I went to school out of state and Jeff’s whole side of the family is out of state, so we sent save the date’s to my college roomates, his family and the attendants/close friends that we wanted to have the hotel information for the after party.” They put all of the hotel information on the backside of the postcard to make it handy for their guests.

Regarding the customization of the invitations, Brooke had this to say, “I loved the save the date’s that I chose just as is and was hoping that I could customize the invites to “flip flop” the colors from the save the dates.  MagnetStreet Weddings was able to do that for me, no problem!”

The Simply Yours invitation ensemble that Brooke and Jeff chose also includes a coordinating, RSVP postcard, return address labels and linen envelope.

• Brooke sent us a “thank you” email.  We strive every day to exceed our bride’s expectations and with great courtesy, give them their wedding, their way.  I speak for all of us at MSW when I say we are encouraged, we are excited and we are grateful!

Brooke’s email: I believe in recognizing great service when it’s called for. My experience with MagnetStreet Weddings for my wedding Save The Dates and invitations was such a pleasure! I was worried that going with an online company versus a bricks and mortar establishment in my area would cause me extra stress, but working with MagnetStreet Weddings was such a great experience. All of my orders came in WAY before I expected them to, your company responded to special requests and modifications with ease and if I did need to speak with a “real person”, I was able to reach someone by phone or email immediately and have any questions resolved. Plus the STDs and the invitations were *beautiful* and so unique! Just what I wanted!!! I have younger sisters and several girlfriends with upcoming weddings and will certainly be referring some business your way in the future.

With sincere thanks,

Brooke (almost) W.

And, our warmest thanks to you Brooke!  We wish you and Jeff many blessings for a life of happiness and joy!

Best,

Heidi

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Before my husband and I got married,  I remember having conversations about the debt we would incur once we combined our lives.  I had debt from school loans and since he had recently built a home, he had mortgage debt.  At the time, we didn’t seek a professional to talk about our bigger financial picture and in hindsight, I wish we had.  Financial health is just that important!  There are so many things to consider… credit histories, debt, existing accounts, assets, spending habits, goals, merging finances, keeping them separate~ a little of both, etc. etc. etc.

Talking about finances used to give me a stomach ache.  It seemed like such a chore.  Not anymore.  It’s empowering to try and remain organized and of the same accord when it comes to financial health.  It’s no surprise that problems with finances are a huge reason people divorce.  It causes major stress in a marriage.  My hope for you is that you start your marriage out openly, honestly and on sound financial footing.

I wanted expert perspective.  I asked Brad Harder, financial advisor for Ameriprise Financial, (New Brighton, MN) to give us his advice for newly married couples:

1. Based on personal referral and references, consider setting up an initial consultation with a financial advisor.
2. Beneficiary Review.  Update all financial accounts with possibly new estate and beneficiary wishes (especially for blended families).
3. Prior to marriage, consider each other’s spending habits.  Prepare a budget and lay ground work for expectations of each other.
4. Prioritize and define all the various goals, purpose, and objectives for saving for the future.  Some may be short-term and others may be long-term.  Consider various types of financial accounts for the different goals as various types of accounts have different features and benefits.
5. Have open communications surrounding finances.  Know and set expectations surrounding money.
6. Plan for your future and discuss your goals and dreams TOGETHER, as a couple.

No worries about the “to do” list; you can be walked through all of that.  I really like the idea of discussing your financial goals and dreams TOGETHER…  And, as I read over these points, I realize each one of them could be a blog post in and of itself.  Let me know in the comments if you would like to see a point further addressed.

Brad Harder email:Brad.a.harder@ampf.com

Photo Courtesy: Flickr: Orin Optiglot[poll id="21"]