ChristineFarah

I would look into Calistoga Ranch. It has this really beautiful wine cave that would be perfect for an intimate dinner.

Tony did a wedding I was at a couple of months ago and he was realllllllllly good at getting everyone on the dance floor. He managed to get all age groups dancing which is pretty impressive!

I agree with all of the other ladies. Do not apologize for their lack of communication. I really think you should forgo having the 1 hr session because most likely they won't deliver since their heart won't be in it. Just be grateful for your new awesome photographer and don't sweat the small stuff.

It all depends on how comfortable you are with the idea of getting your dress dirty. I can tell you that even if you take it into the water it will be totally fine after a cleaning. But if you feel hesitant I suggest getting a stunt-dress *lol* for the shoot, because if you feel uncomfortable or worried it will come through in your photos.

I was so in your shoes when I was planning my wedding. I think it's harder to brush off negativity when you are under the stress of wedding planning, and it is even tougher when it's your mom being negative. My best advice is to pick your battles and give in to her on things that aren't really important to you just to make her feel like she is part of the process. I can tell you that she won't change over night, but you can change how you handle her. I know it's hard so BIG hugs to you and remember what the whole day is about....you and your soulmate.

I think it totally works for a destination wedding. A cool way to present it could be in a couple of baskets on the way in to the ceremony with a cute sign telling guests to kick up their feet and enjoy the day....or something like that. Just make sure you have enough in the most common sizes.

I definitely think you will be ok even for photos. You can have each girl walk with a guy on each side. It it way more common to have uneven bridal party members. The only time you will see it is with your whole bridal party photo and even then it won't be an issue.

I totally did not want one, but decided to get one just for the ceremony. I actually ended up wearing it almost through the whole reception. And I have to say for the photos it was a really lovely addition. The only thing I would have changed is getting a longer veil for the more dramatic look during our portraits.

My Mexico bride packed them into her suitcase and had no issues with getting them there. I would suggest maybe wrapping them in something to protect them from getting torn. I think the 28in parasols should be big enough. HTH!!

Ooooh the almond champagne....now I am going to have to make a trip to the store to get some!!

Hi all!

I have a bride who will be getting married there in September and is having a really tough time with the flower situation. She was telling me that they want to charge her an arm and a leg for simple bouquets. Is there any way to bring in her own flowers and do it herself? Any advice or suggestions from former brides or anyone who may know would be awesome!

Thanks

Crissy

The Parker is AMAZICLE! I shot a wedding there earlier this year and I seriously did not have enough time for all of the eye candy. If I had more thumbs I would give it a 4 thumbs up!

I just recently stayed at the Signature Towers at MGM and it was amazicle! It's off of the strip a little and it has such beautiful suites, I highly recommend staying there.

I agree with Kristi it is an amazing location! I just did a wedding there and the environment was just gorgeous here is the link It's just my silly life!: Field of Love Dreams

Only downside is they do do two weddings a day, but other than that I think it is such a perfect venue.

Sure I love this chili recipe! Oh and it's core in case anyone is doing that plan.

Serves 4

cook 40 mins

2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil

1 chopped onion

1 green pepper

4 cloves of garlic minced

3/4 ground turkey

1 (15 ounce) can of black beans

1 (14 1/2 ounce) can of diced tomatoes

1 tablespoon of chili powder

2 teaspoons of cumin

1 teaspoon of oregano

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup shredded fat free cheddar cheese (can buy WW kind)

1/4 cup fat free sour cream

1/4 cup scallions

Heat oil in a large non stick pan over med. high heat. Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic; cook stirring occasionally until softened. Add turkey and cook breaking it apart with wooden spoon until no longer pink. Stir in beans, tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, oregano, and salt. Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, covered, until the vegetables are very tender (about 30 mins). Serve with the cheese, sour cream, and scallions.

Per serving (1 cup of chili with 2 tablespoons of cheese, 1 tablespoon of sour cream, and 1 tablespoon of scallions) 242 Cal; 4g Fat, 0g Sat Fat, 0g Trans fat, 30mb Chol, 767mg Sod, 25g Carb, 8 g Fiber, 27g Prot, 219 mg Calc.

Points 4

I could use the extra support so I thought this forum would be a great way to keep me motivated. I am having a really tough time with drinking all of my water and I am one of those girls who didn't eat breakfast regularly. FYI the turkey and black bean chili out of the comfort food cookbook is DELICIOUS! Let me know if anyone wants the recipe and I will type it up and post.

YAY for small starts!

**Crissy

Those turned out really nice for your first session! Congrats

OMG That about made me cry! Thank you for the good laugh!

My hubby and I went there for both our honeymoon and one year anniversary and all I have to say is this place is so awesome. Last time we were there we saw a wedding ceremony and reception and it was beautifully set up. I know that the service is amazing so I can imagine it would be a great choice if someone is looking to do a dw there. Here is the website Puerto Vallarta, Mexico Resort - Grand Velas Resort & Spa – All Inclusive Luxury. I have no clue how much they charge for weddings, but the food and service were excellent.

If you ever get a chance you should check out the Hotel Del around Christmas time it is absolutely stunning, they even have an ice rink!

I recently shot a wedding there and I have to say this is definitely one of my most FAVORITE locations. The wine cave is perfect for anyone with a smaller guest list and the food was excellent. They also have a restaurant and an outdoor location for the ceremony. Here is their website

Calistoga Ranch - A luxury Auberge Resort in the Napa Valley

If you want to see some pictures that I shot from this location you can find it here It's just my silly life!: From the Heart.....