Getting Wedding Ready

Workout

These super-sculpting exercises were created by personal trainer Brett Hoebel, and designed to make toning up for the big day easy -- whether you're a beginner or a fitness fanatic. Choose a few of them to target a trouble spot, or incorporate them all into a full-body workout.

For best results, do 12 to 15 reps of each exercise, and 2 to 3 sets every time. Switch sides so your muscles develop evenly, and take it slow -- count about six seconds per move -- to really get results. When you find that the basic moves are no longer as challenging, take your routine to the next level with these upgrades.

Front squats: for quads, hamstrings, and glutes

Start here: With your arms crossed over your chest, lower yourself down, bending your knees, so your legs form a 90-degree angle (as if you're about to sit in a chair). Then rise up, squeezing your glutes together.

Take it to the next level: Hold a set of 8-pound dumbbells, with your arms by your sides. Bend your elbows to bring the weights to shoulder level, and then begin the squat.

Pushups: for abs, chest, and arms

Start here: Get into plank position, keeping your back straight, abs contracted, feet shoulder-width apart, and head up. Count to three as you lower yourself down to the ground, and repeat as you rise back up.

Take it to the next level: Rather than placing your hands on the ground, elevate them on a step or yoga block.

 

Forearm plank: for abs and shoulders

Start here: Get into plank position, keeping your abs contracted and feet shoulder-width apart. Place forearms flat on the ground, palms facedown. Hold for 60 seconds.

Take it to the next level: Instead of positioning your feet side-by-side, stack them heel-to-toe.

 

Close row: for triceps and upper and lower back

Start here: Holding onto the edge of a chair for support, bend at the knees with a dumbbell in one hand. Pull the weight back toward your chest. Fully extend your arm, keeping it parallel to your thigh.

Take it to the next level: Let go of the chair and lightly place your free hand on your thigh

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Twisting jackknife: for your core

Start here: Lie on your back with your arms extended to your sides. In one sweeping movement, touch your left hand to your right foot, lifting your head, shoulders, and right leg off the ground. Return to your starting position.

Take it to the next level: Lift your entire torso in addition to your head and shoulders.

 

Stationary lunge: for quads, hamstrings, and glutes

Start here: Stand with your feet about a leg's distance apart, right foot in front of the left. Let your arms hang straight by your sides. Bend your right knee down to a 90-degree angle without letting your left knee touch the ground, then rise up.

Take it to the next level: Hold an 8-pound dumbbell in each hand, and bring them together at collarbone level. Rest the weights against your chest, and then begin the lunge.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Waiter's bow: for triceps and upper and lower back

Start here: Stand with your knees bent, arms fully extended to the sides, and back angled forward. Fold over at the waist until your torso is parallel to the floor, then raise up to the starting position.

Take it to the next level: Instead of extending your arms at your sides, raise them up and over your head, palm to palm.

 

Leg drop: for legs and core

Start here: Lie on your back with your arms straight along your sides. Lift one leg to hip level, keeping it fully extended with your foot flexed. Drop it slowly till it hovers above the floor, then bring it back up.

Take it to the next level: Raise and drop both legs, and instead of keeping your hands by your side, tuck them underneath your head.

 

Interval training: for endurance, speed, and overall health

Start here: Run for 30 seconds, then walk for 90 seconds. Do this six to eight times.

Take it to the next level: Run for 60 seconds, then walk slowly for 90 seconds. Do this 10 to 12 times.
Read more at Marthastewartweddings.com: Wedding Fitness Routines -- Martha Stewart Weddings

Prepping your Skin for the Big Day

http://www.complexions.com/images/side/perfect-skin-facial-220.jpg

The trends emerging seems to be that pretty, soft, slightly glamorous and fresh look. A little more makeup than normal so you don’t get washed out in the photos, but always “pretty and soft”. The hair is one place that women want to change it up a bit. They seem to be more willing to experiment and do something that flatters their dress and veil.
Start thinking about your skin months in advance of your wedding. Victoria provides these prep steps to beautiful skin for brides.

This is a good time to curb your sugar,alcohol, and salt intake. Sugar can make your skin dull, wrinkled and saggy. The sugar molecules attach themselves to the collagen fibers causing them to become stiff and inflexible leading to wrinkles and facial sag. Alcohol in excess effects the blood flow to the skin and can cause a red and blotchy complexion.
Salt as we all know can make us retain water and cause puffy eyes as well as a bloated look.

Purge your sin of acne flare-ups rather than suppress them. No one wants acne to show up on your big day. It is good to use products that purge rather than suppress your acne. Try to start using the products two or three months ahead of time. Esente’ has a great acne kit that helps to do just that.

Exfoliate you skin. It’s a good idea to either do some at home exfoliation or perhaps do a few microdermabrasion treatments in the months leading up to your big day. Exfoliation will help to purge your skin of comedones (blackheads) minimize your pores ,and help to retexture your skin.

Don’t try to get that tan! Healthy skin is in. All brides look better with the beauty of their own natural skin tones. The effects of the sun and tanning beds will age you quickly. Tanning beds even more so as the rays penetrate deeper into the dermis aging our skin up to 40 times faster than if we don’t use them. Remember we want to look beautiful for our anniversaries as well as our wedding day.
http://trulyweddingblog.com/wedding-makeup/skin-care-tips-for-preparing-for-your-wedding


Prepair that Hair!!!


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As soon as possible decide on the length, shape and style of your wedding day hairstyle. This will allow you to have an early trial with your hairdresser to determine whether the style is right for you. Remember to take your headpiece and veil to complete your look.

Many brides decide to color or highlight their hair for their wedding day. However it is important that you give your hairdresser enough time to create the desired look and to correct any mistakes. We suggest at least 4 months before your wedding day to work with your hairdresser to determine the exact color/s you desire. Then have the process done at 6 weekly intervals, the last just before the big day. This will ensure you are happy with the look of your hair and have no big unwanted color surprises.

It is a good idea to book weekly deep conditioning treatments for your hair. This will give your hair a boost before your wedding day, leaving it healthy and shiny.

Consult with your hairdresser to schedule your final cut before your wedding day to ensure your hair looks its best.

http://www.glamourgirlz.info/2007/03/20/preparing-for-your-wedding-day/



Hands and Feet


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Don't forget to prepare your feet and hands for your wedding day. Your hands will be the centre of attention for guests and the photographer viewing your wedding ring. You feet will have to survive a long and busy day! Try to include a manicure and pedicure (maybe at the same appointment as your facial) in your weekly beauty regime before your wedding. On a daily basis, moisturise your hands and give your feet a relaxing soak for ten minutes followed by rubbing in some essential oils (peppermint is very refreshing). Remove and refresh any areas of dry skin from your feet. The groom should also bear in mind that his hands are probably going to be photographed showing the wedding rings, so a manicure is a consideration for him as well.
http://www.weddingservices.eclectic-choice.co.uk/Wedding-Beauty/wedding-beauty.htm


Inspiration Board!!!




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Happy Planning!!!!!

Same Sex Weddings

I know this is a touchy subject for a whole lot of people. My outlook on this topic is let love be! Anyone should be allowed to marry their special someone. And I am here to tell you about some great ideas for same sex weddings!


First of all registering for your same sex union. I found all of these great links from gayweddings.com
Here are a few resources, including links to find information for registering for a civil union or marriage license in applicable jurisdictions:
District of Columbia
How to apply for a marriage license in D.C..
Massachusetts:
GLAD's How To Get Married Guide
Vermont:
The Vermont Guide to Civil Unions
Marriage Certificate order form
Connecticut:
A comprehensive look at state laws
FAQs from the Connecticut state website
Maine:
In Nov. 09, voters overturned legislation allowing same sex couples to marry.
Hawaii:
Bill authorizing civil unions lands on Governor's desk. Updates to follow!
Iowa:
Tips for an Iowa marriage
New Jersey:
Information for a New Jersey Civil Union License
New Hampshire:
Your Honor, I Do
Requirements and information for marriage licenses
California:
Tying the knot in California, 2008
Proposition 8 has nullified gay marriage. 
Canada:
Information on the legal implications of a Canada gay marriage from the Human Rights Campaign
UK:
General Register Office for the UK
www.gayweddings.com


Ceremony

http://weddings.theknot.com/Real-Weddings/49115/detailview.aspx?STOPREDIRECTING=TRUE&type=3&style=same-sex&ps=8&keep=-843063781&id=49115&PgReferrer=view.aspx

Who will Marry you?

A civil servant's primary role is to legalize the marriage, so unless you're marrying in Massachusetts or California, that won't be a part of the ceremony. Instead, you can ask a judge or justice of the peace to sanction your union symbolically. Also, look into an Ethical Humanist officiant (to find a local society, visit American Ethical Union or an officiant from the Unitarian Universalist Association, Universal Life Church, or Metropolitan Community Church. These groups have announced their support for gay marriages and encourage their clergy to officiate them. And keep in mind that your officiant doesn't have to be "official" -- that is licensed to perform legal weddings -- which means a dear friend or relative can do the honor.

If you'd like a religious ceremony, look for an officiant from a religion that leaves the decision up to individual clergy members (Buddhist, some Protestant, some Quaker, and Reform Jewish). Many religious denominations also bless gay unions, even if they won't officiate these unions. Of course, the Internet is a great research tool for finding local officiants, and many invite gay couples to contact them about creating a personalized ceremony.
http://gay.weddings.com/articles/find-the-right-gay-wedding-officiant.aspx

What are the elements of the ceremony?

Though you may not end up with a legal document, the ceremony itself is a binding ritual, so you'll want to make it truly personal. Even so, your ceremony may be quite similar to a traditional wedding. Here are the basic components to a traditional wedding ceremony and what they include:
Processional: This is what gives guests the cue that the wedding is about to begin. Normally, the music dramatically changes and your bridal party and one or both of you will walk up the aisle to the altar or huppah to meet one another. Many gay couples decide that they're more comfortable walking up the aisle together instead of one waiting for the other at the altar. If your ceremony space has three aisles, think about walking up opposite side aisles and meeting at the altar. Then afterward, you can walk down the middle aisle together for the recessional. This also works well if you're each having a family member (mother, father, sister, brother) or close friend escort you up the aisle. As for your wedding party, your attendants can come in from each side or walk up the center aisle before you both enter. And when it comes to seating guests, your respective families can sit on either side of you (figure out which side each of you will stand at the altar), while mutual friends can simply sit wherever they please on either side. Another idea: create an aisle or separator between guests and have everyone sit in a U-shape around your altar or huppah. Whichever you choose, remember that it's your day and you should do what works for you two.
The Greeting/Call to Attention: This is where your officiant tells guests they're present to support the commitment and love between the two of you, and may say a few words about you and your relationship.
Declaration of Intent/Vows: Writing your own vows is a great way to celebrate your commitment to each other -- and honor the uniqueness of your relationship. You can draw what you like from traditional, religious, or secular vows; adapt wordings from poems, songs, and prose; or start from scratch and express your feelings in your own words. Memorize them, read them from a book, or repeat them after your officiant. Looking for more readings and ideas? Check out these ceremony readings.
Ring Exchange: Perhaps you've already given each other rings and you would like to add bands to go with them. If you're not getting a second set of rings, you can simply reenact the original ring exchange with a few special words. And when it comes to figuring out which hand to wear it on, that's entirely up to you. Many gay couples wear commitment rings on their right hands as opposed to the more traditional way of wearing them on the left. Or you might choose a nontraditional design and wear it on the traditional finger. No matter which you choose, the important part is celebrating and showing the symbol of your love for each other. During this time, it's appropriate for your officiant to say words about the symbol of the wedding ring and its meaning to you as a couple. If you opt not to have a ring exchange, the minister might have you two simply join hands while he gives a pronouncement.
Readings/Joining Rituals: You could read about love, friendship, companionship, trust, growth, or whatever value of your relationship you wish to highlight. Joining rituals like a unity candle (the two of you light a mutual candle with flames from two individual candles) or Native American sand blending are perfect ways to symbolize your union. You could also try the sharing of wine (bitter and sweet), which symbolizes that you're partners for all of life's joys and sorrows. Or, sign your names on parchment or in a holy book to show your commitment as a covenant.
Pronouncement of the Union and the kiss: This is the part you've been waiting for -- and it speaks for itself! This is also where your officiant may proclaim the marriage -- a few options include "life partners," "true partners," "beloved friends," or just "married!"

-- Anja Winikka
http://gay.weddings.com/articles/gay-wedding-ceremony-elements.aspx


http://www.thesweetestoccasion.com/2010/01/martha-stewart-weddingss-first-same-sex-wedding/

Wording Wedding Invitations

The person paying for the wedding is generally, but not always, recognized as the event's host on the invite. So if you two are footing the bill for the wedding, then your names should be at the top of the invitation.


For the couple hosting a formal affair:

The honor of your presence
is requested at the marriage of
Derek Ryan Baker
to Charles Robert Jacobson
Saturday, the seventeenth of May
two thousand and eight
at half past four in the afternoon

or

The pleasure of your company
is requested at the marriage of
Derek Ryan Baker
to Charles Robert Jacobson
Saturday, the seventeenth of May
two thousand and eight
at half past four in the afternoon

The couple hosting a more casual affair:

Derek Ryan Baker &
Charles Robert Jacobson
invite you to their wedding
Saturday, May 17, 2008
at 4:30 in the afternoon

or

Derek Ryan Baker &
Charles Robert Jacobson
invite you to share and celebrate at their wedding
Saturday, May 17, 2008
at 4:30 in the afternoon

or

Derek Ryan Baker &
Charles Robert Jacobson
invite you to share in their joy at their wedding
Saturday, May 17, 2008
at 4:30 in the afternoon
http://gay.weddings.com/articles/gay-wedding-invitation-wording-for-couple-hosting.aspx




Inspiration Photo's

Let them eat cake!!!


http://www.brightestyoungthings.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/gay-wedding-cake.jpg


A great way to word your wedding invitations!!!






http://weddings.theknot.com/Real-Weddings/46249/detailview.aspx?id=46249&RPID=2&type=3&style=same-sex&ps=8&keep=-843063781


http://weddings.theknot.com/Real-Weddings/47598/detailview.aspx?type=3&RPID=2&style=same-sex&ps=8&keep=-843063781&id=47598


http://weddings.theknot.com/Real-Weddings/47604/detailview.aspx?id=47604&type=3&RPID=2&style=same-sex&ps=8&keep=-843063781

Good luck in all your planning!

Valentine's Day Wedding!!!

Ok, if your anything like me holiday weddings are definitely a no go, this is really truly for a selfish reason. I personally want my wedding all to me! I don't want to have to share it with another special occasion!!! However, the more and more I think about it the more fun they really could be. Take Valentine's Day for instance, love is in the air so take advantage of it. this does not mean you have to stick with the old school cherubs and fountains unless you want to.. No, modernize, make it you!




Love the dessert table/candy bar idea?
Great!!! Make it sassy and sexy and fun with reds, and pinks, and all the colors of love!!!





http://weddings.theknot.com/Real-Weddings/63458/detailview.aspx?id=63458&RPID=2&type=3






Want a photo booth at the reception?
Get creative make a backdrop that has red hearts or props. Or better yet make a kissing booth as your background!!!! Turn it into your own masterpiece and I am sure that your friends and family will have a blast!



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http://joannagoddard.blogspot.com/2009/07/wedding-photo-booth.html




Kissing Booth Anyone?
I don't know about you, but I have never been a huge fan of the dollar dance. Yes, its a great way to mingle with your guests and to get a few dollars for your honeymoon. But the whole shot thing and it takes up sooo much time!!! Since this is a Valentines Wedding why not set up a kissing booth? Set an amount of time that you and your new groom will sit in the booth and have everyone pay you a dollar a kiss... if your shy or you really just want to keep all your kisses for your new hubby.... a kiss on the cheek or a nice hug will work too!!! Same goes for him!



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Doves!!!
Doves are an ultimate classic of romance, Valentine's Day and weddings so bring back a classic and an old tradition of releasing doves.

Here's the history on it from wedding and party network.com

For many cultures white doves released at a wedding signifies, love, unity, and fidelity
An old wedding superstition suggests that if you see a pair of doves on your wedding day, you’ll have a long and happy marriage. This basis of the superstition stems from the fact that doves mate for life.
Symbolically and not to mention beautiful the releasing of white doves at a wedding is a wonderful tradition; where grooms and brides express their love, unity and fidelity, at the end of the wedding ceremony.
http://www.weddingandpartynetwork.com/blog/wedding-traditions/releasing-of-white-doves-as-a-wedding-tradition/



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Decorating!
A great decorating tip for your Valentine's Day Wedding is colored lights you can make a wall any color you want with just light so maybe a vibrant red or lovely pink! Red roses are a must for a Valentine's Wedding! Instead of using red as an accent use it as a main color! It will be more like a blast of color than a pop!


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Favors

Conversation Hearts!! Put a box at each place setting!

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Small Bouquet of kiss roses! These are super easy to make and kind of fun too!


http://www.bridalbuds.com/wp-content/uploads/hersheys-kiss-rose-bud.jpg

What you will need:
Hershey Kisses
Red Plastic Wrap (cut into squares)
Floral Wire
Floral Tape

What you do:

Step 1. Take two kisses put the flat ends together and then stick a piece of floral wire up through them. Make sure to be gentle so you don't break the kiss push the wire all the way up through both kisses without going through the top of the top kiss.

Step 2. Take one of your red squares and put it over the kisses and twist at the end around the wire.

Step 3. Take the floral tape and start at the base of the kisses and wrap all the way down the wire so it looks like a stem you can make this thicker by put more than one layer of tape on.

Step 4. Once you have all your roses done you can bunch them together just place them together at different intervals to make it look textured than take your floral tape and start at the bottom of your roses and cover.

*To add to the rose effect you can put leaves on the roses. Just get fake floral leaves from any crafts section or store and put them at the base of your rose then just do the same thing as step 3 and wrap with floral tape.






Inspiration Pictures!!!


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Well from me to you
Happy Valentine's Day and
Happy Planning!!!! Kiss Kiss