Wedding Invitation Etiquette - Wedding Toast Etiquette for Your Wedding Day by Mary A. Jane

How do you determine who speaks at the wedding reception and when? This depends on whether you are going to have a traditional reception or something that is a little more current. Traditionally, wedding toasts are not performed by the bride or other females. However, today many women want to speak at the wedding reception along with the men. The information in this article will deal with traditional wedding toast etiquette.

The most important thing to remember is that all wedding toasts should not be offensive to either the bride’s family or the groom’s family. Something that may be funny to one family may seem to be offensive and in poor taste to another family. Therefore it is good etiquette to make certain that the toasts are tasteful to both families. The speaker should also think about how formal the reception is. If the reception is very formal and black tie, the toast should be formal. A reception at a local bar or restaurant may be the proper place for more humorous stories. Be sure that the bride and groom prior to the wedding to be sure of what they are expecting as far as wedding toasts.

So who is the first to speak at a wedding reception? At a traditional reception, the best man usually goes first. Etiquette suggests that for a best man toast, he should tell a few stories about the bride and groom. Remember, this needs to be clean so that no one is offended by the toast. The best man should say a thank you to the parents of the bride and groom for helping them get to this special day. This is a special day for the bride so the bride should be toasted by the best man at the end of his speech.

After the best man gives a toast, proper wedding etiquette calls for the groom to go next. The groom should thank both sets of parents, the guests, his bride, and the bridesmaids. The groom should comment on the beauty of the bridesmaids and thank them for all of their help. When the groom toasts his bride, he may want to include the story of how they met with a little humor and sweet teasing. Appropriate etiquette would never have the groom tease the bride so that she is embarrassed or talk about the bridesmaids so much that he makes his new bride jealous.

Lastly, the bride’s father should say a few words. Etiquette suggests that he welcome the guests to the celebration. He can talk about the memories he has of his daughter before he gives a toast to the happy couple. He then announces that the festivities can now commence. Light teasing is acceptable but again, it should never embarrass the bride.

It is perfectly acceptable if other relatives or close friends want to speak at the wedding. The etiquette for wedding toasts is changing quickly. Brides can toast their new husband and her parents. This was never done in the traditional wedding etiquette. Plan for whatever is best for your family and friends.

About the Author

Learn the secrets of wedding etiquette thank you notes and discover the methods of good etiquette when sending the invitation cards a week to the wedding at http://www.marrycustoms.com, the most renowed wedding

How to Reconnect With Your Wife and Save Your Marriage by Gerry Restrivera

Are you and your wife drifting apart? Marriages and relationships have the tendency to get stale and if you noticed that your wife is getting distant you have to do something before things get worse. Here are simple tips to bring back the fire in your marriage and reconnect with your wife.

Spend time to talk and avoid interruptions to reconnect with your wife. When at home it is very easy to focus yourself on something else like television, radio, books and take home work. Turn off the television and avoid working at home and give your wife some real quality time. You both need it everyday to make the relationship stronger. Reconnect with your wife and update her on what is happening to you when you are not together, this will make her feel very important to your life. She will not feel left out in your life.

Date your wife. Even if you’ve been married for years now, dating should not be a forgotten thing. Dating will help you remind her that you still love to be with her. It does not have to be an extravagant date, but something that will allow you and your wife to have a quite moment and bond together.

Experience new and old hobbies together. Doing things that you both love together will help you reconnect with your wife. If she loves photography, you could bring her to places that she could take good photos and create new memories with you. If she is interested in your sports or hobbies like golf or bowling, teach her and play together.

Be demonstrative with your feelings. If you love her then say it in words and in deeds. Most women are very vocal and demonstrative with their feelings and somehow they also want the same from their husbands. Bring her flowers, send an I love you message during the day when she is too busy running errands at home and she will love you more for it and will make her day complete. There are simple and yet heart warming acts of love that you could do everyday to reconnect with your wife.

If she lost interest in you, there are proven techniques to reconnect with your wife and bring back lost love. To find out how visit Bring Back The Love of Your Life

To know how to save your marriage visit Bring Back Lost Love

To know more about relationships visit All About Relationships


About the Author

Gerry Restrivera writes informative articles on various subjects including How to Reconnect With Your Wife. You are allowed to publish this article in its entirety provided that author’s name, bio and website links must remain intact and included with every reproduction.

Online Marriage Counseling: A Positive Step Toward Saving Your Marriage by Ellen Kreidman, Ph.D.

A marriage vow is supposed to be an inviolate thing, a binding commitment between two people to spend the rest of their lives together. This includes through better or worse, richer or poorer and in sickness or good health; we all know the drill. Every married couple repeats the vows or variations on them and, at the time, the vast majority of these people mean what they recite and fully intend to honor those vows. The unwritten assumption is that there are always ups and downs in any marriage, but on the whole, the relationship is assumed to be strong enough to survive these bumps and should in fact become stronger for them.

Yet, it's a fact of life that nearly half of all American marriages end in divorce. In Canada, it's over a third of all marriages. In some European countries, divorce rates actually exceed fifty percent! For a society that generally considers marriage the pinnacle of adult relationships and the foundation for a family, these aren't statistics to be proud of.

Traditional Marriage Counseling has not been particularly successful for many people and that shortcoming is reflected in the dismal marriage failure statistics. It's not necessarily a lack of commitment on the part of the spouses who are trying to work their way through a difficult time; in fact, traditional marriage counseling can become a multi-year exercise that requires a significant investment in time, money and emotion. People are enduring this in the hope of piecing their marriages back together. Still, that extraordinarily high divorce rate remains.

Many marriage counselors end up creating a dependency, where couples are afraid to make any move without first consulting their therapist. Spouses tend to be of different temperaments and therapy sessions can be overwhelming for one of the partners, creating or amplifying an existing emotional imbalance in the relationship. Sessions tend to focus on the problems, the negatives in the relationship, and that frequently means singling out one partner for their transgressions. There can be a great deal of emotional energy created in a traditional therapy session, but all too often it's negative energy: resentment or anger. How can that negativity help the couple struggling to save their marriage?

If you are in a troubled marriage, instead of automatically turning to the phone book and stepping onto the therapy treadmill, perhaps you should Save Marriage Counseling as a last resort; at least traditional marriage counseling.

What is it that makes a married man or woman take the risk of engaging in an extramarital affair? While many people assume it's simply boredom, money or outright sexual attraction, often the root cause can be traced back to the fact that everyone likes to feel special. Consciously or subconsciously, people get married in the first place in large part because they feel special when they're with their partner. When that partner no longer makes them feel special, they begin to seek a bond with others in an attempt to recapture that "special" feeling.

There are Online Marriage Counseling services available that avoid the pitfalls of traditional marriage counseling. Instead of sitting in an office, re-opening old wounds as you are prompted to go though the litany of ways you and your spouse have hurt each other, the alternative is to listen to an expert as they walk through real-life examples and focus on the positive experiences of marriage. It's all done in the privacy of your own home (or car, or wherever you choose to listen to the CDs), on your timetable and benefits can be realized even if only one of the spouses chooses to take part. Instead of digging through the relationship's dirt, the emphasis is on learning how to fulfill each other's needs so that each partner once again feels special. This is a positive approach that can give a marriage a much-needed fresh start. The approach has been proven successful and leading practitioners have been featured in the media, including appearances on Oprah, The View and The Today Show, not to mention leading publications including USA Today, The New York Times and Cosmopolitan.

In the end the choice is up to you: months or years of ongoing, intensive and emotionally-charged therapy, or a short, positive re-enforcement of why you chose to get married in the first place.

About the Author

This article was written by Ellen Kreidman, Ph.D. for LightYourFire.com, who has shown thousands of couples that you don't need marriage counseling to bring back the feelings you had when you first fell in love. Article reproductions must include a link pointing to http://www.lightyourfire.com/

How Much Does a Wedding Photographer Cost by Robert Reno

Most people will say that wedding photography is both an art and a science. You need to capture the right emotions during key times that can not be recreated. So how much does a wedding photographer cost? I will tell you this much, you will usually get what you pay for. This includes the creativity and time spent to create something unique. A professional wedding photographer in Michigan works very hard for the fee they request.

You want your wedding to be perfect, and nothing is more important than the images from your once in a lifetime special event. You will look back on these photos ten or twenty years from now reflecting on these precious memories. What do you expect from your wedding photographer? Do you want something simple, or something truly customized to your needs? This is a question you will have to ask yourself before finding out how much a wedding photographer will cost.

How Much Does a Wedding Photographer Cost

Well have you decided on what you’re looking for yet? Before you do, you will need to understand the difference between cheap and good. I am sure you heard the slogan, 'Cheap is not good and good is not cheap'. You will usually get what you pay for. As mentioned earlier this will be reflected in the time and energy put into your wedding day.

Knowing that your memories are on the line, you will have to feel comfortable with the wedding photographer you hire for your special occasion. Do you get the vibe that they will be able to deliver on your wedding day? Can they handle the expectations you have set for them? The best advice is to look over their portfolio and see if you notice any trends. If you do, then you are probably dealing with a cookie cutter service that does not step outside the sphere of influence often. Another Biggie is recent references from brides within the last six months. These people will be able to tell you how they felt about their decision and the wedding photographer you are considering.

Cheap Wedding Photographers in Michigan

Buyer beware, there are many part time hobbyist out there that claim the title as a full time devoted wedding specialist. When looking over their portfolios do you notice color and emotion? Do their pictures tell a story about the day as it unfolds? Some different poses and indoor outdoor shots will give you an idea of the imagination of the vendor you are working with. This has to be one of the most important aspects of the choice you make. For example, many cheap wedding photographers in Michigan might not carry this trait. If they do, then their prices may be set low to acquire business because of a lack of referrals. You will have to do the investigating to figure out how their prices compare and what is the reasoning behind their pricing structure.

Average Wedding Photographer Prices

It never ceases to amaze me that most brides make decisions based on pricing alone. This is a big no no when it comes to hiring the company that can make or break the entire evening let alone day. Going back to what we said earlier price should be the least important factor. Now I would like you to think really hard for one moment.

Do you want your wedding reception and wedding ceremony pictures to be average

Honestly, no bride does. Your wedding is different from all the others being planned. So how does your photographer set him/herself apart from the competition? Do they bring additional assistants to get more than one perspective? What is the turn around time on the proofs? To help you distinguish between the average and the exceptional, I have laid out a couple of helpful tips on how to choose a wedding photographer below.

Why hire a professional wedding photographer

First of all you will have piece of mind knowing that you are in good hands. The last thing you need to be is stressed on your wedding day wondering if the photographer is going to show up. Now you many save hundreds by cutting corners and going with a lower priced service, but it may cost you thousands later down the road. Looking back on those precious images will they hold up to the standards and quality that you were expecting? Also a professional wedding photographer has to be able to finesse themselves into intimate situations to get the shot. This means having the courtesy not to compromise that special moment just to get the shot.

How do I search for a professional wedding photographer

If you stumbled upon this article, then you are searching over the web. This is a good place to start to get a general idea of what is expected. From there I would setup up several consultations to see their work and discuss their packages. Something to pay close attention to is the way they handle their consultation. Are you just another bride, or do they work extra hard to make sure you completely understand the options and how they will personalize your day? If you are hung up on the pricing, then you may ignore their reasoning and justifications until you get a price and that can cloud your decision.

Another good place to start the hunt for the photographer is through friends and family. They will also be able to tell you of their experiences and results. Make sure to get references and check with at least three of them. Most wedding photographers in Michigan will travel. Find out what their coverage area is if you are planning a destination wedding.

Narrow down the list of photographers for your wedding

Now that you are a pro at interviewing and knowing what to expect, you may be on the fence with several companies. Do not get me wrong, price is important but going back to the main question you will have to find out what you want. Not all photographers are created equally so you will have to find the one that suits your particular style. Several different styles are traditional, classic, and casual candid. You may also what to check with the cinematic or photojournalistic approaches. A professional wedding photographer will be able to distinguish and explain the different approaches better.

When do I speak with my wedding photographer company

Everyone is different on this issue. Personally a reputable company will want to maintain a close relation and constant communication with their client to ensure a mutual understanding. However, some may have a few conversations over the phone or in their studio to finalize the details. Either way, it is important that you express exactly what you want so that the two of you are on the same page.

The photographer you are speaking with, will they be the one shooting on your big day? Make sure to see the portfolio shots of the actual photographer that will be shooting on your wedding day.

How much does a wedding photographer cost

The real question to ask, is how much will I be getting in value. This price range can vary between $1,000 to $10,000. You can expect to pay a minimum of $1,500 for a small Sunday wedding and a minimum of $2,500 for a small Saturday wedding. If you are offered a package for less than $1,000 then you are probably dealing with a cheap wedding photographer that does not have the experience. Most couples under estimate the cost of their photographer by as much as 50%! A good rule of thumb is to expect to pay twice as much as you are considering. A typical wedding photographer is usually 15-25% of the total wedding cost.

How Much Time Does a Professional Wedding Photographer require in order to give me what I need

The time your photographer spends on your wedding, will depend on what type of events you will have. No two weddings are the same, and your options vary. This includes:

Rehearsal dinners and services Brides preparation Formal bride and bridesmaid photography prior to the wedding Formal bride and groom photography prior to the wedding Wedding ceremony Leaving the church (post ceremony) Formal group photographs Reception photography, including grand entrance, speeches, toasts, first dance, father daughter dance, mother son dance, bridal party dance, cake cutting, bouquet and garter, and final departure from the reception

How many wedding photographs should I get

Many professional wedding photographers include the cost of proofs in their packages. These proofs are typically 4x6" prints. The amount of proofs will depend on how much film is shooting. The minimum is roughly 120-150 shots. This is a typical number to work from, because from there you can select the best shots for your album or to be enlarged.

About those wedding photography negatives, who keeps them

Some Michigan wedding photographers will keep the negatives and have their brides order reprints after the wedding reception. These photographers make a portion of their income from these orders and enlargements. These photographers will usually keep the negatives on file for 2 years giving you the option to order if necessary. Other wedding photographers in Michigan will give back the negatives for you to use. Keep in mind that this option may be more costly since you will only have to use their services once. Make sure to ask this question to find out what exactly happens to the negatives after the wedding.

Wedding Photography packages in Michigan

Many photographers in Michigan offer packages with their services that cover a variety of options. This way you can select the one that best fits with what you are looking for. It is sometimes more effective to have the wedding photographer arrange the album (if it is included in your package), because they will have the creativity of arranging the images in a way that tells a story. Not only will this save you time, but this cost is usually a small percentage of the total price. However the cost will depend on a couple of different things:

Time allowed to photograph the wedding ceremony and reception The amount of wedding proofs/photos The number of enlargements requested The overall layout and type of photo albums. You can have them for your parents or just different themes. As mentioned earlier the cost is usually not that significant however the more expensive albums will have a better quality and longer life span.

Is black and white wedding photography still in style

A more traditional approach to wedding photos is black and white instead of color. This will give a timeless feel with a touch of elegance. Your wedding photographer should offer B&W along with color photos. You can always change a color picture into B&W, but a pro will shoot the negative in black and white. The impression that black and white photos will give is amazing, and usually these pictures are more costly. Any reputable wedding photographer should have a printer dedicated solely to printing these images.

Final considerations for a Wedding Photographer in Michigan

So we laid out 10 points above on how to narrow down the gap between the wedding photographers you are looking at. A couple of final considerations are the type of lighting your photographer will be using, the equipment/filters, how many assistants, and photo copyrights. Now that you have been given some great advice on how to choose a wedding photographer, it is up to you to make the final decision.

About the Author

Robert Reno works for Encore Entertainment. His team provides DJs and lighting for Michigan wedding receptions. Visit the following links for more info about a How Much Does a Wedding Photographer Cost or the Michigan DJ.

What Does it Take for a Relationship to Work? by Carla Tarantola

Enlightened relationships fulfill all aspects of our lives. We trust each other and we feel we are on the same team so we like to help each other. There is a deep sense of belonging. We discuss important issues together. We laugh together. We love to express our sensuality freely, with enthusiasm and a sense of discovery. We feel powerful enough to be vulnerable in each other's presence. We communicate with honesty and openness from our authentic selves. We are nurturing a seed of love that blooms into a flower that expands its essence to our surroundings. As we love, we feel a connection that goes beyond our bodies. We start sensing that we are more than our body and become conscious of the divine connection. We want to live fully and contribute to life.

In other words life together is safe, sexy, powerful, loving, expressive and expanding beyond our bodies. However, not all relationships have to fulfill all the areas mentioned above. People can form a relationship such as marriage for all sorts of reasons. Some people marry for security, some because of sexual gratification, some because they feel more powerful together than separate, some because they can communicate well together, some for spiritual reasons. Enlightened relationships seem to have the entire gamut of reasons to be together.

During the many years I've worked as psychotherapist and Tantric healer, I've noticed that any relationship - no matter how it started - can work as long as the couple grows in the same or a compatible direction or are very tolerant of the other being in a completely different space as they are. They love the essence of their partner.

Most of the couples that come to Tantric therapy complain that the partner they chose is no longer fulfilling their needs. Either the sexual expression on which the choice of the marriage was made has become stale or the safety provided by of the marriage contract has become boring and at least one of them is longing for more sex and more creativity. To reach a higher harmony with a more fulfilling love life the knowledge of Tantra is essential as well as being aware of the basic differences between man and woman or, to be more precise, between masculine and feminine energy expressions. So you can substitute the word woman for feminine expression and the word man for masculine expression.

You are not the only one who sometimes feels like men and women are from different planets. Yes, we have fundamentally the same basic needs; however the nature of men and the nature of women have different expressions. I am inviting you to use this information to understand each other and grow together. Women are turned on through romance; they love hearing how much they are wanted and loved. They want to hear men talk about it in detail. They love to read romance novels and devour the romantic parts. If they read romantic books at all, men usually just skip to the juicy parts. Librarians say they have never seen a man pick up a Victorian novel! Men are turned on by visual appearance, color of hair, how an outfit [space] looks, the way a woman moves her head, the way her shoulders are held, the texture of her breast, the smell the woman wears.

An example from a couple I worked with: When Lori came to my Tantric session she complained that Don was only interested in sex. He would come home and grab her breast or her butt and carry her to the bedroom. Don complained that she constantly slaps his hand away and he feels rejected. She used to like sex when we were going out, he said exasperated. He was stunned and confused. I helped him understand what was happening. I asked him to remember how it was at the beginning of their relationship when she was hot for him. I asked him how many times he used to call her during the week to re-affirm his love to her and to make plans to go out. After some pondering he could see how his calling her and often planning something new kept her heart open. He admitted that her heart seemed to expand into a bigger love that translated into a greater turn on. The component of feeling loved emotionally kept her sexual urge high.

When there is a conflict a woman wants to talk about it until she feels heard. Then she's willing to hear him out until they reach a mutually satisfying agreement. She can seldom be sexually open until there is a resolution. Then her heart can open and therefore the sexual energy can flow through her body allowing for enthusiastic love making. In contrast, after a fight, a man wants to make up by making love. For him, the connection is reestablished by making love, especially by having great intercourse.

Another difference is that when a man ejaculates he emits a hormone that puts him to sleep. When women have orgasms they emit a hormone that wakes them up and increases their energy for more connection. However, Tantric men who have learned to control their ejaculation several times before ejaculating can stay awake and enjoy a long afterglow hug a pillow talk with his woman before falling asleep. This is because of the extra charge of energy engendered from transmuting the sexual charge into love energy. That charge remains in the body even after releasing the semen if they "choose" to do so.

Still another difference: When women are sad, they can still be in the mood for sex, but when they are angry or tired, they are cut off from their sexual flow. Men, on the other hand, can have intercourse when they are angry and they are often surprised to notice where the tiredness goes when an erection emerges. And finally, men have their highest level of testosterone in the morning while women have their highest level in the evening. Men are often ready to make love in the morning while women would rather turn over and continue to sleep.

Some men I've worked with solved this challenge by taking a catnap in the early evening in order to still feel enough energy to make love before going to bed. However, if the woman had to deal with small children during the day she might be exhausted by the evening, too. The glorious and sexually satisfying relationship requires a willingness to take our male and female differences into consideration to co-create ways to move beyond any perceived limitations. A spiritually fulfilling relationship is our birthright. It takes two to tango in the dance of life and when we move together effortlessly we evolve relationships that work. My commitment is to help people achieve an optimal way of relating based on a real understanding of each other. In my experience, all Tantric exoteric techniques work best if based on honesty of feelings and needs and trust that you can be heard. Knowing how to deliver such communication in a fully responsible and compassionate way is essential to keep a relationship alive and growing.

About the Author

Carla Tara is an internationally-acclaimed teacher of Tantra, who masterfully integrates a variety of tantric approaches with body-oriented psychotherapy. She has studied with Eastern masters and Western teachers. Her background as a yoga teacher, psychotherapist, dancer, and relationship counselor contributes to the strength and creativity of her work as a coach to both individuals and couples.

The Legendary Style of Grace Kelly's Wedding by Bridget Mora

If you are looking for inspiration for your wedding, nothing could be better than the fabulous nuptials of international style icon Grace Kelly. Her 1956 wedding to Prince Rainier of Monaco was watched by thirty million viewers on television, all eager to see the exquisite couture gown that Miss Kelly would wear down the aisle. They were not disappointed - the long sleeved lace gown made fashion and wedding history as one of the most elegant bridal gowns of all time. It became an instant classic.

Princess Grace's gown was a gift from MGM Studios. It consisted of 25 yards of silk taffeta and 100 yards of silk net, peau de soie, tulle, and 125 year old Belgian rose point lace. She wore a Juliet cap embellished with seed pearls and orange blossoms, and was the picture of poise and, yes, grace. It took 36 seamstresses to create Grace Kelly's incredible bridal gown. With its' fitted bodice and full skirt, the gown was au courant in 1956, and remains the pinnacle of timeless good taste today.

Many brides adore Grace Kelly's divine style, and would love to add a sprinkle of her graciousness to their own wedding. Even if you are not able to afford a couture gown, and your fiance is a prince only in your eyes, there are ways to indulge your royal wedding fantasies without a royal wedding budget. Simply let the principles of elegance, timeless beauty, and high fashion guide you as you plan your wedding.

Because Grace Kelly was known above all for her cool beauty and impeccable taste, the bridal ensemble will be very important to a bride trying to emulate her style. Look for a wedding gown with classic lines. To reassure the people of Monaco that she would be a proper princess, not a flashy Hollywood actress, Miss Kelly chose to wear a gown with very demure styling. Today's brides may prefer a more open neckline, but for a cool weather wedding, lace long sleeves like the princess wore would be truly lovely. Alternatively, you could choose a strapless gown and wear a fitted lace jacket or shrug over it for the ceremony. This would be especially nice if your ceremony will be held in a house of worship, to show respect for religious customs. There is something refreshing about showing less, rather than more, skin.

Brides have always loved pearls, and Grace Kelly was no exception. Her bridal ensemble was decorated with hundreds of handsewn seed pearls. In addition, Prince Rainier presented her with a spectacular diamond and pearl bridal jewelry set from Van Cleef & Arpel as a wedding gift. To achieve similar elegance on a more affordable scale, choose handcrafted pearl bridal jewelry accented with Swarovski crystals. Select classic pieces such as pearl and crystal drop earrings and strands for timeless beauty.

For décor, take your inspiration from the Princess's garden. Miss Kelly's wedding flowers included white lilacs, hydrangea, lilies, and snapdragons. In addition, orange blossoms adorned her headpiece. This choice may have sent a message, as orange blossoms symbolize fertility and purity. It was a well known fact that Prince Rainier needed to produce an heir to the throne in order to ensure Monaco's independence from France. Apparently the orange blossoms worked, because Princess Caroline was born nine months after the wedding!

The divine elegance and breathtaking beauty of Princess Grace helped to put Monaco on the map. Even years after her death, she remains one of our top style icons of all time. Grace Kelly's wedding reflected her exquisite taste, and she serves as a wonderful inspiration for brides everywhere.

About the Author

Bidget's articles about weddings,jewelry and fashion provides advice and entertainment for http:www.silverlandjewelry.com Let us know if you would like her to write about a particular topic. Shop for pearl bridal jewelry and stunning bridesmaid jewelry gifts.

Pregnant Bride Attire by Bridget Mora

Gone are the days when women who found themselves "in a family" way had shotgun weddings or lied about their child's birthdate to conceal the date of his conception. There are plenty of pregnant brides now who do not feel like they have to rush the wedding or hide their condition. In fact, brides who are expecting are so common that some designers even offer maternity bridal gowns in their collections. Never the less, it is challenging for a pregnant woman to find well-fitting clothing under any circumstances, and the pressure is so much greater when you will be the center of attention.

The first thing that any pregnant bride must do is accept the reality of her situation. Unlike other brides, you will not be able to starve yourself or wear binding undergarments to squeeze into slinky gowns, so put the idea out of your head. And no matter how slim a woman may be, she is fooling herself if she thinks that her figure won't dramatically change. This means forget about a strapless dress, because before too long, your waist will be larger than your bust, and the gown will slip down. The good news is that a pregnant bride can still find styles that will be comfortable without giving up on style.

Many women think that empire waist dresses are the only option for maternity bridal gowns, but this is not the case. In fact, having a long, full dress dropping from a seam above the belly tends to make a pregnant bride look as big as a house. Surprisingly, drop waist gowns are often the most flattering cut to the "bump". Because they are fitted through the torso, they are actually more slimming without being restrictive. The key is to find a bridal shop with a very skilled seamstress who can customize the gown to fit an ever changing figure.

And for goodness sake, be honest with the bridal salon when you are ordering your gown. I have seen brides who were uncomfortable telling a stranger about their pregnancy, but if the shop is not informed, there is no chance that your gown will fit by the time that it arrives. Besides shape and size, embellishments are something to consider carefully in a maternity gown. Having some special detail makes a bride feel prettier, but be sure to avoid embroidery or beadwork that wraps over seams on the bodice - by the time the gown has been altered to fit a pregnant tummy, those seams will no loner line up.

The great thing about bridal jewelry, veils, and headpieces is that they always fit. Women who are pregnant during the wedding planning process tend to feel self-conscious about their changing figures, so choosing fabulous accessories can be very uplifting. Today, it is considered fine for a pregnant bride to wear white if she wants to, and she should also feel free to wear a bridal veil. Since it will be most practical to keep the gown simple, the accessories are the place for a bride to be as elaborate as she wants. For instance, it would be fabulous to have custom bridal jewelry handcrafted to coordinate with the wedding gown. Jewelry can be made to flatter the woman just like a gown can. If your face has gotten puffy, choose long Swarovski crystal drop earrings for their lengthening effect. A drop necklace is a great idea to accent the lovely cleavage that all pregnant women seem to acquire. The idea is to design custom bridal jewelry to highlight your best features, just any any bride would.

Some of the sweetest brides I have known have been the pregnant ones. Although their major life events were not in the sequence that they would have planned, they still made beautiful, radiant brides. The combination of the glow of an expectant mother with the radiance that all engaged women exude made for some very lovely brides.

About the Author

Bridget's articles provide advice on weddings and fashion for http://www.silverlandjewelry.com SilverlandJewelry provides custom bridal jewelry and an excellent selection of bridesmaids gifts .

The Good Things about White and Black Diamond Engagement Ring by Britney Smith

Most engagement rings are unsuitable for men leaving most men without engagement rings. If you would like to have an engagement ring for the man in your life then look no further than a white and black diamond engagement ring. The black and white gems offer a strong contrast and the bold colors are definitely suited to man's finger. Diamonds on a man's ring can sometimes look tacky and in some instances feminine. For the manly man who wishes to have an engagement ring a white and black diamond engagement ring offers the perfect solution.

Unusual and Rare

Black diamonds are unusual and very rarely used in jewelry. They are more commonly used in drill bits due to their porous nature and for years they were considered unsuitable for jewelry. However this attitude has changed over the years with the discovery of beautiful black diamonds that make stunning rings for men. The rarity factor alone makes them much sought after and they can command very high prices.

A white and black diamond engagement ring can be as understated or as flashy as you like, depending on the amount of stones and the arrangement. More black than white diamonds will make a more subtle statement then one that uses more white stones. Remember that black diamonds do not contain the sparkle that is traditionally associated with other diamond colors.

Choosing the Right Design

It is important that an engagement ring feature black and white diamonds. One that only has black diamonds can fall flat and fail to impress anyone. The white diamonds are necessary to highlight the ring. Depending on the size of your diamonds you can have them arranged in a pattern of significance for you for example a circle to represent your love will never be broken or your initials and your fiancés' initials.

The cut of the diamonds is very important to make sure that your white and black diamond engagement ring is attractive. Look for stones that are pure black as many black diamonds have grayish accents and too much gray can dull the appearance of the diamond.

Polished diamonds may also be a better bet in getting the perfect white and black diamond engagement ring. Black diamonds are extremely fashionable and are quite popular at the moment, so be prepared to pay more for any piece that features these diamonds. However, black diamonds are rare and their unusual color will definitely make your engagement ring unique.

About the Author

Britney Smith is an Internet Marketer that writes articles on various resources. She shares her thoughts on Womans Health and Wedding Tips invites you to her website to Learn About Marriage Tips Advice Resource Online

Choosing the Right Engagement Ring Mountings by Britney Smith

Engagement ring mountings are a crucial part of an engagement ring. Without the mounting you cannot attach a gemstone. A bad mounting will leave your gemstone vulnerable to damage and a possibility of falling off your ring. When you have gone to so much trouble to make sure you have a beautiful engagement ring you should make sure that every element in the ring is perfect.

Besides a beautiful design your engagement ring should be made of something sturdy to resist daily wear and tear. There are several things that you should think about when choosing your engagement ring mountings so that your ring remains intact for years to come.

Showcasing Your Gems

Engagement ring mountings are important to showcase the beauty of the gems that you have chosen. A bad mounting can hide the beauty of your gem, particularly diamonds, and make your ring look dull when you want the opposite effect. Usually engagement rings are shown with symmetrically placed prongs, the diamond or other gem sits snugly in these prongs. Other engagement ring mountings go around the entire gem.

The Right Materials

The right materials are important when you are looking at engagement ring mountings. Platinum is usually chosen, as it is affordable while still able to present gems nicely and offer strength. Other metals that are also strong and offer versatile grounds to showcase gems are titanium and tungsten.

Tungsten, titanium and platinum are all very strong metals and will give you the best in terms of strength. Low karat gold and silver are not good options as they are not strong and can detract from a gem's beauty.

Importance of a Good Mounting

Never underestimate engagement ring mountings, they can make your ring look fabulous or they can make your ring look simply awful to the point a layman can discern how bad your ring is. Mountings determine how much light your gemstone will receive and how bright it will look.

A mounting that is too big can sometimes overshadow a gem. Imagine that you have bought a beautiful and expensive diamond only to have it obscured by the wrong mounting. Talk to your jeweler about what engagement ring mountings will go well with the stones you have chosen.

Things like accents and settings are add on features. You want to make sure that your gems are securely fixed to your ring and that they will stay there. Choose carefully and research the types of mountings out there.

About the Author

Britney Smith is an Internet Marketer that writes articles on various resources. She shares her thoughts on Marriage Tips Online invites you to her website to Learn About Marriage Tips Online

Sign of a Cheating Spouse: You've Got A Feeling by Daryl Campbell

The signs may not have been blatantly obvious but they were there. Was it a new perfume or cologne smell you did not recognize? No. But it did appear strange to you that calls to your spouse's cell phone were on the increase. They also started to occur at more peculiar hours.

You tried to rationalize it by concluding these calls just come with the territory. Your spouse besides working a very demanding job also has interest in building a business of their own. Or it could be that they have a lot of friends and family who stay in constant contact with them. Nothing wrong with that.

Except where as before they took most of the calls in front of you now they step out of the room once too often. If you happened to approach them unexpectedly, the look on their face may betray nothing but the body language screams, "What are you doing here?" You may not have consciously observed this but there is little doubt that it did not go unnoticed by your instincts.

Even the most brilliant minds that have made a lifetime study on the subject are at a loss to explain the power of instinct. It follows no logical pattern or reasoning process and it doesn't appear to even be based solely off an emotional response.

But the stories of it in action are legendary. Somebody who was just about to take a flight somewhere or get it their car to drive down a certain street were suddenly stopped in their tracks when their instincts started going off like an obnoxious alarm bell. But these folks listened and disaster was averted.

In the case of a cheating spouse the instincts can pick up on things which you are not noticing or cannot bring yourself to notice (understandable). For instance there could be a subtle shift in the dynamic of your relationship. You may not have picked up on the distance that appears to be growing between the two of you or even detected the slight chill that has taken over many of your conversations. But make no mistake; it didn't escape your instinct.

Oftentimes a spouse that has suspicions concerning their significant other's infidelity will dismiss these notions as just being paranoid or the ramblings of an over active imagination. Anything is possible when it comes to the human mind.

While it's understandable to want to give your spouse the benefit of the doubt that does not mean in the process you should ever sell your instincts short. More than trusting your partner, their words or even the reassurances from people outside the relationship, listening to your instincts comes down to trusting in yourself. It's not trying to break up your marriage but it makes no apologies for its efforts to protect you from harm.

About the Author

Article written by Daryl Campbell -The Relationship Tip: How to find out in just 3 minutes if your spouse is cheating on you

Island Wedding Planning by william Jacks

What could be more beautiful than the sand and surf as the backdrop to your wedding? An island wedding is a way to do something different, and to visit an exotic locale. People choose to have an island wedding if they want to avoid a lot of the stress of organizing a formal wedding, or simply to plan a more intimate ceremony for their closest friends and family.

The Bahamas, the Caribbean Islands, and Hawaii are all popular destinations for couples who want a beautiful setting for their ceremony and reception. There are numerous resorts in these areas that will take care of beach wedding planning details, so you won't be trying to book a caterer or florist from thousands of miles away. These resorts and hotels often offer package deals or discounts for wedding parties and guests, so look into ways you can trim your budget when you're shopping for a locale.

Before you commit to an island wedding, make sure that the ceremony will be considered legal in your home country. You'll also need to look into getting blood tests or special licenses, and plan your trip accordingly so you're not faced with an unpleasant surprise when you travel to your wedding destination.

Although most larger resorts can take care of most of your island wedding planning, know what you want and make sure that the wedding planner knows the style of ceremony you are looking for. Email photos of floral arrangements and decor rather than leaving it up to someone else. Try to incorporate local flavor into your wedding as much as possible: fresh flower leis for a Hawaiian wedding, or a well known traditional dish from the area.

Get confirmations from your island wedding planner before you send out invitations, so you won't be faced with having to send out changes to the venue or accommodations at the last minute. Allow your guests up to a year to prepare for travel arrangements, and don't be offended if close friends or family can't make it to your special day. Also, if the resort or hotel offers sightseeing tours or activities such as snorkeling or hula dance lessons, make arrangements for you and your guests to experience what the island has to offer during their stay. Do something special for guests by creating welcome baskets or beach wedding welcome bags filled with some fun items like personalized water bottles, sand dollar cookies, beach buckets, tourist guide, or other items they'll enjoy when they arrive.

About the Author

What could be more beautiful than the sand and surf as the backdrop to your wedding? An island wedding is a way to do something different, and to visit an exotic locale. People choose to have an island wedding if they want to avoid a lot of the stress of organizing a formal wedding, or simply to plan a more intimate ceremony for their closest friends and family.

Online Safety Information For Credit Cards by Kenneth Wade

Everyone likes to pull out that flashy silver and black card that shows their status in society. Even though the name suggests only a millionaire can have one, they're actually not that hard to get. The 2 main things that have to be done are improving your credit score and establishing credit.

Your FICO, or Fair Isaac Corporation score should be around 600+ to qualify for a good card. The companies aren't looking so much for high salary as much as they are looking for a good stable paying history. After all, this is where they make their money. Someone who carries a balance and pays more than the minimum payment is more valuable than someone who doesn't let interest accrue. So the best thing you can do is add a couple dollars to your minimum payment on your current card and do this consistently over the course of a year. Every time you do this, the credit card company reports this to FICO and your score increases a small amount. You can check your credit score in the main menu of your online account. If you don't have any cards yet you can check it on different programs online through a search for free credit report.

Establishing credit is also important. I would suggest getting a fair credit credit card to start with to build your credit. The interest rates can be kind of high and the limits are low but it doesn't take long for the larger cards to see your record and start sending you offers. Even though it can be tempting to use your entire limit, I would also suggest you only use about 30 percent of the starter card to keep your revolving credit low. This is the amount that someone owes which is also something the card companies track.

If you can do these 2 simple things, it should take you no time at all to get your score up and qualify for a good card. I have included a link to a site which offers a good fair credit card to start with if you have been denied a platinum offer. There are also some very good offers for those with established credit histories. The main thing I always look for is annual fee's. A good offer will usually have an interest rate of 10% or below with no annual fee's. Another thing I check for are the rewards. I think gas rebates are an excellent benefit due to the increase in recent gas prices. You can use your card for gas purchases you have to make either way and then get cah back, so it is a no lose situation. The bottom line on getting the card you need though is to keep balances low and payments high and you'll qualify for almost any card available.

All rights reserved. Article may be reprinted as long as the content remains intact and unchanged and all links remain active.

About the Author

Kenneth James has written many articles on the credit industry and is the webmaster of a website offering news and information regarding credit cards. Credit Cards

Does your ex-girlfriend still want you? by Mary Nicole Hicks

Your a guy who has just gone through a breakup and had your heart broken. The first thing that you really want to know is if she still loves you and is willing to let you back into her life. If you have been in a few relationships, you will know that girls have a way of saying one thing but meaning another. If you look at the following three signs, you will be a few steps closer to getting her back.

Before we get started you need to think about what may have gone wrong in the relationship and could have caused you and her to break up. You need to sort through all the issues that caused problems in your relationship. You may need to make an apology or two if you have done something wrong.
Sign number one: She still communicates with you

If you send her an email or ring her and she can not help but reply, you know that there is still something between you and her. When she does not answer your emails and does not answer when you ring, then you may have a bigger problem. If you can get a conversation going with her and she does not try to get rid of you, there is still a chance that you can win her back.
Sign number two: She is willing to meet up with you

When she agrees to meet up with you, it is a sign that there is quite a good chance of you and her getting back together. This means that she is not repulsed by you and still enjoys your company.

Even if she is starting to see or date someone else, a meeting with her show you that she is still willing to give you a chance. You need to make sure that you use this chance to prove yourself to her. You need her to leave feeling well romanced and that you still love her.
Sign number three: Flirting and the way she looks at you

If she still looks at you with a smile on her face and a twinkle in her eye, you know that she still wants you back. Flirting with you on any level instantly means that she wants you back.

She may not say yes straight away, but if she shows these three signs you know that she still wants you.

About the Author

Mary Nicole Hicks is an avid writer and social networking participant. Read her thoughts on her blog at http://www.marynicolehicks.com For more ways to find out if you still have a chance with your ex-girlfriend, see http://www.romancebible.com/articles/winning-your-ex-girlfriend-back

Marriage Infidelity: The Burden of Caring by Daryl Campbell

In his article, Annoying Behavioural Patterns, James Walsh gets to the crux of the marital relationship when he states, "It is only after marriage that one understands what real loving, caring and sharing is all about."

It's easy during the courting phase of a relationship to get swept up in the romance, promises of endless love and the newness of being with someone who feels as strongly about you as you do about them. That's what it is all about but the real work lays ahead and many couples come thru that stage with flying colors. They accept the fact that the person they have vowed to share their life with is not faultless. In fact the more they get to know their spouse the more they see how flawed they are. Imperfection does not mean inferior, it just means their human. Besides they are doing the same thing for you. In spite of (or maybe because of) these defects, the caring between you and your significant grows.

But as of late, your instincts and observation skills are telling you something else. You still care but do they?

While the familiar telltales signs of a cheating spouse such as the lipstick on the collar or finding clothes in the wash room that you know do not belong to you may not have made themselves blatantly obvious, you cannot help but notice that the caring from your spouse is not what it used to be. That's because an extramarital affair requires a cheating spouse's attention and a transfer of affection to the other party.

When the two of you were courting, one hundred percent of your partner's caring and love was directed at you; as it should be. Marital infidelity by nature makes this task virtually impossible.

A person may tell themselves that they still care about their marriage partner. Leaving aside the fact that adultery brings that whole reasoning process into question, it's hard to square those sentiments when instead of spending time with you they are out with someone else.

And even if they are with you now, they can't help but think about who they are going to be with later. Carrying on an extramarital affair by its very nature means divided loyalty. No matter how they try to convince themselves, a cheating spouse is not giving you the same amount of caring and love they did originally.

What makes this doubly hard is that you do still care. Your affection for them has not waned. The marriage contract is just as good today as it was when you walked down the aisle. In your eyes the only thing that has changed is that one of you is not living up to their part of the bargain.

Maybe if we could shut our emotions on and off like a light switch finding out that your significant other is cheating would not hurt so badly. But we can't. However what is in our power to do is to save some of that caring for the person who loves you more than you may realize. You. That's also where the healing process should start.

About the Author

Article written by Daryl Campbell -The Relationship Tip - How to find out in just 3 minutes if your spouse is cheating on you

Fun Wedding Send Offs by Angel Cruz

Looking for a fun way to bid the bride and groom goodbye and send them off to their new married life? Wedding send offs should do the trick! Bubbles, bells and rice galore, these favors are decked out in wedding wear for a fun and festive send off for the newlyweds. Choose something that matches your wedding themes, adding elegance to the excitement at a very affordable price! Your wedding won't be complete without a proper send off, so pick the right favors for the perfect finishing touch.

Celebratory Wedding Poppers A fun alternative to throwing rice or birdseed, celebratory poppers allow guests to participate in a festive send-off! These fun confetti poppers add a lively finishing touch to your wedding reception, as you shower the bride and groom with best wishes. These poppers boast biodegradable contents for a planet-friendly wedding theme, complete with a perky popper wrapper which shows a cartoon bride and groom holding hands, surrounded by lighthearted confetti and streamers. Your guests will love taking part in this simple, memorable, and fun tradition!

Mini Kissing Bells Mini bells are a delight to ring-in the newlyweds at their wedding receptions. These charming bells are like music to the ears, and instead of knocking against water glasses. these are more sweet to the ears.

Plain Bubbles Favors Instead of bird seeds or rice, you can use wedding bubbles. Your guests will have lots of fun with these new products and it will not stain clothing, so you need not worry.

Designer Wedding Rice Tradition says that tossing rice is the only true way to wish goodwill to newlyweds. Now you can celebrate the tradition again by opting for rice throwing as your wedding send off. This is elegantly packaged in clear cellophane with lovely floral and gold foil labeling, tied with a cute satin ribbon and includes a white scoop for measuring rice. Designer Wedding Rice is actually rice in a form that is safe for birds and animals so they won't bloat, and won't roll when stepped on.

About the Author

The author is an independent writer and has written articles about edible wedding favors. To send off the newlyweds, guests can use wedding bell favors, which are sweeter to the ear.

How To Save A Marriage In The Face Of Statistics by Britney Smith

Not so long ago, there was a time in this country that divorce was a taboo word. Very few couples experienced divorces because those who married each other stuck to their vows in good times and bad. But now, with divorce being an easy process and having no social repercussions, many people will choose divorce over finding out how to save their marriage.

Get Help If Necessary

The way to save almost any marriage is to recognize that you and your spouse are having problems. If you deal with your problems in a positive way, there should be no reason that you will have to consider a divorce. If you want to find out how to save your marriage, you will need to first talk to your spouse and make sure that they want to work as hard as you do about this. Then, you can together look for resources that will aid you in your quest to save the marriage. If you truly love your spouse and the feeling is mutual, there will not be an obstacle big enough to break up your marriage.

If you find yourself getting into fights about every little thing, the first step in how to save the marriage is to work it out. Everyone gets stressed--you are not the only one. So talk it out. If talks cannot go on between you two without a mediator, then get a mediator. You can find great resources online for names of counseling services that can help you with your heated discussions.

Using a marriage counselor, one way how to save a marriage, can get a little expensive, but you may feel that this relationship is worth any cost that you will have to pay. These services will not only help you save your marriage, but save your family as well.

If you are having trouble in your marriage and there are kids involved, this is even more of a reason to try and fix the problems. Children need to have a stable home life and if this isn't the best motivation to save a marriage, then there just might be cause for a divorce.

If you don't want to deal with a divorce at some point in your life, the best solution is to be very selective in your choice of partner. If there is any doubt in your mind that this is not the right person for you, and that you will not be able to spend the rest of your lives together, then don't marry them. It's that simple. You may stay single a little longer than you expected, but if you want to avoid learning how to save your marriage it is worth the wait.

Discover on How You can save your marriage tips here !

About the Author

Britney Smith is an Internet Marketer that writes articles on various resources. She shares her thoughts on Marriage Tips Guide and invites you to her website to get more advice on marriage tips program at http://www.marriagetips101.info/

Uh oh Why Must "Divorce" word comes out ? by Britney Smith

When you got married, you were the happiest person alive. You finally found someone who understood you, who made your stomach flutter every time you saw them, talked to them and spent time around them. You finally found someone you could see spending the rest of your life with. That was true love. You were married, you went on your honeymoon and everything was great. Then, something changed. Now, you can't stand that person. Just the sight of them makes you sick. Their quirks that you once found cute make you nauseous and you can't wait to get out of this marriage that you once held so sacred. This is how divorce happens. But why is it so prevalent?

The Divorce Rate

Why is the divorce rate so high in this country? What happened to the days of old when people stayed married until death do they part? What happened to the times of your grandparents, who never would have thought of uttering the D word? They were married and that was it. They lived happily ever after. Sure, they had their problems but they worked through them. They were a team, they were one unit, and they did everything together. Something has truly changed, however, since their time. Now, divorce is all too common. The divorce rate is nearing fifty percent and it's only getting higher. The reason may be due to several reasons.

We Live In A Different World

We live in a completely different world than your grandparents did. Today, people are living much longer. That could be the reason why marriage till death do you part seems so scary. Another reason why the divorce rate is so high is because there's a lot of temptation out there. People become too comfortable with each other and the newness is gone. Then, another person comes along and gives them the attention they so desperately wish they still had. This can cause a person to stray. However, the biggest reason the divorce rate is so high is because it has been made very easy.

Divorce Lawyers

Next time you're on the highway, look up at the billboards and count how many lawyers are posting advertisements for getting people out of their marriages. In fact, one billboard received national attention because it depicted a half naked man on one side and a half naked woman on the other and it said something to the effect of, "Life's too short. Get a divorce." This was for a lawyer's office and it was hardly professional but it's a great commentary on the world we live in. Nothing is permanent anymore. Marriage may be an outdated concept. People live longer, there's more competition, more temptation and people have less morals than they once did. Is love dead? Is marriage dead? Is divorce the way to go? No, it's not. Stick with your marriage. Get counseling. Fight the urge to stray and try your hardest to remember why you married that person in the first place. The feelings are still there, you just have to uncover them once more.

About the Author

Britney Smith is an Internet Marketer that writes articles on various resources. She shares her thoughts on Marriage Tips Guide and invites you to her website to get more advice on marriage tips program at http://www.marriagetips101.info/

Tips on Seeking Help From Couples Therapy by Britney Smith

Whether most couples like to admit it, there comes a time in a lot of relationships where they should really be seeking the help of couples therapy in order to deal with the problems they have found in their relationship. The biggest problem though is that often times, one person in the relationship will have the desire and see the need for couples therapy while the other does not. Maybe it is because they really do not understand all the fuss and do not feel that their relationship is in that big of danger. Or maybe they truly and secretly want out of the relationship and that is why they do not want to go to couples therapy.

The deal is, both parties have to truly and deeply want it to work on the problems or the couples therapy will just be a waste of time and money. And, if one person would rather the relationship to just end, going through therapy would sort of be like leading the other person on. Couples therapy can work wonders but it cannot change a person's heart, so this is something that you must keep in mind. Expect some good days and expect some bad days when it comes to couples therapy and consider the option that it may not all work out in your favor.

Finding The Right Place

Some people tend to not even bother looking for a couples therapy class or counseling because of the cost factor. But lets consider the alternative, because it does seem that a divorce would cost a considerable amount more if your personal relationship issues were not solved. So, when looking at the big picture and what could happen, the costs of therapy really are not so bad. Plus, if you belong to any particular church you may find that they have couples therapy that can be taken free of charge for members.

Besides your church offering couples therapy, you really have nothing to go on but the personal experiences of others when it comes to picking a place to go for couples therapy. If you do not know anyone who has attended these, or at least that you know of, you may feel lost. You may also feel like you do not want to bring your personal troubles out in the open among friends and family. That is okay, as you could just always find a couples therapy session through the phone book and give that place a try. If they do not work for you, try another place and keep trying until you find the right one.

About the Author

Britney Smith is an Internet Marketer that writes articles on various resources. She shares her thoughts on Marriage Tips Guide and invites you to her website to get more advice on marriage tips program at http://www.marriagetips101.info/

Photography â€" An Art of Wisdom by Andrew Chan

Photography â€" An Art of Wisdom

Photography is a complex art which needs a lot of attention, and skills of thinking beyond the limits of normal human being. You need to put the best efforts into photography to come up with the best results. One can be a master of this art only after lots of practice and learning, but these two things are not enough to be a perfect photographer, you need to have passion for photography and to view the world behind the lens.

Photography is one of the most fascinated professions for youngsters these days. Wildlife photography, nature photography, food photography, fashion photography and wedding and bridal photography are the most popular mode of photography.

All the modes of photography have its own set of importance, but Wedding photography and bridal photography are more attached to the whole life of two human beings and their families. So, it’s a kind of more important and special. As wedding is one time affair for people, they want to store all the memories of their wedding to remember and cherish for the whole life. Bride and groom both want to store every single moment spend during the wedding celebration in form of photographs or videos. So, they look for an expert photographer with enough experience to handle all the task of wedding photography efficiently.

An expert wedding photographer is not a general photographer. He generally has experience of capturing thousands of snaps in hundreds of weddings in diverse set of customs and photography scenario. The work of an expert wedding photographer is to extract the best look out of bride and groom along with the best moments in best possible capturing angles. There is no place for anything less than the best in wedding and bridal photography. In bridal photography it's more important because a photographer has to display all the hesitation, excitement, glaze and anxiety of a girl who is going to marry. It's very tough to reflect all those true feelings, but an expert photographer knows how to do that.

Thus wedding and bridal photography is really different than other modes of photography, because here you don't have independence of experimenting much, you have to experiment to a certain level, and the priority goes to the demand of bride and groom. This is a completely professional affair, and the photographer has to be professionally experienced to deliver the best service.

About the Author

1stJournal is a group of professional wedding photographers in Singapore, Hong Kong and Australia. For more information about their services, please visit: http://www.1stjournal.com

DIFFERENT FLOWER ARRANGEMENTS by Shipra Kaul

Bouquets and baskets are the most common and widely used arrangement that is used. You would get a huge variety of flower baskets, the creativity has no boundaries and nor does the variety. You can also get multi storied baskets with beautiful and exotic flower arrangements.

Wreaths are used for decorating homes as well as used to pay final tribute at a funeral. Garlands are used to welcome a guest in the eastern part of the world. It symbolizes that the guest is happily welcomed and garlands are also used to pay respect to someone.

Flowers are also used as centerpieces kept on the table tops for the purpose of decoration. Then there are topiaries and the bucket tied arrangements which are big {a href=”http://www.todichfloraldesign.co.uk/weddings/christian-weddings”}Office Flowers or a bunch of flowers potted in a vase and used as a decorative item or a gift. Sunflower is one of the most common bucket tied gift. Flower arrangements can be done using real or artificial flowers which look as beautiful as the original ones. The only thing is that artificial flowers can never have the freshness and smell of the real ones.

About the Author

Todich Floral Design is a Corporate Florist providing best services for {a href=”http://www.todichfloraldesign.co.uk/weddings/christian-weddings”}Office Flowers, {a href=”http://www.todichfloraldesign.co.uk/weddings/christian-weddings”}Corporate Flowers and Office Plants.

Make Sure The Rest Of You Matches Your Wedding Dress by Karen de Villiers

When you get married you want the day to be perfect - and that includes yourself! You would want to have the perfect wedding dress, as well as ideal hair, skin, makeup, shoes, accessories and more.

In order to make sure that everything turns out as perfect, or then as close to perfect as is possible in this less than perfect world of ours, you need to make sure that you start preparing for a couple of weeks, if not months, in advance to make sure that your skin, hair and nails are in top conditions when you reach your wedding day.

Unfortunately skin, hair and nails take time to get into perfect condition, so don't think that you can just slap on some moisturizer the day before and have a glowing skin! You might want to see a beautician or professional make-up artist a couple of weeks before to get some advice on how to treat your skin in order to have it in peak condition. An extra word of warning is that it is not wise to start experimenting with new skin care products close to the wedding - you never know when you might have an allergic reaction to new products. If you do want to try out that extra-special (extra-expensive!) skin care product, please do so on advice from a professional as well as a couple of weeks or months in advance!

With regards to make-up, the same thing applies. By all means make use of a professional make-up artist - after all, they know all the tricks in the trade to make the most of your face and look, however, make sure that you go for at least one trial session a couple of weeks in advance to make sure that your skin does not have an allergic reaction to the products that the beautician might use. Apart from that you need to check that your makeup works with the rest of your outfit - your hairpiece and your dress. It is a good idea to have your makeup for that day a bit more striking and darker than usual - a bit like stage makeup. After all, you ARE the star of the day, not so?

If you are making use of a professional make-up artist, she will be able to advise you on this, but please, if you do try and do this yourself, rehearse before hand and get a couple of trusted opinions from family members. Also view yourself from a distance as well as close up in the mirror, so that you can check that while your makeup is a bit darker than usual, that you do not end up looking like Frankenstein!

Some other aspects to keep in mind to make you look your healthy best on your wedding day is that it is a good idea to get in some exercise before you get married. Once again, trying to fit this in, in the week before the wedding is an exercise in futility and will just add to your stress levels! Rather work out a gentle but regular exercise program for a couple of months before the wedding. This will help you de-stress as well as tone your body so that you really look and feel your best on that all important day!

Only two more items remaining that need attention - you will need a good manicure and pedicure before the wedding day to make sure that your hands and feet look and feel great. Make sure that you schedule the sessions for this well in advance so that you do not stress a day before the wedding to try and get a booking. Once again, try different nail colors to see which work the best with your wedding dress. Also, once again, do not, I repeat, DO NOT do your nails once you have already dressed in your wedding dress. Images of disaster with red splashes of nail polish on your perfect dress looms in the mind's eye.

Lastly, I also cannot stress how imperative it is to have one or two trial sessions before the wedding with your hair. Apart from your dress, your hair and hairpiece are the most visible aspects of what you look like and you absolutely need to practice to get this one right!

About the Author

Karen de Villiers is the owner of http://www.olivelli.co.za, importers not only of exclusive wedding dresses, but also of gowns for the mother of the bride and other guests. Visit our website to view our catalogue of wedding gowns online.