Birthday Gift to Myself
Diamond

A simple, and yet meaningful piece to add on another colorful page/story in my life!
Happy 23rd!


*** Birthday wishes ***

~ Become the most sought-after Wedding Planner ~
~ Happy, HAPPY, Happy Family ~
~ Friendship Forever ~


~ Thank you everyone who makes an effort to paint your love in my story ~

I love and cherish...
my dad, mom, fiance, aunts, uncles, sisters, brother-in-law, cousins, and all my friends^.
Love you !


^The list will go on forever, you know who you are *.^

Fashion Show
The Everything Bridal Show by Hy-Vee, Inc.

What to expect on the Fashion Runway?

Here is the list of all participating wedding formal attire vendors:

The Everything Bridal Show
By Hy-Vee, Inc.

~ To every bride-to-be in Central Iowa ~
Do not miss out one of Central Iowa's largest wedding shows!


WHAT BRINGS YOU THERE?

• Bridal seminars
• Latest bridal fashion show (LIVE)
• Participating vendors showcasing their wedding planning services you need
• Fabulous prizes and giveaways from selected vendors
• On top of that, brides and grooms may enter to win one of four worth $1000 cash prizes away!
• Plus, admission to the event is FREE!
  

Host: Hy-Vee, Inc.

Venue: Hy-Vee Conference Center in West Des Moines

Date: September 13, 2009 (Sunday)

Time: 10am - 3pm


click here for show details



Stay tune for more on Hy-Vee The Everthing Bridal Show.

Happy Planning!

Le Chateau Satin Bubble Bridesmaid Dress
Available at eBay

Hi everyone!
I have recently attended my friend's wedding as her bridesmaid and now I would like to sell the dress to girls who love the dress as much as I do.

It is now available in eBay! Click here.

1960s-inspired Bachelorette Party Attire

Having a 1960s wedding theme as inspired by the movie "Julie & Julia"?
Why not incorporate 1960s fashion into your Bachelorette Party and have fun with your girls?

No matter a pencil skirt or an A-line skirt...remember to wear a special headpiece/fascinator or the popular pillbox hat. It is enough to make a statement to the 1960s fashion.

I found an online business, Vintageous.com, that sells vintage formal dresses that you and your guests may dress up like 1960s ladies.

GUEST

A lovely 1960's day dress in white cotton with green and pink dogwood print.
- Cuffed cap sleeves - Matching tie belt -
$78

A nice 1960's evening dress in a bold flocked floral.
- A square front and back neckline - 13" side seam slit -
$140

A pretty 1960's cocktail dress in white lace over taupe acetate all topped with taupe chiffon.
- Sleeveless - Draped neckline - Pencil skirt - Short rear center seam slit - Matching belt -
$139

A simple, pretty 1960's cocktail dress in black velveteen with crocheted trim at the arms and neckline.
- Sleeveless - Back buttons - Bow at waist - 4" rear center seam slit -
$139

A classic 1960's cocktail dress in orangey red lace and acetate.
- Short sleeved lace bodice - Bow at waist - Rear center seam vent -
$140

A wonderful late 1950's/early 1960's cocktail dress in tan nylon chiffon with orange and brown flocking.
- Sleeveless - High neck - "V" back neckline - Waistband -
$188

A charming 1960's cocktail dress in shimmering gold lace.
- Sleeveless - Bateau neckline with "V" back - Gold lame waist band with bow -
$175

A feminine 1960's cocktail dress in pink chiffon.
- Sleeveless - Round neck and scooped back with a lovely drape -
$180

BRIDE
Here's my suggestion for the bride ~
A two tones prom gown on your 60s Bachelorette Party!
I am sure you will be the most outstanding bride!




Enjoy your special moments with the girls!







Shopping list:

1. Vintage Formal Dresses by Vintageous.com, Vintage Clothing,
http://www.vintageous.com
2. Pearl Necklace, Pure Pearls,
http://www.purepearls.com
3. Stuart Weitzman Piccerelli Leather Heels, Gotham City Online,
http://www.gothamcityonline.com
4. Cocktail Hat with Veil and Feathers, Sarah McAlister,
http://www.sarahmcalisterhats.com
5. Cocktail Pillbox Hat,
http://www.urbanoutfitters.com

Intimate Wedding with A Touch of Country Feel
(Inspired by the movie - Julie & Julia)

Yes, it is Saturday - the day I always looking forward throughout the week!

I went for a movie alone this morning, a new release movie "Julie & Julia" which directed by Nora Ephron. This movie is based on two true stories of Julie Powell (led by Amy Adams) and Julia Child (led by Meryl Streep). It is about the lives of two women at different time and space who found their passion in cooking when they were lost. Julia who lives in France with her husband, Paul, found her passion in cooking and later on led her to write a book "Mastering the Art of French Cooking" - teach American how to cook French cuisine in an American way. Her book has inspired Julie, a write who lives in Queens with her husband (Eric), to create her own blog about Julia's cook book. She challenged herself to accomplish Julia's 524 recipes in 365 days. She shared her insights of each dish via her blog, the ups and also the downs. Both women are very successful in their life. Their stories tell us that if a person is passionate and determined, every challenge in life will become attainable! Live up to your dreams, my dear readers. That's why I am here in front of my laptop and start blogging about my passion - Wedding Planning! I am here to share one of your most important moments in life.

Bon Appetit! (Julia Child's favourite quote)



Sound unrelated to my wedding planning blog? Absolutely NOT.

The movie inspired me about the idea of having an INTIMATE WEDDING WITH A TOUCH OF COUNTRY FEEL. Here you go!


1. Reception venue

Rooftop party ~!

If not, you can always ask your friend who is willing to lend you a place for your wedding celebration party (how about a backyard of the house? Sounds good!)

In Julie & Julia movie, Julie and her husband threw a celebration party in conjuction of her completion of Julia Child's 524 recipes in 365 days. The NYC's skyline lends a beautiful backdrop for the celebration. Of course...not to forget the surrounding strings of LED lights that bring up the romantic atmosphere.

In your wedding, you may hang lanterns in different sizes and shapes around. The glow of the lights can really create the romantic atmosphere and your guests could mingling around while enjoy the dinner. See pictures below.

2. Table settings

Homey feel ~!
You want your guests to feel relax and comfortable at your reception.


1st: Let's bring out the simple plaid, or any kind of table cloths you used to have at home!

2nd: Get a simple vase filled with your favorite flowers. It can be sunflowers, roses, peonies, tulips, hydrangeas, carnations...make sure to use FLOWER IN SEASON, that will save you a fortune for importing special flowers from other places. If you would like to use your grandpa's antique vases, go ahead! Your grandpa will be glad to hear that you appreciate his antique collections very much. This will add another meaningful personal touch to your wedding.

3rd: Serve with your style using colorful dinnerware (work with your wedding color theme!).

Here are some dinnerware found at Macys.com.


4th: Drink the "French Way"! Just like Julie did.


Here are some glassware found at Macys.com.



Your guests will appreciate your well-thoughts because you do your best to make them feel like home!



Happy Planning!

Congratulations to all my friends who get married this Spring/Summer!

Hope you all to have a wonderful wonderful marriage. & Get ready for the love marathon!

Chinese Wedding
Hair Combing Ceremony

Hair combing ceremony always takes place the night before wedding day (early morning on wedding day). The ceremony symbolizes the adulthood of both the bride and groom, and wishes them a happy marriage. This explains why most Chinese parents only consider their children grownups when they get married.

A 'good fortune' man and woman (usually elder people/relatives who have living parents, children, and a good marriage) and an auspicious time will be chosen to perform the hair-combing ritual at the bride and groom's home respectively.

*Note: The groom needs to do this an hour before the bride does so.

Before the ritual begins, both the bride and groom should bath with water infused with Pomelo leaves^ and put on brand new underwear and pajamas. Bride will usually dress in pink or red pajama (red is the lucky color for festive occasions, especially for Chinese).

The bride and groom will each sit by a window. Some basic items to be prepared for both sides such as lotus seeds, red dates, three bowls of sweet rice balls soup (serve with either 6 or 9 balls in a bowl), fruits, chicken, and pork. Also, a pair of dragon-phoenix candles and incense will be lit in order to pay respect to their ancestors. Besides the basics, both sides need to prepare some other items respectively. For groom, his family will prepare a comb, round mirror, red thread, ruler, red scissors, and a double happiness towel. Whereas, the bride's family will prepare a comb, round mirror, red thread, red scissors, double happiness towel, perfume press powder, sewing kit, and a red scarf. These are all symbolizing a complete sweet marriage with many generations to come.

Are you ready? Hair will be combed for four times and each stroke with an auspicious meaning.

First combing:
May you be together all your lives from beginning till the end.
(一梳梳到尾)

Second combing:
May you have a harmonious intimate marriage till old age.
(二梳梳到白发齐眉)

Third combing:
May you fill your home with your children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren all over the place.
(三梳梳到儿孙满堂)

Final combing:
May you enjoy abundant wealth and an everlasting marriage.
(四梳梳到四条银筍尽標齐)

At the end of the ceremony, the bride's mother will give her a treasure box filled with jewelry and red packets as a farewell gift to her treasured daughter who is leaving her childhood home.

^Chinese believed that Pomelo leaves will ward off evil spirit.



Happy Planning!





Sources:
Malaysia Wedding Handbook, 2007, Sky Publisher
Hair Combing Ceremony, Chinese Wedding Guide, http://www.chinese-wedding-guide.com
Hair Dressing Ceremony, http://francisleong.com/

Photo credits:
Hair Dressing Items, http://francisleong.com/
Hair Combing Set, http://www.asiaone.com/
Hair Combing Set, http://mollysmallen.blogspot.com/
Glutinous Rice Balls Soup, http://www.digitalphoto.malaysiabest.net/

Brand New Bridal Magazine (Malaysia)
Marry Me!

A new born trendy and exciting wedding guide in Malaysia - Marry Me!

Marry Me! is an entertaining, educational, and informative wedding guide specially published for today's couples who love to know the latest wedding trends, fashions, beauty, wedding planning, budget control, and advice and tips. This magazine is scheduled to publish quarterly and will cover 60% of editorial articles and 40% of advertisements.

Four issues a year:
Spring Collection (January)
Summer Collection (April)
Autumn Collection (July)
Winter Collection (October)

Marry Me! aims to be personal and intimate; it features interviews with different designers, photographers, and celebrities to share their romantic love stories and forthcoming weddings. Also, they will be working closely with Malaysia's leading jewelers, bridal shops, and other wedding vendors to promote their latest products and services while offering Marry Me! readers complimentary vouchers to their services.

Marry Me! Magazine is published by White Clover Media Sdn Bhd with Netster Consulting as its consulting web associate partner. The magazine will be distributed in Klang Valley, Penang, Langkawi, Malacca, and Johor. Their distribution centers are participating Starbucks Coffee Shops, Marriage Registration Offices, and Skin Care Retailers (Sasa). To find out the participating distribution center nearest to you, please click here. Grab a copy before it runs out!

For detailed information about this magazine (including advertisement information), please continue reading their rate card.

For inquiry, drop them an email at marry.me@wedding.com.my or simply click here to visit their official website.



Happy Reading!

Chinese Wedding
Dowry

What other wedding tradition to be carried out before the wedding day?

It is the delivery of the bride's dowry to the couple's new home or groom's family (if the couple is going to live with the groom's family). This ritual usually performs any time after the betrothal and gift return ceremonies, up to a day before the wedding day. Dowry gives the bride's family the opportunity to display both their social status and their love for their daughter. It consists of valuable jewelry and other auspicious items as follows.

1. Cane Sugar: Symbolizes sweetness in marriage. (片糖，喻意甜甜蜜蜜)

2. Vase: Symbolizes prosperity of the new family. (花瓶，喻意花开富贵)

3. Purse/Wallet and Belt: Represents wealth.
(钱包和皮带， 取其腰缠万贯之意)

4. Ruler
Wishing the newlywed to have many acres of land (properties) in future.
(尺，取其万顷良田之意)

They use ruler as a symbol to measure their land/properties.

*In old days, sky-high buildings are rare.
Therefore, acres of land represent wealth of the individual/family.
*In modern days, shop lots and office buildings are everywhere.
Therefore, properties such as house and car represent wealth of the family.

5. Two Sets of Clothing
(衣服布料，喻意丰衣足食)^

6. Dragon-Phoenix/Double Happiness Bedding Set ^
*Including bed linen, pillow cases, and blanket.

7. Two Pairs of Bowls and Chopsticks (chopsticks tied together with red string) ^
(子孙碗筷， 取其有衣食之意)

^ Items 5, 6, and 7 as a symbol of good living.

8. Chinese Tea Set
*Including tea tray, teapot, and tea cups.

9. Bronze Tray/Basin with A Pair of Shoes: Symbolizes eternal love.
(铜盘和鞋子， 取其同偕白首之意)
*In modern days, the bronze tray usually replaced by red plastic basin.

10. Scissors: Symbolizes everlasting love.
(剪刀，取其蝴蝶双飞，双双对对之意)

11. Chinese Spittoon (literally known as off-spring bucket)
(子孙桶，即痰盂，喻意百子千孙)

A string of gold coins, cypress, and red packet will be put inside the spittoon.
When dowry is delivered to the groom's family,
all goodies inside will be removed and distributed to children.
Then, a young boy, preferably born in the year of dragon,
will be invited to pass urine into the spittoon.
- As a ritual wishes for a boy child for the newlywed.

*In modern days, red plastic bucket has been used as a substitute to spittoon.

12. Last but not least, jewelries for the bride.
They usually include a pair of gold dragon and phoenix bangles
as a blessing to the newlywed.





Happy Planning and stay tune for our hair combing ceremony posting!






Sources:
Malaysia Wedding Handbook, 2007, Sky Publisher
Chinese Wedding Dowry List, China Bridal, http://www.chinabridal.com

Photo Credits:
Chinese Wedding Dowry Containers, http://www.palmspringscorridor.com
Dowry Set, SG Club, http://www.sgclub.com
Spittoon, BigShipSalvage.com, http://www.bigshipsalvage.com
Cane Sugar, http://www.21food.cn
Antique Vase, http://www.flickr.com/photos
Wood Ruler, http://www.cleansweepsupply.com
Fabric Rolls, Anta Online Shop, http://www.anta.co.uk
Men's Clothing, Tree Hugger, http://www.treehugger.com
Women's Clothing, Tree Hugger, http://www.treehugger.com
Bedding Set, http://www.lightinthebox.com
Chinese Bowl and Chopsticks, http://www.fotosearch.com
Tea Set, Chinese Tea Ceremony, http://hamelwedding.livejournal.com/
Scissors, http://www.greenlightoffice.com/
Gold Bangle, http://www.ebay.com/
Red Packets, http://h2cards.com/