My Pretty Bridesmaids

Miss Bridesmaids

Found a very good website for bridesmaid dresses.

For full series: http://weddings.theknot.com/weddingdress/bs_main.aspx?gowntype=2&cm_ven=Responsys&cm_cat=KnotNews&cm_pla=20090330&cm_ite=NA

For tea-length dresses only: http://weddings.theknot.com/weddingdress/bs_results_local.aspx?GownType=2&path1=weddinggowns&path2=Search&Status=A&DesignerID=&StyleNumber=&Silhouette=&Waist=&Neckline=&SleeveLength=&SleeveStyle=&GownLength=3&TrainLength=&Embellishment=&Specialfeature=&Color=&Size=&PriceRange=&newsearch=Submit

Click on the left hand menu for any knee-length and short dresses too.

Hair: http://weddings.theknot.com/Real-Weddings/hair/results.aspx?type=3&wedding_details=hair

It’s time to do some assignments for your pretty look on my big day ok! So feel free to google or surf on the internet for any bridesmaid dresses and hair-do that you will be comfortable in. Be free to express yourself with creativity! Hehe…

Please do save them on your computer as sample and email me your favourites or ideas. Love to work on this together with you! It’s my pleasure to have you in this journey….

Much love xoxoxox

Leann a.k.a.bride-to-be

First Dance??

I am still thinking whether we should dance on our reception night or not. I believe if we do, it'll be a good project for us to work together and we can spend more time getting to know one another better and enjoying each others' company in a meaningful way. In another hand, I am afraid that we wouldn't have enough time. Given that I am not a very good natural dancer (maybe he is but I'm not so sure yet..he does look great when he does funny dance moves though), I am afraid to make a wrong choice. But since it's gonna be a life-time thingy...and nobody could help if we do regret in the future for not presenting our first dance, I will consider putting it into our wedding planner and making time for that. Pray that it'll be a romantic yet funny time. There goes my concept-dreaming....

Randomly stumbled upon the following website that offers priceless suggestions.

"At Last" by Etta James and "Let's Stay Together" by Al Green will always be classic first dance songs, but we're hearing about a lot of couples going with less traditional selections for their first spin on the dance floor. Here are a few from recently-featured real weddings: Angellique & Adrian danced to Coldplay's "Green Eyes," Corrine & Dan chose "The Luckiest," by Ben Folds, and Nikki & Nick's first dance was to "First Day of My Life," by Bright Eyes. Check out more real brides' first dance picks.

First Dance
"We're Man and Wife" (Michelle Featherstone)
"Bless the Broken Road" (Rascal Flatts)
"Carried Away" (George Strait)
"Thank God I Found You" (Mariah and 98 degrees)
"Cross My Heart" (George Strait)
"I Need You" (Tim McGraw and Faith Hill)
"It's Your Love" (Tim McGraw and Faith Hill)
"Remember When" (Alan Jackson)
"Love Song" (311)
"Lost in This Moment" (Big and Rich)
"At Last" (Etta James)
"Three Times a Lady" (Commodores)
"Spend My Life" (Eric Benet)
"All I Ask of You" (Phantom of the Opera)
"Set Me as a Seal" (Matt Maher)
"Chasing Cars" (Snow Patrol)
"Stay Forever" (Ween)
"Book of Love" (Peter Gabriel)
"The Luckiest" (Ben Folds)
"Love of a Lifetime" (Firehouse)

Father-Daughter Dance
"My Girl"(The Temptations)
"Butterfly Kisses" (Bob Carlisle)
"I Loved Her First" (Heartland)
"My Wish" (Rascal Flatts)
"Last Date" (Floyd Cramer)
"Little Miss Magic" (Jimmy Buffett)
"De Nina a Mujer" (Julio Iglesias)
"Main Theme" (John Williams; Star Wars)
"Sweet Caroline" (Neil Diamond)
"What a Wonderful World" (Louis Armstrong)
"Kind & Generous" (Natalie Merchant)
"There You'll Be" (Faith Hill)

Mother-Son Dance
"Because You Loved Me" (Celine Dion)
"A Song for my Son" (Rita Heatherington) OR (Mikki Viereck)
"My Wish" (Rascal Flatts)
"Angels" (Randy Travis)
"Oh Mother" (Joe W)
"A Song for Mama" (Boyz II Men)
"The Man You've Become" (Molly Pasutti)

Last Dance
"Theme from New York, New York" (Frank Sinatra)
"Remember When" (Alan Jackson)
"Fantasy (Remix)" (Mariah Carey Featuring ODB)
"You Never Can Tell" (Chuck Berry from Pulp Fiction)
"Bless the Broken Road" (Rascal Flatts)
"Wonderful Tonight" (Eric Clapton)
"Last Dance" (Donna Summer)
"Where Everybody Knows Your Name" (Gary Portnoy and Judy Hart Angelo; Cheers)
"The Way You Look Tonight" (Frank Sinatra)
"Margaritaville," (Jimmy Buffett)
"From This Moment On" (Diana Krall)

Asian Make-Up & Hair

I am soOOOOOOOOoooooo HAPPY & THANKFUL!!!

Last night my fiancé and I met up with a wedding make-up artist, hairstylist and floral artist in Oxley. She is a Chinese, super friendly and is amazingly talented and skilful in marketing her products, persuading us into engaging for more and more services with her. I long for an Asian make-up artist for my wedding as I think they know the Asian complexity and skin the best and surely they can do a better make-up than any make-up artist from other nationality. I am also naturally attracted to nice people so I would really love to enter into business with her.

The only problem was that her price is quite costly. I was given a quote of $700 for the make-up and hairstyling for myself and 2 bridesmaids including a trial for myself only, which is roughly $100 per item; while normally I can get $70 for each make-up/hairstyling. Given my shy nature I am not that kind of person who can negotiate prices well. Neither is my fiancé. So I was quite disappointed and started looking for other artist who charges lesser. Yet not wanting to give up, I decided to turn to God and leave this into His hands. I believe that our God is faithful and He will bless His followers and nothing is impossible in Him. I prayed for His favour so that I can be blessed with cheaper package price. Deep in my heart I wonder if God will take care of even this small little request of mine...

During our discussion time, she gave us pretty good quotes for the bouquets, buttonholes and fabric flowers for decoration. She is very patient and easy to work with our budget. He and I were both very comfortable discussing and even chatting away with her. Loved it when he expresses his ideas boldly and has his way of thinking which is always considerate. Really appreciate him taking the time to liaise with the supplier and thinking deep into the details with me. I can always count on his ideas and know full well that he will support me too. After talking all about the flowers, we touched on the make-up topic and honestly told her that the price for the make-up is too high for us and we may have to go for someone else. Praise God!! She then said she can give us a package for $600, including everything required (with some special requests for the bridesmaids) plus make-up and hair for the groom too. My gratitude for God nearly broke off my lung! God is really gracious to us, now having to pay roughly only $60 per item. I am so amazed by the fact that not only my prayer for cheaper price was fulfilled but my desire for an Asian make-up artist was also granted.

That night I went home with all my worries for the wedding make-up, hairstyling and bouquets sorted. More than that, the sense of fulfilment and love are deep in my heart, knowing that if the big, capable and loving God is for me, who can be against me? My faith to walk in Him faithfully and desire to love Him fervently has just grown deeper. I am so grateful that Joel and I can be on the same path in our belief and desire for God. My gratitude for him, the best groom-to-be ever, and all that he’s done, has grown deeper too.

I am just soooOOooo happy today! If anyone is after a skilful and outgoing Asian make-up artist/hairstylist/floral artist, please feel free to contact her:

Cherry
0416360389
weddingdream@hotmail.com
http://www.hair-makeup.blogspot.com/

When The Music Fades...

Ladies and Gentlemen, can we please give a round of applause to TheKnot.com?

They are just so awesome!!! They provide anything that you & I need for wedding!!!

Few days ago I was just worried back in my mind about the music for my wedding. Today I received a fantastic email just-in-time from TheKnot with the following tips and recommendations. Thhough the taste and choice of music is very personal and everybody's favourite may not be yours. Still...it makes a good start for me.

Ok Ok...I'll share with you! One of them is our favourite too! Guess which one it is!.. yes you are lucky!!..'Lucky' it is!...

Lucky" by Jason Mraz featuring Colbie Caillet
Who will like it: The bride and groom and the rest of the lovebirds.
When to play it: The first dance.

"Viva La Vida" by Coldplay
Who will like it: Everyone.
When to play it: During the cocktail hour or between dinner courses.

"Good Time" by Alan Jackson
Who will like it: The country-music lovers.
When to play it: Right after dinner.

"The Way I Am" by Ingrid Michaelson
Who will like it: The romantics and nostalgics.
When to play it: The cake cutting.

"Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)" by Beyonce
Who will like it: All the single ladies.
When to play it: The bouquet toss.

"Beautiful" by Akon
Who will like it: Couples and hip-hop enthusiasts.
When to play it: As one of the first slow songs after dinner.

"So What" by P!nk
Who will like it: All the single guests.
When to play it: Following a slow song to get everyone back out on the dance floor.

"Just Dance" by Lady GaGa
Who will like it: Your guests who like to dance.
When to play it: Once the elderly guests have left and it's time to get the party started.

"Green Light" by John Legend
Who will like it: Couples and any singles who may have paired up at the end of the night.
When to play it: Toward the end of the evening.

"When the Night Comes" by Dan AuerbachWho will like it: All the couples.When to play it: As the last slow song at the end of the night.

Special thanks to: Ronnie Gesser Music and Entertainment
-- Anja Winikka

http://wedding.theknot.com/wedding-planning/wedding-music-ideas/articles/top-10-wedding-songs-for-2009.aspx

Another good one that helps heaps:

http://wedding.theknot.com/wedding-planning/wedding-music-ideas.aspx?cm_ven=Responsys&cm_cat=KnotNews&cm_pla=20090323&cm_ite=NA&MsdVisit=1

Chapter 5 - Spiritual Preparation

I believe that the engagement period is not just about preparing for a wedding and being filled with busyness and stress in pleasing others including ourselves. I wanted to use this period wisely to equip myself with knowledge, wisdom and skills in maintaining a marriage that pleases ourselves and our Loving God. As I did a search for 'wedding' in my mail box, I never realised that I have had so many emails about marriage in God's eyes, wedding preparations information, etc - all from others and my own research. Out of them all, this article has really caught my eyes and reminded me of the purpose of two reuniting together in the eyes of God. Just like how we invite God's presence for our wedding ceremony day, He should remain the Lord of our marriage from then on....

Surrendering Your Marriage

By Melanie Chitwood

"Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don't try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God's voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he's the One who will keep you on track. Don't assume that you know it all. Run to God! Run from evil!"

Proverbs 3:5-7. (The Message)

It seems that the longer I've been married, more and more frequently I hear of struggling Christian marriages. I know these couples never intended to be in such a desperate place. When they said their wedding vows of "for better or worse," they never imagined that the "worse" part would include thoughts of divorce appearing as a good option.

When I hear about these couples, I turn my thoughts toward my own marriage. I hug my husband tightly and whisper prayers of thanksgiving that we are together, committed, and growing closer.

You see, this hasn't always been the case for us. For about half of our fifteen years of marriage, we fought constantly and although we loved each other passionately, we just couldn't figure out how to be married or how to be a couple.

Finally, in desperation, I cried out to God asking Him what I should do. His answer surprised me. In the still, small voice in my heart, God told me to surrender my marriage to Him. I knew that the key to surrendering my marriage was trusting God. Instead of trying to be in control by telling my husband and God what to do, I learned to set my eyes on Christ and to ask Christ what He wanted me to do in my marriage.Since that day, I have focused on being the kind of wife God wants me to be. I have searched the Scriptures, and one step at a time I have obeyed God's commands for being a godly wife.

Many times it has felt like two steps forward and one step back. But that's still progress! God has transformed our marriage into one of friendship, intimacy, and laughter, instead of the strife-filled marriage we had previously experienced.

God knows all about your marriage. He knows all about you. He knows all about your husband. Your marriage is a gift from Him, and can bring God glory and you joy when you surrender your marriage to Him. Start today by trusting God, and see what happens as you allow God to transform your marriage.

Dear Lord, thank you for my husband and my marriage. I want the marriage You want me to have, Lord. I confess that I've tried to make it into what I want it to be, not necessarily what You want. I surrender myself and my marriage into Your loving hands and Your sovereign Lordship. Give me the desire and strength to be the kind of wife You want me to be. Then I know I'll be the wife my husband needs. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Power Verses:

1 Peter 4:8, "Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins" (NLT).

Proverbs 3:27, "Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due when it is in your power to do it" (NAS).

Ephesians 4:32, "And become useful and helpful and kind to one another, tenderhearted (compassionate, understanding, loving-hearted), forgiving one another [readily and freely], as God in Christ forgave you" (AMP).

2 Timothy 1:7, "For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline" (NAS).

Hard Work on Photographers

My wedding photographers research....one of the most difficult and time-consuming decisions to make for wedding given that we are under a certain budget and do not want to risk destroying the beauty of our wedding memories....

1) www.solphotography.com.au

CD of all Images, Packages fm $990 Gold Coast - Brisbane - Byron Bay

2) http://www.dfphotographer.com.au/

The service I offer is determined by what you wish to be covered.

8+ Hours - Ideally I am there for the whole day while the bride gets ready right through to late at the reception. This usually means around 8+ hours of coverage and the same for retouching/sorting. This comes with a DVD with all images, 6x4 proof prints of all images, two enlargements (up to 14 x20 inch) and an online gallery for $1780

6 hours - which usually covers guest and bride and groom arrival to the service, the service itself, location shots and early shots at the reception. This comes with a DVD with all images, 6x4 proof prints of all images, two enlargements (up to 14 x20 inch) and an online gallery for $1390
I also offer 4 hours of coverage which covers Guest and bride and groom arrival to the service, the service itself, location shots. This comes with a DVD with all images, 6x4 proof prints, of all images, an enlargement (up to 14 x20 inch) and an online gallery for $990

3) http://www.silverrose.com.au/weddings/gallery1.htm

Photographs - You will receive 75 - 10"x8" photos of your choice packaged in a beautiful gift box. You can select your favourite images online, in the comfort of your own home, at whatever time suits you.

Our Wedding DVD - A beautiful slideshow of your chosen wedding images with accompanying music soundtrack. This is a great way to carry your wedding photos with you - drop into any DVD Player and display your photographs for family and friends.

100 Thank You Cards - You also receive 100 Wedding Thank You Cards which contain your favourite wedding image. Each Thank You Card has space beside the photo for a special message of thanks.

Our Wedding Photo CD - We also include your wedding photographs on CD, compatible with all modern computers these images are ideal for emailing to family and friends or for uploading to your mobile phone, iPod Photo or other personal media device.

Wedding Photos Online - The day after your wedding, wherever you are you can visit our website and view all of your wedding photos. We give you a secure password which you can share with your family and friends so they can also view your professional wedding photos, the very next day.

The Silver Rose Seven Star Wedding Package total cost is $1150.00

4) http://www.angephotography.com.au/wedding.html

Style 4 Hours $1295:

High-resolution CD (Printable up to 5" x 7")

1 large wall size prints at 12" × 18"

1 large frame size prints at 8" x 12"

Normally covers:

Ceremony + One location

5) http://www.x-pose.com.au/brisbane_wedding_prices.html

Budget Package $ 1195

What you will get
- High Resolution Digital negatives on Disc of all images taken
- 50 7x5 inch prints in a professional archive album
- DVD dynamic multimedia slideshow
- Free online photo gallery for three months

Coverage
- Bride's Preparations
- Groom waiting for bride at wedding venue
- The Ceremony
- Family and friends group shots
- Romantic location photography
- Staged cake cutting and staged Bridal Waltz

Your Duties

Tonight we went out with the bridal party for dinner at a Korean Restaurant. It was a fun night where we shared jokes and past life experiences. As normal our Best Man J talked the most and as his supporters we had to laugh a lot.

The food was great and the atmosphere was nice with a not-too-crowded/noisy restaurant and pretty good service. We told them about our theme colour ideas, our concerns for the right 'candidate' for the right role on our wedding, and everything. They have just been awesome and helpful in bringing us ideas and resolving our struggles together. In order to help, I have printed them a copy of the 'List of Duties' for their individual roles in the bridal party as a guideline. Nevertheless, it is somebody's first time! So it's better to be sure than sorry.....

At the end of the night, it was not only a fruitful night with good food and laughters, but also with helpful recommendations and ideas to help us in this long brainstorming run.

Below is for your reference:

Best Man: Your Duties in Detail

Serve as the groom's personal aide and adviser before and during the wedding.
Help the groom choose and rent (or buy) wedding formalwear, and coordinate the other groomsmen's rentals. You guys are supposed to match, after all!

Organize the bachelor party. Don't be shy about enlisting other groomsmen to help you out -- most guys don't mind this duty! Put financial worries out of your mind -- the cost should be split among everyone who attends the bash.

Attend the rehearsal with the bride and groom and all the other attendants. This is your chance to figure out how you're supposed to walk down that aisle.

Stand beside the groom at the altar and keep the bride's ring until vows are exchanged. Find a safe place for the ring (and triple check that your pockets don't have holes) -- you don't want to fumble around when it's time to whip it out.

Corral the other groomsmen and make sure they're performing their duties.

Sign the marriage license as a witness after the ceremony, along with the maid of honor. Toast the bride and groom at the reception. He should also have a speech prepared that contains many sincere wishes for the bride and groom Help the photographer by organising the wedding groups to pose. • Help the photographer by organising the wedding groups to pose.

http://bendigolive.com/weddings/bestmanrespons.htm
http://wedding.theknot.com/groom-groomsmen/groomsmen-guide.aspx

The Bucks Night

Talk to the groom first and find out what he wants to do. Don't forget to plan some surprises.
Give yourself time. Organising the party in one week will not work and cause you un-needed stress.

Go over the list of invitees with the groom.

Talk to all invitees before the party about costs, the agenda, etc. Nobody wants any surprises on the night of the bucks night.

Groom Man: Your Duties in Detail

http://bendigolive.com/weddings/groomsmenduties.htm


Matron of Honour: Your Duties in Detail

Duties Before the big day:
* Dress fittings: They’re often a pain, but be available – change plans if necessary.

* Hen’s Celebrations: Listen to and follow the bride’s brief. Help compose a guest list for the shower

* Make invitation cards together

* help in ordering and choosing decorations and favors, your opinions may be helpful in making decisions for narrowing down choices and making sure the decorations are in on time for the wedding, shower and bachelorette parties.

* It is a major treat to go with the bride when she is shopping for her wedding dress. She may even invite you to be involved in picking out the Bridesmaid Dresses. It is very important to help make sure the dresses are ordered and arrive in enough time for alterations!

* Help the bride in the seating arrangement. This can be a very difficult process with the more people coming to the wedding. Many times it makes it easier to draw out the tables and move people around until you have a close to perfect fit. Note: It is very helpful to bring this drawing to the wedding just in case there are any mix-ups, you will save the day!

On the Day: You are the bride’s right hand woman/women and as well as looking great and being supportive emotionally, you must be the Girl Guide(s) – ‘be prepared!’:

* Know the order/proceedings of the day in case you need to step in and help with a disaster (although groomsmen and ushers are usually the ones to sort out any disasters.

* Be honest with the bride and make up artist/hair stylist – if she looks completely unlike herself or more like hooker than a bride, for God’s sake SAY SOMETHING. She must look her best and like herself! Or the bride will never forgive you when she sees the photos of the big day.

* Carry with you (or know where you have stowed) a bride’s emergency kit consisting: water bottle with straw, make up/cleanser wipes, tissues, key pieces of make up, safety pins, needle and thread (matching the colour of the dress), deodorant, heel glue! Any of these things might make the difference between disaster and a great wedding.

Have your phone switched on at all times for desperate calls from the bride regarding the most trivial matters!

• Help the bride to dress for the ceremony.

• Hold the bride's bouquet during the ceremony.

• Stand just behind the bride, to the left, be ready to take her bouquet and gloves when required.
• Arrange the bride's veil throughout the ceremony, if it is not falling correctly and neatly.

• During the reception you are placed near the bride to assist her, checking the bride's hair, make-up, etc.

• Keeps bride on schedule


Bridesmaid: Your Duties in Detail

• Make invitation cards together

• Offer any assistance to the mothers of the bride and groom throughout the wedding day. Assists maid or matron of honour with her duties Assists with bridal shower

Ushers

Supervising parking

Escorting guests to their seats

At ceremony, provides guests with wedding programs and maps to reception

Everyone's Duties

http://www.bridesdiary.com.au/articles/articleCategory.aspx?id=21
http://www.foreverafter.com.au/responsibilities.php

Proposed Theme Colours

Today I finally sorted out my favourite theme colours and proposed them to my darling. I know I'm a bit greedy to have 3 colours instead of 2 as normal. But they are all our favs...so...pls bear with them!

My proposed theme colours: Orange, Earth Brown & Green/White

My proposed theme name: Love & Splendor

Green and orange wedding images

http://images.google.com/images?hl=en&q=green+and+orange+wedding&gbv=2

Colours wedding

http://www.the-wedding-information-site.com/wedding-color-theme.html
http://www.weddingbycolor.com/glamourof87

Green, Orange & brown

http://junebugweddings.com/blogs/what_junebug_loves/archive/2008/01/18/Real-Weddings_2D00_-Constance-and-Paul.aspx

Wedding colours according to season

http://www.kiss-honeymoon-and-wedding-ideas.com/wedding-color-ideas.html

Nice wedding colours & photos

http://loveandsplendor.wordpress.com/