So big thanks to Curtis Whipple, the man behind WEN. Thank you also to all the great professionals showcased this time, and super big thanks to Mi Catering for not asking me to refrain from serving up thirds, fourths and let’s be honest- I probably visited that food table ten times.

Who is BizeWorks? The Arizona Bridal Affair is produced by BizEWorks, and the mission of BEW is to connect local business and the community in the Phoenix metro area. Building great relationships and offering a true service to the community is not only important to us, it is vital. Without it we wouldn’t be in business.We truly value your business whether you are a bride, or a professional looking to showcase your services. Our single goal is to produce a successful event, where the couple leaves feeling informed and rejuvenated with ideas, and feels like they have had FUN; and likewise we want the vendor to feel appreciated and supported by us  providing an event where they can really connect with the couple and create a relationship themselves.

The Arizona Bridal Affair is now in its 4th year and in those four years we have had the pleasure of working with some really great vendors, and this year with their help we plan to make the show better than ever! We are so happy to once again be working with the Tarr family of Fresh Look Images, who will be offering FREE engagement portraits at the event, Arizona Nights will be back this time in our “Groom Room”, a space just for the guys, as will Viajes To Go Vacations, Salerno’s Catering and AZ Photo Fun. Jennyvi Dizon Couture will be back for the third year, this time holding a sample gown sale where brides can score a couture wedding gown for 50% off, or work one on one with Jennyvi and have her design your gown also at a discount. Jennyvi will also be producing the fashion show, which will have a fun, high fashion, fast paced feel. We are excited to also be working with  Stephanie and Juan Sandoval of AZ Celebrity DJ and Let’s Pose Photo Booths.We have also made some new relationships that will help to bring even more to the married couple by offering the Groom Room which is sponsored by  the expert in all things wedding- Mark Walerstein with GroomsOnline.

So mark your calendars for the Arizona Bridal Affair, Sunday September 26th from 9am to 3pm at the Chaparral Suites Scottsdale, and see how hard we have worked to bring you a truly amazing event! Register online for two free tickets at www.arizonabridalaffair.com

Saturday, July 11, 2009

The groom initials are hidden in the pattern, and the groom is supposed to find them on the wedding night or he has to give a gift to the bride.

Soumya’s Henna was quite elaborate and took over five hours to complete. The designs go almost to the elbow. The bride cannot move much or do any work while the henna is being applied.

The feet are also done, though not as elaborate as the hands.

After the bride, each of the bridesmaids received Henna designs on their hands and arms. While the brides took hours, each of these designs was done in 20 minutes or less.

Later that night all the ladies gathered for a traditional Sangeet, a party with lots of Indian dancing, singing, and lots of delicious Indian foods!

The bride and her mother at the Sangeet.

All the ladies wore traditional Indian sarees. They are so colorful – I love to photograph them! 

You can come meet Michael in person at the 3rd annual East Valley Bridal Affair on October 4, 2009 at the Windemere Conference Center, in Mesa, Arizona.  Join us to gather some inspiration for creating your perfect day.  Other photographers on hand at the event:  Drew Brashler Photography, Easel Photography, Endless Moments Photography, Tiramisu Studios, Roe Photographic, and Memories by Marsha.

Phoenix’s Original East Valley Bridal Showcase

Local Brides.  Local Experts.  Experience the possibilities.

Come together with industry experts who will inspire you to create a day to always remember.

Free admission, prize giveaways, fashion shows, and entertainment.

God’s Garden Treasures, one of the floral artists exhibiting at this year’s East Valley Bridal Affair can offer ideas and inspiration to help those of us that tend to get stuck – simply because we don’t know our options.  Here are a few suggestions from Karin’s blog:

So you like chocolate – the velvety, rich dark chocolate, and the milky, creamy chocolate? And you’re planning a birthday or anniversary celebration, or a wedding or event, and want to incorporate espresso, dark chocolate, latte, or mocha colors into the design?

There are chocolate flowers for you!

White Roses, Chocolate Dahlias, White Stephanotis and Schwarzwalder Calla Lilies

Chocolate Cosmos

Chocolate Calla Lilies

Other options are the new amnesia roses, the centers of black-eyed susans, echinacea/cone-flower, and sunflowers! (more pictures to come!)

Chocolates look great with pinks, or with tiffany blue, white, or the fall colors, too.

For more ideas and inspiration, join us at the 3rd annual East Valley Bridal Affair at the Windemere Conference Center in Mesa on October 4, 2009 from 11am to 4pm.  You can speak face to face with representatives of God’s Garden Treasures, Y Knot Party Rentals, and Tyler’s Custom Designs to help you plan the look and design of your floral elements which represents you the best for your special day.

Phoenix’s Original East Valley Bridal Showcase

Local Brides.  Local Experts.  Experience the possibilities.

Come together with industry experts who will inspire you to create a day to always remember.

Free admission, prize giveaways, fashion shows, and entertainment.

Sabayon With Fresh Berries Recipe as appears on www.chefkeathallen.com

As the weather heats up in Phoenix I am drawn to recipes for foods that are perfect for lunch on the patio. Sabayon is a very light custard created by whipping egg yolks, white wine, and sugar. In this recipe it is also combined with heavy cream and fresh berries. A dessert such as this, served cold, is perfect for those hot afternoons.

Ingredients:

• 7 egg yolks
• 8oz. dry white wine
• 8oz. sugar
• 8oz. heavy cream
• 16 oz. mixed berries
• 3 t. sugar
• Fresh mint for garnish

Place egg yolks in small stainless steel mixing bowl and whip until light fluffy. Stir in 8 oz. sugar and white wine. Place bowl over sauce pan with boiling water. Whip constantly with whip until mixture reaches 170 degrees. Use a kitchen thermometer, temperature is very important.

When mixture reaches 170 degrees remove immediately from heat and place mixing bowl in ice water. Continue whipping until mixture cools to room temperature. Cover, and place in refrigerator until completely cooled.

While mixture is cooling, slice strawberries and whip the heavy cream until stiff peaks are formed. When sabayon mixture is cooled completely mix 8 oz. of whipped cream into custard. Sweeten remaining whipped cream with 3 t. sugar. Layer berries, sabayon, and whipped cream in parfait glass or martini glass. Garnish with mint sprig.

Chef Keath Allen is a full service personal chef catering to the greater Phoenix area. He is available for private social events, corporate events, fundraisers, weddings and rehearsal dinners, as well as regular meal planning and food preparation for individuals and families in their homes.  For more recipes and tips visit www.chefkeathallen.com or better yet, visit with him in person at the East Valley Bridal Affair on October 4, 2009 at the Windemere Conference Center in Mesa.

Other food service vendors present at the event will include:  Sugarlips Cakery; Robert’s Catering; Vali’s Custom Cakes; Word of Mouth Cookie Co.; and Espresso Subito.

Phoenix’s Original East Valley Bridal Showcase

Local Brides.  Local Experts.  Experience the possibilities.

Come together with industry experts who will inspire you to create a day to always remember.

Free admission, prize giveaways, fashion shows, and entertainment.

We are elated to have so many wonderful artists in Arizona to offer brides an amazing service for their weddings.  Just check out Drew Brashler Photography to see what I mean. A few of his images pulled from his blog are below…simply beautiful!

Jamie and Cole: MARRIED!

August 25, 2009 by brashlerphoto

We drove up to Colorado and photographed Jamie and Cole’s wedding recently. The weather and landscape was beautiful; the perfect scene for a wedding! I had the pleasure of spending the whole weekend with Jamie, Cole, their family and friends, and stayed for the rehearsal dinner, wedding, and an engagement session on Sunday morning.

Meet Drew in person at the 3rd Annual East Valley Bridal Affair on Sunday, October 4th, 2009 at the Windemere Conference Center in Mesa, Arizona where more local Arizona photography artists will be on hand to chat with guests.  You can speak with Endless Moments Photography, Desert Trends Photography, Easel Photography, Memories by Marsha, Roe Photgraphic.  We look forward to seeing you there.

Phoenix’s Original East Valley Bridal Showcase

Local Brides.  Local Experts.  Experience the possibilities.

Come together with industry experts who will inspire you to create a day to always remember.

Free admission, prize giveaways, fashion shows, and entertainment.

Anyone who has been appointed as a Judge, Justice of the Peace or Judge Pro-Tempore (pro-tem judge) can perform weddings in the State of Arizona.  Most Justice Courts do weddings, but call ahead to make sure.  You can find phone numbers for all the Maricopa County Justice Courts here, and all the Pinal County Justice Courts here.

For your convenience, here’s a quick run-down of what you can expect at a Justice Court wedding. 

• You will need to get your marriage license ahead of time.  Marriage licenses cost $72 and you can get one at the County Clerk’s Office – Maricopa County information is here, Pinal County information here
• The County Clerk’s Offices and the Justice Courts can be miles apart, so make sure you give yourself enough time to get the license before you are supposed to be at the Justice Court. 
• Don’t fill anything out on the license until you are at the Court and have checked with the Staff or the Judge. 
• Generally, when the Bride signs the license, she uses her maiden name unless she’s already changed her name.  Whatever your legal name is at the time of the ceremony – that’s the one you use.  Changing your name isn’t too complicated, you can find more information here. 
• You will need to bring two adult (over 18) witnesses with you. 
• Do not expect anything fancy – I’ve seen weddings performed in the judge’s office, in less than a minute.  It ain’t pretty, but it gets the job done!  I try to be a bit more formal: I wear my robe, I do the wedding in the courtroom, and I have a ceremony that runs about 2-3 minutes.  That’s just me, however! 
• If the ceremony is during business hours (M-F, 8 – 5), there is no charge and judges are not allowed to accept gratuities. 
• If the ceremony is after 5 pm at the Courthouse, Courts will generally charge around $60, but it varies so ask the Court staff when you call to make your appointment. 
• If your wedding is set after 5 pm, try to get to the Courthouse at least ten minutes before 5.  The staff may have to type up paperwork for you before the actual ceremony begins.  Also, keep in mind that Courthouse staff will be staying after hours (at no extra pay) until your ceremony is finished.  They generally don’t mind doing weddings, but it doesn’t hurt if you are extra gracious and respectful!
• No matter how great a person you are, the Court is still going to want you to pay with cash or a money order.  Don’t show up with a personal check and expect to get married. 
• Remember, most Justice Courts are pretty busy, so the length and location of your ceremony is entirely up to the Court.

Of course you can also get a Judge to do an “off-site” wedding for you at your actual reception site or another location of your choosing.  This requires a little advance preparation, some judges will want to meet with you at least once or twice before the wedding.  Also, since it’s outside of the courthouse, you can expect to pay more, unless the Judge is a friend or acquaintance and willing to do it in exchange for a bigger piece of wedding cake.  Or first shot at the buffet.

You can ask the Judge to use your vows, or just let them use theirs.  If it means a lot to you, check first; I have very secular vows with no references to anything religious (one-size-fits-all vows), but some judges have more spiritual language in their vows.  It all depends on your preference, and you can work with your Judge to figure out what you want in the vows.  

All in all, getting married in front of a Judge is a quick and inexpensive way to get the formalities out of the way so you can concentrate on hosting a fabulous celebration! 

Guest Blogger Delia Neal is a Pro-Tem Judge for Maricopa and Pinal Counties.   You can read more from Delia in her blog at http://deliasez.wordpress.com/. 

Images sourced from freedigitalphotos.net

Planning your wedding is a big task. As Arizona’s #1 bridal magazine, we want to make sure you, the brides, are getting everything you need from our products. So, in an effort to both better serve our brides and advertisers, Arizona Weddings Magazine & Website will be holding a small focus group at our office the first week of September. The purpose of this group is to get feedback on the marketing pieces, e-blasts, and collateral of our advertisers. At this time I would like to formally invite you to participate in this focus group. In order to participate in our group, you must be a bride in the middle of planning her wedding or a newlywed that has been married for less than 1 year. If you have friends or family that also meets these criteria, please forward this information to them as well!

Your feedback and participation will help our vendors better meet the needs of the ever changing Arizona Weddings bride. To RSVP now or to find out more information contact Kristina Munoz at Kristina@arizonaweddings.com OR (480) 451-1059.

Visit the East Valley Bridal Affair on Sunday, October 4, 2009 at the Windemere Hotel and Conference Center in Mesa and receive a complimentary Arizona Weddings digest!

There are a number of lists out there regarding the “top 10 wedding planning mistakes” and some I absolutely agree with…some not so much.  What is definitely more important than all the “do’s and don’ts” of wedding planning is the attitude.  So from a true life bride here are some “top” mindsets I held true to when approaching the planning of my wedding.

1. Do not forget who this day celebrates and why

We were extremely fortunate to have very supportive and non-opinionated people in our circle so this was easy for us.  I know that the cost of a wedding can be quite high and when you are receiving financial assistance from parents or family members, they feel they have the right to weigh in on the major planning details.  Incorrect; the details of this special day are all about you and your soon to be spouse and no one else.  Do not let anyone pressure you into making a decision about any aspect of your day that you feel strongly about.  For instance, if there is some little detail which is not super important to you like whether every bridal attendant is wearing the exact same dress then, hey you choose the color and let them find the style.  But if you know for certain that you do not want to have your ceremony in a church but would rather have it outside in a beautiful nature setting – this is too significant of a detail to cave on.  This represents you and your spouse and what your union means to you – not what it means to onlookers.  You have invited them to witness the union and celebrate that with you; not to write your story.

2. Don’t put on a show

Anything that does not have true meaning to you or your spouse should not be part of a day that celebrates you and your spouse.  I can say that I am a very spiritual person; however, I would not say that I am religious.  At the juncture in our lives when we united in marriage, church was not a daily part of our lives.  So the idea of getting married in a church, to us, felt like hypocrisy.  I have too much respect for the church and what it represents to simply use it as a pretty backdrop.  We also did not do the candle lighting ceremony or blending of the sand presentation because it didn’t have significance to us.  Now if it has meaning to you then it’s something you should include.  I did not have my father walk me down the aisle as he did not raise me, really.  It was mostly my stepfather that had the biggest part in my rearing so it felt right to have him escort me down the aisle.  But my father is definitely significant to my life and to honor that, I danced with him for the father/daughter dance.  We did not do the garter toss or bouquet toss because we felt they were rituals that had no meaning to us so to include them would be only for show.  So, we skipped all of that.  As a bonus we had more time to party and truly celebrate!

3. Know the difference between reasonable requests and simply being inconsiderate

Yes, this day is all about you and your spouse and the excitement of blending your lives together in marriage.  Now, while you are inviting people to celebrate with you and take a part in the ceremony of your union, you are also asking them to take on a great deal of responsibility – financially, time, etc.  The smaller your wedding party, the less amount of friction you can generally expect.  I wouldn’t guarantee that there won’t be any issues but I think it definitely curbs the amount of potential issues.  Since your bridal party generally foots the bill for their own attire and transportation to the event (especially if it’s out of state) then you need to be considerate of that.  Be sure to talk to your Maid/Matron of Honor or Best Man about these responsibilities so that you can find workarounds and make sure everyone is on the same page before it gets out of control and can damage relationships.  If you have friends that have children but you would rather not have children at your event, don’t be afraid to announce on your invitation “An Adult Occasion”.  That’s what we did – not because we don’t enjoy children but we know that most parents have a difficult time enjoying themselves when they have young children in a reception situation.  They worry about behavior or bedtimes, etc.  We wanted our guests to really relax and enjoy themselves.  All of our guests completely understood and anyone with children under the age of 13 simply made child care arrangements or did not come to the reception.  We were sorry they couldn’t be there but we celebrated with them at another time.

What it really comes down to is that at the end of the day, you and your spouse are Mr. and Mrs. and you have smiles on your faces.  You know, we found out about some little mishaps and mistakes at our wedding after the big day and you know what – it had no effect on the outcome so really, how important was it?  Don’t bog yourself down with the little things and enjoy your celebration.  You’ll never have that again – the excitement, the romance, the sheer awe of it all, and the knowledge that you have just made a lifelong commitment to your best friend, love, and partner in life and they have made that same commitment to you.

Join us at the 2009 East Valley Bridal Affair for inspiration, ideas, and entertainment on Sunday, October 4^th from 11:00am to 4:00pm at the Windemere Conference Center in Mesa, Arizona.

Experience the possibilities.

Come together with industry experts who will inspire you to create a day to always remember.

Free admission, prize giveaways, fashion shows, and entertainment.