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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.

Understand bridal silk fabrics (Part 1)

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Silk is a natural fiber that, when spun the right way, can produce some of the most amazing fabrications. Silks are produced by many different kinds of insects. However, it is from moth caterpillars that silk, suitable for manufacturing textiles, comes from. Silk is one of the most treasured types of fabrics available. Silk, without a doubt, delivers a sense of luxury and sophistication. There are many types of silks out on the market. However, there are five in particular that Bridal couture would not be the same without.

 

Silk satin is a heavier weight silk, yet since silk is natural, you skin can breathe as air and moisture passes through the fabric. Silk satin also has a cooling effect. The fabric doesn’t have the flow that other silks have; therefore it holds shape very well and does not slip. When silk satin is used for the bodice of a gown, it hugs the body beautifully making it very slimming. This fabric is usually used for ball gown style gowns as its natural shine offers a very elegant, royal look making the wearer an instant princess for the day.

 

Silk chiffon is a beautiful silk commonly used as an overlay rather than the main fabric due to how sheer it is. Chiffon has just the right amount of drape giving an elegant, floating appearance to any gown it is used on. This type of silk’s fine absorbency makes it very comfortable for wear in warm weather, yet its low conductivity keeps warm air close to your skin making it the perfect fabric for all seasons. Iridescent silk chiffon is the ideal bridal fabric. As one walks, the chiffon catches the light instantly making you the center of attention; exactly what every bride wants on her special day.

For more information please read Part 2

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

 

 

BRIDAL SHOP NEAR FAIR LAWN BERGEN COUNTY NJ

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Aleana’s Bridal is your bridal shop near Fair Lawn, Bergen County, NJ.

Every woman lives to experience that special bridal moment once in her life time. Wedding gown is a symbol of your unique self; a symbol of self-expression that makes a powerful statement in the physical world about your inner nature.

Aleana’s Bridal invites you to create your custom gown or choose a dress at our exclusive shop located in the heart of Paramus.

We are proud to offer our Fairlawn clients our “Made in America” collection. In our store you can find a variety of our novelty silk fabrics, French laces, unique embellishments, exclusive hand embroideries and handmade silk flowers.

Every garment in our great collection of bridal dresses and sets can be modified to enhance a beauty of any body type. We keep our clients up to date on the latest launches and trends.

Aleana’s Bridal offers to Fair Lawn customers a more than convenient production time frame, which is often unheard of in the fashion industry: You can pick up your dress in 3 months, without paying any “rush” order fees! Personal customer service is readily available and even possible during the wedding day.

We also exhibit a wide selection of European lingerie and lounge wear that can only be found at our boutique as well as custom gowns for the entire bridal party including Mother of the Bride.

Book your appointment today and we will guide you to create a dress that is the essence of you. Each appointment will be scheduled for a full hour and half to ensure that you get the attention you need.

Please call at 201-444-1500 or book your appointment on line at www.aleanasbridal.com.

Married Hearts… First Valentine’s Day (Part 2)

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Read Part 1 first

Activities and Ideas

When Valentine’s Day rolls around, couples who just got married, or who have even been married for years, often view it as a holiday for young lovers – those who are dating,

But you, my dear, are newly married…and that is a cause for celebration.  I’m sure you have had your share of dates on V-Day all those years leading up until your marriage.  But that’s no excuse for just exchanging greeting cards and quick pecks on the cheek.  Don’t you dare lose that spark!  Keep those V-Days of the past alive and get creative.

 

You will want to schedule an intimate evening with your partner.  And this doesn’t need to involve an exotic trip, expensive jewelry, or even a visit to your favorite restaurant…but go ahead and indulge if you’re feeling up to it.

 

Staying in?  Or headed out?  If you prefer a low-key kind of night as a couple, escape with popping some long or short films focusing on love in the DVD player.  Give yourselves the type of entertainment that will heal your heart and soothe your soul on this heart-warming holiday.

 

Why not plan a private, fun, and delicious picnic the two of you can enjoy together?  This does require nice, warm weather if you‘re thinking of sitting on the grass…so I guess it depends on what part of the world your love nest resides.  There are plenty of other options, including holding your picnic indoors in your very own house, while still organizing it as if you were going to spend some time outside under the trees.  Break out a special blanket, an insulated wine tote, and other picnic accessories and think about creative ways to fill them.  Make your own appetizers or order food in.   Throw some fancy, fluffy pillows down on the floor by the fireplace…sit on some yoga mats with candles lit around…and even throw in the old-school game of Twister to playfully spice things up.  Include background music, perhaps something from when you first met or the timeframe in which you were dating.  Maybe even include the “first dance” song at your wedding reception.

 

If you desire an evening out, perhaps  a favorite restaurant, Broadway play, or concert of choice will be some options.  If you’re a young-at-heart type, embrace the inner-child out and go out clubbing, bar-hopping, or to your favorite karaoke spot.  Bring your glow ring pops out with you and light up the dance floor at your favorite DJ’s weekend event.

Read Part 3 and Part 4.

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

Married Hearts… First Valentine’s Day (Part 3)

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Read first Part 1 and Part 2

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As a newlywed couple, make a point to bring more cerebral activity into your bond whether your staying on the couch…or hopping in the car for a night out.  Pop a documentary into the DVD player instead of watching mindless fluff or go to a lecture or self-development workshop or other thought-(and conversation-) provoking event that is uplifting, positive, and spiritual.  Discover your amour in a new light by engaging in something different, and captivating.

The first year being married on special occasions is a stellar time for hanging out in a group setting, which will also enrich your bond.  Watching everyone from each entourage mix will be a refreshing experience.  A kindred spirit vibe is bound to emerge!  How about co-hosting a game night or casual dinner party to bring everyone together?  Or get out and join a winter league of co-ed sports.  The couple that plays together, stays together…as the old adage goes.

 

Just make your number 1 priority to enjoy your evening, whether in private or in public, and take some time to think about setting the mood and you’ll no doubt have a memorable time together and even create a new tradition of which you can repeat in the future on holidays, special occasions, and perhaps on another Valentine’s Day.

 

ALARM!  AVOID TIP :  And no swinging bats at heart piñatas !…it’s only your first year married!  Save the tantrums, if you must have them, for your later years!  (Kidding.  Ditch the tantrums, your mature and married now, right?)

 

Continue Part 4.

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

Married Hearts… First Valentine’s Day (Part 4)

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Read Part 1, Part 2 , and Part 3

Gifts 

Besides the usual….Red roses, lush bouquets of flowers, teddy bears, chocolates, candies, candles, gourmet gifts, champagne, jewelry, lingerie (for you), silky boxers (for him)…Here are some romantic gestures for you to give to your guy-for-life:

 

*Send him a wild flowered bouquet with a personalized note attached.

*Make him breakfast in bed along with some red roses.

*Prepare his favorite dessert and surprise him.

*Make a calendar with pictures of the two of you together.

*Stick some love-notes all over the house at different places for him.

*Purchase front row tickets to watch his favorite sport live.

*Lay down on his chest and hug him like you would never give him away for anything in the entire world.

 ( Idea found on pin interest )

 

Take 12 large envelopes … on each one, write the month, so start with February, next March, and so on until you reach next January (2014).
In each envelope you will put a date night in it…whether it’s a nice candle-lit dinner at home, or movies…or something you know he’s always wanted to do or go to…if you decide movies, go get a gift card and stick it into the envelope.  Each date you decide on, write a letter as to why you decided to go with that date for that specific month.  For instance, gift cards for 2 ski passes to go in March would be ideal.  Cover the expenses as much as you can, so at least 1 thing in each envelope is already paid for.  You can even stick a menu from a restaurant (if you got restaurant gift cards) or if you have concert tickets, stick a mixed tape of the group’s greatest hits…brochures for an art exhibit or vacation…etc…(you get the picture)…just to give it some extra excitement.

 

On the 1st of the each month, open up the envelope together.  Let him read it and then look at a calendar together and decide which day that month you will plan that date night…or day.  This way, it ensures that each month you will be spending time together and doing something special.

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Go further into the arms of love by melting into his…

…In honor of your first wedded Valentine’s Day,  keep that heart pitter patter-ing! Bring back that old-school, first-falling in love feeling with a classic 90’s movie such as Empire Records.  Skip the movie and just go imitate Liv Tyler’s character in the last scene: let your soul mate drag your weak knees and feet in a sweeping motion on a rooftop…dancing and kissing playfully…blasting a soundtrack by Gin Blossoms, whose sound is reminiscent of discovering you have a crush on your high school sweetheart, and whose music echoes the butterflies pouncing around in your stomach.

 

When somebody makes your heart pitter patter, they are the one for you. 

 

Love is friendship set on fire. 

 

Happily Ever After Never Will End

When you share your life with your Best Friend.

 

ONCE you believe your life is a fairytale…that is when “ONCE upon a time…” begins.

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

 

Possible wedding disasters (part 2)

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Read Part 1 first

Hair Hassles

If the weather is literally raining on your parade!…don’t fret just yet.  If you know it’s raining, pull your hair back into a ballerina bun and secure with bobby pins or clips before heading out into the rain.  Once you’re inside, shake out your hair and lightly hairspray it.  If the clouds just open up and pour on your perfectly blow-dried hair randomly, take a drop of smoothing serum and gently run it over your hair before using a large curling iron to smooth out the kinks.  Humidity makes curly go frizzy.  To avoid, apply a small drop of shine serum to small hair sections, twist up the locks, then let them drop.  Don’t use too much hairspray either, to avoid “helmet head.”  If you’re a “hair-spray happy” girl and this does happen to you, use oil-blotting papers to tone down the shine and gently place hair where needed and use a mix of a shine serum with a paste.

Manicure Mishaps

Be sure to have the nail polish on hand that is the same shade of your manicure stored in your beauty bag for the day.  Stock a liquid nail adhesive and glue the nail back on (if you have tips).  Dot the polish over the nail, let dry, and file the edges smooth.  To prevent paint-chipped nails and nail breaking, have your bridal party help you put on jewelry clasps.

Makeup Mess…on your Gown

Blotting & Seltzer!!! First, try blotting, then place napkin on the inside of the dress and a seltzer spilled napkin on the outside, and gently dab out the stain.  Treat with a stain-removing pen (like those easy-carrying Tide pens) or try some hot water with plain soap.  If you really got yourself into a mess and can’t possibly get the stain out, ask your photographer to photoshop the stains out of your wedding photos.

Stylist Canceled

If you have a freelance artist coming to you, make sure you both have a contract that states…  “In case of an emergency, you will be provided with another artist at the same price.”  IF you don’t have an agreement like this and you must find your own stylist at the last minute, make sure you have one that you spoke to prior and explained that they will be on-call, if needed.   What if you’re look for the day doesn’t resemble your original artist’s work?  Avoid this by ensuring beforehand that your original artist has concisely written down everything necessary for achieving your desired look, including color choices and placement.  They should always keep information on file at the salon so that if there is a problem, the replacement artist will have solid directions to work with.

No-Show Stylist

If you have a freelance artist coming to you, make sure you both have a contract that states…  “In case of an emergency, you will be provided with another artist at the same price.”  IF you don’t have an agreement like this and you must find your own stylist at the last minute, make sure you have one that you spoke to prior and explained that they will be on-call, if needed.

Read Part 3

This article brought to you by Aleana’s Bridal Shop. A bridal shop located in Paramus, NJ. Please schedule your first appointment at Aleana’s Bridal Shop or call 201-444-1500.

Theme Weddings (Part 4)

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Start with Part 1, Part 2, Part 3

HAWAII THEMES

Waikiki, pineapples, fire dancers and hula girls!

No matter where you are, it’s easy to bring Hawaii, or any beach, to your own back yard (or wedding venue!).  This will be for the casual and laid-back bride that wants an exotic, island feel to her wedding.

Suggestive music selection should consist of soothing, pleasing, and relaxing tunes during important parts of the ceremony and reception.

You’ll want to include loose, colorful orchid blossoms or plumeria flowers as apart of your decorations and/or favors.  Silk flowers are also another option, and these will last forever.  You can also float some of these loose orchids in a few punch bowls filled with guava and passion fruit juice placed around the venue.  Consider having a flower piece as a favor for your guests to bring home, along with a tasty treat such as chocolate covered macadamia nuts.  Floating coconut candles and seashells are decorative accents you can add in to the ambiance of the reception room.  Consider a Hawaii-style side dish like fresh pineapple, luau punch, lomi salmon and haupia (a Hawaiian coconut flavored jello dessert) to create an authentic feel to the food being served.
Acknowledging special guests is customary in Hawaii, so giving guests a lei will show acknowledgment towards their presence and importance.  You can get creative in customizing your own leis, and if you choose to make them out of shells, they will look intricate and will last forever as a memento of your wedding.

 

*  A Midsummer Night’s Dream …for you brilliant, dark, literary, sexy Shakespearean lovers!  As dramatic as you wish, set a mysterious mist of an enchanted forest where fairy lights dance to an everlasting tune.  Lilly pads sprinkled with fairy dust floating on a pond amidst the exotic, blooming flowers, hanging vines, and & an entwinement of ribbons.

“I know a bank where the wild thyme grows” — William Shakespeare

 

*  Vintage …a wedding full of nostalgia.  Walk down memory lane into choosing your own antique look.  With a bohemian feel, this can be a very relaxed atmosphere filled with its‘ own unconventional paradox: laid-back and upbeat…all at once.  Be outside the norm and use eclectic styles from an almost forgotten time in the past.  Change from your ceremony gown into a casual white sundress at the reception and let down your locks wearing a “modern day hippie”  headband made of beautiful flowers around your head.  Your wedding can be a field of free spirits under a candlelit night sky.

 

 DISNEY WEDDING THEME

For you Disney dreamers and princesses, having a Disney themed wedding would be the perfect fit for you.  There is SO much to choose from with these types of weddings.  Depending upon the characters you love, your favorite Disney location, and many more factors…you can personalize this fairytale wedding to where it syncs up with your own Cinderella wishes.

 

You can chose to have your Disney destination in Florida, California, Hawaii, or even on-board the Disney Cruise Line.  There are a variety of bridal collections available: The Escape, Wishes, Couture, & Memories Collection…All of which offer a distinctive vision that celebrates your heart’s desire and personal style.  From Cinderella’s Castle to underneath the stars and fireworks in the exotic Epcot’s setting, there are plenty of options, accommodations, and activities based upon your wedding preference.

 

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As you can see, there are SO many wedding themes to play around with!  And I only listed a few of them!…so get in-tune to your own personality and style and do some research as to what wedding theme is the match for YOU on your very special day.

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

 

 

Theme Weddings (Part 3)

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Start reading Part 1 and Part 2

*  Beach Wedding: Beach Party, Elegant Beach Wedding, Under the Sea, Mermaid/Aquatic Wedding, etc.  You can be as creative as possible with scenery & favors with dolphins, fish, starfish, seashells, sea horses, sand dollars, flip flops, palm trees, lighthouses, sailboats, sunscreen, and so much more!  For a more romantic backdrop, imagine a string quartet and lilies…gentle waves and the sun setting…the soft sand caressing your feet as you approach your soul mate and pledge your eternal love on the scattered with petals aisle, under a white, billow canopy with delicate chiffon drapes.

*Manhattan Public Library…for you writers, authors, aspiring writers/editors/authors, teachers, etc.).  There’s just something magical about marrying in a setting that transports you to another time of one of those iconic places that exist in history books and give New York its’ color and intensity.  Dance under its’ glass and iron domed ceiling and make your invitations out to guests in the style of a book cover.  An authentic Big Apple Wedding, indeed.

 

* Arabian Nights…Belly Dancers and Buddha Bars, bamboo shots, sitting on sofas in colored tents relaxing & sipping flavored Hookahs and being served by waiters/waitresses in harem pants.  Bring back the splendor of a Thousand Nights and even the Disney classic, Alladin.  Take a flight of fancy on your magic carpet as you soak in the magical atmosphere reliving the charmed life of Princess Jasmine & Prince Alladin in a palace setting with minarets and towers, silks and flowers, and bejeweled thrones.  Make a wish into your magic lamp and make this magical experience a reality for you on your wedding day.

 

*  Go Retro …wish you were in a different decade?  On your wedding night, you can be.  Pick a decade that you love…and surround yourself with mod pieces & pin-up styles…from polka dot shoes, red lipstick, poufy skirts, beehive hairdos to the flower power of peace signs or the rock-n-roll of the 80’s or the disco dancing era under a shiny disco ball.

*  Romantic/Whimsical Wedding…Red, red Roses, pink ribbons, dancing the classic waltz, & beautiful candles.  Incorporate your favorite characters from novels, children’s books, movies, & televisions for a more whimsical aura.  (See Fairytale/Fantasy below for more whimsy filled ideas!)

*  Fairytale/Fantasy…Cinderella, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, and all of the Disney princesses you wish to be.  Just imagine…you can have your own storybook wedding filled with glass slippers, tiaras & crowns, a white horse-drawn carriage, pixie dust, magic wands, and your very own Prince Charming waiting for you at the end of the aisle in your castle.  For a fairytale feel without the princess theme, think of the magical characters in other fantasy stories that you love, such as the gods & goddesses of mythology.  Click your heels & be Dorothy for the day…have an adornment of butterflies & fairies…and just be as creative and imaginative as you can be to bring your wedding to a place, or palace, of enchantment.

One more part to go …. Read Part 4

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

 

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.