Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Remembering Loved Ones

A few weeks back during a meeting one of my brides expressed the difficulty she was feeling that her mother, who had passed, would not be there with her on her wedding day. Unfortunately, this is not the first time I have been presented with this scenario, and I always want to make sure we include a parent or loved one who is no longer with us, in a way that honors their memory but also focuses on the happy celebration. I have had brides wear their father's favorite dress shirt as they are getting ready or wear a piece of their mother's jewelry walking down the aisle. Grooms have clutched a grandfather's pocket watch as they recite their vows or even choose to use their father's wedding band from this day forward.

While these were great ideas, this bride was looking for something more. I thought about some ideas over the next few days, and "it" came to me while in a department store. I was passing by the perfume counters and I saw a bottle of Chanel No. 5 that immediately made me think of my own mother. This is her "signature scent" and it often lets me know she has come into the room before she even speaks. I called my bride right away and asked what perfume her mother wore. The sales lady was kind enough to give me a sample, which I brought to our next meeting. I suggested that she wear her mother's "signature scent" on her wedding day and when I sprayed the sample, she was instantly reminded of her mother.




Scent has such a way to conjure up memories,and I could not think of a better way for a bride or groom to remember a loved one, then to wear their perfume or cologne on the wedding day.

"Long after one has forgotten what a woman wore, the memory of her perfume lingers." -Christian Dior

xoxo,
Jen

Thank you to Jennifer Lust Portrait Design for the beautiful images!

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Halloween Candy For Troops





Happy candy overdose day! If you are anything like me, you over bought in anticipation for the hundreds of princesses and super heros you thought you were getting, and now have pounds of left overs! Instead of engaging in the battle of "to eat or not to eat," stay healthy and do some good at the same time by donating your candy to the troops. There are several organizations that are accepting your post Halloween treats, so find one below that works for you and purge those mini diet busters...

For DC Locals:
MoverMoms is a 501 (c)(3) non profit group of moms who have dedicated themselves to doing regular volunteer projects around the community. Their Treats-4-Troops Candy Collection has several drop off locations all around the DC, MD and VA area through Saturday, November 5th. You can drop off at any time, so find a location close to you today!

If you are not in the DC area, Operation Shoebox, accepts your donations by mail. Operation Shoebox is an amazing organization that is committed to sending care packages that are handmade with love. Each bag contains a hand written letter to the soldier letting them know how much they are loved and appreciated. They even try to include something for the troops to hand out to the children in the area.
Mail donations to the following address
Operation Shoebox
8360 E Highway 25
Belleview, FL 34420

So get the candy to one of these great organizations and have a big heart, rather than bigger hips :)
xoxo,
Jen