I love sports. I love to spend Sundays watching football. I love participating in fantasy leagues. I still have VHS tapes of my favorite basketball games from the 90’s. I mean, I am sad that I am not better athlete, but watching them is high on my list of favorite things. So how excited was I when I read about an event that combines a bridal expo AND a basketball game? Very.

Brides and Basketball is a bridal show that happens at various cities RIGHT before basketball games. Want to get your groom excited about meeting wedding vendors? Buy tickets to these events and you will get free tickets to stay and watch the games. I mean, it’s a win-win situation. The stadiums open a little early and you can check out the different vendors, as well as during half-time.  I wish this was coming to a city near me!

Who doesn’t want to be fit before their big day? W know it can be hard motivating to the gym so that is why Bridalalicious, the health, fitness and beauty resource for brides, is introducing a new Boot Camp DVD set to get whip you into shape. Bridal fitness expert Doug Rice leads bride boot-campers through a series of four DVDs, each with a different workout to target key wedding gown “areas”. “Slim down in 90 days” ? Hm….

These DVDs will most definitely kick your butt, but all the while having fun and boosting some major confidence. There will be a sneak peek event launching the Bridalicious DVD set on Thursday, June 10 from 5:30-7:30pm at Third Space in Dallas, Texas. If you won’t be around the Dallas Area, look out for these DVDs to be in stores now, or order yours through BridalBodyClub.com (check out the preview on their website now!)

xxSal

So, yesterday, on a BOILING Sunday afternoon I headed over to the Ultra-cool event space, 632 on Hudson where they were hosting the Illegal Wedding Fair, a boutique Same-Sex wedding fair that raised money for Marriage Equality.

I saw and tasted many lovely things, but nothing piqued my interest quite as much as the couple from the Oratory Laboratory. Actually, I should say I have no idea if they are a couple couple. They are two attractive people who own a business together and I just feel the need to insert my “too-many-RomComs-wouldn’t-that-be-a-great-plot-for-a-movie-reuniting-Sandra-Bullock-and-Hugh-Grant” subtext into their lives.

The Oratory Laboratory is, as I found out, a speech writing service that offers services formerly reserved for corporate addresses at share holder meetings or the political trail to Best Men, shy parents and anyone else who might be needing to speak at a wedding or social event for someone near and dear to them.

When I first saw their booth I was a bit apprehensive. First of all, getting to hear the occasional bad toast is FOR SURE in the Top Five reasons I love my job. It’s definitely somewhere between tastings and any ethnic dance performed in the round (Horah, Tarantella, etc.) If we eradicated bad/awkward/ inappropriate speeches from the wedding world, what would take that spot for me? Secondly, sort of like thank you note writing services, I always thought that wedding toasts were of such a personal nature that perhaps they perhaps shouldn’t be farmed out.

Then I saw the questionnaire that Nathan and Victoria had designed to help them craft their speeches and I had to rethink my assumptions. It made me realize that while I am a chatty Cathy in any situation and love making toasts, Mayra hates to talk and dreads giving them (though she is quite good at them). Then, the questionnaire was so thought provoking that it made me realize “Planning weddings is of an intimate nature and people still hire us and that actually makes things sometimes feel more intimate, not less so.” I actually realized that because we know some of the “tricks” of showcasing a couple’s personality and making things feel intimate, we help enhance the wedding experience for a client, much the same way I’d imagine the Oratory Laboratory would enhance the nuance and humor of a speech for one of their clients.

Best of all, they actually work together with you on revised drafts after they receive the questionnaire AND help with rehearsing the delivery. So, while you who is reading this may be a bride, perhaps you can subtly hint to your “notorious for embarrassing funny stories” best man or your “i cry just thinking about the wedding” sister that the Oratory Laboratory might be one wedding prep that they don’t want to miss.

If you find yourself in nyc this Sunday, June 6th, check out the Illegal Wedding Fair @ 632 on Hudson between noon and 4:00PM. This premier wedding event is being held in support of marriage equality and features some of New York’s most talented event professionals. There will be live music by Elan Artists, signature cockails courtesy of Life’s a Cocktail/Evoe and catering by Stuart & Welch and Dish Food & Events. These and many other well known vendors will come together for this wonderful event and to support the right of same-sex couples to celebrate their love. Even if you’re not in the midst of planning a commitment ceremony, stop by to support this great cause!

Tickets run $35 for one or bring a friend and it’s only $60 for the pair. Drink some bubbly, eat some good food and enjoy a lovely Sunday in the city knowing you are supporting a great and courageous cause!

Far too often your bridal gown hanger is a forgotten detail which you may not even realize you have overlooked, until your pictures come back

How cute are these?? I stumbled across these unique hangers while perusing Etsy the other day. LilaFrances original wire hangers lead the pack and are definitely a conversation starter! Here are a few of Lila’s designs and some other adorable options found on Etsy.

Just a little something to get you thinking… It’s all about the details.

xx
Salome

NB: Forgive the cheesy title please – it’s just something I had to do.