Modern wedding Invitations are constantly being redefined… according to the bride and groom’s personal style, design preference and formality.

The wording of your invitation will reflect: who is getting married, who is hosting, as well as the date, time  and place.

Below are examples of Invitation wording to reflect who is hosting your wedding when the host(s) are divorced.  Based on the formality of your wedding, choose the wording that best compliments your unique family dynamic.

Divorced Parents of Bride are hosting:
Mrs. Patricia Johnson
and
Mr. Robert  Johnson

Divorced Parent and Stepparent of Bride are hosting:
Mr. and Mrs. James Korman
request the honor of your presence
at the marriage
of Mrs. Korman’s daughter

Both sets of divorced Parents AND Bride and Groom are hosting:
Together with their families
Anna Johnson
and
Paul Benson

Both sets of Parents are hosting…
Bride’s Father not present (deceased), Groom’s Parents divorced, both remarried:
Mrs. Anna Johnson
and
Mr. Robert Becker and Mrs. Janelle Becker Smith

Bride’s Parents are Divorced and one (or both) have remarried:
Mr. and Mrs. Paul Benson
and
Mr. (and Mrs.) John Hipsman

When the Bride’s Mother is divorced and hosting:
Mrs. Anna Johnson
requests the honor of your presence
at the marriage of her daughter

One Living Parent
Mr. (Mrs.) Paul Benson
requests the honor of your presence
at the marriage of his (her) daughter

It occurred to me this morning that you might be attending or hosting an Easter gathering this weekend and are in need of a dessert… not just any dessert… but a dessert to beat all desserts of the cheesecake persuasion.

I’ve got just the recipe that will rock the socks right off their feet!

I’ve made this cheesecake countless times over the years, including this weekend for friends.   It is tried, true and everybody LOVES it!  I wanted to take a pic of the last leftover piece, but quickly discovered that my husband had eaten it last night~ so all I’ve got for you is this shot of the cookbook that it came from.  As you can see, it has gotten a lot of love from me over the last million or so years {and everybody said, Amen}!

Montana Mom’s Cheesecake is a recipe from the Moosewood cookbook, from the natural foods Moosewood Cafe in Ithaca, NY.

oven 375°

Crust: crumbs from 16 graham crackers {or if you’re behind the 8 ball and in a hurry like I usually am … replace with a 10″ already-made graham cracker crust}
1/2 stick butter
1Tbs. honey
1Tbs. flour
~ Mush up w/ fingers and press firmly into bottom of spring form pan.

Filling:
16 oz cream cheese
1/3 cup sugar
4 eggs
1 tsp. vanilla
1 lemon: juice and grated rind {NOTE: I leave the lemon out because I find it waay tooo overpowering. If you really love the idea of using lemon, take it easy!}

Blend til smooth and creamy. Pour on top of crust & bake for 25 mins. or until set at 375°

LET IT COOL.

Topping:
1 pint sour cream {i use lean… don’t judge me}
1/2 cup sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
~BLEND. Pour on top of cooled filling and bake at 375° for 5-8 minutes.

IMPORTANT: Cheesecake must set in fridge for at least 12 hours before it will be firm enough to slice well. If you get impatient and cut before it is completely set, the top will be runny.

it’s easy, it’s pretty quick and it’s DELICIOUS!

ENJOY

Something magical happens and I think it has to do with the topping.  If you make this cheesecake, be sure to come back and let me know what you think!

Sure, times are tougher and couples are cutting back, but this blog post is NOT about settling for less! no… No… NO!  This post is simply about choices and alternatives to the traditional diamond ring and about beautiful and unique rings to reflect your style and personality.

Enter…  Turtle Love Committe ~ an independent, online jeweler with a site dedicated to selling non-diamond engagement and wedding rings.

Set in sterling silver with semi-precious stones, these rings are so lovely!

Search the gallery to suit your style… organic, classic, modern, men’s, bands, sets and by color.

And get this… these gorgeous rings are priced between $100 and $200! WOW.

So, if you’re someone who thinks that diamonds make poor best friends… or if spending two months salary on an engagement ring isn’t an option… then check out TLC.

Explore the collection and find the style and setting that speaks to you~ from vintage replicas  to modern sets to classic solitaires and more!

Happy lovely and affordable ring finding!

I just heard about bridesmaid dress designer, Kathlin Argiro’s Spring Special and wanted to share it with you since the deadline to order is quickly approaching…

For every bridal party of 5 or more dresses ordered by

April 15th,

the bride receives a FREE Cocktail/Rehearsal Dinner Dress!

Choose from over 20 silhouettes and accessories like sashes, belts and flowers to personalize your dress.  If you live in NYC, you can make an appointment to come into the studio and if you’re not an NYC bride, please call 212-268-8774 for more information.

Check out dresses plus get all the details of the special here.