The Powers that Be at WedLock Magazine contacted me early in the game about writing articles for their new magazine and I am featured in their premiere issue. WedLock Magazine is a how-to journal for wedding providers–not just wedding shops. They feature specific, valuable content on the challenges that face wedding vendors like photographers, caterers, wedding venues and providers.

The cool thing about this new magazine is the in-depth articles, teaching you how to do each and every item they mention. There are no articles waxing poetic on the values of search engine optimized (SEO) website copy. Instead there are specific tasks and to-dos for each topic.

In addition to the magazine, you get a DVD set and webinars with wedding marketing professionals. I have really enjoyed reading the premiere issue. which includes topics such as:

• Time Management for bridal social media marketing (my article)
• Making your site Google-friendly
• SEO bridal basics
• Top 20 ways to drive more traffic to your website
• Why you should have  wedding PR strategy
• Why YouTube can help your wedding business (by my good local friend, Jeff Long of Exit Row Productions)
• How Filene’s Basement has been successful for 63 years

And those are only a FEW of the articles in the first issue!

Check out this new resource at http://www.wedlockmag.com/.

Francesca Rhinestone Bridal Hair Stick – Set of 12

These twelve Francesca Rhinestone Bridal Hair Sticks are a sparkling collection of tiny crystal rhinestones in a pave’ setting. The individual Hair Sticks can be used to secure a veil, highlight an updo or add a touch of sparkle to any hair style. Affordable enough to bestow all 12 on each of your bridesmaids, you can also split them up, offering just a few to each girl.

Unify the whole bridal party by pairing the Francesca Hair Sticks with our Kate Bridesmaid’s Necklace and Earring Set she will be luminous as she walks down the aisle on your wedding day. Both the jewelry and the hair sticks can be used again for any formal event, party or just for a bit of sparkle.

Product Details:
Size: 3 inches long
Materials: Sterling silver with crystal rhinestones
Quantity: Sold in a set of 12

“It’s About Time! Let’s Celebrate” – Champagne Bucket Timer Wedding Favors

So clever and so practical—everyone will love our “It’s About Time! Let’s Celebrate” Champagne Bucket Timer Wedding Favors, especially if your guests have been waiting a loooong time for your wedding day to arrive. A miniature silver-toned champagne bucket holds a single champagne bottle and a load of realistic looking ice. A single red heart points towards the numbers at the bottom of the bucket, indicating 1-60 minutes before the alarm sounds.

Packaged in our showcase clear packaging, the bottom insert declares “It’s About Time” while a white organza ribbon and bottle shaped tag announces “Let’s Celebrate!” Choose our “Celebrate” Champagne Gel Candle for a posh celebration.

Product Details:
Size: Measures 2-3/4” by 3-3/4 inches.
Materials: Plastic
Quantity: Minimum order is 24 favors

Cocktails Anyone? Martini Glass Gel Candle Wedding Favors

Shaken or stirred? You won’t even have to ask with our Cocktail Anyone? Martini Glass Gel Candle Wedding Favors. The petite 2-1/2 inch glass martini glass is filled with a clear gel candle rather than the traditional gin and vermouth. But both martinis include a perfect olive in the bottom of the glass.

The Martini Glass Gel Candle is elegantly packaged transparent showcase package, printed in a black retro olive print and tied up with sheet black bow. On top of each candle wedding favor is a charming little olive tag while a classic black and white “Thank You” tag wraps around the bottom.

For an Italian or Tuscan theme, pair the “Cocktails Anyone? Martini Glass Gel Candle with our “Olive You!” Glass Oil Bottle so your coupled guests are going home with two different gifts.

Product Details:
Size: Candle measures 2-½” by 2-½ inches. Box measures 2-3/4” by 2 ¾ inches.
Materials: Glass and gel candle

PRESS RELEASE

Contact Information: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact Name
Telephone: XXX-XXX-XXXX
Email: email@thecandidguest.com

PHOTO BOOTHS: TODAY’S HOTTEST BRIDAL TREND
“The Candid Guest” Takes Photo Booths Out of the Box

(PHOENIX, AZ, January 3, 2008) Photo booth rentals have exploded on the wedding scene, allowing guests to pop into vintage style photo booths; have a picture snapped and leave with a grainy souvenir photo and a nostalgic flashback.

Innovative wedding photographer, Aimee Cooper of A+R Photography, took note of the nostalgic phenomenon and decided to improve upon the process. Her proprietary system has evolved into The Candid Guest, a complete photo booth experience without the old fashioned booth.

“I knew brides wanted the candid photographic experience but the traditional photo booth was creating more problems than it was worth,” Cooper said, “The metal booth was bulky and difficult to transport. The photos were of poor quality and it was a tight squeeze to fit even two people in the booth. And to top it off, the gaudy photo booth stuck out like a sore thumb at an elegant wedding reception.”

After much research, Cooper created an out of the box solution. The Candid Guest is an elegantly draped, professional lighted “studio” that uses an easy, automated system for taking candid digital photos. The spacious interior allows up six guests to pose at a time while the professional lighting creates studio quality prints. The guests use computer prompts to take the photos themselves, eliminating the need or awkwardness of a photographer.

“The personalized photos are printed immediately, allowing the guests to use them in a photo guest book and take them home,” said Cooper, “Since the photos are shot digitally, a private online gallery can be seen by the guests after the wedding and they can order extra prints or an exclusive album.”

Rented by the hour, starting at $1,000 for three hours, the complete Candid Guest package includes a knowledgeable assistant to keep things running smoothly.

“It is all of the advantages of a traditional photo booth with none of the drawbacks,” said Cooper. “Brides see it as entertainment, a guest book and a party favor—all rolled into one.”

The Candid Guest photo booth system can be seen in detail at www.thecandidguest.com. Area brides can reserve The Candid Guest Photo Booth for 2008 and get a free coffee table book with their reservation.
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If you’d like more information on this topic, or to schedule an interview with Aimee Cooper, please call xxx-xxx-xxxx or email info@thecandidguest.com.

Handmade Wedding Invitations

Adding that Extra Special Touch

Appeared on a wedding authority website-2007

The wedding invitation is your guests’ first glimpse into your wedding’s formality and style. The wedding invitation sets the tone for your special day and reflects the unique personality of your union. It is a harbinger of your monumental first steps into married life.

In the past, the options for wedding invitations were limited to the standard white or ecru folded note cards that you ordered out of a big, bulky catalog. Today, the happy couple has an unlimited palette of invitation options including custom handmade invitations. 

Unless you are a capable artist yourself, do not plan to make your wedding invitations yourself. Once restricted to engraved or letterpress printing only, there is still the highest expectation of quality with it comes to your wedding invitation. This is an area where you do not want to skimp.

There are several unique and affordable options for a handmade wedding invitation that still looks sumptuous and elegant. Dochelle Custom Creations has created a fabulous line of handcrafted invitations and wedding stationery that includes “spectacular embellishments and luxurious accents.”  From a glistening tulle ribbon tie to your engagement picture printed on vellum, these wedding invitations are one of a kind. Beautiful Swarovski crystal buckles or stylish monograms adorn a few of these invites, adding a classy touch and creating a conversation piece.

You can even opt to have hand painted wedding invitations, created by a true artiste. Kristy Rice of Momental Designs is one such artist that creates beautiful works of art for her wedding clientele.  “Weddings are joyous yet fleeting occasions that deserve the utmost in creative details,” Rice said. Her hand painted designs will create a keepsake that you and your guests will treasure for years to come. Hand painting can be done in the form of accents, floral designs and even landscapes. 

Besides handmade wedding invitations, many couples are also commissioning handmade wedding programs, place cards or save the date cards. Limited only by your imagination, you can choose a wedding invitation that is truly a work of art.

Anniversary Dances

A New Twist on an Old Favorite

Appeared on a wedding authority website-2007

If you are looking for a new, meaningful tradition at your wedding reception, consider an anniversary dance. Instead of the tried and traditional bouquet toss and garter toss, introduce this unique wedding dance that invites everyone to participate.

At the appointed time, have the DJ or band leader invite all the married couples out onto the dance floor for a special wedding dance. As a meaningful song plays, the DJ asks anyone married less than 12 hours to leave the dance floor (which is obviously the newlyweds.) Next in measured moments, the DJ starts an anniversary countdown.

“If you’ve been married less than one year, please sit down. Two years…three….” The announcer continues in this fashion until all the happy pairs have dwindled to one last couple.

The winner is the couple who has been married the longest. The bride and groom can honor the couple by presenting them with a special gift such the bride’s bouquet or a table centerpiece. For an eloquent touch, have the DJ or band leader play another wedding song and have the two married couples dance together on the dance floor.

Choosing the Right Music

Imprint the memory of this dance on your guest’s minds by choosing the right music for your anniversary dance. Your best bets are classics with a contemporary bent. Classic crooners such as Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin or Tony Bennett are great choices since both young and old are likely to recognize the song. Contemporary ballad singers like Harry Connick, Jr. and Michael Buble’ are also a wise alternative that will please your guests of all ages.

Any one of these suggested songs would be a great anniversary dance option:

“Young at Heart” by Frank Sinatra

“Wonderful Tonight” by Eric Clapton

“Through the Years” by Kenny Rogers

“The Way You Look Tonight” by Frank Sinatra

Search for other songs at WedAlert.com for a complete wedding dance roster.

The anniversary dance has been growing in popularity but it can also be confusing to guests and unfortunately, sometimes the DJ. Make sure the DJ understands the concept completely and can explain it simple terms to the audience.

In the end, an anniversary dance is a wonderful way to honor the institute of marriage and recognizes the strong, successful couples who have went before you.