Discovering Love

Who knew what six months in Denmark could do for a person. For Ben and Rachel, it was just enough time to realize they loved each other when they were that far apart. Prior to that they were "just friends" A little over a year of dating later, Ben had a surprise for Rachel. After a day of Birthday pampering, Ben sent Rachel on a scavenger hunt, (unknown to her) to the top of the UT Tower, and that's where he managed to pop the question. There was even a camera person filming the whole thing just for this occassion. Rachel, without hesitation said yes, and the planning was on.

"Planning the wedding was fairly painless, as my parents own Turf Catering Company, the event caterers at the Convention Center. There was hardly any question as to where it would be held. We did eventually hire a wedding coordinator who is a family friend of ours, Scott Seitzburg from Tucson, Arizona. He helped my vision become a reality and I can honestly say I wouldn't change one thing about our wedding." Rachel wanted to go bold, so she decided on a red, black, and ivory color scheme. "Ben was a laid back groom, his main tasks were music and tuxedos, both of which turned out perfectly. It was a beautiful day and the stress of planning was completely worth it," Rachel said.

The couple celebrated with a traditional Jewish ceremony under the hoopah, and afterwards, enjoyed a live band that led them in the Jewish Wedding Dance. There were 10 bridesmaids and 10 groomsmen, which was quite the large wedding party, but they pulled it off without a hitch.

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2007 Hot Springs Bridal Show

The Hot Springs Bridal & Fashion Show took place on March 25, at the Hot Springs Civic & Convention Center, showcasing jewelry, gowns, cakes, photos, and hot new mineral makeup lines, and everything in between for weddings.

We would just like to say a special thanks to all the participants, and the people who showed up to make this event a success.

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Countdown Calendar

Six to Twelve Months

Select a Ring (if he didn't already)
Set the Wedding Date
Create your budget
Decide on a Wedding Style, and color scheme
Choose a location, and reserve the date
Consult your minister, or officiant
Hire a coordinator (if using one)
Determine the number of guests, and start compiling a list of names and addresses
Hire Photographer & Videographer (Remember, these are your keepsake memories!)
Select bride & groom attendants
Select Florist, Dress, and Headpiece
Announce Engagement in the newspaper
Select attendants attire
Check into requirements/arrangements for honeymoon
Determine where you will live, and plan your new home together

Four Months Prior

Make final arrangements for ceremony, floral, photo, & video (contracts should be signed, and deposits paid)
Make sure Bridal Attire is ordered
Have both mothers coordinate & select dresses
Register at Bridal Registry locations
Order Invitations & Personal Stationary
Complete Guest List: names/address/phone number
Select Mens attire & reserve correct size
Plan for Honeymoon
Check requirements for Marriage license

Two months Prior

Address Invitations and announcements: mail these 4-6 weeks before the wedding
Finalize Details with caterer, photographer, florist, location setup, musicians, etc.
Order Wedding Cake
Make Rehearsal Arrangement & Dinner
Plan Bridesmaids Luncheon
Make Hair/nail/makeup appointments
Arrange accommodations for out of town guests
Finalize honeymoon plans
Meet with minister/officiant to finalize ceremony plans

One Month Prior

All attendants must be fitted
Purchase gifts for attendants
Purchase gifts for fiance (if exchanging)
Pick up Wedding Rings
Take care of business/legal affairs
Have final Gown fitting (bride & attendants)
Have Bridal Portrait done
Make Transportation arrangements
Keep list of all gifts received
Make sure you have all accessories (garter, toasting goblets, ring pillow, candles, etc.
Select guest book attendant

Two Weeks Prior

Together, gather info to get marriage license
Finalize Transportation
Confirm all accomodations (yours & the guests)
Change address with Post office
Prepare Wedding Announcement
Address Announcements

One Week Prior

Contact guests who have not responded
Give final count to caterer
Go over details with ALL professional services you are using
Give photographer list of pics
Give musicians list of music
Plan seating arrangement
Pack for the honeymoon
Practice with hair/makeup
Obtain the Marriage License
Make sure the Rings fit
Pick up all Wedding attire
Rehearsal with participants

The Wedding Day

Be sure to eat something, no fainting now!!
Have hair done 3-4 hours prior to ceremony
Allow plenty of time for nails/makeup
Start dressing an hour and a half before the ceremony
Start music 30 minutes prior to ceremony
Have guests seated. Five minutes before ceremony, seat parents
Place the minister's fee in an envelope, and give to the bestman for after the ceremony

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