Un-Jersey Bride Launch

 

So excited to share some blog love with all my readers. My friend Feuza - who is also a stunningly talented wedding photographer has launched her new blog Un-Jersey Bride.

Check out their mission statement...

The Un-Jersey Bride is a resource for brides, grooms, and wedding vendors who do not fit into the stereotypes of what New Jersey is. We share fun, hip, modern, and funky NJ wedding ideas. Ideas like locations, vendors, and so much more. The Un-Jersey Bride aims to go against the grain by breaking stereotypes such as cheesy, boring, stuck in the 90′s weddings. We serve brides, grooms, and of course wedding vendors who not only love New Jersey weddings but fun weddings as well utilizing unique venues. We value brides and grooms who are not afraid to be different and incorporate who they are in their wedding planning and currently don’t have a local resource for their planning needs. We also value wedding vendors who offer unique, eclectic services that are of the highest quality.

 It's very exciting for me to share this with you! Feel free to Tweet it, Facebook it and check out the new site!!

Free Vera Wang App!

Reposted from CocoPerez...

Vera Wang has released a spiffy new iPhone and iPad app for the detail oriented bride.
Vera Wang on Weddings comes with a bunch of fabulous features including:

Interactive Inspiration Boards, allowing brides to pull and play with images from a cache of over 1,000 pre-populated shots, as well as add photos from the internet or their own camera roll.
Photo Galleries in different categories, such as dresses, cakes, flowers and real weddings.
Style Boards, featuring Vera's take on different styles of brides: Individualist, Modernist, Traditionalist, Romanticist and Minimalist.
Sharing functionality allows a bride to email her favorite photos, inspiration boards, wedding to-do's and guests lists to her family, friends and vendors.

If this sounds like an app you want to say 

'I do' to it's free to download until the end of the month, 

but come March 1st it will cost $9.99.

CLICK HERE to get it now!

Good Problems.

Our wedding photography package included a professional album in which we got to choose sixty photos. Initially we thought this would be great - but when we got our wedding photos...our amazing photographers had taken close to 1300.

 

all images via

Our "problem" - is that we love all of them...ALL of them. As my husband puts it...it's a "good problem" because after all, we could have really crappy photos but naturally our amazing photographers at Lewis Rinaman Photography are always amazing.

Oh did I mention we got the photographs in May of 2010? Yeah...it's been a while.

So how did we choose? Why did we take so long? And did we stress out choosing the photos? All that to be answered.

So this process took a while because ultimately...we got to fed up with trying to limit of photograph choices. And like I said...it's a good problem - but a problem none the less.

Here are some tips for how to make your final choices:

• Each person goes through and make their own list We had 100+ each
• Go through and match up the numbers of the same photos you use Our lists matched 19
• Go back through the lists and see what photos you like the best from "each part" of your wedding and make a separate list From this we had 120 photos
• Once the photos are organized, go back through again and try to weed out any photos you think you could order for another time. 
• Our professional album limit was 60 so I thought the logical thing was to have 15 photos per section of our wedding...wrong! Reception can and will take up more space.
• Do another pass at the elimination and then if you are STILL not at your limit, go through the photos with your partner.
• Ultimately - make the professional album about YOU and YOUR PARTNER. There are plenty other options that can highlight Uncle Dan's dancing. 

This was a really stressful process but with the tips I provided I found the process a lot easier; but, what also made it easier to choose a small amount of  photos is to find ways to display the photos in other mediums. Your wedding photos don't have to end with the professional album - the possibilities all depend on your level of creativity, but I believe in you!

• Create an online album via a Photo Printing web site.
• We ordered two huge albums from Shutterfly. I spent about a week working on the albums and created two - one for our pre-ceremony and ceremony and one for the reception.
• I searched the web and managed to get discounts that saved us $117 !! 
• It made it super easier to use all the photos I wanted and create an amazing replica our wedding day.
•  Upload the photos to a web site.
• It makes it easier to share all the photos and look at them whenever you want!
•  Order prints to hang and display throughout your home.
• Create a handmade scrapbook
•  Feeling up for a Michaels trip? Head to their scrapbooking section and make a wedding scrapbook you can feel proud of! They even offer a rewards program now so you can pile up the rewards while creating something you can enjoy for years to come.

So readers - how did you decide on your photos? Did you get more photos than me? Jealous! I'd love to hear more ideas of what YOU did with your wedding photos!

 

All-American Down-Home Patriotic Meatloaf Sandwich

This is by far my favorite meal I've made this far. Don't be intimated by the super intense instructions...it's WELL worth it.

Do it. Make it! GO!

All-American Down-Home Patriotic Meatloaf Sandwich via Food Network (my new love)

Ingredients

Meatloaf:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small Spanish onion, minced
• Salt
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup coarsely crushed soda crackers, such as Nabisco Saltine Crackers (about 24 crackers)
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce
• 2 large eggs
• Freshly cracked black pepper
• 1 pound ground beef chuck
• 8 ounces ground pork
• 8 ounces ground veal
• 1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley

Glaze:

• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 4 tablespoons brown sugar
• 4 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

Sandwich Build:

• 4 slices sharp Cheddar
• 4 potato rolls, buttered and toasted
• Bread and butter pickles (3 to 5 per sandwich)
• 1 can crispy onions, such as French's French Fried Onions

Directions

For the meatloaf: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Heat a small skillet over medium heat. Add the oil and onions, season with some salt and saute until translucent, 3 to 5 minutes. Add the garlic and saute for 1 to 2 minutes without letting the garlic brown. Remove from the heat and let cool.

In a large bowl, add the crackers, milk, mustard, Worcestershire, hot sauce and eggs. Whisk together, and then sprinkle with salt and pepper. Add the meat, parsley and cooled onions. Mix with your hands until evenly combined. Bake a tester meatloaf patty to taste and test the seasoning, adjusting as necessary. Using your hands, gently form the meatloaf into a loaf about 9-by-5-inches. Place on a baking sheet.


For the glaze: In a small bowl, combine the ketchup, brown sugar and apple cider vinegar. Slather half of the glaze over the meatloaf. Make sure not to touch the meatloaf with the spoon and then put that spoon back into the glaze; don't cross contaminate, people! Bake until the meat registers 160 degrees F on an instant-read thermometer, about 1 hour. Let rest for 20 minutes before slicing for sandwiches.

For the sandwich build: Place a slice of cheese on the bottom griddled bun, then a slice of meatloaf, spoon some extra glaze on the loaf, pop on a few pickles and top with crispy onions. Repeat to make 3 more sandwiches.

 

 

 

Way intense.

 

 

Bye bye for an HOUR

 

Clean up.

 

cue heavenly music

'til death...

Thanks to guest blogger Jon we know about this "til death do we part knuckle dusters" by Kate Bauman.

Originally designed and created as a one-of-a-kind statement piece in 2006, Kate Bauman is now offering my ‘Til Death Do Us Part ring as an unlimited edition. Mixing the styles of engagement rings and brass knuckles, much can be said about this ring, but I will let it speak for itself… Cast in sterling silver and set with four 1-carat cubic zirconia. Also available in brass. For custom metal or stone options, please contact her.

This ring is made to order, and due to the high volume of recent interest, her current estimated production time is 2-3 weeks.

Sizes available are: US size 7, US size 9, US size 11.

All four of the rings are the same size, so please select a ring size that will fit the wearer’s largest finger, keeping in mind that the rings may fit a little loosely as brass knuckles or knuckle dusters would.

...............................................
It should go without saying, but I do not endorse or encourage any violent activity with this ring. It is intended solely as a unique statement piece in the form of jewelry.

VIP Magazine

Picking a wedding venue is hard. The venue is what you're whole wedding is based around - the cost per head, the location, the menu...it's usually one of the first and most difficult decisions you will make for your wedding planning. One of the first things I did was order a FREE copy of VIP Magazine.

But what is VIP Magazine you ask? VIP Magazine is a resource directory for brides planning their wedding in the Philadelphia area.  It features beautiful reception venues as well as photographers, DJs, attire and more!  They offer each bride a free issue and they can request a magazine on our website VIPMagazine.com

So why is it so resourceful? The magazine lays out all the possible vendors you need for your wedding in one spot. I found it the most useful for the venues - it's actually how I found the places we went and looked at ... and how we ultimately chose the Radisson Valley Forge hotel! It lays out beautiful photos of the venue and lists all the different things they have to offer. 

The BEST part is - their web site is an awesome extension of the magazine and features more for you to look at. Their reach is from Philadelphia to New Jersey to Delaware AND New York and each area has their own personal web site.

So...what are you waiting for? Order your FREE copy today!

Spotlight: Valley Forge National Park

Valley Forge was the site of the 1777-78 winter encampment of the Continental Army. The park commemorates the sacrifices and perseverance of the Revolutionary War generation and honors the ability of citizens to pull together and overcome adversity during extraordinary times.

Valley Forge National Park is one of the most beautiful places you can get your wedding photos taken. I should know - I almost had my photos taken there.

But before you go and get your photos taken there - there are a few things you need to know. There are registration fees, and permits and other things you must take into account before just showing up on wedding day.

Do I need a permit to have wedding pictures taken in the park?
Yes, you will need a permit to have wedding pictures taken in the park. The Special Use Permit will insure another bride, or an event, is not permitted to be in the same area at the same time you are. Please use the Filming Short Form for wedding pictures.

How much does a Special Use Permit cost?
     $75.00

How far ahead of my event should I send the Special Use Permit Application in?
At a minimum, send your application in to the park 30 days prior to your event. If you have all the information about your event, you can send in your application up to one year in advance. The sooner you submit your application, the better the chances are you will get the time and location in the park you are applying for. Allow 30 days for the park to review your application and issue you your Special Use Permit.


I want to be married and/or have my wedding pictures taken at the Washington Memorial Chapel.
The Washington Memorial Chapel is not owned by the National Park Service. To have a wedding there, or to have your pictures taken at the National Memorial Chapel, you must contact the Chapel directly at 610-783-0120. The Washington Memorial Chapel is an Episcopal Parish in the Diocese of Pennsylvania. The Chapel receives no government funds and is entirely supported by contributions from members and visitors.

 

Image via

Do I need a permit to hold my wedding ceremony in the park?
Yes, you will need a permit to hold your wedding ceremony in the park regardless of the size of the wedding party.

Do you have any suggestions on where in the park I could get married?
We have a small gazebo up behind the P. C. Knox Estate, on Wilson Road, off Yellow Springs Road. This area offers a quiet place, somewhat off the beaten path, in a lovely location. Parking is along the roadside very near the gazebo. Many brides have chosen this unique location.

 

National Memorial Arch

 

 

 

More photos can be found on the Valley Forge Flickr account here.

Will You Marry Me? A statistical point of view

I thought this was hilarious.  And was so happy my friend Melissa shared with me. Check it:

---------------------------

from Mashable Social Media:


Love makes us do crazy things, and this infographic is an attempt at the impossible — to quantify just how fortunate I am to have Stacy Green in my life.

She calls us “soulmates” — the perfect match. And I didn’t realize how rare that fit actually is — not until I ran the numbers, at least. Some of the infographic math is super-factual, some just good fun, but the truth underneath stands out just fine.

I hope you enjoy it (especially the end).

Stacy Green, Will You Marry Me? [INFOGRAPHIC]



PS here is a portion of the graphic - I couldn't fit the whole thing!

Mother Nature Objects…

This clip was shown on Tosh.0 this past week. 

The clip shows a wedding ceremony that was cut short by Mother Nature. 

The video is clearly funny in the sense that a huge sand storm came out of nowhere and severely cut into the couples vows. The amazing part is that the bride and groom kept their cool and went on with the ceremony. The real message of a wedding is about the love of two people joining together. 

This message can sometimes be lost in all the planning for the big day; however, this couple displayed that love is what is truly important and made it through the storm. 

- Alexis

New Faces!

Daily Dose of Wedding wishes to welcome FIVE new guest bloggers to the site! I am expanding and I always love to hear other voices. If you ever wish to put up a guest post please feel free to email me at: Sara@DailyDoseOfWedding.com

 

image via

Meet Lydia...

Hi, I'm Lydia. I'm from Tampa, FL, but currently reside in Philadelphia, where I attend Temple University. I love writing and can about almost everything. I love weddings not only because it's such a beautiful thing to experience, I love them because of the meaning behind every wedding. I guess that's really why I wanted to write for DDOW. DDOW is a perfect blog in which I think I can bring my personal experiences related to weddings, as well as my perspective on wedding related topics.

--------------------

 Meet Alexis...

Hi everyone my name is Alexis and I will be writing pieces for this great website along with Sara. I am a 21 year old Temple college student and currently working on a Broadcasting/ Journalism major. I love weddings because they are a major point in a couple’s relationship when they join together to not only commit to a life together but also a future. I wanted to write for DDOW because I know I can bring a young perspective to weddings. I also wanted to show that it does not matter what age you are women love to talk about weddings and want to know the inside scoop on planning. 

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Meet Cary...
 

Hello to all dedicated, or even new, DDOW readers. My name is Cary Carr, and I’m happy to say I’m a new writer for the blog. It’s so exciting to be writing for a blog that celebrates one of the most special and memorable stepping stones in peoples’ lives. I myself have always been a sucker for love and what better way to honor romance than write about it by sharing peoples’ stories and offering new perspectives? I’m a firm believer that weddings don’t need to be all stress and no fun, and I’m here to show you how.

Hopefully, I can bring you valuable information on how to prepare for the big day. Whether it is health and fitness tips to make you feel confident, anecdotes to inspire you or new trends to make you stand out, I want to get you excited for your wedding (even if you’re not even engaged yet). I can’t wait to hear all of your opinions and collaborate with my other wedding lovers to make some major contributions to the world of weddings.

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Oh and my favorite...Meet Jon. 
 
Weddings, as men the simple word alone creates a genetic reflex to turn the TV to max, grab a beer with some friends or sit in a zombified state. When it's our own we put our ego's aside and do only what's asked of us, we nod our heads, go through the motions and our extensive vocabularies are compressed into a single phrase "yes, dear". The thought alone of a man reading a wedding magazine or blog is grounds for the removal and destruction of your man-card. I'm here to tell every single man out there, we are missing out on some of the greatest material ever. Wonder why your fantasy QB just isn't throwing up the stats he was last year? Who did he recently propose to? What's the most creative badass I'll be the talk of the town way to propose to your fiancé? Do I still have a shot with Katy Perry? How drunk is acceptable? Where can I score a wedding gift that will set me above everyone else? I'll let you know! I'll supply you with hysterical wedding do's and don't, crazy escapades, and the latest and greatest trends for men. Weddings their not just for women anymore!  

Happy Valentine's Day

People hate and rate Valentine's Day - but at the root of it's just a day to say "I Love You" to the person you love everyday. And while you should love each other everyday...this is just a special day where you go overboard to make sure they know...

This post is for my best friend, my husband...my forever love.

I have been astonished that Men could die Martyrs for religion

I have shudder'd at it 

I shudder no more 

I could be martyr'd for my Religion 

Love is my religion 

I could die for that

 I could die for you.

 - John Keats

 

 

 

Pan-Seared Steak

Generally the hubby is the "steak-maker" around these parts but I thought, we have steak, I have the power of Google...might as well find a great receipe.

Pan-Seared Steak!

• 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 large onions, sliced
• 1 boneless sirloin steak (about 2 pounds)
• Salt and pepper
• 1/2 cup bourbon

In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of the butter with 1 tablespoon of the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden, about 15 minutes (now the recipe called for 15 minutes but I found the onions turned golden around 10). Transfer the onions to a bowl and set aside.

Generously season both sides of the steak with salt and pepper. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of the oil to the skillet and fry the steak over medium heat, turning once, until browned, about 6 minutes per side for medium. Transfer the steak to a serving platter and cover to keep warm.

Add the bourbon to the skillet and, over medium heat, scrape up any bits that cling to the pan. Allow the liquor to simmer until reduced by half, about 1 minute. Add the onions and the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and stir until the butter is melted. Reduce the heat and gently simmer until the onions are heated through, about 2 minutes. Season, to taste, with salt and pepper and stir in any juices that have run off from the steak.

 

Frying the onions

 

Steak!

 

Jason's bourbon --- he did not want me to use this.

 

 

Yum!

Bridal Abbreviations

You will most definitely see me using this throughout the site - so in order to avoid a "W.T.F." moment...I figured it would be best to have something to reference.

BM: Bridesmaid
BM: Best Man
BP: Bridal Party
DW: Destination Wedding
FG: Flower Girl
FI: Fiance
FOB: Father of the Bride
FOG: Father of the Groom
MOB: Mother of the Bride
MOH: Maid (or Matron) of Honor
MOG: Mother of the Groom
OOT: Out of Town
RB: Ring Bearer
RD: Rehearsal Dinner
STD: Save the Date Notices
TTK: Tie the Knot
TY: Thank You
WP: Wedding Party
DH: Darling Husband
DF: Dear Fiance
FIL: Father-in-Law
HM: Honeymoon
MIL: Mother-in-Law
TIA: Thanks in Advance
LTBM: Living Together Before Marriage

Weddings For Heroes Corp

Daily Dose of Wedding is proud to pass along this information to it's readers...I'll be there! Will you?

Weddings For Heroes Corp is a NJ charitable organization benefiting our Military by providing dream weddings to Combat wounded military personnel, Combat Veterans and active duty military facing hardships or otherwise underprivileged at no cost to them.

Weddings For Heroes also offers resources and programs to Military couples coping with the effects of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder due to military service/ deployments.

Come and join us on this special evening. 

Enjoy champagne and ho'rderves!
Breathtaking waterfront views!
Fabulous networking opportunities!
Media and local press invited!
NJ vendors can register for a table to showcase your business for a special donation...email ssilva@weddingsforheroes.org for details! Hurry tables are booking fast!
 
Register to attend today!
Pre-register with a $10.00 donation @ www.eventbrite.com
$15.00 donation at the door.
All Military Service Members and Veterans currently planning a NJ wedding, or if you are newly engaged to a member of the military are invited to attend with special admittance! 
 
All Military in uniform enter FREE!
Special door prize giveaway for your wedding! 
  
Your donation and gifts will help provide dream weddings and services to our brave men and women.

See you there! It's a can't miss event!

Register now @ www.eventbrite.com
Learn more @ www.weddingsforheroes.org

Super Bowl Sunday!!

Yesterday was Super Bowl Sunday. And while this blogger couldn't be more annoyed that the New York Giants won...I thought I'd share with some of the delicious food we had!

 

Pillsbury Moist Supreme Chocolate Cake

 

Cleaning time...

 

Mmmmm Betty Crocker Milk Chocolate Frosting...

 

Yum!

 

Time for a drink

 

Bets for the game!

And now for the main course...Taco Pie!

1 Square metal cookware 

1 lb. ground beef

1 pkg. taco seasoning
1 pkg. crescent rolls
1 c. crushed corn chips
1 (8 oz.) sour cream
8 oz. Shredded Cheddar cheese

• Bake the crescent rolls according to the directions on the container
• While the rolls are baking, cook the ground beef until brown and then add the Taco Seasoning
•  Let simmer with the lid off for 3-4 minutes
• When the rolls are done and the ground beef is ready add the ground beef on top of the crescent rolls.
• Mix in sour cream 
• Crush chips and then add cheddar cheese as you see fit
• Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes or until cheese is bubbly.
• Eat!

 

Ground beef with seasoning

 

Mmm crescent rolls.

 

Ta-da!

New iPhone Case Excitement.

My old iPhone Case broke. I was super sad because I loved my $5 Five Below case. It was so cheap and so fabulous looking.

 

Overstock.com 

 

Chewed & Broken. Goodbye

.....HELLO New iPhone Case! 

And....that was my excitement for the day.