Archive for February, 2010

Thursday, February 18th, 2010

There has been a lot of ups and downs on the subject of gay marriage.  I found this very interesting and informative article in the Times that I wanted to share.

Same-sex Marriage, Civil Unions and Domestic Partnerships

I think this article gives a very good overview of what has happened on the issue of same-sex marriage and civil unions in the last 15 or so years.  A lot of activity has occurred in the last year or so – good and bad – all over this country.

For me, I think the most surprising is the voter referendums that unfortunately – overturn the courts rulings – and make for backwards progress.

I love what DC is doing to try to inhibit the voter referendum.  Take a look.

A DC Marriage Rights Vote would Violate Human Rights Act

Collectively, we are getting there.

Thanks to Lara Swanson for her amazing work!

Happy planning!

Wednesday, February 17th, 2010

One cannot talk about white Burgundies without talking about Le Montrachet -  not only the greatest of white Burgundies, but is also known as the greatest of all dry white wines.  It’s made with 100% Chardonnay grapes (similar to other white wines in Burgundy- i.e. Chablis) and is grown in the Cote de Beaune Region of France -  while known for it’s white burgundies, it also produces some less favorable red.

The neighboring towns of Puligny and Chassagne share the extremely small 18.5 Montrachet vineyard, which produces only 3,000 cases of the golden green nectar a year.  Maybe not the best choice for a wedding – if you can find 1 bottle, the the price alone can put your pocketbook into a tail spin – at over $900.00 per bottle.  However, if you know a Oil Producer, a Prince, or perhaps a Washington Lobbyist – and can get your hands on a real Montrachet – savor its sweet nectar.

While still expensive, Le Montrachet’s cousins are attainable – Chevalier-Montrachet and Batard-Montrachet.

As an alternative, try Corton-Charlemagne, which most experts put below the best Montrachet vineyards – but rarely is anyone disappointed with this fine white wine.  It only needs to be aged 5 years (compared to the 20+ years of Le Montrachet) and is not nearly the price of Montrachet or it’s cousins.  The best known produces are Louis Jardot and Louis Latour, but there are others.

Happy planning!

Tuesday, February 16th, 2010

Simply 50’s, simply sophisticated.  I love the birdcage veil – A look of softness, femininity, independence and pure attitude.  It’s stylish in it’s simplicity.  Your headpiece can complete your look – and compliment your theme.   In 2010, Bride’s are expressing themselves in extraordinary ways!

Express yourself.

Thanks to our contributors:

Ulta Moda Bridal Blog, My Beautiful Bride – photography by Kea Taylor, Aisle with Style, Inspired by this, Savvy Brides by Meg, Women’s Wedding Dresses

Happy Planning!

Monday, February 15th, 2010

Marriage is about family, yes?  Planning a wedding is about combining established families – and starting a new one!  Hooray!!  So, now and again, you will see family related posts – after all, my family is the most important thing to me.

We choose cloth diapers in this household -  and if you look, there are tons of options out there (ask my Mom and husband what I went through when trying to filter through all the options).   I am all about OBV love (Organic Bamboo Velour).  After 17 months of washing and wearing – and pooping, and peeing – they have stood the test of time.  They are so squishy soft – wash after wash.  They last FOREVER.  In fact, I am still using the same diapers that I used when my girl was a newbie!  WOW!  They are a little bit more expensive at the outset, but in the end – totally worth it.  Cotton frays, doesn’t last long (specially on my baby’s curvy figure).  OBV love!

So, here is a post that is dedicated to little healthy fannies worldwide!

Thanks to my contributors

White diaper with blue trim – my favorite prefolds from Tickey Bu

Pink Diaper – my favorite pre-fitteds from Peanut Butter and Ellie

Another really great OBV fitted (not shown) is from Goodmama

And a very special thanks to:

Ava, my very cute – and always willing fashionista – modeling her very cool OBV threads!

Happy pooping!

Sunday, February 14th, 2010

“Wedding Magazine Love”

Go get it!

Happy planning!

Saturday, February 13th, 2010

The million dollar question – can wine and chocolate be paired?  Some say no, and others say yes.  You either love it or hate it.  I do not like chocolate very much, but chocolate with an elegant wine and some candles sound so romantic.  So, I’m going to say LOVE IT!

A 20 years aged tawny Porto with milk chocolate, milk chocolate with a caramel component, or coco dusted almond halves will put anyone in the mood!

Happy loving!

Friday, February 12th, 2010

I think it’s fitting that the Olympic Games begins on Valentines day weekend!  Coming together as one – the world over and pursuing dreams.  I love it!

I also love Valentine’s day?  Why?  It’s not necessarily because I like going out to eat (which I do), receiving chocolates (which I don’t- I don’t particular like chocolate), or seeing a delivery man with a dozen red roses at the door (not bad – but not necessary).  Is it chocolate, roses and delivery men (with roses) the way to say “I Love You”?  I hope not because those things are so fleeting.  They do not last forever.

Valentines day is about coming together with the ones you love – reliving and creating everlasting memories!  Its not about saying “I love you”, but feeling it – from the depths of your soul.  I’m the eternal romantic.  I still believe in the “Knight in Shining Armour” rescuing his “Faire Maiden”, new beginnings, and the -oh so beloved – “happily ever after”.

So, to wish all the lovers and dreamers out there – a very happy Valentines day – and all the elite athletes – a wonderful and safe Olympic fortnight – I want to share with you, some of the greatest gifts that were brought to us.  They have only begun the journey to their happily ever after!

Thanks to the following photographers:

Jennifer Domenick, Genevieve Leiper, Thomas Graves, Borrowed Blue Photography, Rachel Smith, Jennifer Hughes, Rodney Bailey, Creation Waits, Evan Bishop, Kea Taylor, Dawn Bernard

Happily Ever After!

Thursday, February 11th, 2010

Persian weddings are divided into two parts

Aghd – where the formal marriage takes place and the marriage contract is signed by the Bride and Groom and their witnesses

Jashn-e-Aroosi – The lavish feast that occurs afterwards.

You will see many posts dedicated to Persian weddings, because of the intricate planning that’s involved.  All the Iranian people that I know love the beautiful things in life – lavish flowers (my fav), family, dancing, celebrating, elegant displays of fresh food and fruit, vasts amount of jewelry.  Wow.  They love weddings – and so do I !

So, here are a few pictures of elegant and extravagant celebrations.

Thanks to our photographers

Merge Weddings, In the Now Weddings, David and Charlotte, Albert Tabibian

Happy planning!

Wednesday, February 10th, 2010

Characteristically, a pale yellow color with a greenish tinge, Chablis is one of the very nice white wines, produced with 100% Chardonnay grapes in the  predominantly red wine Burgundy region.  A real Chablis is very dry and imparts a brisk iodine freshness that’s perfect for summer picnics or oysters on the half shell.  Citrus, green apple, pear and  flowers make up its multiple aromas and flavors. Its zesty character is more like Champagne,  due to the fact that both are both grown in the same rocky soil – proving that terroir really does matter.

In addition to Oysters, Chablis can be paired with with grilled Salmon, poultry, Veal, Lobster, other Shellfish, and rich spicy sausage – all in cream sauces.

Pay attention to the label, and they will tell you what level Chablis you’re buying.

Grand Cru vineyards- grapes grown in areas producing the best body and flavor

Premier Cru vineyards – just a step down from Grand Cru

William Fevre is the most popular brand, and produces many different variueties of wine.

You can get great Chablis, that’s not classified as Grand and Premier Crus, that is easier on the pocket book.  Another option for a very nice, but inexpensive Chablis is from La Chablisienne

Very economical, but good, at less than $20.00 per bottle.

Some good resources about Chablis and Chablis region – France today, General Chablis wine information

Happy Planning

Tuesday, February 9th, 2010

Vide Cor Meum from Dante’s, La Vita Nuova, is perfect for a Florance inspired wedding.  Never mind Hannibal’s transgressions, we got a glimpse into the pure elegance of this well spoken and charismatic character.  If you look at his writings, the penmanship is Divine.  As beautiful and Picturesque as the Palazzo Vecchio in Florence, here is some inspiration for a perfect Italian wedding – totally inspired by this very beautiful scene.

Enjoy!

Inspiration comes from Strange places!

Thanks to ~ Armani, Atelier Aimee Spossa, Gucci, A H Fashion, Enzoni, Nelson Wade, Executive Suits, Mariella  Burani, Margaret Braun Wedding Cakes, Muran Ristorante, St. Hanore, Pat Maseda, ycanna.com, hannibalstudioolo.com, and Poppies and Posies

Happy Planning!