Proper Grooming

Since we all know that everyone in the wedding party should be pampered and trimmed, Panther got his hair cut yesterday for our engagement photos.

We had grown his hair out all winter long, so it was pretty unruly to start out.

But we quickly got it under control with Miss DeeDee's patented puppy cut.

It's perfect for the warm weather that's rolling in, and he'll be handsome in pictures (as long as I can keep his cow licks down).

The groom and I (and our fur-babies) get our engagement photos taken on the 17th, and I can't wait to see the outcome!

Good clean (and mean) fun!

Now that the major part of wedding planning is over for me, it's time to relax and get down to the fun stuff.

Here are some links picked just for you guys that will help you along the way:

Got wedding budget woes? Track a wallet friendly fashionista at The Secret Life of the Budget Bride.

Does it seem like everyone wants to have input in your wedding? How about getting them to donate all their old gold to make your wedding bands - then they can say they had a hand in it!

Need to get something off your chest before the big day? Check out True Bride Confessions - hilarious and snarky tellings from real brides - and add your own tale of woe or romance!

Have you seen I Do Magazine? If not, you should check it out! Georgia brides even have their own edition on newsstands.

Itching for some free wedding gear? Try entering some of these wedding contests to see if you can win a few things!

Speaking of Georgia: would you like to include something true to the peach state into your wedding? Check out this site that lists all the state songs, symbols, and sayings. How 'bout some grits, y'all!

Been accused of being a bridezilla yet? Don't worry, you will eventually. So why not be true to the term and check out this handy online guide. If you're still not sure, take this quiz to see if you're up to it!

Need a weekend of movies with the girls? Here's a list of the top box office grossing wedding-themed movies.

Put down the planner and kick back and relax!

Photo Op

Last Thursday, my bridal photographer Jenny Evelyn threw a Bridal Bash complete with cocktails (including a Bride-tini), cake squares, and conversation.

You can see many of the lovely photos, including ones of me and my MOH, here.

We had such a blast chatting with the other brides - even getting into a long conversation about the virtues of waxing and, *ahem*, bleaching. Don't ask.

I passed out a price list for a local wax place that I have come to love and also passed out business cards for Tulaloo, where I am ordering my invites from.

Jenny furnished each of us with a lovely gift bag that included a few little picture frames (which gave me another great idea for the wedding), candy, and a great list of tips on taking photos (including our individual sunset times for the big day). She even let us take home the cute tiaras that were used in the pictures.

I think from a marketing standpoint (since that is what I do), I found this to be creative way to promote the business. A happy bride is an apostle for your brand. Make one bride very happy, and you will inevitably have more. Connecting with a bride is an easy way to make her feel comfortable and confident in your work, lowering her stress level for the chaos ahead.

I definitely challenge all the brides out there to not only choose vendors that have a great product, but choose vendors who have great service as well. You will be much happier in the end.