According to my new special sources at Westminster Abbey, Kate Middleton will become Mrs. Prince Will at this altar. It is called the High Altar.

She will glide into the Abbey through these grand doors. Of course, there should not be snow there in April!.

Then she will walk down the aisle that many Kings and Queens haved walked down for their coronations. It is the aisle her beloved walked down for his Mum's funeral. It is the aisle that she will, perhaps, walk down when she and Will become King and Queen of England some day.

During normal touris hours in Westminister Abbey, the main altar and the front door are blocked from each other by a small chapel area that prevents you from walking straight down the aisle from the front door. That area will be freed up on the big day on April 29.

I took a test run down that aisle while in London last week, walking just through the area with wooded seating that faces the aisle. She will habe all eyes on her! There are some chairs up front in small rows. I am betting that the royals will bring in better furniture for this event!!

I was told that Westminister Abbey can hold over 8.000 people, due to the special seating areas that were built for Queen Elizabeth's coronation. Some of these folks would be way up in the royal bleechers if Kate and Will were to have such a large guest list.

Posted December 10, 2010 9:18 AM by Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

Trish Suhr got married! Congratulations to the host of Style's hit show, "Clean House," who tied the knot with her husband Dave McCoul in May.

Style cameras were there to capture the entire experience from beginning to end in the upcoming special "Marry Me In Mexico: Trish's Dream Wedding."

Check out this awesome wedding photo by Del Sol Photography. Did they really go for a dip in their wedding duds?

Trish claims to not to have the "bride gene" but she must have developed it to pull out all of the stops for her May nuptials in Cancun, Mexico.

Planning a destination wedding from the "Clean House" set was no easy task but somehow the Style host was able to do it!

The Cancun wedding was picture perfect--despite a groomsman who bailed, a rain storm and a minister who had to pull out at the last minute! Trish also battled her nerves and participated in a breathtaking "trash the dress" photo shoot.

She could have used a copy of Wedding Goddess to help with bridal stress!

Photo credit: Del Sol Photography

Posted July 15, 2010 9:20 AM by Editor | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

British singer Natasha Bedingfield has found her "Soulmate." She married California businessman Matthew Robinson in Malibu, California on March 21.

"Our wedding day was everything we'd hope it would be," said the 27-year-old bride. "It was simple, beautiful and natural. Free from trappings or formalities, it was more about expressing our love for one another infront of those we hold dearest to us than anything else."

Looks like Bedingfield finally got an answer to the question her famous song Soulmate...

Read full story...

Posted March 22, 2009 5:20 PM by Editor | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

At the risk of sounding redundant, we pick Katherine Heigl -- star of 27 Dresses, newlywed, and current "it girl."

She was more than just a ravishing sight in red, she was a nervous wreck -- and she told the world about it when she got to the podium. "You have to excuse me... I am just so nervous."

She really was. Some people thought her comments were lame. We give her points for being authentic and not trying to act her way through it!

After the Oscars, she chatted with media about wanting to have a baby -- or begin the process, anyway. "I am thinking July. He is thinking next July. Maybe we will meet in the middle, like December," she said.

Posted February 26, 2008 11:02 AM by Editor | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway
Editor,Wedlok.com

WE TV, formerly the Women's Entertainment Network, discovered with Bridezillas that wacky wedding TV gets good ratings and they have made it a mainstay of their programing. From February 10th till the 17th we'll be treated to a week of wedding-themed "reality" shows.

I want to preface this by saying I do not like the way WE sometimes makes brides look like crazy she-creatures who eat their mates and scream at relatives and friends. Hate that. And the perpetuation of those images worry me, especially on a woman's station.

On the other hand, if you consider that what is called "Reality TV" is actually very smoothly and carefully produced "real life drama" moved along by producers looking to create a certain show then, and only then, can you watch the stuff on WE and consider it pure entertainment.

But, before I share with you the information on the upcoming "WE Go Bridal Week," you must promise never to be as hideous, or let yourself get as stressed, as their featured Bridezillas. Please. And also, be inspired but don't feel you must go as crazy with costs and trimmings for your wedding.

Try to remember, the ceremony is as important as the celebration!

That said, enjoy the line up of these four, all new WE TV Premieres as they "celebrate sweethearts everywhere" during Valentine's Day week.

You will find your fill of brides and grooms making their way to the altar in episodes of Bridezillas and Platinum Weddings. Straight from the press release, here, wedding mavens, is what you can look forward to:

Continue reading "WE's Valentine To Viewers - Unforgettable Celebrity Weddings, "Bulging Brides" and More" »

Posted February 7, 2008 2:15 PM by Editor | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

Eddie Murphy and Tracey Edmonds get the prize for shortest Hollywood wedding of the year.

The two had a reportedly lavish spiritual ceremony on Bora Bora the first of January only to get back to the states and decide not to make it legal.

Many couples who marry in destination weddings outside of the United States elect to formally solemnize their vows back in their own country. This is often due to tricky issues of legality in the country or location in which they choose to wed. Or it may have to do with issues of time. Some locales require a couple to be in town for a week or days and to go through local legal protocol that is time consuming.

Celebrity couples often have spiritual ceremonies at the destination and quietly make it legal in the states.

Anyone can have a "spiritual" or "religious" ceremony without it being legally binding. It is however meant to be a bond between the couple and a promise of marriage.

Edmonds, once married to the performer and music producer known as Babyface, is a producer and met Murphy when they were filming Dreamgirls in 2006. The engagement was announced within a year.

There are rumors as to why the couple did not go through with their legal ceremony. Some say it had to do with the fact that Edmonds did not want to change her last name, because it is the same last name as her child. There are whispers that it was due to Murphy's behavior or arguments about a prenup.

Who knows for sure. But if the couple is not going to stay together, they might want to also consider a "Spiritual Divorce" because a spiritual wedding is still a wedding in spirit.

Posted January 23, 2008 5:21 AM by Editor | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

Word has it that Spice girl Mel B. will be making up for eloping last year by having a lavish celebrity studded second wedding to hubby Stephen Belafonte.

It's always nice to renew your vows!

The two wed on June 6, 2007 in Las Vegas. The elopement was a shock to family and apparently a disappointment to friends who were not included in the private event.

She and her Mom reportedly were not speaking for a while -- more because of her choice of mate rather than the way they wed -- but are once again on good or better terms.

Now that the Spice Girls are touring and in the public eye again maybe this will be a chance for Mel B to shine as a bride.

Remember, just before marrying she had that rough paternity battle with actor Eddie Murphy over the birth of baby Angel. Good thing she didn't marry Murphy. He and his new bride opted out of their marriage just two weeks after a symbolic New Year's ceremony.

Posted January 23, 2008 5:05 AM by Editor | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

Entertainment news has been filled with exciting tales of Katherine Heigel's exciting real life wedding over the holidays.

She seemed pretty involved in the entire creating of her dream wedding. She's appeared on many talk shows chatting in a manner not uncommon with brides-to-be. It is that special vibe that brides share when they have mastered the art of planning a wedding, the knowing grin. Been there, done that, planned my wedding from A to Z.

Mazel Tov on the big event, Katherine!

Now the new Mrs. is out and about promoting her upcoming film 27 Dresses, fresh from her honeymoon. Hmmm... interesting timing.

At any rate, bet the film is fabulous. Heigl has become a movie favorite, her down to earth charm blended with comedic skills really work in romantic comedies.

In 27 Dresses, she plays Jane, a gal who is great at taking care of others and not great at caring for her own needs. A real people pleaser, with 27 bridesmaids dresses in her closet to prove it!

She meets a fairly cynical reporter at a wedding reception and he smells a good story when he sees it - a woman addicted to people pleasing who has morphed into a true wedding junkie.

Can't wait to see the movie!

Posted January 10, 2008 8:19 AM by Editor | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

The classic wedding reading "The Art of Marriage," by Wilferd Arlan Peterson, is one of the most oft read and inspiring wedding readings around. As we reported several months ago, wedding lore has it that several lines of this reading was included in the nuptials of Joanne Woodward and Paul Newman, who got hitched in Las Vegas.

That was almost fifty years ago! Today it stands out as a classic for our times.

I have been using this reading in my wedding ministry for many years. Couples love it because it reflects the values and sentiments that truly enhance life together! It's the stuff a good marriage is made of.

Wanted to share it again here because it is so important for all of us to remember that a good marriage must be created, nurtured, built over time. Marriage is an art unto itself. And …

In the Art of Marriage the little things are the important things.

It means never being too old to hold hands, or to say I love you.

It's never going to bed angry.

It is at no time taking the other for granted; the courtship should
not end with the honeymoon. Allow it to continue through the years.

It's having a mutual sense of values and common objectives.

It's standing together facing the world.

It's forming a circle of love that gathers in the whole family.

It's doing things for each other, not in the attitude of duty or
sacrifice, but in the spirit of joy.

It's speaking words of appreciation and demonstrating gratitude in
thoughtful ways.

It is not looking for perfection in each other and yet seeing each
other perfect as you are.

It is cultivating flexibility, patience, understanding and a sense of
humor.

It's having the capacity to forgive and forget.

It's giving each other an atmosphere in which each can grow.

It is finding room for things of the spirit.

It is a common search for the good and the beautiful.

It is establishing a relationship in which the independence is
equal, dependence is mutual and the obligation is reciprocal.

It's not only marrying the right partner, it's being the right partner.

The above is a version of "The Art of Marriage" that I may have slightly tweaked over time, so I offer it with apologies to Mr. Peterson if a word was changed here or there. However, I imagine it would please him to know how much his words have meant to so many over time!

You can find links to the original short and long versions, with related copyright information, at http://www.artofmarriage.org.

Posted November 6, 2007 11:33 AM by Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

Sending a shout out to my collegue, Sharon Naylor, with congratulations on her newest book What's Your Bridal Style, co-authored by Casey Cooper.

Sharon is the consumate wedding author and has penned a gazillion wedding books (okay, more than 30!). She is the most prolific wedding author I know.

Soon she will be walking down the aisle as a bride in April 2008.

She'll be tying the knot in New Jersey at a banquet hall her beloved took her as his date to a wedding when their relationship was beginning. Romantic! "We had our very first slow dance there, and now we'll have our first dance as husband and wife on the very same dance floor," she says.

You can bet this will be a fun wedding. Congratulations Sharon and Joe!

Posted November 4, 2007 6:24 AM by Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

Talk about magic! Looks like magician Hans Klok was able to move his beautiful assistant to the ultimate Las Vegas publicity stunt. A wedding in between shows!

Pamela Anderson got hitched last Saturday to Rick Salomon in between the 7PM and 10 PM shows of the "Hans Klok's The Beauty of Magic" show at Planet Hollywood, where Pam is starring as a magician's assistant.

Anderson announced the marraige during the late show and there was supposed to be a champaign toast.

A couple of interesting facts:

The recently divorced Carmen Electra was the first gal up for the part of magician assistant and she bowed out when she realized the intensity and time involved in rehearsals. Pam took over.

Planet Hollywood was, not too long ago, The Aladdin , where Elvis and Priscilla Presley wed long ago.

The casino said they sprang for a four-tiered, pink and white wedding cake. For more information on
the magic show, check out: http://www.hanslasvegas.com/

Posted October 8, 2007 6:06 AM by Charlotte Rose | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

Reports are ringning 'round the world that Baywatch babe Pamela Anderson married boyfriend Rick Salomon yesterday in Las Vegas.

This makes three for Pam, who also was Mrs. to Tommy Lee and Kid Rock.

Salomon is the ex-beau of Paris Hilton. He is best known as the "co-star" in the infamous hot sex video that was released on the internet and hence made Paris so... hot.

Pam had a video like that of her own with Tommy Lee, if you recall, and a long court case ensued.

Is this for Publicity Pam? Looking for a new producer for a new line of videos? What's up, girl?

Stand by for more details.

Posted October 7, 2007 8:59 AM by Charlotte Rose | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

According to recent news reports, Pam and Rick Salomon were granted a marriage license late Saturday in Las Vegas. They have up to a year to use it.

We have only a few things to say on this topic:

Oh Pamela, why do it? You are smart, beautiful, famous and rich. You don't really need another marriage under your belt, do you?

You were on and off and on again with Tommy Lee for years. You married Kid Rock five times and stayed together four months.

Honey, you are not the marrying kind. Have a boyfriend! Be a girlfriend. Forget about the wife thing.

Is this the same Rick Solomon who made the sex videotape that made Paris Hilton famous and was once married to wild child actress Shannen Doherty? On no.

If you feel you have to wed again Pam, we'd love you to get hitched in Las Vegas... but not to that guy!

Posted October 1, 2007 6:47 AM by Charlotte Rose | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

Congratulations to one wild and crazy guy! The Father of the Bride became a groom! We must have been asleep. We missed the memo on this!

Steve Martin got hitched in a surprise ceremony at his California home on July 28. He tied the knot with former New Yorker journalist, Anne Stringfield, 35. Even though it was her first marriage, it was not a surprise for her. It was the guests who were a little taken aback.

Tom Hanks and Diane Keaton were among those who showed up without gifts! They weren't told about the nuptials. People thought they were just coming for a big bash.

The bride wore white. Martin sported a mustache grown for a reprisal of his role as Inspector Clouseau in another Pink Panther movie.

Longtime buddy Lorne Michaels was best man. It was only fair since Martin has hosted Michaels creation, Saturday Night Live, more than any other human. Who officiated? Former Nebraska Senator Bob Kerrey, we hear. Did he get ordained on the Internet?

Posted August 15, 2007 9:32 PM by Editor | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

Personally, I think all the Spice Girl's are scary! I never got 'em. Never will. Still can't understand what the big fuss was! Alas, once a star ... always in the gossip pages!

We know that Scary Spice, a.k.a. Melanie Brown has been trying to scare up a paternity admission and child support from her ex-flame Eddie Murphy, who recently got engaged to his current love Tracey Edmonds. It's been a bitter paternity battle related to Brown's baby girl, Angel.

Brown and Murphy dated briefly -- but long enough to conceive a daughter apparently/allegedly -- and Brown has been after him to do the right thing. Word has it that Murphy now admits he fathered the child and says he has been paying child support.

Now we find out that Scary Spice has found new love and quietly spoke her vows in Las Vegas in June with boyfriend and music producer Stephen Belafonte. He becomes step dad to baby Angel and Brown's eight year old daughter Phoenix.

Posted August 9, 2007 5:02 AM by Charlotte Rose | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

Is anyone surprised that Usher did tie the know with his long time gal, Tameka Foster? I knew it would happen!

The two called off their fancy nuptials in the Hamptons and opted for a wedding in Atlanta last Friday in the office of Usher's lawyer.

Even though speculation was rampant that the wedding was axed due to Usher's Mother's dislike for her new daughter-in-law and her allegedly controlling ways, his Mom Jonetta Patton was there.

The Bride said a "pregnancy scare" landed her in the hospital, which is what led them to call that big day off. The Twins are due in fall, so good luck to Mr. and Mrs. Usher!

Posted August 7, 2007 11:16 AM by Editor | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

Celebrity Wedding Buzz

Busy celebrities have been tying the knot ... and some of them untying it!

Big news this weekend is that multiplatinum singer Usher and his pregnant bride-to-be Tameka Foster called off their highly publicized nuptials yesterday, the day of their wedding. The glitzy affair was to be held in Sagaponack, New York -- in the Hamptoms -- at home of a friend.

Wow, the Truth Hurts, when you realize that a marriage simply is not mean to be and you must make that Confession to your beloved, and the world. Some people say that Tameka turned into a Bridezilla toward the end of wedding planning, but was she a Bad Girl, or just hormonal? Was it Usher who said, sorry Baby, but I just cannot Take Your Hand? Did she cry, how can you Do It To Me? Or did she ditch him?

A spokesperson issued a statement saying the wedding is off and guests were somehow contacted and told not to come. You can be sure there are a lot of gals out there saying Yeah! , he's back on the market.

Continue reading "Usher Wedding Called Off At The Last Minute - Or Was It?" »

Posted July 29, 2007 9:04 AM by Editor | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

Dancing with the Stars favorite, Laila Ali, married former NFL star Curtis Conway on Sunday, July 22, in Los Angeles.

Unlike some of the big superstar studded celebrity weddings of the season, the Ali-Conway nuptials were attended by close family and friends. Of course, Ali's daddy is Mohamed Ali, was there.

She strolled down the aisle in champagne colored gown by Amy Michelson. Officiating was the Reverend Michael Beckwith, of the Agape Church in Santa Monica (also of "The Secret" fame).

This was a second marriage for Ali and apparently for Conway, whose 12-year-old twin sons, Kelton and Cameron were ring bearers and whose daughter Leilani, 8, was flower girl.

Although guests expected the twosome to cut-up-the-rug, with Ali's amazing dancing credentials, the bride told the guests "Dancing with the Stars is over ... and this is just us, on our wedding day." The couple decided on a simple but elegant wedding, according to E! News. They made it about the love!

Posted July 29, 2007 8:46 AM by Editor | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

Wedding season is in full bloom and AOL is celebrating with a fun gallery of Celebrity wedding photos.

Did you know Elton John's first marriage was to ... a woman?

Do you remember that Donald Trump was once so wild about Marla Maples he immortalized their marriage on casino chips?

Do you remember the name of Mick Jagger's first wife?

For a fun walk down Wedding Memory Lane -- with Ozzie and Sharon Osborne, Elizabeth Taylor and of course, Elvis and Priscilla Presley -- check it out.

Posted June 30, 2007 9:34 PM by Editor | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

Talk about a double blessing!

Hearts were broken across the land -- and cheers were heard from real supporters -- when superstar R&B performer Usher announced he was finally getting hitched!

Long time love Tameka Foster and Usher are due to walk down the aisle and they are busy planning their wedding.

That's not all they are due for. Lastest news from the Usher camp is that the Stork will be arriving some time this fall.

The couple have of course requested that adoring fans and prying media "respect our privacy" during this happy time.

God bless 'em. Dealing with pregnancy, pending parenthood and planning a wedding simultaneously is rough stuff. They'll need the privacy and peace they have asked for to prepare for all these changes in their lives!

Posted June 28, 2007 7:38 AM by Editor | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

"I never thought this could happen to me," said CNN legal maven Nancy Grace, 47, patting her bulging belly as she shopped for maternity clothes. She was holding her jeans together with rubber bands!

Grace was set to announce both her secret marriage and her becoming-more-noticeable-by-the-moment pregnancy on her CNN Headline show tonight. The tabloids beat her to it. Her marriage and pregnancy were announced in the New York Post today and the announcement was followed with segments on the evening entertainment shows.

Grace, a former prosecutor who became a victim's advocate when her college fiance was murdered, is known for her hard edge and gruff interview style.

She joins former first lady of New York City, and one-time news anchor, Donna Hanover, as another high profile media pro to marry a teenage sweetheart. Grace married David Linch, an Atlanta investment banker, in a secret April wedding.

They attended Mercer together in the 1970s and have stayed in touch all these years. Very closely in touch, it would seem. The couple married In Grace's hometown of Macon.

The bride says she walked down the aisle to her favorite song, 'Moon River,' read her own vows and also read from the Book of Ruth.

Posted June 26, 2007 6:10 PM by Charlotte Rose | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

We'll always have Paris.

The currently incarcerated celebutante said recently, "I love Las Vegas."

While her move from prison medical facility to a step down unit with about 15 cells is making news, so is her upcoming "Get Out Of Jail" party. Looks like Las Vegas will play host to Paris and hundreds of her closest friends.

Paris' dad has been shopping for a venue to sponsor the bash. Unlike most pops, he is not paying for the celebration, rather ... the venue is paying for the privilege of hosting the privileged inmate.

Hard Rock Hotel and Casino is reportedly the winning host. How much will Paris get for serving her sentence and then partying in Sin City? A cool $800,000. Not bad for 23 to 45 days in the slammer.

Posted June 17, 2007 4:14 PM by Charlotte Rose | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

By Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway

Some people are saying that 7-07-07 will be the most popular wedding date of the century.

Wedding venues across the nation say the 7-07-07 wedding date has booked up fast as couples set their sights on pledging their love on a "lucky day."

You can just imagine what a popular day that will be in Las Vegas, especially since 7-7-7 is a winning jackpot!

Ever wonder why else the number 7 is so hot? We have 7 wonders of the world, 7 seas and 7 continents. Superstitions abound about the numbe. From the religious and spiritual perspectives, here are some of the reasons it is considered sacred.

In the Bible. The number 7 is a perfect and important number.

From the Jewish perspective: The number 7 is prominent in the Torah and the Zohar. God rested on the seventh day of creating earth, and hence, sanctified and deemed Sabbath on day seven. There are seven blessings over the wine are recited under the huppa during the marriage ceremony.

From the Catholic perspective: There are Seven sacraments, we have Seven Deadly Sins (Lust, Gluttony, Avarice, Envy, Wrath, Sloth, and Pride) and Seven Virtues (Chastity, Moderation, Liberality, Charity, Meekness, Zeal, and Humility).

From the Christian perspective: In the New Testament, Jesus tells Peter he must forgive "seventy times seven."

From the Native American and Wiccan traditions: Their are 7 directions: east, west, north, south, Above, Below and Within. There are 7 sacred ceremonies.

From the Hindu tradition. There are 7 energy centers in the body called chakras. They represent both physical and energetic centers and they are: root, solar plexus, heart, throat, third eye, crown. In the Hindu wedding ceremony, the most important part is Saptapadi, the 7 steps around the sacred flame as 7 blessings are chanted.

From the Japanese Shinto religion: There are "Seven Lucky Gods" who preside over fortune.

In mythology: Innana, the Babylonian Goddess Queen of Heaven, had to descend 7 levels to the underworld stripping her jewels, clothes, crown, and ego (7 items in all) along the way in order to rescue her beloved Tamuz from the depths of hell.

Lucky 7

From sports to the stars: 7 comes up sacred again. In astronomy and astrology there are 7 planets that can be seen with the naked eye.In baseball, there was only one number 7 - Mickey Mantle.

Gambler's luck. In the game of craps, 7 wins in any combination. Lady Luck is a character who wears dice for earrings and they always have the number 7.

As you can see, ancient and popular thinking would seem to make 7-07-07 a helluva wedding date, a triple chance at good luck! If this is your wedding day, may it be a lucky roll of the dice!

Continue reading "Why is 7-07-07 Such a Hot Date for a Wedding?" »

Posted June 13, 2007 7:50 PM by Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

Maybe she has a mental breakdown after the body cavity search?

Or her parents finally found someone they could pay to spring her from the slammer?

Or perhaps we will find that this was all a big joke perpetrated by Simple Life producers, for a special in the reality series called the "Girls Go To Jail." Afterall, Nicole Ritchie was on David Letter's show last night mentioning how she may follow her gal pal Paris to jail for her own DUI violation.

Whatever the reason, less than 4 days into her 45 days sentence, it is widely reported that Paris Hilton has been released from Century Regional Detention Facility in Lynwood this morning.

You have to wonder, was this story just another strategy for preventing us from paying attention to the real news stories, or have we gone so down hill as a culture that this truly is the important news of the day?

We didn't want Paris to suffer. But we also didn't want to see her win as a role model for inappropriate and potentially dangerous behavior.

Here's an idea: Let her do her time in community service and send her to poor neighborhoods to help women with no self esteem learn to love themselves. Now, that's hot!

Posted June 7, 2007 7:26 AM by Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

By Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway

Lindsay Lohan is falling fast. Who is not upset to watch the demise of a young star who has brought people so much joy through her work? Hope she can find the inner strenght and fortitude to get it together.

She's supposed to celebrate her 21st birthday in Las Vegas. Now, media reports the plans may be "spoiled" by her recent DUI and time in rehab. How sad is it that, before she even reaches legal drinking age, she will be (hopefully) a recovering alcoholic.

It's the trend for hot clubs in Vegas to pay hot celebrities big bucks to have or "host" parties here. I heard there was a million dollars or more on the table for Lindsay's big 21st birthday bash. Maybe she sabotaged it because she needs help more than she needs a million bucks.

Personally, I think Lindsay Lohan needs a father. Hers seems useless. That poor girl is acting out her Daddy issues all over the place. Check out this latest image of her playing with knives as party.

Nice. All we need now is for someone else's daughter to think that is cute and try it.

Are Lindsay, and other of her ilk, glamorizing dysfunction? Or is it media? Afterall, she is trained to act for the cameras.

She has sadly become a slave of her own celebrity, a victim of her own missed childhood. Perhaps we cannot hold her completely responsible for her actions, as she is the creation of a mother who pushed her to success, hollywood, and the media machine. And the ever-watching eyes and opinions of a vulture culture that cannot turn our eyes from human tragedy, pathos and drama.

I think Lindsay is also reflecting the angst and pain of her generation.

Continue reading "Lindsay Lohan Will Celebrate Her 21st Birthday in Vegas -- Or Rehab" »

Posted June 5, 2007 6:50 AM by Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

By Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway

The story about Andrew Speaker, the guy with the weird strain of TB who traveled internationally putting who knows how many people at risk for contracting his disease, is so bizarre!

The personal injury lawyer is now quarantined. The Associated Press said this morning that "The Denver health authority has ordered that Speaker be detained at the National Jewish Medical and Research Center until tests indicate he is no longer contagious." Speaker took international flights and traveled widely by air, but says he was not warned against flying.

I can't image that this guy wanted to make others sick - but the thought of how he could have or may have is very spooky. I think he was just afraid to miss his wedding! Or he was not sick enough miss his wedding. Everyone knows that unless a guy is on death's doorstep, he cannot miss his wedding. It is unforgivable. Could it be wedding stress and demands made him loose his sense of reason and reality? Or did he just not "get" how serious his situation was?

There is only one thing to do now: Send Speaker and anyone who was exposed to him in his air travels to Stephen Lewis, one of the founders of AIM Program. It is a unique and powerful spiritual technology that helps people find the source of their illnesses and maladies and helps them heal themselves. Lewis, co author of Sanctuary, is renown for his ability to source illnessess at their energetic root.

He can also help the rest of us AVOID IT! The AIM Program, to my mind, is like an energetic health insurance policy. Its like a shield for all the nasty imbalances and illnesses that plague us all each day. Many celebrities have worked with Lewis and are on AIM, including Rev. Michael Beckwith, of The Secret fame.

Continue reading "TB Groom and Those Exposed to Him Should Try the AIM Program" »

Posted June 4, 2007 7:10 AM by Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

It sounds like a scene right of out Sex and the City.

One of our heroines finds the perfect dress in a cute little store that is about to shut its doors, according to the owner. She buys it and waits for it and fantasizes about twirling around the dance floor in it. Then, after weeks of promises that would come by "next Friday" for alterations, our heroine is forced to go to a ... dare we say ... discount bridal house to purchase an off the rack "back-up" dress.

Could you just imagine Sarah Jessica Parker's Carrie Bradshaw in wedding dress hell? First, she gets hives trying on dresses when engaged to Aidan. Then finally, Mr. Big pops the question and boom... no wedding dress. She goes to Klienfeld's - known for classic cheaper bridal wear -- to buy the big white dress. The only saving grace is that it is now in Manhattan, not in Brooklyn!

Then, the real dress comes ... just 3 days before the wedding, without alterations. What can a bride do but shove it in a closet and wear her back up.

What a tale of woe ... and it actually happened to real life former Sex and the City writer Elisa Zuritsky.

She got married and had a grand old time, but still can't open the box to look at the $3,000 A-line Mariana Hardwick dress.

So she is having a contest to give the dress away. Act fast, and share your 500 word tale of woe, and perhaps the dress can be yours. The deadline for entries is Monday is today! Visit www.takemydress.com for contest details. Entries are limited to the 50 United States and the District of Columbia.

"My wedding dress is sitting in a crushed, taped-up cardboard box, in the closet of my husband's home-office," she writes on her website. "It's been there since the day it arrived, still needing alterations, three days before my wedding day."

"I did get married in October, and I did wear a wedding dress. But it was not my wedding dress: the simple, strapless, A-line gown that made me feel teeny-tiny. (I'm not.) The dress I got married in was my Back-up, bought off the rack two weeks before the big day, in the kind of frenzy I'd sworn I'd never get sucked into."

To this day, "I haven't even looked at my original wedding dress. I can't. I'm still mad at it."

But she wants to give it away!

Posted May 28, 2007 2:52 PM by Charlotte Rose | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

By Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway

Mazel Tov! It's a boy!

Mary Cheney welcomed a new little man into the world, making her Dad 'Grandpa Dick' -- for the sixth time!

She gave birth to Samuel David Cheney yesterday. This is the first wee one for Mary and her life partner, Heather Poe.

The Cheney's - Dick and Grandma Lynne - went to visit the new baby a few hours after birth.

If you recall, Mary told the world she was with child in December. Some conservatives hit the roof. Cheney stood by his daughter, who worked as an aid to the Vice President during the 2004 campaign.

I think it is important to remember that -- while some people may take issue with two women raising a child, and while there are also many people who take issue with the Vice President -- Samuel David represents a new life. A new chance. He's a baby. Don't take politics it out on him. He deserves a chance.

We wish the best to Mothers and Child. Obviously, Cheney and Poe will have their baby blessed or baptized in accordance with their own religious beliefs. I would like to just offer this blessing (adapted from Life Prayers).

Continue reading "Vice President Cheney is Grandpa Dick - Mary Cheney Delivers a Boy" »

Posted May 24, 2007 6:48 AM by Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

By Laurie Sue Brockway

That's what I call a wedding!

If you happened to catch Desparate Housewives Sunday you know what I mean.

Terri Hatcher and James Denton, AKA Susan and Mike, married in a magical midnight setting on Sunday's show.

Susan was attempting to plan a big, impressive shindig for her nuptials. To pay for it, Mike was working as a 'round-the-clock plumber, taking calls in the middle of the night to pay for the wedding.

While attending Gabriel's (Eva Longoria) ill-fated nuptials to an ambitious and arrogant politician, Mike falls asleep. He's exhausted from over work and late night plumbing adventures. Susan realized she does not want to torture him any longer with wedding planning.

Susan gets the idea to ditch her big wedding plans with Mike and head for the Forrest for a little midnight marriage ceremony. She borrows the minister from Gabriel's ceremony, has the woods decorated with enchanting lighting and gets Mike to the site thinking he is answering a plumbing call.

They profess their love for one another, and of course, Susan says that while her mind kept changing about the kind of wedding she wanted, "One thing was constant ... you."

Ta-da ... instant wedding. Just like Las Vegas.

And interestingly, Denton said that Mike's unconventional wedding reminded him of his own 2002 wedding at the famous Little Chapel of the West in Las Vegas.

It was a second marriage for both he and his wife Erin. "We both had done the big weddings before, so we decided on Vegas," he told USA Today. "I wanted to do the whole Elvis thing, but Erin put her foot down. And she was exactly right. It was very romantic with a minister and the woman at the organ."

Continue reading "Desperate Housewives Wedding -Terri Hatcher Marries TV Sweetheart" »

Posted May 22, 2007 6:52 AM by Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

By the way, Cameron Diaz will reportedly pair up with Ashton Kutcher for a new movie, "What Happens in Vegas." So it's a good thing she has her honey, Criss Angel, lined up.

In this wacky romantic comedy, Diaz and Kutcher play an unlikely pair bonded together after wandering into a wedding chapel after a few too many drinks -- as if that ever happens here! Also, one of them won a jackpot with the other one's quarter.

Stuck together by unholy matrimony and money, the movie finds the two driving each other crazy in attempts to take all the money. In the end they of course fall in love, Las Vegas style.

The movie was penned by the same writer who created The Wedding Date (Dana Fox) and will be directed by Julian Farino of "Entourage."

Looks like Diaz will be in town for a while when shooting. Let's hope its a magical stay for her.

Posted May 17, 2007 7:25 AM by Charlotte Rose | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

In never got it about Cameron Diaz and Justin Timberlake. He is such a goodie two-shoes, and she seems to have a freaky-deaky side.

Its a good thing they split, and also had a healing reunion at the premiere of Shrek 3 (which she stars in and he appears in), because now the girl has gone and gotten herself a freaky-deaky guy!

Cameron Diaz was in Vegas this weekend and she was spotted out and about with Mindfreak magician Criss Angel. Holy magic show! That seems like a cool connection!

People Magazine reports, "The pair began their evening with dinner at the Bellagio's Prime steakhouse, then rode to the Mirage in Angel's Rolls Royce for the 10:30 p.m. performance of Cirque du Soleil's Beatles tribute LOVE."

They were smiling and snuggling and looking oh so happy and close.

The two reportedly met at the VHI Rock Honor and then partied at the Jet Nightclub. She was supposed to split on Sunday but extended her stay, obviously to do a little canoodling and take in some sights and shows with her new magical man!

Posted May 17, 2007 7:13 AM by Charlotte Rose | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

By Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway

God Grant me the Serenity
to Accept the things I cannot change,
the Courage to change the things I can,
and the wisdom to know the difference

- The Serenity Prayer, Alcoholics Anonymous

Former Baywatch hunk and current Las Vegas resident David Hasselhoff had his visitation rights with his two teenage daughters suspended after a video surfaced showing Hasselhoff seeming sloppy and drunk. His oldest daughter was there, pleading with him on tape not to drink anymore.

It is a very sad video, one that goes beyond those hiddeous drunken still photos of stars like Nick Nolte, to show us what really goes on with a star who has a drinking problem. It is the very same thing that happens to "average" people who become lost to the disease of drinking to excess.

Hasselhoff, an admitted alcoholic who was prompted into rehab by a nasty divorce, claimed through lawyers that he fell off the wagon - temporarily - and that the video got him back on track.

Hasselhoff's ex- Catherine Bach said on Larry King last night that for 16 years she was an enabler and that alcoholism destroyed their marriage. "I love him," she said, "but I hate the disease."

There will be a hearing May 21 to see if the video was authentic, and who released it. Bach, accompanied by the same laywer who once represented Larry Berkhead, said that neither she or her daughter had anything to do with the release of the video.

She went on to point out that most families of alcoholics keep it quite and hidden, not broadcasted to the world.

The video, of Hasselhof seeming intoxicated, is so sad. His daughter's pleading for him to stop drinking is even sadder.

Catherine Bach has been criticised for taking her story to media, but I think when you are dealing with such raging alcoholism and illness, eventually the only way you can save your sanity is to go public and speak the truth.

Luckily, her daughters, 14 and 17, are a little older and seem to be all too familiar with their dad's drinking problem.

Hasselhoff had been in the Las Vegas production of the Producers. When the video tape was made in his Las Vegas home, his daughter was visiting.

It was indicated that she was probing him about his drinking on camera, while he was drunk, to be able to play his behavior back to him.

No one knows who released the tape to a tabloid TV show.

Our prayers go out the Hasselhoff and his family, and all families who must confront a painful addiction issue.

Posted May 8, 2007 6:42 AM by Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

By Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway

At this time of year, I like to pause ... and remember The Runaway Bride.

Please join me in a moment of silence and a prayer that you – nor a friend or loved one -- ever get that stressed out about a wedding.

If ever there was a case for eloping to Las Vegas, it was the unfortunate wedding fiasco that dominated the headlines this time two years ago – the “Runaway Bride," a.k.a. Jennifer Wilbanks.

She kicked off wedding season with an emotional breakdown and a sprint out of town, and, in many ways, represented the fears and tears of many a stressed out bride-to-be.

The Runaway Bride and I are oddly linked in history.

She happened to run off the week that my book on bridal stress, Wedding Goddess, launched. Needless to say, it was a publicists dream. I ended up doing one interview after another about how planning a wedding these days can make sane women crazy, and send anyone with an imbalance off the deep end.

The story, however, troubled me. Although I knew it was an "isolated incident," I felt it was symbolic of the kind of pressures placed upon women to have the "perfect wedding" and be the "perfect bride" and "perfect wife." They are seduced by the powerful, multibillion dollar wedding industry and by a culture that presses the idea of perfection, when in fact, weddings -- marriage, life -- are completely imperfect.

Nevertheless, brides are petrified of wedding disasters and having an event that ends up on a wedding blooper show. Many are secretly filled with fears about marriage and afraid to fess up. The urge to run away is a natural survival instinct when it dawns on your that you feel you don't have the wherewithal to deal with the wedding or the skills to deal with marriage.

I became a bridal advocate, trying to help women reduce stress and wedding-related-nonsense on the way to the altar.

She became the poster child for bridal stress and gave the world a much needed glimpse into the darker side of getting hitched.

Fortunately, reports indicate that she is doing well. Perhaps she was just trying to marry the wrong guy (for her), or having a wedding for the wrong reasons. Since her sprint in 2005, it's been reported that she:

• Performed 120 hours of community service and paid about $15,000 in court ordered “amends” toward what it cost cops to search for her when she claimed she was abducted during the now infamous “missing bride hunt.”

• Sold her story, along with then-fiancé John Mason, to a tabloid for $500,000

• Paid for a house with that money, and then took John Mason to court over her $250,000 portion. (They eventually settled out of court).

• Ditched her groom to be for good.

• Was the inspration for The Runaway Bride, the rock musical, which that originated where her controversial wedding sprint did –in Duluth, Georgia at the Red Clay Theater. It also did some touring, as she did!

• Became the inspiration of a new ad campaign for the Albuquerque police department for new cop recruits. The ads feature the female cop who famously escorted Wilbanks through the airport, and helped get her back home two years ago.

And you thought your journey to the altar has been filled with drama!

Continue reading "Remembering the Runaway Bride - Wilbanks Changed Our Views on Weddings" »

Posted May 2, 2007 6:37 AM by Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

By Laurie Sue Brockway

Remember back to the day when Alec Baldwin and Kim Bassinger were the most beautiful couple in Hollywood?

Way before Brad and Jen, Brangelina, Bennifer and the parade of power couples that have come since, there was golden girl Texas-born Bassinger with the dark, slighty brooding Baldwin from Long Island.

They met on a movie set at a time when he was the hot and handomebad boy that every woman desired. She was the beautiful blond people just loved to watch on screen. They were both huge stars. Columnist Liz Smith once said of their match that they are so beautiful and talented, how could they not love each other?

Back then, Bassinger had severe stage fright -- she later went public as having an anxiety disorder -- and Baldwin seemed to be her knight in shinning armor. He even stood by her and held on to her (seemed to be holding her up) when she hosted Saturday Night Live years ago.

His outgoing nature and her nervousness seemed a perfect match. When they had their child, Ireland, back in the day when only a few paparrazi were sitting outside the house waiting for the return from the hospital, Baldwin made the headlines for almost sacking a photographer for coming too close to his wife and daughter.

Over the years he was known as someone with a short temper, and she was known for being shy.

I think she has gotten over her shyness.

How do things go so awry between two people? How do the kids get caught in between. The Baldwin-Bassinger union is just one public example of how nasty it can become when two people, once in love, fall off love's pedastal into the darkness of a nasty break-up.

Some people say Bassinger released the recent ranting phone message Bladwin left for their daughter, Ireland.

We all agree that regardless of the situation with the mother, or father, it is hideous when a frustrated parent lets lose on a child with threats, name calling, insults. Worse, it becomes public and brings even more shame to the child.

Sadly, this family dynamic has already been exposed. But what can we all learn from it?

No one summed this story up better than my friend Dr. Judy Kuriansky, a columnist for the NY Daily News. She's the shrink, so I wanted to share her insights with readers. Check out her column.

Posted April 24, 2007 5:29 AM by Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

By Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway

Carley Roney of TheKnot.com, along with the folks at The Style Network, teamed up for an amazing recreation of the Christina Aguilera's Napa Valley nuptials to music executive Jordan Bratman for the show My Celebrity Wedding with The Knot. The theme was fire (the ceremony) and ice (the reception).

On this show, one lucky couple wins a dream wedding that is put together in a very short amount of time and on a "sensible" budget. Carley and her team help the couple come up with the theme. They pull together all elements of the wedding and source the vendors and venue. The couple who won were the adorable Michael Hutchinson and Jessika Cavin.

They had an amazing love story. He had donated one of his kidneys to save his mother's life. She had gone through the painful loss of her beloved father. For their wedding rings, they melded together the grooms father's wedding ring and a gold amulet belonging to the bride's dad and had them fashioned into beautiful new rings.

I got to attend the wedding because my hubby, Rev. Vic Fuhrman, was selected by the couple, The Style Network and The Knot to officiate. He joined a stellar group of wedding pros who made the wedding a huge success. He is often called to do weddings related to issues of healing and this couple adored him. They couple said it was all they wanted it to be.

Kudos to Carley Roney and her team! Jessika and Michael had a wedding fit for a star. And it was SO MUCH FUN.

The ceremony space was alive with oranges, reds and yellows and many candles. The reception area looked like a winter wonderland, with blue lighting, white billowy curtains, and amazing crystal centerpieces. The centerpieces were surrounded by dozens of wine glasses and crystals to give it an icey feel.

You have to see the video to see how close the recreation was!

My Celebrity Wedding with The Knot documents and shares the start to finish experience of planning the wedding to cutting the cake, with Rev. Vic, of course, officiating the "I Dos."

It's been on TV all weekend and is on again tonight at midnight on The Style Network. Check the schedule for this edition and future shows.

Posted April 22, 2007 2:35 PM by Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

Surprise! Surprise!

Sanjaya Malakar was finally voted off American Idol last night.

The teen with the cute face, the-not-so-great singing voice, and fabulous hair hung in there for weeks with support from shock jock Howard Stern, and the website VotefortheWorst.com, which was driving voters to keep Sanjaya singing on Idol to keep the show interesting.

Then there were the teenyboppers around the country and world who had the hots for the lanky, very sweet, but not so-great-a-singer, Sanjaya.

He kept millions of viewers -- and tons of women, one of them me -- riveted to American Idol for weeks, getting far more attention that the folks with truly fabulous singing voices.

Could it be Las Vegas is next? This town is filled with talented stars, but there is always room for a guy with great hair and smile who has a following. Watch out Wayne Newton!

Posted April 19, 2007 6:58 AM by Charlotte Rose | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

Ouch.

The two Las Vegas-based love birds, parents and retired tennis pros were participating in an Oprah related reality show and charity event called "The Big Give" when Agassi gave his wife something she did not expect - a smack in the face and the need for three stitches.

They were playing tennis with a couple of kids, trying to give them every chance in the world to win the game.

Agassi was reportedly holding his racket in his left hand - to give the kids an advantage - and holding Steffi's hand with his right. Then whoops ... he took a swing and the racket accidentally smacked her in the lip and cheek.

Fortunately, there was a doctor in the house -- a guy who'd paid a pretty penny ($70,000) to get a chance to play tennis with the two court stars. The Associated Press reported that he stitched Steffi up.

Andre in not in the dog house -- although this has been sited as one of the most embarrassing sports moments of the month. Accidents do happen! Hopefully they are back home and Steffi is healing fast!

The couple was married in Las Vegas in a small ceremony, presided over by a district judge and attended only by their mothers, in October 2001.

Posted April 19, 2007 6:17 AM by Charlotte Rose | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

By Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway

Recently fired Don Imus was set to meet in Princeton, New Jersey with the Rutgers University basketball team and their coach in a gathering that was to presided over by the State's Governor, Gov. Jon Corzine.

En route to the meeting, the Governor's SUV was slammed into on a highway by an "aggressive" red vehicle, it was reported. He was seriously injured.

Instead of presiding over the meeting, the Governor ended up in surgery to repair a broken leg as well as reported chest injuries. Recent reports from his trauma doctor said he sustained multiple rib fractures.

He is listed in critical but stable condition and is in the ICU.

It's been reported that the meeting went on, without the Governor, but no clear word on the end result.
The Governor was offering his support in hopes of a healing and bringing a sense of closure and peace to this sad episode. He ended up becoming part of the story.

This bizarre turn of events shines an even brighter light on lack of consciousness, lack of kindness, lack of humanity and how our media world -- so set on making a buck by whatever sells -- is as much at fault as anyone spewing venom through media. We have been lulled into the trance of programing for the lower consciousness for too long. We need more mainstream programing to lift the human spirit.

When he formerly canceled Imus' show today, CBS head Les Moonves issued a statement that included these sentiments:

"One thing is for certain," he said. "This is about a lot more than Imus. As has been widely pointed out, Imus has been visited by Presidents, Senators, important authors and journalists from across the political spectrum. He has flourished in a culture that permits a certain level of objectionable expression that hurts and demeans a wide range of people. In taking him off the air, I believe we take an important and necessary step not just in solving a unique problem, but in changing that culture, which extends far beyond the walls of our Company."

Its it the most hopeful statement I've heard all day. What will it take to wake us up and bring some soul inspiring media back into the lives of humans?

Maybe this is the end of an era, and the beginning of a new chance. God bless Imus for being the catalyst; he made a mistake and an effort to correct it. God bless the Rutgers team and their supporter for calling him on it. Could it be a set of circumstances and opportunities have conspired to make people think twice about the entertainment they choose and male media companies think twice about the performers they hire? Or rather, the way they encourage controversy for the sake of ratings and advertising. Call me crazy, but a lot of the programming on radio and TV is really screwed up, and ads nothing to the human spirit.

Gov. Jon Corzine's accident shows us how tragic things can become. He was going to try to put a Band-Aid on a difficult situation, or attempt to create peace. Here's hoping the pain, humiliation, drama and most recent disaster related to this event will make a shift in our culture. Let us hope the Governor heals and comes through well.

Posted April 12, 2007 8:42 PM by Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

I remember Don Imus when he was doing "warm up" and announcing for Geraldo Rivera's late night show in the seventies. I think it was called "Good Night America."

Imus was decked in cowboy hat and really pointy snakeskin boots. He sat on a stool off to the side of the stage and introduced Geraldo, who then came out into the audience. I was in the audience, in the aisle, and when Geraldo walked by me it became my first time ever on TV, even though it was just a blip on the screen.

I was kind of amazed what a big radio-media star Imus became. I could barely understand his grumbling. I wondered why folks liked to listen to that whole cranky curmudgeon rap. When I heard about the comments that got him into hot water, I found them offensive, sexist, racist and upsetting. I also throught, what do we expect from this guy? Is this the first time he's offended women, an entire race of people, or participants of a sport?

But I am disturbed by all this. Imus has always been gruff and offensive. Is this just the right moment to bring him down? Is our society just fed up with nasty shock jocks? Are we finally punching sexism and racism in the nose, with Imus the target of the moment?

Will ditching Imus in the Morning do anything to make the world a better place? Or this is just another example of our First Amendment right being hacked away?

CBS will probably replace Imus with a crew of babbling loud mouths. They wimped out due to public pressure, special interest pressure and the fact that so many big advertisers jumped ship.

Don't get me wrong, I am not at all an Imus fan. But, will ditching Imus make morning radio a better place to be? I doubt it.

In Las Vegas, no doubt they are already taking bets on how fast it will take for him to negotiate a contract with Sirius Radio. Getting fired is humiliating but it is not the end of the world for Imus. He can always decide to hang 'round the ranch with young wife and kids.

What do you folks think is the correct action in this case? Should we all be completely infuriated about his comments? Should media professionals who perpetuate sexism, racism, nastiness, self indulgence, and crass behavior be fired? Are we tired of being insulted by our media idols? Or should we all be concerned about this action as an assault on the First Ammendment?

Posted April 12, 2007 4:29 PM by Charlotte Rose | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway

It's official. We are a nation addicted to weddings, wedding stress, wedding disaster stories and romantic wedding proposals. We just cannot get enough!

Even PEOPLE Magazine is straying from the Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes and Arun Nayar and Liz Hurley celebrity wedding coverage to take a peek as how the simple folk wed.

Known for celebrity news, features, photos and gossip and celebrity wedding stories that sell, the magazine is jumping onto the wedding band wagon with a their first issue of PEOPLE's Real Life Weddings.

This means your wedding may be as unusual and dramatic as marriages between famous people who tie the knot in castles, and celebrity couples whose nuptials are surrounded by controversy.

So, Las Vegas brides and grooms, here's your chance for 15 minutes more of wedding fame!

PEOPLE is looking for real brides and grooms -- not just Tom and Katie -- to feature in this new publication.

You can go to the website and fill out a slightly annoying form and submit your story, contact info and photo.

The categories of interest include:

1) Extremely unusual or somewhat wacky wedding ceremony.

2) Proposal stories

3) Wedding disasters

4) Destination weddings.

PEOPLE's Real Life Wedding goes on sale June 15. On the current blog you will find a funky feature on "real-life ugly bridesmaids dresses."

Continue reading "PEOPLE Magazine Seeks Wacky Wedding Stories and Real Brides and Grooms" »

Posted April 12, 2007 7:05 AM by Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

Josh Duhamel, star of the TV show Las Vegas, is definately a lucky dude!

Black Eyed Peas front girl and solo artist Fergie is his significant other and she's a gal that every body wants ... and wants to be.

Many reports claim the two are engaged, but I heard Duhamel deny it to tabloid TV show recently. Bummer. I was hoping they'd get hitched in Las Vegas.

Nevertheless, the Las Vegas star and sexy singing siren girl are a romantic team.

How did they meet? There is one rumor that Josh was having sweet dreams about Fergie before they met, she found out, and tracked him down on the set of his TV show.

To their credit, they keep their mouths shut about their relationship, for the most part, leaving it up to we celebrity gawkers to just imagine what goes on between the two sexy stars. Or maybe their names just do not lend themselves to tabloid headlines. Somehow, "FergaJosh" or "JoshaFerg," don't quite cut it like: "Benifer," and "Brangelina." Now, "Joshalicious" ... that could work!

But here's the thing, Fergie (born Stacy Ferguson) may have a little competition!

First of all, Alanis Morissette, who has a great sense of humor, did a fun spoof video of "My Humps." She sang the song ballard style and dances like Fergie (sort of) on the video. It appeared on YouTube.com last week and has been the talk of the town ever since.

Alanis' engagement to Ryan Reynolds did not work out -- they broke up and he's been spotted checking out the humps on Scarlett Johansson -- but her new video is a home run! Check it out.

We hear Fergie sent Alanis flowers in response.

But Alanis is not the only "chick" to imitate Fergie. Writer, performer and film maker Greg Scarnici did a hiliarious version of Fergalicious - in drag. It's fun!

For those of you want to compare, here's the real "Fergalicious" video.

Fergie is so hot. And she seems to feel imitation is the best form of flattery! We'd bet her Joshalicious man will stick with her.

Posted April 11, 2007 7:44 AM by Charlotte Rose | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

Now that we all know DNA testing shows that photographer Larry Birkhead is the natural father of Anna Nicole Smith baby girl Dannielynn ... we can all sleep at night again. Maybe.

Get ready for round two as Vergie Arthur goes to court to try to win grandmother rights and as Howard Stern works out the deal of how he will "be in her (the baby's) life."

Sorry, I still can't imagine this seemingly caring by somewhat immature Anna Nicole boy-toy as someone who can really handle raising this baby and all that comes along with her.

How about Two Men and a Baby? Birkhead, Stern and Dannielynn living together in the Bahama's, together fighting the constant battle of keeping the (possibly) evil grandmother away from the young girl.

Gee, sounds like a sitcom or a movie. Just imagine the fun as Birkhead and his sister, and Stern and his sis and mom raise Dannielynn and Vergie continuously plots to try to see and talk with her, ala Mrs. Doubtfire.

Just a little Anna Nicole humor to bring a little lightheartedness to a tough situation! Still praying for baby Dannielynn.

Posted April 10, 2007 4:10 PM by Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

By Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway

God Bless Elizabeth Edwards. She makes cancer look so manageable.

While she obviously must put forth a public face, she is inspiring many people in the process. Cancer is a frightening and ravaging disease, but studies have shown that attitude has a great impact on the illness and how we cope. Prayer, faith and spirituality as well. Most of all, having the support and love of the people closest and from strangers can do wonders to fill a cancer patient with hope.

The aspiring First Lady and her Presidential hopeful hubby John Edwards were in town just last month to address a health care forum in Las Vegas, just three days after they announced the recurrence of her cancer. They were there to rally some support from some of the thousands of workers who keep the Las Vegas Strip humming day and night.

It was in Las Vegas that the Edwards' did their famous sit down interview with Katie Couric, which got mixed reviews, with some folks insisting Couric was a little tough. Couric, widowed when her husband was taken by cancer, perhaps knows well how hard it can be on a body and a marriage.

Elizabeth Edwards insists her doctors have okay'd her continued campaigning, as long as she continues treatment. But her shocking news, along with the announcement of White House Press Secretary Tony Snow's recurring cancer, have placed the spotlight on people "deciding" not to give in to the disease.

And it has created a demand for insight and information on how people and their families can cope with the diagnosis and the disease.

In light of this, Beliefnet.com is doing some wonderful work in sharing spiritual insights on cancer. I am really proud to report that my husband, Rev. Vic Fuhrman, was asked to lend his expertise. His article and meditation on "Supporting a Loved One Through Cancer" is the cover story on www.beliefnet.com today!

Although Rev. Vic and I are both wedding officiants, he is also a healer who has long specialized in helping cancer patients and their loved ones in his capacity as a spiritual counselor and Reiki Master. He has helped people through the healing process, and through transition, and he has not only great compassion but amazing spiritual insight and expertise in this area.

He also has personal experience of helping a loved one through cancer.

Before I met him 10 years ago, he loved and lost a partner to breast cancer, and having gone through the illness with her it became part of his mission as a minister. Because of his deep and soulful voice -- he's a former radio broadcaster -- one of the ways he helps is with recorded meditations.

My hope and prayer is that this is not an article you will need to read or a meditation you will ever have to listen to. But unfortunately, this is a topic that effects so many of us -- too many of us. Our prayers go out to the Edwards family and all the couples and families who must learn how to cope with cancer and find a way to heal, thrive, and live!

If you are trying to help a loved one through a cancer experience, please give Rev. Vic's meditation a listen and check out his article on how to deal with a loved one's illness.

You can also check out his website www.Enervision.org and contact him at ReikiVic@aol.com .

Continue reading "How to Support a Loved One Through Cancer" »

Posted April 10, 2007 9:07 AM by Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

Could be that the custody battle for Dannielynn will be narrowed down today as the world awaits the DNA test results.

TMZ.com is reporting that Howard Stern -- who has steadfastly claimed to be the child's father -- says he will step out of the way if it turns out Larry Berkhead is the Daddy.

But he will not step out of her life, he says, as he loves and adores her and wants to be able to continue to be in her life.

Stern says his main concern is making sure that Vergie Arthur does not get her hands on the baby girl that Anna Nicole Smith left behind. Seems as if Birkhead and Stern are aligning on this effort, squeezing Vergie out of the picture.

The least sympathetic character in this whole scenerio is Vergie. Probably because Anna Nicole left behind some pretty clear evidence that she did not want her mom anywhere near her baby girl.

Stern has taken heat and been accused of being beast, an enabler, a user, a man after the money that may come to Dannielynn some day. But he was there for Anna Nicole -- for better or for worse -- and has seemed to try to protect her baby. There's a good chance he's gotten a bum rap.

Larry Birkhead has become a rock start out of all this. Will he be a good dad, if he is the Dad? My friend Shelley Ackerman, columnist and celebrity astrologer, says Stern is the best baby Daddy as he is tenancious and protective.

Perhaps Birkhead and Stern can co-parent?

Let's hope baby Dannielynn gets the best of all her worlds, and that she can break the cycle of her mother and brother's legacy.

Posted April 9, 2007 10:42 AM by Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

Beyoncé Knowles didn't get the Oscar for Dreamgirls but she did get the Dream Guy. Rumor has it that she has agreed to marry long time honey, Jay-Z.

Of course, She has a CD dropping this week and it could be just a tale spun by her recording label. Or maybe this time, the girl will say yes!

Last time this wedding word came up was when Beyoncé planned a birthday bash for her beloved in Anguilla. Wedding runors spread faster than wildfire. It just happend to be a week away from the premiere of Dreamgirls. Hmmm... nothing like a secret marriage ceremony to stir up interest in a movie!

Whether this is the Hollywood/Music World rumor mill at work, or true, the two make a cute pair. They seem devoted. And though they may not be dangerously in love, they are a team.

So if it's true, congratulations!

Posted April 6, 2007 10:09 AM by Charlotte Rose | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

If anyone has caught the sitcom 'TIL DEATH on Wednesdays at 9:30pm on FOX 5 .... you have gotten a glimpse of what married life can be like long after the honeymoon is over.

The show stars Brad Garrett and Joely Fisher and portrays a fairly average, long-married American couple who really love each other but who go through the paces of' "for Better of for Worse" ... and "for bored and more annoyed with each passing day."

The secret is, they handle it with humor. Lots of it. And hey, marriage truly does require humor and live comedy to survive! They may seem to snap at each other, but in truth, their love is real. Well, their love is.

Many remember Garrett as the oversized, under appreciated cop brother on Everybody Loves Raymond. And Joely -- daughter of Connie Stevens and Eddie Fischer -- was playing the buxom boss of one of the Desperate Housewives on the show by the same name.

The producers of 'TIL DEATH came up with a fun marketing idea for a lucky couple with a hankering to get hitched Las Vegas style: An all-expense paid Las Vegas wedding with Brad Garrett as their guide ... sort of.

Fox5Vegas.com says the lucky bride-to-be is Christina P. from Santa Fe. She and her beloved win an expense paid wedding in Las Vegas. They will say "I Do" at the classic Little White Chapel, and Brad Garrett will serve as witness. Apparently, they will be living it up and getting married on April 7.

What will their first wedding gift be? Tickets to Garrett's comedy show at The Mirage Hotel and Casino that evening.

Posted April 5, 2007 8:11 AM by Charlotte Rose | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

By Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway

We can stop worrying about the big drama over Liz Hurley's Hindu Nuptials.

Last couple of weeks she was branded a "criminal" for having a Hindu religious ceremony, following a Church of England religious ceremony. She was criticized for saying multiple "I Dos" and number of technical reasons were cited. I was criticized for not getting all my facts straight in the story, and for defending interfaith marriage and right to choose the kind of ceremony you want under any circumstances.

But the world has regained a sense of priority and Liz is once again back to being hot -- technically, and by popular vote.

Hurley, 41, is being called the woman with "the body most women would like to have." Hmmmm ... with all due respect to her new hubby, I don't think women are the only ones! She is certainly a gal who looks good in anything from a bikini to a wedding sari!

Continue reading "Liz Hurley Criticized for Weddings, Hailed for Best Body" »

Posted March 29, 2007 6:08 AM by Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

By Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway

I love the newest wedding show to come to the small screen, The Wedding Bells. Even though the show paints every bride as a wacky, stressed out, neurotic, bridezilla or troubled in some way ... and even though the grooms are cheaters or seem quite gay ... and even though the marriages are not made in heaven, it is such fun to watch.

It breathes life into Friday night TV, especially for all us old married folks with kids! But to-be-weds will also find some comical relief in this cute show.

It is about three sisters -- portrayed by Meet the Fockers Teri Polo, Sarah Jones and KaDee Strickland as the Bell sisters -- who inherited a venue called The Wedding Palace after their parents divorced. They go on to become wedding planners, bridal baby-sitters and wedding-fire-putter-outters.

The soap opera story line between the siblings is fun enough. There is interplay between Jane (Teri Polo), her dull hubby (Benjamin King), who schedule sex on their calendars, and the sexy chef (Costas Mandylor) who is always trying to get uptight Jane to taste what he's 'a cooking in the kitchen, as well as encouraging her to have an affair -- if not with him, with someone!

One sister, Annie Bell, is trying to fight her hots for her ex-lover, who is the official photographer -- and also the bridal shrink who gets called in on every melt down before the ceremony. The other sister, Sammy Bell, continues to pick up wedding guests and do it with bridal party members in a linen closet.

This is yet another fabulous David E. Kelley production. Is he drawing from real life experience with his wife, actress Michelle Pfeiffer?

Continue reading ""The Wedding Bells" on Fox - As Much Fun as a Las Vegas Chapel" »

Posted March 20, 2007 5:09 AM by Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

The Little White Chapel almost played host once again to yet another celebrity wedding of yet another troubled young star. Well, to be fair, she is eating more and is supposedly in recovery.

Nicole Richie was rumored to be just a nanosecond away from getting married at Charolette RIchards' legendary Little White Chapel on the Strip to Good Charlotte frontman Joel Madden.

Who even knew they were dating? They got together this year, we believe, post Nicole's anorexic breakdown, reported drug problems and post the breakup and healing reunion with Simple Life costar Paris Hilton.

Let's hope they take that silly show off the air and save us all from snoredom/boredom, and so Nicole and Paris can go on to really show their acting chops, instead of just showing their private parts and personal dramas.

So anyway, Nicole and her man supposedly picked out matching silver and diamond rings at a shop at Caesar's Palace, headed to the Little White Chapel, but could not bring themselves to do the deed. It is also not clear whether they had ever gone to get the marriage license.

Why? Nicole wanted her dad, Lionel Richie, to sing at her wedding. Or walk her down the aisle. Or at least give his blessings. So they decided to go to Lionel and ask him for Nicole's hand. He was happy to hand her over (sorry, that's mean). Let's just say he approved. Nicole certainly has been healthier since Joel's been in her life.

So now the couple is allegedly planning a small ceremony in Mexico, which we think is a mistake, because if she drinks the water, she's in trouble -- she has enough challenges keeping weight on.

Las Vegas is sad to miss out on another quickie celebrity wedding, but we certainly wish them luck! All bets are on that an engagement announcement from Paris Hilton will follow shortly.

Posted March 17, 2007 5:26 AM by Charlotte Rose | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

By Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway

Wowsa, readers, you folks sure got stirred up about my story on Liz Hurley and Arun Nayar's nuptials.

I am grateful the some of you enlightening me to a few points I may have missed (Did they really only make it around the sacred fire four times? Didn't hear that one). Most importantly, you all seemed to point out I was wrong in saying India is a poor country. My bad. I was making a joke about lavish weddings, but perhaps I also did not explain myself clearly.

What I meant to say is that while India is a country that is RICH in many ways -- spiritual and material wealth, and extraordinary history and powerful religious devotion, practices, rituals -- there are many people in India who are financially poor. I realize that India has become much more prosperous in recent times and that it has always been a spiritually rich country but am I wrong in stating that poverty still does exist?

I am awed by the religious devotion of the Hindu culture. I have great respect for how people of stay true to their spirituality: How the poorest of poor people never give up their worship ... that people conduct home puja daily ... that elderly devotees will feed and honor their deities with offerings if even they do not have enough to eat for themselves.

I was not dissing Hinduism in my post, Liz Hurley's Interfaith Marriage Contested by Traditionalists. I was just trying to explain that I live in a world where interfaith marriage, blended ceremonies and dual religious ceremonies are part of the norm. And narrow-minded people -- of any faith -- bug me. Especially when they try to mess with other people's weddings.

Continue reading "Interfaith Minister Defends Liz Hurley's Right To Hindu Ceremony" »

Posted March 16, 2007 7:26 AM by Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

Looks like Playboy Mansion resident Holly Madison will get her long time wish.

The word is that Hef finally asked -- or at least agreed -- to marry her. That's what the New York Post reported, and now it is spreading faster than a wildfire on the Internet.

Hef and Holly seem to have genuine affection. Does it matter that she is 27 and he is 80? He's a pretty young 80, and virile, as Holly claims (although I have heard him say Vigara is a man's best friend). Time will tell.

Anyone who has watched the Girl's Next Store on E! knows that octogenarian Hef co-habitates with the three gals he calls " the loves of my life": Kendra Wilkinson, 21 the young, immature, kinda crazy and disorganized gal who likes sports and brings her grandmother to the mansion for visits. Bridget Marquardt, 33, the very sweet, highly emotional, helpful, sugary gal in the middle. And Holly, 27, who calls Hef "Puffins" and is the one who shares his bed and is sort of in charge of the other girls.

Continue reading "Hef and Holly Get Hitched - A Match Made at the Playboy Mansion" »

Posted March 15, 2007 6:59 AM by Charlotte Rose | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

By Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway

Just a few words on the Liz Hurley and Arun Nayar nuptials in England and India.

I have one thing to say to all those who have been criticizing the way these two people in love have chosen to marry -- get over it!

They are an interfaith pair, who, like many interfaith couples have chosen to celebrate their love and their cultures by getting married in a way that honors both families and both traditions.

It is estimated that 25 percent of all marriages today are interfaith and there are more mixed couples when you count in intercultural and interracial pairs. The fact that people are complaining about the choices Liz and her new husband have made demonstrates prejudice and interference with a loving couple's personal choices. And it is not even the usual culprits -- mother of the bride or mother of the groom -- giving them such a hard time!

We hear a criminal complaint has been filed against the model and her businessman hubby, citing some archaic law against interfaith marriage. A Hindu traditionalist (ultra-conservatve) has cited "295a of the Indian Penal Code" which says it is against the law to marry in a Hindu ceremony if your are not a Hindu and if you put forth a "deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings." See Liz Hurley Branded a Criminal by Hindu Traditionalists.

Continue reading "Liz Hurley's Interfaith Marriage Contested by Traditionalists" »

Posted March 14, 2007 7:50 AM by Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

By Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway

I came across some very "sweet" wedding favors recently at a television wedding I attended. They were handmade with love by Donna, proprietess of Sweet Comfort Bakery/Desserts in New York. She is a master baker, but she also creates amazing chocolate-based favors. She can ship them anywhere.

My favorite is her spectacular three layer, white wedding cake favor. It is only 3 inches high! It is adorable, with a delicious scent, and it tastes like a chocolate dream. Each little cake is handmade, with tiny pink flowers painted on individually, using a tooth pick. They taste so yummy that your guests will be happy to go home with one. It will create even sweeter memories about your wedding. I love the wedding cake favor because it is reminiscent of the old English custom of sending guests home with a piece of wedding cake. The Sweet Comfort Wedding Cake Favor is half a pound of solid chocolate, and prices begin at $4 each.

But that's not all. She also creates yummy Sweet Comfort Love Lollipops with all sort of bridal designs - hearts, bride and groom, wedding bells, etc -- for about $2.25 each. They come in chocolate, white chocolate, and even in red. Some are heart shaped with tiny hearts painted onto them in chocolate. The detail is delicious as the lollypop!

For more on the Sweet Comfort Bakery, Desserts by Donna, and her line of wedding favors, call (631)-235-9564 or e-mail living2bake@aol.com .

Continue reading "Donna's Delicious Wedding Favors" »

Posted March 13, 2007 6:38 AM by Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

By Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway

An old friend of mine has a new reality show. He's trying to make a comeback. I am really shocked by some of the press I've been reading about him. They say he is full of hate and anger, but a lot of the coverage on him is too. I think it is time to tell about another side of Andrew Dice Clay - a side of him I knew 28 years ago when he was just starting out. Then you can watch his show on VH1 at 10 PM tonight and see what you think.

A little history: Dice has been a long-time performer in Las Vegas, but that's not how I know him. My first job was as a reporter for The Brooklyn Paper in downtown Brooklyn, New York.

One day, my editor came to me with a big smirky smile and said, "I have a great story for you to do... There is this local guy who does a John Travolta act. He works in the next building, for his dad, who has a process serving business. His name is Andy Clay Silverstein." I had a major crush on John Travolta at the time (who didn't?), so I was thrilled to take on the assignment. And I admit, for a time, I had a crush on Andrew as well.

At the time, in 1979, Andy Clay Silverstein was an unknown -- except by everyone on Court Street in Downtown Brooklyn, and perhaps in comedy clubs like Pips, in Sheepshead Bay, where he was constantly refining his act.

He had a BIG DREAM and I somehow became the first journalist to share it with the world. It created a bond between us back when he was 21 and I was 22, and we were both starting out our careers. I guess it was a time of innocence, when a world of possibility loomed ahead.

Continue reading "The Real Andrew Dice Clay" »

Posted March 11, 2007 8:47 AM by Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

By Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway

I think it is time for all of us to recognize that we all play a role in turning young celebrities into uncontrollable, narcissistic brats. And that we are fostering an image of stardom that is truly sickening.

Media, and fans alike, are responsible for just standing by to report on, and oogle, all the crazy trainwrecks that have become the lives of our young stars. It's addicitive, I know ... perhaps as bad as any other substance.

However, by supporting our own additction to these dramas, we are sending out a terrible message to all young girls.

It worries me that we are broadcasting negative role models and that we are presenting a warped view of what is cool, "in", and "normal." It gives girls the idea that drugging, partying, missing appointments, breaking agreements, screwing up your career success, showing your privates in public, being sloppy and living a completely unsoulful life is cool.

Believe me, I am not one of those crazily judgmental clergy people, but this whole episode in our culture of honoring bad behavior, focusing on the lifestyles of the rich and unconscious, and giving so much NEGATIVE attention to stars like Britney Spears is insane.

There is such an imbalance in these "stars." There is nothing soulful in their behavior. There is nothing about it that contributes to our world. They are doing nothing to help others, or make a difference. Even Britney, with her foray into Kabbalah, has forgotten the key: We live in a broken world, and we are all meant to help fix it - Tikkum Olam -- not make it worse.

Young spoiled celebrities feel above the law. They are placed on pedestals, like deities, and they begin to think they are above God as well. And look how sad the outcome is. We put them on pedestals ... then we knock them down as soon as they show one iota of their fragile human nature.

Continue reading "Just like Britney Spears, We All Need 12 Steps for Our Addictions" »

Posted March 8, 2007 8:18 AM by Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

And while we are on the subject of dead marriages ... Kevin Federline was in Las Vegas this weekend. He made an appearance to host a party at Revolution at The Mirage Hotel and Casino. He was photographed with a gaggle of girls and said to have partied all night.

It was also reported that he arrived in town with his two boys, a nanny, his mother (or her mother) and a body guard, according to People Magazine. C'mon, he's a working dad. Give the guy a little credit.

And let's admit something here... this guy is looking like the stable spouse compared to Britney.

All reports say she's been "struggling" in rehab. But she also has been shopping on line and leaving to go to AA meetings. And her family is concerned she may not stick it out. I have never heard of rehab like this. The center she is in, Promises, must be rehab for spoiled, over-pampered stars and their relations. Somebody should get Britney to the Betty Ford Clinic for some real rehab! She needs some classic intervention and tough love, to help her pull it together.

And has anyone checked her hormones?

She had two babies, basically just months apart, and started cracking when began divorce proceedings when her infant son was two months old.

Probably more than anything, Britney needed a vacation, from her babies and her embarrassing marriage. She was grieving the loss of her freedom and the downward spiral of her career. She was hounded by the paparazzi that turned her into an icon and then relegated her to a Hillbilly with poor mothering skills. So she filed for divorce, partied up a storm, did weird things that got our attention, and got her parents re-involved in her life.

Its all a classic call for help. Let's hope she gets the right help. Let's hope she is willing to help herself.

Posted March 6, 2007 8:50 AM by Charlotte Rose | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

Carmen Electra, a Las Vegas favorite, is back in town to headline a new magic show at the Alladin/Planet Hollywood on the Strip. She will be teamed with Dutch magician Hans Klok, according to Robin Leach.

That hotel is now famous for digging up D Listers to attract cliental who enjoy staying in hotel rooms with movie memorabilia and images in thick plastic display boxes. Remember the Mike Tyson boxing match set up in the lobby last fall?

But we love Carmen Electra. She is sweet, and very single now. A party girl at heart, she said that hubby Dave Navarro just could not get with the program of being out and about ... so she fired him.

To my mind, Carmen Electra and Dave Navarro signed the death certificate for their marriage when they opted to pose naked, on the slab, for their wedding invitation. http://www.davenavarro.de/wedding.htm

Those wacky rock 'n roll and Hollywood folks ... anything to be different. I am sure them meant well and were trying to emphasize "until death do we part." To each his own ... but a photo of young, to-be-weds pretending to be dead is not a very positive bridal image. Ah, you live and learn.

While they definitely set the stage for being a slightly-off-beat-oh-so-in-love couple, and their ensuing reality show was kind of interesting, with it's Adams Family intro, they only made it three years.

Perhaps Carmen will last longer in her new magic show job!

Posted March 6, 2007 8:30 AM by Charlotte Rose | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

By Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway

Anna Nicole finally has been put to rest with her son Daniel, but her soap opera story is not dead.

I have been waiting for someone who cleverly connect the karmic dots between the cast of characters who have been paraded across our television screens during the Anna Nicole drama. My friend Shelley Ackerman, an extraordinary astrologer and journalist, has put together an overview of the astrological links between Anna and her "A Team." Shelley offered us these Anna Nicole Smith- astro-facts:

* Anna Nicole's son Daniel Smith and Larry Birkhead share the same January 22 birthday (Birkhead was born in 1973 and Daniel in 1986)

* J. Howard Marshall was born on Jan 24, 1905.

Also of interest:

*Howard K. Stern was born on Nov 29, 1968, one day and one year after Anna Nicole who was born Nov 28, 1967.

*Baby Dannielynn Hope was born on Sept 7, 2006 on a lunar eclipse- this weekend's lunar eclipse triggers her chart big time. Her 8th house Moon/Uranus combo in Pisces talks about a mother who dies suddenly with drugs being involved.

*If 4:02 AM birthtime is correct, baby Dannielynn has Jupiter in Scorpio in the 4th house, leaving some astrologers to wonder if the wacky possibility of Marshall's frozen sperm being used by Anna to impreganate isn't that wacky after all.

*But if Birkhead is in fact the Dad, and 4:02 AM birth time is correct- the 4th house would rule the mother... and I'd be for for shared custody between Stern and Birkhead!

Shelley surmises: "Stern has taken a lot of undeserved heat, he was loyal and devoted. I believe he tried to contain her and it was impossible. His only 'crime' is that of being a smitten enabler."

She also suggests we stay tuned for more: "In the coming weeks and months look for startling new revelations about both Anna's and Daniel's life and death, facts about the bizarre family dynamics and relationships in their lives, and the strange circumstances surrounding baby Dannielynn's conception to emerge."

Wowsa! For more on Shelley Ackerman and Karmic Relief, go to: www.KarmicRelief.com.

Posted March 3, 2007 10:14 AM by Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

It's better in the Bahamas.

And it was Anna Nicole's last wish. The fact that she had purchased a plot for herself when she buried her son was enough proof for the Florida Court of Appeals.

The Florida Court of Appeals today rejected the appeal of Anna's mother Virgie Arthur and has upheld the decision to bury Anna Nicole in the Bahamas next to her beloved son Daniel. Finally. (we hope).

The funeral has at this time been requested for 10:30 am on Friday. Stay tuned.

Posted February 28, 2007 2:10 PM by Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

By Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway

I have been blogging about Anna Nicole from a spiritual perspective and watching her weird post-death story unfold with great compassion. It troubled me last week to think of her body languishing because I believe the soul will often hang around the body until it is respectfully put to rest.

I felt Anna was waiting to be released. I thought she'd hang around to see her own send off. Perhaps the mini-viewng in the morgue last week by her estranged mother, Stern and Birkhead was enough. Maybe when they saw her dead -- the beauty that made her famous diminished by an embalming that came to late -- it made her death all that more real. Sometimes the spirit can move one once those closest have closure on the death.

Or perhaps she saw them as a pack of vultures swooping down in her remains. In Tibet, the body is left in repose in the home for three days so the soul can depart, then it is carted outside outside for the vultures to take away, piece by piece. By then, the soul knows it is time to let go of it's temporary home -- the body.

Whatever the impetus, I sense she has moved on from the insanity that marks the end of her life. No matter what happens to her body, she is with Daniel. On a soul level, I believe that to be true.

I also believe she was the sole creator of the unusual events of her life, and in her death. Some observations:

Continue reading "Is Anna Nicole with Daniel Now?" »

Posted February 28, 2007 8:23 AM by Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

By Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway

Thank God. It's over. Anna Nicole Smith's body will finally be put to rest. The Judges decision is in.

I have been in a puddle of tears all day watching the legal proceedings -- and wrangling -- related to Anna Nicole's body on Court TV. I have never watched Court TV in my life but this case has been so compelling.

The judge in this case, Probate Judge Larry Seidlin, in the end, was wise and made a surprise but heartfelt decision: He released Anna Nicole's body to her five month old daughter Dannielynn, represented by a court appointed attorney, Richard Milstein. Milstein -- of all the lawyers -- was, all day, the voice of calm reason in the court room.

The Judge, who seemed to have a heart and true concern, spoke excessively and casually at time. He broke down in tears at the end when he took the decision out of the hands of Anna Nicole's mother, her ex-boyfriend and her most current companion. He handed the reins to Milstein but said he wanted to see Anna Nicole "buried next to her son, in the Bahamas."

He then kicked the media and extra people out at 4 PM, and let Milstein and the parties involved use the courtroom and chambers to work out an agreement.

Before 5 PM, Howard K. Stern, Larry Berkhead and Anna Nicole's Mom Vergie and all their lawyers are in front of the courthouse, just about holding hands and doing a bug-hug. Peace seemed to be in the air. At least for now.

Anna Nicole Smith will finally be put to rest with her beloved son Daniel. In the Bahamas.

And Larry Berkhead, according to his lawyer, will be allowed to see Dannielynn.

A private burial is being arranged.

At least for the moment, the tug-of-war has ended and the people involved are directed to look at what will truly be most important and appropriate for Dannielynn.

Posted February 22, 2007 2:04 PM by Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

By Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway

This culture has come to know 'goddess' as the title bestowed on models, movie stars, and women who embody an astounding physical beauty that most of us could never emulate. From that perspective, you can see how people would call Anna Nicole Smith a Goddess.

I just finished writing an online course, Discover the Goddess, and got to thinking how Anna Nicole actually represented many Goddess archetypes that people seem to relate to -- the sex goddess, the clown goddess and the warrior goddess. In the end she was Innana of ancient Babylon. Queen of Heaven, and the goddess of love and war, she ruled Mesopotamia, the Cradle of Civilization now known as Iraq.

From the perspective of goddess mythology, Anna Nicole lived out several archetypes.

*She was the sex goddess aspect of Venus, who loved to be admired and seen. Venus carried a mirror and loved to look at herself. She wanted to be famous and be known. As much as Anna Nicole was hounded and seemed trapped by her fame in her last months, she used TV as her high tech mirror, able to see herself and reflect her image to the masses.

*She also evoked Uzume, the shaman goddess of Japan, known for being somewhat of a clown and flashing her privates to stir controversy and get a laugh from the other gods and goddesses. Anna Nicole flashed her life--and body parts--for all to see. She didn't seem to care what people thought of her.

* She showed aspects of Durga, the Hindu Warrior goddess with eight arms who rides a tiger. For better or for worse, Anna Nicole was a tenacious fighter and although in the end we saw the depth of her vulnerability, she survived plenty of slings, arrows and loss and always seemed to at least be able to pretend to walk proudly.

* In the end, she was Innana of ancient Babylon, goddess of Love and War. The mythology is hauntingly similar. There is even an Interesting similarity in names - InnANA and Anna.

When Innana's lover/son Tammuz (or Dumuzi) was killed suddenly she had to go to the underworld to save him.

Continue reading "Anna Nicole Smith - Goddess of Love and War?" »

Posted February 21, 2007 2:35 PM by Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

By Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway

It is one thing to fight for her fortune (if she even had or will have one) and her baby (who is caught in the middle) but this tug-of-war over Anna Nicole Smith's body is so unbelievably sad. And it is bad karma. Her body is just laying in a morgue refrigerator deteriorating. She's become the Corpse Bride. Don't you think she would hate that?

Give her back to God already, people, and let her soul rest in peace, and then continue its journey.

Word from the Howard K. Smith camp has been that a secret wedding was planned for February. Let him bury her now. Conduct a loving memorial on the supposed wedding date. Let her go.

Circuit Judge Larry Seidlin said yesterday that he is holding on to her remains until he sorts it out with the three parties fighting for them. In the ring are her mother, her companion and her ex-boyfriend. Mom wants to take her to Texas. Howard K. Stern knows -- and we all know -- she wants to be buried with her beloved Daniel in the Bahamas. And Larry Berkhead has been after her DNA (which has finally been "collected" so he may be out of the ring on that count).

I think everyone knows at this point that Anna Nicole did not care for her mother. And that Howard K. Stern has been her lawyer, best friend and more recently companion and "spiritual husband." For better or for worse, he's been there for her. Despite all other things that may or may not be true about him, he would at least give her a proper burial. Somebody has to.

Continue reading "Anna Nicole Sadly Becomes "Corpse Bride"" »

Posted February 15, 2007 5:54 AM by Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

As Las Vegas plays host to thousands of giddy couples who are crowding the chapels to get hitched this Valentine's Day, other couples are about to enter the land of the soon-to-be married.

Today is the busiest wedding day of the year here. And it is one of the hottest dates to pop the question, anywhere.

There comes a time in each couples life when chocolates and flowers are just not enough to say I love you. That’s when jewelry comes into the picture. Valentine's Day - with it's candlelight dinners, flowers, sexy lingerie and romantic cards -- seems to really put people in the mood for (long term) love.

Shock-jock Howard Stern got a head start when he asked his sweetie Beth Ostrosky to marry him last night, surprising her with a ring. Hope she wasn't too shocked, since the shock-jock had pretty much vowed never to marry again. Funny what love can do to a guy.

Listeners of his Sirius radio show were the first to know, when he announced it this morning.

You’ll recall, Howard was married to Alison for 20 years and they broke up in 1999. Beth has been with him since 2000. Don’t expect to see this in In-Style Weddings any time soon. Stern followed up his announcement by saying they are expecting a “very long engagement.”

Posted February 14, 2007 2:43 PM by Charlotte Rose | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

By Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway

The Anna Nicole story has reached epic, mythic proportions.

She's become even larger-than-life, in death, elevated higher onto the pedestal as more and more people try to profit and get 15 minutes of fame from her demise. She may have surpassed her one-time idol, Marilyn Monroe. For all we know, they are having tea in heaven right now and laughing at all we humans who are driven by morbid curioisty and an addicition to celebrity drama.

The public is observing an emotional tennis match of sorts, our heads swinging back and forth between players, trying to figure out what the heck is going on.

Continue reading "Anna Nicole Becomes a Mythic Figure" »

Posted February 13, 2007 9:53 AM by Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

By Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway

Rumor is that Anna Nicole Smith died a bride-to-be.

Some say that this weeks fatal trip to Florida was to be her last trip as a single gal and she and "partner" and "spiritual husband" Howard K. Stern were to tie the knot on February 23rd. Entertainment Tonight, which has been her personal publicity machine for some time, was reportedly offered the wedding exclusive. The wedding was said to be planned for the Bahamas.

It was widely reported that the two had a spiritual marriage ceremony on board a catamaran just off of famous Blackbeard's Cay in The Bahamas. That was 18 days after Anna Nicole's son's Daniel died.

Stern had come out and "fessed up" that he was the father of Anna Nicole's new baby, Dannilynn, on the Larry king Show and thus this was to be a spiritual joining of the family.

Althought there is no doubt they were close and seemed to live as a family unit, many people think Howard K. Stern and Anna Nicole Smith never had sex, let alone a baby. Many believe that Larry Birkhead is the Dad. Certainly Larry Birkhead believes it.

Anna Nicole's life read like a soap opera before her death. Now, with Baby Dannilynn rising to the center of what could be a the weirdest custody battle in history, you can best Hollywood writers and producers are already buzzing about "the movie."

Continue reading "Anna Nicole Smith - Did She Die a Bride-to-be?" »

Posted February 10, 2007 6:28 PM by Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

Some brides and grooms prefer roses and room service. Some like to party and soak in sports activities...

If you are thinking of coming to Vegas to get hitched on Valentines day and you are a big NBA fan, try to book your room at the Aladdin / Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino, now.

The resort and casino, which is still a bit of work in progress, will serve as the ultimate destination during NBA All-Star Weekend in Las Vegas. February 15 through 18 the joint will be jumping with events and NBA and hip hop royalty.

First, the 2007 All-Star Game schedule is fairly packed with events, including the All-Star Celebrity Game. Jam Session and Rookie Challenge. And performances by huge stars, such as Mary J. Blige. Then there is the big game on Sunday evening.

"The Eastern Conference and it's best players will face off against the Western Conference and their best players in the 2007 All Star Game," says sports journalist, Alex Garrett. Go to www.nba.com for more information on tickets.

The Aladdin / Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino is teeming up with Loose Cannon Entertainment to create a series of events around the games, hosted by music giants Nelly and Jermaine Dupri.

Continue reading "Slam Dunk, Hip Hop Honeymoon in Vegas -- NBA Stars and Music Royalty Abound" »

Posted February 6, 2007 5:30 AM by Charlotte Rose | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

By Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway

Oops. The wedding date is off.

I heard Eva Longoria chatting with a reporter at the Screen Actor's Guild Awards on Sunday and the Desperate Housewife and bride-to-be definitely said that 7-7-07 is not her wedding day.

Why? She must have read my article -- which explained why the stars and planets are not quite aligned for successful marriages on that day -- and changed her mind.

That ... and, well, she said Tony's possible playoffs schedule and her movie schedules may also be conflicting.

"We don't have a date ... we don't have anything yet," she said, looking snazzy at the SAG Awards. She promised to "get serious" about wedding planning after the "awards season" is behind her.

Although Eva and Tony say they will not say "I Do" on July 7, 2007, couples around the country continue to try to book their weddings on that day.

See the article, "Couples Choosing 7/7/07 As Their Wedding Date For Extra Dose Of Luck" by Nidhi Sharma at All Headline News, www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7006182579.

Here's another idea for that day: Pray for world peace. Some traditions believe that any time you have a triple number -- 1/1/01, 5.5/05, 7/7/07 -- it is sacred and represents a time to remember peace and send good vibes our to the world. Check out, www.7-07-07.org.

Posted January 30, 2007 8:16 AM by Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

By Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway

Eva Longoria and beau Tony Parker have jumped on the bandwagon of thousands of other couples around the country who have selected 07-07-07 as their wedding date.

Parker is French, so the wedding is planned for the Chateau de Chantilly in Parker's native France. Longoria was quoted as saying that her hubby-to-be is highly superstitious and believes the 777 wedding date will give their marriage the best start.

They are not the only ones! Hotels across the land are seeing that 7-07-07 date book up fast as couples set their sights on pledging their love on a "lucky day."

You can just imagine what a popular day that will be in Las Vegas!

Ever wonder why the number 7 is so hot? From a spiritual perspective, here are some of the reasons it is considered sacred.

Continue reading "Eva Longoria Picks 7-07-07 Wedding Date - Is It Truly Lucky?" »

Posted January 28, 2007 7:07 AM by Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

I know everyone is sick of hearing about this whole Rosie and Donald war of words. Perhaps it took a religious leader to sum up this whole incident. And it wasn't Rosie's childhood priest.

Famed Rabbi, Shmuley Boteach, has chimed in his two cents on the Rosie vs. Donald media match and his is the most brilliant assessment of the situation that I have seen. Hope his is the last word. (So it is written, so it is done!).

In his Beliefnet.com column, he assesses that Trump's nasty comments herald the end of the era when men were gentlemen. His assessment of street-smart, king of Bravado Trump seems harsh, but true.

"What Donald Trump has invented is a new kind of rich man," he writes. "The man who has money, but is bereft of class. The man with a million bucks, but with impoverished manners. The man who lives in high society, but whose behavior is in the gutter."

Ouch!

Continue reading "Rabbi Blasts Donald Trump For Being "Bereft of Class"" »

Posted January 18, 2007 5:33 AM by Charlotte Rose | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas ... except when it comes to Britney Spears. She's been spending a lot of time in these parts, and she can't seem to catch a little love and overindulgence, nor faint or fall asleep, without a trail of paparazzi following her around, getting into her business – literally. Then there are all those bloggers going wild with Britney stories and gossip.

We watch every step she makes. It is still not so clear why we can't get enough of her ... maybe it is because someone who seemed so hot and promising now seems to be a walking comedy of errors and it makes us civilians feel better about our own lives to see a rich, famous and beautiful woman select bad clothes, unattractive men, and come off so duhhhh that it makes even those of us who are among the dullest blades in the drawer seem bright?

Whatever the reason, Britney Fever is like crack-cocaine – an addiction that seems to know no bounds. Perhaps she is just pure public relations genius. Inside those crazy outfits and revealing crotch shots is a gal who knows how to keep herself hot in the public eye. After all, she is still one of the top five selling female artists.

It looks like Las Vegas has kind of inherited her in her post-Federline phase. The one-time-Las-Vegas-bride-turned-party-girl seems to be quite a fixture here now and was spotted this weekend.

Continue reading "Britney Spears Has "Wild Weekend" in Vegas at Hef's Hotel Suite" »

Posted January 16, 2007 1:23 PM by Charlotte Rose | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

This is a little off the wedding beat, but we always like to hear a good story about a single gal who gets ditched by a millionaire, loses a beauty crown, and is publicly disgraced, only to end up with a job and a fresh start!

And so goes the tale of Katie Rees, the now former "Miss Nevada," who had to turn in her title recently after her boss, Donald Trump, learned of saucy photos of the beauty found on the Internet. We are not sure if Trump thought they were too racy, or, after such a close view, just didn't like her looks. Either way, she was dumped by Trump.

She begged for mercy, at least the same offered to Miss USA, Tara Conner, who Trump packed off to rehab in a now legendary pardon. He forgave Tara the sin of partying like an underaged wild woman in the Big City.

Local Nevada girl Katie did not get the same ... but that's okay! Las Vegas to the rescue.

Turns out she got a gig hosting opening night of Jeff Beacher's new "Madhouse Review" at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on March 31. The outrageous showman was recently voted the best on the Las Vegas strip by Rolling Stone, so it looks like a winning hook up for Katie.

Continue reading "Trump Dumps Beauty Queen - But Miss Nevada Land's on Her Feet In Las Vegas" »

Posted January 14, 2007 9:57 AM by Charlotte Rose | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

Boo-hoo. I just discovered Celine Dion will sing her last note in Las Vegas on December 15 this year, when her long running one-woman show "A New Day" shuts its doors at Ceasar's Palace.

Caesar's has not yet announced a replacement for Celine's multimedia show. We can only imagine the tired-of-touring singing stars that might line up for the job. We vote for Christina Aguilera. Classy. Soulful. What a voice!

Hopefully a new, appropriate Goddess will be installed.

I am not a crazy Celine Dion fan buy she will be a hard act to follow. Her's is an amazing show. I saw it while renewing my wedding vows in 2005. It was our big date right before the big day. Before the show begins a camera crew captures individuals in the audience, and shows them on the HUGE screen. I noticed Regis Philbin in the audience. And I when the camera settled on my hubby and I, he (hubby) put his arm around me and mouthed for the audience "I love this woman." It was so much fun. Sigh.

Later, the screen in transformed into part of a multimedia extravaganza, with many different kinds of images, and dozens of dancers gracing the stage. Celine flies and runs and dances about with her trademark drama and flare. She sings all her classics. It's very entertaining!

We should thank Celine for bringing the cool back to performing in Vegas. Wasn't it she who brought attention to the fact that Las Vegas entertainment was no longer just about Showgirls, Elvis and Wayne Newton? She opened the door for a more modern kind of entertainer to grace the Las Vegas stage. She made it popular for five star performers to have ongoing gigs.

Continue reading "Celine Dion - Her Show Closes This Year, But Her Heart Will Go On!" »

Posted January 7, 2007 5:59 AM by Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

By Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway

Remember that rumor that Brad and Angelina are getting hitched in South Africa at Christmas? Lord only knows if it is true. But here is some information on how it might come down, if it did.

From what I understand, there is no such thing a "typical" South African wedding.

South Africa is a place of many customs and cultures, and home to many indigenous tribes as well as modern cities. It has a two fold legal marriage system -- "civil marriage" and "customary marriage" -- which essentially gives people the freedom to have a legally binding ceremony as well as a ceremony that is customary to your tribe or background or preference.

Many South Africans enter into a civil marriage but also observe some customary marriage rituals as well. These would be the customary group of which they consider themselves a part.

It takes 6 to 8 weeks to obtain the legal paperwork so Brad and Angie would have had to give themselves a good nine weeks to apply – unless their super celebrity status will allow them to cut through red tape.

The marriage can be considered legal only if it occurs in a house of worship, a government building, or a private home, so if they were to opt for a ceremony out on the range, it would not be legally binding.

Here are some insights into the customs

Continue reading "If Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt Marry in South Africa" »

Posted December 23, 2006 10:00 AM by Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

Britney Spears will be in town to host a New Year's Eve Bash at Pure, at Caesar's Palace, on December 31, but don't expect her to dance on table tops without underwear or run off and get married.

Seems that Britney is turning a new leaf, or trying a new tactic. Self Control.

Recent press coverage of the Brit, since her D-vorce from Fed-Ex (Kevin Federline) has been a little nasty. Many have been a little worried.

She paired up with Paris Hilton, pranced around without underwear, was spotted making out with a strange guy at a club, and has basically gone a little wild.

It could be a case of pent up energy, having served two years mommying two babies and a big baby.

I think hanging out with Paris Hilton and Lindsey Lohan was just an attempt to get back on the hot list. I guess it worked. Word up - Britney is out and about again!

I'd assume Paris is hanging with Britney because it puts Paris -- vicariously -- close to singing success, which is something she may never achieve left to her own devices. Britney Spears, after all, is still one of the top 5 female recording artists in the country. (Madonna is number one. Mariah Carey and Barbara Striesand also share the honor, along with Las Vegas girl, Celine Dion). Perhaps Paris was hopping for singing success by association?

Britney seems to be looking for some peace now. Her website up until recently had and image of a tiger that would blend to her face, then back to the tiger, and so on. It was a roar of sorts. Tiger is now off the site and instead is a humble, pr crafted note from Britney, apologizing for her behavior without quite apologizing.

"Every move I make has been magnified more than I expected, and I probably did take my newfound freedom a little too far," she writes. "Anyway, thank God for Victoria Secret's new underwear line!"

She surmises with: "I look forward to a new year, new music, and a new me."

Posted December 22, 2006 7:30 AM by Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

The Brangelina clan has been called People Magazine's "Family of the Year." Congratulations!

I give Angelina Jolie credit for shining a light and showing the world a true sense of interfaith, intercultural acceptance and unity. She's not only made it popular to adopt children from other countries who truly need love and family ... she's achieved the status of matriarch of the poster family for the new, multicultural, blended family.

She is not as much fun in interviews anymore because journalists like Diane Sawyer probe her about her marriage plans, or lackthereof, and she has to spend most of her time sitting there and denying them.

Back in the day, Angie gave spunky, spicey, ever-so-natural and revealing interviews, especially when discussing her sex life. I loved her raw admissions about how she handled her dating life. But as well all know, we all mellow out when we settle into a good realtionship.

If you recall, she was a single mom who adopted a little boy from Cambodia. And then a little girl from Africa. She was possibly secretly seeing Brad Pitt when she went to get baby number 2. She added one, tall, hunky, already-married movie star to the mix. He got a divorce, she got pregnant, and they had one "baby of their own" to seal the deal of family life. They remain unmarried. And sort of homeless, trotting around the globe, but they seem secure and the kids seem happy.

Continue reading "Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie Named Family of the Year - Do We Really Want Them to Marry?" »

Posted December 21, 2006 7:23 AM by Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

Anatomy of the Brangelina Christmas Wedding Rumor

I heard Larry King ask Angelina Jolie if she and Brad Pitt are getting hitched in a Christmas ceremony in South Africa. She denied it, and seemed slightly annoyed and amused all at the same time (she does that thing so well).

There is indeed a rumor floating around about this, and I have to admit, I helped start it.

Quite innocently, but I helped start it just the same.

Because I am an interfaith minister and a specialist in multifaith and multicultural weddings, OK! Magazine asks me sometimes to offer commentary on celebrity marriages involving different cultures. A couple of weeks ago they asked me to comment on what a wedding in South Africa might be like.

As I was wrapping up my research, it was revealed to me that they heard that Brad and Angie were planning a wedding there. I thought, okay, I've already commented on their potential Hindu wedding, so what the heck. I'm just offering the spiritual and cultural perspective.

The December 18 issue comes out in early December, carrying the story, "Brangelina's Africa Wedding" with a little, tiny sidebar, "South African Nuptials" quoting me on customs.

The main story said Oprah would be a special guest. That was the first I had heard of that.

Cut two, that weekend, google news is teaming with articles on Brad and Angelina's South African wedding. Seems one of the British tabloids picked up the OK! story and bam... it was all over the world. Now, a rumor becomes a possibility. And it continues on.

Even Larry King asked about it.

Now I am going to add to it by posting this piece on how the rumor started, and later, by sharing what I know about South African weddings.

Posted December 16, 2006 8:20 AM by Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

Britney Spears will celebrate the new year, and the new Britney, in Las Vegas at Caesars Palace's Pure Nightclub. Tickets for this lavish bash start at $250 and are available on the Vegas.com website. "Spend New Year's Eve with Britney Spears in a countdown to 2007 and watch the Strip fireworks from Pure's terrace." says the Vegas.com website. With recent media excitement over the newly divorced Starlet, they could sell out fast.

Britney Spears is no stranger to the New Year's festivities in Sin City. On January 3, 2004 she married childhood sweetheart Jason Alexander, at the Little White Wedding Chapel on the Strip. The marriage was quickly annulled but not forgotten.

This leaves us to wonder what might happen this New Year's Eve. Recently divorced, with an obvious thirst for excitement, we can only hope Britney will take her "new found freedom" even further.

Posted December 14, 2006 9:28 AM by | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

Wedding Goddess Wisdom

Wedding Wars premiered on A&E December 11 and you can still catch it in replays.

It stars John Stamos, James Brolin and Eric Dane, also known as Dr. Mark Sloane or Dr. McSteamy, on ABC's Grey's Anatomy.

It is a comedy that focuses a lens on the gay marriage controversy, through a story line evolving around the planning of a wedding between a very cute, high profile straight bride and groom.

Stamos plays Dane's gay brother, a wedding planner. Dane portrays a groom in a midst of planning his wedding. He also happens to be the campaign manager to the governor of Maine. His bride of course wants his gay brother to plan their wedding. It's about to happen when Stamos discovers his brother (Dane) is against gay marriage. Ut-oh.

From then, the family drama around wedding planning reaches an all time high. All gays in Maine go on strike and hence, hilarity ensues because Dane cannot find anyone to plan his wedding.

In real life, Eric Dane would never think of stressing over wedding planning!

He is a Las Vegas Wedding alumni and proud of it. He got hitched here in October 29, 2004 to wife Rebecca Gayheart. His marriage was so spontaneous, they had a Las Vegas cab driver fill in as best man.

Gayheart explained they were out to dinner one night and, before they knew it, they were on a plane to Vegas. In fact, she said he family was upset that they didn't get to partake.

Little did they know back then what a headache wedding planning can be!

For more on Wedding Wars, visit: http://www.aetv.com/weddingwars/index.jsp

Posted December 13, 2006 2:13 PM by Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

Wedding Goddess Wisdom

Do you think David Crosby has been busy again?

Best wedding/baby related story of yesterday was the announcement that Vice President Dick Cheney's daughter, Mary, is with child. Just in time for Christmas!

Mary Cheney, who is oft referred to as the Vice President's "openly gay daughter," is openly having her baby with her Lesbian life partner of 15 years.

No word on who the biological baby daddy is.

Here's my fantasy scenario:

In an attempt to salvage his presidential legacy, President Bush about faces on his stand on gay marriage and lets Mary and her beloved get hitched in the Rose Garden. David Crosby, of course, performs.

Seriously folks, does anyone see anything incongruous?

We have a VP with a gay daughter having a baby "out of wedlock," serving a president who is bent so far to the right that my left side hurts just writing about it.

Perhaps this Mary and child will inspire a bigger change in attitude and policy?

It would make a big difference in our world ... because as we all know, when gay marriage is legalized Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie can finally get hitched.

Congratulations to the Cheney family on the new addition.

Posted December 7, 2006 12:35 PM by Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

Wedding Goddess Wisdom

Celebrities have not been doing to well in the marriage department of late.

With Jessica Simpson, Britney Spears and Pamela Anderson walking back up the aisle, toward divorce court, it has inspired a new celebration of single-womanhood among the rich and famous.

Hey, I am all for Sex in the City and women having fun without having to be hitched.

Just want to remind people, there are some celebrities who get married and stay married!

Joanne Woodward once said, "Sexiness wears thin after a while and beauty fades, but to be married to a man who makes you laugh every day, ah, well that's a real treat."

Joanne Woodward and Paul Newman are just a little more than a year away from their 50th Wedding Anniversary.

They were married Janaury 29, 1958, at the Little Chapel of the West, now a Landmark on the Las Vegas Strip.

Posted December 4, 2006 10:26 AM by Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway
Wedding Goddess Wisdom

Just last spring Eva Longoria was pictured looking mighty sexy on the cover of Maxim Magazine in photos taken in the Las Vegas desert. She partied in Las Vegas as the magazine celebrated the issue, in which she was hailed as "Maxim's Hottest Female Star" (for the second year in a row).

About a month ago she was spotted at Rumor, at Caesar's Palace.

Speaking of rumors ... there have been plenty ... including that she and her boyfriend, basketball star Tony Parker,were in the outs.

As of Wednesday night, that rumor went out ... the window! Tony popped the question to her when she came home from work. Longoria traded in being a Desperate Housewife for bride-to-be.

Continue reading "Eva Longoria engaged to Tony Parker - From Desperate Housewife to Bride-to-Be" »

Posted December 1, 2006 9:35 AM by Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

By Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway
Wedding Goddess Wisdom

Sir Mick Jagger is, perhaps, a valiant prince afterall.

In the midst of the Rolling Stone's "Bigger Bang" Tour, he flew to the bedside of his ailing father, who was hospitalized in England. Joe Jagger, 93, had taken a fall in his home and his hospitalization was complicated by pneumonia.

Obviously, he did not want to leave Dad's side, but, Mick Jagger jetted back to Las Vegas in time for his scheduled concert at MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

Sadly, Joe Jagger, passed on November 12, right before the Las Vegas show. Mick made no mention of his loss and the show went on. Perhaps letting the show go on was the best was to deal with his shock and grief.

At the recent funeral of the elder Jagger in England, Mick was, interestingly, surrounded by many of his former loves and baby mommies. By all accounts, it was a peaceful reunion of the Mick Jagger Ex-Wives and Current-Girlfriend Club.

On hand were: Mick's first wife, Bianca Jagger, mother of daughter Jade, and second wife, Jerry Hall, mother of Elizabeth, James, Georgia and Gabriel.

Marsha Hunt, mother of daughter Karis born in 1970, was reportedly there, along with Mick's current American girlfriend, stylist L’Wren Scott.

Luciana Morad, Brazilian model and the mother of his son Lucas, was not in the house.

This according to the Daily Express, read more at:
http://express.lineone.net/news_detail.html?sku=790

Continue reading "Mick Jagger Mourns His Dad - Ex-Wives and Girlfriends Attend Funeral" »

Posted November 30, 2006 6:32 AM by Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

Wedding Goddess Wisdom

Here we are, day three of the Pamela Anderson and Kid Rock divorce and media is searching for the why-did-it-happen and beginning to conjecture about a manner of things.

It was Pam's participation in the movie Borat, some are saying. It was Kid's lack of respect for her devotion to PETA, others are saying. I guess this is the time we all begin to make things up or read between the lines because it seems so hard to understand.

My advice: Go straight to Pam. She is blogging-from-the-heart on the topic.

http://www.pamelaanderson.com/diary.aspx?menuNo=3

I do not know Pamela Anderson personally, but she strikes me as being a very kind, goodhearted, compassionate and honest person. I have a lot of respect for her.

She says she discovered that she and Rock are just "not meant to be" together.

I am sure she wanted it to work and hoped it would ... but sometime it just does not. Haven't we all been there?

Posted November 29, 2006 8:29 AM by Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

Wedding Goddess Wisdom

Media is reporting that Pam and the Kid did not have a pre-nup. This may not be an issue ... since they spent so much of the last four months partying and marrying, there may not even be any joint assets.

If this article in the Detroit Free Press is correct, Kid Rock and Pamela Anderson were only "officially married" for one month, which is when they had a courthouse civil wedding in Beverly Hills.

That is the ceremony that "makes it legal." The other ceremonies would be considered "spiritual ceremonies."

http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061128/ENT07/611280361

However, there is plenty of proof that the two "put themselves forth" as hubby and wife as of four months ago, so a California court might take that into consideration when dividing up the marital assets, 50-50.

It was reported and confirmed that Pamela, sadly, had a miscarriage recently so there are no children involved.

Posted November 28, 2006 5:08 AM by Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

By Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway
Wedding Goddess Wisdom

Stop the presses.

I was watching an "E" Entertainment special on the wedding of Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes when it was interrupted for an urgent celebrity bulletin: Pamela Anderson and Kid Rock are getting Divorce.

Holy Matrimony! This, after four wedding ceremonies and four months of marriage. Sad.

Reports say that both Pam and Kid have filed for divorce, simultaneously (well, Pam first, and Kid an hour later).

Pam is none-to-happy. She wrote this in her "diary" on her website:

11/27/2006
Divorce

Yes, it's true.
Unfortunately impossible.

That's a direct quote. See for yourself at:

http://www.pamelaanderson.com/diary.aspx?menuNo=3

This was a relationship made in Las Vegas heaven. Pam and the kid got engaged for the first time in the Las Vegas dessert in 2002. It didn't work out. They seemed to have moved on.

Next thing you know, last July, Pam is announcing their engagement at a Las Vegas Press conference, saying, "we will be getting married a bunch of times."

Continue reading "Pamela Anderson and Kid Rock Divorce" »

Posted November 27, 2006 3:41 PM by Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway
Wedding Goddess Wisdom

I told you she'd be back!

Britney Spears is not letting moss grow under her feet. She was spotted in Las Vegas just before Thanksgiving, out on the town with Paris Hilton. The two got together at the super hot Tryst Nightclub at The Wynn.

The bigger news is that she is thinking about a Las Vegas Comeback. Media reported this week that it was a done-deal but the word circulating now is that she is in the "courtship phase" of permanently hitching herself to a major casino resort here, in a Celine Dione-style review.

That's a smart move for a mommy, indeed. She can forget about touring and schlepping her kids from city-to-city, settle in to a home life here and have more time with her babies by day.

The Palms Hotel and Resort -- also home to the new Playboy Club -- has been mentioned as a match made in Las Vegas heaven for Britney.

Continue reading "Britney Spears Parties in Las Vegas - Las Vegas Comeback in the Works" »

Posted November 25, 2006 10:38 AM by Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

Wedding Goddess Wisdom

They did it. Tomkat tied the knot and all the world is abuzz.

As someone who has officiated hundreds of unique interfaith and non-denominational weddings, I have been so curious about what makes a Scientology wedding different.

I have to tell you folks, from what I have gathered so far, the Scientology nuptials of Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes do not seem so over the top to me.

Sounds like the event itself seemed fairly elaborate and unique - no surprise there. They married in a 15th Century Italian Castle with thousands of flickering candles. The event was in a fantasy setting and it was most likely planned out and managed with precision. However, much as we are partial to Las Vegas, you would surprised how many couples these days get married like royalty in slightly more exotic locales. These two happen to be Hollywood royalty, but many couples opt for fantasy weddings in amazing places.

See their official wedding photo and updates on fashion, celebrities and gossip at: http://people.aol.com/people/package/event/0,26325,1073518,00.html.

Read a very informative article that details Scientology wedding practices at Beliefnet.com:
http://www.beliefnet.com/story/204/story_20431_1.html?WT.mc_id=NL55

Continue reading "Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes - A Scientology Wedding Made in Heaven?" »

Posted November 19, 2006 5:42 AM by Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

By Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway
Wedding Goddess Wisdom

When is the wedding? Any time you can head over to that special little chapel on the strip that is known for its, um, waxy build up.

While the folks as the famous wax museum might have canceled the mock nuptials between Clooney pal Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie (where Mr. C was set to serve as best man) they still offer the "Marry Clooney" Experience.

It is a feature unique to Las Vegas, where, it would appear, the impulse to get hitched and get people hitched is an irresitable force. The allure is so strong that many celebrities find themselves, or their wax figures, saying "I Do."

I happened to stumble on to "Marry Clooney" yesterday morning and, low and behold, by the afternoon People Magazine had announced their selection of Mr. Clooney, 45, as Sexiest Man of 2006, making him a two-time winner of that title. (As if we needed People to tell us that!)

In the world of Madame Tussauds Las Vegas, any girl (or guy, I guess) who has ever dreamed of getting hitched to Hollywood's hottest bachelor can do so now ... all for the price of $24 admission.

Oy, and what a catch he is! Here's why:

Continue reading ""Sexiest Man" George Clooney Ready To Wed In Las Vegas ..." »

Posted November 16, 2006 6:15 AM by Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

Las Vegas was almost home to the hottest wedding of the year -- Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie.

Rumor has it, they called it off! Called off a wedding between their wax figures, that is!

The wedding was scheduled last weekend, according to TMZ.com and UsMagazine.com. It was to be hosted by Madame Tussaud's in Las Vegas, located at the Ventian Hotel.

In celebration of the unveiling of the Angelina Jolie wax figure, a mock ceremony was planned, until Brangelina's camp got wind and put the kabosh on it.

Too bad. We hear George Clooney would have been the dapper best man, and guests would have included John Wayne and Liberace. Wow, what a wedding party!

A rep for Brad Pitt was quoted as saying she found the whole thing odd -- although I suspect she meant "creepy"-- since the two celebs had never wed.

"I personally found it a little odd that they were re-creating a wedding that never really happened," said Pitt's publicist Cindy Guagenti, according to Us Magazine. "As Brad's representative, I found it disturbing."

If they were married here for real, giving a little blessing to their wax figures, perhaps, would not be so weird. The couple are, of course, still in India working on a movie and taking in the culture.

Oh well, maybe the Madame was just giving the love birds a nudge.

Perhaps someone should tell her ... not until John Wayne marries Liberace will these two love birds tie the knot!

If you would like to see the wax versions of Brad and Angie and new baby, find out more at: http://www.madametussaudslv.com/

Posted November 14, 2006 8:44 PM by Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

Okay, so I am obsessing about Britney like the rest of the world. It is just so spectacular they way she became the hot, I-am-reclaiming-my-power-and-my-place-on-a-pedastal gal overnight.

My friend Shelley Ackerman, a top astrologer, told me at a party last week that she does not think that Britney and Kevin are quite done. She suspects there were be a little back and forth between them.

Saturday Night Live did a cute skit with Amy Pohler as Britney chatting with her divorce lawyer, and mentioning that she and Kev might go back and forth Fourty or so times before they finally split.

But for now, Britney looks to have shed about 30 pounds of baby weight and about 180 pounds of man.

I heard my friend, Dr. Judy Kurianky, famous radio Love Doctor and clinical pyschologist, say something that made so much sense on TV the other night: "Britney has to grow up."

She suggested that Britney is simply in the maturing process and in doing so she is leaving behind her childish, immature mate. (Best she do it now, lest she be like Whitney Houston and Bobby Brown!)

Here's to healing for all!

Posted November 14, 2006 6:20 PM by Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

By Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway
Wedding Goddess Wisdom

In about 24 hours Britney Spears has managed to turn her image from Trailer Park Mama to Come Back Queen.

Word is that she is the most highly searched woman on the web. News of her divorce has over-powered the Dems winning back the House and Senate.

You have to love the power of a woman, when she makes up her mind to move ahead.

Clearly, she's been a-thinkin' about this separation for some time, as all the pieces were in place by the time the announcement was made.

Everyone is cheering. Even Rosie O'Donell, on The View , screamed, "Welcome back, Britney, we love you!"

Continue reading "Britney Spears - Don't Cry For Me America" »

Posted November 10, 2006 6:04 AM by Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

By Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway
Wedding Goddess Wisdom

Britney Spears announced she is splitting from Kevin Federline today. Some people are not too shocked by this news. None of us is likely to boo-hoo over it. On some levels, those of us who have cringed a little at the two of them as a pair may be sharing a collective sigh of relief, if only because we feel Britney will be a better woman for it.

As media enjoys a massive “told you so” and “she finally ditched that dude” gloat over the end of a marriage, I would like to offer a few thoughts, some in defense of Britney.

Before I say anything, I want to acknowledge that breaking up is hard to do, no matter who you are. Here's hoping they move through it with consciousness and a sense of healing.

Broken heart and wrong guy. Many people believe she was still a little broken-hearted over the loss of her relationship with Justin Timberlake and confused about love the night she joined the Las Vegas celebrity marriage club. In her first marriage, Britney wed an old school friend at the Little White Chapel on a whim one night. Fifty-eight hours later, that union was annulled to much media fanfare. Maybe she did it for a lark. Maybe she truly wanted to be married and just wanted to pretend for that moment that she could be, for real. Maybe the heat of the night and wedding allure of Vegas got to her. It was back in the day when people could pop in for a license round the clock on weekends. Whatever the reason, her first attempt at married life became a big joke. There had to be part of her that wanted to try to make it right.

More than a girl, not yet a woman. Britney has sold more records then any other female of the new millennium, as I understand it. She lived her life in front on cameras and on stage. She was the hottest girl star on the planet when she married in Las Vegas. Jessica Simpson hadn’t closed in yet, and Christina Agular was lagging behind. I have to believe that there is a great vulnerability that comes with all that power. Maybe she just really wanted love and needed to take some time out to enjoy life. Kevin Federline was there and was the right guy at that time.

Continue reading "In Defense of Britney Spears - She Announces Divorce From Kevin Federline" »

Posted November 7, 2006 7:55 PM by Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

Wedding Goddess Wisdom

Talk about Gods and Goddesses of Hollywood....The editors at OK! Magazine recently asked me to detail the elements of a Hindu wedding ceremony for their readers (October 30 issue). They were doing a story on Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie in India and wanted to know what their wedding would be like were they to marry in a sacred ceremony in India.

I guess they won't be getting hitched in Las Vegas any time soon!

It seemed Brad was a honorary citizen of Las Vegas in the pre-Angie days. During, and in between, filming of Ocean's 11 and Ocean's 12, Pitt and pal George Clooney reportedly enjoyed a number of high stakes gambling trips here. Then there was that hotel project, ICON Las Vegas, they were developing with Rande Gerber, which has reportedly been shelved. So who knows if we will see him come this way again?

Brad and Angelina have sworn they will not wed until gay marriage is legal in this country, so no one knows if they are getting Hitched anywhere in the near future. But they are indeed in India filming a movie, and they could choose to have a "spiritual marriage" ceremony, filled with tradition and color of the Hindu faith and sans a marriage license or legally binding paperwork.

So what would it be like?

Continue reading "Will Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie Wed in Hindu Ceremony?" »

Posted November 1, 2006 3:40 PM by Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

Okay, so I wouldn't necessarily consider Penn & Teller a must see act for honeymooners or people about to tie the knot.

They don't exactly fire up the love hormones ... or come off particuarly warm (although the little guy is very sweet and cute). In fact, they tend to obliterate any warm and fuzzy feelings you might have from the afterglow of your wedding. Even their website says they "are eccentric magicians with a psychotic twist."

But if you are a fan, or just want to see if Teller actually talks when out of character, you should definately check them out at The Rio. They put on a good show for the money. Hubby plunked down $85 per ticket (on a week night) and took me on a date to see them.

But my eyes were on Penn Jillette.

Continue reading "Teller Talks and other revelations from the Penn & Teller Show" »

Posted September 21, 2006 7:46 AM by Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

Wedding Goddess Wisdom

I'm telling you... all of those Las Vegas chapels are like Niagara Falls ... they make you feel so high on possibility and so in love that you want to get hitched.

At least they seemed to have that affect on Aaron Carter,18, who popped the question last Saturday during the Playboy Comedy Tour at the Palms Casino Resort. He asked his honey to say "I will" in front of 200 people.

Carter, teen-idol-singing-sensation, is now engaged to Playboy Playmate Kari Ann Peniche. Peniche is 22. A former Miss United States Teen 2003, it's reported she lost her crown after posing for Playboy.

Rumor has it Aaron was thinking of whisking her away to chapel for a quickie but the happy couple decided to tie the knot in about six months.

Let's see if the former beauty queen is still up for matrimony after Carter's new family sitcom, House of Carters, premiers next month on E!

I caught some scenes that seems to showcase a tad of dysfunction, pathos and drama. (Hey, sounds like it's a perfect environment for planning a wedding!).

Carter's on stage proposal apparently caught his beloved off guard. "I don't remember it happening. It was such a blur," Peniche told PEOPLE. "I had no idea he was going to do this, but I'm glad he did."

We are are too. Every little drop of love that falls in Las Vegas adds to the healing of the world.

Posted September 19, 2006 8:51 PM by Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

Don't be surprised if you see a Wookie, Wicket the cuddly Ewok, and the evil Lord Darth Vader roaming around the Las Vegas Strip on September 9th.

The three have been on leave from the Galaxy Far, Far Away and on a good will tour around the country.

Word has it they will end their trip in LV and that they are planning to partake in "a quintessential Las Vegas experience as Chewie, Darth Vader and Wicke t stop at Graceland Wedding Chapel to attend the wedding of two lifelong Star Wars fans."

Stay tuned for more!

And check for details at:
http://www.starwars.com/community/news/family/news20060905.html

Posted September 5, 2006 9:07 PM by Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

Wedding Goddess Wisdom

Yes, that was the real seventies rock icon Gene Simmons walking down the aisle at the Viva Las Vegas Wedding Chapel recently! (http://www.vivalasvegasweddings.com/)

Lord knows, it was not his wedding. The KISS front man is as world famous for aversion to marriage as he is for his long tongue.

He appeared to be, quite akwardly, crashing a wedding. He was taping a scene for his new A&E reality show, Gene Simmons Family Jewels, in which he stars with his partner of 23 years and their two kids.
http://www.genesimmons.com/

Seems, after a promotional visit to Hooters, one of the girls asked him along to the wedding, and he ended up escorting a bride down the aisle.

Given that Viva Las Vegas is known for its wacky characters and impersonations, it took the groom a while to get that his bride was on the arm of a real legend, not a rental.

Simmons seemed skittish as he hesitantly made his way down the aisle.

When the officiant asked if anyone present objected to the wedding, Simmons stood and said "I Do."

Continue reading "Rocker Simmons Says He Has No Plans To KISS the Bride" »

Posted August 8, 2006 9:13 PM by Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

Kevin Dillon, star of the HBO comedy series Entourage, married his pregnant fiancé, Jane Stuart, in Las Vegas on Saturday.

The couple was married in a downtown wedding chapel in a brief service that included several songs performed by an Elvis Presley impersonator.

27 year-old Stuart wore a white, floor-length dress and 40 year-old Dillon was dressed in jeans and a leather jacket.

The service was witnessed by Dillon's Entourage co-star Kevin Connolly.

Dillon is the brother of Oscar-nominated actor Matt Dillon. His film credits include Platoon and The Doors.

Posted April 24, 2006 2:34 PM by | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

Actress Angelina Jolie, reportedly, has asked her stylist, Jennifer Rade, to find a wedding dress somewhere on the racks of a Goodwill store. Goodwill is a neighborhood thrift store that sells, among other things, lightly-used clothing at a fraction of their original price.

Immediately, my curiosity was aroused . . . what will Jolie’s dress look like? I took a look at Goodwill’s online auction site, shopgoodwill.com, and found an incredible collection of beautiful dresses. I selected a few of my favorites, dresses I think would look great on Angelina.

I offer you my picks for top 5 wedding dresses Angelina Jolie might wear when she marries Brad Pitt.

Continue reading "Angelina Jolie’s wedding dress to come from Goodwill?" »

Posted March 6, 2006 12:51 PM by | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

Singer Lisa Marie Presley, Elvis' only child, has married her guitarist, Michael Lockwood. Presley and Lockwood worked together on her 2005 album "Now What."

The wedding was held last month in Kyoto, Japan, her spokesman said on Thursday.

The couple exchanged vows in a traditional Japanese service conducted on January 22, with the bride's first husband and close friend, musician Danny Keough, serving as best man, and her mother, Priscilla Presley, walking her down the aisle to give her away.

Keough is the father of Lisa Marie Presley's two children, daughter Riley, who was her maid of honor, and son, Benjamin, who was a groomsman.

Lockwood's parents also attended the ceremony.

It was the fourth trip to the altar for Presley, 38, and came 10 years after her marriage to pop star Michael Jackson ended in divorce.

She later married Oscar-winning actor Nicolas Cage. They divorced in 2004.

Posted February 17, 2006 7:38 AM by | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

Isn’t it interesting to watch celebrities tie the knot — usually again, and again, and again?

Why is it some of us are fascinated with celebrity weddings?

Well, those of you LeAnn Rimes fans who feel left out because you weren’t invited to her wedding in 2002, never fear.

You can catch all the juicy details on tonight’s ET or on ABC’s Monday night (Jan. 30) special, InStyle Celebrity Weddings. Be sure to tune-in or set that DVR.

LeAnn wed Dean Sheremet in an intimate ceremony with 150 guests in Dallas, Texas in 2002.

Posted January 26, 2006 2:30 PM by | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This