Friday, November 29, 2013

Wrap it up Like A pro This Christmas Season !!!

Who doesn’t love to receive a gift?!

But how many of you actually know how to properly wrap a present?

No worries, I’m here to teach you how to wrap a present like a boss!
First, I want to quickly explain why.  Why is wrapping gifts so important? 
  1. It’s pretty! 
  2. It’s personal!
  3. It’s festive!
  4. It creates anticipation.
  5. Conceals the gift.
Think twice about handing someone a gift unwrapped or wrapping in a plastic bag.  Spend an extra 5 minutes to give that person a wrapped, appealing gift.

So let’s get wrapping!

(disclosure:  I am showing you how I do it, however, there are many different methods.)

First things first:  Gather your supplies.

You will need:  scissors, tape, wrapping paper and your present.




Measure your wrapping paper. 

Lay your box flush against the edge of the paper and “roll” it across the paper.  Once you have flipped each flat edge, leave an extra inch and cut the paper all the way across.
Then measure the short edges.  Bring the wrapping paper to touch the top of the each side edge of the box and cut.

flip, flip, flip, CUT!



Bring the two long ends together.

Wrap the paper around the box, meeting the two ends in the middle and securing with piece of tape.
  • Start with the present upside-down.
  • Give one of the ends a seam by folding it.  (gives it a clean look)
  • Crease along the box’s corners for easy folding.




Now it is time for the tricky ends. 

Fold two smaller edges towards the center of the box in such a way that the longer ends’ flaps become triangular.  Then bring those remaining flaps into the middle and secure with a piece of tape.
  • Crease the folds well and it will make it easier to tape.
  • Again, give the top layer a small fold for a cleaner look.
  • The top layer should be the one that goes towards the bottom of the box.

Repeat on the other end.





Finished product…………..ALMOST!





Add a bow, ribbon or any other pretty nonsense to your gift!

  • Simple Bow
  • Ribbon
  • Curling your ribbon
  • Add stamps
  • Name of recipient (an important one!)
  • The options are endless – be creative!

Run one of the edges of your scissors along the ribbon to curl it.



Think outside the box when decorating your present! (pun intended)


Wired Ribbon and Gold Twine

Wednesday, October 2, 2013

Guest blogger John Davydov from Photography In Style gives you 12 key tips for picking a wedding photographer


Since most brides have never had to work with a wedding photographer before hiring one for their wedding, it's one of those situations where they have very little room to learn from mistakes.  It helps to get unbiased advice from people that have experience in the industry. Bride's Book has asked John Davydov from 
Photography In Style to put together a quick list of 12 key questions to make sure to ask your photographers before you hire them to preserve the memory of your wedding.  Print these out and take them with you! This list is based off of a more detailed discussion of these 12 points in John's free e-book. 



12 Important Questions To Ask A Photographer Before Hiring Them

1) What professional equipment do you use and do you bring backup equipment on every job?


It is very important that the photographer you hire has all state of the art equipment. A lot of photographers today use digital equipment vs. film to capture the event. Digital cameras today have paved the way to getting better results and seeing photos in the camera instantly. A photographer should always have two to three cameras as well as five to seven lenses with them at all times. If a camera or a lens fails, it is always important to have backup.


2) Do you or your company have insurance?


A characteristic that separates a professional photographer from an amateur photographer is the responsibility to acquire insurance for his or her equipment and for the company as well. If by any chance a photographer or a vendor you hire breaks something in the catering hall accidentally, the catering hall may want to make sure that the insurance company is ready to work out the damages.


3) Do you have three different weddings you can show in detail that you have personally shot?


A lot of photographers’ websites always contain the best photographs they have taken in their entire portfolio, without showing their “everyday” work. Furthermore, sometimes it’s difficult to differentiate between whether the photos that your photographer took are genuinely theirs or whether they have been copied from elsewhere and claimed as their own.  In ideal scenarios, a photographer will display a full wedding from start to finish on their website or in their meetings with you which truly displays their ability to shoot an entire wedding in high quality. 

 4) Do you re-touch all the photos that you take on the day of the wedding?

After the event is over a lot of photographers just store all the pictures to a computer and make an extra disc for the lab in order to print out the pictures.  Not every photographer wants to spend a lot of time retouching all the photos or paying someone else to retouch the photos for them, therefore it is for this reason that it is wise to ask if all the photos will be retouched.  Removing blemishes under the eyes, correcting image colors, and applying unique effects to photos really sets apart a professional photographer from an amateur photographer.  You want to make sure that the photographer will put a beautiful finishing touch on your photos after they take them.

5) What type of albums do you offer?


Traditional albums are a thing of the past.  Today because of advancements in technology, album companies can produce albums in many varieties. In the past an album consisted of one picture per page.  Today, the possibilities of designing an album with numerous pictures on a page are endless.  Additionally, when it comes to different types of papers or covers the possibilities are endless as well.


6) Do you offer a second photographer?


Having two photographers instead one is always better when it comes to capturing different angles and expressions.  Most of the time it is also beneficial if one photographer works with the bride and another photographers works with the groom on the day of the wedding so that the main photographer does not have to run back and forth and over occupy themselves with all the work.  Asking for a second photographer is especially beneficial when the event has over 150 people at the reception. 


7) How long does it take to see the photos?


Seeing life’s greatest moments in a photo is certainly amazing but not knowing when you will see those photos is frustrating.  In the film age, you had to wait for the lab to print out the photos which usually took about two to three months if you’re lucky.  Because of digital photography, today photographers can shoot events and should ideally upload them quickly to their website. 


8) Do you offer DVD slideshows?
A DVD slideshow is a great way to view the photos of your special event.  Many people also use the slideshow to invite their friends & family for a house warming and often play the slideshow to share their experience. The slideshow can consist of 50 to 100 photos that are set with your favorite music and it can also be displayed or sent to your loved ones via DVD or via internet. 

9) Do you offer engagement sessions?


An engagement session is really a great way to connect with your photographer and at the same time have fun taking photos.  An engagement session can be in one or more locations and it usually lasts about an hour.  It is best to talk with your photographer before the session so that you guys can plan everything out from start to finish.  Be mindful of the weather, it is best to pick two to three different dates for the shoot; if it rains on one day than you certainly have the option to fall back on the second day. 


10) Do you offer online galleries where guests can see the photos?


Seeing your photos online is great because it allows your friends and family to join in on the memories.  An online gallery is set up on the photographer’s website and it is password protected so no one besides your family & friends can view the event.  When viewing the event, you can pick your favorite photos for the album and order them with a click of a button. 

11) Do you offer images for social media?


Today everyone has a smart phone and everyone is connected to social media websites like Google Plus, Facebook, Twitter and so many others.  Family and friends can now see or speak to relatives that are overseas by just connecting to those sites.  Having the ability to upload photos online can be troubling at times because of the high-quality image size from the original files provided by a photographer.  It is best to ask the photographer to re-size original photos in addition to providing you with the originals so it will be easier to upload them to social media sites and the web. 


12) Do you help plan the wedding event with us?

No matter what you are planning, time management is key when it comes to getting the most out of your special day.  A lot of people tend to forget the little things that can make the day go by quicker and make it seem that you always have to be in a rush.  It is best to plan the event with the wedding coordinator or a photographer since they know best from experience how long each part of the session takes. 
To find out more about John and his team at Photography In Style please visit PhotographyInStyle.com or stop by and say hi at their Facebook fan page.

Monday, September 30, 2013

Planning a Wedding on a Budget in the New Millennium


Planning a Wedding on a Budget in the New Millennium

Make your happily ever after a reality without breaking the bank
Richard Tripp- via Bride's Book

What’s in a Wedding Budget?


Coming up with cheap wedding ideas can be a hassle especially if the blushing couple plans on giving their guests something to look forward to and wedding memories that will last them a lifetime. Of course organizing a reception that everyone will be talking about forever is anything but easy especially in the new millennium.

Planning Things out


It is during times like these that the happy couple should put their heads together and determine how their finances will pay for the big day. Is having a horse drawn carriage carry the bride to the church really a good idea?  Your guests will not hold it against you if the reception buffet does not include shrimp cocktail.

Make a List and Stick to it


The new millennium has brought with it a plethora of online wedding stores that will vie for a couple’s attention as soon as they access the World Wide Web. Needless to say a to-do list should come in handy in staying within a wedding budget.

The list should include priorities such as food, the ceremony, flowers, attire, transportation, invitations, photography services, catering services, music and anything else that couple will have to pay for. The next step would be to list each item according to importance. This will help them decide what priority takes precedence and they can do without.

 

Hire a Wedding Planner


Wedding planners do not just plan weddings; they also act as financial advisers to engaged couples throughput the whole event. In other words, they are experienced in organizing beautiful weddings for couples who are on a budget and know when to set limits. Most people are under the misconception that hiring the services of a wedding planner would be an added expense but end up singing a different tune when they are faced with a mountain of debt after the festivities are over.                              

Wedding planners are used to navigating through the fees that is associated with planning weddings and will balance them according to a wedding budget. 

Never go into Debt!


A couple doesn’t have to go into debt for just one day. That is no way for them to start the first day of the rest of their lives. They will be left with mountains of bills that they will still have to pay for after the reception is over and done with unless they say within budget.

A helping hand and a few budgeting tricks will help the blushing bride or groom tie up all the loose ends before the big day. The last thing they need to find out is that someone forgot to order the wedding cake or that they can’t afford it. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out how a couple can plan a cheap wedding that everyone will be talking about for a long time to come.

Sunday, September 22, 2013

Why? -Hire a Wedding Planner


Why? -Hire a Wedding Planner

Via- Richard Tripp-Bride's Book
Wedding planners do not just plan weddings; they also act as financial advisers to engaged couples throughput the whole event. In other words, they are experienced in organizing beautiful weddings for couples who are on a budget and know when to set limits. Most people are under the misconception that hiring the services of a wedding planner would be an added expense but end up singing a different tune when they are faced with a mountain of debt after the festivities are over.                              
Wedding planners are used to navigating through the fees that are associated with planning weddings and will balance them according to a wedding budget. for more planning tips visit http://www.brides-book.com

Saturday, September 21, 2013

Galia Lahav Fashion Show-Bridal Reflections on Fifth Avenue in New York!


Galia Lahav is recognized in Israel and abroad with prestige and elegance thanks to her unique and luxurious designs of evening dresses and bridal gowns.
Galia Lahav was born in Russia and was educated in Israel. Galia was involved in art and teaching for 15 years and in her 30′s found the way to express her big love to fashion, romance and sensuality and started to design haute couture bridal and evening dresses at her fashion house.
Galia Lahav’s collections are spectacular and unique and exhibit modern style while emphasizing the small details, the sewing quality and luxurious European imported fabrics.
Galia Lahav designs evening dresses and bridal gowns for powerful and elegant women.
The fashion house “Galia Lahav” determines a new level for elite fashion in evening dresses and bridal gowns in Israel and abroad.
The fashion house “Galia Lahav” grew and developed for more than 3 decades and became a brand name in Israel and abroad with its flag branch in Tel-Aviv and another 2 branches in Ashdod.
In the year 2008, Galia Lahav designed the dresses for the television show “Dancing with the stars” and today at the year of 2012 Galia Lahav designs all the bridal and evening dresses for the Israeli beauty contest.
Galia Lahav designs dresses for celebrities and society women and consider as one of the leading designer. View our Website  for more photos of this beautiful collection!
 
Galia Lahav is launching their new collection exclusively at Bridal Reflections on Fifth Avenue in New York! You are cordially invited to a fashion show and cocktail reception on October 3rd from 7 to 9 pm. RSVP is required by September 27th. Contact Cristina DeMarco at 212-764-3040.




Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Wedding Dresses or Fashion Statements?


What’s hot for the Aisle in Fall 2013?
Richard Tripp-Bride's Book

The Latest Fashion Trends in Wedding Bliss


A lot of Hollywood style glamour, blush color gowns, sleeves and more; that is what makes up wedding fashion trends for 2013. Needless to say, you won’t be left without any ideas if your plan is to make heads turn as you tie the knot this year.

This year winter and fall wedding fashion is no different. Each bride wants to be a vision when she goes to take her vows and designers have gone all out to ensure that she does just that -

Falbala and the Waist


One of the most common hemlines to grace ramps in winter wedding fashion is the falbala. This particular style has appeared on a lot of wedding dress designs in fall and winter fashion week. It is easy to see why. The high waist and circular hemline is designed to cover up any embarrassing flab near the waistline. Needless to say, a wedding dress that sports a fabulous falbala would look great on a curvy bride.

Go Mermaid on him


Mermaid style wedding gowns always make a splash (no pun intended) especially if they suit the brides who wear them. Their popularity holds strong for fall 2013 as well. This style lets a woman flaunt her best curves which is also why it makes the gown a great design as a reception and bridesmaid outfit.

Lace it Up


The luxury fashion industry loves lace and there was loads of it on some wedding gowns that made it on winter and fall wedding fashion week. Different lace patterns add a touch of sophistication to a bride’s dress. Look for or design or haute couture wedding gown that is shimmering with lacy goodness.

Casual


A wedding gown does not always need bells and whistles that cost more than the wedding. More women are deciding to go for casual wedding attire this year for this very reason. Fall and winter wedding fashion trends take their cue from here by showcasing casual bridal designs that incorporate coat style looks that are sure to make the brides who wear them the envy of their friends.

One Shoulder Gowns


The one shoulder gown isn’t a rarity, which is exactly why it is expected to trend this fall as well. The sloping shoulder gives off an elegant and dignified look to brides who pull it off. It also adds a touch of mystery to the blushing bride and makes her look like a Greek goddess. In other words, the old design represents fashion and individuality at its best and finest.

The Ball Gown

The ball gown design never fails to impress in a winter wedding and this year is no exception. A wedding ball gown creates a beautiful silhouette that is perfect for every body type. Add a sweetheart necklace to the look and you have a wedding gown that is worth getting your hands on.

For mor news and tips visit https://www.brides-book.com 

Monday, September 9, 2013

How NoGlo Saved The Wedding Pictures!!!


NoGlo will  keep you from getting that embarrassing red face caused from drinking and save your wedding day photos.
Drinking and flushing is very unhealthy. NoGlo will help you live a healthier lifestyle and will decrease your flushing and hangover symptoms.