High Tech Today
Videos of your wedding, even your rehearsal dinner, provide the most authentic memories of your wedding. Videography provided by a professional will produce a video of your wedding and the entire celebration that will bring to life that wonderful day for many years to come.
Videos can be provided in digital so they can be shared on a personal web page or attached to email for family and friends to view over and over. Videos are a wonderful way to share your most special moments with your loved ones who are either not able to attend the ceremony in person or who wish to relive the joy of your wedding day.
Today’s personal computers and photo software allow truly remarkable results from professional digital videos. A full range of editing features give the bridal couple a whole new world to view their wedding and other events with the look and feel of Hollywood produced movies. The digital revolution has truly given the bride and groom remarkable choices for saving their wedding for all to see.
The best way to assure that your wedding video will be of the highest quality is to hire a professional. Professional videographers will provide the bridal couple with samples of their work including use of special effects, graphics, music and titles. The bride and groom should take special care to hire a videographer who will provide them with a lasting record of this once in a lifetime special event and in a timely manner.
Including special comments from members of the wedding party and invited guests is another wonderful way to personalize your wedding video. The bride and groom will be able to recall this most special day for years to come when they view their wedding as seen through the eyes of a professional who can capture all of the joy that this special time symbolizes.
Remember, the best you can afford will last the longest when it comes to your wedding videos. Hire a professional and you will get professional results. Your wedding will live on for a lifetime and you will be able to relive those special moments when you have a truly professional video record that will all stand the test of time.
Check the best videographers by going to www.premierbridems.com and clicking on videographers: http://www.premierbridems.com/listings.php?category=46
Weekly Wedding Tip: Catering
- Budget wisely. Don’t forget that taxes and gratuities can be a large chunk of your food and beverage costs, so make sure you’re including these in your budget. You certainly wouldn’t want to be surprised later!
- What’s for dinner? Generally, the time of day indicates to guests if they will be eating a meal. If you’ve decided not to serve a full meal at your reception, invite people for tea, 3-5 p.m.; cocktails, 5-7 p.m.; or dessert, 9 p.m. to midnight. And just to be clear, include this information on your invitations: “Please join us for tea [or cocktails, or champagne and cake, or light refreshments] following the ceremony.”
- Taste test tips. It’s easier to cook a great meal for two people than hundreds, so don’t rely on your taste testing alone – check some references as well. Try at least two items for each course so you’ll have an alternative if your first choice doesn’t work out.
- Delicious cocktails. “Open bar” is the most expensive option, offering guests anything they want to drink – soda, beer, wine or mixed drinks; a “limited bar” narrows the free choices down to whatever you’ve decided, such as soda and beer, or soda, beer and wine, with the option to buy mixed drinks if desired. A “cash bar” forces your guests to pay for any drink – yikes. Try to avoid the all “cash bar” route – this is, after all, a party that you invited them to as guests. Many couples have an open bar for cocktails before dinner, and a limited bar for the dance reception. This is perfectly appropriate, and is more budget-friendly than an open bar all night. Discuss your options, the prices, and your budget with your caterer. Remember, the bartender can always prepare a signature drink for your wedding.
- Bar time. Stop serving alcohol one-half hour to an hour before the end of the reception, to limit guests from drinking too much before driving home. If you have big drinkers in your crowd, try to plan accordingly, by offering end-of-the-night transportation, or having your reception at a hotel where your guests can rent rooms.
Want to know great area caterers? Go to www.premierbridems.com and click on Catering-Beverage: http://www.premierbridems.com/listings.php?category=17
Honeymoon: Tahiti and Her Islands
Popular among honeymooners today is Tahiti and her islands. Tahiti…the word evokes visions of an earthly paradise. Actually, there are 118 islands that encompass French Polynesia, better know as Tahiti and Her Islands. These are among the favorites:
Tahiti, known as “The Gathering Place” is the largest and most populated island and the starting point for all international travelers. Upon arrival, visitors receive a typical Tahitian display of hospitality – a memorable welcome with fragrant Tiare flowers and Tahitian music.
The figure eight shaped island features lush green peaks reaching more than 7,300 feet. Its scenery is dramatic. Cascading waterfalls and rippling pools in the jungle-like interior provide a striking contrast to the black and white sand beaches and turquoise lagoons of the island’s perimeter.
Moorea, “The Magical Island”, was the inspiration for James Michener’s mythical island of Bali Hai and the locale for many motion pictures, including “Mutiny on the Bounty” and “Love Affair”. It is just 11 miles across the Sea of the Moon from Tahiti, but a world away. To fully appreciate the drama of this heart shaped island, it is best viewed from atop Belvedere lookout, which affords breathtaking views of Moorea’s twin bays Cook’s and Opunohu. It’s an easy 25-minute catamaran ride from Tahiti for a day trip.
Bora, Bora, “The Romantic Island”, is often called the most beautiful island in the world. Most will agree, that it truly is. This tiny island – just 18 miles in circumference is encircled by a protective necklace of coral. Breathtaking lush mountains provide a dramatic backdrop for the indescribable turquoise, lapis and aquamarine of the sheltered lagoon. Arriving by air provides a unique experience, landing on the airstrip that was built by U.S. troops during World War II. The runway is on a motu (small inlet) and visitors must travel by boat to reach the main island. It’s no surprise that most of the island’s activities center around the spectacular lagoon. A shark feeding excursion allows visitors to be in the water with hungry reef sharks as they’re being fed by guides. Visitors can enjoy the lagoonarium, a marine exhibit in the lagoon where the adventurous can swim with sting rays, huge sea turtles and reef sharks.
Over water Bungalows,Tahiti’s signature accommodation, are unique toTahiti and provide an incredibly memorable experience. From the outrigger canoe breakfast deliveries to the glass coffee table that allows for fish viewing from the living room, it is a hotel room beyond the ordinary.
Tahiti and Her Islands are best known as a romantic paradise. Honeymooners and couples of all ages rediscover each other in the seclusion of the islands. More and more are renewing their vows in a traditional Tahitian Wedding Ceremony. Though not a legal ceremony, the ritual is deep and meaningful. Couples are bedecked in pareus, flowers, shells, and feathers. The groom approaches the beach in an outrigger canoe. His bride, who is carried in on a rattan throne, awaits him on the white sand beach. A spectacular sunset and lapping lagoon create the stunning backdrop. Tahitian music and dancers enhance the ambiance. A Tahitian priest marries the couple and gives them their Tahitian names and the Tahitian name of their first-born.
Hospitality is a Tahitian way of life. Tahitians are proud of their islands and want to share the beauty with visitors. Even tipping is contrary to their beliefs; it’s simply not expected. When you visit Tahiti, take the time to chat with Tahitians and learn about their culture and lifestyle. It will make the experience of this beautiful paradise even richer and your honeymoon all the more memorable.
For more information contact: Tahiti Tourisme,300 Continental Blvd., Ste. 160,El Segundo,CA 90245.
Tel: 800-365-4949 (US)
Fax: 310-414-8490
Website: www.Tahiti-Tourisme.com
E-Mail: info@tahiti-tourisme.com
Your local travel agent can make all the arrangements.
Want more options for your honeymoon? Go to www.premierbridems.com and click on Honeymoons-Travel Agents: http://www.premierbridems.com/listings.php?category=32
For destination weddings, go to www.premierbridems.com and click on Destination Weddings: http://www.premierbridems.com/listings.php?category=24
If you just got back from your honeymoon, email me a picture, your name, where you went, what you liked and what you would do differently: msinfo@bridems.com
Furnishing Your First Home
For newlyweds, one of the most challenging tasks is furnishing their first home together. Choosing themes and colors is overwhelming not only because there is a vast expanse from which to select, but because bride and groom, each with their own unique tastes, are combining their belongings to form one household. John Batte, owner of Batte Furniture & Interiors, recently added The Bridal Registry at Batte to assist newlyweds with china, crystal, silver, accessories, and furnishings of course. Batte believes registering for furniture goes “hand in hand” with getting engaged. And, what is more, he says, the beauty of having The Bridal Registry in the store is that it “offers the complete package” to couples. Batte also recommends selecting color schemes, furniture, and accessories well before the “I Do’s” to enable the prospective bride and groom to set and achieve their design goals ahead of time so they are ready to start building their new life together as soon as they return from their honeymoon.
To begin, a couple should confer with an interior designer to successfully determine goals and needs for their home décor. Batte emphasizes the importance of “building a personal relationship” with someone who can help the bride and groom furnish their home throughout their life together – not only for the first home, but for years to come as their needs change. An initial consultation allows designers to make suitable design choices by considering a couple’s lifestyle as well as their future; that might include furnishings for entertaining, a home office, a sunroom, or a guest suite that comfortably accommodates the in-laws when the firstborn arrives. Regardless of their needs, organization is key. Coordinating a plan also allows the bride and groom to remain focused on building a collection of crystal, decorative accents, furniture and the like, over a period of time. With an immeasurable number of lines synonymous with class and style such as Vietri, Simon Pierce, William Yeoward, Fabergé, Miller Rogaska, Philippe Du Juliet,Waterford, and Herend, seeking direction from a professional is essential. Organization allows designers to address the finest details; for instance “choosing a china pattern that is appropriate for a particular color scheme” as well as one that “coordinates with the décor throughout the home,” says Batte. Whatever the case, guidance during the transition from independent single to married couple is especially helpful and will allow the bride and groom to concentrate on pre-wedding responsibilities.
And, when the couple returns from their honeymoon, they will have tabletops to dazzle friends at their first dinner party, a versatile piece of furniture, such as an armoire, that adapts to almost any design concept, and accessories that have been carefully chosen and arranged to flatter their furnishings. The end result is a happy couple with a beautiful home.
Reprinted from an article in and courtesy of Premier Bride of Mississippi, Georgia Brown, copyright 2004, Premier Publishing, Inc.
Weekly Wedding Tip: Grooms, Listen Up!
- Mix and Match. No one said your attendants have to match in height or age. Feel free to pair bridesmaids and groomsmen as you think they would feel most comfortable. Also feel free to throw in a loaner!
- Many grooms have their father as their Best Man. After all, it’s your Dad’s influence that made you the man you are today!
- I love it when a groom escorts his mother down the aisle to be seated before the wedding. The little peck on the cheek is sweet, too!
- No one said you had to wear a tuxedo. Many grooms are opting for a suit.
- What color should I wear? Black has been the traditional color, but many grooms are going with khaki or beige, a white dinner jacket paired with black pants, gray or charcoal, and brown.
- To coordinate with the bride’s colors, the vests and ties are an easy way.
- Your duties: Buy the rings; plan the honeymoon; give the rehearsal dinner; provide the transportation from the reception; and get your attendants, including your ushers, gifts of appreciation. Some of these things, you may want to consult with your bride first…the rehearsal dinner, the honeymoon, the rings, to be more specific.
- This is your wedding too! Express your opinion if you want or like something and, likewise, if you don’t. In marriage, communication is key and so it is with your wedding. If you have a preference for something, let your bride know. Note: Charcoal and Beige tuxedos can be found at Tuxes Too in Banner Hall, Jackson, MSTo find tuxedos in your area, visit http://www.premierbridems.com/listings.php?category=44
Happy Mother’s Day!
Happy Mother’s Day to all Mothers and expectant mothers! Although my precious Mother passed away four years ago, it was her love, devotion and guidance that made me who I am today. She taught me more than right from wrong. Mother taught me that you can “never go wrong, by doing the right thing.” Throughout my life as a young child, I witnessed my Mom and Dad living those words. They stood up for what they felt was right even though society did not agree. Those were turbulent times in the late fifties and early sixties in Little Rock, AR. Dad lost some business; Mom lost social status; yet, they lived by their convictions of right from wrong which was passed on to me and my brother and sister. I learned a lot of things from Mother:
- Always set an extra plate
- Have plenty of food (it’s better to have too much than not enough, Mom used to say.)
- Include those that are new in town, single, widowed at all holiday celebrations
- Always show kindness
- Appreciate what you have and not what you don’t have
- Laugh, Laugh, Laugh!
- There is always room in your heart for one more.
When I married my husband, I instantly became a step-mother to three teenage girls. I tried to impart to them the same love, understanding and values that my mother gave me. Many times, I found myself calling Mom for advice on how to handle a situation. Often times, Mom would laugh and say, “Payback is hell!” I guess when I was a complicated and rebellious teenager and Mom would say to me, “I hope you have a child just like you,” her wishes came true. We all had a good laugh and so life goes on. But not forever!
I miss you Mom! And I will always love you!
Looking Your Best for Your Wedding
Every bride is beautiful, but if you want to look particularly radiant on your big day, start several months ahead of time by exercising and eating right. Your skin will glow, your body will be toned and you’ll look great on your honeymoon!
The best way to get rid of any unwanted pounds is by reducing or eliminating many whole wheat flours and all white flours (bread, pasta, rice, cereal) and sugars from your diet.
An eating plan that consists of lean meats (nothing fried), green vegetables and fruit will give you clearer skin, less body fat and more energy. Eating this way will also help you avoid irritability and fatigue as your wedding schedule gets busy.
White flours and sugars increase your insulin level, which in turn causes body fat production and mood swings due to fluctuating blood sugar levels.
Scheduling time for exercise is as important for your emotional health as it is for your physical health. A well rounded fitness program should include exercises for strength, flexibility and cardiovascular fitness.
Working out a minimum of three days a week for 30 minute sessions will pay off in more ways than one.
Light weight training will help you to lose inches and firm up specific areas, such as your arms, inner thighs, rear, etc. Contrary to many misconceptions, weight training does not cause women to bulk up, but actually increases the metabolic rate so your body will burn more body fat at rest. If you want to reshape your body, weight training is the answer.
Cardio fat burning workouts such as walking, running, aerobics classes or bicycling will burn fat and help you lose pounds.
In order for your abdominals to be tight and flat, you should perform at least three sets of 25 crunches daily. Abdominal results are obtained by consistency and intensity of workouts.
If your wedding plans make you tense, participating in regular pilates classes will relax and calm you by stretching your muscles and releasing stress.
Remember, if you don’t take care of your health, no one will either. Taking time for yourself in today’s busy world is no longer a luxury but a necessity. You will be glad you did and so will your new husband.
Written by Marilyn Tyler, owner of Fitness Lady with two locations…one in Ridgeland, MS and the other in Pearl/Brandon, MS
Weekly Wedding Tip: Pre-Wedding/Engagement
- Consider your engagement as the beginning of your lifelong commitment; it’s the perfect time to create a healthy foundation for your marriage. As you plan your wedding, focus on your financial future by sharing dreams, savings, and debt issues, and start making a joint plan.
- For weddings that fall around holidays such as New Year’s Eve, to reinforce the date, create personalized, magnetic save-this-date cards, and send them out at least six month’s in advance.
- If you’re a disorganized bride, the stress will show at every turn. Use the pre-wedding time to organize and weed-out conflicts, clutter, and emotions. Enlist expert help to support you by hiring a financial advisor, wedding planner, organizational consultant and personal trainer. The extra time and money invested will result in a successful wedding and good-to-go marriage.
- Once the engagement is announced, choose the bridal party carefully. Yes, it’s an emotional time, but use logic when you make important decisions. Consider: emotions, personalities, dependability, affordability, and your relationship with him/her. Once you make the offer, you can’t take it back, so use your best judgment.
- A good test for a photographer is the engagement photo. Pay attention to the way he/she communicates and whether or not you are handled in a relaxed but professional manner. Is this person willing to work with you? Do you love the results? Is the customer service excellent? Don’t sign up for the package deal until you’ve seen the end result.
- Host your engagement party at a restaurant that caters to celebrations and ask whether they might give you a discount on catering, etc., if you also book your shower or rehearsal dinner with them at the same time.
- Don’t put off discussing premarital agreements – get it out of the way, right away. Yes, it’s awkward, but it’s part of our culture. If you try to slide the issue on the table a month before the wedding, you’re not only asking for disaster, but it might not hold up in a court of law because it can be considered an agreement made under pressure.
- WEL-COME – “Wedding Essentials List: Communicate/Compromise, Organize, Manage and Exercise.” During the engagement period, work on these everyday. You’ll reduce your stress during the hectic and emotional months ahead.
- Use the engagement time wisely. Pre-marriage counseling is meant to weed out potential problems and strengthen your communications.
- Right after the engagement is announced, create a wedding binder with plastic sleeves. Any items or documents you find can be organized immediately.
- Make your engagement public by placing a formal announcement and black and white photo in local newspapers, alumni and professional publications. Before sending in your written spec sheet (parents of bride and groom, career information, etc.), have someone proof it for accuracy, and put your names and phone number on the back of the photo. Most often, this is a free public service.
- The pre-wedding phase is crucial planning time. Make a list of things you want to delegate and create a support system from the start.
- What’s your wedding style? After you’re engaged and before you’re knee-deep in wedding planning, take some time with your sweetie and discuss your unique wedding vision. Maybe it isn’t the large, formal, Saturday evening affair. Or, maybe it is. Either way, it should ultimately reflect the two of you.
- The most critical part of the wedding: the marriage license. Without it, you can’t get married. Call the office in your county that handles marriage licenses, and get all of the important details, such as when you need to apply, how much it costs, and what types of payment are accepted. Do this far in advance of the wedding!
- Be a happy bachelorette. Be clear and articulate with your bridesmaids about the type of bachelorette party you would like to have. You don’t have to dictate the details, but if you want an ‘intimate gathering of friends to talk’ and they’re planning a ‘wild night at strip clubs’ you may feel a wee bit disappointed, not to mention uncomfortable.
- Finally, enjoy this time and use it as a time to bring in your Groom’s family!
For more tips, pick up your free copy of Premier Bride. Where to find a copy? Go to www.premierbridems.com
And the Winner Is ………
Elysia and Ramon! Their fabulous photographer was Scott Burton Photography. Their wedding was submitted by their incredible designers, Petal & Pails and Eventful. Elysia and Ramon were married September 29, 2012 in Yazoo City. The ceremony was at First Baptist Church of Yazoo City. The reception was held at the bride’s family home in Yazoo City.
Elysia’s gown was from the Bridal Path, along with the bridesmaids’ dresses. The groom and his attendants got their tuxedos from Tuxes Too. Other wedding professionals involved in the wedding included: Nick’s Catered Creations; Mississippi PhotoBooths; Wallace Tiller Productions (videographers); Groom’s King cake from McDade’s Grocery; Tickle Pink for hair; and the Yazoo Country Club for the rehearsal dinner.
Congratulations to our winning cover for Volume 23, Summer/Fall Premier Bride of Mississippi, Elysia and Ramon!
Weekly Wedding Tip: Transportation
- Need a limo? Know the busy seasons! If your wedding is around the holidays or prom time, be sure to book your transportation well in advance, five to six months before the Big Day.
- Planning the transportation on your wedding day. After booking your luxury limo for your wedding date, strategically plan out times, stop-off’s and routes. Consider transporting other guests if you have gaps in times or layovers.
- If you want a “gang’s all here!” type of mood for your wedding party, consider renting a Winnebago. As you move from home-to-church-to-photo-op’s-to-the reception, it has all the amenities: space, seating, refrigerator, restroom, and room to stretch out and relax. It could even serve as a mobile hotel room if needed!
- Are you a Rolls Royce couple or a trolley twosome? Think about novelty transportation and what type of mood you want to convey on your special day.
- Make a grand entrance at your reception and look like royalty – arrive in a horse-drawn carriage!
- Sometimes the hotel where your reception is at will provide a shuttle-service to and from the picture setting. Be sure to check what’s available and ask if there is a cost involved.
- Think about the route you will take as you travel from church to reception, and consider possible delays or detours. Discuss these issues with all members of your bridal party ahead of time and print out maps for each driver.
- Take a test drive in the automobile or limousine you want to cruise in on your big day.
- If out-of-town guests will be staying at outlying hotels, arrange for shuttle service to the reception and have the optional transportation times noted on a card that is waiting for them at the front-desk.
- Vintage cars are fun, too, and make a great statement for your wedding! Many couples choose to leave in a vintage or old car.
