Here is a great opportunity for all Grooms and their Groomsmen!  Friar Tux is offering a promotion when you pre-register your wedding at friartux.com.  Once you pre-register your wedding online, you will recieve a $100 Visa giftcard, plus the Groom’s tux is FREE!  There are even more additional specials on ring bearer, grandfather & groomsmen attire.

To recieve these savings, visit friartux.com & pre-register your wedding using promo code N11369B.  www.friartux.com

Cake stand company, Raise the Cake, loves to jazz up the typical cake stand & create something suited to your style and décor. Raise the Cake studio believes that, “Every Cake Needs a Stand. These stands take your cake from the ordinary to Unique, Unforgettable, Fun and Fabulous! Perfect for weddings, baby showers, bridal showers & birthdays.” The owner of the Raise the Cake studio knew from experience in wedding planning that all cakes need to be raised and nicely displayed. Due to her search for beautiful cake stands, she decided to create the Raise the Cake studio. There are many different cake stand collections offered, or you can customize your own stand to your vision. View Raise the Cake’s website for more ideas on different cake and cupcake stands.

View cake stands at Raise the Cake

Wanted to share an article on cakes…and we wonder why they can get so costly at times! Look at this process and what Ron Ben- Israel says….Article from Brides.com

Famed baker Ron Ben-Israel is well-known for his remarkable use of sugar in creating unique and stunning cakes for weddings and special occasions. In addition to crafting flowers that look life-like from sugar, Ron and his team fabricate custom silicone molds in a myriad of shapes allowing them to add an unlimited number of details to each one. Here Ron explains the process. —Anne Chertoff

Many brides want their wedding cake to resemble their wedding dress in color, formality and sometimes fabric and detail. “Almost any type of lace can be cast into a silicone mold and then into a sugar detail that is applied to the cake,” says Ron who obtains specific swatches from designers. The molding process starts with Ron making a frame of four plexiglass strips held together by clamps. ”The frame is sealed with clay to avoid the liquid silicone from seeping out and the lace is affixed to a work surface with non-toxic clay, so it won’t move during the molding process,” says Ron.

After mixing the silicone compounds Ron has to work quickly. He pours the liquid in a thin stream, a process called needling, gradually covering the lace. The silicone will cure in six hours and will become a flexible rubber. After the liquid silicone sets, the cured mold is flexed and the lace is peeled off. It can now be used many times to recreate the exact replica of the lace. Thin sheets of sugar paste (sugar dough) are rolled and pressed into the mold.

The molded objects can be further enhanced by using edible luster. Here Ron used a mixture of pure gold and silver, which historically have been used in royal courts and signify eternal union and abundance, to add color to the applique. To attach the applique to the cake tiers Ron explains that, “a little sugar-glue adheres the confectionery lace to the cake surface.” Sugar-glue is a diluted version of the sugar paste.

On Elysium’s Blog Post: Today’s guest blogger is Helen! Wait till you see this Asian inspired decor. Totally gorgeous and a super sweet couple to boot!

Life is love, love is life, and I live life to the fullest with my love….Alex! Alex is a graphic designer with a passion and talent for tennis and photography. I loved my career in business and real estate law, but my ultimate calling is a caretaker. I love to help and give; I give with all my heart to fill my losses and voids in life.

Alex and I met through a mutual friend and remained good friends for many years. We finally connected at the most awkward time in my life. It was an unfortunate time for me to lose my mother and I had an emergency medical condition. I was recovering at the USC Norris Hospital when God sent me an Angel. Alex visited me every day, several times a day. I was at my worst moment, but Alex felt a need to care for me. We grew closer as friends, and Alex revealed that he fell in love with me in the hospital.

We care for my father that has Parkinson’s disease for 20 years. During a Parkinson’s seminar cruise, Alex proposed at the top of the ship. The both of us agreed that our wedding should be close to water since the proposal was in the middle of the ocean.

I wanted a wedding that represented comfort, peace, and harmony. What better place than The Montage Laguna Beach….it was perfect! Ok, the venue was picked, the dressed was picked, and I didn’t know where to start with wedding details. Next I found Michelle Weita from Details Details. Michelle was my savior; she helped me with every little detail for my wedding. She found the most fun and talented designer, florist, photographer, event filmmaker, make-up artist, DJ, and musicians for me. Michelle made and sat through all the appointments with me, thanks Michelle!

I wanted to treasure every moment for my wedding day, it was important that I share this with family and friends. Alex from Elysium Productions captured exactly what I was looking for, and I didn’t notice that he was there. My wedding was an Asian inspired time capsule that took you back in ancient gardens, backyards, temples, and palaces. It was a place of history for the younger generation, and a feel for childhood memories and home for the elders. Elysium amazed me with the video; I was stunned with the wonders of a camera and the people behind the production. The music along with each clip shed tears in my eyes, as I watched my father smile at me. He was pleased and grateful that his little girl’s dream wedding came true.

The wedding was perfect, everything was beautiful; the guests enjoyed the food, entertainment, ambiance, and service. I will treasure the moment that my father walked me down the beautiful garden of love as he waved his hands up high to signify his happiness; and as he embraced Alex when he gave me away.

Special thanks to Michelle Weita, Christopher Aldama, Jaime Puffer, Patty Burns, Aaron & Jen Delesie, Alex & Julie Hill, Kyle Simon, Richard Kang, Zhiming Han, Jeff Holmes, Joyce Luck, and Lynn Wang for adding another chapter of happiness in my life.

by Helen

Here is a combination that I love! When you join the fabulous chocolatier, Diana Phillips, and the talented Chenin Boutwell with Boutwell Photography you end up with great chocolates! These two ladies have developed a new chocolate line to their collection called the Boutwell Collection. Chocolates always make a great gift, but the cute packaging and appealing chocolates make the Boutwell Collection the perfect gift for somebody special. Valentine’s Day is coming up quickly and these chocolates will be nice to give to your loved ones. Be sure to try the chocolates with lavender infused ganache.

For more information and to view all her collection visit Diana Phillips website www.dianaphillipschoclates.com

Here are some fun mosaics that can add elements of color to your décor.  I like the idea of the hanging mosaic balls in the tree, which will catch your guests’ attention.  The different mosaics by etsy vender Sigmosaics are very cheery and look super cute in different shapes & sizes.  If you love spring time colors, the mosaic eggs will be a great addition to your table setting.  View more of Sigmosaics collection on etsy!

Wow, how happy is Debra and Calvin.  Debra and Calvin had a destination wedding at theResort at Pelican Hill.  They both reside in San Francisco, where their photographer Jesse is from as well. The light airy soft colors of yellow, butter and shades of greens perfectly suits them.  Happy colors and modern and clean throughout. The lovely florals were by the talented Nisie’s Enchanted Florist. Pelican Pastry created the beautiful, patterned cake that was displayed in the sun room.  I think the green fondant was a perfect match to Calvin’s green socks!

Their invitations were from one of my favorite designers, Hello Lucky Invitations, also in Northern California. Jesse brought a backdrop that we placed in the courtyard for guest photos, what a great way to document the guests.  Although a lunch wedding, there was some serious dancing. Calvin’s brother Chris started the party by hitting the floor first (he is a professional dancer;))

Photos courtesy ofjesseleakephotography

Today we have a “guest blogger”, Jessica from Spa Gaucin, at the St. Regis Monarch Beach-
Trying out a personal training is a great way to get ready for your wedding—whether you are 6 months or 6 weeks away! Spa Gaucin’s personal trainers specialize in all areas: cardio, yoga, boot camps, dance, core strengthening, pilates, and more! What better way to experience a fun, new workout than with Spa Gaucin’s Fitness Duo promotion?

Fitness Duo Beach season is nearing!  Let our experts assist you in toning, tightening, and feeling healthy. Following the workout, treat your body to a tension releasing therapeutic massage with our hydrating grape seed oil.

60-minute Personal Training
60-minute Therapeutic Massage
$260

Already have your workout regime planned to perfection? Then take a well-deserved break with your honey. A few hours at Spa Gaucin to sauna, steam, whirlpool, and nap the afternoon away can work wonders for spirits under stress. The Intuitive Massage is truly one-of-a-kind, allowing the therapist to use their finest talents, blending all style of massage (Swedish, deep tissue, reflexology, shiatsu, and stone) for your best benefit. Celebrate your love for one another with this special package that includes a free sparkling wine tasting! Maybe you’ll discover your pour for the big toast!
“Champagne and Sharing” Couple’s Experience Connect with your loved one throughout this unique spa experience! First, the two of you will unwind to the fullest in a 75-minute Couple’s Intuitive Massage, which includes 15-minutes of consultation with our skilled therapists to create a custom massage. Then, “toast” to your love with a sparkling wine tasting!

75-minute Couple’s Intuitive Massage

Sparkling Wine Tasting

$220 per person

Cheers to a happy, healthy new year!

Already a fan of Spa Gaucin? Find Spa Gaucin on Twitter @spaguru or Facebook!

Jessica Timberlake | Spa Services Manager | St. Regis Monarch Beach | One Monarch Beach Resort, Dana Point, California 92629 | Tel: 949.234.3361 | Fax: 949.234.3365 | Jessica.Timberlake@stregis.com

We wanted to share some information we received from Dr. Brian & Dr. Linda Trott from the Clergy Network. Thank you for sharing this information with us Brian & Linda.

From Brian & Linda at the Clergy Network:
The Clergy Network is one of a very few that operate under the Colour of the Authority of the County Clerk, and are amongst the first to know of changes in marriage license and name change requirements. As we operate under the authority of the County Clerk, we also issue the California Confidential Marriage License by special approval. We are happy to do this for each of your eligible clients, even if they have secured a clergy from outside of our network. For details contact us at 714 970 8839 or your client may fill out a secure on-line marriage license application at www.theclergynetwork.com

As of January 1st 2010 the following two changes should be noted:

1. All applications for certified copies of the marriage license must now be notarized, unless, after marriage, one of the parties personally goes into the clerk’s office to request the certified copies.

2. If the bride or groom are changing their middle or last name in any way, the change must be declared on the marriage license. If the name change is not declared on the marriage license application and recorded on the marriage license, Social Security and the CA DMV will not make the name changes for the couple in their Social Security and DMV records. If the couple wish to change their names and it has not been recorded on the marriage license, they would then have to go through the courts.

If you have any questions please feel free to call us.

Regards
Dr. Brian & Dr. Linda Trott
The Clergy Network
714 970 8839
info@theclergynetwork.com

These tags will add a great touch to your next party favor. As soon as I saw these tags I thought baby shower or birthday party. Each tag is handmade, so you are able to customize colors. Etsy vender, paperinstyle, specializes in personalized stationary, note cards, announcements and much more. View her collection off of etsy.com and search vender paperinstlye. Paperinstlye also just announced that if you buy 3 sets of stationery, you will receive free shipping in the US & Canada. Have fun shopping!

www.etsy.com