If you ever have thought about eloping today gives you two really great reasons… a beautiful couple and a breathtaking beach!

Rena and Sean eloped on one of the luckiest days, 11-11-11, and spent five amazing days in Hawaii. With their wedding photographer Pinky Photography serving as their witness Rena and Sean had a beautiful, intimate and emotional ceremony on Makapu’u Beach.

Photography: Pinky Photography

Location: Makapu’u Beach, Oahu, Hawaii

Officiant: Love hawaii

Bouquet & boutineer made by Rena’s mom, Misty DeBlasio

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Before the bride walks down the aisle all eyes are on the groom. As he awaits his bride he will feel confident and comfortable in Dessy’s After Six Tuxedo. The Paragon tuxedo {above right photo} is a modern classic, and is ideal for any formal occasion. Fabricated in extra fine merino wool, it features two-button styling, notch lapels, and unique piping with a signature bow tie motif.

Retailing for $395, the Paragon is handsomely complemented by After Six’s Formal Accessories including ties, pocket squares, vests and more. Accessories come in the bow tie pattern in tones of aubergine, platinum or sapphire, as well as a range of solid colors matching bridesmaid dresses by the Dessy Group. Shop the entire tuxedo look or browse through Dessy’s complete collection of Men’s formal wear.

Visit Dessy today!

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Last week I had the pleasure of giving an interview with Zankyou Magazine! I’m really excited to have them a part of the Dylan List and you can check out the full interview by CLICKING HERE!

Happy Weekend!

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The Knot Wedding Shop is having a HUGE sale! Get everything you need for your reception now through March 20th.

Today only! Take 20% off orders $150 or more at The Knot Wedding Shop. Use code FRIDAY20 at checkout. Valid Friday 3/16 only.

Want a FREE Expandable Purse File {pictured above bottom right corner}? Its perfect to keep all of your contract’s and clippings organized. Get it FREE when you spend $75 or more at The Knot Wedding Shop! Hurry, offer ends Sunday or while supplies last.

Also on sale this weekend at The Knot Wedding Shop are personalized napkins, matches, coasters, cameras, lanterns and chocolate.

Happy Shopping!

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This morning I watched a great story on the Today Show about San Francisco based author, Elizabeth Weil, who wrote a book about relationships. The book is part memoir and part self-help and talks about how to make a great marriage even better.

She explained in an interview with CBS in San Francisco that couples don’t have to wait to fix their relationship until something major happens. She says to start being proactive in showing your partner how much you care and do more things together that you might not otherwise.

And her advise to newlyweds, “Cherish your spouse – and be proactive about it. Call right now and tell him or her that you think she’s incredibly brilliant or he’s breathtakingly handsome. Put yourself out there. And when you’re feeling really annoyed and stuck, which you will one day, stay proactive. One great mental trick is to imagine yourself in each other’s shoes. Really imagine it, in detail — the specific shoes, maybe even the whole specific outfit. There’s this amazing photos series called Switcheroo, in which couples dress as each other, even take on each other’s gestures and facial expressions. It’s empathy embodied and it’s so beautiful.”

I’m sure your wondering where this is going. Your taking this journey into marriage and everyone wants it to last, so how can you do that? Here are 7 great tips on how to make your marriage last via Hitched Magazine.

1. Communication. If you don’t know how to express your feelings and/or have poor listening skills, learn to get better at both. You can read a book, take a class, or get into counseling. Good communication requires both the ability to express and listen.
2. Don’t sweep your fights under the rug. Do your best to resolve your first argument as soon as it arises so you won’t have the same argument for the next fifty years, in different forms.
3. Remember that you love your spouse and why your getting married. You want the best for her/him. Give her/him the benefit of the doubt when you feel angry, hurt or disappointed. Talk to your partner; don’t make assumptions.
4. Don’t take your spouse for granted. Tell your partner every day something you appreciate about her/him and how grateful you are to have them in your life.
5. Your spouse isn’t the enemy. Your spouse should never feel like your enemy. If they do, something is wrong; remember that you fell in love with this person. If there’s so much anger that you feel like you are enemies, get help somewhere as quickly as possible.
6. Gauge your marriage. Notice and don’t ignore the warning signs if you’re not talking, sex has diminished, you’re fighting all the time and you’re not happy. The sooner you acknowledge you’re having problems, the sooner you can begin to solve them.
7. You have the power to change behaviors in your marriage through different tools of self-discovery. You don’t have to stay stuck in unhealthy ruts.

You can finish reading more about 7 Powerful Ways to Make Your Marriage Last by CLICKING HERE and you watch their entire segment on the Today show HERE.

Photo courtesy of prettypaddedroom.com.

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Name: Abby Jacobs

Location: Boulder, CO

Company Name: Happy Abby Peg Dolls

Tell us a little about what you do.

I create very detailed, hand painted peg dolls of all kinds! In my Etsy shop there are custom wedding cake toppers, custom families, birthday cake toppers, super heroes, fairies, and so much more! Currently, all of my Etsy profits are donated to Naropa’s Community Art Studio-International. They are working with Transitions Global to help girls who have been victims of human trafficking.

How long have you been in business?

I have been in business since January! Luckily, I’ve had so many orders already that I feel very experienced!

What inspired you to start your business/studio?

I have a graduate degree in art therapy but currently I stay at home with my two young children. I needed a creative outlet and this seems a perfect fit for me! I have always admired tiny things! I remember as a child, I absolutely loved playing with little dolls. When I saw these unfinished wooden pegs, I knew I could do wonderful things with them! I also have a strong desire to give back to the community and the world, so figuring out a way I could help also inspires me and keeps me motivated.

What is your favorite thing about your business/studio?

I love that when I create a wedding cake topper, I know that something I made is going to be a special detail in a very important event in the couple’s lives. At the same time, each purchase is a contribution to a very important cause! It is a double bonus! I also love the feedback I receive from creating these and other custom items. It makes me feel so good that my customers are thrilled with their custom order!

Was there a defining moment when you knew you picked the right career path?

Yes! When I received my first order it just felt right. It seems like the perfect thing for me to be doing, at the perfect time in my life. I know my career path will change when my kids are in school, but I feel like these peg dolls will always remain a part of my life.

When you built your business what style would you say you built it around? (i.e. classic, modern, vintage)

In regard to the wedding cake toppers, I guess my style was built around simplicity. I see so much beauty in things that are simple and chic.

When working with people how do you help bring the vision for the event to life?

I think that when the couple sees a totally customized version of themselves in peg doll form it makes them happy! It is such a special detail for the wedding day, but also an amazing keepsake to have for the rest of their lives.

Where do you go for inspiration? (i.e. blogs, magazines)

I use photos of my customers and the wedding attire they have chosen as my inspiration! When I am creating other peg dolls for my shop, my kids are my inspiration- they have so many interests that the possibilities seem endless!

Is there anything else you want people to know about you and your business/studio?

I also do custom families of peg dolls, so keep me in mind when your new family grows! Also, these dolls can be found in Ginger & Pickles and Fabricate in Boulder.

You can check out more on Happy Abby Peg Dolls by visiting her Etsy page, blog, Facebook page and following her on Twitter!

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