Fitness advocate Dave Sweeny shares with Los Willows (North San Diego Wedding Venue near Temecula) some fundamental key health tips for future brides everywhere whether they are looking to get fit or simply achieve improved wellness for their wedding day and beyond.

Blog Post by Dave Sweeny

For the past 3 years, I have committed myself to a new, healthy lifestyle.  That change made me healthier and I feel more confident about myself than I’ve ever been before! Since then, I have been able to learn quite a few things about health and fitness, and am helping others change their lives too.

Here are my 5 steps to better health!

(1) Be mentally prepared for change. You have to get to the point where you say “enough is enough” and are willing to do what it takes to reach your goals.

(2) Find support.  Too many people try to change their health on their own, but because they don’t have anyone to go to when they have questions, someone there to encourage and support them every day, they are more than likely to fall off the wagon.

(3) COMMIT TO THE NUTRITION!  One of the biggest factors in getting great fitness/weight loss results is to follow a proven nutrition plan as close as possible.  Results come from 80% diet and 20% workouts, and that’s not an exaggeration either.

(4) Be in it for the long run.  If you’re going to start, make it a priority to commit to a LIFESTYLE change, not just a 90 day change. Once you work out and eat healthy every day over a period of time, it becomes routine and second nature to where you just do it, not having to think about it whatsoever.

If you’re looking to get fit and healthy before your wedding and beyond, I can help you for free. That’s what I do, and I’d love to help you reach your fitness goals. You always have time for fitness, whether it’s 10 minutes or an hour. If you have any questions, feel free to call (805) 680-0383 or email me! I’d love to hear from you and offer any assistance that I can.

Thank you for the great tips, Dave!

If you are planning springtime wedding (or a February, March or April wedding), you might be wondering about the chance of rain. So what if it does indeed rain on your wedding day?  Make sure you address this question waaaaay before the day of your wedding.  Ideally, this question should be part of the qualifying process in selecting your wedding venue, no matter what time of the year you plan to get married. Rain can happen at any time.  While praying or crossing your fingers for beautiful weather might make you feel better, there really is no substitution for being prepared for inclement weather.  A few simple steps will help you and your guests enjoy your wedding day regardless of the weather.

Contingency Plan
The outdoors can provide a gorgeous backdrop for your ceremony and/or reception.  If an outdoor venue is what you desire, be sure to ask what will happen in the event of unexpected rain.  Does your venue come with a built-in contingency plan?  Or will you have to fork out thousands of dollars on the spot for a tent set-up?  If your venue does not have a sheltered area, or a rain contingency plan, it will be good for you and all those who are financially responsible to be aware of a possible major last minute expense if it rains.  In North San Diego County near Temecula, Los Willows is one of those venues that has an elegantly draped indoor reception pavilion.  And the Los Willows staff knows exactly what to do if the sky happens to open up.  A portion of the reception pavilion – complete with a heating system, six-foot crystal chandelier and intelligent lighting technology – is suddenly transformed into a charming ceremony site until the reception dinner and dancing begins.

Accessorize with Umbrellas
The right umbrellas can add a little “jenesequa” to a wedding party.  You may not even need them, but bring some coordinating umbrellas and have fun with them in the photos!

First and Foremost, Have Fun!
Most importantly, do not let a little rain, the threat of rain, or even a heavy downpour put a damper on your wedding day.  Generally, it’s the reception – the party after the ceremony – that will last the longest.  And, as long as you have great food, your favorite music, and the shelter of a warm, beautifully draped and elegantly lit pavilion – and you are surrounded by your closest family and friends – you have everything you need to have an amazing and unforgettable day.

By the way, if you are considering getting married in Fallbrook, you should check out the average climate and precipitation chart on the Los Willows website.

Here’s a great Do-It-Yourself freebie from The Wedding Chicks:

Free Printable Wedding Invitations Templates allow you to create your own personalized wedding invitations that are absolutely free. There are absolutely no files or templates to download. All you need is some paper, a printer and little bit of creativity.  Include maps to help guests find you. 

The “Sweet Love” Free Printable Wedding Invitations Templates from The Wedding Chicks include invitation, response card, save the date, menu, escort, table numbers, dessert signs and stirrers for your guests.

Free Printable Wedding Invitations Templates from The Wedding Chicks

Photo from The Wedding Chicks Blog

Wondering what the average wedding costs?  This study from the Knot looks at everything from the venue, to the photographer, to the wedding cake.  Get the details here:  Average Wedding Cost! «.

Did you know that a full-featured Los Willows Wedding Package costs much less than the national average, yet includes so much?  Our weddings include gorgeous ceremony and reception sites, catering, planning and coordinating services, and the wedding cake.  And Los Willows is thousands less than the national average as reported by the Knot.

So you’ve caught the candy buffet bug. Well, you’re not alone: more and more brides want to see a tower of sweets at their reception.  Presentation is the key to your candy bar and we have you covered.

We use large jars in various shapes and sizes which allows the colorful candy to be displayed.   Ribbons in the wedding colors can be tied around the jars, holding stickers or labels that indicate the type of candy inside along with the couple’s names or monogram, the date or a simple expression such as “thank you.”

If you’re a couple getting married at Los Willows and would like to add a candy buffet bar to your wedding day yummies or just a guest who would like to  get the the couple a candy buffet bar as their wedding gift then you’re in luck…we’ve just added it to our wedding registry. http://loswillows.3dcartstores.com 

I wanted to share with you a new wedding registry item at the Los Willows….an aisle runner.

This is a detail that brides may not want to spend extra money on but truly brings grace and beauty to any wedding ceremony.  If you’d like to surprise the couple with an aisle runner, then register for them to receive one at http://loswillows.3dcartstores.com/Aisle-Runner_p_20.html

As a wedding guest you may be wishing there was something “out of the box” you could buy the wedding couple, and now there is.  Introducing our wedding registry.  Guests can now purchase elements of a couples wedding instead of another toaster.

For example, how about purchasing a hosted, premium bar or cocktail dance hour?  The couple is certain to announce your name as a “Wedding Contributor” during their farewell speech.

If purchasing the hosted bar or cocktail dance hour isn’t your cup of tea, then perhaps some other item.  We have an array of services and products to purchase for the wedding couple in our wedding day gift registry.  Check out all the details at: http://loswillows.3dcartstores.com/ .

(every couple could use help paying for their wedding..)

As the summer issues of bride magazines roll out I’m certain that we’re going to start seeing San Diego wedding bouquets full of accessories as a hot new trend for 2012.  For example, subtle romance that includes little birds and butterflies inside bridal bouquets as well as branches used in centerpieces.

What do you think of this 2012 wedding trend?

A wedding cake is the tradition….but what if you want something a little trendier?

Here are a few ideas:

• Individual cakes – I’ve seen these decorated in the shape of an open Tiffany-style box stuffed with cream and berries.  They’re adorable and so yummy.
• Ice cream bar – It’s not that expensive to order an ice-cream machine.  Set up bowls of toppings so that your guests can create their very own ice cream sundae.
• Cookie decorating station – This is perfect for a wedding with children involved.  It will not only entice their taste buds but will keep the kids amused.
• Dipping Station – Provide guests with a dipping station for fruits, like, strawberries, apples, etc. where they can dip their favorite fruit in milk, dark or white chocolate sauce, whipped cream and sugar.
• Cookies with a Message – You can also ask your caterer to prepare special cookies with a picture or message placed in the center.  This will give a personal touch to the occasion.

For some guests, desserts are incomplete without coffee or tea so make sure you serve your guests coffee or tea before they leave for the evening.

Bridal Event near Temecula and San Diego

Attending Temecula bridal events, San Diego bridal events, Orange County bridal events or other local bridal events provides an opportunity to bask in all of the anticipation of your wedding day and soak up the latest trends. It can also be the perfect environment to sample wedding cake and cuisine, and to benefit from the knowledge and suggestions of experienced wedding professionals and other brides-to-be. The upcoming Los Willows Bridal Social (taking place on April 1, 2012) provides an additional advantage – the chance to walk around the venue and get the feel for what you and your guests will experience on your wedding day both during the day and in the evening. If you are on the fence about certain enhancements, bridal events are great places to discuss upgrades with wedding venues, vendors and even fellow brides. So RSVP for the Los Willows bridal event, grab your girlfriends, go and have fun!

We’ve seen a new trend pop up that’s taking the wedding invitation to new heights…. QR codes on wedding invitations.

How are couples using them?  A QR code is personalized with the wedding and reception details.  When the QR code is scanned off the wedding invitation the recipient is automatically transferred to a website with the couples wedding details, gift registry and rsvp links.

What’s your take on them?  Exciting or the killing of a tradition?

We here at Los Willows think that you should check out these latest wedding trends from Bridal Guide Magazine.  These are some great ideas to apply to your San Diego or Temecula wedding venues.   If you see something you just gotta have have for your wedding, talk with a Los Willows wedding planner so we can make it happen for you. Read Bridal Guide Magazine’s Wedding Trends 2012.

We are so excited about Liza and Kendra’s Wedding Wrap-up!  This is a new blog feature in which our illustrious wedding director, Liza Isacsson, and celebrated wedding coordinator, Kendra Koenig, sound off about their favorite features of recent Los Willows weddings.  We hope you are inspired!

Sunday, January 15
Couple: Debbie & Josue – This was the amazing wedding for wounded Marine Josue Barron.

• Surprise cocktail hour dance by the Los Willows staff
• A gorgeous custom black and white wedding cake on our silver cake pedestal
• Touching presentation by Al Ransom, retired Marine Colonel and owner of Los Willows
• Photo booth fun

As Los Willows Wedding Estate prepares for Josue and Debbie’s wedding, we want to acknowledge all warriors who have put themselves in harm’s way to serve our country and protect others.  We just cannot thank you enough.  To the men and women who are learning to move forward after life-changing injuries, you are a profound inspiration.  Your story will keep changing lives as long as you are willing to tell it.  Please keep pressing forward and please keep telling your story.  You are a warrior, and we need you.

If you are (or think you will be) kicking off the new year as a bride-to-be, CONGRATULATIONS!!!  If you are planning to get married in 2012, then you will want to start researching wedding locations right away because January and February are major booking months and there will be a lot of competition for the most desired dates in 2012.

Saturdays are the most coveted day of the week for weddings because it is traditionally a non-working day (except for some people, including those of us who are actually in the wedding business) and there is traditionally no work on the following day (Sunday) so the bride, groom and wedding guests will be able to fully enjoy and recover from all of the partying before the new work week begins.  If you have a Saturday in mind, then you will definitely want to start researching wedding venues early in booking season before the Saturday inventory dries up.

You should also give Fridays and Sundays consideration.  Here is what Premier Bride says about those two days …

For Friday or Sunday weddings … photographers, video producers, musicians/entertainers and limousine services are much more willing to negotiate in order to reach a price that suits your budget. Vendors tend to see Friday and Sunday as bonus days, a time when they can earn income. Savings on these services can really add up, making this option a great way to save money without having to sacrifice the quality of your wedding.

On a Friday, you’ll probably have your wedding in the evening, which means that the ceremony is followed immediately by dinner. This means that you will avoid the extra cost and hassle of a one-to-two-hour interim reception or cocktail party …  Additionally, a Friday/Sunday wedding frees up at least one day of the weekend, generally making your family, friends and guests more appreciative of the extra time, especially if they are traveling.

Planning for a Friday or a Sunday wedding makes it much more likely that you will be able to reserve services on the date of your choice.

So what about a midweek wedding?

Recycled Bride founder Tracy DiNunzio of Santa Monica, CA said: “Mid-Week weddings were among the top 10 sustainable wedding trends … She says, “The Times Are A-Changing.  Saturday night weddings aren’t the only game in town. Brides and grooms are scheduling their nuptials on weeknights and even early mornings in 2010. It’s less expensive to book  a venue or caterer on “off days”, and as telecommuting becomes more popular, guests are gaining flexibility in their schedules. Weddings we’ll see this year will include sunrise affairs followed by romantic brunches, and chic mid-week dinner parties.”

Worried about your guests approving of a mid-week wedding?  Although you might hear some moaning and grumbling about having a mid-week wedding, most of your guests will understand and accommodate your decision.  They will definitely appreciate the extra spark that a midweek wedding will add to their work week.

From the article, “Top Ideas for Planning a Memorable Wedding”

Author: Graham

When it comes to getting married, location is a key factor. For couples that have chosen the San Diego area, there are plenty of venues, catering services and other options to choose from that can make this event one to remember. With the right planning and preparation, any couple can have a memorable wedding that they’ll be able to look back on fondly in the years to come.

Idea #1: Behind-the-Scenes Video

Instead of showing your guests a video montage of pictures of you and your sweetie from childhood to adulthood, why not break out of the mold and so something more interactive? Hire a videographer to capture the moments that led up to the wedding. This behind-the-scenes look is a wonderful way to show your guests a candid look into the process and is sure to entertain them. Additionally, it gives other people in your wedding party a chance to make a cameo.

Idea #2: Bust a Move

If you’re the type of couple that tends to think outside the norm, then prove it! Skip the traditional slow dance routine and instead perform your own choreography together to your favorite song. Such a performance is sure to be the talk of the town. If you really want to wow your guests with your performance, get your bridesmaids and groomsmen into the act as well. Practicing your choreography ahead of time as a group will not only make the final performance a success, it gives everyone in the bridal party a chance to get to know one another, if they don’t already.

Idea #3: Picture Perfect

Even though a wedding is all about the bride and groom, why not allow your guests to share a bit of the spotlight as well? One way to accomplish this is by doing a San Diego photo booth rental. This type of booth lets guests conduct their own mini photo shoots and is ideal for singles, couples or even group shots. The most advanced photo booth San Diego rental companies offer not only the ability to take and print pictures, but allow for video messaging, custom graphics and layouts and even the opportunity to create a special photo album, which guests can sign.

Using a San Diego photo booth is the perfect way for every guest at your wedding to create their own memories of your event that they will cherish forever.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/beauty-articles/top-ideas-for-planning-a-memorable-wedding-4746541.html

About the Author

For more information on photo booth San Diego, such as booth options, FAQs, pricing and image galleries, couples can visit:

http://www.starlightphotobooth.com/

From the Article “2012 Wedding Dress and Hairstyle Trends”

Author: osaki raysor

2012 is going to be a year of ultra-romance and vintage charm when it comes the design trends in every aspect of weddings, including the wedding dress, accessories, hairstyles, wedding cake and more.

In this competitive market, wedding gown designers are becoming more creative in their designs, making a unique gown for just about every bride. We all have our own vision of what the perfect wedding dress looks like, and chances are, with all of the new designs coming into production, you’ll be able to find it!

Here are some of my personal favorite new wedding trends for 2012:

• Gold accessories are going to be more popular, especially for a fall or winter wedding. Things like gold hair brooches, gold shoes, gold jewelry, and even golden hued wedding gowns. The key to choosing gold accessories with a timeless look, is to choose only one or two that you love. This will keep your look from being too over-the-top.

• Big layered sheer skirts with lots of interesting details in materials such as chiffon, organza, lace, batiste, crepe, and tulle. Instead of the dress designs you’ve seen in the past using just one material, dress designers are now incorporating many different materials into one dress, making each one unique.

• I just love the new corset style bodices with lacing down the back. This is a very sexy yet sophisticated style that goes well with a large ball gown skirt. You’ll see a lot of these with intricate detailing using things like beadwork and lace.

• Vintage inspired wedding gowns with a modern touch. Just choose your favorite era, whether it’s the roaring 1920′s or a dress inspired from the 1950′s, perhaps the dress Marilyn Monroe made famous. I’ve found a vintage inspired wedding to be a lot of fun! This is your one special day, why not make it your own?

• Detachable bridal belts can add a unique look to any wedding gown, making it easy to customize the wedding dress you’ve chosen. Instead of just the colored sash that we’ve seen on the runways in the past, you now have options in belts that look more like jewelry. They’re stunning!

• Loose and simple hairstyles. Instead of the up-do that looks like it took many grueling hours, styling tools and hairspray to accomplish, think of a more natural look, with loose waves pinned back low on the head or even off to the side.

• Large hair accessories, such as a gardenia, sparkling brooch with feathers, or a birdcage veil are becoming more popular, but keep your other accessories to a minimum, and let the hair accessory that you have chosen be the focal point.

• When you think of a pony tail you might think of a more casual affair, but not if you do it right! Low side pony tails look stunning with a one-shoulder wedding dress. This look works best for brides with long hair. Part your hair off to one side and put lots of loose curls in the pony tail. Choose an accessory to go around the band for that finishing touch.

Just remember, the only opinion that matters is your own. Try to keep your stress levels low and just go with your instincts. Choose the things that you love, and you shouldn’t go wrong.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/weddings-articles/2012-wedding-dress-and-hairstyle-trends-5425930.html

An exerpt from the article “Wedding Ceremony Fainters”

Author: Maureen Thomson

Any professional wedding officiant with a substantial level of experience can share a story or two of wedding ceremony fainters. My personal favorite is the wedding I performed where the maid of honor saw the best man starting to wobble and subsequently executed a perfect swan dive between me and the couple to catch him as he went down.

While fainting episodes make great material for the bride and groom to tell their grandkids someday, most people would like to avoid being the faintee on such an important (not to mention well-attended) occasion.

Some tips for staying upright:

• Eat. This is not the time to save your calories for the reception.
• Drink water. Staying hydrated will prevent light-headedness.
• Sleep. Don’t party the night before until the cows come home. It’s a recipe for disaster.
• Avoid a lot of alcohol before the ceremony. A glass of Champagne might calm your nerves momentarily, but too much (especially on an empty stomach) will leave you woozy.
• Keep the temperature of your ceremony location cool and comfortable. Think about this when choosing a ceremony site. If your wedding is to be in July in Arizona, you’d better opt for an indoor, air-conditioned location. And if you have your heart set on getting married outdoors, but wake up on the day of your wedding to 90 degree temps, you will want to opt for an air-conditioned Plan B. It’s not just rain that should move your ceremony indoors; heat should be considered as well.
• If you’re the type to get nervous when the attention is focused on you, take a few minutes before the start of the ceremony to do some anxiety-reduction exercises. Breathe deeply, meditate, visualize, do jumping jacks–whatever it takes to keep you calm.
• Don’t lock your knees when you’re standing during the ceremony. Doing so means an increased risk of hitting the ground.
• Remember–fainting does not generally strike from out of the blue. You won’t be standing upright and feeling fine one second and then “BAM!” hitting the floor the next. If you’re going to take a dive, it will definitely sneak up on you gradually. So, for heaven’s sake, if you’re in the wedding party and feel yourself start to sway, get lightheaded, experience a feeling of vertigo or your vision starts to blur, you’re sweating profusely, you feel nauseated or just “not right” then discreetly hightail yourself out of the line of sight and sit down. Barely anyone will notice if you quietly step aside during the ceremony and take a seat, but trust me, EVERYONE will notice if you take a swan dive off the altar.
• If it’s YOUR wedding day and you’re in front of 200 of your nearest and dearest proclaiming your lifelong commitment to your beloved (no pressure!) then the only thing you can do is call a temporary halt to the proceedings, take a breather and return somewhat refreshed. It’s rare for the bride or groom to be the fainter, and you can certainly minimize the chances by following the tips outlined above.

Perhaps one of the biggest decisions an engaged couple can make is what venue to book for your wedding. Sometimes choices can seem overwhelming, but have no fear: there are, in fact, some easy ways to narrow down your choices. The size of your planned affair can determine where you book your wedding; however, most venues can accommodate more intimate weddings in addition to larger, more elaborate receptions. However, knowing how many guests you plan to invite is a good first step in determining where you’ll host your wedding. Further, location, atmosphere, budget, and, of course, availability can also contribute to your decision. Most venues—especially the more popular ones—recommend you book your wedding as soon as you set a date. Wait too long, and you just might miss out on the wedding of your dreams—or at least the venue you had your heart set on. Book your wedding as early as possible.

How Do You Choose A Wedding Venue?

When you choose a wedding venue, it’s a very personal choice for the bride and groom. If you live near the ocean, do you want a lakeside wedding? A garden venue is popular, while some couples would rather hold their wedding at a location with overnight accomodations. Where you have your wedding will help you set the theme for your event. It’s also important to have your reception at a location that is used to having weddings. Putting on a wedding reception is not for the faint of heart; it requires knowledge, patience and experience. Wedding receptions need to work like clockwork, and venues that have years of experience, like Los Willows, will help the bride and groom to relax, rather than worry about minute details. If you want your wedding reception to go off without a hitch, then it might be best to choose a wedding venue that has several years experience.

How To Choose Between Two Venues You Love

Believe it or not, if you have to choose between two venues, Liza Isacsson, Wedding Director at Los Willows, says price should not be the deciding factor. Other factors are far more important than price if you are between two venues you love. For example, many large venues will have more than one wedding going on at a time. Or they might be hosting a birthday party for a teenager, a retirement party or a corporate event at the same time that they are hosting your wedding. You should not only know if there are other events booked, but what they are so that they don’t interfere with your wedding. Do you really want to hear a hard bass beat in the background while you’re dancing to “Daddy’s Little Girl” with your father? If this is a concern, it might be best to select a venue that holds only one event at a time and isn’t a “reception mill.” If you have to choose between two venues, pick the one that puts you first.

Look for a Wedding Venue With Experienced Management

People will remember your wedding—don’t let anyone convince you that your wedding venue and who is handling all the details at your reception isn’t important. It is. You are going to spend thousands of dollars, invite the people you love most in the world, and you not only want them to have a good time, you want them to think back on your wedding as a joyous occasion that was amazing. While of course budget must be a consideration, other factors are actually more important. And experience is perhaps the most important one of them. Will the management at the venue work with you? Do they return phone calls? Will they take your concerns and worries seriously? Are they willing to work with you? Do your personalities mesh? When choosing a wedding venue, it’s important to look at the little details that will make the big “wedding” picture they way you want it to be.

Los Willows Has Been Hosting Weddings for Over 20 Years

The wedding coordinators and staff of Los Willows, a luxurious wedding venue in San Diego, have a great deal of experience with wedding planning. The ceremony and reception garden estate can provide the picturesque backdrop for your future perfect wedding. Contact Los Willows today for more information!

How to Properly Integrate Wedding Lights into your Special Event

Author: Kathryn Dawson

On the big day, it seems that everything needs to be perfect. The littlest thing wrong with a wedding day can throw the bride, or even the groom, for a loop because they have waited so long for this day to arrive. Lights can add a sparkle and ambiance that cannot be achieved by flowers or other backdrop accessories. Any kind of atmosphere can be created by lighting specialists, and you can even add your own unique touch if needed to make that day exactly how you always wanted it to be. Sophistication and luxury are key to most weddings, and the perfect lighting can sometimes be the key to making your wedding the definition of class.

No part goes unnoticed during a wedding, and everything will be looked at and gazed upon for hours by the guests before the festivities actually begin. The backdrop of the wedding ceremony and reception are the focal point for the big event because that is what will be behind the bride and groom as they say. It needs to be able to perfectly captivate the moment and let it live that way forever through pictures and videos.

The lighting can control the mood of the wedding, so after the deep, romantic moment of the actual ceremony is over, brighter and more colorful lighting can be used at the reception. This is a route that has been taken many times at many weddings over the years, and has been proven to create the right moods for each part of the day. There does not need to be any worries about what specific ways the lighting should be used because each wedding needs to have its own unique flavour. With a lighting design coming from the bride or groom, the atmosphere will be sure to be a unique one for everyone involved.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/interior-design-articles/how-to-properly-integrate-wedding-lights-into-that-special-event-4194552.html

About the Author

Kathryn Dawson writes articles for LDJ Lights, an expert in fairy lights. LDJ Lights only supply lights that have been inspected and tested to the same rigorous standards as those used in major commercial displays. All their lights offer a decorative sparkle for any occasion. Every party needs christmas tree lights or wedding lights to enhance the mood, which you can find from the comfort of your home and have them delivered right to your door step.