Ambiance is creating a new promotional item for potential clients and we need your help. First Dance songs are what some couples tend to ponder over the most. So we'd like to create a compilation disk of a few suggestions. So ladies and gents, what would be your ultimate first song? "So Amazing" by Luther Vandross or the not so sappy "Sugar Pie Honey Bun" by the Temptations.



Share your thoughts, so we can create the ultimate first dance CD to help real couples in trouble. Old School or New School, all suggestions and genres of music are welcome. When it's complete, we'll post the final playlist so you can see if your song made it.

Thought you guys could use a little creative energy: Handmade invitations. Here is what one client did to ask her chosen friends to be apart of her wedding day. I love the thought and the sentiment. This particular bride is using the Damask theme as a part of the wedding day.

This just goes to show you what a little red ink and elbow grease can do for you and your day. I haven't seen a client formally ask permission from their bridal party in a while. The last client who did, created a booklet with a page for each bridesmaid telling why they were asked to be apart of her day. Also included were blank calendars and tentative dates for upcoming events; an effort to keep everyone on the same page.

But I hope you guys enjoy these as much as I did and get inspired to do your own thing. What are you doing to make your wedding party feel special?

Happy Birthday Rochelle!

Wow. We had a great time hosting a 30th birthday party for one of our former clients Ms. Rochelle. They had quite a turnout as we transformed their backyard into a evening soiree complete with tables, linen, centerpieces and even tiki torches for mood lighting. You can check out more pictures on the site: Gallery 3.


I was really pleased with the way things turned out. Shuttle service for guests and even facts posted about 1978 around the party (although her husband our party host was strongly leaning towards printing "A little birdie told me Chelle's turning 30": LOL on the invitation).





I think facts about birthday year are a great little detail for adult birthday parites. Things like, minimum wage, the price of gas, the average cost of a new home; and did you know the first cellular phone call was placed in 78. The unit weighed 2 lbs. Can you imagine?

My cell is so small now I lose it in my purse almost daily. I'm sure people rarely lost a 2lb. cell in those days. Ha, like it was that long ago. Anywho...Enjoy.

And special thanks to the Griffin family, who after a Labor Day Wedding Weekend years ago, still value my work. It's the best kind of compliment!

Writing Your Vows...Here's Help!

Some of you may be struggling with the bold decision to write your own vows. You know you don't want the same old, same old but when you sit down to pour your heart out to your spouse; you say to yourself..."what do I want to say?" Well hopefull the following helps you channel your thoughts to write the perfect paragraph.

Here's what you need to get started:

Time

Pen

Notepad or Journal

You are pretty much making a date with yourself. The starting ground for writing your vows comes from a relationship assesment. Here are some key things you'll want to think about and even take notes of what you are thinking. At the end, you may not have everything you want to say but you will more than likely have areas/memories/phrases you'll want to use.

So check them out and let me know if they help at all.

• How did you meet? What were your first impressions?


• When did you fall in love? Why?


• What qualities do you admire in your soon to be spouse?


• What does you partner bring out in you?


• What, in your view, is the most important part of marriage?


• What are some special moments/memories you've shared, both happy and sad?


• How if at all, did they change the way you view your partner?


• How do you complement each other?


• How do you want to be treated in this marriage?


• How do you plan to treat your spouse?


• When did you know he/she was "The One"? How did it make you feel?


• What are some of the things you partner says or does for you that you love?


• What challenges do you envision in your future?


• What do you want to accomplish together?


• What makes a marriage?


• What are you hoping your marriage to be like?

Now you don't have to answer all of these but it does give you quite a bit to think about. Overwhelming? Here's an alternative. To relieve the pressure from you individually, couple's can write their vows together. You can throw the idea of writing secret notes in seperate rooms out of the window. Now there is nothing wrong with wanting to wait until you get to the altar to share your vows with one another. You can at least decide on some guidelines for your vows; whether or not you will memorize or read. Or if you will use a special format like starting and ending your vows the same way.

There is no easy way to tying the knot but I hope this puts you on the right road. Here are few examples:

"I ____________ take you __________, from this day forward to be my husband/wife. I promise to laugh with you in the good times and struggle with you in the bad, and to stand by your side and cherish you always. I promise to love you, honor, you and adore you all the days of my life. With this ring, I thee wed."

In the presense of God, our family and friends, I __________ join my life with yours. I pledge to make you laugh, wipe your tears, and hold your hand all from this day forward. I promise to have faith with you along our journey and stand firm with you through whatever challenges may come. Today I give all of me to all of you. This is my vow from my heart of hearts to yours.

I know it's a lot to take in, but really, it's easier than you think. Pretend a girlfriend or family member is asking about why you love him/her or how you know this the next step. You'll find that it flows easier than you think. And remember, no right and no wrong! Happy Writing!