Posts

Journey of wedding day preparation (Part 2)

/in /by

Read part #1 first

Passion -> Pressure -> Preparation -> Perfection 

DROP THE PRESSURE out of this formula!

Ok, it might be unrealistic to “drop the pressure”…Easier said than done, I know!  But how do you at least ease the pressure on your journey to perfection?  Unrealistic expectations of everything that has to do with the wedding date will bring you down once your day arrives.  So first start off by acknowledging this and slowly try to rid yourself of all expectations and just go with the flow of doing the best that you can.  Once you feel stressed out, you are pushing yourself too hard.  Be gentle with yourself and the goals you wish to reach before your wedding.

The biggest pressure for brides is to lose weight, and how you will look, from head to toe, on your big day.  Altering yourself to fitting the dress you want shouldn’t be #1 on your to-do list.  Find a dress that fits you, one you’re comfortable in right now as you try it on!  This will alleviate the pressure to drop the weight in an unrealistic amount if time, which just adds more pressure for you soon-to-be-brides to resort to drastic measures of losing weight in unhealthy ways. Don’t be this desperate bride!  Set healthy goals and stick to a healthy meal plan if you wish to lose weight or maintain the weight you already are.  Remember, slow and steady steps will get you to your destination without feeling exhausted once you arrive.

There’s no doubt that every bride wants to look and feel her best on the big day, but the constant pressure of it all could be too much.  During your bridal journey, you might become someone you’re not…someone who worries constantly about their looks and beats herself up internally for not sticking to a certain diet and indulging too much at dinner one night.  How many calories are in that?  Don’t let your thoughts consume you and gain your healthy perspective back by taking excellent care of yourself so you’re feeling wonderful by the time your day arrives.

 ***Wedding planning for self-care

You want to look like yourself on the day of your wedding but at your best…your best self.  Your perfect day is quickly approaching, and the main goal of every bride in the world is to have the perfect day of beauty.  Don’t go for a dramatic change in your look, just take care of yourself, and prepare ahead by making appointments for your hair, makeup, manicure & pedicure, etc.

 *Outer beauty is a reflection of inner beauty.  Choose good food choices and quality exercise.  Eating right and exercising will help you drop those last few pounds without you thinking about it all the time.  It will just happen when you practice a healthy lifestyle.  This not only will physically benefit you, but will help with your mental and emotional stress.

*Try yoga and meditation!  This is a relaxing outlet that will keep you centered.  A centered, grounded feeling inside of you will help you focus on what is important.

Read part 3

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

Bride’s wish list (part 2)

/in /by

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 Aquarius (Jan 21– Feb 19) The Retro Rebel

/in /by

Personality:   You are independence personified, Aqua girl.  Unconventional, unique, and willing to stick to your guns – especially in the face of adversity; these traits make you a great debater and a clear thinker, and therefore a valuable friend.  You lean toward the eclectic and are possibly even cluttered, in home and hearth, but everything you own is beautiful and high quality.  Aquarius is the sign of friendship and humanity.  You’re the girl next door, everyone’s best friend who loves animals, hates cruelty and always defends the underdog.  Although you can be popular and blend into the crowd, you are by no means traditional.  You’re the zodiac’s most futuristic and forward-thinking sign, have a bit of a rebellious nature, and whose weird ways and silly, quirky personality have your loved ones always coming back for more.

Style: Bohemian BFF…Unruly Rebel.  You are indie-artsy, but are careful not to follow the major trends unless you really love the look.  You lean toward clean lines and eye-catching pieces in silver, turquoise, and rich blues.  Often, it’s the outfits you throw on in a rush that end up receiving the most compliments; not paying attention to detail works for you.  You love flower power looks from the 1960’s, but can also rock ultra-modern styles and the latest trends.  You’re not afraid to shock people with a blast of color, an out-there trend or a controversial T-shirt.  Quirky pieces with a futuristic bent express your individuality and keep you from blending into the crowd.

Your eccentric side comes out through your style and you can simply make a statement with your hairstyle.

 

Your Dream Dress/ Wedding Dress Horoscope:  Unconventional and fun, Aquarian brides favor geometrical and asymmetrical cuts and have a distinctly modern taste that runs from delicate to bold.  As an air sign, you like to turn heads and make a statement.  As an independent thinker, Aquarian brides may mix and match different styles.   An Aquarius is known to reject the idea of a traditional gown and go with a trendy style.  From a wispy off-the-shoulder sheath to a sleek A-line with a halter neck, you want a dress that is sophisticated, yet bold and whimsical.  Your wedding gown will be elegant yet unique, classic yet intriguing.   A gown with geometric shape and unusual but amazingly beautiful back detail is a dress that has got Aquarius style covered.  Your family and friends will love the front of your dress made of tiny ruffles or layers of feathers, and a bodice that fits like a glove.  But once they turn around, and see a surprise twist of detailing on opposite side, they will marvel at the back.  Get creative with your accessories: a striking stone necklace or a pill box hat with bird-cage veil will upgrade your look to sensational.

Style icon who shares your sign:  Zsa Zsa Gabor

Aqua seductresses: Farrah Fawcett, Jennifer Aniston, Paris Hilton, Lauren Conrad

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.

 

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

/in /by

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 Scorpio (Oct 24– Nov 22) The Sultry Siren

/in /by


Personality: You’re intense, passionate and an expert at zeroing-in on your goals and plucking away at them until the job is done.  Scorpios are secretive and keep emotions bottled up.  You also regenerate quickly in the face of aversion.  The word “quit” doesn’t apply to you and you enjoy engaging in a little friendly competition every now and then.  As a water sign, intuition and compassion come easily to you, and are prone to reminiscing here and there.  Your outstanding memory is something memorable: your persona of certainty is one that wins admire of those lucky enough to get to know you.

Style: Mistress of Mystery…the sign of mystery, sex, and seduction…you manage to make even the most conservative, buttoned-up suit feel a little naughty.  You are sultry, fierce, fearless, and love experimenting with animal prints, neon leggings, big hoop earrings and even bigger hair.  Your most-used accessory is confidence – and your favorite colors are red and black.  As a creature of the night, day-into-evening looks work best on you.  Fashion-forward and a love for keeping people guessing, you like to reveal just enough to tease without overdoing it.  Scorpio rules regeneration, so restore what you find in thrift shops or snag accessories made from recycled materials.  Sunglasses are your most favorable asset:  The eyes are the windows to the soul, and you won’t be caught dead to be the one to reveal all of your cards first!

Your Dream Dress/ Wedding Dress Horoscope: 

Just because it’s your wedding day doesn’t mean you can’t stay true to the Scorpio’s bold, sexy style that displays your passionate and intensity through the clothes you wear on an every day basis.  You are sexy!  So show off whatever you feel is your sexiest body part.   A corseted or a body-hugging sheath with a plunging “V” neckline are a match made in the heavens for Scorpio.  A Scorpio bride does not mind heavy makeup.  She enjoys anything that sets her apart from every other day in her life.  You wish for a wedding dress that is different and unique, featuring lavish gems that fall down the center of the gown, along the collar bone, the waist (creating the illusion of a belt) and throughout the rest of the gown with an exquisite lace detail and a high slit in the front.  Show off your best features, usually your legs and waist, and command all the attention you know you deserve as the bride!  Pair your wedding gown with a high stiletto heel for an added touch of flirtation.

Style icon who shares your sign: Grace Kelly

Scorpio Seductresses: Chloe Sevigny, Demi Moore, Julia Roberts, Anne Hathaway, Katy Perry

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.

 

Wedding gown for Virgo (Aug 24– Sept 23) The Victorian Virgin

/in /by

Personality:   Sharp attention to detail, a discerning eye, and reliability epitomize the Virgo.  You’re down-to-earth and have a deep sense of commitment to friends, family, and the community.  Your home is sparse and tidy.  You’re fussy about what food and products you let into your carefully constructed world.  When shopping with your friends, you will be the one who leaves them behind in the clothing departments as you venture your way through the aisles filled with cleaning products and mops.  A listener who offers honest feedback, a silly partner-in-crime, a heart of pure gold…is what makes Virgos so special.

Style: Fair Maiden…Natural Beauty…Victorian, Virginal Vixen… 

You’re the fresh-faced “virgin” of the zodiac, and simplicity is your secret style weapon.  In a sea of bright colors, synthetic fabrics and gaudy embellishments, you take fashion back to basics by making unfussy cuts and all-American fabrics look surprisingly fresh.  Your style is bohemian with a boyish twist.  Brainy Virgo can also rock “geek chic” — nobody makes glasses look sexy quite like you.  Pairing vintage frames with wild curls or flowing hair instantly makes you the hot librarian who’s got beauty and brains. What a package!  Cleanliness is next to godliness for you, so a clean signature scent is what you crave; all the better if it’s an essential oil or made from pure ingredients. You’re an earth sign, so go “green” with your style.  Organic materials like pure cotton, wool and even hemp are flattering and friendly to the planet…and to you.

Your Dream Dress/ Wedding Dress Horoscope: 

Your wedding gown will be a sophisticated eclipse of hippie flower child and Victorian purist.  Think a strapless sheath in Ivory Chantilly lace or a pastel pink dress with ribbon trim.  Virgos want a classic look.  When shopping for a dress, think understated elegance; rich, unadorned satin; an A-line cut; and a short simple sweep train.  You earth girls are dignified and want to mirror that attribute in the gown you choose.  The dress needs to look clean, neat and decidedly bridal.  No chic, cutting-edge designs, no splash of color, and definitely no abundance of tulle.  Think simple, classic elegance.  What would be more perfect then a drop dead gorgeous, dazzling satin gown with embellished belt and a sweeping train?  This marks sophistication while the sparkle from the belt adds character.  Tuck a rose behind one ear for a romantic – and decidedly Virgo finishing touch.

Style icon who shares your sign: Sophia Loren

Virgo seductresses: Stella McCartney, Salma Hayek, Beyoncé, Blake Lively

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

 

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

/in /by


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.