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Honeymoon Hot Spot

Does a year round temperate climate, beautiful beaches, and incredible sightseeing sound like what you would like to surround yourself with on your honeymoon? If so, then I think Fiji might be the place for you!

For starters, the average temperature is between 79 and 87 degrees all year. Fiji is an archipelago of islands about 2200 miles off coast of New Zealand. The official language is Fijian, and they also speak Hindi, but the main language spoken is English. The two major islands are Viti Levu and Vanua Levu they are the biggest islands with the largest populations. The former contains Suva, the capital and largest city. The majority of tourists visit the Nadi and Denarau islands as they have the most resorts and attractions.

Jacks of Fiji on Nadi Island is a very popular spot for shopping and picking up interesting trinkets. There's also an arts village in Pacific Harbour that offers shopping and cultural experience.

The Kula Eco Park on Viti Levu is the "environmental showplace of the South Pacific". It includes a large coastal forest to explore and a bird park to observe the native wildlife.

And of course, since it's an island, there are plenty of scuba diving opportunities and expansive beaches to relax on.

One of the most impressive resorts to stay at is Turtle Island. It's actually a whole island that only accommodates 14 couples at any time. Each private villa or "bure" also features it's own private beach and "bure mama", a person there to cater only to you on your stay. How romantic!

After doing all the research for this post, all I have to say is where do I sign up?!?

All photos from turtlefiji.com

A Day to Cherish Strikes a Pose!

We all do it, at some point in our lives...stand in front of the mirror, pucker our lips, and think about what it would be like if we were 5 inches taller, 15 pounds lighter and our job was to grace the cover of Glamour magazine. Every girl has a moment when they dream of a day in the life of a super model. Well, how lucky we are! The A Day to Cherish team had the luxury and LUCK to spend an evening giggling, primping and sipping champagne for our fun, fun, fun photoshoot at Kimberly Jarman Photography. Yes, we needed new headshots for the website, but would JC Penny posed portraits cut it? Of COURSE NOT! We had to make this an event, and a fun one at that! We spent the evening playing dress up and, if only for a few minutes, pretending we all were 'Gisele-esque. We had lots of fun, tons of laughs and came out with some adorable pictures of our team. Thanks again to Kim Jarman and Jenny for opening the studio and putting up with us for the night! We love you!      

                                                      

      

           

Vendor Spotlight: Phoenix Cake Company

 

One thing that makes wedding coordination fun is all the wonderful vendors we get to meet and work with. Finding someone that is easy to work with and that our clients love is always such an exciting thing! One of our favorites is Phoenix Cake Company. We have had the pleasure of working with Christy several times and just love her product! Of course.....we would never send a bride to a baker who doesn't make fabulous cake! Cake might be the most important part of the wedding! (OK, maybe second to the dress !)

Lets not forget to mention that Phoenix Cake Co. made a cake for pop-star Rihanna's birthday party and were featured on TLC's Ultimate Cake Off! Check out a few favorites that they have made for some of our lucky brides!

If you want to sample some of their wonderful cake, cupcakes or other delightful bakery items, you can check out their new sister store - Caketini -that has opened for retail at San Tan mall.  Or, check out their website for more pictures, products and flavors.  http://www.christyscakesupplies.com/index.htm .

Pictures courtesy of Light Rain Images, Jane Jordan Photography and Pinkerton Photography.

How To: Have Fun Getting Ready

The time you spend preparing to walk down the aisle should be just as unforgettble as the actual event. Here are a few ideas on how to make the process fun and memorable.

1. Decide Who Will Be There

It takes quite a while for everyone to have their hair and makeup done, and to get on all your dresses. Make sure to surround yourself with people you know will make the day stress free and fun. If you're stressing out while getting ready, it could put a damper on the rest of the day.

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2. Personalize the Space

You'll want the room everyone is in to be tranquil and calming. Burn some candles to take the edge off and add a festive atmosphere. If candles aren't allowed wherever you're getting ready, try some reed diffusers.

3. Set the Mood

Getting ready can feel like being in the locker room before a big game. To add to the fun mood, have each bridesmaid burn a CD of songs that are inspired by memories they share with you, it will lighten the stress and get everyone laughing and reminiscing.

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4. Supply Snacks

A big mistake many brides make is not eating much on their big day, usually do to the high stress. But that is a bad idea, as a balanced sugar level keeps stress under control. Keep fruit or veggie platters in the bridal suite to munch on throughout the day without creating a mess or filling you up too much. Also, having water, juice, and soda on hand is a good idea to keep everyone hydrated.

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5. Keep Entertained

Set a cheerful mood by playing a favorite movie in the background if there is a TV. Drink some herbal tea, which can help calm nerves. Ask each of the bridesmaids to contribute a favorite pampering product to a tray for everyone to share. Bring pictures from your bachelorette party and wedding showers to pass around while getting ready, it will be fun to reminisce in anticipation of the day ahead of you.

Most importantly, have fun! This is one of the most important days of your life, don't let the stress and nervousness be the only thing you remember.

Photos courtesey of: David de Dios, One Fine Day, Eyes 2 See, Priddy Photo, Kimberly Jarman Photography

Michelle & Mark - Grayhawk Golf Club wedding

In honor of the upcoming holiday season (already!!) we wanted to post some fun pictures of our New Year's Eve 2009 wedding. Michelle and Mark traveled all the way from Chicago to enjoy the beautiful evening weather that Phoenix had to offer.  Being a destination wedding, the invitations, designed by See Saw Design, mimicked an airline ticket adorned with blue and green confetti. The invitation set the tone for the fun, festive event to bring in 2010 with a bang! Jane Zarzynski Photography did an amazing job with the pictures. Thanks to Grayhawk, Lollicakes, Taryn Hitchings, Flowers by Jodi, Larry James, Scrapbooth and Phoenix Cake Co. for making this event so perfect for Michelle and Mark! It is time to evaluate our 2010 goals and resolutions because before we know it, another year will be upon us! Enjoy the images and let's start gearing up for the upcoming year and all the fun, memories and fabulous pictures 2011 will bring!!

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Lolli cakes.....yummy!

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The always adorable flower girl shot!!

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Our happy couple at the Westin Kierland!

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Stunning night time ceremony !

You Can Totally Wear That Again!

Most of us have a few pretty bridesmaids dresses hanging in our closet that were worn once for a few hours and then rarely glanced at after. When are you ever going to wear them again? Ah, but it is possible. Here are a few ideas on how to "re-wear" a bridesmaid dress. With the right accesories, an old dress is good as new. Orange Dress

Beige FlatsGold BanglesGold Necklace

A pretty peachy orange dress can be made to be less formal with some good accesories. Pair it with some low key beige flats, gold bangles, and an orange necklace for a chic look that no one will ever guess was once crammed in the back of your closet.

 

Blue Dress

White CardiganSilver RingWhite Sandals

Aqua blue looks really great with white accesories. A summery sleeveless dress can be worn again for fall if paired with a cute cardigan. Some casual sandals and a pretty cocktail ring make this a perfect outfit for a daytime party or meeting with friends.

A floor length dress can easily be made more wearable by...

Black Long Dress

Shortening it!

Black Short Dress

Crystal BraceletBlack ClutchSilver EarringsBlack Peep Toes

A shorter version of this dress makes a good "night out" outfit. Paired with a bold bracelet, some statement earrings, and great heels the outfit goes from plain to wow!

You see, with the right additions an otherwise overlooked dress can become a new wardrobe staple, you totally can wear it again!

All pictures of dresses and accesories are from J. Crew and Forever 21.

Cara & Chris - Different Pointe of View wedding

I am so excited to share with you that I finally had the chance to be on the other side of the white dress. I have to be honest....I think coordinating a wedding is easier for me than being the bride. So much excitement and a roller coaster of emotions!

I am truly blessed to have had the most amazing vendors to make my day outstanding. Of course there was no question that the A Day to Cherish girls were my coordination team, since we are pretty much family! I also had the pleasure of working with Wendell Design Group Florist, Snapbooth, Different Pointe of View, my friends Julie and Billy at The Big Bang, Sarah Vanell, Joe Darago from Valley Vows, Sarah San Marco, Taryn Hitchings and Tri Rentals.

Enjoy the wonderful pictures taken by KB from Kimberly Jarman Photography! Maybe I'm a bit biased, but I think they turned out fantastic!

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Photos Courtesy KB, Kimberly Jarman Photography