"Couples eyes are finally being opened up to the fact that they can be unique. The old formulas we felt we had to follow can safely be abandoned, " Los Angeles wedding planner Kristin Banta  said.

Well said, over the course of  the many, many weddings I've had the honor to officiate, I'm a perfect witness to the fact  that couples are breaking from "tradition"  and designing their own look along with establishing "new" traditions for themselves.

Once upon a time you went to your church of membership, made all your arrangements with the wedding coordinator and clergy.  Throught the years more and more individuals do not have a "church" home (many times by choice),  are mixing faiths and these couples still wish for their wedding to have a spiritual component to it just not a religious or particular denominational influence.

Finding your perfect location does take time and research. First, have a discussion between the two of you,  get clear right from the start who you are together and individually in your day to day (conservative, humorous, like to laugh, liberal, traditional, blends, like smaller gatherings, love crowds "the more the merrier".....) , second, get clear about your budget for your special day. Then go have fun seeking out your perfect location. Remember get creative, lofts, train stations, museums, cliffs, caves, backyard, hotel balconies, pool side, wineries, breweries, your choices are endless. You will know when you have found the right place. Let it be a natural extention of who the two of you are individually and together. 

Below you will find a few locations that I've personally experienced or have done some type of write up about.

Please do not hesitate to write and ask about any particular location you are considering.

If I've personally been there I will be more then happy to pass on my experience of that location and the couple's wedding experience in their day.  Over time I will update and publish more locations and write ups about other locations.

Beach Wedding and Sunset Information (from the I Do Today website)

Wedding Venues in Galveston TX (several locations for weddings and receptions)

Newland Barn, Huntington Beach, CA ( write up on this landmark's location with grounds and barn for wedding and reception)

The Reef, Long Beach, CA (Write up and information regarding this wedding and reception location over looking the Long Beach Bay)

La Palapa Del Mar, Belmont Shores, CA (Write up and information regarding this wedding and reception location right on the beach)

Shorebreak Hotel, Huntington Beach, CA (Boutique hotel in town and their wedding services)

El Matador Beach, Malibu, CA (Wedding location and what to consider when using this location)

Hilton Waterfront Hotel, Huntington Beach, CA (Where to stay in Huntington Beach)

Hyatt Regency, Huntington Beach, CA  (Where to stay, wedding ceremony and/or reception)

Sherman Libary and Gardens, Corona Del Mar, CA  (Lovely garden for weddings and receptions)

Location, location location Couples are choosing unique sites for their weddings, article written for the LA Times July 11,2010 by Rena Dictor LeBlanc.

Happy Hunting!!!

In the "Together" section of the Los Angeles Time back in April of this year, they featured an article "Playing with Tradition" written by Sophia Fischer.The article briefly explains many of the traditions wedding couples practice in their wedding day rituals and she references a book authored by Arlene Steward "A Bride's Book of Wedding Traditions" (William Morrow, 2005).

Some wedding traditions:

For every ones safety please Bride's Family on the Left--Groom's Family on the Right--In this article and shared in Arlene Steward's book, in the fifth century Northern European barbarian period, fathers gave daughters to waring tribes as peace offerings. So one could see the necessity to keep the families on separate parts of the church. Wow we can only imagine what the reception looked like and were the clubs checked in at the door!

Garter Toss--Garter belts were once used to hold up the bride's leg coverings. The intent of the custom was for the bride to take it off during the wedding party and throw it out to the men. Hypothetically the man who caught it was the next to marry. Yet at times the men wouldn't wait for the bride to take it off herself and help her along which lead to the groom doing it himself and saving his new found wife from being "man-handled" by other male guest.

Bouquet Toss--During the 14th century England the wedding guest would try to grab pieces off the bride's dress and flowers. For the bride to escape she would throw her bouquet at them and the single woman that caught the bouquet, it was said, would be the next to marry.

Rice Throwing--"In ancient Rome grains were thrown at the couple to symbolize fertility and fruitfulness". Later in the Middle Ages grains were used to create a lumpy type of sweetmeat biscuit that was given to wedding guest which lead us to the origination of the wedding cake.

Wedding Cake--The biscuits mentioned above eventually gave way to a dense molasses and fruit cakes. In the 16th century a French Chef introduced tiers. Then in the 1840's baking powder was discovered and the tiered cakes we experience today were realized.

In Sophia's article she quotes Kristen Banta, a Los Angeles wedding and event planner who encourages couples to create a wedding that reflects their personalities, unique and individual to them. Traditional wedding rituals have their place and time yet if you rethink when and where they came from it may be time to start your own tradition. You never know, 100 years from now a article could be written on how your ritual came to be. There are very few absolute rules so make it your day, your way!

"Playing with Tradition" written by Sophia Fischer

"A Bride's Book of Wedding Traditions" (William Morrow, 2005)

Kristen Banta wedding and event planner

Lighthouse Inspiration Inc. is proud to announce their newest addition to their family of services. They'd  like to introduce the upcoming Cafe Diva -a Elegant, Unique and Affordable espresso experience for your wedding or other types of events. Website is under-construction and will be available by August yet meanwhile Cafe Diva would like to contribute to Idotodayweddingcoach.com blog with Coffee Bar ideas for your upcoming events.

While doing research for their website they found the following links and information for your viewing pleasure:

Wedding Coffee Bar Ideas

Espresso bar? You bet!

Five Midnight Snacks To Close Out The Wedding Party

Wedding Coffee Favors

Cafe Diva will offer your wedding guest a European coffee experience with espressos, cappuccinos and lattes complimenting your cake, reception and late night espresso shot before leaving your wedding party.

As a young girl  and today a grown woman soon to become a bride you've had a picture in your mind of  the perfect wedding day. Below you'll find an article published on "Wedding Blog Today" by William L.

The brides and grooms are busy writing their stories. As we wait for them to be submitted I Do Today Wedding Coach will continue to search and publish Unique, Elegant and Affordable Wedding Ideas. Remember please if you have a story or know some who does we encourage you to submit them. Helping Brides and Grooms Help Themselves with your experience and great ideas!

Article from OneWed.com Savvy Bride Blog "Wedding Trends for 2010 ". Recently, I  had the pleasure of officiated over a wedding in which the bride used birdcage netting verse a veil; it was very elegant with a flair of nostalgia.

Each year brides call and inquiry if they  will need permits for their beach wedding here on our west coast area. The good answer is it will depend if the state or city beaches require them. For your convenience you can find below direct websites that can assist you in your research:

Idotoday.com site keeps current with beach and sunset information.

Bolsa Chica

Crystal Cove

Dana Point

Huntington Beach

Laguna Beach (surrounding beaches)

Newport Beach

North Seal Beach

San Clemente

During the business of your special day you do not want a small hic up to take away from your wedding day, you, and your husband to be. Yet, there is always something you didn't plan on. You can possible derail most situations from turning into a stressed out moment, taking away your joy from this most of special of days with a bit of planning.

Below you will find a Emergency kit list with suggested items that you can put together and place in the box of things going to the hotel room or dressing room on the day of your wedding.

As the bride you may wish to add things personal to you. I've added some suggestions below which I've personally experienced other brides requesting in the heat of preparation from their bride's maid or mother causing them to run to the store to accommodate the bride and her day!

Tampon's--stress can bring an unexpected period on.

Preparation H- for bags or swollen eyes (apply only to under the eyes).

Eye and hooks, sewing thread and needles.

Emergency Kit:
A checklist of things every bride should have on hand on her wedding day.
Be prepared! Print this list and check off items as you assemble your kit.

Grooming
• hand lotion, wet wipes
• curling iron, hot rollers
• tissues
• hairdryer
• cotton balls, cotton swabs
• brush, comb
• makeup
• hairspray, hair gel
• makeup remover
• bobby pins, hair elastics, barrettes
• nail polish in shade worn
• headband or clips for pulling hair back while applying makeup
• nail polish remover
• toothbrush, toothpaste, floss
• nail file
• mouthwash
• tweezers
• baby powder
• small grooming scissors
• deodorant
• small hand towel
• perfume
• lint brush
• ___________________________________________


Attire

• “throwaway” garter
• safety pins and a sewing kit with thread the color of bride’s and attendants’ dresses
• clear nail polish for runs in pantyhose
• masking tape or sewing tape (for last-minute ripped hems)
• extra earring backs
• small scissors (for thread)
• extra buttons
• club soda or other stain removal solutions
• flat shoes for the reception
• iron
• extra pantyhose
• __________________________________________

Health/Medical

• antacid
• bandages
• antihistamine, cold remedy, any prescription medications
• ___________________________________________

Miscellaneous

• Wedding license/certificate
• breath mints
• contact information for all vendors
• small flashlight
• cell phone and home phone numbers of all wedding participants
• folding utility knife
• extra copies of directions to reception
• duct tape
• Snacks
• _________________________________________

• cooler with juice, sodas, and bottled water

• _________________________________________
• _________________________________________

Notes:

The DIY bride will find this article especially interesting when planning their own  wedding.

Browsing brides 

Web helps trim wedding costs for couples tying the knot during a recession

Welcome to I Do Today Wedding Coach blog. Our site will be up and running soon.

Wedding couples especially brides (yet not exclusively any more because more and more grooms are chiming in with their great ideas) are coming up with Unique, Elegant and Affordable Wedding Ideas.

This site will show case real time/proven ideas.

While we are in the designing stages of this blog please visit Idotoday.com site for the current blog, wedding ideas and services.

Please do not hesitate to write your "story" featuring your best unique wedding idea.

Consider keeping your unique idea story to appx. 500 words. Submit your story to Contact us.

We will review and send a message within 48 hrs before publishing your story.

Thank you,

Jacqueline

I have been contacted as of yesterday by the producer of the “Newlywed Game” they are seeking couples and need to make a decision this month for the next season. Please let her know that you have been referred by Jacqueline Soares, Idotoday.com.  Have fun with this and good luck!!! Let us know if you get on the show so we can watch it!!! (Please feel free to pass this information on to any newlyweds you may know).

 Good Luck!

Win a FABULOUS second honeymoon!
GSN is currently casting Season 3 of
“The Newlywed Game”
 
We are seeking fun, outgoing couples to participate on this classic television game show!

 Auditions going on now. Please contact:
 323-315-2100

All participants must be 18 years of age or older and married 2 years or less as of March 31, 2010



Joanna Shapiro
Casting Producer
"The Newlywed Game"
323-315-2129