We love our pets. And statistics show that we are willing to spend oodles on our poodles, kitties, horses and other animals, keeping them well groomed, stylishly attired, fed, happy, healthy and safe.

More than 70 million American’s share their homes with cats, 60 million with dogs, and 2 million or so more with domestic birds. At least 65% of all homes in the United States include at least one pet.

For many of us, pets are as much a part of the family as any human member.

"That is why we are seeing more and more pooches walking down the aisle or bearing rings at weddings," according to Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway and Rev. Victor Fuhrman , interfaith ministers and authors of Pet Prayers and Blessings: Ceremonies & Celebrations to Share With the Animals You Love , due out from Sterling, August 5, 2008.

They have observed in their ministry work, and their own lives, that many owners recognize the divine nature of all “creatures great and small."

Pet owners consider their relationships to their animals sacred and essential. So the Reverends Brockway and Fuhrman, a married couple, treat prayers, healings and celebrations for pets in the same way that they treat human events they officiate of preside over.

Since they cannot be there in person to bless every pet, they have launched the Pet Prayers and Blessings Interfaith Ministry on Beliefnet.com's social networking community. There, soulful pet owners can chat, request prayers and prayer for one another's pets in this spiritual community.

The Pet Prayers and Blessings ministry on Beliefnet.com will be guided with the help of prayer maven and prayer circle expert Judy Newman.

Pet Prayers and Blessings, the forthcoming book, is a unique collection of blessings that specifically addresses the spiritual needs of modern-day pet owners .

Besides offering original prayers and adaptations of classics, it explains how to lead rituals and celebrations, and provides advice on involving pets in spiritual events, including those conducted by the clergy.

Although the book includes and honors many faiths, it is non-denominational and non-religious, and encompasses elements from many cultures and traditions.

There are healing prayers for ailing animals, ceremonies for special occasions (such as the arrival of a new pet), and blessings for a long and happy life with your animal companion.

You can preorder Pet Prayers and Blessings at www.bn.com.

Posted April 10, 2008 5:09 AM by Editor | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

Wedlok.com is offering the opportunity to win ANOTHER two free tickets to New York's most elegant wedding event, The Wedding Salon! The first Wedlok.com bride or mother of the bride to e-mail us wins -- so act fast!

The Wedding Salon is an important event for brides and grooms in New York. Its a chance to tie up loose ends, find important vendors and get yourself ready to tie the knot!

* Join wedding superstars Sylvia Weinstock, David Tutera, Michael George Flowers, HPNOTIQ, '21' Club, CECI New York, Renny & Reed, Bernard Maisner, Kleinfeld, and more for this elegant showcase of New York City's top wedding talents.

* See spectacular table centerpieces, photographers, couture gowns, jewels.

* Meet amazing ceremony musicians, invitations specialists.

* Experience complimentary beauty services, cake tastings, Champagne Bar, and receive incredible gift bags filled with bridal goodies.

When: Monday, April 21, 2008

Where: Gotham Hall, 1356 Broadway, NYC

What time: 3PM -8PM

Website: www.WeddingSalon.com

For more info contact: Sheenah by e-mail or call 212.631.7777

Special opportunity for Wedlok.com brides: Wedding Salon Special Promotional Tickets for You & Your Engaged Friends available at 2 for $50. Use code WedLokNY08P at www.WeddingSalon.com.

Tell Your Engaged Friends About this Event!

Wedding Salon Photo: Martha Stewart and other wedding cebrities

Posted April 2, 2008 5:16 AM by Editor | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

From Wedlok.com

Engaged couples are invited to join us for our annual Wedding Goddess Blessing of the Brides and Grooms in Central Park on June 14, 2008, at 4 PM.

This is the only event of its kind for engaged couples in New York City. Brides and their grooms, of all faiths and backgrounds, join us each year in one of the most sacred parts of Central Park. The blessing is in a place blessed by the hundreds of weddings that are held their each year.

Space is limited so you must RSVP to let us know you want to attend, and for location information.

The Blessing of the Brides and Grooms is a ceremony before your ceremony, to help you feel more relaxed, centered and confident …show you how to visualize your wedding going your way … and empower you to be present and there for one another on your big day!

It is a blessing meant to help give your marriage the best possible start.

The Blessing of the Brides and Grooms is offered by husband and wife officiants, Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway and Rev. Vic Fuhrman.

Our wish for all brides and grooms is that your journey to the altar be magical and blessed! And that their marriages have the best start ever.

This blessing is our gift to you each year!

PLEASE RSVP to Rev. Laurie Sue ASAP!

Posted March 22, 2008 8:41 AM by Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway, editor of Wedlok.com, is featured in a new episode of Lovecast on the Wedding Podcast Network.

This episode, titled "Wedding Prep 101," and features Rev. Laurie Sue's Wedding Goddess tips and solutions for reducing wedding stress and focusing on creating a good marrriage.

Rev. Laurie Sue shares wisdom that will help brides stay centered in the face of inevitable wedding drama.

For every bride-to-be who wants to arrive at her wedding day as the Goddess she truly is and enjoy a rewarding marriage, this podcast is required listening.

Listen right now.

Posted March 22, 2008 7:34 AM by Editor | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

Holli Ehrlich of the Wedding Podcast Network sent us this very interesting survey request from author and professor, Anna Kudak, professor and author of the book What Happy Couples Do.

Anna is working on a research study about marital satisfaction, rituals, and attachment style. It takes about 10 minutes. You can partake here.

Stay tuned to the Wedding Postcast Network interview with Anna kudak.

Posted March 22, 2008 7:18 AM by Editor | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

A new study says that men who clean house might get more sex.

Well, some would say that's enough reason to take out the vacum and aquaint yourself with the cleaning supplies under the sink!

But do we really need a study to tell us that a cleaner house makes a happier woman? Or that women are so relieved when a man does a little housework that she may have more energy for love?

Women are pooped from cleaning up all the time and managing the homefront and kids. It is really no mystery that women carry the brunt of the chores related to creating domestic bliss in the domicile and that for years we have been begging, cajoling and praying men would do more.

Doing something nice for your woman is always a form of foreplay: Cleaning, cooking, letting her complain for a half hour straight and listening. So keep it up guys!

I think it is great that men are helping a tad more. It is a step toward more balance in the home. A man will feel more helpful and a woman feels more loved. Maybe it helps couples bond. That is as it should be.

But if you really want to enhance your sex life, hire a house cleaner and a babysitter.

Posted March 7, 2008 6:03 AM by Charlotte Rose | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

Wedlok.com is offering the opportunity to win two free tickets to New York's most elegant wedding event, The Wedding Salon! The first Wedlok.com bride or mother of the bride to e-mail us wins -- so act fast!

The Wedding Salon is an important event for brides and grooms in New York. Its a chance to tie up loose ends, find important vendors and get yourself ready to tie the knot!

* Join wedding superstars Sylvia Weinstock, David Tutera, Michael George Flowers, HPNOTIQ, '21' Club, CECI New York, Renny & Reed, Bernard Maisner, Kleinfeld, and more for this elegant showcase of New York City's top wedding talents.

* See spectacular table centerpieces, photographers, couture gowns, jewels.

* Meet amazing ceremony musicians, invitations specialists.

* Experience complimentary beauty services, cake tastings, Champagne Bar, and receive incredible gift bags filled with bridal goodies.

When: Monday, April 21, 2008

Where: Gotham Hall, 1356 Broadway, NYC

What time: 3PM -8PM

Website: www.WeddingSalon.com

For more info contact: Sheenah by e-mail or call 212.631.7777

Special opportunity for Wedlok.com brides: Wedding Salon Special Promotional Tickets for You & Your Engaged Friends available at 2 for $50. Use code WedLokNY08P at www.WeddingSalon.com.

Tell Your Engaged Friends About this Event!

Wedding Salon Photo: Cake by Sylvia Weinstock

Posted March 4, 2008 1:25 PM by Editor | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

By Shelley L. Ackerman
For more insights visit karmicrelief.com

Wedlok.com astrology columnist Shelley Ackerman says Happy Birthday Leap Year Babies! And aspiring brides, go ahead and pop the question!

As early as kindergarten or in the first grade, we learn that a calendar year is 365¼ days and that every four years there is a ‘leap year’, an extra day added to the short month of February, to compensate for the fact that a ‘solar year’ is almost six hours longer than 365 days.

Annoyingly, three of every four years, “Leapings” (as those born on February 29 are called) must celebrate their birthdays either on February 28th or March 1st.

But the odd end-of-the-month date has an upside:

Not to be confused with Sadie Hawkins Day, which is celebrated on November 15, Leap Year is a boon to women who long for a wedding ring and who'd prefer to take matters into their own hands and pop the question without fear of social recrimination or rejection.

Read Shelley Ackerman's Weekly Horoscope on wedlok.com.

Continue reading "Leap Year 2008: Aspiring Brides-to-Be Can Propose February 29!" »

Posted February 28, 2008 6:45 AM by Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

For more information

A recent study on religion in America may provide some insight into the growing trend in interfaith and non-religious weddings.

"The U.S. Religious Landscape Survey" released February 25 by The Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life tells us that more than a quarter of Americans have abandoned or switched from the faith of their birth and 16.1 percent consider themselves unaffiliated.

The study does not specifically cite statistics on Interfaith weddings or marriage, as far as we can see. However, the fluidity of people's religious beliefs is obviously opening the door to increasing numbers of interfaith unions. The evidence that such a large number of Americans have stepped away from organized religion points to the increased demand for non-denominational or non-religious wedding ceremonies.

Continue reading "Interfaith and Nondenominational Weddings Trends - New Study Offers Insight" »

Posted February 27, 2008 3:06 PM by Editor | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

By Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway
Editor, Wedlok.com

You gotta love this story.

Nude weddings are on the rise, according to "Weddings Exposed: Bride and Groom Bare All," a carefully crafted piece by Lana Gerseten of Columbia News Service. It appeared in yesterday's, Feb 20th, Arizona Central.

Geresten apparently attended the wedding of a nudist couple in the Berkshires - no word as to whether the reporter was clothed -- and she wrote a trend report on the increase of weddings without clothes. She tells us most of the guests were sans clothes - save for a few hats and accessories -- and that about 12 had their clothes on. (The family of the bride and groom, I bet!)

This is an interesting trend. Just think of the money the bride saves on a dress! Not a bad way to knock a few bucks off the traditional $26,000 or more average cost of a wedding.

Geresten says that nude weddings are a big thing on nude cruises. On a recent naked cruise 15 couples came together in holy matrimony or renewed their vows.

Obviously, these are couples who spend as much time nude as they can and not people who spur of the moment rip off their clothes and say, "hey, let's get hitched." They seem to be pretty serious about their stand of nudity.

Continue reading "Would You Get Married In The Nude? This Pair Did!" »

Posted February 21, 2008 7:10 AM by Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

From Wedlok.com

There are many ways to celebrate your relationship, promise your love and affirm your commitment.

The most important thing is to make sure your vows are truly meaningful to you both, and that you select a way to express them that is comfortable.

Neither of you should feel forced to speak, or pressed to write vows if writing will stress you. Vows should not be a source of discomfort, they are meant to be a celebration of your love and promises to one another.

Your Perfect Wedding Vows: How to Write, Find and Select the Words that Express What is in Your Heart is an easy-to-use e-book tells you everything you need to know about personalizing or selecting your vows.

Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway has helped hundreds or couples through this process and she shares the secrets of the perfect wedding vow with you in, Your Perfect Wedding Vows E-book:

* Learn dozens of different ways you can express your love in your wedding ceremony.

* Find inspiration and how-to for writing your own wedding vows.

* Look through dozens of personalized wedding vows used by real couples and select or adapt any that you like.

* Be prepared to deal with wedding tears gracefully during your vows.

* Embark on a process of finding or creating the right vows that helps you learn more about your partner.

* Utilize your sacred vows to give your marriage the best start possible.

* If you are shy, or nervous, discover alternatives to reading wedding vows.

Order now and receive it Immediately. Only $16.99.

Posted February 17, 2008 7:34 AM by Editor | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

For more information

Husband and wife team, Robert Allen and Holli Ehrlich, have been working hard to perfect the art of the wedding podcast and now they have a thriving network of bridal shows that are easy to access and fun to listen to on their Wedding Podcast Network.

I had the pleasure of chatting with them recently on their own show on the network, Bridal Scene, and it was such fun. Holli is a high energy, enthusiastic interviewer and Robert is a techno-wiz with a video background.

They are both so dedicated to bringing brides "advice worth listening to."

On Bridal Scene, they talk about everything wedding. Just engaged or in the midst of planning your special day? Obsessed with weddings? Looking for important information and guidance?

You will find so many engaging topics in this very well rounded podcast, as well as thoughtful and useful wedding wisdom on all of the shows on this network.

Here are some of the terrific programs featured on Wedding Podcast network:

Grooms with a View, Here Come the Moms, It's Your Wedding, Meet the Masters, Newlywedcast, LoveCast, Planet Bride, Wedding Workout, Travel Talk and more!

You can start enjoying podasts today. Give a listen.

Posted February 15, 2008 7:47 AM by Editor | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

From Wedlok.com

Special Offer: The first five Wedlok.com reader/brides to sign up for The Bridal Bliss Club will receive a free, autographed copy of Wedding Goddess.

Just sign up -- its free! -- and send us the link to your profile in an e-mail. The first five brides to contact us win a copy of the book!

What's Wedding Goddess about? Today’s weddings have become so commercially-driven and so stressful to plan that couples sometimes forget about the sacred nature of getting married.

In fact, for many modern brides-to-be, planning a wedding is more like going into battle. Rather than experiencing it as “the happiest time” in her life, she feels like she is managing a crisis.

In WeddingGoddess: A Divine Guide To Transforming Wedding Stress to Wedding Bliss (Perigee/Penguin, 2005), Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway, interfaith wedding officiant and editor-in-chief of Wedlok.com, shows brides how to transcend the emotional frenzy of wedding planning stress and take charge of the most sacred time of their lives.

Brides-to-be are guided on an emotionally and spiritually empowering, step-by-step journey to the altar. Rev. Laurie Sue's unique approach suggests ways to treat every step of the experience – from engagement and bridal shower, to getting your marriage license and signing it on your wedding day– as its own rite of passage.

Wedding Goddess shows how to make the entire journey special and sacred. Special highlights include.

Continue reading "Join the Bridal Bliss Club - Win a Copy of "Wedding Goddess"" »

Posted February 15, 2008 5:30 AM by Editor | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

By Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway
Editor, Wedlok.com

Here's Valentine to brides acround the globe:

Wanted to invite you all to The Bridal Bliss Club, a brand new online community I created as a way to support brides (and grooms!) on the journey to the altar.

It is a place to share stories, ask questions, get support from other brides and to-be-weds. It is a very relaxed and soulful place to seek advice and to also receive my guidance on your wedding issues.

Interfaith marriage. Problem mothers. Difficult bridesmaids. Wedding Stress and more. These are all discussed with an eye toward turning your wedding stress into bridal bliss.

I know how busy you are, but if you are a cyber bride, and feel moved to be part of a safe space for sharing ideas, challenges and bridal comraderie, please consider signing up for the BBC (Bridal Bliss Club). It's free.

To get involved you would go to the Beliefnet.com community, become a member of Beliefnet, and create an online profile. It can have minimal information on it, or you can really get into creating it. You can make up any user name. You can use a photo of you and your honey if you want, or keep your identity and image completely confidential.

Once you are on, you can go to The Bridal Bliss Club home page to sign on.

The Bridal Bliss Club offers a soulful, completely online approach to helping you through the challenges of wedding planning and assisting in finding your "wedding bliss" and a sense of "wedding zen"

Hoping to see you there!

Photo of Denise and Jason by Lensgirl.com

Continue reading "Wedlok.com Invites You to The Bridal Bliss Club" »

Posted February 14, 2008 7:13 AM by Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway | Permalink | Comments (1) | Email This

Chocolate lovers, take note. Dr. Andrew Weil says it's okay to enjoy a special treat, and gift your beloved with chocolate, this Valentine's Day!

Recent studies have been trying to tell us that a little dark chocolate can go a long way toward heart health and other health benefits."

"Giving chocolate on this Valentine’s Day can help keep love alive - and the lovers, as well.," according to the Weekly Wellness Bulletin from DrWeil.com. "The evidence is growing that dark chocolate, in moderate amounts, conveys several health benefits, and the latest good news is that regular intake appears to lower blood pressure."

Dr. Weil explains why is chocolate good for the heart. Yum. Yum. Yum, indeed!

We have known for ages that a little bit of chocolate can release feel-good hormones that imitate the feeling of "being in love."

In spiritual circles it is believed that food taken in during a sacred ritual does not count as normal food intake and that the bad stuff -- sugar, undesirable carbs and fats -- are transmuted by the holy nature of the ritual.

So make sure you feed your honey chocolate with a prayer so that it goes down easy, and has only health benefits ... as well as counting toward your healthy relationship.

Chocolate hearts from www.lakechamplainchocolates.com.

Posted February 14, 2008 6:49 AM by Editor | Permalink | Comments (1) | Email This

Wedlok.com guest columnist Karen Vander of RedHotBrides.com shares insights into wedding wear from around the world and the joys of wearing red on your big day.

By Karen Vander
For More Infomation Visit Redhotbrides.com

The vociferous bang of thousands of exploding firecrackers and magnificent flowing silk dragons dancing in the road.

Sumptuous feasts of auspicious-sounding dishes and sweets.

Red envelopes stuffed with cash and given out to children.

East Asians are ringing in the Lunar New Year in a big way. And many Asian brides select this auspicious time of the year to get married.

Vietnamese people celebrate the lunar year in pretty much the exact same manner as the Chinese people do. There are many similarities when it comes to wedding traditions as well.

For example, Chinese brides, both modern and classic, typically change outfits three or more times on their wedding night.

Vietnamese brides do the same. The bride, in fact, may wear four to five dresses. And the groom changes outfits too!

Continue reading "Chinese New Year -- Many Vietnamese Brides Marry in Traditional Red" »

Posted February 6, 2008 5:38 AM by Editor | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

We see a lot of diamond rings. Big rocks. Small shiny ones. Special settings. Simple ones.

Glittering diamonds are on the hands of most of the brides we meet. Women do love their wedding jewlery and they wear it forever!

There are so many different kinds of diamond options these days. So when you make a major purchase like this for your Valentine's Day proposal, or any time, you want to make sure you have a little diamond know-how.

Here is some advice from the Independent Jewelers Organization (IJO) for buying a sparkler for your sweetie.

Decide what you can spend. A diamond engagement ring is a major investment and buying the best diamond you can afford is always good advice. With the expanding market for designer engagement ring settings, however, you should make an early decision about where your budgeted money will be spent: Would you rather spend more for a better diamond in a simpler setting or opt for a designer setting with a smaller stone?

Familiarize yourself with the basics. The four-Cs--cut, color, clarity and carat weight--describe the proportion of a diamond as well as other important physical characteristics which will effect its price. Understanding the basics will help you to understand the diamond's price.

Learn how to read a diamond grading report. All reputable jewelers sell diamonds with grading reports or certificates, which provide a third-party evaluation of a diamond and heavily impact its price. The grades should include measurements of the stone, carat weight, color, clarity, finish, polish, symmetry and fluorescence.

Posted February 4, 2008 8:07 AM by Editor | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

For more information

If you are in a committed relationship and ready to tie the knot what could be better than a romantic dinner, a wedding proposal and an engagement ring?

Many guys go to great lengths these days to ask a woman to marry them. They conjure elaborate plans.

There are paid consultants who help you find clever, dramatic ways to pop the question. And hotels have special packages for engagement dinners -- where you can wine, dine, propose and spend the night in a sexy suite.

Guys shell out big bucks for this. And there are guys like Brett.

I don't know who he is, but he is the subject of a delightful creation of Pop Art Creations. He got a personalized Pop Art jack-in-the-box that looked like him, holding an engagement ring.

How clever it that?

"Pop Art Creations are very special handcrafted jack-in-the-box toys," says proprietor and artist, Heather. "They are like the old tin ones you remember from your childhood, but with a twist. They are handcrafted, hand-sculpted, and hand-painted especially for you! They are still working, popping, musical hand-crank toys."

"I've done a bunch for guys proposing to their sweethearts. It's the guy's image, hand-sculpted by me, and when they pop out, the ring is tied to their little hands. They can literally POP the question with this! "

Customers can even choose from about 20 different music box songs! Prices vary according to your special order.

See a short video and watch 'em pop. Find out more at www.popartcreations.com.

Posted February 2, 2008 8:17 AM by Editor | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

Our guest columnist Karen Vander of RedHotBrides.com will be sharing about the history and the joys of wearing red on your big day. Here she discusses different cultures and their take on a red wedding dress.

By Karen Vander
For More Infomation Visit Redhotbrides.com

A red wedding dress or bridal apparel is the norm in many cultures. And many American brides are catching up to the idea that it is an awesome color in which to speak their "I dos."

However, in America, red still has some conflicting connotations. Some Western brides and their families find it almost offensive.

Our research shows that a lot of this sentiment against red came from the powerful influential Queen Victoria back in the 1800s. Red went from being a luxury color to being associated with "loose women." In Europe, countries such as England have begun to adopt red again. In France, it used to be considered very bad luck to be married in white. Afterall, Marie Antoniate chose white, instead of the customary red, and we all know that worked out.

Other cultures, however, have always embraced red and continue to do so.

In China, the color red is considered good luck and a strong color that can keep away evil spirits. The traditional Chinese wedding dress in northern China is usually wears a wedding dress call Qi Pao which is embroidered with elaborate gold and silver designs. Brides from southern China usually wears a wedding dress call Qun Gua, Kwa or Cheongsam, also elaborately adorned with golden phoenix and dragon.

In India according to the Wikipedia, “In northern parts of India the traditional color of women’s wedding garments is red, a color symbolizing auspiciousness.”

Indian wedding dresses are also often red. In that culture, as in the Chinese culture, white is a color of mourning.

Red Indian wedding dresses are considered to be good luck and will bring the couple much happiness, also similar to beliefs of the Chinese culture. An Indian wedding dress is often called a Sari but other styles include gaghra choli, and shalwar chameez.

There is something special about the color red. Go try on a red wedding dress and see how you will like it. Give it a shot. Be the daring and bold woman you are or can be! There is nothing un-american about it. Other cultures love it.

Red is such an exciting color and more fun then white can ever be. Every bride is different. Stand out and be a red hot bride.

See the original story to enjoy the wedding dress photos that illustrate this story.

Copyrighted 2008 Karen Vander, for Redhotbrides.com

Karen Vander, who was married in red, writes about wedding dresses for RedHotBrides.com, a NY based publication dedicated to the wonders of wearing a red dress on your special day. The site is devoted to helping brides who dare to be a little different find their perfect red dress. Contact Karen directly or sign up for the Red Hot Bride Newsletter at www.RedHotBrides.com.

Posted January 26, 2008 7:17 AM by Editor | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

By Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway
Wedding Goddess Wisdom

Newly engaged! Congratulations. What a great way to start off the new year.

Don’t wait until the wedding day to take pictures. A camera is a must-have accessory. Whether you get a good camera or a bunch of disposables doesn’t matter.

Just find a way to capture the images of your wedding planning journey and have pictures developed and placed in an album as your journey to the altar proceeds. Having a record of your joy – and all efforts and emotions – will be a fun thing to look back on when it is all said and done and will help you realize how much love and effort you have put into your wedding.

While you are planning the big day, it is a great pick me up that you can go through times of doubt or stress.

Collect memories through photos and memorabilia (such as receipts, menus, match covers). Have the photos developed as you go along and create a truly meaningful wedding journey memory book.

Alternatives and additions: Keep a wedding journal of feelings and experiences, including the ups and downs; have fun documenting the wedding planning journey on video tape.

Continue reading "Take Pictures of Your Wedding Planning Journey" »

Posted January 3, 2008 5:50 AM by Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

By Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway
Excerpted from Wedding Goddess

Self care is as essential as breathing for a bride-to-be -- especially when you are stressing about wedding planning!

It is the time spent nurturing yourself, taking care of your unique needs and consciously preparing yourself for marriage that will make your journey to the altar so much more enjoyable and graceful. While planning your wedding -- and managing the myriad of responsibilities, relationships and emotions that come along with the package -- it is truly important that you try not to cut corners on nurturing yourself!

There is so much pressure on a bride to please others while planning her wedding that sometimes she forgets to take care of her own needs. My friend Dr. Patti Britton, a relationship coach, suggests for a happier trip down the aisle, it pays to be a little selfish. She calls it “extreme self care.”

Some brides get so caught up in the preparation – and things to do – along with the pressures from others that they are afraid to slow down for a little “me time.” Britton suggests that if you feel guilty about being selfish with your time and energy,give the word a new meaning. Take each letter of the word and imbue it with a more expansive and positive definition. Here’s an example:

S Nurture your SPIRIT.

E ENJOY moments alone.

L LOVE yourself.

F Keep FIT and FEEL good.

I Make your unique needs IMPORTANT.

S SHOWER yourself with gifts.

H Be HAPPY and open-HEARTED as you plan your wedding.

Fortunately, brides today are blessed with many options for self care. Massage, facials, manicures, pedicures and other beauty treatments are a standard part of the bride’s ritual preparation for her wedding day. Many brides include dieting, fitness and exercise in the months before the wedding. Go beyond the typical and into the realm of the fabulous by making traditional pampering more meaningful … and by seeking self-expression, physical exercise, emotional support and spiritual pursuits that massage her spirit and exercise her soul.

Photo by Lensgirl, reprinted from Wedding Goddess.

Continue reading "Words of Wisdom for Stressed Out Brides - Find a New Way to Be S.E.L.F.I.S.H." »

Posted December 17, 2007 5:52 AM by Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

By Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway

These days, brides get married to the wedding before they get married to their mates. With so many choices and so much stress, it is easy to get lost in planning a great wedding and forget to focus on building a great marriage!

Here are some Wedding Goddess tips for stepping into married life with strenght and wisdom:

1. Be aware that getting married can stir up a lot of emotions. The process itself sets forth period of growth and change that can be very nerve -wracking. Once you decide to marry you will begin the process of getting ready for marriage … and unresolved emotions may come to the surface to be explored. Be prepared to do some inner work along with all the external preparations. Honor and address the emotions and fears that arise. Trust they are natural. Don't sweep things under the rug. There are things you can do in addition to pre-marital counseling.

2. Ask yourselves, and each other, A LOT of questions. Don't assume that married life will be the same as single life. And don't be afraid to get to know each other's truest feelings. It is important that you you delve into everything from how you'll raise your kids, to what kind of color scheme you want in your home, to how you will spend free nights at home once the wedding is over. Many brides and grooms tend to want to avoid the deep talks, and dwell on the surface aspected of getting married. Your married life will be a lot smoother if you communicate with and listen to. Be willing to hear things you may not like and agree with... find ways to compromise or give in to one another.

3. Picture Your Future. In addition lots of questions and thoughtful answers, begin to think about and visualize the life you want to share. What will it look like? What will your new roles be like? What kind of home and family life do you home to have. Although it is fun to day dream, it is very practical to give thought and vision to the life you want to create. You might even want to create a treasure map or a book of choices to guide you.

Continue reading "Beyond the Wedding - Tips For a Healthy Marriage" »

Posted November 14, 2007 5:16 AM by Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

By Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway

Find out more at http://www.artofmarriage.org and http://www.marriageframe.com.

I have been corresponding with Erik Kent, who, along with his wife Beth Kent, is co-publisher of the New Jersey tri-state area wedding planning site www.njwedding.com. These wedding professionals fell in love with "The Art of Marriage," by Wilfred Arlan Peterson and have established a foundation to help couples bring those thoughtful words to life in their marriages.

I agree with the Kents. Peterson's reading captures the essence of what it takes to make a marriage a great success and I love that they have established a forum for this kind of marriage education. It certainly helps newlyweds look beyond wedding planning and into what it takes to build a good life together.

Here is their stated mission:

Mission: To promote healthy marriages through marriage education in New Jersey and throughout the United States

Goal: To reach engaged couples with positive messages about "planning for their marriage, while planning their wedding" through bridal media

Objective: To provide "The Art of Marriage" essay by Wilferd A. Peterson
in various formats, helping couples to learn the "art" of building a strong marriage, and provide additional resources for couples to consider (such as premarital counseling, specialized programs and workshops or talking with a member of the clergy).

Beyond the reading itself, the Kents have begun to work with the family of Wilfred Arlan Peterson to keep his legacy alive. Peterson was the author of many "The Art Of Living" books and essays.

The Kents have also licensed the reading to create an awesome wedding gift product. It's a lovely frame with a matted version of "The Art of Marriage" and room for your wedding photo. Very cool! Find out more at: http://www.marriageframe.com.

Wedlok.com will stay on top of the Art of Marriage story as it develops. As mentioned, parts of the reading were recited at the Las Vegas nuptials of Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward; then Joanne Woodward read it at daughter Nells wedding in 1995. Will it surface again at a vow renewal ceremony next January 29 when the Newman's celebrate their silver anniversary? Stay tuned!

Continue reading "New Jersey Wedding Pros Establish "The Art of Marriage Foundation"" »

Posted November 6, 2007 11:46 AM by Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway | 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

By Jessica Meyer
Listen to sample musical selections

From the first note played as your guests arrive, to the moment you begin your new life together, the music serves as a true reflection of the unique atmosphere you want to create for your wedding day. Just as your dress, flowers and surroundings convey your personal style, so should your music!

Not so long ago, the “Wedding March” was one of the limited musical choices that brides had for coming down the aisle. Nowadays, many other wonderful classical melodies can be played to set the tone for your ceremony - from what have become “standards” for weddings, to more unconventional gems of the repertoire the average bride would not know about.

Another option for personalizing your ceremony is to incorporate more contemporary songs which can express even more intimate sentiments. Anything song that is dear to a couple can be selected - from jazz favorites, to Beatles classics, to movie themes, to Coldplay. With access to many fine classical musicians here in New York, you can select music that will be tailor-made to fit the vision of your special day.

Here are some tips you can use when selecting your ceremony music:

Selecting the right kind type of ensemble for the venue: Is string quartet the norm? Not necessarily - there are many different ensembles you can have, all of which depend on your personal taste, the kind of acoustics the venue has, and how many guests you are expecting. Having less than 130 guests? Then a trio would be fine (or a duo if under 80 guests). Having an outdoor wedding? Then a flute in the ensemble can really help to project sound across a grassy open space. There is a good chance that the vendor you are talking to may have played there before – so ask for their expert opinion on what has worked well and what has not in that space.

Know what kind of ensemble can play your repertoire: Vendors often supply brides with CD’s that have samples of the music they play. When listening to a sample CD, there are going to be instruments that you love hearing and others that you don’t care for. For me, it usually narrows down to the flute - some people love the flute with strings and/or harp, or they really prefer just a string sound. Expecting to have more contemporary repertoire played during your ceremony or cocktail hour? Then stick to ensembles with strings, flute and/or clarinet (unfortunately, jazz on harp doesn’t really work!). However, a harpist in addition to a quartet with strings and/or flute is truly gorgeous for a ceremony. Each vendor will have their own recommendations based on the musicians they are used to working with.

Choosing selections to fit your musical style: When you listen to any CDs you receive from potential vendors, keep a running list of songs you like, as well as a list of songs you don’t particularly care for. Whoever your music specialist is, they should be able to get a sense of what styles of music you like and dislike, and will help you decide which selections would be best for certain parts of the ceremony and cocktail hour. If you would like the ensemble to play a more obscure or contemporary piece that is not on their CD or repertoire lists, check with them anyway to see if they have it in their library. They should also have access to people who can arrange songs specifically for the ensemble you choose, if sheet music is not available.

Whether it is soft, romantic music, a march declaring the entrance of the bride, or the favorite song that you listen to on your home sound system everyday – your selections can both set the right mood for your guests and make you feel as beautiful as you look. Enjoy!

Jessica Meyer is owner and violist of Venus Ensembles, one of New York’s leading providers of the finest classical and jazz musicians to enhance your wedding day. Her training at Juilliard, combined with the experience of having planned and performed almost 1000 wedding ceremonies, enables her to provide expert and personalized guidance on musical options. Having been a recent bride herself, she realizes how important it is to have a personal Live Music Consultant to help you create the unique atmosphere you have always envisioned. The best part is, you can study a list of classic wedding music and hear samples in different combinations at: http://www.venusensembles.com/.

You can also reach Jessica at 877-888-3687.

Posted October 11, 2007 5:27 AM by Editor | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

Every time I see a couple dance that first dance, I feel a sense of pride, having had a least a little bit to do with the fact that they are celebrating their marriage!

Cutest first dance I ever saw was at the wedding of Jane and Adam, at Grand Prospect Hall in Brooklyn.

They did not have a clue how to dance. But she was as producer and he was a musician and they came up with a clever idea. As they danced, the DJ played a prepared voice over tape that was meant to sound as if we were in their heads, listening to their thought. The dialog went something like this:

“Oh no, everyone’s looking at us and they will think we are dorks.”

“I told you we should have taken dance lessons.”

“Do you think they know we haven’t danced since senior prom?”

And so on. It got lots of laughs as they sort of shuffled around the dance floor.

Of course, many couples today prefer to take those dance lessons and create an amazing first dance. I had one couple practice a tango for months! Came across a wedding video collection on AOL today of couples who obviously put a lot of thought into their first dance moves!

Posted September 12, 2007 11:38 AM by Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

Brides are always asking me for the best hair and make up vendor in New York City. I can wholeheartedly recommend Once Upon a Bride. This is a company that is truly devoted to the inner and outer radiance of brides on the wedding day.

Proprietress Stacey Lyn Weinstein is not only a walking advertisement for her good work, she is a very caring person. Her specialty is hair and hair designs. She has a staff of make up artists and other hair professionals who work like busy bees throughout the wedding season.

One of her makeup wizards did the make up for my wedding three years ago and even persuaded me to wear false eye lashes, for better photos. It worked!

I still get my hair cut at Stacey's salon, Violet, at 296 Elizabeth Street in NYC so I often get to see her and the staff doing pre-wedding bridal consultations. Wow... I didn't realize it sometimes takes a village to figure out what will make you look best on your wedding day.

Between Stacey, her staff, Mom of the bride and assorted sisters and bridesmaids, there is a lot that goes into deciding on your bridal hairdo! You can reach Stacey at the Salon at 212-353-2350. Check out the website at www.ouab.com. Stacey will be sharing some of her beauty tips with Wedlok.com readers in weeks to come.

Posted September 12, 2007 6:25 AM by Rev. Laurie Sue Brockway | Permalink | Comments (0) | Email This

One way to keep wedding costs from soaring is to ditch the open bar for a signature drink! You can even name it after you and your belo