Articles + Ideas

My Big Fat Multicultural Wedding

Filed in Articles + Ideas under Ceremony, Expert Advice, Featured, Real Weddings, Receptions, Rehearsal Dinner, Wedding Ideas

My father is Middle Eastern, my mother hails from Louisiana’s Cajun country, and I’m proud to say that both cultures have always been an integral part of who I am. I can make hummus and shrimp gumbo pretty darn well, and I can swear in Arabic and Cajun French if the need arises. We’re also Texans, so that means we all can whip up a mean barbecue, too. When I became engaged to Jon, who has Nordic and German roots, we just sprinkled a few more ingredients into our family’s melting pot.

Wedding Parasols and Fashion Umbrellas:  A Bride Has Options

Filed in Articles + Ideas under Accessories, Ceremony, Fashion, Off Beat, Stuff We Love

There’s nothing like a prop to bring out a woman’s inner diva. Whether vamping it up with a feather boa or flirting coyly with a painted fan, a woman becomes positively magnetic with the addition of just the right accessory. Though a bouquet is a bride’s traditional best friend, daring damsels are reaching for parasols and umbrellas to best set off their feminine charms.

Central Coast Weddings: Gorgeous Vineyards, Chic Wineries & Great Weather!

Filed in Articles + Ideas under Ceremony, Featured, Honeymoons and Travel, Locations, Receptions, Rehearsal Dinner, Trend Watch

With all its gold medals and high style, the Central Coast retains its small-town friendliness, and locals have positively thrown out a red-carpet welcome to bridal couples from near and far. Recently we did our own Central Coast Wine Country investigation.

Tips for a Successful Beach Wedding

Filed in Articles + Ideas under Ceremony, Expert Advice, Featured, Locations

Make sure your guests know that the wedding is actually on the sand, so they can dress appropriately. This can be communicated with the invitation (included with the map/directions), on your wedding website and through word-of-mouth.

California Beach Weddings

Filed in Articles + Ideas under Ceremony, Expert Advice, Featured, Locations, Receptions, Restaurants

11 Locations Where You Can Tie The Knot On The Sand!
by Jolene Rae Harrington, Director of Creative Content
As a born-and-raised California girl, I knew one thing for sure—when I got married, it would be on the beach. Not next to the beach, not overlooking the beach or on an ocean view terrace, but actually on the sand.

Brides Want to Know: A Question of Religion

Filed in Articles + Ideas under Brides Want to Know, Ceremony, Expert Advice, Wedding Ideas

Neither my fiancé nor I are at all religious despite our upbringings, though we do share a broad-based spirituality. Our families are much more traditional, and might be offended if our wedding ceremony is entirely secular. Is there a way to honor the belief systems of our parents without being hypocritical?—Pamela G., Vacaville
Read our experts’ answer.

Hiring Professionals Pays Off

Filed in Articles + Ideas under Ceremony, Expert Advice, Music and Entertainment, Photography, Planning, Receptions, Wedding Video
Yes, you will save money by hiring the cheapest vendors you can find or doing things yourself. But the old adage, “You get what you pay for,” really comes into play here. Skimp on services and you could end up paying a big price anyway. More info on saving yourself some headaches.

P.S. We Love You: Destination Weddings Come to Palm Springs

Filed in Articles + Ideas under Ceremony, Honeymoons and Travel, Locations, Receptions Palm Springs is HOT and we're not talking about the temperature. The Palm Springs of the new millennium is young, chic, and a great place to party. Here are some of our own suggestions for local activities and “can’t miss” Palm Springs ceremony and reception locations.