Gearing Up for Earth Hour

Less than an hour to go, in fact in about 35 minutes EST it will be Earth hour. I pledged to turn off my lights. Did you?

My house will be dark. I am pulling out flashlights and soy candles as we speak.

Time for spooky stories and shadow puppets with the kids.

Earn a Free Honeymoon with Hyatt

Book a dream wedding at Hyatt and earn complimentary nights toward an unforgettable resort honeymoon in the U.S., Mexico or Aruba

CHICAGO (March 25, 2009) – Couples who celebrate the start of many memorable years together with an extraordinary wedding at a stunning Hyatt hotel or resort in the U.S.; Canada; Cancun, Mexico; or Aruba will receive complimentary nights towards a honeymoon at a participating resort property, Hyatt Hotels & Resorts announced today.

When qualifying charges for the wedding or commitment ceremony total the following minimum amounts on the master bill, couples will receive complimentary nights at participating Hyatt resorts:
· Complimentary 2-night stay for wedding when master bill totals $10,000
· Complimentary 3-night stay for wedding when master bill totals $20,000
· Complimentary 4-night stay for wedding when master bill totals $30,000
· Complimentary 5-night stay for wedding when master bill totals $40,000

The wedding and honeymoon offer is valid for weddings booked now through June 2010 and held by June 30, 2010. The complimentary honeymoon must be completed by July 31, 2010.

Whether a couple chooses to combine a destination wedding and honeymoon in a resort location like Hawaii, or to have a city wedding followed by a honeymoon spent relaxing at the beach or in the mountains, Hyatt’s experienced catering and event teams are available to assist in planning an unforgettable, authentic celebration. Hyatt wedding specialists can guide the couple in everything from selecting the menu to arranging accommodations and activities for family and friends, choosing flowers and finding the perfect photographer.

“Sharing memorable moments and special occasions with our guests is what motivates us the most at Hyatt,” said Scott Seed, director of leisure marketing. “We’re delighted – especially in this economic climate – that this offer will enable couples who start their lives with us to experience the honeymoon they’ve always imagined.”

To book the wedding and honeymoon offer, please call the Wedding Specialist at the desired Hyatt wedding location and reference offer code WEDNIGHTS. More information on participating hotels and resorts is available at www.hyattweddings.com.

Additional days for the honeymoon and other options can be added through the Hyatt Wedding Specialist.

The number of free room nights earned will be based on the total final bill (pre-tax, surcharges, gratuities, labor, hotel fees (i.e. daily resort fee), third-party contractors and other incidental charges not stated in sales contract) for the wedding (includes commitment ceremonies, and rehearsal dinners etc).

Free room nights are valid at any participating Hyatt resort in the United States, Cancun and Aruba. Hyatt Place, Hyatt Summerfield Suites, Park Hyatt (except Park Hyatt Beaver Creek) and Andaz hotels are not participating in this promotion.

To take advantage of the complimentary nights, the honeymoon must be booked within 30 days of signing the wedding contract. Free nights will only be issued for qualifying weddings or commitment ceremony that actualize.

This offer must be requested at time of wedding inquiry and is subject to availability of function space and guestrooms at time of booking.

The offer is not valid in conjunction with previously booked or held weddings or any other promotion or offers. Qualifying planners who are Hyatt Gold Passport members may also be eligible for Hyatt Gold Passport Planner Rewards bonus points. Full terms and conditions are available at http://www.hyattweddings.com/tc/default.asp.

Get Married On MySpace

Interactive Reality Series, Sponsored by Touchstone Pictures’ “The Proposal,” Allows Online Community to Plan The First Wedding on MySpace

Leading Wedding Site, The Knot, to Provide Editorial Content and Wedding Planning Expertise

MySpace, the world’s premier social network, and Endemol, a world leader in entertainment programming, today announced that the submission process has opened for engaged couples to win the wedding of their dreams on a new reality web series, “Married on MySpace.” The interactive online series will allow one lucky couple to receive the wedding of a lifetime while the MySpace community contributes to planning and experiencing their big day first hand.

Video submissions will be accepted on the “Married on MySpace” profile page (www.myspace.com/marriedonmyspace) through April 17. Finalists will be announced on April 24 when MySpace users will then be able to cast their vote for their favorite couple. The series will debut on MySpace in May with the announcement of the chosen couple and conclude in early August with the wedding ceremony.

Leading wedding website, The Knot, has joined on as an editorial content sponsor. As part of the cross-promotional partnership, The Knot and their team of wedding and style experts will provide planners to guide the couple throughout the process. They will also supply additional content including an application called “My Inner Bride,” allowing MySpace users to create their own bride avatars.

The interactive nature of “Married on MySpace” enables users to influence almost every step and detail of the wedding by voting on two key elements each week leading up to the big event.

The MySpace community will decide on important aspects including:

Casting the engaged couple – After submissions have ended, users will choose their favorite couple from a group of finalists to decide who will win the wedding of their dreams.

Selecting the attire – The couple will get to preview the hottest wedding attire and the MySpace community will vote for what they think should be worn.

Bachelor and Bachelorette parties – MySpace users will decide where the couple will celebrate their respective events.

Picking the wedding location – On the special day, friends and family will gather to witness the couple exchange vows, but the location will be chosen by MySpace users.

The series, consisting of 13 webisodes, will conclude with a live wedding ceremony where many key details will be revealed. The MySpace Video channel (http://www.myspace.com/video) and series profile page will spotlight a variety of exclusive series content including profiles of the wedding party, behind-the-scenes video footage, and blogs from the winning couple chronicling all the highs and lows that come along with planning a wedding.

Touchstone Pictures’ upcoming film The Proposal is sponsoring the “Married on MySpace” series. The film stars Sandra Bullock, Ryan Reynolds, Malin Akerman, Craig T. Nelson, Mary Steenburgen, Denis O’Hare, and Betty White, and is directed by Anne Fletcher. The Proposal focuses on high-powered book editor Margaret (Sandra Bullock) who faces deportation to her native Canada. The quick-thinking exec declares that she’s engaged to her unsuspecting put-upon assistant Andrew (Ryan Reynolds), who she’s tormented for years. He agrees to participate in the charade, but with a few conditions of his own. The film opens nationwide on June 19.

MySpace Video is the video destination for the MySpace community. The platform aggregates the best elements of professional, licensed and user-generated content to enhance the user’s experience and enables them to view, create and share videos in a new way within the MySpace community.

2009 Green Boston Wedding Giveaway

8 eco-passionate wedding vendors have decided to join forces and sponsor a green wedding giveaway in Boston.

They're looking for engaged couples to write in and tell them about the ways they incorporate socially and environmentally conscious behaviors into their lifestyle, and why they desire an eco-friendly wedding.

The entry deadline is April 19th.- the contest is open to all eco-friendly engaged couples regardless of race, religion, or sexual orientation. Want to know more? Drop by Green Boston Wedding.

The winners will receive a prize package that includes:

• Full service wedding coordination package provided by Swank Events

• Full service photography package provided by Anne Ruthmann Photography

• An organic cake provided by the Hippie Chick Bakery

• An organic wedding gown provided by Natural Bridal Collection

• Floral design for the wedding party provided by Faxon Green

• Recycled paper wedding invitations provided by Rugg Road Paper Co.

• Transportation for 12 people via the Hybrid Tahoe Stretch limo provided by Christopher Limousine

• $500 credit towards recycled metal wedding bands

• plus free processing of any myKarat gold submitted ($250 value) provided by Green Karat jewelers

Giving Away a Copy of The Everything Green Wedding Book

Every Friday (or almost every Friday) Roxanne over at Fang-tastic Books holds an event she calls, Free Book Friday. This week to welcome in Spring I offered a copy of The Everything Green Wedding Book to be the giveaway.

It's not the type of book she normally gives away. Fang-tastic Books is a site devoted to...you guessed it, vampire books along with other paranormal types. She loves anything and everything spooky, dark and scary...as far as books go. I'm the same way and a big fan of the site and of the books. I just wouldn't want to meet any spookies, ghosts or ghoulies in real life, I prefer to keep them in the books...where they belong :-)

Anyway, drop by Fang-tastic Books and leave a comment to be entered to win a signed copy of The Everything Green Wedding Book. You have until Wednesday to enter then Roxanne will be choosing a winner.

Eve Organics for Glowing Skin on Your Big Day

If you are looking for one of the best all natural skincare lines and the absolute best mineral makeup you have got to check out Eve Organics.

They have natural skin care products and fabulous mineral makeup that will leave your skin glowing.

I admit I was skeptical. I have heard all the hype about minerals for awhile now but had only tried a powder that wasn't very good. Then I got Eve Organics mineral foundation...WOW! My skin looked better than ever.

"Eve Organics’ mineral makeup contains all natural, aluminum free titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, which provide natural broad spectrum sun protection without irritating chemicals. The zinc oxide also provides anti-microbial properties. It feels light on the skin, is perfect for all skin types (including rosacea, acne, dry, sensitive and post-laser treated skin) and never tested on animals. It is suitable for all skin types and is shown to promote certain types of healing. Because mineral powders are inorganic and contain no moisture, bacteria does not grow and therefore no preservatives are needed. "

I love the stuff and I can't think of anything better to wear for your wedding for natural brides or any brides.

Just make sure to experiment for a couple weeks before the wedding to get the hang of wearing mineral cosmetics, it is different than applying regular make up.

Beautiful Wedding Rings by Payson Jewelry

If you are looking for something different when it comes to your engagement or wedding bands, check out Payson Jewelry.

These handcrafted beauties are simply stunning...and eco-friendly too. "All of the jewelry is locally made by Payson Cooper or other small family owned businesses in New York City, and, except for chains and a few parts, all of the jewelry is Eco-friendly. The sterling silver has a recycled metal content of over 92%, while the 14K gold has over 78% recycled metal content. Payson also uses recycled, US made packaging whenever possible and is dedicated to being as green in every business practice as possible."

Very eco-cool, Payson.

Payson's rings are so extraordinary. This is the stuff I was looking for when I got married but couldn't find it anywhere.

Check Out Some of My Green Wedding Articles and Craft How To's

Brides are Going...Going....Green

Easter Baskets Get Wedding Makeovers

DIY Flower Girl Baskets

Use the Three R's to Green Your Wedding

Tin Pail Transformed into a Flower Girl Basket

Creatively Green Weddings

I was Quoted in an Article in Shoestring Magazine

Check out this article at Shoestring Magazine: Weddings on a Shoetring: DIY Decorating. I was interviewed for the article and quoted in it.

Make Your Wedding Day a Charitable Event with JustGive.org

"As wedding season nears, couples everywhere are planning their perfect weddings and looking for ways to creatively stretch their budget to make them special.

For the all-important day to share and declare love, no wedding detail is too small or insignificant. The ceremony and celebration are full of meaning. Expressing their unique union. Making priceless memories. Starting their life together as one.

With JustGive.org, couples can easily make their ideal wedding a reality with several budget-friendly and eco-chic choices:

1. Thank guests in a personal and lasting way. Make a heartfelt donation as a Wedding Favor and honor a loved one's memory or donate to a cause the two of you care deeply about. It's the type of favor that says a lot about how you're starting life together: giving back.

2. Create a Charitable Wedding Registry and offer guests a meaningful and affordable gift option. In only three steps (create account, wedding details, add charities), JustGive lets you customize a wedding page that tells friends and family why giving to charity is important to both of you. We take care of the details and make it a cinch to announce the registry and keep track of gifts. You receive a distinct link that takes guests directly to your registry (easy to add to your wedding website too), and emails from JustGive inform you when donations are made. Your thank-you list is simple; all gifts are conveniently recorded online, in a password-protected account.

3. Share the love with your wedding party. Donate to their favorite cause or give them personal GiveNow charity gift cards they can use to support a cause that means the world to them.

Guests appreciate that donations made through your Wedding Registry are tax deductible, including the five-dollar transaction fee. This nominal fee, less than typical shipping charges for traditional gifts, helps support JustGive's services and ensures that more of every dollar donated goes directly to those who need it.

More than 18,000 wedding donations honoring 2,000 JustGive couples have raised nearly $1.5 million for charity in the last six years. Shara S., of Elverson , Pennsylvania , attended a friend's wedding where donations were made to the families of fallen solders and loved the idea of making her own wedding favors a meaningful charitable gift to help others. She described the process as "hassle-free and so worth it," saying it "beat any mints, picture frame, or wine stopper you can buy."

For couples looking for more earth-friendly and charitable options, JustGive's Wedding Center offers additional ideas—from selecting a "green" reception site to donating leftovers to help the hungry to asking that wedding vendors donate a portion of their fee to charity."

Last year, we expanded the site to make it easier for engaged couples to include charity as part of their special day," comments Founder Kendall Webb. "We added more options for personalizing gifts, more creative ideas for giving, and more convenient ways to find charities where their wedding gifts can make a difference."

San Francisco-based JustGive.org, started in 2000 by Harvard graduate Kendall Webb, was among the first nonprofit organizations to harness the power of the Web for charitable purposes. JustGive is guided by its mission to connect people with the causes they care about most. The destination for online charitable giving, JustGive.org has been recognized by Forbes as one of the Best of the Web. "

Something Blue for Brides that are a Bit Naughty and Wild

Now I had to laugh at this, who would think of something this wild and crazy for brides?

A bride is the picture of innocence and virtue, that is what the white symbolizes. Then there's the old rhyme...something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue...and for the blue you get this....

Malibu Betty, a fun and sexy blue color for the hair down there.

Malibu Betty Blue allows brides to let their nether regions match one of the oldest wedding traditions! How outrageous is that?

This fun shade of blue hair dye will let brides walk down the aisle feeling sexy and confident...and more than a little naughty. This is definitely for the brides that like to walk on the wild side.

The Malibu Betty Blue product is also the perfect bachelorette party gift that won’t break the bank.

And won't the new hubby be surprised when he unwraps his bride and finds...something blue.

Dream Bridal for Budget Brides

Dream Bridal LA specializes in selling new, sample and gently worn high end, designer wedding gowns to savvy, sophisticated brides. Established in 2007 by wedding guru, Britta Barts, Dream Bridal LA marries a bride’s dream with the reality of her budget, without sacrificing any element of the fairy tale.

Barts founded Dream Bridal LA shortly after discovering a “black market” of once worn wedding dresses during her own personal quest to find the perfect gown. Brides-to-be were seeking out designer dresses, sans designer price tags, any way they could. There needed to be a more efficient, trusted and enjoyable way to acquire the dress of their dreams.

“I know that the purchase of a wedding gown is likely the most emotional purchase in a woman’s life”, said Barts, owner of Dream Bridal LA. “I’ve worked with hundreds of brides over the last year and while I can suggest plenty of do's and don’ts, ultimately the most exciting thing about being involved with such an integral part of a woman’s dream day is that it is ALL about her and bringing the fantasy to fruition. Modern day women know what they want, and I love being there to help deliver that to them.”

Dream Bridal LA offers the crème de la crème of designer gowns from names such as Vera Wang, Monique Lhuillier, Melissa Sweet and more, but at 25-75% below retail prices. Dresses are often brand new, acquired from “two dress brides” or those who simply changed their mind. She also sells sample gowns from bridal boutiques, or gently worn dresses, always paying close attention to condition and quality.

Until Dream Bridal LA, there were very few enticing options for brides to acquire the perfect, yet affordable dress. The “running of the brides”, packed trunk shows, buy it now deals, pushy boutique owners or dishonest resellers made the purchase of a wedding dress more like an impersonal business transaction. With an increasing number of resale scams, Dream Bridal LA protects against unforeseen discrepancies, cons or delays in obtaining a gown. Barts and Dream Bridal LA make it possible to have the three-tiered cake and eat it too. Exquisite gowns, paired with personal service and savings enough to help fund the honeymoon, make purchasing a dress from Dream Bridal LA as simple as saying, “I do.”

Whether seeking a simple silhouette in a chic chiffon or lace design to whisk you off to your destination wedding, or a “belle of the ball” gown to match the extravagance of your big day, Barts prides herself on providing each unique bride a personal ‘white glove’ experience. She is responsive to questions and needs, can offer insider tips, and ultimately cares just as much as you do about creating a fairy tale ending.