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!!!

I’m Taylor and I am a 21-year old of Pennsylvania. Following an internship in Philadelphia and the wedding, I plan on moving to Cambridge, England where my fiancé will be wrapping up his last year of graduate school before returning to his role as an Officer in the U.S. Navy. After nearly 6 years of dating (5 of those being long-distance), I am looking forward to being able to spending some time together!

How We Met…
John and I both went to the same school district, but since I was two years younger than him, we did not have any contact with one another. It wasn’t until after school one cold and snowy day in 2002 when my two friends and I saw a boy in a Cincinnati Bearcats hat walking home from school by himself. As obnoxious young teens are, my friend could not resist the urge to randomly yell “Cincinnati Bearcats…the girl in the orange jacket likes you!” Ducking behind the bushes outside, I had no idea that this random interaction would lead to a few years of shyly getting to know one another and then, the start of a high school romance once I became a freshman in 2005.

The Proposal…
The anticipation of John returning home for Christmas 2011 was about all I could handle. While we had been doing the long-distance thing for the past 4 years, this time it was different. We were no longer be connected by a 5 hour car drive that always made a nice weekend getaway, but rather a long flight across the Atlantic to the UK where he was studying at Cambridge. The Monday before Christmas, John asked me to come up to his house and go to dinner. I thought it was a bit random that he wasn’t coming to pick me up as he normally would; however, I did not find it to be a red flag. Once I arrived at John’s home, he said he thought we could possibly go and rent a few movies for the evening after we returned from dinner. We decided to walk to the library where we would be able to pick out the movies and the route took us straight through the grounds of the schoolyard where we had our first meeting. In the exact same spot, he pulled back on my hand, said that we weren’t really going for any movies and admitted that was the only way that he could get me out to the vacant lot where our school once stood. He then, pulled out a ring, got down on one knee and gave me one of the best memories that I think I will ever be able to look back on. After a few giddy moments, we returned to share the news with our family and friends…oh, and actually go to dinner!

My Big Day…
We are very fortunate to both have strong family ties and that is something we definitely want to incorporate into our wedding day. While we have access to some beautiful venues (The United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, England, etc.) and those who would love to make the trek, we have decided that there isn’t anything more meaningful than getting married in our small hometown of Kinsman, Ohio with our loved ones surrounding us. While planning much more of a traditional wedding, I still would like to incorporate a lot of DIY projects into our big day. The theme is going to be more of a Winter Shabby Chic – blacks, grays, silvers and whites – and trying to avoid the red, even though we are getting married so close to Christmas. I am beyond excited for the big day as I will be able to begin the married life with my best friend all while having our loved ones there……………

Congrats!!!!

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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

Sponsored By Casa del Secreto

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Trends

At Simply Bridal, we’re always on the lookout for new and fresh dress trends. We’ve asked our designers to share the top five wedding dress trends that are making a splash right now. As new ideas develop, you’ll find details on the best trends right here.

Though weddings are steeped in tradition, the trend of the moment is personalization. A wedding allows you to expose and celebrate your identity, along with your fiancé’s. Everything from your venue to your cake toppers can provide an opportunity to share your story. You can even tell that story through your dress.

1. Get Shorty: In the world of fashion, the little black dress is iconic. Some brides are taking this look to the chapel. Short doesn’t mean tactless (though you should avoid the super-snug mini). Rather, the style is flirty, modern and youthful, and shows off your legs to boot.

2. Color Me Happy: Contrary to popular belief, brides do not have to wear white. (Finally!) Muted metallic colors are wildly popular among designers and brides. And don’t shy away from adding a splash of color to the bridal outfit: pink shoes or flecks of gold go far.

3. Intricate Detail: Dresses with a subtle dose of beadwork and lace are dominating the bridal runway. Detailed threads provide visual interest, and add a layer of luxury and splendor to the dress. Experiment with exquisite lace sleeves or a bead embroidered bodice.

4. The Big Time: Did you grow up dreaming about a fairytale wedding and a huge, princess gown? You’re in luck. Big is back, so don’t shy away from adding the oomph. Billowing A-Line and Ball Gown skirts are universally flattering; the wide skirt hides the hips.

5. Bed of Roses: Whether it’s small rosettes or large flower accents along the neckline, fabric flowers are back and big. The organic floral shapes are soft and feminine, and appeal to many earth-conscious brides. Consider a floral beaded neckline or draped floral sash.

So our beautiful brides!!!! what do you think?  Does this sound like the trends for 2012?  Let us know!

Flowers for weddings in Los Angeles

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.