Punjabi bridal hair styles

It's interesting:
"You know, I’ve been to lots of great weddings, but today may have been the best. The small, ornate chapel – the beautiful music – the sincere words that Paul and Linda wrote themselves. Ladies and gentlemen, we all witnessed something very special."

The bride’-s hairstyle didn't always have such an importance in Punjabi weddings. Now, however, a hairstyle for the bride plays as important of a role as the rest of the wedding details. Whether up, down, formal or relaxed, a Punjabi bride has several different hairstyle options from which to choose.

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1. Traditional Style

   • If your wedding is traditional, you may wish to coordinate your hairstyle in a more traditional way as well. Traditionally, Punjabi brides wear their hair in upsweeps or styled in a bun. This allows access to the neck for when the groom ties the necklace around the bride’-s neck as a symbol of their union.

   Loose Style

   • Punjabi wedding festivities can last days on end, so you may want to opt for hairstyle that is loose rather than tight. Hairstyles that are pulled tight or require bobby pins or other items to keep it in place may bother you after a few hours and may even cause a headache.

   Parted Styles

   • Another more traditional hairstyle to consider is one with a part that goes down the middle of the head. Many Punjabi brides wear a jewel that hangs on the forehead as an accessory, middle parts--whether hair is up or down--accentuates this area of the forehead.

   Hair Decorations

   • Many Punjabi brides add decorations to adorn their hair. Some common choices for Punjabi brides include hair sequins or hair beads. Typically, these are spread throughout the hair and are in colors that coordinate with the bride’-s dress.

   Tips

   • You may want to practice your hairstyle leading up to the wedding, so you can make adjustments to the style if needed and ensure you choose a hairstyle that works well with your outfit.

     Punjabi brides wear a veil during the beginning of the ceremony, so you’-ll want to account for the veil when choosing a hairstyle and hair adornments.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: Punjabi brides, bride 8217-s, brides wear, Punjabi brides wear, bridal hair

Wedding ceremony places in cincinnati

It's interesting:
"'I used your site to create my wedding speech. I dropped in lots of clever one- liners and it was a great success. This site gave me everything I needed and more.' ..."

Cincinnati, Ohio, "The Queen City," is located along the Ohio River Valley. It offers some unique and beautiful sites to hold your special event. Finding a site in the city to hold your wedding ceremony can be an easy task when you get to know what the city has to offer. Each neighborhood has its own character, from the busy downtown and riverfront, to scenic Mount Airy, home of the city's largest park, to the picturesque churches of East Price Hill.

1. Churches

   • Churches are a very traditional location to hold a wedding ceremony. The city of Cincinnati has listed several churches, temples and cathedrals as historical landmarks. Because of the city's rich Catholic heritage, many of these are Catholic churches. The list includes Plum Street Temple, St. Louis Church, Covenant-First Presbyterian Church, St. Frances Desales Church, St. Frances Xavier Church, & St. Peter in Chains Cathedral. Old St. Mary's is the oldest church in the city, dedicated in 1842.

   Parks

   • If you love being outdoors, parks are an ideal location for weddings. If you call at least two weeks in advance, you can reserve one of the special garden wedding areas at some of the area parks. These include Ault Park, Mt. Airy Park and Mt. Storm Park. Many other parks are available, with picnic and pavilions available to rent, including a lodge in Mt. Airy.

   Banquet Facilities

   • If you want a location that is faith-neutral, you can hold your wedding ceremony at the same venue you have your reception. There are many private banquet locations, as well as larger halls located throughout the city. Try Receptions, which has several locations across the city. There are facilities located at local colleges, such as University of Cincinnati, available to rent.

   Landmarks

   • If you want a location uniquely "Cincinnati" to hold your ceremony, pick one of the city's many landmarks. In downtown you'll find the remodeled Fountain Square, or the historic Carew Tower. In Eden Park you can find the Cincinnati Art Museum and beautiful Krohn Conservatory. For a price, the Conservatory will let you marry during their annual butterfly show. If you look just outside the city, you can find the Loveland Castle, which is haunted every October.

   Hotels

   • Many hotels in the area offer ornate ballroom facilities to host weddings. These locations are convenient because they enable out of town guests to stay nearby. It is often convenient for the bridal party to stay the night before in the hotel as well. Try the Cincinnatian hotel downtown, open since 1882, the city's only small luxury hotel. The Hyatt Regency, also downtown, has over 33,000 sq. ft. of event facilities, and offers a kosher catering menu.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: hold your, your wedding ceremony, available rent, ceremony places, ceremony places cincinnati, Church Frances, hold your wedding

Fairy tale wedding themes

It's interesting:
"Charles Dickens said a measure of a woman’s love for her man was the lengths to which she was prepared to go to make him happy. If this holds true, then Linda, you have reached that goal, for Paul is the happiest I have ever seen him."

The theme of your wedding sets the tone for your event. From the moment your guests receive their invitations, they should have a sense of what is in store for them. With all the possibilities, deciding on the fairy tale theme -- as well as incorporating it into your wedding -- can be a difficult.

1. Cinderella

   • Various stationary companies offer licensed Disney "Cinderella" wedding initiations in a variety of designs. If your budget allows it, have the bride arrive to the ceremony in a white horse-drawn carriage. For your Cinderella theme wedding, choose light colors such as a pale blue -- the same color as Cinderella's dress -- silver or pink. Dress the flower girl as the fairy godmother who helped Cinderella go to the ball. Your bridal party can walk down the aisle to "Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo," the song sung by the fairy godmother in Disney's Cinderella. Place groupings of decorative pumpkins -- to represent the pumpkin turned into a carriage -- in various locations along with small, mice figurines. Place glass slippers filled with candies on the tables at your reception. Paint plastic small shoes with clear glitter paint to give them sparkle.

   The Princess Bride

   • In 1987, Rob Reiner released "The Princess Bride," a love story between a poor farm boy and a woman torn apart by pirates and an evil prince. Incorporating "The Princess Bride" into your fairy tale wedding will create a unique experience for you and your guests. Mimic Buttercup with a Renaissance-style wedding dress. Many wedding gown designers offer dresses with a vintage flair. Alternatively, hire a seamstress to custom create a replica of Buttercup's dress. For the groom, choose a black tuxedo accompanied with a sword and sheath that represents Westley as the Dread Pirate Roberts. Walking down the aisle to the Princess Bride theme song will tie the theme into the ceremony.

   Alice in Wonderland

   • The quirky story of "Alice in Wonderland" makes a fun and funky wedding theme. The color scheme can be something as simple as black and red to reflex the playing cards in the story or various bright colors -- such as hot pink, bright blue, lime green, bright purple and orange -- to showcase the childlike quality of the fairytale. Hold the reception outside in a garden where guests dine on tea and a variety of cakes. Decorate the area with funky teacups of various sizes and stuffed white rabbits with pocket watches. Set plates filled with small cakes featuring "Eat Me" signs and small bottles of liquid with "Drink Me" tags on the reception tables.

   Brothers Grimm

   • Incorporate the Brothers Grimm stories into your wedding for a unique and sophisticated event. The typically white wedding gown can quickly turn darker with some black trim. Various wedding gowns are available that offer black -- as well as other colors -- lace, trim and embellishments. Bouquets filled with black magic roses -- which have a dark red, almost black color -- and bare sticks lend a Gothic feel to the floral arraignments. Decorate with grapevines, small bare trees, black candles and copies of the Brothers Grimm. Place small, white Christmas lights around the reception and keep overhead lights off to give the area dim lighting.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: Princess Bride, Brothers Grimm, filled with, into your, tale wedding, your wedding

Wedding halls in hobart, in

It's interesting:
"There's something special about a church wedding, but most of us here have to admit that we rarely set foot inside a church these days. In fact ..."

When you get married you want the day to go as well as possible- months of planning often go into the big event. After the ceremony location has been set, thoughts turn to the reception. For those getting married in Hobart, Indiana, there are several high-quality wedding halls in the area.

1. County Line Orchard

   • The County Line Orchard is located to the east of downtown Hobart, as the name suggests, on the border between Lake and Porter Counties. It is a quaint wedding and reception venue as well as a working apple orchard. It offers the use of its rustic, large barn style function rooms for parties up to 1000 guests. The venue has its own wedding coordinator to assist with planning and decoration of the reception rooms. The orchard also offers a full catering service.

   Fiesta Palace

   • Fiesta Palace is just six miles west of downtown Hobart, off of Interstate 65. It is a moderately-sized banquet hall that can accommodate up to 400 guests. It is a quality venue that offers a range of fully-catered wedding packages with standard dinner choices and Mexican family style options. The reception room can be decorated as needed, with serving staff and a full bar provided. The venue also has a large dance floor.

   The Chateau

   • The Chateau is a modestly-sized, elegant wedding reception venue that can accommodate parties up to 400 for seated receptions. The venue also has an outdoor gazebo that can be used for wedding ceremonies. The wedding meal is offered in two styles: a buffet or plated dinner. Linens and chair covers can be provided for events. Depending on the party size, a dance floor can also be provided.

   Avalon Manor

   • The Avalon Manor is located just 10 miles southwest of downtown Hobart and is a high-end wedding ceremony and reception facility. Indoor or outdoor ceremonies can be accommodated and the manor's 16,500 square foot reception room can be decorated. The venue offers full-service catering and also allows guests to use outside companies. The manor's gardens are landscaped and overlook a lake, making for a romantic wedding ceremony backdrop.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: downtown Hobart, Avalon Manor, County Line, County Line Orchard, dance floor, Fiesta Palace

How to dry calla lilies

dry calla lilies

It's interesting:
"I know they have both put a tremendous amount of effort in to the planning of this wedding, and can only hope that, apart from this speech, everything has ..."

Cala Lilies are beautiful perennial plants that can add an element of purity and innocence to a flower garden. With their stunning blooms, it is hard to imagine tossing away a Cala Lily bloom, especially if they are in a wedding bouquet. This article will explain dry Calla Lilies.

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Things You'll Need

• Calla Lilies
• Silica gel
• Cardboard box

Instructions

1. Dry Cala Lilies

   • 1

     Open up the cardboard box and put an even layer of Silica gel on the bottom. You can purchase silica gel in most craft stores. Just ask for the stuff that comes in a flower bouquet that says "do not eat".

   • 2

     Carefully lay your Calla lilies on top of the silica gel layer. Make sure none of the blooms are bent along the edges of the cardboard box.

   • 3

     Add another layer of the silica gel on top of the Calla lillies. Add enough to cover the entire plant and then close the cover.

   • 4

     Put the box in a dark room for at least three days. After that, the colors of your Calla lily blooms should be well preserved!

Tips &- Warnings

• You can also try drying them by hanging the Calla lillies upside down in a dark room but you have a greater chance of losing bloom color

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: Cala Lilies, Calla lillies, dark room, your Calla

Places to go in western pennsylvania on a sunday

It's interesting:
"Tom looks great on his wedding day doesn't he? I won't say it's funny to see ... Congratulations to Tom and Susan on their wedding. And since it's election week ..."

Western Pennsylvania, with its rolling hills, lush green valleys and four distinct seasons, offers residents and visitors an array of activities. You can visit amusement parks, tour grand homes, journey into deep caverns, relax on a sandy beach, bike or hike on trails, or snowmobile in state parks. Let your imagination be your guide.

1. Presque Isle

   • Presque Isle State Park is on a 3,200-acre peninsula that juts into Lake Erie. The park has 13 beaches, 11 miles of walking and hiking trails for nature lovers and 13 miles of paved picturesque trails for joggers, walkers, skateboarders, in-line skaters and bicyclists along the bay and the lake. Winter activities include ice skating, snowshoeing, ice fishing and cross-country skiing. Located near the entrance of Presque Isle is the Waldameer and Waterworld amusement park.

   Laurel Highlands

   • Nestled in the mountains of the Laurel Highlands are the Laurel Caverns, which have one-hour guided tours that take visitors 170 feet underground. Within a 30-minute drive from the caverns is Ohiopyle State Park. During the summer, the park has whitewater rafting, large boulders on which to sunbathe, hiking trails and a paved trail for bikers, skaters, walkers or joggers. Rafting tours and raft and bike rentals are available. Winter activities include cross-country skiing, snowmobiling and sledding. After visiting Ohiopyle, tour Fallingwater. This contemporary house was built in the 1930s by the renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright.

   Pittsburgh

   • Pittsburgh has many attractions within a short driving distance. Children and adults can explore the Carnegie Museums of Art and Natural History. Some of the permanent attractions include full-size dinosaurs, early Greek, Roman and Egyptian architecture, dioramas depicting the American Indians and North American Wildlife and a full array of original art by past and present renowned artists. Within walking distance from the museum is Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens. This Victorian structure houses an array of exotic flowers, plants and trees. The Desert Room, Sunken Garden, Palm Court, Orchid Room and Tropical Fruit and Spice Room are just a few of the permanent indoor botanical displays. During the warmer months there are several outdoor displays to meander through and enjoy.

   Ligonier

   • The historic town of Ligonier is in a valley between Chestnut Ridge and the Laurel Mountains. A gazebo adorns the center of the town square, which is lined with quaint stores and restaurants. Visitors have the options of touring Fort Ligonier, enjoying rides at Idlewild amusement park or walking through Story Book Forest.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: Presque Isle, activities include, amusement park, cross-country skiing, hiking trails, Laurel Highlands, pennsylvania sunday

Gypsy wedding reception ideas

It's interesting:
"What about the bride then, ladies and gentlemen? How wonderful she looks today. And Paul has scrubbed up quite nicely too – it’s amazing what a flannel and a bar of soap can do. But it’s a bit rude of him to have copied my outfit eh!"

Themed weddings receptions allow you to express your creative side and make an already momentous day even more special. Because the culture evolved over hundreds of years as their nomadic nature carried them across different countries, a Gypsy theme offers several options for a wedding reception. Using traditional and modern elements of the Gypsy culture, you can design a theme for your reception that not only pleases you and your guests, but creates a scene you'll remember fondly for years to come.

1. Setting

   • If the weather permits, consider holding your reception outdoors with a bonfire or a fire pit as the focal point. Depending on the size of your guest list, a tent may be another option. Traditional Gypsies carried their tents with them as they traveled in their "-vardos,"- or horse-drawn wagons. If you’-re holding your reception indoors, look for a setting with windows that offer a pleasant view of nature and allow in plenty of sunlight.

   Food

   • Traditional Gypsy food includes readily available items, such as leafy plants, berries, fruits, vegetables and small animals. For your wedding reception, try a thick vegetable stew or meat roasted over a fire on a spit. Serve side dishes of unleavened breads, fruits and berries, as well as beverages such as coffee, flavored teas, wine, beer and spirits. Create place-settings with colorful, mismatched flatware and silverware, reflecting the barter-and-trade lifestyle of the Gypsy.

   Music

   • Traditional Gypsy music heavily features violins, acoustic guitars and pan flutes, but through the years the musical style and flavor took on different elements, based on the areas to which the nomadic Gypsies traveled. Some Gypsy tribes incorporated the brass and wind instruments of the Balkans into their own style, while others incorporated the Spaniards’- flamenco music. Modern Gypsy music typically combines a wide range of traditional European folk music. For your wedding reception, seek bands that can reproduce folk music of European origin, or hire a disc jockey with a well-rounded selection of instrumental folk music.

   Dé-cor

   • Bright colors, flowing fabrics and flashy jewelry are mainstays of the Gypsy culture. Create glowing centerpieces with brightly colored candles, or make terrariums in bottles to display on each table. Cover your tables with colorful tablecloths, and drape jewel-colored scarves or scraps of fabric over chairs, on wall sconces or around centerpieces, taking care to avoid areas that may pose fire hazards, such as candles or light fixtures. Sprinkle jewels, beads and charms on tabletops and scatter gold or silver bangles around centerpieces.

   Party Favors

   • Fortune-telling has long been associated with Gypsies. Capitalize on this history by including tarot cards as party favors, as well as small crystal balls or individual tea bags for tea leaf readings. Consider hiring a party entertainer who gives palm readings or interprets tarot cards and tea leaves for your wedding guests.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: wedding reception, folk music, your reception, your wedding, your wedding reception, around centerpieces

Wedding wording etiquette for mr. & mrs.

It's interesting:
"'I used your site to create my wedding speech. ... 'Chaps, just got to say a huge thanks for the help your site gave me preparing for my brother's wedding. As best ..."

Think of etiquette as a guide for appearing proper and classy in significant social events. Weddings are steeped in etiquette- don't think of etiquette as rules or immovable laws that must be followed but rather, as a guide to hosting a wedding with class and style. Etiquette is flexible enough to accommodate your personal preferences in a classy manner. While etiquette helps guide every aspect of wedding planning, it particularly helps for wording and addressing invitations.

1. Wedding Invitation

   • A good general rule to keep in mind with wedding invitations and envelopes regarding the use of "Mr." and "Mrs." is that titles are punctuated. Even in the most formal and traditional invitations, titles should not be spelled out, but rather abbreviated with proper punctuation. Men such as the bride and groom's fathers should be listed as "Mr." while mothers should be listed as either "Mrs." or "Ms." depending on whether or not the mother is married. Married mothers should be identified as "Mrs." while unmarried mothers as "Ms."

   Hosting Situations

   • The most common situation to use "Mr." and "Mrs." on wedding invitations is the traditional setting where the wedding is hosted -- and thus paid for -- by the bride's parents. In that case, the opening line of the invitation should read as: "Mr. and Mrs. John Smith..." where the bride's father's first and last name follow the punctuated titles. If the bride and groom are hosting the wedding, the opening line should read: "The honor of your presence is requested at the wedding of Miss [bride's full name] to Mr. [groom's full name]."

   Honoring Groom's Parents

   • If you want to honor the groom's parents either because they are helping to host the wedding or just because you want them to be recognized for all they did in preparing the groom for adulthood, you can include them after the listing of the groom's name on the wedding invitation. For example, you could word your wedding invitation as "...[bride's full name] to [groom's full name] son of Mr. and Mrs. [groom's father's full name]". As with all titles, use punctuated forms as opposed to the spelled-out versions of "Mister" or "Missus."

   Addressing Invitations

   • Etiquette governs the addressing of wedding invitations too, just as it helps guide the wording of the invitations themselves. Place invitations inside of an inner envelope. The addressing of the inner envelope may be less formal and may just list the first names of the invited guests or may be printed as "Mr. Jones and Family." The outer envelope should include titles and be similar to the wedding invitation wording. Invitations to couples should be addressed as "Mr. and Mrs. John Smith." Invitations addressed to single men should appear as "Mr. John Smith" and invitations to women should appear as "Mrs.," "Ms." or "Miss" depending on whether the woman is widowed, married, divorced or single. It is also appropriate to use the title "Dr." or "Drs." if one or both invited guests are licensed doctors.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: full name, full name groom, John Smith, name groom, wedding invitation, wedding invitations, bride full

What the mother of the groom should wear for a spring wedding

It's interesting:
"Sorry if the speeches drag on. Wedding receptions can be a bit like an X Factor results show. You just want to skip through the talky bits to find out ..."

Nothing is more frightening than picking a wedding dress, except for the decision of what to wear if you're the groom's mother. Deciding on a dress when you're the mother of the groom can be difficult. Unlike the mother of the bride, you may not understand your soon-to-be-daughter's taste or wedding style.

Attending spring weddings can make the decision more tricky. If you're in area where the climate can swing between warm and cold, special consideration should be made to make sure you are comfortable all day. Dee Seger, a consultant at Atlas Bridal in Toledo, Ohio, says the first thing the mother of the groom should do is consult the bride.

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1. Color coordinate

   • Consult the bride on what to determine what the bridal party will be wearing. After finding out what the attendants are wearing, the mother of the groom should pick a complementary color. If the bridal party is wearing purple, the mother of the groom may want to consider lilac. By wearing a complementing color, you will look like a member of the bridal party, not an innocent bystander.

   Wear a Jacket

   • Wearing a jacket will keep you warm if the weather doesn't cooperate. Seger suggests a jacket with a ruffle collar to add something special. If a jacket is too big, try a matching bolero or shrug- most companies have these items that coordinate with their dresses.

   Go Short

   • The new trends in mother of the bride/groom apparel are tea-length dresses and suits. Tea-length dresses will hit slightly below the knee and can be dressed up or down with jewelry and broaches. Tea length dresses can be worn to either a day or evening wedding.

   Mix and Match

   • If you can't find an entire outfit, then mix and match. Bridal apparel maker Alfred Angelo has mix and match styles for every size and shape. The collections allow mixing tops, bottoms, jackets and shrugs to create the perfect custom outfit for your son's big day.

   Look Good Coming and Going

   • If you are envisioning yourself in a long dress, try a dress with a sweep train. A sweep train is short and sweeps the floor and adds a dash of unexpected flair to your gown.

   Wear Black

   • While many may think that one should never wear black to a wedding, it is appropriate for some settings. Depending on the time of day and formality of the ceremony, black can be worn. Seger suggests that if you wear black that you add a pop of color with the shoes or purse.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: mother groom, groom should, mother groom should, bridal party, groom should wear, mother bride

What is an ordination ceremony?

It's interesting:
"I want to welcome each of you to the wedding today. It is a true testament to the bride and groom that you have taken time from your busy schedule to come and witness their marriage. I have never seen a more beautiful bride than Linda, and Paul looks just plain proud, doesn’t he?"

Ordination ceremonies officially recognize a person or group of people into new life standings or positions within a religious organization. This ritual occurs across many different faiths.

1. Weddings

   • Wedding ceremony

     During a traditional Christian wedding, the ordination ceremony includes the couple stating their vows. This may also include prayers from religious leaders and the congregation.

   Buddhism

   • Buddhist monk

     Buddhist monks must undergo an ordination ceremony that strictly adheres to prescribed rules and scripts or the ordination is invalid. Candidates must be at least 20 years old, and the public ceremony must be conducted in Pali, the historic language of Buddhism.

   Catholicism

   • Catholic church

     The ordination ceremony of a Catholic priest includes a full mass presided over by a bishop and attended by friends, family and other priests. After prayers and vows by the bishop, priests and congregation, the bishop dresses the priest in the sacramental wardrobe and presents him with a sign of peace.

   Judaism

   • Jewish rabbis

     An official document ordains Jewish rabbis to become spiritual leaders of their communities. Rabbis must study halacha, or Jewish law, so that they may answer the questions of their congregation.

   Islam

   • The Koran

     Muslims do not ordain spiritual leaders. Many Muslim higher education programs include special graduation ceremonies at the end of Islamic studies programs, but there are no ordination ceremonies.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: ordination ceremony, Jewish rabbis, spiritual leaders, What ordination, What ordination ceremony

Illinois wedding reception sites

It's interesting:
"For those of you who are attending their first Jewish wedding, there may be some customs you're unfamiliar with. Like when Paul stepped on the glass at the end ..."

Illinois boasts many cities and towns that provide beautiful sites for wedding receptions. From gardens to banquet halls to golf country clubs, you can find a site to fit any wedding style in Illinois. Wedding Wire provides a listing of wedding and reception venues by Illinois town or city. Make your day extra special by selecting the site that's best for you.

1. Illinois Beach Resort and Conference Center

   • In northeastern Illinois, visit the Illinois Beach Resort and Conference Center in Zion. Featuring the beautiful Lake Michigan as a backdrop, this venue provides indoor and outdoor areas for up to 300 guests. On-site professional caterers provide the menu and the resort will provide linens, photographers, entertainment and guest accommodations. This resort offers entire wedding packages as well as venues for ceremonies, receptions, rehearsal dinners and showers.

     Illinois Beach Resort and Conference Center

     One Lake Front Drive

     Zion, IL 60099

     847-625-7300

     ilresorts.com

   Patrick C. Haley Mansion

   • The Patrick C. Haley Mansion, a three-and-one-half-story limestone building, was built in 1889. The interior of the mansion boasts original woodwork, stained-glass windows, friezes and six fireplaces. The conservatory and ballroom are well appointed for receptions and can seat up to 450 guests for dinner or 600 for a cocktail reception. This sophisticated venue features crystal chandeliers, starry sky accent lighting, high-gloss tile floor and sheer billowing fabric lining the ceiling. Guest tables are set with silver service and 14-karat gold and platinum band china with charger plates, flutes and stemware.

     Patrick C. Haley Mansion

     17 S. Center St.

     Joliet, IL 60436

     815-726-6891

     patrickhaleymansion.com

   Grand Piazza

   • Located in Chicago's Little Italy neighborhood, the Grand Piazza offers a grand ballroom and dramatic rooftop terrace with skyline views. The unique building is romantic, yet contemporary. The Grand Piazza can accommodate a casual or intimate reception in the gallery, a large elegant reception in the ballroom or a lively party reception on the rooftop. The largest area, Grand Piazza Ballroom, can accommodate up to 500 guests for cocktails, while the smaller area, the Gallery, can seat 100 or serve cocktails to 200. The Levy Events team is the exclusive caterer that will personalize your menu- the Grand Piazza also provides a team of professionals to plan all of the details.

     Grand Piazza

     1431 W. Taylor St.

     Chicago, IL 60607

     312-226-5566

     levyrestaurants.com

   Luthy Botanical Garden

   • The Luthy Botanical Garden offers several venues for a reception. The Conservatory is lush and tropical and seats 80. The Rose Garden, with a grand arbor and season-long color, seats 350. The Crabapple Cove offers beautiful blooms in April with an intimate arbor and seats 300. The Learning Circle features a circular flagstone amphitheater with American Yellowwood trees and can seat up to 150. The Gazebo is reminiscent of a Victorian garden and is an ideal location for a small party of up to 30 people. The Woodland Garden is full of trees, wooded paths, a verdant glade and shade- it seats 300. The Wildlife Garden features a cascading waterfall and a wooded clearing with a seating capacity of 50. Many of these locations can accommodate tents for covered dining. Seasonal and holiday receptions are also available to coincide with special shows on the garden's calendar.

     Luthy Botanical Garden

     2218 N. Prospect Road

     Peoria, IL 61603

     309-681-3507

     peoriaparks.org

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: Grand Piazza, Beach Resort, Beach Resort Conference, Botanical Garden, Conference Center, Haley Mansion

Ideas to engrave in a wedding band

It's interesting:
"Now, I think you'll agree, after seeing the amount of free booze available at this wedding, that it's a good job it's a Bank Holiday this weekend. And if you do ..."

Many couples have the insides of their wedding bands engraved before their wedding ceremony. Others choose a special date to have their bands engraved, such as a significant anniversary. When it comes to the actual content of the engraving, that varies widely. If you're looking to get your wedding bands engraved, spend some quality time with your spouse choosing a statement, word or date that has sentimental value to both of you.

Does this Spark an idea?

1. Romantic Statement

   • Romantic statements are meaningful choices for wedding bands. Examples include, "As best friends, we will always find our balance," "You're the answer to my everything," "I am my beloved's and my beloved is mine," "Love comforteth like sunshine after the rain" and "This ring- a token of my soul. This bond- a broken man made whole." Other ideas include "Eternally yours," "Forever and always," "I will love you my whole life," "It's been you all the time," "When you are with me, I am free" and "Our love is fate."

   Humorous Statement

   • If you and your fiance describe yourselves as a nontraditional couple, consider having a humorous statement engraved on your wedding bands. For example, "Be good Kiddo," "Keep it real," "My hot wife," "Bloody Hell," "Yes, I still love you," "Like wine, we improve," "Wow...we got married man," "Say bye bye to freedom babe," "Ball and chain," "Going Once, Going Twice, Sold," "Save and redeem for fun prizes," "If found, keep man and return ring," "I love you more than puppies and ice cream" and "May all our ups and downs be only in the bedroom."

   Name or Word

   • If you are looking for something more personal, think of a name or word that has sentimental value. For example, the name of the restaurant you met, the name of a song that is special to you both, nicknames that you have for each other or both of your names shortened into one.

   Date or Number

   • There are many special dates you can have engraved on your rings, such as the day you met your fiance, the day he proposed or your wedding day. Alternatively, you could have your fiance's birth date engraved on yours and your birthday engraved on his. Another idea is a simple number that has meaning to you, such as a lucky number that you both share, a number that has cultural or religious significance to you both or a number that had something to do with your union. To add character to the numbers, you could have them written in Chinese, Mayan or Roman numerals.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: number that, wedding bands, bands engraved, your fiance, your wedding

St mary's, ga river cruises

It's interesting:
"At a time of the year when so much of the life around us is being born and renewed, how appropriate it is that we have gathered on this day to witness Paul and Linda begin their new journey as husband and wife. Spring truly is the season of hope and love, and a great symbol of new beginnings...and I could not imagine a better time to plan such a very special event. For the rest of our lives, I don't believe anyone here could ever think of Spring time without having great memories of today and thinking wonderful and loving thoughts about the two of you."

Originating deep in the Okefenokee Swamp, the St. Marys River winds 130 miles eastward and forms part of the border between Georgia and Florida. Traveling through swamps and marshlands, the river teems with wildlife and eventually flows into Cumberland Sound and the Atlantic Ocean. The historic city of St. Marys is located at the mouth of the river. With its two barrier islands, the St. Marys River area is a popular vacation spot. Viewing the maritime beauty of the region from one of the available river cruises is the choice of many visitors.

1. Cumberland Sound Ferry

   • The Cumberland Sound Ferry provides sightseeing between St. Marys, Georgia and Fernandina Beach, Florida. The narrated ferry trip travels down the St. Marys River and takes you through maritime forests, scenic waterways, and past the wilderness beaches of Cumberland Island. Wildlife abounds and passengers get glimpses of manatees, dolphins and maybe even a sea turtle. The trip also includes a historic Civil War Era fort. The cruise is pet- and bike-friendly.

     Amelia River Cruises

     1 North Front Street

     Fernandina Beach, Florida 32034

     904-261-9972

     ameliarivercruises.com

   Cumberland Island Tour

   • Wild Horses on the Beach

     This two hour trip takes you to the western shore of Cumberland Island National Seashore. Passengers learn about the history of the island, and view its wildlife including a herd of wild horses. The ruins of Dungeness, the winter home of Andrew Carnegie, are also a highlight of the trip. From the Intracoastal Waterway you'll see Amelia Island. The cruise is pet-friendly.

     Amelia River Cruises

     1 North Front Street

     Fernandina Beach, Florida 32034

     904-261-9972

     ameliarivercruises.com

   The Cumberland Sound Tour

   • The Cumberland Sound Tour of Amelia River Cruises is a 1 ½--hour trip that takes you along the Intracoastal Waterway to Amelia Island and to the southern tip of Cumberland Island. The ferry travels up Cumberland Island's Beach Creek to learn about the shrimping industry and it also visits historic Fort Clinch. The cruise is pet friendly.

     Amelia River Cruises

     1 North Front Street

     Fernandina Beach, Florida 32034

     904-261-9972

     ameliarivercruises.com

   Sunset Cruise

   • The hour-long Sunset Cruise of Amelia River Cruises visits the Bells River area and its marsh islands as it travels towards Cumberland's southern shore. The combination of sunset and scenery makes this a popular cruise among visitors.

     Amelia River Cruises

     1 North Front Street

     Fernandina Beach, Florida 32034

     904-261-9972

     ameliarivercruises.com

   The Cumberland Lady

   • The ferry to the Cumberland Island National Seashore is located on the waterfront of the city of St. Marys. The Cumberland Lady leaves the dock several times each day for the 45-minute trip to the island. The scenic trip includes views of the river, its marshlands, and parts of the Cumberland Island shore. Passengers can take day trips to the island or make arrangements to bring camping gear in order to camp on the island.

     St. Marys Convention and Visitors Bureau.

     406 Osbourne Street

     St. Marys, Georgia 31558

     877-860-6787

   Captain Dave's River Cruises

   • Captain Dave's River Cruises are located in Jacksonville, Florida, and provide sightseeing tours to Amelia Island and Fernandina Beach. Tours also travel the Intracoastal Waterway and the St. Johns River. Cruises are by advanced appointment only and group rates are available.

     Captain Dave's River Cruises

     1311 Premium Road

     Jacksonville, Florida

     904-642-9546

     captdaves.com

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: Cumberland Island, Amelia River, Amelia River Cruises, Fernandina Beach, Beach Florida, Cumberland Sound

Ideas to celebrate dr. seuss's birthday

It's interesting:
"Sometimes people get upset when their friend gets married, especially if they don’t know the bride too well. Well, the way I see it – today I’m not losing one friend to marriage, but gaining one instead. And, if you look over at our college friends sitting at table 9, it’ll highlight how nice it will be for us to gain a new member of the crew, a new best friend, especially one who clearly bathes regularly."

After many generations, people continue to celebrate Dr. Seuss's birthday on March 2nd. Theodor Seuss Geisel was born in 1904 and published many animated books for children. He is a favorite author of many little ones and adults, who grew up reading his books. When celebrating Dr. Seuss's birthday, add a touch of the author's creativity by playing games, serving food and putting out Dr. Seuss-style decorations at your party.

Does this Spark an idea?

1. Invitations

   • Print a red-and-white-striped hat (like the one in the book "Cat in the Hat") to write your party information on to mail. Write "Oh, the places you'll go! Come to _______'s Dr. Seuss party for a one-of-a-kind good time!" on the invitation. Let your guests know you are celebrating Dr. Seuss's birthday on the invitations. Put the invitation inside red envelopes and put Dr. Seuss-themed stickers on the outside of the envelope.

   Decorations

   • If you have any Dr. Seuss books, put the books out on tables and counters for decoration. You can also rent Dr. Seuss books from a library to use for decoration. Red, white and blue are the most common colors for a Dr. Seuss theme. Place a white tablecloth on a table, and use red and blue plates. Mix red and blue cups to use as well. Create wall decorations by scanning and printing characters from Dr. Seuss books. Laminate these characters and hang on the walls of the party area.

     Make funky Dr. Seuss-style centerpieces by using wacky flowers and pipe cleaners. Twist the pipe cleaners around a pen to make them curly and put in a vase on the party table.

   Food

   • No Dr. Seuss party would be complete without making green eggs and ham. Make deviled eggs and add green food coloring to the mixture before putting back into the eggs. Arrange the eggs on a platter and put ham around the outside of the platter. Put out a tray of red and blue fish Jell-O Jigglers. For the drinks, make an ice cube tray of red and blue Kool-Aid packets and freeze overnight. This way you have red and blue ice cubes for drinks. Let the party guests pour lemon-lime soda over the colored ice cubes for drinks.

     Bake a sheet cake and allow it to cool completely. Cut the cake in the shape of a stovepipe hat. Use red and white icing to make stripes on the cake, as it is in "Cat in the Hat."

   Games

   • Play "Pin the hat on the cat" by printing or drawing a large picture of the cat. Print several hats and write each child's name on the hats. To draw a large picture of the cat, use an overhead transparency to display the picture on a large sheet of paper. a real, red-and-white striped hat to the guest who pins the hat closest to the correct spot.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: Seuss birthday, Seuss books, celebrating Seuss, celebrating Seuss birthday, cubes drinks

Etiquette on renewal of wedding vows

It's interesting:
"Paul is caring, he's generous, he's sensitive… in fact I don't even know him anymore. Linda has changed my best friend. Actually, I should thank you Linda. You've done in 18 months what I couldn't do in 18 years."

After a major life event or after some time has passed since the wedding, many couples wish to renew their wedding vows to show their significant other the importance of their union. The ultimate goal of a vow renewal is for the couple to reconfirm their marriage commitment through loving gestures and sincere words.

1. Wording the Vow Renewal

   • If there is a strong reason that lead you to reaffirm your vows, state the reason to bring clarity to your motivations. The words in your renewal vows should acknowledge your partner's contributions and reflect your gratitude for how your marriage is strengthened because of them. Proclaim in your vows your appreciation for the marriage, your continued commitment to the marriage and your love for this special someone. You may thank your significant other for keeping the promise he made in the original vows. If there are additional promises you wish to add to the original vows, this is the time to do so.

   Legal Concerns

   • Vow renewal is given for symbolic reasons. As the ceremony is not legally binding, it is not a replacement for a second wedding. If you have divorced the same marriage partner previously, you need to re-marry this person and obtain another marriage license in the state where you would perform your ceremony.

   Gifts and the Registrar

   • There is no one to give away for the renewal ceremony as the couple has already been married. Many couples choose to stand on different wings of the room and walk towards each other at the ceremony. Given the couple has already received ceremonial gifts at the wedding, guests should consider giving more practical gifts for the renewal ceremony. If gifts can be given without a registry, it is recommend to skip the registrar as this is not a typical gift-giving ceremony. Bachelor or bachelorette parties and bridal showers are also atypical for vow renewals.

   Invitations

   • Decide who will host your vow renewal ceremony. You may have a pastor from your church or a judge to officiate, but the presence of an officiant is not required for a vow renewal. Invitations could be written as follows:

     Please join ___________(partner) and _________(partner) as they reaffirm their wedding vows and celebrate _____(number of years) years together on _________(date) at ___________(venue name)_________________(location).

   Vow Renewal Ceremony

   • Depending on the reasons for renewing your wedding vows, the actual ceremony could be brief and dignified or highly elaborate and extravagant. The ultimate goal should remain on the focus of your vows to your significant others and not centered on the extravagance. Most vow renewal ceremonies are intimate celebrations with close friends and family members. Similar to a wedding, set a date, choose a venue and spend according to your budget guidelines.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: wedding vows, renewal ceremony, your vows, couple already, Etiquette renewal

Purpose of the wedding veil

It's interesting:
"I can’t imagine a happier way to start married life than in this wonderful venue with all their family and friends around them. Ok, so I can – but it would have to be an exceptionally big Jacuzzi."

The purpose of our modern wedding veil is itself veiled in a fascinating web of history, tradition and legend. In ancient times, the veil was seen as a declaration of either the bride's purity or of the solemnizing of the marriage bond. Today, of course, things are a little less formal, and most brides choose their veils for fashion more than ritual significance. Still, the wedding veil is firmly embedded in our cultural history, and seems certain to remain so.

Does this Spark an idea?

1. History

   • Veils were widely used in many parts of the ancient world. For instance, Babylonian, Greek and Mesopotamian women often wore veils as part of everyday clothing. Several different traditions tell of the veil's purpose in the wedding ceremony.
     

     In some cultures, wearing a veil to the wedding served as a symbol to the groom that his bride was innocent and untouched. In the ancient Near East, husbands would often throw a veil over their new wives, symbolizing either the fulfillment of their bond, or the husband taking ownership of his wife. In the biblical book of Joshua, the veil served a more functional purpose, hiding the identity of the bride to trick the hero into marrying his beloved's sister.
     

     Over time, the wedding veil became common in many cultures throughout the world, with each culture adding its own layers of tradition and symbolism.

   Change in Purpose

   • In Western culture, the purpose of the veil shifted from symbol to fashion statement. According to the Smithsonian Institute, the modern wedding outfit began with the wedding of Queen Victoria in 1840. Her outfit of white, including a white veil, was embraced, first as a fashion fad, then as the wedding standard by many in Britain and the United States.

   Current Use

   • According to Ohio State University historian Katherine Jellison, white weddings became most common during the prosperous period after World War II. A white dress and veil not only fit the conservatism of the period, but demonstrated that the bride and her family could afford the best and fanciest wedding.

   Misconceptions

   • While white is considered the traditional color for weddings, veils of many colors have been used in marriage ceremonies. In Spain, the traditional color was black until recent times. American Civil War era brides often wore yellow or other bright colors.

   Alternatives

   • The veil remains an important part of the traditional wedding dress for many brides, but some choose to do without, or look to other coverings, including hats, hairbands or hair ribbons. These choices underscore the transition of the veil from a functional part of the wedding ceremony to a fashionable, and now optional, accessory.

Source: www.ehow.comTags: wedding veil, modern wedding, often wore, Purpose wedding veil, that bride

How to make paper flowers doves for wedding invitations

make paper flowers & doves for wedding invitations

It's interesting:
"But fortunately Giles recovered from his stag do and made it to the wedding today … + Add to clipboard. 11-Feb-201It's been a great week for the groom."

Making your own wedding invitations is a creative way to personalize your message to friends and family. It also offers a way to control every aspect of the design, as well as the cost of the invitations. Delicate embellishments, such as paper flowers and doves, are tasteful additions to any wedding invitation, and they are easy to make with the right tools.

Things You'll Need

• Card stock
• Clip-art of doves and flowers
• Color photocopy machine or ink jet printer
• Scissors or utility knife
• Glue gun

Instructions

1. • 1

     Find some clip-art of doves and flowers that appeal to you. You can find appropriate images in clip-art books or on the Internet.

   • 2

     Color-photocopy the clip-art on to the card stock. Use the photocopy machine to enlarge or shrink the image as needed if the clip-art is from a book. If you are using clip-art from the Internet, print the images out on the card stock with an ink jet printer.

   • 3

     Cut the photocopied doves and flowers out from the card stock using scissors or a utility knife. Be careful to cut closely to the image without cutting into it.

   • 4

     Decide how you want to place the clip-art on the card. Perhaps you want to have a dove carry a flower in its beak or a dove sitting in a bed of flowers. Position the clip-art accordingly.

   • 5

     Glue the dove and flower cutouts on to the card using the hot-glue gun.

   • 6

     Alternatively, you might want the dove to be part of the card, in which case print the clip-art directly on to the card invitation, and then use the utility knife or scissors to cut around the dove’-s beak, making a “-V”- flap. Glue the flower cutout into the bird’-s beak, so that it looks like the dove is carrying the flower.

Tips &- Warnings

• Many art suppliers sell ready-made die-cuts. Check the paper craft section of your local art supply store for die-cut doves and flowers.

• Use letter die-cuts and other die-cut images on your invitation to give it a 3-D look.

• Nail-cutting scissors can help cut the curved parts of the images closely.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: doves flowers, card stock, flowers doves, paper flowers, paper flowers doves

Ideas for wedding wishes on cards

It's interesting:
"Tom looks great on his wedding day doesn't he? I won't say it's funny to see ... Congratulations to Tom and Susan on their wedding. And since it's election week ..."

If a close friend or family member is getting married, you'll not only want to pick a pretty, ornate gift card but you'll also want to write a heartfelt message inside to communicate how happy you are for the couple. It may be difficult to convey your feelings and come up with the right words. You'll want to congratulate them on their marriage and wish them well in the future, but you don't want to sound cheesy. A little bit of planning and brainstorming at the outset can help ensure that your wishes will be well received, and not soon forgotten.

1. Simple Statements

   • Start off the card by simply saying "congratulations," and tell the couple that you wish them all the best in the future. This may be all you need if you're not particularly close with either the bride or the groom. You can also add in a simple, positive viewpoint on relationships or marriage. Just steer clear of offering marriage advice -- brides and grooms are bombarded with this information during their engagement, wedding planning and start of marriage.

   Shared Memories

   • If you're close with the couple, write about a memory that all of you share. You can also write out an inside joke that all three of you will understand and find humorous. Try to tie these memories in to some kind of statement about how you're looking forward to continued experiences together now that the couple is married. Be careful not to include insensitive or insulting memories, however. Even if it's funny in your day-to-day lives, it won't be appropriate to include in a wedding card.

   Quotations

   • If you simply can't come up with the words on your own and feel that more experienced writers will be better able to express your sentiments, search for a marriage or love-related quote that you can transcribe in the card. Peruse famous authors who write about love, like Shakespeare, hunt for quotations on the Internet, or find a love poem in an anthology that you can copy into the card.

   Apologies

   • If you're unable to attend the wedding but are sending a card and gift, mention in the card that you regret not being able to attend the couple's special day. Also, write a quick sentence explaining why you're unable to make it. Be honest and don't make your reason sound like more of an excuse.

   Important Considerations

   • Before you drop your card in the mail, make sure that you've spelled both the bride's and groom's names correctly. Double-check the exact spelling by referring to the wedding invitation. If you're nervous about getting the wording wrong, write your message on a separate piece of paper first, and then rewrite it in the card. This will save you the trouble of having to get a new card or cross out words if you change your mind halfway through.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: bride groom, close with, come with, Ideas wedding, Ideas wedding wishes, wedding wishes, wedding wishes cards

Wineries & resorts in temecula, california

It's interesting:
"Oh. Is there a wedding going on? .... You may never see a wedding like this one again … not now that they've banned multi-buys on supermarket booze. ..."

Temecula is located in southwestern Riverside County in California and the area is known as wine country. Some of the best wineries in California are in this area. Tours are available at some wineries where you can watch the wine-making process. You'll find several resorts in Temecula surrounded by the beauty of vineyards.

1. South Coast Winery Resort & Spa

   • South Coast Winery Resort & Spa is located in the center of Southern California's Temecula Wine Country. Choose from one of 76 beautiful private vineyard villas, each of which features a fireplace, spa tub and quiet terrace. Enjoy a soothing massage, exercise in the state-of-the-art fitness center or take a walk on a path among the 38 acres of vines. Enjoy a relaxing experience at the Vineyard Rose Restaurant and view the vineyards from the terrace.

   Vail Lake Resort

   • Vail Lake Resort is located in in wine country, on 11,000 private acres that surround the largest private lake in California. Enjoy recreation such as mountain biking, horseback riding, fishing, swimming, hiking or relaxing on the beaches. This resort features many sporting events and musical entertainment. The Temecula Wine and Music Festival is scheduled for April 30, 2011. Entertainment includes different kinds of music, and you can taste many wines from local wineries at this festival.

   Family-Owned Wineries

   • Frangipani Winery in Temecula Valley's Wine Country is family-owned. This winery has been open since 1989 and produces about 4,000 cases of wine per year. The tasting room is open every day of the week. When you visit Frangipani, you can often talk to Don Frangipani and his wife, Joanne.

     Palumbo Family Vineyards make small, lot handcrafted wines from varieties that are grown on the property. They specialize in full-bodied reds and produce single variety bottlings and some special blends.

   Winery Tours

   • Callaway Vineyard and Winery has been around for 40 years and offers high-quality limited productions and reserve wines. This winery has tours through which you can learn the history of Callaway Vineyards and Winery. You'll see the techniques used to produce Callaway's handcrafted wines in the crush pad, fermentation cellars and barrel room.

     Temecula Valley Jeep and Wine Tours are open seven days a week. You're picked up at your destination in a red jeep by a knowledgeable tour guide. You will visit several wineries where you can taste wine and visit tasting rooms, crush pads, barrel rooms and gift shops.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: Coast Winery, Coast Winery Resort, handcrafted wines, Lake Resort, Resort located, resorts temecula, resorts temecula california

How to address wedding envelopes to family

address wedding envelopes to family

It's interesting:
"Your opportunity to wow the audience and create a moment at the wedding people will be ... The Internet's largest collection of original wedding speech material, ..."

Several details are involved with successfully planning a wedding. Perhaps one of the most important parts of the planning process is sending out the invitations, for without them, guests would not be aware of the details of the event. While addressing the envelopes for the invitations may seem like a straightforward task, there is a proper etiquette, for distant relatives and close kin alike.

Things You'll Need

• Pens
• Invitations
• Envelopes

Instructions

1. • 1

     Assemble the invitations. Place the invitations inside the inner envelopes. These envelopes are ungummed and are not meant to be sealed. They serve as a protective layer for the invitation when being shipped through the mail.

   • 2

     Address the inner envelopes. The address on the inner envelope consists of names only. On this envelope, write the names of all members of the family whom you are inviting to the family. For instance, the heads of the household would be written as Mr. and Mrs., followed by the family's last name. Write the first names of any children being invited underneath the heads of the household. When writing invitations for close family members--grandparents, for instance--you may substitute "Mr. and Mrs." for "Grandpa and Grandma" followed by their last name.

   • 3

     Insert the addressed inner envelopes, along with any paraphernalia, into the outer envelopes. The outer envelopes are gummed, since they are meant to be sealed.

   • 4

     Address the outer envelopes. The names on the outer envelopes should be written out formally, no matter how close you are to the person the invitation is intended for. If the addressee is a doctor, address him or her as such. Fully write out formal titles. If "senior," "junior" or "esquire" is in the title, include it on the envelope. If children are being invited to the affair, do not write their names on the outer envelope- the outer envelope should be addressed only to the heads of the household. Fully write out the names of states, as well as street, avenue, boulevard and so forth. Do not use abbreviations.

Tips &- Warnings

• Do not type addresses- use handwriting. If you do not have good penmanship, consider seeking the help of a calligrapher.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: outer envelopes, heads household, inner envelopes, address wedding, address wedding envelopes, being invited, children being

Amelia island plantation villas

It's interesting:
"Sorry if the speeches drag on. Wedding receptions can be a bit like an X Factor results show. You just want to skip through the talky bits to find out ..."

Amelia Island Plantation is a popular beach resort in Florida with luxury villa accommodations. Located on Amelia Island, a barrier island off the coast, guests enjoy the beach lifestyle and amenities of a first-class resort. The island has 13 miles of beaches and clear waters to enjoy. The resort has hosted tennis tournaments, and the golf courses are designed by well-known golfers.

1. Accommodations

   • The villas at Amelia Island Plantation have either an ocean or resort view. Living areas are spacious and the kitchens are fully equipped. The condominiums have one to two bedrooms and all have a no smoking policy. Some of the villas allow pet dogs or cats with a 50-pound weight limit.

   Room Amenities

   • Guests have access to a high-speed Internet connection and cable television with premium channels in the living area and master bedrooms. Valuables can be stored in the room safe and the phone system has voicemail. The villas provide complimentary skin care products from Absolutely Natural. Other amenities include a hairdryer, iron with ironing board and a coffee maker.

   Packages

   • Various packages are available offering accommodation with deals and discounts. The Golf Package includes unlimited green fees and use of the fitness center. The Tennis Package comes with unlimited court time and use of the fitness center. The Romantic Package includes a four-course dinner for two with champagne toast, chocolate gifts and luxury spa robes to take away.

   Resort Amenities for Sport and Leisure

   • Sporting amenities include 54 championship golf holes and 23 clay tennis courts. The Health and Fitness Center contains cardio machines, weights, whirlpools, steam rooms and saunas- a spa is also available. Most of the villas come with one or more swimming pools- the beach Club has two pools and a children's pool. Guests can book sightseeing cruises, sailing excursions and go freshwater and saltwater fishing.

   Spa

   • Treatments at the spa include massages, aromatherapy sessions, reflexology and facials. Guests are offered an Organic Chocolate Massage or a Couples Massage for Two. Classes include a Weight Control Session using hypnotherapy, Yoga and Hypnosis and The Power of Your Mind Workshop. The Spa Boutique sells candles, body lotions, mineral salts and body brushes.

   Dining

   • Fine dining is provided at the Ocean Grill with much of the menu coming form the local farmer's market. More casual dining is offered at various eateries at the resort. The Marche Burette is a deli as well as a restaurant, and burgers and wraps are served at the Golf Shop Restaurant. The Verandah specializes in seafood, and guests can enjoy a drink by the pool at the Beach Club. Live entertainment is presented at the Lobby Lounge. Room service is also available and guests can choose to eat on their private balcony.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: Amelia Island, also available, amenities include, fitness center, guests enjoy, island plantation, Island Plantation

Costume ideas for famous couples in history

It's interesting:
"I remember the last wedding I went to. It was in the function room of the Tate Gallery. The groom got plastered and ended up with red wine, gravy ..."

While many couples are famous in their own small circle, others attract the notice and attention of the nation and the world. The next time you and your significant other attend a costume party, you can choose a famous couple to impersonate.

Does this Spark an idea?

1. Royal Couples

   • There's nothing like a royal couple to make others sit up and take notice. Attend the party as Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn. This works especially well if one of you is a portly man with reddish hair and a beard, however, padding and false facial hair will do the trick as well. Another option is Wallis Simpson, the American divorcee, and the Prince Edward, Duke of Windsor, who abdicated the throne as the King of England for the woman he loved. Study photos of the couple, and opt for hairstyles and clothing from the late 1930s when this couple were in their heyday.

   Political Couples

   • Political power couples have appeared from time to time throughout American history. Dress as Abraham Lincoln and Mary Todd. Period clothing from the Civil War era is appropriate, as is a beard for Abe. Alternatively, dress as George and Martha Washington. A white wig, knee breeches and a long coat will complete George's costume. Martha requires a Colonial-style dress, cap and shawl, reminiscent of the era. Be sure to conduct yourself with the dignity befitting the first President and First Lady of the United States.

   Biblical Couples

   • The fame of Biblical couples has stood the test of time. Everyone will recognize you as Adam and Eve when you dress in flesh-colored leotards and tights adorned with strategically placed fig leaves. Have Adam carry a rubber snake to represent the serpent from the Garden of Eden and ensure that Eve has her apple polished and ready to offer to all who are tempted. Samson and Delilah are another Biblical couple that is easily recognized. Samson's long, flowing locks and tunic are an easy costume to create. Implement chains to reflect his time spent in slavery. Gold jewelry, a revealing, low-cut gown, tousled hair and exotic makeup offers a way for Delilah to show her physical beauty and tempting nature.

   Musical Couples

   • Throughout history there has been more than one famous couple that made beautiful music together. Dress as John Lennon and Yoko Ono. Opt for garb from the 1960s and '70s. Wear love beads, let your hair flow long and loose and wear round eyeglasses like those that were popular at the time. A shorter man and taller woman make a perfect Sonny and Cher. A long, black wig and a midriff-baring outfit will make it obvious that you're Cher. Don't forget to wear dangling earrings and toss your hair often.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: clothing from, Costume ideas, Costume ideas famous, couple that, couples history

Ideas for wedding speeches

It's interesting:
"Generally speaking, a good wedding speech should sound as if it has been prepared and rehearsed over a long period before the event but the seemingly ..."

Depending on how you look at it, being asked to give a speech during a wedding reception is either a great honor or a nightmare. Everyone has been at a wedding where the food runs cold as the speeches seem to drag on forever. The best way to keep the guests interested is to keep each speech fairly short, no more than a few minutes in length, and say things that are perfectly sincere.

1. Types of Speeches

   • The first thing to figure out is what type of wedding speech you are required to give. Find out if the bride and groom want traditional speeches or if they simply want what you happen to come up with. Traditional wedding speeches include a best man speech and a maid of honor speech, along with speeches exchanged between the bride and groom. A parent or other close family member from each side might also present a speech. For nontraditional speeches, it is mainly up to you for what your speech will consist of. Tell a story about your relationship with the couple, or open with a quote that describes their relationship.

   Traditional Speeches

   • Conversely, each type of traditional speech tends to take place at a certain time and have a certain tone. The groom's speech is first and is aimed at complimenting the bride and expressing true love and devotion. It is important to thank the new in-laws and all the guests for their role in the wedding. The best man's speech typically follows and leads into a champagne toast. Use safe humor in this speech. Avoid uncomfortable topics such as previous girlfriends and the college fraternity days. The story of how you met as friends tends to be safe. The bride's speech is more of a commentary. It might be fun to share the spotlight with the groom or add more details to a previous story told by the best man or her father. Speeches given by the couple's parents are sprinkled throughout the allotted speech time. It is appropriate to welcome the new family into your own and be more sentimental.

   A Sense of Timing

   • Find out what order the speeches will be given and plan for your speech accordingly. For example if you are the last person in line, you might want your speech to be on the shorter end since the guests will want to get on with the reception. If you are near the beginning, your speech can be longer than just a few minutes, but be considerate of the speech givers who will go after you.

   Ask for Advice

   • When in doubt, ask other people to read over your speech or read it aloud to them. This allows you to practice your speech if you are nervous about it and receive input and advice from your audience. Ask them to be completely honest with you and tell you if it is too long, too personal or too impersonal. A good tip, especially for the best man's speech, is to have the mother of the groom listen to it. If it passes by her, you are good to go.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: your speech, best speech, wedding speeches, bride groom, Ideas wedding, Ideas wedding speeches, wedding speech

Phoenix camera shops

It's interesting:
"Sometimes people get upset when their friend gets married, especially if they don’t know the bride too well. Well, the way I see it – today I’m not losing one friend to marriage, but gaining one instead. And, if you look over at our college friends sitting at table 9, it’ll highlight how nice it will be for us to gain a new member of the crew, a new best friend, especially one who clearly bathes regularly."

The city of Phoenix averages 310 days of sunshine a year. The Phoenix area has several camera shops- some offer photography and camera classes while others have refurbished cameras for sale or do repairs.

1. Wilson Camera

   • Wilson Camera has been in business in the Phoenix area since 1954. They have a variety of digital cameras and camera accessories available. You'll receive personal service when you buy a camera here and the staff will give you a full demonstration of how your new camera works before you leave the shop. If you feel like you need further instruction, they do offer camera classes. This shop also has a portrait studio on the premises where professional photographers will shoot pictures. Outside photography services are also available.

     Wilson Camera

     3142 E. Camelback Rd.

     Phoenix, AZ 85016

     602-955-6773

     wilsoncamera.com

   Ritz & Wolf Camera & Image

   • Since 1918 the Ritz & Wolf Camera & Image Company has been providing top notch service and all the photography equipment you may need. When they started out they developed black and white film, today you can have your old photos digitally enhanced and your digital photos printed. This shop offers one our development of film and they have camcorders.

     Ritz & Wolf Camera & Image

     1928 E. Highland Ave.

     Phoenix, AZ 85016

     602-279-9492

     ritzcameraandimage.com/store/918.php

   Foto Forum Camera & Video

   • Foto Forum Camera & Video has been in business in Phoenix for 38 years. They offer a large selection of digital cameras and lenses, video cameras and accessories. The knowledgeable staff brings more than 30 years of experience in the photography industry. Store hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

     Foto Forum Camera & Video

     4834 N. 7th St.

     Phoenix, AZ 85014

     602-263-0084

     fotoforumaz.com

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: Camera Image, Camera Video, Forum Camera, Forum Camera Video, Foto Forum

Wineries in louisa, virginia

It's interesting:
"Since meeting Linda, I've seen terrific changes in Paul. He seems much more confident these days. He's surer of what he wants. He's happier, and he's much more willing to bend these days, too. Although he’s still adamant that Arsenal will win the next seasons Champions League."

Virginia produces award-winning wines and has a lot to offer in variety, price and food pairings. The vineyards in Louisa County, Virginia are easy to get to, making a weekend excursion an unforgettable journey through Virginia wines. Be aware that some vineyards have tasting fees, while others charge only to taste their reserve selections, so call ahead to plan accordingly. Tours of the vineyards always elicit a fee, typically fewer than $10, as of spring 2010.

1. Cooper Vineyards

   • Located in between Charlottesville and Richmond in central Virginia, Cooper Vineyards has received many awards, mainly for its white wines, specifically the viognier and vida. The vineyard is open throughout the year for tastings and tours, and in the warmer months, it holds events that typically involve music and food pairings.

     Cooper Vineyards
     

     13372 Shannon Hill Rd.
     

     Louisa Va. 23093
     

     540-894-5253
     

     Coopervineyards.com

   Barboursville Vineyards

   • Barboursville Vineyards has been producing wines since 1998 and offers a wide range of varietals. The vineyard typically holds events every other weekend, with a monthly cooking class during the week. The premises even features the 1804 Inn, where you can stay for the night.

     Barboursville Vineyards
     

     17655 Winery Rd.
     

     Barboursville, VA 22923
     

     540-832-3824
     

     Barboursvillewine.net

   Keswick Vineyards

   • Keswick Vineyards is a 40-acre thrill to the senses, nestled among 400 acres of farmland. Keswick offers private tastings that can be catered on request and can include the winemaker to guide you through his samplings. The vineyard also has events several times during the summer, such as educational wine tastings.

     Keswick Vineyards
     

     1575 Keswick Winery Dr.
     

     Keswick, VA 22947
     

     434-244-3341
     

     Keswickvineyards.com

   Grayhaven Vineyards

   • One of the oldest vineyards in Virginia, Grayhaven is a dog- and family-friendly vineyard offering locally made trinkets and goods in its shop. The vineyard supplies patrons with personalized wine bottles on request.

     Grayhaven Vineyards
     

     4675 East Grey Fox Circle
     

     Gum Spring, Virginia 23065
     

     804-556-3917
     

     Grayhavenwniery.com

   Horton Vineyards

   • For two decades, Horton Vineyards has offered locals and visitors the opportunity to try its new varietals when harvested. Among the vineyard's wide selection of wine, you will find a sampling of specialty fruit wines.

     Horton Vineyards
     

     6399 Spotswood Trail
     

     Gordonsville, VA 22942
     

     800-829-4633
     

     Hortonwine.com

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: Barboursville Vineyards, Cooper Vineyards, Horton Vineyards, Keswick Vineyards, food pairings, Grayhaven Vineyards, holds events

Wedding gifts for catholics

It's interesting:
"Sorry if the speeches drag on. Wedding receptions can be a bit like an X Factor results show. You just want to skip through the talky bits to find out ..."

In Roman Catholicism, the marriage of two Christian people is a sacrament. With marriage taking such a respected place in their religion, many Catholics appreciate wedding gifts that highlight their Christianity and Catholicism. As you consider the type of wedding gift you want to give to a Catholic couple, think about the types of religious and spiritual gifts that might appeal to them.

1. Cross or Crucifix

   • The cross is a central image in Christianity. Because it is so important, it is generally displayed in the homes of many Catholics. Consider purchasing a cross or crucifix for the newly married couple to put in their home. Crosses can be made out of many different materials and can be fashioned in different sizes and colors. Some stores sell specially designed wedding crosses and crucifixes that feature wedding rings or another reference to marriage. These crosses can be displayed on the walls of the couple's home. Additionally, you could purchase or make jewelry featuring crosses, such as a necklace with a cross on it for the bride and a chain with a cross on it for the groom to wear around his neck.

   Family Bible

   • Catholic families often have Bibles that include pages where they can write their own family history and genealogical information. You could give the couple a new family bible. In addition to having a copy of the sacred Christian text, the bride and groom likely would appreciate the opportunity to combine their family trees together on paper. Many different versions and translations of the Bible are available for purchase.

   Picture of Virgin Mary

   • Mary, the mother of Jesus, is an important female figure in Catholicism. She has been painted by many generations of artists. Catholics frequently pray to her for inspiration and assistance. You could purchase a tapestry or painting with an artistic rendering of the Virgin Mary on it. In addition to being a reminder of their religion, the tapestry or painting could be a decorative piece of artwork for the couple to hang in their home.

   Donation to their Church

   • Local Catholic churches frequently play important roles in the lives of Catholic couples. Consider donating money to the couple's church in the name of the couple. Your donation would help the church further its activities and work that inspires the couple. The couple likely would appreciate your thoughtfulness in recognizing the church.

   Trip to Vatican City

   • Vatican City is where the Holy See of the Roman Catholic Church is located. Vatican City is an independent city-state that is situated in Rome, Italy. Catholics throughout the world make spiritual pilgrimages to the Holy See. If you have the finances to do so, purchase a trip to Vatican City and Rome for the couple as a wedding gift. Because this would be a very expensive and meaningful gift, it should come from a very close family member or friend, like the best man or maid of honor. The bride and groom could make the pilgrimage on their honeymoon or at another time in their lives together.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: Vatican City, bride groom, could purchase, gifts catholics, gifts that

How to create a bustle on the back of a dress

create a bustle on the back of a dress

It's interesting:
"Paul is caring, he's generous, he's sensitive… in fact I don't even know him anymore. Linda has changed my best friend. Actually, I should thank you Linda. You've done in 18 months what I couldn't do in 18 years."

A beautiful train on a wedding gown adds to the elegance and formality of the occasion. That same sweep of satin can be in danger of being damaged on the dance floor during the reception. By adding hooks to the back of the gown, a bride can create a bustle that safely and elegantly pins excess fabric out of harm's way.

Creating a bustle can be expensive. It is always a custom alteration since the proper placement depends on the bride's height as well as the weight of the dress and length of the train. But it is possible, with the help of a friend, for a bride to make a bustle for her dress.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Hooks or small-covered buttons
• Woven beading cord or narrow ribbon
• Tiny pearls and other embellishments to hide the hooks on the dress
• White fingernail polish

Instructions

1. • 1

     Have the bride try on the wedding dress while wearing the same shoes she will have on during the wedding.

   • 2

     Mark the placement of the bustle hooks or buttons at the back waistline. Depending on the weight and length of the train, you will need between two to four points placed evenly on both sides of the center back seam.

   • 3

     Sweep up the back of the dress to determine where the skirt will attach to the hooks. Pin the points where the train needs to fold up into the waistband that will allow the corresponding hem to be even with the front of the gown's hem.

   • 4

     Adjust the fabric until it drapes evenly across the back of the gown.

   • 5

     Unpin the skirt from the gown waist but leave the pins in place. Each of these places are what are called bustle points. For most dresses, these points will be between 12 to 20 inches below the waistband.

   • 6

     Create a thread bar at the base of the back waist by making buttonhole stitches over several strands of of looped thread or by sewing a small ribbon across the center back of the gown. The reinforced stitching will protect the fabric from the added weight when the hooks are placed on the band.

   • 7

     Sew a hook or button to each placement point on the waistband..

   • 8

     Sew small loops of thin ribbon or cord on the outside of the skirt at the bustle points.

   • 9

     To create the bustle, lift up the wedding dress train and hook the excess fabric into the thread bar. Tuck the points of the tiers from the sides in behind the bustle.

Tips &- Warnings

• Schedule a rehearsal a week ahead of time with the bridesmaids that will be in charge of bustling the dress. Practice creating the bustle until everyone involved is comfortable making the folds in the dress.

• If you are concerned about the hooks showing, paint them with white fingernail polish and allow to dry before sewing them on. Small embellishments, such as pearls or sequins, can also be sewn on the gown above the hooks to hide them.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: create bustle, back dress, back gown, bustle back, bustle back dress, bustle points, center back

How to print wedding programs

print wedding programs

It's interesting:
"Click on a category below. Links to your chosen speeches will appear in the viewer on the right. Speech 6 in the category 'Childhood friend' under the heading ..."

One of the shortest phrases, "I do," lasts a lifetime. Memories of the wedding day are to be cherished. The bride and groom will have their life together to grow. What keepsake can you give your guests so they can remember the day fondly? Wedding programs can be a choice. Programs come in many shapes and sizes, The colors can match the invitations, or be a little different. Virtually anywhere that does printing can print your programs. While your program can say anything you want it to, there are some basics for you to know. Read on to learn print wedding programs.

Instructions

1. • 1

     A good rule of thumb would be to be brief enough in your programs that your guests can leaf through before the ceremony begins. You want the keepsakes to be beautiful, yet not so long that your guests are reading the programs through the wedding.

   • 2

     Focus on the cover and ceremony pages. What should your programs say? The cover should list the names of the bride and the groom, along with the date. "The Wedding of..." or something similar should be used to start off the program. The date, time, and place follow. Provide information about ceremony participants and other details. Information could include soloist names, title of songs played, a benediction, among others. This section also includes details on any ethnic or religious rituals you want to share with your guests.

   • 3

     Design the wedding party page. The end of the programs will include the parents' names and anyone in your wedding party.

   • 4

     Consider other options to include in the programs. Dedications, maps and directions to the reception, special thanks, poem or verse, photographs, tributes to loved ones who have passed away, perhaps a story on how the bride and groom met are all possibilities.

   • 5

     Consider style options. Programs can be single sheets, fans, foldover cards, have multiple pages, be layered or folded over like a brochure. You can order them from a company specializing in wedding goods. Another option is going to be a paper store and buy the paper yourself to drop off at a local print shop, along with your information you want included in the programs.

   • 6

     Print the programs. If you choose the print shop option, ask important questions. What size card and design works in the press? You can take a sample to the printer and check to make sure what you want to use works. Understand that not all presses are able to print all types and sizes. Ask the printer what format they want the information in. Perhaps on a disc or hard copies so they can set it for you? These points will help facilitate a final product that will have you happy and stress-free.

Tips &- Warnings

• Make sure you've checked the turnaround time with your printing company.

Source: www.ehow.com

Tags: your guests, bride groom, print wedding, print wedding programs, with your, your programs, along with