Multi-Cultural Wedding Traditions

Have you ever wondered what happens during the planning process of other cultures? What are some difference? Are those difference based on color? Religion? Heritage?

You've problem seen my facebook status updates from Ms. Evelyn who is my 85 year old client.  Every day she makes me laugh and sometimes shake my head with the things she says.  Today on this Wedding Wednesday we're going to discuss one particular topic that had her blown away.  Weddings fascinated her and Wedding Planning had her completely puzzled because when she got married she planned it all herself and her husband purchased the "booze".  I should warn you that Ms. Evelyn is from a time where things were "different"; her language is a bit to the left but she means no harm :)

Ms. Evelyn believes that "blacks and whites" celebrate differently because most blacks are Baptist and whites are Catholic.  A majority of Hispanics are Catholic but the emphasis is put on the party not the wedding.  Jewish brides, well that celebration lasts for a few days.  The conversation got really deep when she wanted to educate me on Jews and Gentiles.  My response as usual was "Oh, Ms. Evelyn, that's not true... stop it"

What do you think about different wedding traditions? How have you implemented your personal beliefs into your wedding planning process? How will you honor your heritage?


~Love Without End

Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. You or your brand want coverage at an upcoming event? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

MARRIOTT REWARDS YOU FOR SAYING "I DO" AT 42 HOTELS & RESORTS

Marriott International announced the re-launch of the popular Vow to Get Away at Marriott promotion, offering up to 150,000 Marriott Rewards ® points for destination weddings booked at 42 participating resorts.  Participating hotels include JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts, Marriott Hotels & Resorts and Renaissance Hotels in the Caribbean, Mexico, Costa Rica, Florida, Hawaii, Arizona and California, providing professional wedding planners, catering and event staff ready to serve and stunning locations for that most important day.

According to the 2011 BRIDES American Wedding Study, one in ten engaged couples (15%) have a destination wedding.  Of those having a destination wedding, they are staying an average of 6 days/nights on location and their guests are staying 3 days/nights.

To qualify for the Marriott Rewards points, enough for a six-night stay at your choice of luxury locations, your destination wedding package must have a minimum catering budget of $25,000 for Friday – Saturday events or a minimum catering budget of $12,000 for Sunday – Thursday events.  Weddings must be booked by December 1, 2012 and held by December 31, 2013 to be eligible.  For more information, visit www.marriott.com/vowtogetaway.

To generate buzz in the first month and a half of the year-long promotion, Marriott is running a Marriott Honeymoon Starter Giveaway on its Marriott Honeymoon Registry Facebook page, offering a prize of $2,500 Marriott Gift Card to one lucky fan, selected at random.  Visit http://www.facebook.com/marriotthoneymoonregistry between February 15 and April 1, 2012, to enter and for giveaway terms and conditions.

"We are definitely seeing an increase in destination weddings at our hotels and resorts as more brides discover the ease of planning a reception at a hotel, where everything is under one roof, and the joy of being married in a spectacular location that all their guests can enjoy," said Meltem Priest, vice president of marketing and ecommerce, Americas for Marriott International resort and convention hotels.  "And destination weddings do not have to cost any more than a hometown event."

For trends in destination weddings, just ask one of Marriott’s certified wedding planners and catering specialists.

“We have noticed a trend that our destination weddings are getting smaller and much higher end, especially with décor.  For example, a number of outdoor terrace weddings have gone with themes to enhance the already spectacular backdrop,” said Dean Peters, market sales leader for catering, for Marriott properties in Florida.  “We are also finding that couples are not planning every detail of their guests’ itinerary.  If you choose a location with a lot of activities, they will explore on their own.  Remember, they are on vacation, too.”

For more information on booking your wedding with the Vow to Get Away with Marriott promotion, visit www.marriott.com/vowtogetaway.   For terms and conditions of the Marriott Honeymoon Starter Giveaway, visit http://www.facebook.com/marriotthoneymoonregistry.

Visit Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE: MAR) for company information. For more information or reservations, please visit our web site at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com

~Love Without End 
Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. You or your brand want coverage at an upcoming event? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

Love Without End: Farewell Whitney Houston

Saturday I watched the funeral of someone I consider an old friend.  No, I have never met Whitney but owned all of her CD's and considering that music is good for the soul - we were friends!  There are many many MANY songs that I loved but one in particular which was released in 1996 is I Believe In You and Me.  When I was living in my apartment in Chicago her voice rang LOUD through our building and she made me believe in the miracles of love.  In addition to her music getting me through some interesting times in my life, my goddaughter and niece was named after her.  Yes, you probably think I'm strange but it's ok.. I loved Whitney and respected her music.  The pureness of her sound and the passion that filled the air when she opened her mouth will remain untouched for years to come. 

In 1992 she married what some would call a bad boy, Bobby Brown.  Her relationship to Bobby Brown was indeed one for the record books.. their love (what I call street love) was hard to the core and often seen as shaky.  Although she later divorced him, from that union a child, Bobby Kristina, was born.  Their private ceremony took place at Houston's New Jersey estate, where the star couple exchanged vows in a romantic garden gazebo adorned with 8,000 roses and hundreds of orchids -- all in lavender and purple,

I Believe In You and Me
I Believe That we will be
In love eternally
Well as far as I can see
You Will Always be the one
For me (Oh yes, you will)

And I believe in dreams again
I believe that love will never end
And like the river finds the sea
I was lost, now I'm free
Cuz I believe In you and me

 ~Love Without End
Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. You or your brand want coverage at an upcoming event? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

Favorite Friday Finds: Mardi Gras!!

When you think of Mardi Gras, you think of parties, parades and celebrations. Since a wedding is supposed to be one of the most exciting times in a person's life, combining the two may be the perfect way to kick off this new chapter in life. Breaking away from tradition, Mardi Gras allows you to spice things up during the wedding ceremony and reception. Here are some great ways to add a Mardi Gras theme to your wedding:

The Knot - Lend Frison Photography

 

Lend Frison Photography

 

 NOTE:  Hiring a jazz band or even playing New Orleans-style jazz music on the sound system will have your guests dancing the night away.

 ~Love Without End
Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. You or your brand want coverage at an upcoming event? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

Puppy Love!!!

Over the past week I've slacked on blogging due to a few weddings and cheer season being full swing! The one thing about a family pet is that he/she is FAMILY!  When my daughter and I walked into the house after being gone a few days our dog was there waiting with a wagging tail and fun filled eyes. I've seen several articles about dogs being in weddings and I have to admit I am not a HUGE fan of this practice but I do love our dog Coco!  She is an adorable American Bulldog with a big heart and eyes that say give me what I want and I promise to stay off the couch. 

If you are that person that really wants to include your dog in your wedding, here are a few suggestions ~

• LOCATION!  Some churches and other venues have pet restrictions, so you might have to consider alternate locations. 
• PARTICIPATION!  If you want to use your pet as a ring bearer or attendant, make sure your pet is capable of playing such an important role. 
• BEHAVIOR!  You know your pet better than anyone: Will he/she be able to handle things like crowds and loud music?

 

 

 ~Love Without End

Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. You or your brand want coverage at an upcoming event? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

Reviving the Love..

Valentine's Day is that one day that's already romantic and generally know you'll be spending that time together.  Therefore, you shouldn't be suprised that it's also one of the most popular days of the year to propose.
I am a true believer that one should "Love Without End", and because of that thought If you're looking for ways to revive, renew and refresh your love, here are a few tips...

1. Hold Hands!  When I see a couple holding hands it makes me smile.  This seems to be something that has drifted away as the years go on.  Spend sometime walking and holding each other's hands. Talking things out and sorting ways to ease tension also helps to bring two people intimately closer to each other. 
2. Be Adventerous!  Go to all the places you'd love to be in - your partner might be a little afraid of skiing, snorkeling, horse riding, free falling and other activities, but this could be a way to overcome their fright.
3. Be Spontaneous! If you decide to stay home, snuggle and be close! Ask your partner what they want to do on a particular evening. If you like movies; watch a few movies together and make your partner comfortable by making them their favorite meals and doing little chores for them. .
4. Praise and Appreciate!  The biggest issue with relationships is that we get too "comfortable"  Take some time to get ready and pay attention to your appearance.  Everyone wants to love and be loved in return. If you will be open with your partner, your partner is sure to open up after a few loving gestures from your side
5. Gifts and trinkets!  We all love gifts, choose something out of the ordinary like a Boudour session!  These sexy photo's will certainly revive, renew and refresh.  I wrote an article on Chitown Moms pertaining to this subject - read more about it here.

Whatever you decide to do - do it well and "Love Without End"


Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. You or your brand want coverage at an upcoming event? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

Favorite Friday Finds: Fun Guest Book Ideas!

If you've seen one, you probably believe you've seen them all.  The regular guest book where you stand in line and sign your name; knowing there is a strong possibility that the couple will NEVER look at it again.  How many of your friends have them sitting on the shelf collecting dust?  Well there is hope for those of use bored with the basic guest book.  The ideas are countless but here are a few fun finds from around the net..

For the couple who loves music, have your guests sign an OLD RECORD.  Set in a beautiful frame, this would make for a great display in your family room or den.

The SIGNATURE PLATE!  A creative idea using a custom plate personalized with your wedding date, monogram or logo on it, and use coordinating colored pens for your guests to sign their names.  Looking for different, elegant and classy? This sign-in approach you'll cherish for years to come!

The WISH TREE is another eye-catching idea that is perfect for the bride who really wants to make a statement at her wedding. Wishing trees are very visual and can be a great aspect of your event design.

While looking at alteratives we certainly can't forget THE PHOTOBOOTH! By far the most popular, this is the most interactive of all guest books.  Your guests will leave a picture in a cool booth and leave a note for you.  If you want to go even further with your theme, provide costumes.  Guaranteed fun for all your guest.... and quite memorable.

*There are so many fun and unique details to think about when planning your wedding, and guest books are usually left to the end of the planning process because in the past there really wasn’t much to them -What ideas do you have for your guest book?

 ~Love Without End

Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. You or your brand want coverage at an upcoming event? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

I Vow To Love You Forever!!

Im a sucker for a good love story and this Valentine's Day I plan on taking in the movie THE VOW!  This story of romance proves that love never dies, and that nothing can overcome the promises this couple makes to love and care for each other forever.

After a devasting car accident, Paige (played by Rachael McAdams) goes into a coma and after receiving severe memory loss, wakes up unable to remember her loving husband Leo (played by Channing Tatum).  Despite the absence of the strong relationship they had once built, Leo fights to win back the heart of his wife.  The Vow is a film for all of us (and you too) that believes in true love!

Now for brides of New York and Los Angeles, you have a chance to fall in love with this story!  The Wedding Salon is giving away two sets of tickets for you and a friend to see The Vow!

All you have to do is "LIKE" them on Facebook and you'll be entered into the giveaway.  The movie comes out on Valentine's Day, so go to www.facebook.com/TheWeddingSalon and enter to win!


"Love Without End"

Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. You or your brand want coverage at an upcoming event? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.

Think RED - THINK Healthy Hearts!

Today is National Wear RED Day!  Mothers, daughters, sisters, aunts — every day, women are dying at the rate of almost one per minute. Show your support for the fight against heart disease in women by wearing red.  Tonight at 6:30pm, join The Bleeding Heart Project for their Launch Event at Good Gryl Fitness - Join the cause, put on your red and send a picture to info@bleedingheartproject.org. "Educating the world, one heart at a time"

"Going Red" is as easy as putting on a red dress, a red tie or a red dress pin.  In honor of those we've lost, those that fight and educate this post is dedicated to you!

These 3 1/2 Satin shoes remind me of the Tango!  Sexy and daring with confidence... knowing all the right moves! A hand made Satin Flower is embellished with a single Swarovski Crystal Pearl.

The shape of a trumpet wedding dress is fitted through the bodice and hips with flair begin from knee to bottom. Brides with curvy figures could have it accentuate their curves greatly!

Did you know that the tendency to develop heart disease is passed from one family member to another? But heart disease can be prevented by practicing healthy eating habits and frequent physical activity.

~Love Without End
Sharon Patrice Simply Perfect Peace Events, Inc. You or your brand want coverage at an upcoming event? Getting married or having a social event and need assistance? Email Me For All Your Event Planning Needs.