From: Exploring a few ethnic wedding traditions by Catherine Hollingsworth, NYT Regional Newspapers
GainesvilleSun.com article
Japanese wedding attire and jewelry: The Bride changes clothes several times. She may begin the ceremony in a white kimono, then change to gold, silver and red, until finally she wears a brightly colored kimono usually reserved for unmarried women. This is the last time she may wear this type of kimono. Her face may be covered by a white veil and her face painted white.
Ceremony: During the san-san-kudos ritual, the couple and their parents take sips of sake either during the ceremony or the reception. This ritual varies from region to region and even family to family.
Reception and food: Singing and playing instruments are more common than dancing at Japanese receptions. The menu could include Kai fish, red rice, kelp, soup and sake (rice wine). The number of courses, however, never equals a multiple of four because the word for four, "shi" sounds like the word for death.
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Monday, July 30, 2012
July 30, 2012
In Japan, a small percentage of marriages are still arranged by parents or older relatives. The couple may be introduced in a ceremony call yuino. The highlight of this ceremony is that symbolic gifts are given wrapped in ornate rice paper.
Sunday, July 29, 2012
July 29, 2012
From the June 23, 2012 "notes from colin"
Three New Trends for your Groom from Frank Jedda, the Director of Kleinfeld Men
The shawl collar tuxedo has surfaced as the cool, new look. A single button jacket is best with no vent and works well on leaner men. "You must wear a bow tie with a shawl collar."
The retro-looking dinner jacket is one of the most requested looks by grooms right now. "It's elegant, very sophisticated and fits in with the popularity of today's retro styles."
A second look for the reception. Possibly a cool dinner jacket or another suit that's a bit more relaxed.
Avis Shiveler Brangan
Simple Seaside Ceremonies
Venice, FL
941-412-4114
http://www.simpleseasideceremonies.com/
Three New Trends for your Groom from Frank Jedda, the Director of Kleinfeld Men
The shawl collar tuxedo has surfaced as the cool, new look. A single button jacket is best with no vent and works well on leaner men. "You must wear a bow tie with a shawl collar."
The retro-looking dinner jacket is one of the most requested looks by grooms right now. "It's elegant, very sophisticated and fits in with the popularity of today's retro styles."
A second look for the reception. Possibly a cool dinner jacket or another suit that's a bit more relaxed.
Avis Shiveler Brangan
Simple Seaside Ceremonies
Venice, FL
941-412-4114
http://www.simpleseasideceremonies.com/
Saturday, July 28, 2012
July 28, 2012
Once you determine your theme and/or your theme colors, all of your other decisions are easy.
So how do you coordinate blueberries (the family business) and royal blue?
So how do you coordinate blueberries (the family business) and royal blue?
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| Blueberry glazed ribs can be served at the rehearsal dinner or at a casual reception. |
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| This royal blue dress can be worn by the Bride at the rehearsal dinner or it can be worn by the Maid or Honor and bridesmaids at the wedding. |
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| Silk hydrangeas decorate the multi level wedding cake. |
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| You can get the directions for a chocolate blueberry cheesecake at Kraft.com. The cheesecake can be served as the Groom's cake at either the rehearsal dinner or at the reception. |
Friday, July 27, 2012
July 27, 2012
Having one set of "good knives" is good BUT having two sets of "good knives" is even better.
If both of you like to cook or if you have both an indoor and outdoor kitchen then you need two sets of good knives.
So, may I suggest putting two different sets of knives on your bridal shower or wedding registry list, and by the word "different" I mean two different styles and/or two different manufacturers so you know exactly who that set belongs to or where it belongs.
If both of you like to cook or if you have both an indoor and outdoor kitchen then you need two sets of good knives.
So, may I suggest putting two different sets of knives on your bridal shower or wedding registry list, and by the word "different" I mean two different styles and/or two different manufacturers so you know exactly who that set belongs to or where it belongs.
Thursday, July 26, 2012
July 26, 2012
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
July 24, 2012
Casey Key . . An exclusive eight (8) mile tropical island that is uncrowded, quiet and offers tranquility and unspoiled beauty. Casey Key is another great reason to get married in the Sarasota, Florida area.
Monday, July 23, 2012
July 23, 2012
The following couples were married on the 23rd day of July . .
Terri Myers and Travis Wolf
Rebecca J Todd and Michael P Woloszyk
Terri Myers and Travis Wolf
Rebecca J Todd and Michael P Woloszyk
July 23, 2012
Question of the week . .
Do you think it is a good idea to accept the Groom's parents offer to pay (entirely) for the wedding that the Bride's parents do not want to pay for because the Bride's Mother feels there are too many guests invited?
Do you think it is a good idea to accept the Groom's parents offer to pay (entirely) for the wedding that the Bride's parents do not want to pay for because the Bride's Mother feels there are too many guests invited?
Sunday, July 22, 2012
July 22, 2012
Know a Bride who loves chocolate?
Surprise the brownie loving Bride-to-be with "waffle iron brownies" as the entree at her bridal shower or tea party or rehearsal party or bachelorette party. Prepare the brownie batter according to the package directions, then pour 1/4 cup of the mixture on the hot waffle iron, close the lid and cook for a few minutes until done. The more waffle irons you have, the faster the waffles can be made for a crowd.
Top the waffles with ice cream or fruit or nuts or whipped cream a combination. Yum!
Avis Shiveler Brangan
Simple Seaside Ceremonies
Venice, FL
941-412-4114
http://www.simpleseasideceremonies.com/
Surprise the brownie loving Bride-to-be with "waffle iron brownies" as the entree at her bridal shower or tea party or rehearsal party or bachelorette party. Prepare the brownie batter according to the package directions, then pour 1/4 cup of the mixture on the hot waffle iron, close the lid and cook for a few minutes until done. The more waffle irons you have, the faster the waffles can be made for a crowd.
Top the waffles with ice cream or fruit or nuts or whipped cream a combination. Yum!
Avis Shiveler Brangan
Simple Seaside Ceremonies
Venice, FL
941-412-4114
http://www.simpleseasideceremonies.com/
Saturday, July 21, 2012
July 21, 2012
The following couples were married on the 21st day of July . .
Ashley M Hoy and Geoge B Weis
Jennifer L Dell and Charles T Barr
July 21, 2012
Question from a Bride and Groom . .
Do we have to provide seating for all of our guests at the ceremony location?
Response . .
All of the senior citizens, parents, grandparents, and those who need assistance should have a chair or bench. If your ceremony is less than fifteen minutes long, seating for all the other guests is not necessary but I do recommend it because it shows YOU, the Bride and Groom, care about your guests.
Do we have to provide seating for all of our guests at the ceremony location?
Response . .
All of the senior citizens, parents, grandparents, and those who need assistance should have a chair or bench. If your ceremony is less than fifteen minutes long, seating for all the other guests is not necessary but I do recommend it because it shows YOU, the Bride and Groom, care about your guests.
Friday, July 20, 2012
July 20, 2012
Question from a Bride and Groom . .
Are we asking for trouble by catering our own wedding? We plan to invite about fifty people. The reception will take place in our home.
Response . .
Serving fifty people is manageable but it does take a lot of planning, organizing and cooperation. I strongly suggest making as much as possible a day or two in advance and keeping your menu simple, for example: a roast turkey and/or a baked ham. I also suggest hiring two people to restock the food platters, to serve the coffee and cake and to clear and wash the dishes so YOU, the Bride and Groom, can enjoy your guests.
Are we asking for trouble by catering our own wedding? We plan to invite about fifty people. The reception will take place in our home.
Response . .
Serving fifty people is manageable but it does take a lot of planning, organizing and cooperation. I strongly suggest making as much as possible a day or two in advance and keeping your menu simple, for example: a roast turkey and/or a baked ham. I also suggest hiring two people to restock the food platters, to serve the coffee and cake and to clear and wash the dishes so YOU, the Bride and Groom, can enjoy your guests.
Thursday, July 19, 2012
July 19, 2012
The following couples were married on the nineteenth day of July . .
Crystal Murray and Steven M Koran
Donna S Keller and Randy S Bowman
Crystal Murray and Steven M Koran
Donna S Keller and Randy S Bowman
July 19, 2012
Thanks to the Colin Cowie E-mail that I received this morning I discovered http://www.paperlesspost.com
What a great website for notes, Thank You cards, photo cards and greeting cards for all occasions!
For the Bride who just moved to a new home this "change of address" card is perfect . .
"New House
New Number
New Last Name"
And here's the best part, many of this items are F R E E
What a great website for notes, Thank You cards, photo cards and greeting cards for all occasions!
For the Bride who just moved to a new home this "change of address" card is perfect . .
"New House
New Number
New Last Name"
And here's the best part, many of this items are F R E E
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
July 18, 2012
Question of the week . .
A Bride visits with a wedding cake baker approximately fourteen months prior to her wedding. The Bride's wedding date is a very popular date . . 07-07-07. No deposit is given and no agreement was signed between the two parties. The Bride tells the wedding cake baker, "I'll be back later with a picture of the cake I want you to create for me."
Approximately three weeks before one of the busiest wedding dates in the century arrives (07-07-07), the Bride walks into the wedding cake shop with her sample picture. The wedding cake baker says, "I'm already overbooked. I cannot make another wedding cake at this late date, especially, a big one. You told me you over a year ago that you were going to bring me a picture and go over the details, and you didn't."
So, did this Bride and the wedding cake baker have a contract?
Answer: No, they did not.
Even though two parties may discuss a business transaction in advance of an event, if money is not exchanged and/or a written agreement has not been not signed between the two parties within twelve months of the event date, legally they do NOT have a contract. Verbal agreements made over one year in advance of the event are not binding.
A Bride visits with a wedding cake baker approximately fourteen months prior to her wedding. The Bride's wedding date is a very popular date . . 07-07-07. No deposit is given and no agreement was signed between the two parties. The Bride tells the wedding cake baker, "I'll be back later with a picture of the cake I want you to create for me."
Approximately three weeks before one of the busiest wedding dates in the century arrives (07-07-07), the Bride walks into the wedding cake shop with her sample picture. The wedding cake baker says, "I'm already overbooked. I cannot make another wedding cake at this late date, especially, a big one. You told me you over a year ago that you were going to bring me a picture and go over the details, and you didn't."
So, did this Bride and the wedding cake baker have a contract?
Answer: No, they did not.
Even though two parties may discuss a business transaction in advance of an event, if money is not exchanged and/or a written agreement has not been not signed between the two parties within twelve months of the event date, legally they do NOT have a contract. Verbal agreements made over one year in advance of the event are not binding.
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
July 17, 2012
The following couples were married on the seventeenth day of July . .
Deborah P May and Theodore E Laukemann III
Emily Mitchell and Lee Rossman
Deborah P May and Theodore E Laukemann III
Emily Mitchell and Lee Rossman
July 17, 2012
"You've always dreamed of planning the perfect wedding, but no matter how carefully you plan it, there are many things that can go wrong - things that are beyond your control.
Wedding insurance helps make things right when something goes wrong.
Your wedding insurance policy can cover a variety of situations, such as: No dress . . Lost deposits . . Lost rings . . Severe weather . . Transportation shutdown . . Ruined Photos . . Call to duty . . Damaged gifts . . Sudden illness . . Venue Requires insurance . . Additional expenses.
Wedding insurance helps make things right when something goes wrong.
Your wedding insurance policy can cover a variety of situations, such as: No dress . . Lost deposits . . Lost rings . . Severe weather . . Transportation shutdown . . Ruined Photos . . Call to duty . . Damaged gifts . . Sudden illness . . Venue Requires insurance . . Additional expenses.
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| Have some questions or concerns? Need some information? Contact Melissa Ink (Tampa, FL) at Mink@ProtectMyWedding.com |
Monday, July 16, 2012
Sunday, July 15, 2012
July 15, 2012
Question from a Bride and Groom . .
We are renting one side of a duplex while we shop for a home to purchase. The husband and wife who live on the other side of the duplex own both houses, and they have shown us proof that they have home owner's insurance. Will the owner's homeowners insurance cover our belongings in case of fire, theft or extensive damage?
Response
We are renting one side of a duplex while we shop for a home to purchase. The husband and wife who live on the other side of the duplex own both houses, and they have shown us proof that they have home owner's insurance. Will the owner's homeowners insurance cover our belongings in case of fire, theft or extensive damage?
Response
The landlord's insurance covers only the structure (the walls, the roof, the windows, the front door, etc). You need to obtain Renter's Insurance which usually costs $50 per month or less. Renter's insurance will cover the nice, new wedding gifts that you receive, your clothing, and other personal belongings plus the policy may also cover the rent that you will be expected to pay if you were displaced due to fire or damage.
I strongly suggest taking a video or photographs of those items plus creating an itemized list of those items and then putting all of that information in a metal lock box. The items put in a separate storage unit will not be covered by a Renter's Insurance policy.
I strongly suggest taking a video or photographs of those items plus creating an itemized list of those items and then putting all of that information in a metal lock box. The items put in a separate storage unit will not be covered by a Renter's Insurance policy.
Saturday, July 14, 2012
Friday, July 13, 2012
July 13, 2012
For what is love itself, for the one we love best? An enfolding of immeasurable cares, which are better than any joys outside our love. George Elliot, English Novelist
Thursday, July 12, 2012
July 12, 2012
The following couples were married on the twelfth day of July . .
Karie J Young and Edward W Gunkle II
Lori A Troy and Robert L Moyer
Karie J Young and Edward W Gunkle II
Lori A Troy and Robert L Moyer
July 12, 2012
Ten ideas for fabulous memory-making honeymoons or vacations in Florida . .
Savor an Island Romance
Nothing says romance like a horseback ride on the beach, so saddle up on Amelia Island with the Kelly Seashore Ranch. ameliaisland.com
Take an Arts/Beach Break
Jacksonville's lively cultural scene includes shopping and dining alongside the St John's River at Jacksonville Landing and browsing the weekly Riverside Arts Market. visitjacksonville.com
Get Behind the Wheel
Follow State A1A north or south along the Atlantic coast to Daytona Beach, home of Daytona International Speedway and some of NASCAR's most popular events. daytonabeach.com
Walk With Ghosts and Pirates
Pirates, ghosts and alligators make St Augustine a cool family town. floridahistoriccoast.com
Explore the Waterway
The area around Fort Lauderdale, "the Venice of America," is laced with more than three hundred miles of waterways. sunny.org
Escape to the Keys
Follow the Overseas Highway to Key West, as far south in the continental US as you can go. fla-keys.com
Play at Tampa Bay
From Bradenton to Tampa and beyond, you'll find new adventures and those worth doing again.
visittampabay.com visitstpeteclearwater.com
clearwaterbeach.com annamariaislandchamber.org
Do Disney World, and More
Theme parks such as Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Sea World Orlando are reason enough to vacation in the Orlando area. visitorlando.com visitcentralflorida.org
Discover Charming Places
Delightful communities are scattered like freckles across the face of Florida.
welcometomicanopy.com steinhatchee.com charlotteharbortravel.com
From: visitflorida.com
Savor an Island Romance
Nothing says romance like a horseback ride on the beach, so saddle up on Amelia Island with the Kelly Seashore Ranch. ameliaisland.com
Take an Arts/Beach Break
Jacksonville's lively cultural scene includes shopping and dining alongside the St John's River at Jacksonville Landing and browsing the weekly Riverside Arts Market. visitjacksonville.com
Get Behind the Wheel
Follow State A1A north or south along the Atlantic coast to Daytona Beach, home of Daytona International Speedway and some of NASCAR's most popular events. daytonabeach.com
Walk With Ghosts and Pirates
Pirates, ghosts and alligators make St Augustine a cool family town. floridahistoriccoast.com
Explore the Waterway
The area around Fort Lauderdale, "the Venice of America," is laced with more than three hundred miles of waterways. sunny.org
Escape to the Keys
Follow the Overseas Highway to Key West, as far south in the continental US as you can go. fla-keys.com
Play at Tampa Bay
From Bradenton to Tampa and beyond, you'll find new adventures and those worth doing again.
visittampabay.com visitstpeteclearwater.com
clearwaterbeach.com annamariaislandchamber.org
Do Disney World, and More
Theme parks such as Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Sea World Orlando are reason enough to vacation in the Orlando area. visitorlando.com visitcentralflorida.org
Discover Charming Places
Delightful communities are scattered like freckles across the face of Florida.
welcometomicanopy.com steinhatchee.com charlotteharbortravel.com
From: visitflorida.com
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
July 10, 2012
Many years ago when I first when into business a Bride's Mother contacted me about officiating her daughters' wedding which was scheduled in two weeks. The details of the wedding were: the ceremony would take place in front of the living room fireplace on a Saturday afternoon, and less than fifteen people would be in attendance. So, when she asked how much my fee would be I gave her my lowest price which she then asked me to reduce even more due to the "head count."
During that two week time period, the Mother contacted me two other times plus I personally met with the Bride and Groom. Not once did any of them tell me that the guest count had changed and the ceremony location had changed.
One hour before the scheduled wedding was about to begin, I arrived at the Bride's Mother's home, and much to my surprise, there were two large tents erected in the back yard plus a catering truck unloading food plus two gentleman directing cars to a parking area. Simply put, the described "small family wedding" grew by leaps and bounds.
And this is the reason why officiants do not charge their officiating fee by the number of guests attending the wedding. I was misinformed and mislead . . I was told less than fifteen people were invited, and in actuality, over one hundred people attended the ceremony in one of the tents. And even if fifteen people were invited originally, not once did the Bride or her Mother rectify the misinformation even though they had several opportunities to do so. And even when the Bride's Mother paid me, which was approximately thirty minutes before the ceremony started, the Bride's Mother offered no explanations or monetary corrections about the scenario.
They won and I lost. Lesson learned.
During that two week time period, the Mother contacted me two other times plus I personally met with the Bride and Groom. Not once did any of them tell me that the guest count had changed and the ceremony location had changed.
One hour before the scheduled wedding was about to begin, I arrived at the Bride's Mother's home, and much to my surprise, there were two large tents erected in the back yard plus a catering truck unloading food plus two gentleman directing cars to a parking area. Simply put, the described "small family wedding" grew by leaps and bounds.
And this is the reason why officiants do not charge their officiating fee by the number of guests attending the wedding. I was misinformed and mislead . . I was told less than fifteen people were invited, and in actuality, over one hundred people attended the ceremony in one of the tents. And even if fifteen people were invited originally, not once did the Bride or her Mother rectify the misinformation even though they had several opportunities to do so. And even when the Bride's Mother paid me, which was approximately thirty minutes before the ceremony started, the Bride's Mother offered no explanations or monetary corrections about the scenario.
They won and I lost. Lesson learned.
| Illustration from Southern Living House Plans |
Monday, July 9, 2012
Sunday, July 8, 2012
July 8, 2012
One of the least expensive meals that you can serve your guests at a casual wedding reception or a rehearsal party is kabobs. Kabobs are very eye appealing, there are hundreds of combinations plus they can be made ahead of time. Serve the kabobs with a green salad and/or pasta salad.
And if you do not have the time to make the kabobs yourself, order them assembled from your local grocery store's meat department.
And if you do not have the time to make the kabobs yourself, order them assembled from your local grocery store's meat department.
Simple Seaside Ceremonies
Venice, FL
941-412-4114
Saturday, July 7, 2012
July 7, 2012
The following couples were married on July 7 . .
Cynthia M Kumontis and James D Bradley
Anne A Stetson and Louis A Cruz
Gwen L Hickman and Jeffrey M Hunt
Cynthia M Kumontis and James D Bradley
Anne A Stetson and Louis A Cruz
Gwen L Hickman and Jeffrey M Hunt
July 7, 2012
Questions from Brides and Grooms . .
We have decided not to serve any alcoholic beverages at our backyard reception. Will our guests think we're being cheap? Should we pass this information on before our wedding? And, if we tell our guests that we are not serving alcoholic beverages, will they try to bring their own beer and wine to our home?
Response . .
When you host an event, you "write the rules" which means you decide what food and beverages are going to be served. I suggest having a colorful display of fruit punches and an assortment of ice cold sodas. And I would also tell your guests who RSVP they are attending your reception that liquor will not be served and please do not bring any alcoholic beverages to your home.
We have decided not to serve any alcoholic beverages at our backyard reception. Will our guests think we're being cheap? Should we pass this information on before our wedding? And, if we tell our guests that we are not serving alcoholic beverages, will they try to bring their own beer and wine to our home?
Response . .
When you host an event, you "write the rules" which means you decide what food and beverages are going to be served. I suggest having a colorful display of fruit punches and an assortment of ice cold sodas. And I would also tell your guests who RSVP they are attending your reception that liquor will not be served and please do not bring any alcoholic beverages to your home.
Friday, July 6, 2012
July 6, 2012
Thursday, July 5, 2012
July 5, 2012
Kathleen A Worsley and Douglas O Sanders
AND
Debbie Kogovsek and Ravi Perisastry were married on the fifth day of July.
AND
Debbie Kogovsek and Ravi Perisastry were married on the fifth day of July.
July 5, 2012
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Juy 4, 2012
When using a holiday theme, try to use those colors or theme throughout the planning process. Your theme should be displayed, starting with the invitation, right on through to the presentation on the buffet tables or reception tables. The theme colors should be used in at least five different ways, and no more than ten.
Here's two ways to display a patriotic theme . .
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| Easy Batter Fruit Cobbler includes the patriotic colors of red and blue (strawberries, blueberries, blackberries and raspberries). |
Happy 4th of July!
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Monday, July 2, 2012
July 2, 2012
The following couples were married on July 2 . . .
Katharine M Sprague and Robert F Houston Bray
Lee Ann Davis and Brian E Fults
Katharine M Sprague and Robert F Houston Bray
Lee Ann Davis and Brian E Fults
July 2, 2012
Questions from Brides and Grooms . .
How many slices of cake can I get from a single layer cake?
Response . .
The amount of slices depends on two things . .
(1) The width of the slice. Is it going to be the standard one inch slice or a generous three inch slice?
(2) The shape of the cake. Is it going to be a round cake, a heart shape cake or a square?
Taking the above two elements into consideration, the answer is 12 to 15 slices on a 9 or 10 inch cake.
How many slices of cake can I get from a single layer cake?
Response . .
The amount of slices depends on two things . .
(1) The width of the slice. Is it going to be the standard one inch slice or a generous three inch slice?
(2) The shape of the cake. Is it going to be a round cake, a heart shape cake or a square?
Taking the above two elements into consideration, the answer is 12 to 15 slices on a 9 or 10 inch cake.
Keep in mind when ordering a cake . . it is better to have an extra slice or two than not enough.
Sunday, July 1, 2012
July 1, 2012
If your wedding day is going to start early and end late then you need to put "Make Up For Ever Mist" in your emergency kit or reception bag.
What is it?
A light and comfortable spray that sets all types of makeup and prolongs hold, even under extreme conditions.
http://www.sephora.com
What is it?
A light and comfortable spray that sets all types of makeup and prolongs hold, even under extreme conditions.
http://www.sephora.com
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| Advertisement from allyou.com July 27, 2012 issue |




















