Wedding “Wow“ Him (Part 2)

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Read first Part 1

* EMOTIVE MUSIC

Walk down the aisle to a song (with a slow tempo) that tells the story of your relationship.  One that was meaningful when you were dating, or one of your songs that you both share a love for.

* SURPRISE SPEECH 

I know, I know…I previously said men aren’t as much into words as they are into actions.  But this is a collaboration of both, putting words into the action of public speaking, addressing nobody but him at your wedding.  A sentimental speech he never would expect?  Def. a WOW factor!

 * SNEAK-A-WAY 

You’re a loyal woman, but allow yourself a free pass to be a sneak…and steal your man and whisk him into a secret hide-a-way….

After the vows, you can maybe plan on surprising him with going somewhere alone, just the two of you.  Depending upon the location of course, you can be creative and have the venue set up something accordingly.  A secret garden spot outdoors…or if it’s a Destination Wedding (let’s say in Italy), a boat ride for two.

The guests will be lingering with conversation during the cocktail hour and it’s the perfect time to sneak a romantic, magical moment.

* GIFTS

You can send a surprise gift to his house the morning of the wedding…or melt his heart with all the ways he had melted yours from day one…

If you saved all the mush scattered around the house from past birthdays, special occasions, holidays, anniversaries, etc. or tucked them into a safe place out of a sight, bring it back into the open and use it as a gift to give to him in this way: Every love note (letter, card, etc.) can be published into a leather-bound journal with love letters written in a script & fairytale font.  This can be from anything you once gave to him, or those sentiments of which he gave to you, or incorporate both!  You can present this as a gift to him on the wedding day, placing the book on the head table of where you two will be seated.  It doesn’t cost a lot, but the sentiment is priceless.

He put a ring on yours, so put a ring back on his!   Engrave the inside of his wedding band with something completely full of mush, a verse, your wedding dates or something that is sure to make him laugh.  Instead of just presenting the ring itself, an engraved one will give it a personalized touch.  A ring is an empty circle, but an engraved one is a ring much more filled with meaning.

Continue reading Part 3

This article brought to you by Aleana’s Bridal Shop, Bergen County NJ.

Wedding “Wow“ Him (Part 1)

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By Jaclyn Ianetti

How to “wow” your man on your wedding day.

 

Apart from being the most beautiful he has ever possibly seen you before, there are actions you can do to WOW him.  And you want to WOW him, because you want this day to be just as memorable for him as it will be for you.

So if you’re wondering how you can sweeten the day of your wedding the way he sweetens yours everyday, keep on reading…

 Captive Changes

Nothing says “WOW” more than a surprise. When people are caught off guard with something they weren‘t expecting, and it’s something on a more positive note that rise above normal assumptions, that’s what really sends those “wow” signals shocking through their systems.

 Create a Captive Audience.   The most important member of the audience?  Him.  So, you will want to focus on him, and to intrigue him by sending his emotional system into a shockwave rush of spiked endorphins.

Remember, men are more so into actions than words and are very visual creatures.

Here are a few tips to try:

 *EXPLORE A DIFFERENT SIDE TO YOU. 

Instead of sticking to the same hairstyle you wear everyday, do something different on your wedding day.

 Change is good.   And a good change is even better. 

It doesn’t necessarily mean go drastic or dramatic (unless that’s what you want).  Just a simple change in your looks will do the trick.  This rule applies for hair, makeup, accessories etc.  Play around with your personality and incorporate styles into your wedding day look that you may have always wanted to wear or a look that you always wanted to try, but just simply couldn’t or wouldn’t work for a typical day.

Read Part 2 and Part 3

This article brought to you by Aleana’s Bridal Shop, Bergen County NJ.

 

 

 

Best Couple Activities (Part 4)

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This article brought to you by Aleana’s Bridal Shop, Bergen County NJ.

Read Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3 first

 

MISCELLANEOUS MUSINGS

* Go to the beach and build a sand castle.  Bring a spade, shovel, & pale for the sand.

* Locate volunteer work you can do together and just go do it.  You both will be rewarded with an inner peace afterwards.

* Return together at the site of where you first met or where you spent time together early in your relationship.  Talk about your memories and then repeat something you did then.

* Do some research and compile your family trees.  Share with each other what you found, what it was like to compile, and how you feel.  Tell about any new information you learned about your family.

* Take a class, workshop, lecture… about something neither knows anything about.  You can even pretend you don’t know each other during the class, gradually getting acquainted through out the length of the class.  Go out on dates after class and make what you learned the your topic of discussion.

* Make a fire in an outdoor fire pit somewhere and make s’mores and roast some marshmallows.

Poetic Souls…Buy a book of poetry and read to each other every day at breakfast.  Buy a novel you both want to read and take turns reading it aloud at night before bed.

*Hooked on each other?…play hooky.  Every so often, tell your boss you have a doctor’s appointment, and have your husband do the same.  Share a lazy day in together or go out and do whatever you both feel like doing.  Put choices in a hat and take a pick…the winner calls the shot on what you have in mind and what you will be doing for the rest of the evening.

 Mark the moment.  Special occasions and spontaneous activities are sometimes a rare event.  Expand on the idea with a game: Every time you have a married “first”…file a joint tax return, country traveled to, paint the bathroom…celebrate by doing something fun together that you both love.  This two-time activity deal will keep you racking up more and more activities throughout your union, soon you’ll really feel like newlyweds for life.

Aleana’s bridal shop located in Paramus, NJ. Please schedule your first appointment at Aleana’s Bridal Shop or call at 201-444-1500.

Best Couple Activities (Part 3)

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This article brought to you by Aleana’s Bridal Shop, Bergen County NJ.

Read Part 1 and Part 2 first.

COMEDY CLUB Laughter is the best medicine

 

If you don’t have a whole weekend to spare, you can surprise your partner with tickets to a comedy club.  There is nothing better than a night of laughs at a comedy show for couples.  Be spontaneous on a week-night to break up the mundane feel of the work-week when your lover least expects it and go see some standup.

This is a great way for couples to share time watching a more interactive type of entertainment than a movie or the theater.  Make sure to get seats in the front row for the interaction to unfold, because the comedians are sure to include you in at least some part of their act.  This creates fun memories to laugh about for years.

MASSAGE

Treat yourselves & go to spa & get a couples massage.  Or, if you’re short on funds, you can be still massage each other in the comfort of your own home for free.  Rather than watching the same old show on television after the same routine at work, mix it up with your partner and show him your romantic side by offering an oil rubdown.

This sensual gesture will not only put your partner in a state of relaxation, it’s also a great way to express your love.  You do not have to go out and buy any overpriced oils and lotions.  A wonderful, and much healthier, alternative is grape seed oil, or coconut oil, which is also a great moisturizer for the skin. 

To add a little spice to the massage, throw some rose petals on the bed before your partner is home and have the room lit with only candles.  A surprise massage can heighten many levels of your relationship and doesn’t have to cost you a penny.  A massage is a creative, sensual, and sure way of maintaining closeness, that can result in not only relaxation, but a keener sense of intimacy.

Take turns giving each other a face massage, as well… with each person receiving by lying down on the bed or floor.

 

 CRAYOLA, CRAYONS, PAINT-PARTY…

Draw up your dreams. 

Color & draw together your dream mansion, book cover, music album cover, etc.

Trace Together…Get some large paper and crayons…take turns drawing around each others hands and feet on the paper.

Close “no clothes” Coloring…Buy body paint and take your clothes off to paint each other’s bodies.  Or just face paint.   

 Continue with Part 4

Aleana’s bridal shop located in Paramus, NJ. Please schedule your first appointment at Aleana’s Bridal Shop or call at 201-444-1500.

Best Couple Activities (Part 2)

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This article brought to you by Aleana’s Bridal Shop, Bergen County NJ.

Read Part 1 first.

DANCE PARTY !!!

 

What could be better cardio than dancing?  Turn off the lights and glow in the dark…pump up DJ Tiësto & have your own duo dance party with glow sticks guiding your way.

…Sweaty is sexy.

MUSICAL MUSES

 

Festival obsessed?  …from small local band shows, to seeing your favorite old-school rock band performance in NYC, to actually hopping a flight headed for Coachella in California, the ultimate concert and annual explosion of music and style…grab your golden tickets to your show of choice.

 

Aint’ got the mula for scoring those tix to huge venues?  Then just make music together in the comfort of your own home, or even rent out a studio for the day/night.  Invite others to come along if you wish (musically inclined friends who actually play instruments, if you & hubby don‘t) & delegate roles of whose starring as songwriter, musician, etc.

 Simplicity of Songs…

A simple & musical exercise: find and play for each other the music that you listened to in high school.  Describe to each other what you were like then and what you were thinking and feeling.  What did you wear and how was your hair?  What was a low point and a high point of those years?

 Silly Songs

Get paper and crayons, play some music, and draw to the music.  Exchange your drawings and reveal them to each other after the song ends.  Go ahead and laugh…

WANDERLUST…AN ADVENTURE!

Whenever you get that gut feeling that says you both need a spur-of-the-moment mini adventure, go for it.  Following your instincts could be what brings the spark back to your relationship, or brings it to new, exciting levels.  Spontaneous activities shared by couples are special, unannounced moments in time when the adrenaline is pumping and memories are made, especially because you’re living in the present moment…and when you do this, you’re truly living.

ROMANTIC RETREAT

Surprising your other half with a romantic weekend a few hours from home can really spice things up.  Try this on for size: The night before, pack both of your bags to be ready to go the following morning.  In the morning, place a note under his pillow that reads something as enticing and intriguing as you wish.  Finish it off with saying “be ready in an hour.”  This is spontaneous and exciting for your partner and can make for a romantic weekend.

 HIDEAWAY

Turn off your cell phones so that only the two of you exist.  Go anywhere you dream of…the mountains, a quiet beach, the place you first met, a spot on the map where the two of you share a high interest of traveling to…somewhere where you’ve never been before.  Experiencing it first hand together, for the first time for both of you, will make it even more so a special memory.

Continue with Part 3 and Part 4

Aleana’s bridal shop located in Paramus, NJ. Please schedule your first appointment at Aleana’s Bridal Shop or call at 201-444-1500.

Best Couple Activities (Part 1)

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This article brought to you by Aleana’s Bridal Shop, Bergen County NJ.

By Jaclyn Ianetti

Couple Chemistry

Cook up the chem between the two of you and keep your electric energy as a power couple pulsing.

Men connect with women when they are physically active in doing something together.  And besides the thing you’re thinking right now (get your mind out of the gutter), there are soo many more ways to bond by keeping busy and active.  Men love activities, and will instinctively feel more connected with you when engaged in an activity together. 

Keep things alive and exciting by mixing it up and breaking out of your molds into experiencing diversity in doing things you may never have even tried before. 

Speaking of cooking up some chemistry…As you flip through your latest Cosmo, (or for the health-conscious girl, Yoga Journal and/or Natural Health Magazine) on the couch at night…cut out some recipes or jot down some recipe-savvy ideas so that you and him could create a new dish together.  Cooking is an extra-sensory experience where all of your five senses are simultaneously engaged. 

 COOKING CREATIONS

 

Put baskets on your bicycles and do your grocery shopping by cycling together to the food store of your choice.  Refer to the recipes you wish to make and stock up on all ingredients needed.

Cooking can take you many places…

*Get fresh ingredients and make smoothies and juices you can make in the morning together.  Better yet, plant your own organic fruit & veggie garden together and pick your daily dose of nutrient-rich foods whenever you feel like it. 

*Make lunch and head out for a picnic for two. 

*Candlelit dinner at home…yogi-bohemian style on the floor next to a fireplace, or fancy with 5-course meal on the dining room table. 

EXERCISE

Join a gym, do-at-home exercises, or go mountain-climbing.  A trail through a beautiful reservation in an upscale town.  Whether you’re walking, running, hiking, cycling…you’ll be connecting as a couple through nature and its’ scenery of wonder.

Eat some suggestive snacks.  Munch on aphrodisiacs during your drive home post-workout.  Portable foods reputed to get you in the mood include almonds, peaches, and ginger (if you don’t like raw ginger, try it candied).

Read Part 2, Part 3 and Part 4

 Aleana’s bridal shop located in Paramus, NJ. Please schedule your first appointment at Aleana’s Bridal Shop or call at 201-444-1500.

Fall/Winter Bridal Fashion Trends (Part 2)

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Read first Part 1

Sleeves, especially ¾

  • A beautiful way sleeves have made their mark on the runway this season is with lace. Fitted bodices and lace sleeves offer a stunning, classic look.
  • This sleeve movement is most likely inspired by the amazing gown worn by Kate Middleton. Since then, designers have found plenty of ways to incorporate sleeves into gowns to relieve the industry of the same necklines we’ve seen for years.
  • In addition to sleeves, traditional necklines are being outshined by off the shoulder styles.

Off the Shoulderv  Off the shoulder dresses bring a lot of attention to your neck, creating a very sexy and romantic effect.

  • This style is good for those who wish to conceal their arms, but don’t want long sleeves. The sleeves fall just under the shoulder hiding the perfect amount of arm.
  • The openness of the neck and chest may frighten some, but don’t fret, this is a very appropriate, classy style.

Lace

 

  • Lace has been a bridal staple for decades. It instantly adds glamour and elegance to any garment this is why brides tend to love it.
  • There are many different types of laces with the most popular being Guipure, Alencon, and Chantilly. (Please read our article to get familiar with different types of laces)
  • These laces all have beautiful designs that complement all dress types. The lace can be placed anywhere throughout the dress and will still look stunning.
  • Some dresses this season are made up completely of lace. This seems to be an emerging trend that hopefully will stick around for a while. All-lace gowns are stunning in an A-line or Trumpet silhouette.

Fall/Winter 2013, is a season for reinventing the past in a flirty and romantic way. The 80’s were all about off the shoulder gowns and long slender sleeves. Designers have removed the obvious mistakes in those gowns and have made bridal for this season one of the best so far.

This article brought to you by Aleana’s Bridal Shop located in the town of Paramus, Bergen County, NJ. Bridal shop that will help you design the dress of your dreams. Please schedule your first appointment at Aleana’s Bridal Shop or call us at 201-444-1500

 

Fall/Winter Bridal Fashion Trends (Part 1)

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This article brought to you by Aleana’s Bridal, your bridal shop in Paramus Bergen County NJ.

Never listen to someone who says all bridal gowns are the same. Yes, silhouettes may be the same, but all gowns have unique qualities and differences and those with embellishments are even more special. Throughout the seasons, the silhouettes remain the same for the most part. What does change is everything else involved in the gown construction and embellishment. Ball gown, mermaid, trumpet, and A-line bridal dresses styles are constantly being reinvented to compliment current fashion trends and of course the weather for each season.

Here are some highlights of Fall/Winter Bridal Collections from the most recent runway. The beautiful fashionable details seem to be adaptable to all silhouettes making these trends perfect for the fashion savvy bride with any body shape and bridal gown silhouette preference.

 

Popular trends in this season are:

Illusion mesh

  •  Illusion mesh is basically a very thin netted fabric, mostly in a nude color, meant to satisfy some more risky styles.
  • Illusion mesh has been used to create the open back look that remains just as popular as it was last season.
  • The great part about illusion mesh is that it deceives the eye. For example, when used on the back, the dress appears to be open back, yet there is a fabric holding the dress together.
  • This mesh is then ornamented with delicate embroideries making it look as if the designs are place directly on your back. The appearance is magnificent.
  • This mesh has also been featured on the runway as a way to keep strapless and more summery styles alive while being winter appropriate.
  • Long sleeves made of illusion mesh give you that extra layer to keep you warm, without compromising style.

Open Back

 

  • Open back anything has been popular for the past few seasons. In bridal, open back is highly requested by brides.
  • Not many brides are comfortable showing off their busts. After all, most ceremonies are in front of a religious leader.
  • Open back is the perfect way to achieve that sexy yet appropriate style all brides crave. Open back comes in many different ways.
  • The general idea is to obviously show off the back which can be done by having a deep “V”, a cowl neck back, a deep scoop back and, for those still wanting to keep covered, an illusion mesh back.
Continue reading Part 2 .

Please schedule your appointment at Aleana’s Bridal Shop or call us at 201-444-1500.

Destined to be your Destination…(Part 3)

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Your Destination Wedding

Read first Part 1 and Part 2.

…California Napa Valley…for the “wedded wino”…just joking.  Who doesn’t love vino?

 

The Mediterranean:  Exotic European countries and castles…Calling all princesses!

— Europe is a destination full of history, romance and lush landscape, which will make your wedding day truly magical.

 

Viva…Las Vegas!

Spur of the moment road trips or red-eyes that unfold into craps games lasting deep into the night, accompanied by all-you-can-eat buffets amidst flashing lights and eager participants…the Vegas impression of a true Vegas Vacation.  If this sounds appealing to you, why not gather the gang and head out for Vegas wedding?

 

Las Vegas is still the place for bright lights and big dreams, but the city that was once that drive-through wedding capital and a refuge for forgotten weekends has also transitioned into a luxury hot spot.  In this oasis of upscale, full-blown destination weddings, luxe honeymoons have become more of he rule than the exception, and nowhere is the promise of both better realized than at The Palazzo and The Venetian.  Check out both of these quality hotels for your wedding ceremony, reception, and honeymoon.

 

***Travel Tip for Packing: Carry some lavender essential oil in your toiletry travel bag…Lavender has been associated with sensuality throughout history.  It’s been said Cleopatra used lavender to seduce Julius Caesar and Mark Anthony.  In the modern day, lavender is a customary tradition to put under the pillow of newlyweds to encourage passion.

 ** A Gown-to-Go **

The destination wedding has one main idea in mind…you go there to experience.  And while you’re experiencing, it’s usually ideal to keep the theme of that area or country as a part of your wedding.

 

(See “Theme Weddings” for more detailed ideas)

Theme Weddings)

And keep in mind that you will want to have the appropriate wedding gown to go with the theme of your destination.  For instance, you may have to avoid long trains and other types of fabrics for a beach wedding if you plan on walking on and through sand to meet your future hubby at the alter nearer to the water…which means it may be windy, and you will have to have the appropriate hairstyle to avoid hair mishaps…and mess-ups, as well.  Make the best choice of fashion according to your surroundings.

 

DESIGN YOUR DESTINATION

If you and your man are rock stars, book it at a fancy Hard Rock Hotel somewhere at a location that you both love.  One of the hottest, top-selling resorts for 2013 is the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.

The point is to get creative as a couple with designing your destination and molding it to fit your unique personalities and style.

Enchanting and beautiful, a destination wedding event is suitable for all ages and offers a different twist on the usual wedding affair…that nobody

will ever forget.

This article brought to you by Aleana’s Bridal Shop located in the town of Paramus, NJ – Bergen County.

Destined to be your Destination…(Part 2)

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Your Destination Wedding

Read first Part 1

But!!!…

Don’t Let

Downfalls

Discourage your

Destiny to your

Dreams !!!

 

DESTINED FOR YOUR DREAMS

Let’s say your torn between your dreams and wishes with reality for what you envisioned for your wedding….and expenses get in the way.  No big deal.  YOU CAN STILL HAVE IT ALL!!!…

 

You can get hitched elsewhere in the world and have an intimate reception party afterward at that location…and once you return home, you can have a date planned (whether it’s right after you return, or a while after) and have that huge reception party with all of your family, friends, etc. that you always imagined sharing your special day.

************************************************

Brainstorm beaches and dream up a destination that fits your fantasy…

 Hawaii…

….Disney Destination Wedding (Florida or California)

Cruise ships…

All Inclusive Island hot spots: Punta Cana, Dominican Republic; Aruba, Bermuda, Bahamas, Mexico, Costa Rica…you get the picture.

—Nestle in the Caribbean and unwind at a couple’s resort with honeymoon suites filled with heart shaped tubs, champagne, and rose petals patterned throughout the floors in trails leading to the bed…(insert your own imagination here). 

**2013 Hot Spots:  Mexico is said to be the top selling destination for 2013.  Other up-and-coming destinations couples are getting excited about are the Turks and Caicos island, which boasts beautiful beaches (of which are uncrowded…a huge perk!), fabulous family-friendly dining and a range of resorts, such as the Beaches: Turks and Caicos Resort.  Another hot spot is Aruba…with its’ powdery, white sands, sparkling turquoise waters and breezy palms.  Puerto Vallarta, Mexico is another destination that tops the lists for 2013.  The city combines beautiful old colonial buildings and architecture with new hotels, resorts and shopping centers.

Resorts and Hidden Gems*:  Top-selling resorts for 2013 include: El Dorado Royale in the Riviera Maya, Mexico; Excellence Riviera Cancun in Riviera Maya, Mexico; Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit in Puerto Vallarta/Riviera Nayarit, Mexico; Iberostar Rose Hall Suites in Montego Bay, Jamaica; Sandals Emerald Bay in Great Exuma, Bahamas; Isla Mujeres Palace in Isla Mujeres/Cancun; and the Moorea Pearl Resort & Spa in Tahiti.  *

Resorts that are chic, unique, private and off the beaten path are all the rage for 2013.  All of these properties offer intimacy, privacy, secluded beaches and romance, perfect for weddings and honeymoons.  They’re all-inclusive and offer tremendous value, exceptional service and a variety of fantastic wedding packages.

****(Source: http://www.weddingwire.com/destination-weddings/ideas/whats-hot-for-2013).

Read Part 3

This article brought to you by Aleana’s Bridal Shop located in the town of Paramus, NJ – Bergen County.