Design a series of costumes
Published April 3, 2013 | 
Wedding
Menston students turning trash into fashion.
Sixth-formers from St Mary’s, Menston, gathered together last week to take part in a drop-down day as part of their Catholic Religious Studies programme, the theme for the day being The Environment.
The day began with a spiritual reflection after which students played games, discussed environmental problems and examined Catholic teaching on justice and environmental issues.
The students then took part in a Trashion Show where their brief was to design a series of costumes using any form of rubbish.
Outfits included a wedding gown, beach and party wear, two very smart interview suits and a costume for a pantomime dame.
Representatives from Cafod acted as judges as the students showed off their outfits on the catwalk long evening dresses .
Great
Published April 3, 2013 | 
Great
The great white way at SM.
Fashion lightens up as SM Ladies Fashion goes the great white way this summer.
Everything, after all, is light and bright on the spring summer runways with designers like Valentino, Celine, Marni, and Balenciaga loving the purity of the all-white palette. Victoria Beckham went for sporty whites, while Stella McCartney had a pristine take on the tuxedo look.
At the SM Ladies Fashion, it’s all about pretty little white pieces that embrace the season’s love for minimalism. Silhouettes are clean and simple with just the right play on details and fabric for a fresh look.
How to wear white this summer? Here are some gorgeous ways from SM:
• Sheer: Swirly white layered chiffon skirts or the look of skin through sheer white. This pretty look is as sweet as it is sexy.
• Boho: Embellishments, beads, and embroidery are great ways to dress up warm weather classics like gauze or cotton. Ethnic looks are another huge trend for the season.
Lifestyle Feature ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1
• Ruffles and flowers: Designers love all things girly this season with ruffles, bows, and oversized floral accents.
Pure and elegant
Published April 2, 2013 | • Varied textures: White is the perfect color to show off textures and silhouettes because it’s pure and simple. Wearing different types of fabrics and textures in white is another way to add interest to the look.
• Tailored pieces: Nothing looks better in white than feminine pantsuits with strappy heels.
• Little white dress: Lighten up your cocktail hour with a little white dress.
• Shine: Beading, all sorts of shimmer, and metallics highlight the beauty of an all-white palette.
• Lace: Lace is the fabric of the season and it looks pure and elegant in white.
• Eyelet: Evolving from a sweet country look to a sophisticated runway ready look, eyelet trims and finishes are perfectly feminine accents to dresses, tops, and jackets.
• Cutouts: Sexy cutouts are another sharp way to wear white this summer. Look for cold shoulders, illusion pieces at the neckline and sides.
As white is a pretty much blank canvas, you can up the ante by wearing your little white dress with shoes and accessories in a mouthwatering palette of delicious candy hues. Get some sugar rush with your whites by pairing them off with Parisian shoes and bags in the sweetest of pastel shades.These little white dresses are available at SM Ladies Fashion at SM Department Stores.
Posted in Family, Flowers, Free wedding, Friends, Glamour, Holiday bride, Hot Women, Hottest Women, Pure and elegant | 
Pure and elegantExclusive talks
Published April 1, 2013 | Private equity firm KKR has entered into exclusive talks to buy a majority of French fashion brands Maje, Sandro and Claudie Pierlot, Reuters reported. The acquisition of the brands, partially owned by LVMH Chief Executive Bernard Arnault, would give them an enterprise value of 650 million euros.
(Reuters) – Private equity firm KKR has entered into exclusive talks to buy a majority of French fashion brands Maje, Sandro and Claudie Pierlot, according to a source familiar with the transaction.
The acquisition of the brands, partially owned by LVMH Chief Executive Bernard Arnault, would give them an enterprise value of 650 million euros, the source said.
Typically in French takeovers ‘exclusive negotiations’ to acquire an asset signal that a deal is done, but formal closure is subject to review by the target’s works council.
The auction of the three labels, known for their trendy and affordable ready-to-wear garments, has generated a lot of interest in the clothing sector, partly because of a dearth of similar small and successful fashion brands available to investors.
KKR rival Carlyle was the runner-up in the process, in which French private equity firm Eurazeo and Hong Kong-based holding company Swire Pacific were also contenders, the source said.
KKR officials could not immediately be reached for comment. A spokesman for Arnault declined immediate comment.
The brands, which together operate about 500 stores, mainly in Europe, are looking to pursue an expansion in markets like Asia after sales growth of more than 20 percent in recent years.
Arnault’s L Capital owns half of the 51 percent stake being sold, with Florac, an investment fund controlled by Marie-Jeanne Meyer, the former head of trading group Louis Dreyfus, controlling the other half.
The other 49 percent is in the hands of the two sisters who created Maje and Sandro, Judith Milgrom and Evelyne Chetrite respectively. It was not immediately clear whether they would also sell part of their stake to KKR.
Annual sales generated by Sandro, Maje and sister brand Claudie Pierlot, grouped under holding company SMCP, are estimated at more than 300 million euros, with earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation of 60 million, sources have told Reuters.
Revolution
Published March 17, 2013 | Digital Nuptials: 49 Percent of Brides Would Skype Their Wedding.
Revolution
The revolution won’t be televised, but your wedding might be. According to a recent report conducted by David’s Bridal, 49 percent of study participants would entertain the notion of Skype-ing their impending nuptials. The study, titled “What’s on Brides’ Minds Survey” claims that the wedding has officially gone digital and instead of fancy (and expensive) wedding planners, the new tools of the trade are smartphones and tablets.
Social networking has become the de facto wedding planning tool with 59 percent of brides-to-be using Facebook or blogs to search for and share wedding ideas. Pinterest has quickly risen to prominence as a go-to location for wedding vision boards, with 46 percent of respondents reporting that they found wedding ideas on friends’ boards.According to the study, an increasing number of brides are using tech to share even the most sacred of wedding preparations. 68 percent of brides reported snapping photos of dress fittings and either texting them to friends and family or uploading videos to social networking sites. However 61 percent of participants said that they forbade their bridesmaids from sharing photos of the dress before the ceremony.
While celebrating the a new marriage online can be fun, it can easily get out of hand. 56 percent of newlywed brides feel that social media guidelines should be spelled out for the ceremony. For example, 52 percent of participants feel that the newlyweds should have first dibs on posting wedding pics on social media sites.
Once the bouquet is caught, the cake is sliced and the awkward best man toast is made, brides are excited to share the news. According to the report, 59 percent of brides update their Facebook status or their name change within a day of saying “I do” — up 11 percent from 2011.
Shops
Published February 27, 2013 | Lace, pastels and back interest for brides.
Almost as soon as a girl gets engaged, the quest for the perfect wedding dress begins.With good reason. Between choosing, ordering and fittings, bridal gowns can take up to six months to become reality. Brides often start by visiting shops to see what’s available.
This year, according to Annette Hebel from Doris Bridal in Highwood, they’ll be seeing lots of lace. “Lace gowns with cap sleeves are a hit this year, along with fit and flare dresses.”
Between Kate Middleton’s 2012 wedding dress and the elegance of Downtown Abbey, lace, with its whiff of yesteryear charm was bound to be in style.Back interest is also a top request. Wedding guests see all sides of the bride as she moves up and down the aisle, and takes the dance floor. So, notes Brides.com Fashion Director Rachel Leonard, “One trend we’re seeing is dresses that concentrate detailing on the back — plunges, bows, baring and cut-outs.”
Leonard also mentions some color trends. “We are also seeing some pale pastels and ombre (a graduation of color) dresses,” she notes. You saw that in the pale pink wedding dress Jessica Biel wore when she married Justin Timberlake.
Rachel Alvia, head designer at Evanston’s custom gown shop, has had some unusual wedding dresses requested via the Internet. Steampunk, anyone? But she notes that “The local market is pretty traditional,” though there’s growing interest in pastel gowns.
As for style, “Strapless is still the most popular type of gown,” Leonard says. Avila has found that as well. “The strapless sweetheart remains most popular,” she says. “It’s easy to wear, a classic look.”
Practicality is scoring points with today’s brides. Many want to change into another dress after the ceremony for the reception, and designers are making their wishes come true with convertible gowns — two dresses in one. These dresses have removable trains, removable skirts and removable capes. When I got married many years ago, I actually had a convertible gown. It was a long sheath-fitted dress with a removable tulle full skirt and train. Right before the reception, I unsnapped that tulle skirt and train and was ready to party.
Posted in Free wedding, Friends, Glamour, Holiday bride, Hot Women, Hottest Women, Luckiest people, Luxe, Marry, Shops | ShopsLuckiest people
Published February 22, 2013 | People, people who help people … are the luckiest people in the world … isn’t there a song that goes something like that? Oh no, wait — I think those are people who need people. Anyway, that works out perfectly, because the nonprofit group “Brides Against Breast Cancer” is a combination of both kinds of people at their very best: The organization sells both new and “gently used” wedding gowns at 25 to 85 percent below their actual retail value — and proceeds go to programs that help support breast cancer patients. Sounds like a win-win! Especially considering the fact that brides-to-be usually end up saving anywhere from $99 to $799 (some gowns are valued up to $8,000!).
Many of the dresses are donated by women (after all, who wears the same wedding dress twice?!), while others are overstock from previous seasons and donated by retailers. So far, BABC has program has received over 50,000 wedding gown donations — that’s an estimated resale value of more than 4 million bucks! And with 70 events all over the country, the Brides might just be bringing their discounted dresses to a town near you sometime soon (check the 2013 Nationwide Tour of Gowns schedule here).
It’s pretty amazing, really, when you consider how many of these dresses are donated by former brides — I mean, I meant what I said about nobody ever wearing the same wedding dress twice but plenty of women still hang on to their gowns for sentimental reasons or to pass on to their future daughter/daughter-in-law. So it’s really quite a generous and kind thing, even knowing how much you’ll be helping two women with just one dress.Would you ever donate your wedding dress to a charity like this one?
Central
Published January 19, 2013 | Here comes the bride – again.
Central
The winner of the Central Southland’s Rural Women’s 31st Bride of the Year competition last night was Haylee Preston.
Second place went to Sophie Herbert and third place to Amy Priest.A sea of taffeta, silk and lace transformed the Winton Memorial Hall last night for the 31st Bride of the Year competition.
Backstage, as the 30 brides prepared to parade down the hall aisles, they agreed that “another chance to wear my wedding gown” was the reason for their competition appearance.
They were nervous but not as much as on the big day itself.
Many of the brides wore a strapless gown and the sweetheart neckline was a popular trend.Event organiser Lorna Anderson said she could not decide who to vote for because they were all beautiful brides.
Luckily for Ms Anderson, the winner Haylee Preston was chosen by the audience, who voted during the three heats until the final elimination.
Backstage, as all the brides prepared to march around the hall they all concurred:”Another chance to wear my wedding gown” was why they had entered.Some brides such as Carla Meehan from Invercargill, entered because they wanted another chance to show off special creations.
Mrs Meehan’s mother had made her champagne coloured silk gown and she had designed her birds nest bouquet, which she was now on display in her dining room.Some brides said they were nervous but not as much as on the big day itself.
Many in the crowd attended every year. Among the audience were family and friends supporting their bride as well as brides-to-be, who were searching for perfect wedding dress ideas.
Posted in Central, Family, Flowers, Free wedding, Friends, Glamour, Holiday bride, Hot Women, Hottest Women, Luxe | CentralBridal Extravaganza Show
Published September 18, 2012 | Bridal Extravaganza Show Announces Winter Dates: January 5-6, 2013.
On January 5-6, 2013, the 29th annual Bridal Extravaganza Show will be held at downtown Houston’s George R. Brown Convention Center. Thousands of brides, bridesmaids, mothers-of-the-bride, grooms, and wedding planners will have their pick of over 400 vendors in 700 display showcases who cater exclusively to the ever fashionable, stylish, and romantic wedding industry. This huge event, held twice annually, draws marriage bound couples from all over Texas and beyond to find invaluable resources and to register to win honeymoons and shopping sprees. Brides may walk away with a honeymoon in the Riviera Maya, $1000 Macy’s gift card or a free wedding announcement in the local paper.
Houston women have been attending this event for 29 years. When an engagement is announced, the first step is to attend the Bridal Extravaganza. “It’s my turn,” says Vicki Dill, Houstonian. “As soon as I got engaged, I called my best friends and said ‘we’re all going to the Extravaganza — it’s my turn.’”
At this event, brides find everything they need to plan the wedding of their dreams. From cakes to stationery, from DJs to live music, from gowns to catering, this is the event brides plan to attend.
Brides also have the chance to meet “Say Yes to the Dress,” star Randy Fenoli. This mega bridal expert will be on hand for a special presentation on Sunday, January 6th. In addition, brides also enjoy formal fashion shows presented on the 60-foot New York style runway. Best of all, brides can interview Houston’s most trusted vendors and make selections.
Posted in Actors, Bridal Extravaganza Show, DIY, Dress, Friends, Tea party, The Green Register | Bridal Extravaganza ShowPremiere
Published August 2, 2012 | 
Kate Beckinsale make-up at the Total Recall premiere explained.
Kate Beckinsale’s beauty look at the Total Recall premiere was “flawless for a big Hollywood night out”.
The stunning actress wowed on the red carpet in Los Angeles for her new action sci-fi film in a head-turning reptile-inspired Armani Prive gown.
Kate’s make-up artist Molly R. Stern has revealed the inspiration behind the star’s accompanying beauty look.
“It was so exciting to get Kate ready for the premiere of Total Recall. Her look was edgy and undone while still looking flawless for a big Hollywood night out,” she told Access Hollywood.
“Wearing a reptile printed Armani Prive dress, Kate left looking like a serpent goddess.”
Molly has revealed how she created Kate’s picture perfect look. The beauty professional made sure she prepped the star’s skin with Jurlique Rosewater Balancing Mist and Terry Serum De Rose to “hydrate and smooth”.
She then used Chantecaille Future Skin Foundation “for a sheer yet luminous finish” before using illuminating bronzer to “reflect the light”.
Molly also revealed how she created Kate’s smoky-eyed look.
“For her eyes I based the lid with NYX Cream Shadow in Gunmetal and then brightened the shade by dusting the olive green shadow from YSL 5 Colour Harmony for Eyes in Garden of Eden all over the lid up to crease,” she explained.
“To define Kate’s lash line, I applied Hourglass Calligraphy Black Eyeliner as a base and then topped that off with a golden olive colour. I lined underneath the lash line with the same olive liner to get a smudgy finish that would last all night.
“I curled her lashes with my trusted Shu Uemura lash curler and then applied two coats of mascara.”
Posted in Actors, Battle of the Brides, Bridal Jewelry Retailers, Calling brides, Cash, Dating, DIY, Dress, Dresses, Family, Flowers, Free wedding, Friends, Glamour, Holiday bride, Hot Women, Hottest Women, Luxe, Marry, Marvin, Party, People, Premiere, Runaway bride, Seven Brides, Tea party, The Dressing Room, The Green Register, TLC, Uncategorized, Up-market, Wedding, Wedding day, Wedding diet tips, Wedding Flowers, Wedding guests, Wedding Planner | PremiereThe Dressing Room
Published June 30, 2012 | WeddingWire is excited to announce that The Dressing Room is WeddingWire Rated in 2012 for Dress & Attire. WeddingWire Rated is the annual ratings program that recognizes wedding professionals across the country for their commitment to service and is the most recognized and trusted brand among engaged couples, as they start their search for local wedding businesses. The ratings program is based on hundreds of thousands of recent newlywed reviews of over 200,000 wedding professionals in the US and Canada, across 20 different service categories.
The Dressing Room has 112 reviews on WeddingWire. Reviews by newlywed clients include detailed ratings and insightful descriptions about their experiences working with businesses and staff. Such reviews provide transparency for potential clients, assisting them in making informed decisions for their big day.
“I am very pleased to achieve this level of recognition by WeddingWire and I certainly need to thank all the brides, mothers and clients that took the time to submit the reviews,” said Judy Ferrara, owner of The Dressing Room, “My wonderful master tailor, Mr. Hugh Nguyen, also needs to be thanked for providing such expert work on all of the alterations, he deserves much credit for so many of the positive reviews. I appreciate all the support and referrals from everyone of my clients; I am grateful to all of them.”
As the largest site for wedding reviews, WeddingWire empowers engaged couples with the most comprehensive and trusted review system available in the wedding industry. WeddingWire Rated provides The Dressing Room with the distinction of being WeddingWire Rated and a simple platform to capture client feedback from their wedding planning experience. Engaged couples can easily access all of the reviews for The Dressing Room on WeddingWire.com.
“We are very pleased to announce WeddingWire Rated 2012, recognizing The Dressing Room for their commitment to exemplary service in Dress & Attire,” said Timothy Chi, CEO, WeddingWire, Inc. “The Dressing Room has shown dedication to their craft and service, helping engaged couples understand what to expect from their business through reviews on the nation’s leading wedding review site.”
About The Dressing Room: At The Dressing Room, Ferrara takes great pride in providing brides, their friends and families with the utmost in personal service. The Dressing Room offers over 175 gown styles in sizes 00 to 32 and is open by appointment Monday through Saturday.
About Hype Group: Located in St. Petersburg, FL, Hype Group is a full-service marketing, advertising and public relations company that provides innovative marketing and public relations solutions for businesses of all sizes and industries looking to develop a brand enhance awareness or simply attract new customers.
Party
Published June 30, 2012 | Party of the week.
The opening of Australia’s first Vera Wang store had Sydney running hot with wedding fever.
I admit, after planning my own dream wedding a little more than a year ago, I was excited by the prospect of an evening among designer tulle.
The chic Parisian theme had gaggles of society girls and the celebrity rich crowd giddy and infatuated by the dream gowns while they sipped on champagne from Vera Wang for Wedgewood crystal flutes.
The opening of Australia’s first Vera Wang store had Sydney running hot with wedding fever.
I admit, after planning my own dream wedding a little more than a year ago, I was excited by the prospect of an evening among designer tulle.
The chic Parisian theme had gaggles of society girls and the celebrity rich crowd giddy and infatuated by the dream gowns while they sipped on champagne from Vera Wang for Wedgewood crystal flutes.
While it was a pity the bridal queen herself couldn’t be there, many of her most famous dresses were at the party. The same styles of gowns worn by celebrities such as Ivanka Trump, Hilary Duff, Khloe Kardashian and the famous dress worn by Kate Hudson in Bride Wars – with its colossal 13 layers of tulle – were on display and had guests ogling in delight.
Love was definitely in the air with a stunning and strong Kerri-Anne Kennerley and her husband, John, re-enacting a proposal. May I suggest a renewal of wedding vows for the gorgeous couple of more than 25 years?
Meanwhile, Rob Palmer relived his Dancing with the Stars days by waltzing cheekily with a mannequin bride, his performance receiving a perfect score from judge Josh Horner.
Looking around the room, I spotted Manu Feildel with girlfriend Clarissa Weerasena and couldn’t help but think they may be doing a little research?
Both married and single ladies had a ball playing dress-ups with the exquisite veils, with Pip Edwards tweeting cheekily to her boyfriend: ”Vera Wang bridal moment! Where is Adam Cooper? Ha! Lucky I had Hermione Olivia.”
While navigating my way around the crowded boutique, I found myself tangled in tulle with my stiletto almost puncturing a gown. Luckily, I was freed and what would have been an expensive wardrobe malfunction was averted.
The night’s formalities were closed with a toast to ”beautiful brides and happily ever afters”, which had the loved-up room oohing and ahhing.
After hearing the sash worn by Chelsea Clinton to her wedding is now simply referred to as the ”Chelsea sash”, I wonder if the stunning Vera Wang satin mermaid sheath dress worn by the bride of the moment,
Kate Waterhouse, will now be known as ”the Waterhouse”?
Marvin
Published June 30, 2012 | Marvin puts brides through their paces.
A MAN who puts premiership footballers through their paces and has competed in Iron Man challenges around the world is turning his attention to brides-to-be.
Fitness trainer Marvin Burton will be staging regular bridal boot camps at Shottle Hall, in Belper, and offering brides, bridesmaids and mums the chance to shape up before the big day.
He will be staging regular four-week programmes to help brides slim into their dress, relieve some of their pre-wedding nerves and make friends with other brides-to-be.
Marvin said: “During my career I have worked with premiership footballers, professional boxers and basketball players and helped them all to reach new levels of fitness.
“But as a teenager I was overweight and bullied for being out of shape and I have had to work hard to get where I am. Now nothing gives me greater pleasure than showing others what can be achieved with a sensible eating pattern, regular exercise and some simple changes in lifestyle.
“My sister got married in April and I helped her so much that her dress had to be taken in every week. She is the thinnest she has ever been now and I’m very proud that I was able to motivate her to achieve her goal of looking good and feeling great on the most important day of her life.”
Every Monday brides-to-be will meet at Shottle Hall to receive support and advice about lifestyle improvements and nutrition, as well as exercise sessions that demonstrate effective ways to burn fat.
And Marvin will stay in touch with each bride on a daily basis, either via email or text message, with challenges.
Luxe
Published June 24, 2012 | Shopping L.A.: David’s Bridal offers new Luxe gown collection.
David’s Bridal has introduced a new line for brides looking for a lavish gown at a not-so-lavish price.
There are five styles in the David’s Bridal Luxe Collection featuring intricate embellishment such as crystals, beads, sequins and trains. The gowns are priced $1,199 to $1,399. Currently they are available in only 30 stores, including Montclair and Long Beach locally. The Montclair store is at Montclair East Commercial Center, 5399 Moreno St., (909) 621-2000. The Long Beach store is in Long Beach Towne Center, 7621 Carson St., (562) 377-5755.
EVENTS
Sunglass Hut is sponsoring a “block party” featuring model Chanel Iman, the Bumbys (a duo of performance artists who humorously appraise fashion), music by DJ Zen Freeman and art by Knitta; 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday at the Sunglass Hut store at 1334 Third Street Promenade, Santa Monica.
SALES
Clover Canyon summer sample sale offering up to 75% off from 3 to 7 p.m. Thursday and 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday at 834 S. Broadway, third floor. Cash or credit cards.
Robert Rodriguez and Robbi & Nikki sample sale offering pieces from Holiday 2011 and Spring 2012 for $5 to $50; from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday at the Robert Rodriguez Showroom in the Cooper Building, 860 S. Los Angeles St., Los Angeles. Cash only.
What Goes Around Comes Around vintage Chanel sale at 10% off, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday to Saturday and noon to 7 p.m. Sunday at 159 S. La Brea Ave., Los Angeles.
Newbark summer sale offering handmade shoes, boots and bags, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday, at 1024 N. Orange Drive, Suite 100, Los Angeles.
Tomtom jewelry sample sale offering up to 75% off 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday at the Cooper Building, 860 S. Los Angeles St., Room 301. Cash only.
OPENINGS
Joie, the women’s contemporary brand, is scheduled to open its first West Coast store on Friday at Fashion Island, 591 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach. The store will be open during regular mall hours, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday.
Wedding day
Published June 22, 2012 | The big vow: More than one in 10 brides lose FOUR stone or more for their wedding day.
• Five million women in the UK lose weight for the big day
• More than one in 10 brides are losing four stone or more
• 57% of women are piling the pounds back on their honeymoon
With every new wedding season comes a revolutionary diet and brides will do anything to squeeze into their dream dress.
But now, leading experts are calling for women to consider their dieting habits to avoid long term health problems related to drastic weight loss and yo-yo dieting before their big day.
According to new research by XLS-Medical , over five million women in the UK lose weight before they walk down the aisle, with more than one in 10 losing a massive four stone or more.
Yet despite all the effort that goes into slimming down in time for the wedding bells, 57% of women undo all their hard work by gaining weight on their honeymoon and beyond, with over a quarter gaining at least half a stone.
Dr Matt Capehorn, Clinical Director at the National Obesity Forum, said: ‘Drastic and rapid weight loss for a particular event or occasion, such as a wedding, is not advisable for a number of reasons.
‘You should be aiming for steady weight loss, as a result of sensible dietary and lifestyle change, that promotes sustainable weight loss and health benefits. Any variation from this should only be on the advice of a clinician.
Rapid weight loss, especially if done without support, is likely to result in weight regain. Undertaking a healthy eating and exercise plan with a realistic goal in mind will ensure dieters are not only looking good but feeling great for their wedding day and beyond.’
Leading UK dietitian Helen Bond said: ‘It’s not surprising that for many brides to be, losing weight will be an important part of their wedding day preparation.
‘However, achieving and maintaining a healthy weight should be considered a lifelong challenge rather than a short-term fix.
‘You don’t need to make big changes, just a few small steps can make a real difference, such as meal planning, ensuring you’re hydrated and removing temptation — out of sight really can be out of mind.’
Wedding diet tips
Published June 21, 2012 | Helen Bond’s top wedding diet tips:
1. Set a realistic weight loss goal: A weight loss goal should be challenging and require you to make an effort, but not be an impossible mission. Over ambitious targets can be easily broken! Aim to lose about five to ten per cent of your initial body weight over a 3-6 month period.
2. Be prepared for the inevitable good and bad days: Don’t get discouraged by the occasional set back. When days don’t go according to plan, don’t give up.
3. Keep a food and mood diary: Most of us literally don’t know what we are eating, or how all the things we unconsciously eat are adding up – finishing of your child’s fish fingers, testing wedding cake or nibbling on canapés during engagement celebrations! By keeping a food diary, you will become more aware of your eating patterns and the changes you need to make.
4. Take small steps: Just a few small steps can make a real difference to reaching your goal, whether it’s looking at food labels to taking dance classes in preparation for your first dance, making sure you always start off the day with a healthy breakfast.
5. Think positively: Focus on all the wonderful delicious, nutritious and seasonal foods that you can enjoy as part of your meals and for snacks, rather than all of the ones you need to cut back on.
Holiday bride
Published June 20, 2012 | Panel orders probe into ‘holiday bride’ case.
Expressing concern about the conduct of a few NRIs to treat women as “honeymoon brides,” the Punjab State Commission for NRIs has ordered a probe into an apparent case of “holiday bride” wherein an NRI husband allegedly used to stay with his wife for one or two months at Kapurthala and finally deserted her.
The commission, comprising chairperson justice (retired) Arvind Kumar and ADGP-cum-member S Chattopadhyaya, on Thursday asked SSP, Kapurthala to take appropriate action in the matter. The IG, NRI affairs, who is the nodal officer of the commission, has been asked to supervise the inquiry.
A resident of Manan village in Kapurthala, Gurbax Kaur, has lodged a complaint against her NRI husband Kulwinder Singh and his parents, residents of a Jalandhar village in this regard.
Gurbax Kaur was married to Kulwinder Singh, who lives in Phillipines, ten years back. According to Kaur, it was a registered marriage, wherein Kulwinder Singh had disclosed himself to be a bachelor. He reportedly left for Philippines after a few days of marriage and Kaur started staying with his parents.
“He returned after two years and started harassing me. Many times during the last ten years, he used to stay for one or two months and then return,” said Kuar, accusing him of harassment for dowry.
“On February 2, a boy had come from Philippines and my husband came on March 20. When I asked him about the boy, he disclosed that the boy is his son from a Philippine wife and there is also one daughter,” said Kaur.
“It has also been revealed that Kulwinder Singh married one Pushpa in 1992 and he has another daughter from that wedlock. When I confronted him about this, I was subjected to beating by him and his parents and was turned out of the house,” she said.
She alleged that police did not take action despite her complaint, filed on April 10.
After examining the complainant’s averments, the commission observed, “The instances of ‘honeymoon brides,’ are innumerable. It is a big problem to deal with. No action was taken by police on the complaint filed by Gurbax Kaur.”
Wedding Flowers
Published June 18, 2012 | Trending Green: The Push for Affordable Eco-Friendly Wedding Flowers in 2012.
One month into the summer wedding season of 2012 and statistics show consumers are trending green – as in ‘eco-friendly’. Online sales of eco-friendly wedding flowers are up for 2012 as brides-to-be are watchful of both the environment and their bank accounts.
The trend towards eco-friendly wedding flowers continues strong in 2012. Budget-conscious brides are eyeing not only special deals and discounts which come from shopping for wedding flowers online, but also taking into account the conditions under which their wedding flowers are grown.
There are many classifications of eco-standards used throughout the floral industry. International certifications such as the VeriFlora certification have become the benchmark for the eco-friendly objective. Flower farms which bear the VeriFlora certification acknowledge their dedication to environmental sustainability, social and economic sustainability as well as product integrity.
The Grower’s Box is an industry leader in the sale of quality flowers for weddings and other important occasions. The extensive Grower’s Box catalog includes collections of arranged wedding flowers as well as affordable wedding-in-a-box packages which are tailor made for ‘Do-it-Yourself (DIY)’ and budget-conscious brides.
To answer the call for affordable and eco-friendly wedding flower solutions, The Grower’s Box has partnered with farms bearing VeriFlora and other international eco-certifications. The Grower’s Box offers one of the largest online selections of eco-friendly wholesale flowers and wedding flowers. “Environmental, social and economic sustainability as well as product quality and consistency are of the utmost importance to us as a company as well as to our customers” says Jonathan Greene, Co-Founder of The Grower’s Box.
Founded in 2004, The Grower’s Box, LLC is one of the leading online retailers of wedding flowers, wholesale flowers, and rose petals on the World Wide Web. The company employs state of the art technology and the most efficient shipping solutions to deliver world-class fresh floral directly from the flower farms to customers. The inseparable combination of world class customer service and superior product quality are distinguishing factors which place The Grower’s Box far ahead of their competition.
DIY
Published June 18, 2012 | Franc’s DIY Brides
It was all about a Sam Maguire ice sculpture, wallpaper invitations, bouquets made out of silk roses, velvet ribbons with acorn accessories, hand-painted silver centre pieces and a bargain sample dress on this week’s season finale of Franc’s DIY Brides.
All Ireland football medallist, Denis Bastik and his beautiful fiancé Jody Hannon enlisted Franc to help them with their dream wedding in the stunning Carton House on December 29. The couple wanted an intimate wedding of just eighty people to maximise the impact of their special day (an idea which Franc loved). However, with many businesses shutting down for the festive period, I grew concerned for the newlyweds who claimed to have “extremely hectic” work schedules.
In an attempt to help the lovebirds create the “voluptuous” and “glamorous” wedding that they had their heart set on, Franc came prepared with an eye-catching moodboard that consisted of luxurious fabrics. With a generous budget of €20,000, his main concern was that the couple didn’t squander money on the design concept. Instead he wanted them to invest their funds in entertainment and good food.
I adored the velvet and silk ribbons that Franc found. The purple shades looked rich and expensive. The acorn detail at the end of them added a quirky twist, and was extremely visually effective. Although, Denis seemed to have great difficulty in deciding where to punch a hole in the wallpaper inspired invitations, I admired his patience in putting the card together. I was amazed when Franc said it would cost almost €8-€12 per invitation if they were to be made by a professional company, when it cost the pair just €2.50 per invitation to make themselves.
As always, Franc directed the bride towards buying a sample dress. Jody opted for a stunning gown comprised of subtle lace parts which she bought for €3,900 – which was a bargain considering it cost double that straight from the racks!
Friends
Published June 18, 2012 | All Ireland football medallist, Denis Bastik and his beautiful fiancé Jody Hannon with wedding extraordinaire Franc. How beautiful is the silk bouquet in the background?
Jody said that she felt like a combination between Jordan and a Big Fat Gypsy bride at her hair trial when extensions were clipped in. I was delighted when she suggested a side bun, with soft curls dangling from the back. The hairstyle looked perfect with her veil, and complimented the fine detail of the dress.
I thought it was adorable when Denis and his friends gathered around his kitchen table to paint the white centre-pieces silver. The finished result was very impressive. It was touching watching the couple gazing lovingly into each other’s eyes as they recited their precious vows. As both of them welled up and tried to fight back tears, it was clear that they finally got the magical moment that they were looking for.
The vintage room in the Carton House was elegant, tasteful and looked impeccable. I loved the hand-painted gold effect and antique ornaments that filled the venue. Franc’s special touch of the palcing theSam Maguire on top of an ice sculpture went down a treat.
From the gorgeous (and perfectly ironed) tablecloths to the cork place names, it was the tiny little detailing that made this wedding one of the best in the series.
Congratulations Denis and Jody!
Battle of the Brides
Published June 16, 2012 | It was all about rayguns, fizzy sherbet flying saucers, robot statues, a star encrusted veil and Segways Vs a martini pyramid, James Bond inspired roulette table, casino chips and a helicopter ride on the penultimate episode of Battle of the Brides.
Jade (18) from South East London is a self-confessed sci-fi nerd who claims to be “alternative” and “sassy.” She met her fiancé Kenny on a social networking site. Jade wants her wedding to be out of this world, complete with a futuristic dress, laser quest and a groom dressed as a robot.
Meanwhile, Zofia (24) also from South East London wants a casino themed wedding with croupiers and cocktails aplenty and roulette being the name of the game. She claims to be “glamorous” and to know her own mind. It was love at first sight for Zofia and Dan who met at a local pub. They describe themselves as each other soulmates (ah bless).
Dress: Jade’s dress was quite literally out of this world. Her blue ensemble was daring and bold and gave prominence to her aluminous pink hair. The jolting spikes coming out of the back of the dress, and shoes that laced up to her knees created more of an ice-queen theme than an intergalactic vibe. The star printed veil was the only part of the ensemble that seemed to pay tribute to her outer space look. However, her dad looked the part in his shiny metallic suit complimented by some futuristic shades – think Geordi La Forge in Star Trek and you’ll get the drift.
I adored Zofia’s traditional white gown with elegant halter-neck detailing. The subtle pearl/diamante encrusted beading brought the dress to life, while adding a tasteful amount of bling to the overall look. The red bridesmaid dresses were a bit overpowering, but anything had to be better than Jade’s bubble inspired frocks!
Glamour
Published June 16, 2012 | It was sci-fi chic for Jade, while Zofia opted for casino glamour.
Transport: I adored Jade’s idea by arriving up the aisle via Segways. It was fun, adventurous and represented her youthful personality. Zofia’s option to arrive by helicopter was impressive and suited her high-roller theme, but it looked like Kenny’s stomach was a bit delicate for the ride (Oh dear!).
Venue: Jade’s room in The Royal Horseguard Hotel looked like a kid’s birthday party. The robot statue (that actually moved) was a nice gimmick and certainly added the shock factor to the big day. From the rayguns, sherbet saucers, planet -inspired lanterns, space cake (the legal kind) and glow-sticks, Jade’s wedding was far from tasteful. Her ideas really did orbit out of space when it came to decorating the room.
Zofia thought the space themed venue was immature stating that “there is a difference between people laughing at you and with you” (ouch). Equally, Jade was not impressed with Zofia’s casino creation claiming that it looked like an old folks home at Christmas. She further believed that it lacked creation and showed her true personality.
Entertainment: Not surprisingly, Zofia opted for a roulette table when it came to her entertainment wish list. Jade once again managed to provide the shock factor by announcing that Space Hoppers were the order of the day (purely because it made it easier to get to the bar). I couldn’t have agreed more With Zofia when he said it looked like something you would have at a primary school sports day. It was heartbreaking watching Zofia getting upset and she feared her guests would look like idiots.
The Results: Luckily, the day went swimmingly. I was amazed at how stunning Jade looked in Zofia’s traditional white gown. On the bright side at least Zoifa escaped having to wear the Avatar creation (phew). With six bridesmaids to cater for the red dresses looked like an office work party taking to the tiles at Christmas, but as previously stated anything would have beat the Bjork looking bubble dresses. Thankfully, there wasn’t a Space Hopper in sight or anymore tears from Zofia.
Jade and Zofia took a gamble, and it certainly paid off!
Actors
Published June 15, 2012 | Anna Paquin pregnant with twins.
In April the True Blood actors confirmed they’re set to welcome their first child together, and now their co-star Sam Trammell, who is a dad to 11-month-old twin boys Winston and Gus, has leaked news Paquin is actually eating for three.
“I’m so excited for them. We sent them a special gift. It’s so interesting that True Blood has become, like, the ‘twins show’,” Trammell told Us Weekly.
The 43-year-old, who plays Sam Merlotte on the hit show, says he and his wife Missy Yager are busy compiling advice to share with the pair ahead of the birth.
“It’s harder having twins, but it’s all we know,” he adds. “So we’re trying to impart some decent wisdom. I told them to hold on tight!”
Earlier this year, Aussie co-star Ryan Kwanten said Paquin is looking forward to having a baby.
“Anna’s excited [about motherhood],” he told Us. “She’s got that positivity, that radiant glow. She’s amazing!”
Moyer already has two kids from previous relationships: Billy, 12, and Lilac, 10.
Paquin and Moyer, who play lovers in the hit TV vampire drama, married in Malibu, California in 2010.
Dresses
Published June 11, 2012 | Brides ‘take it all in’ at show.
Dresses, cakes, centerpieces, invitations, food, and jewelry. The list never ends when planning a wedding.
Erin McCaffery, 24, of Glendora, joined her bridesmaid Jessica Hamilton of Brooklawn as they tried to shorten that list while browsing the 2nd Annual Courier-Post Bridal Show Wednesday night at The Mansion in Voorhees.
McCaffery is looking to wed 26-year-old Ryan Elder in October. “He proposed on Christmas,” she said.
This is the second bridal show both McCaffery and Hamilton have been to in order to plan for the wedding. Both said they got many good ideas Wednesday night.
“There are so many things that make up a wedding, when you see them all it can get a little overwhelming, but you have to plan the best you can,” said McCaffery.
Hamilton agreed. “Each time we come, we are making a checklist,” she said.
Blake Marchese, 31, of Blackwood just got engaged at the end of May. She was at the Bridal Show with her mother, Patty DiRenzo.
“This is new to me so I wanted to take it all in,” said Marchese. “It’s definitely been a learning experience so far.”
Diane Nussbaum, owner of Diane’s La Patisserie, was just one of approximately 30 vendors at the show. She displayed examples of cakes she made and had samples to taste.
“It’s all about customizing a cake for the bride and groom,” she said. “You want to get their input so you can create that special touch for their special day.”
On Wednesday, sisters Susan Bacher of Washington Township and Joanne Brown of Atco were doing some prep work for Bacher’s daughter’s wedding, which is scheduled for August 2013.
Her daughter Kristen and fiance Tim Leland of Delaware couldn’t come to the bridal show because of work. But they are planning to have the wedding at The Mansion.
“What makes this so fun for me is that I have my sister here with me and our brother got married here 15 years ago. It is amazing to how much it has changed,” Bacher said. “So I’m glad they picked here to get married.”
Runaway bride
Published June 7, 2012 | Runaway bride returns home to new toilet in Uttar Pradesh.
A young woman, who ran away from her in-laws’ house for its lack of toilet, returned Wednesday — to the same house with an ultra-modern toilet and a reward of Rs.2 lakh from Sulabh International. With her were two other women who too had similarly walked out from their in-laws’ houses.
Priyanka Bharti was mobbed as she arrived decked up like a bride for her ‘gauna’ ceremony to her Vishnupur Khurd village in a sports utility vehicle (SUV).
Amidst blowing of conch shells and ‘aarti’, tears rolled down her cheeks as she was ushered in by her in-laws and shown the new toilet and bathroom.
Later, she along with the two other ‘runaway brides’ – Priyanka Kumari from Siddharthanagar and Jyoti from Sant Kabeernagar – and Bindeshwar Pathak, the founder of sanitation NGO Sulabh International, took centre stage in an enclosure.
Priyanka narrated to the gathered villagers, numbering around 500, how she took the “extreme and difficult” step of walking out of her husband’s home because she was asked to defecate in the open.
“It was not possible for me to do so and so I ran away,” she told the crowd amid applause.
A Class 12 student from Maharajganj, 365 km from Lucknow, said the lack of a toilet in the house was “a big challenge” for her at the “sasural”.
She said she mustered enough courage to run away on the third night after her ‘gauna’ — the traditional induction of a bride married in childhood into her in-laws’ house.
Talking to IANS, Priyanka said ever since she ran away from Vishunpur Khurd April 13 demanding that her in-laws build a toilet to get their ‘bahu’ back, her life changed as she attracted national and international attention.
“I’m happy that by the construction of a new toilet with all modern facilities, I’m back with my husband and can live happily,” she said, as photographers jostled to take her picture with her in-laws.
Bindeshwar Pathak felicitated each of the three brides with the bank draft of Rs.2 lakh, a shawl, a saree and a rose-sandalwood garland, and said that from now on, they would “try in their own humble ways to educate women around them the need of hygiene and sanitation.”
Priyanka’s husband, Amarjeet, whom she married in 2007, said he appreciated what his wife did.
“All through these years I saw my sisters, my mother go out in the field every morning but it never occurred to me how shameful it was, until my wife stressed on it by running away,” he told IANS.
Pathak, while appreciating the efforts of the three women announced a reward of Rs.25 lakh for the Vishnupur Khurd village for being the promoters of communal harmony and taking lead in the battle against poor sanitation in the villages.
He said Sulabh would now undertake a new rural-centric drive “Sulabh-Gaon Ki Or.”
“The award will act as an inspiration,” Pathak said. He recounted that though his ancestral house in Bihar stood over several acres, it lacked a toilet, making lives of the woman folk in his family miserable.
“By revolting against non-availability of a toilet, this woman has done a revolutionary act in India where more than 660 million people still defecate in the open, leading to serious diseases,” he said.
Seven Brides
Published May 29, 2012 | “Seven Brides For Seven Brothers” on stage in Marshfield this weekend.
Seven brothers in need of wives go searching for their brides on the stage in Marshfield this weekend. That’s when the local community theatre group presents “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.” This high-spirited musical production presented by Marshfield Community Theatre will be onstage at Marshfield High School, 370 State Highway DD. Show times are at 7 pm on Friday (6/29) and Saturday (6/30), and 3 pm on Sunday (7/1). Tickets at the door are $12 for adults, $6 for children ages four to 17.
“Seven Brides For Seven Brothers” features a cast of some 35 actors from around the Marshfield area and beyond. The youngest is just three weeks old, and appears in the show as the baby. Volunteer musicians comprise the orchestra, as well as dozens of volunteers who work backstage and take care of the business of putting on a show.
Cash
Published May 28, 2012 | There’s campaign cash in brides.
Barack Obama was so flush with campaign loot four years ago that he wouldn’t even take the government’s money. He was confident that he could play the dairy farmer and milk Democrat cows on his own. He was right. There were cash cows aplenty.
But that was then and this is now, and many of his most reliable cows have gone dry. So he has to come up with novel and even bizarre ways to raise money. To that end, he’s inviting everyone who still has a taste for hopey-changey to sign up for “the Obama event registry.” It’s sort of like a gift shower for newlyweds, or couples expecting an addition to the family. Only different.
An online “Obama Event Registry” asks Democrats whether “you’ve got a birthday, anniversary, or wedding coming up.” Even raiding the festivities at a civil union ceremony will do, which may explain the president’s convenient crush on gays, lesbians, bisexuals and the “transgendered.”
“Let your friends know how important this election is to you,” the president says in his wedding letter, “register with Obama 2012, and ask (your friends) for a donation in lieu of a gift. It’s a great way to support the president on your big day. Plus, it’s a gift that we can all appreciate and goes further than a gravy bowl (he means a gravy “boat”). Setting up and sharing your registry page is easy so get started today.”
This will be the ultimate thrill, or at least the second-biggest thrill, for many a summer bride. And not just as a substitute for a gravy “bowl,” but with the usual china place settings, silverware, crystal goblets, wine racks, biscuit tins, mixing bowls, cheese slicers, blenders, sterling silver asparagus tongs, laundry hampers, bath towels and all the other accessories and accumulations guaranteed to make a happy and lasting marriage. Who needs all that stuff, anyway?
In fact, sacrifice of mere things will produce such bliss as to send bride and groom in search of further sacrifice. Really passionate newlyweds would sacrifice the entire wedding and repair to a justice of the peace to encourage all the out-of-town guests to stay home and send what they would have spent on the trip directly to the Obama campaign fund. Newlyweds who trash their wedding trip can send the savings to Chicago. Is there an Obama bride who wouldn’t jump at such an opportunity?
The president is clearly on to something. There’s every indication that the president’s friends are treating the president’s appeal to nix the lavish nuptializing with all the seriousness the appeal deserves. His suggestion has inspired an outpouring of imaginative sacrifice.
“I started a lemonade stand this morning,” one Obama fan writes in answer to the online appeal, “but the local constable shut me down because I didn’t have my permits. I was doing very well for six hours. I collected 87 cents and 2 washers. In any event I will forward these monies posthaste.” Is that showing the love, or what?
Wedding guests
Published May 27, 2012 | In today’s tough economy, most of us have had to make a few sacrifices. When it comes to a Bride and Groom’s special day, there is no exception. While a fancy wedding might still be considered a luxury item, it’s not easy to kiss goodbye a dream that has been building since a very young age. This experienced wedding planner releases tips for the best remedy for this potential heartbreak.
When it comes to a wedding the possibilities are endless, the options are infinitive and a client struggles to have it all. This goes with the territory of being a Bride or Groom-to-be, but sooner or later something has to give and they may be hit with the reality that they 1) have a budget and 2) that they may have to settle for less than they had originally hoped.
The first step in coming to terms with bridal budget reality is differentiating between needs and wants. While this is a lesson parents would teach time and time again as kids; it will most certainly come up as one plans a wedding. So before using the department store bar-code gun to scan everything in sight, or before putting this month’s student loan payment towards the rental of a dozen swans…here are some things worth keeping in mind:
“Is it really necessary?” While this seems like a very basic question, it is one that brides forget many times. It’s a constant battle of need versus want. While getting married is meant to be about the bride and groom, it is very easy to get caught up in the excitement of wedding planning. So the question to ask is- how badly is a chocolate fountain needed when the hotel offers a cake that is already included in the wedding package? And are hand-made invitations a must-have, or will a pre-selected design suffice? The idea is to simply brainstorm and budget before dishing out funds that might be regretted later. While it’s fine to hang on to the things that may invoke a more rapid heartbeat, it is important to really look at whether or not that photo booth is needed, how badly it is wanted and if there is another available alternative.
“Will guests really remember this?” This is an excellent question. While a bride and groom want their wedding guests to remember the day for eternity, there are many parts of a wedding that guests usually forget soon thereafter. Unfortunately, these are some things that a couple may have spent a lot of money and time on. So, before deciding to have a top band from another state or region that can cost twice the amount of a local band, it is important to ask “Will guests really remember this and is it really necessary?” Maybe a small change in expectations will make all the difference.
Wedding Planner
Published May 27, 2012 | “Can these funds be used for something else?” A couple works very hard in preparing for and saving for their wedding. While not the most fun questions to toss around, chances are that it will pay off in the end. Before investing in a honeymoon tallying a grand per night, it is important to make sure that those funds aren’t badly needed somewhere else. Perhaps now is the time for a house, or to pay off a big debt. Sleeping well at night can be a great way to start off a new marriage.
Differentiating between need versus want is clearly not the best part about planning a wedding and certainly not the part that little girls have dreamed of since they wore their mother’s nightgown on their heads and paraded down the stairs, but they will thank themselves later. The more one plays the need-versus-want game, the more likely it is that they will be able to stay on task and on budget.
Florida Wedding Planner, Aviva Samuels from Kiss the Planner has been helping clients with wedding and other special events for nearly 15 years in the South Florida market. Aviva takes pride in the fine art of being able to decipher between wedding needs versus wedding wants and can help you stick to a realistic budget when planning the wedding of your dreams.
The Green Register
Published May 25, 2012 | The June ‘Green’ Bride is Loved by The Green Register.
The Green Register understands the questions regarding the ‘big day,’ and have the information on all the companies and products that are out there that completely support the bride and want nothing more than for her to have her perfect day while still doing an amazing job of helping the environment. Oh, yes, this is a definite available choice in this big universe. We can find the perfect products, the most stunning dresses – everything that’s needed from the invitations to the centerpieces, and save the environment all at the same time.
The “Green” Wedding is a trend that has exploded over the past decade – with more and more brides finding ways to be ecologically safe and make that perfect memory all at the same time.
Scary fact? The average wedding in 2012 costs well over fifteen thousand dollars when all is said and done. Yet the “green” wedding is costing less but looking better! What do I mean? A “green” wedding is usually stunningly romantic. Think about it…an outdoor setting, the vibrancy of the flowers and plants, it’s like something out of Shakespeare. There are fresh faces having a good time and celebrating love – not the latest Vera Wang creation. And the bride is also that fresh, beautiful face not covered in eighty pounds of makeup like the cover girls or the faces on a Modern Bride catalog.
What are the goals of a “green” wedding?
The first is not to harm. The “green” bride avoids products or activities that compromise the environment. What are some minor things that are a major harm to our natural resources that can be changed at weddings? Beeswax candles should be avoided, as well as the use of Styrofoam or soft plastics at the reception; glass is substituted and, frankly, it’s far more elegant.
Up-market
Published May 25, 2012 | Hemp is a widely respected product that, unlike cotton, can be grown without pesticides and returns most of its nutrients to the soil. When the “green” bride buys a new gown, she looks to hemp fabrics. I know. This was a tough one for me as well, considering we’re all raised on that diamond-studded belief that when we walk down the aisle the gown has to be thirty-thousand dollars. Some of us hear the word “hemp” and automatically see a barley sack of grain thrown over our shoulders. I can’t even tell you HOW far off the mark you are. Hemp is extremely up-market, with even a line of hemp satin that is being used by premier designers. Not only is this stunningly beautiful, but it saves the environment at the same time.
There are Earth-Friendly vendors located all across the globe. Flower petals in paper cones are environmentally friendly and far more unique than bubble solution in plastic containers, AND require no clean-up whatsoever. There are harm-free favors that can be passed out, such as sachets made of pesticide-free herbs, live flowers, tree seedlings, or small packets of organic tea. And one of the loveliest things that has begun to be a growing trend is the fact that brides are registering at charitable organizations nowadays instead of department stores; they are contributing to environmentally-active organizations instead of handing out favors. A big YAY! on that one.
And, of course, the biggest area of a “green” wedding is to reuse and recycle. A great example are food leftovers from the reception that can be delivered to food banks, and flowers dropped off at hospitals or rest homes.
Some truly beautiful wedding announcements or invitations are available in 2012; 100% recycled, partially recycled, or completely tree-free papers are available from wedding invitation suppliers. Not to mention, engagement announcements, save the date cards, shower invitations, shower thank you notes, wedding invitations, ceremony programs, place cards, menu cards, wedding announcements, and thank you notes. It, of course, also helps that we live in an electronic age, so many brides are communicating electronically and completely cut out the paper and waste.
Now…the ring. This is truly important. No, not because the girl needs you to spend two months salary on the item you put on her finger, but because it’s a vow – a lifelong vow that means, “I will be yours forever.” No one NEEDS a brand new diamond. In fact, vintage rings are far more beautiful. And gold is something to think about, seeing as that gold mining is one of the dirtiest businesses in the world. Did you know that the production of one single gold ring produces 20 tons of mine waste? Yuk.
Flowers
Published May 25, 2012 | The most important thing for the bride is the dress. Let’s face it – this a memory – this is a day that you want to last forever in your mind, pictures CDs, videos, etc. No matter what your budget, the wedding gown industry is offering more and more conscientious fashion options. The easiest of which is to re-use a gown already worn. Buying vintage is just as beautiful as the vintage ring and SO unique. There’s also a fantastic company called Encore Bridal that offers pre-owned couture wedding dresses and bridal accessories. They are committed to using “green” business practices, and earth-friendly fabrics such as hemp, organic cotton, linen, tencel and silk.
Tuxedos for the men are available, as well. Tuxedos Direct makes a complete line of traditional tuxedos and accessories including jackets, trousers, shirts, vests, cummerbunds, ties, and patent leather shoes from top names like Perry Ellis and Lord West.
The flowers are necessary!! Dried or silk flowers are an eco-friendly alternative. And after the party, you can donate them to a local hospital or senior citizen center, or send them home with your guests. The centerpieces can be stunningly beautiful – eco-friendly favors on the tables! If you are looking for a vessel for the center of your table to hold sea shells or colorful rocks, consider vases made from recycled glass or a bamboo bowl, due to renewable tendencies.
There are some helpful books out there that can advise the “green” bride on everything. One is: The Everything Green Wedding Book: Plan an Elegant, Affordable, Earth-Friendly Wedding by Wenona Napolitano. This incredible guide focuses on how easy and affordable it is to choose a stylish, environmentally-friendly wedding.
Another is the: Green Bride Guide: How to Create an Earth-friendly Wedding on Any Budget by Kate L. Harrison. This is a true encyclopedia filled with great information and ideas for the engagement through the wedding, including choosing a location, bridal gowns and makeup, invitations, flowers, the ceremony, and the honeymoon. If you are just going to buy one book….pick this one!
Be the perfect bride! Have the perfect day! And save the environment! You are marrying the love of your life…what more could you ask for?
The Green Register sends their congratulations and best wishes to the bride and groom!
Family
Published May 23, 2012 | Slain Burbank bride’s family copes with loss; search for killer goes on.
Since his daughter was found stabbed to death in the bathtub of her Burbank apartment in May, Antonio Carrera’s heart has broken a little more with each passing day.
“It is hard; we are very sad,” Carrera said, touching his chest.
Sitting on the front porch of his home in Chicago’s Marquette Park neighborhood with a friend Tuesday afternoon, he paused to reflect on the death of the young woman who by all accounts lived up to the English translation of her name, Estrella, which is “star.”
“I miss everything about her, everything,” he said.
Inside the bungalow, his daughter’s two children played with their cousins under the watchful eye of Estrella’s sister, Jazmin Carrera.
Despite the happy noise of small feet running about, an air of sorrow hung heavy throughout the living room, where posters covered with photos of a smiling Estrella still stood.
Jazmin Carrera said the death of her little sister has left a huge void. They miss her laughter, her attention to detail and, of course, her beautiful smile.
“She was very loving, always in high spirits,” Jazmin said. “She was the fun one of the family.”
The sisters were always close, Jazmin said, but more so since the passing of their mother a few years ago.
“We met here at my dad’s every day,” she said. “We’d go home just to sleep. This was our routine.”
All that changed May 11, when Estrella, 26, and Arnoldo Jimenez, 30, were married in a last-minute ceremony at Chicago City Hall.
The couple shared an erratic relationship for three years. Jimenez is the father of Estrella’s 2-year-old son.
The couple exchanged vows, had dinner at a Mexican restaurant and ended the celebration at a nightclub. They were last seen in the early morning hours of May 12.
The next day, Estrella failed to pick up her children. When Jazmin couldn’t get her sister or Jimenez on the phone, she called police.
Estrella’s stabbed body was found, still clad in the silver, sequined cocktail dress she wore for the nuptials, in the bathtub of her apartment on Rutherford Avenue in Burbank.
People
Published May 22, 2012 | Believing that Jimenez — wanted for first-degree murder — had fled the state and likely the country, police contacted the FBI, and a warrant issued for “unlawful flight to avoid prosecution” gave authorities more power to follow tips on his whereabouts, Burbank police Capt. Joe Ford said.
A manhunt ensued, with police offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the 6-foot, 220-pound Jimenez.
Ford said officials believe Jimenez initially headed for Texas and then to La Campana in the state of Durango, Mexico, where he has family.
“We have people looking for him in the pueblos (small towns) where he may be as well as watching for him here in the U.S.,” Ford said last week.
“We think he’ll be back,” Ford said. “He’s a U.S. citizen, and he has family and children here.”
Meanwhile, hundreds of tips have come in from people who’ve spotted the black 2006 Maserati Jimenez was last seen driving, as well as from people close to the family. Ford said he believes the car is in the Chicago area.
“He’s running scared,” Ford said, indicating he did not believe the Carrera family is in any danger.
“The Carreras are a very sweet family. They hardly knew Jimenez or his family,” Ford said.
Estrella Carrera grew up in Chicago, attending Eberhart Elementary School and Farragut High School. She was a popular teen who enjoyed music, dancing and Harry Potter, her family said.
“She really loved children,” Jazmin said. Her sister cherished her job as a Spanish translator for a physical therapist because all of the patients were small children.
And when it came to her niece and nephew, Jazmin said, “Well, she didn’t know how to say no. She spoiled them.”
Jazmin’s 12-year-old daughter, Jailene, can confirm that.
“She used to make me laugh a lot. She gave us whatever we wanted,” Jailene said. “I loved how she dressed. She’d always ask me if she looked OK.”
Estrella’s 9-year-old daughter, Gennavy, misses her mom’s cooking, particularly her tacos and her Mickey Mouse pancakes.
Gennavy, who is seeing a therapist to help her deal with the trauma, says her mom died just one month after she turned 9.
“She always wanted me to do good in school,” said Gennavy, who is in the custody of her father.
Jazmin has legal guardianship of Estrella’s 2-year-old son, Damian.
Ford said Burbank officials helped her through the process.
The death has been hard for all of them, Jazmin said. But mostly for her father.
“I miss her,” Antonio said. “I miss her being here. I miss her every day. I miss taking care of her.”
Tea party
Published May 21, 2012 | It was all about reindeers, Christmas trees, presents, Santa and his elf’s and flashing decorations versus vintage frills, afternoon tea, retro sweets, old-school ice-cream and mismatched china on this week’s episode of Battle of the Brides.
Sky Living’s new wedding-inspired series, sees two brides being given a budget of £25,000 to have their dream wedding. Only it can’t be exactly the way they want it, because they have to share it!
From the dress and wedding venue to the transport, entertainment and wedding reception, the two different brides battle it out to make their fantasy wedding a reality.
If you only thought Christmas came once a year, then think again. Bubbly Essex girl Rebecca loves everything about the festive season and wants a glittery affair that would make even Santa himself jealous. Meanwhile, Laura wants vintage glam, complete with a lace dress and 40s vibe. (Kate Hudson and Anne Hathaway don’t have a patch on this pair!)
Room Decor: Becky brought her yuletide Christmas together will beautifully wrapped presents, a snow machine, candy canes and festive napkins/tablecloth, and red seat coverings. Although her design concept brought the fun-factor and party vibe to the room, it was tacky, tasteless and completely inappropriate (it was the middle of June after all!).
I way preferred Laura’s antique bird cages, old-fashioned sweet stand and mismatched china, although there was a cold element to the room. A few colourful cushions and bright trinkets but have sorted this out, and would have still been in keeping with the theme. Becky (and especially her mum) hated everything about the so-called “boring tea party,” and thought it was tacky (ahem), while Laura felt like she was at a “cheap” Christmas work do.
Dress
Published May 20, 2012 | Entertainment: When it came to entertainment, I wasn’t surprised one bit when Becky invited Santa and his adorable Elf to give out presents to the guests. Unfortunately, a trip to Lapland failed to melt Laura’s heart as she remained to be the Christmas Grinch (Bah hambug!). Laura hit back hard with a Victorian style funfair and retro ice-cream stand, which looked like a lot of fun. It was at this stage that I realised how different the brides were.
Transport: Laura and her fiancé Dan arrived in style in a classy (and expensive) vintage Rolls-Royce, but I actually preferred Becky and Danny’s idea on this occasion. The festive couple arrived in style in a sleigh chauffeured by reindeers.
Dress: I adored Laura’s lace Kate Middleton looking dress, and it suited her petite frame down to the ground. But, my heart sank for Becky when she explained that it didn’t fit right on her curvy figure and made her feel “horrible”. However, I equally understood how Laura was displeased with Becky’s choice of dress. The red and white fluffy cape too the Christmas theme one step to far!
Following a lot of comprising, Becky finally accepted that she wouldn’t be getting everything she wanted (phew). I had my doubt that the wedding would go ahead. I thought that the dress dilemma would be the downfall of the pair.
Decision time: The men arrived wearing vintage grey suits; the brides’ arrived by reindeer; the bridesmaids wore winter wonderland dresses; the brides wore beautiful vintage lace gowns,;a vintage fair and ice-cream was the order of the day for entertainment ;and Christmas decor adorned the wedding reception.
Overall, I was extremely impressed with how well Laura and Becky worked together. Their team efforts made for a fantastic day that was unique to the both of them. The speeches were beautiful, and I have a feeling they may just stay in touch (or at least invite each other around for Christmas dinner!).
TLC
Published May 10, 2012 | Weehawken bride-to-be chooses gown on TLC’s “Say Yes to the Dress”.
While Weehawkenite Stella Aronis and her sister Jackie were perusing the Kleinfeld’s Bridal website a few months ago, they came upon an ad in the top left corner asking future brides to sign up for TLC’s reality television show, “Say Yes to the Dress.”
“Come on. Click it,” Jackie told her sister. “You won’t get picked anyway.”
So Aronis clicked it. Buying in to her sister’s understandable cynicism, she proceeded to answer 90 questions with her trademark sarcastic style, taking none of them too seriously. For instance, what’s your bridal style?
“Bridal style? What is that?” Aronis wondered, and so she wrote something to the extent of “Well, I really don’t like my arms. I think everyone expects me to show up in a muumuu.”
And so went the remaining 89 questions.
Four days later, Aronis received a call from a woman named Lisa who claimed she was from TLC who asked her if she wanted to be on the show.
“Jackie, stop it,” Aronis answered. “I’m busy. I have stuff to do.”
The woman on the other line insisted that, first of all, she had no idea who Jackie was, and second, she wanted Aronis to be on the show. She agreed to do it, but was still skeptical.
Turns out it wasn’t a joke, and on June 15, she and her big Greek family picked out her wedding dress at Kleinfeld in front of an audience of thousands.
To hear Aronis’ highly entertaining stories about how she met her fiancé and how he proposed, and about the show, read this weekend’s edition of the Weehawken Reporter.
Calling brides
Published May 5, 2012 | Calling all brides to be.
Here’s your chance to win a luxury honeymoon in Dubai. The only catch is you have to hand over the reins of your wedding to your respective mums for RTE’s new show, called The Mother of All Weddings.
Produced by Animo TV, the show is also offering a cushy trip to stay in the Irish-owned luxury Bonnington Towers hotel for successful participants.
Funky rap star Nicki Minaj will be in action in Dublin in a few months’ time. The award-winning Trinidadian star is bringing her Pink Friday: Reloaded tour to the O2 Dublin on November 5 as she struts her stuff for Irish fans.
And given that her Olympia Theatre show this August sold out within a minute of going on sale, this will doubtless by one of the hottest gigs this winter.
The Live at Leopardstown events continue apace next month with legendary festival band Kila next to take to the stage at the southside race-course on Thursday, July 5 alongside support act Raglans. There will be some super racing action at the track alongside some live entertainment from local artists.
The events will continue running throughout the summer, with different acts announced each week and entry costing €15.
Seminal punk outfit The Fall are set to visit Dublin next month, when they’ll bring their inimitable style to Temple Bar venue The Button Factory.
They’ll be taking to the stage on Thursday, July 19 as they tour their 29th studio album Ersatz GB.
Tickets costing €24.50 are available from the usual outlets.
Bridal Jewelry Retailers
Published April 30, 2012 | The Broken Promises Coalition Insists on Honesty from Bridal Jewelry Retailers and Manufacturers As Custom Designed Rings Become Increasingly Popular
Following an evident increase in demand for custom designed wedding rings; the Broken Promises Coalition finds it exponentially more important for bridal jewelry manufacturers and retailers to be honest regarding often untold truths about tungsten carbide rings.
Broken Promises Coalition commented emphasizing the need for consumer awareness regarding the often-untold truths about tungsten carbide rings following a recent report from PRUnderground regarding custom wedding band designs. Shining Light Jewelry owner Miche Meizner is a life coach and custom jeweler specializing in helping couples design the perfect wedding ring. Broken Promises believes that a growing trend of couples designing their own wedding ring heightens the need for awareness about truths within the bridal jewelry industry.
“Whether you design it yourself or not, a wedding ring holds a clear and strong sentimental value for couples. Consumers are given choices within the bridal jewelry, but if all truths aren’t being represented the choice isn’t fair. The Broken Promises Coalition insists that bridal jewelry be held to a higher standard and that the public be informed so that the symbol of their lifelong commitment also lasts a lifetime,” said Clay Darrohn, Broken Promises representative. “Custom jewelers, manufacturers, and retailers have an obligation to disclose information about tungsten carbide to the public and many of them haven’t been.”
Tungsten carbide is a brittle compound that, when fatigued from daily use, can break or shatter – a fact most brides and grooms are unaware of. Broken Promises believes that the public has a right to know this information before they even consider purchasing a tungsten ring so that they can carry with them their entire lives the same ring in which they have blessed and exchange vows with.
Free wedding
Published March 30, 2012 | Bellevue store gives away free wedding gowns for military brides.
Military brides-to-be on the hunt for the perfect wedding dress drove, in some cases, hundreds of miles to a little shop in Bellevue that is giving away free gowns to servicewomen and to the fiances of servicemen.
“We drove about five hours from Atlanta, GA,” said Sam Marie Martinez.
Glitz Bridal on Old Hickory Boulevard was the scene for dozens of military brides on a mission to find their perfect wedding dress Thursday.
More than 50 dresses were available on a first-come, first-served basis to women like Martinez, who served our country in Iraq.
“My fiancee and I met on E-Harmony, and I returned from deployment two years ago,” she said.
Breanne Werkmeister is marrying an active-duty soldier and drove all the way from St. Louis to find a gown.
“He’s stationed at Fort Campbell, an hour away, so we saw him on the way down,” she said.
Glitz Bridal is participating in a nationwide giveaway program, which is sponsored by the group Brides Across America. Typically, a brand new wedding dress costs as much as $2,000, but these brides didn’t pay a dime.
“They get to try on three to five dresses, and if they like it, they get to go home with it,” said Ann Miller, with Glitz Bridal.
The free dress giveaway program continues Friday at Glitz Bridal. The dresses will be available until they run out, and brides need to only bring a copy of military deployment papers to participate.
Dating
Published December 11, 2011 | Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez Dating: New Pictures Show Couple in D.C.
A new batch of Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez dating pictures shows the couple heading to rehearsals together in Washington, DC. This comes after their recent fun in the sun spent together on vacation which included pictures as well.
The Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez dating pictures arrived on Saturday at brides-dream.com, showing them as they headed to the National Building Museum in DC. Justin will be rehearsing for the Christmas in Washington concert. He was seen in a plaid cardigan style sweater and black winter hat, while Gomez had on a black jacket, clue shirt, and scarf. Definitely a different choice of attire after the swimsuits they donned on vacation!
It appears Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez are still quite fond of one another. Just recently, they finished up a vacation to Mexico, where they were photographed sun tanning among other activities. Now they are back to work and probably wish they were in a warmer climate. However, Selena is supporting her man as he will be a part of a big concert for the holidays. It’s good to see these two still getting along!
Hot women
Published December 11, 2011 | Hot Women of All Time is Jennifer Aniston: ‘Horrible Bosses’ Star Names Hers
Racquel Welch is the second hot women of All Time. She follows Jennifer Aniston who holds the title of hottest. The Horrible Bosses star named her own hot women for the title.
When speaking to Men’s Health about her own personal hot women of All Time, Jennifer Aniston said, “It’s a tie between Bridgitte Bardot and Gloria Steinem. But if I had to choose one, I’d say Gloria because, well, she’s the full package. That’s sexy.” It’s obvious that Aniston herself has the full package because she has plenty of brains too.
Unfortunately, those women were not on the list which rounded out to include Marilyn Monroe (#3), Britney Spears (#4) and Madonna (#5) in the top five. How does the total top five work for you? Are there any women you would put on the list in their place?
What do you think about Jennifer Aniston being named the hot women of All Time? Is she truly the hot women out there past and present? Obviously it’s not for the future since so far nobody has been able to time travel. What do you think about her pick of Gloria Steinem as the hottest? Could Aniston have something there?
Hottest Women
Published December 11, 2011 | Aishwarya Rai Has Baby, Ranks on ‘Top 100 Hottest Women of All Time’ List
Hottest women Bollywood star Aishwarya Rai and her baby news may be the talk of the internet, but just recently the actress was ranked among the top 100 hottest women of all time. The list features stars like Kim Kardashian, Beyonce, and Angelina Jolie.
So how did Aishwarya Rai rank on the list? She comes in at #44 out of 100 other hottest women including Halle Berry, Jessica Alba, Nicole Scherzinger, and Kim Kardashian. Many of those on the list are recent favorites, including hottest women Megan Fox and hottest women Scarlett Johansson. There are also all-time icons from various industries including Cindy Crawford, Ursula Andress, Catherine Bach, and Kathy Ireland. Aishwarya will add this latest hot ranking to other recent titles that proclaim her beauty including hottest women in India, Filmfare magazine’s Most Beautiful Woman, and of course her victory as
Aishwarya Rai has made headlines for the delivery of her baby, Beti B, along with husband Abhishek Bachchan in the past month. She still ranks among the most hottest women (at Men’s Health’s rankings), and will likely continue to rank there after giving birth. There may be high expectations placed on their daughter Beti B now, but hopefully her parents will raise her to understand the right values in life, and that beauty is an all-encompassing trait. Also, many will say that nothing is more beautiful in life than a mother bringing forth a new life, and Aish’s baby is further testament to the beauty she brings to the world.
Wedding
Published December 11, 2011 | It’s a woman’s fantasy to have the wedding of her dreams come true – especially on someone else’s dime. Then throw in a celebrity wedding planner (Star Jones, Usher, Chris Paul etc) to “bling it out,” she’s sure to be over the moon. David Tutera of We tv’s My Fair Wedding is the man to make that fantasy a reality. David Tutero Based on the premise of the show, if you’re a bride who’s planning a wedding on a meager budget and you get an unsuspecting knock at the door, hold on to your garter, because you’re in store for the wedding of your dreams. Tutera has a knack for smoking out brides deepest desires for their special day and helping them to realize them with his legendary event planning expertise. Tutera’s candor and wit may trample your feelings a bit along the way, but it’s just a means to a storybook end. My Fair Wedding, season 5, episode 5, Dragonfly Bride, airs this Sunday, Dec. 10 on WE tv, followed the next week by Hollywood Glam Bride, which features a black couple, both actors, who wish to pull off a classic Hollywood themed wedding. When Tutera arrives on the scene, he finds that the couple has in essence planned the equivalent of a children’s theme party, in his not-so-humble opinion. After waving his magic wan over the affair, the bride is left in tears and the groom with his jaw hitting the floor. Tutera doesn’t discriminate in regard to the clients he takes on. In fact, he has an affinity for black women. Having grown up in the inner city, his background fostered a kindredness for black brides that fuels his passion for helping them to make their special day unforgettable. “I think my passion comes from my upbringing. I went to a school that was lower middle income and either you were with the in-crowd or you weren’t, because it was a white thing or a black thing and if you showed up on the wrong day, you were in big trouble. So, I managed to manipulate my way through life and as a gay kid, I was challenged, so I had multiple things going on. I see myself as a minority and I see myself as a kid who was bullied and challenged, so I think that that’s the connection. I had a talk with someone from VH1 after the first season aired and they asked, ‘So why are African American women so in love with you … why do you show such passion? Because you see only the women that’s sitting in front of you.’ I didn’t realize that it’s how I grew up. So, I was given that path and didn’t realize it was the path that would lead me to where I am today.” He’s acutely aware of the disparity between how brides of color vs. white brides are viewed. “[coming up] I will be the first male to ever be on the cover of a national publication in its bridal guide magazine. But that’s not the exciting part. I only agreed to do this if they allowed me to have a black woman standing next to me. In the history of national publications of bridal, there’s never been a black woman. I’m really excited about that.” Speaking of brides of color and disparity, during a press sneak preview of the show, Tutera spoke about how unfairly Star Jones was treated surrounding her highly publicized wedding to Al Reynolds, which he planned: “I met her on the view and we talked about her wedding before I met Al … Star got the raw end of the stick when the press hit. This is a woman like any woman out there that had a dream of having a beautiful wedding, she happened to just be a black woman that was on television and [they] destroyed her because she was vocal about it. The rumors that flew, 90% of them were false. I like the way she went off air, I think she was the one that won, even though it seemed like she lost. Barbara Walters, I’m not a fan of, Star, I am.” He went on to speak on the public spectacle that was Kim Kardashian’s wedding: “Don’t even get me started on that. I was asked by my publicist to stop my rants about the wedding. They make me so angry, I get tongue-twisted. I hated the wedding and I can’t stand her.” And for good measure, he threw in a few comments when prompted (as Dwight Eubanks fled the room) on whether he’d accept an offer to plan a wedding for reality TV’s latest star you love to hate, NeNe Leakes: “I’d have to meet her, because I don’t know her, but if we’e going off what I’ve seen on television, I’d say no. I don’t know if that’s the person that she is, but … I don’t have the time in my life to add drama to my life and if that’s who she is, I’d have to say no.” Blogger Cadillac Kimberly and Dwight Eubanks David Tutera — celebrity wedding planner and star of WE tv’s MY FAIR WEDDING – completed a whirlwind press tour this week that included stops in New York and Atlanta. On Tuesday, Tutera screened an upcoming episode of his popular wedding makeover show at Pranna Restaurant for 50 NYC media and VIPs that included PEOPLE, NY Times, Associated Press, STAR, National Enquirer, EBONY/JET, Juicy, ESSENCE and author Tonya Lewis Lee. The following day, Tutera joined Atlanta press for an intimate dinner and screening at 103 West with CNN, Bossip, V103, KISS 104, AJC, Rolling Out, Cadillac Kim, SIR, BE-Entertained Mag, EURweb and tv star/stylist Dwight Eubanks. All attendees were given a DVD copy of the best of MFW — Weddings WE Love: My Fair Wedding with David Tutera – and a rhinestone pin from Bridal Collection by David Tutera.
Marry
Published December 11, 2011 | Foreign nationals to find it easier to marry
A ruling by Switzerland’s highest court has eased a controversial new law that prevents foreign nationals without a valid visa from getting married.
In force since January 1, 2011, the law was initiated by the rightwing Swiss People’s Party to restrict the possibility of marriages of “convenience” – people marrying to improve their visa circumstances and subsequently applying to bring their families to Switzerland.
Critics said the law breached human rights because it excluded an entire category of people from the right to marry.
In a new legal precedent set by the Federal Court, such marriage requests will no longer be automatically denied, and exceptions will be allowed.
The case before the court involved a Cameroon man without a residency permit who wanted to marry a legal Swiss resident. The couple had a child aged three.
The father appealed against a decision by the Vaud cantonal authorities and court turning down the marriage request. He ended up taking his case to the Federal Court, which in turn overturned the cantonal ruling.
“Genuine” wish
It is the first time the Federal Court has ruled on the law in question; article 98, al. 4 of the Swiss Civil Code, which states: “Fiancés who are not Swiss citizens must establish the legality of their status in Switzerland during the course of the preparatory procedures.”
In handing down its ruling, it referred to a decision by the European court in Strasbourg which found that the Swiss system could contradict article 12 of the European Convention of Human Rights in cases where “a foreigner in an irregular situation genuinely and sincerely wants to get married”.
The Federal Court said the fact that the couple would have to go abroad to get married infringed European Convention requirements.
It stated that police authorities in charge of foreigners “should issue a residency permit for a marriage if there are no indications that the foreigner concerned intends, by this act, to abuse the rules on family reunification”.
In this particular case, the couple had a stable relationship, and “fulfilled all the conditions needed to obtain a residency permit for marriage”, the court said.
“It’s history”
The Swiss migration policy organisation Solidarité sans frontières said it would probably mean authorities would have to give foreigners a six-month permit to stay in Switzerland, during which time the marriage would have to have been processed.
The organisation, which has supported the national platform for “sans-papiers”, or illegal residents, in Switzerland in campaigning against the law and in taking individual cases to court, was thrilled by the Federal Court’s move.
“The court decision is more or less flipping the whole situation back to the way it was before January 1, 2011. In general it means that the [so-called] Lex Brunner is now history,” general-secretary Moreno Casasola , referring to the politician Toni Brunner who was behind the law.
“We always said this isn’t right. You can’t deny the right to marriage because it breaks so many laws. Everyone, in every country, has the right to be married. It doesn’t matter which nationality they have.
“It was not only denying the right to marry to those without permission to stay in Switzerland but also to Swiss people.”
Of some 42,000 marriages celebrated in Switzerland in 2009, just under half – 20,380 – involved at least one foreign national, according to figures from the Federal Statistics Office.
The Vaud cantonal court decided in September that the law as it stood was hard to enforce and a Vaud politician has requested it be clarified by the justice ministry.
In its ruling made public on Thursday, the Federal Court noted that the law had been brought in to stop the automatic issuing of residency permits whenever there was a request for marriage, as had been the case in the past.