Wedding Dress of the Week 7-21-08

I'm sure I've mentioned that the more wedding dresses I see, the more I am attracted to gowns that have a unique flair. Today, it's this gown that is catching my eye. Yolana, designed by the ever-so-popular Monique Lhuillier. There is something about Monique's gowns...cutting edge designs, the highest quality silks, and every pleat, flair, and pull-up perfectly placed. This particular gown is designed from silk organza and has this modern yet traditional charcoal and steel gray leaf and flower design. I think this gown would look perfect at a formal black tie wedding, though the fabric makes it versatile for any location. Pair it with a black organza sash around the waist, a great pair of chandelier earrings, and soft wavy hair pulled up in the front.

Now available at http://www.encorebridal.com/

Size: 2

**Shorter version seen on Carrie Underwood in the February 2008 edition of Instyle Magazine.

The Setting of New Traditions-Vows

The following is a contribution from the fabulous Claudia Endler--a fine jewerly designer based in Los Angeles and known nationally. She specializes in contemporary engagement and wedding rings--wearable art if you will.

Wedding VOWS:

'Tis the wedding season and we are not kidding. We are attending 4 weddings within a 6 week period. The conversation of weddings, wedding planning, invitation lists, where and how much is unending during this "season" AND always interesting. One way to make your wedding personalized to you is the wedding vows. After all, it is all about the commitment and the vows you are making to each other.

Make sure you and your betrothed are on the same page with personalizing your vows. If you go that route, here are a few tips to help you get started.

Incorporating Tradition:
Ask your officiant for a look at the vows that would ordinarily be used at your particular church, synagogue or other ceremonial venue. You can use them as a jumping-off point for your own words of love and commitment. A civil ceremony will give you and your fiance the freedom to write your own vows. Be sure to ask the officiant, if you will need to include any particular words or terms to make your "I dos" valid in the eyes of your faith or the law.

Celebrate Your History Together:
A look at the past can get you thinking about what you want to promise each other for the future. How did you first meet? What are some milestones of the relationship? When was the first time you exchanged "I love yous"? What are a few of the experiences you've shared? What is your favorite memory?

The Commitment:
What do you both consider to be the most meaningful aspect of marriage? What do you want to do with your future together? What do you especially value about one another? What will change when you are married? What is the single greatest thing about the person you are going to marry? Now, it should start becoming clearer what you want to promise each other at the altar.

From the Heart:
You might want to begin by writing your vows in the form of a letter that only your fiance will see. In your private letter, you're free to pour your heart out. Then go back and pick out the parts you want to share with the crowd.

Coordinating the Vows:
Some couples choose to keep them a secret from each other, until the big day. If you do decide to surprise each other, just be sure you don't end up promising different things. Simply compose at least one line with your fiance that includes the important promises you want to make and then weave them into whatever else you plan to say.

Need More Help?
Try filling in the blanks of this simpler vow:
(Name of your sweetheart), you are my (best friend, one true love, the one I want to spend the rest of my life with). Today, I take you to be my (wife, husband, lawfully wedded wife or husband, life partner). I promise you that I will be (faithful, worthy of your trust, worthy of your love, your loving partner). I vow to (honor you, cherish you, love you, respect you, laugh with you, cry with you, support you in your goals), (insert here the length of your vow, for example: for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, for as long as we both shall live.)

And there's always the do-it-yourself road - Write your own poems or read an excerpt from the love letters and cards you've exchanged. You can also refer to the classics, such as Shakespeare or other favorite novelists and poets. Practice saying your vows before the ceremony and also keep a note card with you in case of stage fright. Whichever road you choose, it is important to speak from the heart.

Congratulations to those about to embark on your nuptials and to those of you who are renewing them!

Resources: www.brides.com, www.weddings.about.com

A sampling of Claudia Endler Designs: