Announcements

*~ Ambiance is expanding!!! We couldn’t be happier to now offer planning services to the DC, Virginia, & Maryland areas. Email info@experienceambiance.com for availability or for more information.

*~ Ambiance’s “Diamonds Are Forever” package price will increase effective January 1, 2010. Our new full wedding planning service will be a flat rate of $2500. To lock in the 2009 rate of $1800 for your 2010 wedding, book byDecember 31, 2009.



In The News


Victoria Beckham paying for sister's wedding:
http://www.timeslive.co.za/entertainment/celebrity/article163824.ece

Question & Answer with "Who's Wedding Is It Anyway", Donnie Brown: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/homegarden/2010103265_weddingstylist23.html

Fit For A Princess: Disney's Engagement Ring Line:
http://www.examiner.com/x-9082-Walt-Disney-World-Recreation-Examiner~y2009m10d22-Disney-launches-new-Disney-Princess-engagement-jewelry-bridal-gowns



Inspirations
Hosting a Halloween Party this week? Check out these creative treats sure to spook and satisfy your "ghoulish" crowd. Have some great ideas you'd like to share? Post a comment
below.









First Dance Songs
This week's first dance songs are for couples looking for more upbeat songs to dance to:

From My Heart To Yours – Laura Izibor
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nr05pja50bw

Everything – Michael Buble
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KeKtB2EhdaE&channel

In The News:
http://www.reuters.com/article/lifestyleMolt/idUSTRE59D1H720091014

http://www.thisisbrandx.com/2009/10/customized-fingerprint-wedding-bands.html

Halloween Inspired Ohio Wedding
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5i27AP9Jre_uR1s-kzVfNWA4uH_UQD9B54G6G1

President Obama celebrates 17 years of marriage
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5ggicKpBxr0imsqFzuZb4WitZrkbwD9B3V4202

First Dance Fridays:
"So Beautiful"- Music Soulchild
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=irmkFCpDKTU

"At Last"- Etta James
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LZXvLsltu2A

The Solution

(relationship & advice column with Lady Lucille)

Question: My fiancé and I have been engaged for a year and our wedding is set for next year. In all we have been together for 6 years. Throughout our dating history we have been inseparable. Now he keeps making references to being in need of some space. Should I consider this a red flag? Could he be having some doubts about committing to forever?

Answer: First off let me tell you that space is never a bad thing. Is it possible that he is having second thoughts? Of course it is. But, is it indicative and absolute? No. In a relationship, "Me time"and "space" are healthy facets. An individual needing some breathing room is normal. You stated that during your 6yrs of dating you all have been inseparable. Well ask yourself, was that a mutual choice? Were you all inseparable because the two of you did not want to do things separately or because one of you insisted on being coupled up ALL THE TIME? In 6 years has he had no "guy time" and you no "girl time”? If that is the case then I advise you both to take a step back and revisit who you are outside of this relationship. Your mate’s request for "SPACE" is not a crisis, but an opportunity that you should both take advantage of. As a partner, you should be secure enough to allow your mate time away from you without it being an avenue to drama. In getting an opportunity for "me time" you should get reconnected with yourself and your own circle of friends provided that you have a circle outside of him. The most important thing that you can do for your relationship is maintain a healthy sense of self; know how to be both an individual and a partner. Space prior to nuptials is a good thing. Getting space allows you both tore-evaluate and be certain that the person you are engaged to is truly who you want forever after to be with, as oppose to just going along with expectations of the situation. Know that just because an engagement has taken place doesn't mean that a marriage has to happen. Ultimately, it is better to allow for the time and space than it is for either of you to feel forced into a binding commitment that you are secretly re-thinking. Allowing room for this makes it that much more likely that when you are at the altar, "I do" is "I do" and not "I think I do". Ask in prayer; receive in spirit, for it is already done.

Ambiance Weekly

In The News:
Suspected Wedding Crashers Arrested in Ind. Theft: http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hpJhGyPsdQnVS2CJ-gAzt8Pp-jNgD9B10KO80

eBay's Couple's Champagne Wedding: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/6241687/eBay-couples-51-champagne-wedding.html


Before The Wedding, The Couple Need To Cut Debt and Stop Overspending:
http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-makeover27-2009sep27,0,7348062.story

Check Out This Fall Pumpkin Inspiration Board:
Courtesy of mixmingleglow.com



First Dance Songs:
*“Unforgettable” - Nat & Natalie Cole
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qzhEPB-Q6VQ&feature=related

*“Better Together”- Jack Johnson
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OPXU33iquDE


Ask An Expert:
Question: I'm think about having my bouquet freeze dried. Are there someflowers that freeze better than others?

Answer: According to our friends at Flowers Forever Inc. there are someflowers that freeze dry better than others. You may want to think aboutthe following flowers when deciding on how best to build your bouquet:


*Rose
*Stephanotis
*Pansies
*Cally Lilly
*Carnations
*Gardenia
*Hydrandea
*Peonies
*Daffodils


Several other flowers can freeze well, while others take a longer drytime. For more information on freeze drying your bouquet and/or a flowerquality checklist, check out http://www.flowersforeverinc.com/.

Ambiance Weekly

The Great Gown Giveaway Returns:

Register to Win A FREE Wedding Gown starting October 1, 2009 at experienceambiance.com.

In The News/Articles:
Celebrity Wedding(s):
http://www.tmz.com/2009/09/21/kardashian-wedding-lamars-idea/
http://www.examiner.com/x-11363-Dallas-TV-Examiner~y2009m9d18-Sex-and-the-City-a-possible-wedding-for-Samantha-Jones

Thinking Outside the Box
http://www.suntimes.com/lifestyles/1781392,CST-NWS-wed21.article

Survey Shows Wedding Costs Rose in 2008
http://www.shorenewstoday.com/news.php?id=4435

First Dance Songs:
This week, the men represent with expressions of love. Both oldie but goodies, not only fitting for a first dance, an out of the box bride might consider these for her walk down the aisle. Check 'em out and let us know what you think by posting a comment below.

-This Very Moment - K-Ci & Jojo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RSIJUyAk6nY

-Every Thing I Do (I Do It For You)- Bryan Adams
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZGoWtY_h4xo

The Solution

(relationship & advice column with Lady Lucille):

Question: The wedding is 6 months away and we have had a lot of discussion aboutmoney. With the talk of finances, I was wondering when you thought it was a goodtime for a couple to share finances, or should they ever?

Answer: Money, a single word that has the power to destroy many relationships. Money Management is a very critical discussion that has to be held in every household. There is no easy answer on how to maintain the checks and balances but communication is a key part of the formula for success.

Another thing that must be realized is that two people cannot manage one household budget. Two people can only agree on how the finances will be managed. A wise person once said that a couple needs four accounts to be successful. The four accounts consist of a savings account that requires two signatures in order to extract money, a household bill account that is used to pay for monthly expenses required for living, and the other two accounts are his and her personal accounts for personal spending on non-household items. These four accounts allow for the building of savings so that a common goal may be reached, a household fund so that a standard of living may be maintained, and personal spending so that no one is required to get permission to eat out or buy an item of clothing.

Now you may ask when these accounts should come into existence. The savings account can be established once an engagement to be married has taken place, if the two of you will be sharing the cost of the wedding. The household and personal accounts should be created once you are married and not prior to nuptials. A timeline should be established for after the wedding because there is no need to play house with finances even if you are living together. Money has the power to disrupt a relationship so finances should not be pooled until there is a legal union. Discussion on the matter is a very good idea just to be aware of all parties positions.

Ambiance Weekly
a sneak peek at our new blog format

*Follow us on twitter at @expambiance

*In The News/Articles:
The New Divorce Divide
http://www.mercatornet.com/articles/view/the_new_divorce_divide/

Cake Toppers: An End To One Size Fits All
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/20/fashion/weddings/20FIELD.html?_r=1

*Inspiration Board (Cake Toppers):

*Ask A Planner:
Question: I wanted your advice on a situation that involves my biological & step fathers. My step father is who I consider my father. My biological is invited but we aren’t terribly close. I want to honor both but don’t want to do father/daughter dances for 15 minutes, what do I do?

Answer: You can handle this in a variety of ways, but I would suggest choosing one song and dancing with both fathers. Dance with your biological father first. After the first verse, have your step father cut in a finish the song. This way you get pictures with both fathers and save more time for having fun during your reception.

*Fan Ambiance On Facebook: Ambiance Special Events

Today's DIY project is so simple it doesn't even need instructions. It's a jewelry box, it's a drawer organizer, it's recycled! Turn your old egg cartons into something brilliant. I use this project myself. You can either decorate the top with fabric and rhinestones or do like I do and cut the top of the egg carton off and make your jewelry selections easier to get to in the morning. I love it because it helps me keep my jewelry in one location and still keeps my drawer organized. You can use plastic or cardboard egg cartons. A dozen works just fine but I need the big girl carton of 18. lol Try it an let us know how you like it by posting a comment below. We love your feedback. Happy Crafting!

Tuesday Inspiration

Ladies, upgrade your man from a basic band to something a little more creative in thought. You've taken so much time to plan the day and every detail....don't let your husband's hardware be an afterthought. Check out a variety of ways to say "I Do, too" with diamonds.