Beachy Inspiration

While I am on this itssummertimeineedtobeatthebeach kick- I figured I would put together a Beach Feel Inspiration board. Thank you Style Circle, what would I do without you!?

Turks and Caicos!!

No, I am not going to Turks and Caicos (I wish!). But it finally feels like summer here in NJ, which to me- means one thing: time for a vacation!! I was researching places I would like to go (which leaves my list at about oh... 23 places. And it's still growing!) I came across Turks and Caicos. The blue water and white sands makes me want to pack my things and buy a one way ticket!!

As I was doing my research on My Turks and Caicos, I found their wedding section. =) Not only did I want to share the gorgeous photos, but I really wanted to share the information that was posted on making your marriage legal. Anyone who is hosting a destination wedding (not just in Turks and Caicos) wants to make sure that they have, and are made aware of all proper information that is needed.

Making it Legal in the Turks and Caicos Islands
Requirements for obtaining a marriage license in the Turks and Caicos Islands:
· Passport.
· Original Birth Certificate.
· Both parties must be in The Turks and Caicos Islands at the time of the application.
· Persons wishing to be married in the Turks and Caicos Islands may do so after one day (24 hours). Before an application for a Marriage License can be made to the Registrar in Grand Turk. The ceremony can then take place after a period of 2-3 days or at any time after the application has been granted.
· Proof of marital status - If single a sworn affidavit is required. If one of the parties is a divorcee, then a Divorce Decree is required, either the original or a notarized copy, sealed by a Court Clerk. In the case of a Widow/Widower a Death Certificate of the previous spouse is required. In the case of change of name by Deed Poll or Adoption, then proof is required.
· If either party is unmarried, being a citizen or resident of a country other than the U.S.A., a declaration certifying this fact must be sworn before a Notary Public or other person authorized to administer oaths in that country and must accompany the application for the Marriage License.
· If under the age of 21, then consent of one or both parents or guardian, in the form of an affidavit stamped by the Notary Public.
· The marriage parties must not be within the prohibited degree of relationships to each other. Include a letter stating both party’s occupations, marital status, age as of last birthday, present address of residence and fathers full name.
· For church weddings Ministers may require proof of membership.
· The parties must produce evidence of the date of their arrival in The Turks and Caicos Islands.
· No blood test is necessary.
· The fee for the license is $100.00.
Note: Marriage Licenses are issued at the office of the Registrar in Providenciales. This office is open to the public Monday to Friday between the hours of 9:30am - 4:30pm. Please be advised that any Passports or documentation written other than in English should be translated in advance and notarized by the applicable consulate.

For now, I will sit and stare at Google pictures of Turks and Caicos. Hopefully soon I will be able to report back with my own photos!! (Fingers crossed!)

Custom Wedding Stamps

I feel as though wedding invitations have slightly taken over my life as of late, so I felt as though it was oh so appropriate to write about what else. STAMPS! When couples sit down and set budgets for their wedding, a lot of the time the price of postage slips their minds. Your more concerned with "Should we do letterpress?"(my answer for that is always a yes!) "What kind of font do I like?" "How do we address an invitation?". When in reality, postage adds up-dont forget to include that in your budget!!!

I was on Zazzle.com and stumbled across the delightful work of Laura Hooper Calligraphy. Her work is so personal and creative and I just love. it. They always say, an invitation sets the tone and feel for your wedding. The postage is just the cherry on top.

Bridesmaid Do's, Don'ts, and Dresses

Being a Bridesmaid is no small task. Its fun and exciting, but can also be time consuming and costly. I think that a lot of women think "great, more money I can't afford to spend" or "what dress am I going to get stuck in this time". And you know what I say to that? WHO. CARES. You were just asked to be apart of one of if not the most important days of your Sisters/Future SIL/Friends/Whomevers life! You should be honored and excited to share in the memory.

On that note, I felt it was necessary to share my opinion on Bridesmaid Do's, Don'ts, and Dresses.

Do: Grin and bear it. The dress you are given is something that the Bride loves. Plus, everyone knows that you (most likely) didn't pick it out. So quit complaining that it's not your style. It's not always meant to be!

Simple Silhoutette Dress. DO!

Don't: Tell her it's ugly and that you refuse to be in the wedding if you have to wear it. (eh-hem. Can we say...selfish?)

Different style dresses=DO!

Do: Make a friendly suggestion. If the dress really is an eye sore and all the other Bridesmaids are also borderline mortified, maybe suggest a dress in the same color or a similar style. Heck- she might end up liking it better! Unless she is set in her ways and goes Bridezilla on you. (In my book- Bridezillas are a Don't)


Do: Assist in the planning of the Bridal Shower. There is nothing worse than a Bridesmaid who isn't the least bit interested in helping everyone else.

Different Shoes=DO!

Don't: Show up late to the shower. Your a Bridesmaid, you should be one of the 1st there!

Do: Relax and enjoy the experience!

Don't: Enjoy too much and over indulge in cocktails. Especially at the rehearsal. Being hung over the day of the wedding isn't a good look for anyone.

I'm sorry. I just had to.

I know....

I am the worst. If I had 6 hands and 32 hours in a day, I would be GOLDEN. But! Unfortunately, it doesn't work like that. =) I have a few new posts lined up for this week including: Bridesmaid Do's, Don’ts, and Dresses, Custom Wedding Elements, and vendor spotlights. Check back later tonight!!