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The ring glistens on your finger as you conjure up images of your dream wedding. You’ve set a date, and now it’s time to settle down and start planning. The first thing you need to do is choose your wedding color combination. Most brides choose wedding theme colors and match the important details of their weddings, such as bridesmaid dresses, flowers, and table décor, to their color theme. If you’re stumped, or are having trouble finding two colors that complement each other, check out these five romantic spring wedding color combinations.

1) Mint green & candy pink

Spring romance goes perfectly with subtle, yet elegant pastel colors. Mint green and candy pink, or pastel pink, are a perfect combination for a spring wedding. There are tons of different flower choices that match this combination, and it will look great either inside or outside. Consider putting small glass bowls filled with pink and green mints on the tables for guests to enjoy.

2) Lilac & champagne

This graceful wedding color combination is perfect for a stylish evening wedding or a ballroom reception. Drape lilac and champagne silk over the chairs and top each table with a one simple branch of lilac in a glass vase. Give miniature champagne wedding souvenirs tied with lilac bows, and dress your bridesmaids in lovely lilac in silk or chiffon. Silver accessories go great with this color combination.

3) Honeydew green & platinum

For something unique, pair light honeydew green with dull platinum silver. Your new diamond ring set in platinum or white gold will sparkle against these colors. Choose bridesmaid dresses in honeydew green and accent with platinum colored accessories. Use simple greens or white blooms for your bouquets and centerpieces to keep the theme classy, soft and pleasing to the eyes.

4) Pastel orange & peridot green

For a daytime wedding or a garden setting, pastel orange and peridot green is a chic yet romantic combination. Choose darker orange blooms for the bouquets so that they’ll stand out against the pastel orange bridesmaid dresses. Peridot stone jewelry for the ladies in your wedding party would serve to add a delicate touch of class to your wedding.

5) Robin’s egg blue & terracotta pink

This variation of light blue with bolder terracotta pink can add a vivid touch of color to a spartan church or wedding hall. Order robin’s egg blue dresses for your maids and get matching ties for the groomsmen. Pink flowers for the bouquets and corsages will add a dash of contrasting color that will look marvelous in your wedding photographs. Either silver or gold accessories go great with this wedding color combination, or you could even choose pearls for a sophisticated touch.

 

An opening reception will take place at IMAS December 10, 2009 from 6pm – 8pm. Celebrated artist, and sculptor Leonardo Nierman grew a deep appreciation for painting in the 1950s after his short lived calling as a violinist in his early years.

“Labyrinth of Dreams represents a lifetime adventure I have experienced during my whole life trying to solve the puzzles represented by fantasies and memories of my dreams. I hope that every painting, sculpture and tapestry will become a window thru which the viewer can penetrate and hopefully share my world and dreams,” states Leonardo Nierman.

This rhythmic collection of sculptures and paintings speaks volumes of Nierman’s musical passion.  Nierman attributes his studies of the Psychology of Color and the Harmony of Form in Space as playing an instrumental role in shaping his artistic voice and interpretation.

“I feel that music is a perfect vehicle to liberate the soul from the anxieties of life, experiencing the joy of enjoying the memories, colors and sounds floating in the universe.

The work of many artists deals with the conflicts of the human race in everyday life. I personally prefer that my art will stimulate the relation of man with the stars and with the poetic elements that may give us the appreciation of the great miracle of having being born,” states Leonardo Nierman.

Leonardo Nierman, by the late 1950s had set an impressive platform of exhibits both domestically and internationally at a time when the art of Mexico was undergoing a period of drastic change.  Like many leading Mexican artists, Nierman consolidated his international reputation before receiving full recognition in Mexico.

The International Museum of Art & Science acknowledges Tele-mundo and the Mexican Consulate in McAllen for their invaluable support in helping increase cultural awareness of the work of renowned Mexican artists.

The reception for Labyrinth of Dreams will be on Thursday, December 10, 2009 from 6pm – 8pm and is FREE for IMAS members, and general admission for non-members. For more information, please call IMAS at (956) 682-1564.

Jardin Escondido

Before you even visit a possible venue, find out how many guests they can accommodate comfortably. You want to avoid a site where your guests will feel crushed together, of course, but it is also important to choose a space that will feel cozy and intimate for a smaller guest list. The atmosphere of the party will be really low energy if a vast space swallows up a small number of guests. Ideally your guest list should fall somewhere in the middle of the range the venue can hold. If you are on the upper end, be careful to ask about whether the max capacity is for a seated dinner or a buffet (some places will squeeze the tables closer together when they do not need to keep a path clear for servers).

Of course, price is a key consideration in choosing a reception venue. Find out not only what the price range is for the size of your wedding (there will be a range, depending on your menu choices), but also exactly what it includes. At some venues, the rental cost covers nothing more than the space itself, leaving the bride and groom to hire the catering staff, bring in a large number of rentals, and so forth. This will always add up quickly (as will a tent rental), so if budget is a concern, look for an all inclusive venue.

Also find out what your venue is willing to let you bring in yourself, should you choose. Do you have to use their liquor, or can you save money by buying your own alcohol from a wholesale warehouse? Can you use the baker of your choice for the wedding cake? If you wish to have a specialty menu (such as Indian food or cuisine from Brazil), will they work with an outside caterer? These can be very important factors in determining both the style and cost of your reception.

IMAS (International Museum of Art & Science)

Then there is style, which to many brides is one of the most important things about a wedding venue. Take a look around, does the room (or outdoor site) fit in with your image of a dream wedding? If you love glamor, plan to wear a satin ballgown with crystal bridal jewelry, and have an orchestra play, the reception venue needs to be grand and elegant. (Brides who love crystal bridal jewelry always love fancy chandeliers!) On the other hand, if you plan to serve an organic vegetarian meal and have a bluegrass band, you need a space with an easy rustic charm, like a farm. Both places are great, but they are not great for the same type of wedding.

Embassy Suites - McAllen, Texas

Finally, give some thought to weather. When you are choosing an outdoor reception site, obviously you will need a back up plan in case of rain. Can a tent be set up outside, or would you have to move to an inside conference room? If you hate the back up plan, keep looking. Take the views of the venue into consideration, as well. I once attended a reception that was held in a fairly pedestrian site which was chosen not for the charm of its interior decor, but for the walls of huge windows with impressive views over water of New York City. The only problem was that there was fog and pouring rain on the day of the wedding; the feature which the bride and groom had most cherished about their venue was completely obliterated by the weather. Don’t let this happen to you!

Keep these tips in mind, and you will be well on your way towards finding the reception venue that will be the best possible place to host your dream reception. Happy hunting!

Guy has been writing about society and weddings for a long time. If you have a topic you would like to know about. Let us know at SilverlandJewelry.com. Crystal bridal jewelry adds the perfect sparkle to a wedding gown.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Guy_Antonelli

Before diving into the phone book you might ask a few friends or relatives for recommendations based on previous experience.  This is good, but not every wedding photographer, band or DJ is going to fit every bride and groom’s tastes.  Lighting, artistry and clarity are among many aspects that separate one wedding photographer from another.  For this reason it is important to note that not every photographer’s style will fit with every wedding style.  Be sure to extensively review a wedding photographer’s portfolio to determine if he or she is the perfect person for your wedding.

Hiring a band, DJ or other musician is similar in that each will have their own style, both in music type and performing style.  Be sure to hear or see a demo, and meet the musicians or DJ before making your decision.  You might ask if the person you are speaking with will be the actual person performing or DJ’ing your event.   If not, ask to meet the person who will be there to be sure you are comfortable with him or her.

A great resource for doing some research ahead of selecting a wedding photographer or wedding entertainment vendor is the Internet (that’s why you are here right?).  Each wedding photographer, musician, band or DJ may have their own website set up to showcase their work.  If not, you might look for them on Facebook or Twitter.  If you can find a wedding photographer or musician on a social network you could ask him or her to send you some samples of their prior wedding photography, or a sample music track if it a musician you are interested in.  Do this before you go through the trouble of setting up a face-to-face meeting.

For your convenience, Divine Wedding Center has added information, photos and video for many of our wedding vendors.   Check out our Wedding Center Directory to browse our list of experienced Wedding Photographers and more.  We’ve put this directory together to make your life a little easier when looking for a wedding photographer here in the Rio Grande Valley!

Photo Credit: David Pezzat Photographers

We are committed to making your reception unique from all of the rest.  Who wants their special day to be just like everyone elses.  From lighted columns to iron candle panels and elegantly draped ceilings, we are able to provide you with beautiful decor to make any venue look amazing.  Whether you are in a hotel setting, a large ballroom or in the beautiful outdoors, we have that perfect something to transform it into your perfect fairytale.

 

Whether you are getting married in a traditional church setting or in a beautiful outdoor setting, we are able to make your special day like that fairytale you have always imagined by filling it with beautiful fragrant flowers.  Whether you need the simplicity of candlelight or extravagant floral arrangements, we can do just about anything your heart desires.

Store Hours:

Monday – Friday 9:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Saturday             9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

(2:00 p.m. on some Saturdays due to events)

Closed on Sundays.

Summer Hours (June – August):

Monday – Friday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Saturday             9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Traditionally speaking, the wedding fund is supplied by the blushing bride’s father. These fathers consider it a loving, farewell gift to their daughters after having raised and cared for them. They may also see it as the traditional final step in the father-daughter relationship. In this case, the bride’s parents’ opinions should be taken into consideration since they will be paying.

Today it has been common for the families of the bride and groom to share in the cost. This has been done to deal with increasing costs or to create a greater budget for a more extravagant affair. Again, the two sets of parents will probably want a say in what choices are made, which could make the decision making process a little tedious.

For the more independent couples, there is the growing trend of the bride and groom paying for the wedding themselves – entirely. This is more common when the couple is composed of two working professionals who no longer feel comfortable with the idea of their parents taking care of the bill. This budget style is also popular among those wanting total autonomy over their decisions. However, it is dangerous to fall into the “debt trap” when paying it all yourselves. Careful, who wants to start a marriage in debt?

Another option that seems to be popular in the Rio Grande Valley is the use of “Padrinos” i.e. “Godparents”. These couples (or in some cases individuals) are asked to finance a specific part of the wedding ceremony or reception. Though the original purpose of this religious title was for those who participated in the Catholic wedding ceremony, it is now shared with these financial helpers as a sign of appreciation. Yet again, their opinions may have to be considered or they may stipulate a budget for you to work with.

Though there are many options in the finance department, it is important to remember that the choice ultimately lies in what fits you as a couple the best. Are you a traditionalist? Have you been independent for many years? Do your friends and family want to help? The only way to start a smooth wedding planning process is for you to agree on what will make your dream wedding possible.

Photo: David Pezzat

To be married in the Catholic Church is to complete one the seven sacraments and enter upon a permanent oath to your spouse in the presence of God.  Because of its seriousness, there are rules and regulations governing the Catholic marriage process.  Here is the basic overview:

Every parish has varying rules about certain things so it’s best to contact the parish you wish to be married in.  The parish usually requires the couple to be registered there and have their Baptismal certificate.  If one of the parties is a non-Catholic, they must still show proof of baptism (in another Christian faith) and get permission from the local bishop (done by the pastor).

Once the couple has requested marriage, they usually have classes or interviews with the priest as a preparation process.  After the priest has decided there is no reason to not marry, a wedding date is chosen.  The couple can now choose the Scripture readings and hymns for the Nuptial mass.  A parish aid offers a walk through and explanation of the marriage ceremony at the parish the night before the ceremony.

The Nuptial mass is like any other Sunday mass except for the addition of the vows at the beginning of the ceremony.  There is a tradition (not mandatory) of the bride presenting a bouquet to the Blessed Virgin Mary while the “Ave Maria” is sung or played.  This usually occurs towards the end of the mass.

There are other factors to keep in mind when planning a wedding that is going to take place in a church.  Traditional Catholic churches do not approve of revealing wedding gowns e.g. those that are too short, show too much cleavage, are strapless, etc.  A monetary donation is expected so as to help cover the cost of operating the church.  Some churches may have rules against dropping flower petals, throwing rice and other traditions that may have caused legal issues in the past.

For those marrying someone whose family is not Catholic there a few additional things to consider.  A wedding program would be helpful for those who do not know what to expect during the nuptial mass and can double as a nice keepsake of the celebration.  It might also prove helpful to explain what they can expect so that they are not as stressed about possibly skipping a beat.

This all may seem overwhelming but remember that the priests, parish workers and volunteers have the necessary experience to help you in the decisions you face when preparing a Catholic wedding.

Photo courtesy of David Pezzat

Weddings this winter are all about bold colors, simple centerpieces, outdoor venues and patterns.

Color

Say goodbye to pastels!  This winter is all about bold colors, even black as the main color.  Think dark, rich, royal, Moulin Rouge colors such as deep purples, burgundy and black as the main colors accented with bronze, amber, and silver.  Winter ceremonies are going to be royal affairs this season!

Venues

The traditional church ceremony followed by a dance hall reception is not going to cut it this season.  Outdoor is definitely the way to go.  Whether it be your parents’ backyard, the ranch, farm, or even a vineyard, take the celebration outside this season.  We are fortunate here in South Texas, that having an event outdoors in the winter is feasible.  The outdoor setting will bring a festive, relaxed atmosphere to your royal affair, and the best of both worlds will be achieved.

Patterns

Say hello to prints this season.  Whether it be table cloths, invitations, envelopes, bridesmaids’ dresses or anything else, feel free to add a pattern.  Choose a bold polka-dot or paisley.  If you’re not feeling so daring, stick to a traditional plaid or damask pattern.  Whatever your choice may be, make sure you choose only one pattern, and even though they are in, be careful not to over use.  Use patterns as accent pieces, (a sash on the bridesmaids’ dress, a table runner, the bows on the flowers) not focal points!

Lighting

A key component in every perfectly executed royal affair is the lighting.  Overhead lighting in the form of chandeliers or lanterns, in every shape, size, and color, are a must.  For eye level lighting, a centerpiece using a single candle accented by fruits is all you need.  This will tie into the simple & elegant look of this season’s wedding trend.

Cake

Tall tower cakes are so last season!  Multiple two-tiered cakes are essential this season.