Wedlok - Wedding News from Las Vegas, New York and Around the World

My Enduring Relationship with Superman

2010-01-28T01:16:28Z

By Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway

My “relationship” with Superman began at age seven, when he swooped into my living room in the person of George Reeves. It was reignited at 19, when Christopher Reeve stepped into those bright red boots in Superman, The Movie.

The movie filled me with a pang of longing. I wanted to be part of the energy, excitement and adventure I saw on the screen. By then, I was working at my first newspaper job and on my way to a life of Lois Lane assignments. I could relate to the romance of the newsroom.

The anticipation and affection between Superman and Lois in the movie were another draw. I liked the idea of having an important career and an important superhero kind of guy who could be there at the drop of a hat – or helicopter, as it were. As a romantic fantasy, the Supes had one thing most mythic men can’t beat -- a day job at a major metropolitan newspaper. To an aggressive cub reporter, there was nothing as exciting as a man with a press card.

Continue Reading My Column at The Three Tomatoes.

Your Signature Can Determine Your Finances

2010-01-28T00:49:50Z

These small Feng Shui tips can make a big difference in your life.

By Kathryn Weber

Feng shui is often called the Chinese Art of Placement. But you can use feng shui in so many ways beyond how you arrange your home. Feng shui can also be very personal -- you can apply it to the way you dress, look, and act. Let's talk about a few of the ways you apply feng shui to yourself to stay fresh and energized.

Your signature says it all.
My mentor and feng shui master, Lillian Too, often recommended people make changes to their signatures to give them more influence. Some signatures have letters that curl backwards -- this means lackluster growth and success. Some tilt left -- this causes the same problem. Look at your signature and make sure yours says "affluence" and that it tilts right and up -- not left and backwards.

A client of mine had a tough time being promoted even though his income kept going up; he simply never got the nod. I told him his signature tilted backwards -- as though he turned his back on others or looked backwards. In fact, all his writing has a tendency to lean left. He changed his signature and the money flowed into his life -- and he leap-frogged at his job being promoted up two levels! Is your signature squeezed and tight? Money will be tight too. Get your signature flowing and watch the money flow with it!

]]> What does your e-mail really say?
This may sound strange but your email address conveys ideas about you to the people who read it. What we call ourselves can influence the way we are treated by others. If you have a negative email address or something very difficult, it could have an effect. What does your email address say about you? Also, use proper punctuation even in an email. Some emails are written using the lowercase "i" instead of "I." This diminishes you. Don't do it.

Like hair color commercial says, "You're worth it."
Do you do little things for yourself that make you feel pampered? I set up a tea tray by my office with a hot water kettle on a pretty tray with apothecary jars full of elegant teas and some of my favorite ginger cookies (Biscoff and Anna's Ginger Thins are my fave!). Now when I want a break from the computer, I only step to the next room instead of trekking downstairs and I feel luxurious with my herbal tea. It's also some self care that makes me feel good.

Do your best to beautify yourself.
Everyone feels better when they look better. Get to a new stylist, or a make-up counter at a department store. Freshen up your image and your look. I got Invisalign braces last month and I'm almost 50, but who cares? I wanted a straighter smile so that when I ring in the New Year in 11 short months, I'll do it with a straight, white smile. We all get into ruts, just have the good sense to get out of it and make some improvements to keep your energy flowing and active and help you feel great!

What makes you feel inspired?
We all need something that lifts our sights. I like to find my inspiration at my desk because I spend a lot of time on the computer. Last year, I posted a picture of Hong Kong on my computer and guess where I went? That's right, Hong Kong. This year, I put a new photo on my computer's wallpaper. It's a gorgeous waterfall because I want a lot of water this year -- and remember water is wealth in feng shui! Find a picture for your wallpaper on your computer or a scene to hang on a wall where it can inspire you!

Open your eyes to your habits of speech, your writing, your email name, even your resistance to change and openness to receive. This is part of applying feng shui to yourself and to your life, to keeping energy positive and moving and flowing for yourself. Sometimes the change to your environment isn't as important as the changes your make to yourself.

Kathryn Weber is the publisher of the Red Lotus Letter Feng Shui E-zine and certified feng shui consultant in classical Chinese feng shui. Kathryn helps her readers improve their lives and generate more wealth with feng shui. For more information and to receive her FREE Ebook Easy Money - 3 Steps to Building Massive Wealth with Feng Shui visit www.redlotusletter.com.

21 Reasons Why I Love Victor Fuhrman

2010-01-17T15:40:27Z

Happy Birthday, Honey!

Today is the birthday of one of the most wonderful men I have ever met. He is loving, kind, compassionate, supportive, smart (brilliant) and has a beautiful heart. And he's my hubby, Rev. Victor Fuhrman.

We often ask couples to make a list of the things they love about each other so we can include them in the wedding ceremony and vows. Since tomorrow also happens to be the five year anniversay of our Elvis wedding in Las Vegas, I have put together a special list of "what I love about Vic."

So on your birthday, I offer this special tribute to the one who is my partner in life, love and ministry. To the one who is my soulmate and best friend.

21 Reasons Why I Love You:

1. You are the most compassionate human being I have ever met.
2. You have the biggest heart and you know how to love deeply.
3. You are a truly thoughtful and considerate person.
4. You care deeply about people and want to heal them--and do heal them.
5. You are generous with your wisdom and willing to share your gifts with those who need you.
6. You are as generous with picking up a tab and gifts--even for strangers.
7. You are a man of your word, and take a lot of responsibility in life.
8. You are the one that people run to with challenges, and you are always there.
9. You have remarkable gifts to offer the world and you are doing that.
10. You are brilliant and filled with knowledge about everything!
11. Of course, you are the best husband ever!
12. You are a wonderful father.
13. You are the best listner.
14. You are an amazing problem-solver.
15. You care so deeply and completely--OMG, what a capacity for caring!
16. You take amazing care of me when I am sick (thank you!).
17. You take amazing care of me when I am well (thank you).
18. You love my family as much as your own family.
19. You are my wonderful creative partner and clergy partner.
20. You are my safe harbor.
21. And, oh yeah, you are my hot tantra man!

Even though it is your birthday, honey, I have to take this time to acknowledge the special gift I was given, in the form of Abe and Mal's little boy, born on this day a seven years and a half century ago.

I have been blessed in my life with a man who truly loves and adores me, and who:

* Gets who I am
* Is always there for me, no matter what.
* Listens to me when I am working though issues .
* Listens to me when I am full of ego and let's me process things.
* Listens to and help my friends when they are in need.
* Encourages me to curtail my workaholic ways, slow down and do less.
* But supports me completely and actively in my work in the world.
* Loves me in private and loves me when we are out in the world.
* Has been the roadie to the Goddess-- from schlepping diety icons to events and getting me to weddings in snowstorms.
* Has built a life with me in the past 10 and half years that has encompassed all of life.

We can go from quiet time together and family life, to writing a book together, officiating a wedding or making a hospital visit or funeral visit when someone is in need. We work a lot, and give a lot, but we love a lot.

Vic, my love, you are everything I ever wished for on my "list for a perfect mate" and my "treasure map for love" vision board. You are "the one" and my one and only.

Happy Birthday, my beloved. I love you, 21 ways and more,

Your wife, Laurie Sue

Open Your Heart ... to Yourself

2010-01-09T21:21:59Z

By Laurie Sue Brockway

Let 2010 be the year you make some big dreams come true! Whether you are heading toward the altar or still searching for your true love, learning to honor yourself is the key to success.

We may say we want love, success, and happiness, but we don’t always back up our dreams with self honoring actions.

Without self-honoring, we have no foundation to uphold or contain love, self esteem, and true potential. Someone can love you with more heart than you ever imagined, but where will it go if you have no internal mechanism for recognizing pure love? The universe can shower you with opportunities, but you will miss the best plums on the tree because you won’t think you deserve to reach for them.

Self Love Meditation: Take 10 to 20 minutes every morning to center yourself and meditate to a piece of music that feels heart-opening to you. One that I like is this moving and soul stirring chant, “Open My Heart,” by Ana Hernandez and Ruth Cunningham, off their CD HARC: Inside Chants.

Hear this wonderful chant "Open My Heart" at http://www.myspace.com/anahermusic.

Read more about building and enchancing self-worth in 10 Ways to Honor Thyself.

Soulmate Quiz to See if You are Ready

2010-01-09T15:18:27Z

Author Arielle Ford says we can find "big love" at any age. She offers her step-by-step program in The Soulmate Secret.

Here is something to ponder: Even though you say you want love, are you ready to let it into your life?

Find out in this revealing soulmate readiness quiz by Ariell Ford on Beliefnet.com.

21 Ways to Give Up Bad Habits

2010-01-09T15:10:42Z

Is there a habit or behavior you would like to change? Chris Prentss of Passages Addiction Cure Center tells you how.

By Chris Prentiss

There is room in all of our lives to say goodbye to a limiting habit and adopt a new and healthier one. Yet making and keeping a commitment can be challenging. Stepping up to the plate to create real change takes more than just courage. It takes consistency, realism, support, and a willingness to discover the underlying issues.

These 21 tips will help you reinvent your life with more zest and create new habits that will last.

Read the first tip for creating healthier habits.

Chris Prentiss is the co-director of the Passages Addiction Cure Center in Malibu and the author of The Alcoholism and Addiction Cure; Be Who You Want, Have What You Want; Zen and the Art of Happiness; and other books on personal growth. For more information, visit www.PowerPressPublishing.com

Motivational Quotes by Famous Women--Fun Quiz

2010-01-08T00:19:07Z

From Dolley Madison to Dolly Parton and from Oprah Winfrey to Whoopi Goldberg, many fabulous females have uttered words of wisdom that have changed the lives of other women.

Motivational Quotes by Famous Women is a very cool quiz on Beliefnet.com. See if you can guess which gal said what.

Find more inspiration on Beliefnet.com

Handbook for 2010- Advice for a Healthy New Year

2010-01-03T13:29:19Z

This New Year's letter was sent to me by an old, dear friend and I thought worth sharing with you all. The advice seems pretty wise. Sorry I cannot trace it's origins or author.

Health:
1. Drink plenty of water.
2. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a beggar.
3. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants..
4. Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm and Empathy
5. Make time to pray.
6. Play more games
7. Read more books than you did in 2009 .
8. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day
9. Sleep for 7 hours.
10. Take a 10-30 minutes walk daily. And while you walk, smile.

Personality:
11. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
12. Don't have negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.
13. Don't over do. Keep your limits.
14. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
15. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip.
16. Dream more while you are awake
17. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need..
18. Forget issues of the past. Don't remind your partner with His/her mistakes of the past. That will ruin your present happiness.
19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Don't hate others.
20. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.
21. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
22. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away
like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
23. Smile and laugh more.
24. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree...

Society:
25. Call your family often.
26. Each day give something good to others.
27. Forgive everyone for everything..
28. Spend time w/ people over the age of 70 & under the age of 6.
29. Try to make at least three people smile each day.
30. What other people think of you is none of your business.
31. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.

Life:
32. Do the right thing!
33. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
34. GOD heals everything.
35. However good or bad a situation is, it will change..
36. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
37. The best is yet to come..
38. When you awake alive in the morning, thank GOD for it.
39. Your Inner most is always happy. So, be happy.

Last but not the least:
40. Please Forward this to everyone you care about. (You can send the link if you like).

This list was sent without an author's name. If you know the author, please let us know. Thanks!

Blessings for the New Year!

"I love you, Marty Cunningham"

2010-01-02T18:36:07Z

Wheather Channel fans got sweet treat New Year's Even when the on-air weather woman got a surprise visit--and marriage proposal--from her beloved as she wrapped up the forcast.

The Weather Channel's Kim Perez was a bit taken aback, but definately happy, when boyfriend Marty Cunningham stepped in front of the cameras, and dropped to one knee, and asked her to marry him.

The TV pro remained composed. But after her hubby-to-be slipped on the ring, she embrace him and said: "I love you, Marty Cunningham."

Those words and that moment are now immortalized on the Weather Channel archive video. See it here.

Advice for Newly Engaged Brides

2010-01-02T15:05:29Z

These stress-busters For brides will help you navigate wedding planning.

By Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway

If one of your holiday gifts just happened to be a marriage proposal and perhaps a sparkling new ring, congratulations. Every year I like to offer new brides my special tips for keeping sane and inspired when planning your wedding.

You've heard people complain that wedding planning is way too stressful. Indeed it can be. I am firm believer that a bride has to include stress management, self-nurturing and time to chill out as an integral part of her engagement and wedding experience.

It is a journey that is bound to have some bumps in the road, but no need to take the “Stress Express” to the altar. Taking care of you, and your relationship, and staying focused on what is most important, is the best way to reduce stress and keep yourself together. Here are some tips to get you through the tough spots:

Establish boundaries from the start: Some brides get sucked into the vortex of wedding planning stress, and overwhelmed by the pressure and expectations of those around her. You will not be able to please everyone or manage everyone’s emotions. Focus on managing your own … and being true to yourself. It’s your wedding, not your mom’s, sister’s, or your maid of honor’s.

Stay close to your groom: You will cut your stress in half if you two remain a united team.
You won’t see eye to eye on all things, but you must stand together and back each other up when it comes to making decisions. When well-meaning-but-meddling relatives try to sway you, stay strong and hold on tight to one another!

Savor the small stuff: From the day you become engaged, to the moment you say “I do” make every moment count. Savor even the little things you do to make your wedding special. Keep the focus that the Big Day is a sacred day. It is not just a party that needs planning … it is a marriage that you are preparing for. All these little things along the way are helping your prepare.

Do Something Un-wedding: When you feel the stress building, take time out, go for a walk, slip into a movie, get a massage, take a soothing hot bath, go for a manicure, write in a journal, meditate, listen to music. You have to love, honor and cherish yourself!

Manage your time on your wedding day. Nothing is more flustering to a bride than running late on your wedding day. Create a time line that includes everything from your morning coffee, to leaving for the ceremony, and stick as close to it as possible. Take control of time on your wedding day so that it does not add stress to the natural butterflies in the tummy.

Stay present: Don’t risk missing it all, or remembering it as a blur, because you were too busy agonizing over the details and the drama. Trust that your wedding will unfold as it meant to be and will be perfect for you. If you can stay present – rather than worrying or dazing out -- you can look one another in the eyes at the wedding altar and remember the power of that moment!

Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway is a leading interfaith and non-denominational wedding officiant. She creates unique ceremonies for couples of all backgrounds and faiths, and is also widely recognized as a relationship coach, bridal stress expert and columnist. She is author of YOUR PERFECT WEDDING VOWS: How to Write, Find and Select the Words that Express What is in Your Heart and WEDDING GODDESS: A Divine Guide to Transforming Wedding Stress into Wedding Bliss. To help reduce wedding stress, get your personally autographed copy at www.WeddingGoddess.com.

Great Caesar's Ghost--Superman Video

2010-01-02T14:27:04Z

Perry White Yelling at Superman. This is a great video.

Far from the world of weddings and engagements, Wedlok.com strays into the land of Superman today. Batton Lash unearthed this slice of pop culture.

This awesome reel of clips from the original Superman TV series show Perry White (John Hamilton) giving it to Clark Kent (George Reeves).

Remember how John Hamilton as Perry in "The Adventures of Superman" typically barked "Great Caesar's ghost!" when angry, exasperated or surprised. Here's where it originated.

For those of us who have been in media for a few decades, who hasn't had an editor who strongly disagreed from time to time? Enjoy!

Ask the Wedding Goddess--Maid of Honor Dilemma

2010-01-01T16:29:58Z

Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway will answer your questions and help relieve wedding stress. Please e-mail your questions and wedding challenges to The Wedding Goddess.

Do I have to Have a Maid of Honor?

Dear Wedding Goddess:

I know you don't know me but I hope you can help me find some peace of this situation. I've been married twice before. I have never asked a particular friend of mine to be in my weddings. She has come and it's good. I recently asked her to be in my upcoming wedding, and she said no. She said she is always a bridesmaid and will not be in anyone else's wedding but her own. I have a sister but we are not close. I had her also in my younger wedding when I was 21 years of age. I'm now 55 and really don't mind not having anyone stand there. Does someone standing there make it official or can I do without? And, if my fiance wants to have his brother, I then must be obligated to find a women also? or do I? - Pauline

Dear Pauline -

You are not obligated legally to have a maid of honor. If your beloved wants his brother to stand for him, great. He can hold the rings! It is fine if there is just one person standing at the altar with you.

Just want to clarify that you are legally obligated, in NY and most states, to have at least one adult witness your wedding and sign your license as a witness, under the supervision of your officiant. This can be your groom's brother if you like. In NY, there is room for another person to also witness. If you want to, you can ask your friend or sister to sign. As long as they acutally attend the wedding.

As far as the processional and wedding party go, no need to stand on any ceremonial aspects that no longer fit for you. Have a great wedding!

Blessings, Rev. Laurie Sue
© 2010, Reverend Laurie Sue Brockway

Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway is a leading interfaith and non-denominational wedding officiant. She creates unique ceremonies for couples of all backgrounds and faiths, and is also widely recognized as a relationship coach, bridal stress expert and columnist. She is author of YOUR PERFECT WEDDING VOWS: How to Write, Find and Select the Words that Express What is in Your Heart and WEDDING GODDESS: A Divine Guide to Transforming Wedding Stress into Wedding Bliss. To help reduce wedding stress, get your personally autographed copy at www.WeddingGoddess.com.

Glamour's Five New Year's Rituals For Good Luck

2010-01-01T16:13:17Z

Glamour.com has launched a new wedding channel filled with interesting tidbits for brides planning their weddings.

Thought you might get a kick out of the article, "Superstitious? Check Out Five New Year's Rituals for Good Luck."

These rituals include making sure you have money in your pocket, wearing red undies to start the year off right and taking care to make sure the right person is the first person to enter your home on New Years day.

Good luck!

Out With the Old--Clean Slate for the New Year

2010-01-01T01:34:43Z

Try this New Year's ritual for getting a fresh start in 2010.

By Kathryn Weber

1. De-clutter. Grab a laundry basket. Next, set a timer and take it with you from room to room. Set it for five minutes. Now, start throwing out old papers, magazines, empty bottles of shampoo from the bathroom, old clothes you know you'll never wear again! Got CDs you never listen to? Throw those out or donate them to charity. Have some old coffee mugs that don't match or odd drinking glasses still hanging around in your cabinets? Pitch 'em. When in doubt, throw it out. Don't forget to look under the bed, too! And toss that lipstick you haven't worn in two years! Remember to clean out the pantry, too, and toss that half-empty box of Rice Krispies that's gone stale. Do it.

2. Sweep or vacuum. Get the old energy out by making the floors clean.

3. Do the laundry. Don't have dirty clothes hanging around. You can throw in a load or two while you declutter. Be sure to fold and put the clean clothes away.

4. Clean the bathroom. Make it sparkle. You don't want a nasty mess to greet the next year of your life!

5. Empty all trashcans. Don't want last years' trash hanging around, do you? Toss, toss, toss.

6. Clean out the refrigerator. Got a half-empty jar of apple butter? Get rid of it. You don't want to go into the New Year with old food or a moldy science project lurking in the fridge.

7. Clear out visual clutter. Too much stuff everywhere? Clear off the counters in the bathrooms and kitchen. Clear off your desk and dust it. Pitch the sticky notes and papers and things taped everywhere! You can do it. Don't forget the refrigerator! Make it a blank slate. Make as much space as possible. You cannot bring in new things if there is no room for it and we want a fantastic year, right? Then make your space "open" for the abundance of the New Year!

8. Yard work. Make sure the yard is picked up and the front door step is swept and clear.

9. Change the sheets and towels. Put clean sheets on all the beds on New Year's Eve and clean towels in the bathroom and kitchen. New sheets are even better.

10. Clean the car. This is what gets you around during the year. Drive through a car wash, take out the trash and do a quick cleaning.

All done? Wow, doesn't that feel good! Now you're ready for the next step.

Reprinted with permission from Red Lotus Letter Feng Shui E-zine.

Kathryn Weber is the publisher of the Red Lotus Letter Feng Shui E-zine and certified feng shui consultant in classical Chinese feng shui. Kathryn helps her readers improve their lives and generate more wealth with feng shui. For more information and to receive her FREE Ebook "Easy Money - 3 Steps to Building Massive Wealth with Feng Shui" visit www.redlotusletter.com and learn the fast and fun way how feng shui can make your life more prosperous and abundant!

A Blessing for 2010--Happy New Year

2010-01-01T00:13:24Z

By Laurie Sue Brockway

Divine Spirit of All there is
Whose essence Lies within us all and in all things
Please fill this place with your sacred light and presence
Please protect me and heal me,
Please bring me to wholeness and wisdom

Make this a day of fresh starts, new beginnings.
Melt all obstacles in my path ... gently, gracefully, lovingly
Reconnect me to my highest self,
Awaken me to what I need to know next.

Let my higher self select and connect with the divine energy
That is right for me, right now.
May I be uplifted and empowered by your Love.
So be it and so it is.

© Reverend Laurie Sue Brockway, author of
Rituals for Love and Romance