tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32661723437402838612024-02-06T20:52:42.461-08:00Planning Weddings Around the WorldAmylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17670343941890296465noreply@blogger.comBlogger27125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3266172343740283861.post-47763782767659121932015-04-17T09:45:00.000-07:002016-06-16T15:28:18.228-07:00Antigua and Barbuda Wedding #2 - Barbuda (Pink Beach) Wedding<span style="font-family: inherit;">Antigua and Barbuda are home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, with over three hundred of them how could they not, but in Barbuda the most notable beaches are the pink sand beaches. Not only strange and unusual, the pink sand beaches are beautiful and a great place to get married. The pink sand offers a great theme for any beach wedding and the beautiful water is a great backdrop for any ceremony. </span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjontaS6sJJNGxRD0JyvlTnkrTouqrnZ24nCee_GhR3fQzH1tkP1FreGQy1EqJr16N-6uOF9Hs5g8Ml4Nu8aQVt7fiA6ZKjJRndO4DviuppAGkRotjouEYC9BAIsEyfQcArNGLueE5wQaE/s1600/Luxe-Tiffany-Pink-sand-beach-of-Barbuda.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjontaS6sJJNGxRD0JyvlTnkrTouqrnZ24nCee_GhR3fQzH1tkP1FreGQy1EqJr16N-6uOF9Hs5g8Ml4Nu8aQVt7fiA6ZKjJRndO4DviuppAGkRotjouEYC9BAIsEyfQcArNGLueE5wQaE/s320/Luxe-Tiffany-Pink-sand-beach-of-Barbuda.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(<a href="http://tiffanytravels.com/tag/caribbean/">Pink Sand Beach of Barbuda</a>)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<b><i>Flowers:</i></b><br />
Any pink bouquet would work wonderfully with this wedding. Just because the sand is a certain shade of pink, doesn't mean that everything has to match it, and when finding flowers it will not be easy to match the colour perfectly and still have the bouquet look wedding appropriate. A nice option, so that the flowers don't over power everything, would be to stick to pastel colours.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2bulRtBZnIsSq2KSG5FxLmohkgxGGR_LPjjMDsKCdHaeSWLiuDmUSG-VO0jetfkD3ViRwhRfo60J0F3W50ECAbRjyIKLZAM06VlAG9jnNBs3b1H_9-ROU5NyD2fIQbt5jGQdJPKpXkS8/s1600/pink-bridal-bouquet-pictures-10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2bulRtBZnIsSq2KSG5FxLmohkgxGGR_LPjjMDsKCdHaeSWLiuDmUSG-VO0jetfkD3ViRwhRfo60J0F3W50ECAbRjyIKLZAM06VlAG9jnNBs3b1H_9-ROU5NyD2fIQbt5jGQdJPKpXkS8/s320/pink-bridal-bouquet-pictures-10.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(<a href="http://www.perfect-wedding-day.com/bridal-bouquet-pictures-pink.html">Pastel Pink Rose Bouquet with White Stephanotis and Pearls</a>)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i>The Dress:</i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Weddings on the beach are always done because of the beautiful scenery and because of the weather. When it is hot outside a bride doesn't usually want to be in a big, long, heavy dress. She usually wants to be in something more comfortable, shorter and something she can move easily in. In this case a stunning <a href="http://www.didobridal.com/stunning-a-line-sweetheart-cocktail-length-tulle-little-white-dress.html">A-line Sweetheart Cocktail length ''Little White Dress'' </a>would be a great pick. It is a wonderful dress, not too fancy, but not plain either and it would go spectacularly well with the beach theme. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA7BTPq3eoGoKJLkl-vRvFJmvqTKtJ6jKlzZm5DilGvdGQMPVvdcPvluI1sViexPrJAEaCyaxsnFvq6YtLjdBvlCS_FC88cpj874BKPqj-FXx0X5nTHMbHZRdIYpT_i0541gNQn1HekoE/s1600/561727_10152262639800643_970510589_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA7BTPq3eoGoKJLkl-vRvFJmvqTKtJ6jKlzZm5DilGvdGQMPVvdcPvluI1sViexPrJAEaCyaxsnFvq6YtLjdBvlCS_FC88cpj874BKPqj-FXx0X5nTHMbHZRdIYpT_i0541gNQn1HekoE/s320/561727_10152262639800643_970510589_n.jpg" width="236" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i>The Shoes:</i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The best option for beach weddings is always sandals or flip-flops. With an open shoe, the bride doesn't have to worry about getting sand stuck in her shoe and carrying around half the beach all night. Also in the warm weather, sandals would be much more comfortable and a lot easier to kick off. A very cute idea and great option would be the <a href="http://www.weddingmountain.com/black-or-white-just-married-sandals.html">"Just Married"</a> flip-flop set. It comes in men's and women's sizes and imprints Just Married into the sand as the couple walks. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh96dmnePFUXKHqssN4xTt4Ktumcsaw3zClgfZAa9rLWUkEyrNbrAi3Bi7RAShxmowORVnLOZqmWOKT4v0IzjayIegkAuf0bPsYPEo3Awc-61pYT1rK1pFm5otLGUYWCcWgiM8uBokR6xA/s1600/481750_10152293297050643_626510530_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh96dmnePFUXKHqssN4xTt4Ktumcsaw3zClgfZAa9rLWUkEyrNbrAi3Bi7RAShxmowORVnLOZqmWOKT4v0IzjayIegkAuf0bPsYPEo3Awc-61pYT1rK1pFm5otLGUYWCcWgiM8uBokR6xA/s320/481750_10152293297050643_626510530_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i>Make up, hair, nails and accessories:</i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It is always best to keep make up simple, but for beach weddings (hot, outdoor weddings) it is really key. Make up can always cause problems when it comes in contact with water (sweat, tears) and it will mess up the bride's make up sticking to just a lipstick or lip gloss would be ideal. For this wedding, I chose a short and strapless dress, because of this, having the bride's hair down would look best with a short veil or no veil at all. A beautiful addition to the bride's look would be the <a href="http://www.amoro.com/Amoro-18kt-Pink-and-White-Gold-Necklace-34010Q">Amoro 18kt Pink and White Gold Necklace.</a> There are two hearts, one pink gold and one white, and they are twisted together to become one. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNjTFN2vTSaRh8Fro3SH0TNk9ivPe37d1jPCz2PmRBgfilGzXbZQvC5VYDo0mvxHyPBbRNx6We5ImF0nUwQaH_1qz-Z4btMppuuyfMtBPUcHW_wCXYFNa-S41mMyvXwSzmDJTepDI30jw/s1600/602725_10152650721615643_139780505_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYDEEo1laeDC7BfLj2yVaknhqhzcR9tROqQB5mQJKYd5kVVYECYHuGjQ6ULABsa4UAr5hFQqXp-iXZqVrGnTCWW4qM-bKHAsrM4Fm4Yyr6KiAMukWXAQEZ0uPX2U68F_JG_55LHOjwfs4/s1600/387336_10152784453480643_1326086487_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYDEEo1laeDC7BfLj2yVaknhqhzcR9tROqQB5mQJKYd5kVVYECYHuGjQ6ULABsa4UAr5hFQqXp-iXZqVrGnTCWW4qM-bKHAsrM4Fm4Yyr6KiAMukWXAQEZ0uPX2U68F_JG_55LHOjwfs4/s200/387336_10152784453480643_1326086487_n.jpg" width="200" /></a><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNjTFN2vTSaRh8Fro3SH0TNk9ivPe37d1jPCz2PmRBgfilGzXbZQvC5VYDo0mvxHyPBbRNx6We5ImF0nUwQaH_1qz-Z4btMppuuyfMtBPUcHW_wCXYFNa-S41mMyvXwSzmDJTepDI30jw/s320/602725_10152650721615643_139780505_n.jpg" width="320" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(<a href="http://www.saidaonline.com/en/news.php?go=fullnews&newsid=30428">Wedding Hairstyles</a>)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i>The Groom:</i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A beach wedding is more of a laid back type of wedding and it is common to see the groom (and his men) not wearing suits but more of just a shirt and pants type thing, formal but not too much. Great options for this would be the <a href="http://www.weddingtropics.com/men/cavala-custom-italian-linen-shirts-130.aspx">Cavala Custom Italian Linen Shirt</a> and the <a href="http://www.weddingtropics.com/linen-drawstring/ventura-custom-linen-capri-pants-269.aspx">Ventura Custom Linen Capri Pants</a>. Both look great and are available in different colours. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOZPZ6-58ToP6OIML5k5s5Pqb8fwMgUE2uVQ-kMOySmJzYWSZjcYhNGhS201tlfS-TTwA7UZqN1EDerPO_MsV6wv_jAkbpvZa70fpgHCXvw69zU2gFS1oZCTQmu2yHP8f-ljelezSaT6A/s1600/285628_10151847423335643_29480931_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOZPZ6-58ToP6OIML5k5s5Pqb8fwMgUE2uVQ-kMOySmJzYWSZjcYhNGhS201tlfS-TTwA7UZqN1EDerPO_MsV6wv_jAkbpvZa70fpgHCXvw69zU2gFS1oZCTQmu2yHP8f-ljelezSaT6A/s1600/285628_10151847423335643_29480931_n.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i><b>The Invitations:</b></i></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Any out of town/state/country guests would really appreciated a <a href="http://www.weddingmountain.com/coral-save-the-date-card.html">Save the Date card</a>, especially if the couple really wants certain people there, it gives the guests time to make arrangements like flight plans, house sitters, booking days of work, etc so that they can make it to the wedding. After the Save the Date cards, a formal invitation should be sent to all the guests (even the ones that already got the Save the Date card). A great option for invitations would be the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/38728332/vine-wedding-invitation-swirly-vine">Modern Swirly Rose</a>. (It has the double sided invitation and reply card in the set).</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6kL3uaGO8rzEV9pydgouxgFbU3VM9Wx8OLVqf0RHIdsYhuurcQJtCLLU9dd1Al8bOl6orP0-vSuZOg9QkUI7lfICPkcSQjuBH2hD1gjZoVmFZIVdL4OjMcOMNbJHcorMDh8F8Irn5qyg/s1600/549754_10152308648530643_334665100_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6kL3uaGO8rzEV9pydgouxgFbU3VM9Wx8OLVqf0RHIdsYhuurcQJtCLLU9dd1Al8bOl6orP0-vSuZOg9QkUI7lfICPkcSQjuBH2hD1gjZoVmFZIVdL4OjMcOMNbJHcorMDh8F8Irn5qyg/s200/549754_10152308648530643_334665100_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ES6jGKzV0fLzUJkeV4g3GsDHT_4BnlKTbEKBFn4ahkHZyaCbdBc3BNnGbML4HyK1ec-LDIfWOYsgD5UX3eYtQpgaC7DR-1nO1hs5Jmpzsw2uhv4-vsiVyPU4kkDK7KCriDK6YYIxgZ4/s1600/29634_10152308648545643_105668965_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ES6jGKzV0fLzUJkeV4g3GsDHT_4BnlKTbEKBFn4ahkHZyaCbdBc3BNnGbML4HyK1ec-LDIfWOYsgD5UX3eYtQpgaC7DR-1nO1hs5Jmpzsw2uhv4-vsiVyPU4kkDK7KCriDK6YYIxgZ4/s320/29634_10152308648545643_105668965_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i><b>Photographer and Videographer:</b></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A great photographer that comes very highly recommended is Vanessa Hall. She take beautiful pictures and stages perfect scenes and moments with what she has to work with. She also has a beautiful portfolio and a lot of information available at her <a href="http://www.vanessahallphotography.com/">website</a>. As for a videographer that can be tricky to find in a country that isn't home to the bride or groom or any guest. As stated before asking a friend or family member to do that favour may be best. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i><b>Ceremony:</b></i></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In a place as beautiful as Barbuda, that is known for its beaches, the best place to have a ceremony is on the beach! More than 74% of the population in Antigua and Barbuda are Christian so it would not be hard to find a church or a priest to perform a ceremony, any other religions may be harder to find someone to perform the ceremony and the couple should look into it ahead of time. Of course, any friend or family member that has been ordained can do it also. Beautiful rings for this wedding would be the <a href="http://www.bridal.cartier.us/#/bridal/the-collection/wedding-bands/classic-wedding-rings/pink-gold/b4087200-wedding-band.">Pink Gold Wedding Band</a>, and the <a href="http://www.bridal.cartier.us/#/bridal/the-collection/wedding-bands/classic-wedding-rings/pink-gold/b4086400-wedding-band">Pink Gold Wedding Band set with Diamonds</a>. (And if the wedding party includes a ring bearer and flower girl this <a href="http://www.weddingmountain.com/pink-floral-ring-pillow.html">pillow</a> and <a href="http://www.weddingmountain.com/pink-floral-flower-basket.html">basket</a> would match wonderfully). </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin7CBFjEqjQrpBQH2U18tlDH1DnLIVX-kMYQrJBOKoKEjnaEVdrc2FTqbzBm9edEQhSE06DCptkTSzuPWTC4iVGek5bK2998TZwI-pzvIwpbQgiAurQqDMbYASEVqQTwNjMApTJEyDSTM/s1600/198301_10151863088635643_1817752729_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin7CBFjEqjQrpBQH2U18tlDH1DnLIVX-kMYQrJBOKoKEjnaEVdrc2FTqbzBm9edEQhSE06DCptkTSzuPWTC4iVGek5bK2998TZwI-pzvIwpbQgiAurQqDMbYASEVqQTwNjMApTJEyDSTM/s200/198301_10151863088635643_1817752729_n.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGDcee57NlrlypGCkiUtKOm7lwp9ADqF2AKsY8WcPiRdjrWxy9BTHEgst5_FWRa78A20U8x0JglXrmkp_d7jEQHJQZ9e1GBis1IclN742PnxylffA6o4noPzRooZNN0nHYDqKpqmG_1QM/s1600/541000_10151863088730643_550748623_n+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGDcee57NlrlypGCkiUtKOm7lwp9ADqF2AKsY8WcPiRdjrWxy9BTHEgst5_FWRa78A20U8x0JglXrmkp_d7jEQHJQZ9e1GBis1IclN742PnxylffA6o4noPzRooZNN0nHYDqKpqmG_1QM/s200/541000_10151863088730643_550748623_n+(1).jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(REF #: b4087200 and b4086400)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i><b>Reception:</b></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
With the theme of the wedding being the beach, what greater place to have the reception than on the beach (consulting a wedding planner may be needed for this part). Having a wedding on the beach makes it easier to incorporate some traditions that the bride and groom shares, like throwing the bouquet and <a href="http://www.garters.com/page42b.htm">garter</a>, cutting the cake and stuff like that. Also having a small table set up would be perfect to accommodate a <a href="http://www.weddingmountain.com/pink-floral-guest-book-with-pen-set.html">guest book</a>, <a href="http://www.beau-coup.com/metal-reception-card-box.htm">money box</a> and a basket of small guest favours should anyone just walking along want to join (this may happen in any wedding but especially when having a ceremony on a public beach). (Depending on how many people are at the wedding, <a href="http://www.beau-coup.com/wedding/field-of-flowers-party-supplies.htm#i=4">place cards</a> may or may not be needed.) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdtDZQhHztUCqbsnAYoGagxehR4kXPiqhzyOob26lfB_LsgjE3PUpTHc-AoXZ2Fy-tdjiPyYvV-yb2j3sQXyj3ke2_h_OVMVKSkXql39xyDqxFoCbU8RhDkCGoyk04VwrbNY-YG-H9jSE/s1600/barbuda_night.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdtDZQhHztUCqbsnAYoGagxehR4kXPiqhzyOob26lfB_LsgjE3PUpTHc-AoXZ2Fy-tdjiPyYvV-yb2j3sQXyj3ke2_h_OVMVKSkXql39xyDqxFoCbU8RhDkCGoyk04VwrbNY-YG-H9jSE/s400/barbuda_night.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(<a href="http://www.barbudanorthbeach.com/explore/location/">North Beach</a>)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i><b>Food:</b></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In Antigua and Barbuda, the national dish is fungie and pepper pot. Fungie is a dish similar to that of Italian Polenta, made mostly with cornmeal. Other local dishes include ducana, seasoned rice, saltfish, fish in a tomato and onion sauce, and lobster. Fruits when in season are every where and at there best so making use of the local varieties would be a very smart and good idea for a wedding dinner. Some other dishes that may be served for dinner could include pork, chicken, lamb or turkey usually with some sort of rice, macaroni pie, and or salads (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antigua_and_Barbuda_cuisine">Antigua and Barbuda Cuisine</a>). Naturally, the choices would differ depending on who is making the food and what time of year the wedding takes place in. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i>The Cake:</i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
For a wedding on the beach, a cake that isn't too heavy, or rich, or sweet is the key. Highlight the nice weather and give it light so that everyone is in the party mood. A great cake for this wedding would be a <a href="http://blog.babygizmo.com/2012/03/vanilla-cake-with-strawberry-cream-frosting-recipe/" style="text-decoration: underline;">Vanilla Cake With Strawberry Cream Cheese Frosting.</a> It is easy to make and it is delicious. Covered in strawberry fondant and it could look like the picture below (flowers optional).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT8X2DLKLFBNIu63yUhIn2_4i3usC_YSf1Gd4qrJ-JemFDY4UHnFfM1H4A1awXe4WbBwpN0TXN7eYpfQfk0359JYT4t6CFcOM1GvzWx7fpE756G99-afgsV5JpczVtxvrqrHc0z-HwR6A/s1600/485430_10152799138010643_1327685530_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT8X2DLKLFBNIu63yUhIn2_4i3usC_YSf1Gd4qrJ-JemFDY4UHnFfM1H4A1awXe4WbBwpN0TXN7eYpfQfk0359JYT4t6CFcOM1GvzWx7fpE756G99-afgsV5JpczVtxvrqrHc0z-HwR6A/s320/485430_10152799138010643_1327685530_n.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(<a href="http://www.perfect-wedding-day.com/daisy-wedding-cakes.html">Pink and White Daisy Cake</a>)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A perfect wedding topper for this beach wedding would be the <a href="http://www.weddingmountain.com/romantic-wedding-couple-lounging-on-the-beach-figurine.html.">Lounging on the Beach Figurine</a>.It is beautiful and it had the couple in a wonderful pose and would look absolutely wonderful on the top of any cake. Coupled with the <a href="http://www.weddingmountain.com/simply-silver-serving-set.html">Simple Silver Serving Set</a>, and the <a href="http://www.hotref.com/venice-silver-toasting-flutes-wedding-favor-p-12327.html">Silver Toasting Flutes</a> and the whole set up will be fabulous. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLxOjexrkzbiH4drH2ocPH-g28Iibgd5CpFblAM9qeXEOGGuqAA3oSovoVLq_7uSJXWeq6P-qkE1BMZzEWN0LIVZGOXvrO2Nr8zvpWFCr44G7Xoea1FmDRmnXDP_ODXqXrHLTF6WFJ2_o/s1600/644529_10152183621175643_1248852841_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLxOjexrkzbiH4drH2ocPH-g28Iibgd5CpFblAM9qeXEOGGuqAA3oSovoVLq_7uSJXWeq6P-qkE1BMZzEWN0LIVZGOXvrO2Nr8zvpWFCr44G7Xoea1FmDRmnXDP_ODXqXrHLTF6WFJ2_o/s320/644529_10152183621175643_1248852841_n.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i><b>Guest Favours:</b></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A beautiful and creative guest favour for this wedding would be jars of sand. Mixing regular sand with the pink sand of Barbuda would symbolize the bride and groom coming together and it would be a beautiful gift for the guests in an engraved glass jar. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkJHkjlReX78VHEST4kNs2qzVmdzMAisqVysdTCTu1x8OJ0ihEQqWb7ybKBCYGrmnRwjMKnnxbCMbbKDwB_PcgfIkOqlYA9IDE-9FmJD7cJ9AZ_aNkJeKvq5Ss_eCZo8KMY1u_5EdQLLQ/s1600/598667_10151855628875643_1648351069_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkJHkjlReX78VHEST4kNs2qzVmdzMAisqVysdTCTu1x8OJ0ihEQqWb7ybKBCYGrmnRwjMKnnxbCMbbKDwB_PcgfIkOqlYA9IDE-9FmJD7cJ9AZ_aNkJeKvq5Ss_eCZo8KMY1u_5EdQLLQ/s1600/598667_10151855628875643_1648351069_n.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(<a href="http://www.davidsbridal.com/Product_Personalized-Promises-Sand-Ceremony-Set-DBK5563P_Ceremony-Wedding-Ceremony-Ceremony-Unity-Candles-Sand-Ceremony">Personalized Set</a>)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i><b>Centerpieces:</b></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Sticking with the sand theme, a beautiful tall vase with the mixed sand in the bottle surrounding a tall single candle would be perfect for the centerpieces for the tables. Also it could work as a table number but simply tying string around the vase and attaching the numbers to them. (Adding seashell are always optional.)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXu2hdC2z5iuZ5uT5uH0aNC6cBZ455rPaj_UJNcNMI9xLEoZGzwBzZvGmvKGsUawoA55SrtvV4oojSXKqUOPlvye3bAu87erXKhwlKE13I5MulboRbYY9fFzQbPPCIvJ7rH__jVN_OiNk/s1600/candle1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXu2hdC2z5iuZ5uT5uH0aNC6cBZ455rPaj_UJNcNMI9xLEoZGzwBzZvGmvKGsUawoA55SrtvV4oojSXKqUOPlvye3bAu87erXKhwlKE13I5MulboRbYY9fFzQbPPCIvJ7rH__jVN_OiNk/s320/candle1.jpg" width="215" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(<a href="http://beach-theme-wedding-ideas.com/beach-theme-centerpieces/">Beach Themed Centerpieces</a>)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i><b><br /></b></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i><b>Thank You Cards:</b></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Thank You cards don't always have to match the invitations. In this case any beach themed or pink Thank You card would work well. Some couples choose to send a picture from their wedding with a personalized note or a post card showing where they honeymooned. Anything is fine, its the juster that people care about. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjicsLoUQCYncRnCTQyRBp28dPNgcfafn5WpKTtFAMra1IJj3JzSMvrMq_jGh20E4dY12mn5rjb0CX7l090nXnz1xdNlm2ds6UcF40-8X5VsMkzCrqrpiXkVjY1AKAkJzS-Eyq_wc4o-XU/s1600/designall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjicsLoUQCYncRnCTQyRBp28dPNgcfafn5WpKTtFAMra1IJj3JzSMvrMq_jGh20E4dY12mn5rjb0CX7l090nXnz1xdNlm2ds6UcF40-8X5VsMkzCrqrpiXkVjY1AKAkJzS-Eyq_wc4o-XU/s320/designall.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(<a href="http://www.zazzle.ca/pink_thank_you_cards-137823673514052967">Thank You Card</a>)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i><b>Things To Do:</b></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Antigua and Barbuda are known for their beaches so naturally most things to do are water and beach related but there are some amazing options and sights to see and be apart of. Take a short boat ride to private Prickly Pear Island from St. John's for a half day of fun in the sun - snorkeling, strolling or just lying under a beach umbrella. Enjoy complimentary rum punch and other refreshments from the open bar, as well as tasty snacks and a home-cooked Caribbean lunch, while you take in the tranquil surroundings. Take a helicopter tour, it offers a variety of truly amazing panoramic delights, priceless memories and photographic opportunities for both around the island tour and the Montserrat Volcano tour. Visit Nelson's Dockyard, set aside as 30sq km of national park, the historical dockyard dates from 1745, and is Antigua's most popular attraction. Abandoned in 1899, it languished until the 1950s when its resurrection and restoration began.Today the handsome buildings have been converted into inns, shops, a market, restaurants an art center and a nautical museum. A number of tours visit Nelson's Dockyard, like the Round Island Tour, and the Antigua Shore Excursion (<a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/antigua-and-barbuda/things-to-do">Things to do in Antigua and Barbuda</a>). </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgntemb9IG0-hiI-jlkDR0tVKyNjj_dbqeyNa6RNf-wigg35Zg7en-z9iTCmAUqPEKN7jlzujRl621oFRJiNVUqQzovy12xCJ0qq5kri73seMALOLTwbHrHenWjgJN7Rzwz36ndYmGP3pM/s1600/antigua-shore-excursion-round-island-tour-in-st-johns-47901.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgntemb9IG0-hiI-jlkDR0tVKyNjj_dbqeyNa6RNf-wigg35Zg7en-z9iTCmAUqPEKN7jlzujRl621oFRJiNVUqQzovy12xCJ0qq5kri73seMALOLTwbHrHenWjgJN7Rzwz36ndYmGP3pM/s1600/antigua-shore-excursion-round-island-tour-in-st-johns-47901.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Take a city sightseeing tour shore excursion in Antigua. The tour visits a local vegetable market and spends time in the capital city of St. John's, where tourists can shop until they drop for souvenirs at Heritage Quay, home to designer and locally made wares all duty-free. Visit Betty's Hope, it is one of Antigua's first sugar plantations, built by Christopher Codrington in 1674, it was named in honour od his daughter Betty. Ruins of two stone windmills and a distillery remain on the site, along with a small visitors center. One windmill has been restored, and the caretaker offers informative tours peppered with historical insights. Or why not take the Island Safari 4x4 Discovery Tour. It visits some of the most beautiful landmarks in Antigua including Devil's Bridge and Betty's Hope Sugar Plantation.Spend a night at Shirley Heights Lookout. Celebrate the most dramatic sunset in Antigua with a night of music and relaxation. Enjoy a night under the moonlight while dancing to the sounds of steel band music and taking in the beautiful views from atop the lookout. Shirley Heights, named after the former governor Sir Thomas Shirley, overlooks the English Harbor and Galleon Beach and is the best spot to get a bird's-eye view of the island. Go snorkeling, many cruises are available for snorkeling like the Cades Reef Snorkel Cruise that highlights the Cades Reef, or the Snorkeling Island Adventure that includes kayaking and sightseeing in the Caribbean Sea, or snorkel in the protected bay on Bird Island (<a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/antigua-and-barbuda/things-to-do">Things to do in Antigua and Barbuda</a>) .</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCxuTJKBlwh4Mw_HkkttGq2or-K0hi9NMRJM923gVBaCEOAQK5r0Sr5Z2uNoLK-8k0WKe1WyNJc72Hj00PpxBaYR1Ve5CIGdFAbNQKCXincyOywTusSBnLIsPUJ6zNk8kwnUXUCTIDHBc/s1600/island-safari-4x4-discovery-tour-from-st-john-s-in-st-johns-129096.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCxuTJKBlwh4Mw_HkkttGq2or-K0hi9NMRJM923gVBaCEOAQK5r0Sr5Z2uNoLK-8k0WKe1WyNJc72Hj00PpxBaYR1Ve5CIGdFAbNQKCXincyOywTusSBnLIsPUJ6zNk8kwnUXUCTIDHBc/s400/island-safari-4x4-discovery-tour-from-st-john-s-in-st-johns-129096.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(<a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/antigua-and-barbuda/antigua/activities/4wd-atv-off-2/island-safari-4x4">Betty's Hope</a>)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>The next country alphabetically would be Argentina, in South America!</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxS7Ab33Trm_5Mf3y4ZTbpEz3Jaxho_ADqE4KvBFWPB_QOx-zGaki9hakhT2vMy966cnazEXPSWo3VBnr4hCNRBjCGrOz6tYuQ1HyXoN8F6VhsMWs1kXKc2_CuatxX9qOL-MfbNcbi7FU/s1600/ArgentinaWorldMap.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxS7Ab33Trm_5Mf3y4ZTbpEz3Jaxho_ADqE4KvBFWPB_QOx-zGaki9hakhT2vMy966cnazEXPSWo3VBnr4hCNRBjCGrOz6tYuQ1HyXoN8F6VhsMWs1kXKc2_CuatxX9qOL-MfbNcbi7FU/s320/ArgentinaWorldMap.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb7nk20-ffwcR0sMIv6SlmYwW8uqd51xw0laoc8y3d5Upwv0H01Ifj31ceqab4KN2prA8nYx1kr1SQCS4cfIxI72SzYmPBN6C4SQG4Rkj11Kk7HNlH6flE1WQ6U7RxHqkbp5VevISz91o/s1600/ar-map.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb7nk20-ffwcR0sMIv6SlmYwW8uqd51xw0laoc8y3d5Upwv0H01Ifj31ceqab4KN2prA8nYx1kr1SQCS4cfIxI72SzYmPBN6C4SQG4Rkj11Kk7HNlH6flE1WQ6U7RxHqkbp5VevISz91o/s400/ar-map.gif" width="182" /></a>Amylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17670343941890296465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3266172343740283861.post-17485157177504682632014-05-16T21:16:00.004-07:002014-05-16T21:16:43.794-07:00The CeremonyWedding Ceremony's and traditions change from country to country. But if a couple is getting married in a country because of the view, or the weather, than they can get married in what they would consider to be a traditional wedding from their home country. There's no law that says if you get married in Hawaii you have to have a Hawaiian wedding. Also, sometimes it is much easier to get married at home and than have a big ceremony for friends and family in whatever country they want. Some countries require a couple to live in the country for so long before allowing them to get a marriage certificate.Amylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17670343941890296465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3266172343740283861.post-37678385121176774382014-05-16T21:16:00.001-07:002014-05-16T21:16:02.959-07:00Wedding ProgramsHaving a program at a wedding isn't a necessity but it is a very good idea. Guests can follow the ceremony along even if they aren't used to the traditions and rituals being showcased. It is important to name the bride, and her bride's maids, the groom and his men, the parents of the bride and groom, the photographer, the videographer, the officiant and anyone else important to the wedding. Next, a step my step walk through of the ceremony as best as possibly can be described. (Most invitation sets have a matching program.)Amylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17670343941890296465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3266172343740283861.post-22953473658274096042014-05-16T21:15:00.002-07:002014-05-16T21:15:16.720-07:00The ShoesThe bride's shoes don't always matter because depending on the length of the dress, no one may ever see the bride's shoes. One of the keys to picking shoes is to remember that no matter how fun a wedding day is, it is long and the bride needs to be comfortable. Always try the shoes with the dress, the person making alterations needs to see how it will sit and be worn the day of the wedding and he/she may advise the bride what shoes would go best with her body type and the dress type.<br />
<br />
The same thing applied with Mother-of-the-Bride/Groom shoes and Bride's maid shoes. Their shoes may be seem more, depending again on the dress length. Shoes can match the colour scheme or just simply match the colour of the dresses, however the Bride's maids shoes should be similar, if not the same, and definitely the same colour.<br />
<br />
Shoes will not be what everyone is looking at so feel free to wear flip-flops. Some can look very elegant and for most younger woman they are very comfortable.Amylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17670343941890296465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3266172343740283861.post-76671997266515476442014-05-16T21:14:00.001-07:002014-05-16T21:14:12.117-07:00The One (The Wedding Dress)Buying a wedding dress is hands down the most important part of the wedding for the bride. Going into a dress shop with the dream dress in mind may not always be the dress a bride will walk out with. No one can pick the perfect dress for a bride, she can't even pick it out herself. The only way to know when the perfect dress comes along is by trying it on.<br />
<br />
''You just know'', anyone who has been in love knows, that there is no way to explain the hows or whys of it all you just simply know. The same goes for wedding dresses. A bride can walk into a wedding store wanting lace and frills and beading everywhere, and walk out with someone so plain it could be the complete opposite of what she originally thought she wanted. The thing with wedding dresses is, you have to try it on and when you do, you get this feeling. It's like being a princess, most woman cry because they just know that they have the dress they are going to walk down the isle to.<br />
<br />
Magazines, online catalogs and even blogs can offer suggestions and give links to beautiful dresses but all that does is help the bride decide what styles she likes and which she'd rule out. A bride simply can't find her perfect dress by looking at pictures alone.Amylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17670343941890296465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3266172343740283861.post-1088564779291412062014-05-16T21:12:00.002-07:002014-05-16T21:12:43.787-07:00The GroomThe grooms get the short end of the marriage stick. Truly the wedding day is about the bride, all they have to do is show up and stand there. When it comes to what the groom and his groom's men wear there is a lot of colour options but they have to match the wedding's theme. The groom can not wear a light grey suit at a wedding that has bright red and white as a theme. The safest and most traditional colours the groom gets to pick from is black and white. However, there are many other decisions to make when it comes to buying tuxedos. The jacket style, whether to get a vest, cummerbund (or cumberbund), long tie, bow tie (even though the bride may have some opinions on these aspects!) The best way for the groom to incorporate the wedding colour into his outfit is by getting a tie that matches either a bit of colour in the bride's dress or flowers. The same goes for the groom's men, their ties should match the bride's maids dresses.<br />
<br />
Shoes for the groom and his men are simple, match the shoes to the suit. (Black tuxedo, black shoes; white tuxedo, white shoes.)Amylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17670343941890296465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3266172343740283861.post-10074967194469936572014-05-16T21:11:00.001-07:002014-05-16T21:11:31.098-07:00The FlowersWhen picking the flowers for a wedding, it sets the colour scheme for the entire day. Everything will be coordinated with these colours. It is very very rare that a person will pick two colours for flowers and than have completely different colour dresses and decorations. For example, having red and yellow roses when the bride's maids are dress in purples and the entire hall/reception area is decorated in purple and white does not match the ''theme'' and ''colour scheme'', picking purple lilies or tulips or roses even for that matter match the whole wedding and pull it all together. This of course does not matter for the bride because she is usually in white and every colour matches white, adding a ribbon or handle in the theme colour would match it all together, however matching a weddings colours should always be kept in mind when making wedding bouquets, boutonnieres, corsages and flower arrangements.<br />
<br />
When getting married in countries that aren't familiar to at least the bride or groom, the flowers may present a problem. In some counties and/or religions certain flowers are considered bad luck and should be avoided. A little research would be needed to make sure that a bouquet doesn't conflict with such a belief in the country or religion the couple is being married in.<br />
<br />
Ordering flowers can be a tricky thing especially if the couple is not local to the town, province/state, or country they decide to get married in. When picking flowers it is important to find a florist to get the flowers from and it is equally as important to make sure that they have the flowers needed to create the bouquets the couple wants. In some countries because of either growing conditions or the seasons, certain flowers may not be available at the time of a couples wedding so looking into such things before hand can save a lot of time and hassle.<br />
<br />
Some couples think a great way to save money is to make their own wedding arrangements and bouquets. Unless the bride or groom is very skilled at handling flowers, arranging them and knows how to care for them, it is best left to a professional. In the end if a home made wedding bouquet doesn't turn out well, it could cost the couple twice as much as just letting a florist do the job in the first place.<br />
<br />
**If throwing the bouquet is a tradition the bride and groom choose to follow, the bride may want to hold on to her bouquet and throw a fake or a stand in one. The best thing to do is to get a replica of the bride's original bouquet but scaled down so literally she isn't throwing money away. Also bouquet preservation may be something the bride would like to look into to keep her wedding bouquet as a souvenir of her big day, that is also something that should be discussed with the florist.**Amylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17670343941890296465noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3266172343740283861.post-40706527591075908122014-05-16T21:10:00.002-07:002014-05-16T21:10:36.535-07:00InvitationsThere is always more to the invitations than just the ''You are invited'' part. Most invitations need the invite, the response card, a directions card. But sometimes the even before the invitations go out, Save the Date cards are needed. And than after everything is said and done, Thank You cards need to follow.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Save the date cards aren't always needed. If the couple is getting married close to all their relatives, save the date cards can be avoided by a simple announcement in the local news paper. Save the date cards are for out of town guests that may need to book flights or take off work, or travel a little ways to get to the wedding. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
There are a lot of places, and websites, that have millions of different invitation designs and colours to match almost any wedding. When picking invitations it's important to think of the colours of a wedding and the theme. However it's important to have invitation that the couple likes, this doesn't always mean it has to match the theme perfectly. (For example, if a couple is having a honey themed wedding or bumble bee wedding, the invitations don't have to have bees on them, they yellow and black in them for the colours of a bee, or black and white, etc.) </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Response cards are only needed if the couple decided to have a meal. The response cards give the couple a round number to give the caterer and the hall for how many seats to set and prepare for. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Direction cards are also optional. If a couple leaves in a small town where everyone basically knows where to go they won't need directions to the church and/or hall. A good way to save money here would be sending only direction cards to out of town guests in case they need help getting from place to place, but not sending any to local guests. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Some couples choice to just leave a Thank You note, or card, at the door so their guest can take one as they walk in. This saves some money, but it is also very impersonal. A great idea for Thank You cards is to choose a picture from the wedding photos and send that with a little personal message on the back. It is simple and may be cheaper and easier than a Thank You card, however most invitation set coordinate Thank You cards also. </div>
Amylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17670343941890296465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3266172343740283861.post-91337199675343133032014-05-16T21:09:00.002-07:002014-05-16T21:09:45.309-07:00Photographers and VideographersMany couples assume that they can save money but getting an amateur photographer or videographer. The truth is a wedding is the most important day of two people's life together, chancing something like photos to someone who may have no idea what they are doing isn't the best idea. Photographs from the big day are things couples will enjoy for years to come, they will look back on them and hopefully remember their perfect day. Not to mention family and friends will want to see all the pictures and the last thing any couple wants is to be ashamed of how their pictures came out.<br />
<br />
If a couple doesn't know of a professional photographer or is worried about how good their photographer is, the best thing to do is to schedule engagement pictures with the same person. This way the couple gets their photos well in advance of their wedding day and can decided if they would like to use the same person for their big day or go with someone else.<br />
<br />
It is harder to test out videographers, so if someone close to the couple has used a certain company or person it is best to ask them to see the video they had done. Reviews and recommendations are great in helping pick out a good videographer, but seeing the work is always the best way to judge.<br />
<br />
<b><i>Pictures and Poses:</i></b><br />
<br />
Photographs are forever and the best way to remember a couple's big day. They are a big part of the wedding, and are things the couple will show off for years to come. Each individual photographer may have different ideas on what pictures to take but here are some great options and a few of the <a href="http://www.bridalguide.com/planning/wedding-planning-basics/new-must-have-wedding-photos">top 50 must have wedding photos</a> according to Kristen O'Gorman Klein of <a href="http://www.bridalguide.com/">Bridal Guide</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDtBfyyrbtXtdlkc7A9JJGwAg3IZg6Zb0Nsk0PM4I8pbozhlzUC6k79FUmJ4mD0VrOyP3n74lN8Bjaa54ODcb2LzUAVNNkJCezRRoIIJpvju-XYXGp74H3IC_NAoB1R26PLIgbW3oJbfI/s1600/romantic-bride-groom-portrait-rebekah-j-murray.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDtBfyyrbtXtdlkc7A9JJGwAg3IZg6Zb0Nsk0PM4I8pbozhlzUC6k79FUmJ4mD0VrOyP3n74lN8Bjaa54ODcb2LzUAVNNkJCezRRoIIJpvju-XYXGp74H3IC_NAoB1R26PLIgbW3oJbfI/s320/romantic-bride-groom-portrait-rebekah-j-murray.jpg" height="320" width="228" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>The Romantic Lift </b>photo by: <a href="http://www.rebekahjmurray.com/">Rebekah J. Murray Photography</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx-LSmPjKSv0uKK5YLRji9ShTMPPbAgWY7386JgAzLT1tc54xv37RNa_WMCIZcw9L0TGkhnvRlsJ-0PnSza-GEgTOt1JniIUAdWQiDFnu3RcLkK0rTFbO1j5bHacpfdRAuHcmRqsUUvEQ/s1600/through-the-wedding-ring.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx-LSmPjKSv0uKK5YLRji9ShTMPPbAgWY7386JgAzLT1tc54xv37RNa_WMCIZcw9L0TGkhnvRlsJ-0PnSza-GEgTOt1JniIUAdWQiDFnu3RcLkK0rTFbO1j5bHacpfdRAuHcmRqsUUvEQ/s320/through-the-wedding-ring.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Through Your Wedding Ring </b> photo by: <a href="http://www.aubreyjoyphotography.com/">Aubrey Joy Photography</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWRaY-dnn7bdPIve3opGhK9icLgFDmb2ABQvvA5fyBKyDz8-fSljYjs9GImy8OrOrks6Mudz0OxppCDTyQgxs7w3ljt4V-wqObZCns72vbJ24qIyDpOLqiEpqv7FTc8eHeXcFolWBcBuI/s1600/enthusiastic-groom-first-kiss-emily-blake-photography.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWRaY-dnn7bdPIve3opGhK9icLgFDmb2ABQvvA5fyBKyDz8-fSljYjs9GImy8OrOrks6Mudz0OxppCDTyQgxs7w3ljt4V-wqObZCns72vbJ24qIyDpOLqiEpqv7FTc8eHeXcFolWBcBuI/s320/enthusiastic-groom-first-kiss-emily-blake-photography.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>An Enthusiastic First Kiss </b>photo by: <a href="http://emilyblakephoto.com/">Emily Blake Photography</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAf_KiaBt51RLFJcd7wwmwv078J01IbVi00uMHHC1OIg9pwP_A744AkbKvJ9C7OV2iuDYjlBxXKMCP5v5Lz9OFgjWxPRi5tTzt7SGprGYd7pLAH5Kdc42bLk0pKReqBpP7dZtZ-4orq2A/s1600/ana-lui-photography-parent-wedding-photos-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAf_KiaBt51RLFJcd7wwmwv078J01IbVi00uMHHC1OIg9pwP_A744AkbKvJ9C7OV2iuDYjlBxXKMCP5v5Lz9OFgjWxPRi5tTzt7SGprGYd7pLAH5Kdc42bLk0pKReqBpP7dZtZ-4orq2A/s400/ana-lui-photography-parent-wedding-photos-2.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Holding Your Parents' Wedding Photo </b>photo by: <a href="http://www.analui.com/#/home">Ana Lui Photography</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG7rxqOyFkfs1t6acvv7lXhNNMs1MsAzkH7imVhwPGylnU2B4xao2pQ8gzWuIINqzmqmtit1ydK_R0QcTHP-tU-3ygpw_g5AGcQ5SoQ6N0pLOka6kPDsbsVk9HDs1EnV8ZAPDk9fd8mag/s1600/Hoffer-36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG7rxqOyFkfs1t6acvv7lXhNNMs1MsAzkH7imVhwPGylnU2B4xao2pQ8gzWuIINqzmqmtit1ydK_R0QcTHP-tU-3ygpw_g5AGcQ5SoQ6N0pLOka6kPDsbsVk9HDs1EnV8ZAPDk9fd8mag/s400/Hoffer-36.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>In Your Own World On A Busy Street </b>photo by: <a href="http://hofferphotography.com/">Hoffer Photography</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDZMFW3bJFKcazsH0qpmBPElzNCAkjRu7W4YzWWYy01GhAy9rvu-2a1vUJG1KvvmnSbhp0cOBGYHB3Au124sJITKkmlvVDsgED75Pb7ISYtanbAdofTPvblBKOGGAqgEaM6ITxGYlCe_g/s1600/bride-groom-kissing-photographs-by-anjuli.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDZMFW3bJFKcazsH0qpmBPElzNCAkjRu7W4YzWWYy01GhAy9rvu-2a1vUJG1KvvmnSbhp0cOBGYHB3Au124sJITKkmlvVDsgED75Pb7ISYtanbAdofTPvblBKOGGAqgEaM6ITxGYlCe_g/s400/bride-groom-kissing-photographs-by-anjuli.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>A Romantic Kiss </b>photo by: <a href="http://photographsbyanjuli.com/blog/">Photographs By Anjuli</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTjrvj2oVYTLk5gZR3mPu3TkfqgfsZYSz1ypNoV_5qLD1twJoljK-ttpyBR2GVVfyXAyENNQLcJLRQpvJdGOBY5tJfdA-d2phpBMA67NfpzCw83rJQy1fohnqG4Vuoga71d_nHozdn3YQ/s1600/198402_10152286318375643_225365923_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTjrvj2oVYTLk5gZR3mPu3TkfqgfsZYSz1ypNoV_5qLD1twJoljK-ttpyBR2GVVfyXAyENNQLcJLRQpvJdGOBY5tJfdA-d2phpBMA67NfpzCw83rJQy1fohnqG4Vuoga71d_nHozdn3YQ/s320/198402_10152286318375643_225365923_n.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>L-O-V-E </b>photo by: <a href="http://rfitzpatrickphotography.com/">Rebecca Fitzpatrick Photography</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZynCM9fF-KxtAa2juBk-FC5lHlc0YtHGmiIL2oc0UnlcU03mxUCRxROC7_gY6ARjAt9yttySkxv5aaRvKe2rR7NkoKYiAx-zgJ5_qxTa1gbZWtXZQCK8PuSLqgEiJx50T5Nvpty264PI/s1600/first-kiss-daniele-del-castillo-daniele-del-castillo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZynCM9fF-KxtAa2juBk-FC5lHlc0YtHGmiIL2oc0UnlcU03mxUCRxROC7_gY6ARjAt9yttySkxv5aaRvKe2rR7NkoKYiAx-zgJ5_qxTa1gbZWtXZQCK8PuSLqgEiJx50T5Nvpty264PI/s400/first-kiss-daniele-del-castillo-daniele-del-castillo.jpg" height="241" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>A Flipped Perspective Of The First Kiss </b>photo by: <a href="http://www.danieledelcastillo.com/">Daniele Del Castillo</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZjTFuwTuvWSOh2wipudXFGWrEf6F6Qn47ZvUuNQ9Sl8Hxxxlo7Hgnnpzr29nUljvYGp6AoMRZCc1zICdeIRCycR-1twZ-J7g2sRlZ_fzkMz7wJmBTQPFtd96tQcOY58SLoJaLAGI1CI0/s1600/Weber_Ruedas_Visionyard_Photography_MG6395.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZjTFuwTuvWSOh2wipudXFGWrEf6F6Qn47ZvUuNQ9Sl8Hxxxlo7Hgnnpzr29nUljvYGp6AoMRZCc1zICdeIRCycR-1twZ-J7g2sRlZ_fzkMz7wJmBTQPFtd96tQcOY58SLoJaLAGI1CI0/s320/Weber_Ruedas_Visionyard_Photography_MG6395.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>With Your Marriage Licence </b>photo by: <a href="http://www.thevisionyard.com/">Visionyard Photography</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSNXW2akBOrA74g-xowZ4sJ5XgpAy90MIIK2g2YchlJPZuUeKCG8UCvuMglLlqK6V497CjoUemxL8xn82wCGWbZPj5DSBfc_ggIdGKq8b8CfblP9QggjNgVLpa8xYGknhrDzxpJonpXBk/s1600/true-photography.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSNXW2akBOrA74g-xowZ4sJ5XgpAy90MIIK2g2YchlJPZuUeKCG8UCvuMglLlqK6V497CjoUemxL8xn82wCGWbZPj5DSBfc_ggIdGKq8b8CfblP9QggjNgVLpa8xYGknhrDzxpJonpXBk/s320/true-photography.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Can You Keep A Secret? </b>photo by: <a href="http://truephotography.com/" style="font-weight: bold;">True Photography</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicAMeQqXI4QjNkjm0Qx5e-RgUPUa4OGd-UCdmylvsaGyuLprNqYCdccG5YXibPcaJjeBFq9MfI7vKhyphenhyphenANFYGGN1bb48roPifihc7OJjKCFlWGYjCy09z5VAsecIx32CuDpUYCOaOZDuT8/s1600/2-thank-you-card-stephanie-moe-photography.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicAMeQqXI4QjNkjm0Qx5e-RgUPUa4OGd-UCdmylvsaGyuLprNqYCdccG5YXibPcaJjeBFq9MfI7vKhyphenhyphenANFYGGN1bb48roPifihc7OJjKCFlWGYjCy09z5VAsecIx32CuDpUYCOaOZDuT8/s320/2-thank-you-card-stephanie-moe-photography.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Saying ''Thanks'' </b>photo by: <a href="http://www.stephaniemoephotography.com/">Stephanie Moe Photography</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3xSsaLsGKakeht7oRWYdurx8d_xT4WuEm8GStWkF0Yk8FAIJGsZGf6tk6N1U-Gr1UtK6Oj5HndbrTlhTJMxl1cqqsiyPiMWdqWS9P2uh6exbOujRMk40TsiOynYzlKD7w3WIwbsFcFXk/s1600/photo-booth-frames-renaissance-studios.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3xSsaLsGKakeht7oRWYdurx8d_xT4WuEm8GStWkF0Yk8FAIJGsZGf6tk6N1U-Gr1UtK6Oj5HndbrTlhTJMxl1cqqsiyPiMWdqWS9P2uh6exbOujRMk40TsiOynYzlKD7w3WIwbsFcFXk/s320/photo-booth-frames-renaissance-studios.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Frame Within A Frame </b>photo by: <a href="http://www.renaissancestudios.ca/">Renaissance Studios</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_GD1cXgVQBPvjfSGznN7HvnRfFijPMoRi5WsZqOpbju-GKY9XoErZSBv11UoaP8GSq9skYrCdPif6Nt59gkSBTsqf_IRwcZLWZ8rOZLfN-LcbkLGIiplMAylh-YAmCAnK59v3Q8-uEso/s1600/pinky-swear-amber-engfer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_GD1cXgVQBPvjfSGznN7HvnRfFijPMoRi5WsZqOpbju-GKY9XoErZSBv11UoaP8GSq9skYrCdPif6Nt59gkSBTsqf_IRwcZLWZ8rOZLfN-LcbkLGIiplMAylh-YAmCAnK59v3Q8-uEso/s400/pinky-swear-amber-engfer.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Pinky Swear </b>photo by: <a href="http://www.amberengfer.com/">Amber Engfer Photography</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioz5SQOlEsY2-4ddP1M3wgZv8ft-GaZn8zQnlVTuLNEirAerf3vALEbykPX-7_UgmXMMnsUYjI5htBHoxu7tTt2oA1yQZ9N9-Q227vdDiGGg5T0av4xdDrxLWL-24ot_BfCRdTj8DSJao/s1600/couple-surrounded-by-love-inspire-photography.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioz5SQOlEsY2-4ddP1M3wgZv8ft-GaZn8zQnlVTuLNEirAerf3vALEbykPX-7_UgmXMMnsUYjI5htBHoxu7tTt2oA1yQZ9N9-Q227vdDiGGg5T0av4xdDrxLWL-24ot_BfCRdTj8DSJao/s400/couple-surrounded-by-love-inspire-photography.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Surrounded By Love </b>photo by: Inspire Photography</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8PwHCKrHVf93eqZpQ9NhRPUl-5E1ecs-wkqAanjkszS4cBOtvHp2Ez3RPrZ6idTfAZdjvHgjIIgsGVh5M9rwyawiJlnOqq5EUamFOHGW9kCD-ISm_YXMMQl1BibYglNOrCQoz1sPvz6M/s1600/megan-small-photography.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8PwHCKrHVf93eqZpQ9NhRPUl-5E1ecs-wkqAanjkszS4cBOtvHp2Ez3RPrZ6idTfAZdjvHgjIIgsGVh5M9rwyawiJlnOqq5EUamFOHGW9kCD-ISm_YXMMQl1BibYglNOrCQoz1sPvz6M/s320/megan-small-photography.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Wrapped Up In His Jacket </b>photo by: <a href="http://www.megansmall.com/">Megan Small Photography</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikxqjjhUUnCZDAjueq__unJ5BMlyx0fmn85fN-ky57n_vEh9Nb8UL5ZcyNVLVTQEUMWaU2wewDYToWHVAZQPpZg9XcepUASpLPVAghgFVetegMdfzkzogT__0zaNQiSaZa3TRapQii5p0/s1600/sara-sugar-lens.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikxqjjhUUnCZDAjueq__unJ5BMlyx0fmn85fN-ky57n_vEh9Nb8UL5ZcyNVLVTQEUMWaU2wewDYToWHVAZQPpZg9XcepUASpLPVAghgFVetegMdfzkzogT__0zaNQiSaZa3TRapQii5p0/s400/sara-sugar-lens.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Stop-Motion </b>photo by: <a href="http://www.sugarlens.ca/">Sugarlens Photography</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVRW-CRDTMPVdX7Tn2zCugMeSEPHiRCfw0TQkR04RQ2KF-6svwZYnGJFQ6pYdbJabuw71xJq9FBce3wq3y_M5AJhw0YleLaa8zUnRP8xiYgbxV1v3UtaT_IYki6iEn1GRRsaoEEWYaD_s/s1600/Membreno_Holmann_AMS_Photography_110931_TeresaErasmo450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVRW-CRDTMPVdX7Tn2zCugMeSEPHiRCfw0TQkR04RQ2KF-6svwZYnGJFQ6pYdbJabuw71xJq9FBce3wq3y_M5AJhw0YleLaa8zUnRP8xiYgbxV1v3UtaT_IYki6iEn1GRRsaoEEWYaD_s/s400/Membreno_Holmann_AMS_Photography_110931_TeresaErasmo450.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>A Look From Above </b>photo by: <a href="http://www.ams-photo.com/">AMS Photography</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbFvXZe0cOexTRtEgLEIzsI9sxefN7XXv8MUjRZxgcOFymszlmom2L86_2htvOor111CV8B93Knmwtkg4OUNxkGQhyphenhyphentjPu87KDkSBEquDW1-FhX1GLcYySMGDCLCdcAf1yDBF9plIPyNI/s1600/Smizik_Boardman_Photography_by_Jen_Philips_430EmmaIan11172.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbFvXZe0cOexTRtEgLEIzsI9sxefN7XXv8MUjRZxgcOFymszlmom2L86_2htvOor111CV8B93Knmwtkg4OUNxkGQhyphenhyphentjPu87KDkSBEquDW1-FhX1GLcYySMGDCLCdcAf1yDBF9plIPyNI/s400/Smizik_Boardman_Photography_by_Jen_Philips_430EmmaIan11172.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>On A Park Bench </b>photo by: <a href="http://www.jenphilips.com/">Jen Philips</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKHzKrZodKA2teAXuDPixJKzzVRq3QRQXSRrwg_8fr1dA1u6ieJ5Lw8HxWEfcQZcIQ9Om2z9ap6Fogpf8u1sSqnjQ2m3sXdT_3zW0i8kInMGOsWKPPznSaSbjwO9AbmKP-WnYzsHsSBW4/s1600/first-look-dianne-personett-photography.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKHzKrZodKA2teAXuDPixJKzzVRq3QRQXSRrwg_8fr1dA1u6ieJ5Lw8HxWEfcQZcIQ9Om2z9ap6Fogpf8u1sSqnjQ2m3sXdT_3zW0i8kInMGOsWKPPznSaSbjwO9AbmKP-WnYzsHsSBW4/s640/first-look-dianne-personett-photography.jpg" height="640" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Together Before The Ceremony </b>photo by: <a href="http://www.dpersonettphotography.com/">Dianne Personett Photography</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJktq6NuozKdzS-gQEYf50wuG6yRpLzWmHVv-3hYeYSh1XoFcnCwKw9o37catVGE5PN1hHvgW9We64KLkU9i8k-ynZNW2iim856XKvkP1b_krbW2U7IJYxVPF48AZzEL_ujzYRcwM3oYM/s1600/wedding-shoes-photo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJktq6NuozKdzS-gQEYf50wuG6yRpLzWmHVv-3hYeYSh1XoFcnCwKw9o37catVGE5PN1hHvgW9We64KLkU9i8k-ynZNW2iim856XKvkP1b_krbW2U7IJYxVPF48AZzEL_ujzYRcwM3oYM/s320/wedding-shoes-photo.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>With Your Shoes On Display </b>photo by: <a href="http://www.clearskiesphoto.com/index2.php#!/HOME">Clear Skies Photography</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
One or all of these pictures would make beautiful shots to frame and display, to send as Thank You cards, or to give as gifts. Pictures are one of the best treasure a couple receives from their wedding, and amazing pictures help the couple relieve their big day for the years to come. </div>
Amylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17670343941890296465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3266172343740283861.post-90169370821342963902014-05-16T21:07:00.002-07:002014-05-16T21:07:31.996-07:00Food and the CakeFood is a very important part of the wedding day, when it is part of the day. Some couples choose not to have a meal and just have a late lunch later. But there are a lot of options when it comes to food. Some couples choose to make it buffet style, some choose a formal sit down dinner, some choose to asks their guests pay, and some choose to hand out tickets so their family can get their meal for free but so that other guests can still join them and pay for their meal. Most times when a couples asks their guests to pay for their meal they should not expect a wedding gift.<br />
<br />
When it comes to a cake, the things to think about is flavour and theme. If a couple chooses to have multi-layered cakes, they should choose different flavours. Not everyone likes vanilla, not everyone likes chocolate, it is impossible to please everyone but the odds of having something everyone likes increases with more options. Also just because it is a ''Wedding Cake'' doesn't mean it has to be a cake, cupcakes are very popular options for weddings.<br />
With any cake, cupcake or regular, a very important part is the cake topper! This topper may match the theme or be a traditional bride and groom figure. Either way the couple should be absolutely in love with it. The cake knife and serving set should match the cake topper in some way.Amylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17670343941890296465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3266172343740283861.post-9436781617771905452014-05-15T23:54:00.000-07:002014-05-16T21:07:31.999-07:00Guest FavoursGuest favours is a special way not only to say thank you to the guests but also to give them a little token of the wedding day. Usually favours are very small items and inexpensive so the couple can buy them in bulk. When having a meal, guests favours are placed at each guests spot, and than a basket (or container) is set at the door so that uninvited guests can have a thank you token as well. Guest favours are usually given in some sort of holder, a glass mug, a mini jar, a decorative box, etc.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
A great website for ideas and to buy guest favours from is <a href="http://www.beau-coup.com/">http://www.beau-coup.com/</a>, they have a number of different theme related items to match almost any wedding's theme. </div>
Amylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17670343941890296465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3266172343740283861.post-89443829796813947762013-09-19T16:42:00.001-07:002016-06-16T15:27:54.638-07:00Antigua and Barbuda Wedding #1 - Antigua (Sailboat) Wedding <span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Being surrounded by water, sailing has been one of the most popular sports in Antigua. Two of the regions most reputable sailing competitions are Antigua Sailing Week and Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antigua">Antigua</a>). To play off that, a beach wedding centering around a sailboat theme would be a perfect choice for Antigua! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8rToRIK3cXpVNiAl6fBfWGix835PM2Rnljne5ZA3ahZthXheE6e2edyVLzoxcDJWyGEH5c8R_erepG4pKlSDi0OXUDi0yW8y1WfhYyPCQzfRy-BPzqWx6RHGC3t5RehCUU-YwqHiq5Vc/s1600/English+harbour+Antigua+Sailing+Week+-+Photo+Credit+Ted+Martin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8rToRIK3cXpVNiAl6fBfWGix835PM2Rnljne5ZA3ahZthXheE6e2edyVLzoxcDJWyGEH5c8R_erepG4pKlSDi0OXUDi0yW8y1WfhYyPCQzfRy-BPzqWx6RHGC3t5RehCUU-YwqHiq5Vc/s640/English+harbour+Antigua+Sailing+Week+-+Photo+Credit+Ted+Martin.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
(<a href="http://www.charterworld.com/index.html?sub=leeward-islands-yacht-charter">English Harbour Antigua Sailing Week</a> - Photo by Ted Martin)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><i>Flowers:</i></b><br />
For any water wedding blue or light green is a great colour theme to go by. In this case, I chose blue because it is more closely associated with sailing. I chose a light blue even though sailing is usually a navy but either way a nice rose bouquet would be beautiful for this and most other weddings.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-rNyFCTRUJpEzQUus0IvbnkFCamyc-FhIrKPSRFsH_JWCZzBnz980v400zmkSsLIfn0kaqCRZoANVXyujE0pj1Xg1ZI_2Ps8OLa-sxHJ_jmSYVbzsO60ke2q0-qr99o_1aMdbhHCTdfQ/s1600/lightBlueSnow2DozBIG__59420.1345225012.1280.1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-rNyFCTRUJpEzQUus0IvbnkFCamyc-FhIrKPSRFsH_JWCZzBnz980v400zmkSsLIfn0kaqCRZoANVXyujE0pj1Xg1ZI_2Ps8OLa-sxHJ_jmSYVbzsO60ke2q0-qr99o_1aMdbhHCTdfQ/s320/lightBlueSnow2DozBIG__59420.1345225012.1280.1280.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(<a href="http://www.thebridesbouquet.com/light-blue-and-white-silk-rose-hand-tie-2-dozen-roses-bridal-wedding-bouquet/">Light Blue and White Silk Rose Bouquet</a>)</div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><i>The Dress:</i></b><br />
Weddings on the beach are always done because of the beautiful scenery and because of the weather. When it is hot outside a bride doesn't usually want to be in a big, long, heavy dress. She usually wants to be in something more comfortable, shorter and something she can move easily in. <a href="http://www.houseofbrides.com/alfred-angelo-wedding-dress-style-2100-p-3-5-11621.aspx">Alfred Angelo's Style 2100</a> is very and the dress looks like it has waves, which would match well with the theme of the whole wedding.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><i>The Shoes:</i></b><br />
The best option for beach weddings is always sandals or flip-flops. With an open shoe, the bride doesn't have to worry about getting sand stuck in her shoe and carrying around half the beach all night. Also in the warm weather, sandals would be much more comfortable and a lot easier to kick off.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXaiW8jgxmv6mI6GVufUr_WX5MSxEnLgQGu36tEvbE99GlrpjhWk8tAXldcKSW2p9sdPhul58POdn9299p7kH7Kp8VUtr8XAJxT4vMdSy_qsIlo5_5zpLj94q5zbxY1iCcnwi_n7gRCDQ/s1600/578744_10151939863910643_1230343904_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXaiW8jgxmv6mI6GVufUr_WX5MSxEnLgQGu36tEvbE99GlrpjhWk8tAXldcKSW2p9sdPhul58POdn9299p7kH7Kp8VUtr8XAJxT4vMdSy_qsIlo5_5zpLj94q5zbxY1iCcnwi_n7gRCDQ/s320/578744_10151939863910643_1230343904_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(<a href="http://www.payless.com/store/product/detail.jsp;jsessionid=6CAA96E6B7258C942E7CE5134908F0B4.pss-app-04-p-app3?catId=cat10088&subCatId=cat10285&skuId=093823100&productId=70976&lotId=093823&category=&catdisplayName=Womens">White Beach Flip-Flop</a>)</div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><i>Make up, hair, nails and accessories: </i></b><br />
It is always best to keep make up simple, but for beach weddings (hot, outdoor weddings) it is really key. Make up can always cause problems when it comes in contact with water (sweat, tears) and it will mess up the bride's make up sticking to just a lipstick or lip gloss would be ideal. For this wedding, I chose a short and strapless dress, because of this, having the bride's hair down would look best with a short veil or no veil at all. And to complete her look a beautiful <a href="http://www.kay.com/en/kaystore/aquamarine-necklace-diamond-accents-sterling-silver">Aquamarine Necklace with Diamond Accents </a>would be perfect for the bride.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJFEjBDa-B8JcCt4s5Y2JGXujXzCXTM-Rf7UyUQncWDWa0O83OYL5IbbswmkUHIozWJ4skJAZcTdNqqKiRZNN08JdRfWo6DVtFQWVVmS9xHNnYfo1_kWshcbSvsYLScfCraCxA_0vREZ4/s1600/322.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJFEjBDa-B8JcCt4s5Y2JGXujXzCXTM-Rf7UyUQncWDWa0O83OYL5IbbswmkUHIozWJ4skJAZcTdNqqKiRZNN08JdRfWo6DVtFQWVVmS9xHNnYfo1_kWshcbSvsYLScfCraCxA_0vREZ4/s320/322.jpg" width="319" /></a></div>
<br />
<h1 class="product-name" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #474747; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 18px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-transform: uppercase;">
</h1>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><i>The Groom:</i></b><br />
A beach wedding is more of a laid back type of wedding and it is common to see the groom (and his men) not wearing suits but more of just a shirt and pants type thing, formal but not too much. Great options for this would be the <a href="http://www.weddingtropics.com/men/cavala-custom-italian-linen-shirts-130.aspx">Cavala Custom Italian Linen Shirt</a> and the <a href="http://www.weddingtropics.com/linen-drawstring/ventura-custom-linen-capri-pants-269.aspx">Ventura Custom Linen Capri Pants</a>. Both look great and are available in different colours. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><i>The Invitations:</i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Any out of town/state/country guests would really appreciated a <a href="http://www.weddingmountain.com/sea-breeze-save-the-date-card.html">Save the Date card</a>, especially if the couple really wants certain people there, it gives the guests time to make arrangements like flight plans, house sitters, booking days of work, etc so that they can make it to the wedding. After the Save the Date cards, a formal invitation should be sent to all the guests (even the ones that already got the Save the Date card). A great option for invitations would be the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/38724868/wedding-invitations-destination-modern">Destination Modern.</a> (It has the double sided invitation and reply card in the set). </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Rw9MO9BDusPp610_H1CccuNBO5vLrmvSvbNvfXK3fE9p5DjneyCj6GNi4_NLPckVT2b_TuaOdU58FWqQIVdGobz1wGA_xiM_vhQo0docH7n0ZcQRRse4mp4K3qY3GBG7k1S181D_66o/s1600/189829_10152309275010643_519254419_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Rw9MO9BDusPp610_H1CccuNBO5vLrmvSvbNvfXK3fE9p5DjneyCj6GNi4_NLPckVT2b_TuaOdU58FWqQIVdGobz1wGA_xiM_vhQo0docH7n0ZcQRRse4mp4K3qY3GBG7k1S181D_66o/s200/189829_10152309275010643_519254419_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTNRXYWQ8QeRybl13Pt8TOm974TFPykl8fZk7X4uCkgKE8J7hyv0pZ-QrRBOFdW4FbUO29kNSItdbM5PUs-4hP4w6KrejqNORB0fMIEChI8gAdCql5xbB8c0FuAAXpiIqlnT5-ZCiIqqk/s1600/198083_10152309274985643_461098308_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTNRXYWQ8QeRybl13Pt8TOm974TFPykl8fZk7X4uCkgKE8J7hyv0pZ-QrRBOFdW4FbUO29kNSItdbM5PUs-4hP4w6KrejqNORB0fMIEChI8gAdCql5xbB8c0FuAAXpiIqlnT5-ZCiIqqk/s200/198083_10152309274985643_461098308_n.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><i>Photographer and Videographer:</i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
A great photographer that comes very highly recommended is Vanessa Hall. She take beautiful pictures and stages perfect scenes and moments with what she has to work with. She also has a beautiful portfolio and a lot of information available at her <a href="http://www.vanessahallphotography.com/">website</a>. As for a videographer that can be tricky to find in a country that isn't home to the bride or groom or any guest. As stated before asking a friend or family member to do that favour may be best. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><i>Ceremony:</i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
More than 74% of the population in Antigua and Barbuda are Christian so it would not be hard to find a church or a priest to perform a ceremony, any other religions may be harder to find someone to perform the ceremony and the couple should look into it ahead of time. Of course, any friend or family member that has been ordained can do it also. The couple may choose to have a ring-bearer and a flower girl, in which case a <a href="http://www.speciallyhers.com/flowergirl3.html">dress for the flower girl</a> to match the bride is need and a tuxedo to match the groom for the ring-bearer will be needed as well (along with a <a href="http://www.weddingmountain.com/aqua-floral-flower-basket.html">flower basket</a> and <a href="http://www.weddingmountain.com/aqua-floral-ring-pillow.html">ring pillow.</a>) Beautiful rings for a blue wedding like this one would be the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150857152417823&set=a.10150513389607823.366340.309527782822&type=3&theater.">Aquamarine CZ Round Channel Set Band</a> and the <a href="http://www.gemvara.com/jewelry/crown-band-2-5mm-gem/mens-sterling-silver-ring-with-aquamarine/b7fyx">Men's Sterling Silver Ring with Aquamarine</a>.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb00_aEx9ylo4vcZi1QZGS_Ij7xt48pN2YqXCIxK0x0hL7NY6sOQ8LrtnLS5NdcyeIfqKtU0eSZ_mliTfh7IV0myHnj6V-ciE8fYqR_9lt6o61hGeXIuLP9qgGWZxSg1WpUqYDzd0MAA8/s1600/mens-sterling-silver-ring-with-aquamarine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb00_aEx9ylo4vcZi1QZGS_Ij7xt48pN2YqXCIxK0x0hL7NY6sOQ8LrtnLS5NdcyeIfqKtU0eSZ_mliTfh7IV0myHnj6V-ciE8fYqR_9lt6o61hGeXIuLP9qgGWZxSg1WpUqYDzd0MAA8/s200/mens-sterling-silver-ring-with-aquamarine.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHaYJOiVzr5w6yzXVckQnP0q0hq6uOij-xA-NWol_lEGTBIMizw12KpgGzf-QZslv5HEynbENGQJTPOB2G5iH7hkZb-1aldiIA6yJAuHXn9TE6MjGgf-9yF8Do8xfYrms5sQJbHjuToIo/s1600/550889_10150857152417823_1139773045_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHaYJOiVzr5w6yzXVckQnP0q0hq6uOij-xA-NWol_lEGTBIMizw12KpgGzf-QZslv5HEynbENGQJTPOB2G5iH7hkZb-1aldiIA6yJAuHXn9TE6MjGgf-9yF8Do8xfYrms5sQJbHjuToIo/s200/550889_10150857152417823_1139773045_n.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><i>Reception:</i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
With the theme of the wedding being the beach, what greater place to have the reception than on the beach (consulting a wedding planner may be needed for this part). Having a wedding on the beach makes it easier to incorporate some traditions that the bride and groom shares, like throwing the bouquet and <a href="http://www.weddingmountain.com/aqua-satin-garter.html">garter</a>, cutting the cake and stuff like that. Also having a small table set up would be perfect to accommodate a <a href="http://www.weddingmountain.com/aqua-floral-guest-book-with-pen-set.html">guest book</a>, money box and a basket of small guest favours should anyone just walking along want to join (this may happen in any wedding but especially when having a ceremony on a public beach).</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><i>Food:</i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
In Antigua and Barbuda, the national dish is fungie and pepper pot. Fungie is a dish similar to that of Italian Polenta, made mostly with cornmeal. Other local dishes include ducana, seasoned rice, saltfish, fish in a tomato and onion sauce, and lobster. Fruits when in season are every where and at there best so making use of the local varieties would be a very smart and good idea for a wedding dinner. Some other dishes that may be served for dinner could include pork, chicken, lamb or turkey usually with some sort of rice, macaroni pie, and or salads (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antigua_and_Barbuda_cuisine">Antigua and Barbuda Cuisine</a>). Naturally, the choices would differ depending on who is making the food and what time of year the wedding takes place in. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><i>The Cake:</i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
For a tropical beach wedding, the cake has to be something that is not too rich but also fruity and sweet. Though there is a lot of bad thoughts associated with fruit cake, a tropical Antigua fruit cake may just be perfect for this wedding. For the cake: combine 19 counces of Cream Cheese (at room temperature makes it easier to work with) 3 Eggs, 1/4 cup of Sugar, 1 TSP of Vanilla, 1/2 - 3/4 a cup of crushed or pureed Mangos, Black Pineapple, and Sweetsop (depending on which flavours are in enjoyed more and if one flavour is preferred to stand out over the others. These fruits are all native to Antigua however regular apples, microwaved with sugar and cinnamon could replace the sweetsop and regular pineapples can replace the black pineapples.) The buttercream or fondant has a few options, it can either also be cream cheese to match the bases of the cake, it can be coconut flavoured to add to the tropical theme or it can just be plain vanilla to compliment the slight notes in the cake. To top this cake off a cute little <a href="http://cakesdecor.com/cakes/75427">lighthouse figure</a> would be a unique topper or a standard <a href="http://www.weddingmountain.com/beach-bride-and-groom-cake-topper.html">couple on the beach</a> would be beautiful as well. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI4NuFvSH6r2_unXN21jGuVB0U3Oo90DSAEfh9IBpfBVQViZOPX7ZccKkLgp3f9QKS-1ySK-Xw8qBqMISGrkaPkn0yg7P_Q2Itzs1bcn18CgeCq76jGCtK0b5Yb_vYICWy0yncof6_ldE/s1600/Kate_Yuen_Cake_001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI4NuFvSH6r2_unXN21jGuVB0U3Oo90DSAEfh9IBpfBVQViZOPX7ZccKkLgp3f9QKS-1ySK-Xw8qBqMISGrkaPkn0yg7P_Q2Itzs1bcn18CgeCq76jGCtK0b5Yb_vYICWy0yncof6_ldE/s320/Kate_Yuen_Cake_001.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(<a href="http://baysidebride.com/2012/12/bayside-brides-favorite-cakes-and-desserts/">Sailing Cake</a>)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><i>Guest Favours:</i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Sticking with the sailing theme a good idea for the favours is to go with something simple and useful. For the regular guests, a nice <a href="http://www.beau-coup.com/wedding/personalized-nautical-theme-brushed-metal-bookmark.htm">anchor book mark</a> for the women and an <a href="http://www.beau-coup.com/wedding/nautical-themed-bottle-opener.htm">anchor bottle opener</a> (or vice versa) would be a nice gift that they can use on a regular bases. For the people in the wedding party, the parents, and close friends or family, a nice gift would be <a href="http://www.beau-coup.com/personalized-tub-cooler.htm">personalized coolers</a> or <a href="http://www.advantagebridal.com/cc1162.html#.UO5pM29X2So">multi-tool Swiss-army knives</a>. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2sIm8slWXCV41mpAsCV1WxLkoGYB9QbZsqQ2pBoPwHTqPD7XiyaHq6sGgNXehOuFkJgPEa-8oN2wIUesO9TNtwQ3N7R_DJK-hmx1TJ3FAK3JQI9cci61iYhxlWnAY_KlpfbtSN5IlN_8/s1600/nautical-themed-brushed-metal-bookmark-400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2sIm8slWXCV41mpAsCV1WxLkoGYB9QbZsqQ2pBoPwHTqPD7XiyaHq6sGgNXehOuFkJgPEa-8oN2wIUesO9TNtwQ3N7R_DJK-hmx1TJ3FAK3JQI9cci61iYhxlWnAY_KlpfbtSN5IlN_8/s200/nautical-themed-brushed-metal-bookmark-400.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib9pD6GucYaP3OE0EuxUwzTOzROJN_IUOb0HBvweobp8RgC9dlR-NjwyhUOFj9AX5BU-dQ_fmfueJwOLKkIWgs0vTWSAUhRwPqFYYeHYZEwAVWmXZNOuGiTS4eNOwLtHO-ZpgadQSu4GU/s1600/nautical-themed-bottle-opener-400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib9pD6GucYaP3OE0EuxUwzTOzROJN_IUOb0HBvweobp8RgC9dlR-NjwyhUOFj9AX5BU-dQ_fmfueJwOLKkIWgs0vTWSAUhRwPqFYYeHYZEwAVWmXZNOuGiTS4eNOwLtHO-ZpgadQSu4GU/s200/nautical-themed-bottle-opener-400.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><i>Centerpieces:</i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
A miniature sailboat centerpiece would be a great match for this wedding and the theme. However, they are not always easy to find, they can get expensive and boats aren't always the most glamorous things either. A beautiful alternative would be<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Wholesale-Lookout-Lighthouse-Wedding-Centerpieces/dp/B00CQ1H9LO"> light house candle holders</a>. They are beautiful, they match the theme and the can help illuminate the table. Nice additions to the table would be <a href="http://www.beau-coup.com/blue-sailboat-candle-holders.htm">blue</a> and <a href="http://www.beau-coup.com/wedding/glass-sailboat-tea-light-holders.htm">white</a> sailboat tealight holders, and <a href="http://www.beau-coup.com/silver-sailboat-place-card-holders.htm">sailboat place card holders</a>. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih5IgwASb-vwKtvhlsXjXMfRmWLL0RVP6qLja6pJFrPxuTtjWoe_n2Hfq2T9yI326wjf4OZt2m8NPqVW0K0LpwPFcqoB_JfdnPKSrd1MCvz8UXFvk1zbFKZxsOhsx2Y9wm4aMkGPUF6RM/s1600/51mBnP21pUL._SL1000_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih5IgwASb-vwKtvhlsXjXMfRmWLL0RVP6qLja6pJFrPxuTtjWoe_n2Hfq2T9yI326wjf4OZt2m8NPqVW0K0LpwPFcqoB_JfdnPKSrd1MCvz8UXFvk1zbFKZxsOhsx2Y9wm4aMkGPUF6RM/s320/51mBnP21pUL._SL1000_.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><i>Thank You Cards:</i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Thank You cards don't always have to match the invitations. In this case any water themed themed or blue Thank You card would work well. Some couples choose to send a picture from their wedding with a personalized note or a post card showing where they honeymooned.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi93dvih4CmbWHeEZb_BnArC6KH7o0qiTPpbRZNG-g5mekDAwtIQNa9yk3bE3w_fMV-E7zIVbbysFTGQdGFBFr5f7A-nAS_OkA4gdfgdV379CMA28aseQr2CRe_BS_Undkw05enlmDnJDQ/s1600/ED950.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi93dvih4CmbWHeEZb_BnArC6KH7o0qiTPpbRZNG-g5mekDAwtIQNa9yk3bE3w_fMV-E7zIVbbysFTGQdGFBFr5f7A-nAS_OkA4gdfgdV379CMA28aseQr2CRe_BS_Undkw05enlmDnJDQ/s320/ED950.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(<a href="https://www.nebs.ca/canEcat/products/product_detail.jsp?pc=ED950">Sailboat Thank You Card</a>)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<i><b>Things To Do:</b></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Antigua and Barbuda are known for their beaches so naturally most things to do are water and beach related but there are some amazing options and sights to see and be apart of. Take a short boat ride to private Prickly Pear Island from St. John's for a half day of fun in the sun - snorkeling, strolling or just lying under a beach umbrella. Enjoy complimentary rum punch and other refreshments from the open bar, as well as tasty snacks and a home-cooked Caribbean lunch, while you take in the tranquil surroundings. Take a helicopter tour, it offers a variety of truly amazing panoramic delights, priceless memories and photographic opportunities for both around the island<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"> tour and the </span>Montserrat Volcano tour. Visit Nelson's Dockyard, set aside as 30sq km of national park, the historical dockyard dates from 1745, and is Antigua's most popular attraction. Abandoned in 1899, it languished until the 1950s when its resurrection and restoration began.Today the handsome buildings have been converted into inns, shops, a market, restaurants an art center and a nautical museum. A number of tours visit Nelson's Dockyard, like the Round Island Tour, and the Antigua Shore Excursion (<a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/antigua-and-barbuda/things-to-do">Things to do in Antigua and Barbuda</a>).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8076PduXjmMLloLJ1e6RENXpysUoPjUiAvrQmqyCtXnjkVAd2KfoSH2D2EQk78mUCeI5fXD-2QS2uXoPmDdab5ibCi1ZysECrydW3VsiRqPO68suytJ_2PH7122KU-JWg4S9SQNr9AXM/s1600/antigua-shore-excursion-round-island-tour-in-st-johns-47901.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8076PduXjmMLloLJ1e6RENXpysUoPjUiAvrQmqyCtXnjkVAd2KfoSH2D2EQk78mUCeI5fXD-2QS2uXoPmDdab5ibCi1ZysECrydW3VsiRqPO68suytJ_2PH7122KU-JWg4S9SQNr9AXM/s400/antigua-shore-excursion-round-island-tour-in-st-johns-47901.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Take a city sightseeing tour shore excursion in Antigua. The tour visits a local vegetable market and spends time in the capital city of St. John's, where tourists can shop until they drop for souvenirs at Heritage Quay, home to designer and locally made wares all duty-free. Visit Betty's Hope, it is one of Antigua's first sugar plantations, built by Christopher Codrington in 1674, it was named in honour od his daughter Betty. Ruins of two stone windmills and a distillery remain on the site, along with a small visitors center. One windmill has been restored, and the caretaker offers informative tours peppered with historical insights. Or why not take the Island Safari 4x4 Discovery Tour. It visits some of the most beautiful landmarks in Antigua including Devil's Bridge and Betty's Hope Sugar Plantation.Spend a night at Shirley Heights Lookout. Celebrate the most dramatic sunset in Antigua with a night of music and relaxation. Enjoy a night under the moonlight while dancing to the sounds of steel band music and taking in the beautiful views from atop the lookout. Shirley Heights, named after the former governor Sir Thomas Shirley, overlooks the English Harbor and Galleon Beach and is the best spot to get a bird's-eye view of the island. Go snorkeling, many cruises are available for snorkeling like the Cades Reef Snorkel Cruise that highlights the Cades Reef, or the Snorkeling Island Adventure that includes kayaking and sightseeing in the Caribbean Sea, or snorkel in the protected bay on Bird Island (<a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/antigua-and-barbuda/things-to-do">Things to do in Antigua and Barbuda</a>).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH8iJxfOKOAiNDOQRLT1j0V-2_tiDqw0yl3BtJchEQkz0u_ePTO_nKlTKO08_vf1HlMjwJmQs9kzMq4ew-P3FGV0doGqmTYYHltCcqpiTTkwHK2zOh-eiRXrpPAVKHgRgVO_yZws60YIw/s1600/shirley-heights-lookout-in-st-johns-22976+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH8iJxfOKOAiNDOQRLT1j0V-2_tiDqw0yl3BtJchEQkz0u_ePTO_nKlTKO08_vf1HlMjwJmQs9kzMq4ew-P3FGV0doGqmTYYHltCcqpiTTkwHK2zOh-eiRXrpPAVKHgRgVO_yZws60YIw/s1600/shirley-heights-lookout-in-st-johns-22976+(1).jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(<a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/antigua-and-barbuda/antigua/activities/night-tours/shirley-heights-lookout">Shirley Heights</a>)</div>
Amylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17670343941890296465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3266172343740283861.post-85896178119435572242013-04-19T13:08:00.002-07:002016-06-16T15:27:21.658-07:00Antigua and BarbudaAntigua and Barbuda (Spanish for "ancient" and "bearded") is a twin-island nation lying between the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. It consists of two major inhabited islands, Antigua and Barbuda, and a number of smaller islands (including Great Bird, Green, Guinea, Long, Maiden and York Islands and further south, the island of Redonda). The permanent population numbers approximately 81,800 (at the 2011 Census) and the capital and largest port and city is St. John's, on Antigua. Separated by a few nautical miles, Antigua and Barbuda are in the middle of the Leeward Islands, part of the Lesser Antilles, roughly at 17 degrees north of the Equator. The country is nicknamed "Land of 365 Beaches" due to the many beaches surrounding the islands. Its governance, language, and culture have all been strongly influenced by the British Empire, of which the country was formerly a part (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antigua_and_Barbuda">Antigua and Barbuda</a>).<br />
<br />
There are 365 beaches on Antigua, one for each day of the year. The great majority rest inside the calm, protected waters of the island's Caribbean side. All are open to the public, and so the challenge posed to a visitor is not how to gain access to the best of them but simply how to locate the beach that suits one's taste. Exploring on your own is the best way to do this, although it is wise to bring a companion along to particularly isolated locations. Antiguans are understandably reluctant to divulge their own favorites, so here are a number of good starters. Be sure to acquire specific directions before you go.<br />
<br />
<i><u><b><a href="http://www.antigua-barbuda.org/agbeach1.htm">The Beaches:</a></b></u></i><br />
<br />
<u>Northwest Coast:</u><br />
Dickenson Bay and Runaway Bay, located along the island's developed northwestern coast, are the place to go for those who want the fully-loaded resort beach experience. The beaches most convenient to St. John's are Fort James, a locally-popular public beach, and Deep Bay. Galley Bay attracts surfers during the winter months and a joggers during the evening. The series of four crescent beaches at Hawksbill are also highly regarded, one of which is nudist.<br />
<br />
<u>Southwest and South Coast:</u><br />
The beaches of the hilly southwest corner of Antigua are generally less developed than those around St. John's further north. On the road that winds along this coast are Fryes Bay, Darkwood Beach, and the beaches around Johnsons Point. Rendezvous Bay and especially Doigs Beach, both located on the central southern coast at Rendezvous Bay, are especially quiet beaches worth the rough travel necessary to reach them. Pigeon Point, near English Harbour Town, is a convenient balm after a day at Nelson's Dockyard.<br />
<br />
<u>East Coast:</u><br />
On the southeast corner of the island is Half Moon Bay, now a National Park and a good choice for a family outing. Long Bay, on the easternmost point of the island, is another good choice for families, as it is completely protected by its reef.<br />
<br />
<u>On Barbuda:</u><br />
<br />
Barbuda's smooth coastline is edged with long pink and white sand beaches protected by barrier reefs. In fact, the pristine pink beaches of the southwestern shore stretch as far as ten miles without interruption. The beaches of the island's eastern shore, facing the Atlantic, are somewhat rougher, although they are outstanding for beachcombing.<br />
<br />
With Antigua and Barbuda being the land of beaches, it is obvious that any themed wedding should focus around the beach and the water. One interesting fact about Barbuda is that it is known for it's Pink Sand Beaches, so for one Antigua and Barbuda I will plan two weddings, both focused on the beach and the water. The wedding in Antigua will be focused on the beauty of the sand and seashells, and the wedding in Barbuda will be focused on the pink sand beaches.<br />
<br />
<b><i><u><a href="http://www.visitantiguabarbuda.co.uk/weddingshoneymoons-processandlegal.asp">Getting Married in Antigua and Barbuda:</a></u></i></b><br />
<br />
There is no waiting period or residency requirement necessary for marrying in Antigua.<br />
Arrive in Antigua, Visit the Ministry of Justice located at Parliament Drive with your valid passports,complete the application and pay applicable fees.<br />
Confirm a date and time for the ceremony with a Marriage Officer, and...<br />
Get Married<br />
(Both parties must be over 15, if under 18, written authorization from your parents or guardians is required. It is important that all documents presented are original or certified original by the issuing departments or offices. Ensure that all documents are in your legal name, and provide affidavits in cases where you are known by another name. Your marriage must also be solemnized or celebrated in the presence of two or more witnesses, apart from the Marriage Officer.) (<a href="http://www.antigua-barbuda.org/Agmarr01.htm">Getting Married in Antigua and Barbuda</a>)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjywQlUZYQvgDWkx8WeXnxnXMHRNUapbAP6ktQM2qgXQEj1Eg_nJWILL_P5UXYWLxXNAcBJ2yQnq0xD79AZEl1Rh2sePtjaVo0F59r1TERrHKXAZR5Qtl0_b7ScHRb4DzN_NCvT3tw4rhA/s1600/690px-Flag_of_Antigua_and_Barbuda.svg.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjywQlUZYQvgDWkx8WeXnxnXMHRNUapbAP6ktQM2qgXQEj1Eg_nJWILL_P5UXYWLxXNAcBJ2yQnq0xD79AZEl1Rh2sePtjaVo0F59r1TERrHKXAZR5Qtl0_b7ScHRb4DzN_NCvT3tw4rhA/s320/690px-Flag_of_Antigua_and_Barbuda.svg.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Flag_of_Antigua_and_Barbuda.svg">Flag of Antigua and Barbuda</a>)</div>
<br />Amylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17670343941890296465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3266172343740283861.post-60199064315925127552013-03-22T11:55:00.001-07:002016-06-16T15:26:08.253-07:00Angola Wedding - Diamond (White and Silver) ThemeAngola is home to some of the most gracious people in Africa and has many secrets to share. Like the Tazua Falls, in Rio Cuango; it is one of Angola's richest sources of gem diamonds. Diamond mines are a big part of Angola's appeal and has also been the cause of some wars over who controls them. For a wedding, the sparkling gems make a perfect theme to work with and the Tazua Falls is a beautiful scene to set a wedding around.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9PnRY1eHZ0MBeQh83F6Mm_jNXLcYEvZPRlfs5L0l2fJqOTiMbiCSzxvxQ0JD5Hi8KPxDj167fv44tHXnZheKQ2WzqvNR9zf1MiQNZAd_BMXuzindaP4RXKdrjhTvmMgKsOSK68XYFJ_M/s1600/Tazua+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9PnRY1eHZ0MBeQh83F6Mm_jNXLcYEvZPRlfs5L0l2fJqOTiMbiCSzxvxQ0JD5Hi8KPxDj167fv44tHXnZheKQ2WzqvNR9zf1MiQNZAd_BMXuzindaP4RXKdrjhTvmMgKsOSK68XYFJ_M/s400/Tazua+(1).jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Tazua.jpg">Tazua Falls</a>)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i>Flowers:</i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Any bouquet with diamonds in it would work beautifully. Usually, the most common flower to get decorated with diamonds is the rose. With the theme being diamonds, and diamonds rarely having colour to them a obvious choice would be white roses, however red roses would be a great choice as well because of high much the diamonds are highlighted against the brightness of the red. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBF6zdyhIzs6b6LV9MMLZwc_g7iKApyUg-L20JPkA0ARY7y9cng4BuBWKS_R6o8eRb4j1NPYqEeZOUWQ29lC3At6lR6trkgrU1Qp8gSm8rx1iCNNHZ0BuuOXLy9Rjip8e4ccMPudm7VLA/s1600/581789_10152639989345643_1336941202_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBF6zdyhIzs6b6LV9MMLZwc_g7iKApyUg-L20JPkA0ARY7y9cng4BuBWKS_R6o8eRb4j1NPYqEeZOUWQ29lC3At6lR6trkgrU1Qp8gSm8rx1iCNNHZ0BuuOXLy9Rjip8e4ccMPudm7VLA/s1600/581789_10152639989345643_1336941202_n.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(<a href="http://www.flowersbymarion.co.uk/content/diamond-rose-bouquet">White Rose Diamond Bouquet</a>)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i>The Dress:</i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Wedding dresses have grown far past the traditional wedding chapel dress. A great dress for this wedding would be a strapless one (especially if the wedding is closer to the equator and in the summer time) with beautiful sparkling gems all over. Like the <a href="http://prom-dresses.net/night-moves-6439.html">Night Moves 6439 Prom Dress</a>, even though it say for Prom, it is available in white and would make an amazing and cheap wedding dress. (It's also available in blue and pink which could be a great option for bride's maids or maid of honors.)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMVtsVTni3eFHHmqf86_YOyhFJCgJvZra8PbV5F_SCHVWO87i3b-qRAzMPmV-1I33X1mg4Pn4M5aJWp4EB5tOYAY-kXS_BVGxGB5JUZriU4p0MM-1P_4w21TPwosuAX7qahdHipo8a2Cs/s1600/6439d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMVtsVTni3eFHHmqf86_YOyhFJCgJvZra8PbV5F_SCHVWO87i3b-qRAzMPmV-1I33X1mg4Pn4M5aJWp4EB5tOYAY-kXS_BVGxGB5JUZriU4p0MM-1P_4w21TPwosuAX7qahdHipo8a2Cs/s320/6439d.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i>The Shoes:</i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A great shoe for a diamond wedding would be <a href="http://www.weddingmountain.com/lava-lollipop.html">Lava Lollipop</a>. These shoes are "Blinged" out and would also be a great option if the couples chooses to incorporated silver into their wedding. If the couple is already married and just having a ceremony in Angola, getting bride's maids and grooms man may be too much of a problem and the couple may choose not to ask anyone. In this case, matching wouldn't be as big of a deal and it would be perfectly fine to ask the mothers to dress in a colour matching the wedding theme (in this case silver or white, however white is often reserved for the bride alone, red may also be a colour the couple chooses because of the beauty in the roses coupled with the diamond accents.)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJvkvD9hjmr_OMGIpZVgR3FMeUCeyRMEB1T8zdgLpig63R-47yCq7BXm_7GQoA7bpgEVo8eSm9-16ghKuBk19MXJ-bEiWausX7diPT2y_PQQmdoKjAjxSZYvxB4LUtEXMCikuCtUPM-VA/s1600/305551_10152294497630643_198015123_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJvkvD9hjmr_OMGIpZVgR3FMeUCeyRMEB1T8zdgLpig63R-47yCq7BXm_7GQoA7bpgEVo8eSm9-16ghKuBk19MXJ-bEiWausX7diPT2y_PQQmdoKjAjxSZYvxB4LUtEXMCikuCtUPM-VA/s320/305551_10152294497630643_198015123_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i>Make up, hair, nails and accessories:</i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Make up for a diamond wedding should be kept simple so it doesn't take away everything else going on with the bride. Natural and clear make up would work best possibly with a little glitter for a nice twinkle.With a strapless dress, it is always best to have a necklace of some sort so the chest isn't left completely bare. A beautiful necklace would be the <a href="http://www.novori.com/diamond-journey-pendants-12240P2-q.html">Diamond Journey Pendent</a>. Not only is it breathtaking but it is in the shape of a ring and has diamond to the left completing the circle. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje7MPCNyiVPHdlM1CALksKv7gDeNJ6l3wgsgl2YZF7jspl3DwuHk8Tb6nGWSCZfs6YCcy7BjwEJpIy0O0UjA5ryqKAM_w7Y3rfYFbOtPMH8legKe7NaIJ3e8itbYBeBBTcE8mfQsFjYl4/s1600/559669_10152639955280643_667413315_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje7MPCNyiVPHdlM1CALksKv7gDeNJ6l3wgsgl2YZF7jspl3DwuHk8Tb6nGWSCZfs6YCcy7BjwEJpIy0O0UjA5ryqKAM_w7Y3rfYFbOtPMH8legKe7NaIJ3e8itbYBeBBTcE8mfQsFjYl4/s1600/559669_10152639955280643_667413315_n.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Hairstyles are always easy to fine, every magazine has its opinion. For a strapless dress, long hair being down and flowing past the shoulders is always a good look to go with. In this case a perfect accessory would be a diamond tiara. The bride can have her hair down, have the tiara in and even add a veil if she so chooses. And it would all work well together, and complete the look. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggp3Udok7hpQyc57XwJkSeVOa8L8MrhDKK3sxRcqhbursTGxvmfNqQuIrE1SJyWrcbjGXfmoLlKGqdeMYBNAEzgICq-_SI6_jlga2LNW3gTEi3UkJXg1OnllL0qS7KcW2acmeZt2aty-U/s1600/480256_10152650723305643_428409525_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggp3Udok7hpQyc57XwJkSeVOa8L8MrhDKK3sxRcqhbursTGxvmfNqQuIrE1SJyWrcbjGXfmoLlKGqdeMYBNAEzgICq-_SI6_jlga2LNW3gTEi3UkJXg1OnllL0qS7KcW2acmeZt2aty-U/s320/480256_10152650723305643_428409525_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(<a href="http://woohair.com/id88001/wedding-hairstyles-for-long-hair-with-tiara-and-veil-375x500-pixel.html">Wedding Hairstyles</a>)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Tiara's now are often something a bride chooses to go for, and on her special day why not. But some tiara's stand out from all the rest. Instead of the tiara in the photo, a great option for a diamond wedding would hands down be the <a href="http://www.weddingmountain.com/antique-silver-tiara-headpiece.html">Antique Silver Tiara</a> from <a href="http://www.weddingmountain.com/">Wedding Mountain</a>. It is breathtakingly gorgeous and is not as expensive as one would think. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwkPEJlq0FwJuSaslsV0R24WGZiaSHlu01zHCQEcuyV7u57HDsOE2Xg_sFETIaXy71T7aiX5LDSYE7_5PBFNn4D-ADddQz7OH3ZaeqrIlawACfotexbYKfklJNs2gzWpNpTsvIX-BH39k/s1600/312620_10152352685960643_8755680_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwkPEJlq0FwJuSaslsV0R24WGZiaSHlu01zHCQEcuyV7u57HDsOE2Xg_sFETIaXy71T7aiX5LDSYE7_5PBFNn4D-ADddQz7OH3ZaeqrIlawACfotexbYKfklJNs2gzWpNpTsvIX-BH39k/s320/312620_10152352685960643_8755680_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i>The Groom:</i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
For this wedding, the groom would look spectacular in a white suit, coupled with a silver (or gray) vest and tie. It all tied into the diamond, sparkling theme and would complement the business of the bride's dress well and it would match perfectly with mother of the bride/groom dresses or wedding party dresses. Diamond cufflinks can get very expensive very quickly and are surprisingly hard to find sometimes. The best option in cases like this is to go with something more personal and slightly simpler. A nice, clean cut <a href="http://www.advantagebridal.com/groomsmen-gifts-personalized-silver-cuff-links.html#.UOwoxW9X2So">square silver (or white gold) cufflink with the groom's initial engraved</a> on it would be perfectly fine and would accent well with a white suit. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMe3zBsKlcdEAh_Xi0-LFzyslGQGPHem9-tUHg4nVlucLby7nA92sSjLmPFcj8-FGsP2AZ5aOR5IOpOu5-02D1-gee3HkHzyS5ZoAtIUstSf7hufGsEH2jh2ZImKQZc8mqzVnKmLgVQhY/s1600/Untitled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMe3zBsKlcdEAh_Xi0-LFzyslGQGPHem9-tUHg4nVlucLby7nA92sSjLmPFcj8-FGsP2AZ5aOR5IOpOu5-02D1-gee3HkHzyS5ZoAtIUstSf7hufGsEH2jh2ZImKQZc8mqzVnKmLgVQhY/s320/Untitled.jpg" width="252" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(<a href="http://www.aliexpress.com/item/2012-New-New-Style-Wedding-Prom-Men-Suits-Groom-Tuxedos-Bridegroom-Suit-for-Shipping-free/567382744.html">Groom's Suit</a>)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i>The Invitations:</i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Any out of town/state/country guests would really appreciated a <a href="http://www.zazzle.com/save_the_date_with_clear_crystals_invitation-161256090841251282">Save the Date card</a>, especially if the couple really wants certain people there, it gives the guests time to make arrangements like flight plans, house sitters, booking days of work, etc so that they can make it to the wedding. After the Save the Date cards, a formal invitation should be sent to all the guests (even the ones that already got the Save the Date card). The <a href="http://www.zazzle.com/wedding_silver_white_diamond_hearts_invitations-161115361895232650">Silver White Diamond Hearts</a> Invitations from <a href="http://www.zazzle.com/">Zazzle</a> is a great option for a diamond wedding and it is absolutely gorgeous. Buying everything individual is often hard to match things completely, however Zazzle does a great job with creating similar items and matching them up as best they can, the <a href="http://www.zazzle.com/elegant_rsvp_silver_white_diamond_invitation-161250721738047532">RSVP card</a> matches and anything else the bride and groom chooses to send out can easily be sent out on a stationary sets. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhylCDnD5GR566Obj8X7cGhfzVKBdI9ZE_PbxrQHKvXePdkkvuUxz_t_wALgW7F-OaD9cBMNd6vRb0_IUiZva9L-opbTL81hsajbqM4tYWmiqfq7NmLP-RpT2s8E24eTtT2oPpEx_7P8pQ/s1600/wedding_silver_white_diamond_hearts_invitations-rda86713b08d64739af36a129d8a097e5_8dnr0_8byvr_512.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhylCDnD5GR566Obj8X7cGhfzVKBdI9ZE_PbxrQHKvXePdkkvuUxz_t_wALgW7F-OaD9cBMNd6vRb0_IUiZva9L-opbTL81hsajbqM4tYWmiqfq7NmLP-RpT2s8E24eTtT2oPpEx_7P8pQ/s320/wedding_silver_white_diamond_hearts_invitations-rda86713b08d64739af36a129d8a097e5_8dnr0_8byvr_512.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i>Photographer and Videographer:</i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
If Angola is not the home country of the bride or groom or anyone they know, finding a photographer and videographer will be a tricky task. Asking a local company really isn't the best way to go because a couple that isn't local has no idea who to get and who has a track record of taking great pictures. Asking a person to travel around the world just to shoot pictures and/or video would cost a small fortune. The best thing to do is to ask friends and family if they have any experience with taking pictures (beyond the point and shoot that everyone can master), it would be a lot cheaper if an already invited guest could take pictures for the big day. But just because they are there anyways, offering to pay them a small fee, or asking them do to it as a wedding present could go along way to getting someone to agree to do it. However if that is not an option or the bride and groom would rather try and find a professional there is always listings on the internet. The best way to find a photographer on the internet is to see a portfolio of the photographers work.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i>Engagement:</i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In Angola, there is a strong cultural tradition of the asking of the hand of the bride in marriage called Alambamento or bride price. Considered by some more important that the civil or religious marriage, the Alambamento consists of a series of rituals, like the delivery of a letter with the request for the hand of the bride, which sometimes comes with money. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
When the young couple decides to marry, it is necessary to have the approval of the bride's family and this is only possible if, during the request, everybody is in agreement that the marriage should happen. The young couple sets the date of the request. This date is agreed upon by the aunt and uncle of the bride, as it is necessary to bring together the whole family, and a list is delivered to the groom of all the things he must get before the day of the request. It is a list drawn up by the uncles as a report of the things the groom needs to "buy" to offer the family of the bride as compensation for all that has been spent on her since her birth up to her wedding day. Basically, it is a dowry that represents a valuable asset because the greater the payment, the higher the prestige of the bride.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The day of the request is set and the groom goes out in search of all the materials so that nothing is lacking on the day. Usually on the list is an envelope of money (300-500 USD/CAD), depending on what amount the uncle stipulates, the height of the bride in cases of beer, the height of the bride in cases of soft drinks or juice, a goat, a suit for the uncle and some shoes for the mother. The requests can be even greater in value if the groom has "jumped through the window", meaning that the bride is pregnant before the wedding. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
When the day comes, the family of the groom (father, mother, uncles, aunts, brothers, and sisters) go to the house of the bride, and her uncle, as if he were a judge. Once all the introductions are made, the bride's uncle informs them that they will begin the request for marriage. The parents of the bride invite the parents of the groom to enter and the uncle begins the reading of the request presented by the groom. If the father of the bride agrees with this request, the groom will need to go get the Alambamento, the list of things that he got together. The Alambamento is presented and if everything is completed a meeting is held to pick the date of the marriage and other logistical details. Once everything is settled, there is singing and dancing and celebrating, usually this is when the beer and soft drinks the groom collected would come in handy (<a href="http://globalvoicesonline.org/2010/08/29/angola-alambamento-and-marriage-practices/">Alambamento</a>).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i>Ceremony:</i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
From that day on, if everything goes well, the couple becomes man and wife. Arriving at the wedding, some couples tie the knot wearing traditional clothes and some prefer to use the famous suit and tie with bride's wearing the traditional white dress. As an alternative to a veil, the bride will appear under a piece of cloth, to test if her husband really recognizes her (<a href="http://angolarising.blogspot.ca/2011/02/cultural-traditions-bride-price.html">Angola</a>). A veil could be an alternative to a piece of cloth also, as long as it is long enough to cover the bride's face.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A beautiful, and somewhat well known church in Angola would be the Church of St. Joaquim, in the Praia do Bispo (Bishop Beach). It is a beautiful church and a sight to see even if the couples chooses not to get married in a church (<a href="http://clarissarezende.com/luanda-angola-wedding/#.UUnpnxegqSq">Angola Wedding</a>). </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8lvRWVKeQ77Ds0kISD0RniyspeypT1b6m1hOhmzARQZnfaXWVlJJs91q7bBcu7QB6UI5YCPowBIjg0qO-xupkFBKoG5B3zM7He4s3Kl7SQHMFWci9a51xT7dpmENdAuwsTHTuOPM8L5w/s1600/602131_10152660160270643_1913223731_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8lvRWVKeQ77Ds0kISD0RniyspeypT1b6m1hOhmzARQZnfaXWVlJJs91q7bBcu7QB6UI5YCPowBIjg0qO-xupkFBKoG5B3zM7He4s3Kl7SQHMFWci9a51xT7dpmENdAuwsTHTuOPM8L5w/s320/602131_10152660160270643_1913223731_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Exchanging rings may or may not be a part of Angola's tradition (depending on what part of Angola), but if the couple wants to incorporated it into their day than it is always a nice tradition to follow. With the theme being diamond, naturally the rings should be filled with diamonds (or Cubic Zirconium) .</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGVCs-DuVzru7xK85bWP2H4NiZhtvYTuKxzoPkytU614AwayCcGzgkKDgPh44yHGe00hlYsSwuafBeF0iNZPWATZnB1ypeCfsqKPVHzQyHHOnTy9vpmtVCt1r1O7jkqdmMtni6Vdsa6NY/s1600/421794_10152639931995643_2002829180_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGVCs-DuVzru7xK85bWP2H4NiZhtvYTuKxzoPkytU614AwayCcGzgkKDgPh44yHGe00hlYsSwuafBeF0iNZPWATZnB1ypeCfsqKPVHzQyHHOnTy9vpmtVCt1r1O7jkqdmMtni6Vdsa6NY/s320/421794_10152639931995643_2002829180_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggZiLkXQHzS3Ij8uGDnYFqmKQtMdij6dstAgyoFSXIA05dUEPq1-3uor5gkzo-vB3OQVI5APlTDv7_mA7xZfqneCCdXm7kRGqAnUwn6qFam1eM-P3s2-cRGDgWzRY3Ge5tmp0O2C2r5xs/s1600/422157_10150515317392823_927965057_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggZiLkXQHzS3Ij8uGDnYFqmKQtMdij6dstAgyoFSXIA05dUEPq1-3uor5gkzo-vB3OQVI5APlTDv7_mA7xZfqneCCdXm7kRGqAnUwn6qFam1eM-P3s2-cRGDgWzRY3Ge5tmp0O2C2r5xs/s1600/422157_10150515317392823_927965057_n.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(Left: <a href="http://www.ice.com/product/rings/wedding-ring-prd_rwx_101923">14K White Gold Benchmark Diamond Men's Wedding Band</a>; Right: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150515317392823&set=a.10150683148542823.387820.309527782822&type=3&theater">Sterling Silver CZ Love Knot Ring</a>)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i style="font-weight: bold;">Reception:</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A beautiful place for the reception would be Espaco, Che, in the Miramar neighborhood, where all the embassies in Luanda are. It is a beautiful place, safe because of it's closeness to the embassies and an idea place for a wedding reception. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH8Lo6g3iEMWLpYyWhvd2KrQRQVc4WnGDoVDTkuuLKQg5F8NnQ5eLzpBcSibhtFM25y-4uvDYk4kwAdB0MUueDQODxKsomYCfIM-J6gyEi5LDqhX7PePAGJL73sgjLmHnxdmc0WuKvzcA/s1600/199074_10152660168630643_1666620374_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH8Lo6g3iEMWLpYyWhvd2KrQRQVc4WnGDoVDTkuuLKQg5F8NnQ5eLzpBcSibhtFM25y-4uvDYk4kwAdB0MUueDQODxKsomYCfIM-J6gyEi5LDqhX7PePAGJL73sgjLmHnxdmc0WuKvzcA/s640/199074_10152660168630643_1666620374_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(<a href="http://clarissarezende.com/luanda-angola-wedding/#.UUyhWxegqSr">Espaco, Che</a>)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Angolan receptions aren't usually similar to an American or Canadian wedding, but certainly other aspects of one culture can be incorporated into the wedding. A <a href="http://www.ohsocherished.co.uk/product/494/154/clear_jewelled_heart_guest_book/88cb3d0719648dd35ba4cba3f0c40799">guest book</a> for example, a <a href="http://www.beau-coup.com/wedding/acrylic-circle-design-wishing-well.htm.">money box</a>, and table numbers with place cards.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGOCD95FOoM4QIJR-1-qQU3qLqCkWBnpx78JMBsOkbPf4p6H4gGsDqGEtE_TGoFmreYVseayv_-rCalR1yL02944qlzQ2gEJ_7fa0xObYHnrBs3waWQDdM5lP-v36KUx1mHtVrJJdoP-A/s1600/577308_10152660037670643_471340627_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGOCD95FOoM4QIJR-1-qQU3qLqCkWBnpx78JMBsOkbPf4p6H4gGsDqGEtE_TGoFmreYVseayv_-rCalR1yL02944qlzQ2gEJ_7fa0xObYHnrBs3waWQDdM5lP-v36KUx1mHtVrJJdoP-A/s200/577308_10152660037670643_471340627_n.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY_6febsgBCko5VdySm8VNpxU3jlCBvo9ZZlpAT8lbTjX2paObu-fp2_GiuThiM7BXX3SAe5S08ba9pw8PAExN54hN29b_FDR-Q1GibOlJmyAdiOrkP0RHKAF89AZNegkypMbA0izZhyphenhyphen4/s1600/196633_10152040380885643_188943580_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY_6febsgBCko5VdySm8VNpxU3jlCBvo9ZZlpAT8lbTjX2paObu-fp2_GiuThiM7BXX3SAe5S08ba9pw8PAExN54hN29b_FDR-Q1GibOlJmyAdiOrkP0RHKAF89AZNegkypMbA0izZhyphenhyphen4/s200/196633_10152040380885643_188943580_n.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(Left: Silver <a href="http://www.zazzle.com/table_number_cards_silver_white_diamond_invitation-161390048916886500">White Diamond Table Numbers</a>; Right: <a href="http://www.weddingmountain.com/choice-crystal-heart-place-card-holders.html">Crystal Heart Place Card Holders</a>.) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i>Food: </i></b><span style="text-align: center;">(</span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Angolan_cuisine" style="text-align: center;">Angolan Cuisine</a><span style="text-align: center;">)</span><span style="text-align: center;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Food in Angola often varies based on what part of the country a person is in, so certain dishes may be more likely served at a northern wedding than a southern one (the venue may also have it's own specialties as well.) Some common dishes include <i>Moamba de Galinha </i>(or chicken moamba) it is chicken with palm paste, okra, garlic and red palm oil sauce, often served with rice and funge. Both funge and moamba de galinha have been considered the national dish of Angola. Other dishes common in Angolan cuisine include: <i>Arroz </i>(rice) dishes, including A<i>rroz da Llha</i> (rice with chicken or fish), A<i>rroz de Garoupa da Llha</i> (rice with grouper), and<i> Arroz de Marisco </i>(white rice with seafood, typically prawns, squid, white fish or lobster). <i>Cabidela</i> (a dish cooked in blood, served with rice and funge; frequently chicken - <i>Galinha de Cabidela, Galinha a Cabidela</i> - served with vinegar, tomatoes, onion and garlic. <i>Caldeirada de Peixe, </i>fish stews (made with ''whatever is available'' and served with rice, and muzongue, made from whole dried and fresh fish cooked with palm oil, sweet potato, onion, tomato, spinach, and spices.) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLbuHUGGd7SX1E5tydb8dUF28wZTrbf1xjJNbOS5n9OBLpr1GFQeiucaQeX9lgH4-V0DkwzjOeEebGK1XotYVYREXejetzdSUicyaIL79HcCvwMa67SOI6xRQV8vPu1Uj7ZMiKxoDiGbU/s1600/220px-Calulu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLbuHUGGd7SX1E5tydb8dUF28wZTrbf1xjJNbOS5n9OBLpr1GFQeiucaQeX9lgH4-V0DkwzjOeEebGK1XotYVYREXejetzdSUicyaIL79HcCvwMa67SOI6xRQV8vPu1Uj7ZMiKxoDiGbU/s320/220px-Calulu.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Calulu.jpg">Fish Calulu</a>)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>Calulu,</i> dried fish with vegetables (often onions, tomatoes, okra, sweet potatoes, garlic, palm oil, and gimboa leaves) served with rice, funge, palm oil beans and farofa. <i>Caruru, </i>a shrimp and okra stew. <i>Catatos,</i> caterpillar fried with garlic (served with rice). <i>Chikuanga</i>, bread (made from manioc flour) served in a wrap of banana leaves (a specialty of the north). <i>Cocada amarela</i>, yellow coconut pudding (made with sugar, grated coconut, egg yolks, and ground cinnamon. <i>Farofa</i>, rice and beans w3ith toasted manioc flour on top. <i>Feijao de Oleo de Palma </i>or <i>Dendem</i> (beans, onions, and garlic cooked in palm oil) often served with fish, banana and farofa. <i>Frango, </i>grilled chicken in a very hot marinade of piri piri hot pepper and sometimes also minced chili peppers, salt and lemon or lime juice<i>. Gafanhotos de Palmeira, </i>toasted grasshopper from a palm tree, served with funge. <i>Jinguinga</i>, goat tripe and blood, served with rice and funge. <i>Kifula, </i>game meat (served with boiled and toasted palm tree grasshoppers) served with funge. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk9rc18UM-wJoUZF3fNjZqog-iN7h5a3CPi3HhnUi9V9BnTqzIMzvuVUBgM4FK6m0sCdbJcN-a3M_lVi-PQR8_F4jEuZPF4PBilwIXxdKId0ySS7p17lYNlXl5mMF2tp6Ck6BBaN_YU4g/s1600/800px-Caruru.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk9rc18UM-wJoUZF3fNjZqog-iN7h5a3CPi3HhnUi9V9BnTqzIMzvuVUBgM4FK6m0sCdbJcN-a3M_lVi-PQR8_F4jEuZPF4PBilwIXxdKId0ySS7p17lYNlXl5mMF2tp6Ck6BBaN_YU4g/s320/800px-Caruru.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Caruru.jpg">Caruru</a>) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>Kissuto Rombo,</i> roasted goat (with garlic and lemon juice) served with rice and chips. <i>Kitetas, </i>clams (cooked in a white wine sauce) served with bread. <i>Kizaka, </i>the leaves of the manioc plant (prepared with ginguba - peanuts - and finely chopped and seasoned <i>Kizaka com Peixe </i>with fish, onion and tomato) served with rice and funge. <i>Leite Aaedo com Pirao de Milho</i>, a Huila specialty, sour milk with maize porridge. <i>Mafuma, </i>frog meat. <i>Mariscos Cozidos com Gindungo</i>, a seafood dish (lobsters, prawns, and clams cooked in seawater) served with rice and hot sauce. <i>Mufete de Kacusso </i>(or<i> Cacusso</i>) is grilled fish, often river tilapia, (in a rich sauce of onion, vinegar, and spices) served with palm oil beans and cooked manioc, rice, sweet potato, or farofa. <i>Quiabos com Comarao</i>, (prawns with okra, garlic, onion, and tomato) served with rice. <i>Tarco</i>, radishes w3ith peanuts, palm oil, tomatoes and onions served alongside meat or fish.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGdvPuwGSKhyeejgcAxX-wUR28SgzbadyDbMFb3qCEZ1cXZvca-YGeUVulMufYy2lInOKzf4YySWTNt-wMkxWqKG0e8ltYEXBa5N9o7vAMlC2LYG0WiW7ya62hBoXgaQPJ3xUitNih1zs/s1600/Feijoada_%C3%A0_transmontada.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGdvPuwGSKhyeejgcAxX-wUR28SgzbadyDbMFb3qCEZ1cXZvca-YGeUVulMufYy2lInOKzf4YySWTNt-wMkxWqKG0e8ltYEXBa5N9o7vAMlC2LYG0WiW7ya62hBoXgaQPJ3xUitNih1zs/s320/Feijoada_%C3%A0_transmontada.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Feijoada_%C3%A0_transmontada.jpg">Feijoada a Transmontada</a>)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i>The Cake:</i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
With silver being part of the theme, a great idea for the cake would be to make it completely silver. Though not traditional, the string of pearls around each layer and the diamond decorations show up better on a coloured back ground. The cake below, is beautiful and still sparkles without taking away from the diamonds around the cake. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Pf7wm1VfmVH1Sqe0iZxQU_V4s19Cp3PndaEJl9y5h_XwflFL6rVrd9F5qGGjgfvICdzUXaydt5k7W0VaDFBT2JT_8jhtDlKt1vTIR-WfbGVNrQb375WxjcMLZ5qC7KMdq9hNYsYDGa0/s1600/297041_10152653899340643_1202088995_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Pf7wm1VfmVH1Sqe0iZxQU_V4s19Cp3PndaEJl9y5h_XwflFL6rVrd9F5qGGjgfvICdzUXaydt5k7W0VaDFBT2JT_8jhtDlKt1vTIR-WfbGVNrQb375WxjcMLZ5qC7KMdq9hNYsYDGa0/s320/297041_10152653899340643_1202088995_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(<a href="http://www.creative-theme-wedding-ideas.com/diamond-wedding-theme.html#cakes">Diamond Wedding Cake</a>)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;">Great flavours to match the theme would be </span><a href="http://mozzarellaandmerlot.wordpress.com/2010/05/17/white-chocolate-coconut-rum-cake/" style="text-align: left;">White Chocolate Coconut Rum Cake</a><span style="text-align: left;"> with a </span><a href="http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Vanilla-Butter-Cream-Frosting-232945" style="text-align: left;">Vanilla Bean Frosting</a><span style="text-align: left;">. And both are simple to make. (Cake: 1 cup of </span><b style="text-align: left;">Sugar</b><span style="text-align: left;">, 1/3 cup of </span><b style="text-align: left;">Butter/Margarine</b><span style="text-align: left;">, 2 </span><b style="text-align: left;">Eggs</b><span style="text-align: left;">, 2 table spoons of </span><b style="text-align: left;">Malibu Coconut Rum</b><span style="text-align: left;">, 1 1/2 cup of </span><b style="text-align: left;">Flour</b><span style="text-align: left;">, 2 tea spoon of </span><b style="text-align: left;">Baking Powder</b><span style="text-align: left;">, 1 cup of </span><b style="text-align: left;">Milk</b><span style="text-align: left;">, 1 table spoon </span><b style="text-align: left;">Vanilla Extract</b><span style="text-align: left;">. Cook at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out relatively clean.) The couple may not want double layered cake levels, which is fine, the cake would be all in one and more of a Coconut Rum cake (still delicious). To make the white chocolate part of the cake it would consist of layering each level, e.i cake, white chocolate filling, cake, new tear (smaller cake on top/new level). (White Chocolate filling: 3.5 ounces of </span><b style="text-align: left;">White Chocolate</b><span style="text-align: left;">, 1 table spoon of </span><b style="text-align: left;">Malibu Coconut Rum</b><span style="text-align: left;">, fill sauce pan with water and let boil on medium high heat add chocolate and rum to a mixing bowl on to of the boiling water until melted (add teaspoons of water if the mixture becomes too thick), add the chocolate and rum mixture to 1 1/2 sticks of</span><b style="text-align: left;"> Soften Butter</b><span style="text-align: left;">, 4 tablespoons of </span><b style="text-align: left;">Milk</b><span style="text-align: left;">, 1 1/2 cups </span><b style="text-align: left;">Confectioner Sugar</b><span style="text-align: left;">. *One third of the icing should be enough for each layer, depending on size*)</span><b style="text-align: left;"> </b><span style="text-align: left;">Since there is so much going on with the cake, a simple vanilla bean frosting or buttercream would work well with this cake. (Buttercream: 1/2 cup </span><b style="text-align: left;">Unsalted Butter</b><span style="text-align: left;">, 4 cups </span><b style="text-align: left;">Powdered Sugar</b><span style="text-align: left;">, 1/2 tea spoon of </span><b style="text-align: left;">Salt</b><span style="text-align: left;">, 1/3 cup of </span><b style="text-align: left;">Whole Milk</b><span style="text-align: left;">, 1 tea spoon of </span><b style="text-align: left;">Vanilla Extract </b><span style="text-align: left;">or one </span><b style="text-align: left;">Vanilla Bean</b><span style="text-align: left;">.)</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_B8M7wusLEWp8uLE2LLfNKcVKl9BcQrvf5w0hD-VovEbPhM5iWPWOzf8g7w3h7JWImBf4ltn4aMp_ZVfKsAaWHcHMfSCdIW3uCHw2oSosRP6RBIt4YEvDBIqNJhscTms-zqDPD1wAiNw/s1600/197537_10152183635070643_1824107861_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_B8M7wusLEWp8uLE2LLfNKcVKl9BcQrvf5w0hD-VovEbPhM5iWPWOzf8g7w3h7JWImBf4ltn4aMp_ZVfKsAaWHcHMfSCdIW3uCHw2oSosRP6RBIt4YEvDBIqNJhscTms-zqDPD1wAiNw/s320/197537_10152183635070643_1824107861_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(<a href="http://www.weddingmountain.com/completely-covered-heart-cake-topper.html">Completely Covered Heart</a>)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The Completely Covered Heart cake topper is sterling silver and covered in clear crystals, they are not diamonds but they look like diamonds and sparkle like them too at a cheaper cost. The topper is absolutely stunning and would match well with the <a href="http://www.weddingmountain.com/diamond-knife-server.html">Diamond Knife and Server Set</a>, and the <a href="http://www.weddingmountain.com/diamond-ring-toasting-flutes.html">Diamond Ring Toasting Flouts</a>.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i>Guest Favours:</i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The perfect guest favour for this wedding naturally would be diamond. However the cost of real diamond for each guest would get a little insane. A great alternative would be a <a href="http://www.beau-coup.com/crystal-heart-paperweight.htm">Crystal Heart Paperweight</a>. It is beautiful, handy and looks like a diamond, it would match the theme well and isn't a traditional thank you gift so guests will be talking about them and how creative they are.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQQitm7BglAOqyOBtIB6W7QY48eXyaQ6x83b0m_W7UgeFVelhuYqxrO1-i-Wws2Ux0PuSPSqerEP4hlXpZ8hVWrt-b2ukBQQxUFvBHkdZwg2ORdAkri50jYT9CyAZ03AL2gzYNugINfE4/s1600/crystal-heart-paper-weight-400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQQitm7BglAOqyOBtIB6W7QY48eXyaQ6x83b0m_W7UgeFVelhuYqxrO1-i-Wws2Ux0PuSPSqerEP4hlXpZ8hVWrt-b2ukBQQxUFvBHkdZwg2ORdAkri50jYT9CyAZ03AL2gzYNugINfE4/s320/crystal-heart-paper-weight-400.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A wonderful box for the Crystal Heart would be a <a href="http://www.weddingmountain.com/frost-cube.html">Frosted Box</a>. It is just frosted enough so the guests can see through, but still gives the light, diamond feeling and will leave a little to the guests imagination as appose to a see through box. Another great details would be <a href="http://www.theweddingshoppe.ca/Rhinestone_Monogram_Stickers_12_pack_p/eb1032.htm">Rhinestone monogram stickers</a>, they carry the diamond them and would be the main attention grabber on the frosted boxes. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoeqeOm-9VagiawlvHB7hDnELBnGH4_JWIqRO5QjS4Jy8LMZ8jP-rGbvTp0rwePV72-L_AighK6SlygJ-fU6JXK_kMDQur3IQWoxpizxn_lGVkxV9kYCGMh19685O54Q33feao1AkvLsM/s1600/535728_10152539684955643_172957327_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoeqeOm-9VagiawlvHB7hDnELBnGH4_JWIqRO5QjS4Jy8LMZ8jP-rGbvTp0rwePV72-L_AighK6SlygJ-fU6JXK_kMDQur3IQWoxpizxn_lGVkxV9kYCGMh19685O54Q33feao1AkvLsM/s320/535728_10152539684955643_172957327_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(<a href="http://www.advantagebridal.com/personalized-diamond-paperweight-diamond-paperweight.html#.UUiyIRegqSp">Personalized Diamond Paperweights</a>)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The Personalized Diamond Paperweights would be a great gifts for the wedding party and the parents of the bride and groom. They can be personalized to say almost anything and it would be beautiful to write the wedding date on it with the couples name. It's a great gift and it's beautiful to display and would go well as a decoration or as an office accessory. Also another great gift would be to pay for the mother-of-the-bride/groom's dress. A great dress that would match the diamond theme (and the silver theme) would be the <a href="http://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/In-Store-Hot-selling-Silver-Satin-Evening-Gown-Dress-Real-ER-014-Free-Shipping/319386_581850596.html">Silver Evening Dress P1439</a>.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Z95FOoqZKkXM-7NNhyphenhyphenq3uijma-fGTT9ZIOKzUVBmOw1B9hj6a3risab3NaC0_OJ-ttzILgU4oa-KAFEw8fodNk05KHhltwxIN_-p60gaIA_rfxKZegC88t9QYm_SL2p6_iWEvDACw4c/s1600/598905_10152653824500643_189915093_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Z95FOoqZKkXM-7NNhyphenhyphenq3uijma-fGTT9ZIOKzUVBmOw1B9hj6a3risab3NaC0_OJ-ttzILgU4oa-KAFEw8fodNk05KHhltwxIN_-p60gaIA_rfxKZegC88t9QYm_SL2p6_iWEvDACw4c/s320/598905_10152653824500643_189915093_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i>Centerpieces:</i></b></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Candles always give off a glow in the centerpieces and for a wedding that highlights diamonds and sparkle a <a href="http://www.ehow.com/info_7852495_wedding-ideas-include-floating-candles.html">candle centerpiece</a> is almost a must (using white roses in this case). And to add a little piece of the theme, why not add <a href="http://www.beau-coup.com/assorted-crystal-diamond-table-decorations.htm.">assorted crystal diamonds</a> to the bottom of the centerpiece bowl. But, in this case, the centerpiece won't be the thing that seals the show. Having tealight candles around the table in diamond tealight <a href="http://www.weddingmountain.com/crystal-diamond-shaped-tea-light-holder.html">candle holders</a> would be a perfect accent to the centerpieces and the frosting on the cake has to be randomly scattered <a href="http://www.beau-coup.com/wedding/4-carat-clear-diamond-confetti.htm">diamond confetti</a> and <a href="http://www.favorsandflowers.com/table-diamonds.htm">table diamonds</a>. </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyMsclkOMc_r3Og_g5kPol9opZw-2Amai4PIUejXUACtIu-nj8DfW5MHmNUkLCW-73fS1yPTO2qadWJyl3fTPbHOuLo1AFwUpUFJkkUVmiaALvFfD0lmTxR1R8wFdr0w9ktN5LhAXu7aM/s1600/557532_10151936218585643_351417011_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyMsclkOMc_r3Og_g5kPol9opZw-2Amai4PIUejXUACtIu-nj8DfW5MHmNUkLCW-73fS1yPTO2qadWJyl3fTPbHOuLo1AFwUpUFJkkUVmiaALvFfD0lmTxR1R8wFdr0w9ktN5LhAXu7aM/s200/557532_10151936218585643_351417011_n.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6AfVy-_4YVUL88FJb1qBr9GQTXWcSutgD7n9bZmFyRWp4ov8rXvWGYNKdYDIkIUZGh_s8qBKZO1tZ3W2_BWlsSng-7DcozvIDiHqZ1T9mIJ797BVo0e9ScOgf3jTYdp5a3thd7KdyHqA/s1600/282984_10151859390630643_1277738968_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6AfVy-_4YVUL88FJb1qBr9GQTXWcSutgD7n9bZmFyRWp4ov8rXvWGYNKdYDIkIUZGh_s8qBKZO1tZ3W2_BWlsSng-7DcozvIDiHqZ1T9mIJ797BVo0e9ScOgf3jTYdp5a3thd7KdyHqA/s200/282984_10151859390630643_1277738968_n.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(Table Diamonds and Diamond Confetti)</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i>Thank You Cards:</i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Every couple should sent out (or call depending on their traditions) a Thank You card to there guests. It's a nice way to tell family and friends that their gift and just all around presence at the wedding was very much appreciated. Thank You cards don't have to always match the invitation set and they don't even really have to match the theme. Some couples choose to send a picture from their wedding with a personalized note or a post card showing where they honeymooned. Anything is fine, its the juster that people care about. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCd3be8DV0c7-u41WaKIjJMwYp5aT9xM6yeuGUh7ddenlAZYCrnZBEDSBr7HYzfg23PkFyg_ogJ0HNBbeXbA3P1Th5aKqmgMXFv25_C8Xeg5E2sWr15d3wS75y2igkNQgVrcYWvEwGrYI/s1600/580716_10152660040375643_273343306_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCd3be8DV0c7-u41WaKIjJMwYp5aT9xM6yeuGUh7ddenlAZYCrnZBEDSBr7HYzfg23PkFyg_ogJ0HNBbeXbA3P1Th5aKqmgMXFv25_C8Xeg5E2sWr15d3wS75y2igkNQgVrcYWvEwGrYI/s320/580716_10152660040375643_273343306_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(<a href="http://www.zazzle.com/white_silver_diamond_heart_thank_you_cards-137254161844556271">White Silver Diamond Heart Thank You Card</a>)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i>Things to do:</i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Angola's capital city Luanda is one of the most expensive cities to live in worldwide. However, it offers a great nightlife for its residents and guests through its beautiful night clubs and hotels which are close to the coast and the beaches as well. During the day there is a lot of activity on the beaches while the night is significant with the music playing in the night clubs. Lona National Park is Angola's largest national park and it borders the Atlantic Ocean which means it provides enough water for its animals that inhabit the park. The park also features very beautiful desert sand dunes and a wide variety of species of birds. Poaching during the world war reduced the number of large mammals but the park has been recovering from this over the years. There is a bungalow that is built in the middle of the Kissama National Park where guests can stay and enjoy the wilderness while getting pampered on the balconies of the bungalow. The Kissama National Park is located about 70km south of the capital city, Luanda and it is home to a very wide variety of animals including the rare black palanca antelope. The entire Angolan landscape is magnificent because it feature unusual rock patterns that are a huge attraction, waterfalls that are magnificent, very steep gorges and the magnificent Namib Desert itself. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6nmmp_8awoA9_p1v8gozY9GD9-Mz1tjwLYOLrXHZLDgxlbQG3slgqnlusdBNxF-e7uzbqv_WgoKcrNr5y3r0Araum7q3U1iVJ2YwArlnxjG_94mcrv76d0zbL5w7btV6aibSqCONYWZc/s1600/800px-Beach_of_Coatinha_in_Benguela,_Angola.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6nmmp_8awoA9_p1v8gozY9GD9-Mz1tjwLYOLrXHZLDgxlbQG3slgqnlusdBNxF-e7uzbqv_WgoKcrNr5y3r0Araum7q3U1iVJ2YwArlnxjG_94mcrv76d0zbL5w7btV6aibSqCONYWZc/s400/800px-Beach_of_Coatinha_in_Benguela,_Angola.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Beach_of_Coatinha_in_Benguela,_Angola.jpg">Beach of Coatinha in Benguela</a>)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>The next country alphabetically would be Antarctica. However because of the fact that it's average tempurature is always close to -65 degrees Fahrenheit it is not a good idea to do much of anything there let alone get married (<a href="http://www.listofcountriesoftheworld.com/ay.html">Antarctica</a>). </b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Moving on, the next country alphabetically would be Antigua and Barbuda, in the Carribeans!</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuw7k6eIMUk8R5hEewBMQxeYWC8SJeazLUACLkltkhnxMDme_6iI_3nbs3GVL26hjk0YIuhOmGftPdfDzyQHN7Bdu3nuLDrObzLDzFaZXvB3sTfzwX8TLs29k0ctG8teVTBjjCC0tyTn0/s1600/ac-map.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuw7k6eIMUk8R5hEewBMQxeYWC8SJeazLUACLkltkhnxMDme_6iI_3nbs3GVL26hjk0YIuhOmGftPdfDzyQHN7Bdu3nuLDrObzLDzFaZXvB3sTfzwX8TLs29k0ctG8teVTBjjCC0tyTn0/s320/ac-map.gif" width="297" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWw5CkgmIeU7-9BESYONCk7a_ebBvNB5abhNMYMG8fBBmk4NhR0LIgcrRdZw1vIKazS4oP3Qmigu5Hu5vrg5hA-3MHgQg0fRjMi3MCy2hVWcpY-xP_8XB349VTxLC_PZnEboa4CChxRBc/s1600/Antigua_and_Barbuda_in_its_region.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWw5CkgmIeU7-9BESYONCk7a_ebBvNB5abhNMYMG8fBBmk4NhR0LIgcrRdZw1vIKazS4oP3Qmigu5Hu5vrg5hA-3MHgQg0fRjMi3MCy2hVWcpY-xP_8XB349VTxLC_PZnEboa4CChxRBc/s320/Antigua_and_Barbuda_in_its_region.png" width="320" /></a><b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="border: 0px; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px;"></span>Amylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17670343941890296465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3266172343740283861.post-13875754039255227302013-03-10T15:32:00.000-07:002016-06-16T15:23:32.398-07:00AngolaThe Republic of Angola is a country in Southern Africa bordered by Namibia on the south, the Democratic Republic of the Congo on the north, and Zambia on the east, while its west coasts is on the Atlantic Ocean. Angola gained its independence from Portugal on November 11th 1975 but still Portuguese is the official language of the country. (Other recognized national languages would be Kikongo, Chokwe, Umbundu, Kimbundu, Ganguela and Kwanyama.)<br />
Angola is twice the size of Texas it measures precisely 1,246,700 sq km.The climate of Angola is tropical on the northern side which is closer to the quator while arid to in the southern regions. This is important information to know when getting married in Angola because the couple can than plan a wedding around the weather and what they want their theme to be (<a href="http://www.listofcountriesoftheworld.com/ao.html">Angola</a>).<br />
Angola is known for two things, its beautiful landscapes and its sources of gem diamonds. I will do a wedding to highlight both one surrounding the beautiful waterfalls and one around diamonds. Angola is not known for being overly hot or overly cold, but know more for how dry it can be. Any outdoor wedding would be a great idea even in winter when the coldest its gets is 16 degrees Celsius (60 degrees Fahrenheit).<br />
<br />
Getting married in a different country is always a tricky thing, each country has different requirements for getting married there. Often times it is easier for the couple to get married in their home country, at a town/city hall and than just having a ceremony in a different country later on. This is usually causes less stress and headache for the couple and couple possibly save them money (<a href="http://angola.usembassy.gov/marriage_angola.html">Getting Married in Angola</a>).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrd5Z3h40k2m3fdLqOLxxREnwOTcMJwO6tM5bBcL8LEbSKYbVB04768Kgl3UerxP-ORjG4ghLQyf4r384hnYi-isNb92_kj9ZWBEmytZYj0Xpft7O60vR_fhqVFB-r0vnCVTh9fopjE10/s1600/ao-flag.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrd5Z3h40k2m3fdLqOLxxREnwOTcMJwO6tM5bBcL8LEbSKYbVB04768Kgl3UerxP-ORjG4ghLQyf4r384hnYi-isNb92_kj9ZWBEmytZYj0Xpft7O60vR_fhqVFB-r0vnCVTh9fopjE10/s320/ao-flag.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(<a href="http://www.listofcountriesoftheworld.com/ao.html">Flag of Angola</a>)</div>
<br />
<br />Amylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17670343941890296465noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3266172343740283861.post-45513573792159749312013-02-18T11:50:00.000-08:002016-06-16T15:21:32.512-07:00Andorra Wedding #2 - Skiing Theme (Snow) WeddingOnce in Andorra people fall in love. It is in the foothills of the Pyrenees Mountains (Thank You Dan!); due to the elevations and clean air, many tourists who originally went for duty free shopping find great enjoyment in the natural environment of Andorra. Andorra is known for the best family skiing in Europe, even though Andorra is one of the hardest countries to get to because the country itself has no airport. To get to Andorra, one must fly into either Spain or France and than drive the rest of the way (<a href="http://www.listofcountriesoftheworld.com/an.html">Andorra</a>).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF4NGjFIsKaxkprsQ12o_sWiPbNWUoRHmSMdwD-IQhhYz5Y7LG8M_6sGUKDGzhkKUQSnHo637lnEHOnXpsFT917mD1UtR1O4Is9Rd8SlPPNAlwQld0euwNXeLx3hRs-VMU6s4GlPSdzII/s1600/681x454+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF4NGjFIsKaxkprsQ12o_sWiPbNWUoRHmSMdwD-IQhhYz5Y7LG8M_6sGUKDGzhkKUQSnHo637lnEHOnXpsFT917mD1UtR1O4Is9Rd8SlPPNAlwQld0euwNXeLx3hRs-VMU6s4GlPSdzII/s320/681x454+(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(<a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/andorra/images/pas-de-la-casa-andorra$255-702#content">Pas De La Casa</a>; Photo by: Richard Nebesky For: <a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/">LonelyPlanet</a>)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i>Flowers:</i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The best flowers to match the white, pure, sparkling theme of this wedding would be white roses coupled with sparkling diamond accents. The colour and the glistening will match the snow and white is always considered pure.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPihxnN8i4R3AHquF8ryvk7Ek1TfiHT93QsrAQ56JRX9rUZ0r_LMU_MQFUgBeS_aj5NhLBTPs8wSREK-cdWmhrsAfqoIQm9OyE5fqKTg1qagLJRrSsKZwXvAJl64k4Cavl7D7jSYKyl6Q/s1600/white-rose-bridesmaid-bouquet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPihxnN8i4R3AHquF8ryvk7Ek1TfiHT93QsrAQ56JRX9rUZ0r_LMU_MQFUgBeS_aj5NhLBTPs8wSREK-cdWmhrsAfqoIQm9OyE5fqKTg1qagLJRrSsKZwXvAJl64k4Cavl7D7jSYKyl6Q/s320/white-rose-bridesmaid-bouquet.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(<a href="http://lemonblossomflowers.wordpress.com/2012/12/15/winter-wedding-at-trevenna-st-neot-cornwall/">White Roses</a>)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i>The Dress:</i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The dress, like the flowers, needs to be white and sparkling. A dress like that is not hard to find, a lot of bride's choose to go with beading accents or a shimmering aspect to a dress.<a href="http://www.rainingblossoms.com/2-bridal-gowns"> RainingBlossoms</a> has a beautiful selection and this <a href="http://www.rainingblossoms.com/all-bridal-gowns/3242-lace-sweetheart-strapless-neckline-ball-gown-wedding-dress-with-beading-accents.html">Lace Sweetheart Strapless Neckline Ball Gown Dress with Beading Accents</a> would look perfect for a winter wedding in Andorra. And as a final touch to the dress, a <a href="http://www.weddingmountain.com/winter-finery-garter-set.html">garter </a>with snowflakes on them would complete the bride's look.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpqLtZcoioL-ZCTTT6PA6EwwAOEuypTbhyMCZnGsSrIWUgBg92170reQdgGcfWn3qdPEuTKafbSAQiviEYFq_t0tYQUFB21ejnitXrc72s2OU-QYfVSg2OZiarfKBmSt5Pck31Q0xbxX0/s1600/lace-sweetheart-strapless-neckline-ball-gown-wedding-dress-with-beading-accents.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpqLtZcoioL-ZCTTT6PA6EwwAOEuypTbhyMCZnGsSrIWUgBg92170reQdgGcfWn3qdPEuTKafbSAQiviEYFq_t0tYQUFB21ejnitXrc72s2OU-QYfVSg2OZiarfKBmSt5Pck31Q0xbxX0/s640/lace-sweetheart-strapless-neckline-ball-gown-wedding-dress-with-beading-accents.jpg" width="484" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i>The Shoes:</i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Any show would be fine for this dress, because of its length the shoe won't be noticed by that many people. But like the snow, in the right moment, under the right light, they should sparkle. A nice white shoe or sandal with anything that twinkles and catches the eye would be beautiful. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB8hVR8ifzHXR_p2wKwn5XrmN9fYzzZZc8-8QtxaO7Xjr1bfyZjVzqYYNbl70xre-DBJHPkhcdVeBbH2qIndMGp9hD8iL5uApQFVcpq88PwDe7JtqfARE1Ys6QAJfQGU7nrTMi857s0MQ/s1600/6228_10152294492085643_1603591901_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB8hVR8ifzHXR_p2wKwn5XrmN9fYzzZZc8-8QtxaO7Xjr1bfyZjVzqYYNbl70xre-DBJHPkhcdVeBbH2qIndMGp9hD8iL5uApQFVcpq88PwDe7JtqfARE1Ys6QAJfQGU7nrTMi857s0MQ/s320/6228_10152294492085643_1603591901_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(<a href="http://www.weddingmountain.com/izzie.html">Izzie</a>)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i>Make up, hair, nails and accessories:</i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
With a strapless dress, a necklace is always nice to have so that it doesn't leave the upper chest area completely bare. In this case a beautiful diamond snowflake necklace would be a great choice. And to match it but not take always from its beautiful, natural or clear make up with a little shimmer to it would also be perfect. With the strapless gown, a down hair do would be best for it, long flowing curls.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDfylozmg-e8RVACrLA9orRgM-TDJ4ZjxUne5B6xm3Iy7OqhAzC226rzVaHUvzpqlxk0TAXdiggPdMqkQbEBzNn7w2XONLf-9GFdqenKNPn3Y5OX_o7fdQL4-0at8n10Ge3JqKxonADgw/s1600/Untitled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDfylozmg-e8RVACrLA9orRgM-TDJ4ZjxUne5B6xm3Iy7OqhAzC226rzVaHUvzpqlxk0TAXdiggPdMqkQbEBzNn7w2XONLf-9GFdqenKNPn3Y5OX_o7fdQL4-0at8n10Ge3JqKxonADgw/s320/Untitled.jpg" width="319" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(<a href="http://www.danburymint.com/jewelry/prod/CE9/Birthstone-and-Diamond-Snowflake-Pendant---March_1311-0036.aspx">Diamond Snowflake Pendant</a>)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i>The Groom:</i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
For the groom there are a few options that would work well here also. The groom can choose to go with a traditional <a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/boss-black-the-stars-glamour-trim-fit-wool-tuxedo-free-next-day-shipping/3120300?origin=related-3120300-0-0-1-2-Rich%20Relevence">black suit, white shirt and black tie</a>; <a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/dolcegabbana-tonal-stripe-suit/3409585?origin=category&contextualcategoryid=0&fashionColor=&resultback=0">a black jacket, black shirt </a>and white tie, or a <a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/john-w-nordstrom-linen-sportcoat/3198839?origin=category&contextualcategoryid=0&fashionColor=&resultback=0">white suit,</a> black shirt and white tie or Ivory is always an option and a great substitution for white. The ivory is a little warmer than the white but one may look better than the other depending on which options the groom chooses. Great cuff-links for this wedding would be anything shinny, <a href="http://www.advantagebridal.com/">Advantagebridal</a> has a pair of S<a href="http://www.advantagebridal.com/engravable-oval-cuff-links.html#.UR_oqh119Oi">ilver Plated Engraveable Oval Cuff Links </a>that would be a great addition to the suit and a great present for the groomsmen. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiseAfk6tycRXdgPTNzOV02gKA8dIMJTdm9uWbw1o6LJCy0_u_tPwfO1BOdwUmKDUKmzdrpA-wEN3AdYetDBDtvxDCDZfC6FHVQQqNDjYp0kqVsdhV7eQSZIMfB3KwltAjokUV9-K3m_3E/s1600/_7711495.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiseAfk6tycRXdgPTNzOV02gKA8dIMJTdm9uWbw1o6LJCy0_u_tPwfO1BOdwUmKDUKmzdrpA-wEN3AdYetDBDtvxDCDZfC6FHVQQqNDjYp0kqVsdhV7eQSZIMfB3KwltAjokUV9-K3m_3E/s320/_7711495.jpg" width="208" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuvgzyy0vqxLDNkMx6VHhyWoNHWtGLhDcJ7jhkUBSD_LuD6VWqP7AjuzEYRrjJxCbvRxo1c095nCj2qkIgtX1t82viTt3Y66vq72g4BBpHF-L8T1UUwVFV4XcdtT_REYd-Zp66dNQ409s/s1600/_6275546.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuvgzyy0vqxLDNkMx6VHhyWoNHWtGLhDcJ7jhkUBSD_LuD6VWqP7AjuzEYRrjJxCbvRxo1c095nCj2qkIgtX1t82viTt3Y66vq72g4BBpHF-L8T1UUwVFV4XcdtT_REYd-Zp66dNQ409s/s320/_6275546.jpg" width="208" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(<a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/calibrate-satin-tie/3128195?origin=category&contextualcategoryid=0&fashionColor=LEMON+YELLOW&resultback=0">Ivory and white ties</a>)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i>The Invitations:</i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Save the Date Cards are always the first things that need to be sent. They don't need to be sent to every guest, but for a wedding outside of the country, or a long enough distance away, Save the Date Cards are always a great little heads up for guests. And they give the guests their first glimpse at what the theme for the wedding is. If a guest gets a <a href="http://www.zazzle.ca/311_ice_princess_winter_save_the_date_magnet-147330947194886971">Save the Date Card with snowflakes</a> on it, hopefully they would assume its a winter wedding and to dress warmly and bring warm clothes. Save the Date Cards can help a couple when trying to get invitations, sometimes the cards are part of a set where the <a href="http://www.zazzle.ca/winter_wedding_snowflakes_invitation-161143535302817000">invitations</a>, <a href="http://www.zazzle.ca/crystal_blue_snowflake_celebration_label-106143888853614917">labels,</a> <a href="http://www.zazzle.ca/blue_snowflake_stickers-217056915045870185">stickers</a>, and <a href="http://www.zazzle.ca/winter_rsvp_card_personalized_announcement-161662277365883567">RSVP cards</a>, but sometimes they're not and mixing set has to be done, as long as they are all relatively the same theme and/or colour it works. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmYBqp5hxIQuL4tOd5NYm5htEbHAA9xYnLPzORzPyvIXhtQZwZYRkXBHb75bRMeOsiWrlzLFkratMF6HTRIcYkV0QBoUehjI4XFrZGEu5eTfWuWo1N3D9vm8l1KCxgihRz0aiq6J1YGgE/s1600/29761.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmYBqp5hxIQuL4tOd5NYm5htEbHAA9xYnLPzORzPyvIXhtQZwZYRkXBHb75bRMeOsiWrlzLFkratMF6HTRIcYkV0QBoUehjI4XFrZGEu5eTfWuWo1N3D9vm8l1KCxgihRz0aiq6J1YGgE/s320/29761.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(<a href="http://www.weddingmountain.com/winter-finery-heart-sticker.html">Winter Finery</a>)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<b><i>Photographer and Videographer:</i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
If Andorra is not the home country of the bride or groom or anyone they know, finding a photographer and videographer will be a tricky task. Asking a local company really isn't the best way to go because a couple that isn't local has no idea who to get and who has a track record of taking great pictures. Asking a person to travel around the world just to shoot pictures and/or video would cost a small fortune. The best thing to do is to ask friends and family if they have any experience with taking pictures (beyond the point and shoot that everyone can master), it would be a lot cheaper if an already invited guest could take pictures for the big day. But just because they are there anyways, offering to pay them a small fee, or asking them do to it as a wedding present could go along way to getting someone to agree to do it. However if that is not an option or the bride and groom would rather try and find a professional there is always listings on the internet. The best way to find a photographer on the internet is to see a portfolio of the photographers work.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<b><i>Ceremony:</i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
The traditional way to have a Roman Catholic ceremony is in a church, some priests will not do ceremonies outside of the church, but there are some that will, and their are ways around it. A possibility, if it means that much to the couple, they can get married in the church and than have the reception outside. However the majority of the things that happen in the church can happen outside. Readings can be read based on what the couple wants, music can be played depending on the the venue and where the couple chose to get married. Most ceremonies, religious or not, offer vows saying and the exchange of rings so the couple can incorporated any part they want into their own wedding. But, with the cold of winter it may not be an option to get married outside, depending on the time of year. February will be warmer than December so playing it by day and having a back up plan is always best. If the couple does decided to get married outside, they may want to make it a short wedding so no one gets frost bite, hypothermia or catches any colds, also the bride would want to find a jacket that matches her dress. But there are ways to incorporated the out doors without actually being outside. The couple could get married in front of a great view to the mountains whether it be in front of a huge window, or glass doors. Also, where they get married would decided if they have a flower girl and ring bearer. If they choose to do it inside it would be nice to have the two, and there are beautiful <a href="http://www.weddingmountain.com/winter-finery-flower-girl-basket.html">flower girl baskets</a> and <a href="http://www.weddingmountain.com/winter-finery-ring-pillow.html">ring bearer pillows</a> that would match the theme. Also, instead of the flower girl throwing petals, or holding flowers, she could be throwing <a href="http://www.weddingmountain.com/iridescent-snowflakes.html">snowflakes</a> for the bride to walk on.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="http://www.zazzle.ca/blue_winter_wedding_program_custom_rack_card-245835190743620500">Programs</a> are always a nice addition to any ceremony especially if its not always close relatives that know everyone, and it also helps the guest keep track of what's going on if the couple chooses to do certain ceremonies or have certain poems/readings said. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjh2bSU8y1Fd3ArbQlW01SOiB8Bs3vR9QiEp1-mGi9E0o9aX2T7xjLrlEfyiIFMyEDoyv5UNho2fgopXhV6gx0-ubCQp8MLFyn72o0rmJM_0bRTbkroQWGD8rPor_-4WAdTs4pAYHlwzI/s1600/65923_10152567316195643_1852808848_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjh2bSU8y1Fd3ArbQlW01SOiB8Bs3vR9QiEp1-mGi9E0o9aX2T7xjLrlEfyiIFMyEDoyv5UNho2fgopXhV6gx0-ubCQp8MLFyn72o0rmJM_0bRTbkroQWGD8rPor_-4WAdTs4pAYHlwzI/s320/65923_10152567316195643_1852808848_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(<a href="http://www.cartier.us/collections/bridal/wedding-bands/cartier-damour/b4093600-cartier-damour-wedding-band">Cartier D'Amour Platinum Diamond Wedding Band</a>)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The beautiful platinum and diamond Cartier ring is perfect to for this wedding because its sparkles and the whole ring will shimmer in the light. Cartier rings are all uni-sex so they can be made for the bride and the groom and they will match perfectly. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i>The Reception:</i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Having a reception outside in the winter is never a good idea. But if it is a nice day, a great addition to the ceremony would be a little balcony close to the reception were guests can go and look out at the beautiful scenery, take pictures and just get a breather. Depending on the number of people and the size of the room it could get quite warm at the reception and the breath taking view would be a great treat. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiquSSXeuOkWGwXilAPKN2gdfrypAX_Uv-jEJhgjc4lhwOnTXRTw0SrF4ojI6akIO1GG7NNrcRkJEgQC10IXqNMgvgKazzrLbxbbv0GAJ10YuGjkt7gvHmYeSnorezw7K2y8VQWGKj63mo/s1600/63382_10152267810875643_2012440782_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiquSSXeuOkWGwXilAPKN2gdfrypAX_Uv-jEJhgjc4lhwOnTXRTw0SrF4ojI6akIO1GG7NNrcRkJEgQC10IXqNMgvgKazzrLbxbbv0GAJ10YuGjkt7gvHmYeSnorezw7K2y8VQWGKj63mo/s640/63382_10152267810875643_2012440782_n.jpg" width="464" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/88766615/wedding-tree-winter-guest-book?ref=sr_gallery_38&ga_search_query=guest+book&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=CA&ga_page=9&ga_search_type=all&ga_facet=guest+book">Wedding Tree</a>)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This guest book is beautiful. What the guest do, is they stamp the tree, or background, anywhere they like, and than sign their name on it. Its an amazing keepsake and its so different from a traditional book for the guests to sign. It would also match the money box well, the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/67540108/money-card-box-1-layer-any-color?ref=sr_gallery_26&ga_search_query=money+boxes&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=CA&ga_page=18&ga_search_type=all&ga_facet=money+boxes">money box</a> can be made in any colour to match the colours in the picture and the silver snowflakes match the theme perfectly as well and would match the frame if the couple chooses to frame their guest tree in silver. The <a href="http://www.zazzle.ca/silver_blue_snowflake_winter_wedding_table_card_postcard-239837234803958392">table cards</a> and <a href="http://www.zazzle.ca/winter_wedding_table_place_card_business_card-240135114666593584">place cards</a> would also match the silver and blue well. And to complete the look, and add a little twinkle and sparkle, <a href="http://www.weddingmountain.com/snowflake-design-place-card-holders.html">snowflake place card holders</a> would look wonder when they catch in the light of any venue. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPGB5lVdKemJzJQG5Lq1D6M3YUWKiEu2qhUCw87Rhyphenhyphen7a6mhVmoFaLuufSTtx5ZkNuc1uSr9XBk_iyADSM_PhQhs-_aEzC9BnlnLcZbIcshGvwR1SG5UDg1u9kL5bHk5EIbynswLlD0OXY/s1600/420077_10152040398590643_509970888_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPGB5lVdKemJzJQG5Lq1D6M3YUWKiEu2qhUCw87Rhyphenhyphen7a6mhVmoFaLuufSTtx5ZkNuc1uSr9XBk_iyADSM_PhQhs-_aEzC9BnlnLcZbIcshGvwR1SG5UDg1u9kL5bHk5EIbynswLlD0OXY/s320/420077_10152040398590643_509970888_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<b><i>Food:</i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Due to the fact that Andorra is situated between France and Spain, Andorran cuisine is mainly Catalan and it also combines with French and Italian cuisine but in a small proportion. Pasta, meat, fish and vegetables are the main ingredients for every meal. In the northern region of Andorra the French and Italian cuisine is prevailing and its main characteristics are the daily use of pasta, cheese, bread and fish; while in the southern region Catalan cuisine influences were adapted. Local dishes include: trinxat made of bacon, cabbage and potatoes; cunillo which is rabbit stewed in tomato sauce; xai which is actually roasted lamb; coques are flavored flat cakes and truites de carreroles which is actually an omelet made with mushrooms. Andorran local dishes also include sausages, cheese and a large variety of pork and ham dishes and a vast variety of vegetables (<a href="http://recipes.wikia.com/wiki/Andorran_Cuisine">Andorran Cuisine</a>). These dishes can be expected, however most venues should have alternative meals in place should the couple wish to offer more familiar options.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
A great option for the dessert would be an <a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/angel-food-cake-iii/detail.aspx">angel food cake</a>, so light have a heavy meal with whip cream and a drizzle of whatever flavour the couple chooses (cherry, strawberry, blueberry, etc.) even adding ice cream would pull the theme in nicely. Another great idea would be a <a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/snowball-cake-i/detail.aspx">Snowball Cake</a>, it is basically an angel food cake with whip cream and coconut. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Most weddings have a late lunch around eleven or midnight, usually it's just basic things like sandwiches, salads, little finger food type snacks. There is also usually a dessert table and what better way to end the evening than with desserts that compliment the theme. <a href="http://www.glorioustreats.com/2010/12/snowflake-cupcakes.html">Snowflake chocolate cupcakes</a>, <a href="http://www.dianescakesandmore.com/cookies/designs.php">snowflake cookies</a>, <a href="http://www.glorioustreats.com/2011/11/coconut-snowballs-recipe.html">coconut snowballs</a>, <a href="http://www.glorioustreats.com/2010/11/gingerbread-cookies-recipe.html">ginger bread cookies</a> in the shape of snowflakes, and <a href="http://www.glorioustreats.com/2010/07/chocolate-crinkles-recipe.html">Chocolate Crinkles</a> that look like they've been rolled in snow are all great little finger food type desserts for the guests and they are all delicious. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPZEMrmmQ8zt1SS3xxULZt9hovFq65bdnxlAYsMlvpdoYwZZ95aOPu1xwV4L7L4lBFZZYwdgUIlOWmcGh9c4vIneUD6vDB9VIJZyiUx5mTyQepvmm_-mGPxqVmewOCYQpYDK-cFQHiOTQ/s1600/230897_10152171588800643_463846680_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPZEMrmmQ8zt1SS3xxULZt9hovFq65bdnxlAYsMlvpdoYwZZ95aOPu1xwV4L7L4lBFZZYwdgUIlOWmcGh9c4vIneUD6vDB9VIJZyiUx5mTyQepvmm_-mGPxqVmewOCYQpYDK-cFQHiOTQ/s320/230897_10152171588800643_463846680_n.jpg" width="228" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(Snowflake Cupcakes)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<b><i>The Cake:</i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Naturally, for a winter wedding, the cake would have to be white, and with the added snowflakes on the cake and going up the side, the cake below would be gorgeous by itself but the added light to the snowflakes makes it an even more magnificent cake. Great flavours for this cake would be a lemon grass cake, it gives a little taste of lemon without taking over the whole cake, and a mascarpone frosting, mascarpone is much creamier than cream cheese and would be fluffier which would be a great pairing with the snow theme.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb5kP50xk_rIBVlXlAq028xJX3BjW_mOAk82qILzH1o7HE4p_nSk2ZCEkplC4OuXkLP8_f7cXgS72csJam1Gbt4YIWi3ND-Y58gvu-Cz1XsrVO3Xy35f_O6pxwJSOjC7BtmnQJBlLhZ2Y/s1600/156416_10152567320140643_1274772513_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb5kP50xk_rIBVlXlAq028xJX3BjW_mOAk82qILzH1o7HE4p_nSk2ZCEkplC4OuXkLP8_f7cXgS72csJam1Gbt4YIWi3ND-Y58gvu-Cz1XsrVO3Xy35f_O6pxwJSOjC7BtmnQJBlLhZ2Y/s320/156416_10152567320140643_1274772513_n.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(<a href="http://my-biggestday.com/winter-wedding-themes/">Winter Wedding Cake</a>)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The snowflake on top of the cake isn't as personal as a wedding cake topper usually is. If the couple wants something more specific to them, they could easily substitute it for a figure of a bride and groom, or something with their names on it that makes it more special for them. Also adding a little colour into the cake, either by adding blue ribbons around each layer or different colour snowflakes, would make a colourful cake topper seem more at home with the whole cake. And it would make matching the cake <a href="http://www.weddingfavorsunlimited.com/blue_snowflake_cake_server_set.html">serving set</a> easier also. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPIutTMbb7LGEJfUkoW25C8TpaOnSAwumRICfpO-Xl3jTHdmSDkvf0GO9jUAk-epWiC7cVJ-ZKEqqwWLz7P0VigPhHWEd78irqPLfVKUUwT3BBGzWFwykLt5py75vGK8sIbWNgCAvsU2Y/s1600/487024_10152344870410643_410690596_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="305" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPIutTMbb7LGEJfUkoW25C8TpaOnSAwumRICfpO-Xl3jTHdmSDkvf0GO9jUAk-epWiC7cVJ-ZKEqqwWLz7P0VigPhHWEd78irqPLfVKUUwT3BBGzWFwykLt5py75vGK8sIbWNgCAvsU2Y/s320/487024_10152344870410643_410690596_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(<a href="http://www.advantagebridal.com/acrylic-personalized-winter-wedding-cake-topper.html#.UNAfKW_AeSo">Cake Topper</a>)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<b><i>Guest Favours:</i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
After a long day of skiing, snowboarding, or just being out in the cold, what better way than to grab a hot chocolate. <a href="http://www.beau-coup.com/wedding-cocoa-favors.htm">Hot chocolate</a> for a winter wedding is a perfect guest favour, it comes in a personalized envelope with the bride and groom's name on it and their wedding date, and with snowflakes on it, it fits this wedding. A great accompaniment to the hot chocolate would be a home made treat. Home made guest favours are easy and can often be cheaper if however is making it knows what they are doing. A great favour for this wedding would naturally be <a href="http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Pineapple-Coconut-Snowballs">Snowballs</a>. By simply taking one package of cream cheese, a can of crushed pineapple and combining it together you get the base of a snowball, after it sits in the fridge and cools for 30 minutes the mixture will form balls easily and then can be rolled into coconut flakes or shredded coconut. Like in the picture below, the Snowballs can be given in a glass dish, or by simply adding wax paper to a <a href="http://www.weddingmountain.com/winter-finery-cube-favor-box-wrap.html">favour box</a>, they can be given like that also. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbWyW00yUYJXkTzmazMJpcZqGpVYR5xr3My0DhJw7yaFk6HZC0biTO8qBdtGxMnuV0-JpT4Lqg8n8bpDl-nVhH1r9T_yxTuDnjoESsaB5IjHLuDMOww1jY2AqXyfOEa2TZPkbroq1d2PQ/s1600/9137_10152311017950643_1536578286_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbWyW00yUYJXkTzmazMJpcZqGpVYR5xr3My0DhJw7yaFk6HZC0biTO8qBdtGxMnuV0-JpT4Lqg8n8bpDl-nVhH1r9T_yxTuDnjoESsaB5IjHLuDMOww1jY2AqXyfOEa2TZPkbroq1d2PQ/s1600/9137_10152311017950643_1536578286_n.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(<a href="http://www.weddingmountain.com/winter-finery-cube-favor-box-wrap.html">Snowballs</a>)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
For some couples, buying the wedding party's outfits is what they decided to give as gifts. Sometimes the couple chooses to buy the jewlery (like necklaces for the bride's maids, and mothers; cuff links for the groom's men and the fathers) or they decided to get them a gift to say thank you. <a href="http://www.flashbridal.com/this-cocktail-length-dress-p-692.html">Mother of the bride/groom dresses</a> can often be expensive and sometimes just splitting the cost is a great enough gift, same with <a href="http://www.promgirl.com/shop/dresses/viewitem-PD905908.">bridal party dresses</a>. But even if the couple chooses to buy the dresses/tux or the accessories, a little something is always nice. For this wedding cute <a href="http://www.littlethingsfavors.com/ecsnshplcaho.html">snowshoes</a> with the couples name and date of their wedding would be a nice little thank you gift for the parents and wedding party to keep and display.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdTaLiAvkPDlR56hq02i62g7em8c7zUHKHd7PlnYfIqLcXuyArFEtJJ1dHssE-LDLliJXgcVGYSDqqWmCjEriWhbFV1oaWyKKI3SuGMUB_JJZ6f-0kk2TPSv0EJ7RHKE0qcSBV_VYgnpw/s1600/549341_10152540333790643_605039529_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdTaLiAvkPDlR56hq02i62g7em8c7zUHKHd7PlnYfIqLcXuyArFEtJJ1dHssE-LDLliJXgcVGYSDqqWmCjEriWhbFV1oaWyKKI3SuGMUB_JJZ6f-0kk2TPSv0EJ7RHKE0qcSBV_VYgnpw/s1600/549341_10152540333790643_605039529_n.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<b><i>Centerpieces:</i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Centerpieces are often the easiest part of the wedding because the couple can do it themselves and usually at a lower cost. Snow would naturally melt in doors, but ice will stay solid longer so why not use ice cubes as part of the centerpiece. In a <a href="http://www.dlightonline.com/catalog/RG414.jpg">glass bowl</a>, adding sparkles or glitter to the bottom and than filling it with water about three quarters of the way up would give a sparkling almost snow-globe look to the centerpiece would would be beautiful by itself with a floating candle. But to add a little something else, finding ice cube trays in all different shapes and sizes isn't hard and it isn't expensive. The couple could make ''Rose Ice'', this is often used in drink, rose petals crushed or sometimes whole frozen in an ice cube, the same can also be done for a floating candle. In a muffin tray, adding water all the way to the top and placing a floating candle in each section than freezing would cause the candle to get stuck in the ice. Adding one ''Candle Cube'' and a few ''Rose Cubes'' to the centerpiece will look good all night. Even after the ice melts, the rose petals will still be in the water and the candle will still float. (For this wedding the rose petals would be white naturally and the candles would either be white also or blues to match the other wedding items.)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFeGRrsVjkQMPtpITuaRzb4aBIvAjCMk4DGtr24-i6qiHG5R1jNUT7s3eq2VMDY1n2zm8-nnWYclYidzxMlKpS3bSTKiATnYQ0Amw3WlYbOyFGhkQNQizEuzo2IOplu3BT9cgOC9JnE3w/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFeGRrsVjkQMPtpITuaRzb4aBIvAjCMk4DGtr24-i6qiHG5R1jNUT7s3eq2VMDY1n2zm8-nnWYclYidzxMlKpS3bSTKiATnYQ0Amw3WlYbOyFGhkQNQizEuzo2IOplu3BT9cgOC9JnE3w/s1600/images.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(<a href="http://www.lushome.com/20-candles-centerpieces-romantic-table-decorating-ideas-valentines-day/65141#">Colourful example of what the centerpiece could look like</a>)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
For more light and more sparkle, adding <a href="http://www.weddingmountain.com/snowflake-candle-holders.html">snowflake shape tea-light candle holders</a> around the table would be a great idea the light for the candles would reflect off the water in the centerpiece, and by adding <a href="http://www.weddingmountain.com/iridescent-snowflakes.html">glitter covered snowflakes</a>, the light will glisten off of them during the night. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i>Thank You Cards:</i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Thank You Cards don't always have to match the theme of the wedding, some couples choose to send a card with a picture of themselves, or from their wedding day. It all depends on the couple, some chose to send a picture in the card. Either way a couple can never go wrong with a beautiful card, so if it matches the <a href="http://www.zazzle.ca/elegant_wedding_thank_you_winter_sparkle_black_card-137440768720222645">theme</a> or <a href="http://www.zazzle.ca/silver_snowflakes_teal_bow_thank_you_greeting_card-137443429886858057">colour scheme</a> doesn't really matter in the end. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD8l8rBsjVbqIkh5oYmyEvEmEymkbCC9ICJWh6Cjf2pUrWC3zboqSWjfSOZbjqKUOPIoZgA_KdQBGFY46XGydxe43AcBMnIO0MPcTplyhi5yBwP_kLSto6tXgKvyer7ziOEDj_M5GeLp4/s1600/designall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD8l8rBsjVbqIkh5oYmyEvEmEymkbCC9ICJWh6Cjf2pUrWC3zboqSWjfSOZbjqKUOPIoZgA_KdQBGFY46XGydxe43AcBMnIO0MPcTplyhi5yBwP_kLSto6tXgKvyer7ziOEDj_M5GeLp4/s320/designall.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(<a href="http://www.zazzle.ca/winter_wonderland_diamond_snowflakes_thank_you_card-137185639854064061">Winter Wonderland</a>)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i>Things to do:</i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Andorra is known for skiing and shopping but there is also many sights to see. Casa de la Vall was constructed in 1580 as a home for a wealthy family, it has served as Andorra's parliament building since 1702. Esglesia de Santa Coloma is mentioned in documents from the 9th century, the pre-Romanesque form of the Church of Santa Coloma is Andorra's oldest. Placa del Poble, "People's Square," just south of Placa de Rebes occupies the roof of a modern government office building; it gives splendid views of the valley and mountains, it is a popular local gathering place, especially in the evening. Barri Antic is a small intrusively and artificially bisected place by Avinguda Princep Benlloch, which was the heart of Andorra la Vella when the principality's capital was little more than a village. Museu Nacional de l'Automobil is a National Car museu and will leave the classier revheads in vintage car heaven (<a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/andorra/sights">Andorra Sights</a>).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-JOlFcOZJnhqW2c5pZLkiZsdFBoxzeJDViSd4JytHJ3G3N7tcbitqttRdNKR-E1YynNdakbVbHrevrWAckINgToEqP6iY2OsePBBdZXiQoGFVDvNOHnNiqRQh9Rz2ljvXVTGXlm3KVug/s1600/681x454+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-JOlFcOZJnhqW2c5pZLkiZsdFBoxzeJDViSd4JytHJ3G3N7tcbitqttRdNKR-E1YynNdakbVbHrevrWAckINgToEqP6iY2OsePBBdZXiQoGFVDvNOHnNiqRQh9Rz2ljvXVTGXlm3KVug/s400/681x454+(2).jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(<a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/andorra/images/arinsal-village-andorra$24133-8#content">Arinsal Village</a> Photo by: Alfredo Maiquez For: <a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/">LonelyPlanet</a>)</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>The next country alphabetically is the Republic of Angola, in Africa!</b></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisPIGN6btNHmVTKWdArhjQQt8HbchalJfMvDRd5AJlhENsZMjASY9TiVR1xVxy_LSenvOcdJNl3L_YZsks_B6bcTyLgc-xYz8b4bwfQmNQnezioOXtWWL7TtsH30tE8j8PzwdXTE4cNjY/s1600/ao-map.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisPIGN6btNHmVTKWdArhjQQt8HbchalJfMvDRd5AJlhENsZMjASY9TiVR1xVxy_LSenvOcdJNl3L_YZsks_B6bcTyLgc-xYz8b4bwfQmNQnezioOXtWWL7TtsH30tE8j8PzwdXTE4cNjY/s200/ao-map.gif" width="186" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDUwfqiZrsKFJxRrSYzKrGk5cLFDAAD8LIeZsUUsylXmR6LGSkcoAKzhLvLMEwBUcAn8kig7WlZwyMWEDLaFJesQtkOduV9LrZC-Aks0X72GLgSr7stWAkpDjc1PoXCI3jtN4F_uh7HOE/s1600/Angola_World_Map.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="184" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDUwfqiZrsKFJxRrSYzKrGk5cLFDAAD8LIeZsUUsylXmR6LGSkcoAKzhLvLMEwBUcAn8kig7WlZwyMWEDLaFJesQtkOduV9LrZC-Aks0X72GLgSr7stWAkpDjc1PoXCI3jtN4F_uh7HOE/s400/Angola_World_Map.png" width="400" /></a><b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Amylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17670343941890296465noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3266172343740283861.post-13687113577601477122013-02-16T09:54:00.000-08:002016-06-16T15:21:04.114-07:00Andorra Wedding #1 - Country Themed (Yellow) WeddingAndorra is known for having the most unusually form of government in the world. It is the only country that has two heads of states; even stranger still neither head of states is a citizen or residents of Andorra. In fact, one co-head of state is the person elected as the President of France, while the other is a Bishop of the Catholic Church appointed by the Pope. Andorra has never been at war with another country so for over 1,000 years the country has know peace. Also, the country has no national bank and until recently there were no taxes of any kind, because there is no national bank, the country also has no national debt. Food and goods for the citizens of Andorra come from other countries, except for one cash crop, tobacco. The large volume of tourists going to Andorra, go to enjoy the duty free shopping and the tax-free cigarettes (<a href="http://www.listofcountriesoftheworld.com/an.html">Andorra</a>). But there is so much more to Andorra then meets the eye.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizDJtgCJmUS8HWFqD8mC1C68nfhBwLUndrECj0kJo2M8_md23RV9xH9IWqw3yf61x4_jFlbLb221wKKPQAQvoqbzhuBgwVpZdN1LqGb4ZEHL1LF89w8Zk6Fd9hgh5s4lS0LB4dRREbYjI/s1600/Flag_of_Andorra.svg.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizDJtgCJmUS8HWFqD8mC1C68nfhBwLUndrECj0kJo2M8_md23RV9xH9IWqw3yf61x4_jFlbLb221wKKPQAQvoqbzhuBgwVpZdN1LqGb4ZEHL1LF89w8Zk6Fd9hgh5s4lS0LB4dRREbYjI/s400/Flag_of_Andorra.svg.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Flag_of_Andorra.svg">Flag of Andorra</a>)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i>Flowers:</i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The national flower of Andorra is the Grandalla Narcissus. The grandalla flowers in May and June and has a sweet smell to it. The six petals represent the six parishes of the Principality and at the hearts of the six petals a two coloured crown can be seen, reminiscent of the two co prices (<a href="http://flowersbackyard.wordpress.com/2009/07/14/european-national-flowers/">Andorra's National Flower</a>).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgEFMp9E9GpSCrxpeENRrXmkZfxbqM7GAxUHjWHTNj0OuqV0LNRbpMlKUXCoO6KxAKMi4HdsVyTv72GXU1NAzEDldLfp80rnbdga3-auvsLzIl8hgAe3-Z4YetD_p75MYvwykeH3kaDG0/s1600/grandalla_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgEFMp9E9GpSCrxpeENRrXmkZfxbqM7GAxUHjWHTNj0OuqV0LNRbpMlKUXCoO6KxAKMi4HdsVyTv72GXU1NAzEDldLfp80rnbdga3-auvsLzIl8hgAe3-Z4YetD_p75MYvwykeH3kaDG0/s320/grandalla_01.jpg" width="255" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i>The Dress:</i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Andorra's population is 90% Roman Catholic, so there is no need to worry about offending the majority of the people by showing off the shoulders, wearing a strapless dress, or not wearing something to cover the hair. Taking into account the Roman Catholic religion, traditional dresses are white and long, not showing off much leg, generally Andorra is not know as being a very hot place the temperature never goes higher than 30 degrees Celsius ( 86 degrees Farenheit), so a long dress would be a perfect fit. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy9_KEwCLzvWzaZKjioxmBc6FZaLXgpZxkd3rjIwKwju2QJOtRbTZeftoIdTfVeWBwrOKeStJmagDWN1sggHJRpw9Bk4GkOg_ch08sH8qNGFvTFYk7kK3gwmxRJo4WbjKyUvxJaVEo9DU/s1600/283723_10151855195505643_1149088067_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy9_KEwCLzvWzaZKjioxmBc6FZaLXgpZxkd3rjIwKwju2QJOtRbTZeftoIdTfVeWBwrOKeStJmagDWN1sggHJRpw9Bk4GkOg_ch08sH8qNGFvTFYk7kK3gwmxRJo4WbjKyUvxJaVEo9DU/s320/283723_10151855195505643_1149088067_n.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(<a href="http://m.davidsbridal.com/mt/www.davidsbridal.com/Product_Soft-Chiffon-A-Line-Gown-with-Ruffled-Skirt-9PK3218">Soft Chiffon A-line Gown with Ruffled Skirt</a> at: <a href="http://m.davidsbridal.com/mt/www.davidsbridal.com/HomeView?un_jtt_redirect">David's Bridal</a>)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i>The Shoes:</i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
For a summer wedding, a sandal is always the best way to go. But that doesn't always mean flip-flops. Some sandals come with a heel and open toe and a stylish band, this would be perfect for this wedding dress. The length would not be as long with the heel so the band may be visible as the bride walks. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZplZnd1xqSzAxaKSLUsgupxISbjz7Ygh-qpqW1Cx1ZYxsANkCAYmLxXbNZdxu7wnmajedaaWhz-jX_Z20i862hVJ1Vo4HxToCJlELVWBlBU2C5Hh7UqppfWctO6VGbe_SV3dTSni7bBM/s1600/556861_10152294495130643_703647082_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZplZnd1xqSzAxaKSLUsgupxISbjz7Ygh-qpqW1Cx1ZYxsANkCAYmLxXbNZdxu7wnmajedaaWhz-jX_Z20i862hVJ1Vo4HxToCJlELVWBlBU2C5Hh7UqppfWctO6VGbe_SV3dTSni7bBM/s400/556861_10152294495130643_703647082_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(<a href="http://www.weddingmountain.com/margie.html">Margie</a>)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i>Make up, hair, nails and accessories: </i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The straps with this dress and the length all call for an up do of some kind. But because of the open and exposed shoulders, it could also work well with the hair being down. So, why not have a little bit of both. Make up in the summer especially is best to keep neutrals or light browns, or clean and shimmery that would stand out in the sun. Considering the nice weather in Andorra and the beautiful landscape it isn't hard to assume most summer weddings would be held out doors.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbH5PhXuGrjvzvoUyJ32SfCwU3D5G6Hr1ydueRdc8ow38Umi72uDOQJIXZqRYHQRQRI4b1ZC6oVDILdv34c3RLl8gKTTo31s-2Kcg8GWRiLDViJ_iIMqHqygPqmbdp0JsunGj3ozU5Dtc/s1600/Eva-Longoria-Curly-updos-hair-styles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbH5PhXuGrjvzvoUyJ32SfCwU3D5G6Hr1ydueRdc8ow38Umi72uDOQJIXZqRYHQRQRI4b1ZC6oVDILdv34c3RLl8gKTTo31s-2Kcg8GWRiLDViJ_iIMqHqygPqmbdp0JsunGj3ozU5Dtc/s320/Eva-Longoria-Curly-updos-hair-styles.jpg" width="278" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(<a href="http://www.howquicklydoeshairgrow.com/formal-hairstyles-length-updo-hairstyles-length-hair/">Eva Longoria - Curly updo for medium hair</a>)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i>The Groom:</i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In this wedding, the theme colour is yellow to match the center of the flowers and the yellow in the flag. For that reason, the groom (and his men, father of the bride/groom) should be wearing a yellow tie (and vest). Tuxedos can come either in a set or can be individually assembled. Either way <a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/c/tuxedo-shop?origin=topnav&cm_sp=Top%20Navigation-_-Men-_-Tuxedos%20&%20Formalwear">Nordstroms</a> has a number of options to choose from. And it can easily match <a href="http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/calibrate-satin-tie/3128195?origin=category&contextualcategoryid=0&fashionColor=LEMON+YELLOW&resultback=0">ties</a> and vests for any suit. The perfect boutonniere would be a grandalla that matches the bride's bouquet. Some themed can't always be matched, especially with cufflinks sometimes the best way to go is just getting personalized <a href="http://www.advantagebridal.com/personalized-cufflinks-monogrammed-cufflinks.html#.UOeFAW9X2So">cufflinks</a> for the groom and his men.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i>The Invitations:</i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The first thing to get ordered and sent out are the <a href="http://advantage.printswell.com/view_product/42187/380/Gold_fleuron_corners_Save_The_Date_/save_the_date_slug">Save the Date Cards</a>. Naturally not every guest will be local to Andorra or to the specific place the couple is getting married, a couple can never go wrong with Save the Date Cards. Little Lamb Design, has some sets of invitations that can only be bought individually but searching the site is easy to find all the matching things needed. This set also includes, <a href="http://advantage.printswell.com/view_product/42188//Gold_fleuron_corners_gift_sticker_/">stickers</a> for the envelopes, <a href="http://advantage.printswell.com/view_product/42186/brand/Gold_fleuron_corners_information_or_reply_card_/">direction cards</a> and RSVP cards.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH72uPmWbfNeDH7IsWIpnGcG0Ypgs-AzMuTPTQxnmi_9iWVgCW6fbc8fon1JrS8WOrN2g2WEl7WvT7TB2XUXhF_6T8WzkBLc2qePvjjfJjSPI9BO48P_VXa4NTp6hl5NCQi0XGYnDIcCU/s1600/53741.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH72uPmWbfNeDH7IsWIpnGcG0Ypgs-AzMuTPTQxnmi_9iWVgCW6fbc8fon1JrS8WOrN2g2WEl7WvT7TB2XUXhF_6T8WzkBLc2qePvjjfJjSPI9BO48P_VXa4NTp6hl5NCQi0XGYnDIcCU/s320/53741.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(<a href="http://advantage.printswell.com/search?search=Gold+Fleuron+Corners+&x=0&y=0">Gold Fleuron Corners</a>)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i>Photographer and Videographer:</i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
If Andorra is not the home country of the bride or groom or anyone they know, finding a photographer and videographer will be a tricky task. Asking a local company really isn't the best way to go because a couple that isn't local has no idea who to get and who has a track record of taking great pictures. Asking a person to travel around the world just to shoot pictures and/or video would cost a small fortune. The best thing to do is to ask friends and family if they have any experience with taking pictures (beyond the point and shoot that everyone can master), it would be a lot cheaper if an already invited guest could take pictures for the big day. But just because they are there anyways, offering to pay them a small fee, or asking them do to it as a wedding present could go along way to getting someone to agree to do it. However if that is not an option or the bride and groom would rather try and find a professional there is always listings on the internet. The best way to find a photographer on the internet is to see a portfolio of the photographers work.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i>Ceremony:</i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The traditional way to have a Roman Catholic ceremony is in a church, some priests will not do ceremonies outside of the church, but there are some that will, and their are ways around it. A possibility, if it means that much to the couple, they can get married in the church and than have the reception outside. However the majority of the things that happen in the church can happen outside. Readings can be read based on what the couple wants, music can be played depending on the the venue and where the couple chose to get married. Most ceremonies, religious or not, offer vows saying and the exchange of rings so the couple can incorporated any part they want into their own wedding. Also, for long ceremonies, <a href="http://advantage.printswell.com/view_product/49172/brand/Gold_fleuron_corners_Folded_Program/">programs</a> help and it informs everyone what they should expect and who is who. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY7yTzCa_nRF1IQc5eAwbAUqIvW72n5xtplN7y0UXbVsiXbBvvlIOgYi6OrO9u5bv10ADNieVZA1Q9O5FJpqdbP6fXWIuDiZ3vowzR4DD15tyvBKythYGEnItPaAvT3f4I0bPTTO11Vuk/s1600/mens_yellow_diamond_ring_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY7yTzCa_nRF1IQc5eAwbAUqIvW72n5xtplN7y0UXbVsiXbBvvlIOgYi6OrO9u5bv10ADNieVZA1Q9O5FJpqdbP6fXWIuDiZ3vowzR4DD15tyvBKythYGEnItPaAvT3f4I0bPTTO11Vuk/s200/mens_yellow_diamond_ring_1.jpg" width="198" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkQmMLRo2f9pqBkyNqU0kM9W0PN_RsNwXNxQ8EoPaatQGBPKmuCSopXPh8_i9il8UszlsegxeyI9-ip9c90vSh3WHuifF7BRdYWw1DcSCl2xlSupTUhVj8SHwp8rfnYlKyQ92htz9Mgrs/s1600/539278_10152040389685643_2129238638_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkQmMLRo2f9pqBkyNqU0kM9W0PN_RsNwXNxQ8EoPaatQGBPKmuCSopXPh8_i9il8UszlsegxeyI9-ip9c90vSh3WHuifF7BRdYWw1DcSCl2xlSupTUhVj8SHwp8rfnYlKyQ92htz9Mgrs/s320/539278_10152040389685643_2129238638_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(Left: <a href="http://www.jahandiamondimports.com/diamond-jewelry/mens/rings/men-s-enclosed-yellow-diamond-ring.html">Men's Enclosed Yellow Diamond Ring</a>; Right: <a href="http://www.bluenile.ca/fancy-yellow-diamond-white-diamond-platinum-ring_25678">Fancy Yellow and White Diamond Ring</a>)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i>Reception:</i></b></div>
Having a reception outside is a lot easier if its out in the garden somewhere close enough to the building (hotel or whatever building the couple has chosen). Getting electricity would be much easier that way, having more lighting would be easier, and music would be easier to set up that way too.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjM-qTpyonopOKKWCytNQ0qaqvt_-5FJBOPwyQTqK0wuzoqeaOOEcITolbhx1YcdYEzxQnlY28dtC63kZ4YcJQwiRFUECvSn5RBuMw7hubjXj25m1LHVBbyNKmtmucc_3OHrsSQE4Ufp4/s1600/il_570xN.214344694.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjM-qTpyonopOKKWCytNQ0qaqvt_-5FJBOPwyQTqK0wuzoqeaOOEcITolbhx1YcdYEzxQnlY28dtC63kZ4YcJQwiRFUECvSn5RBuMw7hubjXj25m1LHVBbyNKmtmucc_3OHrsSQE4Ufp4/s1600/il_570xN.214344694.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/89295092/personalized-royal-wedding-photo-album?ref=sr_gallery_35&ga_search_query=guest+book&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=ZZ&ga_min=0&ga_max=0&ga_page=178&ga_search_type=all">Royal Wedding Guest Book</a> by:<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/AlbumOptions?ref=seller_info"> AlbumOptions</a>)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Guest books are great keepsakes, and what makes the one above so great is that the same design can make a scrapbook (which would make a great guest book, adding pictures of the couple on the pages and guests can sign around them) and it can be made as a photo album also. The colours in the album match the wedding theme and is easy to match for the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/96282513/wedding-card-box-wedding-money-box-gift?ref=sr_gallery_17&ga_search_query=money+boxes&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=CA&ga_page=4&ga_search_type=all&ga_facet=money+boxes">money box</a> and <a href="http://advantage.printswell.com/view_product/42191/brand/Gold_fleuron_corners_placecard_/">place cards</a>.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i>Food:</i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Due to the fact that Andorra is situated between France and Spain, Andorran cuisine is mainly Catalan and it also combines with French and Italian cuisine but in a small proportion. Pasta, meat, fish and vegetables are the main ingredients for every meal. In the northern region of Andorra the French and Italian cuisine is prevailing and its main characteristics are the daily use of pasta, cheese, bread and fish; while in the southern region Catalan cuisine influences were adapted. Local dishes include: trinxat made of bacon, cabbage and potatoes; cunillo which is rabbit stewed in tomato sauce; xai which is actually roasted lamb; coques are flavored flat cakes and truites de carreroles which is actually an omelet made with mushrooms. Andorran local dishes also include sausages, cheese and a large variety of pork and ham dishes and a vast variety of vegetables (<a href="http://recipes.wikia.com/wiki/Andorran_Cuisine">Andorran Cuisine</a>). These dishes can be expected, however most venues should have alternative meals in place should the couple wish to offer more familiar options.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i>The Cake:</i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Sometimes the hardest part of a cake is getting the colours right. The best way to make sure a wedding cake comes out the right shade to match the wedding colours is by leaving an example (an extra invitation, a picture of the guest books, etc). </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRb6Qwz19OXc71ZNXPUuVAjTjkh8wsox7NkYvYm3ZlYXJJEu2_iwSR70035ydi9KiNLXRhMFZWofLeLn6UDl3GhvYnGONrsK44vzpiUYRliwGNIdx0Ijw6BlQFmPVNn6L_V7CxNQN_QgU/s1600/cakes-in-bloom-yellow-with-white-flowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRb6Qwz19OXc71ZNXPUuVAjTjkh8wsox7NkYvYm3ZlYXJJEu2_iwSR70035ydi9KiNLXRhMFZWofLeLn6UDl3GhvYnGONrsK44vzpiUYRliwGNIdx0Ijw6BlQFmPVNn6L_V7CxNQN_QgU/s320/cakes-in-bloom-yellow-with-white-flowers.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(<a href="http://www.bridalguide.com/planning/wedding-cakes/wedding-cakes-with-flowers">Cake in Bloom</a>)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The grandalla is a hard flower theme to match but taking the theme abstractly helps and is a better way to match <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/98080204/beaded-wedding-cake-server-and-knife?ref=sr_gallery_30&ga_search_query=wedding+cake+server+set&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=CA&ga_page=2&ga_search_type=all&ga_facet=wedding+cake+server+set">cake serving sets</a> or just getting regular items like the <a href="http://www.weddingmountain.com/linked-at-the-heart-wine-glasses.html">champagne flutes</a> and making them specially engraved or adding ribbons of the wedding colours, and getting a normal <a href="http://www.weddingmountain.com/romance-kissing-couple.html">couple for the cake topper</a>. As for the garter, any <a href="http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/product_view/SugarplumGarters/3947917/Wedding_Garter_in_Yellow_Polka_Dot_White_with_Crystal_Feathers/Wedding">yellow and white garter</a> will do, to make it more special it could have a <a href="http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/product_view/DesignsbyKKLForever/5540863/daisy_wedding_garters_rhinestone_pearl_yellow_and_white_garter_set/handmade/wedding/accessories/other">flower</a> on it or a saying but no one really sees the garter anyways, and most brides choose the garter to be there ''something blue''.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i>Guest Favours:</i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOyjwvK90n8hwWxfLtuYPlFkIVq9_uLbQD6QyO-wWsXsS74kuK8DqIOp0h_leiuvO4iC851FV7qGZl8bcRHnOZGmd1oy7O2kzae2vBhj9L5eOhz0K2kEgL9O81OrZJG07WQmeLjSF2nzw/s1600/homemade_limoncello_wedding_favors_nb3jb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="186" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOyjwvK90n8hwWxfLtuYPlFkIVq9_uLbQD6QyO-wWsXsS74kuK8DqIOp0h_leiuvO4iC851FV7qGZl8bcRHnOZGmd1oy7O2kzae2vBhj9L5eOhz0K2kEgL9O81OrZJG07WQmeLjSF2nzw/s320/homemade_limoncello_wedding_favors_nb3jb.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(<a href="http://www.weddingclan.com/diy-how-make-homemade-limoncello-wedding-favors.html">Wedding Clan: DIY How to make homemade limoncello wedding Favors</a>)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Always a great idea is homemade wedding favours. Above is an example for limoncello, but it can easily be adapted to lemonade or anything that matches the wedding colours. The bottles can be found at any dollar store, Target, craft store or a general store like WalMart etc. And decorative string or ribbon can be used to hold a tag or labels would work well also. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Gifts for the wedding part can follow the same theme as the guest favours, <a href="http://www.littlethingsfavors.com/">littlethingsfavors</a> offers a <a href="http://www.littlethingsfavors.com/ledrmixgiset.html">Lemon Drop Mix Gift set</a>, lemon drop candies would be great for someone that doesn't drink or the ring bearer and flower girl.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i>Centerpieces:</i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
For this wedding, a flower centerpiece or a floating candle centerpiece would work well. Either way a great way to tie the colour yellow in would be with lemons. Slicing lemons and having them in the water of the flowers, or having lemons in the vase or bowl with the candles would be beautiful. The example below is with oranges but the concept is the same. (To make sure they don't float up, they have to be very tight in the container or glued together and down.)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxcwW9Gm3Tj4lCLbyRwxQKAmqjj5pX1gkDDP_JxpItxyYcV0HqwtzWdt1v1eFuso-DEowwXIP-Pc77hLmjeoAI9FtvK5Z2OoAR_sbOv_xe_TPpEsoqvzcke7x5Oxz95sC4PeBqTcmyQFY/s1600/centerpieces.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxcwW9Gm3Tj4lCLbyRwxQKAmqjj5pX1gkDDP_JxpItxyYcV0HqwtzWdt1v1eFuso-DEowwXIP-Pc77hLmjeoAI9FtvK5Z2OoAR_sbOv_xe_TPpEsoqvzcke7x5Oxz95sC4PeBqTcmyQFY/s1600/centerpieces.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(<a href="http://boards.weddingbee.com/topic/help-ideas-for-yellow-centerpieces#axzz2L5Hg7J5W">Centerpiece</a>)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i>Thank You Cards:</i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://lilduckduck.com/">Lil Duck Duck</a> has a beautiful Thank You card that would fit well with the yellow theme that has slightly taken over this wedding. It is a beautiful card, with a picture of the couple and a Thank You note as a border frame. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBwkGRKpum_IK8Pm_hNiqlDa5YAAJLShdpYVXBqhMqBiq-I0N15ymFtNnm3LJV9V1YRWr8fgXejoINDC39JxvUFlh_yiyIFATySif7mASBW9jqpcvl43tO9B3rB4hsvm57SJ4O4G1vvQg/s1600/wedding-1-photo-handwriting-vertical-charcoal-gray-yellow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBwkGRKpum_IK8Pm_hNiqlDa5YAAJLShdpYVXBqhMqBiq-I0N15ymFtNnm3LJV9V1YRWr8fgXejoINDC39JxvUFlh_yiyIFATySif7mASBW9jqpcvl43tO9B3rB4hsvm57SJ4O4G1vvQg/s320/wedding-1-photo-handwriting-vertical-charcoal-gray-yellow.jpg" width="227" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(<a href="http://lilduckduck.com/wedding-script-framed-thank-you-card/45642">Script-Frame Thank You Card</a>)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i>Places to See:</i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Andorra is known for skiing and shopping but there is also many sights to see. Casa de la Vall was constructed in 1580 as a home for a wealthy family, it has served as Andorra's parliament building since 1702. Esglesia de Santa Coloma is mentioned in documents from the 9th century, the pre-Romanesque form of the Church of Santa Coloma is Andorra's oldest. Placa del Poble, "People's Square," just south of Placa de Rebes occupies the roof of a modern government office building; it gives splendid views of the valley and mountains, it is a popular local gathering place, especially in the evening. Barri Antic is a small intrusively and artificially bisected place by Avinguda Princep Benlloch, which was the heart of Andorra la Vella when the principality's capital was little more than a village. Museu Nacional de l'Automobil is a National Car museu and will leave the classier revheads in vintage car heaven (<a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/andorra/sights">Andorra Sights</a>).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibh07q3K8odhkIdnSkoOF3-HIXl6zv0BFhFzO6-4osnYu5B2SLRMdhajBUo2WbQkmVsAWH7kWZLlmt2l3XHJweQD7bLtRZJJBa4gvA9ma26ag1VOJ74ZBg5cEAZEOAp89YWvu74aHPE-s/s1600/681x454.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibh07q3K8odhkIdnSkoOF3-HIXl6zv0BFhFzO6-4osnYu5B2SLRMdhajBUo2WbQkmVsAWH7kWZLlmt2l3XHJweQD7bLtRZJJBa4gvA9ma26ag1VOJ74ZBg5cEAZEOAp89YWvu74aHPE-s/s400/681x454.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(<a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/andorra/images/incles-valley-andorra$24133-29#content">Incles Valley</a>; Picture by: Alfredo Maiquez For: <a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/">LonelyPlanet</a>)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Amylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17670343941890296465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3266172343740283861.post-86689615992422948182013-02-15T12:40:00.001-08:002015-03-29T15:19:22.286-07:00AndorraThe Principality of Andorra (or The Principality of the Valleys of Andorra) is one of the smallest countries in the world. It is landlocked with no coastal area, it is located in the eastern Pyrenees Mountains and bordered by Spain and France. There are also no significant rivers flowing through the country. Many citizens of the world do not even know that Andorra exists. At the same time, there are many people who travel that love Andorra and its people. Andorra is known for many things, including skiing on the Alps and being naturally beautiful and having beautiful conditions for skiing in the winter, hiking and camping in the spring and summer. For Andorra, I will do two weddings, one themed around the country and set in the summer (or spring) time, and the other centering around the skiing that is one of the best in Europe (<a href="http://www.listofcountriesoftheworld.com/an.html">Andorra</a>).<br />
<br />
In order to get married in Andorra, at least one of the spouses must be an Andorran national or resident (<a href="http://www.andorra.ad/en-US/Useful_information/Pages/Frequently_asked_questions.aspx">Can I Marry in Andorra</a>). If it is truly important to the couple to get officially married in Andorra, than they can look into what they need to do to become a resident. (Some countries require people to live in the country 15-30 days to be considered a resident, others may require other things or longer stays.)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div id="thing" style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17.91666603088379px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 5px; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div id="thing" style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 17.91666603088379px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-top: 5px; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Amylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17670343941890296465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3266172343740283861.post-50953348811311419822012-12-30T23:59:00.000-08:002017-07-10T21:19:07.310-07:00Algeria Wedding - Desert WeddingAlgeria is a Muslim dominated country with almost 99% of the population being Muslim, because of this its traditions will mirror those of Afghanistan an Albania. For the purpose of this wedding, I will put religion aside and focus more on the wedding itself and a ceremony that can be adapted to any religion. The easiest way to do this is to have an outdoor wedding, that way the couple can make the arrangements needed for their religions or specific ceremony.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9dOvqOd4WJFPMQJORVesGD0QLv0ApbsmYuuO7x-S6_c0SdKrbdd3_nZTDZE5H8-D3PsJdqmC3-1FDtUJdmt_chbwiPs-ju6Dqv9TinZSU4_td-jyn4n0w0TpljH5yIFZXAd3_Vb9WRhc/s1600/Dunes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9dOvqOd4WJFPMQJORVesGD0QLv0ApbsmYuuO7x-S6_c0SdKrbdd3_nZTDZE5H8-D3PsJdqmC3-1FDtUJdmt_chbwiPs-ju6Dqv9TinZSU4_td-jyn4n0w0TpljH5yIFZXAd3_Vb9WRhc/s400/Dunes.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Dunes.jpg">Sand Dunes</a> of Algeria)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i>Flowers:</i></b></div>
It is widely accepted that the national flower of Algeria is the sunflower. And naturally that would be the best choice for an Algerian wedding, because of the deep rich colour of the sand, orange would be a great colour for the flowers out in the dessert. However, sunflowers come in different colours so whichever colour the couple would like to choose could be easily changed into this wedding.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjzJAmamOeMsPj4CR61BMT7jRoFIbmqa9-E_Ipr6Vc6qIY5nH953S_zMEel8BKfBl3pOeY4AgcHmUgu26bZ3sF0-dgucC8wpf_OWhxAwQwp8I4Wo23oSDR-s-I0a_eZxZBx0YMjMZKzLU/s1600/bouquet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjzJAmamOeMsPj4CR61BMT7jRoFIbmqa9-E_Ipr6Vc6qIY5nH953S_zMEel8BKfBl3pOeY4AgcHmUgu26bZ3sF0-dgucC8wpf_OWhxAwQwp8I4Wo23oSDR-s-I0a_eZxZBx0YMjMZKzLU/s320/bouquet.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(DIY Sunflower Bouquet: <a href="http://bios.weddingbee.com/topic/diy-sunflower-bouquet-inspiration">Posted by Amber1279</a> to: Weddingbee Bios)</div>
<br />
<b style="text-align: center;"><i>The Dress:</i></b><br />
The <a href="https://www.google.ca/search?hl=en&q=Algerian+wedding+dress&bpcl=40096503&biw=1366&bih=600&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.r_cp.r_qf.&um=1&ie=UTF-8&tbm=isch&source=og&sa=N&tab=wi&ei=Q__XUIfQPLHw0QGuyoCoDA">traditional wedding dress</a> in Algeria would match that of any Muslim country, (like Afghanistan and Albania). However, a more traditional ''Western'' wedding dress could be a Muslim bride's second dress or a Catholic (or other religion) bride's dress. Again a dress with sleeves or a jacket and a veil would be advised in countries that aren't always open to women showing off their shoulders, arms or neckline.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLzqAdlTWOyMEc3KVCl-JqD2jPogu09z0zcPNpI_lgmO3jpQtcntanXZlHY7RiHpDmXbXPHVnQdWbI64g7TlfKN25EcGI5muZlLBKiNA3gL2dDSxkukuC1GnSmhmtk5-s5Q9A01ErqToQ/s1600/Untitled.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLzqAdlTWOyMEc3KVCl-JqD2jPogu09z0zcPNpI_lgmO3jpQtcntanXZlHY7RiHpDmXbXPHVnQdWbI64g7TlfKN25EcGI5muZlLBKiNA3gL2dDSxkukuC1GnSmhmtk5-s5Q9A01ErqToQ/s400/Untitled.png" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(<a href="http://www.jaeheebridal.com/shop/bridal-gowns/rosa-clara/rosa-clara-augusta.html">Augusta</a> by <a href="http://www.jaeheebridal.com/shop/bridal-gowns/rosa-clara.html">Rosa Clara</a>)</div>
<br />
<b><i>The Shoes:</i></b><br />
The heat and the dessert would naturally make the shoe choice a flip-flop or sandal of some kind. With a long dress, the shoes won't be seen, but for the bride, a shoe high enough to keep the dress just to say off the ground would be best especially if the ceremony is done in the sandy dessert. A sandal, whether it is a flip-flop or not, with a heel (<a href="http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152293302150643&set=a.10151915949520643.869603.519730642&type=3&theater">like this</a>) would be a good shoe for the desert.<br />
<br />
<b><i>Makeup, hair, nails, and accessories:</i></b><br />
With the flowers for this wedding being mostly orange, a light brown would be a nice colour, or any light natural colours would work fine for a lip colour and blush. For the daring bride, a light orange eye shadow may be nice, or hints of it and a white coating may work well also. For the nails and toenails, anything that appeals to the bride may be incorporated into the theme, a great way to do this would be to add a sunflower design to one or all nails or something of that nature. The same thing applies to a hair style adding sunflowers where ever possible can make any hairstyle match the wedding themed colours.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0uTu_vGPjgrbfJYw9yz03LTC44aohlfHZwCE_xsGRxPY1QdANKyMyDxnIb9zhTckkoMqZHeI0J9EXflSZekPkLtuvupLAXZDi4eyvljZhfC-iOWUx6wzb3hAqqIfr_a-8mIxUNwhGpv0/s1600/il_570xN.372725580_nsf3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0uTu_vGPjgrbfJYw9yz03LTC44aohlfHZwCE_xsGRxPY1QdANKyMyDxnIb9zhTckkoMqZHeI0J9EXflSZekPkLtuvupLAXZDi4eyvljZhfC-iOWUx6wzb3hAqqIfr_a-8mIxUNwhGpv0/s320/il_570xN.372725580_nsf3.jpg" width="306" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/108774358/white-daisy-flower-hair-wreath-flower?">Daisy Flower Hair wreath</a> by: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/thehoneycomb?ref=seller_info">Thehoneycomb</a>)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i>The Groom:</i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The groom's tuxedo can be white or black. However, the tie, vest, and other accessories would have to match the colour of the theme (in this case the sunflowers). <a href="http://tuxedo.menswearhouse.com/home.do">Men's Warehouse</a> sells tuxedos and there is even a "Build a Tux" option on their website so that colour matching is made much easier. The vest and tie in the example below are called Venice Sunbeam (8858VNSBM) with the Euro tie. It is matched with the <a href="http://tuxedo.menswearhouse.com/buildATux.do?suit=1130_Vera_Coat_Black_Hero&pant=2130_Vera_Pant_Black_Hero&shirt=5770_Microfiber_Point_Shirt_White_Hero&cumb=8829_8905_Cummerbund_Bow_Black_Hero&shoes=4847_Black_Shoe_Hero&tie=&model=model1&show=looks&name=BLACK+by+Vera+Wang+Two-Button+Super+130s+Notch+Lapel">Black by Vera Wang collection</a>. A handkerchief in the pocket would be fine if it matches the colour of the tie, but it may take away from the boutonniere depending on the size of both, a great boutonniere for this wedding would be of course a <a href="http://www.ourweddingplus.com/blog/the-boutonniere/">sunflower</a>. And finally, <a href="http://www.cufflinksdepot.com/p/06901392/Sunflower+Cufflinks.html">sunflower cufflinks</a> to complete the groom's outfit. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7mbd6FYDZconVKpTkFx2QCjt-hT_5Wuuww3Ot5JQD7aGHTniyhN_3kfqgQKrZo3XND-KNabWhEyAqrC3NyzR4Da1Y6RYGdCn9y24tf2ou-KSRcXeRyIShrYo4EHur6DMWbWz4_kgawZU/s1600/Untitled.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7mbd6FYDZconVKpTkFx2QCjt-hT_5Wuuww3Ot5JQD7aGHTniyhN_3kfqgQKrZo3XND-KNabWhEyAqrC3NyzR4Da1Y6RYGdCn9y24tf2ou-KSRcXeRyIShrYo4EHur6DMWbWz4_kgawZU/s320/Untitled.png" width="237" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i>The Invitations:</i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
When getting married, it is important to think of the guests and where they are traveling from. Anyone coming from out of country or town even should get a <a href="http://www.zazzle.com/sunflower_photo_floral_save_the_date_cards_invitation-161607309783157934">Save the Date card</a> especially if the couple really wants that/those guests at their wedding. A Save the Date card gives guests time to make arrangements in order to be part of the couple's big day. The sunflower theme is a great example of a theme that can be mixed and matched. It's not always easy to find matching sets of invitation, thank you cards, save the date cards, reply cards etc, so why not mix and match as long as they all have the theme relative theme. Also when shopping for mixed sets, looking at different sites and stores is key, the invitations for this wedding are from <a href="http://www.zazzle.ca/">Zazzle</a>, while the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152371867605643&set=a.10152371845130643.936977.519730642&type=3&theater">seals</a> are from <a href="http://www.magnetstreet.com/">MagnetStreet</a> and the <a href="http://www.weddinginvitations123.net/product/161985299391053735">reply cards</a> are from <a href="http://www.weddinginvitations123.net/">WeddingInvitations123</a>. Often times if there is a large number of out of town guests the couple chooses to add a directions card to tell the guests how to get from place to place (from airport to hotel to ceremony to reception....). These can be easy to make, typing out directions and printing it on white or colour card (in this case yellow or orange) and than simply adding embellishments (<a href="https://www.google.ca/search?q=sunflower+stickers&hl=en&tbo=d&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=Bj3dUK6PIoWn0AH0x4GwBw&ved=0CAcQ_AUoAA&biw=1366&bih=600">stickers</a> or a <a href="http://greengardenstamps.blogspot.ca/2010/08/step-by-step-hand-carving-sunflower.html">stamp</a> etc).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2s27U5WOJgDD0igvgbTYczdlkrk5-FN8VZzLXdk5V7liUhoBUJvEGoNBI5J8XGe8GBRSXvSt6cSzbKAKy8Yxjox0SaZ0owJASeTrcIIUc7DNCWi7EOtjvH2DPO5Henlwbk_bXcn5zcds/s1600/541825_10152371860625643_2137495596_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2s27U5WOJgDD0igvgbTYczdlkrk5-FN8VZzLXdk5V7liUhoBUJvEGoNBI5J8XGe8GBRSXvSt6cSzbKAKy8Yxjox0SaZ0owJASeTrcIIUc7DNCWi7EOtjvH2DPO5Henlwbk_bXcn5zcds/s320/541825_10152371860625643_2137495596_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(<a href="http://www.zazzle.ca/sunflower_wedding_invitation_postcards-239213837761206787">Sunflower Wedding</a>)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i>Photographer and Videographer:</i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
If Algeria is not the home country of the bride or groom or anyone they know, finding a photographer and videographer will be a tricky task. Asking a local company really isn't the best way to go because a couple that isn't local has no idea who to get and who has a track record of taking great pictures. Asking a person to travel around the world just to shoot pictures and/or video would cost a small fortune. The best thing to do is to ask friends and family if they have any experience with taking pictures (beyond the point and shoot that everyone can master), it would be a lot cheaper if an already invited guest could take pictures for the big day. But just because they are there anyways, offering to pay them a small fee, or asking them to do it as a wedding present could go a long way to getting someone to agree to do it. However, if that is not an option or the bride and groom would rather try and find a professional there is always listings on the internet. The best way to find a photographer on the internet is to see a portfolio of the photographer's work. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Also, a great addition to any wedding is disposable cameras. This is a great way to get the crowd involved and to see different angles and sides of the wedding.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i>Ceremony:</i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A wedding ceremony changes based on the couple, because of the past two countries before this in this country religion will not be incorporated into the wedding for Algeria. But, any religion can be celebrated for this wedding by making the required changes and arrangements. Any ceremony would be a perfect substitute here, no matter what the bride and groom choose. Some great options are a candle ceremony, a sand ceremony or just exchanging vows; anything that symbolizes unity would count as a ceremony. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A great ceremony could involve readings of <a href="http://www.hitched.co.uk/speeches/poems/poemshome.aspx">romantic poems</a> instead of religious ones, the couple can choice poems that they wrote themselves or that they find suits them. They can also choose to incorporate vows, exchanging of rings, or anything else they that is traditional for them. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.theknot.com/weddings/photo/the-programs-23720">Programs</a> are also a great idea for untraditional ceremonies. They make nice keepsake from weddings, and in this case, a program could hold the poems read and the vows said instead of details on the steps taken in the ceremony. It would also help keep confusion to a minimum should the bride and groom decide to do something untraditional.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP2KMhSTSbKSugdAEFacvgGrNIag4b_sVuCaWQjw27ElylUKuIBcEppZcgIALpcHqll2uKS9U4QDY_b1b_mMlsMPz7otP3CUozLEknQB-Pk98Wri2q3_1RQp4Q5ZyUVHl18ue65BeXyw8/s1600/163363_10152372050455643_1489573920_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP2KMhSTSbKSugdAEFacvgGrNIag4b_sVuCaWQjw27ElylUKuIBcEppZcgIALpcHqll2uKS9U4QDY_b1b_mMlsMPz7otP3CUozLEknQB-Pk98Wri2q3_1RQp4Q5ZyUVHl18ue65BeXyw8/s400/163363_10152372050455643_1489573920_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/114192662/wedding-band-set-sterling-silver?ref=sr_gallery_23&ga_search_query=sunflower+wedding&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=CA&ga_search_type=all&ga_facet=sunflower+wedding">Sterling Silver Sunflower Wedding Rings</a> by: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/DownToTheWireDesigns?ref=seller_info">DownToTheWireDesigns</a>)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i>Reception:</i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Out door receptions are hard do to under any circumstances, because of the lack of electricity, the uncertainty of the weather, and the lack of natural light once the sun goes down. Having the reception in the dessert would not be very easy to do or pull off, not only because of the challenges but because of the heat as well. Just like most foreign countries, it is hard to find reception halls in Algeria on the internet. However, it is always better for a couple to go and see reception halls for themselves before picking, especially when there are no recommendations.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-pUistPjfbzupU_z3s03eMxMLvS7OWFV6_NRHDkCpihTNAEzyH4BTCy1ypfhw1h9PCUPT5fKyCbcugwIyf-_rMevEiTsniocGqm4bL74PLGpWPUBNFFpQaug1-C7g_dToP4SbltN1C9A/s1600/il_570xN.313569162.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-pUistPjfbzupU_z3s03eMxMLvS7OWFV6_NRHDkCpihTNAEzyH4BTCy1ypfhw1h9PCUPT5fKyCbcugwIyf-_rMevEiTsniocGqm4bL74PLGpWPUBNFFpQaug1-C7g_dToP4SbltN1C9A/s320/il_570xN.313569162.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/93396722/you-customize-wedding-guest-book-and?ref=sr_gallery_11&ga_search_query=sunflower+guest+book&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=CA&ga_search_type=all&ga_facet=sunflower+guest+book">Burlap Sunflower Guest Book</a> by: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/astylishdesign?ref=seller_info">AStylishDesign</a>)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Sometimes the best decor doesn't always match the theme. The above guest book has nothing to do with sunflowers except for the pen, but because of the brown ribbon tied to it, the book matches. It is perfectly okay to do this, even if the wedding colours don't use brown (however choosing to use brown in other places would be best to make it look less out of place). The same rule applies for the ''wishing well'', ''money box'', or whatever other word associated with where the guest leave their cards. By simply adding a fake (or real) sunflower and some ribbon, anything that will hold cards can be used for the purpose. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoL6FgUhrWB1_TUzeeiGzC47GQu5QrEdiPk1MVHKUQ2notoCW81iEhLoWAjKmk82huFrNK6Ih1FYf9tRXs1liVeMvKAiaFIlckvNFOydqJgdaqbPcmBclcuDUr8oyO2pKIOqudr9hUNdc/s1600/il_570xN.335901853.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoL6FgUhrWB1_TUzeeiGzC47GQu5QrEdiPk1MVHKUQ2notoCW81iEhLoWAjKmk82huFrNK6Ih1FYf9tRXs1liVeMvKAiaFIlckvNFOydqJgdaqbPcmBclcuDUr8oyO2pKIOqudr9hUNdc/s320/il_570xN.335901853.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBwJisMzgt-7eM3-K1WGl64MxnPbko2IYWu5HqCQUEVh6AwV0pnSaGi9S6HkHU_k-_xdHqzkyx6ZryS_56hRJqmyft51NiXor8JosDgxFCahLChHoQWN4ECvB9hgjQnPpsQSZEVeBDQp0/s1600/il_570xN.328751246.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBwJisMzgt-7eM3-K1WGl64MxnPbko2IYWu5HqCQUEVh6AwV0pnSaGi9S6HkHU_k-_xdHqzkyx6ZryS_56hRJqmyft51NiXor8JosDgxFCahLChHoQWN4ECvB9hgjQnPpsQSZEVeBDQp0/s320/il_570xN.328751246.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(Left: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/99543110/card-box-rustic-shabby-chic-burlap?ref=sr_gallery_14&ga_search_query=sunflower+wedding&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=CA&ga_search_type=all&ga_facet=sunflower+wedding">Rustic Sunflower Birdcage</a> by: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/YesMoreFunk?ref=seller_info">YesMoreFunk</a>; Right: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/97534927/birdcage-wedding-card-holder-sunflower?ref=sr_gallery_44&ga_search_query=sunflower+wedding&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=CA&ga_page=2&ga_search_type=all&ga_facet=sunflower+wedding">Sunflower Themed Birdcage</a> by: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/ThoseDays?ref=seller_info">ThoseDays</a>)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Table numbers for a sit down meal is always a great thing to have for a wedding. Table number and place cards help minimize the confusion and help avoid having two people sitting close to each other that maybe shouldn't be. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVSAyNE5n2JKnUNB0_71gih6wE1PJa3zqADCVoOaof5yAfVmIZ8CJfJWWsEH7A35zf5QttHb7O_wBfOMooKnaoFIM0R7APGXAeA1gcxwzkY4PPtWwex5kwkVNhOqcoH_4r1Omu-oDM4Io/s1600/sunflower_table_number_card_postcard-p2391862331465355737mpi_325.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVSAyNE5n2JKnUNB0_71gih6wE1PJa3zqADCVoOaof5yAfVmIZ8CJfJWWsEH7A35zf5QttHb7O_wBfOMooKnaoFIM0R7APGXAeA1gcxwzkY4PPtWwex5kwkVNhOqcoH_4r1Omu-oDM4Io/s320/sunflower_table_number_card_postcard-p2391862331465355737mpi_325.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQDsx1SfqzHc_NNaQ-xs20JejeA5g1W3UO0-mkQIwmV1omkJXhluj8oR4rtJMcvu9YtnNFyyIOsAiFS00VITDbz4il-IYMu0xs3aisamOdmf334xnyohyphenhyphentsKm3iveugLCECjQiTv4HoQ8/s1600/sunflower_wedding_or_special_occasion_place_cards_business_card-p240429626532898847en3d3_400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQDsx1SfqzHc_NNaQ-xs20JejeA5g1W3UO0-mkQIwmV1omkJXhluj8oR4rtJMcvu9YtnNFyyIOsAiFS00VITDbz4il-IYMu0xs3aisamOdmf334xnyohyphenhyphentsKm3iveugLCECjQiTv4HoQ8/s200/sunflower_wedding_or_special_occasion_place_cards_business_card-p240429626532898847en3d3_400.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(Left: <a href="http://www.zazzle.com/sunflower_wedding_or_special_occasion_place_cards_business_card-240429626532898847">Sunflower Place Card</a>; Right: <a href="http://www.zazzle.com/sunflower_brown_yellow_wedding_table_number_card_postcard-239186233146535573">Sunflower Brown Table Numbers</a>, both by: <a href="http://www.zazzle.com/">Zazzle</a>)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Every couple and country has different traditions, some throw the bouquet and <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/17425647/sunflower-bridal-garter-set">garter</a>, some have a cake dance, some have a couple's first dance, some have a father daughter dance... Whatever is traditional for the couple is what they should stick with. Love is a universal thing, and if the couple chooses to dance to an Algerian love song, the guests shouldn't mind. Even if no one understands the words, the bride and groom should at least know what they are. Everyone can see love, in the couples eyes, in the way they look at each other, hold each other.... that doesn't need a language to be expressed. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i>Food:</i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Algerian cuisine differs slightly from region to region. Algerian cuisine has strong Berber but also Ottoman Turkish influence due to the Ottoman occupation. Algeria is mainly Islamic people and because of this pork is not usually served at weddings because it is forbidden in accordance with Sharia. The khabz, traditional Amazigh flatbread, is the base of Algerian cuisine and is eaten at all meals. An Algerian dish is izane, a spicy lamb sausage, that originate from the Atlas mountains. Other common dishes include berber couscous, chakchouka, Karantita, marqa bel a'assel that is a speciality from Tlemcen and the Chaoui dish chakchoukha. There are many different types of Algerian salads, influences by the French and Turkish, and can include some very individual ingredients such as beetroot or in some salads anchovies. There are also dishes of Spanish origin in Algeria, like the Gaspacho Oranais, an Algerian version of a Manchego dish. Algeria is on the Mediterranean sea and it enjoys the fish, fruits and vegetables that the sea has to offer (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Algerian_cuisine">Algerian Cuisine</a>). </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
For a wedding in Algeria the best way to have a meal is by buffet. This way adventurous guests can try out the local cuisine and other guests can still stick with chicken or beef. There is no way to please everyone, however when it comes to foreign cuisine a safe bet is to always have something most people are used to seeing. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As dessert, the couple can choose to serve only cake, or have a dessert table. On this table could include local sweets, candies, chocolates, and cupcakes. A great cupcake has to be the sunflower cupcakes. They are easy to make and not hard to assemble. Baking any kind of cupcake, even the box mixes, in a green cupcake tin and than adding dried pineapple ''leaves'' around a black center (made either by mini chocolate chips, chocolate sprinkles, or dried raisins).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxIiFC2fp1Ss4fJvOD4Y8wBfKYMNVHkDbDq_y6vgpHyxiD6ovalZ45swBXyUe9YZ-j0yaMoxYL3PXYye3orHBfWqF8FwRPbyb2vbLnVyQzZWpOAC-JkgkyxnJXvYG8jxcXACtZPWD4k3A/s1600/iridessas-good-luck-sunflowers-cupcake-recipe-photo-420x420-clittlefield-A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxIiFC2fp1Ss4fJvOD4Y8wBfKYMNVHkDbDq_y6vgpHyxiD6ovalZ45swBXyUe9YZ-j0yaMoxYL3PXYye3orHBfWqF8FwRPbyb2vbLnVyQzZWpOAC-JkgkyxnJXvYG8jxcXACtZPWD4k3A/s320/iridessas-good-luck-sunflowers-cupcake-recipe-photo-420x420-clittlefield-A.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(Image and Idea by <a href="http://spoonful.com/">Spoonful.com)</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i>The Cake:</i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The cake should be a very easy part of the wedding. If the bride and groom have a picture of what they want their cake to be like, any baker/cake designer should be able to mimic it. Any cake can be made to match the theme of any wedding by simply adding flowers or ribbon or both. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbFRInZJCEBhSL1QVIAJcANTEZadFvY0G0FCxlNKd-xZKwToYkCG-MmLCAYlv5jdPLhb_-JUwnVU_4LaB5eMxzCVcyZU8dIL5RaQ7y4ZSE-vIeSOEwbJzMECQUV_KEgre6fIeG2eUkX_o/s1600/Wedding-Cake-with-Sunflowers-250x375.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbFRInZJCEBhSL1QVIAJcANTEZadFvY0G0FCxlNKd-xZKwToYkCG-MmLCAYlv5jdPLhb_-JUwnVU_4LaB5eMxzCVcyZU8dIL5RaQ7y4ZSE-vIeSOEwbJzMECQUV_KEgre6fIeG2eUkX_o/s320/Wedding-Cake-with-Sunflowers-250x375.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCLLbxu15ABl-8DTrrxHtv6gMTG6jJuuiI2poW5d5c7BLy739mQBvMVf36LxWDj3Ga4SeCjgEVvfq9SmasQ-p6LuvuP9An2nTUuBwyzwOPkT0lVB8FuNOgZPGSRLd31QNBFCme31dh-kk/s1600/White-Wedding-Cake-with-Sunflowers-250x375.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCLLbxu15ABl-8DTrrxHtv6gMTG6jJuuiI2poW5d5c7BLy739mQBvMVf36LxWDj3Ga4SeCjgEVvfq9SmasQ-p6LuvuP9An2nTUuBwyzwOPkT0lVB8FuNOgZPGSRLd31QNBFCme31dh-kk/s320/White-Wedding-Cake-with-Sunflowers-250x375.jpg" width="213" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(<a href="http://www.elizabethannedesigns.com/blog/2010/09/23/nashville-wedding-hermitage-golf-course/">Wedding cake with Sunflowers</a>)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The cake topper doesn't always have to match the theme or the cake for that matter. In the picture above the cake topper is the couple's initials but for the couple that wants a <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/106602719/wedding-cake-topper-custom-bride-groom?ref=sr_gallery_26&ga_search_query=sunflower+wedding&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=CA&ga_page=7&ga_search_type=all&ga_facet=sunflower+wedding">traditional couple topper there is some out there with a sunflower</a> theme. The same idea applies to the champagne flutes and the cake server. There are a lot of different options out there, not all of them include the <a href="http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/product_view/ChurchMouseCreations/4652442/Sunflower_cake_service_set_and_toasting_flutes/Wedding/Accessories/Other">sunflower theme</a>. A great alternative would be just <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/50956004/cake-server-and-knife-serving-set-hand">brown and yellow beads on the handle of the cake server and the stems of the flute</a>s, or simply brown ribbons. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i>Guest Favours: </i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Guest Favours for weddings have become as unique as weddings themselves. A lot of themes can be matched to favours now of days and it's not hard to find something for everyone of the guests at any wedding. In this case, for sunflowers, there are <a href="http://www.advantagebridal.com/sunflower-guest-soap.html#.UOE60W9X2Sq" style="text-align: center;">sunflower soaps</a>, <a href="http://www.advantagebridal.com/sunflower-seed-cards.html#.UOE7a29X2Sq">sunflower seed packages</a>, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/102204621/sunflower-hersheys-kisses-labels-favors">sunflower stickers for the bottom of chocolates</a> and <a href="http://www.advantagebridal.com/nefafabofawe.html#.UN1Ddm9X2So">sunflower themed boxes</a> so that any thing can really be given as a gift for a sunflower wedding.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8eAuRu8f3kHSU2Lk9aG1ntuGilSEAQEbE66bUeSyLAaf-qzdpJq7eA5S8xYdNwmc1uG3ZXZhyphenhyphendJj6WQaL3eXt1GZ1mJzMx4foNbiOA4hXiwameSChgM8nbD1pDrmt-xgSlz2h55XuyUI/s1600/206589_10152371991285643_600383932_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8eAuRu8f3kHSU2Lk9aG1ntuGilSEAQEbE66bUeSyLAaf-qzdpJq7eA5S8xYdNwmc1uG3ZXZhyphenhyphendJj6WQaL3eXt1GZ1mJzMx4foNbiOA4hXiwameSChgM8nbD1pDrmt-xgSlz2h55XuyUI/s320/206589_10152371991285643_600383932_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Thank You gifts for parents and the wedding party are a lot harder to find to match the theme, however it's not always impossible. In this case for the members of the wedding party's gift could be <a href="http://www.angelfire.com/biz2/glassangels/FlowerTime.html">a clock in the shape of a sunflower</a>. While the parent's gifts and be a <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/112880061/wedding-mother-of-the-bride-gift">hand painted bowl</a> with a saying and the design of sunflowers on it. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNjfwdnpdMaQ4vR0IgNAkmQrooAUTHijEouhOd3YmOgccX5vxPBInhMAhOIgj0YuiAeAadMPVTUqnLywyXDyvR3lVMcNoa11xZZdMmpjZlecdRET-9JeGpjSiJ-V3i0Ic17itc8TvFFR0/s1600/il_570xN.387562280_puwu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNjfwdnpdMaQ4vR0IgNAkmQrooAUTHijEouhOd3YmOgccX5vxPBInhMAhOIgj0YuiAeAadMPVTUqnLywyXDyvR3lVMcNoa11xZZdMmpjZlecdRET-9JeGpjSiJ-V3i0Ic17itc8TvFFR0/s320/il_570xN.387562280_puwu.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i>Centerpieces:</i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Centerpieces can often times be the cheapest, and easiest part of a wedding. For sunflowers, simply placing a vase of some sort with a bouquet would be a great centerpiece and wouldn't be nearly as expensive as say a bouquet of roses for each table or something or similar cost. Also a great way to go is for the couple to make their own centerpieces. Fake flowers work great and last long, and there is a lot of ideas on the internet for beautiful, simple, cheap and easy centerpieces that look good.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDIz9vVEw8JDu-zCjMev6oQ_PXUMLnho-oXgZkIau_ZZyDPG2OHpMvvcpksLHoYKOVGD3eEpN7te-e-MNFeCHtxf2AS3x_OPq-ycumcekupKEbGkdbFvR1VmN8m3QCub-sBJoQe75o_3g/s1600/silk_sunflower_centerpiece_step_10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDIz9vVEw8JDu-zCjMev6oQ_PXUMLnho-oXgZkIau_ZZyDPG2OHpMvvcpksLHoYKOVGD3eEpN7te-e-MNFeCHtxf2AS3x_OPq-ycumcekupKEbGkdbFvR1VmN8m3QCub-sBJoQe75o_3g/s320/silk_sunflower_centerpiece_step_10.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(<a href="http://www.bridecraft.com/silk_sunflower_centerpiece.html">Silk Sunflower Centerpiece</a> by: <a href="http://www.bridecraft.com/">Bridal Craft</a>)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i>Thank You Cards:</i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Thank You cards are always a great thing for a couple to send, especially if they add their own personal touch to it. Whether it is adding a specific comment about the wedding gift the guest gave or by simply sending a photo of the couple, Thank You cards are always greatly appreciated. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoawnDSlODDeDG3ZUs2ZwE_UWZhxBGe48871VuA1A0p0513A6x6vVHwc8K7WsKZu1H856q-oJHxO1vOTUvo495-UtNsEuK3l6l-FYVwFv2muftBnMlmABvhr0bQJdYqlSxvCqmqqzUmxU/s1600/545264_10152371866475643_777623540_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoawnDSlODDeDG3ZUs2ZwE_UWZhxBGe48871VuA1A0p0513A6x6vVHwc8K7WsKZu1H856q-oJHxO1vOTUvo495-UtNsEuK3l6l-FYVwFv2muftBnMlmABvhr0bQJdYqlSxvCqmqqzUmxU/s320/545264_10152371866475643_777623540_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(<a href="http://www.magnetstreet.com/details/market/517/productId/11511">Classic Daisy</a> by <a href="http://www.magnetstreet.com/weddings">MagnetStreet</a>)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Sometimes it is not possible to match everything to a certain theme. In this case, the Thank You cards are called Classic Daisy, however the daisy looks very similar to a sunflower and because it is a Thank You card, it is usually not even noticed that it did not match the wedding invitations or the theme itself. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i>Places to See:</i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
There are many sites to see in Algeria that include 18 museums including Musée National du Moudjahid (a national historical museum), Museum (a Museum dedicated to the ruins of many tombstones and other funerary sculptures) Cirta Museum (a colonial-period museum) Theatre and Museum (a preserved theater dating back to 1902, accompanied by statues and columns in a Jardin Archéologique (an archaeological garden). Bardo Museum of Prehistory and Ethnography (built at the end of the 18th century as a residence of a Tunisian prince exiled in Algeria, today it is home to a collection of urban artefacts including fossils, copper tea pots, wooden furniture and impressive rock carvings and paintings) Palais des Raïs (the Palais is in fact a row of several large waterfront houses, joined up to form a single compound and now home to the Centre des Arts et de la Culture) and National Museum of Antiquities (the richness of Algeria`s heritage is brought home in the understated but well chosen collection on display in the museum). These all are wonderful places too see and only a few on the <a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/algeria/sights/museum?sort_dir=desc&sort_order=popular">Lonelyplanet's list of museums</a> to see in Algeria. The <a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/algeria/sights/religious-spiritual?sort_dir=desc&sort_order=popular">Lonelyplanet also has a list of 11 religious, and/or spiritual sights</a> to see in Algeria that include Notre Dame D'Afrique, Grand Mosque, and Basilica St Augustine. The Lonelyplanet also offers a list of <a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/algeria/sights/archaeological-site?sort_dir=desc&sort_order=popular">Archaeological Sites</a>, <a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/algeria/sights/architecture?sort_dir=desc&sort_order=popular">Architectural Sites</a>, <a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/algeria/sights/market?sort_dir=desc&sort_order=popular">Market Places</a>,<a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/algeria/sights/bridge?sort_dir=desc&sort_order=popular"> Bridges</a>, <a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/algeria/sights/historic?sort_dir=desc&sort_order=popular">Historical Sites</a>, <a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/algeria/sights/monument?sort_dir=desc&sort_order=popular">Monuments</a>, <a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/algeria/sights/building?sort_dir=desc&sort_order=popular">Buildings</a>, and <a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/algeria/sights/gallery?sort_dir=desc&sort_order=popular">Galleries</a>. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4KwlaqKaJJZLJDq66HDQJYr7GJ5ZkKVAkWBSfuValDelP-x-AtDkmOTg5D4QCgIrfGeT0UFhrcEpGeuWBobB8tvbm9KUYd2fd25D8Pa8gHhNicL_4nFqveVRiKHgjcyqO6l-l6OhO8Sw/s1600/681x454.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4KwlaqKaJJZLJDq66HDQJYr7GJ5ZkKVAkWBSfuValDelP-x-AtDkmOTg5D4QCgIrfGeT0UFhrcEpGeuWBobB8tvbm9KUYd2fd25D8Pa8gHhNicL_4nFqveVRiKHgjcyqO6l-l6OhO8Sw/s400/681x454.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(<a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/algeria/images/cityscape-algeria$282-202">Cityscape</a> by: Peter Ptschelinzew for: <a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/">Lonely Planet</a>)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>The next country alphabetically is Andorra, in Europe! </b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnqX3dkTWYRA4TIXiHcoGHJsB178rUazF4Wb2I0I9W8wWv-OrYBaANdezgKdLxzDOwNqg6-JGMWwzI7aL9hYCKv11SQ1BNYwVJfUhV208DQWWxNlliAuIZxYtb3z3mLaxBA9GIqP_qOeg/s1600/Location_Andorra_Europe.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnqX3dkTWYRA4TIXiHcoGHJsB178rUazF4Wb2I0I9W8wWv-OrYBaANdezgKdLxzDOwNqg6-JGMWwzI7aL9hYCKv11SQ1BNYwVJfUhV208DQWWxNlliAuIZxYtb3z3mLaxBA9GIqP_qOeg/s1600/Location_Andorra_Europe.png" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhgfWZ7idW-xTjNvVcC5RMqQTi_JEutqV410PIVOsMspJRCkhHZgqvSqCN40hRiPvvSaPpBZ4I4y4k8__SnmBMlF2lEyIMRTgg_IHV6lOZsOxbV13MpD-QyxO4mq49KBhBOvsGrK58S-c/s1600/an-map.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhgfWZ7idW-xTjNvVcC5RMqQTi_JEutqV410PIVOsMspJRCkhHZgqvSqCN40hRiPvvSaPpBZ4I4y4k8__SnmBMlF2lEyIMRTgg_IHV6lOZsOxbV13MpD-QyxO4mq49KBhBOvsGrK58S-c/s320/an-map.gif" width="296" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
Amylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17670343941890296465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3266172343740283861.post-16014291327704479172012-12-30T23:58:00.004-08:002015-03-29T15:19:53.002-07:00Algeria The country's official name is the People's Democratic Republic of Algeria. Sudan was originally the largest country in Africa, but once it was split up, Algeria became the largest in terms of land area. Algeria borders Tunisia in the northeast, Libya to the east and Morocco to the west. Almost 80-90% of Algeria is in the Sahara desert,, tourists can actually camel trek into the desert which is know for having vast endless seas of sand. The Sahara sand dunes are really high and extremely magnificent. Algeria's main languages are Arabic though french is sometimes used though out the country especially in politics and newspapers and almost 99% of the population is Muslim the 1% is made up of Christians, Pentecostal protestants and Jews. Instead of writing another Muslim wedding for this country like the last two, I am going to write just one wedding for Algeria. The theme will be the country itself and the ceremony will take place outside so that it can be adapted to any religion.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.fdeus.com/us/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=648&Itemid=534">Getting married in Algeria</a> is a little more difficult than in Afghanistan or Albania. To get married in Algeria both the bride and groom must be in the country for 21 days before notice of intention to marry is granted. If the couple is visiting and does not live in Algeria they will need to present their passports, a certificate of No Impediment to Marriage (Single Status Certificate by the Embassy) and Original Birth Certificate(s) (less than three months old legalized by the Embassy).<br />
<br />
<br />Amylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17670343941890296465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3266172343740283861.post-37824562232106515812012-12-04T16:10:00.002-08:002015-03-29T15:20:42.151-07:00Albania Wedding #2 - Red Poppy Theme (Red and White) WeddingSome people who are not from Albania, but would like to get married there may choose to go a lot more ''Western" than the traditional Albanian wedding, but there are still some easy ways to keep Albania the focal point. Keeping with a red and black theme is a great option for Albania but it can easily be made more traditional to fit any person's dream wedding. If the couple is already married, a nice little ceremony outside for their family and friends is a great way to show case the beauty Albania has to offer.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXrqpS5h6MXbgmkh8XpQ5mbpmPLYABTL8gl8qTkxiIFQE_uBk8tj4XE_p_VLsDHE3NvleA_ZWekwjPLG9HICFK-KhaMsJzDNEckWvjCWzqPxhySUteBgmoE36kKvZDQdOzFuKPv6DF74w/s1600/681x454.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXrqpS5h6MXbgmkh8XpQ5mbpmPLYABTL8gl8qTkxiIFQE_uBk8tj4XE_p_VLsDHE3NvleA_ZWekwjPLG9HICFK-KhaMsJzDNEckWvjCWzqPxhySUteBgmoE36kKvZDQdOzFuKPv6DF74w/s400/681x454.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(Agora ruins, photo by: Tony Wheeler for <a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/albania/images/agora-ruins-albania$23829-1#content">Lonely Planet</a>)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i>Flowers:</i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The poppy worked well to show case the red and black of the Albanian flag, and it is the national flower, so using it would tie in the red theme and it would represent Albania well. Not many people have ever seen a real poppy, most people are used to seeing poppies around remembrance day but the real things are very beautiful. A great option for the groom and his groom's men, and the father of the bride/groom would be brooch or fake flower. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZWjLDicER2q1Kxb7v0EqxzfmtW7-grc0QW1vSdgw6v3nSmgguIp8vpWKrufnX_lEJ336z0hyphenhyphen8GuRevLfyVD6L9a8zbyaCvUWLL0R6XT9Cx7rXUCajaHJKIZswInwL-lpYbJQHJDjP-xE/s1600/155924_10152280706180643_1240293468_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZWjLDicER2q1Kxb7v0EqxzfmtW7-grc0QW1vSdgw6v3nSmgguIp8vpWKrufnX_lEJ336z0hyphenhyphen8GuRevLfyVD6L9a8zbyaCvUWLL0R6XT9Cx7rXUCajaHJKIZswInwL-lpYbJQHJDjP-xE/s320/155924_10152280706180643_1240293468_n.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/109030960/the-brooch-poppy-flower-inspired?ref=sr_gallery_15&ga_search_query=red+poppy+wedding&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=CA&ga_page=3&ga_search_type=all&ga_facet=red+poppy+wedding">Poppy brooches</a>)<span style="text-align: left;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i>The Dress: </i></b></div>
A traditional Dashmas (Albanian Wedding) dress looks something similar to the wedding dresses of Afghanistan. And it is said that since weddings are so popular and such a big deal in Albania that there are dress shops on almost every street corner. Renting is always an option so, renting a traditional Albanian dress to have a ceremony in and take a few pictures in before returning it would be a great option. Celebrating in a white ''Western'' wedding dress would be a way to have both sides incorporated into the wedding day. Black on a wedding day, works just fine! In this case, a black and white wedding dress would work beautifully, the bright red of the flowers would be highlighted against the white and the black will add a little detail to the dress.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgi7u1ssAUapNoPjQZn1Bw1b6XPWN0_PmSPN39OsQxP88x4r7lgwkHMphdKtZ8MFR_nSkdEMhh5Z2a55niVKR53_d0H77bqbk-BNQWDTxZcBV7AVBqkmdow7gc0Ba2Dq-wToIopQMTSw4/s1600/Untitled.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgi7u1ssAUapNoPjQZn1Bw1b6XPWN0_PmSPN39OsQxP88x4r7lgwkHMphdKtZ8MFR_nSkdEMhh5Z2a55niVKR53_d0H77bqbk-BNQWDTxZcBV7AVBqkmdow7gc0Ba2Dq-wToIopQMTSw4/s400/Untitled.png" height="400" width="297" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(<a href="http://www.alfredangelobridal.ca/collections/productdisplay.aspx?productID=3657750d-5422-419e-9dc2-174724b0a06e&categoryID=6dc27e65-2266-42ac-a07c-1829aada1495&pg=3&colorId1=">Alfred Angelo Style 1193</a>)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i>The Shoes:</i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
With a long dress, the best shoes are always flat ones. A regular flip-flop, or a ballet flat would work well, in black or white. Any pair of plain shoes can be made more theme oriented by adding shoe clips to them. However with a long dress, chances are no one will see the bride's shoes so added glitter and such isn't needed. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqPBeVEZCXwOXUkNLSnZCg-D6Kb-_0fJ3ZsHW_llQeL2MK0BemClV3OLfRhKI-2Czhg_JGMm34fYyAbdTu69zsPWsoOcRdYUO45nmqJ-PdjeIxwr5_u_WkrV2JG_xd2cwnAovvH0BOm0k/s1600/il_570xN.253599111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqPBeVEZCXwOXUkNLSnZCg-D6Kb-_0fJ3ZsHW_llQeL2MK0BemClV3OLfRhKI-2Czhg_JGMm34fYyAbdTu69zsPWsoOcRdYUO45nmqJ-PdjeIxwr5_u_WkrV2JG_xd2cwnAovvH0BOm0k/s200/il_570xN.253599111.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/76743986/elegant-poppy-red-shoe-clips?ref=sr_gallery_2&sref=sr_1cc7eb82bad262cde82465f074a3fd11f1d609fd5e07e1b2c55db6996aebb114_1353445402_14153478_poppy&ga_search_query=red+poppy+wedding&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=CA&ga_page=14&ga_search_type=all">Elegant Poppy Red Shoe Clips</a> by: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/ChiKaPea?ref=seller_info">ChiKaPea</a>)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i>Make up, hair, nails and accessories: </i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Make up always depends on the bride's complex and what colours she can pull off. A bright red lip stick would make the poppy red colour, but not every woman can pull off such a bright colour. Beautiful hair for a wedding is always having something simple and what the bride is used to is a key guide line. <a href="http://www.freeseoblog.net/curly-and-other-long-wedding-hairstyles-2011/">Loose and curly</a> are always great options for a bride with long hair and by adding hair pins that incorporate the them would make it complete. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUtVxyMAgM5vmRqx7p1zwyKojxViQapaIx_wBu2l29G0EICbR-ysbcovhCTytt3HzYTwrmCUvBnQPBEDrIblKaLuB5NdbNzbG5_Odo8NN5eQnH3UmauuWhLixKlRP16MOnlFIBC_TmSjM/s1600/aya-wedding-red-poppy-hairpins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUtVxyMAgM5vmRqx7p1zwyKojxViQapaIx_wBu2l29G0EICbR-ysbcovhCTytt3HzYTwrmCUvBnQPBEDrIblKaLuB5NdbNzbG5_Odo8NN5eQnH3UmauuWhLixKlRP16MOnlFIBC_TmSjM/s200/aya-wedding-red-poppy-hairpins.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirDbNF8FPclxomXF3T-HVEnhuSQ05-h1AVuUegCBHQG4fTl7C8scTWNTzsIVqrISnuqY4mmtyinyqQoN_Rt9Ii45OvUZNl_C_A7Df9hWjZxAV_Lvwb9Ryj7JLj105dR0XUnkLANVqE7tY/s1600/il_570xN.192984881.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirDbNF8FPclxomXF3T-HVEnhuSQ05-h1AVuUegCBHQG4fTl7C8scTWNTzsIVqrISnuqY4mmtyinyqQoN_Rt9Ii45OvUZNl_C_A7Df9hWjZxAV_Lvwb9Ryj7JLj105dR0XUnkLANVqE7tY/s200/il_570xN.192984881.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(Great options for the bride and/or the flower girl - Left: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/55481422/ruby-red-poppy-rose-blossom-flower-hair">Ruby Red Poppy</a> by: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/ayawedding?ref=seller_info">ayawedding</a>; Right: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/61850716/poppy-red-flower-black-swarovski-crystal?ref=sr_gallery_10&ga_search_query=red+poppy+wedding&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=CA&ga_search_type=all&ga_facet=red+poppy+wedding">Poppy Red Flower</a> by: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/embellishingyou?ref=seller_info">embellishingyou</a>)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Etsy is a great place to find the unusual. Its sellers have all kinds of thing to sell that are mostly home made. Finding poppy <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/100370826/silver-and-red-poppy-earrings?ref=sr_gallery_9&ga_search_query=red+poppy+wedding&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=CA&ga_page=6&ga_search_type=all&ga_facet=red+poppy+wedding">earrings</a> and <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/53145437/pretty-red-fabric-poppy-necklace?ref=sr_gallery_22&ga_search_query=red+poppy+wedding&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=CA&ga_page=2&ga_search_type=all&ga_facet=red+poppy+wedding">necklaces</a> are hard to do when they aren't made of gold or silver with diamond or other gems, but earrings, necklaces and bracelets don't always have to cost an arm and a leg, these cute pieces of art add a little extra to any bride's look. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i>The Groom: </i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
For the groom, a traditional tuxedo will be worn to ''match'' the bride's modern wedding dress. Black naturally is the only choice for this wedding, with red and black being the theme. So any black tuxedo or suit would work fine. An<a href="http://www.mooresclothing.com/mor/tuxedo/itemDetail.jsp;jsessionid=969969CEF0371ECB24CC88B64F254972?product=1831AS_S08"> Alfred Sung one-button notch-lapel</a> jacket, coupled with a <a href="http://www.mooresclothing.com/mor/tuxedo/itemDetail.jsp?product=5770_F07">Microfibre white point collar shirt</a> and a poppy or candy <a href="http://www.thetiebar.com/order_page.asp?pn=12865&orderPageReturn=%2FcategoryPages%2FAll_Ties%2Easp&pg=2&categoryIds=31,24,20,11&optionValueIds=">red tie</a> would be perfect for a red and black wedding. Cufflinks for the groom and his groom's men don't have to match the theme of the wedding, but a nice <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/86766528/cuff-links-poppy-jasper-and-sterling?ref=sr_gallery_8&ga_search_query=red+poppy+wedding&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=CA&ga_page=11&ga_search_type=all&ga_facet=red+poppy+wedding">Poppy Jasper Cufflinks </a>incorporates the red and black well into the links themselves. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i>The Invitations: </i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Naturally, the invitations for this wedding would be black and red with poppies on them. Thought not always a popular choice, there are poppy invitations and options out there. The best option for Albania and its poppy theme would be the poppy set of invitations by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/appleberryink?ref=seller_info">Applyberryink</a>.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimy8GTfKj_BjPCDvuX7BgLWIfT_lhN8LymicVpcx9Q4aJrrFq7ZMwcqMlN4L05SJ9X2c8hYUAnyyq1P8Htudr1lkuRPX4jyF0riaWGb_ejF5e2OVd-WGl1bvPE3UN7nJjMUBLSyz7qGZg/s1600/il_570xN.154875058.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimy8GTfKj_BjPCDvuX7BgLWIfT_lhN8LymicVpcx9Q4aJrrFq7ZMwcqMlN4L05SJ9X2c8hYUAnyyq1P8Htudr1lkuRPX4jyF0riaWGb_ejF5e2OVd-WGl1bvPE3UN7nJjMUBLSyz7qGZg/s200/il_570xN.154875058.jpg" height="160" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdKtXA3FqKLaV38o63mkq_Txb4hxR8jDsJUgepoFNCjfqzJo0P6r3-QnS51wmF_1Ew_NRN-2s2VzQSlS7Bhfm3VyAlmtlxvRAINF-WZQ-6eS50u9H9ysYtVBDOJVu3t9fQY45E-3fvf-8/s1600/il_570xN.154875006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdKtXA3FqKLaV38o63mkq_Txb4hxR8jDsJUgepoFNCjfqzJo0P6r3-QnS51wmF_1Ew_NRN-2s2VzQSlS7Bhfm3VyAlmtlxvRAINF-WZQ-6eS50u9H9ysYtVBDOJVu3t9fQY45E-3fvf-8/s320/il_570xN.154875006.jpg" height="256" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/50469742/wedding-invitations-poppy-flowers-in?ref=sr_gallery_12&ga_search_query=poppy%2Bwedding%2Binvitation&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_page=2">Poppy Flowers in Black and Red</a>)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i>Photographer and Videographer: </i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Asking a local company really isn't the best way to go because a couple that isn't local has no idea who to get and who has a track record of taking great pictures. Asking a person to travel around the world just to shoot pictures and/or video would cost a small fortune. The best thing to do is to ask friends and family if they have any experience with taking pictures (beyond the point and shoot that everyone can master), it would be a lot cheaper if an already invited guest could take pictures for the big day. But just because they are there anyways, offering to pay them a small fee, or asking them do to it as a wedding present could go along way to getting someone to agree to do it.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i>Ceremony: </i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
If the couple isn't getting married in on of the major religions of the country, the best way to get married would be at a city hall, at home, and than have a ceremony for friends and family. But since Albania has may religious groups getting married there may be easier for certain people than others. Either way an out door exchanging of vows and/or ring could be beautiful no matter what religion. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIfnDCxIaWOr1pJ4hBoptgqAkk-vDyRDv7cRLFrS8f7vr0QohjIGoMQCS6x9NaJeJ54EGin_F9-PPvGVkYMn__rqkcJwdjAzMBo9XEnbyzxWAo8nxSUwEVTDgNoMdkUX6woTZ40H6YYB4/s1600/product-hugerect-18140-2493-1331612193-13e99f54e52815aa867ba0597312b399.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIfnDCxIaWOr1pJ4hBoptgqAkk-vDyRDv7cRLFrS8f7vr0QohjIGoMQCS6x9NaJeJ54EGin_F9-PPvGVkYMn__rqkcJwdjAzMBo9XEnbyzxWAo8nxSUwEVTDgNoMdkUX6woTZ40H6YYB4/s200/product-hugerect-18140-2493-1331612193-13e99f54e52815aa867ba0597312b399.jpg" height="200" width="196" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPE0pC-NlKhiiSHDI-S4izmNAHx_DY4iZ8nnX5zVVpVZ3SPcC8jOmNxuOB-hNeO3dLIYFv58IFBAJbA-WBlOmsPPVn9bh7sVAiShyphenhyphenGxyEBARo1dZvgqhNZVNJwxpIuiKLooyE2AY3Igwg/s1600/il_570xN.272133217.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPE0pC-NlKhiiSHDI-S4izmNAHx_DY4iZ8nnX5zVVpVZ3SPcC8jOmNxuOB-hNeO3dLIYFv58IFBAJbA-WBlOmsPPVn9bh7sVAiShyphenhyphenGxyEBARo1dZvgqhNZVNJwxpIuiKLooyE2AY3Igwg/s200/il_570xN.272133217.jpg" height="180" width="200" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(Red Poppy Jasper Rings; Left: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/82125064/rustic-ring-red-poppy-jasper-and">Rustic Gunmetal Ring</a> Right: <a href="http://www.luulla.com/product/13219/red-poppy-jasper-ring-in-antique-brass">Antique Brass Ring</a> both by: <a href="http://www.luulla.com/store/DistortedEarth">Distorted Earth</a> (<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/DistortedEarth?ref=seller_info">ETSY account</a>). </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i>Reception:</i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A great wedding guest book would be a beautiful art piece framed, with a red surrounding. Works of art are so versitial that they can be made to fit any theme, or incorporate any detail. In the picture below, any cityscape can be added to the frame and the surrounding colour can be almost any colour. For this wedding the red works perfectly, and the city can be anywhere in Albania or where the couple is from, where they met, or just a city that means something to them. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgojKrO0SNioOQ-_r93ZlmoZFTPC6z9hJ8nebYB5gZRfxk6tTFdJaeT9wg3ylsnNjXouUfoUOKA8Rsx7lxGlEoUuAg5r-BEjY2W_eRER8qk0DN3nWeb91dKemcqmjzES3EGIICfr4WJZz8/s1600/il_570xN.375780677_b1po.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgojKrO0SNioOQ-_r93ZlmoZFTPC6z9hJ8nebYB5gZRfxk6tTFdJaeT9wg3ylsnNjXouUfoUOKA8Rsx7lxGlEoUuAg5r-BEjY2W_eRER8qk0DN3nWeb91dKemcqmjzES3EGIICfr4WJZz8/s1600/il_570xN.375780677_b1po.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/109633913/unique-wedding-guest-book-modern-3d-city?ref=sr_gallery_4&sref=sr_8c117511446a9c10e052480595c3d96806b9e3c12926f3eb96682c73663fb68e_1353129841_14408393_book&ga_search_query=guest+book&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=CA&ga_search_type=all">Modern 3D City Cut Out </a>by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/Cropacature?ref=seller_info">Cropacature</a>)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Table numbers and name cards, help minimize the confusion for guests. Having a seating chart, especially with a sit down meal is a key part of the reception especially if the couple and their family isn't around to seat guests. Table numbers aren't always needed, sometimes they take away from the center pieces and take up too much room on the table, but table numbers can be printed on the name cards to take away any confusion. A postcard would work great for this, on one side the table number, on the other the guest's name. <a href="http://www.beau-coup.com/all/s/place-card-holder?s">Framing them, or having a stand of some kind</a> to hold them up would complete the look, or simply laying them on top of a place setting would work find also. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKpFSsW-hcQIrUJ8TWe5-xg7nOa9vDVFHEVL8_IFnnikWikA7nYFeaVxZ6FDtQG-G1-atl1YE8j4JU0KOQznXzjsIwcjHGinAU_Dd-HGntOC5IGiBVScPX4k7mkhknoFKQJG4b-W8YCek/s1600/Untitleddsajkdjcfv.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKpFSsW-hcQIrUJ8TWe5-xg7nOa9vDVFHEVL8_IFnnikWikA7nYFeaVxZ6FDtQG-G1-atl1YE8j4JU0KOQznXzjsIwcjHGinAU_Dd-HGntOC5IGiBVScPX4k7mkhknoFKQJG4b-W8YCek/s1600/Untitleddsajkdjcfv.png" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(<a href="http://www.zazzle.ca/red_floral_table_numbers_postcards-239142787320510091">Red Floral Table Number Postcards </a>by: <a href="http://www.zazzle.ca/">Zazzle</a>)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Traditional weddings in Albania are held at the homes of the parents, so a first dance for the bride and groom isn't traditional and a dance for the bride and her father isn't either. However because of Albanian's new embrace of modern weddings certain Albanian songs are becoming more popular. Any Albanian slow romantic song would work fine, but for a couple and their guests that don't understand Albanian, a song in their native tongue may be better or an Albanian song with a wonderful melody would work well. </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i>Food:</i></b><br />
There is usually a lot of food at an Albanian wedding, some say 10 times more food than an American one. Food is usually on the table as guests arrive and they are free to help themselves as music is played and they dance and celebrate even before the bride and groom get there. If the couple is having a reception in a hall than having a buffet waiting for them as they arrive would be a way to stick close to tradition. If they are going even more traditional and having just a house party as a reception, any pot luck type items would work very well. Usually, a lot of speeches are made at an Albanian wedding and a great set of champagne glasses would be anything with black and red Incorporated, maybe in a ribbon thing, or like the glasses below. Like Afghan weddings, a garter isn't usually worn or thrown at the wedding but if the couple chooses to add that tradition to their wedding, there is a beautiful <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/88352804/garter-bridal-red-white-black-poppy?ref=sr_gallery_25&ga_search_query=red+poppy+wedding&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=CA&ga_page=12&ga_search_type=all&ga_facet=red+poppy+wedding">garter set</a> that matches the champagne glasses below.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHUXm07ZUnhdOLepPt8X_r7LOt4MQEqGe4cdgY2z1rozMGCgb2idxiZAVFBNyjqRA_4vTggcgVonhI8JTixV1BVDIqKEh-p2dR65X-4uAfqnyYtQPhYRfmJQJ8hkhAnlu8_XTB-uEMtJs/s1600/il_570xN.294894190.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHUXm07ZUnhdOLepPt8X_r7LOt4MQEqGe4cdgY2z1rozMGCgb2idxiZAVFBNyjqRA_4vTggcgVonhI8JTixV1BVDIqKEh-p2dR65X-4uAfqnyYtQPhYRfmJQJ8hkhAnlu8_XTB-uEMtJs/s320/il_570xN.294894190.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/88351600/flutes-champagne-glasses-bride-groom-red?ref=sr_gallery_15&ga_search_query=red+poppy+wedding&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=CA&ga_page=16&ga_search_type=all&ga_facet=red+poppy+wedding">Flutes Champagne Glasses</a> by: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/ArtisanFeltStudio?ref=seller_info">ArtisanFeltStudio</a>)</div>
<br />
<b><i>The Cake: </i></b><br />
The wedding cakes in Albania are very much like those in Afghanistan, layered and usually very expensive. Cakes are usually four layers, but they aren't traditionally layered like a ''Western'' cake, each layer has its own stand. Some traditions do not serve the wedding cake or eat it at all, the bride and groom simply there for display and for the bride and groom to cut it. But cupcakes can be served for desert, and they can be topped with beautiful individual <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/90760117/red-poppies-flowers-cupcake-picks?ref=sr_gallery_44&ga_search_query=red+poppy+wedding&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=CA&ga_search_type=all&ga_facet=red+poppy+wedding">red poppy picks</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaK2phCzA-UXNrMQNSvQnPIqCUxZ6qVpP_dgZ7oFx4TakASHA1Y2nIvRxtNdvfiilDr2wp47Y3dnfWnyO0SsKJpzaAra3p7ecgzTlleBDXiIzBmURLompACxt46HrGQmfH9VlKzHJ0ACE/s1600/BrownBand_Web.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaK2phCzA-UXNrMQNSvQnPIqCUxZ6qVpP_dgZ7oFx4TakASHA1Y2nIvRxtNdvfiilDr2wp47Y3dnfWnyO0SsKJpzaAra3p7ecgzTlleBDXiIzBmURLompACxt46HrGQmfH9VlKzHJ0ACE/s320/BrownBand_Web.jpg" height="320" width="247" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(<a href="http://nkconfections.com/blog/?p=193">Red Poppy Cake</a> by: <a href="http://nkconfections.com/index.html">NancyKay Confections</a>)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Any flowers can be chosen, ones with darker centers perhaps or fake ones, or real ones which ever the couple likes better. The serving set can simply be any set with red and/or black ribbons or it can be a <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/88394675/cake-knife-and-server-set-wedding-set?ref=sr_gallery_20&ga_search_query=red+poppy+wedding&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=CA&ga_page=12&ga_search_type=all&ga_facet=red+poppy+wedding">red poppy set</a> that matches the champagne flutes. Also the wedding cake topper can be any thing the couple likes but the one below would work well with the poppy theme also. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLLPMKEUjLGgSzfZRdwChOFyRZaUhhXjcbQq5AjbrJN9xEFRLuLo3rS-Z65bKPeSqN6JnzVjFbeUUwvbsdKT7PejR-ulXbLTpbfPUTysVH6dWybpVAhPWrQW77fZOZEOCrQ-kI9hQh31U/s1600/il_570xN.294879334.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLLPMKEUjLGgSzfZRdwChOFyRZaUhhXjcbQq5AjbrJN9xEFRLuLo3rS-Z65bKPeSqN6JnzVjFbeUUwvbsdKT7PejR-ulXbLTpbfPUTysVH6dWybpVAhPWrQW77fZOZEOCrQ-kI9hQh31U/s320/il_570xN.294879334.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/88347747/cake-topper-wedding-ivory-black-red?ref=sr_gallery_26&ga_search_query=red+poppy+wedding&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=CA&ga_page=12&ga_search_type=all&ga_facet=red+poppy+wedding">Cake Topper Ivory Black Red Poppy</a> by: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/ArtisanFeltStudio?ref=seller_info">ArtisanFelt Studio</a>)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i>Guest Favours: </i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Guest favours aren't usually given at an Albanian wedding, however when having the ceremony in a hall instead of at the home of the couple's parents, it is best to give something as a sign of thanks to all the guests, the way an open home with a steady stream of food and drinks would be a thank you gesture on the family's part. Like Afghan weddings, frosted almonds are a part of the wedding traditions and are given out throughout the celebrations. Frosted almonds, and/or any other kind of candied nut or roasted nut would work find as a gift, or a mix of nuts would be fine also. Any type of eatable favour would work find.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL0tDwZ1CG9-HJfkAiAVrhCyozWQSpL76OulveSspIbSSsbgyBrPG9ZWcmcniYxzncvLqU0FoU5HB6hBdk39a5B0Ta6-gsypTW-ZGgdKaS4aN9gbkHhyKsqufBOu_MMwp9GSmx708tt5s/s1600/wfc-12482_5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL0tDwZ1CG9-HJfkAiAVrhCyozWQSpL76OulveSspIbSSsbgyBrPG9ZWcmcniYxzncvLqU0FoU5HB6hBdk39a5B0Ta6-gsypTW-ZGgdKaS4aN9gbkHhyKsqufBOu_MMwp9GSmx708tt5s/s320/wfc-12482_5.jpg" height="320" width="248" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(<a href="http://www.magnetstreet.com/details/market/517/productId/47451">Watercolor Poppies</a> by: <a href="http://www.magnetstreet.com/weddings">Magnetstreet</a>)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
These gift boxes can be a keep sake also, with the couple's name and wedding date along with a picture on top and a thank you note on the back, it makes a perfect favour box for guests. A special gift for everyone involved in the wedding, would be a beautiful poem, framed that matches the theme of the wedding to commemorate the special day.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9U-0IYtJ0Kgq-zBCgtEtIXk0ZAlmOzFyOORJHISIrCyfiUcjx_Nw-fmzRUHnqlBCum6_T1-O_1Ka8A5AemdOCuDa84WYex5L7lEGZ8hekx1KFl3t4im1NBYEnEJtJSNSLJUzX09R_8vs/s1600/il_570xN.384086885_4az4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9U-0IYtJ0Kgq-zBCgtEtIXk0ZAlmOzFyOORJHISIrCyfiUcjx_Nw-fmzRUHnqlBCum6_T1-O_1Ka8A5AemdOCuDa84WYex5L7lEGZ8hekx1KFl3t4im1NBYEnEJtJSNSLJUzX09R_8vs/s400/il_570xN.384086885_4az4.jpg" height="400" width="361" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/109467743/poppy-bridesmaid-thank-you-gift-red?ref=sr_gallery_20&ga_search_query=red+poppy+wedding&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=CA&ga_search_type=all&ga_facet=red+poppy+wedding">Poppy Thank You Gifts</a> by: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/RedWallStudio?ref=seller_info">RedWallStudio</a>)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i>Centerpieces: </i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Sometimes simple is the best way to go. A small bowl with clear water, and a poppy floating in the middle would be beautiful. Surrounded by black stones, or red petals, or even jelly crystals would be beautiful. A few light candles around and it would have the natural glow from the fire and still be inexpensive. Like the picture below or something on an even slightly larger scale. Also, adding <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/81456677/poppy-love-paper-flowers-red-set-of-24?ref=sr_gallery_12&ga_search_query=red+poppy+wedding&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=CA&ga_page=4&ga_search_type=all&ga_facet=red+poppy+wedding">paper poppy flowers,</a> or black stones to any table, especially to receiving tables cake table, or the buffet table would add a little something to a plain table.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhhxpuUvLOvEm0wNfnib3_kBezJv6fpjwVZSKD-sizXRPDKNY3p3ELgyp1LOflB-m1s-9Yien3Uc3VJfhkN8y6eF8iftr4xREedwkD6z38eRT3JkOoZSKfq5BHaKKJpI8dE8rXrqOGj74/s1600/bubblebowl-centerpiece-300x218.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhhxpuUvLOvEm0wNfnib3_kBezJv6fpjwVZSKD-sizXRPDKNY3p3ELgyp1LOflB-m1s-9Yien3Uc3VJfhkN8y6eF8iftr4xREedwkD6z38eRT3JkOoZSKfq5BHaKKJpI8dE8rXrqOGj74/s1600/bubblebowl-centerpiece-300x218.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
( <a href="http://www.njsdesign.on.ca/portfolio/bowl-centerpiece/">Glass Bubble bowl</a> by: <a href="http://www.njsdesign.on.ca/">NJS Designs</a>)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i>Thank You Cards: </i></b></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A beautiful card with a picture of the couple is always a wonderful thank you card. Sometimes, the invitations don't have a matching thank you card to go with them and the couple has to scramble for something after their wedding. A lovely picture of the couple, is always a great alternative to this. But mixing and matching work well too. </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8UNliuRgjI7quqVxldkwfuUbg8ZdfzEeEpz6jAyWtrc3BykKe4sB6fLNktLJWJRznZbcLZaOvGlECdnLIqLFozCJfg3wK9dZJB6MVyJDGDme8lvLkEDoi0x-yHZcFFN6YXcnlFCWXyHg/s1600/Untitled.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8UNliuRgjI7quqVxldkwfuUbg8ZdfzEeEpz6jAyWtrc3BykKe4sB6fLNktLJWJRznZbcLZaOvGlECdnLIqLFozCJfg3wK9dZJB6MVyJDGDme8lvLkEDoi0x-yHZcFFN6YXcnlFCWXyHg/s400/Untitled.png" height="327" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(<a href="http://www.zazzle.ca/red_poppy_flower_thank_you_card-137963832374390089">Red Poppy Flower</a> By: <a href="http://www.zazzle.ca/">Zazzle</a>)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i>Places to see: </i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Constructed in 1789 the Mosque of Ethem Bey is situated just at the center of Tirana, the capital of Albania. Together with the Clock Tower, they make an important historic part of Tirana. Skanderbeg Suare is a main plaza of Tirana, named in 1968 after the Albanian nation hero Skanderbeg, a monument can be found of Skanderbeg in the plaza. The Tirana International hotel, Place of Culture of Tirana, National Historical Museum and an Opera House can all be found in Skanderbeg Square. The Fortress of Pertrela is located at the south of Tirana on the right side of national road linking the capital with the city of Elbasan. IT was built in the middle ages, and was commanded by Skanderbeg's sister, Mamica Kastrioti. Also the Fortress of Preza is a castle from the fifteenth century that has a dominant position in front of Kruja Mauntain. The Kalasa Citadel ruins is also a great thing to see, along with the Agora ruins, and Castle ruins. Finally, the Martyrs Cemetery which contains the ''Mother Albania'' monument, and the Tomb of Kapllan Pasha, built in 1814 to honor Kaplan Pasha, who ruled Tirana in the early 19th century, are must sees (<a href="http://www.albania-hotel.com/cities-in-albania">Sites to see </a>). </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSb6mi_vEsb2Re8CI_S3uRMo5iM2B8QZv07dWFhCpRZCQUZw_s3Ia0Z4wmrvWJCnK-mvJt359vxYGi6uhWDbSjsllhvT51S6zKL_jUCK_O-iS2qX9zrsewDX3BX8tLLdVNP1XLFKaU-g0/s1600/681x454.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSb6mi_vEsb2Re8CI_S3uRMo5iM2B8QZv07dWFhCpRZCQUZw_s3Ia0Z4wmrvWJCnK-mvJt359vxYGi6uhWDbSjsllhvT51S6zKL_jUCK_O-iS2qX9zrsewDX3BX8tLLdVNP1XLFKaU-g0/s400/681x454.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(Sky Club Panoramic Bar and Restaurant, Albania. Photo by: Doug McKinlay for <a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/">The Lonely Planet</a>)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>The next country alphabetically is Algeria, in northwest Africa!</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOGdPAWWQ9Kv10G87Bei3dDvVklIC_u8cfnd2hNh9jioZK2czR0hIcvQtxDSpOLBg2JKv0yvugOr85qNK7fgts2RyHvSJSQRcII6e52sKdCPA5qTiIAOBz08dzBovinmm502OTr-5dfJ8/s1600/ag-map.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOGdPAWWQ9Kv10G87Bei3dDvVklIC_u8cfnd2hNh9jioZK2czR0hIcvQtxDSpOLBg2JKv0yvugOr85qNK7fgts2RyHvSJSQRcII6e52sKdCPA5qTiIAOBz08dzBovinmm502OTr-5dfJ8/s320/ag-map.gif" height="320" width="296" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHH9d51Bjbm80mcuiAsN4ddGgtuhbh8QiOb-Ad9LeySCcaKsUgw-iQ8vugOm9qfj_y6yiyIcA7qiPh6TriaEm5bwYo42s3ZDWzhVVQKkw_BDarIqMuqTJA9Btryxv53D0GxHDCt-r9Xj4/s1600/bWF4Vz00MDA=_x_htp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHH9d51Bjbm80mcuiAsN4ddGgtuhbh8QiOb-Ad9LeySCcaKsUgw-iQ8vugOm9qfj_y6yiyIcA7qiPh6TriaEm5bwYo42s3ZDWzhVVQKkw_BDarIqMuqTJA9Btryxv53D0GxHDCt-r9Xj4/s200/bWF4Vz00MDA=_x_htp.jpg" height="153" width="200" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Amylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17670343941890296465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3266172343740283861.post-47123457265539635282012-12-04T16:10:00.001-08:002015-03-29T15:20:28.648-07:00Albania Wedding #1 - Country Themed (Red) WeddingAlbania is a small and mountainous country with very few natural resources. The main language of Albania is Albanian but because of its close proximity to other countries, other languages spoken in Albania include, Vlach, Serbian, Macedonian, Bosnian, Bulgarian, Gorani, and Roma. More than half the country is Muslim, so many of Albania's traditions are similar to that of Afghanistan but it also has more ''Western'' traditions blended in.Conveniently, the colours of the Albanian flag, and it's national flower are the same, black and red which is the simplest colour theme to follow for an Albanian wedding.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQOaMIG-7htm0eN6QpuCaZsRyYlkVeGH_9LM1Khe5YjhIrvfzxhY2DQqbAPJmK5Y-ks3COxL5i8lp5gju0y_SWK1vsG0wt9ePoYmyG7jxsYhreEDKaEgLmeOHgVHqpYNQxH8uo9O9jzpA/s1600/Flag_of_Albania.svg.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQOaMIG-7htm0eN6QpuCaZsRyYlkVeGH_9LM1Khe5YjhIrvfzxhY2DQqbAPJmK5Y-ks3COxL5i8lp5gju0y_SWK1vsG0wt9ePoYmyG7jxsYhreEDKaEgLmeOHgVHqpYNQxH8uo9O9jzpA/s320/Flag_of_Albania.svg.png" height="228" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Flag_of_Albania.svg">Albania's</a> Flag)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<b><i>Flowers: </i></b></div>
The red poppy is Albania's flower and is becoming very popular in wedding bouquets. Poppies are very beautiful and would make a great bouquet for the bride and her flower girl.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8dK_zFRt5vsm8SjiKFe_cix-Sk_kcBqs3s2Oef1BHgU7wET040oeQWdPlKe453Aan_aM_2RN42yiwfwbjZWNPfIakzJSTs9ygzZhnTTxDWJxiSidAZJTUehtKbKa2UiDToBrNxMs1lBM/s1600/Poppy-Wedding-Flowers.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8dK_zFRt5vsm8SjiKFe_cix-Sk_kcBqs3s2Oef1BHgU7wET040oeQWdPlKe453Aan_aM_2RN42yiwfwbjZWNPfIakzJSTs9ygzZhnTTxDWJxiSidAZJTUehtKbKa2UiDToBrNxMs1lBM/s400/Poppy-Wedding-Flowers.jpeg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(<a href="http://www.shefinds.com/2011/poppy-is-the-new-black-shop-our-floral-finds-from-flower-girl-dresses-to-plateware/">Poppy Bouquet</a>)</div>
<br />
<b><i>The Dress: </i></b><br />
The Albanian wedding dress is very similar to the Afghanistan wedding dress. It is very long, long sleeves, with basically no shape to it. This is tradition but for couples that aren't Muslim than the traditions may differ when it comes to wedding dresses, and ceremonies. Lately, in Albania, weddings and tradition have been modernized slightly. It isn't uncommon to see a bride in a white ''western'' dress and her groom in a tuxedo. (For the purpose of this wedding, I will highlight traditional Muslim wedding attire, however not every one in Albania is Muslim, the second wedding in Albania that I write about will be completely westernized.)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRawch0G_bsMU23VwNLj9MpfJZkkGxxPKLroqWxi-ZZr46zkh4BRoy0puPeA48Ekm2fvUuxXB4JmvmcMwg7Dy6REfi6jRnl0h7y5-m8XT8RA9rpdn1fiUN6JREzvvPKH_kfI0LK4A7cm8/s1600/wedding-dress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRawch0G_bsMU23VwNLj9MpfJZkkGxxPKLroqWxi-ZZr46zkh4BRoy0puPeA48Ekm2fvUuxXB4JmvmcMwg7Dy6REfi6jRnl0h7y5-m8XT8RA9rpdn1fiUN6JREzvvPKH_kfI0LK4A7cm8/s200/wedding-dress.jpg" height="200" width="148" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(Example provided by: <a href="http://albaniaorbust.blogspot.ca/2012/07/dashmas-albanian-weddings.html">Zosia</a> of the blog <a href="http://albaniaorbust.blogspot.ca/">Albania or Bust</a>)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i>The Shoes: </i></b></div>
As seen in the photo above, the average shoe for an Albanian wedding dress would be something flat, like a sandal or a flat ballet type shoe. With a slightly shorter dress, a shoe with a little bit of a heel would work fine, and a little thought should be put into the shoe since they will be visible the entire evening.<br />
<br />
<b><i>Make up, hair, nails and accessories: </i></b><br />
Thursday night, the night of the bride's ''bachelorette party'' the bride starts her make-up preparations. The bride's hair, nails and make up are all planned ready for the day of her wedding or the day before. If the bride chooses to wear a traditional or western veil than the hair style may not be as complex as a hair style chosen to show off.<br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<b><i>Invitations:</i></b><br />
Invitations aren't traditionally sent for an Albanian wedding, usually they are informed of the dates when the couple calls to announce their engagement or at a later dated my the couple or their parents. However if the couple wants to send out invitations a simple card would work great since there is no need for reply cards.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW-N2cvoq_qGtLWa1kJwGKeGZL0qCRvOsKoX80aevDFibjB2_END9RTg5qr4EelLH0GdnBu6j5V3aFeHB3JId7L2mdn4iD1jWqMPhd23NlCsQ4P6FtJ5gDJDkULAg7o0lMxB48OyHUQg0/s1600/530870_10152284752865643_1995978608_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW-N2cvoq_qGtLWa1kJwGKeGZL0qCRvOsKoX80aevDFibjB2_END9RTg5qr4EelLH0GdnBu6j5V3aFeHB3JId7L2mdn4iD1jWqMPhd23NlCsQ4P6FtJ5gDJDkULAg7o0lMxB48OyHUQg0/s200/530870_10152284752865643_1995978608_n.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<b><i>Photographer and Videographer:</i></b><br />
Photographers and Videographers are not traditionally part of an Albanian wedding, usually the family will leave cameras around the house for the guests to snap pictures at their leisure or the couple asks their friends or a family member to take pictures for them.<br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<b><i>Engagement:</i></b><br />
To get engaged, traditionally in Albania, the man has to go and ask the girl's parents for approval in order to get engaged to their daughter. Once the parents give their approval, the next step is for the couple to date and go ring shopping. Right away, the couple must go ring shopping and everybody must be informed about the news. After the couple has informed their relatives and friends of their engagement, they start wedding plans.<br />
Throughout the time the couple is engaged, they also have to plan their future. Now is the time they talk about where they will be living, how many children they will have, who will take care of their children, will the wife work or not, etc. Traditionally, if the son is the youngest boy or the only boy his parents have, he and his wife have to live with his parents.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOE3nZt8kl4jNQ2cqSomgBwJaLL0oj8irOnTI8lehxdHO28jLB75Ul5Dj2mvSGxI3jUZFjY4Ot9zOMFvzRMlBmNeemF3NH2hNPV-N6n_H9zCzoDrQTWZBnM0VcuYgEjjfIGH2oqGJxE1o/s1600/gr5521_ruby_rings_wedding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOE3nZt8kl4jNQ2cqSomgBwJaLL0oj8irOnTI8lehxdHO28jLB75Ul5Dj2mvSGxI3jUZFjY4Ot9zOMFvzRMlBmNeemF3NH2hNPV-N6n_H9zCzoDrQTWZBnM0VcuYgEjjfIGH2oqGJxE1o/s400/gr5521_ruby_rings_wedding.jpg" height="167" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(<a href="http://www.myjewelrysource.com/ruby_engagement_rings/gr5521_ruby_engagement_rings.htm">Ruby Engagement Ring Set</a> by: <a href="http://www.myjewelrysource.com/">My Jewelry Source</a>) </div>
<br />
<br />
<b><i>Ceremony: </i></b><br />
Traditionally, Albanian weddings are arranged by parents or by an intermediary or matchmaker. The festivities may begin a week before the wedding (jav' e nuses - ''marriage week''). Usually, an engagement ceremony is held between the two families and the bride is given a gold coin as a token of the engagement. A celebration is held at the home of the bride's parents and refreshments are serves as the future bride is given gifts and sweets. A second celebration is given by the family of the groom and the bride's family attends. At these celebrations, small favors of candy-coated almonds (kufeta) are exchanged.<br />
<br />
On Thursday with the viewing of the bride's dowry and this is the Albanian version of a bridal shower. Women, especially the bride's family, come to see her dowry displayed. Now, most of the dowry is bought at the finest stores the family can afford and consist of gifts for the groom's family, nightgowns and lingerie, linens and bedcovers, jewelry and whatever else the bride will need to start her life with her husband. Traditionally, a Turkish delight and sweet sherry, for the women, or raki/hard liquor, for the men, are given out to the guests. <br />
<br />
On Friday guests continue to visit the bride to view her dowry and wish good luck and congratulations. The bride is usually all in white and expected to greet each and every guest in the living room or the women's room. (Sometimes the men stay in a different room, sometimes not.)Sometimes the bride stands the whole time, while the women around her sing. A cocktail party or dinner is held also on Friday for the closest social circle of the couple. It is more informal and the bride can wear almost any colour she wishes to him (<a href="http://bletebzz.wordpress.com/2007/02/21/albanian-weddings-for-dummies/">Albanian Weddings</a>). Friday and Friday night is also the groom's night for his ''bachelor party'' Usually the groom will party all night with friends and family.<br />
<br />
Saturday, is the bride's wedding dinner party. All her friends and relatives gather and the groom's party comes around midnight. The groom's party must be an odd number. The bride's father and the groom's father are usually the only ones to toast the party and once they do guest are welcome to leave, but it is considered offensive to leave before midnight at least (<a href="http://bletebzz.wordpress.com/2007/02/21/albanian-weddings-for-dummies/">Albanian Wedding</a>).<br />
<br />
On the day of the wedding, the bride is dressed, given a sip of wine by her parents along with their good wishes. Other family members give her money. The vellam (best man) brings the bride her shoes filled with rice and almond candy, wrapped in a silk handkerchief. Accompanied by singing women, the vellam puts the shoes on the bride and gives money to the person who assisted her in getting dressed (<a href="http://www.everyculture.com/multi/A-Br/Albanian-Americans.html#b#ixzz2E6vZ2LqV">Albanian Culture</a>). Late morning or noon Sunday, the groom and his party go by cab/limo/bmw/carriage to pick up the bride. With the bride is a little girl that holds her bouquet (flower girl). The cars have to circle half the city and cannot go back by the same route. This is also the time when the bride and goom take pictures by the lake or park or wherever they have decided. It's at this time, the couple would make their was to a church or mosque or civil ceremony if they choose to incorporate that into their wedding.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigx3JXkw8t-1i8IBRiIQnOBsSgzAGvBfQn1rXKwNVLTocdwhoejvwt1f2lKX4b4URAXMAuRyklE26YXSIssRry28imDyA5Wkz_L8ka4AJIR46Ta32MUhBq9wByFlOOUH3H6BiN6wNrGVw/s1600/681x454.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigx3JXkw8t-1i8IBRiIQnOBsSgzAGvBfQn1rXKwNVLTocdwhoejvwt1f2lKX4b4URAXMAuRyklE26YXSIssRry28imDyA5Wkz_L8ka4AJIR46Ta32MUhBq9wByFlOOUH3H6BiN6wNrGVw/s400/681x454.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(Ethem Bey Mosque. Photo by: Doug McKinlay for <a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/">The Lonely Planet</a>)</div>
<br />
<br />
<b><i>Reception:</i></b><br />
The party itself starts without the newly weds. Food is already on the table when the guests arrive and it is around the time the first guests start to arrive that the music starts playing. Sunday night is the groom's wedding party. This is the same as the bride's party, friends and family come to party and at midnight the bride's family and friends join them with an odd number of people and two more people than the groom had to her dinner party. The father's toasted at this party too, and the party continues well into the early morning hours (<a href="http://bletebzz.wordpress.com/2007/02/21/albanian-weddings-for-dummies/">Albanian Weddings</a>) .<br />
<br />
With a modern wedding, guest numbers range in the 250-300s, to go with up to 14 bride's maids! Weddings are usually about showing off with big and bold centerpieces and two or three limos, with the best music money can buy. But for a more traditional wedding, family and friends are either invited to the bride's home or the groom's home to celebrate with them.<br />
Wedding gifts for both a modern and traditional wedding are usually money. In a traditional wedding, guests will leave money around the house, on coffee tables, or a designated tray for the couple; while for a modern wedding guests will leave envelopes with money. Usually, the only gifts given are by close family members and they are included in the bride's dowry. The rest of the guests give money so there is no need for a gift table.<br />
If the couple is having a more westernized wedding, the couple may have a ''first dance''. During this dance, the guests and a rich relative of the couple showers them with money, the guest putting money in the grooms pocket, on his forehead, to the couple directly or just shoving it down the bride's dress if they're daring. This money doesn't go to the couple but to the band for playing such music. The wedding song usually played is called, "Napoleon'' and the band usually plays it when they feel they need more money (<a href="http://bletebzz.wordpress.com/2007/02/21/albanian-weddings-for-dummies/">Albanian Wedding</a>s). When there is no first dance, the song, ''Napoleon'' is played as a white handkerchief (symbolizing the groom's bachelorhood) is doused in alcohol and burned.<br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<b><i>Food:</i></b><br />
Albanian dishes usually are influenced by the regions surrounding it, Turkey, Greece, Armenia, and Syria. Recipes have often been adapted and altered to suit American tastes. Albanians enjoy a variety of appetizers, soups, casseroles, pilaf, pies, stews, and desserts. Salads (sallate) are made with cabbage, lettuce, onions, peppers, olives, and feta cheese. Sallate me patate is a potato salad. Soups are made with a variety of ingredients such as beans, chicken, lentils, and fish. Albanian pies, lakror-byrek, are prepared with a variety of gjelle (filling). Fillings may be lamb, beef, cabbage, leeks, onions, squash, or spinach, combined with milk, eggs, and olive oil. A brushtul lakror is made with cottage and feta cheese filling, butter and eggs, domate me qepe is made with an onion and tomato filling. Stews are made with beef, rabbit, lamb, veal, and chicken, which are combined with cabbage, spinach, green beans, okra, or lentils. Favourite stews include mish me patate (lamb with potatoes), comblek (beef with onions) and comblek me lepur (rabbit stew). Dollma is a term applied to a variety of stuffed dishes, which consist of cabbage, green peppers, or vine leaves, and may be filled with rice, bread, onions, and garlic. Another Albanian American variation of the traditional Greek lasagna-like dish, moussaka, is made with potatoes and hamburger instead of eggplant (<a href="http://www.everyculture.com/multi/A-Br/Albanian-Americans.html#b#ixzz2E6vRmt00">Albanian Culture</a>).<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><i>Cake:</i></b><br />
In some traditions the cake isn't even eaten, so getting a four level cake is costly and with no reason. Getting three fake cakes and one real one for the bride and groom to cut would work fine. There are a lot of other desserts in Albania to enjoy so the fact that there is no cake won't really be missed.<br />
<br />
Albanians enjoy a variety of candies, cookies, custards, sweet breads and preserves. Halva, a confection made with sugar, flour, butter, maple syrup, water, oil, and nuts is among them; te matur, a pastry filled with butter and syrup, baklava, a filo pastry made with nuts, sugar and cinnamon, and kadaif, a pastry made with shredded dough, butter and walnuts are all popular (<a href="http://www.everyculture.com/multi/A-Br/Albanian-Americans.html#b#ixzz2E6vRmt00">Albanian Culture</a>).<br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<b><i>Guest Favours: </i></b><br />
Traditionally, the are no guest favours. The favour is opening up their home to guests, offering them food and alcoholic beverages. However, should the couple or the couple's family choose to offer frosted almonds or other candies that would be considered a guest favour.<br />
<b><i><br /></i></b><b><i>Centerpieces:</i></b><br />
Most traditional weddings take place at the parents homes, so only one centerpiece is needed at each home. Something simple as a duplicate of the bride's bouquet would be beautiful especially since the bride won't be carrying her bouquet around with her the whole time. A nice arrangement of poppies or any other flower for that matter would be a great centerpiece.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdEQg4Diz4f2SpSEXtOXPpm7czExKI10UYLdRVFx94BmwyGOF6_NSMaLL_R1_AYfQNTJPyAVcj5rnn1P6oE1oxBIoce7v7AxKuTZ1vUwEHQGlSckUYI7852cD_fdKMI1hX7I96O6XWNHo/s1600/orchids_darlene.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdEQg4Diz4f2SpSEXtOXPpm7czExKI10UYLdRVFx94BmwyGOF6_NSMaLL_R1_AYfQNTJPyAVcj5rnn1P6oE1oxBIoce7v7AxKuTZ1vUwEHQGlSckUYI7852cD_fdKMI1hX7I96O6XWNHo/s320/orchids_darlene.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(<a href="http://melaniebloomer.blogspot.ca/2010/01/modern-red-and-white-flower-arrangement.html">Modern Red and White Flower Arrangement</a>) </div>
<br />
<br />
<b><i>Thank You Cards:</i></b><br />
In Albania, for a traditional wedding, there isn't usually any need for thank you cards. Most guests visit the couple after their wedding. The couple should be prepared to accept company almost a month after their wedding, this is when the couple would thank their guests personally. Also, people that were not invited to the wedding may take this time to visit and leave a gift. <br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<b><i>Places to see: </i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Constructed in 1789 the Mosque of Ethem Bey is situated just at the center of Tirana, the capital of Albania. Together with the Clock Tower, they make an important historic part of Tirana. Skanderbeg Suare is a main plaza of Tirana, named in 1968 after the Albanian nation hero Skanderbeg, a monument can be found of Skanderbeg in the plaza. The Tirana International hotel, Place of Culture of Tirana, National Historical Museum and an Opera House can all be found in Skanderbeg Square. The Fortress of Pertrela is located at the south of Tirana on the right side of national road linking the capital with the city of Elbasan. IT was built in the middle ages, and was commanded by Skanderbeg's sister, Mamica Kastrioti. Also the Fortress of Preza is a castle from the fifteenth century that has a dominant position in front of Kruja Mauntain. The Kalasa Citadel ruins is also a great thing to see, along with the Agora ruins, and Castle ruins. Finally, the Martyrs Cemetery which contains the ''Mother Albania'' monument, and the Tomb of Kapllan Pasha, built in 1814 to honor Kaplan Pasha, who ruled Tirana in the early 19th century, are must sees (<a href="http://www.albania-hotel.com/cities-in-albania">Sites to see </a>). </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLlPiWS-aE6JN2luUQDaJ10rHu_pykLk3D55Blk9V8rwKvCXK7mPVAoVkIS02d_bLW7MooR-GFkGFouQm-bBsSZMV6VVMrxCCSwn40zKo4fEzVDQu5pEGiL8uSxLiXDORNQa6ErstUAtc/s1600/681x454+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLlPiWS-aE6JN2luUQDaJ10rHu_pykLk3D55Blk9V8rwKvCXK7mPVAoVkIS02d_bLW7MooR-GFkGFouQm-bBsSZMV6VVMrxCCSwn40zKo4fEzVDQu5pEGiL8uSxLiXDORNQa6ErstUAtc/s400/681x454+(2).jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(Castle ruins with Adriatic Sea beyond, Himara. Photo by: Tony Wheeler for <a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/">The Lonely Planet</a>)</div>
Amylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17670343941890296465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3266172343740283861.post-13243596290363525932012-12-04T16:10:00.000-08:002015-03-29T15:20:12.193-07:00Albania The Republic of Albania, which is the country's official name, is located in southeastern Europe. It is in the Balkans region and bordered by Montenegro to the northwest side of it, the Republic of Macedonia on the eastern side, Kosovo on the northeastern and Greece borders it to the south side (<a href="http://www.listofcountriesoftheworld.com/al.html">Albania</a>). Albania is a parliamentary democracy with a transition economy. The Albanian capital, Tirana, is home to 421,286 of the country's 2,831,741 people. Free-market reforms have opened the country to foreign investment, especially in the development of energy and transportation infrastructure. Albania was chosen as the No.1 Destination in Lonely Planet's list of ten top countries to visit for 2011 (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albania">Albania</a>). The national flower of Albania is the red poppy (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_emblem#Flowers">Flowers</a>) so that will be the theme I use for an Albanian wedding.<br />
<br />
Foreign nationals in Albania may marry in a civil ceremony, religious ceremony, or both. However, only a civil ceremony is considered legal under Albanian law. There are no residency requirements for foreign nationals who choose to get married in Albania. However, there are certain documents that are required. For an United States of America citizen wishing to marry in Albania, he or she needs to provide written proff issued by the U.S Embassy stating that there is no legal impediment to the marriage(<a href="http://tirana.usembassy.gov/marriage.html">Embassy of the United States Tirana Albania </a>). (Any couple wishing to get married in Albania should find out from their own embassy what steps need to be taken, however one can assume that the same requirements for an American citizen would apply to most citizens of the world.)Amylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17670343941890296465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3266172343740283861.post-47758385928031696692012-11-18T20:41:00.002-08:002016-06-16T15:18:28.550-07:00Afghanistan Wedding #2 - Lapis Lazuli (Blue) Wedding This second Afghan wedding is gears more towards someone who is looking to renew their wedding vows or to have a destination wedding. If the couple doesn't want to actually get married Muslim, than getting married in their native country at city hall first before going to Afghanistan would be the best way to go. Planning a wedding in a country that neither person has ever been to or has any connection to can be very hard, so a great way to make the whole process easier is to go on vacation there for a few days even just to find out things that the internet can't always give you (a great place to get married, to have a reception, to get flowers or a cake from for example).<br />
Afghanistan is known for a lot of things, however, not many people realize that it is also know for a beautiful blue stone called Lapis lazuli. Afghanistan is a country on top of millions of dollars worth of untapped minerals. Lapis lazuli used to be mined exclusively in Afghanistan and is used to make blue pigments that cause the rich blue colour in works of art. It is truly a beautiful stone and a great thing to plan a wedding around.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdJCYj49HVqGVoO0SU4GJKE8I4Xi3xYKj8TkQoy6Cgq9PrKKCDXbJN-lBujOzbTJnZgRtRAsRE3URyWjEg2yJm7Ya5zef8n5x6gLahfFwjGs_b-zIeoV8vsabKUrUrZ-89TZk_zqY86X0/s1600/Lapis_lazuli_block.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdJCYj49HVqGVoO0SU4GJKE8I4Xi3xYKj8TkQoy6Cgq9PrKKCDXbJN-lBujOzbTJnZgRtRAsRE3URyWjEg2yJm7Ya5zef8n5x6gLahfFwjGs_b-zIeoV8vsabKUrUrZ-89TZk_zqY86X0/s200/Lapis_lazuli_block.jpg" width="112" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(Lapis lazuli block picture by: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Lapis_lazuli_block.jpg">Wikipedia</a>)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i>Flowers:</i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
To match the beautiful and different shades of blue associated with the Lapis stone, mixing and matching flowers is something that would give the best result. If a couple is renewing their vows, mixing in flowers from the original wedding is a great way to carry over the special day and tie the two days together. A great option is blue hydrangeas and stephanotis.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_2-VNLuTsIWuu_g3ip1zBjmkygAJvQ3kLR9QlmDmfCduiHfmkZyqqa_VBsBnqtIPmwbm0afveSDKm4iAM776bFMT63hgd_k6YDUMubae4bBoa2Hzyp8Si-DTAPYXuCygBYTaoQtuDPdw/s1600/hydrangea-bouquet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_2-VNLuTsIWuu_g3ip1zBjmkygAJvQ3kLR9QlmDmfCduiHfmkZyqqa_VBsBnqtIPmwbm0afveSDKm4iAM776bFMT63hgd_k6YDUMubae4bBoa2Hzyp8Si-DTAPYXuCygBYTaoQtuDPdw/s320/hydrangea-bouquet.jpg" width="213" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4CynXm8MAcHfw5ehotbCKN_FfJ69Lh6V3pXJvGYoZeOQlAgpyIpnZG5ImmhbWnNj7VmlKp6jRD4EdpPTOCxrq2l5y4iuGlZ0SIB6l8qsdKWSu2D1Q9WX2YAumCSV-EF3D45rJ8XY_K_g/s1600/real-touch-blue-hydrangea-and-stephanotis-boutonniere-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4CynXm8MAcHfw5ehotbCKN_FfJ69Lh6V3pXJvGYoZeOQlAgpyIpnZG5ImmhbWnNj7VmlKp6jRD4EdpPTOCxrq2l5y4iuGlZ0SIB6l8qsdKWSu2D1Q9WX2YAumCSV-EF3D45rJ8XY_K_g/s320/real-touch-blue-hydrangea-and-stephanotis-boutonniere-1.jpg" width="244" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(Hydrangeas and Stephanotis picture by: <a href="http://www.bouquetweddingflower.com/category/bouquets-by-color/blue-and-white/page/2">Bouquet Wedding Flowers</a> and real touch blue hydrangea and stephanotis Boutonniere by: <a href="http://www.hibiscusflorals.com/wedding-boutonnieres/real-touch-blue-hydrangea-stephanotis-boutonniere">Hibiscus Florals</a> )</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i>The Dress:</i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In Afghanistan there isn't a dress code per-say, but it is always a good idea to dress like the locals. Woman should have as much of their body covered as possible with loose fitting clothing. Any wedding dress can be made to meet these guide lines. Even if the dress is strapless, a simple jacket or sleeve would hide most of the bride's arms. A great dress to use for a wedding in Afghanistan would be one like the image below. It is light, not very form fitting but still has some shape to it, the shoulder are covered and light sleeves can easily be added. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxs6f3uUi6cDq0D2z0tHnH6fSjAD5AgyR97cPxuyko-bb57Fwloatr0dwaEV0Zl3PUe5XleCE4jyt0Mf2ONWL7dieVZmDfDN3WUAnM1Zp5WX59owoMgiGe9Go9v1bl3HXCdhQCwA-_6i0/s1600/406809_10152262636305643_345480860_n+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxs6f3uUi6cDq0D2z0tHnH6fSjAD5AgyR97cPxuyko-bb57Fwloatr0dwaEV0Zl3PUe5XleCE4jyt0Mf2ONWL7dieVZmDfDN3WUAnM1Zp5WX59owoMgiGe9Go9v1bl3HXCdhQCwA-_6i0/s400/406809_10152262636305643_345480860_n+(1).jpg" width="296" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(Floor-length Sweetheart Wedding Dress, Gorgeous Sweetheart Floor-length Chiffon over Satin A-line Destination Wedding Dress at: <a href="http://www.didobridal.com/gorgeous-sweetheart-floor-length-chiffon-over-satin-a-line-destination-wedding-dress.html">Dido Bridal</a>)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i>The Shoes:</i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Since the dress is simple and elegant, the shoes can be simply beautiful as well. Afghanistan is a hot place to visit so sandals would be a good way to go, even a <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/93701734/white-crystal-flip-flops?ref=fp_feat_1">flip-flop</a> would be fine. The dress is long enough that it practically covers up the shoes anyways so something simply, with a little sparkle would go well. Nothing with a huge heel because they the dress won't hang as low as it normally would and won't cover as much. A flat flip-flop with diamonds, or silver gems or beads would look beautiful with the Dido dress. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO_cS5sd_6BChfqtcApEXNg2W9fVaodTTrPdUm1aoL4SocnBcNQCkrf8ZNe94TO1rpJoKcRSFhvvB-igYgGH8IN8P5_dtgCBtbZpnlRzgtj5QSeRl-mFZnir1RPUbzbU_HnRgAORVGncM/s1600/x_9e916617.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO_cS5sd_6BChfqtcApEXNg2W9fVaodTTrPdUm1aoL4SocnBcNQCkrf8ZNe94TO1rpJoKcRSFhvvB-igYgGH8IN8P5_dtgCBtbZpnlRzgtj5QSeRl-mFZnir1RPUbzbU_HnRgAORVGncM/s200/x_9e916617.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(Beautiful example of Up-do and formal styling by: <a href="http://hairstylesforthinhairnow.com/">Hairstyles For Thin Hair</a>) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i>Make up, hair, nails, and accessories: </i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In Afghanistan, the woman usually have their hair covered up completely, especially when entering a mosque. So, going with an ''up-style'' hairdo and a veil would be best for an Afghanistan destination wedding. For the hairdo's in Afghanistan, the bride may not want to go too extravagant because, again depending on local customs and what not, people may not see her hair or get to see the full effect as she would want. Something beautiful but not over the top would be great because it gets covered by the veil, so the veil isn't taking away from the hair, but if the bride chooses to take the veil off during the reception it is still beautiful. Earrings and necklaces that are simple and not overwhelming add to the bride's look without taking away attention from her. Finding beautiful Lapis Lazuli <a href="http://www.bellerustique.com/e566.htm">earrings</a> and <a href="https://marketplace.secondlife.com/p/Powerful-LAPIS-LAZULI-Rose-Heart-Polyamory-Necklace-Gift-Boxed/2292774">necklaces</a> may be easier in Afghanistan but with the internet shopping around the world is much easier to do. For make up (and hair also), the best way to go is to stay natural. A wedding day is no time to start experimenting with new hair colours or new make up colours. As for nails, a great look is always the french nail. Adding little <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/80964497/japanese-nail-art-silver-rhinestones">silver embellishment</a>s would match the dress and look fabulous. Any veil would go great with the hairstyle and wedding dress. A beautiful one tier veil that is somewhat see through and long enough to cover the face is a perfect fit. The beaded edge on the veil below, adds something to the plan veil and can call some attention away from the bride's hair showing too much for the culture. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXUFjlutRJArFcUiNvQgtnjvNcFVbxEnMQJOLNp1aIP1P2wHS7XQL8zD0udehqCmFpSmmnc2ZzC7GxsPmmOO3o2FpkYzP5q7xv21OkWv2mYBjmVghLJ2T4Ng-ivGAu1NZ-nTL6WDB3Lyk/s1600/Untitled.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXUFjlutRJArFcUiNvQgtnjvNcFVbxEnMQJOLNp1aIP1P2wHS7XQL8zD0udehqCmFpSmmnc2ZzC7GxsPmmOO3o2FpkYzP5q7xv21OkWv2mYBjmVghLJ2T4Ng-ivGAu1NZ-nTL6WDB3Lyk/s200/Untitled.png" width="150" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(One-tier Tulle Waltz Veil With Bead Edge at: <a href="http://www.lightinthebox.com/one-tier-tulle-with-bead-blusher-veil-more-colors_p323173.html.">Light in the Box</a>)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i>The groom:</i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The bride has a ''Western'' dress, so the groom will have to go with a suit. <a href="http://www.mooresclothing.com/mor/index.jsp;jsessionid=66CF4B980566FA5E8AB485C84F0A66A7">Moores Clothing</a> has great options to choose from that are high quality and match well together. Moores is great for mixing and matching, and that means buying everything separately. Any tuxedo works fine, the only real thing that has to be perfect would be the tie. To save money, any groom should have a dressed up suit already, black pants, and a black blazer that match would be fine for a wedding, so all that's left is the vest, or cummerbund cumberbund and the tie. Also, a great token for the groom is cufflinks that match the theme of the wedding. Cufflinks come in almost anything and<a href="http://www.acufflinks.com/Sterling-Silver-Lapis-Cufflinks-878.html"> lapis cufflinks</a> would be a great trinket for the day. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwtiStZHHtGF2IsRi1hHcKrAWgS_W-5Z2bZUAiJsaHXAfCc8uSINX9J1qHmmEvYND9An_a5NzpVzlwsjNWoCvULftYsZS9E3hCfyujmAJ6URYfauH3NlbtkBc9dQaNTltB6_alQPmBD-w/s1600/Untitled.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwtiStZHHtGF2IsRi1hHcKrAWgS_W-5Z2bZUAiJsaHXAfCc8uSINX9J1qHmmEvYND9An_a5NzpVzlwsjNWoCvULftYsZS9E3hCfyujmAJ6URYfauH3NlbtkBc9dQaNTltB6_alQPmBD-w/s320/Untitled.png" width="229" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(Cavalier Tie - Royal Blue by: <a href="http://www.tuxedojunction.com/Styles/StylesByCategory/Ties/ROYAL%20BLUE/Cavalier_Tie_-_Royal_Blue">Tuxedo Junction</a>)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i>The invitations: </i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
With any invitation set, mixing and matching can sometimes work great as long as the themes match. Picture invitations will match anything because most of the time the text can be matched to any colour. When getting married in a different country save the date cards are very important. Out of town wedding should always have save the date cards because guests need time to make travel plans and book time off work and make other arrangements. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd9Oxa77EGWPOrkMc_Zzg1NnvSkw1i03kFFV50fLFieAmQhL9gExy68DA7cyWmK-40-7fBY8eNN8kiReOT-pu9MO8p8gOJF6moPCTNCCoAUxY_wu5nqBkbnevaBUaj_ozOGR5UbNxsrXU/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd9Oxa77EGWPOrkMc_Zzg1NnvSkw1i03kFFV50fLFieAmQhL9gExy68DA7cyWmK-40-7fBY8eNN8kiReOT-pu9MO8p8gOJF6moPCTNCCoAUxY_wu5nqBkbnevaBUaj_ozOGR5UbNxsrXU/s320/1.jpg" width="320" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjZgc_6aYAdPn3pP4QyQ8Clm9shIMBM5AOrYMOdQJWgdK2nyL7tLVea85H76I7H4qD8Xu9GddFAnhywVZZls488T2xSoTXVLGmIYEVzBqUNGkHbnUqOSfjJCA5toqDtYgZYoX_uGhdc4w/s1600/1+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjZgc_6aYAdPn3pP4QyQ8Clm9shIMBM5AOrYMOdQJWgdK2nyL7tLVea85H76I7H4qD8Xu9GddFAnhywVZZls488T2xSoTXVLGmIYEVzBqUNGkHbnUqOSfjJCA5toqDtYgZYoX_uGhdc4w/s200/1+%25281%2529.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(Spotlight on Love - front and back view by: <a href="http://www.weddingpaperdivas.com/product/12031/signature_white_wedding_invitations_spotlight_on_love.html#color/02">Wedding Paper Divas</a>)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Spotlight on Love is a theme that is available at <a href="http://www.weddingpaperdivas.com/">Wedding Paper Divas</a>, it comes in a set and would work great with the lapis theme of this wedding. The image above is of the invitation, it is beautiful has the blue circle that pulls in the theme and the back is two different shades of blue. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i>Photographer and Videographer:</i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Chances are couples from other countries are not going to know any good photographers or videographers in Afghanistan. Asking a local company or person to travel around the world just to shoot pictures and/or video would cost a small fortune. The best thing to do is to ask friends and family if they have any experience with taking pictures (beyond the point and shoot that everyone can master), it would be a lot cheaper if an already invited guest could take pictures for the big day. But just because they are there anyways, offering to pay them a small fee, or asking them do to it as a wedding present could go along way to getting someone to agree to do it.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i>Ceremony:</i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Preaching (non-Islamic), and abandoning religion (Islam) are consider serious crimes and penalties are severe (<a href="http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/Advice/Afghanistan">Afghanistan Law</a>). This is when getting married in a city hall works best, so the couple can exchange vows and share rings at their ceremony, or they can have an ordained friend simply walk them through the major steps, saying vows, exchanging rings, saying I do. Public displays of affection may cause some offense so keeping the, ''You may now kiss the bride,'' part out of the wedding could be something to think about if there is a large crowd, or keeping the kiss to a peck and nothing too extreme would be best. Keeping with the theme of lapis stone and its beautiful colour, rings for both the bride and groom can be found with the blue stone in. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrUUckjoNwpljEJUz2zbMkYBuaYnjFk5UVS5Ik4tvQsGgaUibUI-NcSsbTHDbdR5laBUBepAqPOxzaI4u9hKDa5CgCC23gFjXzIcjkmjmp2OzkoAErw8LUZZojT2JPXI0ZE9caIqbz2_M/s1600/xctmp7Jkrcm-01.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="190" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrUUckjoNwpljEJUz2zbMkYBuaYnjFk5UVS5Ik4tvQsGgaUibUI-NcSsbTHDbdR5laBUBepAqPOxzaI4u9hKDa5CgCC23gFjXzIcjkmjmp2OzkoAErw8LUZZojT2JPXI0ZE9caIqbz2_M/s200/xctmp7Jkrcm-01.png" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVdXoUDMNhe-9g8RrloYaIFcr-1aWAW4s51x3cNkahL7ZFCxSs6PBvCYnZZeJInKwiUhbA5s_Sw5aKKVOCKcGpCul8f5hHnCAXJ0JO3EhBsc2hFIoTXsY-VGRBHQfGOlmodvBhN1Bdd5g/s1600/il_570xN.264440048.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVdXoUDMNhe-9g8RrloYaIFcr-1aWAW4s51x3cNkahL7ZFCxSs6PBvCYnZZeJInKwiUhbA5s_Sw5aKKVOCKcGpCul8f5hHnCAXJ0JO3EhBsc2hFIoTXsY-VGRBHQfGOlmodvBhN1Bdd5g/s200/il_570xN.264440048.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(Left: Sterling Silver and 18K Gold Lapis Lazuli Ring By: <a href="http://www.lapislazuliworld.com/Sterling-Silver-and-18K-Gold-Lapis-Lazuli-Ring.html">Lapis Lazuli World</a>; Right: Titanium Ring with African Blackwood and Lapis by: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/82835241/titanium-ring-with-african-blackwood-and?ref=sr_gallery_24&ga_search_query=Lapis+lazuli+rings&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=CA&ga_page=3&ga_search_type=all&ga_facet=Lapis+lazuli+rings">Hawaiititanium</a>).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i>Reception:</i></b></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Traditionally in Afghanistan there is no guest book, but for most Americans and Canadians that's a tradition in weddings. Just because a couple is celebrating in a different country doesn't mean they have to leave all their traditions behind. A tradition guest book works fine, finding a blue one would be perfect. But there are many different options out there and <a href="http://www.etsy.com/?ref=so_home">Etsy</a> is a great place to find them. </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF29IvUsIV_JYUYH8cojObOgvbIzJ-MZk7rQnKytprjdU2i_elCdjG7GFl_BVYKhWVwAqS9LcDsbSO_6kte8ADmtziyw4752h05Ny6rj7GUtPlPYScqxtPMvOLzvIPlb83IsEGk3V4IpQ/s1600/il_570xN.345498091.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF29IvUsIV_JYUYH8cojObOgvbIzJ-MZk7rQnKytprjdU2i_elCdjG7GFl_BVYKhWVwAqS9LcDsbSO_6kte8ADmtziyw4752h05Ny6rj7GUtPlPYScqxtPMvOLzvIPlb83IsEGk3V4IpQ/s200/il_570xN.345498091.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(Left: Rustic Theme Wedding Reception Plaque by: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/98889081/guest-book-rustic-theme-wedding?ref=sr_gallery_10&ga_search_query=guest+book&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=CA&ga_page=2&ga_search_type=all&ga_facet=guest+book.">JKartshop</a>)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In Afghanistan the couple's parents usually sit the guests. But for a couple that decides to take wedding pictures and pictures of the beauty around them, they are going to want their family with them. The best thing, and traditional thing in American is seating charts. Create a seating chart and table numbers along with place cards will take care of making sure everyone has a seat and is seated where they should be. Groom Carrying Bride by <a href="http://www.magnetstreet.com/weddings">Magnet Street</a> has matching table numbers and place cards to go with the invitations. </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVw0YGj2-Aw1zTfadkq4iqOD0BUO2sUCY8tQvAXu_Mzw-BH-YvWIk5UV1G_iy1GIXe4eh0Q0z3-QJoajAkXXZf6X96wF64Hxb5D-E9SQDjpKsB_UHLfRdCVlDHA01EKwbhpCME76dS8Pk/s1600/recb-11566.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="110" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVw0YGj2-Aw1zTfadkq4iqOD0BUO2sUCY8tQvAXu_Mzw-BH-YvWIk5UV1G_iy1GIXe4eh0Q0z3-QJoajAkXXZf6X96wF64Hxb5D-E9SQDjpKsB_UHLfRdCVlDHA01EKwbhpCME76dS8Pk/s200/recb-11566.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEwoB6GJhAjMQRW61ps9wRYtrb3zpXyV8DErG3NyUazIU2NvZM0tnuM8rccsHeLYcjyozcgB-6B9fTukCMedpJwEC0i8WexrAbDzM5NVPWNwCDjWGBe6qbRLHpyUMnBCeZQP8RJNNCybA/s1600/recc-11566.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEwoB6GJhAjMQRW61ps9wRYtrb3zpXyV8DErG3NyUazIU2NvZM0tnuM8rccsHeLYcjyozcgB-6B9fTukCMedpJwEC0i8WexrAbDzM5NVPWNwCDjWGBe6qbRLHpyUMnBCeZQP8RJNNCybA/s200/recc-11566.jpg" width="183" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(Groom Carrying Bride <a href="http://www.magnetstreet.com/details/market/517/productId/19433">Place Cards</a> and <a href="http://www.magnetstreet.com/details/market/517/productId/19272">Table Numbers</a>)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
An Afghan bride doesn't usually dance on her wedding day, she is suppose to be sad that she is leaving her father's home, not dancing and celebrating. But there are just some traditions that all bride's should take part in. A father daughter dance, and a couples first dance truly should be something every couple experiences. Since Afghan couples don't usually have a first dance, and the bride doesn't usually dance with her father, there are no traditional songs, the bride and groom should choose a song that means something to them and speaks to their experience and feelings, however a close song would be ''Ahesta Boro'' (or Ahesta Bero), which means ''Walk Slowly''. Traditionally, Afghan couples walk in to their reception to this song, but to mix a little local culture with traditions the bride and groom may be used to, it could be a couple's first dance song. It is not tradition for the bride and her father to celebrate her ''leaving'' his home to join the groom, but if the bride wants to dancer with her father any song that means something to her would be beautiful. Garters are not usually a part of the Afghan tradition but if the couple chooses a <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/73309472/blue-and-white-lace-wedding-garter-set">blue and white lace garter set</a> would be beautiful. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i>Food: </i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
At an Afghan wedding, the bride and groom are the first to be served in a buffet style dinner. This dinner usually consists of chicken and lamb kebabs, different kinds of rice, salad, vegetable dishes, mantoo (afghan dumplings) and more. This is a great tradition to follow, it highlights the local cuisine and it allows the guest to try new things if they want or stick to what they are used to. (Should the couple choose to have toasting at the wedding great couple's toasting glasses would be a <a href="http://satnspurs.com/product_info.php?cPath=38&products_id=810">Denim and Lace Set</a> that would really carry the blue theme). </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i>The Cake:</i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A traditional wedding cake in Afghanistan is three tiers tall, depending on the number of guests that may be too big for the average wedding. Making a three tier cupcake stand cake instead may be more fitting for a lesser number of people. But it is never a bad idea to have different options when it comes to cake flavours. Traditional flavours for Afghan weddings are coffee cake, Afghan chocolate, and a pound cake with either dried fruit or real fruit jam in it. The theme of the wedding matches blue colours, so if going with cupcakes, blue liners would be great for the pound cake, with a white frosting and blue berries on top; for the chocolate cupcake, a white cupcake liner and blue whip cream frosting with a few white sprinkles would be beautiful too. A three tier wedding cake would feed about forty people, if that is a perfect amount that a beautiful white cake with blue ribbon around the base of each tier would be the perfect cake. Also adding in flowers from the bride's bouquet would make the cake make the theme even more so. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7I2uYLTl-ZVUoAIs8j8T4riM58PBV0snwaRDq7yHXBGNxxJ0keJFINAHHlP-B8tGfJJxY8kWueu0WLsGcEocgyE0HC7-NsGkNIaZwThoHYcTxGIIR1LOOpjbU9Kk07i6jlTiA_Jskc8g/s1600/Tiffany_bluewith_damask_wedding_cake1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7I2uYLTl-ZVUoAIs8j8T4riM58PBV0snwaRDq7yHXBGNxxJ0keJFINAHHlP-B8tGfJJxY8kWueu0WLsGcEocgyE0HC7-NsGkNIaZwThoHYcTxGIIR1LOOpjbU9Kk07i6jlTiA_Jskc8g/s320/Tiffany_bluewith_damask_wedding_cake1.jpg" width="229" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(Blue Wedding Cakes by: <a href="http://weddingcakesx.com/blue-wedding-cakes-432/">Wedding Cakes X</a>)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The black details in the cake above not only gives the cake character but it also will give more options for matching the topper to. Wedding cake toppers don't have to be a bride and groom anymore, there are many different options, and the glass see through ones are very beautiful and elegant. Serving sets aren't always easy to match, sometimes the simplest thing to do is to get just a standard set that is beautiful on its own and adding a ribbon to match the cake. </div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_TZQUQvVassCgB98nZQDyJxWT_gGBvthyphenhyphenTLGaoMlNQlMPyNLJf9hM151Nv9kj6thhDFdxNQQGyN5jtR0ds0OhyblPhtYxGcNtEJMw93XoLu_QIFJOn0DZQRTgjTNqtzJ82qjBlQI2e5o/s1600/527654_10152183500250643_161590714_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_TZQUQvVassCgB98nZQDyJxWT_gGBvthyphenhyphenTLGaoMlNQlMPyNLJf9hM151Nv9kj6thhDFdxNQQGyN5jtR0ds0OhyblPhtYxGcNtEJMw93XoLu_QIFJOn0DZQRTgjTNqtzJ82qjBlQI2e5o/s200/527654_10152183500250643_161590714_n.jpg" width="105" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis-z7Ia04_fh7IvfV5tRARj-sPphbwIi8ryk0-lqv1r7xaigaaiTBLqgnSzBvzKL7xhv73u4Hx4L0Gmw7Ox0vfMotcZPHB0UTc61x5v4k3Z5DZeoiiTN4-oC_yQU7bXvnl5gKmgh1AMr8/s1600/531652_10151925066340643_1156991039_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis-z7Ia04_fh7IvfV5tRARj-sPphbwIi8ryk0-lqv1r7xaigaaiTBLqgnSzBvzKL7xhv73u4Hx4L0Gmw7Ox0vfMotcZPHB0UTc61x5v4k3Z5DZeoiiTN4-oC_yQU7bXvnl5gKmgh1AMr8/s200/531652_10151925066340643_1156991039_n.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(Left: Black Swirl and Dots Wedding Cake Topper from: <a href="http://www.koyalwholesale.com/pages-productinfo-category-490_513-product-21217/unique_theme_wedding_ideas_and_theme_decorationsblack_and_white_theme_weddingblack_swirl_and_dots_wedding_cake_topper.html">Koyal Whole Sale</a>; Right Lenox Jubilee Pearl Cake Knife and Server Set from: <a href="http://weddingshop.theknot.com/lenox-jubilee-pearl-cake-knife-server-set.aspx?MsdVisit=1">The Knot Wedding Shop</a>)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i>Guest Favours:</i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Traditionally, in Afghanistan guest favours are a box of sweets and a tray of dried fruits for each guest. A great way to incorporate that into these guest favours would be to give a box of frosted almonds (the traditional sweet giving at Afghan weddings), and a box of homemade trail mix. Making a homemade trail mix is really simple because basically its anything that is small and will stay fresh for a while. Adding together, oatmeal, or granola, dark chocolate, white chocolate, milk chocolate, or caramel chips, mini M&M or any other small candy type, sunflower seeds, dried berries or raisins, anything small, that can be kept in the open for a while and tastes great by itself, will work fine. (Traditional the parents of the bride and groom don't get specific presents, but giving the mother and father of the bride and groom <a href="http://www.specialtybottle.com/glassjars-2.aspx">glass jars</a> filled with almonds and trail mix would be a great gift and they can reuse the jars.) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ep0Li0GIUqO5sJlqIikYk0gbYkx3fgSaxBiOSnJ1dShRhyOID_qnYc8oSDv848sKuP69EY_wKzJLQMJkeYhRVAsQm_AhY7wBxI2wbGXNbsIIJ9B-tVUs1xxue2BGpveoU0oIDvxOx44/s1600/personalized-contemporary-hearts-square-favor-box-400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ep0Li0GIUqO5sJlqIikYk0gbYkx3fgSaxBiOSnJ1dShRhyOID_qnYc8oSDv848sKuP69EY_wKzJLQMJkeYhRVAsQm_AhY7wBxI2wbGXNbsIIJ9B-tVUs1xxue2BGpveoU0oIDvxOx44/s320/personalized-contemporary-hearts-square-favor-box-400.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(Personalized 2-Piece Square Favour Box at: <a href="http://www.beau-coup.com/wedding/personalized-2-piece-square-favor-boxes.htm">Beau-Coup</a>)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLGkDGeHT9LJEDMz28UFJXMxwA_RIvpiwyiri-XK4mErFiTMSUimFNeW6Xh5v2EMOzLvfM2EGpp0t4MqQS3n6Ji9aAZ1cpwgUjwXQikOrJWwHeIY7_vn2FxHUgh5BL6fsDqTWXUmh-ieM/s1600/navy-0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLGkDGeHT9LJEDMz28UFJXMxwA_RIvpiwyiri-XK4mErFiTMSUimFNeW6Xh5v2EMOzLvfM2EGpp0t4MqQS3n6Ji9aAZ1cpwgUjwXQikOrJWwHeIY7_vn2FxHUgh5BL6fsDqTWXUmh-ieM/s200/navy-0.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyN-mWqNuDoEvRGLfEFbWhBbpheceyMD7uHNUAyHmfnvFPyoTROjMHTPyxQK5VXq1jHCPeIQID-iCESo2jik8IlRy_A3M0gDT0jWKKMoVPIX7y8CcsGOnZKU98i7Iwo05FVi_juDPatYc/s1600/palm-0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyN-mWqNuDoEvRGLfEFbWhBbpheceyMD7uHNUAyHmfnvFPyoTROjMHTPyxQK5VXq1jHCPeIQID-iCESo2jik8IlRy_A3M0gDT0jWKKMoVPIX7y8CcsGOnZKU98i7Iwo05FVi_juDPatYc/s200/palm-0.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i>Centerpieces:</i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Creating homemade centerpieces are easy to do and can be very inexpensive depending on the type of centerpiece made. A very beautiful centerpiece involving water, flowers and cheap candles can be made to look like an elegant hotel display. Taking plastic glowing fake candles (and making sure they are waterproof), adding them to a bowl of dyed blue water and letting hydrangeas float on top would match the wedding well and look very good on the table. Underwater, the LED tealight candles (<a href="http://www.homedecorators.com/P/Candle_Impressions_Plastic_LED_Tea_Lights_-_Set_of_10/">below</a>) light up the water, make it glow and from afar they look like real candles. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2AM6oE-3T3OWiliFueDAQBmCxBJsYyG43eRefMGWeIVQzCZUE4dnM6xXS9shRuzMUg2qhzUl2XaoYzq88W7L1FyUsn5kien1FyIvzH0k5B92W4VdwDEV0M6_a76lf9itWNbuotysyI1o/s1600/07928.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2AM6oE-3T3OWiliFueDAQBmCxBJsYyG43eRefMGWeIVQzCZUE4dnM6xXS9shRuzMUg2qhzUl2XaoYzq88W7L1FyUsn5kien1FyIvzH0k5B92W4VdwDEV0M6_a76lf9itWNbuotysyI1o/s320/07928.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i>Thank You Cards:</i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i style="font-weight: bold;"> </i>Thank you cards don't have to match the theme of the wedding, or have any theme at all. But most invitations set come with matching Thank You card options. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOkxzF8AkQRC3Cd8n1SmNNv6sYxMjlCEPfKrFx537g6xaYIcdNBkzG-NadPVjIWv7JDABKRQuS05baVDK9uE1tcq6r4bkuCIRAk0Nh4zcLIiubW3E0RO0bPnf4qecSV_Z_PsMLz3QKz08/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOkxzF8AkQRC3Cd8n1SmNNv6sYxMjlCEPfKrFx537g6xaYIcdNBkzG-NadPVjIWv7JDABKRQuS05baVDK9uE1tcq6r4bkuCIRAk0Nh4zcLIiubW3E0RO0bPnf4qecSV_Z_PsMLz3QKz08/s200/1.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(<a href="http://www.weddingpaperdivas.com/product/12034/signature_white_thank_you_cards_spotlight_on_love.html#color/02">Spotlight On Love</a>)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<b><i>Places to see:</i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
The best way to pass the time in any country is to sight see. In Afghanistan Band-e Amir is a group of five turquoise lakes that is the first national park of the country. Conveniently close to Band-e Amir is the city of Bamiyan, home to one of the most beautiful landscapes in the country. In Bamiyan Bot-e-Bamiyan (Buddhas statue) is a great thing to see, they date back to 03rd and 5th century. Shahr-e-gholgola and Shahr-e-zohak are both caves in Bamiyan that are rich in Afghan history. Kabul bala hisar means a citadel or fortress within a walled town on top of a ridge or hill. It is the town's main defensive complex and has served as residence for Afghan leaders (<a href="http://sitara.com/afghanistan/tours.html">Tour Afghanistan</a>).Khyber Pass is an important site in Afghanistan, it links Pakistan and Afghanistan. Throughout history it served as an important trade route between Central Asia and South Asia. And finally, the Shrine of Hazrat Ali, also known as the Blue Mosque, is a mosque in Mazar-i-Sharif, Afghanistan. It is one of the reputed burial places of Ali, cousin and son-in law of Muhammad. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQkOzYrnBLwPsH0ru8A_JDRlKDCIToPum8JATZPQkHiA9mR6bnflhAnCIXIti1qaoFobboi1qGpg4zcJfk0RmjiXVMW2Xh3V7Q3ycS53b_iFhSt4v587aamsXTAUS4uAd9HoVmvKv1b2I/s1600/681x454.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQkOzYrnBLwPsH0ru8A_JDRlKDCIToPum8JATZPQkHiA9mR6bnflhAnCIXIti1qaoFobboi1qGpg4zcJfk0RmjiXVMW2Xh3V7Q3ycS53b_iFhSt4v587aamsXTAUS4uAd9HoVmvKv1b2I/s400/681x454.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
(Landscape of Bamiyan Valley, Afghanistan, picture by: <a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/afghanistan/images/landscape-of-bamiyan-valley-afghanistan$25288-42#content">Lonely Planet</a>)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>The next country alphabetically is Albania, in southeastern Europe! </b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfQ_DTYyvYn6SLfc9y5ex_UChRpwkLBhYnht8jCJW5yjCYawtgSsAwgZSEo-nE0kdXlfuQKBVz7T0246BGI7Ucjb31P4ZrJmD6oE2YnrDQIHxkLcvgcwaLWQ2KCTQEQ7T4FHCZ02Gr8W8/s1600/albania-02.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfQ_DTYyvYn6SLfc9y5ex_UChRpwkLBhYnht8jCJW5yjCYawtgSsAwgZSEo-nE0kdXlfuQKBVz7T0246BGI7Ucjb31P4ZrJmD6oE2YnrDQIHxkLcvgcwaLWQ2KCTQEQ7T4FHCZ02Gr8W8/s320/albania-02.png" width="296" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL51GPbjcNYeDoNrzOu-k4gGhsNn-nbUuWX4U_vzzW1O2ASr3rl03ILs6K3sO9PHQlFhXx0RIUwm9dqto2gy496RuozhKq1e_oStZVLNxqG3jYaf0CpZX6M_pMiI9H2RoqirIlo4GagXs/s1600/albania-01.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL51GPbjcNYeDoNrzOu-k4gGhsNn-nbUuWX4U_vzzW1O2ASr3rl03ILs6K3sO9PHQlFhXx0RIUwm9dqto2gy496RuozhKq1e_oStZVLNxqG3jYaf0CpZX6M_pMiI9H2RoqirIlo4GagXs/s200/albania-01.gif" width="200" /></a><b><br /></b></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Amylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17670343941890296465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3266172343740283861.post-22605537626955269752012-11-13T21:43:00.002-08:002016-06-16T15:17:53.847-07:00Afghanistan Wedding #1 - Country Themed (Green, Red and White) Wedding<i style="font-size: large;"><u><b>''Afghanistan''
Themed Wedding:</b></u></i><br />
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: small;"> A great way to show case any country's beauty is to
have a wedding outside. The snow-capped Kohi Baba mountains (image available <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Black_Hawk_flying_over_a_valley_in_Bamyan.jpg">here</a>) </span>and most of the Landscape in Bamiyan Valley (<a href="http://www.lonelyplanet.com/afghanistan/images/landscape-of-bamiyan-valley-afghanistan$25288-42#content">image</a>) are beautiful choices to use as a backdrop for any
wedding especially since it is a ceremony for family and friends to
enjoy and the marriage has already been made official.<br />
In Afghanistan, Dari (Persian) is the language spoken by the majority of people, there are over thirty other languages spoken however after Pashto, Uzbek and Turkmen the number of people that speak a different language is less than five percent. Even if the couple, or the majority of the guest don't speak one of the languages of the country adding some element with the language may be a great way to incorporated the country into the wedding.<br />
<br />
<b><i>The Flowers:</i></b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSiicKpjifCnmjYzjfEV_HUy1QyBcB23KMJoYGKH-LS1WGK-lyM6jCeCXs7qiRN5BrWx0Ivc4DvAFlRyzCjIaVI9lPF0g6eSpjZnF1pksjfr-PamZgN69amBG0PaF_ryyDOMfVKDkpqEM/s1600/red_tulip_600_360.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSiicKpjifCnmjYzjfEV_HUy1QyBcB23KMJoYGKH-LS1WGK-lyM6jCeCXs7qiRN5BrWx0Ivc4DvAFlRyzCjIaVI9lPF0g6eSpjZnF1pksjfr-PamZgN69amBG0PaF_ryyDOMfVKDkpqEM/s200/red_tulip_600_360.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(Red Tulips Wedding Bouquet with Cranberry Ribbon. Picture found at: <a href="http://www.sarahsflowers.co.uk/blog/2009/07/red-tulip-wedding-bouquet-with-cranberry-ribbon/">Sarah's Flowers Wedding Blog</a>)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
According to Wikipedia the floral emblem of Afghanistan is the tulip. Tulips come in many different colours and can be used for any colour scheme wedding. The flag of Afghanistan (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Flag_of_Afghanistan.svg">Flag</a>) is black, red and green, with white highlighting the emblem in the middle. Red tulips with banana leaves, or just their own tulip leaves, some baby's breath and a black ribbon handle would be a great way to incorporate all the couples into a bouquet, or black and red tulips with and green leaves, either way the colour of the flowers will decided the colour scheme of the entire wedding. Tulips can cost anywhere from fifty cent a flower to two dollars a flower depending on peak seasons and availability also, some florist try to convince their customer to stay away from the tulip because they are said to not hold up as well as other traditional roses. (The image above is of artificial flowers and though the company is based in the UK, it may be the solution to any trouble that may come from using tulips in a bouquet.)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCQaWwQU8IrK9Fcl51caL0Znsxsh46HlQ4V8fN9Ca0F7phSoOKvn6VzOAWSXIiJGmqFV0RzegDwhhMEM-kD5MFF7sAYimg008K7zRrGx4doGfJwX3IA8y48Udql_J2GB3TOxdggccTjSs/s1600/Image475x475.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCQaWwQU8IrK9Fcl51caL0Znsxsh46HlQ4V8fN9Ca0F7phSoOKvn6VzOAWSXIiJGmqFV0RzegDwhhMEM-kD5MFF7sAYimg008K7zRrGx4doGfJwX3IA8y48Udql_J2GB3TOxdggccTjSs/s320/Image475x475.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(Red Tulip Boutonniere Photo by: Jamie Hammond Photography; found at: <a href="http://www.theknot.com/weddings/photo/red-tulip-boutonnieres-76962?redirect=true">The Knot</a>)</div>
<br />
<br />
<b><i>The Dress: </i></b><br />
A tradition wedding dress in Afghanistan depends on what part of the country the bride/groom is from. An Afghan bride may where two different dresses on her wedding day, the Islamic green dress (Great <a href="http://www.junaidjamshed.net/Products/Products.aspx?SCatID=20&lp=prod">examples</a> of dresses from Afghanistan, though maybe not for a bride, they are very beautiful examples.) would be first and than the ''Fairy-tale'' white dress would be afterwards. However, there are some brides that choose to dress in all traditional Kuchi dresses or all white ''Western'' style dresses.When the bride chances is up to the couple or tradition, however usually the change happens after the Nikah (the ceremony) or after the meal. (If the couple is having a traditional wedding because they are from Afghanistan or share the Afghan faith than when changing may very depending on tradition.) The best way to stick as close to Afghan tradition as possible would be to buy the Islamic (or ceremony) dress at a local shop, as for the ''Fairy-tale'' white dress that can be purchased anywhere and brought over. The key to the perfect wedding dress(es) is to find ''The One''.<br />
<br />
<b><i>The Shoes: </i></b><br />
Shoes should be glamourous enough to match the brides dress, but in a traditional Afghan wedding a male relative of the groom sacrifices a sheep, or chicken near the bride and smear some blood on her shoes. ''The ceremony signifies there things: 1) The bride now belongs to the grooms family; 2) She is now clean of evil spirits she may be bringing into the family; 3) She is pure.'' (<a href="http://www.about-afghanistan.com/afghan-weddings.html">Tradition</a>)<br />
<br />
<b><i>Make up, hair, nails, and accessories:</i></b><br />
The best look for any wedding day, Afghan or other wise to go look natural. Most Afghan brides wear a veil of some sort. It is said that when a wedding was arranged, the first time a husband would see his wife's face would be in the reflection of a mirror after lifting the shawl (or veil). When wearing a veil the best hair styles are always to have the hair down and flowing if that is possible. Afghan brides also have a Henna Night, usually the night before their wedding. This is somewhat a bachelorette party. Henna is a red dye that is usually presented by the mother, aunt, and/or sister(s) of the groom. The bride will close her hands and the mother of the groom will try to get her future daughter-in-law to open her hands by presenting or promising her a gift, or the groom may try to open her palms by force. The mother of the groom will take a teaspoon of henna and place it in her soon-to-be daughter-in-law's palms and cover it with triangular cloth. This is to replicate the historical tradition of making little incisions into the bride and groom's hand so they would be forever joined in blood. In turn the mother of the bride will place the henna on the groom's pinkie finger and cover it with cloth. (According to the Wikipedia entry <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Afghan_wedding">Afghan Wedding</a>). The rest of the henna is passed around to the unmarried girls, and who every gets some henna on their pinkie finger is said to be the next to marry.<br />
<br />
<b><i>The Groom:</i></b><br />
Most Afghan grooms wear traditional Afghan clothing (<a href="http://www.junaidjamshed.net/Products/Products.aspx?SCatID=23&lp=prod&fil=0">shawar Kameese</a>) in either all white or all black with a decorative vest and matching hat or turban. The groom and bride dress to match, so when the bride is in her white dress the groom is in a suit; when the bride is in her traditional Afghan dress, the groom will be in his Afghan clothing. (Big Thanks to <a href="http://afghanwife.blogspot.ca/">Afghan Wife</a>!)<br />
<b><i><br />The Invitations:</i></b><br />
In Afghanistan invitations do not go out weeks in advance like in the west, and are usually taken care of by the parents of the bride and groom. It isn't unusual for a guest to receive and invitation only days before the wedding. Waiting to send out invitations (or hand deliver them) isn't always the best way to go, especially if you want to insure that every guest can make it. For any guests that has to travel in, or fly in from a different country even, the invitations coming as early as possible is the best way to make travel plans. If the majority of guests are from the area or live around where the wedding ceremony and reception is set, direction cards aren't needed, but if parts or either family is not from Afghanistan, or the area, direction cards are a great way to avoid telling a large number of people over the phone how to get from airport to hotel, to the ceremony, to reception. Also, response cards aren't as important here either because the meal is traditionally serve buffet style and thus the persist number isn't needed, just around figure.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkFdPn9X8BQ3KVLP-qmw-aZplOaNXQN-9YxHut8VKggPBbvgtybnuph_Y8VEyIFxINa508lIfW08qdlixCJoQcnDA4STRRnxJ1Be6M2yXZS3RzifRaO1vclJMZ2SBnB_DyPDK0yBlhNx4/s1600/invu-11841.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkFdPn9X8BQ3KVLP-qmw-aZplOaNXQN-9YxHut8VKggPBbvgtybnuph_Y8VEyIFxINa508lIfW08qdlixCJoQcnDA4STRRnxJ1Be6M2yXZS3RzifRaO1vclJMZ2SBnB_DyPDK0yBlhNx4/s200/invu-11841.jpg" width="133" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt3eRIQmawE6yYuyuWgft6FSwQF_n5f5N2a2XUA5I5n_MGK_SoIQ2rWpr317YLwDOG6MIpdNW1utpoG3C-N3lJl810dgIOtpwr6EkcXxwrHG2oboX8reWOSjl-NFIE6Qv-Erkbte7ldCo/s1600/invg-11841.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="148" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt3eRIQmawE6yYuyuWgft6FSwQF_n5f5N2a2XUA5I5n_MGK_SoIQ2rWpr317YLwDOG6MIpdNW1utpoG3C-N3lJl810dgIOtpwr6EkcXxwrHG2oboX8reWOSjl-NFIE6Qv-Erkbte7ldCo/s200/invg-11841.jpg" width="200" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaXwHG0ME_YSTBt7FyAdpdiXieQfg9fzxcQIYyvpUJ5vxd7eTsgpz58-tI7qHG_p0J0RPYS3Y1AbNzrXeaqbvwHyzyQbOKfEokRCxDv83ac2MOjpKf1pBstaQZ83QllHSQ61mbjdzxyJU/s1600/lw-11841.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="73" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaXwHG0ME_YSTBt7FyAdpdiXieQfg9fzxcQIYyvpUJ5vxd7eTsgpz58-tI7qHG_p0J0RPYS3Y1AbNzrXeaqbvwHyzyQbOKfEokRCxDv83ac2MOjpKf1pBstaQZ83QllHSQ61mbjdzxyJU/s200/lw-11841.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(Sketched in Love by <a href="http://www.magnetstreet.com/">Magnetstreet</a>)</div>
<br />
A beautiful invitation set would be <a href="http://www.magnetstreet.com/details/market/517/productId/40399">Sketched in Love</a>(available in nine different styles), it is a beautiful green with highlights of black that would go very well the green dress and the green in the flowers. Also, <a href="http://www.magnetstreet.com/details/market/517/productId/43145">Tender Tendril</a> is a beautiful set, it is green and white (or white and green, depending on which style is chosen) a little lighter than the Sketched in Love set. Adding tiny gold plastic gems randomly either to the invitation or the envelope would also add a bit of Afghan theme to any invitations. (Prices on invitations and accompaniments very depending on the number of invitations needed.)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFIa5e1dPxhBoh_uafA8xmQfStI-tuKJzjY9gzcWcFTXx3wokmuELtggBmgFe9wp14QfeOxVDAXimQu0G4bJhSv5TjZFIGmDktffUUUAJZxK9tAX4V9CEl2b31iXmfRWZ167lbJIfPObk/s1600/spb-12006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDm60xaI7y8HAPaxT2HbVNJVLKVGluZ_awWnSAn2vHRl1N1uivWe1Yi9ZZY_dNurBli5jmRy5uqo6LfV8klagY89VWwgfQ1e09sN7KnIzTLeQ2SZ8bm87A-MgBdV4GZaMD1H9exgy6_tQ/s1600/invr-12006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDm60xaI7y8HAPaxT2HbVNJVLKVGluZ_awWnSAn2vHRl1N1uivWe1Yi9ZZY_dNurBli5jmRy5uqo6LfV8klagY89VWwgfQ1e09sN7KnIzTLeQ2SZ8bm87A-MgBdV4GZaMD1H9exgy6_tQ/s200/invr-12006.jpg" width="126" /></a><img border="0" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFIa5e1dPxhBoh_uafA8xmQfStI-tuKJzjY9gzcWcFTXx3wokmuELtggBmgFe9wp14QfeOxVDAXimQu0G4bJhSv5TjZFIGmDktffUUUAJZxK9tAX4V9CEl2b31iXmfRWZ167lbJIfPObk/s200/spb-12006.jpg" width="200" /> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdj7csM06lJQXLbugEKaldSWX5CaUb5A2AbhYyDoG1928sZ2jK0Lp5pV7i35hCnssLk6aAdR7wEe0_RDk_gyRG80RLy2WmriPOCzadi45ctlLEnlTyY8nUdR8kXEnJQIbKbFn1OVqaeRU/s1600/lf-12006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdj7csM06lJQXLbugEKaldSWX5CaUb5A2AbhYyDoG1928sZ2jK0Lp5pV7i35hCnssLk6aAdR7wEe0_RDk_gyRG80RLy2WmriPOCzadi45ctlLEnlTyY8nUdR8kXEnJQIbKbFn1OVqaeRU/s200/lf-12006.jpg" width="183" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(Tender Tendril by <a href="http://www.magnetstreet.com/">Magnetstreet</a>)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i>Photographer and Videographer:</i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
If the bride and groom are not from Afghanistan chances are they will not know a photographer or videographer. If they have family in Afghanistan than that may be something they should think about letting a family member handle. If the couple and their family does not know anyone or any photographer/videographer in the country than finding someone where they are from and asking that person to accompany them to Afghanistan for their wedding may be the best option. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i>Ceremony:</i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Traditional Afghan weddings are elaborate affairs, even poor families will go into debt, spending close to twenty thousand dollars for the clothes, wedding hall, food, singers, flowers and photographer (<a href="http://www.about-afghanistan.com/afghan-weddings.html">Ceremony</a>.) A new tradition is developing in Afghanistan, taking on the Western tradition of exchanging gold or silver wedding bands. (<a href="http://www.bridal.cartier.com/#/bridal/the-collection/engagement-rings">Cartier Engagement Rings</a>, <a href="http://www.bridal.cartier.com/#/bridal/the-collection/wedding-bands">Cartier Wedding Bands</a> are great rings and good quality.) Nikah is a religious Islamic ceremony in which a marriage contract is agreed upon. It is traditionally held in private with the gathering of the couple's immediate family and is led by an Islamic clergy, the mullah. In Afghan weddings, the bride and groom are traditionally kept in separate rooms. The bride is represented in the Nikah by her father or a close male relative. The Nikah is negotiated before the mullah between the groom and the bride's representative. Once the groom has accepted the terms of the marriage, the mullah than goes to the bride and asks three times if she accepts the marriage. Once the bride accepts, they are pronounced husband and wife. (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Afghan_wedding">Nikah</a>) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i>Reception:</i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
There is no guest book in the Afghan culture, the receiving table is there to hold gifts for the couple, and the money box, jewels are given to the bride on stage during the reception, these jewels are mostly gold. Guests show up to the reception before the bride and groom. They are usually greeted by a row of women on one side and a row of men on the other. The bride and groom's family will than lead the guests to their table so their is no need for seating charts, table numbers or name tags. The guests gather around and their loved ones and talk about their lives and gossip while exchanging secrets, as the musician plays mellow music for those who care to listen and calm soothing music for those in the mist of a political debate. (<a href="http://www.afghanland.com/culture/wedding.html">Modern Afghan Wedding</a>) After the Nikah is complete, the bride and groom enter the wedding hall and the traditional song ''Ahesta Boro'' (or Ahesta Bero), which literally translate to ''Walk Slowly'' in Persian, is played. This anthem is a very strong tradition in Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Iran, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and some parts of Pakistan. The song was originally written by Abdul Rahim Sarban, he got his inspiration from the cultural folklore. (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ahesta_Boro">Ahesta Boro</a>) Great places to consider for a reception hall is hotels, they can host guests and there is little travelling involved. (<a href="http://swpp.co.uk/wedding_venues/goto/rd.cgi?redir=http://www.serenahotels.com/afghanistan/kabul/home.asp">Serena Hotels</a>, or <a href="http://swpp.co.uk/wedding_venues/goto/rd.cgi?redir=http://www.safilandmarkhotelsuites.com/">Safi Landmark Hotel and Suits</a> both look like great options.)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Once the couple has walked in, the couple is covered with a single shawl and is given a mirror which is wrapped in cloth. In privacy under the shawl, they then unwrap the mirror and look at their reflection for the first time together as husband and wife. They each take turns reading from the Qur'an (Depending on what tradition is followed sometimes this is done alone at home after the wedding.) (<a href="http://islam.about.com/od/marriage/p/wed_afghan.htm">Weddings</a>).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
When the couple finally sits down they have a table all to themselves. They are said to be the King and Queen of the night and have a beautifully decorated table in front of the stage so they are the center of attention. When sitting, the bride traditionally lets her husband sit down first, it is a sign of his dominance and of who holds the power in the marriage. Also, a bride should not smile or dance on her wedding day, the bride is suppose to be sad because she is leaving her father's home.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i>Food:</i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
At an Afghan wedding, the bride and groom are the first to be served in a buffet style dinner. This dinner usually consists of chicken and lamb kebabs, different kinds of rice, salad, vegetable dishes, mantoo (afghan dumplings) and more.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i>The Cake:</i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In Afghanistan culture all weddings must have a proper cake. Traditional wedding cake's are three-stories high, and resembles a pound cake which is often flavoured with real fruits or fruit jelly inside; chocolate afghan cakes, and coffee cakes are also popular (<a href="http://www.ifood.tv/network/afghan_cake"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Afghan Cakes</span></a>). The top patisserie is said to be Razavi Patisserie. Razavi Patisserie is found right in Sharenau, the main business district of Kabul, Afghanistan<span style="font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> (</span></span><a href="http://www.about-afghanistan.com/afghanistan-wedding-cakes.html" style="line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Patisserie</span></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 16px;">). </span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 16px;">A white cake with beautiful black swirls would go great with the wedding theme, adding green ribbons around the base of each layer would </span></span><span style="line-height: 16px;">incorporate</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 16px;"> the green colour of the wedding also. </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLvsiK0h2ww79t3B-FUaMj_LXq_dIyI6YMm2IZmNkcXY5iAiQbV_DOHg_USZnRYdSdCWTfbDywMd8A5R5CkF4KTyTwZvGCR_63q_e5UH5QPO2fMR9bcKFph1zr2Glp0ZESwG5oqo7J6xU/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLvsiK0h2ww79t3B-FUaMj_LXq_dIyI6YMm2IZmNkcXY5iAiQbV_DOHg_USZnRYdSdCWTfbDywMd8A5R5CkF4KTyTwZvGCR_63q_e5UH5QPO2fMR9bcKFph1zr2Glp0ZESwG5oqo7J6xU/s1600/images.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(Black Swirl Wedding Cake by: <a href="http://faircake.blogspot.ca/2010/10/black-swirl-wedding-cake.html">Fair Cake</a>)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="line-height: 16px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , "geneva" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
When it comes to cutting the cake, the groom's sister(s) take the knife and perform a sword dance. During this dance, the sister dances with the knife and asks her brother for money for the bride. Once he gives her money, the sister gives the groom the knife and the bride and groom are free to cut the cake together. As the couple cuts the cake the musician will return to sing the traditional song, ''Baada Baada Elahee Mubarak Baada - Man dil ba tu dada am Tawakol ba khoda,'' meaning ''Congratulations, I gave you my heart now I leave it to God.'' The couple will cut the cake, and then family members will cut the pieces smaller and serve them to the guests. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
To try and match a cake serving set to the cake or even the cake topper isn't easy. But by simply taking a thick green ribbon, and placing a black thinner one in the middle, making a bow with them around the knife and server can make them match the cake and wedding theme. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<b><i>Guest Favours:</i></b><br />
For an Afghan wedding, each guest usually receive a box of sweets at their table, and a tray of dried fruit and sweets (most commonly<a href="http://www.kalamala.com/fard-frosted-almonds.html"> frosted almonds</a>). Getting boxes that match the invitations or theme of a wedding isn't as hard as it may seem, and it gives the guests something to remember the wedding day by. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX-PcEYp3xlUSZoZYH25ju5U_6DWANXxZG-gfW5qX38UjPJkhpbPbZhLxJ-hMyZZGvLVJfFeRXIiKG7Q3NjYdxaBb-rD8HvlsD4OdBhSr_sJxDWgvWwQhZgDHFTBs9k0NkvF4KcCVkCn8/s1600/wfc-12006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhX-PcEYp3xlUSZoZYH25ju5U_6DWANXxZG-gfW5qX38UjPJkhpbPbZhLxJ-hMyZZGvLVJfFeRXIiKG7Q3NjYdxaBb-rD8HvlsD4OdBhSr_sJxDWgvWwQhZgDHFTBs9k0NkvF4KcCVkCn8/s200/wfc-12006.jpg" width="155" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkddQDtMTL-FlgY2aZPN1twjb7dwTtBxjmTe6xYnXvlwtAPgpP9Zsqn3BUZ1hrHe6TNNFKNJtKRjDWFvVhxGZJ3jz3hUNN9GGTKEuIy3QvHBj-77TX1jX3XaRT5klzP276GRQ96Qn81kw/s1600/wfc-11841.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkddQDtMTL-FlgY2aZPN1twjb7dwTtBxjmTe6xYnXvlwtAPgpP9Zsqn3BUZ1hrHe6TNNFKNJtKRjDWFvVhxGZJ3jz3hUNN9GGTKEuIy3QvHBj-77TX1jX3XaRT5klzP276GRQ96Qn81kw/s200/wfc-11841.jpg" width="155" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(<a href="http://www.magnetstreet.com/details/market/517/productId/45836">Tender Tendril</a> favour box and <a href="http://www.magnetstreet.com/details/market/517/productId/45370">Sketched in Love</a> favour box)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i>Centerpieces: </i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A centerpiece should always be small, this makes it easier for the guests to chat amoung themselves. A beautiful centerpiece could be the simplest thing. A square vase of water, with rocks on the bottom and floating candles could be a great centerpiece and match the wedding theme. Also smaller square or even round glasses around the main centerpiece can add light and more beauty. To add more red, cranberries floating in the water would work well also or scattered tulips around the table would also.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDBAWuwkpss9xDtfG-vipn1cSrDx9mXSc0QJwNAYIcusEQ9skG0G6MFl2DhyDut7IpugnNfn6jeeVirZOrMkOyi-tvGNVzy5KGz8zoHyVkTpGR-R2lGDEzwchPrHgbH8fLzblEkodtas8/s1600/57368.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDBAWuwkpss9xDtfG-vipn1cSrDx9mXSc0QJwNAYIcusEQ9skG0G6MFl2DhyDut7IpugnNfn6jeeVirZOrMkOyi-tvGNVzy5KGz8zoHyVkTpGR-R2lGDEzwchPrHgbH8fLzblEkodtas8/s320/57368.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(Black and Green posted by onelovernk to <a href="http://www.weddingbycolor.com/onelovernk/milestones/19661">Wedding By Color</a>)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i>Thank You Cards:</i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Traditionally in Afghanistan the couple will be at the door thanking their guests as they leave. The couple does not send out thank you cards, instead their parents call the guests on their behalf. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i>Places to see:</i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The best way to pass the time in any country is to sight see. In Afghanistan Band-e Amir is a group of five turquoise lakes that is the first national park of the country. Conveniently close to Band-e Amir is the city of Bamiyan, home to one of the most beautiful landscapes in the country. In Bamiyan Bot-e-Bamiyan (Buddhas statue) is a great thing to see, they date back to 03rd and 5th century. Shahr-e-gholgola and Shahr-e-zohak are both caves in Bamiyan that are rich in Afghan history. Kabul bala hisar means a citadel or fortress within a walled town on top of a ridge or hill. It is the town's main defensive complex and has served as residence for Afghan leaders (<a href="http://sitara.com/afghanistan/tours.html">Tour Afghanistan</a>).Khyber Pass is an important site in Afghanistan, it links Pakistan and Afghanistan. Throughout history it served as an important trade route between Central Asia and South Asia. And finally, the Shrine of Hazrat Ali, also known as the Blue Mosque, is a mosque in Mazar-i-Sharif, Afghanistan. It is one of the reputed burial places of Ali, cousin and son-in law of Muhammad. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLznmMgK-NHoKFCyQqC9_AJ9pd3xIrHVj_J6bnkH3UT5s1H8NkFzcu7Rzgxjz7d1KG8vYA1q5QRlslKp1L8W5PQoWUm5oThj8ftPOJkjMwgnQjWLyOwW4snMIbFQQiHW6haX79EWW3AD8/s1600/800px-Mazar-e_sharif_-_Steve_Evans.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLznmMgK-NHoKFCyQqC9_AJ9pd3xIrHVj_J6bnkH3UT5s1H8NkFzcu7Rzgxjz7d1KG8vYA1q5QRlslKp1L8W5PQoWUm5oThj8ftPOJkjMwgnQjWLyOwW4snMIbFQQiHW6haX79EWW3AD8/s400/800px-Mazar-e_sharif_-_Steve_Evans.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(Mazar-e Sharif by Steven Evans courtesy of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Mazar-e_sharif_-_Steve_Evans.jpg">Wikipedia</a>)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Afghanistan is such a beautiful country and a beautiful place to get married. Afghan's are very proud of their culture and traditions with good reason. They have very romantic traditions and very meaningful traditions that will add to any wedding ceremony, Islamic or not. A huge thanks to <a href="http://afghanwife.blogspot.ca/">Afghan Wife</a>, her blog was very informative and is not only a great read but is very insightful to the way and traditions of Afghan weddings and lifestyles. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
Amylhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17670343941890296465noreply@blogger.com0