Archive for November, 2009
Hit Her ‘Baby One More Time’: Are Wedding Bells (Yet Again) Ringing for Britney?
For cereal, how can you not love her? (Photo Courtesy of Google Images)
Oh, Brit, I’d be lying if I said I didn’t love ya… heck, even when I should’ve been shouting, “Show me less!” I still found myself hollering “Gimme More!” I’ve been a professionally devoted fan from the get, and even when you spent your free time shaving your head (which I claimed was your way of eliminating black roots), breaking umbrellas on sides of cars (‘practicing’ for that ‘role’), flashing your south of the border business to the stalker-razzi (on what I still peg to be your laundry day), flopping around shoeless in gas station bathrooms (obvi the hardest for me to swallow – ’cause that’s just gross!) and fannying about in every rehab this side of the Miss’ippi… I always held out hope, my dear, that you would bounce back…
And bounce back, Ms. Spears, is exactly what you did. Nearly five years after the opening act of your one woman failblog.org show – can anyone say K Fed, geeesh – you’ve risen up from the ashes, and proven once again, that even though your life may be a Circus, you’ve still – boop-boop-ee-doop – GOT IT! With two beautiful babies, an unbelievably successful tour, the assumption of a drug free lifestyle, rockin’ abs and a handsome manager / boyfriend, it appears that girl who once tried to give it all away, has rightfully regained her spot back on top… and this bride-to-be couldn’t be prouder!
Spears + Trawick sharing a laugh (Photo Courtesy of Google Images)
However, why oh why, amongst all this rekindled success did you feel the need to propose (yet again) to your manager / boyfriend, Jason Trawick? I mean, come on now, Brit. Didn’t some sort of bell go off inside your head, warning you this just might not be the best of ideas? You were a Mouseketeer for sobbin’ out loud! Where was Jiminy Cricket?
According to reports from news.com.au, Brit decided to stake her claim by proposing to her longtime beau / celebrity agent, Trawick, while on the Australian leg of her tour. After arriving in town with Spears’ two sons, Trawick allegedly proved he is unfazed by the spectacle that can accompany a famed marriage by rejecting Britney’s proposal and reportedly left her feeling devastated. It’s not that he’s not interested, it’s just that he doesn’t believe any marriage – famed or not – is simply something anyone should enter into lightly – good for you, Jas!
So, while I applaud you, Brit Brit, for not hardening your heart on the idea of marriage amongst the first two disasters I’ve decidedly named the Vegas Vortex and the K-Fed Flop, I don’t think it’s in your best interest to Rambo into anything just yet. At the ripe “old” age of 27, you have more than plenty of time to ease into your next nuptials and plenty of time to enjoy it!
And let’s get real, I’m still secretly hoping that you and Justin Timber-Timber-Timberlake (who remembers that stud muffin’s beat boxin’?) will cut through all the BS, get back togeths, go back to their Mickey Mouse Club roots and get married in Cinderella’s palace… What? I said it. ’Cause THAT, my friends, would be happ-happ-happiest ever after of all! Hehe!
(Photo Courtesy of Google Images)
2 comments November 25, 2009
Beautiful Wedding Photography: Is There Anything Better?
(Takes a minute to compose herself before writing…. <breath>… and ready!)
You’ll have to excuse the extra seconds I’ll be taking throughout this week to compose myself, but with less than a week to go before I’ll be Mrs. Tanner Dietz (aaaah!), I have found myself in a state of perpetual exhilaration! And if you think I’m exaggerating – which I tend to do from time to time, hehe – you’d be seriously mistaken. This has been the BEST time of my life. It’s an uncanny combination of eager anticipation, calmed readiness and sheer enthusiasm that has my heart beating through my throat and out of my chest. It’s like I want to laugh and cry all at the same time, and sometimes, depending on what part of the day I’m in, you just might catch me doing both.
To know that I’m officially making the best part of my day (aka Tanner) part of my every day is an incredible feeling, and to know that it’s merely days away from happening is even more exciting! The joy surrounding the past months has been absolutely undeniable, and I just don’t think my heart could quite possibly be filled with any more love, thankfulness or hope than it is right now.
Actually, you want to know what it’s like? It’s like I’m the Grinch at the end of the movie… you know the part where he still hears all the Hoos down in Hooville still celebrating Christmas even after he’d stolen all their stuff ? As he listens, he can’t help but tear up, as his heart grows bigger and bigger and fills with more and more of the Christmas spirit. For cereal, that’s my heart, and even though medically an enlarged heart doesn’t bode well for those who have it, I’m quite certain I could be the first medical miracle it who works it out.
I’m fully ready to do the work, because I know how much fun there is in store. And over the course of the past several months, I’ve had the pleasure to come across other people in love who have also decided to tie the knot… and if you ask me, there’s nothing more amazing than to capture that love on film. Below are some of my favorite wedding photos I’ve come across through out my planning. Please enjoy!
Image Courtesy of Austin & Dara Photography
Photo Courtesy of Angelica Glass Photography
Photo Courtesy of Clayton Austin Photography
Photo Courtesy of James Christianson Photography
Photo Courtesy of Brooke Photography
Photo Courtesy of Jessika Feltz Photography
Photo Courtesy of Kelly Moore Photography
Photo Courtesy of Michael Norwood Photography
Photo Courtesy of Andrew Collings Photography
Add comment November 23, 2009
The Last Fling Before the Ring: Why Bachelorette Parties Bring all the Fabulous Fury
My Girlfriend, Dre, @ her Bachelorette - haha!
With just eight days to go until the “I do’s,” I must say it’s becoming extremely hard to focus… on anything. Already fashioned with an A.D.D. brain, my spastic nature is wheeling out of control as the pre-nuptial era nears and end in order for the wifey stage to begin. And nothing – and I mean nothing – could make me happier! Well, that is, unless you factor in my Bachelorette Party! Can I get a “whoop whoop!” up in here?
This weekend, my beautiful maid of honor, Breanna Marie, is flying in from the Big Apple to spend a whole week soaking up the Midwest’s finest and quaffing any last minute deets with me. And if you think for one second, we don’t plan on spending every last, ever lovin’ minute together, you’d be dead wrong! Haha! This is me bestie, people; you know, the one who used to decorate ribbed tanks in puffy paint and glitter, as we prepared for yet another NSYNC concert… I know. You’re jealous… probably as jealous as my Mister, who I KNOW is PUMPED for a week long giggle and whisper fest :)
Coming in a town a week early, she’s also the culprit responsible for planning my bachelorette party, which is to take place at Fourth Street Live in Louisville, KY. So, Kentucky-ians, prepare yourselves… for we only know one way to have fun, and that’s straight BLASTIN!
Expected to be nothing short than pure pandemonium, I was told to dress in a dazzling white party dress (seen here) while the rest of the hoodlums are to stick to bright pink and black. I love love love doing themes because a) it’s always fun to play dress up and b) it let’s everyone know we’re all together and we’re all awesome – haha!
I guess it’s the gathering of friends – more than anything – that has me so pumped. As we get older and our calendars get fuller, it’s harder and harder to get together. Bachelorette parties, however, provide one of the greatest reasons ever (i.e. the celebration of true loaf!) for all your favorite girls to get dolled up, decked out and let’s face it, party like rock stars. So, I want to thank everyone in advance for coming and celebrating with me, and I forget to say it, I had the BEST time ever! (A little early, but when you know, you just know.)
Heck, if I can have even half the fun that my girlfriend, the now Mrs. Barts (shown below), had at hers… I’ll consider myself the luckiest girl in the world!
And if you’re planning an upcoming bachelorette party, Bachelorette.com and BachelorettePartyIdeas.com are both killer sites for ideas, games, party favors, décor and more! The have themes that cover everything from mild and mellow to wild ‘n’ wooly! So, not matter what, you’ll surely find something that just right!
Started out the day by renting a house boat - appropriately named - The Dirty Scoundrel. Haha, only us!
Then, we hit the town in our matching outfits!
And things "progressed" from there - love them all!
1 comment November 20, 2009
November 18 is National Tell People “I Love You” Day
*hugs and kisses not included but VERY much encouraged.
Even though I’m using the term “National” here rather loosely (and by loosely, I mean I’m the only person who’s actually declared anything – hehe), I still know beyond a shadow of a doubt that it’s oh-so important to say “I love you” to the people who mean the most. I’d even venture to say THE most important thing there is.
Today, I’m officially ten days away from my Mrs. debut, and while I couldn’t be more excited to celebrate mine and Tanner’s upcoming nuptials in front of all my favorite people, I’m afraid it’s not the only thing on my mind. There have been several moments in the past couple of months – unfortunately - marked by bad news. (Boo)
Never any fun to hear, I figure bad news leaves people with two choices. They can either a) dwell on it and let it take over or b) choose to become a better person from it. This, of course, is the path I like to take. I find it’s best to pray for the worst, hope for the best and live each and every day appreciating what I have… and I’m imploring you all to do the same! And here’s why:
Optimism will eternally be more effective than pessimism. It provides us with hopeful confirmation that ”everything (truly does) happen for a reason.” Even when the cards we’re dealt aren’t our preference or anywhere near are number one choice, there’s always hope for a big turn on the river card or even a shot at another deal (poker, anyone?)
Even the most awful moments - in their infinite wisdom – will serve a purpose, if given the chance. Whether they’re meant to teach us a lesson, reaffirm our priorities, emphasize a greater appreciation for the good or simply just help us see more clearly, the lowest valleys are just as important as the highest peaks.
In the case of my bad news, I decided to become a better person by finding even more goodness in what I already have… like my mom, for instance, who has spent the last 11 months of her life being the BEST planner / assistant / helper / friend / mother / teacher I could’ve ever asked for. Or my dad, whose excitement for the “big day” has made this journey an even more wonderfully memorable experience than I dreamed possible. Or even my best friend, Bre, who – even though she lives in NYC – has spent countless hours listening, planning, sewing (that’s right, she created the flower girl dress!) and laughing from another phone line, because she knew it meant the world to have her there as my maid of honor.
And finally, (not finally finally, just for this post – duh!) I have found more goodness in my Mister, Tanner, who has made me feel loved every morning when I wake up and every night when I go to sleep. He’s taught me patience and why it’s so important not to go to bed angry, and in this moment, seems more fitting than anything else. Which is why I say to you, Mom, Papa, Bre, Tan Man, friends, family and anyone else reading this post, for that matter… from the bottom of my heart…
I LOVE LOVE LOVE YOU!
Add comment November 18, 2009
A Chance for a Royal Wedding Toast… For SERIOUS, People!
As part of wedding tradition, many brides and grooms will be met by several raised glasses and hearty cheers on their big day, and more often than not, each one is accompanied by a swig of champagne (yum!) So, why not go for gusto and toast with Princess Diana’s 1961 Dom Perignon champagne from her wedding day?
You heard me. The champagne – originally used at Princess Diana’s marriage to Prince Charles – is a 1961 vintage, selected in honor of the GORGEOUS bride’s birth year and is currently being prepared for the highest bidder! (Please note, “gorgeous” is done in all caps for emphatic vigor, as I still believe Princess Diana was, is and always will be one of the most painstakingly beautiful people to grace the world with her enormous presence!)
According to James Grinter of the Reeman Dansie auction house, this champagne is not only an incredibly unique find because it was part of the Royal Wedding, but it also was “a strictly limited release and even rarer to find it still sealed in its original box.”
Seven years after the timeless beauty married England’s heir to the throne, Diana gave it to Brian Ames, manager of London’s infamous department store – Harrods, as a 50th birthday present. Set to be auctioned off later this month in Colchester, the bottle is suspected to go for £1,200 (or approximately $2000), and I know at least one gal who’ll be all over this… Carolyn, I wish you the best of luck – hehe!
And no matter who wins (or loses) this vintage classic, I still think everyone deserves a toast with the most on their wedding day! So, here’s to you, all my beautiful brides and grooms out there, and cheers to many, many years of happiness!
I mean seriously, did the woman take a bad photograph… ever??? Simply GORGEOUS!
Photo Courtesy of Google Images
Also, be sure to check out our incredible selection of Champagne Flutes & Server Sets – personalized free of charge – for the perfect wedding keepsake!
2 comments November 16, 2009
Out of the Mouths of Babes: Marriage Advice from Kids Who Know
My Adorable Flower Girl, Princess Sophia, trying on dresses at David's Bridal
I love kids for a number of reasons. They’re fearless, at least braver than any adult I’ve ever met. They love recklessly and unconditionally. They’re pure, untainted by the worries and stress most people know all too well, but most importantly, they’re honest. While they learn the difference between what is right and wrong, they still have the innate ability to give responses that both refresh and revive the soul.
I received an email forward from my girlfriend, Anna – holla Anna Banana! – and I thought I would share it all with you. ‘Cause Lord knows, with my wedding two weeks away, I need all the advice I can get, especially some as good as this…
1. HOW DO YOU DECIDE WHO TO MARRY?
You got to find somebody who likes the same stuff. Like, if you like sports, she should like it that you like sports, and be sure to keep the chips and dip coming. – Alan, age 10
-No person really decides before they grow up who they’re going to marry. God decides it all way before, and you get to find out later who you’re stuck with. – Kristen, age 10
2. WHAT IS THE RIGHT AGE TO GET MARRIED?
-Twenty-three is the best age because you know the person FOREVER by then. – Camille, age 10
3. HOW CAN A STRANGER TELL IF 2 PEOPLE ARE MARRIED?
-You might have to guess, based on whether they seem to be yelling at the same kids. – Derrick, age 8 (Brilliant!)
4. WHAT DO YOU THINK YOUR MOM AND DAD HAVE IN COMMON?
-Both don’t want any more kids. — Lori, age 8
5. WHAT DO MOST PEOPLE DO ON A DATE?
-Dates are for having fun, and people should use them to get to know each other. Even boys have something to say if you listen long enough. – Lynnette, age 8
-On the first date, they just tell each other lies and that usually gets them interested enough to go for a second date. – Martin, age 10 (Seems logical enough – hehe)
6. WHEN IS IT OKAY TO KISS SOMEONE?
-When they’re rich. – Pam, age 7 (Pam’s my favorite so far – haha!)
-The law says you have to be eighteen, so I wouldn’t want to mess with that. – Curt, age 7
-The rule goes like this: If you kiss someone, then you should marry them and have kids with them. It’s the right thing to do. – Howard, age 8 (And who said chivalry was dead? Look at Howie here… so incredibly noble!)
7. IS IT BETTER TO BE SINGLE OR MARRIED?
-It’s better for girls to be single but not for boys. Boys need someone to clean up after them. – Anita, age 9 (bless you child )
8. HOW WOULD THE WORLD BE DIFFERENT IF PEOPLE DIDN’T GET MARRIED?
-There sure would be a lot of kids to explain, wouldn’t there? – Kelvin, age 8 (Sooo cute!)
But the best answer by FAR…
9. HOW WOULD YOU MAKE A MARRIAGE WORK?
-Tell your wife that she looks pretty, even if she looks like a dump truck . – Ricky , age 10 (Haha! What a sweet thing to do!)
Add comment November 13, 2009
Trading in Fatigues for High Fashion: Alfred Angelo Salutes Our Troops with Wedding Dresses
I was a journalism major in college, and after four years of studying at Indiana University, people still questioned why. You see, I’ve never actually been a big fan of the news – blasphemy for a journalist, right? Wrong. I just wanted to make the news more positive, as it always seems to be so negative: Stocks drop… again. Wall Street’s burning. You’re all broke. If you don’t starve to death, here are ten natural disasters that will get you. A little girl’s dog died. Someone stole a box of kittens, etc. It just never seems to leave me with the warm and fuzzies.
So, I like to remember what a former professor always preached. The news needs to report the EXTRAordinary, and because there is more good in the world than bad, it tends to be swayed in the “bad” direction. (At least that’s what I tell myself :))
Well, poo poo to that! I like good news! That is why I was so happy to read the following story on PRWeb.com. Today is Veteran’s day, and in order to properly honor our troops, wedding gown designer, Alfred Angelo, has teamed up with Operation Homefront to give away gowns to deserving military brides and wives! And can I just say, that I love love love this?!? To date, there have been over 480 dresses given to deserving military brides-to-be all over the U.S.
Savannah, Georgia was one such community to take part in such a wonderful cause, where many brides - stationed at Ft. Stewart base – were able to pluck out their fairytale frock for free!
Amanda Sheronas, Director of PR for Alfred Angelo was quoted saying, “We are proud that Alfred Angelo has been able to bring so much joy and happiness to the military community in the face of on-going deployments and a struggling economy.”
Amen, sister… amen.
Every bride deserves the best, and it makes my heart smile to see people coming together to make this happen. I salute all the military brides-to-be (and all military men and women for that matter) and Alfred Angelo for making this Veteran’s day one that’s filled with just a few more smiles! Job (very well) done!
Below are some of Alfred Angelo’s masterpieces…
1 comment November 11, 2009
A True Gem: Something to Make every Bride-to-Be Feel Better about Herself
With less than a month to go before the nuptials arrive, I’ve finally had a chance to focus on the really important stuff… hair and makeup, of course! Haha, for cereal, though, Lord knows I love me some diva’ed out up do’s and red carpet cuteness! There’s just something so fun and girly about gettin’ glammed up, especially for big events, and since there’s no event more worthy of a jaw dropping look than a gal’s wedding, I went straight to my ‘ole reliable source for true inspiration: celebrity fabulosity.
Fabulosity, however, was not what I found. In fact, I suspect that the ”Life in the FAB Lane” star who originally coined the term, may have AT LEAST rethought her role in exploiting the term after viewing her shot on the gem I’m about ready to share with you.
While perusing for famed looks of some of my fave celebs – Eva, Beyoncé, etc. – I came across this ABC News post, which featured some of today’s prettiest pretties lookin’ all kinds of funky while not “in color.” Not that I’m judging, because trust me when I say, I’m the hottest of the hot messes when it comes to going “au naturale,” but I’d be lying if I didn’t say my heart wasn’t smiling a little, knowing that even the most gaaaarrrrgeous girlies, have their off days too…
Wow, not so fabulosity now, are we Kimora? (Photo Courtesy of ABCnews.com)
Oh...Eva...No. (Photo Courtesy of ABCnews.com)
Add comment November 6, 2009
Take Time to Smell the Roses: Words of Wisdom on Marriage
With less than a month to go before the big day arrives (yay to being a Mrs.!), it’s easy to see why so many brides start to freak. It seems like every deadline hits all at once. Every bill must be paid in full. Every vendor must have their final orders, and whether a bride likes it or not, decisions have to be finalized, packaged, sealed with a kiss and sent to the printers. (Phew!) It seems that no matter how many months a girl’s had to plan, everything and everyone comes out of the wood work all at once.
For me, however, the jokes on these final, supposed “chaotic” days… Little do they know, I do my finest work under pressure :)
Anyhoot, I thought it would be an appropriate time to share with all of you, something my future mother-in-law shared with me. While going through an old church hymnal, she found a short poem, appropriately titled “Marriage,” and I encourage all you brides-to-be out there – especially the ones really starting to lose it – to read it and really remember the reason why you’re making all these ”under pressure” decisions in the first place.
Because, at the end of the day, you won’t remember the pearl covered doilies you picked or whether or not you had your reception carrots soaked in butter or margarine, but you will remember the man who stood next to you and made it all worthwhile. So, without further ado…
Marriage, a Poem by William Jenkins
O God of love, to thee we bow,
and pray for those before us now,
that, closely knit in holy vow,
that they in thee be one.
Whatever comes to be their share
of quickening joy or burdening care,
in power to do and grace to bear,
may they in thee be one.
Eternal love, with them abide;
through change and chance be thou their guide,
let nothing in this life divide
those whom thou makest one.
Good luck to all of you out there! I wish you and yours all the best and years and years happiness!
Add comment November 4, 2009
