Today I had a great blog post ready, but its going to have to wait. As I was doing some daily reading of blogs I came across an article posted yesterday on Glamour Weddings, 6 Things You Absolutely MUST Know About Each Other Before You Get Engaged. The article starts off with 6 major things you need to find out about your boyfriend before you get engaged. It is VERY important to know your partner in and out. I mean… come on…. you want to spend the rest of your life together right?.

Here are the 6 MUST know things according to Meredith Bodgas at Glamour Weddings:

1. Past Relationships. We’re not talking the short relationships, we’re talking the big ones. The ones that changed your life forever. Bodgas suggests that you also include in the details why you broke up, how long you were together and of course if you were married before.

2. Whether or Not You Want Kids. Its a deal breaker for a lot of couples. But, in my opinion you should know this very soon after your relationship gets serious.

3. The Possibility of Kids Already Running Around. Bodgas says that if your partner cut ties with women he had unprotected sex with, you need to know about it.

4. Your Takes on Religion. According to Bodgas you need to know how important religion could become, and what religion that may be, if you get to those points in your relationship.

5. What His Family Like. LOL, yeah this is important!

6. Past Run-Ins With the Law. You don’t want any major surprises in your marriage.

So, 26 comments later this article sparked a HUGE discussion on Glamour Weddings from financial status to sperm donation readers went back and forth on questions they think you should also know.

But what I want to know is What YOU think you should know before you get engaged and do you agree with this article? You can read the FULL article 6 Things You Absolutely MUST Know About Each Other Before You Get Engaged by going to Glamour Weddings.

Photo courtesy of lusterstudios.com.

Kelsey and Ryan were married in beautiful Vinton, Virgina. They met in high school their freshmen year.

It wasn’t until their sophomore year when two of their friends started dating they got to know each other a little better. Now here we are several years later and Kelsey and Ryan are celebrating their marriage!

Describe the proposal. I had been babysitting on my birthday and I knew Ryan was doing something for my birthday. I got home and there were flowers, doughnuts and wine. We ate a little and pulled out some chocolate covered strawberries! YUM!

Lastly, he pulled out a bride and groom strawberry and on a plate with the ring hiding behind it! We love food so this was great! I said YES of course!

My favorite things were the girls wearing red shoes, the dessert table and the hanging lanterns.

We decided not to go with a traditional wedding cake seeing as we aren’t a traditional couple. Instead we got Krispy Kreme doughnuts and cupcakes!

Kelsey and Ryan decided to go with a Do-It-Yourself photo booth. This is a great way to save a few dollars on your wedding day.

I bought a Fujifilm Instax (Same as a Polaroid) and asked a couple cousins to be photographers. We created a photo booth with a sheet behind it and had people take their pictures while we were getting our pictures done.

We had props for people to use and had people write a little note on the picture. We are now making an awesome guest book!

Photography: Ampersand Photography
Catering/Flowers/Coordination/Cupcakes: Plantation Creations
Venue: Braeloch, 540-890-9152
Hair: Azario Salon

Our real wedding features officially has a new look! Now you will be able to read from the bride and groom about their wedding day.

You will read all about their planning and some their most memorable moments. Hope you enjoy it!

Michelle and Rick met through a mutual friend. As luck would have their mutual friend set them up to meet when they both moved to Edmonton, Alberta. They met at a local pub one night and the rest is history!

Describe the proposal. We were on a cruise in the Caribbean and it was the second night on board, May 18th, 2009 to be exact! Rick had sent me to the casino for a bit and in the meantime he was in our room making a phone call to my parents back home to ask for their permission. That night at dinner I was concerned as Rick was not eating much. Dessert came and Rick demanded that we return to the hotel room as he was not feeling well, so back to the room we went.

There in the room I was sitting on the bed looking over the next days itinerary waiting very patiently for Rick who was in the washroom. I was yelling at him to hurry up so we didn’t miss the show that night. Rick finally came out of the washroom walked over to the bed, got down on one knee and popped the question and my answer was a big YES!! Rick confessed that night why he took so long in the bathroom, he was practicing his proposal in the mirror!

The whole design of the wedding revolved around being out in the wilderness, the mountains and somewhat like an enchanted forest!

I used different shades of purple and green, different kinds of flowers and greenery, and butterflies.

My most memorable moment about my wedding day would be that walk up the aisle. Walking arm in arm with my father, seeing my brothers, sister and best of friends standing there smiling and crying.

Then seeing Rick standing there waiting, knowing that in a matter of minutes we would be exchanging our vows in front of our family and friends. Knowing that the moment we had been thinking of and dreaming of for so long was finally here! It was such a special moment and very emotional.

Photography: Eternal Reflections
Hotel/Catering: Banff Park Lodge
Ceremony: Town of Banff
Officiant: Rev.George Belcher
Floral: Bride in Bloom/Locks N’ Bows
Linens: Elegant Event Rentals Lougheed, Alberta: 780-386-2440
Rentals: Special Event Rentals
DJ: Revolution Entertainment
Transportation: Pinnacle Banff Sightseeing Tours
Cake: Whimiscal Cake Studio

Okay, I’m going to be completely honest here. If I could enter this contest I would. Why wouldn’t you want a chance to win your bills paid for a month, or gas paid, or your cell phone bill paid?  Seriously your planning a wedding. You need to save as much money as possible and this is a great opportunity. All you have to do is enter a valid email address once a day for your chance to win Jones Soda “Win Absolutely Nothing” Sweepstakes!

It doesn’t get much better than this. You have until Dec. 1, 2010 to enter the contest. While your there make sure you check out the personalized labels for you wedding. Just a few days ago I blogged about Personalized Drink Bottles. They are the perfect addition to your wedding and your guests will LOVE this favor.

Good Luck!

I have to admit I’ve been in love with Maihar Design for a LONG time. Ever since our vendor spotlight on the fantastic sister duo from Texas I’ve been anxiously awaiting their new line.

Well… its here, and its here in a big bold way! The Glitzy Girls is the newest line from Maihar Design and they didn’t disappoint.

Beautiful fabric and grosgrain ribbon with the option of silk flowers makes these ring bearer pillows one of a kind.

Each keepsake is hand sewn with the most elegant fabric. These pieces are the perfect match for your wedding.

Your flower girls and ring bearer’s will be walking down the aisle sporting some serious style!

When you mention Maihar Design you can’t forget the beautiful flower wands perfect for any flower girl. The stylish hair petals I could wear everyday! With all of these products you will have no problem getting that little one down the aisle.

To check out more on Maihar Design make sure you check out their website, blog and Etsy store!

All photos by: Matthew Niemann with Aberdeen Studios

Its the little touch that goes a long way. On that hot summer day its the perfect favor for your guests. Its that perfect little detail during your wine themed bridal shower. It’s also the perfect go-too soda/wedding favor guests will be sure to pick up before they leave your wedding. Whatever it may be, make sure you get personalized labels for your water bottles, wine bottles, and soda bottles. Here are some ideas for every occasion.

DIY labels:

These labels are the perfect DIY project. This simple “DAD” centerpiece can be replaced with the word “LOVE” and will make the perfect centerpiece at your wedding or bridal shower.

Where to find: Check out Ruffled or 100 Layer Cake for easy DIY label templates!

Water Bottles:

There are several creative ways you can do your water bottles, so it won’t be hard to “brand” your wedding from beginning to end. Make sure the water is cold especially on the hot summer days… your guests will thank you!

Where to find: The Knot Wedding Shop, Beau-coup, AmericanBridal.com

Wine Bottles:

Wine bottles are perfect for the engagement party, bridal shower, or wedding. Make sure if you are a wine lover you can also find winery’s that can make your own personal blend along with labels. With wine the possibles are endless.

Where to find: The Knot Wedding Shop, Beau-coup, AmericanBridal.com

Soda Bottles:

The go-to soda company Jones Soda… what more do I need to say? Its perfect for everything and its Pure Cane Soda.

Where to find: Jones Soda

**Don’t forget to recycle your bottles.

Happy Planning!

Photos courtesy of: Pineapple Hill Designs, Manolo for the Brides, Home Shopping- 2ols.com, Precious Nuptials & Destinations, Carolina Sweet Couture, Duct Taped Design, The Sweet Life, Jones Soda.