New EDLV Site

I have finally finished setting up the new EDLV site! There are still some minor tweaks here and there but at least it's back on the web and we're back in business. I am so happy to have it finally figured out. Here's a snapshot of the home page:

Go take a peek at www.eventsdelavie.com and feel free to share your comments and suggestions because websites are definitely a work in progress. And stay tuned! An actual post on event-related topics will be coming very soon.

Been M.I.A.

Wow! It's hard to believe I haven't posted a blog since May. What a summer! Truth is, I've been keeping busy by planning my own special event coming up this October (58 days... Can't wait!)

I've also been M.I.A. because of a website technical problem which I'm working on alleviating asap. I should be back up and running, at the top of my game (hopefully) within the next week or so. Looking forward to getting back into all-things-event-related as we near into my favorite part of the year: fall!

Be back real soon...

10 Red-Hot Beach Resorts

The past couple of weeks I've been hard at work with my fiancé researching for our October honeymoon. With all of the intriguing options out there, making the final decision was a lot harder than we thought [we decided on a couple days in Vegas followed by a one-week stay at a private villa in the caribbean, btw]!

I came across an article in this month's issue of Brides magazine that highlights 10 'red-hot' beach resorts. Although we didn't end up booking at one of the resorts on the list, I figured it might be very helpful to someone who is in the same boat (no vacation pun intended) that we were recently in...

• St. Regis Princeville Resort in Kauai, HI - stregisprinceville.com
• Viceroy Anguilla - viceroyanguilla.com
• Banyan Tree Mayakoba, Mexico - banyantree.com
• Four Seasons Resort in Bora Bora (Gorgeous, but eek!! $$$) - fourseasons.com
• Jalousie Plantation, St. Lucia - thejalousieplantation.com
• Royal Hawaiian, Oahu, HI - royal-hawaiian.com
• Jumby Bay, Antigua - jumbybayresort.com
• Gansevoort, Turks & Caicos - gansevoortturksandcaicos.com
• Intercontinental Fiji Golf Resort & Spa - intercontinental.com
• W South Beach, Miami - wsouthbeachmiami.com

Bon voyage :)

Wedding Gown Trends

Are you in the market for your wedding gown? If so, you'll love the recent video by abc news posted on Yahoo this weekend. It's a quick 5:30 segment highlighting the latest trends including 2-in-1 dresses, black and white gowns, and sculptural draping, just to name a few.

Latest Wedding Gown Trends via Yahoo

Learn The Secrets To Registering

If you've read any of my blogs you know I love Real Simple. Not only do I enjoy clipping out delicious recipes from the magazine each month, but I also love the helpful and clever articles that are sent to my email on a weekly basis. Need 21 smart ideas for decorating your home office? They got 'em. Curious as to how to better-organize your pantry? They got that covered too. I'm telling you, Real Simple is a Godsend to anyone out there desiring to become more organized, more enlightened, more simplified (and of course, to all those like me who also have borderline OCD).

So now that I'm done trying to convince everyone to love Real Simple just as much as I do, I'll get to the real topic of this blog: registering for wedding [or baby] gifts. As a bride who is currently going through this process herself, I must admit, it can be a bit overwhelming. Is there a benefit to registering in-store as opposed to online? How do I know how much to register for? How many stores should I be registered at? How do I tell if a gift that's arrived is intended for my engagement, shower, or wedding?

Not to worry, Real Simple recently sent out a fabulous little e-article that answers all of these questions and more. Check it out if you're interested! It's written more for engaged couples, but of course applies to expectant parents as well: Learn The Secrets To Registering by Real Simple

All-Inclusive Top-10 List

For those of you looking into affordable honeymoon options, you might want to turn your attention to an all-inclusive resort(s). Here is a list of 10 reasons why:

1. Great for Your Budget. You know what your food and lodging (and even some entertainment) is going to cost before you even leave home. 2. Don't Lose in the Money Exchange. No need for exchange your cash to foreign currency. Everything can be pre-paid. 3. Safety and Security. You check-in and leave your wallet in the safe in your room. No need for cash unless leaving the property or for extras and excursions. 4. A Taste-Testers Delight. All meals and snacks are included- if you don't care for your meal, order a new one, no additional charge. Many restaurants also offer buffets so you can customize each and every meal that you enjoy. 5. Have A Few On Them. All drinks, including those that are alcoholic, are included. Hello, money-saver!! 6. Try a New Sport. All non-motorized water sports are included. Go out and surf or sail for the day. 7. Go on an Adventure. Most properties offer convenient day-time activities such as water-skiing and parasailing as well as various excursions (i.e. swim with the dolphins) for an extra price. 8. Be Entertained. Most properties will offer some form of evening entertainment. Just a note though... Don't expect it to Broadway-quality or you'll be a bit disappointed :) 9. Convenience. No need to stress about finding restaurants and worrying about cabs or car rentals. Everything is on the property. 10. Fewer Worries, More Enjoyment. The food quality may not always be 5-star, so check out sites like tripadvisor.com to make the best choice. If you want easy and affordable travel though, all-inclusives are a great option! Bon voyage!

Stems and Vines

I learned yesterday that Stems and Vines, a well known floral boutique in St. Paul has closed its doors. How sad! I just saw their work at the wedding show last month and loved it! Many of their designers were incredibly talented.

Their message states that if you booked a wedding or event they will be calling you to help make alternate arrangements very soon. If you have a house account with them they will be sending out info with the final billing.

Their website has been forwarded to A. Johnson & Sons (also on Grand Ave. in St. Paul), so I am guessing they're going to refer all their business there. I am very sorry to see them go!