How We Met…
After finally getting over a really bad relationship my mom insisted that I sign up for an online dating site. I was pretty resistant at first but I guess I had nothing to loose. After a month of searching I came across this profile that really caught my eye. Anthony just seemed to be so down to earth and genuine. After a couple weeks of chatting he took me out on the most amazing first date ever. So I guess the online thing really does work lol!!!

The Proposal…
As a little girl I grew up going to Traverse City, MI for family vacations every summer. Last year the family decided it was time to take a trip back. It was the 4th of July and we were all sitting out by the lake watching the fireworks. Anthony asked me if I was having fun and I said definately, in return I wanted to make sure he was having a good time and he responded “only one thing would thing would make this vacation better, would you marry me?” Well of course I said yes and here we are now planning our big day!!!

My Big Day…
Every little girl dreams of the big day!!! Especially me. I have always wanted a big wedding. I want flowers and candles to illuminate the whole room. I want the food and music to be great. I just want everyone to have a great time!!!

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Rules For Giveaway ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ You agree that names, photos, stories may be used for promotional efforts by all parties involved . You agree the wedding date is 12.21.12 You agree to provide a photo for any final vote You understand more guests may be invited discounted stays and meals are available.

This date is the end of the Mayan Calendar. The Mayans believe this is the New Biginning and the start of a social awakening. What better day to start a New Beginning as Husband and Wife

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WIPA Publishes White Paper Clarifying Roles

Brides-to-be often encounter a confusing world when it comes to hiring a wedding planner. For one thing, there’s no clear consensus about the differences between a wedding planner, wedding coordinator or wedding consultant.

To add to the confusion, some professionals call themselves wedding architects, producers, designers or stylists. But perhaps the most confusing term is the “day-of” planner.

To help remedy this situation, the Wedding Industry Professionals Association (WIPA) has published a white paper titled “Debunking the Myth of the “Same-Day” Planner.” The paper was researched and authored by the WIPA Certification Committee under the direction of Carol Rose, and included Linda Alpert, Brooke Baglietto, Paula Laskelle and Lindsay Longacre.

The paper’s bottom line is that there is no such thing as a “same-day” planner, according to Joyce Scardina Becker, CMP, president of Events of Distinction and founder of WIPA.

“This term is widely misunderstood and misleading because no wedding planner of sound mind, experience and education would simply show up on the day of your wedding and expect everything to flow flawlessly,” she says.

In her book, Countdown to Your Perfect Wedding, Becker defines the differences in the nomenclature and clarifies what a “day-of” planner really means.

At a minimum of 30 to 45 days before the wedding, she explains, the planner should:
• Review all vendor contracts
• Inspect the ceremony and reception site
• Develop a detailed timeline and floor plans to be sent to wedding vendors two weeks before the wedding
• Prepare a separate, abbreviated wedding party schedule to be sent to parents and all attendants two weeks before the wedding
• Reconfirm logistics with all vendors
• Oversee wedding rehearsal and be on-site the wedding day

Providing this service usually requires 30 to 45 hours of a wedding planner’s time, Becker says, considerably more than just showing up on the day of the wedding.  And brides should expect to pay $3,000- $6,000 for a qualified professional.

For more information and to read WIPA’s white paper, go to www.wipausa.org and click on “For the Nearly-Wed” tab. And if weddings are your business, be sure to catch the WIPA education sessions at the 2011 Event Solutions Idea Factory. You’ll find them in our conference brochure, marked with a WIPA logo.

The public didn’t just open their hearts to Prince William and Kate Middleton this spring. They opened their wallets  $1.7 million raised for charity by the Royal Wedding Charitable Gift Fund.

William and Kate set up the fund so that anyone who wished to send them a wedding gift could instead donate to the couple’s chosen charities. In the end, the fund took in a grand total of £1,058,367 – or $1,706,828 – according to St. James’s Palace.

“Their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are delighted that these charities are able to benefit so positively from their special day,” said a statement from St. James.

“They would like to thank everyone who donated and contributed so generously to the charitable fund and for all the kindness and support shown to them throughout the wedding period.”

The funds included direct donations, as well as revenue raised from wedding-related projects. The latter included a donation by Decca Records from sales of the official Royal Wedding Album, and a donation made by Mario Testino’s office from sales of the photograph of the couple printed in the official wedding brochure.

The 26 charities that will benefit from the fund were grouped into particular areas: Changing Lives through Arts and Sport; Children Fulfilling Their Potential; Help and Care at Home; Support for Service Personnel and Their Families; and Conservation for Future Generations.

The funds will be distributed among the charities by the Foundation of Prince William and Prince Harry.