Not everything is traditional...

I was browsing around the Internet, looking for new and interesting things to post, when I came across this article.

Although they aren't from Ottawa, this couple from the London, Ontario area did something that just touched my heart. A second marriage for both parties, they already had everything they needed so they gave back to an organization that had helped them in the past. Both the couple and their guests did an amazing thing.

Read this heartwarming story here.

On to Book number 2...

So I've started reading the second book kin the Bride Quartet series by Nora Roberts... Bed of Roses.

Proving to be as addictive as the previous novel, I have been sitting around reading it whenever I get a chance. This time it's Emmaline's (the florist) turn to find love. Will see find it with Jack, her best friend's brother's best friend??

Should I or Shouldn't I?

I was browsing CNN, as I tend to do everyday. The headlines, entertainment then the living sections. I came across this article.

Change your name after marriage - Why?

I find it funny (odd not haha) that in a day when we live in a free country and have so many options that someone's name choice after they get married could be an issue. Oddly, it's not even the first time it has come up this week.

The definition of feminism is that it is the doctrine advocating social, political, and all other rights of women equal to those of men. Under this definition, I consider myself feminist, equality is the goal. I do not see taking the name of a person one has chosen to spend their life with as a negative thing. Is it wrong for a strong woman with a career and an identity of my own to want to take their husband's name when and they get married? In my opinion I would still know exactly who I am and I consider it just another stage in my life.

Keeping a "maiden name"or "birth name" for professional reasons or for personal reasons makes sense to me. I even get hyphenating names, creating a new name or even a man taking his wife's name. Why create more issues when we have much more important things to worry about.

* Useless fact: In the middle ages, before it was the husbands name that was used, it was the family name of the higher class family.

... and something blue

There are some traditions that are falling by the wayside... others are sticking around and some are just fun. The idea of something blue is a great and fun way to add some colour to your wedding.

If you are having a wedding with a blue theme it can match your decor, if not it can be a great and creative way to add a burst of colour.

I went and did a little "window shopping" on Etsy - a great site for handmade accessories and other items. Here is some of what I found:
Items are from vendors: (clockwise from top left) hair clip, BrassPaperclip; blue bird necklace, LycheeKiss; Garter, Garter Lady; Ocean Bubbles pearl bracelet, AMIdesigns; cluth purse, JuliaSherryDesigns; blue birdcage veil, JadeRoseDesigns; navy bolero jacket, maryandangelica

well it was less than a week...

and probably the first book I've finished in a while.

My first venture into romance novels and it was great. I can't wait to start the second one... but wait, that means I'll have to wait for the 3rd and 4th books!

I've always known I was one of those hopeless romantics. The girls that movies like The Notebook are written for. This book was great in that it didn't have the grand romantic gestures, just the little things that make someone realize they are in love. The main love interest that listens, is patient, cooks, stands up to us when we are being stupid... but can hold your hand just that right way and look at you like you are the only thing that matters.

Ahhh... romance.

Everyone should read this book, if you are looking for a nice fun read that will leave you smiling.

Vision in White

My Nora Roberts book is coming along well. I can see how people just keep reading and reading these romance novels. They are really easy to relate to, the characters seem like normal people and the romantic interest seems just like the guy that all woman want to find... so far anyway.

The story is based around 4 friends who own a wedding company called Vows. Parker is the planner and owns the venue, Laurel is a chef and does the cakes, Emma is a florist and Mac the main character of this novel is the photographer. She reconnects with Carter, a nerdy yet intriguing guy from the past when he shows up to support his sister in a consultation.

I can honestly say that I don't want to put it down at night.

More to come.

Some great photos!

My friend sent me an email today with a link to some pictures taken by a Brooklyn New York photographer. The wedding has a really great fall feel to it and Susan Stripling's photos are beautiful.


Click here to view the photos and many others on her blog.

Does anyone have any engagement or wedding pictures that they would like to share?