Choosing a ceremony officiant for your big day can be a daunting task. If you are getting married in your church or synagogue, the decision is simple.--you take what they give you, usually. But maybe you don't belong to a church yet want a heartfelt ceremony that expresses your personal beliefs. If you are like many brides- and grooms-to-be, you are looking for creative alternatives to the traditional cookie-cutter ceremony.
You deserve to have your ceremony be like no other and to develop a warm and personal relationship with your officiant. With the popularity of out-of-church-weddings, many people are hanging out their shingles calling themselves "wedding officiants". Beware, for you don't want an amateur handling this aspect of your big day. If the florist or photographer doesn't show, it is unfortunate, but the day can go on. If your officiant doesn't show--you've got BIG trouble. Ask some of your recently married friends for recommendations. Or, type in the name of your state or city followed by wedding officiant (e.g. Colorado wedding officiant) into a search engine and you'll get a bunch of hits. Look for someone with an established presence, who issues contracts and has a fairly sophisticated website. These are good clues that the person or business is stable and will be around for your big day. Then follow these guidelines when you meet with a prospective celebrant.
1. When you meet with him or her (or chat on the phone) do they exude a calming presence? Does their energy fit in with what you are seeking for your ceremony? Do they come across as being passionate about performing weddings? Are they interested in hearing your story? If you find yourself smiling, or nodding in agreement as the officiant speaks to you, that's a good indication that your wedding ceremony will be one that you will happily remember for many years.
2. Will he or she help you to craft a ceremony without restrictions--including all of your ideas?
3. Are they thorough and easy to understand in explaining the ceremony-writing process to you? Are you clear on how it all works, the booking procedure, how many meetings you will have together, time lines, etc? You will want an officiant who explains things easily and clearly so there will be no confusion on your wedding day. Does the officiant view your wedding ceremony as the heart of your wedding day--a celebration as opposed to merely a prescribed ritual?
4. Does the officiant honor all spiritual beliefs (or lack thereof) and view their primary role as that of facilitator of your ceremony?
5. Is he or she adventurous of spirit and willing to try unconventional things? Ask them to recount an example or two of creative touches they have incorporated into ceremonies
6. Is he or she a proficient writer and a dynamic speaker? Is their speaking voice pleasing to the ear and free from pauses, "ums" and irritating phrases such as "you know," "like," and "OK."
7. Is the officiant a one-man/woman show or is he or she part of a group? If they are solo, do they have a backup in case of an emergency?
8. Do they offer more than one level of service in order to accommodate your needs and budget or is it "one size fits all?"
9. Do they have a wealth of written options for you to include in your ceremony?
10. What are their pre-marital counseling requirements, if any?
11. Is their fee in writing? What extra charges, if any, could possibly apply over and above the original fee? Are the payment terms reasonable to you?
12. Is there pressure to upgrade to a more expensive level of service (perhaps including things you don't need)? Do they try to get you to book on the spot, telling you that they may not be available for your date unless you book immediately? Or do they give you the opportunity to go home, discuss it and get back to them?
13. Is he or she a professional wedding ceremony officiant, or is officiating ceremonies his or her sideline business? Are they ceremony experts or do they divert their attention to other wedding services? You don't want your officiant also serving as your DJ or your bartender, do you?
14. How long have they been in business? Do they have a written contract? What are the contract terms?
15. Is he or she willing to give you the benefit of his or her experience of what has worked and not worked in the past, and then leave the final decision up to you?
16. Are they knowledgeable about their state's marriage license procedures and do they advise you on the process of obtaining your license?
17. Most of all, what does your gut tell you when you talk with this person? If it feels right, then you've probably found the best fit for you.
18. Ask your wedding coordinator. We have worked with most officiants and can assist you in finding the officiant that matches your style.

U.S. Olympian Lindsey Vonn has been called by some people the Michael Phelps of the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics.
She won her first gold medal in skiing Wednesday night and is expected to race in four other events.

Now, you can eat like the Olympic gold medalist! Vonn posted a recipe on her Facebook page for banana bread. Here is her recipe:

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees

Mix these ingredients in a medium bowl:

1/4 cup butter
4 old bananas
1 cup sugar (organic brown sugar is good)
1 egg
2-3 big scoops of organic apple sauce

In a big bowl, mix these ingredients:

1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
1 tsp. Baking soda
1/4 tsp. Salt
A dash of nutmeg and cinnamon

Then, mix both bowls together. Once that is mixed put it into a non stick bread pan and bake for 50 minutes or until golden brown.

*You can also substitute the butter with one more scoop of apple sauce!

Check this out! Every color you could want for spring and a DEAL!!!!
Item Price: $39.95
Compare at $90.00
Savings $50.05

Something old, something new............ how about something with spirit? Imagine the look on the groom's face when he "finds" his team colors. Garters by Kristi is an Etsy crafter that can make any team (college or pro) or any sport into a garter pair (one to keep and one to toss). Her special touch is that little special touch of "something blue" in the form of a little blue bow inside the garter.
Although the team garter is a great way to support your team, be sure to check the team schedule to avoid a "game day" conflict! You will have a much happier groom!

I am a huge fan of candles. No ifs, ands or buts about it. The flickering of the light sets the stage for romance............ and creates that extra warmth that fills a room. Here is a way to take the plain and make it POP!
Votive candle wraps...... 15 for $7! For the bride who likes that extra something special, this is a must. You can order a style and color that will add an extra "D-Tale" to the memorable evening.

Reach out to the DamaskDiva, at Etsy, and tell her I sent you!

We are always talking something blue..... but when you are planning an environmentally-friendly or “green” wedding, why stop at the aisle runner? Customized Wedding Creations has launched the first-ever collection of environmentally friendly aisle runners. Eco-runners™ are completely customizable using all-natural products and organic paints. Made from melted down plastic bottles, this aisle runner is 100% recycled polyester and is painted with water-based paints free from chemicals and solvents. No harmful dyes or chemicals here. The best part, you’d never know this aisle runner is recycled fabric. It looks and feels just like our other aisle runners!

* Hand-painted eco-runners™ are available in white, black, royal, burgundy, hunter green, and red.
* Eco-runners™ are available in two widths, 36″ and 45″.
* Eco-runners™ include up to two eco-friendly paint colors.
* Satin pull cord included with eco-runners™.
* All logo designs will be placed on a 2′ x 3′ section of ec0-runners™.
* Proofs included with your eco-runners™ purchase.
* Visit our Details Page to view our color charts and logo design choices.

What a great way to go Green!

I have found my soulmate with regards to frugal Fabulosity! Maria provides the scoop for the latest and greatest deals for the diva in all of us. Thanks so much Mariah for this amazing inside scoop!
Nordstrom is changing the logo on their makeup, so they’re selling everything for $1!!!
The make-up line e.l.f.(eyes-lips-face) has been bought out by Nordstrom and will be re-packaged with the Nordstrom name on it. They are getting rid of the entire make up in ELF packaging. They are selling everything for $1. You do have to pay shipping. They have everything – powder, mascara, lipstick, a mineral line (100% natural), brushes & cases, nail polish, lotions, you name it, it’s there. The website is: http://www.eyeslipsface.com/shop.asp

When you check out there is a space for a coupon code. Use CAROLINA and save an additional $7.50 if your order is over $15.00. RADIO for buy 1 get 1 50%off depending on how much you spend it could be more that the $7.50.
So if you have been looking to try out a few colors or are in need of a few brushes or supplies here is your chance to stock up!!

Be sure to look for Mariah on Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1276514360&ref=nf

or her blog for amazing tips!
http://www.iluvmariah.com/2010/02/17/nordstrom-s-makeup-for-1-yes-foreal/#

Whatever your plans are, I wish you a weekend filled with joy, smiles and lots of hugs! Let the celebrations begin!

And to my 2010 brides, this is the last Valentine's Day you will celebrate as a single girl......... Exciting stuff is to come! XOXO

Renting diamond jewelry for special occasions is an exciting new concept, and Adorn is proud to be the first to bring it to you. You could own these pieces, but why bother when you can embrace the variety and versatility of our diamond jewelry rental service. It’s smart to rent jewelry for occasions you care about the most and want to look your best!

You can relax—the process is easy and fun! In fact, renting jewelry from Adorn is a simple process – the diamonds just show up at your doorstep. We’ve designed our service to make it a pleasure to indulge yourself while you put together your perfect look.

Rent bridal jewelry how it works
Rent diamond jewelry with four easy steps:

1. Go shopping and pick out the pieces you love and add them to your “shopping bag”. Check their availability by entering your event date.
2. Check out using a credit card to order the jewelry for your event date.

3. Look amazing wearing the jewelry on your special occasion

Your jewelry will arrive approximately 2 business days prior to your event.
Best of all, the jewelry is insured while in your possession and the insurance is included in the rental price! (If the jewelry is not returned, we will charge a 33% deductible.) Please note that an amount equal to approximately 5-10% of the retail value of the jewelry will be reserved on your credit card while you have the jewelry as a temporary security deposit.
4. Send it back on the first business day after your event using packaging and pre-paid label Adorn provides for you.
Simply drop it off at the closest UPS Store.
Once we receive the jewelry we will remove the security deposit.

I just fell in love with the romance of this Chandelier Bouquet. The details of the simple flowers create a vibe of vintage.

Planning an outdoor wedding in Florida can be tricky for a daytime wedding. Keep you and your guests "cool headed" with parasols (I can tell you, a lengthy ceremony when your guests are in full sunlight is NOT the way you want your guests to "celebrate")
As we explore eco friendly options, no need to choose between elegant and organic. The Organics Collection from Carlsbad, Calif.-based Pamela's Parasols is more regal than rustic. The handmade parasols consist of sustainable bamboo and rice, natural fibers, vegetable dyes and nontoxic coatings — and make the perfect party favors to boot. Kits help you decorate a parasol with recycled bridal magazines for a personal touch; packaging, too, is natural and recyclable. And if all that doesn't make you feel impressively green-spirited, then bask in the knowledge that a tree is planted for each organic parasol ordered.

The options are amazing!

I am a HUGE fan of the cake table. In fact, I think most people make their way over to admire the wedding cake and snap pictures! So, be sure to dress up the table.. flowers, rose petals......... make the table a unique centerpiece of the reception! Here is a great idea I found (as my twitter friend is the founder of this great website of card boxes- specific to your theme and a great place for guests to drop off a card so it doesn't get lost! - http://www.creativecustomcardboxes.com/)
I just love the custom cake table decor letters and monogram cake toppers! They are such a beautiful and budget- friendly way to give your wedding cake table or any part of your reception a little personalized “pop”!

Here is an easy rundown of the new layout.............. watching this reminds me why I am glad I retired from the corporate world!

I just met with a bride who wants to do something at her wedding to honor her brother who passed away. Trying to find an elegant and subtle way to honor a loved one at a wedding is tricky.

Here's an easy solution that makes everyone happy: get some wedding photo charms to hang from your bouquet. You can put photos of the those loved ones into the charms, and have them quietly but respectfully dangling from your bouquet for your entire wedding day. That way there's no need to make an awkward moment for your guests' by making a memorial announcement at the reception. Just make sure your photographer gets some shots of the bouquet.

By the looks of the latest wedding gown designs by Vera Wang, one trend seems to making its way to the forefront of fashion: the thick waist band. The thick waist accessory is both feminine and flattering. Check out these gowns from Vera Wang's 2010 collection.

When considering the breakdown of your wedding day budget, many brides underestimate the cost of food and drinks. I have countered many couples who are not drinkers themselves who have dished out thousands of dollars to get their friends and family all liquored up.

***Blank Stare***

I definitely understand the concept of wanting your guests to have a great time and many times that includes alcohol. However, why do you have to break the bank and your budget in doing so?

Image from Real Simple Online click through for more information on the drinks above

Open Bar

a bar at a reception or social event where the host covers the cost of all consumption by their guest

Open Bars are usually the most expensive because they allow your guests to consume at will.

Reduce Cost:

• Distribute drink tickets which allow your guests to consume 1 0r 2 drinks from the bar
• Reduce open bar time to 1-2 hours
• Only have open bar during cocktail hours and limit the amount of drinks that can be consumed
• Consider the option of not supplying your guest with top shelf liquor (Top shelf liqour is the most expensive. Don't worry about what people think. When it is their day they can do it their way.)

Lastly, you don't have to get your guest all liquored up. Supply what is possible within the budget your working with and leave the rest at the door.

The Balm - For Keeps™ Watercolor Lip Stains- Perfect for that First Kiss and the rest to follow...........
What it is:
A duo of solid lip stains that deliver lasting pigment and can be customized to create both demure and dramatic looks.

What it does:
Introducing the first stains in pressed-powder format! Packaged in a sleek compact (with a mini lip brush!), the long-lasting colors can be layered to your desired intensity. Just add water to activate!

What it is formulated WITHOUT:
- Parabens
- Sulfates
- Synthetic Fragrances
- Petro-Chemicals
- Phthalates
- GMOs
- Triclosan

Size: 0.12 oz