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

This little cutie, actually Frederick Theodore Schlosser, debuted at 5 lbs 6 oz–less than a Louis Vuitton handbag–but he’s been stealing hearts in a man-sized way ever since his debut.  

The world’s most glam grandma, Phoenix Bride & Groom publisher Fran Samuel, is over the moon with the new addition. Of course, so are his parents Rachel and Ted, and new big sister Savannah.

Welcome and congratulations!

We see our share of ho-hum favor ideas, and once in awhile we see something that really gets us excited. That’s how the editorial team felt when we came across Couture Cookie Co., based right here in Phoenix.

Using the freshest natural ingredients, cookie queen Karen Wheeling crafts gorgeous designs in her sugar cookies.

Whether your taste runs toward the whimsical, such as these cactus or margarita shapes, or the elegant–monograms perhaps?–Karen can make a cookie for you.

Check out the “salt” on the rims!

You will love the designs on the website, and remember that all the cookies are custom made to fit your wedding theme.

Say goodbye to the goofy homemade bouquet crafted from the leftover ribbons from your bridal shower.

Thanks to Michelle Eier at Petal Wishes, you can carry good wishes and a fashionable bouquet during your wedding rehearsal. Bridesmaids take note: these kits are going to be hot!

You begin with a kit fashioned by Michelle right here in Arizona. It includes vellum “petals” and special pens that will be used to create the flowers of this heartwarming bouquet. Guests give the bride their advice–anything from “treat each other with kindness” to “kiss! kiss! kiss!” –right on the petals.

Together with special beads and tulle, the wishes make their way into an arrangement you’ll never forget.

It’s a perfect activity for a bridal shower, and much better than a guest book because it has a practical use. What bride wouldn’t want to carry the wishes and dreams of her best friends and family members with her as she prepares for her new marriage?

You can see the bouquets up close at Twirl and read all about how Michelle came up with this fab idea on her website: www.givepetalwishes.com

Brilliant!