It's All Coming Back to Me Now.......and a giveaway, too!

Just a quick note....at the end of this long post :) , I have a giveaway for you! This will be a great gift for a bride-to-be or perhaps just for you to remember your special day by. So, there's a reward for hanging with me on this long post. I am glad that you're here visiting me---I love company!...........on to the post......

It's all coming back to me now. It's definitely a new day with the wedding styles of 2010 and I must say that I rather like it! I love eclectic-vintage-y, natural-looking decor and elements of today's wedding style. I'm trying to get adjusted to the updated version of the wedding that I have thought about many years as a mother of two precious girls. This updated--somewhat "hip", retro and new spin on yesteryear's -traditional- look is really growing on me. And, many brides [like my sweet girl] are going a bit more casual. It's great. Truly, it is. I've bought it. Hook, line and sinker!

Yet, the whole world of bridal gowns, flowers, cake, photographers, rentals, gifts, caterers.....whew....can be a little overwhelming when you throw those fast balls without giving your mind a break. This weekend, I had the "gift" of attending a bridal show in Nashville with one of my daughters and I think that I enjoyed it far more than she did. It was her company that I enjoyed the most. Or, was that just the sugar rush that I had going from all of those cake samples? Nope, it was definitely her company.

Just visualize the endless cake booths, all with their own specialties to offer; catering companies who put their best dishes forward for hopeful brides to sample; florists who displayed their finest work for all to see; and so many other things were offered to help make the day as special as any newly engaged girl could possibly imagine or dream. And, don't forget the moms. Maybe you have a special story or memory of planning a wedding and all the fun [and challenges] that go along with the festivities. It would be nice to just have a great big "Mother of the Bride" party and hear all about it. We should do that! Maybe blog style. What do you think? Would it be funny or misty-eyed? I'm trying to keep mine as funny as possible. The misty eyes will come later.So, on to share some of the highlights.....and some of my favorite vendors that I met, talked with and some who were kind enough to either let me take a picture of things that intrigued me or were novel....and even collections of business cards that I would pour through once I landed safely at home. In my quiet little nest that used to be filled with my birdies. This will be a happy time for me. I have decided. That's it. This is the time of my daughter's life----and I am here to share this time with her. What a great gift that God has given to me! Here we go....on to the show!

First of all, I met so many great caterers, cake artisans, florists and so forth, that I have to mention Crumb de la Crumb whose cake was absolutely decadently infused with flavor & it was love at first bite :) [I know that's really cheesy--but bear with me!]

and the 8 Lavender Lane http://www.8lavenderlane.com/ , owner Debbie Sutton and Artistic Designer, Cheryl Guest were too kind to humor me with my pictures of their beautiful lavender flavored tea [beautifully displayed, too!] The picture of their drinks will be posted later and they also provide catering! I hope you'll come back and see the next set of pictures as I've run out of room on this post! The Farmhouse ladies at http://www.farmhouseonthesquare.com/ provided that warm, Southern hospitality that really impressed me [fruit fusion tea!]! Chef Penelope's Catering http://www.chefpenelope.com/ was serving two of her signature dishes and it was all just delicious! Thank you all so much! You really outdid yourselves at this bridal show and I know that you will be booked up soon...

We are zooming to a March wedding as fast as lightn'ing and I am just happy to be here for this exciting ride! No roller coasters here----just a delightful, lazy river of wedding planning. I hope you'll come back to visit for the updates. And the pictures. Don't forget the pictures.

Now, for the giveaway that I've promised! It's really, really simple! No jumping through hoops like little poodles! Just check out my website at http://www.ariseshinejewelry.com/ and let me know which piece is your favorite; then come back here and leave a comment for me about that piece; and you will be entered in the drawing for August 9, 2010 for the piece "The Two Shall Become One". That's super easy! If you sign up to follow my blog, please leave a second entry and you'll have a second chance to win. [To all of you who are already followers, leave a second comment for your second chance to win!] **extra note*** I can make this piece in a sweet bracelet of Swarovski crystals and pearls if you would prefer!

And, if you really want one more chance to win this giveaway, blog about it and I'll enter your name another 2 times! Please leave your link info so that I can check out your blog, too!

Sweet blessings to you all!