Clinton Wedding: Simply an Elegant Affair

Most women that dream of their fantasy wedding always remember falling in love the romantic Cinderella story, or perhaps they may ponder over Princess Diana’s wedding, which was an extravagant affair that included royalty, elected officials and celebrities. For the younger generation of brides most are looking after Celebrity Weddings and after this weekend many Brides will be looking into the details that were created by Chelsea Clinton for her wedding day. On Saturday Night a few guests will never forget the sight at a certain wedding in Rhinebeck, New York. A former president and the current secretary of state joyfully beaming as they were about to give their only daughter away.

The pending marriage of former first daughter Chelsea Clinton and investor Marc Mezvinsky has been billed as “America’s Wedding,” a blowout affair of the political and entertainment elite.

According to the press, this wedding is a lot more than that. It’s a confirmation of America’s shifting religious landscape.

“This is a state wedding that is claiming for all of us that things are changing,” says Rabbi Irwin Kula of the National Jewish Center for Learning and Leadership, referring to the increase in interfaith marriages. “It’s the public confirmation … the public reflection of a reality that already exists.”

Clinton was raised a Christian, and Mezvinsky is Jewish. Fifty years ago, this marriage would never have taken place. The pressure to remain faithful to one’s own kind was too great.

It’s a great time going on for the Clinton family as yesterday, their beloved and only daughter got hitched into the wedlock. This wedding was collecting highlights right from the start because Chelsea is not your ordinary girl; she is more a princess as being the daughter of ex- United States President Bill Clinton and the current State Secretary Hillary Clinton. The wedding began in a calm manner as the security was extremely strict which more transformed this wedding into the political one.

The photographs of the Clinton/ Mezvinsky marriage ceremony have been widely issued on the internet. In the photographs the couple seems very delighted as their long time love affair has finally renovated in to the marriage vows. The groom Marc Mezvinsky in his black formal dress and the bride in her beautiful wedding dress created by Vera Wang looked perfect and made in heaven with each other. Hilary and Bill Clinton looked very happy for their daughter’s big day.

Other permanent memories that took place would include: The bide, Chelsea Clinton, helping the minister remember the next line of verse when the breeze flipped his page over too soon. And then later, trading her silk strapless Vera Wang wedding gown for a slinkier little white number as she took the floor with her groom, Marc Mezvinsky, for a cutely choreographed dance to “At Last.”

The wedding party was formidable — a dozen bridesmaids and nearly as many groomsmen — and so too was security: Guests needed specially issued ID bracelets to board a bus to the ceremony. A few sharply dressed crashers who tried to blend in with the crowd were quickly escorted out. The party raged until 4:30 a.m.

There was a large attendance of 400 guests and it was said to be extremely lavish. Some say there was a seven-figured cost estimate to produce the event. It was said to be not over the top, and not crammed with celebrities but, more elite officials.

“It felt like a family wedding,” one guest said. “It didn’t feel like a big extravaganza.”

Efforts to keep the wedding underwrap may have failed, with leaks drawing hordes of journalists to the small Hudson River community this weekend — but even after the fact, the families kept a tight lid on most of the details.

On Saturday night, the Clinton’s released a statement expressing their happiness, along with five radiant photos of the bride in her white silk organza and tulle gown with a crystal-encrusted belt — three with her groom, one of the couple with her parents and one of her dad walking her down the aisle. But that was about it. Want to see more of Hillary’s plum-colored Oscar de la Renta dress? Sorry, absolutely no more pics. And none on Facebook: Guests had to hand over all cell phones and cameras.

The outdoor ceremony at Astor Courts was dignified but lighthearted.  Neither of the two celebrants — the Rev. William Shillady and Rabbi James Ponet — gave a formal sermon. Marc, 32  and Chelsea, 30 (who is now pursuing a PhD at NYU’s Wagner School of Public Service), laughed throughout, once when Chelsea seemingly dropped her groom’s ring. He broke a glass underfoot, in keeping with Jewish tradition, and they stood beneath an immense chuppah made of woven willow branches, white roses and hydrangeas.

The reception was held on the same property — not inside the Beaux-Arts mansion, but in a solid tentlike structure erected for the occasion. An 18-piece ensemble from New York (the orchestra of Jim Valli, a Clinton rep confirmed) performed big-band music. Bill Clinton, with an adoring look on his face, danced with his daughter to “The Way You Look Tonight.” Later the Clinton parents danced together, with no fanfare and little attention, looking as ecstatic as they did at the 1993 inauguration. And yes, they also did the hora, which put Bill and Hillary up in the chairs; up too went the grooms parents, ex-House members Ed Mezvinsky and Marjorie Margolies-Mezvinsky.

The dinner: Catered by the St. Regis Hotel in New York, it was “okay,” a guest said — short ribs, Atlantic char, a vegetarian option, and gluten-free rolls. The gluten-intolerant bride also selected a gluten-free cake from La Tulipe.

The flowers: roses and hydrangeas, all purpley-pinky-blue. It was a hue that corresponded with the attendants’ gowns, which we’re told were actually wedding gowns dyed a plummy color, after they couldn’t find a traditional bridesmaid-style gown they liked.

After the band wrapped up, guests moved to an after-party on the tennis courts, where a DJ played ’80s tunes and current Top-40 fare — you know, typical wedding stuff. Bill was on the dance floor; so was Hillary aide Huma Abedin with her new husband, Rep. Anthony Weiner.

Bill gave one of the toasts, of course, saying that ever since his daughter had been old enough to formulate a thought, he had “been outnumbered” in his household, two to one. Now, with a son-in-law, he said, “the playing field is even. I have someone else on my side.” The kind of welcome that any old dad might give, at any old wedding.

I am looking forward to reading more about this extravagant affair and I surely can’t wait to see all of the photos from this wedding. From reading about it, it sounds like it was a sophisticated and classy wedding celebration.

Photo’s and notes provided by: Google, YouTube, The Washington Post, and Political Review Journal

Looking for Sophisticated Luxury for your Wedding Day? Check out what Mandarin Oriental Las Vegas has in store for their Brides……

For your wedding day, Mandarin Oriental can assure you a supreme location at the center of The Las Vegas Strip and an entirely exclusive scene.

Uniting the discreet luxury, synonymous with Mandarin Oriental, and the warm, sincere service that comes with the Asian heritage, all of their weddings create memories to last a lifetime.

Mandarin Oriental can create a glitzed gala against the fabulous backdrop of The Strip, a private party in their VIP bar space 23 floors high above the city, a spa pedicure party in a luxury poolside cabana or a private dinner in their black and white Emperor Suite.

Guests at the Mandarin Oriental Las Vegas check in at the resort’s 23rd floor Sky Lobby. With an interior designed by Adam D. Tihany and spectacular views of the Las Vegas Strip, the lobby provides an amazing welcome to Vegas.

While hosting your wedding at the Mandarin Oriental Las Vegas, check out the French restaurant Twist by Chef Pierre Gagnaire. The restaurant is the Michelin-star chef’s first U.S. restaurant and serves classic French cuisine with a modern spin. Other restaurants include MOzen Bistro with authentic Asian dishes and multi-national fare and the Pool Café, where guest can dine out on Mandarin’s pool deck on the 8th floor.

In the evenings, check out the Mandarin Bar. Located just off the lobby on the 23rd floor, it offers lavish furniture, a VIP room and spectacular views of Vegas. During the day the Tea Lounge provides a scenic meeting place for a stimulating beverage. If you just want a quick bite or a cup of coffee, Amore Patisserie, is located directly on Las Vegas Boulevard – just opposite the valet entrance of Mandarin Oriental Las Vegas.

For the bride to be wanting to seek fine relaxation you will want to check out the resort’s 27,000-square-foot spa. It has 17 treatment rooms and a variety of unique treatments including a Chinese Foot Spa. Relaxation lounges at the spa have views of the Las Vegas Strip and there are steam rooms, a men’s sauna, hammam, experience shower, ice fountain and ladies’ Rhassoul. In addition to the spa, Mandarin Oriental Las Vegas has a fitness and wellness center, yoga studio, heated outdoor pools and a beauty salon that can cater to the modern bride.

In addition to the numerous amenities and the service at Mandarin Oriental Las Vegas, the resort is part of CityCenter, a 67-acre urban metropolis and one of the world’s largest green developments. Besides the Mandarin Oriental Las Vegas, CityCenter includes Aria, a 61-story, 4,004-room gaming resort; Vdara Hotel & Spa and Veer Towers; and Crystals, a 500,000-square-foot retail and entertainment district.

Mandarin Oriental is sure to take your wedding vision over the top. If you are interested in a tour of the hotel please call 702.432.7433.

Having a hard time trying to figure out what type of Wedding Reception is right for you?

Here are a few tips that may help you make the best decision…

When envisioning your wedding reception, do you see the beauty of early morning light dancing through the trees or an all night, all-out party? There are many  types of wedding receptions, there’s going to be one right for your style, and most importantly your budget.

Breakfast or Brunch Reception

If you’re having a sunrise wedding, or just envision getting married bright and early in the morning, then you’ll want to have a breakfast or brunch reception. Traditionally, menus include breakfast classics like quiche, frittata, and eggs benedict. It’s great to have action stations where guests can get food like omelets, and French toast made to order. For a touch of luxury, consider adding smoked salmon, caviar, or a carving station with ham, turkey or roast beef. Spice things up with Bloody Mary’s, Bellinis, and Mimosas! Oh, and offering a coffee station that features coffee’s from around the world will surely be a huge hit!

The Pros: It’s inexpensive; people will drink considerably less alcohol, and the types of food served are typically cheaper as well. If you want to get a jump-start on your honeymoon, a brunch reception perfectly allows you to leave the same day.

The Cons: Consider your guests, especially those who live two hours away. They’ll have to get up very early to make it to your wedding. Also, you won’t have as long to get ready in the morning.

Something New: A cocktail-style brunch. Have your caterer reinvent breakfast classics into hors d’oeuvres such as mini-eggs benedict, bite sized French toast, and scrambled egg bites topped with caviar. Keep those Mimosas and Bellini’s flowing!

A Lunch Reception

If you want a morning wedding, but need a little bit more time to get ready than a breakfast reception would allow, consider a lunch reception.

The Pros: It allows you to serve some of the same favorite dishes that you would at a dinner reception, for a cheaper price. You still may be able to leave for your honeymoon the same day.

The Cons: If you don’t leave for your honeymoon that same day, you’ll have to figure out what else to do with the rest of your wedding day! Your reception might also be more staid than it would be later in the evening.

Something New: A picnic reception! Have your caterer (or a favorite restaurant) package individual meals in disposable cardboard picnic boxes. Spread out big pieces of colorful cloth and offer pitchers of basil lemonade and raspberry iced tea. Be sure to have some tables and chairs available for those who prefer not to sit on the ground.

Afternoon Tea

If you’ve ever been to an old-fashioned high tea, you know that it’s an indulgent fun time. It’s not every day that we get to gobble tea sandwiches and cute desserts in the middle of the afternoon. Serve a variety of hot teas, champagne, finger sandwiches, tartlets, petit fours, éclairs, and of course, wedding cake. Be sure to plan your reception for the middle of the afternoon so that guests aren’t expecting a full meal.

The Pros: Again, it’s cheaper than having a dinner reception. It’s also a little different, and it’s perfect for adding hand-crafted and vintage touches.

The Cons: Afternoon tea is a little on the feminine side, and so your male guests may not feel entirely comfortable.

Something New: Be a bit cheeky, and serve Long Island Iced Teas (a potent cocktail) along with the other tea offerings.

Champagne and Cake Reception

This is probably the least expensive type of reception, and it’s what was once the norm for most weddings. Gather everyone after the ceremony for a bit of cake and a few toasts. But don’t ask your guests to get in their cars again. Have your reception in the garden of your ceremony venue, or even right in the same room. I also suggest that you put on your invitation “champagne and cake to follow” so that guests will know there isn’t a meal.

The Pros: Did I mention already that it’s cheap? If you’re not a fan of big crowds or lots of mingling, a champagne and cake reception is often short and sweet.

The Cons: Some guests might expect more. You might find that it’s over far too fast for your liking! And you’ll have to skip out on some of the traditional aspects of a wedding reception.

Cocktail Wedding Reception

Cocktail receptions can be elegant and stylish, and allow your guests to really mingle and meet each other. They tend to be a bit more relaxed than a sit-down meal, and often feel like a great party.

The Pros: If your venue is small, cocktail receptions allow you to have more people. They’re typically shorter than a sit-down meal, and they allow you to really circulate and enjoy the party.

The Cons: While you might anticipate that a cocktail reception would be cheaper, your guests will likely drink more than at a dinner reception. Since most people won’t be seated, some guests will have trouble seeing events like the first dance.

Dinner Wedding Reception

The most classic and formal type of wedding reception, a sit-down or buffet dinner allows you time to really celebrate your wedding, treat your guests, and still have everyone up on the dance floor afterwards. You’ll start with a cocktail hour, then proceed into an adjoining room for dinner, followed by dancing, cake cutting, bouquet tossing and more.

The Pros: Your guests will feel like you really went all out, and feel special. You won’t feel rushed or hurried.

The Cons: Typically, this is the most expensive type of wedding reception. You might also feel a little sad that your wedding night in the hotel room is starting so late! (wink).

Something New: After an hour or two of dancing, your guests might have worked up an appetite again. Serve a “surprise” treat at midnight of packages of donuts, an early breakfast, or even fast food.

Craving a Late Night Snack?

See what The Four Seasons Las Vegas is sweetening up on their menu….

The Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas has taken your mid-night snack to an entirely different level. During your wedding reception guests can dive into an assortment of fun filed interactive stations that can be made up of an exclusive selection of a cold stone ice cream bar with endless toppings or Mini donuts made before your eyes and guests can feel like a kid again and help themselves to fresh peanut butter alongside an array of artisan breads and preserves. It’s just a few of the yummy ways the talented banquet team at the AAA Five Diamond Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas wows reception guests and keeps the party going late into the evening.

“Couples are moving away from traditional seated cake and dessert presentations that have become run of the mill,” says Dawn Woodhouse, director of catering. “Hosted dessert stations are a fun way to ‘wow’ guests a final time with the unique presentation and personalized service that sets a Four Seasons wedding apart.”

The late night, hosted dessert stations were created after the hotel’s experienced wedding professionals noticed a growing number of couples wanting to give their receptions a hip, after-party feel, not only with décor but with dessert options as well. The sweet stations typically make their delicious debut around 10 p.m. or later, once the reception is in full swing.

The fully customized options are endless. Favorites include a cold stone ice cream station with toppings such as hot fudge, caramel and strawberry sauces, Oreo cookies, candy bars, nuts and chocolate chips; a hot and fresh mini donut machine with a variety of flavored glazes, sugars, nuts and sprinkles; and a fresh peanut butter bar paired with artisan breads, marshmallows and fresh jams and preserves. Other yummy options include tray passed Eskimo pies, decadent cheesecake lollipops and rainbow martinis. Bon Appetit!

Planning to succeed in your Marriage?

Here are a few tips on how pre-marriage counseling can be beneficial to your life long relationship to your partner.

I know most of you reading this will think of this blog article as, well, a downer but to break reality to you, your wedding is one day in your life, but your marriage is all the rest of the days that come after it. No other relationship, except perhaps parenthood, even comes close in terms of the challenges and triumphs of marriage. It is the most intimate relationship created by choice that is humanly possible.

I had a couple that were very good friends of mine who were getting married and they had been life time partners. They  lived together for a number of years, and owned property together. It seemed that marriage would simply complete what they had–make it permanent. After my friends told me about their plans, I asked a question: “Have you thought about pre-marriage counseling?” The question surprised both of them.

In the rush, the excitement, not to mention the incredible organizational pressure of organizing your wedding, many people don’t care to think about something as mundane and as sober as pre-marriage counseling. Why rain on the parade? Why descend from cloud nine? Why try to squeeze it in, with all the other things that have to be organized? (Who needs it, anyway?)

Well, this is why: your wedding is one day in your life, but your marriage is all the rest of the days that come after it. No other relationship, except perhaps parenthood, even comes close in terms of the challenges and triumphs of marriage. It is the most intimate relationship created by choice that is humanly possible.

Both couples and individuals seek financial planning to maximize their wealth; businesses value succession planning; students make plans about their career path long before they finish their education. There’s a famous saying that says “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail”. Part of planning to succeed in marriage is taking the time to look forward, to survey the land you are going to travel across, taking note of the mountains and the valleys, the difficult crossings and the pleasant, easy places. Pre-marriage counseling will enable you to do that for your marriage.

But isn’t living together a good enough preparation? The answer, unfortunately, is no. Statistics show that divorces are actually higher among people who marry after having a de-facto relationship with each other. There is something about marriage that distinguishes from simply living together–which means that pre-marriage counseling is incredibly pertinent to de-facto couples. It’s a way of learning how to successfully make the transition from one kind of relationship to another.

What stops people from this kind of preparation? One of the big issues is: “what if the issues raised stop us from getting married?” Here are some points to consider:

First, you may get some surprises. For example it’s possible that, even if you have lived together, some of your partner’s attitudes to certain things that matter to the relationship (such as communication, gender roles, and children) have so far escaped your notice. Pre-marriage counseling will help you see differences that have an impact–not in order to discourage you, but in order to help you plan ways of overcoming or resolving them. Think of it as an opportunity to become creative problem-solvers and relationship builders. Marriage is an art, and you will be honing your relationship skills to a greater level than you ever have before.

You will have the opportunity to understand the issues that are ‘deal-breakers’, and to discuss them, before you enter into ‘wedlock’. Do you both want children? What will you do if it turns out one of you doesn’t? What are your values when it comes to money? What kind of treatment can you live with from your partner? How will you settle disputes? Does one of you have the final say, or is every decision made by consensus?

Secondly, yes, things may come up that give pause to one or both of you–things that may make you decide to postpone your wedding until they are resolved. Don’t be afraid to face these issues before you walk down the aisle. It is easier to work through some issues before the event, than when you are married and the stakes are far higher.

So, where can you go for pre-marriage counseling?

If you are planning to be married in a Christian church, you are very likely to be required to do a certain amount of preparation for marriage.  Ask the minister celebrating your marriage about marriage preparation when you meet with them. Our dear friend and Minister in Las Vegas, Phil York can give you your pre-marriage counseling in 5 minutes or less! He knows it by heart and our couples always leave smiling!

Fees vary, but pre-marital counseling will likely be by far the least expensive item you purchase for your wedding!

If you are open to considering pre-marital counseling, then you are a candidate for a great marriage. Opening up your relationship to receive advice requires humility, and humility is one quality that creates success in life. Another name for humility is teach-ability. If you and your partner are ready to learn new things about your relationship and how to make it the best it can be, then the world is yours!

Some brides will go to extremes just to wear their wedding gowns again … even if it means covering them in paint, smearing on mud, or splashing through a fountain or dancing in the ocean. Thanks to Trash the Dress sessions, newlyweds can really express themselves without the pressure to look perfect … or make it to the ceremony on time. No two Trash the Dress sessions shoots are exactly alike. Each is story driven and catered specifically to the couple, since every bride has her own “trashing limits and Gown Bashing”.

More and more brides are choosing to destroy the gowns they spent big bucks on for their big day.  Couples have been craving something new. Something truly different. Something outrageously shocking, but fun.

This video may be a little to much for a conservative bride but, I will say it is a creative shoot and video and it can give you an idea of how extreme your “trash the dress” session can be.

Check this video out and photography from Michael Maler:

I had the opportunity to visit a local Alfred Angelo store this past week with one of our Bride’s. I was in shock to find that they had plus size dresses on display in the store on plus size manikins. Rarely, do I ever walk into a bridal store and see these types of dresses on display. Being a full figured woman, I was thrilled to see that these dresses were out on display and I must admit they were  tasteful,  stylish and very flattering for a voluptuous woman. Most bridal stores keep these larger designs on racks and some are a complete eye-sore. Some looking somewhat like a balloon or a big marshmallow puff ball underneath the waist line . These Alfred Angelo designs that were displayed in this store were form fitting and had support in areas that would contour a plus size bride’s body to an hour glass. They offer sizes from 0-30 and there are no difference in prices from size to size. Though I am not getting married, I was truly excited to see these dresses on display I was close to playing dress up just to try on a few!

Above are just a few of Alfred Angelo’s Plus Size Bridal Gowns you can see more at:

http://www.alfredangelo.com/collections/displayCollection.aspx?CategoryId=1af402e9-205f-4b7b-9d22-6fec77b3d187

Tune into WE tv as they are giving a lucky couple the chance to win a $100,000 dream wedding! Every week, starting June 6th,  WE viewers need to watch Bridezillas and My Fair Wedding and look for that week’s “wedding word.” The wedding word must be entered at WEtv.com in order to register for the sweeps. The grand prize for one winner is a $100,000 wedding planned by David Tutera, including a 7 night honeymoon, courtesy of Endless Vacation Rentals® by Wyndham Worldwide.

Click here for more information: http://www.wetv.com/sweeps/index.php?sweeps=bridal-sweeps

CLEARLY DEFINE RESPONSIBILITIES EARLY

The best way to safeguard against a bridesmaid disaster is to make the responsibilities of your bridesmaids clear to them as soon as you ask them if they will accept the honor. Being a bride is like being a boy scout – you have to be prepared. Bridesmaids are responsible for paying for the dress, shoes, and accessories of your choice, they have to help the maid of honor with the shower and bachelorette party, they have to attend the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner, and they have to help you to get ready on your wedding day. Make sure that they are prepared to take on all of the duties that are required, and tell them that you will not be offended if they want to decline – you just want to have that information sooner than later! If someone agrees to be a bridesmaid, then she is agreeing to take care of all of the responsibilities that you have explained to her. Make sure that she checks that she is available – no work or personal obligations – on you wedding day especially. Never try to pressure someone into being a bridesmaid if they don’t want to be because that will end up causing you endless frustration in the long run.

CHECK YOURSELF BEFORE YOU WRECK YOURSELF

Before you jump all over your bridesmaids for something, make sure you aren’t actually having a bridezilla moment. Being a bride-to-be is stressful, and the last thing you want to do is curse out one of your best friends because you are frazzled with your florist! Your bridesmaids will understand if you are on edge – it comes with the title. However, if you don’t keep your emotions in check, you will wind up with a bunch of unhappy members of your wedding party. Don’t let your wedding ruin the relationship

TALK IT OUT

If you just got a phone call from the bridal shop informing you that your college roommate ordered the wrong dress in the wrong color… a month before your wedding day, then it is natural for you to feel the urge to just call the girl and let her have it. However, that is not the best way to deal, needless to say. Calm yourself down first, and then call her and ask her what is going on with her dress. It could be some sort of totally accidental mistake, in which case she will surely be diligent in mending the error quickly. If she was just causing problems though, and she decided that she would get what she wanted, and disregard your dress selection, then you are going to have to lay down the law. Tell her that you are sorry that she spent her money on a dress that she cannot use for the wedding, but that if she wants to be in the wedding party, she will have to get the dress that you specified, in the color that you specified. If you find out that one of your bridesmaids is causing drama amongst the other bridesmaids, then you should talk to her about what she thinks is going wrong. Tell her that you don’t care if she and the other girls are best pals by the wedding day, but you will not stand for an ugly scene that runs the risk of ruining what is supposed to be the most magical day in your life.

BUDDY SYSTEM

If you are really getting fed-up with the constant complaints from and about a bad seed bridesmaid, then turn to the troops for reinforcements. Your maid of honor is your best line of defense. Just ask her to try to smooth out the drama so that you can focus on the other, much more enjoyable, aspects of planning your wedding. Your maid of honor will help you out. She wants this day to go off without a hitch.e.

KICK HER TO THE CURB

Sometimes it just isn’t going to work out. It is better to kick a bad bridesmaid out of the wedding party if she is constantly being a thorn in your side than to keep her around and have her sabotage your happy day. You don’t want to be preoccupied with keeping her behavior in line on your wedding day – you want to be focused on the love that you and your new husband share. If she is really that bad, then who really cares if it ruins the relationship with her? You will be better off without a friend.