A Feng Shui Wedding

I was asked by a bride of mine to do a Feng Shui wedding for her. She did not know what it entailed, so I explained to her, as I am going to explain in today's blog.

Feng Shui is also pronounced (Fung Shawy) and meaning wind and water in the Chinese philosophical system that protects people from harm and bad energy. It means harmonizing with your environment. Feng Shui can help you choose the best day for your wedding.

Here are 5 simple tips for a Feng Shui wedding.

• A cream colored gown attracts good luck, lots of bridal shops carry off white or cream/champagne colored gowns that are well suited for a Feng Shui wedding.

• Consider your wedding date ideally, choose a date of the month with the number eight or nine in it or numbers that add up to these. the number eight means love and the number nine means eternity in Chinese tradition. therefore the 18th of the month would be ideal because it adds up to the numbers nine some other dates to consider would be 17th 19th the 28th and 29th.

• Your wedding cake is an especially important element and should not forgotten or overlooked when it comes to Feng Shui. black and white is the perfect balance of yin and yang, but not every bride wants black on her wedding day and that extends to the cake on your wedding day. If there are other methods, there is the Feng Shui number of love so a three tiered wedding cake should be perfect. If you are celebrating your reception outside, you should have a tall cake to celebrate marital growth. If your wedding is inside and the ceilings aren't particularly high, the cake can be shorter. Square cakes stand for a quiet romantic start to a marriage.

• The setup of the reception is very important as well. Round or oval tables are perfect choices and make sure the room is well lit, dark areas hinder the life energy from flowing freely. If you cant shine a light into a dark corner, simply add some Flowers to that area.

• Lets talk about location, normally that is set in stone, if you are having a church wedding for example. No one is going to move the altar to the Northeast corner of the church just because it is the corner for love and marriage. So what do you do? Use color to enhance important areas like this, be sure to place pink flowers in the North east corner. Also to represent the element of fire you can place candles in the Northeast corner to allow the energy to flow in the room by not crowding it in with seating.

Wishing a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year to all my followers, clients and friends. May 2014 be all that you desire for yourself.

Happy Holidays

I am sending to all my friends, followers, past, present and future brides a bountiful Christmas wish. May your day be filled with Blessings. To all the couples taking their vows on Christmas Day, have a touch of frost and may this day be the happiest for you both. Wishing everyone a Prosperous 2014 and enjoy this time of giving. To all much Success, Happiness, Health and Love.

Warm wishes...

Plus Size Brides

Brides come in many different shapes and sizes and we honor all of them. Plus size brides may sometime have difficulties finding the perfect dress, the dress that makes you feel that glow everyone talks about. Don’t despair, here are a few tips to make it easier for you.

Tailored bodices and full skirts. Your skirts can make a big difference in making you look the way you want to. A-line dress looks great, it also gives that tailored look so does dresses with organza lace.

Plus size brides look their best when your gown is couture, it helps to give the look you want. Some brides struggle to make a particular dress fit and in the end it’s not worth it. Try not to stress out yourself trying to find a dress that fits well. Take time to start early, at least 6-9 months prior to your wedding date. This is a time consuming process and should never be rushed. Do research find out which designers have dresses in your size (also note that most wedding gowns are generally sized smaller than regular clothing) it’s a pleasure to take this journey. The final result will be worth it. 

It is always fitting to get measured so you will have tailored gown let me also suggest to have your bust measured for the right size bra.

It’s very important also to get a spanks undergarment, it holds very nicely and contours your shape.

Choose a dress with straps or sleeves Strapless gowns may be trendy, but most plus-size brides should beware of this style, which tends to accentuate and widen shoulders and arms. When selecting sleeves or straps, make sure the material doesn't squeeze or bind your arms, shoulder or back. Avoid sleeves that start puffy and end smooth or fitted, as they have tendency to make arms look bigger. Instead, choose short capped or lacy sleeves.

Don’t be bullied. This is your wedding, your dress and, regardless of your size, you should never have to settle. Salesclerks may try to convince you to select a gown that's less than flattering because it fits and they have it in stock, but you should hold out until you find something you really want. Take a few friends with you to get some honest feedback and opinions.

OK ladies here is the answer to your questions.

What’s the best style to suite my body type?

A high-waisted A-line dress with a low neckline complements curves. You've got curves, so use them! Many plus-size women choose dresses with V-neck or sweetheart necklines.

You would want to look back at your day in pictures and be proud at how beautiful you look be sure to look the part as the princess. You want to look like nothing takes the place of a bride whom is radiant.

Enjoy your wedding embrace the day feel confident of how you look this is the beginning of a new life for you. 

Enter it with confidence. Have a happy marriage.

Preparing for the big day.

Getting married is a wonderful and exciting time. Many brides move forward in different ways, to best enjoy the days leading up to your wedding and your wedding day itself here are a few tips.

• Soon after getting engaged, create a detailed wedding planning timeline. So you aren't left rushing to get anything done at the last minute.

• Try not to plan your wedding everyday, you will become burnt-out and it will no longer be enjoyable.

• Please, I beg you. Do not talk about your wedding when among co-workers everyday. They will get annoyed hearing about it constantly.

• Pick just three family members or friends to be your wedding committee with whom you discuss your planning details.

• Do not make every hour of every weekend with you fiance center on your wedding. Remember to still take the time to enjoy each other.

Having  specialty cocktails at your reception is a wonderful treat. Try these cocktails for your seasonal wedding.

Winter: Make it warm and inviting, with Bourbon, laced with spiced apple syrup served with apple slices over one extra large ice cube.

Spring: Tap into the season with the flamingo;Grapefruit juice, Gin or Vodka; hibiscus syrup and a drop of ginger and rhubarb syrup.

Summer: A spiked fruit cocktail, try a sage liquor drink with rhubarb syrup, whole blueberries and a lemon peel garnish.

Fall: Bubbles and lemon, bring out the last of the sunshine. Create a Champagne cocktail, with lemon juice, Gin and a dollop of sparkling wine.

The Top Ten Etiquette questions

For your destination wedding, Money matters. We know you don't get married everyday, much less have a destination wedding, therefore etiquette can be a confusing subject. Here are some of our most asked questions and advice on how to handle them.

1. I am having concerns about the extra travel expenses for my attendants. what exactly should I pay for and what should the wedding party be responsible for?

• Since typically destination weddings are on a much smaller scale, you may choose to subsidize (Budget permitting) but it is not required. What you do for one person You should do for all. A few ideas for assisting your bridal party by making your wedding more affordable might be.
• A negotiating discount on airfare and lodging.
• Accommodations if it is in your budget (renting a large beach home for you and all your guests and having the wedding there, might be a good way to tie in the entire event.
• Make affordable choices on dresses and accessories, or give them to you attendants as a gift,
• Ask them not to give you a gift for the wedding and let them know that their presence is their present to you.

2. What is the protocol when tipping vendors at a wedding?

• Tipping is a method for expressing your appreciation for a job well done. When planning your budget it will be important to include gratuities in your calculations.
• Check your contract to see if gratuity is included.
• The host should carry cash on the wedding day for expected tipping.
• If you use a wedding planner, they can be responsible for dispersing tips on the wedding day if not be sure to designate someone to handle this detail for you.
• Guests should not be expected to pay for anything.

The invitations.

3.  When inviting a single friend to our destination wedding do we need to include a guest on the invitation?

• It is not necessary to include guests for singles unless they are engaged, but make every effort to group them with others they know at the reception, to ensure they enjoy the event.

4. My fiancé and I are paying for our destination wedding, how do we word the invitation?

An example for appropriate wording might be:

The honor of your presence is requested at the marriage of 

Miss Lee Cooper & Mister Todd Hill

Saturday, the eleventh of January, two thousand and fourteen 

at 5 in the afternoon.

Beautiful tropical resort, St. Thomas US Virgin Islands

5. How do I actually avoid inviting children to my wedding?

• Depending on where your wedding will take place, you may consider an appropriate “age cut off” based on the location and style of wedding you are having. Make sure to communicate well in advance if you’ll be including children or not. So guests can plan ahead.

6. Giving thanks. Is it appropriate to send an email thank you note?

• NO, even though we live in a world of the World Wide Web, it’s always better to send out hand written notes. Is shows you thought of you guests as special. It’s in such good taste and very ethical to show appreciation.

7. How do I handle if a card is separated from its gift?

• Match your guest list to you attendees and you may find it that way.
• People understand how mix-ups with gifts and gift cards can happen and would be happy to clarify which gift they sent.

8. How long do I have to write a thank you note if someone has given us a gift?

• Thank you notes should be written within a month’s time, but even if that time has passed. Do continue to write them, better late than not at all.

Party protocol.

9. Since we are having a destination wedding should we have other celebrations, bridal shower; bachelor/bachelorette parties?

• Please be mindful of throwing extra celebrations your friends and family might feel a pinch. You know your guests and their life circumstances better that anyone; make sure you recognize the overall financial outlay before adding more events to your roster.

10. I’m not inviting some people to the destination wedding, because we want it to be small and intimate. Should we invite them to the shower?

• You can if you are planning something to include friends and loved ones that will not be attending the actual ceremony.

“It’s not what you do, it’s how you do it” Have a hometown reception and invite them to that.

Bon Voyage 

Counterfeit Gowns

Bridal Gowns can be very pricey and in the need to save dollars. Some brides turn to purchasing their wedding gowns online. There is a growing concern in the Bridal industry right now. That has the attention of Bridal experts buzzing about. Counterfeit gowns. 

I cannot stress enough the importance of using an authorized retailer to make your wedding dress purchase. Counterfeit websites do a great job in luring the potential buyer into thinking they are purchasing the same designer dress at an incredible discount. It is a scam pure and simple. 

Do not risk buying a bridal gown online for the most important and happiest day of your life! A USA registered authorized retailer is the safest guarantee you will get your dream dress.

Counterfeit gowns often arrive looking very different, due to poor quality of fabric and beading, and tend to arrive in the wrong size and length. Stitching is off and bodice is sometimes crooked. Alterations can wind up exceeding the purchase price, negating any discount you would have received. Deceptive advertising by online retailers illegally using Designer images has lured unsuspecting brides into thinking they can purchase authentic designer gowns at a dramatically reduced price. Sadly these Brides have learned that's not true. If you are trying to save a few bucks. Try buying off the rack.

While wedding gown purchases can get expensive. It is best and even fun to go through the process of dress shopping. A bride should always try on her wedding gown. Every dress will fit differently on your body. Wedding dresses are not sized in the same way in day to day clothing. Unless you are able to see the gown in person you cannot be certain if the materials used are of good quality. For example: Is this gown silk or a synthetic material? Are they really Swarovski or simply cheap plastic stones? Is the stitching  done correctly? Be sure to make good choices for your body type.

That's what makes the difference in a bridal gown or bridal dress selection. At the end of the day you should always leave after purchasing your wedding gown thinking. 

That is the ONE!

The Wedding Dress work-out

The Perfect dress requires the perfect workout. While getting in shape and staying toned for your wedding is emphasized. Different cuts of dresses require different workouts

The Mermaid workout 

Formfitting sheath, column, hourglass mermaid and trumpet style dresses cling to the body, drawing attention to the belly, butt and thighs.

What you want: A sleek smooth torso for even the slinkiest sheath.

The workout: For a clingy dress that leaves no stone uncovered and bares even the slightest bit of bulge. 

Try this "Progressive Plank Trio" It works the entire core in a progressive series that will cinch your waistline and give you the sleek and smooth torso you desire.

1. In the plank position, lift your feet one at a time. Just an inch off the floor like walking in place without bending your knees. Repeat 60 Times (Approx. 1 min) Stay in Plank.

2. While still in plank position, progress to plank push-pulls. Push forward so that your weight is on your toes for 1 count and then pull back so that weight is towards your heels for 2 counts. The cycle goes like this Push - Pull Pull; Push Pull Pull;  etc. repeat this cycle 20 times.

3. Your final progression is to plank rolls for the remaining minute. In Plank position gently and with control roll your body weight to the right all the way so that your feet roll onto the sides as well. Then roll all the way to the left, continuously and with fluidity roll side to side 20 times.

The Baby got back workout

Open back wedding dresses are the new ultra romantic wedding trend for 2014 summer and fall seasons.

What you want: An upper and lower back workout to help firm up that all important rear view.

The Workout: A strong upper back toned physique will give you the killer backside you desire. To go bareback in style! Try this.

1.Pull ups. This may seem like an exercise that's more appropriate for the arms but great deal of work is placed on the upper back to lift the weight of the body and lower it with control. An alternative for beginners would be to use an assisted pull up machine that uses weight to counter act your own body-weight. 

2.  Bent over rows. To start, Holding a body bar, stand with your feet shoulder wide apart and keep your head up. Bend so that you are almost (but not quite) parallel to the floor. Bring hands straight  down directly below your chest, your palms should be facing toward you as you lift your weight. Use your back muscles to draw the weight up to touch your chest, while keeping your elbows tucked in close to your body. Lower the weight under. Control and repeat 25 times.

Watch the results and enjoy looking fabulous on your wedding day.

Helpful Tips & Surprising Foods to Skip.

Avoid bloating during your wedding week. 

Sugar-free anything:

Artificial sweeteners like sorbitol and Aspartame are crazy hard to digest. Fizzy diet soda is doubly nasty. “Bubbles equal gas” says Los Angeles Nutritionist Jackie Keller.

Gum:

Lose that pack of spearmint! Every time you chew you’re swallowing air and puffing up your belly.

Red Wine:

Beer will expand your waistline, but a glass of cabernet turns out red wine contains unfermented yeast. A notorious bloater “because it’s less processed than the high-end stuff is especially bad. Booze bloats the belly and face, so hold off until the toasts.

Dried Fruits:

Packed with vitamins & minerals, these portable treats should in theory make the perfect snack, not so much. They’re basically concentrated bundles of fructose, a kind of sugar that causes water retention and gas.

Cheddar & Other super salty cheese:

According to a U.K. Health study, cheddar has more salt per ounce that potato chips and feta and Roquefort are saltier than seawater. Sodium makes the body hold water. Definitely something to avoid. If cheese is your weakness, stick to varieties with lower salt content, like Mozzarella, Swiss or Goat.

Raw Veggies:

Super foods can also make your super bloated. Take cruciferous vegetables like kale, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, broccoli they’re loaded with cellulose, a type of fiber our stomachs struggle to break down, consider switching to water rich vegetables like celery, cucumber and asparagus. Just before your wedding. Take them they act as a diuretic so you actually shed water weight.

Hot Tip:

Cooking your veggies breaks down some of that fiber making them much easier to digest.

Tip: Gluten products are so good.  For the gluten crackers, bagels, breads. Gluten-free products generally leave you feeling bloated. Eat healthy and enjoy your day. A healthy body is a sign of a good healthy life.   

The Vast world of Indian Weddings

The term Indian wedding is one of such a broad nature. There are so many different religions, practices and ceremonies. From the traditional Hindu; Islamic; and Knanaya Catholic Wedding. Not only are there religious subsets, there is also class system and differences varying by region. 

Indian Weddings are extravagant, bright in color and rooted in tradition. Even in this modern day and era there are still arranged marriages being performed. While many Indian Brides and Grooms are living in the States and adopted westernized ideas, they still abide by deeply rooted traditions. Many couples of intermixed religious views or cultures they decide on having 2 wedding ceremonies to honor both families.

One of the most ritualistic wedding ceremonies, in the Hindu marriage ceremony. This ceremony takes place under a Mandap or wedding canopy. The four corners of the Mandap represent the four corners of the earth and the four pillars, represent the four parents and their roles in raising the couple. The couple sits facing the east, the direction the sun rises and they recite the holy verses that are described in the Vedas (Spiritual scriptures.)

Most Indian Weddings have many pre-marital ceremonies and can last an entire week. There are many pre-wedding ceremonies that can be performed and vary by the couples families preferences. Here are a few of the major ones most couples decide to partake in. 

Misri (Ring ceremony/ Engagement party): Sweets and garlands are presented between the two families before gold wedding rings are exchanged. In many families, the bride's family presents a package called the Malti representing good luck and symbolizes acceptance of the union.

Mehendi/Mehndi or Henna Party: Mehndi is based mainly in "awakening the inner light" Mehndi signifies the strength of the love in a marriage, so many brides try to leave on as long as possible. Many times the groom's name or initials are hidden in the design of the mehndi. At this ceremony it is traditional for the bride to have mehndi placed on her hands and feet wile other guests will have them on their hands. 

Sangeet Party (Musical Party) Music is the soul of any wedding ceremony, regardless of faith or origin. Without music & festivity, the wedding lacks sparkle. On the Sangeet night, entertainment is provided with the help of professional singers who sing 'ladas' and popular hindi songs. Family and friends eat, drink and dance the night away.
Sagri (Acquaintance) The sisters and female relatives of the groom visit the bride-to-be in her home. They bring with them perfume, cosmetics and flowers that are strung together in the form of earrings, bangles, hairpieces and garlands. The sisters adorn their sister-in-law to be with the flowers, suggesting their affection for her. The purpose of this ceremony is to increase familiarity between the bride and her new family, creating an atmosphere that is fragrant and beautiful.

Ghari Puja: This is the final and most important religious custom that is performed  on the eve of the wedding in the respective homes of the couple. the priest performs prayers with rice, coconut, wheat grains, oils, betel nuts and tumeric. The Mothers of the bride and groom enter carrying an earthen pot of water on their heads, they walk to the threshold of their homes. The sons-in-law of the respective families cut the water with a knife to ward off any evil spirits. The parents are adorned with garlands of flowers and money by their friends and relatives. 


Stay tuned for next week while we continue for the big day.

The Love & Sunshine Destination Wedding Conference 2013 Recap

After all the months of planning, The Love & Sunshine Destination Wedding Conference has come full circle and it was a success. 

LSDWC started off with a bang, with speakers, participants and attendees arriving as early as Thursday. On Friday it really came to a start with 10 Lucky Attendees taking part of the Preston Bailey Experience. Those few attendees got a chance to have a hands on approach of what it takes for one of Preston Bailey's larger than life pieces. They worked personally with PB's head floral designer and his floral team. It was more of an intimate setting and you were able to ask questions and really learn from the master himself. The Preston Bailey Experience continued over the weekend with attendees coming each day to learn and experience such a riveting experience. From all the raving reviews of the attendees, they had a blast. 

Friday & Saturday interviews and a guest spot on NBC6 In the Mix with Preston Bailey.  nbcmiami.com

Saturday evening was a private event with Preston Bailey, Speakers, Key Sponsors and other esteemed guests to mix and mingle in an intimate setting and gear up for the main event Sunday. A Tastebuds catered event.

The Joy Agness Events team had an early start monitoring vendor setup, volunteers, and doing behind the scenes checks. Love & Sunshine was really one of an international nature, with attendees travelling from the Caribbean Islands, South America, all over the United States and even a few from the continent of Africa, and the demographic was diverse, from Destination Wedding Planners, Site Managers and Coordinators, Floral Designers, International Magazine Editor in Chief, Ministry of Tourism officials to name a few. 

Registration and breakfast was on the way. Our Master of ceremonies Darryl  Gilbert is as energetic as ever and the welcome by Joy Agness. Then Into our dynamic speakers. Rick DiCecca, Mar Jennings, Richard & Julia Markel for the morning sessions.

Then it's off to the book signing and Photo Op session by the amazing Grace Ormonde. 

Viewing the vendor exhibition was a treat with luxury booths from all fields in the industry. Elegant Temptations,  The Invitation Stand,  Association for Wedding Professionals International,  Sensational Experience, Ariana Productions,  Going Places Travel,   Bill Hansen Catering,  S & J Catering,.  Nuage Designs,  Flowers of the World,  Accent Décor,  Passion XO,  Florida Bride,  TasteBuds Catering, A.J. Shorter Photography,  Manolo Doreste Photography, Focus Miami, NAWP, Funtactics and so many more.

Afternoon Sessions with Mr. Brilliance, motivational speaker Simon T Bailey, Jacqueline Johnson, Gladys Mezrahi, and Therese Cole Hubbs.

Therese Cole Hubbs launched her new book at the conference and its off to a great success. 

This is the time highly anticipated by everyone. Our Keynote, Preston Bailey. Preston Bailey riveted the audience with 2 live demonstrations, Q & A sessions and book signing.

A close to a wonderful day was the Color, Flavor & Rum Reception. Featuring Ariana Productions, S&J Catering, Bubble Furnishings, My Island Cigar roller, Passion XO and Jose Santiago Band.

A special Thank you to all my attendees, Speakers, honored guests, vendors, sponsors, volunteers and anyone who took the time to make the Love & Sunshine Destination Wedding 2013; a success. All the best and see you next year.