ROCK THE RECESSION, POP THE QUESTION!!
GEMEX LAUNCHES DIGITAL VIDEO CONTEST ENCOURAGING MARRIAGE PROPOSALS DESPITE THE ECONOMY
Upload Video by July 31 at www.DiamondLightPerformance.com for Chance to Win $10,000 Prize Package Including Diamond Engagement Ring, Weekend in New York City.
The $10,000 prize package includes:
- 1 Carat Diamond Ring, certified by GemEx for superior Brilliance, Fire and Sparkle.
- Round trip airfare to New York City for two, anywhere within the continental US
- Two night stay at Loews Regency Hotel on Park Avenue
- Lunch and Dinner at The Palm, Classic American Steakhouse
- Meeting with America’s foremost wedding planner, Sharon Naylor and a collection of her Wedding Planning Books
- VIP Appointment with a Bloomingdale’s Personal Wedding Registry consultant
NEW YORK, June, 2009 – Ready to take the next step in your relationship, but need to persuade your significant other that the current state of the economy isn’t a reason to put things off?
Here’s a brilliant idea - GemEx® Systems, Inc., the global leader in diamond brilliance, fire and sparkle certification, announced today the launch of Rock the Recession, Pop the Question, a digital video contest in which lovebirds can upload a video and offer their most romantic and persuasive plea to get engaged, for a chance to win a prize package worth $10,000, including a 1 Carat GemEx certified diamond engagement ring. Submissions will be accepted until July 31.
“The diamond engagement ring is a big purchase and can be one reason to delay popping the big question,” said Randall Wagner, CEO of GemEx. “At GemEx, we are big believers in romance, and thrilled to help one happy couple move toward wedded bliss. Now there are no more excuses. We’ll provide a diamond that has been certified based on its beauty…brilliant in every way, to get things started.”
To enter, simply create an original video, 1 to 2 minutes in length, using your most creative, funny, sympathetic and romantic argument to convince your significant other to get engaged - despite today’s tough economic times. Then upload the video to www.Diamondlightperformance.com.
In addition to the GemEx certified diamond, the winners will be whisked away for a romantic getaway to New York City where they will enjoy luxurious accommodations at the famed Loews Regency Hotel. Winners will also be treated to lunch at The Palm’s newest New York City location in Tribeca with wedding planner Sharon Naylor. “Not only will the contest help a deserving couple, but the prize package includes a way for them to celebrate and start planning for the big occasion,” added Wagner.
Selecting a Winner
Submissions will be accepted as of today until July 31, 2009. The person in the video must say GemEx or show the GemEx logo at least once. Site visitors will be able to view all the videos submitted, and are given the chance to vote for their favorite through the end of August. At that point, the 5 videos with the most votes will be judged based on creativity, humor, pathos, romance and persuasiveness by three judges, Randall Wagner, CEO of GemEx Systems Inc, author Sharon Naylor and Bruce Bozzi, Jr., Executive Vice President of The Palm. The judges will then select the final winner.
The winner will be announced on or about September 15, 2009. For complete contest rules, and to upload a video, go to www.Diamondlightperformance.com
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Give Great Welcome Bags
If you have guests coming in from out of town, and bridal party members, who will be staying at a hotel, be sure to provide a pretty welcome basket upon their arrival. You don't have to spend a fortune to create the best welcome basket ever. At stores like Costco, Target and WalMart, you'll find bulk goodie packages of 3-dozen snack packs that divide up perfectly into each bag...and that bag can be a simple, colored bag for $1 at the craft store! Make sure it has a sturdy handle, though....paper handles on cheap bags will rip in a heartbeat!
Here are what I would consider the Essentials for inclusion:
* At least two bottles of water
* At least two cans or bottles of soda, regular and diet
* Bags of chips and pretzels
* Bags of chocolate chip cookies, bought or homemade
* Chocolates, such as individually wrapped Lindt truffles
* Bags of candy, such as M&Ms
* A copy of the wedding weekend itinerary
* A copy of your WeddingMapper directions
* A hand-written welcome card from you
Appreciated Extras:
* Single-dose packets of Motrin and Advil
* Rolaids roll
* Emory board
* Travel-sized shampoo, conditioner and lotion in a great scent, such as from Bath & Body Works [often better than what the hotel might offer gratis]
* Coloring or activity book and crayons for kids
* $5 or $10 gift card to the hotel, for guests' use at the gift shop or restaurant
* Gift card to a nearby Dunkin Donuts [location noted on your map!] for great coffee --- hotels don't always serve the best java
What else have you seen in guest welcome baskets that you've loved? Let me know and you could win a copy of my new book Home From the Honeymoon
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Do you have Thank-You notes to write?
Summer weddings in full swing mean there are a lot of you out there wanting to know how to write the perfect, personable and personalized thank-you notes for bridal shower and wedding gifts. The tricky part? Not keeping the groom motivated to sit down and write them, but rather finding the perfect, diplomatic wording for notes you'll send to those guests who did a little something unusual with their gift choices. My book The Bride and Groom Thank-You Guide gives you multiple options for writing thank-you's for the following tricky situations:
* Obvious re-gifts
* Gifts that are not from your registries
* DIY gifts that *are* your style
* DIY gifts that are not your style
* Gift cards
* Wedding gifts sent way before the wedding
* Guests attending the wedding without giving a gift (yet!)
* You've lost a few cards and got disorganized, not knowing who gave you the gravy boat and who gave you the $150!
* Charitable donation gifts you were alerted to through your registry
* Honeymoon registry gifts
* The 'future promise' gift: as in, "We'll take you out for a 5-star dinner when you get back from your honeymoon."
* The gift of legwork and labor as their wedding gift to you
Write those notes well, because people really get offended by the simplest wording!
Monday, June 15, 2009
Protect your Junior Bridesmaids and Flowergirls!
Junior bridesmaids in sexy, strapless gown to match the bridesmaids? Flowergirls being told 'that dress makes you look fat?' Pre-teens in terror over how they'll look in the spotlight at your wedding? I have the perfect expert to help you mind your child and teen attendants' comfort and well-being as part of your big day. Dara Chadwick, my lovely colleague and the author of You'd Be So Pretty If, answers a few questions here:
Q: Brides might be surprised to know that junior bridesmaids AND flower girls are worried about how they will look in their wedding day dresses! What are the signs that a young girl has concerns about this?
A: If she makes any comments about the fit of the dress or about her body – or if she keeps asking others how she looks – those are clues that she may not feel comfortable. If you know her well, you may already have a sense of her fashion preferences — she may like frilly, ultra-feminine styles or she may be more comfortable in a tailored style. A girl who dresses in surfer shorts and graphic tees might be extremely uncomfortable in a ruffled pink dress, so try to keep her personal taste in mind. Ask her if there’s a style she likes (or hates!), but keep it about the dress, not about her body; it’ll make her feel grown up to know that you value her opinion. You might also ask her mom if her daughter is at all uncomfortable with her appearance and let that guide your choice – but don’t talk to her mom in front of her. Girls this age are sensitive about sharing that kind of information.
Q: What should a bride avoid when it comes to choosing dress styles, particularly for junior bridesmaids who are starting to develop? I personally hate to see pre-teens in strapless dresses when it's so easy to have a seamstress sew on straps that still let them coordinate with the bridesmaids.
A: It’s best to avoid anything overtly sexy, like plunging necklines and extremely short lengths. At the same time, you want to honor the fact that she’s growing up and not dress her like you’d dress a five-year-old. I think it’s best to go with an age-appropriate version of what your bridesmaids are wearing (a good tailor can help with this). When I got married, I had my nine-year-old niece as a junior bridesmaid; she wore the same dress as my bridesmaids did, but hers was slightly less form-fitting and had a less-plunging back. The dress was similar enough that she felt part of the group, but it was also tailored to respect her age and her body.
Q: Should a bride just let the parents choose the dresses for the girls? What are your feelings about parental input?
A: As a mom, if a bride tried to put my daughter in a dress that I felt was too sexy or made my daughter feel uncomfortable, I’d speak up. But I wouldn’t expect that I’d be the one to choose what my daughter wore. I think it’s gracious to give parents input, but I’d suggest choosing a few dresses that you and her daughter are happy with and letting the parent choose from those. Watch out, though, for mother-daughter conflict; if the daughter loves the dress, but the mom doesn’t think it’s flattering, you’ve got a delicate situation on your hands. Talk to the mom privately about her objections; if it’s simply a matter of preference, but the daughter feels great in the dress and you like it, go with what makes your junior bridesmaid or flower girl feel great.
Q: What should you do if parents choose “too-sexy” or too-revealing dresses for junior bridesmaids? This one stuns me, but I have seen it before. A strapless dress for an 11-year-old? And when that dress inevitably fell down as the child was dancing, she ran off to the bathroom and cried!
A: Ugh – that poor girl! I think as the bride, you have to pull rank here. Simply say something along the lines of “that dress is lovely, but it’s not what I had in mind for her” or “It’s really important to me that everybody be comfortable so they can relax and enjoy my big day. I’m concerned that Susie wouldn’t be comfortable dancing in that dress.” If all else fails, throw yourself on the parent’s mercy: Choose another dress that you like and say, “I know you like that dress and it’s lovely, but I’d prefer to see her in this style.” It’s your wedding, after all.
Q: Being in the center of attention can be hard for a shy junior bridesmaid or flower girl. What’s the “right” way to make her feel comfortable about being seen by so many? What should you say? Not say?
A: If she’s uncomfortable, do everything you can to take the focus off appearance. Give her a special job to do and thank her for helping you on your big day. Tell her she looks beautiful once, then let her know how important it is to you that she’s there for you and part of your wedding. Make it about her participation, not about her appearance. If she’s truly uncomfortable about being stared at, a quick joke or whisper about how you “feel funny with everybody looking at you in this big fancy dress” lets her know that it’s OK to be nervous. Or, create a private joke between the two of you – maybe you and she agree to pretend you’re movie stars on the red carpet as you walk down the aisle. Anything that lets her know you understand her feelings helps take away the pressure to be “perfect.”
Q: Any final tips for brides when it comes to helping a junior bridesmaid or flower girl feel great?
A: When you’re shopping for a dress and trying things on, be careful with the words you use to talk about dresses you don’t like. Avoid language like, “That one makes you look hippy…or chunky…or [insert ‘body flaw’ here].” Always make it about the dress, not about her body, such as “I don’t like the cut of this dress” or “I don’t like the way this fabric drapes.” Remember, too, to downplay the importance of appearance whenever you can. Talk about the great time you’re all going to have at the wedding, rather than about how perfect you’re all going to look. And above all, let her know that you want her to wear a dress that she feels comfortable and happy in.
Buy the book here.
Subscribe to Dara’s fabulous blog at www.youdbesoprettyif.com.
Q: Brides might be surprised to know that junior bridesmaids AND flower girls are worried about how they will look in their wedding day dresses! What are the signs that a young girl has concerns about this?
A: If she makes any comments about the fit of the dress or about her body – or if she keeps asking others how she looks – those are clues that she may not feel comfortable. If you know her well, you may already have a sense of her fashion preferences — she may like frilly, ultra-feminine styles or she may be more comfortable in a tailored style. A girl who dresses in surfer shorts and graphic tees might be extremely uncomfortable in a ruffled pink dress, so try to keep her personal taste in mind. Ask her if there’s a style she likes (or hates!), but keep it about the dress, not about her body; it’ll make her feel grown up to know that you value her opinion. You might also ask her mom if her daughter is at all uncomfortable with her appearance and let that guide your choice – but don’t talk to her mom in front of her. Girls this age are sensitive about sharing that kind of information.
Q: What should a bride avoid when it comes to choosing dress styles, particularly for junior bridesmaids who are starting to develop? I personally hate to see pre-teens in strapless dresses when it's so easy to have a seamstress sew on straps that still let them coordinate with the bridesmaids.
A: It’s best to avoid anything overtly sexy, like plunging necklines and extremely short lengths. At the same time, you want to honor the fact that she’s growing up and not dress her like you’d dress a five-year-old. I think it’s best to go with an age-appropriate version of what your bridesmaids are wearing (a good tailor can help with this). When I got married, I had my nine-year-old niece as a junior bridesmaid; she wore the same dress as my bridesmaids did, but hers was slightly less form-fitting and had a less-plunging back. The dress was similar enough that she felt part of the group, but it was also tailored to respect her age and her body.
Q: Should a bride just let the parents choose the dresses for the girls? What are your feelings about parental input?
A: As a mom, if a bride tried to put my daughter in a dress that I felt was too sexy or made my daughter feel uncomfortable, I’d speak up. But I wouldn’t expect that I’d be the one to choose what my daughter wore. I think it’s gracious to give parents input, but I’d suggest choosing a few dresses that you and her daughter are happy with and letting the parent choose from those. Watch out, though, for mother-daughter conflict; if the daughter loves the dress, but the mom doesn’t think it’s flattering, you’ve got a delicate situation on your hands. Talk to the mom privately about her objections; if it’s simply a matter of preference, but the daughter feels great in the dress and you like it, go with what makes your junior bridesmaid or flower girl feel great.
Q: What should you do if parents choose “too-sexy” or too-revealing dresses for junior bridesmaids? This one stuns me, but I have seen it before. A strapless dress for an 11-year-old? And when that dress inevitably fell down as the child was dancing, she ran off to the bathroom and cried!
A: Ugh – that poor girl! I think as the bride, you have to pull rank here. Simply say something along the lines of “that dress is lovely, but it’s not what I had in mind for her” or “It’s really important to me that everybody be comfortable so they can relax and enjoy my big day. I’m concerned that Susie wouldn’t be comfortable dancing in that dress.” If all else fails, throw yourself on the parent’s mercy: Choose another dress that you like and say, “I know you like that dress and it’s lovely, but I’d prefer to see her in this style.” It’s your wedding, after all.
Q: Being in the center of attention can be hard for a shy junior bridesmaid or flower girl. What’s the “right” way to make her feel comfortable about being seen by so many? What should you say? Not say?
A: If she’s uncomfortable, do everything you can to take the focus off appearance. Give her a special job to do and thank her for helping you on your big day. Tell her she looks beautiful once, then let her know how important it is to you that she’s there for you and part of your wedding. Make it about her participation, not about her appearance. If she’s truly uncomfortable about being stared at, a quick joke or whisper about how you “feel funny with everybody looking at you in this big fancy dress” lets her know that it’s OK to be nervous. Or, create a private joke between the two of you – maybe you and she agree to pretend you’re movie stars on the red carpet as you walk down the aisle. Anything that lets her know you understand her feelings helps take away the pressure to be “perfect.”
Q: Any final tips for brides when it comes to helping a junior bridesmaid or flower girl feel great?
A: When you’re shopping for a dress and trying things on, be careful with the words you use to talk about dresses you don’t like. Avoid language like, “That one makes you look hippy…or chunky…or [insert ‘body flaw’ here].” Always make it about the dress, not about her body, such as “I don’t like the cut of this dress” or “I don’t like the way this fabric drapes.” Remember, too, to downplay the importance of appearance whenever you can. Talk about the great time you’re all going to have at the wedding, rather than about how perfect you’re all going to look. And above all, let her know that you want her to wear a dress that she feels comfortable and happy in.
Buy the book here.
Subscribe to Dara’s fabulous blog at www.youdbesoprettyif.com.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Celebrate being married to an awesome person!
Already married? Just helping the bride and groom by pointing them toward my books and website? Are you the parents of the bride and groom, inspired by all of this wedding talk to remember your own Big Day? Hey, this is the perfect time for YOU to plan your own wedding vow renewal celebration! It could be a re-do of your own wedding, complete with bands and big wedding cake, or a private moment on a bluff overlooking the ocean on your next vacation. Check out my book to help you make your vow renewal perfect!
Monday, June 08, 2009
Raise the Cake!
How gorgeous is THIS?! I love the dramatic, raised platforms for your cake, and this brilliant website for Raise the Cake allows you to custom-design your own coordinating-color cake platforms (which you can also use as a cupcake platform, or use for other great desserts.) They're so gorgeous, I can even see them elevating table numbers or framed photos as centerpieces! Visit, explore, design...and Raise the Cake!
Wednesday, June 03, 2009
Monday, June 01, 2009
I love brilliant artist minds! These wallets are made from recycled suits and ties, and the price is right for fun groomsmen's and Dads' gifts.
Love it!
Sunday, May 31, 2009
My novel is Kickin' on Kindle!
"It's My Wedding Too" is enjoying fabulous success in paperback, as it makes the rounds for movie rights, and now as a Kindle hot pick. Looks like real-life brides are enjoying seeing Emilie get her revenge on those battling mothers of the bride and groom!
So tell me...what do you think of the surprise ending? Did Carmela have it coming to her? And what would you like to see happen to Leah -- she can't be all work and no play, no matter how much she's in love with her new, dreamy, hotspot dessert lounge. Your ideas could help shape novel #3....
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
THE most hotly-anticipated bridal magazine is on the way!
You've seen me on Get Married with Colin Cowie and with David Tutera, also in segments with Preston Bailey and Sylvia Weinstock. You know the show as a gorgeous compilation of expert advice and breathtaking images for inspiration. Now, get ready for the Get Married magazine, which is coming to you FREE starting with the October issue!
We in the wedding industry are so excited about the launch of this new magazine, because we know its fresh and innovative styling is going to thrill YOU, the bride, and everyone around you. They're mixing planning ideas and savvy shopping ideas, the latest tips and trends from superstar wedding experts, and more. So make sure you subscribe to this beautiful new glossy!
Catch me on ABC News Now's 'Ahead of the Curve'
I recently appeared on ABC News Now's 'Ahead of the Curve,' talking about how technology can save you money on your wedding plans: http://abcnews.go.com/Video/playerIndex?id=7581801.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Ritz Carlton Lodge...beauty on a budget!
A budget wedding at the Ritz-Carlton?! It CAN happen for you! Here is an announcement I just received, and get ready to marvel at the opportunity before you...
The Ritz-Carlton Lodge INTRODUCES
NEW SIGNATURE WEDDING PACKAGES
Offering ease of planning for busy, budget-conscious brides-to-be
GREENSBORO, Ga. - May 26, 2009 - The Five-Diamond Ritz-Carlton Lodge, Reynolds Plantation proudly rolls out its 2009 wedding season packages. From the “’Let’s Run Off’ Lodge Elopement” to the “Everything But the Dress,” these value-packed packages offer affordable luxury for the bride-to-be while easing the task of planning the perfect wedding.
Each of the four signature wedding packages include a choice of venue. “From a sunrise service with the backdrop of the shimmering waters of Lake Oconee, to an evening affair under towering loblolly pines in the privacy of a forest clearing, to an amorous afternoon rendezvous within The Lodge’s elegant and luxurious interiors,” said Kimberly Bachelder, Catering Sales Manager, “The Lodge is known for its vast array of inspiring ceremony settings.” Additionally, each of the planning packages offer the services of a Ritz-Carlton wedding professional to handle every detail and indulgence, so that the wedding party and family are free to enjoy the experience.
Perfect for a Vow Renewal or secret getaway wedding, the “Let’s Run Off” Lodge Elopement package is $1,250 USD and includes:
· Intimate Outdoor Setting for Wedding Ceremony
· Officiant for Wedding Ceremony
· Bottle of Champagne for Toasting
· Dedicated Special Events Manager
· Directions or transportation to and from the Greene County Courthouse for marriage license
Offering additional luxury and pampering for couples, the Romantic Rendezvous is priced at $2,675 USD and includes:
· All Lodge Elopement inclusions
· Overnight accommodations in a Luxurious Executive Suite
· Photography for Ceremony (Wedding Portrait Session)
· The Ritz-Carlton Signature Rose Bouquet and Boutonniere
· Romantic Lakeside Chiminea Dining Experience for Two
· 60-minute Couples Massage in The Ritz-Carlton Spa’s Couples Suite
· Rose Petal Turn Down
· Breakfast In Bed
The Lodge’s most popular package, Ceremony Simplicity provides a memorable ceremony setting for intimate weddings of 30 or less. Priced at $3,500 USD, it includes:
· Intimate Outdoor Setting for Wedding Ceremony
· Officiant for Wedding Ceremony
· Signature Décor at Ceremony Site
· The Ritz-Carlton Signature Rose Bouquet
· Traditional Groom’s Boutonniere
· Photography for Two Hours (Ceremony, Portrait Session and Family Portrait)
· Solo Musician to perform during Ceremony (Additional Fee for Harpist)
· Dedicated Special Events Manager
· 10% off any Spa Wedding Packages for you or your wedding party
This ceremony and reception package is ideal for guest lists of 50 to 75. Priced at $6200 USD, Everything But the Dress* includes:
· Intimate Outdoor Setting for Wedding Ceremony
· Officiant for Wedding Ceremony
· Signature Décor at Ceremony Site
· The Ritz-Carlton Signature Rose Bouquet for Bride
· Groom’s Specialty Boutonniere
· Maid of Honor Rose Bouquet
· Best Man Boutonniere
· Photography for Four Hours (Ceremony, Portrait Session and Reception)
· String Trio to perform during Ceremony and Reception (Total of Four Hours)
· Floral Centerpieces for Reception (Up to Five Centerpieces)
· Dedicated Special Events Manager
· 10% off any Spa Wedding Packages for you or your wedding party
· Complimentary two-night first anniversary stay, redeemable at The Ritz-Carlton Lodge, Reynolds Plantation
The Lodge’s Signature Wedding Packages are available Sunday through Friday and Saturday prior to 4 p.m. Prices above do not include applicable service charge and tax. For parties of 15 or more, a Food and Beverage Package is required. For additional information on The Ritz-Carlton Lodge’s Destination Wedding packages, please contact The Lodge’s Catering Sales team at (706) 467-7115 or visit the resort’s website at www.ritzcarltonlodge.com.
The Ritz-Carlton Lodge, Reynolds Plantation is a AAA Five Diamond resort, providing guests legendary Ritz-Carlton service highlighted by gracious southern hospitality. The Lodge is recognized as one of the “Greatest Hotels and Resorts in the World” by Travel + Leisure (2009 T+L500) and is named one of 50 Top Resorts in the U.S. by Zagat (Zagat Survey 2009). The 251-room Lodge is secluded on the sparkling shores of Lake Oconee in Greensboro, Georgia, with 99 holes of golf designed by the greatest architects of the game, Mobil Four-Star-rated Spa with southern-inspired service and exclusive Lodge adventures from fishing for large mouth bass to horseback riding and canoeing.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
"It's My Wedding Too" on Amazon's hot chick lit list!
Amazon suggests my novel "It's My Wedding Too" among hot chick lit titles by:
Jennifer Weiner
Plum Sykes
Helen Fielding
Emily Giffin
and Sophie Kinsella!
It's almost beach-read time, and it is wedding season, so pick up my comedic tale about a battling Mother of the Bride and Mother of the Groom and all the chaos they cause before the Big Day. [And don't fret that the graphic is different on the order page: we have the fresh new cover (seen above), so if the title's right, the book is right!]
Enjoy, and don't forget to let me know what you love about the book! It's been a top book club pick at PashWeddings and iVillage, so you might even want to book club with your friends and bridesmaids over my novel. E-mail me, and I might just call in to chat with you all about it!
Monday, May 18, 2009
Wanna Bet?
My book Love Bets is on the front tables at bookstores all over the country, and couples are writing to me with reports of the fabulous things they're winning in bets with their spouses:
"We're going for a 3-day weekend getaway, without the kids, for the first time in 5 years. I got to pick the destination." - Sam, New York City
"He has to make me breakfast every day this week. The American Idol results went my way! Sorry, Danny Gokey, but I'm getting my waffles and bacon!" -- Elizabeth, Houston
"She's washing my car right now. I picked out her outfit." -- James, Sarasota
Here's what else my Love Betting couples are winning: handbag shopping sprees, foot massages, cleanup of the dog's messes in the backyard [oooo -- that's quite a wager, people!], taking the kids every Sunday so Mom gets a day off, three things knocked off the To Do list this weekend, trip to the winery, and a karaoke performance. What will YOU win with Love Bets?
Get your copy here, and have more fun with your partner!
Friday, May 15, 2009
Who wants a week in Jamaica?
Sign on to win a week's honeymoon -- or second honeymoon if you're already married -- at www.techsavvybride.com, where you can also win two phenomenal new Nokia 7205 Intrigue cell phones and find out how technology can help you improve your wedding planning process, keep you organized, save money and -- most importantly -- maintain your relationships with everyone around you.
I just returned from taping a segment on ABC News Now's 'Ahead of the Curve' where I shared insider secrets about how this particular Nokia phone organizes your wedding vendor calls and messages AUTOMATICALLY, so that you can keep their quotes, your orders and your payments organized, saving you the headache of checking messages on your 4 different e-mail accounts. The phone does it automatically! So when that florist says you didn't pay your deposit, you can just whip out your Intrigue and show her that Yes, you did make the payment and she sent you a thank you message. No paying double for you. On a design front, the Nokia 7205 has a Habitat mode that assigns nature icons for each of your contacts. And they have His and Hers models. Check it out at www.techsavvybride.com, and get your His and Hers phones instead of spending hundreds on those His and Hers tee shirts, hats, and underwear sets.
Like the phone? Send me an e-mail, and I'll give one winner a month a copy of my newest book "Home From the Honeymoon," giving you tips for handling the first, challenging year of marriage.
I just returned from taping a segment on ABC News Now's 'Ahead of the Curve' where I shared insider secrets about how this particular Nokia phone organizes your wedding vendor calls and messages AUTOMATICALLY, so that you can keep their quotes, your orders and your payments organized, saving you the headache of checking messages on your 4 different e-mail accounts. The phone does it automatically! So when that florist says you didn't pay your deposit, you can just whip out your Intrigue and show her that Yes, you did make the payment and she sent you a thank you message. No paying double for you. On a design front, the Nokia 7205 has a Habitat mode that assigns nature icons for each of your contacts. And they have His and Hers models. Check it out at www.techsavvybride.com, and get your His and Hers phones instead of spending hundreds on those His and Hers tee shirts, hats, and underwear sets.
Like the phone? Send me an e-mail, and I'll give one winner a month a copy of my newest book "Home From the Honeymoon," giving you tips for handling the first, challenging year of marriage.
Thursday, May 07, 2009
Catch me on Arizona Bride!
Arizona Bride has posted a lovely review of my book "Home From the Honeymoon"
This new book helps newlyweds celebrate all of the Firsts of their first year of marriage, and also tackle the many challenges of adjusting to life as Marrieds. No more post-wedding blues! There's so much to look forward to...
This new book helps newlyweds celebrate all of the Firsts of their first year of marriage, and also tackle the many challenges of adjusting to life as Marrieds. No more post-wedding blues! There's so much to look forward to...
Monday, May 04, 2009
'Here Come the Moms' Show #7 is now live!
'Here Come the Moms,' my show at Wedding Podcast Network, is now live with our newest installment! Listen in here to find out the newest ways that brides and their moms can face the challenge of a wedding budget together, get some things for FREE, and not sacrifice quality on the wedding day.
Friday, May 01, 2009
Personalize your wedding with Caribbean 'Shells of the Month'
While my husband and I were on our second honeymoon on St. John, we visited a lovely jewelry shop in Mongoose Junction and discovered this fun chart about the 'Shells of the Month,' which works a lot like birthstones and the flowers of the month. The jeweler casts actual shells using precious metals in his work, but you can incorporate the real deal in your decor. Check it out to see if your island destination wedding or honeymoon could use a fun shell theme with meaning:
Attributes of Shells, from http://www.pattongold.com/shell_attributes.htm
In the 1970s R&I PATTON collected local* shells and made molds of them in order to cast them in solid 18k, 14k and sterling. They are beautiful, lasting tokens of remembrance for an amazing island and a significant event.
Seashells and what they have come to represent:
January:
Starfish: orderliness, charisma, honesty, persistence, regeneration, originality
February:
Limpet: intensity, stability, determination, durability, steadfastness
March:
Scallop:truth, faithfulness, trustworthiness, precision, balance, dependability
April:
Tulip:sweetness, compassion, loveliness, kindness, tranquility, love
May:
Murex: poise, beauty, intricacy, intelligence - very feminine shell
June:
Sanddollar:loyalty, encouragement, reliability, certainty, predictability
July:
Coral:warmth, charm, openness, complexity, enthusiasm, zeal
August:
Urchin: boldness, confidence, creativity, decisiveness, certainty, bravery
September:
Cowry: prosperity, worth, generosity, directness, ambition, versatility
October:
Flamingo Tongue: strength, simplicity, potency, courage - a very masculine shell
November:
Triton: expansiveness, loquaciousness, wildness, energy, passion
December:
Conch: power, leadership, devotion, optimism, cooperation, harmony
* Since it is now illegal to remove any shells from the beaches and waters of the U.S. Virgin Islands, these precious metal replicas are great and lasting mementos.
These shells make wonderful wedding party gifts. Our staff would be happy to help you decide about which shells would be appropriate for individuals in your group.
For more on personalizing your wedding, visit my site!
Attributes of Shells, from http://www.pattongold.com/shell_attributes.htm
In the 1970s R&I PATTON collected local* shells and made molds of them in order to cast them in solid 18k, 14k and sterling. They are beautiful, lasting tokens of remembrance for an amazing island and a significant event.
Seashells and what they have come to represent:
January:
Starfish: orderliness, charisma, honesty, persistence, regeneration, originality
February:
Limpet: intensity, stability, determination, durability, steadfastness
March:
Scallop:truth, faithfulness, trustworthiness, precision, balance, dependability
April:
Tulip:sweetness, compassion, loveliness, kindness, tranquility, love
May:
Murex: poise, beauty, intricacy, intelligence - very feminine shell
June:
Sanddollar:loyalty, encouragement, reliability, certainty, predictability
July:
Coral:warmth, charm, openness, complexity, enthusiasm, zeal
August:
Urchin: boldness, confidence, creativity, decisiveness, certainty, bravery
September:
Cowry: prosperity, worth, generosity, directness, ambition, versatility
October:
Flamingo Tongue: strength, simplicity, potency, courage - a very masculine shell
November:
Triton: expansiveness, loquaciousness, wildness, energy, passion
December:
Conch: power, leadership, devotion, optimism, cooperation, harmony
* Since it is now illegal to remove any shells from the beaches and waters of the U.S. Virgin Islands, these precious metal replicas are great and lasting mementos.
These shells make wonderful wedding party gifts. Our staff would be happy to help you decide about which shells would be appropriate for individuals in your group.
For more on personalizing your wedding, visit my site!
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Monday, April 20, 2009
Win a pair of Nokia phones and a Honeymoon!
Announcing my new position as the Bridal Spokesperson for Nokia's new Intrigue!
With wedding season around the corner and brides looking to simplify the planning process, technology tools are taking the place of the personal wedding planner for a new generation.
Sharon Naylor, bridal expert and author of more than 35 wedding books – including 'Home From the Honeymoon' to be released in May – is available for in-person or phone interviews. Sharon has partnered with Nokia to help brides use technology to plan the wedding of their dreams, without the stress! From keeping in touch with far away bridesmaids to avoiding late fees, Sharon will show consumers how to use technology to make the entire planning process a breeze!
Wedding Planning Tips
Share Updates: Allow long-distance friends and relatives to get in on the fun wedding details by posting quick and easy updates to Twitter or Facebook right from your mobile phone.
Stay Organized: Organization is key to saving money and limiting wedding stress! Your phone can be your ultimate wedding organizer. For example, with the Nokia 7205 Intrigue, available at Verizon Wireless, you can lose the big, heavy wedding binder and access all of your important phone numbers, calendar and images of your dress, your venue and your dream flowers in one light device.
Map it Out: Use free online mapping sites such www.weddingmapper.com to create your wedding map. This handy tool allows you to create a personalized map of your ceremony, reception, hotels, etc for out of town guests.
Create your Virtual You to Save Time: Build a virtual model of yourself online at My Virtual Model (MVM.com) to try on your outfits for every bridal occasion. Invite your wedding party including bridesmaids and mother of the bride to do the same. Doing it all online instead of traveling to stores saves time and budget.
Streamline Your Guest List: Skip the traditional reply cards and invite your guests to R.S.V.P. online through your personal wedding web site at The Knot.com. Your guest list will be easy to manage and you can check for updates anytime from your mobile device or at home!
Nokia is also hosting a Tech Savvy Bride Sweepstakes for one lucky bride to win a seven-night honeymoon package and a pair of Nokia 7205 Intrigues to share with her groom. Click here for more information: http://www.techsavvybride.com.
Please let me know if you are interested in scheduling an interview.
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