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Theme Weddings (Part 2)

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Please read Part 1 first

*Napa Valley Winery…Ambiance, Cheeses, & you guessed it…WINE.  And lots of it!  Have a food and wine pairing for a celebration while dining under a canopy of a grape arbor and feel as if your in the middle of Napa Valley’s vineyard.  Wooden cheese boards can be used as appetizer plates and as a gift for guests to take home.

*Cinco de Mayo…for you “May wedding” Brides!  FIESTA TIME!  This can be a Mexican themed wedding with bright and fun colors…and of course, a Margarita bar.

*Monte Carlo Casino Night…for the gambling girl!  Casino Square, Grand Prix Racing Cars, Millionaires, Roulette Tables, Dice, Casino chips…cha-ching!  Create your ultimate JACKPOT wedding.

*Medieval Times….MI LADY & HER LORD: Have a rustic, Renaissance fair at a castle and play princess & prince for a day dressed in medieval garments with wine served in goblets.  There is no such thing as a royal pain on the path towards King Arthur’s court on your wedding day!

 

*Botanical Gardens : Japanese Tea, Victorian Garden Delight, etc.  Cherry blossoms, bamboo sticks, lucky elephants & fortune cookies (good luck & happiness symbols), incense, chopsticks, and teapots filled with flowers.  For just a simple Garden theme, bring back a simple time of elegant affairs when ladies wore their Sunday best and gentlemen stood to help a lady with her chair.  This theme will evoke that romantic sense and timeless beauty to life.

 

*Clam Bake…This can be formal, traditional clambake, a casual, messy on the beach type of feel, an old-fashioned New-England feel, or ocean-inspired.  Take yourself back to the days of early New England colonists and treat your guests to an evening of enjoyment over a steaming pile of lobsters and more delicious, fresh seafood seasoned with smoke house flavors.

 

*Carnival …A Ferris wheel, carousel, popcorn machine, cotton candy, and you can’t forget the Kissing Booth!  An outdoors celebration in the night time breeze will recreate the inner child in all attendees.  Keep the kid inside of you, as you’ll be working with a colorful, fun, summery atmosphere with lots of reds, pinks, whites, yellows, and golds to set the theme.

Looking for more great ideas please read Part 3

This article brought to you by Aleana’s Bridal.

 

 

Journey of wedding day preparation (Part 3)

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by Jaclyn Ianetti

Read Part 1 and Part 2 first

 

BODY, SKIN, MAKEUP, HAIR

*Take care of your teeth by brushing and flossing each night so that your smile will look its’ best the day of.

*If you’re going to be strict with anything, be strict with your skin!  Take care of it, go for facials, and use products that don’t irritate it.  Control your stress (by exercising, eating right and relaxing!) to minimize breakouts.

*Try different makeup lines to see what works best on your skin.  Purchase your own cosmetics if you’re having your makeup done professionally and so that you will have them on hand for any touch-ups on wedding day.  Choose waterproof mascara if possible!

*Go for trims to keep your hair healthy and be sure the hairstyle you choose for your wedding (whether you wear it up or down) doesn’t hide your face.  You will be taking lots of photos, kissing, and eating and you don’t want hair in the way!

*Go for trial run appointments with your hair stylist and makeup artist, so that your not freaked out on your special day if something doesn’t look the way its’ supposed to!

*Go for final bridal fittings to make sure fittings/measurements are ok.  On the day of, dress carefully and patiently to avoid a rip in your dress.

*SPEAK UP! If something isn’t the way you want (from your hair, makeup, spa treatments, bridal dress fittings, flowers, etc.)  YOU ARE THE BRIDE.  This day IS about YOU.  Speak your visions!

*SLEEP and RELAX:  Getting your sleep and enough time each day for your self to devote to relaxation is the key to looking and feeling good.

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

This whole wedding idea…the one magical day…the fairytale…creates so much pressure that you’re bound to lose your temper at a few points along the way!  Stop beating yourselves up about your weight or your looks along the journey:  Step back, re-evaluate the situation, and start celebrating who you are in the present moment and for all of the things you have already accomplished!   You will look beautiful on your wedding day, no matter how much you weigh or how good your hair or skin looks.  Just be yourself.  When you are your true self, confidence illuminates and beauty shines from the internal part of who you are to the external.

Enjoy your journey and enjoy the destination.  If you’re not where you want to be at?  No big deal!  For instance, being heavier than you’d like to be on your wedding day will not, in the least, distract from the impact of the huge commitment you’re about to make to your partner or the love and joy you’ll share with your family and friends.

Let your new regimen be to just relax and go along with the journey, without forcing or resisting anything.  Relax as you are whisked off to the bliss of your wedding!  Enjoy being a model for the photographer.  You want to enjoy this moment of being photographed, not feel like a stiff model fearing that your hair and makeup isn’t in place!

Let these suggestions pop the question in your head of “what is the most important thing about your wedding day?” To marry your love in a beautiful dress and to be surrounded by the ones you love most is the true gift of a wedding.  Celebrate love and all gifts life has to offer on your special day.

A PROPOSAL TO YOU:  Drop the pressure and enjoy yourself!

“We understand what you feel”

This article brought to you by www.aleanasbridal.com.

Bride’s wish list (part 2)

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Read first : Part 1

 

What do you love about your spouse?
Create love notes together or alone, as reminders & keepsakes of what has made you fall in love with the man you chose to be your husband.

Store these love notes in your treasure chest: notes compiled in a book, photo/note album, wooden box, a spot on the table each morning to show your husband your love for him each day or on special occasions, or simply inside your heart. Your treasure chest, whether tangible or intangible, is your heart’s realizations, unlocked.

These heartfelt quotes can be apart of your love note collection if you choose:

“Whatever souls are made of, his and mine are the same.”
– Emily Bronte

“There are three things that last: faith, hope and love, and the greatest of these is love” – I Corinthians 13:13

“Two human loves make one divine.”
– ***Elizabeth Barrett Browning

“I have spread my dreams beneath your feet;
Tread softly because you tread on my dreams.”
– ***W.B. Yeats

“He is blessed in love alone,
Who loves for years and loves but one.”
– Sir A. Hunt

– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
A Wish for the future with the man you chose

Your very own… “Wish Tree of Love”
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
“Hope” is the thing with feathers –
That perches in the soul –”
– Emily Dickinson

“Sit by me, my beloved, and listen to my heart; smile, for your happiness is a symbol of our future.”
– Kahlil Gibran
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
You made many commitments so far, now what about one towards the ambitions, hopes & dreams of your future? Do you and your husband want the same things? How much do you know about your partner’s vision of the future? Are you able to chat openly about where you see yourselves in five years, ten years time? You should be able to talk openly and freely about this with him. Issues should not be overlooked as couples embark on their new life together. Talk about what matters to you both!

Below are some starting points, whether you know the answers to them right now or not, it’s ok…what matters is your honesty.

Children: Many people assume that getting married means having children sometime in the future, while others see having a family as only a possible consequence. If having a child is a given for you make sure that your partner is aware of how much this matters to you. Research shows it is really important for couples to share views on having children. What are your memories of childhood? Thoughts around having one child or a big family? If either of you have children from previous relationships what issues does this raise for both of you?

Extended family: How involved would you want them to be? Things you would like to replicate from your own upbringing and things you would want to avoid?

A Home : What did home mean to you growing up? How important is it to be near family and friends? Do you see yourself settling in one area or moving around? How important is a nice home to you? Where do you want to live?

Career: ? Your job and home coincide, and the location of one will absolutely influence the other! What work do you do and why? Self-employed? Employed? Balancing work with home life? Ideal job and why? Which matters most – pay or doing a job you love? How ambitious are you? What motivates you?

Life together and apart: The importance of your social life; how much time will you spend together as a couple, how much time apart? Quality of time spent together? Shared activities and separate hobbies? What certain interests and hobbies signify for you? Travel plans and dreams?

Write down and share with your partner or save for a later time some practical goals as well as your big dreams and fantasies…these show you your passions. Your dreams are real…and your hopes are just your heart speaking its’ honesty. . .

 

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

Photo credit to Ritarosephotography.com

Wedding gown for Capricorn (Dec 23– Jan 20) The Classic Charm

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Personality:  Hello, Ms. Independent!  Capricorns are always steadfast and surefooted and prefer to “go it alone” because they rarely trust others to finish the project.  You really don’t wait around for anyone else to get the job done.  Capricorns live a driven and structured life, taking all responsibilities seriously.  Your sign rules the 10th house of authority and leadership, making you the zodiac’s very own first lady.  Everybody knows they can count on a Capricorn, as you earthy beings are great friends and business partners.

Style: Timeless Classic…Blazing Business Woman.  As corporate climbers, Capricorns have some serious style.  You’re drawn to gray and blacks, blazers and button downs.  A Capricorn talent is mixing business attire with unexpected items – plaid scarves, interesting necklaces, even a fedora, because you have the skill to turn the most basic staple (White House/Black Market/ J. Crew) into an American classic.  You stun in quality pieces that stand the test of time, so it’s better for you to avoid the latest fads.  Your only style alert? With your workaholic nature, it’s easy to label fashion as a luxury or indulgence.  Well, Ms. Ambitious, statistics show that it takes only three seconds for people to form a first impression of you.  Make your mark in stylish, simple clothes that can outlast a long workday but still take you behind the velvet ropes at a glamorous VIP event.

Your Dream Dress/ Wedding Dress Horoscope:  Capricorns are typical Earth brides who are grounded in their roots.  They are perfectionists, who strive for a dignified, classic gown.  A structured bodice gown and perfectly cut silhouette will appeal to your elegant tastes and practical sensibilities.   A gown with three-fourth lace sleeves, a deep V-neck and full bottom are just a few of the aspects that make up the precious gown you aspire for.  Any additional pieces should be carefully considered.  Earth brides are very particular about what accents they choose to wear.  Pair your gown with a simple elbow or fingertip-length veil, a single strand of pearls, and some beautiful sling back shoes.  Or simply highlight your decolletage with an heirloom pendant and you’re ready to wed.  All Earth brides like a face that’s natural with a tiny touch of drama.  Splurge on a makeup artist and hair stylist to work your wishes for an authentic appeal that especially shows off your sound beauty of bone structure, skin, and teeth.

Style icon who shares your sign:  January Jones

Cappie seductresses: Kate Moss, Sienna Miller, Mary J. Blige, Michelle Obama

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

Photo credit to Mr. T in DC on Flickr.

Wedding gown for Sagittarius (Nov 23– Dec 22) The Free Spirit

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Personality:  As a Sagittarius, you’re one of the wanderers of the zodiac – you’re on an endless odyssey to find the meaning of life.  You’re an adventurer and truth-seeker.  Above all else, you value freedom.  Your thrilling, nomadic lifestyle means you have no shortage of stories and make a great entertainer.  People value your company because you tend to be the “ice breaker” of any uncomfortable situation.  You’re class clown vibes comfort others, loosening everybody up.  Lighthearted and lovable, you are the person who is missed when not present at a party.

Style:  Girl on the Go…Unfussy Sagittarius is the sign of the traveler, and you need style that’s as on-the-go as you are.  You’re a free spirit and your clothes are sensibly chic.  It’s all about layers – pullovers, leg warmers, and flannels paired with comfy jeans and leggings for you.  Since you never know where you’ll end up, your wardrobe is best when it is versatile, comfortable and easy to maintain.  You prize your individuality, so you’re always on the hunt for the perfect, one-of-a-kind item that brings you joy —be it a funky piece of costume jewelry or a handmade dress from an undiscovered boutique.  You hate to feel confined, and since most Sags are curvier on the bottom, it can take work to find clothes that are both comfortable and flattering.  What suits you best?  A mixtures of basics blending in your own unique pizzazz.

Your Dream Dress/ Wedding Dress Horoscope:  Renew your passport – if anyone’s a destination bride, it’s you.  You’ll need a beachy wedding gown that’s a breeze to pack.  Two concerns for a Sagittarius bride are finding a dress that allows her to move freely and is made of natural, comfortable fibers.  You want to look good, but must be unencumbered as well.  Pick a dress that allows you to move around freely without having to worry about it wearing you.  A tight lace-up bodice or too many undergarments will drive you crazy all day.  You will love a dress that is adorable, not too restricting, and made of versatility.  Be comfortable and pretty at your wedding, but remember to consider the time of year you are planning your wedding as your legs, arms and shoulders will all be exposed, free-natured Sagi!  The goddess gown was made for you Sagittarius…leave your hair free and flowing.

Style icon who shares your sign:  Scarlett Johansson

Sagi seductresses: Katie Holmes, Christina Applegate, Nelly Furtado, Miley Cyrus

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

Photo credits to verseguru on Flickr. com

Wedding gown for Libra (Sept 24– Oct 23) The Balanced Bombshell – Aleana’s Bridal Shop

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Personality:  People person…charmer…balanced.  You are a staunch defender of “what’s right.”  You’re cultured, worldly and feel the most comfortable at a cocktail party or at a theater event.  You domestic divas thrive off playing hostess in your home, setting up a fine assortment of food and drinks on a delectable dining room table decorated to the finest degree. Nobody can top you when it comes to etiquette…Miss sophisticato Libras know how to conduct real manners!  Libras are great artists and have a good eye for aesthetics.  As Libras are astute, effective communicators, the right thing to say is always on the tip of your tongue.  You speak the truth and have no problem telling it like it is to anybody.  Refined, classy, chic, honest…all of which gives the honorable title of holding the scales to a balanced persona.

Style:  Graceful Goddess…Fair and Foxy…As the aesthetic sign of the Scales, you’re all about balance and proportion…you love fine fabrics and tailoring.  You don’t get dressed — you put together “outfits.”  You know you’re better off weighing every choice carefully in a head-to-toe, coordinated ensemble than a mishmash of random separates.  Ruled by Venus, goddess of beauty and love, Libras can pull off romantic and über-feminine styles.  You’re drawn to vibrant jewel-tones, floral embroidery, and floor-length, flowing skirts.  A vast collection of chunky necklaces and handmade jewelry are what Libras are known for.  Everything you wear must be dramatic and beautiful: Every good outfit deserves an audience, and as a highly social sign, you’ll line up a date or a party to make sure your hard work at the mirror doesn’t go unnoticed.

Your Dream Dress/ Wedding Dress Horoscope: 

For you, a graceful gown is as important as the groom!  As a very romantic sign, Libra women usually always strive to look their best… can you imagine how you will feel on your wedding day?  Libras are exacting communicators: make a statement in a sweeping ball room gown with flower details and tiny jewels throughout.  Balanced fashion and beauty consciousness helps to make a Libra bride pretty.  Your most refined and expensive tastes could consider a strapless silhouette that highlights your great bod, beautiful brocade trim, an illusion fabric, even an elegant train to be quite revealing.  With delicate straps bejeweled with sequins, dainty stitching and an extensive train, it’s no wonder that you will have your very own bridal audience at the wedding who “oos and aahs” over such a gown.

Impeccable makeup and a dramatic eye add old school glamour to complete your look.  Heaven forbid someone should rush you when you’re getting dressed.  You need to take your time to create the right look, carefully applying the perfect shade of lipstick.

Style icon who shares your sign: Kate Winslet

Libra seductresses: Gwyneth Paltrow, Gwen Stefani

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

 

Gemini (May 22 – June 21) Miss Pretty, Playful Personality – Aleana’s Bridal Shop

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Personality: Gemini’s are most well-known for having dual personalities, jack-rabbit energy, and the gift of communication (translation? Chatty Cathy!).  You’re precocious, knowledgeable, and quick to dole out witty one-liners.  “Wall flower” and “shrinking violet” are terms that can never apply to the Gemini: you’re effervescent and surrounded at parties.  The centerpiece of every event is you.  Others are drawn to your bubbly nature as you have the ability to turn the most mundane occasion into a sparkling affair.

 

Style:  Style-schizophrenia… Mix and Match Mistress…one day you’re Jackie O…the next, Lady Gaga.  You swing from one extreme to the next and aren’t afraid to take the occasional fashion leap of faith.  As the sign of the Twins, you’re all about variety and keeping people guessing.  One day, you couldn’t care less about fashion, slipping into sporty cargo pants and a tank top.  The next day, your “alter ego” takes over, sending you out in a colorful concoction that turns heads and makes jaws drop.  You’re an impulse shopper whose mind changes constantly and your fashion choices largely depend on your mood, but all and all, you’re flirty and playful.

 

Your Dream Dress/ Wedding Dress Horoscope:
Pay careful attention to what “personality” you’re feeling the day you go wedding dress shopping.  Because of Gemini’s dual personality, any style dress works.  And since you’re the “no fuss” kind of bride, you are happy with anything figure flattering and comfortable.  The simplicity of a dress accompanied by flowy fabrics would be a perfect match for a Gemini.   A knee-length bridal gown with a bubble skirt is the ideal dress for the Gemini: eye-catching yet not over-the-top.  A simple, striking gown that is everything but restricting is ultimately what you want; and a soft flow of fabric allows for graceful movement, just what you crave.  An involved detail in the middle of the busts calls for just the right amount of attention.  Your best features are the arms, hands, and torso, so emphasize this with a sleeveless dress, gorgeous lace gloves, or a cinch at the waist to show off that trim torso.  Adorn your wedding day hair style with a single, beauteous gardenia.

Style Icon who shares your sign: Marilyn Monroe

Gemini seductresses:  Natalie Portman, Heidi Klum, Angelina Jolie, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, Courtney Cox

This article is brought to you by Aleana’s Bridal Shop located in the town of Paramus, NJ – Bergen County. We will help you design the dress of your dreams.

Aries (March 21 – April 20) The Bold Beauty – Aleana’s Bridal Shop

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Personality:  Aries are innovative leaders and pioneers.  Impulsive and exuberant, you’re always the first of your friends to try something new like getting a pixie haircut…or to be the daring one to dive into frigid waters or to approach a guy at a bar and make the first move.  You’re more certain of yourself when you’re strutting down the road less traveled.  If something doesn’t capture your attention instantly, you’ll move on.  You know what you want and how to get it.  A decisive, ballsy, blunt, beauty with brains makes everybody trust in your opinions and guided directions, using you as their prime role model.

Style: Innocent Vixen…As the zodiac’s trailblazer, you’ll try any trend.  You take risks: violet tresses, thigh-high boots, maybe a Mohawk (you’ll try it and handle the consequences later!).  You’re more frightened of being boring than appearing on the “worst dressed” list.  You’re a fearless fashionista who lives by her own courageous rules.  A mix of girlie-girl and warrior woman, you can get away with outfits that reflect both sides of your personality: pairing a flouncy skirt with a crisp, tailored blazer or a miniskirt with combat boots.  Bold colors, like red, are your colors, as well as neutrals like black.  The most important thing for you and your sense of fashion is to never blend into the crowd.  Aries girls want to see and be seen in originality.

Your Dream Dress/ Wedding Dress Horoscope: An Aries bride wants to stun the crowd.  Tradition is not on the guest list for your wedding.  You’ll be inexplicably drawn to trend-setting, strapless numbers with colored accents in the form of a sash or trim.  You are the queen of the ball…and you want your whole look to reflect that honor.  You have a taste for bold trends and sexy styles, so go for a grand gown that makes a bold, beautiful statement.  Wear a dress that commands attention with pretty detailing around a bodice or neckline, some pearls, sequins, or lace.  The gown you’re going for is one with a trendy design, yet still possesses classic elegance.   Flaunt your flawless facial features and hair…and even wear a classy feather headpiece to top off the whole bridal look, Aries style.

Style Icon who shares your sign: Victoria Beckham

Aries seductresses: Sarah Jessica Parker, Kate Hudson, Reese Witherspoon

This article is brought to you by Aleana’s Bridal Shop located in the town of Paramus, NJ – Bergen County. We will help you design the dress of your dreams.

Pisces (February 19 – March 20) The Dreamy Princess – Aleana’s Bridal Shop

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Personality: Your sign is a true chameleon, embodying a bit of the whole zodiac.  You are an emotive, empathetic, and inspirational old soul, and this applies to all areas of your life.  As a Pisces, you get absorbed into the projects you are passionate about – and get a rush from succeeding at those things.  You enjoy creating art and surrounding yourself with beautiful objects.

 Style: Enchanting Angel…Elegant, Edgy, Free spirited… with an emphasis on function over excessive-styling.  A simple style that is comfortable is preferred by you water element creatures over too tight-fitting, sophisticated ones.  Think: “Sexy Earth Mama Goddess” in flowy fabrics that metaphorically mirror the fluid nature of water.  You have a weak spot for rich materials that feel good to wear, like silk and cashmere, and enjoy pops of color here and there, even if the majority of your clothes are neutral colors.  Symbolized by two fish swimming in opposite directions, one never knows which direction your style will take.  Of course, this opens the whole world of fashion to you, depending on the day and your mood.  Go with the flow of what your mood tells you to wear, because you’re at your best when you don’t over-think your outfit…so trust that you are the trendsetter of the entire zodiac…because you truly are.

Your Dream Dress/ Wedding Dress Horoscope:

A Pisces gown should be all-embracing of the bride’s sensitive and compassionate soul.  For you Pisces brides, it’s the stuff of dreams & fairytales: a beautiful ball gown with a poetic bustle and cathedral train, a sweetheart neckline, and a full skirt of taffeta, chiffon or silk organza.   An elaborate, yet refined, romantic gown will do you the justice you desire.   A Grecian-inspired look that is composed of an elegant and modern gown, sheer fabric of the arms, and rich texture on the bust, creates the wondrous illusion you may fancy.

Your wedding dress will be flowing and soft: the kind that is made for dancing, not just standing for pictures.  Ivory and cream will have that earthier vibe that you dig, as opposed to stark white.  Lace and ribbons will give your dress that something special you crave.  Pisces rules the feet, so it is important that you feel lavish in your shoes – perhaps a jeweled stiletto or a gorgeous satin pump.  Pisces is ruled by Neptune, god of the sea.  Like a mythical mermaid, a flowy, feminine princess style with an enchantingly timeless appeal is the gown for you.

Style Icon who shares your sign: Elizabeth Taylor

Pisces seductresses: Drew Barrymore, Rihanna, Eva Longoria, Eva Mendes, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Jessica Biel, Rue McClanahan

This article is brought to you by Aleana’s Bridal Shop located in the town of Paramus, NJ – Bergen County. We will help you design the dress of your dreams.