From My Wedding to Yours

A Note to My Readers . . .

2009-05-27T19:39:00.002-05:00

This blog was created for YourLDSNeighborhood.com when they hired me to be their wedding columnist. Unfortunately, they have decided to discontinue their blogging columns.

This blog will remain here with all the awesome links and info, but I will not be adding any new content. If you have any wedding questions, you may continue emailing me at queenoftheclan@gmail.com

And as always, you can find me on my personal blog: Queen of the Clan
(http://queenoftheclan.blogspot.com)

Happy wedding preparations, everyone!

Danyelle Ferguson

Wedding Paper Divas Contest Winner!

2009-05-11T14:11:00.002-05:00

First, I'd like to send a great big thank you to Wedding Paper Divas for donating a $50 gift certificate for this contest! They are super generous and awesome!!!

The winner of the totally awesome gift certificate is . . .

Joni Gardine!

Congratulations! Please email me with your snail mail address and be on the look-out for your fabulous prize!!!

Spotlight: Wedding Paper Divas and a Contest!

2009-05-01T09:44:00.007-05:00

It all began with a monogram.

As I researched for my post on a Monogram themed wedding, I discovered Wedding Paper Divas. I loved their colors and wedding invitation styles, so much I used them as exampled in another post about wedding zing.

Lucky for me, Wedding Paper Divas knows how to use their Google Analytics and discovered I was linking up with them. Lucky for my readers, we struck up a conversation and came up with a totally fun spotlight and contest! Read on, my friends - read on!

Like I said before, I love the modern/contemporary style of the invitations at WPD. I was able to choose some of my favorite invites, and WPD sent them to me to check out. Their colors are splendid and just as vibrant as they appear on the website. I really liked the thickness and texture of the paper, as well.

Some things I love about their website: You can search for invitations by style or by color. I love that! If you want to bring your wedding colors into your invitations, it can be such a pain looking and looking through pages of invitations just to find which ones have those specific colors. The search by color option takes you right to all their invitations with the specific color you want. Now, if it's a certain style you want - minimal, modern, contemporary - you just go over to the "Shop by Style" button and you'll have tons of results in an instant.

I also like how easy it is to navigate their website, with buttons along the top and links on the left hand side. I enjoy going to a website that is not only visually appealing, but also easy to work my way around.

I've already spotlighted some of my favorite invites on my monogram & zing posts (see links above). But here are a few more I recently found . . .

I highly recommend Wedding Paper Divas. They have gorgeous, high quality products and I have just been super impressed with their customer service!

Wedding Paper Diva's Contest!

One lucky winner will receive a Wedding Paper Divas gift certificate for $50!

There are three ways to receive a contest entry (which means you could earn up to three entries!) All entries need to be received by 12 noon (CT) on Monday, May 11th. The winner will be announced later that afternoon. When you comment, be sure to leave your email address or blog link so I can contact you. The winner has until Wednesday, May 13th to send me their mailing address or another winner will be chosen. Good luck, everyone!

1. Leave a comment on this post and tell me which WPD invite is your favorite.

2. Become a From My Wedding to Yours follower. (Please leave another comment letting me know you became a follower or if you are already a follower.)

3. Announce this contest on your blog, with a link back to this post. Be sure to leave another comment so I can stop by to check out your announcement!

Happy Wedding Preparations!

Danyelle

Marrying Again: What to Wear

2009-04-17T15:37:00.013-05:00

When my husband and I bought our first home, we were lucky enough to have an incredible neighbor named Laura. I loved living next to her. She was vibrant and always had a smile on her face. Laura was also in her early 80's and had been widowed twice. I learned a lot from Laura during our two years as next door neighbors. But the greatest lesson Laura taught me is that no one is ever too old to find or renew love.

I still remember how excited Laura was to tell me about finding some of her former schoolmates online and renewing old friendships. One of those friendships bloomed into love as Laura re-connected with an old flame. Their wedding (Laura's third and his second) was truly a celebration. Laura was beautiful in her floor length bridal gown and simple veil. It was wonderfully romantic when Laura reached the front of the chapel and her soon-to-be husband took one of her hands and raised it to his lips. You could just feel the sigh from all the ladies in attendance.

Today, it's quite common to meet couples marrying for their second or third time because of either the death of a spouse or divorce. No matter the circumstances, the most important thing to remember is that it's not the number that's important, but the celebration of your love, union, and commitment to each other. If the couple wants to have a huge splashy wedding and reception, then go for it! Other couples may prefer a more intimate, casual gathering with family and friends. The couple should talk together, and include any children they may have, to decide what type of setting they'd like for their wedding.

One of my readers asked what to wear to a second marriage that is not going to be formal. Than answer is - anything you'd like! Color is no boundary - white is perfectly fine. Today, white is a symbol of joy rather than virginity. Also, remember that before Queen Victoria wore white at her wedding, brides got married in their best dress of any color. The only color I would caution against (and this is just my personal opinion) is black. While black can be elegant, it's a dark color usually associated with sadness or death. But like I said, that's my personal opinion. If black is your favorite color to wear, then that may be the color you'd like for your bridal outfit.

When considering what to wear for your wedding, think about the setting. If it's not formal, how "less-than-formal" will it be? You can find very simple, but beautiful wedding dresses. Other options are cocktail dresses, dress suits, or a pant suit. Some brides even get married in jeans and a dressy top!

I did some research and found a variety of outfits as examples.

Eternity Gowns #8913
Matte satin sheath with gathered empire waist accented with lightly jeweled band.

Eternity Gowns #8302
Matte satin mermaid with three-quarter length bell sleeves.

Eternity Gowns #7902
Beaded Georgette sheath with bias cut ruffles, double flutter sleeves and a sweep train.

Lane Bryant Linen Duster Jacket Pant Suit

Lane Bryant Embroidered Linen Jacket Pant Suit

Dillard's Sharangano 2-Piece Skirted Suit

Dillard's Adrianna Papell Beaded Bolero Jacket Dress

Dillard's Jessica Howard Beaded Jacket Dress

Dillard's Alex Evenings Brocade Jacket Dress

Alex Evenings Beaded Jacket Dress

There are many options of beautiful outfits for an encore bride. I would like to point out that the most, most, most (yes, I really mean it!) important part of choosing your bridal outfit is that you absolutely love it and feel gorgeous in it. Because no matter if it's your first or fifth marriage, one thing remains true - every bride wants her groom to think she's so beautiful, he can't take his eyes off her. And ladies, your groom will feel that way if you feel that way, too. So go out, shop, and enjoy finding the perfect outfit for your wedding day!

Happy Wedding Preparations!

Danyelle

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How to Add Zing to Your Wedding

2009-04-09T22:48:00.017-05:00

One of my friends just got engaged and emailed me with her wedding color selections - black, white, and lime green. This totally suits her personality - formal, with a touch of playful zing. Then, as I laid in bed this evening trying to get some much needed sleep, my mind kept coming up with all these awesome ideas of how to take some basic formal colors, in this case black and white, and add another color for some fabulous accents. Here are some of my ideas:

Just for the Bride

Tie some zing onto your gown by adding a colorful sash. A removable sash allows you to still wear your gown for the temple ceremony. When you return to the bridal room, you can put the sash on for wedding pictures and the upcoming reception. Sashes can be custom made with any color, material, or style your prefer.

There are lots of wonderful ways to add zing to your wedding. I hope you find some inspiration and are bursting with creative ideas for your wedding.

Smithfield Gown by LatterDay Bride
The sash on this gown is tied in the back,
creating a touch of color on the front with a dramatic sweep of sash in the back.

Prescott Gown by Latter-Day Bride
The sash on this gown is "tied" on the front,
adding a playful, but elegant look.

Bridesmaids Only Please

I love my friend's choices of black and white, which are both elegant and versatile colors. Adding a sash of lime green to either of these colors will either make it more formal (black with a lime green sash) or summery and playful (white with a lime green sash). As I searched for bridesmaid dresses, I discovered that both LatterDay Bride and Modest by Design offer custom dresses. You get to choose the design and they will make it in the colors of your choice. Here are a few bridesmaid dresses as examples:

Taffeta Gown by Modest by Design
features a contrasting wide ruched sash.

Duchess Satin Gown by Modest by Design
features a contrasting band and bow at the waist.

Plumeria Gown by LatterDay Bride
features a sash with bow in the back.

Gorgeous Groomsmen

Even the guys can get in on a little color co-ordination. You'll see from the pics below, that you can get vests, ties, and tuxedo bows to match your wedding colors. If having a vest and tie is too much color, consider wearing a vest to match the suit and the tie the accent color. Just that little bit of color truly pulls the complete bridal party look together. Also, think about if you want all of the guys wearing the accent colors, or the groom in traditional tux with just the groomsmen wearing the accent colors. Here are examples for both a white tux and a black tux with co-ordinated accessories:

Joseph & Feiss Two Button Tuxedo from Men's Wearhouse

Wilke-Rodriguez Two Button Satin Edge Notch Lapel Tuxedo from Men's Wearhouse

Wedding Invitations with Zing

Don't stop with your bridal party, be sure to pull your wedding colors through your whole wedding. You may find a wonderful invitation with your wedding colors on it. Another option is to choose a simple, elegant invitation and tie some organza ribbon around the middle. Here are some invitation from Wedding Paper Divas I totally loved:

Monogram Stripe - Meadow
This is an excellent example of using my friend's black and white theme with just a touch of lime green. This invitation is beautiful, simple, and elegant. I love the personalization with the monogram at the top as well.

Banded Damask - Kiwi
This invite does the exact opposite as the one above.
Instead of having the green color as an accent,
this invitation brings that fun accent color into the spotlight.
It's very bold and energetic.

Simple Elegance - Black
This is a great example of choosing a simple, but elegant invitation
then adding your accent color with some organza ribbon.
Obviously the ribbon isn't pictured here, but can't you just see some pretty lime green ribbon tied in a bow across the middle? Gorgeous!

Tie It All Together

Ribbon is an inexpensive way to co-ordinate the wedding colors throughout the wedding and reception. There are lots of options for different looks and textures - satin or organza, shiny or beaded. And there are limitless ways to use the ribbon - wrapped around candles or center-piece stands at the reception, braided into the flower girls or bridesmaids hair-dos, as well as the examples below.

Above are two unique ways to wrap bouquets with ribbon.
I love how they added the gemstone pins for bling and the beads to create a bow pattern.

These little black boxes are great for reception thank-you's.
Simply wrap a bit of ribbon around it and it totally compliments your wedding colors.
These boxes are available in a variety of colors from Beau Coup.

These personalized tags look fab on your guest gift boxes.
They would also look fantastic on the wedding bouquets (especially the one the bride tosses!),
candles, and table centerpieces.

Happy Wedding Preparations!

Danyelle

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And the Winner of the Blanca Bracelet Is . . .

2009-04-08T10:34:00.007-05:00

Sorry I didn't get this up yesterday. My hubby had an accident on Saturday, and we spent yesterday going around to various doctor appointments.

Today's contest winner is announced on this video!

Congrats, Laura! Please send me your mailing address and I'll get the Blanca bracelet, along with catalogs and 20% off gift certificate. Enjoy!!!

Around the Clock Bridal Shower

2009-04-03T15:39:00.005-05:00

Around the Clock themed bridal showers are very popular. Basically, the idea is to assign each guest to represent a certain time of day. The guest then purchases a gift for that time frame. And yes, we're talking all 24 hours of the day! As the bride opens her gifts, have the guests tell her what her assigned time was and why she chose that gift. Here are some ideas to incorporate the Around the Clock theme into the bridal shower.

First of all, let's talk invitations. These fun invites are from My Gatsby.

Mod Clocks Party Invite

Clock Mega Topper on Orange/Pink Base

Jewel Clock on Green Slimline Invite

If you're making your own invites, here's a fun way to word them:

An Around-the-Clock Shower
Come celebrate our bride-to-be
Jane Smith
as she prepares to have the time of her life
when she marries John Jones
An Around-the-Clock Bridal Shower and Brunch
April 14th, 2009, 11:30 am.
Your time of day is _____________
Please bring a gift appropriate to that time of day.
For example, 8 am might mean a breakfast tray or a robe.
7 pm might be movie tickets, or whatever else you can think of!
RSVP: Maid of Honor, 555-555-5555 or MaidofHonor@email.org by April 1st.

Now, let's great those refreshments ready!

Something sweet: A chocolate clock cake. Yummy!

Something light: Put together trays representing the different times of day, such as bagel bites with cream cheese for morning, mini-chicken salad sandwiches for lunch, sliced fruit for snacks, etc. Come up with little place cards with a clock representing the time for each tray, ie. 8 am for the bagel bites, 12 noon for the sandwiches, etc.

And the winner is . . .

A fun game to go along with this theme is to come up with a questionnaire and see how well the guests know the bride. Include questions like: What time does the bride get up in the morning? What time of day did the couple meet? What time does the bride like to go to the grocery store? What time of day did the bride go shopping for her gown? What time is the couple getting married? What time did the groom propose?

Another fun game is everyone likes is bingo. Make up bingo cards with different times of the day, (each card should be scrambled differently). Then the guests mark off the times as the bride opens her gifts. Whoever gets bingo first wins the prize!

For the guests . . .

As a guest, sometimes it isn't easy to think of something to go along with your assigned time. Here's a list of suggestions for different time frames:

Early Morning (1-5 am)

A book to read to go back to sleep
Lavendar lotions to relax
Bedside lamps
Bed Sheets
Warm blankets
Humidifier
Alarm Clock

Mid-Morning (6-9 am)

Hot chocolate
Breakfast foods (instant oatmeal, bagels, cereals)
Breakfast cookbooks
Toaster
Kitchen towels and washcloths
Bathroom towels, washcloths, and hand towels
Scented bath soaps and body sprays
Blender

Late Morning (10-12 noon)

Crock Pot
Cleaning Supplies
Laundry Detergent
Cook books
Cooking Utensils
Lunch Plates
Smoothie Machine

Afternoon (1-3 pm)

Cake stand
Bakeware
Serving plates and dishes
Gift cards to grocery stores

Early Evening (4-6 pm)

China
Flatware
Pots and pans
Pot holders
Food Basics: oil, sugar, flour, etc
Cute apron
Grill supplies

Mid-Evening (7-9 pm)

Movie tickets
Gift cards to restaurants
Bed sheets
Bath robes
Fluffy slippers

Late Evening (10-12 midnight)

Lingerie
Massage for Couples book
Wine glasses & bottles of sparkling grape juice
Gift Certificate to hotels or B&B

All in all, an Around the Clock shower is a lot of fun and a great way to get the couple started for their new life together. Enjoy!

Happy Wedding Preparations!

Danyelle

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Costume vs High Fashion Jewelry PLUS Enter to Win a Gorgeous Bracelet!

2009-03-29T11:06:00.005-05:00

Today we are going to talk about bridal jewelry. Just like diamonds, there's a vast selection of quality. When you finally narrow your selection down to one or two gowns, the store associate will probably pull out the big guns - the accessories. Just about every bridal store has it's own display of bridal jewelry. The associate will point out how one necklace matches the crystals on your gown, how another accentuates the neckline, and still another that co-ordinates with your veil. Your mind will be whirling with accessory overload.

My suggestion - don't even look at jewelry that day. Shop around to other stores. While you're shopping, pay attention to the two types of jewelry most brides consider: Costume Jewelry and High Fashion Jewelry

Costume Jewelry
(cost: $20-135 per necklace)

Most bridal stores carry costume jewelry. While it looks nice and is designed to match the gowns and bridesmaid dresses on display, it's lower quality than high fashion jewelry. It also does not come with a guarantee. If it breaks before the big day, then you'll need to purchase another necklace.

Another thing to consider is that since your necklace matches your wedding dress or the bridesmaid gowns, will it match anything in your closet after the wedding? In my case, the answer has been no. I chose a pretty costume necklace my bridal associate recommended to go with my dress. While I loved it and it's certainly a very pretty necklace, for the last ten years it's sat in my jewelry box collecting dust. No matter what dressy occasion I attend, I've never had another gown or dress that necklace looked good with again. I can say the same for the other three necklaces I wore as a bridesmaid in other weddings. Right now, all four of those necklaces have just been collecting dust. I've seriously thought about getting rid of them, but so far have kept them for sentimental reasons.

Here are some examples of costume bridal jewelry:

Cost: $30/necklace

This necklace is a lot like the one I wore when I was in my brother-in-law's wedding.
A combination of pearls, gold, and crystals makes this a definitely bridal piece in that
it's very difficult to match up with another outfit.
Cost: $40/set

My bridal set was much like this.
While it's very elegant, I haven't found anything to wear it with since.
Cost: $80/set

Cost: $99/set

I have a necklace like this with an emerald green stone to match the bridesmaid dress I wore. This type of necklace was very popular for bridesmaids back in the 90's.
Cost: $20/necklace

High Fashion Jewelry (Cost: $20-250 per necklace)

High fashion jewelry is higher quality than costume jewelry, although lower in quality than fine jewelry (the really nice stuff with real pearls, gems, and diamonds). One benefit to high fashion jewelry, is that many stores or high fashion jewelry companies will replace your item for free or at a very low cost (shipping & handling) if your item breaks. This is definitely good if you're spending $30 or more on a necklace.

High fashion jewelry is also more versatile. You will find beautiful pieces to co-ordinate with your bridal party, but you'll also wear these pieces over and over again in your day-to-day life which makes it a much better addition to your jewelry box. You can Google "high fashion jewelry" and find lots of companies to choose from. When I did my Google search, on the first page of results, there's one company who came up multiple times as a favorite high fashion jewelry supplier - Premier Designs.

I was surprised, but I guess I shouldn't have. My girlfriend, Laura Marion, is a Premier Designs jewelry lady and I love getting her new catalogs. I have lots of Premier Designs jewelry, but I never knew they were so in demand that they would come up as the top hits on a Google search! Armed with this new info, I called up Laura and talked to her about my upcoming post on bridal jewelry. I asked her to bring over some jewelry she would recommend for a bridal party so I could take pictures for this post. She gathered up her favorite pieces (which were quite a few!) and here they are below. Disclaimer: I am not a professional photographer. These pictures don't do justice to the actual colors of the jewelry, but you'll get a good idea of what's available. Believe me, they are gorgeous! In between photos, I was trying on each of the necklaces and running to the bathroom for mirror access!

Silvers: From Left to Right Two Hearts Necklace ($39)
Very romantic silver necklace. I love the toggle and hearts draping down.

Luxe Necklace ($35)
I have the Luxe necklace. It didn't turn out very well in this picture.
On one side of the silver circles, it's blingy with crystals and hammered silver.
You can also open the clasp holding the circles
and flip them over to a smooth, shiny silver surface.
I love how this necklace and be all bling bling for a more dressy occassion
or sleek for with jeans and a nice shirt.

Unbelievable Bracelet ($28)
This is a blingy silver and crystal bracelet.

Earrings: Lookin' Good Silver Bracelet ($28)
More Imagination Necklace ($21) Different colored cords available
Silver Companions Oval Earrings ($26)

Golds & Metallics: The colors in this picture didn't turn out well.
Rio Necklace ($49)
Rio Bracelet ($39)
The Rio Set is made up of blocky strands of gold, silver, and copper.
Avant Garde Gold Necklace ($49)

Silver and Beads
Austin Necklace ($38)
Austin Bracelet ($35 for set of 3 bracelets)
The Austin Set is made of silver strands with blue, brown, and tan beads
Euginia Silver Necklace ($49)

Gold and Beads
Kristiana Gold Necklace ($69)
Mahogany Necklace ($49)
Mahogany Bracelet ($29 for set of 3 bracelets)
The Mahogany set is made up of chocolate brown and plum colored beads.

Black & White Beads
Jet Set ($49)
The Jet Set is made of black and gray beads.
Opposites Attract Necklace ($35)
Opposites Attract Bracelet ($28)
The Opposties Attract set is made of silver strands with black and white beads.

Beads and Pearls
Waterfall Bracelet ($26 for set of 4 bracelets)
Pearl Bracelet
Sandstone Bracelet ($36)
Carolyn Gold Beaded Necklace ($44)
Carolyn Earrings ($21)

Romantic Glass Beads
Lavendar Rose Necklace ($29)
Lavendar Rose Earrings ($17)
The Lavendar Rose set is made of lavendar and pink glass beads with silver links.

Spring/Summer Trendy Glass Beads
Venetian Necklace ($34)
Venetian Bracelet ($24 per bracelet)
The Venetian set is made up of blue, pink, and green glass beads
in a variety of geometrical shapes on a silver strand.

As you can see, there's a much larger variety of jewelry pieces available - everything from bling to metallics to beads - with a more styles to choose from. High fashion jewelry is unique and certainly not like costume bridal jewelry, although the prices are comparable.

So,whether you're the bride or the mother-of-the-bride, shop around for your jewelry pieces. You will most likely find something you like much better than the selection at a bridal shop and you'll also enjoy wearing it again and remembering that special day.

Premier Designs Jewelry Give-Away!

My girlfriend, Laura, was kind enough to offer this beautiful Blanca bracelet for one lucky From My Wedding to Yours reader!

The Blanca Bracelet is made of inter-twined silver hoops with pearl accents.

Here it is on my wrist.
It's so pretty and romantic!

The winner will also receive a gift certificate for 20% off an order placed with Laura! Hmm . . . a beautiful bracelet AND a 20% discount! I wish I could enter!!!

There are three ways to receive a contest entry (which means you could earn up to three entries!) All entried need to be received by 12 noon (CT) on Tuesday, April 7th. The winner will be announced later that afternoon on April 7th. When you comment, be sure to leave your email address or blog link so I can contact you!!! The winner has until Friday, April 10th to send me their mailing address or another winner will be chosen. Good luck, everyone!

1. Leave a comment on this post and tell me what topics you'd like to see in future From My Wedding to Yours posts.

2. Become a From My Wedding to Yours follower. (Please leave another comment letting me know you became a follower or if you are already a follower.)

3. Go to Laura's jewelry blog, Laura's Jewelry 411, and leave a comment. Be sure to let her know you're a From My Wedding to Yours reader. I check her blog frequently & will give you an additional entry to the contest when I see you there!

Happy Wedding Preparations!

Danyelle

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Receptions - Love 'Em and Hate 'Em

2009-03-20T08:30:00.004-05:00

As part of the "Your Temple Wedding" give-away, I asked you to leave comments about what you loved and hated about wedding receptions. While you gave me lots of reasons you hate receptions, there was one common theme of why you love weddings . . .

You all said you love to seeing and visiting with friends and family. I totally agree. It's so much fun to be surrounded in one room by tons of people you haven't seen in a while. It's so much fun to bop from table to table visiting with friends and family, laughing and enjoying the reception. I love it when friends are so excited to see me, they grab me (interrupting whatever conversation I was in) and start a hug fest!

Some of my favorite parts of the reception is seeing the wedding cake and pictures of the bride and groom. I just love all the different wedding cakes and think it's so much fun to see what the couple picks out. I also appreciate it when the bride and groom put up pictures and other fun things for the people in the waiting line to enjoy while they . . . yes, wait.

Now let's delve into the things you didn't like about receptions.

Standing in line for hours as a bridesmaid.
I have to say I totally agree. I never understood why, at LDS receptions, they make the attendants stand in line with the bride and groom. I mean really, the reason everyone is there is to see the bride and groom. It's rather uncomfortable for both the attendants and the guests to have to make small talk with a bunch of people they may or may not know. I recommend just having the bride, groom, and the parents in the line. Let the attendants enjoy the reception or help with the food. This is the other thing I don't understand about LDS weddings - why do you need bridesmaids and groomsmen? It's not like they are walking down an aisle or participating in the wedding ceremony. Yes, I can totally understand wanting everyone to dress up or have co-ordinating suits and dresses. But if you're being married in the temple and not having a ring ceremony that you walk down an aisle, you really don't need to assign "bridesmaids".

Money dances.
As a guest, you may not like them - but the bride and groom sure appreciate the cash for their honeymoon! Seriously though, this can be just as uncomfortable for the wedding couple. My experience with the money dance as a bride wasn't too much fun. You'd think everyone would want to dance with the bride, right? Nope. Our big reception was at my hubby's family ward in Kansas. I only knew one person there - my sister. And let me tell you, my hubby had a HUGE line of women waiting to dance with him. And I had . . . no line at all. How totally embarrassing. So my sister came up with a big bill and we danced together for a couple songs. So, even though as a guest you may not like the money dance, don't think you're the only one. And please, if you ever see a bride or groom with no line - go dance with them!!! Even if you don't add a dollar to the money pile!

The Work.
Oh. Yeah. I hear ya, sister. Receptions aren't the easiest things to throw together. Of course, that all depends on the bride and groom. Our wedding day reception was in Utah with all our college friends. We had a cake, punch, a DJ, and hired some BYU swing team dancers to come teach swing dancing. It was easy to set up and we were done before the reception started. I remember sitting around with some of my college roomies chatting while we waited for guests to arrive. Our Kansas reception was another story though. We told my hubby's parents we wanted a DJ for a dance and left everything else up to them. Holy smokes! We had a huge wedding cake, a groom's cake, a whole catered buffet, and the rest of the works. I was amazed at the amount of work everyone put into celebrating our marriage! I'll put together another post with tips about organizine your reception and how to make the day less stressful.

The wonderful feeling of being in the temple gets lost as you go into stress mode, pulling all the reception details together, ending the day completely exhausted.
So we go from this spiritual high from being in the temple and - if you aren't the bride and groom - you go from this calm, wonderful environment and jump right into the fire! Set up the cake, set up the tables, what happened to the center-pieces??? I will post more about how to keep that feeling with you as you pull all the reception details together.

Thank you, everyone for responding and entering the contest! Speaking of the contest, I bet you'd like to know the winner! (Drum roll please . . . ) And the winner is . . .

Amy!

Come back next week for a new contest (hint: think bling!) Amy, send me an email with your address and I'll get your book in the mail for you.

Happy Wedding Preparations!

Danyelle

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Your Temple Wedding by Jeri-Lynn Johnson & Amy Jones and Give-Away!

2009-03-12T21:28:00.005-05:00

Make your wedding beautiful, simple, and sacred. Learn how to make the temple and it's sacred ordinances the focus of your special day. Jeri-Lynn Johnson and Amy Jones are here to help. They will guide you through all the details and help you create just what you have dreamed of - without the added stress.

Today, I have the honor of reviewing the book, Your Temple Wedding, by Jeri-Lynn Johnson & Amy Jones.

I really enjoyed reading Your Temple Wedding. It's a great book that gives simple answers to questions many brides have - from the ring to the honeymoon. There are also sections for difficult questions such as; What if one parent isn't able to attend the temple? Or if the one side of the bridal couple's family are non-members, how do you explain a temple marriage? Jeri-Lynn and Amy give kind, loving answers to help brides in these situations.

My favorite part of Your Temple Wedding is all the gorgeous photography! Let me tell you, I was surprised at what these authors could do to transform a cultural hall into an elegant and beautiful reception location! No basketball hoops, ladies!

While reading the book, I also had the opportunity to email back and forth with Jeri-Lynn and ask her some fun questions and bridal tips. (BTW - The picture you see is Jeri-Lynn with her daughter, Amy. What a great mother-daughter writing team!)

Q: Why did you decide to write Your Temple Wedding?

Jeri-Lynn: I have two daughters and they both had amazing weddings. We used a wedding planner and yet, I still had a 5" thick notebook full of ideas - so my oldest daughter and I decided to condense our findings into a book.

Q: If you were sitting down with a bride today, what advice would you and your daughter give her?

Jeri-Lynn: Our top tips are:

1. Make your wedding day personal. Have it reflect your personality.

2. Remember, this is just the wedding and reception - don't get carried away and stress yourself out. It is the "marriage" that is the most important thing. Keep your focus on the marriage - not the celebrations.

3. Make every effort to keep within your budget. Don't start out your marriage in debt. Marriage is all about compromise - start practicing that ideal when planning your celebrations.

4. Ladies, contrary to popular belief, your wedding day is NOT all about you. It is also your fiance's big day. Is there anything he'd like to incorporate into the plans? Did you bother to ask?

Q: Do you have a website?

Jeri-Lynn: Yes! You can find us at asimpleldswedding.com We've posted all of the overflow material from our book on the website to supplement the book. As a bonus,you don't have to buy the book to use the website.

To purchase Your Temple Wedding, click here.

And now, From My Wedding to Yours very first contest information!

I'd like to give a HUGE thank you to Jeri-Lynn and Amy for autographing their book as a prize for one lucky From My Wedding to Yours reader.

To enter the contest, simply leave a comment on this post and tell me what your very favorite and least favorite things are about receptions. To receive a second entry, announce this contest on your blog and link back to this post, then leave an additional comment here so I can come check it out.

All comments received no later than Midnight (CT) on Thursday, March 19th will be put into a hat and my 2-year-old will draw a winner. The winner will be announced on Friday, March 20th and will receive a free copy of Your Temple Wedding. The winner must email me within 3 days of the announcement or another winner will be drawn. Enjoy and Good Luck!

Happy Wedding Preparations!

Danyelle

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Our First Give-Away!

2009-03-11T10:51:00.002-05:00

I'm so excited to announce that on Friday, From My Wedding to Yours is hosting it's very first give-away! It's something that every future bride, future mother-of-the-bride, or anyone who loves planning weddings will absolutely LOVE!

See you all Friday!!!

A Monogram Themed Wedding

2009-03-06T18:35:00.000-06:00

Ladies, one of the most exciting parts of getting married is sharing your husband's last name. Sharing the same last name is a symbol of your new union and life together. You can create a beautiful and elegant expression of your union by using your monogram as the theme for your wedding and reception.

There are three ways to create your monogram:

One Letter Monogram: The first letter of your married last name. For example, the letter F from Ferguson.

Two Letter Monogram: The initials from both of your first names, joined with an ampersand (&). For example, J & D for John & Danyelle.

Three Letter Monogram: The initials from your first names and married last name. For example, JFD for John, Ferguson, Danyelle. If using this last example, then the surname (your married last name) is the initial in the middle. It does not matter what side the husband's or wife's initial is on. Play around with it and choose what you both think looks best.

Monogram tip: If you choose to use multiple letters for your monogram, consider the shape of each letter. For example, John and Danyelle Ferguson has the letters J, D, and F. The letter J's shape curves to the left, while the letter D's shape curves to the right. If you are using the three letter monogram, try to put the curves so they are facing out. JFD looks much nicer then DFJ. Likewise, the two letter monogram. When J & D faces away from each other, the curves create a rounded look, but D & J facing toward each other give a very blocky look.

Here are two examples of monograms from Moments of Elegance:

Here are some ideas to incorporate a monogram theme throughout your wedding and reception:

Invitations from Wedding Paper Divas:

Napkins from My Wedding Reception Ideas:

Wedding cake toppers by American Bridal:

As you can see, there are many beautifully elegant ways to use the monogram theme throughout your wedding and reception. If you have a question about your monogram, feel free to email me!

Happy Wedding Preparations!

Danyelle

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Create by Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf

2009-03-05T08:31:00.001-06:00

This is a beautiful video presentation of Elder Uchtdorf's message to us women. I hope this uplifts your life today. Much Love!

A Note of Thanks

2009-02-27T17:12:00.005-06:00

Thank you notes are an absolute essential for bridal showers and wedding gifts. They acknowledge the receipt of your gift, as well as your thankfulness in receiving it.

There are many "rules and guidelines" when it comes to writing and sending thank you cards. I have several friends who years after their wedding still have a cousin or some other relative who isn't happy because their thank you card didn't come in a timely manner, or thought the wording wasn't "appreciative enough."

Personally, I am terrible when it comes to sending thank you notes. Seriously terrible. Even now, when someone brings me dinner or a gift, I verbally tell them thank you and am very honest in letting them know I'm terrible at sending notes - but that I truly appreciate their help or gift. Since I hate writing thank you notes so much, I never expect to get one. And if I do, I just glance over it, then into the recycle bin it goes.

Note to reader: This technique does NOT work for weddings. Not one little bit! (Trust me, I know!)

With my flawed thank you note skills, I turned to the internet to research proper thank you note etiquette. Some tips I think were ridiculous, others important to remember. Here are a few of the important ones:

1. Time Lines: Bridal shower thank you notes should be sent out within 10 days. Wedding thank you notes should be sent out within 2 weeks after returning from your honeymoon. (Just for this reason, all couples should take a full two week honeymoon!!!)

2. Thank you notes don't need to be long, but not matter the length they should be warm and show you appreciate the giver's thoughtfulness.

3. Be sure to put your new return address on the envelopes. Your family and friends will appreciate having this updated information for their Christmas card lists. I suggest ordering new return address labels before you get married.

A note about pre-printed thank you cards: Many etiquette "experts" say this is a faux-pas, but if you are as terrible at sending thank you notes as I am, then you may want to consider this method. My hubby and I had our cards pre-printed with a beautiful thank you for sharing our day and celebrating the beginning of our new life together. Yes, a handwritten thank you is definitely better than a pre-printed one . . . But a pre-printed thank you note is better than no thank you note at all. Be realistic and plan according to your needs.

There's only one redeeming quality to your anticipated writer's cramp . . . Totally awesome thank you notes. Check out some of these fabulous cards from Exclusively Weddings:

Simply Traditional
Traditional note with gold imprint.

A Sweet Note
Color Chic with pale pink border

A Touch of Romance
Letterpress LOVE Note Card

Elegant
Colorful Chic Monogram

Boldly Beautiful
Black Brocade Notes

Whimsical Silhouette
Butterfly Kisses in Black Note Card

I have just one more bit of advice for your thank you note marathon - take lots of breaks for kisses and chocolate!

Happy Wedding Preparations!

Danyelle

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Latter-Day Bride Semi-Annual Sale

2009-02-23T00:01:00.000-06:00

Looking for a modest wedding gown, bridesmaid dresses, or prom gowns?

Be sure to go over and check out Latter-Day Bride's semi-annual Sample Dress Sale. All in-stock gowns are on sale and those that were used as samples for display, etc are deeply discounted. Prices start at $49! Check out their website for locations or online shopping.

Signed with Love

2009-02-20T14:10:00.006-06:00

Guest books are essential for any wedding reception - no matter how intimate or large your gathering may be. Guest books are one of those sentimental items you'll love to pull out over the years, read through, and remember all your family, friends, and co-workers.

When you think of a guest book, most likely you think of something like this traditional book from USA Bride (all of the products featured today are from USA Bride). Traditional guest books may be white or black - some even come in other colors as well. They are all the same in that when you open the book, it's filled with blank lined pages where your guests will sign their names, and possibly add their addresses. If you're planning a truly large reception then a traditional book would be perfect.

If you're looking for a book and find that the traditional rectangular ones are a bit on the boring side for you, then consider something a bit more flirty such as this heart shaped guest book.

Another fun twist on the traditional book, but still have lots of room for guest signatures, is this photo album guest book. I've seen variations of this idea and it's really fun for the guests to flip through and browse the engagement or bridal photos. It also gives the wedding couple something fun to look at as they reminisce and remember their wedding guests.

But what if your reception is on a smaller scale or is truly going to be an intimate affair with just family and close friends? In this case, you may not be very excited about having a big book with lots of blank pages. There are other options besides the traditional book. For instance, this guest book platter would be such fun for an intimate reception.

For a more elegant display, consider these photo frame guest books. You could have lots of fun choosing pictures and mat sizes with this idea. I think a square 10x10 black mat with 5x5 black and white engagement photos or bridal photos in the center would look absolutely elegant. Your guests could sign with silver or gold metallic colored pens. What a beautiful display they would make in your new home.

Speaking of pens . . . No matter what type of guest book you choose, be sure to have your guests sign using acid-free, archival quality pens. Believe me, these are mementos you want to last for more than just one lifetime. You'll want your children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren to be able to enjoy them just as much as you will.

Happy Wedding Preparations!

Danyelle

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A Not-So-Valentine Post

2009-02-14T14:53:00.003-06:00

This past week has been very interesting for my family. My nine-year-old son had surgery and we spent the week in the hospital with him. Much of that time was spent sitting together, watching TV - well, at least he was watching TV, I was zoning out and thinking about other things.

One of those things was how awesome Valentine's Day can be - and how much it can totally suck. (Not quite what you'd expect to hear on a wedding blog, eh?)

I think a lot about marriage this time of the year. Mainly because the first time my hubby asked me to marry him (yes, I said the 1st time), we were considering getting married around Valentine's Day. Since things didn't work out that way, I often wonder what our life would be like today if we had been married earlier, rather than later.

Today would have marked our 11th anniversary, rather than last August marking our 10th.

Would we have had more children? Perhaps different job opportunities? Would we even be here in Kansas City now had we made different choices?

So many questions. My hubby tells me I over-think things sometimes. This is probably one of those instances.

You're probably wondering why we delayed our wedding. Well, it was certainly no fault of my hubby's. It was all me. You see, I had been married once before and let's just say that my "prince charming" had a nasty streak I didn't discover until after the I Do. It ended up being a very short lived marriage. After three months, I wised up, finally recognized the cycle of abuse, and called it quits. I received lots of not-so-nice comments from some of my family, many of whom didn't know the full story.

After moving out of state, I met John. We became great friends. Then we fell "in-like" and eventually in love. But even that potent feeling of love and acceptance wasn't enough to combat my feelings of fear about getting married again. I was so scared, I kept going back and forth, yes and no - until I finally just had to say no because I was too scared to say yes. It was very difficult for both of us.

Still, we remained friends - emailing each other and keeping in touch. During those seven months, I dated a lot and prayed even more. I met with a psychologist at the University of Utah and started working through my feelings about trust, relationships, and marriage. Eventually, I got up the guts to ask John if he'd ever consider dating me again . . . and somehow we were blessed and ended up where we are today - with an incredible relationship and a happy marriage.

So, what was the point of all that info about moi? Well, I just want to leave you with a few thoughts.

Sometimes, Valentine's Day really does stink. It can be an especially unhappy day for anyone who just came out of a bad relationship, unexpectedly broke up, or has no love relationship at all. But let me tell you what girls (and guys), go out and do something fun or special anyway. Ignore all those disgusting kissy-kissy people and celebrate a more important relationship - the love you share with your Father in Heaven.

If you are going through an abusive relationship and trying to recover, then I encourage you to have faith and to pray. I promise you will be blessed and strengthened by Heavenly Father.

If Mr. Perfecto or Miss Right is no where to be seen on your horizon, don't obsess about it. Instead pray about what you can do to enrich your life. Volunteer to help with Special Olympics, learn something you've always been interested in, or save your money and go on a cruise with your friends. Cherish the opportunity you have here and now to become the person you dream of being - with no husband, wife, mom, or dad titles involved. Who do YOU want to be?

And if you do have Mr. or Mrs. I DO in your life, then I hope you will be grateful for each other and the unique relationship you share. Be extra kind to each other every day and enjoy every one of the kissy-kissies others like to roll their eyes and ignore.

No matter where you find yourself today, I wish you each a fabulous Valentine's Day. May you find lots of love from your family and friends this day.

25 Random Things About Moi

2009-02-05T13:25:00.004-06:00

YourLDSNeighborhood tagged me and asked that I share 25 things you may not know about me. How fun!

Rules: Once you've been tagged, write a note with 25 random things, facts, habits, or goals about you. At the end, choose 10 people to be tagged. Please link back to the person who tagged you.

1. I grew up in Pennsylvania.

2. I love anything made by Hershey's Chocolate Factory.

3. In high school, I took second place in the VFW Scholarship Essay Contest. Sadly, I didn't get any money, but I did get a cool certificate!

4. When I was 7 years old, I won the Flaming Foliage Future Miss Clinton County contest. I got to wear a crown and an incredible velvet cape lined with white fur and ride in parades. I think that started my fascination with princesses - leading to my love of Cinderella and Prince Charming! (Although I must admit that with my dark hair, I looked a lot more like Snow White.)

5. I LOVE Anne of Green Gables books. I every year I watch the first two movies (Anne of Green Gables & Anne of Avonlea) at least once, usually more like two or three times. I didn't like the third Anne movie though. It was very disappointing.

6. If you count all of my half-siblings, I have five sisters and four brothers. But lucky me, I only had to share a house with one brother and one sister!

7. My mom had cancer three times. The first time, it was kidney cancer. The next two times, lung cancer. She passed away when I was 19 years old.

8. I went to France as a foreign exchange student my senior year of high school. I lived in Rochefort, France. It was an eye-opening experience that made me truly grateful to live in the USA.

9. At my high school graduation, I received a four-year scholarship as a French major.

10. I went to LDS Business College and didn't major in French. :)

11. I still dream in French.

12. I met the missionaries when I was 16 years old. I was baptized on January 23rd, 1994. My oldest daughter was just baptized on the 15th anniversary of my baptism (her choice!).

13. I'm married to an incredible guy. When I was pregnant, he'd hold my hair back while I puked, then tried to make me laugh by telling me horrible jokes. Even though I was in no laughing mood, his effort was appreciated. Since then, he's acquired a huge selection of corny jokes I've heard about hundred times each - and over ten years later, he still makes me at least crack a smile. :)

14. When we got married, my hubby started calling me "Dear". I asked him if I had suddenly aged fifty years or what? He replied that he called me that because I'm so dear to him.

15. So I started calling him "Sweetie".

16. He now marks any gifts to me as "To Dear . . . From Sweetie".

17. We have four awesome kids - two boys, two girls.

18. Our oldest son was diagnosed with autism when he was 2 1/2 years old.

19. My hubby, myself, and our friend Karen Fairchild, co-founded Friends of Giant Steps, which is a non-profit organization that raises money to support the Giant Steps Autism Preschool in Orem, UT.

20. I am addicted to books. My favorite thing to do is run a super hot bath, light some fabulous candles, and soak while I read the newest book out by one of my author friends.

21. I have been writing short stories and poetry since grade school. I wrote my "first book" in 6th grade. It was titled, Electric Youth. (Any guesses why?) I gave it to my great-aunt for Christmas. She recently sent it back to me, thinking I'd get a kick out of it. She was right!

22. I love to write fiction - anything with a quirky female main character and a hunky male main character. And yes, it's all G-rated. Well, at least PG rated. :)

23. I also write non-fiction. I have a book titled, Teaching Special Spirits, in with Deseret Book right now. Still waiting for the verdict to arrive. Meanwhile, all my fingers, toes, and eyes get tired from trying to stay crossed.

24. I LOVE my freckles. And I absolutely love that my kids have inherited them, too.

25. I get motion sick. For our 5th anniversary, I got brave and decided to go on a cruise with my hubby. Every kept telling me that I wouldn't get sick because the ship is so big and all. Three days into the cruise, I discovered they all lied. No more cruises for me.

Now I get to tag 10 of my friends. Here we go:

1. Nikkicrumpet
2. Carolyn
3. Kathalog
4. KC Mom
5. Carrie
6. Sara Register
7. Devon Mylinski
8. De
9. Joni Gardine
10. Amy Marble

Bridal Veil Series: The Long and Short on Veil Lengths

2009-01-29T14:29:00.004-06:00

We're back to the Bridal Veil series. Now that you've selected your headpiece, the next step is choosing the length of your veil.

When considering lengths, first look at your gown's style and decide what you would like to accentuate. The veil should be above or below the gown's focal point. For example, if your gown has a very detailed bodice and your veil was short (ending where your bodice begins), then you will visually cut yourself in half. Not very flattering. In this case, choose a longer veil, such as a fingertip length, which won't distract from your gown's details.

Here are some silhouette rules to help you . . .

1. The slimmer the gown, the longer the veil. For example, a figure-hugging wedding gown with a short train looks fabulous with long chapel-length veil.

2. If you want a long veil, such as chapel, cathedral, or grand cathedral lengths, then your veil should be slightly longer than your train. This way it doesn't look like you ran out of fabric! Hint: Long veils should have more than one tier. Have the longest tier be detachable for the wedding reception.

3. For an A-Line wedding gown, try a fingertip length veil. It compliments the proportions of the gown perfectly. For a floaty, dreamy look, you can try a chapel length veil with gentle long tiers.

4. If your gown has a full, puffy princess skirt and a fitted bodice, then an elbow length or shorter veil will look best. For good balance between the skirt and veil, try a fuller volume veil.

Also, keep in mind your headpiece design and where the veil will be placed on your head. If it's on the back of your head, then it will be longer than if it were on the top of your head. Here's an easy way to figure out what length you like in the comfort of your own home. You'll need a friend to help you!

You'll need:
Your headpiece
Roll of string
Scissors
Barrett
Ruler

Put your headpiece on. Then have your friend clip the end of the string on your head where the veil will start. Slowly unroll the string to until it's the length you like best. Cut the string and measure it. This will give you a general idea of what length you prefer, so you'll know where to start when you go veil shopping.

Now, on to veil lengths! To the left, you'll find an awesome veil chart to help you visualize your gown and veil courtesy of Veil Trends.

You'll find there are lots and lots and lots of different names for different lengths. Don't get overwhelmed! Also, don't get caught up in the romanticness of one name vs. another.

Lengths & Looks

Dramatic and Chic

*Courtesy of TJ Formal

Fly Away or Short Shoulder (20" or less) - This veil can be casual or very chic depending on what embellishments, style, or material is chosen. It should only be worn with gowns with no train.

Shoulder Length (25") - Once again, this veil should only be worn with gowns with no train.

Elbow Length (30") - This is the most popular length. It's generally used for a gown without a train or with a very short train. This length enhances detailing around the waist of the gown. It also compliments a full gown and ends just above the start of the skirt.

Romantic Looks

*Courtesy of TJ Formal

Fingertip or Waist Length (36") - Looks beautiful with any full length gown. The veil falls right at the fingertips of the bride if her hands are at her side. If this length has an oval cut, it will make your waist appear smaller as the fullest part of the veil is at your elbows.

Knee Length - (45") - This veil fall to about your knees. Perfect for a lovely, but dramatic look.

Waltz or Ballet Length ( 54-60") This veil length hits your body somewhere between your knees and calves. It's positively soft and romantic!

Formal Looks

*Courtesy of TJ Formal

Floor Length (72") - A floor length veil is very elegant and formal. If your gown has no train and you want a long veil, this is a wonderful choice.

Chapel Length (90") - Perfect if you are looking for a long veil to compliment a gown with a short train.

Cathedral Length ( 120") Worn only for formal weddings. Usually extends at least six inches past the train. Looks best with a cathedral or semi-cathedral length gown.

Grand Cathedral Length (144") - Unless you have a hugely long train, this veil will sweep past the end of the train for a richly elegant look.

Also, here are a few websites with wonderful pictures of veils in various lengths:

The Wedding Veil Shop

Distinctive Veils

I hope this answers many of your questions about veil lengths. If there's something you'd like to ask about, feel free to send me an email!

Happy Wedding Preparations!

Danyelle

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A Sweet Email from Kimber

2009-01-22T21:32:00.003-06:00

Yesterday, I received this awesome email from a From My Wedding to Yours reader. She said:

I'm so glad your bridal shower worked out so well! It sounds like you had a wonderful time. And I just love your kitchen themed bridal shower! I'm sure it will inspire many other FMW2Y readers. Thank you so much for writing!

Bridal Veil Series: The Search for the Perfect Headpiece

2009-01-19T19:33:00.011-06:00

So far, we've talked about the history of bridal veils and the order of things to do before choosing a veil. Let's quickly review that list:

1. Choose your gown.
2. Decide on a hairstyle.
3. Go veil hunting!

Now that you're in the veil hunting stage, there's actually another list to work on.

1. Choose a headpiece.
2. Decide on a veil length, material, and color.
3. Consider which embellishments, if any, you'd like on your veil (ribbon-edging, sewn-on pearls, etc)

Today, we are going to talk about the list's first step: Choosing a headpiece.

There's a huge variety of headpieces, each with their own blend of pearls, crystals, rhinestones, sequins, and more. I suggest visiting a few websites to see which headpiece styles you prefer. Some fantastic websites with a plethora of headpieces are Bridal Fashion Mall, Bridal Headpieces, Wedding Veil, David's Bridal, and VeiluBridal. Then hit the stores and try on headpieces in those specific styles. You may find a specific style you love online, but first try on a similar style in the store to make sure that's the one you want. Then if they don't carry it, order it online. Once you find your headpiece, you can start trying different lengths and styles of veils to complete the your bridal look.

Now, let's talk more about headpieces styles.

Crowns & Tiaras
This is it!The ultimate princess accessory! Crowns and tiaras are very glamorous and considered a symbol of posterity. Although many people wonder what the difference is between a crown and a tiara. It's hard to tell as they both can have very similar styles. But there actually is something that makes one stand out from the other. A crown is either a full decorative circle (like a crown). Sometimes the decorative section of the crown doesn't complete the full circle, but ends about three-quarters of they way around, then dips in the back to create a different style for your veil. On the other hand, tiaras are more like a little girl's dress-up tiara. There's a front section of crown-like decoration, but sides to attach it are either hair combs or thin metal like a headband.

Crown photos courtesy of Bridal Headpieces.

Tiara photos courtesy of USA Bride.

Bent Bands
These headpieces are shaped like footballs, but curved to sit on top of your head. (Didn't expect me to bring up sports in my wedding blog, did you? See, wedding details can be guy-friendly too.) These headpieces look fabulous with either an up-do or with hair spilling out from the back. Generally the veil is attached to the lower back of the headpiece. This headpiece gives the illusion of having a continuous decorative band wrapping around your head.

Bent Band photos courtesy of Bridal Headpieces.

Hair Combs (aka Short Arches)
If you're looking for something that is simple to remove during your reception, hair combs are an excellent option. Basically, they are a "short arch" of pearls, rhinestones, etc attached to either a metal or clear plastic hair comb. Some combs are smaller than others. Be sure to consider your hair style and hair texture. This style also looks great whether you choose an up-do or leave your hair down. This was my choice when choosing a headpiece for my wedding. I had shoulder length hair that I wanted to leave down. I wanted something that would be easy to put in, but also easy to remove for dancing during our reception. The hair comb headpiece worked wonderfully!
Hair Comb photos courtesy of David's Bridal.

Headbands
If you're wearing your hair down, but would like to have it pulled back a bit from your face, then a headband is a fantastic headpiece option. Headbands come in a variety of styles - from a simple elegant satin band to the fancier pearl or rhinestone embellishments.

Headband photos courtesy of David's Bridal.

Wreaths and Hair Rings
These headpieces are circular with veils in the back. The hair rings are a complete circle sitting at the bottom of your up-do. Wreaths are open in the back and wrap around your up-do, then the veil is on a hair comb and is placed separately from the wreath.

Wreath and Hair Ring photos courtesy of Bridal Headpieces.

Floral Spray
A floral spray is a headpiece made with either silk or fresh flowers. I recommend using silk flowers as fresh flowers can be quite heavy depending on your style and you don't have to worry about them falling off or wilting.

Floral Spray photos courtesy of Bridal Headpieces.

Bridal Hats
If you're planning a themed wedding or want something less dramatic than a huge veil, consider a tastefully designed bridal hat. Also, if this is your second marriage and you don't want a traditional veil, then a hat would fit in fabulously! Also, I love the web veils that surround these hats. Aren't they gorgeous?

Bridal Hat photos courtesy of Bridal Headpieces.

Brow Bands (aka V-Bands)
These headpieces sit lightly on your head and come to a point about mid-forehead. They are secured on your head with hair combs. The veil can be sewn onto the back or attached with a comb for easy removal. Brow bands lend a very dramatic look to your bridal attire.

Brow Band photos courtesy of VeiluBridal.

Hair Jewelry
Hair Jewelry is the perfect accent to any wedding hairstyle - from the bride to the bridesmaid, short or long hair, veil or no veil. The options are only limited to your stylist's creative talents.

Hair Jewelry photos courtesy of David's Bridal.

Hair Jewelry bridal hairstyle photos courtesy of weddinghair.com

As you've seen, there are options galore when it comes to bridal headpieces. I wish you luck on your hunt for the perfect headpiece to complement your bridal style!

Bridal Veil Series: A Historical Look at the Bridal Veil

2009-01-16T17:16:00.007-06:00

Wedding veils are one of the oldest bridal traditions - much older than white wedding gowns.

The oldest record of brides wearing veils comes from the Roman Empire. Brides wore special cloths around their faces called flammeum. The cloths were painted with fire and flame designs to scare away evil spirits who might want to kidnap the bride. In fact, this superstition was so strong that families often brought bridesmaids as decoys for the bride. These maids would be beautifully dressed similar to the bride sans the veil. So if the evil spirits decided to attend the wedding, they'd over look the bride hidden behind her veil and choose one of the bridesmaids instead. Perhaps if we still felt this way today, there would be less hackling over who received the honored title of bridesmaid.

Veils were also played an important role in arranged marriages.

You know that saying that the groom isn't supposed to see his bride before the wedding? Heavy veils made it possible for the bride and groom to exchange vows without anyone seeing the bride until the groom unveiled her after the vows were completed. In old Jewish tradition, the groom wasn't allowed to unveil the bride until just before they consummated the marriage. If you think back to the Old Testament, you'll remember one such instance when this created quite a dilemma.

In the book of Genesis, Jacob fell deeply in love with Laban's daughter, Rachel. Jacob requested the honor to marry her, and Laban granted permission. When the wedding day arrived, Laban tricked Jacob by having his other daughter Leah dress in Rachel's veil. Jacob was not a happy man when after the ceremony, he discovered he had married the wrong woman. This story spurred the beginning of a new Jewish tradition where the groom, accompanied by his parents and the Rabbi, cover the bride's face with a veil just before the ceremony. Then the groom once again unveils her at the end of the ceremony. This tradition is called badeken.

In more modern Western weddings, the bridal veil represented innocence and purity. Only first time virgin brides were permitted to wear veils.

Today, bridal veils have a whole new meaning. They signify a joyous event - a wedding! It's also the final crowning touch to the bride's attire. Here's a look at how veils have changed over the last several decades.

20's - Throughout the early part of the early 20th Century and into the 1920's brides wore a lace cloche headdress encircled at with flowers. Veils were silk tulle adorned with wax orange blossom flowers and velvet leaves that matched her waist corsage.

30's - Veils started to make a more simple statement as the bride wore them hanging loose to compliment the sleek look of their form-fitting gowns.

40's - During the post war years of the 1940's, bride's began to develop a more extravagant veil look with half-crown headpieces featuring rhinestones and wax blossom flowers.

50's - Skullcap headpieces were common during this period of the 1950's for evening wear, and bridal designers began developing skullcap headpieces in velvet and satin with a circular veil. These veils ranged in length from 18" to 27" long.

60's - Veils began to take on various appearances much like today. Many style headpieces and veil combinations arrived inspired by famous motion pictures. In the later part of the decade, hippies inspired a "flower child" look by wearing real flowers in the hair along with veils.

70's to present - These decades of wedding veils was inspired by the bride's own creation and preference for veils. Headpiece styles ranged from large elaborate pearls and bead designs to simple lace and mantilla veils. Tiaras started to become a trend in the 90's up to present times

On a more personal note, my bridal veil holds a different meaning.

As I stood in front of the huge mirrors in the Mount Timpanogas Temple Bride's Room, I not only saw a young woman dressed in a beautiful gown with a flowing veil - but a daughter of God crowned to become a queen with her husband in the eternities. I love taking my veil out of storage and showing it to my daughter. I especially love the look of wonderment on her face as I place the veil on her head and tell her how one day she, too, will be married and crowned a queen in Heavenly Father's kingdom as well.

So while my veil was the crowning touch on my wedding day, it's also a symbol of the beginning of a beautiful relationship with my husband and our future potential as we work and serve Heavenly Father. I pray that your wedding veil will hold as much significance for you as well.

Bridal Veil Series: An Introduction to Shopping for Veils

2009-01-12T16:45:00.004-06:00

After getting engaged, the next thing you (and many other brides) do is purchase a bride magazine and begin picturing yourself in beautiful bridal attire. This includes your dream hairstyle and bridal veil.

Now, before you get ahead of yourself, there is an order things should be done.

1. Pick out your wedding gown first.
Why? How will you know what type of headpiece to choose if you don't know what you're co-ordinating with? Also, you gown could be white, ivory, off-white, cream, etc. There are so many, many shades of white available. When you find that perfect dress, you will want your veil to be the correct shade. Traditional white doesn't work with everything.

2. Decide on your wedding hairstyle.
Why? Now that you have your dress, you have a better idea of what type of hairstyle would look best with your gown. Do you want a formal up-do or a casual loose up-do? Or perhaps you prefer to wear your hair down and flowing around you. Some brides prefer a simple hairstyle, and others like half-up & half-down styles. Those with short hair have many options as well! You may choose to have fun curls accented with hair jewelry, or go with a more modern and funky look accented with a delicate jeweled headband. Or try something that's really different from your everyday hair and purchase a hair extension insert. My friend, Devon, did this and I couldn't tell where the insert began. It matched her hair beautifully. It's a very big decision, ladies, but an important one to figure out before moving on to the next step.

Tips: Depending on the length of your engagement, you may want to consult with your hair stylist to create a "growing-out" plan if you want to grow your hair into a different style for your wedding. Your stylist will be able to help you figure out if the hairstyle you want is workable with your length of hair. If it's not, she can also offer suggestions of styles that will create a similar look.

3. Go Veil Hunting!
Why? Don't go to just one store to look for a veil. Each bridal store will have different selections, especially when it comes to headpieces. Try a variety. Not just what you think you'd like, but try some styles that didn't grab your immediate attention as well. If anything, you'll come away with a much better idea of what you're looking for. After trying on lots and lots of headpieces and veils in all shapes and lengths, you'll have a much better idea of what you're looking for - not to mention a slightly sore head. I suggest a really nice ten minute head massage!

Tips: Don't let someone talk you into buying a veil because it "matches your dress". Instead, look for a detail from your gown you would like to enhance - such as pearls, flower details, or the trim. It could even be the flowers in your bouquet.

Veil hunting all in itself can be a daunting task. There are so many options! Over the next few weeks, I am going to delve into what veils look great with up-do's, long hair, short hair, funky new trends, lengths, edges, shapes, etc, etc, etc. So get ready for veils, veils, and even more veils!

Happy Wedding Preparations!

Danyelle

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*Photo courtesy of wedding-veil.com

After the Wedding To-Do List

2009-01-09T12:48:00.007-06:00

The joyous day has passed and you're now officially Mr. & Mrs. Congrats!

But wait! Remember that wedding to-do list you obsessively checked about a million times? Well, guess what? There's another to-do list you and your spouse now need to work your way through, too.

What You'll Need:
- Multiple official copies of your wedding license - about two or three should do. Note: Your wedding license is not the pretty certificate you received at the temple. You need to go to your city or county offices to request (and pay for) copies of the official license.
- Any bills or papers that include contact information for the below organizations.

Once you have your marriage licenses, you're ready to start tackling your to-do list. But first, I suggest you grab some of your favorite comfort foods while your work on this dreary task. As always, I highly recommend chocolate!

After the Wedding To-Do List

You will need to change your name and update your new address at the following places:

-The Social Security Administration

-The Department of Motor Vehicles
Note: If you're traveling for your honeymoon then your tickets should be in your maiden name. Wait until after your traveling is complete before changing your driver's license or the airline may not let you check-in. This actually happened to me. I actually had to have a manager approve my check-in because my ticket was in my married name but my driver's license was still in my maiden name. Be sure your documentation matches your traveling ticket info.

-The U.S. State Passport Services Office
Note: See above driver's license info about traveling. The same applies to Passports.

-Voter Registration Office

-The Post Office

-Your Bank
Note: This is also a good time to combine or close accounts, if needed.

-Mortgage Company

-Insurance Companies
Note: While you are making address and name changes, be sure to ask for forms to change your beneficiary preferences if you'd like to change them to include your spouse.

-Your Employer
Note: You may want to make changes to your W-2

-Managers of Retirement Accounts (401K, etc)
Note: While you are making address and name changes, be sure to ask for forms to change your beneficiary preferences if you'd like to change them to include your spouse.

-Health Insurance Company
Note: Ask about options for adding your spouse to your plan.

-Credit Card Companies

-Student Loan Companies

-Your Stockbroker

-Your Lawyer
Note: Make any necessary changes to your Will at the same time (changing beneficiaries, etc)

-Doctor's Offices (medical, dentist, etc)

-Order New Checks and Address Labels

-Utility Companies

- Ward Clerk
Note: Check that names were changed correctly and that you and your spouse were linked together on the Church system.

-Your College & Alumni Association

-Any club or organization with whom you hold a membership

While you are making all of these changes, take the time to organize all the contact information into a spreadsheet for easier access for future reference. My hubby was smart enough to look ahead and do this and we've used his spreadsheet many, many times since our wedding day!

Pie: The Wedding Cake Alternative

2009-01-05T16:31:00.004-06:00

This past September, I attended my hubby's cousin's wedding and reception. One of the neatest parts of the wedding couple's reception was the lack of traditional wedding cake.

You see, the groom isn't a big cake fan - but he loves pie.

So rather than a four-tier wedding cake, there were tables all together in an L-shaped loaded down with pie, pie, and more pie! Cherry, apple, and pecan. Chocolate pudding, coconut cream, and banana cream. And of course, absolutely delicious cheesecake. There was a huge selection to choose from - and many of us sampled more than one!

The table was beautifully decorated, too. A beautiful black linen draped the tables with white twinkling Christmas lights around the sides and on top. Then the pies were on stands of all different heights, creating a beautiful presentation. The couple's pie had a wedding topper. Hint: To keep the topper from sinking, add a support stand with legs to go into the pie, then place the topper on the stand.

If you or your fiance aren't big cake lovers, try this fun idea instead. Your wedding guests enjoy the surprise!

Here's a wonderful Cherry Pie recipe from Food Network

Cherry Pie
by Peter Sterk

4 cups fresh or frozen tart cherries
1 to 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
4 tablespoons cornstarch
1/8 tablespoon almond extract (optional)
Your favorite pie crust or pie dough recipe for 2 crust pie
1 1/2 tablespoons butter, to dot
1 tablespoon granulated sugar, to sprinkle

Place cherries in medium saucepan and place over heat. Cover. After the cherries lose considerable juice, which may take a few minutes, remove from heat. In a small bowl, mix the sugar and cornstarch together. Pour this mixture into the hot cherries and mix well. Add the almond extract, if desired, and mix. Return the mixture to the stove and cook over low heat until thickened, stirring frequently. Remove from the heat and let cool. If the filling is too thick, add a little water, too thin, add a little more cornstarch.

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

Use your favorite pie dough recipe. Prepare your crust. Divide in half. Roll out each piece large enough to fit into an 8 to 9-inch pan. Pour cooled cherry mixture into the crust. Dot with butter. Moisten edge of bottom crust. Place top crust on and flute the edge of the pie. Make a slit in the middle of the crust for steam to escape. Sprinkle with sugar.

Bake for about 50 minutes. Remove from the oven and place on a rack to cool.

A Bubbly Bridal Shower

2009-01-01T12:19:00.008-06:00

When I think of January, I think of a new year, celebrations, and lots of bubbly (LDS-style!). All of these are a perfect fit for a bridal shower.

Decorations: Anything for a New Year's party - balloons, streamers, tiaras, and funny noisemakers. Choose a color theme to tie everything together. If the bride knows her wedding colors, you could use those. If not, silver or gold paired with another color always looks nice. For a very elegant but feminine look, try a combination of silver, black, and pink.

Appetizers: For this party, think finger foods and lots of bubbly drinks! The recipes below are from A Bridal Shower .com

Chicken Puff Sandwiches

Ingredients

3/4 C. diced celery
1/4 C. diced green onion
2 t. relish
1/4 C. chopped almonds (optional)
1/2 C. Mayonnaise
2 to 3 dashes Tabasco Sauce
salt and pepper

Cut the chicken into small pieces, add the rest of the ingredients and mix well. Chill until ready to assemble.

Puffs:

1 C. water
1/2 C. butter
1 C. flour
4 eggs

Add water and butter to a saucepan. Bring to a boil. Add flour and stir. Stir over low heat until mixture forms a ball, about 1 minute. Cool.

Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each egg is added. Mixture should be smooth.

Drop by tablespoons onto an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 400°F. for about 15 minutes, until puffed and golden. Cool.

When ready to assemble, cut the tops off the puffs. Add filling and put top back on. Refrigerate until ready to use. Makes about 35 small puffs.

Top off these yummy sandwiches with some pretty Cheese & Pineapple Appetizers

Ingredients

Cheddar Cheese, cut into cubes of approximately ½ an inch
Pineapple cubes
Toothpicks

First cut the cheddar cheese into cubes and put one cube onto one toothpick. Then take a cube of fresh or canned pineapple and put it next to the cheese on the toothpick. Cheese and pineapple on picks is quick and easy to prepare and the combination of flavors is absolutely delicious.

Top off these delicious appetizers with some sparkling apple or grape juice served in wine or champagne glasses. If you don't have fancy glasses, go to your local Deseret Industries or Good Will. I picked up sixteen wine goblets for fifty cents each for a Murder Mystery Party one year. I've pulled them out many times since just for fun.

I loved these personalized mini-bottles of Martinelli's. They're so pretty and elegant! You can purchase them at Forever Wedding Store.com

A Bubbly Game: For this party, I'm going to suggest the one game every bride hates, but is soo much fun for pictures and strolls down memory lane. And hey, my version has a bubbly twist! You'll need lots of white tissue paper and some rolls of Scotch tape. Also, save all the bows and ribbon from the bride-to-be's gifts. You'll also need a paper plate and plastic cup.

Before the party, attach the plastic cup to the back of the paper plate. Be sure it's secure as the bride will be holding on to the cup. While the bride is opening her gifts, have one person assigned to creating a bow & ribbon bouquet. Fit as many of the bows and ribbons onto the front of the plate as you can.

After opening the gifts, the bride stands in the middle while everyone works together to create a bridal gown and veil by taping tissue paper together. Hint: It helps if you secure the tissue paper here and there with safety pins. This helps to keep it all from falling off the minute she starts walking.

Once the bride's dress and veil are done, hand her the bouquet. Take lots of pictures (be sure to tease her into some diva poses!). Then break out the bubbles! Split the guests up into two lines, just like when the bride & groom walk out of the temple. While the bride walks down the entry, the guests blow their bubbles over her. It's a good idea not to blow them directly at her so she doesn't get bubbles in her eyes!

I found these cute wedding cake bubbles at Oriental Trading.com

Another Fun Activity: To go along with the New Year theme, purchase a 365 day calendar. You know, the ones you tear off a page each day. Try to find one with a theme the bride would enjoy or think is funny - but be sure the pages are designed in a way that there's some extra writing room! Usually comics work great for this activity. Throughout the party, have the guests choose days (as many as they'd like). They can write in event reminders (such as birthdays, anniversaries, etc), marital advice, funny stories, or just decorate some of the pages with hearts or silly drawings. The bride will love finding out what each new day has in store for her!

Party Favors: Thank your guests for coming with a heart-shaped favor box filled with your own candy or nuts. I found these ones at Oriental Trading.comAren't they cute?

I hope you've enjoyed another fun bridal shower idea! If you have any bridal shower or wedding related questions, please email them to me.

Happy Wedding Preparations!

Danyelle

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Platinum, Gold, and Silver - Oh My!

2008-12-29T14:47:00.012-06:00

Have you been ring shopping lately? If so, then your head is probably spinning! Personally, once I get past the traditional gold settings, I'm lost. Platinum, white gold, silver, titanium, and tungsten - they all look the same to me. So what's the difference? And why should I fork out extra moolah just because the guy behind the counter says it's better?

Well, I did lots of research and here's the low-down on all these different metals.

First, have you ever heard a jeweler refer to a ring as having "noble metal"? As if that makes it more desirable? The term noble metals comes from back in the old days (and I'm talking really old days - as in ancient times) when only nobles could afford fine jewelry. Today, these fine metals are more affordable to the general public. So don't get fooled into forking over extra money just for a title. Noble metals include gold, silver, and platinum.

Gold

Traditional gold is the most popular choice for engagement and wedding rings. It comes in several different carats (ct or kt). Gold is a soft metal and needs to be mixed with other metals to make it stronger and more durable. Carat refers to the amount of gold which was mixed with these other metals. The higher the carat is, the more gold was used. Typically, engagement and wedding rings come in 9, 14, or 18 ct gold. Beware of 22 or 24 ct gold, as it's too soft to be worn every day without lots of dents and scratches.

When gold comes out of the ground, it's always yellow in color. By mixing other metals with the gold, jewelers have created many different shades to choose from such as white, rose, bronze, red, and lime gold.

White Gold

Next to the traditional yellow gold, white gold is the next most popular shade of gold.

White gold is created by adding alloys such as nickel, silver, or palladium to the yellow gold. This combination of metals also makes it harder and more rigid, allowing the gold to hold it's shape and finish better than platinum.

White gold also comes in carats, just like yellow gold. 18 and 14 ct are best.

The only downside to white gold is that because it's predominantly yellow gold, a slight yellow tint can be detected at times (see men's wedding band above). Some jewelers apply a thin layer of rhodium to create a whiter appearance (more about rhodium below).

Platinum

Platinum and White Gold are very similar in appearance. In fact, most people can't tell the two apart. So what is the difference?

Platinum is a pure metal, which means it doesn't have as many metals mixed into it. Generally, it's 95% platinum, mixed with 5% other metals. While white gold may have a slight yellow tint, platinum has a grayish tint. To give it a more silver color, a thin layer of Rhodium is sometimes applied. Platinum is also much denser than white gold. It can weigh as much as 1 1/2 times more than 18k gold. That's one heavy ring! It not only weighs more, but it also costs more as well. If you compare two exact same rings, one in platinum and the other in 18ct gold, the platinum ring's price will be double the price.

Rhodium

So, what's the deal with this rhodium stuff? Basically, rhodium is a derivative of platinum and is white in color. It's used to plate white gold and platinum (ironically enough) to make them look whiter. If you purchase a ring that's been rhodium plated, be sure to ask about the jeweler's maintenance plan. It's suggested that rhodium be reapplied every 12-18 months.

Sterling Silver

Sterling Silver is a white-gray colored metal that is less expensive than gold, platinum or titanium. It's also softer than them, too. Silver is best for jewelry that isn't worn every day, which is why it generally isn't used for engagement or wedding rings anymore. If you truly want a silver ring, you can have one custom made. The down-side to silver is it's prone to oxidization, which turns the metal black. This can easily be remedied by using a silver jewelry cleaner available in more department stores.

Titanium

I don't know why, but every time I see the word Titanium, I think Titanic instead. Silly, but true.

Titanium is a natural element with a silver-grayish-white color. It's also the hardest natural metal in the world. It's three times stronger than steel and much stronger then either gold, silver, or platinum. It's also very lightweight whereas platinum is very heavy. If either the bride or groom work in a very hands-on, rough environment, then titanium is perfect for you! It doesn't bend, dent or scratch like other metals and it's 100% hypp-allergenic, too. It's kind of like the super-hero of metals.

But like most super-heroes, it does have a weakness or two . . . If there's ever an emergency and your ring needs to be cut off, it may be either extremely difficult or impossible depending on the grade of titanium your ring is made of. If it's aircraft grade titanium, then it can't be cut off. The other down-side of titanium is that it can't be soldered - so no resizing. And ladies, if you're planning on having kids, you definitely want to be able to resize your rings. Between my four kids, my rings have been resized three times.

Tungsten Carbide

For me, this is the new new metal on the block. I have just recently started seeing tungsten show up as a choice in men's jewelry. Tungsten is a very hard, strong, durable metal. It's also very heavy, so not ideal for an engagement and wedding ring set. It's highly scratch resistant, which is very appealing to men. It has what my hubby likes to call "macho factor". Another very cool attribute of tungsten is that it always looks new - all bright and shiny. It never needs polishing maintenance like gold, platinum, and titanium do. This is an extra bonus for guys who don't like to take their ring off or who hate going to a jeweler to have their ring cleaned.

As you can see, each metal has it's pros and cons. I would suggest by starting with what qualities you most need in a ring. If you work in construction and you want your ring to continue looking new, then you may want to consider either tungsten or titanium. Ladies traditionally prefer either yellow gold or white gold, although platinum is becoming popular as well. Ultimately, the best way to decide is by trying on rings made with different metals until you find the one that works with your skin tone and feels the best on your hand. Once you narrow it down, then you can look for the perfect setting! Happy ring shopping!

XOXOXO-

Danyelle

How to Know if the Person You're Dating is "The One"

2008-12-26T10:42:00.014-06:00

So you've been dating this incredible person and things are starting to get pretty serious. At some point, you start to wonder, "Is he (or she) the one?"

How do you know? How can you be sure?

Glitzy magazine articles will give you lots of advice. Some of it's horrible, and some isn't so bad. Such as this article from BestEzines "12 Signs on How to Know if He is The One" Before you start reading, let me point out that while this article's target is for women, these suggestions go both ways. It shouldn't just be the guy who's interested, listening, compromising, caring, etc. If you want someone to think you're The One, then you need to have these qualities as well - no matter if you're the girl or the guy.

Not bad advice, eh? But really, these all point to a great relationship. A relationship built on friendship and trust could take a different turn and if anything, you still have a great friend. But how do you really know if the person you're dating is The One.

When I attended LDS Business College, I had a very wise Church leader, Bishop Steve Facer. The first time my hubby asked me to marry him (yes, there's more than one proposal in our story), it was a confusing time for me. On one hand, I loved my boyfriend very, very much. He really was my best friend. On the other hand, it hadn't been long since I had ended an abusive relationship, which left me very cautious and a bit scared to make a commitment.

The advice Bishop Facer gave me was this: Pray and fast for an answer.

He told me I needed to know in both my heart and my mind, an undeniable witness from Heavenly Father that John was the one I should be joined with for eternity. A firm witness with no doubts. He went on to tell me this was incredibly important because every marriage goes through difficult times. During those times, many couples think, "What if . . . " or "Maybe we should just get a divorce and move on . . . " This is precisely why you need that firm, strong answer from Heavenly Father. When you and your spouse hit bumps in the road, rather than doubt, you will be able to remember your answer and that Heavenly Father blessed your union. Then with His help, you will be able to get through the bumps together.

I have been grateful for this advice. The first time John asked me to marry him, I prayed and went to the temple, but continued to waiver between yes and no. Finally, I told him that as much as I yearned to say yes, I couldn't, and so my answer had to be no. It was heartbreaking for both him and me.

But an incredible thing happened. While we took a break from dating each other, we remained close friends. We lived about an hour from each other and would email a few times each week. If one or the other was in town visiting other friends, we'd stop to say hello. I started dating other guys from my college and kept busy with work, school, and church callings. About six months later, I read a book that really got me thinking about my relationships and I realized that the one person I had dated and been the most happy with had been John.

So one evening, I drove down to visit him. We went for a walk around BYU campus. I finally got up enough courage to ask him if he'd ever consider dating me again. He told me he'd have to think about it. Then he sat down on the nearest bench and proceeded thinking! It was the longest ten minutes ever! He finally said he'd love to date me again, but that he had chased me the first time, so this time it was my turn to chase him.

Two months later, after praying, fasting, and attending the temple, I gained the firm, strong witness I was seeking for six months before. The difference though was that this time I was ready. During the six months we were apart, I had encountered many different challenges and learned many things about myself. This time, I wasn't confused or afraid. I knew exactly what I wanted and asked for Heavenly Father's blessing. And for a little twist in our story, I asked John if he'd marry me. Of course, he asked me again when he surprised me with my engagement ring.

And my Bishop was right. We have encountered many challenges in our marriage and family. We've hit lots of bumps in the road. But because of the answers we both received, we've remained committed to working together with Heavenly Father to navigate each of those bumps.

I'm grateful for Bishop Facer's wise advice. I've passed it on to many friends and young women and am happy to pass it along here as well. I hope that as you search for your eternal partner, that you will find someone who meets many of the 12 Signs criteria, but I also hope you will take the time to sincerely pray and follow the answers you receive from above.

XOXOXO-

Danyelle

Tuxedo Heaven

2008-12-19T20:16:00.009-06:00

Amy from Utah emailed to ask:

That's a great question, Amy. Like you said, it depends on the bride . . . and also the groom. I went with my hubby to check out tuxes, but all of his family lived out of state so it was just us making the decisions. For the most part, he chose the tux he liked with just a little feedback from me.

Usually the groom chooses the design of tuxedo he prefers before-hand, then makes a group appointment for fittings. Who needs tuxedos? The groom, guys from both immediate families, and any groomsmen. .

Sometimes the groom doesn't care what he wears, but the bride has specific ideas of what type/color of tux she prefers. In this case, the bride and groom may go in ahead of time, choose the tuxes, then the guys just show up for the measurements and fittings.

Most guys would prefer to just walk into a tuxedo store and say, "I need a tux." and have the assistant measure him, then hand him something from off the rack. But it just doesn't work that way. It's actually much more complicated than it seems. Brides have tons of style choices for their dresses. Well guess what? The groom has almost as many style choices for their tuxedos as well.

Choosing a tuxedo can be quite overwhelming. When I think of a tux, I think black pants, black coat, white shirt, black cumber bun, and black tie. But did you know the choices range from jackets with one, two, three, four, or five buttons? Or that lapels can be either a notch, shawl, peak, or double-breasted? Or that tails come in different styles, two of which are cutaway tails and full dress tails? The following examples are from MW Tux.

This classic style is a Joseph & Feiss Black Cutaway, featuring a single button, center-vented jacket with peak lapel. Very dashing, don't you think?

For a more modern look, try this stylish two-button satin edge notch lapel tuxedo from Wilke-Rodriguez.

If you're having a themed wedding, check out the following two tuxedos . . .

This morning wedding tuxedo is a Joseph & Feiss Gray Cutaway. These morning wedding suits remind me of Mr. Darcy for some reason. Mmm . . . love them!

The website actually recommended this suit for an outdoor wedding/reception. But hello? It's WHITE! I recommend avoiding white for outdoor receptions. I wore a white gown for my oldest brother's wedding. The reception was outdoors. We sat on a bench for some pictures and when I got up, I had a huge dirt mark on the back of my dress (of course located right on my tush!). It was so embarrassing, especially since I was only 14 years old at the time. But I do think this Joseph & Feiss two-tone ivory notch lapel tuxedo is gorgeous for a white wedding party. You can add color to the vest and tie to break up the white. Very elegant.

Once the style of tuxedo is decided, then you get to figure out if you want a cumber bun or a vest for under the jacket, and if you prefer a bow tie or regular tie. At this point, color really comes into play. As you can see from the pictures above, you can choose traditional white or black for the accessories or you can choose to co-ordinate with the bridesmaid dresses. These days there's a whole rainbow of colors available for ties, vests, and cumber buns. All you need to do is bring in a color swatch from the bridesmaid dresses and it can be matched up for the tuxedo accessories.

So while the bride doesn't neccessarily need to go with the groom to choose a tuxedo, I would recommend that the bride and groom at least take an evening to browse through either a tuxedo magazine or a website like MW Tux. This way they can eliminate options they don't like and narrow down their choices to a few styles they both prefer. Then when the groom is at the store, he can make the final decision of which tuxedo he likes best.

XOXOXO-

Danyelle

Getting to Know the Bride

2008-12-15T16:42:00.003-06:00

Today, I received this email from Kimber, who asked:

Get your printer ready, Kimber, because I have several fun ideas for you.

Introductions Game

Typically at a bridal shower, everyone goes around the room and introduces themselves, usually saying her name and if she's related or a friend. At my friend Camille's baby shower (yes, I said baby not bridal - but hey, we use many of the same games at either one. So it works, right?), we were asked to introduce ourselves, but to also tell either a story about the first time we met Camille or our favorite story of our adventures together.

This is a fun way for others to see a little bit of the different connections and relationships the bride has with everyone in attendance. It's also fun for the bride to relive all those memories with her friends and family.

For those that may not know the bride as well, they can tell a bit of how they know her even if it's just from excited phone conversations with the groom. When I was at Camille's shower, she had lots of close family and friends there. But my relationship with Camille was a bit different. She was married to the missionary who taught me the first discussion when I was sixteen years old. While Camille and I had become friends, we didn't live close enough to each other to spend a lot of time together. But it was still fun to share the first time Camille and I had met. One weekend I decided I needed a break from Salt Lake and went to visit some friends in Provo. While I was in town, Jeff (formerly Elder Beard) brought Camille over to meet me. It was fun to see Jeff all sweet and lovey. At the shower, Camille shared that it had also been the first night Jeff had held her hand and been snugly in public. That night had not only been the first time we had met, but a turning point in their relationship as they became more serious about each other. What a fun memory to share together!

Getting to Know You Jar

My all time favorite bridal shower game is one of sharing stories. For each gift the bride opens, she tells a story about herself and her sweetheart while they were dating. Some brides are a bit shy when put on the spot, so I came up with this fun game that can be used in multiple ways.

1. Find a container. This could be a quart-size canning jar, a large decorative bowl, or if you want to be crafty, an empty formula container that has been wrapped with paper and decorated. Be sure the mouth of the container is wide enough to draw questions out of. It's also helpful if the container has a lid, but it's optional.

2. Have you ever . . . ? Create cute tags or cut strips of paper. On each tag or strip, write a question for the bride to answer. You can start with some of the sample questions below. To add to the fun, leave some blank tags or strips out for guests to write their own question on and have them add it to the container.

Sample Questions:

Where was your first date?

How did you meet?

Who introduced you to your sweetheart?

How did he propose?

What was the most embarrassing thing that ever happened on a date (to either the bride or the groom)?

What is the funniest thing the groom has ever done for you?

What's the most romantic thing he's done for you?

Was your first kiss: a) sweet b) foot-popping or c) spine-tingling?

How long did you date before the first kiss?

3. Shaky, shaky. Shake up the container or mix the questions up with your hand before pulling any out. Ask a question before the bride opens each gift. Then she should tell you a story before opening her gift.

Additional Options:

-Extend the game by pulling a question out of the jar every fifteen minutes while everyone is eating and visiting.

-To learn more about the bride, add questions about when she was growing up, her family, favorite vacations, favorite toy, pets, etc.

-For some silly fun, ask the family of the bride and groom to come prepared with funny short stories or pictures of the couple when they were growing up. The family members can be called upon to share alternately throughout the shower or they could take turns sharing stories after the bride opens each present. This is a wonderful way to fill the shower with laughter without bringing out any embarrassing gifts!

I hope these ideas have inspired you to create more intimate and fun bridal showers. And Kimber, I hope this was just what you were looking for! Please let us know how your bridal shower turns out.

XOXOXO-

Danyelle

Wedding To-Do Lists

2008-12-13T16:10:00.004-06:00

I love bridal magazines. I ooh and aah over the gorgeous dresses, drool over the cakes, and try to keep my eyes from popping out when I see the huge rocks on the engagement rings.

But there's one section I always skip right over – the wedding to-do list.

Engaged couples who are not LDS, tend to have very long engagements. My sister's wedding is the perfect example. She got engaged over Christmas and was married in June. Not the June that was six months later, but the one that was eighteen months later. This is typical for weddings outside of the LDS Church. According to the National Association of Wedding Ministers, the average American engagement is sixteen months long and that most brides plan their wedding for seven to twelve months. This is why most wedding to-do lists found in magazines or online range from twelve to eighteen months before the wedding.

In the LDS Church, we tend to do weddings on a shorter time-frame. The average LDS engagement is about three months long. When my husband and I got officially engaged, it was the beginning of July. After going back and forth on wedding dates, we settled on mid-August. Yep, that's only six weeks. Definitely on the short end of engagement time scales.

Caterers, florists, and reception centers in Utah are used to receiving wedding orders on short notice. But outside of Utah, these shorter time-lines can really stress-out both the bride and business owners.

For example, if you have a specific location you truly want your reception to be held, then you may need to be flexible with your wedding date. This could extend your engagement, which is fine if that works for both you and your fiancé.

On the other hand if you have a certain time period you need to work within, such as before the next semester of college starts, then you will need to be willing to compromise and put forth some extra foot-work for everything to come together. In this case, you may call a florist and their response could be that they are booked solid that day. Just keep working your way down the list of florists, or explore other options, for example purchasing silk flowers and making your own bouquets.

You may be wondering how to organize your wedding if the to-do list in your bridal magazine doesn't work for you. I found some excellent LDS wedding to-do lists on LDSWeddings.com They even have separate lists for different engagement lengths – two months, four months, and six months.

And just remember, no matter what the length of your engagement may be, your wedding will be absolutely beautiful and perfect for you and your sweetheart.

XOXOXO-

Danyelle

A Blue and Silver Winter Bridal Shower

2008-12-08T16:46:00.008-06:00

Planning a bridal shower in the winter for your soon-to-be bride is simple and quite affordable. Here's one fun idea. The theme for this party is Blue & Silver Ball Ornaments.

Decorations: You can raid your stash of ornaments, borrow from friends, or purchase some at your local dollar store. To decorate, simply arrange the ornaments in bowls or hat boxes lined with white tissue paper. Be creative! For an elegant look, arrange your ornaments in a large pedestal-type bowl, then place white pillar candles on each side. Finish the look by draping silver garland around the bottom of the candles and bowl.

Appetizers: For some yummy theme related snacks, try making some beautiful wedding cookies.

These cookies are from Crazy Amy's Cakes.

To make your own delicious (and gorgeous) cookies, try this recipe. It's our family's favorite!

Butter Cookie Ingredients:
1/2 cup butter
3/4 cup sugar
1 egg
3/4 tsp vanilla
2 cups flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Cream butter in a large mixing bowl. Add sugar, beating until light and fluffy. Add egg and vanilla, mixing well.

In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt. Add to creamed mixture, blending well. Dough will be very stiff.

Divide the dough into thirds. Roll each portion to 1/8 inch thick on a lightly floured work area. If the dough is too sticky, add a little bit of flour to it until it's easier to work with. Cut with assorted cookie cutters. Place cookies 2 inches apart on cookie sheets, sprayed with nonstick spray.

Bake for 8-10 minutes or until lightly browned. Removed to wire racks to cool. Frost and decorate.

Frosting Ingredients:
3 TBSP commercial meringue powder
2 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup + 2 TBSP warm water
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 tsp almond extract
Food coloring

Beat on high speed with an electric mixer for 3-5 minutes. Divide into separate bowls and add drops of food color. Be sure cookies are completely cooled before decorating.

Some ideas for cookie cutters to match this theme would be Christmas ornaments, wedding cakes, and snowflakes, all decorated with shades of blue and white.

Activities: Rather than having a book for guests to sign, have them sign some large glass ornaments instead. You'll need some large blue and silver ball ornaments and fine-tipped permanent markers. You can even decorate the balls before-hand with the bride and grooms names and wedding date with custom vinyl lettering or scrapbooking stickers. Then shower guests can write short messages and sign their names all around the ornaments.

Party Favors: Be sure to send your guests away with a something small to say Thank You for coming to celebrate. BeauCoup.com has some delightful winter bridal shower party favors. Some of my favorites are . . .

These Mini-Felt Winter Mittens can be stuffed with a little lip gloss or mini-candy cane. Aren't they cute?

As a Pennsylvania girl, I'm always big on Hershey bars. These wrappers go perfectly with this shower's blue and white theme and can be personalized with the wedding couple's name.

I hope you enjoyed this bridal shower idea. I'd love to hear your ideas for other winter themed bridal showers!

XOXOXO-

Danyelle

New to the Neighborhood

2008-12-04T10:00:00.002-06:00

Hello, my name is Danyelle and I'm a wedding addict. What? This isn't Wedding-Addicts-Anonymous? Oops!

Seriously, I truly love weddings. My husband and I worked at our friends' wedding planner business when we were newly-weds. We did everything from bridal fittings and cake tasting to reception plans and honeymoon getaways. I've also attended seminars on color-draping, make-up, hair designs, and clothing types.

But the real reason I love weddings is because I'm a true-through-and-through romantic. When I was little, I fell in love with Cinderella and Prince Charming . . . and to this day, I continue to dream about happily ever after.

Every time I get a thick, padded envelope in the mail, I cross my fingers and wish for a wedding announcement. I love marking bridal showers, weddings, and receptions in my planner. I just can't help but feel giddy and excited.

Aside from a wedding junkie, I'm also a wife, mother, and writer. I spend most of my days alternating between changing diapers, running kids to activities, and typing like a mad woman at my desk during precious "quiet" moments. But I'm happy to say that my little girls are just as in love with Cinderella and happily ever after as I am.

When Candace Salima told me YourLDSNeighborhood needed a wedding blogger and asked if I'd be interested, it was all I could do not to jump out of my chair as I typed back, "Yes! Yes! YES!"

I have big plans for this blog. And don't even think for one minute it will be boring. Oh no! I have a huge list of topics to explore. Everything from pre-engagement to happy newly-wed status and everything in-between. More serious topics will be discussed such as getting remarried and what to do when your non-LDS family can't attend the wedding. In fact, I have so much to say that if you have a question, please email me and I will bump that topic up on my list.

I'm very excited to share my love for weddings with you . . . and I hope that through this journey, you'll share your happy stories with me, too.

XOXOXO-

Danyelle