fashion trends

By Laura Carson Miller

As much as your dress, shoes or makeup, your hair plays a big part in how you will look on your wedding day.  Short, medium length or long hair can all utilize hair accessories as part of the bride’s total look.  A professional hair stylist is your best bet for a style that will reflect your personality and look polished and beautiful throughout your celebration.

Current trends in wedding hair accessories include headbands with beaded details in pearls or with rhinestones and crystals.  Headbands can be worn with free flowing straight or wavy hairstyles, and also flatter updo styles as well.  A veil can easily be attached to the headband of your choice.  Brides with shorter hair can get a real fashion boost from a headband, especially if it is adorned with personal items such as a piece of jewelry.  A broach, necklace or earrings can often help create a stunning bridal headpiece.  And by keeping the original findings intact, the jewelry can be worn again, after the ceremony, but with added sentiment.

Victoria Beckham, also known as Posh Spice, was married in a mini crown during her 1999 nuptials with soccer star David Beckham.  The tiara look is one that has stood the test of time, considering Queen Victoria wore them in 1845.  Elaborate or simple hairstyles equally flatter the look of a tiara, and the accessory itself can take on a whimsical or quite serious flare, depending on your choice of dress.

Hairpins flatter all hair lengths.  They can be worn funky or elegant depending on your style choices.  Fresh water pearls, beads of all colors and sizes and crystals galore are but some of the options available with hair pins.  Hair vines are another very popular bridal hair accessory.  These often have varying sized flowers, beads or leaf motifs.  Wrapped around a bun or weaved into an updo, hair vines are enjoying their moment in the spotlight.  Hair combs and barrettes continue to grace wedding hair and can serve as pretty anchors for veils.  Many brides wear flowers in their hair, real or the silk variety, which is a wonderful dramatic touch.  Your hairdresser will know which real flowers can stand up to a day and evening of festivities, so consult about the look you are going for and which flowers would be appropriate. 

If you choose to change your hairstyle for your reception, your hair accessories can easily change right along with you.  Headbands look great if you’ve worn your hair up and have it free flowing in soft waves for after ceremony activities.  A half up half down look is enhanced by jeweled combs or barrettes and can lend a more relaxed feel to your overall look. 

Your hair is truly a reflection of your style and personality and should definitely be so on your big day.  The right hair accessories can provide allure and sophistication or playfulness and whimsy to your hairstyle.  Be sure to try several different hair looks, complete with accessories in place, before making a final decision.  With the help of the right wedding hair accessories, your bridal hairstyle can be one that you will long love and remember fondly.

Like this article? Feel free to use it on your site with this link!
http://www.thebridesbook.com/pdfs/Fashion%20Articles/Wedding%20Hair%20accessories.pdf

Hottest trend of the year! Make your wedding an Eco or Green wedding! Impress your family and friends by incorporating it into all aspects of your wedding. Here are some ideas for you to include in your wedding planning:

Start with save the date cards made from paper that is either created from fabric waste or consider plantable papers. Plantable papers are embedded with seeds so after they are used you can plant them in your garden and enjoy a nice bouquet!

Give your guests Saplings as wedding favors.

When choosing a florist ask if they have an eco package or if they utilize and support local growers.
Choose flowers that are readily available in your area during the time of year that you plan on getting married

There are eco dress boutiques cropping up. Look for one in your area that use recycled fabrics and are made in the USA.

When choosing a Caterer ask if they have an eco package or if they utilize local growers and products in their offerings.

Consider wearing a gently used gown.

Have your invitations made on recycled paper, or using recycled fabrics or with biodegradable papers embedded with seeds.

Donate to a charity in your guests nameas a wedding favor.

Hire a caligrapher instead of having your invitations preprinted

For more great ideas be sure to pick up the Spring/Summer 2008 issue of The Bride's Book where we are featuring more ways to be kind and give back to our planet.

Pick up a copy at any Barnes & Noble or Borders Bookstore. If they don't carry it or have sold out request them to order a copy from another store or send a request to Subscribe@TheBridesBook.com.

  TOP DRESS TRENDS FOR 2008

 
LOOK BACK - Want to keep your guests admiring your dress during the entire ceremony? Then choose a wedding dress with a little something extra on the back. Whether it is special embroidery, some added lace, a dramatic drop V or even your personalized monogram, your guests are sure to notice the added touch!

BE BOLD - Traditionally, wedding colors tend to be subdued and basic. Why not jazz up one of the most important days in your life with a little color? Pastels are out, and bold touches are in! Think gold, orange, deep pink and red jewel tones to brighten up your attire!

LEAVE MORE TO THE IMAGINATION - Many brides are discovering that there is bridal potential beyond strapless dresses. Lace Cover-ups, off-the-shoulder designs and cap sleeves are what the bride with a desire to stand out will be wearing. As an added bonus, your photographer as well as your guests will love the break from the norm!

SHOW OFF - Like many brides, it is likely that you have been dieting and working out to get in perfect shape for the big day. Why not show off your new physique with a dress that will accentuate the new you? Especially since wedding dress trends are emphasizing waist lines obi belts and contrasting colored sashes. Your new hubby will be speechless!

For more on dress trends check out the newest issue of The Bride's Book available April 1st in most major bookstores and grocery stores through out the Carolinas. If you aren't a Carolinian...just order it through either Barnes & Noble or Borders Bookstores!

 You’re busy planning the biggest day of your life. You and your fiancé are awhirl discussing food, music, and guest lists. Everyone, from mom to co-workers to Aunt Lucy, is giving you advice, and your budget is rapidly disappearing before your eyes. It’s time to make every moment and, more importantly, every dollar count. Now your decision is, “Do we pay to have a professional film our wedding, or not?”

Sadly, most think of videography as an add-on, or an after thought and choose not to have it or equally worse, they ask themselves…Why not get a friend or family member to record it? But there is good news! Wedding videography has changed. It’s important that brides realize that there are alternatives to the perceived “boring home video” weddings that we all used to have to watch. Now, choosing the right videographer means you can actually have a “story” of your wedding, complete with emotions and events you even missed the first time. And with the World obsessed with the ease and availability of internet video via YouTube, Google, and fast internet connections, its now easier  than ever to share your entire video with others all over the world, whether they attended your wedding or not.

When the day arrives, you are going to be busy; you are going to be occupied with details and situations; the day is going to fly by without you seeing or experiencing much of it. Without videography, you won’t be able to see your groom anxious at the altar, your grandparents enjoying the cocktail hour or your friends having fun at the reception (you can’t be everywhere at once). But most importantly, you will only have pictures to preserve the visual memories; video is such a powerful way to re-live and experience all the senses of that day. And a truly talented videographer knows how to capture the right moments at the right time.

The one consistent post-wedding comment by brides and brides’ mothers is, “It went by so fast. I didn’t remember a thing.” That comment is closely followed by, “I’m so glad I got this video! I can’t believe all the things I missed!” One of our bride’s said it best, “I did much research before the wedding on what to spend money on.  I asked women ages 20-60 what they would do differently. I finally decided to spend the bulk of my budget on the memories.  While weddings last one day, your memories will last a lifetime.  It's been three months since we said "I do" and I have NO regrets about spending money on videography.  Only a profound gratitude that I didn't miss my chance!”

Hiring a videographer is one of the best investments you can make, but you also want to get the right one for you. Choose one whose style you like and with whom you feel comfortable, because no videographer is the same. Turn your peace of mind over to a professional! You can now relax, knowing your day will be captured in a pleasing, expert, and tasteful manner, and you will be able to sit back in the comfort of your home and enjoy every moment of that day…forever.

Matt Davis is the CEO and Videographer of Life Stage Videography, an award winning videographers for the stylish bride. Capturing not only the big moments, but also the smaller moments that truly magnify the way your wedding day felt. LIFESTAGE VIDEOGRAPHY matt@lifestagevideography.com 
 

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Fall 2007 Trend Report on Hair
By The Cosmetology Diva, Cynetha Williams
Are you ready for a change or ready to rev up your existing style? The Cosmetology Diva is here to let you know about the fall trends for this season:
 

For hair, the 60’s bob is back and better than ever! Angled bob’s are a hit, try one that is asymmetric in design, or create a faux bob by tucking and pinning long hair underneath and lightly tousled on top. Bob’s are fun and easy to manage. Try them sleek and sexy or fun and textured. Want to give your bob even more pizzazz? Add solid color into your life with tones of auburn, honey brown, warm chocolate, platinum blonde, rich merlot…the possibilities are endless.

Bangs, Bangs, Bangs, they are the rage; try heavy and just below the brows, or create a short to long angled bang. Here is a thought…try clip on bangs, just brush hair back and clip the faux bang near the front hairline.
You can never go wrong with long layered and textured locks.

Need more hair? Add some. From clip in extensions, to the Hollywood Seamless extensions that celebrities like the Pussy Cat Dolls are wearing. They last 3 to 4 weeks with no bonding, sewing, or loss of hair; you can even put your hair in a ponytail! Ladies these extensions are fabulous, and virtually undetectable. Enjoy your wedding day and honeymoon without any slips or hair loss from the pool or shampooing…you are totally safe! Just add some curls and you are red carpet status in less than 2 hours.

If you are going to wear your hair down, WEAR IT DOWN! I am planning on having this one done myself. At any rate, the bridal trend right now goes from the classic pulled back and tight chignon, to finger waved/pin curled hair that is combed out and softly flowing, even loose flowing curls that are slightly pinned up in the top .

In the world of hair accessories, headbands are in. From the jewel studded bling, you can try the beaded or satin wrapped, they are all working right now. You may want to try antique looking hair combs or hair pins that add something special to a more retro look. Many brides are opting to go without the veil so these ideas are sure to please. Some of my favorite looks are inspired by Jane Mansfield, Elizabeth Taylor, and Josephine Baker…totally retro, totally classic.

Coming up next week...Make up trends you DON'T want to miss!

Cynetha Williams is the owner of Cynetha's Place. A full service salon located in downtown Chapel Hill NC. She has been in the biz for a couple of decades and known far and wide for her talents. Visit her in her new salon loacted at 406 West Rosemary Street Chapel Hill NC, 27516 or call for an appt (919) 672-3109. If you have a specific beauty question you'd like answered email her directly at Cynetha@CynethaWilliams.com

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Things To Consider for a Warm Weather Wedding by Barbara Clark

Spring weddings are very popular in the South. The weather is not too hot yet and all the flowers are beginning to bloom. It is a rebirth after the winter. Everything seems to come alive.

Many brides who plan spring/summer weddings want it to be in a lovely garden outdoor setting or a wonderful country barn or farm.
While this can be wonderfully romantic, the weather has to be considered and having a "back up" plan is a must. Be sure to reserve a tent, you can always cancel it but it will give you the confidence to go ahead with the great outdoors.

This setting lends itself to a "laid back" more casual affair. Galvanized buckets on shepard's hooks filled with flowers that look just picked from the garden can line the aisle. You can take advantage of the lush green outdoors and you don't have to embellish too much on what is already a welcoming venue.

I always think of country French weddings which offer "al fresco" dining and lots of laughter, good wine and good food. You can incorporate fresh fruit into the floral designs and create a Tuscan feel to the day.

The key to the charm of this is finding the right venue and asking the right questions, such as: how long can we have the space?, may we have a tent if needed? How long can the music play (neighbors have been known to complain)? You get the idea.

An Elegant Affair is a well established professional wedding consultant company located in Raleigh North Carolina. The owner, Barbara Clark, is the only accredited bridal consultant in NC, and has extensive experience in the wedding planning field.

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Fabulous, Flawless Skin by Cynetha Williams
 

Every bride has that “glow” of happiness but let’s take it a step further. To have that fabulous, flawless skin on your special day and beyond, the Cosmetologist Diva, Cynetha Williams has got the 411 on how to get it!

First step - Body scrubs, which remove the dead skin cells and create smooth skin, I recommend a scrub called “Exfoliate Me Softly”... Next Step – try a seaweed or marine algae body wrap or mask. This helps to detoxify, replenish, and to renew your skin.  Finally – Be sure to moisture and hydrate the skin. I recommend a product called, “Body Whip Cream”. Oh, baby! Talk about soft skin!! Let’s just say he won’t be able to take his hands off you! “Body Whip Cream” is made with the highest quality of pure Shea Butter, and is whipped to perfection. Whether your concern is sun burn, sun damage, dry skin, eczema, stretch marks, skin discoloration, it takes care of it all! Now you could do a lot of this at home but honey, this is your wedding day! Go to the professionals and make sure it’s done right!

While you’re there, try an Ionic Cleanse Hydrotherapy Treatment. It’s a 30 minute treatment that is designed to relax you and believe it or not promote fat loss, renew energy levels, increase circulation, relieve muscle and joint pain and remove toxins from your system. All of which helps to create beautiful flawless skin long after your wedding day! I am no Doctor, but I speak from experience and I am telling you …Do this twice a week and starting about 6 weeks before the big day!

Want more? Ready to start a whole new life? Then it’s time for Detox! Eat and live Fruits and veggies.

And for the pin-ultimate go to a colon specialist and get a Colonic Treatment. Yes I said it – they told me not to. Said it wasn’t “pretty” enough for my article I’m telling you that if you want to feel the best you have in say, ten years, and you really want to be as beautiful as God made you. Check it out and give it a try!  

Cosmetology is in my blood, try third generation. I grew up in a salon, had a clientele in 7th grade and have been a licensed Cosmetologist for 15 yrs. There is no area of my profession I don’t know about. If it can make you beautiful and create something new for you, I am doing my best to bring it to you. I have done Education for Aveda, I am a Network Educator for Bumble and Bumble, traveled and studied under some of the most highly acclaimed stylists of the world.  Product creator, trained in Reiki, Ionic Cleanse Therapy, Ear Candling, Herbals, and Aromatherapy. Master in cutting, color, Brazilian waxing, extensions and skin, microdermabrasion, bridal hair and make-up. Known as a Guru for making you feel your best. If you need to be transformed, you have got to see me!  Now you see why I am the Cosmetologist Diva! You can find me creating magic at Nirvana Spa and Salon, Chapel Hill, NC, (919)942-5090.

Need some Body Whip Cream or Exfoliate Me Softly…contact me, I have what you need at (919) 672-3109, or visit my website at www.cynethawilliams.com. You can also come by Nirvana Spa and Salon, the premiere “Remba”, (Swahili for make beautiful), location. This is the Cosmetologist Diva signing out.

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February 25, 2007
Celebrity Weddings
We recieve so many requests regarding celebrity weddings.  Who is getting married and when? What does their dress look like? Who is their event planner? What wedding favors are they using? Do they have a theme? etc, etc,...At first we thought we would never cave to the "celebrity" watch but after 2 years of getting the same mail from our readers we figure we should give our audience what they want! So here it is...Celebrity weddings news just for you thanks to People Magazine! If you like this and want more we'll work on it just send us an email and let us know Celebrityweddings@TheBridesBook.com
Howard Stern gets engaged!
Bam Margera gets Married
Christopher Reeve's daughter engaged
Ugly Betty's Ashley Jensen Elopes
Sister Sister star Rita Mowry is engaged
 

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February 8, 2007
Considering a Cruise Ship Wedding?
Congratulations on your upcoming wedding!  Many people have asked me about getting married on a large cruise ship.  While all cruise lines vary, here are some helpful hints.  I specialize in Weddings and Honeymoons at sea and will be glad to answer any questions you may have.

Many cruise lines now have provisions for wedding ceremonies aboard the ship, and more and more couples are taking to the sea for their nuptials and, of course, for their honeymoon, also.

Planning a traditional onshore wedding can be a time consuming and expensive ordeal involving caterers, florists, bakers, and musicians. Planning a shipboard wedding can be as easy as making one phone call to Your “Personal” Cruise Expert. I can make all the arrangements.

The wedding ceremony can be civil or religious depending on the package and the preference of the bride and groom. Contrary to the Hollywood image, today's cruise ship captains are not allowed to perform wedding ceremonies. Also, you cannot get married while the ship is at sea, but only when it's in a U.S. port. Regulations regarding marriage licenses vary by state, and the cruise line will send you all relevant information.

With prices for conventional weddings soaring, another attraction of shipboard ceremonies is the cost. Wedding packages begin at about $250, and go as high as $1200, with the average wedding package around $650. On land, a wedding photographer alone can cost a thousand dollars. If you choose to have your Wedding onboard, approximately $1,000 will pay for the ceremony, the ship's photographer, a wedding album, flowers and a reception for twenty people with cake, champagne, open bar, and hot and cold hors d'oeuvres.

1-866-621-0100
www.seamastercruises.com/twalsh

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January 18, 2007
How to pick the perfect wedding dress
So he popped the question, you celebrated; you chose a date and picked the venue. What about the dress! The dress you've dreamed about since you were a little girl. From watching all those Disney movies ending with the wedding to this day! Just like anything else you need to do a little research. Whether you have a couture budget or not check out the newest designs by the hottest wedding designers. These are the guys that set the stage for every other gown out there. We have put together a pretty extensive list that will take you to each designers website and show you there newest gowns. Go thru and find the ones you like the most. Once you have narrowed it down consider going to the nearest retailer that carries their gowns. If there's a trunk show make sure you register to attend! These are great opportunities to see what the designer could do for you specifically!
Even if you don't have a couture budget, looking at these gowns and taking images to a local bridal store will help in narrowing down gowns for you to try on. Even better! Consider checking out the web for last years designer gowns or ask the local couture retailer when their sample sale is.
Monique Lhuillier, Reem Acra, Anna Maier Ulla-Maija, Amsale, Vera Wang, Melissa Sweet, Romona Keveza, Rivini, Jenny Lee, Amy Michelson, Janelle Berte, Alvina Valenta, Carmela Sutera, Ines Di Santo, Yolanda Couture,
Justina McCaffery, Eugenia, Domo Adami, Jim Hjelm, Cymbeline, Christina Couture, Atelier Aimee, Elizabeth Fillmore, Suzanne Ermann, Vwidon, Pronovias, Rena Koh, L'ezu Atelier, Lazaro, Helen Morley, Stephen Yearick, Liancarlo

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December 11, 2006
Exercise for peace of mind and a wedding perfect body
One of the most important outlets in helping to combat anxiety and stress is exercise. For a bride looking for peace of mind during stressful times exercise has many benefits. We want to tell you about all the medical reasoning but really what you need to know is all that huffing and puffing, sweating and iron pumping helps not just your waist line so you can fit into that dress but also your mood will be uplifted, your skin will look better and your body more toned giving you even greater confidence and inner glow.
 
Want to tone up certain parts of your body to look your best for your wedding, and starting a new life? Bryan Ballance at XL Fitness with locations in Raleigh, Cary & Durham NC recommends hiring a personal trainer to focus on this goal and keep you on track. A personal trainer is an affordable way to reach your goals through a customized fitness plan just for you. For only $30 to $50 a session it's one of the best investments in your new life. You'll handle the stress better plus look and feel great when the big day finally arrives!
XL Fitness and Wellness, you...improved!

919.380.7899

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 December 1, 2006
Something to Glow About By Christine Burns
 
One of the hottest trends around the country especially in the celebrity realm is the sunless tan. Gone are the days of orange faces, streaky knees and elbows and out too are the aging rays of the sun and tanning beds. But the stars aren't alone, brides across the country are turning to sunless bronzing for that healthy glow for their big day.  And forget celebrity prices, the newest custom applied products are less than $50.00 a person, and can incorporate special formulas for brides, adding subtle sparkle to the mix for a truly radiant finish. The best technology uses airbrushing, especially for the face, to provide flawless application and a picture perfect finish. Whether the bride goes it alone, or invites the whole bridal party to get bronzed, everyone feels better and looks beautiful with a sun kissed glow. The best part, bronzing has gone mobile! Set up at home, at the hotel, bronzing brunches, and bachelorettes, are the latest way to get everyone together and look great for the event. Even grooms are jumping in for their pre-honeymoon tan.  No longer just for stars and red carpets, bronzed brides are truly something to glow about!
Fake it! sun lounge and mobile custom bronzing
Get it! Fake it! Flaunt it!
919.270.9958

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November 27, 2006
Planning the Destination Wedding - Hire local or long distance?
There are many things to consider when planning a destination wedding. One thing we haven't seen a lot written about is the traveling wedding professional. This is a piece of the puzzle that many of our brides are unsure of. Sure you want to save as much money as you can but hiring a wedding professional (Band, DJ, Florist, Photographer or wedding planner etc...) who lives close to you but is willing to travel to your destination may be something you want to consider. For example, the benefit of having the same portrait photographer as you have photographing your wedding is that one you get to know them and they you. That makes for better all around communication and ultimately better service and success. The florist has the opportunity to show you what he or she can do. And the wedding planner can better serve you if she really gets to know you. Remember you are paying hundreds and thousands of dollars for this once in a lifetime event. Many traveling fees are MUCH more reasonable than you may expect and if you know someone that you would really like to use it NEVER hurts to simply ask, "what are your traveling fees?"

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November 26, 2006
Wedding Planners - HIRE ONE!
Okay. So we at The Bride's Book have to tell you this one little thing. Consider hiring a wedding planner! Why? Because the good ones really do make your life easier. They really can save you some money and they really can help make your wedding day special. But by all means not all wedding planners are the same. Do your research, find out all of the services that they offer. From full service to recommending wedding professionals to day of wedding only packages there are lots of options out there. Ask your friends if they can recommend anyone and be sure to inquire from our list of wedding planners in your area. 

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Fall and Winter Drama
If you are looking for the biggest trend of the season you can sum it up in one word, Drama. From make-up with smokey eyes and deep burgundy lips to cascading curls and dresses with more than a hint of color. Oh, okay so the colorful dresses, that trend is still more European than in the states but, we are seeing dramatically stronger accent colors such as deep, rich, jewel-tones in the beadwork on wedding gowns or in the colors of the sashes and dress folds. The drama can sometimes be in the surprise shock of color in a gowns train. If you want to subtly mix this trend into your wedding try a beautiful ruby brooch or emerald hair jewelry. Maybe even some brightly colored shoes. . . Be creative but be comfortable with what you choose. Talk to your make-up and hair stylist about hair extensions or other ways to incorporate this trend into your wedding and pass it on to your bridesmaids and groomsmen. Your wedding planner is also a great way to get ideas about how to incorporate this idea into your wedding design. However you choose to bring this trend into your wedding remember that  it is all about communicating your very own style and personalizing your wedding.
Find it here!

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September 25, 2006
Taking care of you
Most brides are so busy planning their wedding and taking care of their guests that they forget about themselves. I'm not talking about the salon session with the girls or the shopping trips for the wedding and honeymoon or eating the right foods or any of that. I'm talking about the 20 minutes before you walk down the aisle. Up to that moment you've laughed and maybe cried with your parents and sisters and bridesmaids not to mention the hairdresser, the florist, your wedding consultant the limo driver and who knows who else. Now make sure that just before you are greeted by your father who will walk you down the aisle you have some quiet time. It's okay if your bridesmaids are there but designate this to be the time that you pull it all together. Turn down the lights; play some relaxing music, light a candle or some incense. Have a drink of water and maybe some crackers if you have butterflies in your stomach. This is your day and the first day of the rest of your beautiful life. Start it right and leave the stress behind.

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September 13, 2006
Swarovski Crystals
 ...are everywhere this season. Look for them in bouquets. Designers are mixing them into the bouquet not as discretely as in the past. You'll see fist size crystal monograms in the bouquet and on the cakes. For the spring or summer bride look for dazzling crystal "bugs" crawling or buzzing on bouquets. If you are planning a beach wedding consider some crystal barefoot-sandals. Of course the gowns are bejeweled and you can also find the shoes, tiaras and crystal hair accessories of years past. But this year even the lingerie has a bit of bling!
Find them here!

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From the Editors of The Bride's Book - your love, your wedding , your style!