It’s hard to believe that wedding season is in full swing - it’s such an exciting time! After months of hard work, I can’t express the emotions that run so high when the bulk of travel begins for our lovely guests.
I am learning that I am too busy to travel between January - April, myself. We, at Island Bridal, work so hard from January - April booking guests for May-December weddings. I am just beginning to enjoy summer and catch up with friends and family time I missed all Spring.
We are now taking numerous calls from couples planning 2010 weddings. It’s amazing how quickly the evening wedding times book up at some of our favorite resorts in Mexico and the Caribbean.
So many good deals that we hope will continue to get even better! Thankfully, you can book your favorite resort and start inviting guests to your destination wedding 18 months in advance and feel confidant that if a lower price comes along, we will claim the savings for you!
Honeymoons & Destination Weddings
“You Can’t Get Good Photos on a Rainy Wedding Day!”
Says Who?
There’s no question that outdoor weddings and receptions have become quite popular. While an April wedding in California may have a good chance of sunny weather, you may not have as much success in Champaign/Urbana or the rest of the State of Illinois for that matter. So how do you get good wedding photography when it rains on your wedding day and you were planning outside photos? While an inexperienced wedding photographer may panic, a real professional will be able to adjust. Indeed, as long as the couple is willing, there have been many award winning wedding photographs taken in snow, wind, and rain. However, most couples would probably prefer to stay dry, so what happens on a rainy day when a bride and groom want some good wedding pictures?
Mark Romine of Mark Romine Photography in Bloomington Illinois says: “Well certainly a rain filled wedding day is not optimal for wedding photography but it doesn’t mean that all is lost. Discuss this with your wedding photographer well in advance and ask him/her what plans can be implemented as a back up in case of inclement weather. If you have hired a local photographer they are often familiar with possible options that you can take advantage of for little or no cost. Depending on how bad the weather becomes you may only need a dry overhang to get you in out of the rain. Often nearby park gazebos or historic buildings such as old court houses, post offices, libraries or university buildings with large stone pillars and overhangs can serve the situation well. If the rain is a torrential downpour with high winds then you will obviously need to be completely inside. Some locations that can work well, are again, old historic buildings like train stations or bus terminals. Some photographers have used the public areas of malls that may have an atrium in them. I know many photographers plan accordingly and often bring a large umbrella or two just for the purpose of shooting outside with a light rain or drizzle. These photos often make for wonderful romantic photos whether taken in a park or urban setting. If you have booked your photographer from out of town then you may need to scout some locations ahead of time and offer these as suggestions to your incoming photographer but be sure to have a conversation with them so that plans are in place in case you get that summertime thunderstorm.”
In Front of Foellinger Auditorium
Normal Theater, Normal, IL
Become a “Premiere Bride” and Save $$
One of the intentions of Bridal University is to show Brides and Grooms how to relieve stress when planning their weddings. We always suggest using vendors you can trust, so you feel stress free when leaving your planning in their capable hands. By joining forces with other BU vendors, Michelle’s Bridal Shoppe has made this step even easier…plus added money saving incentives!
When purchasing your gown at Michelle’s Bridal Shoppe, you have the option of becoming a “Premiere Bride”. Premiere Brides are those who commit to purchase their Bridal Gown, Bridesmaids Gowns, and Tuxedo Rentals. As a reward for doing so, Michelle’s gives a 10% discount on the Brides purchase, including headpiece, veil, shoes and jewelry. In addition, Bridesmaids, Mothers and Flower Girls receive the same discount. The Tuxedo department offers the Groom a free tuxedo rental and 1/2 price tuxedos for two Ring Bearers.
Present your Premiere Bride card at these additional Bridal University vendors for even more savings:
Additional rewards for Premiere Brides includes a 10% discount on your floral order when shopping for your wedding flowers at English Hedgerow.
Save money on your wedding invitations by going to Herriott’s. Premiere Brides save 30% on wedding invitations and paper products by showing your Premiere Bride card when you order.
Mark Romine Photography rewards Premiere Brides with 75 custom designed “Save the Date ” cards when you book your engagement & wedding photography.
Michelle’s Bridal Shoppe would like to extend an invitation to all upcoming Brides to shop at our store, meet our staff and let them help you find attire for your entire wedding party. Because we are a full-service shoppe, consider becoming a Premiere Bride and take advantage of the stress free “one stop shopping”, AND be rewarded by Michelle’s and other BU vendors too!
Call 217-384-7914 if you would like to schedule an appointment with a Bridal Consultant, or if you have questions about becoming a Premiere Bride.
Travel Tools for your Smart Phone
Lonely Planet Audio Phrasebook application includes over 600 spoken (and phonetically written) phrases, covering everything from health (I’m allergic to antibiotics) to going out (Where can I find a pub?). $9.99
HearPlanet (downloaded thru itunes)
Introducing the World’s First Talking Tour Guide for your Cell Phone.
Use HearPlanet to learn about the places you go, as well as what’s around you every day. It’s a great way to learn about your surroundings and you’ll be amazed at what you find; landmarks, historic sites, famous buildings, sports venues. And it speaks to you! And it’s hands free. $6.99
GasBuddy.com
Type in the city
Returns a local gas price snapshot:
Today 2.297
Yesterday 2.275
One Week Ago 2.109
One Month Ago 2.086
One Year Ago 3.755
Plus lists each gas station, name and address, gives directions to the station and a map with the gas price and the time it was updated – updated within 24 hours.
Flighttrack can be downloaded through itunes and works on your phone or ipod.
Like an airport monitor, gives you flight status and gate information – only right in your hand.
keeping users in the know about gate changes, delays, cancellations and current weather conditions.
$9.99
Couture Veils and Headpieces are the newest trend
Couture is in! These headpieces and veils are the newest line from Designer Toni Federici, and can be found at Michelle’s Bridal Shoppe.
Every Bride wants to give her gown and attire an individualized look. The latest trends show that Brides from Central Illinois are now trying more couture, or “Hollywood” looks.
Trying to capture the look of celebrity weddings, and red carpet events can easily be accomplished by accessorizing with more upscale pieces for your hair.
Wedding gowns can still be traditional, but by adding a designer veil or hair accessory, you’ve transformed your look into something stylish and new. There are many new pieces that look “vintage” also, which is another popular look for today’s Brides.
Visit Michelle’s Bridal Shoppe to view more of Toni Federici’s beautiful veils and accessories. Let the talented staff at Michelle’s show you how to “Go Hollywood” for your big day!
Toni’s full collection also available for preview online at www.headpieces.com.
by JWayland
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