To Change or Not To Change Name, Is the Question

Your heart skipped a beat when your fiance, dropped to one knee and asked you to marry him!! Things were so loving and happy and you were soon to become Mr. and Mrs. Joe Nonamer? Wait stop the presses!!  You didn't say that you were going to be changing your name, you plan on being Ms. Donald, because you have worked so hard on making a name for yourself and all of your business associates, contacts and connections know you as Ms. Donald not Mrs. Nonamer.

This really sparked a major conversation in our offices because we have someone who got married not so long ago and she continues to use her maiden name and not her married name. Which she stated, "I use my maiden name for professional reasons and when I'm outside of the office, everyone calls me by my husbands last name." She also stated "That her husband has no issue with this because he knows she is his wife and that they are a great couple, but her family "Mother-in-Law" takes great issue with this as if her husbands' name isn't good enough or maybe that he cannot provide for her."  This really sparked our interest even more and made us think is it such a major issue of changing your name? The Pros and Cons or were there any Cons to this matter? Would couples still argue over this topic for years to come? Lastly does your husband secretly hold this against you?

The more that we talked about this issue the more heated it got.  I thought hey where did all of this name changing come from?  Tradition calls for in American customs that the women would change their names once married and take on their husbands name.  With the help of the Women's Movement some women have altered the tradition by selecting to have their original names as their middle names now or hyphenating it to include both names like Denise Perez-Welsh Sr. Assistant to President/CEO of LaPaz Image/Event Consultants.  She stated that "she never thought about loosing her name because it was what made her, who she is and identified her with her siblings and she always loved her last name." 

To change your last name is definitely a personal choice and this is something that every couple should talk about prior to the I do's, this way the confusion and fussing will not begin.  Think of how maybe you would feel if your husband, walked around and just introduced you as your first and last name and never telling anyone you where married to him.  How might you feel about this?  This gives way to; are you giving up your identity and taking on his?  In some ways you are because, a name does identify a person and it brings the couple into a bond of family ties.  Recent studies at the University of Indiana, showed that 95% of woman thought that women should change and take on their husbands last name.

My thoughts on this topic are,  as women we are getting married at later years in our life and we have spent so much time in branding our identities and knowing who and what we want, and then to expect us to give up or name is something that is major to swallow.  Personally, I feel that women should have the right to keep there last name if this is something that they choose to do and it shouldn't be open for debate.

When you go out with your girlfriends or your sitting around with other friends that are married bring this topic up and see what the guy's have to say and what the ladies feel about this subject "To Change or Not To Change Name."

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Article by: M. DeGaines- Sr. Journalist

This article is property of LaPaz Image/Event Consultants and copyrights of Lapazimageing.blogspot.com ©2011.  It is prohibited by law to copy, add or release this information without signed authorization of the so said company herein listed in this article under the laws of The United States and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Copyright Infringement Laws.  

Avoiding the Bridezilla Episode at Your Wedding!

We know you're thrilled and excited, the love of your life has popped the question you've been waiting to hear "Will you marry me?" You both are filled with so much joy, happiness and hope for your future together.  You love his family and your family love him and all your friends seem to just get along famously.  Somewhere in between the will you marry me and the wedding you start to feel anxiety, frustrated and even rage with your groom, bridesmaids, mother and soon to be mother-in-law. Urgghh!!

We're about to tell you something that you need to remember all the way through the process of planning, rehearsal and wedding day!! First and foremost, step back and take a breath and always remember to breathe!!  Take plenty of time for yourself throughout the process and try some of our helpful little tips to keep you from looking like one of the episodes on WeTV's "Bridezilla"!  We have seven tips, we are going to give you to avoid burning out, blowing up and ruining relationships with family and friends:

Helpful Tips and Instructions:
1. Pace Yourself: You want the fabulous over the top fairytale wedding with many details. Do Not expect to pull it off in just a few months or a few weeks, something like this takes time to plan. Give yourself adequate time to research locations, because depending on the time of your wedding it may be hard to find a Banquet Hall to accommodate the large number of guest, you must count the cost and set a realistic budget.

2. Make a Budget: Making a realistic budget is very important and don't take on the feeling that it is YOUR wedding, its also your husband-to-be's wedding as well and he will be helping to foot some of the expenses.  Make sure once you set your budget you stick with your budget, you don't want to have an issue of going so far over the budget that now it puts you both into financial difficulties. Yes it is going to be one of the most memorable days of the couples lives but, remember it is just one day and life continues after the I do's.  You don't want to enter into your marriage in debt from your wedding day.

3. Create List: If you're a list person already then you are going to be a step ahead of most, but if you aren't start now!! You need a list for all of your vendors and task that you believe have to be accomplished.  If you have your Maid-of-honor who is willing to help you make sure you all compare the list and things that are priority are taken care of first and always be grateful for the help. Have specific time-lines for things and don't come unglued when somethings aren't completed because time and unforeseen obstacles can come up.

4. Delegate: If you can delegate some of the task and little jobs do so, but DO NOT MICROMANAGE, the person that is willing and capable of handling the task.  If you ask you mother to help with the seating arrangements don't step in and take over, allow her time to figure out who needs to be where and be willing to hear suggestions even if you aren't going to use them.

5. Over Talking the Wedding: We say this for our Brides-to-be with much love.  We know you're excited and you love everything about thinking about the big day, but for the sake of your relationship with your fiance, don't keep talking about the wedding!! You had real conversations prior to getting engaged and he loved just talking to you about your day, do not bombard the poor man or woman with wedding talk, books, napkins, colors, shoes, locations, number of guest, who's the bestman, where will we go for our honeymoon... Are you getting the point? It becomes overwhelming and it doesn't mean he doesn't love you, it means be balanced.

6. Remember: Remember why you wanted to marry him/her, remember to be considerate of each other, remember this is just one day to the rest of your lives, remember your friends stood by you before you met princess or prince charming, remember that he/she loves YOU!!

7. Mistakes: Mistakes happen and its not going to be perfect no matter how hard you plan.  Its okay, don't freak out, don't start screaming or just loosing your cool.  Take a moment to step back and look at the situation and you will see its not as big and even if it is you will keep a cool mind and heart to deal with it correctly.

Finale tips and thoughts:
* Ask for help: You are just one person and no-one thinks you have an "S" on your chest.
*Use List: They will help you keep track of things and remind you what you still need to accomplish
*Time out: Take a moment for you and your husband-to-be, don't plan or be in wedding mode every-day upon the day
*Remember: Remember why your getting married and what you love about each other
*Budget: Set a realistic budget and stick with it
*Fun: Enjoy your special day with all of your family, friends and guest

If you try to keep in mind some of these little tips, the process of planning your wedding and the wedding day will be filled with joy, laughter and love!

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Article by: LaPaz Image/Event Consultants

This article is property of LaPaz Image/Event Consultants and copyrights of Lapazimageing.blogspot.com ©2011.  It is prohibited by law to copy, add or release this information without signed authorization of the so said company herein listed in this article under the laws of The United States and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Copyright Infringement Laws. 

Royal Wedding On a Budget?

We know with all the talk of the Royal wedding that many brides-to-be are dreaming of this fairy-tale type of ceremony for themselves, but is that really something realistic or achievable on a budget?
Yes it really is something that is ascertainable, it takes a little know how and most importantly first-things first it takes budgeting more than anything else to pull off elegance and grace on a budget.  We thought we would give a few tips that you can incorporate into your Prince and Princess wedding. Try following these simple little tips and you will be so surprised with the elegance and splendor on a budget that you can achieve!

Top Tips for Having your own Royal Wedding:

 1. Start with your gown: Many brides-to-be don't realize that they can get really beautiful and elegant gowns from wholesalers/discount stores, at half the price that they would if they went to some of the top bridal boutiques.  Remember that you are going to be in this gown for such a short period of time and will only wear this one time, and it shouldn't be something that breaks the budget.  Fellas, look into renting your tux instead of purchasing it because how often are your going to be required to wear a tuxedo?  Make sure your flower girls, bridesmaids and groomsmen know about the stores where you purchased your gown and tux because many times they will give a group discount.

2. Invitations: Now this is an area that at times are very conflicting. Why? You may be asking, well the invitations say a lot about your affair and it makes a statement. Now with the DIY kits you can print your own elegant wedding invitations, you can get a high quality heavier quality card stock and print your own invitations with some really great programs, and by adding just a little embellishment to your invitation it can look like you spent $100's of dollars. Then you may decide that you will budget for your invitations to be done by a professional like Wedding Paper Diva(http://www.weddingpaperdivas.com/) or Pretty Paper Invitations (http://www.prettypaperinvitations.com/). Which ever you choose just make sure you select a nice quality and one that has lots of style.

3. Flowers: From your bouquet to the flower girl, bridesmaids, maid-of-honor, boutonnieres and center pieces this can be very costly! Again think of dealing with a wholesaler and really shop around for the best deal don't be afraid to negotiate for yourself.  Give the vendors your bottom line and most will work with you because they understand that you have a budget, don't be afraid to tell them of other deals that have been offered, and see if they will beat or meet it. Some florist may be willing to work with you as well being that you are going to be making a large purchase for your event you just have to be willing to negotiate and ask for what you want and what you cannot afford.

4. Season: Schedule your wedding during off peak season like late Spring early Summer. You can also save more money if you schedule your wedding on a week night like a Friday or during the day on Saturday you could cut cost by 10-20%. (Note: Peak seasons my differ in your area do your homework). Many times with scheduling your event on a Friday night or a Saturday before 5pm you may receive a discount on the Catering cost.

5. Color Pallet: This is fun for your Royal wedding select a color that is very rich like a Sapphire blue with yellow accents or Purple, Rich Green or any other rich hues that will give an illumination to the room and to take your event to the next level of elegance and sophistication.  This is where your creativity really can shine and you can add little accents of color to your venue.

6. Table Settings: This is an area where you really want to give your full attention to.  Make sure when you are selecting your table setting that they have an element of sophistication and just that touch of vintage to give the Royal wedding feeling.  Another nice touch you can add a love hand written (Calligraphy) menu for your guest.  They will enjoy seeing it and knowing what is going to be served.  You can do simplistic but still very unique touches to your tables.  Round tables are a little more formal and intimate than a square table.

7. Table Numbers: Now this is a very nice touch and maybe instead of having table number you can get printed famous and Royal place in London like Buckingham Palace, Westminster or Windsor this way it gives your guest that little touch of Royalty.


These are just a few tips to help you bring your dream Royal wedding to life.  Remember to stay within your budget and don't allow yourself to get caught up on the I wants but, really focus on the true meaning of this day and its about you and your future husband making a new life together.

If all of this is overwhelming to you feel free to contact LaPaz Image/Event Consultants, we will be more than happy to bring your Royal dreams to forwishen! Visit http://www.lapazimageing.com/

Cheerio (farewell or Good-bye)

Be apart of the Hottest Spot on the Internet!
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Article by: M. DeGaines- Sr. Style/Fashion Reporter
Photographs by: L. Mitchell and C. Storker for LaPaz Image/Event Consultants

This article is property of LaPaz Image/Event Consultants and copyrights of Lapazimageing.blogspot.com ©2011.  It is prohibited by law to copy, add or release this information without signed authorization of the so said company herein listed in this article under the laws of The United States and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Copyright Infringement Laws. 

Let Them Eat Cake

Those have to be the best words you could ever hear! From Fondant, to sugar flowers to butter cream or red velvet to just plain vanilla cake- We wanted to see if the Bakers where up for our challenge of creating a "non-traditional" wedding cake, and they met our challenge and more!

The idea came to us about non-traditional wedding cakes from a bride-to-be, who wrote in asking:

Hello,

I wanted to know is there any Bakeries that do non-traditional wedding cakes? I'm not a very traditional bride and want something that isn't so safe and that you don't see everyday. Can you all do an article highlighting this type of wedding cake?

Signed: Non-Traditional, San Francisco, CA

This started us on our quest; our first stop is Texas, Missouri City, Texas Exactly!

Londynz Gourmet Bakery

Summer Quail Drive

Missouri City, Texas 77489

832-656-3666

We met LaTasha Taylor Owner of Londynz Gourmet Bakery; from the moment we started speaking with her you could feel her love of baking.  This young entrepreneur started her love for baking at a very young age in her mothers' kitchen and was later encouraged by the love and support of her husband and family to open up her business.  We asked LaTasha, to give us a unique, one of a kind wedding cake and this talented Baker did not disappoint us!  We give you Londynz Gourmet Bakeries Pillow Wedding Cake:

This just took our breath away from the moment we saw it.  We asked her where did the inspiration come from with this cake and LaTasha stated "The bride I was working with wanted her theme to be comfort.  She stated that she loved the pillows on her bed and wanted to have something that was a representation of what she loved and this is what came to mind".  We where just blow away by this so we asked are there any other non-traditional wedding cakes that you have created?  LaTasha, stated "Oh yes! I have a bride that is in love with Hello Kitty, so I'm in the process of creating this for her."  We couldn't wait to see it and let me tell you it looks just like Hello Kitty!!

Londynz Gourmet Bakery is making dreams come true for brides and they also ship there wedding cakes. For more information on this amazing Bakery please visit: http://www.wix.com/latashaytaylor/londynz-gourmet-bakery 

We also wanted to give you a few more photos from this amazing Baker to also let you see that she also does traditional wedding cakes:

  

Now we are off to Philadelphia, PA to:
Bredenbeck's Bakery and Ice Cream Parlor
8126 Germantown Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19118
215-247-7374

Karen Boyd-Rohde, history reads almost like a legendary book of Bakers.  Her Father and grandfather worked originally for Fred Bredenbecks and in 1954 when Mr. Bredenbecks mother passed away he asked Karen's father and grandfather if they would like to purchase the business.  The building is very quaint and historic looking and catches your attention as soon as you see it:

We asked Karen to give us a little insight on how they go about helping a bride who is looking for something a little more non-traditional.  Karen stated "first you have to kind of get into the brides mind so as to really understand what they are really looking for.  They may want something non-traditional but, they also may need a little direction on the concept of the cake.  When we sit down and do a consultation we do a ruff draft to get and idea and then we build on it from there."  We asked what have been a few of your challenging pieces that you all have created?  Karen stated "I guess our Gothic cake and the Motor cycle cake.  They took a lot of hours and prep time for us to get it just so."  We are so amazed at all of the creations that Karen and her team are able to really produce and how life like the cakes are, we would like to show a few of there cakes:

Karen and Diana are really true artist and you can see this from the wonderfully designed cakes that they are producing and we was honored to have the opportunity to interview this amazing and ever so personable Baker.  To learn more about Bredenbeck's Bakery visit: http://www.bredenbecks.com/ 

Next Stop Hoboken, NJ!
Yes we are speaking of none other than Buddy Valastro "The Cake Boss" who owns and runs:
Carlo's Bakery
95 Washington Street
Hoboken, NJ 07030
201-656-3671

Everyone who is anyone, knows this Bakery and Buddy due to them having there reality show spotlighting the family and Bakery.  We know that Buddy and his team can turn out some of the most amazing cakes and have been doing it for years!  When we spoke to the representative from Carlo's Bakery they stated that it is a full-family effort to making the couples' wedding cake dreams come true.  They enjoy creating unique and original wedding cakes for couples that are so different.

Since us doing this article we found out that The Cake Boss has lost Sal Picinich to cancer and all of us here at LaPaz Image/Event Consultants-Bridal Edition send our true condolences to the family and all at Carlo's Bakery.

To learn more about The Cake Boss visit: http://www.shop.carlosbakery.com/

We have had a great time bringing this article to all of our readers and, we hope that you all enjoy the beautiful creations that all of these magnificent Bakers have presented!!  Like we said "Let Them Eat Cake" has got to be the Best thing anyone could say to us!!


LaPaz Image/Event Consultants-Bridal Edition
Where everything is Fabulous!

This article is property of LaPaz Image/Event Consultants and LaPaz Image/Event Consultants-Bridal Edition copyrights of Lapazimageing.blogspot.com © 2011.  It is prohibited by law to copy, add or release this information without signed authorization of the so said company herein listed in this article under the laws of The United States and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Copyright Infringement Laws. 

Wedding Trends for 2011

WooHoo!! Its another year and the thought of weddings taking place just sets off all kinds of excitement!! We know that every year offers something different and this year is no exception.

The 2011 wedding year is going to include a lot of Rustic Chic Concepts, they are taking on more of a classic feeling.  Outdoor weddings will be a major contender as soon as the weather breaks this will be the hottest trend of the season.  If you think about it why wouldn't an outdoor wedding be the next must have?  We have been trapped indoors for months now and we just want to see beauty and nature! 

Outdoor Weddings- It is really all about location, location, location! You want the right feeling, maybe its over looking the city or the mountains you want to take into consideration the theme of your wedding as well.  One very important thing you also need to remember when it comes to outdoor weddings is you cannot predict the weather so, make sure you always have a Plan B!  We have a couple who really captured the feeling of the great outdoors when they got married in October 2010 the backdrop was over looking the mountains of Arizona:

Pretty and Simplistic- This is the next big ticket after this year of seeing huge and opulent flower arrangements, comes a more simple and small arrangements-from beautiful garlands, lovely table runners, floating arrangements and simple table settings is the hottest trend this wedding season.  Tables will be long and elegant with a little air of mystery and romance.  Brides and Grooms are looking to be Eco-friendly, and they want the feeling to be more inviting and feelings of home and comfort. The table scape's are more of a center piece and allow guest to really be able to mingale with each other:

Taking things back- Meaning couples are opting to go more vintage which has become such a hot trend at the end of the 2010 wedding season but, it making a huge apperance in the 2011 wedding season.  Many couples are opting for the classic lines and feelings even to the old vintage Rolls to have the bride arrive at the wedding venue.  Many couples are even taking clues from ventage brands to give their guest a lovely favor that is simplistic and very romatic.  The hair and makeup are soft and swooping and the color pallets are soft, rustic and very romatic:

Details- The most important part of this year are the attention to small details.  If you are having that romatic rustic wedding think about the details of the venue, invitation, flowers and menue.  Things may be a little more simplistic but they aren't skimpping on any of the details. They have even thought about how the cake should be presented for this type of setting and many couples are going with a vintage cake stand or a more none-traditional wedding cake (make sure you read February issues when we will spotlight none-traditionl wedding cakes):

Photographs- Go old school have a little fun and don't make things so poisey, poisey! Ask your photographer to catch your bridal party being natural having fun and laughing and joking.  Get a few black and white photos and make it feel somewhat home made:

Menus and Food- Simple but Quality is very important! This is one area where you Do Not want to skimp or be cheap at.  The food and menu can make or break a wonderful wedding and most people will have much to say over your menu.. Have more traditional dishes but present the food in very modern ways make sure that your Caterer is able to deliver all of what you are looking to do and give them a little room with their creativity.  Most Caterers love to have somewhat of and edge when it comes to prepairing and presenting:

Weddings for the 2011 season are celebrating all things that are romatic and just a little out of the box.  We know whatever style you choose will be just breathtaking and fabulous!

LaPaz Image/Event Consultants
Where everyhthing is Fabulous!
Article By: N. Thomas for LaPaz Image/Event Consultants-Bridal Edition

Chief Editor: S. LaRae
Photos Provided by: A. Mulkowski

 

This article is property of LaPaz Image/Event Consultants and copyrights of Lapazimageingfashion.blogspot.com ©2010.  It is prohibited by law to copy, add or release this information without signed authorization of the so said company herein listed in this article under the laws of The United States and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Copyright Infringement Laws. 

Bridal Hair Trends for SS-2011

When we started thinking about this article we thought back to the Bridal Runway show of Carolina Herrera and we thought she was really on top of a very hot hair trend for the coming wedding season and she took it right from a classic look that and R&B Icon Billie Holiday use to wear.  Which is the classic Chignon with beautiful flowers as accent details to this classic look!  Ms. Billie Holiday was known for this look and everyone knew that it was her just from the silhouette of her hair.

Looking at the runway show we noticed that Carolina Herrera up-dated this classic look, by not having it so structured as what Billie Holiday once wore.  We noticed that Old Hollywood is making a major come back when it come to hair trends.

With these two looks from the runway of Carolina Herrera you can see that she has lowered the Chignon's and has made them free flowing on the top of the head and not molded.  We even noticed that some of the top celebrities have also opted to rock the classic Chignon for many special occasions and the most popular had to be Katherine Heigl with her Wavy up-do Chignon, Jennifer Lopez and Paula Patton.  We have to say these 3 starlets really know just how to rock this look and it gives such a timeless look of beauty and elegance when women where real ladies.

We started thinking of how to modernize this look and got a few ideas.  Most people wear this look with a feeling of old world but, what can you do to up-date it just a bit more?  The hair is more or less drawn away from the face but then you can also have it tousled slightly and on the face more. Add a different kind of hair embellishment such as feathers, a net or maybe you're the type of woman that loves bling!  You have to make this look your own and have the confidence to rock it the way that you see and feel fits your personality best.  Here are a few modern twist to the classic Chignon:

 Maybe you like the classic look from the 1950's then here is a very elegant look at the chignon that adds a little height to you and has the full-look of that. Both styles are with a more modern edge and you will make a real statement with this hair style.  If you decide to go with this look you should also know that your gown should also fit this theme and don't take away from the elegance that is offered for this theme.  If you are going for old Hollywood then do it all the way from the invitations, gown, suits for the groomsmen think of the venue and most importantly the atmosphere!  Give your guest the timeless beauty of this time even offer them a classic cocktail from this error.  We think it will go over very well! 

Enjoy this look and make sure you do your homework, be adventures and edgy with it but remember this is a classic and sophisticated style.

We look forward to hearing your feedback on this article!

LaPaz Image/Event Consultants-Bridal Edition

Where everything is Fabulous!