Love

LoveSay I Love You Today

One lovely summer evening as I was walking beneath the full moon with a lovely being beside me, suddenly, like a bolt of lightening I was overcome with immense love in my heart for him. I could feel this love bubbling and bursting through me, a tender warmth overwhelmed me.

Thoughts of what to say came and went. Thoughts of past heartache came and went. Thoughts of how he might feel came and went. The only way through this energetic pull of oneness was through expressing this love to him. Without fear, I gathered my courage. Without fear of what may come to pass or how this may change my friendship with him, I took the leap of faith. “I feel so much love in my heart for you,” were the words of truth that rang through my being and into the dark crisp summer evening air. Breathing in my authentic voice I could only express what I felt at that moment without thought of the impact of this expression.

It felt amazing to be in this authentic place of knowing and expressing myself without fear. To say, “I love you,” and to know and feel it. To this day, I am often overwhelmed by the depth and truth of this love and continue to share and express what I feel. Without fear. And as I do, my heart continues to open, feel and express more love.

In the midst of our current state of high rates of separation and divorce, I feel we are being called to reflect upon our relationships, our love for ourselves as well as for others. Are we to define a new way of being in relationship with others? Are we supposed to find “the one?” Are we to continue the roller coaster of marriage and divorce?

Deep in my heart, I believe that when we truly love, respect and care for ourselves, we open ourselves to the possibility of true love with others. Until then, we continue to learn what we need to learn and grow in ways that bring us closer to our place of truth and knowing.

Just for today, look into the mirror and repeat many times to yourself, “I Love You.”
Notice inside your heart how this feels.

Just for today, look into the face of your loved ones and express what your heart feels for him or her. Whether it is, “I feel so much love in my heart for you” or in the case where you have drifted away from your loved one, “I am saddened that we do not express as much love as we once did.”

Honor your feelings toward yourself and others. Express in kind ways how you feel. Invite more love into your heart and into your life. Enjoy!

LoveFirst published on elephant Journal – Helene Rose, MS, CRM dedicates her life to the practice of mindfulness; creating peace within her self, her family, her community and our world. She is a poet, teacher and healer in Boulder, Colorado. Her book is Blessed Womb – Inspirational Poems to Warm the Heart & Womb. Find her at www.towardthelight.biz


Love by First Class Weddings

Wooden Arch

Wooden ArchCustom Wooden Arch rental is exclusively available at First Class Weddings.

Wooden ArchDrops of glass filled with purple orchids adorn this custom wooden arch

Wooden ArchWe love the hanging votive candle holders!

Wooden ArchA simple, yet stunning personality…

Wooden ArchJust think of the possibilities…

Wooden ArchAvailable exclusively through First Class Weddings

nothing else compares…

Wooden Arch by First Class Weddings

Join us!

Beach Weddings

Beach WeddingsBeach Weddings

In Hawaii the beaches are absolutely stunning, which makes getting married on the beach a dream come true for some couples. What you don’t know is that in Hawaii, special permits are required in order to have beach weddings and you have to hire a wedding planner to get the permit (unless you want to pay for a million dollar liability policy that lists the State of Hawaii as a beneficiary), and then go through the application process solely on your own.

Beach permit fees range from about $50 to $300 depending on the size of space you need on the beach (this includes you, your guests and all your vendors). There are also restrictions on decor that you will need to take under consideration so paying a little more for a planner to help you achieve this dream is way worth it.

Some other things that you  may not want to hear about beach weddings in Hawaii is that they offer limited privacy, there are no back up options in the event of inclement weather, and your restroom options are very limited.  However, if you know all of these things and are still up for a Hawaiian Beach Wedding then please email us and we will be happy to guide and assist you, every step of the way.

Beach Weddings by First Class Weddings

Adventure Weddings

Adventure WeddingsAdventure Weddings

Whether you seek a helicopter ride to a secluded waterfall, a 4-wheel drive to a remote beach, or a sunset sail while you say “I do,” First Class Weddings can customize an amazing adventure weddings and provide a package that exceeds your wildest dreams. Come on…what are you waiting for? Let your inner spirit show you the way toward an adventure wedding of a lifetime.

Inquire here for a custom quote.

Adventure Weddings by First Class Weddings

Table Cards

Table Cards

Table Cards: Name your table

Designating tables at your wedding will ensure that your caterer knows what table a person requesting coffee is sitting at, it also allows families sit together as well as ensuring that your father in law doesn’t sit next to your father (if they don’t get along). Here are the basics when planning out “who” sits at “who’s” table.

1. Draw a map of your tables: If you have 100 guests and are seating 10 at each table, then draw 10 tables.

2. Select a name to put on your table cards: Be creative! You don’t have to choose numbers you can choose flowers, names of islands, places you’ll visit, special dates, tv shows or anything unique and custom to you as a couple.

3. Provide one place card for each person (children too) that is attending your wedding. You will need to have a table set up to display the place cards at the entrance of the wedding reception. Your place cards can be alphabetically displayed in ice sculptures, in sand, on trees etc. so be creative! Just don’t forget about “mother nature” at outdoor weddings (or they could fly away).

4. Print the table card names on the back of each place card. This way when a guest retrieves their place card they will know which table they are sitting at.

5. Another option is that you could display the place cards directly at the table instead of the registration table. Then all you need is to display a table seating chart (alphabetical names in a frame under the table name headings) on the registration table and this will lead people to their table.

Table Cards by First Class Weddings

Wholesale Wedding Supplies

Wholesale Wedding Supplies

www.koyalwholesale.com

Wholesale Wedding Supplies:

If you are in the process of deciding on your wedding decor then you have got to check out this web site! It’s jam packed full of crystal garlands, diamond wraps, lighted centerpieces, simple vases, swagging, custom favors, specialty gifts, invitations, cupcake towers, specialty wedding items and so much more… You can literally spend a few hours on this site and I recommend that you bookmark it for future use! Take a look at www.koyalwholesale.com and let us know what you think.

Wholesale Wedding Supplies by First Class Weddings

Reception Canopy

Reception CanopyReception Canopy:

This area works great at any indoor or outdoor reception! Put it near the cocktail area and people tend to gather to this comfy spot. Seat cushions and pillows can be color coordinated with your theme. A reception canopy can add a comfortable lounge area for people to gather and makes a stunning focal point.

Reception Canopy Details by First Class Weddings

Maid of Honor

Maid of Honor

Maid of Honor

Being a Maid/Matron of Honor can be hard work! However, knowing in advance what is expected of you can make a world of difference if you want to be exceptional. Here are 10 things a Maid of Honor should know when accepting the offer of being the brides ‘personal assistant’.

  1. Plan on assisting the Bride in selecting her dress as well as the bridal parties attire.
  2. Offering assistance with addressing invitations and calling for final RSVP’s is a must.
  3. Helping the Bride determine seating arrangements is mandatory.
  4. Being the on-call girl for discussions with any details, favors or decor is important!
  5. Offering your help with any day-of tasks should be a given!
  6. Taking care of the brides train (if applicable) once she approaches the alter area is mandatory.
  7. Taking the brides bouquet during the ceremonies ring exchange is a no-brainier.
  8. Assisting the bride to and from the restroom to freshen up is the right thing to do.
  9. Yes, collecting gifts, envelopes and being the last to leave is exceptional!
  10. Plan on giving your time on the day after to ensure that any loose ends are taken care of can be difficult, yet necessary.

Whatever you do, please do not try and criticize, judge or disagree with the Brides flavors. Every wedding is truly a personal reflection of the couples style and should be honored as that. Being an exceptional Maid of Honor requires patience, understanding and most of all, love.

Maid of Honor by First Class Weddings

Wedding Budget

wedding budget

Saving Together…Wedding Budget Basics

  1. Doing a destination wedding at your honeymoon location combines expenses and will save you money.
  2. Sending save-the-date cards are an extra expense that is totally OK to cut out of the wedding budget.
  3. Be conservative when purchasing your wedding gown.
  4. Considering a luncheon instead of a reception dinner will cut your costs in half.
  5. Doing your own make-up will save you time and money!
  6. Have your ceremony chair rentals transferred to the reception tables after the wedding.
  7. Keeping your centerpieces simple & low to the table can save you a lot of money!
  8. Forgo favors and instead hand write thank you cards for each person or family.
  9. Keep the dessert display option on your menu instead of ordering a large wedding cake (paying for a small 6″ wedding cake on a pedestal for your traditional “cake cutting” will actually save you money).
  10. Designate day-of tasks like setting place cards and favors to a friend or family member vs. paying someone else to do it.

When it comes to your wedding budget and saving money the most important thing to remember is to keep it simple. This will allow you to keep your costs down without sacrificing elegance.

Wedding Budget by First Class Weddings

Beach Glass

Beach Glass

10 Fresh Beach Glass Ideas!

  • Fill a tray with beach glass and display your place cards in them
  • Fill clear glass vases with beach glass and create something magical for your centerpieces
  • Hot glue beach glass to your invitations, favors, baskets, pillows, vases, frames, books or thank you notes
  • Make Beach Glass Garlands or wreathes to either hang in your arch, drape over your chairs or lay down the isle-way
  • Make wired beach glass jewelry for gifts (bracelets, necklaces, key chains etc.)
  • Provide beach glass to your pastry chef to use around your wedding cake
  • Attach beach glass to fabric table runners and use to enhance your reception tables
  • Glue beach glass to the top of skewers, wire or lei needles and have your florist place them in your flower arrangements
  • Scatter or display them on your food display tables
  • Fill tall glass vases with beach glass and water and submerged flowers and place them down each side of your isle-way, then you can have them transferred to the reception and displayed there

For more fresh ideas follow us on Twitter: @FCWeddings

Beach Glass Wedding Designs at First Class Weddings