Congrats to Matt Damon and Luciana!

Congrats to Matt Damon and his wife of 8 years Luciana for their gorgeous vow renewal over the weekend. The two said 'I DO' - again on the island of St. Lucia.

We enjoy seeing happy successful weddings - but more importantly we love to see happy and successful marriages.

Here is a look back at some of our favorite Celebrity Destination weddings....

1. woo hoo! OUR FAV - Justin Timberlake and Jessica Biel were married last year in Southern Italy. We adore a bride that is brave enough to use a little color on her wedding gown. 

2. Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz were married in July 2010 at a private home on the Mediterranean Sea. Alicia is a total trend-setting bride. She was one of the first that we saw wearing a jeweled bridal forehead band.

3. Emily Blunt and John Krasinski were also married in 2010 and exchanged vows at George Clooney's Italian Villa on Lake Como. Smart! If you're lucky enough to have a friend or family member with a home that can accommodate a wedding - DO IT! But make sure you hire a team of professionals to coordinate and handle all the logistics.

3. Megan Fox and Brian Austin Green were married in Hawaii in June 2010. The simple and intimate setting make sure that the couple is focused on the significance of the commitment they are making.

Cheers!
Sara

How did marriage get started anyway?

At Your Door Events: How did marriage get started anyway?

How did marriage get started anyway?

I was graciously invited to attend the opening of the  I Do! I Do! exhibit at the Pasadena History Museum. They are currently featuring forty-two bridal gowns and the wedding stories that accompany them from the 1850's to the 1950's.
I had a blast! I was lucky enough to meet other great wedding professionals, I had the chance to walk next door and see the beautiful Fenyes Mansion  (wowzers! this is a beautiful event property that we must explore in a future blog!), and I had the chance to see some glamorous wedding gowns!
It got me thinking...how did marriage/weddings get started anyway?

After reading and re-reading multiple websites I realized that it wasn't as romantic as I was hoping it would be (wha wha wha!).
Here's what I dished:

• It appears that in the beginning marriage had nothing to do with "love". It was really an economic arrangement negotiated between fathers in which blood line, wealth, status, economic stability, and potential for prosperity were the most important consideration for choosing a spouse. (YIKES!!)
• Women were the property of their husband (Thank goodness that's changed!)
• It really began with Christianity promoting marriage for procreative purposes only.
• It wasn't till the 12th Century that relationships were thought of as courtly love in the same way we do now. The whole notion of romance apparently didn't exist till then. (Geez!) 
• In 1563 it was decreed that marriages should be celebrated in the presence of a priest and at least two witnesses. (only a church thang')
• It wasn't till the The Marriage Act of 1836 that allowed for non-religious civil marriages to be held in register offices.
• In the United States prior to the 1700s, marriages were primarily a responsibility of local churches but by the 19th century, states began to issue marriage licenses in the same way we do now.

Not romantic at all huh?... I know. But regardless to how history has shaped marriage as we know it, some things have been constant; marriage is a bond between two people that involve responsibility, legalities, and commitment!

Cheers!

jenny g.

Wedding Gift Ideas

I was recently asked by a teacher at my son's school, who knows that I'm a wedding planner, "What is a good wedding gift?".  That question really got me thinking....

First thing to think about is WHO is the couple? Are they young and just starting out? Do they already live together? Have they registered for gifts? How much do you want to spend?

The very best place to start is always their gift registry. These are gifts that the bride and groom have selected and are wishing they get! Don't ignore the registry.

If you choose to think outside the gift registry box - use the gift registry as inspiration. For example: They registered for blue bath towels. Purchase a set of white bath towels and then have a custom monogram embroidered in blue to really make them special. The white towels with the blue embroidery are sure to coordinate with the blue towels they registered for that another guest will surely purchase for them.



Here is a list of even more fabulous wedding gifts:


1. The Gift of Experience:
Think of fun things the bride and groom can have fun doing together and get them that experience. A hot air balloon ride, dance lessons, cooking classes, local art museum membership, wine club membership.... OR something as simple as a set of 12 different restaurant gift cards - one for every month of their first year of marriage. Your bride and groom will be grateful to have a date night every month!





2. The Gift of Celebration:
A great company called Wine for a Wedding has created something really special. The gift is a collection of 3 wines in different compartments. Each compartment gives the couple "Open On..." Anniversary instructions. First year anniversary.... Third year anniversary... Fifth year anniversary etc. Each wine is selected so that it will age appropriately for the year it will be opened. AND - on each box, you can customize a special message to the couple to make it truly unique http://wineforawedding.com.

An DIY alternative to this idea is to purchase a selection of wines and create labels for each wine to help the bride and groom celebrate the many FIRSTS in their new life together. "Open on your FIRST Christmas", "Open on your FIRST Valentine's Day", "Open on your FIRST Anniversary" etc.


3. The Gift they NEVER thought of:

That's right - a sewing kit and a tool belt or tool box. Let's face it - most of us won't use these items on a daily basis... but when we need them - we are sure glad to have them. Your bride and groom will be so grateful for these gifts AND they will think of you EVERY TIME they need to hang a picture or sew on a loose button.


WHEN TO GIVE: The old traditional etiquette will say, you have up to a year to send a gift. This is NO longer proper etiquette.  Because shopping on-line has made it so easy to purchase and send a gift, there are no more reasons or excuses to delay. Send the gift as soon as you get the invitation or as close to the wedding date as possible. Out of consideration to your bride and groom send the gift in advanced to the addresses designated on the gift registry or on the RSVP card. They do not want to carry 100's of boxes with them at the end of their wedding night. AND - sending the gift in advanced gives you one less thing to worry about when you're on your way to the celebration.

Share with us your favorite wedding gift you received or have given in the comment box below.

Happy Shopping!

Cheers,
Sara