When reviewing wedding reception sites, it helps to come equipped with the questions you need answered before making your decision. Here is what you will need to find out from your reception site manager:
Costs Involved
First and foremostyou will need to determine the cost of holding your wedding reception at the site. Sounds like a given, right? You will discover that most reception sites break down their costs differently, and what may seem to be less expensive may wind up more costly once all of the figures are totaled. Avoid confusion by requesting an itemized list of feesor take this one with youand tally the costs of each fee and service you will most likely use for your event. (Have an idea of your guest count beforehandthis will influence the estimated costs) Then you can compare your lists to accurately determine which site is the most cost effective for your needs.
Already confused? Not to worrywe have compiled a complete list of typical costs and fees charged by wedding reception sites. If the facility does not provide one of these services, such as an onsite caterer, factor in the estimated cost of contracting the service from an outside vendor when tallying your total expenses.
Questions to ask:
• What is the facility rental fee?
• What is the costfor food? (sites typically offer more than one menu package; determine which menu package you will most likely utilize for your wedding receptionand use that amount in determining your estimate.)
• What is the costfor beverage? (save time by having an idea of what beverage package you would like to serve, whether a full bar, limited bar or non-alcoholic bar)
• If you can hold your ceremony on site, what is the ceremony fee?
• What is the set-up/break-down fee? (some sites charge per chair, others charge a lump sum)
• What is the staffing fee? (including bartenders, waiters etc.)
• What is the overtime fee?
• Is there a fee for security personnel?
• Is there a fee for parking or valets?
Packages
Just when you think you’ve got a handle on the costs involved in renting a reception site, a facility offers a complete wedding package. Wedding packages can be both cost-effective and convenient, as long as you take care to inquire about exactly what is and what is not included in the package.
Also remember to inquire about the exact descriptions of the items included in the package. For instanceif you have your heart set on an elaborately adorned 5 tiered fondant cake and the package only offers your basic buttercreamthe package may not be for you – no matter what the potential savings.
Ask the site manager:
• What is included in the wedding package? Make sure all the basics are included:
• Facility Rental?
• Food and Beverage?
• Ceremony on site?
• Set up and Break down?
• Staffing?
Other items that may or may not be included:
• Cake? (if so, how many does it serve? Can you customize the design?)
• Flowers? (does the package include all floral, or just buffet arrangements or bouquets? Can you customize the arrangements or do they only come in standard varieties?)
• Linens? (what do they look like? How many?)
• Is purchasing the wedding package a requirement? (Many facilities allow brides the option of purchasing the entire package, purchasing a partial package and eliminating specific items or foregoing the wedding package altogether.)
Services
Determine what essential services the reception site provides and what you must contract from an outside vendor:
• Is there an in-house caterer or a list of preferred caterers? If so, are they the exclusive caterers, or can you provide your own?
• Are there on-site kitchen facilities? (off-site caterers will charge extra if they have to bring their own stoves and refrigerators)
• Does the reception site have a list of recommended vendors?
• Can you hold your ceremony on site? If not, are there suitable locations nearby?
• Does the reception site provide staff such as an on-site coordinator, waiters and bartenders?
• Does the reception site provide items such as tables, chairs, plates and glasses? (remember, renting these things yourself can drive up costs)
• Does the reception site provide adequate parking space or valets? What are the costs involved?
• Does the reception site provide on-site security. What are the costs involved?
Amenities
Some important extras that may help you determine the perfect venue for your wedding reception:
• Are there changing rooms for the bridal party?
• Does the facility provide guest accommodations or are their convenient locations nearby?
• Is there a bar area or can one be set up?
• Are there picturesque locations for photo opportunities? Both inside and out?
• Is there a dance floor?
• Are there sufficient restroom facilities?
• Is there, or can you set up, a coat room?
• Is the facility in a desirable location? Consider the view and any potential noise interruptions. Is it easy to get to? Is it close to any nearby attractions? (keep your guests entertained for the entire weekend!)
Terms
Don’t forget the conditions of the contract! Make sure it meets your needs.
• What is the length of the facility rental? Is there an overtime fee if your wedding reception lasts longer?
• Do you have use of the entire reception site? If not – what areas can your party use?
• What is the deposit and when is the remainder due?
• What is the cancellation policy?
• Does the site have any music or noise restrictions?
• Are there any decorating restrictions?
• Will there be another party during, before or after yours? If so, how will this affect your event?
For a printable checklist you can take with you when reviewing reception sites, please visit http://www.elegala.com/reception-questions.html, and download the reception site questions pdf.
Cori Locklin is editor-in-chief for http://www.elegala.com/ and Elegala Magazine. Elegala is a new wedding planning resource offering the most comprehensive portfolio of superior wedding reception sites and wedding services, along with planning tips, photo galleries and checklists to keep brides in-the-know on today’s wedding trends and styles.
For a complete guide to creating an elegant and memorable wedding celebration, visit http://www.elegala.com/ , your ultimate wedding planning resource.
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A fantastic lounge lizard recipe for: After Dinner Mint, with white creme de menthe, Southern Comfort® peach liqueur, Stolichnaya® vodka and hot chocolate.
Category: Cocktails – Hot drinks
Ingredients: 1/2 oz white creme de menthe
3/4 oz Southern Comfort® peach liqueur
1/2 oz Stolichnaya® vodka
fill with hot chocolate
How to: Shack vigorously and serve.
Glassware: Irish Coffee Cup
What’s in it for you?
(per 8 oz serving)
|
Calories (kcal)
Energy (kj)
Fats
Carbohydrates
Protein
|
293
1227
4.6 g
29.8 g
8.8 g
|
Fiber
Sugars
Cholesterol
Sodium
Alcohol
|
1.9 g
-
15 mg
-
16.7 g
|
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A fantastic lounge lizard recipe for: Buffalo Chip, with Bacardi® 151 rum and Wild Turkey® bourbon whiskey.
Category: Shots & Shooters – by base-ingredient
Ingredients: 1/2 oz Bacardi® 151 rum
1/2 oz Wild Turkey® bourbon whiskey
How to: Pour both ingredients into a shot glass, and shoot.
Glassware: Shot Glass
What’s in it for you?
(per 1 oz serving)
|
Calories (kcal)
Energy (kj)
Fats
Carbohydrates
Protein
|
69
288
0 g
0 g
0 g
|
Fiber
Sugars
Cholesterol
Sodium
Alcohol
|
0 g
-
0 mg
4 mg
16.8 g
|
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Ah, the hustle and bustle of life. Going to and fro in search of knowledge and things…routines that never miss a beat, the constant exhaustion at the end of a long day. The waking up to a Monday morning wishing for an extra hour of sleep. Sound familiar?
You go to bed on one side of the bed and your spouse the other. A quick goodnight (unless there is a good show on T.V.), a peck on the check, and off to Neverland. Every night only to greet the routine of the next day. Sadly enough, most couples land in this all-too familiar category unintentionally. Yes, unintentionally. In the hustle and bustle of busy days, we forget the longing looks to our mate, the knowing smile, the warmth of a touch that lets each other know that their union is one of desire and will. We are caught in the most chaotic time that I know of; trapped in a go and must-do attitude, forgetting to live life to the fullest. Forgetting passion, desire, need, craving and yes, expression of love.
As people who feel every feeling imaginable, we need to express and feel love to be alive. And whom more to express that ultimate feeling with than your spouse whom you committed yourself to before God? I remember watching a movie once that starred Michael J. Fox where he and his co-star were sitting in a restaurant and the waitress said express, don’t repress. Expressing feelings of love with your spouse brings to life the very heart and soul of living.
And while I could easily expound on living life to the fullest and loving in the most general of terms, I want to address the love to your spouse. Sometimes, as life moves with your spouse from month to month and year-to-year, the daily life cycle and roles that are played cloud over all the very reasons why your heart was lost within the person you are next to every night. Age does not matter. I know, for just a moment, you may pause to think that you are perhaps just a little too old to show a romantic gesture to your spouse? But does romance stop at a particular age? In short, no.
Romance is the art of expression. And while we could go further to discuss a physical connection, romance is the forefront of an ignition of feelings that carries across time itself; that leads the heart to feel and be in the most exquisite of ways. To express romance is to feel the warmth of your heart for the other; it is memories of the silly times, the hard times, the passionate times. Romance is in the touch of the other’s skin, the caress of the face, the soft kiss on the lips for those memories you shared. Romance is in the rose you buy for no other reason than to see a smile on her face and the surprise of your expression of love. It is in the coffee you bring to him while he sits in his all-too familiar chair because of a wanting to please him.
Romance is an expression of life, love, and memories. A need and feeling that can not be described to another because it is unique to you. It is shopping for groceries together and laughing over the selection of ice cream. It is the embrace at night as your arms slide over your spouse like the most precious treasure you own. It is in the candle-lit dinner that you share after the children have gone off to bed. Or the warmth of a glance across the family dinner table as you celebrate being with your children whom you created together.
In the hustle and bustle of our days, we forget the celebration of life and love and the deepest appreciation for what you share with the person whom you stood with on the alter before God, your families and community. Romance is celebration; passion and recollection of the past and dreams of the future that has yet to exist. It is in the possibilities that you can share with your spouse and the comfort of knowing this person will be there come rain or shine, through highs and lows…your most precious of gifts that God could ever bestow on you.
True, there are times when romance is tested. Tension abounds from time-to-time most commonly over finances or children. But such times are moments and moments come and go and still the one you love is there before you. It is so easy to sum up the wholeness of your relationship with another because of tense times, times that can build and build like a mountain of troubles that are held for recollection. Nothing comes from such feelings and rather holds your life back from experiencing the wonders that life has to offer. When storms shake your marriage, it is the sweet memories that have been exchanged that must be recalled, letting go of this heavy mountain, so you may embrace the one you love truly, completely, and passionately.
Romance is easy because to give is the easiest thing that a person can do. Give of our time because we desire to do so for the one we love. In giving to our spouse, we receive so much in return. We know that we have brought pleasure to the one who has given so much back in return. We give of ourselves knowingly and completely. With saying good morning, goodnight, how much love you feel for them, how much you care for them, it is in the expression of your heart that romance is lit.
Express, don’t repress. Show your children that romance burns for the one you love. Shower your family with the joy of the love you feel for your spouse. Enjoy a slow dance in front of the fireplace or a glass of wine outside on the porch at night, looking at the stars and holding hands with fine appreciation at the beauty around you. And let me also say, on that note, that expressing as a form of communicating does wonders not only for your spouse, but for you as well. You don’t need to hear “I love you” from your spouse before you respond you love them. Celebrate your love with words. From romantic to exotic, words are a wonderful expression of who you are. Words are very powerful. “I love you” or the famous “You complete me” means so much when you say it with feeling because you want to and not because you have to.
My husband remarked to me recently how wonderful it was when I used the word “honey”. In my expression of love for him, I use it often. It is endearing for me to say it and let’s the world know and indeed, my husband know, that he is special and precious and that he is the only person whom I use the term with. We cuddle at night and laugh over silly shows; I buy him Hostess snacks and hide them in his dressing room drawers so he can grab a snack at night. I can smile as I think of all the things I do and say. Back massages at night as he stands often during the day and his muscles become sore. The shirt I buy for no reason than I feel it will please him. Isn’t it remarkable that just such a small token of affection can bring so much joy? How powerful are words that say I care can be? No my friends, romance is not about age or length of time you have been together. It is about past memories, your commitment, your love for your spouse and your expression of that love that is the very heart of romance. Live each day with romance! Live with passion!
In dedication to my husband, Frank Kovacs who is my inspiration of life, love, and destiny.
If you are looking to reignite romance in your marriage or are looking for ways to rediscover the sweetest of memories with the one you love, please feel free to contact Gina Kovacs, owner of Living by Design~Life Coaching and Wellness Solutions at www.livingalifebydesign.com or you may phone Gina @ 518-373-2815 or contact by e-mail @ gina@livingalifebydesign.com.
Gina Kovacs is a Life Coach, certified through the Coaching Academy of North America, Inc., specializing in the fields of personal, relationship, spiritual, and weight loss coaching. Gina holds a BA in Philosophy from Siena College and is an author and motivational speaker in the field of personal and life coaching. Please logon to http://www.livingalifebydesign.com for more information on how Living by Design can help you.
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You’ve had friends to your home for dinner. Maybe you’ve hosted a Super Bowl party or two. But have you ever planned and coordinated an event for 50-300 guests?
If you haven’t, then welcome to the world of wedding planning.
Caterers, florists, and other wedding-related companies will be banging down your door to get your business. Friends and relatives will offer advice, phone numbers, and web sites for you to check out. How will you juggle the multitudes of research and information from those who want your day to be special? The key to smooth and stress-reducing wedding planning is…
Being Organized
Being organized is the art of having the things you need when you need them whether it is a brochure, a phone number, or a picture of your ultimate bridal bouquet. And no one recognizes the need to be organized more than someone who is planning a wedding. A few organizing techniques you can use to help you plan your wedding are the consistent use of a calendar/PDA and making ‘to-do lists.’ But what about all of those wedding-related papers you’ve accumulated? Estimates from caterers, song sheets from bands, and all of those pictures you tore out of magazines–how are you supposed to keep them all organized?
The Wedding Binder
The top tool for organized wedding planning is a ‘Wedding Binder.’ Besides your future spouse, your ‘Wedding Binder’ will be the closest thing to a best friend you’ll have during your engagement period. The wedding binder is essentially a ‘home’ for all wedding-related information. Each topic will have a specific area in the binder allowing for quick referencing and retrieval.
How should you build your wedding binder to work best for you?
The size of your wedding and how many ‘extras’ you incorporate into your wedding day (ex. ice sculptures, doves) will determine the size of your binder. If you are having a small, simple gathering or you’re not doing much research, you may not need more than a 1″ spine. Large gatherings with many ‘extras’ will probably require a binder with upwards of a 3″ spine.
Besides the binder itself, you will need:
- three hole punched, two-sided pocket folders
- extra wide dividers or self adhesive divider tabs for the pocket folders
- three hole punched, zippered pocket for pen/pencils/paper clips (optional)
One, two-sided pocket folder is usually enough room for the paperwork of one vendor. One side of the pocket folder is for ideas and research and the other side is for estimates and contracts. Keeping these different types of information separate will allow you to locate them and retrieve at a moment’s notice.
Examples of some categories for your pocket folders are…
- Catering
- Photography
- Bridal Gown
- Transportation
- Ceremony/Officiant(s)
- Honeymoon
Assemble the pocket folders in order of importance to you. If you are constantly making calls to your caterer, place that folder towards the front of the binder. Already know what favors you want to give out? Place that folder towards the back.
What other information can be stored in your wedding binder?
- Guest lists/gift lists
- E-mail/phone list of bridal party members
- Seating charts
- A print-out of your registry
Benefits to using a wedding binder
- Money-saving benefit: You’re always prepared when a vendor wants to talk about price. If someone quotes you a price in writing and you can’t produce the paper it’s written on, they could try to charge you more money for their services.
- Time-saving benefit: Since all of your information has a ‘home,’ you won’t be wasting your time printing duplicate information off the internet or repeatedly asking for the addresses of your guests.
- Sanity-saving benefit: All of your wedding information is in one place. No need to take apart your living room looking for what you need.
Tips for keeping an organized wedding binder:
- Label the pocket folders clearly
- Place new papers/information in the correct pocket of your binder as soon as you receive them.
- Sort and purge your binder once a month. Toss any information that is no longer relevant in the trash or in a folder for a friend or relative who may need it in the future.
Always bring your wedding binder with you when meeting with your vendors. You’ll have all the information you need to compare prices and make educated decisions. You will be organized, prepared and in control of your special day.
About The Author
Stacey Agin Murray, professional organizer and owner of Organized Artistry, LLC, transforms mess into masterpiece with patience, organizing know-how, and a sense of humor. For a free e-list of ‘Top Ten Tips for Organized Living,’ or to order your copy of ‘7 Steps to an Organized Wedding Thank You Note’ visit http://www.organizedartistry.com.
stacey@organizedartistry.com
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For many brides, the wedding ceremony starts long before they walk down the
aisle to stand beside their groom at the alter. For many, it is the preparation
that they have dreamed about for so long. The spa day with the brides maids,
the hair, the make up, fitting of the dress, putting the final touches on the
flowers… these are all taken care of ceremoniously by the bride, and her brides
maids. It is a time of pampering and luxury, that we seldom have an excuse
for, except on the fabulous occasion of the wedding day.
Unfortunately, it is part of the day that can make or break the flow of the hours
to follow. Careful planning and consideration must take place well in advance
of your wedding day to ensure a schedule that can be maintained and adhered
to. Nothing can create tension quite like the scene of a groom left waiting at
the alter, as the bride call from the salon to announce that they are running a
little late.
You already have the basic ideas of what needs to take place in the morning of
your wedding day, such as hair and make up; but did you consider, also, that
every brides maid in you wedding party needs to do the same? Did you
consider how you would all get to the salon, and when? Where is everyone
getting dressed, and when are we possibly going to have time to take pictures?
The brides home is one location that often torments photographers, as it is
often the most hectic time of the day. The following is a list of things the a
bride and brides maids should consider when planning the morning event on
the wedding day.
- Set your alarm – sounds silly doesn’t it, but it has saved many a marriage
before they even wed
- Eat breakfast – trust me, it is a very long day and you’ll need the energy
li>
- Shower – it is something you do every day, but you’ll forget to schedule
time for it in a panic
- Round up the brides maids – if they spent the night, you won’t have any
difficulty there
- Head to the spa / salon – you’ll have booked the earliest appointments
months in advance, and keep in mind that the bride should have all of her
treatments done first
- Head back to the brides home – as soon as the bride has her hair and
make up done, she should head back home to get dressed and photographed;
the photographer will need an hour or two to get all the shots that you
require
- Have the flowers arrived yet?
- Eat lunch – once you (the bride) has had her pictures taken, grab a quick
bite while the photographer works with the rest of the bridal party
- It’s time to go the the church
The morning of your Wedding day will fly by quicker that you ever imagined, so
be sure to schedule enough time for everything that must take place. A well
planned morning will keep tempers down, faces smiling, and allow of to have
more fun. The rest of your Wedding day will benefit immensely for it.
Adam Merrifield is owner/operator of Merrifield Photography (http://www.merrifield-photography.com/index.html, http://www.merrifield-photography.com), and chief editor of The Ontario
Photographers Directory (http://www.onphodi.com). Adam also contributes
regularly to the Footprints Newspaper, both as the staff photographer/
photojournalist and as a columnist.
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This day and age it has become normal for both husband and wife to work full time jobs. With the additions of taking care of the family and hectic schedule it is no wonder why many couples with relationship problems are caught saying that they are just too busy for sex. The more and more hectic a schedule becomes, the further and further down the list intimacy gets pushed. But is this completely necessary? Can a lack of intimacy be fully blamed on the word “busy”?
After talking with hundreds of men and women, no matter how busy their schedules had become there are certain events that inhabit their schedules that could be easily interchanged for times of intimacy. Often there becomes a strict division of time. Each member of the relationship will divide their schedule and consider it almost as an individual burden or something simply not shareable. Because of this, some couples still manage to schedule intimacy but find the intimacy lacking due to the division of the task.
Using the words “too busy” often becomes a cover. It becomes an excuse for things that we don’t want to do in every day life, but can’t stand to be honest about. There are usually underlying relationship problems that cause the lack of intimacy. It becomes so easy to blame these problems on errands, meetings, or daily imperfections. Living day-to-day and suppressing anxieties and resentments become unhealthily normal.
It is most important to learn that this situation is not about blaming anyone. Intimacy by definition involves more than one person. Say you haven’t had sex in 10 weeks, and this breaks you down so much that you conclude because of your breakdown that it could not possibly be your fault. You then put the blame on your partner that is “too busy”. But just sit back and think. What is it in your day you could trade to create time? Be the first to make time. Your partner will follow, discard all insecurities and feel confident. Remember your partner loves you mind, body and soul.
There is always time for intimacy. Intimacy comes hand in hand with honesty. The quicker you become honest with yourself, the quicker the time will become available on your schedule. And with a newfound confidence and passion, your partner’s schedule will become free as well.
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A fantastic lounge lizard recipe for: Atomic Watermelon, with Midori® melon liqueur, vodka and sweet and sour mix.
Category: Cocktails – Long drinks
Ingredients: 1 oz Midori® melon liqueur
1 oz vodka
1 oz sweet and sour mix
How to: Mix ingredients in glass over ice and enjoy!
Glassware: Highball Glass
What’s in it for you?
(per 3 oz serving)
|
Calories (kcal)
Energy (kj)
Fats
Carbohydrates
Protein
|
179
750
0 g
19.4 g
0.1 g
|
Fiber
Sugars
Cholesterol
Sodium
Alcohol
|
0.1 g
-
0 mg
-
17.9 g
|
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DVD recorders are capable of being used with a digital TV to tape your desired soaps & movies as well as to watch pre-recorded items. Excellent image and sound quality, on the other hand the recording facility means that they are a great deal more pricey than Digital Versatile Disc players and they can also be harder to understand than Video Cassette Recorders. The series of recordable models available nowadays can also add to the confusion.
The connections linking your Digital Versatile Disc recorder & your television & tape recorder can without a doubt make a great deal of difference to the general quality of the audio & image. Benefit from crazy low prices on Panasonic DVD Recorders at Sound & Vision!
A handful of DVD connections to consider:
S-video connection: This is the next top thing to component video and is a choice for all Digital Versatile Disc Players that do not encompass component output & also televisions that don’t encompass component input. You may possibly require a separate cable however the image difference should be undeniably worth it.
SCART leads: An ordinary sort of connection found in the United Kingdom items is the SCART lead. This transmits both sound and image signals. SCART connections are universally found on Digital Versatile Disc players & more recent tellies. Gold shielded SCART leads provides a substantially improved connection. A SCART connection will definitely give you a superior picture than S-Video & is near to component benchmark. SCART cables are not as a rule added among players. You may well be expected to pay in the region of £25.
Audio connectors: Digital Versatile Disc recorders, especially the more luxurious items, could have lots of sound outputs. Outputs are traditionally expected to incorporate phono, digital coaxial and digital optical. If you are connecting to a different hi-fi player this can be a considerably valuable attribute to have.
Progressive scan is the latest catchphrase in the DVD recorder marketplace & while significantly more luxurious recorders do include it, it can not in fact be used unless you have a digital telly. With it your program can be refreshed sixty times 60 p/s thus helping to make an amazing roughly flicker less image & is better to anything that is delivered by the various interlaced scanning devices.
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The wedding day is the day that most women wait their whole lives for and it is such a special time. Because of the advancement of technology, it is now easy to always remember that day using video and photography. Choosing a wedding photographer is important to take pictures of the bride and groom, and pictures of the bridesmaid dresses the bride has chosen. This is especially important to if you want to give pictures of the bridesmaid dresses as gifts to the bridesmaids.
Your family and friends can provide a recommendation on whom you should choose for your wedding photography. This is the greatest way for you to choose someone for you wedding photos is to ask you family and friends who they would recommend. It is important for you to finds a photographer that you can trust, especially if you have no idea about wedding photography or any photography for that matter. If your family and friends can recommend someone to you, it is necessary to make an appointment to meet with the potential photographer.
If you have made an appointment with a potential wedding photographer, you should attend it as this appointment will determine who you will hire to take pictures of you and your pictures of the bridesmaids in their dresses. It is advised that you choose a wedding photographer that complements the personality of both the bride and the groom. Your wedding photographer should be someone who listens to you and is able to meet your needs. It is important during your appointment to look at the wedding photographer’s portfolio of other weddings that he has done. Pay special attention to see if the pictures are the most flattering.
After you have viewed the portfolio of several wedding photographers and decided on one, it is important to discuss the price of the wedding photography. Any established wedding photography will have packages available for you to choose from. It is important to find out all costs associated with having these photos taken along with the expected delivery or pickup date of the wedding pictures.
Prices will vary between photographers so it is a good idea to ask for itemized billing. Also when it is time to sign the contract, be sure to read it thoroughly before signing on the dotted line.
With this advice in mind you will be sure to find the best person to take the pictures of the bride and groom and pictures of the bridesmaids in their dresses.
Lashan Clarke has been has been a freelance writer for a number of years. She specializes in copywriting and is currently working on her Masters degree in her spare time. She is a new contributor to http://bridesmaid-dresses-n-flower-girl-dresses.com
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