From our house to yours, may 2011 end on a note of happiness, peace and gratitude.

May your new year begin with raucous laughter, exciting possibilities and grand dreams.

(That’s actually my house but we will all claim it for today!)

Your Arizona Wedding Blog,

Kelly

From all of us at the Phoenix Bride and Groom team, we hope your Thanksgiving reminds you of the treasures you have and those that are yet to come.

(Thanks to Signs of Vintage on Etsy!)

Skye Restaurant and Lounge Giveaway Details:

*The winner will receive gift certificates for Skye Restaurant and Lounge that are good for 2 general admission tickets and 2 dinners from the Skye Prix Fixe menu- YUM!

*Anyone can enter to win by simply leaving a comment on this blog post that answers the question: What is your favorite band? (You must leave a comment on this blog post to be considered for the giveaway, although once you go exploring on the blog, feel free to comment on any other posts- we love feedback!)

*The Skye Restaurant and Lounge Giveaway time period is August 1, 2011-August 15, 2011. All comments must be left by midnight August 15, 2011 to be eligible to win.

*The winner will be chosen randomly using random.org

*The winner will be announced on the blog, Facebook and Twitter no later than Wednesday August 17, 2011 and will be contacted using the email provided in the comment.*

*Please make sure we are able to reach you! If you are the winner but do not respond to us within 5 days, we will choose another winner.

That’s it friends- have fun and good luck!

Check out the Skye concert calendar here.

(Image Courtesy of Harrison Hurwitz Photography)

(Image Courtesy of Jennifer Bowen Photography)

(Image Courtesy of Hollye Schumacher Photography)

(Image Courtesy of Chris Richards Photography)

 (Image courtesy of Jennifer Bowen Photography)

Readers, we know how much your mom has helped you not only in preparation for your wedding but in preparation for life- make sure you show her your love and admiration today and every day!

Chatting Soon~ Kelly

But once reality hits (i.e., every day life), you may have some things in your new life that need to be sorted out and tackled head-on. Here are a few things you may have to consider now that you are married:

What to do with unused gift cards: With even our grandparents warming up to the idea that a gift card is an acceptable, even preferred, gift, we often find ourselves with gift cards that… no matter how hard we try, we just can’t use. Sometimes the dollar amount on the card isn’t enough to purchase the one thing you wanted from a store. Sometimes the purchaser misjudges our sense of style and thus the gift card will never ever be used. Whatever the reason, unused gift cards happen but they don’t have to go to waste. I have personally used Plastic Jungle and was really happy with the process. Go to the site, enter your gift card information, find out how much Plastic Jungle will pay you for it, and voila! You have “sold” your gift card for either cash or exchange. I figure $20 in cash is worth more than $25 on a gift card to a store I will never visit. 

You have too much stuff: One huge transition for many couples is negotiating the new living arrangements and the “stuff” you have that may not make the cut. You know what I’m talking about: honestly, who wants the plaid couch from college paired with the shiny new sectional? The pots and pans owned between the two of you are never going to fit in those cabinets, no matter how hard you try to stuff them in. And who really needs 23 beer mugs ”borrowed” from the local bar and grill? (Confession Break: I met my husband while working at Chili’s Bar and Grill. 23 is an exaggeration.)   If you have not already consolidated your domestic goods, consider using a service like The Giving Effect:

This online donation site has a simple goal: “to get essential items to people in need.” Basically, you go online, find a cause in your area and go from there. You can help people, animals or businesses.  Also, in the style of Kiva (micro-lending to people around the world), you don’t just drop off items and that’s the end of the story. You actually get information on who benefitted from your donation. You become a part of their story. Now you know what to do with that plaid couch! And they also accept leftovers from catered events…know any catered events coming up?

Your communication needs a crash course: The transition from singlehood to married bliss is made easier when you communicate. We found these super fun ways to be very clear from KnockKnock.com. I had a blast looking at everything on this website- I even got some shopping done!

and if those fail, as they most certainly will at some point during your first year of marriage, try these (I wish these had been around when I was a newlywed!):

Chatting Soon~Kelly

Think there are a lot of wedding related events going on around town? You couldn’t be more right!  Here’s a list of upcoming events that you should check out for that all important wedding immersion you crave:  

March 6th is the day you get to visit the Arizona Grand Resort and mingle with their preferred wedding experts at the Spring Bridal Open House. This is a beautiful venue that has the space for extra- large events!

The Great Bridal Expo is coming up March 13 at the Phoenix Convention Center- don’t miss this fun day to meet even more of Arizona’s wedding experts!

Also, The Venue at Old Main at ASU has Open Houses every Wednesday night from 6-8. This is a great option for weddings!

Now that I have played social calendar boss, I have to gush for a moment over some new bridesmaids dresses that have recently debuted at Scottsdale gown shop Destiny’s Bride. They are Monique Lhullier’s newest collection and they are gorgeous! The pretty bows are a grown- up detail that potentially hide pooches and the iridescent fabrics are exquisite.  See?

Here’s a genius solution: if you have a pregnant bridesmaid or wedding guest, please tell her about Rent Maternity Wear- it’s the perfect solution for those with baby bellies to look chic at a wedding without having to purchase a dress they will literally only be able to wear once. Rentals start at $35 and the selection is awesome! Here’s the popular “Angelina”:

And finally, Arizona Spa Week is coming up April 11-17. Simply put, $50 gets you a treatment at a spectacular participating spa in the Phoenix area. Typically, you can select treatments from spas such as Agave at the Westin Kierland, Revive Spa at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge, Joya Spa at the Intercontinental Montelucia Resort and Spa an dmany many more . Not too shabby, huh? You can also purchase gift cards from Spa Week for your bridesmaids that will be good towards Spa Specials on their site. Another genius solution for you!

That’s a wrap for today!

Chatting Soon~ Kelly

- Get this cool New Year’s Banner- you should still get it in time if you order ASAP!

-We released our latest issue of the magazine last week and cannot believe the excitement generated…check out our new Wedding Insiders here. I promise, you will get even more pics from these weddings right here on the blog.

- Avoid Holiday Make Up Mistakes courtesy of Corinna B, the beloved make up marvel! My favorite tip: Keep Glitter Under Control. Wise wise advice.  Remember: Friends don’t let friends “Over- Glitter”! Ms. Lopez deos it just right:

-Enter our Spa Getaway Contest where you can get spa pampering for you and three friends to the hilt at The Lamar Everyday Spa!

Go on back to your sweetie now and have a lovely weekend!

Chatting Soon~Kelly

 The Phoenix Bride and Groom Team has so many beautiful weddings, tips and tricks for wedding planning, expert advice and fun finds to share with you. Enjoy!

The fun video trailer of the shoot (watch for kids’ interaction throughout,  it’s funny):

Phoenix Bride & Groom by Serendipity Videography from Serendipity Videography on Vimeo.

A  few images from the day of the cover photoshoot (from my phone, please forgive me):

Marnee Marriott of Marriott Photography working the angles

And the dedicated Jeff Bills of Serendipity Videography doing what he does best!

The girl with all the plans, ideas and tricks…Victoria Canada of Victoria Canada Weddings and Events (well, at least you can see her hair!)

Many thanks to all who contributed their time and talent to make this a beyond gorgeous shoot:

Conceptualized and Styled by : Victoria Canada

Photographer: Marriott Photography

Location: Arizona Biltmore

Floral Design: Your Event Florist

Linens: Special Events Table Linens

Paper Products: The Event Essentials

Rentals: Classic Party Rentals

Make Up Artist: Corinna Cooke

Hair Styling: The Grateful Head, Amber Tillinghast

Videography: Serendipity Videography

Gown: Destiny’s Bride

Model: Morgan with Ford Modeling Agency

Links. Blurbs. Joy!

*A most unique Bridal Fair, Dulhania Bazaar , caters to South Asian couples. I am in awe of the gorgeous fabrics at weddings that incorporate the South Asian culture.  Oct 31 at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge!

*Guns and Weddings, hmmmm…..a very interesting wedding shot by BQ Photography!

 *Honey Liquer sounds delicious and our very own Publisher’s son marinated chicken in it and word on the street is that it was FAB! Recipes and more here. I think this could defintely help me get into the Halloween spirit!

*A game called Wedding Dash? Yep!

*Christine of The Flower Studio, who is simply AMAZING at what she does, is going to help you with your holiday table decor at her Pumpkins, Flowers and Gourds OH MY! Flower Design Party- check out the details on her Facebook page.

*V’s Barbershop offers grooms a really fun package, just right for getting ready and NOT girly. Very very manly, I promise.

*And here is a Halloween Wedding goodie for you from the outrageously crafty Etsy.

Make it a fun Halloween! Kelly

Visiting this wonderful island was something I considered once in a lifetime….yet here I am!

This is the view of the serene blue water and the fabulous Ritz Carlton pool from my room on the 8th floor–Penthouse Level!

When I received the invitation to explore the Ritz Carlton in Grand Cayman, I jumped at the chance to see what today’s honeymooners could expect.

Fine dining, luxurious ocean-front accommodations, pristine Seven Mile Beach, and the aqua lounge–drink service while you float peacefully in the ocean. Oh yeah!

These are just my iphone pics. When I get the images from the Ritz Carlton, I will be sure to update you all. A slice of heaven like this, is just too good not to share!

Remind me to tell you about Sting Ray City!

Until later, your editor on location

Stephanie Gandy Riley