The royal engagement ring, first shown on Diana with Prince Charles, then on Kate with Prince William. (courtesy of weddingdresscolection.blogspot.com)
Alright, Kate Middleton, you win… again. According to recent findings, sapphire engagement rings are becoming all the rage in 2012, and while diamonds will always be a girl’s best friend — a sapphire makes for an awfully close second and not mention, one heck of a ‘something blue.’
Penelope Cruz showing of her sapphire bling. (courtesy of since1910.com)
Due to their conflict free, less pricey existence, as well as their Princess, Duchess and Penelope Cruz support staff, these true blue ‘Will you marry me?” details have wedding trend watchers on high alert and with good reason.
They can be found just about anywhere — from eBay and Overstock to antique jewelers, department stores and more; many collections of sapphire stocked engagement rings are popping up all over the grid and it’s no wonder why.
While mainly known for their brilliant blues, sapphires also have a wide range of colors, varying in shades of pink, yellow, white and even green, but it’s not necessarily their colorful personality that has brides’ heads turning… it’s their beautiful meaning.
According to Gemstone Gifts, Sapphires are symbolic of sincerity, faithfulness and truth, and what is more perfect than those three things to accompany you on your marital journey??
But no matter what rock you choose, just be sure it’s backed by the right man ;)
One of my favorite parts of a New Year is all the new bling that starts popping up amongst family and friends. With the gift giving season picking in December, it’s no wonder that so many young men choose this time to get down on one knee and ask the four words so many women long to hear, “Will you marry me?”
While I love love loved everything about my wedding day, and the marriage has been one increds journey… I must confess that there was something sooo special and exciting about the planning process. I like to tell brides it’s kind of like a 12-18 month long Christmas Eve. With all the anticipation swimming around the talk of the big day, one can’t help but feel butterflies of excitement on the daily! And according to theknot.com, here are the top ten things newly engaged brides-to-be should do:
Start a Wedding Planner. Create a beautiful keepsake to house all your favorite engagement memories… from the down-on-one-knee story to favorite photos, inspiration ideas, to-do lists, favorite designers, venues, caterers and more! Trust and believe, by taking a little time here and there from the beginning to end, you’ll easily have one of the best memory books evs!
Plan an Engagement Party. Whether you choose to throw one for yourself or let others take on the celebratory task, having an engagement party is a great way to officially announce your nuptials to family and friends, all while rejoicing in your love. Plus, it’s one more reason to get out some pre-wedding partying!
Pick a Date. First things first. You can’t start reserving venues or hiring vendors without knowing the date you’ll need them; so, be sure this is one of the first things you check off your list.
Set a Budget. Along with selecting a date, setting a budget is key in planning your big day. After you know what kind of finances you’re working with, you’ll know what kind of wedding day to plan for. From the most elaborate and over-the-top to the simply chic, DIY shindigs, all weddings must first start with a feasible price tag to work around.
Find a Reception Site. Generally speaking, a couple uses over 50% of their overall budget on their reception; so, it’s important to find the one that works best for you and reserve it right away!
Make a Wedding Website. This is a great way to keep track of all your to-do’s, as well as provide information to family and friends as plans come along. This is an especially useful tool for out-of-towners you hope to attend who will need to make transportation and hotel reservations.
Consider a Consultant. Many brides-to-be like the thought of hiring a professional to help ensure their big day goes off without a hitch, but if this isn’t in your budget, consider taking advantage of your family friends – especially moms and already wed maids – to help cross your t’s dot your i’s. It’ll make them feel important and help take some of the stress off you!
Start a Guest List. One of the biggest factors in planning your wedding (and maintaining a budget) will all come down to the number of people you invite. By merging two sets of family and friends, it’s important for everyone to have a voice and make sure all their A-listers are included!
Find a Wedding Dress. YESSSS! One of the BEST parts of being a bride is of course the wedding dress. Try on lots of styles. Search lots of websites, and have fun with it. Most of us (hopefully) only want to do this once; so, make sure you make it count!
Plan for Pro Engagement Pictures. While the wedding day and all the days leading up to it will come and go, the photography will live on forever. So, it’s oh so important for every couple to find their perfect photographer and get in a pre-wedding practice round with engagement pictures before the big day. These can also be the shots your use for everything from your newspaper announcement to invites and more!
Proposal stories are my favorite. Maybe it’s because the delivery is always set up for a happy ending. Maybe it’s because every day after feels like Christmas Eve until the big day comes. Or maybe it’s simply because I’m a hope*ful romantic who will always believe in happily ever after… Idk.
But what I do know is, if this guy’s setting the standard… I feel sorry for all you dudes out there who have to go after. Click below. You’ll see what I mean :)
It’s funny, but I’m not much of a jewelry gal. I know, I know. Feel free to gasp and guffaw accordingly :) Even though all my girlfriends tell me it’s un-female to not love any and all trinkets that dazzle, I’ve always argued that I sparkle enough :)
However, all this played a role into the whole engagement process. My dear, sweet husband wanted to surprise me but had no idea what my ring finger size was, and sorry to report, I didn’t have a clue either. Thus the process for “finding the perfect fit” began.
Of course, every girl will be different – not only in size – but also in comfort. Some girls like the tight, almost-too-snug fit because it gives them a greater sense of security. Others, prefer it a little looser because the “spin factor” helps remind them it’s there. Still others are concerned with climate. If they’re in a hot, humid area where fingers can swell up like sausages, they may be more mindful and bump up their size .25″ or so… whereas ladies-in-waiting living in the artic may size down a bit to ensure the rock stays put when snow’s flying… but alas, as always, the choice it up to you.
So, for all you ladies out there looking to find your perfect fit, the World Wide Web offers are several ways to go about it:
For instance, there is the String Test. This is where you cut a small piece of string, wrap it around your finger, measure it accordingly and compare with jewelry store measurements.
Also, there is the Paper Test. Several online dealers will have versions of this for you to use. They simply provide a perforated guide that you can cut out, wrap around your finger and see where you land. You can even try using Google Images; just be sure the scaled measurements are accurate when printed.
Finally, there is the “Secret” Test. Again, if you look online, most retail jewelry stores will have a ring scale you can use for accuracy. This is where you align a ring which you want to mimic the fit of on top of a chart to see which size will fit best. This is the one guys can use “behind the backs” of their ladies when purchasing a ring so she won’t know about; hence, why it’s the “secret” test. :) Of course, please, please, please note, this is the one my Mister tried – tried being the operative word - for me. Unfortunately, he chose a ring from my childhood (yes, CHILDhood) that would’ve been perfect… if this were the 16th century and I was betrothed at the ripe old age of eight, haha. So, make sure if your man is one who would do this, that you leave out only appropriate sized rings :)
Click here for a free PDF from Zales.com that has all three versions readily available.
Now, while it’s always best to get a feel for the ring fit yourself, there are many obvious reasons why this can’t always happen. So, if your actual ring can’t be there for you, BlueNile.com offers a Free Ring Sizer that will deliver plastic ring sizer to your house within 5-7 business days of your request. SUPER handy for the girlfriend DYING to get engaged who’s looking to drop some hints or just a girl looking to buy herself some bling ;)
Call me sentimental or even a celebrity stalker… really it makes no matter to me, hehe! Buuuut, I’d be lying if I didn’t say that Katy Perry’s performance at that 2011 Grammys wasn’t the highlight of the show!
For cereal, the girl can perform – no doubt, but when she paired her high flying performance of Not Like the Movies with moving pictures from her and Russell Brand’s wedding day, I was swooning in my seat!
There’s just something about seeing a happy couple on their wedding day that will always give me with the warm and fuzzies: The way a groom eagerly awaits for his soon to be wife at the other end of the aisle and the way the she glows from the inside out as she makes her way to him… (Sigh)… Idk. I just la-Louvre it!
So, once I saw the pictures shine behind Katy Perry’s beautiful lyrics, I couldn’t help but a little misty-eyed. After all,
“Just like the movies.
That’s how it will be.
Cinematic and dramatic with the perfect ending.
Oh! It’s not like the movies.
But that’s how it should be.
When he’s the one,
You’ll come undone.
And your world will stop spinning.
And it’s just the beginning.”
Because everyone deserves their own Christmas miracle…
photo courtesy of mywedding.com
It’s time for all of us to put that infectious holiday spirit to work, ladies and gents in hopes that Christmas comes early for one Floridian family! When my Google Alert for “wedding news” fed me this story from NorthEscambia.com, I couldn’t help but feel the all too familiar twinge of sympathetic fear run down my spine.
Kari Doyle, a Floridian wife and mother of two, went out Christmas tree shopping this past Saturday with her two daughters, Emma 4 and Olivia 2, at the local Home Depot off Nine Mile Road in Pensacola. Much to her dismay, the joy of picking out their family tree was quickly replaced by gut wrenching panic when she looked down at her hand and realized her wedding ring was gone!
I feel comfortable using terms like “gut wrenching panic” because unfortunately, this nightmare was my reality this time last year. Not even 24 hours after the Mister and I said “I do,” we were transporting gifts back to our home from my parents, when all of a sudden, I looked down at my hand and painstakingly realized <GULP> my wedding ring was gone!!
To this day, that sinking feeling still remains, and as if reading from the pages of a classic novel, I can still remember the exact text that played through my head…
Where did I drop it? Was it outside? Inside? When was the last time I had it? Here? At my parents? In the car? Did it fall off because it was cold? I knew I should’ve worn gloves! How could I have been so careless? How did I not notice? Good grief… what am I gonna tell Tanner? (Eyes widen even further) What will he say? Is this a sign? Ugh. It could be anywhere? Where do I even begin…
Believe me, this is not a good feeling. So, my hope is… that if enough people read this and enough of us hope for it… Kari Doyle will know the joy that sooooo humbly graced me when my Mister – Sir Tanner, lord protector of wedding bands and finder of all things sacred – hollered, “FOUND IT!!!” from underneath our Christmas tree!!! Haha! That’s right… somehow my ring slid off my finger, miraculously found it’s way underneath our Christmas tree and back onto my finger again!
That was my Christmas miracle; so, Kari, here’s to yours…
***sending holiday spirit, cheer, love and prayers***
Let’s hope you get yours too!
NortheEscambia.com reports: A reward is being offered for the return of Kari Doyle’s wedding rings. If you find the rings, call (850) 572-8817.
I would like to thank Mrs. McComb – my ahhhmazing Kindergarten teacher – for teaching me one of the greatest sayings ever: Secrets, secrets are no fun. Secrets, secrets hurt someone. Haha! While not all rumors are meant to be secretive or hurtful, one thing is fo’ sho… they all contain a level of ridiculousness that only rumors can implode and people can explode.
And no rumors are more ridiculous than those centered around celebrities. Partially because of their allure; partially because of their unreachable appeal and unattainable status, celebrities will inevitably fall victim to some of the most outlandish accusations this side of the Mississippi. Like a game a “Telephone” gone to Hell in a hand basket, celebrity rumors are not only started and contorted by your BF, Ryan Seacrest and every other busy body, but they are also then remolded, sculpted and presented for an entire world to scrutinize. Awesome.
As far as E! Online’s rumors, here’s a breakdown from a segment they like to call So True / So False:
Russell thinks Katy is the cat’s pajamas and gifted her with a tigress; while Katy made Brand feel like a Big Shot and gifted him with an elephant. – SO FALSE! (While they did have live animals at the wedding, none were presented as gifts to the B&G.)
MIA POP staaahhhhs. While Katy and Russell’s guest list was rumored to have big names, it was Diddy who was the guest of honor and pumped up the volume to the wee hours of the morning! – SO FALSE! (Diddy was actually @ Pure Nightclub in Las Vegas.)
The couple went cuckoo for native culture and had a ceremony fit to be tied for all things Hindu and ditched their customarily Christian backgrounds in order to be hitched. – SO FALSE! (A rep of the duo confirmed that a “Christian minister and longtime friend of the Hudson family” was the one to help the two say I do.)
Katy looked HAWT in haute couture sporting an Elie Saab gown, but details remained under lock ‘n’ key. – SO TRUE!
By the end of the night, people had to “Call the Law and hold the Applause” after Brand’s bodyguards stranded news photographers in the middle of a tiger sanctuary and stirred up enough of a late night ruckus which resulted in public complaints. – ???????? (While no charges were filed against the guards after they apologized, there is still investigating going on for the public complaints.)
For these as well as other whacked out wedding rumors, be sure to view E! Online!
For serious, how can you not love them? (photo courtesy of mtv.com)
Bells will ring! The (uh uh uh) sun will shine! (Woah oh oh oh!) I’ll be his! And he’ll be mine! We’ll love until… the end of time! And we’ll never be lonely any more! Because…
(They’re allegedly) going to the Chapel (tomorrow!), and (they’re supposedly) get mare-ha-harried!
Ha! First of all, what do you even know about that remix? And second of all, who else could I possibly be talking about other than the sultry and often scantily clad Katy Perry and her unruly rocker of a man, Russell Brand!?! I mean hellllooooo??? You know you’re big time when even CNN can’t resist offering all the latest gossip about your celebrity nuptials!
Tomorrow (sound horns!), the 23rd of October, is said to be the big day this celebrity power couple will say “I do” to each other in a VERY private, VERY exclusive ceremony at the Taj Rambagh Palace in Jaipur, India… pause to admire, then resume below…
I know what you're thinking... what a SHANTY! Right? (photo courtesy of houseandgarden.com.au)
This - of course – being the same location they got engaged just this past New Year’s Eve. Siiiiiiiggghhhhh, how romantic :) And while details of the event have been kept under lock ‘n’ key, there are a few tid bits that have leaked over time. One of which being that celebrity wedding planner to the staaahhhhs, Mindy Weiss, will be helping the couple coordinate the big day, which is fitting considering Perry allegedly wanted to channel Gwen Stefani’s bridal chic-ness, whose wedding was also planned by the lovely Ms. Weiss as well.
photo courtesy of life.com
Another golden nugget of info is that Perry’s best friend, Rihanna, is the obvious choice for maid of honor… and I sincerely suspect Ms. RiRi will easily add some fierce beauty to the guaranteed-to-be-gorgeous wedding album! I mean, honestly… just look at her! Do you think Katy and Rihanna ever argue about who’s hotter? “No, Katy, you’re so much hotter than me!” “No way, RiRi, you’re the Caribbean Queen and sooo waaay hotter than me!” I bet they do.
Anyhoot, back to the soon-to-be-wed love birds! I love both Brand and Perry for a number of obvious and unobvious reasons, but I mainly can’t get enough of these two crazy kids because even with their over the top personalities and celebrity swellings, they’ve both been very consistent about keeping their wedding day an intimate and seemingly “normal” celebration for the two of them. They truly want it to be a special day to celebrate their love! Russell was even quoted during a Q&A in New York on the 12th of this month saying:
“We just love each other, and we want to get married in front of our friends and family and keep it very normal. It ain’t about selling the pictures. It ain’t about doing no pre-nup. It’s just a normal thing.” (Russell Brand, via CNN.com)
Ha! Love love love this! And even though I totally know they’re being super cautious about keeping secrets… I soooo hope they share at least a few images with the rest of us who were either A) “accidently” left off the guest list or B) couldn’t afford a plane ticket to go! Haha!
Good luck you two! On behalf of Marilyn’s Keepsakes and myself, I’d like to wish you both the best of luck and all the happiness in the world! And cheers to many, MANY years of ahhhh to the mazing! Lord knows y’all deserve it :)
Me and my cousin being thebomb.com bridesmaids at a friend's wedding.
As many of you are aware, when it comes to weddings, this ain’t my first rodeo. The Mister and I have been to more ceremonies, rocked out at more receptions and gotten our swerve on at more “no longer single” soirees in 4.5 years than most couples will experience in a lifetime.
And I have to admit… it’s been one, incredible journey. It truly is an honor to be included on someone’s big day, because to me, it’s not just another wedding I have to attend; it’s someone special’s celebration I get to be a part of.
Last week, while on vacation in Mexico, my cousin, Ms. Kimberly Lynn and her beau, Sir Brian got engaged while sitting on the moonlit balcony of their Me-hee-co hotel room (swoooon!), and even though it went down early Monday evening in a totally different country, by late Monday night, pretty much everyone and their mom knew. (I suppose Toby Keith has social networking and Web 2.0 to thank for dispelling the rumors of “what happens down in Mexico, stays in Mexico.”)
While the news travelled at super hero speed, it wasn’t until after she returned from her “Oh-my-goodness-I’m-going-to-a-Mrs.!” vacation that I FINALLY got to hear the story straight from the horse’s mouth (yes, Kim, I’m calling you a horse), and I got to say, I couldn’t be happier her.
You see, Kim is my cousin, which basically means she’s not only a favorite friend, but the oldest, nearest and dearest friend I’ve ever had. Born four months apart, we spent the majority of our childhoods being toted around by our moms. *Shown here setting a mature example of mojito pitcher drinking and little girl giggling…
My mom (left) and Kim's mom losing it :)
…while our dads – brothers 3 and 4, in the long line of 12… shown here representing the poignant moves of Papa dancin’…
My dad (left) and Kim's dad stayin' alive!
…were off saving the world – or as some like to call it simply working their jobs to bring home the bacon :) Haha! In a word, my childhood was ahhhhmazing, and I have Kim to thank for a lot of it, which is exactly why I’d like to spend today’s post reminding everyone why being involved in someone’s wedding day is such an awesome thing. I’m not a gamblin’ girl, but if I had to bet, I’m sure at one moment or another you thought to yourself, “ugh, another wedding?” But why? It’s not just another wedding; it’s THEIR wedding, and you were obviously invited because you mean something to them, and they mean something to you :)
So, Kimberly, in case I’ve never told you, this is why you mean something to me: You were the first friend I ever had, and even though you were only half my size growing up, you never made me feel out of place. You were involved in all my primary sleepovers, up all nighters and “oh no he/she didn’ts.” You were there the first time I ever saw a scary movie – Aunt Julie’s: Friday the 13th, and the last one who waited up all night with me for sunrise to fall asleep. You’re both family and friend. There hasn’t been a single birthday, holiday, celebration, moment really, that went by without you in it.
You were my locker buddy for four years, a roommate for three and a p.i.c (partner in crime) for twenty-six. You’ve been there for all my epic fail, fashion mistakes - permed bangs and fanny packs, eek!, and somehow you still love me.
Kim and I in our Sunday best!
Over the years, you’ve remained a hand to hold during all my most desperate, disastrous moments, which looking back now only seem significant – not because of what they were - but because of the loyalty and love you displayed throughout. We’ve been lucky enough to have the kind of friendship where we would honestly do anything for each other… even if that meant illegally stalking your first crush (shout out to Jamin Wernke!)… and breaking the law at the ripe age of 8… while on a banana seat bike… discreetly snapping photos of Mr. Wonderful during a “no hands!” ride by… donning a hot pink camera… idiots.
Yes, it’s true, Kimmi; you were there for me on my big day, and I can’t wait to be there for you on yours! (I’m singing, right?! Haha!) So, here’s to you, my dear cousin and Brian, your wonderful hubs-to-be! And cheers to many, MANY years of happiness!
She said yes!
Oh! And go ahead and cross wedding prep dance lessons off your list, ’cause let’s get real… we’ve already got the moves! HIIIIIIIIIT IT!
Which is exactly what my dear friend and most recently engaged bride-to-be, Kimmi, told me oh so many years ago during our four year stint at IU Bloomington (Hoo-Hoo-Hoo-Hoosiers!). While I had a tendency to move at a glacial pace when crossing anything ice-covered, Kimmi would always oh-so-endearingly remind me that the Tortoise VS the Hare was a fairytale… So, it’s fitting she’s using this same approach for planning her wedding day :)
Freshly engaged just two weeks ago, Kimmi’s Prince Charming popped the question during her last visit to South China, where he’s been working for the past year. Not even 7,000 miles or 20 hour plane rides could keep these two love birds from blossoming their love into eternity, and this pretty little lady has to admit, it makes my marriage lovin’ heart <sigh> to see the happiness radiating off her soon-to-be newlywed glow.
Or should I say… VERY-soon-to be?
In the era where the average bride takes anywhere from 12-18 months to plan her big day, Ms. Kimmi has taken what some brides consider the more practical route and opted for a shorter engagement. Her and Billiam (Kimmi’s nickname for her beau, as she already has a Liam and William in her life – haha!) are set to get married this December 18, and they couldn’t be more excited!
As I perused my BFF, Google, for fitting advice for brides walking a little more briskly down the aisle, I came across some super finds on a weddingbee.com forum where one bride sounded off on her short engagement. Here’s some of the more thought- provoking, encouraging remarks (as well as peanut gallery commentary from yours truly):
Cler writes: We’re getting married end of May and only have 6 months to plan. It’s our 5th month and we’re not that stressed. My sister just got married last November, and it took her less than 3 months to plan with our help. I actually like short engagement because you’re able to keep it simple. I know some folks who have long engagements and with so many ideas coming in, they add it to their wedding. Too much stress I think.
Agreed. Sometimes “more” isn’t better… it’s just more. More time. More stress. More opportunities to change / update / rotate / re-rotate / flip / alter / add / etc. All the little extras attached on to the wedding bill can really add up. And in this day in age, where saving is sexy, it’s important to remain decisive. And speaking of decisive…
RecessionistaBride writes: Congratulations on your engagement! You can definitely get it done, you just need to make decisive choices! :) I wish I had a short engagement! By the time we marry we’ll have been engaged 1.5 years– waaaaay too long. I think 6 months is just enough time to plan a perfect wedding!
Ms. Purple writes: I absolutely agree with everyone that it’s all definitely doable. We were engaged Dec. 09 and we’ll be married May 2010. The one thing that I’ve followed (which my fiancée taught me) was not to boggle yourself with too many choices. We only saw three venues, I only tried on maybe 12 dresses, etc. I find the more choices you give yourself the harder it is to make a decision. Also be open minded and don’t set your heart on one thing! and remember to have fun! :-)
Agreed. Six months is more than enough time to plan a wedding, especially if you don’t have the incessant – and let’s face it, annoying – need to SEE and TRY EVERYTHING! No one can; so, why bother to set yourself up for failure? At the end of the day, you’ll still be married, and that’s what’s most important!
Cablegirl writes: Our engagement will be 7 months and I have found my dress, picked the venue, found a DJ, photographer and I still have 5 months to go. Just yesterday I was asking myself why do people need a year + to plan a wedding. I must be missing something. So far so good.
Agreed. The Mister and I were engaged just under a year, and I found that MORE than enough time to get everything done. Often times, I would say to my mom, “I mean I get planning a wedding is a big deal, but honestly… a few calls here… a check in there… and TA-DA! The wedding’s ready!”
So, while every bride may be different, at the end of the day, each one deserves the best! No matter what you’re timeline may be, just remember to stay calm and stress free! Trust a girl who’s gone through it… the journey is much more enjoyable, if you allow yourself to enjoy it!
And congrats again, Kimmi! Can’t even wait for the big day… you’ll make a beautiful bride and an even more beautiful wife! Here’s to you, your upcoming nuptials, the wonderful man who won you over and many, MANY years of love, laughter and happiness!
Kimmi and I celebrating at our most recent girlfriend gathering!
