Taboo Topics … Week Five February 27, 2009

We are moving right along with the Taboo Topics … this week is He Says/She Says Communication! Just because the topic is “he says/she says” – that doesn’t mean you get to answer or “assume” how your fiance’ would answer the following questions…. you need to talk to your fiance’ and try to understand the way he/she communicates…this could be interesting!

He Says/She Says Communication

1. When your partner is unhappy, how do they show or tell you?

2. How will you resolve a disagreement?

3. What is your fiance’s style of communicating?

4. How do each of you handle your anger?

5. If you get really bogged down, who do you go to for help?

6. Do you communicate everyday, even when you have a disagreement?

7. Do you feel emotionally connected and committed to your partner?

8. Do you and your partner handle stress the same way?

9. How will you show your support to each other in difficult times?

Communication (open and honestly, of course) is a very important part of marriage…talk to your fiance’ and learn more about them.

To read the full article, please pick up your copy of Jacki Allen’s Kentucky Bride Magazine online – at Joseph-Beth – at Barnes & Noble – at Wedding Wonderland – at Bluegrass Bride and many other fabulous wedding professionals throughout central Kentucky.

please leave your comments as we’d love to hear what “he or she said” or feel free to email us anytime to jaime@jackiallen.com with Taboo Topics as the subject

celebrate your love…..

The Kissing Tree February 24, 2009

While catching up on my daily reading of fabulous blogs…. I came across this fun “kissing tree” from Elizabeth Messina’s new blog…. Kiss the Groom.

Not only will you see some of Elizabeth’s FABULOUS photography…. you get to read all about “kisses” – my fave.

Obviously, being in the wedding business, I am a natural romantic, so this new blog has my toes curling, butterflies in my stomach and cheeks rosey in anticipation of reading all about “first kisses” – “kiss and tell” – “little kisses”…… love it!

below is my KISSING TREE – how sweet!

so, please visit The Kissing Tree to get your own! 

since we are such the romantics…. please leave us your “first kiss” story – we’d love to hear them…. i’ll start with mine:

“Heath and I met on a blind date (yes, it’s true – sometimes your friends know you better than you know yourself) and instantly hit it off!  We both loved family, college football and good food….. we had plenty to talk about on that first lunch date.  The next week, we went to the UK – Arkansas football game that had 9 (yes, NINE) overtimes….. from that game on, I knew there was something special between us… but I was scared!  This was too much emotion, too quick.  We were together constantly for the next three weeks (yes, four weeks of dating with no kissing… but remember, i was scared) THEN, one night in my townhouse, it happened…. our first kiss!  And let me tell you – it was AMAZING…. my left leg literally lifted (just like in the movies)… I couldn’t have written the script any better myself!  After our first kiss, we were in LOVE and I had no chance…. the sparks flew and haven’t burned out yet!” …..jaimeson

 

celebrate your love….

2009 Oscar’s Gala February 23, 2009

Jacki and I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE to support our local community…. we do this in many ways, here are a few:

* Jacki Allen’s Kentucky Bride Magazine only used local photographers for all filler photos (no stock photos here – everything in the magazine is from Kentucky!)

* Jaimeson is co-chair for the Angel Ball, which raises awareness and money for Hospice of the Blugrass, Jessamine County and the RJ Corman Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute at Harvard University

* Jacki and Jaimeson also contribute, donate time and money, for numerous non-profits that we are honored to be a part of.

And, this past Saturday night was no exception….

The 9th Annual Oscar’s Gala Fundraiser benefiting UK Markey Cancer Foundation – New Hope Haiti Mission and Kentucky Law Enforcement Memorial Fund was held in the Malone’s Banquets, part of the Bluegrass Hospitality Group.

For this fabulous evening, we purchased tickets, donated silent auction items and bid on items as well to support these wonderful organizations.  I have a few pictures below from the evening…..

This is Jaimeson with her hubby, Heath, in front of the Oscar ice sculpture….

here’s a close up… (isn’t he handsome?)

below is the fabulous four…. (from l-r: Anna Johnson (Bluegrass Bride) – Ana Crane-Simpson (Applied Cosmetic Services) – Jaimeson Gann (jacki, event & wedding planner) – Susan Johnson (Bluegrass Bride)

and finally, just a pic of Susan, Heath and myself enjoying the evening…..

I hope you enjoyed the pics and that you will feel inspired to donate to one of these worthy causes or one that is dear to your heart. 

celebrate your life….

Kentucky Bride Bridal Show…. pics February 21, 2009

Hope everyone is having a FABULOUS weekend….

I just came across our photos from the January 2009 Kentucky Bride Bridal Show…. and realized that I haven’t posted any of them.   So, here are a few…..

Hope you enjoyed the pics….

Please don’t forget our next Kentucky Bride Bridal Show is Sunday, July 12th… mark your calendars!

celebrate your love…

Taboo Topics … week four February 20, 2009

Okay ladies (and gents)…. last week was all about the FAMILY…..

this week, it’s all about …. dare I say it …. SEX! (gasp!)

Now, while of some of you might be having your cheeks turn red and others can’t wait to read this section…. let me put in a small disclaimer: “We have only put a few questions down, as this is an intimate and personal discussion between you and your fiance’…. we are just giving a starting point.  AND – we are not saying that you are currently being intimate, but you will be intimate in marriage.”

Now that that’s out of the way…. let’s get to it!!!!!

SEX ED

1. Who would your fiance’ say is more romantic between the two of you?

2. If there comes a day when there isn’t enough of it (we know, it probably won’t happen to you, but just in case), how will you deal with it?

3. What if sex becomes boring? How will you talk about it? What can you do to keep your sex life spicy?

4. How do each of you feel about birth control?

5. How do you classify cheating?

6. What is one of your fantasies?

Again, this is just a starting point…..  to read the full article please visit…. jacki allen’s Kentucky Bride Magazine online  OR you can purchase your copy from Joseph-Beth, Barnes & Noles, Bluegrass Bride, Wedding Wonderland, and many more….

please leave your comments or feel free to email us anytime to jaime@jackiallen.com with Taboo Topics as the subject

celebrate your love…..

Wedding Day Insurance February 19, 2009

One of the most important pieces of advice we give our wedding couples is to purchase “wedding day insurance”!  Thankfully, out of our weddings, events and bridal shows that we produce, we have NEVER had to use the insurance….. BUT we always have it…. just in case!

Let’s be honest…. how many of you are concerned that a wedding professional that you have signed a contract with and given a deposit to…. may not show up?  may go out of business before your wedding date? have an outside wedding planned and not sure if it is going to rain? wedding dress is wrong? and so many other “disasters” that could arise.  With wedding day insurance {and a fabulous planner} you are sure to sleep soundly.

Wedding Protector Plan from Travelers Insurance is caterering to you and your unique wedding!  This website is full of knowledge, free quotes, articles for now and when your newly married life…. and so much more.

Here are some of the FAQ’s from Wedding Protector Plan:

Q: Basically, what does the Wedding Protector Plan^SM cover?
A: The plan can reimburse you if an important item related to your wedding (for example, your ring) is lost or damaged before you get married. The plan can reimburse you in case you lose your deposit if a vendor (for example, your florist) goes out of business before your wedding. You also can receive funds if events beyond your control cause you to postpone your wedding.
You may add coverage to protect you in case someone at your wedding is injured or causes damage to property of others. Of course, certain terms and conditions apply to these coverages, which you will want to review before you purchase your Wedding Protector Plan^SM.

Q: My fiancé is in the military? What if he/she is called up right before the wedding?
A: If circumstances beyond your control (for example, an unforeseen deployment) cause you to postpone your wedding, we can provide reimbursement for non-recoverable expenses.

Q: Do I have to buy liability insurance?
A: You are not required to elect liability coverage as part of your Wedding Protector Plan^SM. However, you may wish to contact the locations where you will hold your ceremony and reception, as they may require you to show proof of liability insurance.

Q: Basically, what does liability insurance cover?
A: Liability insurance can protect you from liability for property damage/personal injuries to third parties at the location of your ceremony and reception. You also have the option to include liquor liability coverage, which protects you and your immediate family from alcohol-related accidents caused by a guest of your wedding.

We STRONGLY reccommend every wedding couple to purchase wedding day insurance…. the pros definately outweight the cons – so please look into this for your wedding day!

celebrate your love…. (while being covered)

GetMarried.com…. Vendor Spotlight February 18, 2009

For those of you that don’t know…. GetMarried.com is taking the wedding industry by storm (and we are pleased to be a part of that)!

Getmarried.com is a national TV show, airing every weekday morning at 7:30am on Lifetime Television …  AND  … getmarried.com is a website with a vast range of information, ideas, Colin Cowie tips, etc…. They have local resources, real weddings, national trends, and so much more.

Here is their ad from Jacki Allen’s Kentucky Bride Magazine, Spring 2009 Issue (page 26) and some Colin Cowie Tips, just for Kentucky Bride (page 36)!

Please watch, DVR, visit the website…. but I would suggest that if you are a Bride to Be, then you should definitely check out this site…..

happy planning….

Taboo Topics…. week three February 13, 2009

This week – the questions get more interesting…. (not juicier – that’s next week when we discuss “Sex Ed”)… but this week, we will be asking questions about our IN-LAWS, FAMILY and FRIENDS!  Can you handle it?  We’ll find out….

IN-LAWS, FAMILY and FRIENDS

1. Where do they fit in the scheme of your marriage?

2. How much time will you spend with your friends?

3. What will you do about friends that your fiance’ dislikes?

4. How improtant is it to you to have boys’ nights and girls’ nights?

5. Are there boundaries on how much you want your fiance’ confiding in their friends? Are any topics OFF limits?

6. What is the role of your family in your relationship?

7. What is the role of your family in the upbringing of your children?

8. Where will you spend holidays and with which family?

9. Will you have alone time?

10. How do you want to spend time together?

Only TEN questions – not too bad…. but this talk could turn bad quickly…. so I want to give some “jaimeson” tips (a little different from “jacki” tips).

Jaimeson Tips:

* DO NOT discuss this topic this weekend – it is Valentine’s Day, and no need to spoil it.

* Don’t say, “Honey, tonight let’s talk about our families…” these words could make him/her think that you are going to talk about their family (not both families) and not talk in a good way!  Suggestion: Just bring up a question here and there – test the waters so to speak….

* BUT – these questions all need to be talked about and discussed.  If you notice hesitation now, imagine how it’s going to be when you have different thoughts on where to spend the holiday OR when you have kids and he/she still wants to go out EVERY weekend…. etc. etc. etc.

* Definately talk about what is OFF limits… you may not want to run to your parents every time that the two of you get into an argument because you may get over the dispute alot quicker than your Mom…. and then it would start to get ackward – OR no need to discuss your “private” nights with friends…

Good luck with this topic…. when you get finished discussing these questions openly and honestly, you will be that much happier in your relationship and know boundaries for your family and in-laws.

To read the full article, please pick up your copy of Jacki Allen’s Kentucky Bride Magazine online – at Joseph-Beth – at Barnes & Nobles – at Wedding Wonderland – at Bluegrass Bride and many other fabulous wedding professionals throughout central Kentucky.

please leave your comments or feel free to email us anytime to jaime@jackiallen.com with Taboo Topics as the subject

celebrate your love…..

Mix & Mingle…. pics

Thank you so much to the BRIDES and guest that attended the FIRST Mix & Mingle!!!  We really apprciate you braving the weather – the UK vs FL basketball game (YEA CATS!) – and just your normal routine…. to join us at Hilton Suites, Lexington Green!

Below are some pics from the evening …. enjoy…..

  

                                                      

 

“Thank you for the event last night. It was very nice to just sit and talk. I look forward to the next one. The food was great and so were the gifts. Thanks again.” from Cathy, a bride who attended the Mix & Mingle.

So, please don’t miss our next MIX & MINGLE…

WHO: YOU – the bride and her guests ($15 pp)

WHEN: Thursday, March 19th from 5:30pm to 7:30pm

WHERE:  Bluegrass Bride – 4384 Clearwater Way, Suite 180 – Lexington

Please feel free to RSVP to Ashley at 859.271.1499 or ashley@jackiallen.com

have a fabulous day…. and celebrate your love this valentine’s weekend…

Mix & Mingle TONIGHT February 10, 2009

Calling all BRIDES (and their guests)….. Jacki Allen’s first Mix & Mingle is TONIGHT!

The food is being cooked, the signature drink is being mixed, and the fabulous swag bags are getting the final touches…….

Please join us and other brides to “mix and mingle” – all about weddings – and your wedding!  How fun!

WHO:  You and your best gal ($15 per person)

WHEN: Tonight – Tuesday, Feb 10th – 5:30pm

WHERE: Hilton Suites – Lexington Green

WHY: So you can chit-chat with other fabulous ladies like yourself about weddings!  What could be more fun on a rainy Tuesday in Kentucky????  Plus, the food, drink, gifts and DOOR PRIZES are going to be FABULOUS!

Hope to see you there…..

Taboo Topics…. week two February 6, 2009

Ladies – I hope you were able to get through the first week of TABOO TOPICS with no trouble… as these were “starter” questions.

This week – we will discuss GOALS….. we all have them, need them and want to achieve them…. but what if our goals are different than our partners? is there room for compromise? how do you combine goals?  can you both achieve your personal goals while still mainting your marriage goals?  below are some questions that will get you started…

GOALS

1. What goals do you have for your marriage?

2. What life goals do each of you have?

3. What are your career goals?

4. What happens if one of you gets a job offer 600 miles away?

5. What values are central to each of your lives?

6. What are you hoping this marriage will bring?

7. How will you divide the time between family and career?

8. Do you want to have a family?

9. Choose one word to describe your current lifestyle.

10. Choose one word to describe what you want your married lifestyle to be.

Taboo Topic Tip:  Always – Always be honest with yourself and your partner…. for example – don’t say to your partner “I’ll follow you anywhere, even the job that moves across the country” – if you won’t really go! It’s easy to say you’ll follow your spouse if you don’t ever think that option will come up…. BUT… what if it does?  Can you really move away from your family and friends to start all over? what if it’s 10 years down the road and you now have children in school – will you still follow?  Just remember to be Honest!

To read the full article, please pick up your copy of Jacki Allen’s Kentucky Bride Magazine online – at Joseph-Beth – at Barnes & Nobles – at Wedding Wonderland – at Bluegrass Bride and many other fabulous wedding professionals throughout central Kentucky.

please leave your comments or feel free to email us anytime to jaime@jackiallen.com with Taboo Topics as the subject

celebrate your love…..