What a great day! We started out at Reflections Salon in Conyers where Mary Zarna translated our long and loose styles for all the three models. Melodie Bundrage of Beyond Beauty Cosmetic Studio set up shop for the afternoon two chairs down and applied soft, luminous looks to the models. What a treat to see these two professionals in action! They made the whole thing appear effortless. Of course, our gorgoues models, winners of the 2009 Conyers Next Top Model Contest, made it easy too!

Then we were off to the Farm. The Farmhouse Inn in Madison, GA is a brand new one hundred year old farmhouse that is both a great bed and breakfast and event facility. Gary Ezell and his team arrived early to scout the best spots. We arrived and got changed into FANTASTIC gowns provided by Formally Yours in Lilburn, GA. Though we had many beautiful choices everyone was immediately in love with the ruffled skirt and assymetrical bodice of this gown.

After briefly losing an Pandora earring provided by Conyers Jewelry (and panicking a little) and gathering up our wildflower bouquets provided by Bloomers Floral and More out of Jackson we were off to shoot. I LOVED how well these vibrant bouquets showed up on film.

Though finding beauty on this property was no hard task, my hat is off to Ezell's Studios for really capturing the feel of the facility and set up shoots that screamed COVER!

Thank you to everyone involved. Without my great Bliss vendors none of this would ever be possible!

The Runway Show! Formally Yours of Lilburn, GA and Etaine Bridal of Tyrone, GA outdid themselves with elegant modern gowns. Mermaid Dresses, Romantic Trains, and so much more! La Vie Health and Healing Day Spa and Salon gave each of our models romantic up-do's and make-up. Their natural palettes and loose curls really gave the feeling of an intimate wedding style.

Cyndi Israel of Twigs, Leaves, and Flowers pulled double duty. Not only did she entrance with her harpe during the show but she provided some of the most beautiful bouqets that I have seen to date. You must see samples of her work, they are both so modern and hip but have the distint feeling that each flower was cut from a lush garden just that morning. Incredible!

Here are Just a few of our many, many booths. All our vendors went out of their way to provide such gorgeous spaces. Thank you!
Thank you to Chyna, our gorgeous Bride- to- Be that was chosen from the audience to receive an onsite Bridal Makeover. LaVie Health and Healing performed her hair and makeup and Formally Yours of Lilburn lent her a dress to complete her transformation from Bride-to-Be to Bride. Chyna provided her own gorgeous hair, figure, and cheekbones!!!! Doesn't she look fantastic!

Thank you to all the incredible vendors that participated!

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU to Merle Manders Conference Center for allowing us to have our show in your amazing facility. There are not words for how great it is to work with this staff!

Below are links to all our vendor's websites. Please check out their incredible stores online!

http://www.formalyyoursga.com/

http://www.classicworldtravel.com/

http://www.etain-llc.com/

http://www.sitnprettychairs.com/

http://www.originalscatering.com/

http://www.angelicaffairs.com/

http://www.hiddentreasurez.com/

http://www.jomiii.com/

http://www.thepearllady.com/

http://www.temekaringer.com/

http://www.beautybeatdj.com/

http://www.atbgraphicsandprinting.com/

http://www.uniquememories.net/

http://www.jandjvideo.com/

http://caricaturebliss.wordpress.com/

http://www.theclassicphotobooth.com/

http://www.mmccevents.com/

Something Old, Something New. . .

Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue. … You have heard it a million times by now. It actually comes from an English rhyme that was meant to bring good luck. In this issue, we thought we would talk a little more about this age old tradition and how to make your day special by including these four little “somethings”, not just on your person as you walk down the aisle, but throughout your day.
Something Old represents continuity. Tradition, Tradition, Tradition. What more can I say? Be it your Mother’s Veil, your Grammy’s cake topper, the stomping of a glass, or jumping of the broom. These things not only connect you to your heritage but they connect the older generations of your family to your wedding. Weddings are different now. Etiquette is different. People are different, but these little traditions really make those who came before you feel a part of your day.
Something New is optimism for the future. Sure your dress is new, your shoes are new, and probably even your undergarments are new. But are you incorporating any really “new" ideas into your day? Are you breaking tradition by having an all dessert reception, non-matching bridesmaids’ dresses, or a really outrageous choreographed first dance? These are areas where you show your personality or step out of your comfort zone. The bigger the risk, the bigger the reward!
Something Borrowed is to symbolize borrowed happiness. There are two ways to really make borrowing a great addition to your wedding. First of all, you can borrow something of meaning like a best friend’s Bible or a favorite aunt’s earrings, but borrowing can also be a way to fill in the gaps of your budget and find the things you need to complete the day. No money for a limo? Borrow your uncle’s ’69 Mustang. Need a basket for a flower girl? Borrow your niece’s Easter basket or your sister’s satin purse.
Something Blue is for love, purity, and fidelity. Well this one speaks for itself. Stick with the color blue and not people that make you feel blue. A garter, a blue flower tucked into your bouquet, or even blue undies. Want to give your mother and mother-in-law a special gift? Have something blue for them. I love the idea of a gorgeous lace handkerchief initialed in blue as gift for the mothers, and maybe even fathers. However, keep the larger meaning in mind. Make sure that your wedding is an expression of your love and fidelity. Love for your husband to be and love for those in attendance.
These four little Somethings may or may not bring you good luck or good fortune, but they are good fun and a great way to bring in others around you to be a part of your love and happiness on your special day.






Bliss Picks

Something Old- Incorporate a little history into your wedding day. This photo was taken at The Farmhouse Inn in Madison, a brand-new 100 year old farm. The gorgeous inn and event facility gives you the feeling of 1900’s farm where time has stood still and life is simple again but with all the modern conveniences that you need to carry out a flawless wedding day.

Something New- LOVE, LOVE, LOVE. What can I say about these perfectly pretty and fabulously tasty wedding favors. Chocolate covered cherries have long been considered a symbol of love and decadence but this company has put a new spin on this old favorite by dressing them up for dinner in a gown and tux. Each guest will love to find a pair of these on their plate. For these and other tasty treasures visit Peppermint Patty’s in Old Towne Conyers.

Something Borrowed- Borrowing is a great way to get all that you need to create the perfect reception. Tables and Chairs are the beginning of all the wonderful things that you can rent for the big day. Specialty linens, plates, fountains, centerpieces, lighting, and more can be available from a rental or company or your reception hall. This gorgeous centerpiece was “borrowed” from Affairs by Pinehurst Tea Room and Banquet Facility.

Something Blue- What better way to prepare for the blending of your lives than watching the two wicks on this lovebird candle become one? This sweet smelling reminder or your love is a beautiful blue “something” for your day. You can find this and other great Mindy Weiss products at Formally Yours in Lilburn, GA.

Online Spa Makeover Winner!!!

Online Spa Makeover Contest Winner Lauren arrived at La Vie Health & Healing Day Spa and Salon early on one morning to begin her transformation from Bride-to-Be to Blushing Bride. Manicure, pedicure, eyebrows, hair and make-up services were all provided by the salon experts at La Vie.

Lauren's long locks were swept up into a crown of curls reminiscent of a princess! A natural palette enhanced her beautiful skin and lovely dark eyes.

Next she was off to Ezell's Studios for a bridal shoot befitting a queen! Three backgrounds, two wedding dresses, and a pair of cowboy boots set the stage to capture her nuptial glow!

Special thanks to Dream Day Affairs in Olde Town Conyers for providing the gorgeous gowns for the shoot! The slim-fitting ( insert name of dress) mermaid design was very elegant, and the lacey detailing on the (insert the name of dress) gown added drama to every shot.

Below are some more details from her day!

LaVie Health and Healing did a fantastic job pampering our Bride. No detail was overlooked. What I love about LaVie's service is they pay attention to detail and really tailor their packages to meet the needs of each individual client. Also, although beauty is definately the goal, total well being is really taken into account and made a priorty. On a side note, they really know how to throw a party! Sign up to for their mailing list online and get invited to their many free events! There is always good food, good networking, and great sample services to take part in!

*the above photos were supplied by Then, Now and Always Photography

Next it was on to Ezell's Photography Studio for a Bridal Shoot!

Ezell's Studios really showed their talent for not only capturing Lauren's spunky personality on film but really doing justice to the beautiful gowns and elegant up-do. Curved lines, Rich backgrounds and great staging provided hundreds of fantastic shots to choose from!

Ezell's Studios likes to tell their brides. "Always do a Bridal Shoot before the big day". On more than one occassion a bridal shoot has saved a bride a wedding day headache. Does the dress catch on your shoes? Does the bodice hug tightly without "peek throughs"? "A bridal shoot is really a dry run for wedding day pictures and an important step to carrying off a big day with out a hitch! ", Gary Ezell.

Something Old- Incorporate a little history into your wedding day. These photos was taken at The Farmhouse Inn in Madison by Melissa Schollaert http://www.msp-photography.com/, a brand-new 100 year old farm. The gorgeous inn and event facility gives you the feeling of 1900’s farm where time has stood still and life is simple again but with all the modern conveniences that you need to carry out a flawless wedding day. Visit the Farmhouse Inn online at www.thefarmhouseinn.com.

It is coming! I am so excited! Bliss is hosting it's first event on their own. That is right April 19th will be Bliss' First Dress Show. Not only will there be fantastic shops selling dresses off the rack but fabulous bliss vendors will be there sharing all the have to offer! I hope you can all make it!

Check out our great vendors!

www.formalyyoursga.com

www.classicworldtravel.com

www.club908.com

www.etain-llc.com

www.sitnprettychairs.com

www.originalscatering.com

www.angelicaffairs.com

www.preciouspetalstoday.com

www.hiddentreasurez.com

www.salonutopiaonline.com

Cover Shoot - Behind the Scenes

What fun! I love cover shoot day. Dresses upon Dresses to choose from, Hair, Makeup, Shoes... A Dream!
This shoot I was able to try on some dresses at home before the big day. A special thanks to Bridals by Becky for letting me pick them up early! I simply must get married again! I will marry my husband again but you should get to wear those gorgeous dresses more than once in a lifetime!
Jewelry. . . I almost forgot about the jewelry! Conyers Jewelry let me in the store early to pick out anything and everything we wanted. It was like Breakfast at Tiffany's, or would have been if I ever looked as put together as Holly Go-Lightly. The ring was a story unto itself. Everyone fell in love immemdiately.
Ok, on to the day. We arrive in Madison, GA around 10am and immediately go over to Petals Salon for Hair and to the James Madison Inn, the shot location, for Makeup. Tricia Jay of About Face Skin Care really outdid herself. She stayed all day and kept our glow going!
We spent four hours taking 500 photos in three different dresses and six different backgrounds. Monica Ellis, our model and the photography assistant to Emma Steinmetz Photography, was awesome. She really gave us so much to choose from: smiles, laughs, serious, pin up model flirty glances, and more.
The hardest part was getting my red shoes in the shots. I really wanted to get them in there. I just loved the idea. But in the end it is really hard to get the feet in a shot with a wedding dress on top.
Thank you to everyone for making the day so much fun and to Emma. The pictures are AMAZING! I can't wait for the Spring Shoot!

Five Things I have learned from a Wedding Movie

I love wedding movies. They are just plain fun. What a great way to spend your evening. Light-hearted, fun, and always a great idea tucked in here and there. Here are a few things I have learned from the movies.

1. My Best Friends Wedding. . . If you don't want your cousins to be your bridesmaids, don't let anyone make you.

2. Run Away Bride. . . The absolute best name for a salon in the world is in this movie. Her best friend works at Curl up & Dye. I love that name. Besides that I learned that every girl deserves the dress of her dreams, even she has worn one before. (This is very important because one day I plan to renew my vows just so I can wear a huge poofy dress one more time).

3. Father of the Bride. . . I know they say be comfortable, wear something you can dance in, and no one sees them anyway. I don't care. I could not get past the fact that she had on tennis shoes under her wedding dress. It really bothered me. High heels are part of the dress up. They make you tall and they help pick up your hiney, at least they do mine (what can I say I have three kids it is a little low). I just could not take that she had on sneakers.

4. My Big Fat Greek Wedding. . . Family is the most important thing. Sure you may do things you did not envision for your day but this day is for your family as well. When you do not think you can take one more word of advice or un solicited opinion just take a deep breath and remember, they mean well.

5. 27 Dresses. . . Wait for true love. Walking down the aisle for the wrong reasons only leads to heartache.

I have not seen Bride Wars yet but it looks great. I cant wait to get a better glimpse at the dress Kate Hudson is wearing. It looks perect for me!