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Junebug Weddings

photo credit: http://www.twinlensimages.com/ 

Head over to Junebug Weddings and check out the image gallery for Real Weddings. Whether they’re black and white, or in vibrant, vivid color; the photos you’ll find there are clean and crisp. It’s apparent that all images within a single wedding shoot have a continuous theme throughout – even the shots of the food stay within the overall visual motif.

Snippet & Ink

Snippet & Ink is great because it shares the stories behind real people’s weddings. More than just looking at photos of random strangers, readers can really get into the details of each person’s wedding experience. Paired with the back-stories, the images invite viewers to genuinely feel like they were present at the wedding.

Green Wedding Shoes

Green Wedding Shoes is all about DIY (do it yourself), which makes for some really innovative wedding photos. These are definitely not your mother’s nuptial affairs.  Everyone wants to feel like her or his wedding was different and unique in some way, and the photos here really seem to give happy couples that extra something that they’re looking for.

618{studios}

Who says wedding photography is limited to still images? 618{studios} is comprised of a husband and wife cinematography team who capture pre-marriage and marriage bliss on video. Artistic and heartfelt, their videos really emit the feeling of love through sights, sounds, and creative editing.

Grey Likes Weddings

From color, to texture, to season, Grey Likes Weddings is a great resource when finding wedding photography inspiration. Some shots are delicate and soft, while others are fiery and bold. Some look like modern day fairy tales, while others look like a low-key love party. From royalty to hipsters, there’s really something for everyone among these wedding photos.

Wedding planning can be tedious – especially if you’re your own wedding planner – and getting married is [hopefully] a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. It’s important to document that time in a way that suits you and your partner’s taste and personality. Classic or contemporary, these great wedding photography resources prove that wedding parties can have the best of both worlds.

Technorati Tags: creative weddings, getting married, wedding, wedding photography, wedding planner

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1. Sapphire

Blue sapphires are a huge trend in wedding jewelry because of the famous royal wedding between William and Kate, but sapphires also appear in white, yellow, purple and green. White sapphires look very much like diamonds, and could be a cost-effective engagement solution for some couples. Sapphires represent truth and serenity, two good themes for any marriage. Actress Penelope Cruz also famously wears a blue sapphire engagement ring. Jean Harlow, a well-known glamour girl in the 1930s, received a 150-carat sapphire engagement ring from beau William Powell. The fantastic piece of jewelry can be seen in her movie Saratoga.

2. Pink Sapphire

The word sapphire means blue, but pink is always the color that’s used to represent femininity. And what’s more fitting than a pink sapphire engagement ring? Pink sapphires give brides a little bit of Kate Middleton, a little Sex & the City and a perfectly sweet, unique engagement ring that will turn heads. Pink is a popular color in Hollywood engagements as well. Ben Affleck famously proposed to J-Lo with a pink diamond.

3. Chocolate diamonds

Sometimes, diamonds are a girl’s best friend, especially when they are chocolate. Chocolate diamonds are chocolate brown in color, and make for a stunning contrast against ring settings and light-colored stones. Big-name diamond retailers are starting to feature entire lines of jewelry made with chocolate diamonds. The brown color of the diamonds is natural, though some stones may be heat-treated in order to enhance the rich, chocolate look.

4. Emeralds

Emerald is the gemstone of Venus, goddess of love. The rich green color of emeralds is bound to draw attention, and emerald engagement rings also have a royal connection with United States royalty, anyway. John F. Kennedy proposed to Jackie with a 2.88-carat diamond and emerald ring. Jackie Kennedy became a style icon during her husband’s term as president, with millions copying her hair and clothing styles.

5. Ruby

Rubies are the gemstones of royalty, historically speaking. Rich in color, rubies have graced many a tiara, but they also make gorgeous engagement rings. Prince Andrew proposed to Sarah Ferguson, more popularly known as “Fergie,” with a jaw-dropping ruby and diamond engagement ring

6. Citrine

Citrines have a deep, buttery-yellow color that brings to mind images of sunlight and happiness. What’s more perfect for an engement ring? The gemstone citrine represents brightness, energy and courage, and it is believed that the stone takes away sadness and stress. Citrine engagement rings are also more affordable that diamond engagement rings in any color.

7. Pearl

Pearls are perhaps even more traditional at weddings than diamonds. To ancient Romans, the lustrous pearl was a strong symbol of wealth and prestige. Greeks included pearls in their wedding traditions; any bride without pearls would not have a happy marriage. White is the color of brides, and no gemstone is prettier in white than pearls. Colored pearls also make a strong statement and create a truly unique look for engagement rings.

8. Aquamarine

Aquamarine is named for its beautiful, blue-green color that, to many, represents the sea. The stone stands for lasting love, fidelity and happiness, which makes it a very meaningful gem to use in an engagement ring. The birthstone for the month of March, aquamarine may be the perfect gem for a bride who was born or is getting married in that month.

9. Opal

Opals are white, but when you start to look more closely you’ll find the gems actually contain every known color within their depths. The rich look of opals makes them a beautiful showpiece when they’re featured in engagement rings. In Victorian times, opals were said to bring good fortune to a newly engaged couple.

10. Black Diamonds

Black is the new white, and what better way to get a unique engagement ring look than to do the exact opposite of tradition? Instead of a classic white diamond, go for drama with black diamonds. Carmen Electra has worn a huge black diamond engagement ring on her finger since promising herself to Rob Patterson, and she says the ring is “perfect” for their relationship.

11. Tourmaline

For the bride who wants something truly one-of-a-kind, only a tourmaline will do. The name translates to “stone of mixed colors,” and that description fits. Tourmalines are available in almost every imaginable color, and some stones display dazzling color mixtures rather than solid shades. You will never find two tourmalines that are exactly alike, which is why they make a very unique engagement ring choice.

Diamonds are an engagement tradition, but not all girls are traditional. Carrie Bradshaw asked longtime boyfriend Mr. Big not to give her a diamond when they became engaged, and near the big finale of the Sex & the City movie he famously proposed with a shoe. But you can’t wear the same shoes every day! Colored gemstones last for ever.

Technorati Tags: alternatives to diamonds, engagement rings, gemstones

The sight is utterly tragic — waves of white sheets and witch hats, the unflattering billows of wizard robes. A street is dominated by tedium. Families come trudging down the sidewalk, intent only on securing treats instead of honoring tricks. And you are…disappointed.

Halloween is to be a celebration of the strange and wonderful. Too often, though, is it shaped to bland expectations. There is hope to find, however — new trends are appearing in the public’s shopping habits, and these offer promising effects for the future:

Night of the Living Costume

Horror isn’t meant to be tamed to sulking monsters and their quests for redemption (the immortal, yet all too moral, vampires). It’s instead to be shaped to the perverse, and an emerging trend is to embrace that with zombie costumes. These outfits are collections of blood, bones and exposed brains. They feature intricately detailed pieces, with facial masks and accessories all tailored to appear grotesque. Wander the streets with the deliberate gait of the undead. Terror can be discovered once again.

Halloween Meets Bollywood

The season of ghosts and goblins is forever deemed frightening. It’s meant to conjure images both bizarre and unsettling. There is a sense of joy that is beginning to invade the anxiety, however, and Bollywood costumes will soon become common. Experience the giddy style of Indian cinema with this unique ensemble. It’s defined to bright colors, bold patterns and dramatic designs. The look is flattering to both men and women, and offers distinction among the expected ghouls.

The Decade of Excess

Trends never truly fade. They simply tuck themselves away until the seasons summon them once more. Fashion always wanders back to its beginnings, and Halloween is proving this yet again. The styles of the 1980s are soon to be seen along all chic streets. A new pattern of white-washed denim, parachute pants, fingerless gloves and sneakers is beginning to appear. Individuals are expressing themselves through the always bold — and often questionable — designs that defined an entire decade. It’s a collection of plastic bangles and glittery headbands, and it’s certain to continue.

Wonderland Whimsy

Fantasy has forever dominated October. It is a month of whimsy and wonder: with the young and the young at heart able to indulge in all things surreal. This has led to a sudden revival of Lewis Carroll and his creations.

The story of Alice and her looking glass discoveries is known to all, and such knowledge has generated an interest in blue gowns and white pinafores. Become the befuddled heroine (with her patent-leather shoes and blonde curls) and explore the holiday. This costume is a particular favorite among large groups as supporting characters are also available — queens, kings and march hares can all be found with ease.

Create a Halloween that is like no other: one of terror, decadence and surrealism. Are you prepared to embrace your inner-monster?

Technorati Tags: alice in wonderland, bollywood, bollywood costumes, costume trends of the future, halloween, lewis carroll, night of the living dead costumes, zombie costumes

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However, you don’t always want to blow a fortune on a designer wardrobe you’ll only wear for a few months.

Try these tips to find maternity clothes that look wonderful and fit your budget:

1. Trade With a Friend

If you have a friend or relative who has just had a baby or is further along than you are, hand-me-down maternity clothes are the way to go. At no cost other than an owed favor, you can fill your closet with clothing in a variety of sizes to last from the first time your bump begins to show until you deliver.

Just remember to return them when you’re done or pass them along to another pregnant friend.

2. Consignment Stores

Another budget-friendly option is the consignment store. These establishments deal in gently-used, high-quality items. In some cases, you can even find new items that someone bought but never wore. Expect to pay about half the price you would at a retail store. This is also a great way to clean out your closet once you’re back in your pre-pregnancy clothes.

3. Online Stores and eBay

This is a great way to find a bargain! Many eBay sellers make a living from combing bricks-and-mortar stores for items reduced to below dirt-cheap and reselling them at what is still a considerable discount. Online stores also offer great deals due to the volume of their sales.

4. The Clearance Rack

Who cares if your maternity clothes are last year’s style? As long as they’re not so trendy to be downright hideous, go for the low price tag over the current trend whenever you can. While it’s fine to pick up the latest fashions for a special occasion, your priority should be saving money for the coming baby.

5. Speciality Stores

While the prices are often high, stores that specialize in maternity clothes often have the latest styles and best selection. Save money by shopping the sales as often as possible. Some of the most popular maternity shops include:

• Motherhood – This maternity store has it all. From the latest designs in tops, bottoms, and dresses to coats and lingerie, this could be your one-stop-shop for maternity clothes.
• A Pea in the Pod – With the cutest name ever, this store offers clothing items for the not-so-traditional mom-to-be.
• Mothercare – These UK stores offer a very traditional (i.e. very British) look for expecting mothers.

6. Make It Yourself

If you’re handy with a thread and needle – or sewing machine – you can always copy those hot designer looks for a fraction of the cost. Although this option isn’t for everyone, it can satisfy that obsessive nesting instinct for many prospective mommies.

Keep in mind that your body will change faster than you can imagine while you’re pregnant; there are calendars to track pregnancy out there so be sure to consult with these before shopping.

What’s your favorite maternity fashion statement?

Technorati Tags: a pea in the pod, maternity clearance clothing, maternity consignment stores, mothercare, motherhood

… Does anybody find this image creepy? Or is it just me…

Technorati Tags: judas, Lady Gaga

1. Pop Singers Jessica Simpson and Nick Lachey

image: http://www.wedding-teen.com

Even though the two stars are no longer together, this high-profile couple set the bar for getting married in Austin in October 2002. Pop star Jessica Simpson wore a strapless A-line beaded dress designed especially for the bride by Vera Wang. Simpon’s exquisite bouquet took over twelve hours to make and featured 500 stephanotis flowers with individual pearls sewn onto each flower. This celebrity wedding took place at Austin’s Riverbend Church with former 98 Degrees members Drew Lachey and Justin Jeffries in attendance.

2. PGA Golfer Hunter Mahan and Former Dallas Cheerleader Kandi Harris

image: http://www.celebritybrideguide.com

This athletic Dallas couple hosted one of the most stylish weddings in Texas history in January 2011. Harris was stunning in a strapless mermaid gown with silver embroidery. In true Texan fashion, the former cheerleader carried a bouquet of yellow and white roses. Her groom wore a timeless Tom Ford tux. The elaborate reception boasted a photo booth, a “Kandi bar,” and a seven-tier wedding cake. Best of all? Harris’ “something blue” was a pair of blue Manolo Blahnik heels.

3. Tennis Star Andy Roddick and Swimsuit Model Brooklyn Decker

image: http://static.thehollywoodgossip.com

When the press learned these two hot celebrities were getting married in Austin, the paparazzi immediately began staking out spots near Roddick’s Austin home. This gorgeous pair held a casual and intimate wedding in April 2009 with a denim-only dress code. Only Decker broke the dress code by wearing a beautiful ivory Vera Wang gown. The reception was held at Roddick’s country club, where none other than Sir Elton John provided the wedding entertainment.

4. Actors Jensen Ackles and Danneel Harris

image: http://cdn.buzznet.com/

These two former soap stars took the traditional wedding route when they married at sunset in May 2010. Harris turned heads in a Monique Lhuillier strapless gown with a bustled skirt while Ackles charmed in a traditional black tux. The bridal party included actor Jared Padalecki and several of Harris’ female co-stars on One Tree Hill. Both the wedding and black-tie reception were held at the upscale Rosewood Crescent Court Hotel in Dallas.

5. Former Presidential Daughter Jenna Bush and Henry Hager

Image: http://www4.pictures.gi.zimbio.com/

It’s hard to imagine this high-profile couple having anything but a private Texas wedding, and that’s exactly what these two political figures did in May 2008. The wedding was held at the Bush family ranch in Crawford. Bush wore an embroidered organza Oscar de la Renta gown while all the men wore black suits. Dinner and dancing for the wedding’s 200 guests were hosted in tents on the property.

From Vera Wang to Manolo Blahnik, Texas celebs know how to get hitched in style. Which celebrity weddings did we miss? Which are your favorite Lone Star State celebrity weddings?

Technorati Tags: Andy Roddick, austin weddings, Brooklyn Decker, celebrity weddings, crawford weddings, Danneel Harris, Henry Hager, Hunter Maha, Jenna Bush, Jensen Ackles, jessican simpson, Kandi Harris, Nick Lachey, the lone star state weddings, weddings in texas