LadyPens » Love and Romance

A Celebration of Times Past: Planning a Vintage Wedding

Cherie Johnson — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 18:08:03 +0000

In 1840, the pageantry of the American wedding took off, thanks to England’s Queen Victoria, who quickly captivated onlookers around the world. She had thrown one of the most elaborate weddings the world had ever seen up to that time, and it was only natural for her contemporaries to emulate her. Weddings soon became events for everyone to enjoy and were no longer limited to just the couple and their families. They were extravagant celebrations of love, life, and happiness. Full Article

Popping the Question: A Guide to Wedding Proposals

Cherie Johnson — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 16:59:10 +0000

The time has come — you’re ready to ask your best girl to marry you and make it official. Unfortunately, Hollywood has brainwashed us all into thinking that popping the question has to be over-the-top and perhaps even expensive. Yes, it would seem that most of us girls want elaborate wedding proposals, just so we can race home and tell our girlfriends all about it. Full Article

Tips for Writing Wedding Speeches

Cherie Johnson — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 22:50:49 +0000

If you've been asked to deliver a speech at your friend's wedding, relax. Writing a wedding speech is a lot easier than you would think. By integrating your own personal flair along with some heartfelt emotion and spontaneity, you can deliver a speech that dazzles the crowd. Continue reading to discover some helpful techniques for creating touching wedding speeches.

Making Time to Spend With Your Husband

Stephanie Martin — Fri, 28 May 2010 23:45:36 +0000

As busy moms we tend to get caught up in our children’s lives putting all of our energy into that, but you also need to remember that there is someone else in your life that craves some one-on-one time with you, and that is your husband. We, as moms, tend to put all of our energy into planning everyone’s day, making sure everyone makes it to their intended destinations, is picked up, fed, bathed, put to bed, and the house is clean, but we forget to save a little of that energy for our husband. I know that this is the last thing that you want to hear, but hear me out. You not only need to make the time to spend with your husband, but you HAVE to. Remember back to when it was just the two of you, before children, and how much you enjoyed spending time together and just being together. Just because you have children does not mean that you can never have that again. I am here to tell you that you can! But, you really have to make an effort. Here are a few things for you to try: Full Article

Choosing a Wedding Dress for Your Body Shape

Cherie Johnson — Thu, 13 May 2010 21:15:19 +0000

Like any bride-to-be, it’s easy to fall in the trap of having to find the perfect dress for your wedding day. Does such a thing exist? Yes, but it’s wise to remember that you’ll go through piles and piles of dresses to find the right one. The pressure of choosing a wedding dress is a common scenario that plays out in many bridal stores, and you’re not alone. As with any article of clothing, however, choosing the appropriate dress for your body shape is important. And if that dress is your wedding gown, there’s added incentive to find the right one. Full Article

The Collaborative Wedding Budget: Coordinating Multiple Parties with Ease

Cherie Johnson — Mon, 03 May 2010 21:38:55 +0000

For husbands-and-brides-to-be with large, extended families, they often find that both sets of parents, and perhaps even grandparents, want to chip in to help defray the soaring cost of today’s weddings, which, on average, come in at a whopping $20,000. Many couples, too, are electing to pick up the rest of the slack. Corralling so many people who want to help with the wedding budget can be a virtual nightmare though. Before simply accepting their good wishes and checks, the very first thing you should do is to sit down with your fiancé and chart a course of action to ensure you’ve covered every element of your wedding that requires a significant contribution. Planning a wedding with a budget in mind comes down to knowing what you’re looking for in terms of venue, vendors, and necessities – this, however, can be easily put to rest with a systematic budget planning roadmap. Full Article

From Favors to Food: Common Bridesmaid Duties

Cherie Johnson — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 18:49:42 +0000

Let’s assume you’re here because one of your closest friends just asked you to be in her upcoming wedding. Exciting, right? Sure, the nuptials may be months away, but you still have a few bridesmaid duties you’ll be called upon to do. Depending on the bride, she may or may not ask that much of you. On the other hand, she could have a long list of bridesmaids’ responsibilities just waiting for you to complete. Full Article

Picture Perfect: A Wedding Photographer Checklist

Cherie Johnson — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 18:07:57 +0000

Choosing a wedding photographer is incredibly important since it’s one of the primary ways to capture the special moments of your big day. It can be a complicated decision though, and there are certain things to consider when picking the right one. Consider an engagement picture shoot with your photographer prior to the wedding. Chances are he or she will be with you the entire day! This will get you used to the photographer being in your face all day taking pictures. As an added benefit, it will ensure you are more comfortable and less self-conscious about pictures being snapped every three seconds. Full Article

How to Make a Wedding Affordable

Tammy Paquin — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 16:34:31 +0000

I was looking over some information about articles I’ve submitted and noticed that one of the phrases searched that brought up some of them was, “marriage ceremony when you can’t get married because of finances.” We also have some new friends who are talking about how they can’t get married right now because they can’t afford a wedding. It made me think that sometimes young couples don’t really understand the difference between the wedding and the marriage so I decided to throw out my two cents on the subject. Full Article

Don’t Forget the Guys: Groomsmen Gift Ideas

Cherie Johnson — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 14:01:45 +0000

Bridesmaids get showered with fun little gifts to thank them for their participation, so why not the guys? Your groomsmen are your right hand men during all of the festivities, and it’s only fair to give them a little something thanking them for their help as well! Full Article

Recession-Chic: Throwing a Fabulous, Yet Frugal Wedding for Next to Nothing

Cherie Johnson — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 21:43:37 +0000

Sometimes, less is truly more. In these hard times, saving a few bucks is a necessity. What’s a bride-to-be to do when money is already stretched thin? Recession-chic weddings, the trend of 2010, can be just as classic – but for a whole lot less! Elegance comes in many forms with or without money in hand. Here are a few tips to help you throw a fabulous, yet frugal wedding — on a budget that’s next to nil! Full Article

Wedding Day Tips: Top Ten Details to Remember

Cherie Johnson — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 20:54:35 +0000

As a professional wedding photographer, I’ve seen my share of problem weddings that only add to the ever-present wedding stress. Planned improperly from the get-go, no one person is to blame, but the outcome is upsetting for everyone involved. Often, the bride’s face looks utterly uncomfortable in all the pictures thanks to mile-high heels, guests are kept waiting for an inordinate amount of time, and the bathrooms are a logistical disaster! Full Article

Newly Engaged after the Holidays: Start Planning Your Wedding Now!

Cherie Johnson — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 20:28:30 +0000

Congratulations on your recent engagement! With the holidays over, you can now focus exclusively on planning your wedding day. You have a long road ahead of you, and a lot of decisions waiting in the ‘nuptial pipeline.’ Don’t let that stress get the best of you though – use these tips specifically geared to newly engaged couples! Full Article

A Wedding to Remember: Unique Wedding Ideas They’ll Never Forget

Cherie Johnson — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 18:33:27 +0000

There are very few once in a lifetime events quite like your wedding day. From the flowers and dress to the flavor of the cake, the option to plan and personalize your wedding with your own unique wedding ideas is truly in your court. And we’ve all been to dozens of weddings that follow the standard format – the rehearsal and subsequent dinner, the wedding ceremony where the bridesmaids, groomsmen, and couple walked formally down the aisle, and, finally, the reception, where dancing and dinner is bound to follow. Full Article

Fall in Love with Festive Fall Wedding Favors

Cherie Johnson — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 21:09:19 +0000

Autumn themed weddings are meant to be warm, cozy affairs, and the reception is the perfect time to build on your theme with charming fall wedding favors at each guest's plate setting. Autumn wedding favors come in a variety of colors and styles, from candle holders and bottle stoppers to bookmarks, champagne flutes, and so much more. Continue reading to discover this year's favorite fall wedding favors.

The World’s Top Places for Destination Weddings

Cherie Johnson — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 18:58:38 +0000

Planning a wedding is hard enough in your own home town, but pulling off an event out of town is a true challenge. You barely know your own way around, and now you have dozens if not hundreds of people to account for. But the perks of a destination wedding (and planning one) truly outweigh the negative elements – you experience the romance and mystique of another location while having a wedding/honeymoon/getaway all at the same time. Full Article

Surviving Your Wedding: Stress-Free Wedding Tips

Cherie Johnson — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 19:11:06 +0000

It’s down to the wire, and you find yourself pulling out your hair because the florist is slow at returning your calls, the tailor is taking too long to alter your gown, and you can’t decide which dish to serve at the reception. It’s enough to make anyone go crazy, but surviving wedding stress is possible. Full Article

10 Essentials for Brides at Their Wedding: Tips to Keep You Looking Your Best

Cherie Johnson — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 16:44:35 +0000

It’s the day of your wedding, and the tips and advice you received from your mother, friends, and loved ones have paid off and you look and feel beautiful. Time has been spent arranging your hair just so, making up your face perfectly, and getting you ready for your big day. Many times, however, brides just consider the big picture – and often forget how uncomfortable they may be during the ceremony or reception in a hot, heavy dress with four-inch heels. It’s a bad scenario, but it happens. To keep you up, dancing, and mingling with your guests, here are a few of the most essential bride must-haves for your wedding day. With a little forethought and a carefully packed cocktail bag, you can be prepared for whatever the day has in store with these wedding tips! Full Article

Honeymoon Ideas: Favorite Destinations for Lovebirds

Cherie Johnson — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 19:02:08 +0000

The honeymoon is your time to relax and recuperate from frantic wedding preparations. And picking a place that both of you will enjoy is a must. Fortunately, the world presents countless honeymoon ideas that have something for both of you. Here are some of the more popular honeymoon destinations for couples of all types. Full Article

Party Favors Aren’t Just for Weddings

Cherie Johnson — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 20:03:22 +0000

One of the many things a bride has to consider is the favors that will adorn the tabletops at her reception. Since party favors are usually marketed to brides, however, most party planners bypass the charming addition that they make for any occasion. Affordably priced and useful, party favors help liven up a gathering, and party planners who want to add a little panache incorporate their various party favor ideas into a celebration to provide guests with a special memento. And regardless of the nature of the gathering, just remember that party favors are no longer solely meant for weddings. Here are some party favor ideas to get you thinking creatively! Full Article

Unearthing the Origins of Nuptial Bliss: Our Most Beloved Wedding Traditions

Cherie Johnson — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 14:05:17 +0000

Many of the wedding traditions we still include in the modern nuptial festivities have their roots deep in history. Though many of these wedding traditions are based on superstitions or historical necessity, to this day couples still – to some degree – acknowledge them. Though the dynamics of weddings change continuously, with new wedding customs being added to the ‘canon’ all the time, wearing white, tying cans to the bumper, and carrying a bouquet all remain firmly entrenched in the collective psyche. Full Article

Marriage and Finances: What to do before you say, “I do”

Tammy Paquin — Tue, 12 May 2009 16:37:53 +0000

When my husband and I got married, we were a bit surprised to find out just how much combined debt we each had. We had been dating for almost five years before we got married. We had kind of discussed finances and how we would do things but in all honesty; we had discussed the wedding budget and the finances of that big event a lot more than we discussed the finances of our other big event, namely the rest of our lives together! Full Article

EXPRESS YOUR LOVE!

Ruth Hegarty — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 14:27:50 +0000

In order to experience love from others we need to experience and express love for ourselves first. Part of how we can express love for ourselves, is to share our love with others so you don’t have to wait to love others, you can deepen your self-love through healthy outward expressions of love for others. To get started thinking about how you want love to show up and be expressed in your life, consider the following questions: Full Article

Learn to Manage Yourself for a Better Marriage

Crystal Hernandez — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 14:11:22 +0000

You can have a better marriage if youâ€™re willing to improve the way you handle yourself. Full Article

How to Use the Law of Attraction to Attract the Love of Your Life

Dawn Allen — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 00:05:53 +0000

Do you ever wonder how it is that some people just magically attract wonderful relationships into their lives? Full Article

Are You â€˜Contracted or Expandedâ€™ in Your Relationship?

Dawn Allen — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 00:00:56 +0000

Have you noticed when youâ€™re feeling happy and at ease, your relationships flow easily along? You feel open to life, loving, and generousâ€¦ expansive. Full Article

Heal the Past with the Power of Love and the Law of Attraction

Dawn Allen — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 23:54:26 +0000

Some time ago, I read in one of Wayne Dyer’s books, the story of how he had visited his father’s grave after years of struggling with the fact that his father had deserted his mother and left her with three boys and no means of support. Wayne talked about how not only was he able to forgive his father, but also found gratitude for what his father had taught him. Full Article

What Do You Really Want?

Dawn Allen — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 20:43:49 +0000

On a recent school day morning, my daughter and I were beginning to slip down that â€˜slippery slopeâ€™ into an unnecessary argument. Fortunately, I was able to pause and stop myself (generally the most challenging part!), and thought… wait a minute, what is it I’m actually wanting right now? Full Article

Discover the First Step to Finding Your Soul Mate

Dawn Allen — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 20:40:55 +0000

“By being clear about what you want and no longer contradicting it with opposing thoughts, you will enable the Laws of the Universe to do their work, and you will not feel a need to offer so much action to compensate for inappropriate thought. By offering deliberate thought, you will harness the power of the Universe, and it will require far less time for you to accomplish much, much more” – The Law of Attraction by Esther and Jerry Hicks Full Article

Are You Stuck in Self-Sabotaging Habits?

Dawn Allen — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 20:39:41 +0000

How well are you taking care of yourself? Do you take time for yourself, or are there so many distractions in your life that youâ€™re last on the list of your busy schedule? Full Article

Shift Your Feelings, Shift Your Life

Dawn Allen — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 20:34:33 +0000

A few weeks ago, I looked into hiring a Virtual Assistant to help me with some of the technical aspects of my business (putting together my blog, making some updates to my website, doing some online research, etc.). I checked into a couple of places, but neither one worked for what I wanted to accomplish. Full Article

Affordable Wedding Receptions

Rachel Paxton — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 06:41:48 +0000

Wedding receptions don’t have to cost a fortune. Many families are on tight budgets these days, limiting the parents’ ability to contribute financially and placing much of the burden of wedding expenses on young couples who are just starting out in life and on limited budgets themselves. Full Article

Frugal Flower Girl Accessories

Rachel Paxton — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 06:41:02 +0000

When my husband and I got married we didn’t have much money to have any fancy decorations at our wedding. I did, however, come up with some inexpensive, creative ideas to make sure our flower girls were dressed in style. Full Article

Wedding Day Potluck

Rachel Paxton — Sat, 20 Sep 2008 06:40:10 +0000

When my husband and I got married, we literally threw convention to the wind. Trying to plan a wedding on a small (almost nonexistent) budget, we decided to have our wedding outdoors, down by the river at a local park. Full Article

It’s Wedding Season – What Should I Spend On An Awesome Wedding Present?

Christine Steendahl — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 01:06:00 +0000

Millions of people each year are invited to weddings and with the wedding ceremonies and receptions increasingly more grandiose, many people are wondering what amount of money to spend on a gift for the bride and groom. There are several factors that should be considered when figuring out how much to spend on a gift. Here are some simple guidelines to follow. Full Article

Romantic Picnic Ideas

Christine Steendahl — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 00:57:50 +0000

Put the Romance Back Into Your Picnic
———-
Picnics are not only a great way for families to spend quality time. Couples find that a picnic meal made for two can be quite romantic. Here are some ideas for spending a few hours with that special someone in your life. Full Article

Sports and Romance

Nicole Dean — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 23:58:38 +0000

How can sports possibly be be romantic? It’s simple. Just ask any man who has cheered on his favorite team, while cuddling with his wife, and he’ll tell you. Full Article

For a Special Anniversary: Renew Your Vows

Nicole Dean — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 23:57:59 +0000

Why are vow renewals so uncommon? I really don’t understand. Isn’t it natural to go back to the place where, as a young couple, you first committed your lives to each other? Full Article

Simple Ways Connect with Your Husband

Nicole Dean — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 23:57:19 +0000

Have you ever rolled over in the morning and not known the man lying next to you? I’m not referring to that time back in college – I’m talking about the present. After years of marriage, you may start to feel like your husband is a stranger. Or is it that you feel he’s getting stranger? Either way, here are 5 simple ways to stay connected to your husband. Full Article

Romantic Meals on a Budget

Nicole Dean — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 23:56:35 +0000

Food and romance go hand in hand. But, if you’re on a budget, you don’t need to spend a lot of money to show your sweetie that you love him. You can have a romantic meal at home – for the cost of a regular meal. The food you choose is not nearly as important as the atmosphere you create. You could easily make a very romantic meal from pizza or sandwiches if you take the time to create the perfect ambiance in the room. Full Article

Winter Romance on a Budget

Nicole Dean — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 23:55:30 +0000

Oh the weather outside is frightful
But the fire is so delightful
And since we’ve no place to go
Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Full Article

Frugal Romantic Weekend Getaway For Your And Your Spouse

Nicole Dean — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 23:54:30 +0000

You do not need to spend a lot of money to have a romantic weekend
getaway with your loved one. There are many opportunities for
inexpensive weekend trips that will give you a special memory with the
one you love. You may feel that if you do not spend a lot of money, you
will sacrifice style and luxury, but this is not necessarily the case. Full Article

Why is it Important for Women to Initiate Romance?

Nicole Dean — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 23:53:48 +0000

Oftentimes we, as women, leave our needs unexpressed and wait for our husbands to just guess what to do. Many men honestly don’t know how to be romantic. And, when they do get up the courage to attempt romance, their efforts may not be expressed in a way that we appreciate or even recognize as romance. Full Article

Romantic Anniversary Gifts

Nicole Dean — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 23:53:05 +0000

My husband appreciates practical gifts. He’s much like his grandfather who would be giddy when we’d give him bungie cords. “You can never have too many bungie cords!” Full Article