We will be hosting a seminar for Wedding Professionals at this great new Wedding Venue in Tacoma! Here is some information about the Venue located at: 2520 6th Avenue Tacoma, WA  98406 253.906.0448

info@eventson6th.com

Construction Dates: 1924-25; Education Wing 1963

Architects: Heath, Gove & Bell (1924-25), J.E. Bonnell & Son Contractor

Additions & Alterations: Heath, Gove & Bell (1928,1948); Durham, Anderson & Freed (1963)

Architectural Significance:

This striking Gothic Revival structure, in the heart of the Sixth Avenue Business District, was designed by the prominent Tacoma architectural firm of Heath, Gove and Bell and was constructed of Walker Cut Stone from the Wilkeson quarry. The sanctuary includes stained glass windows on the north and west facades and a bell tower on the northwest corner. The space seats 200 and includes a choir loft, a vaulted ceiling, and a still-functioning pipe organ dedicated in1926. In a 1927 Tacoma architectural survey conducted by the American Institute of Architects, the church received an honorable mention in the Semi-Public and Cultural Buildings category.

The 17,000 square foot Education Wing, designed by prolific Seattle firm, Durham, Anderson & Freed, is of modern design and also features Wilkeson stone on its two-story west facade. The wing takes advantage of natural light from the east, south and west, as well as from a small interior courtyard. Interior features include classrooms, a large kitchen, and classic long, lean fireplaces in large lounge spaces on the first and second floors.

Historical Significance:

The Sixth Avenue Baptist Sunday School was organized in 1886 at Sixth and S. Anderson Street. The church was founded in 1901 with Reverend M.W. Miller as the first pastor. Architects Russell & Heath designed a 2-story frame and shingle church on Sixth and Fife that was used from1902 until being moved to the rear of the lot for construction of the new sanctuary. The cornerstone for the new church was laid June 8,1924 and the church was dedicated on April 12, 1925. Throughout the years, the church has served as a center for an array of community services including a food bank, a hospice program, the Boy Scouts, a preschool, Associated Ministries, and Habitat for Humanity.

(Source: eventson6th.com)

From the blog of Hildebrand Photography……..

By visiting the Seattle Wedding Expo, you will learn from the best in the business – all in one place all under one roof.

Seattle Wedding Expo

January 14-15, 2012

Seattle Center

299 Mercer St, Seattle, WA 98109

Phone: (206) 684-7200

Hours

Saturday; 10 am to 4 pm

Sunday; 11 am to 4 pm

Tickets: $15.00 – buy your tickets now and receive 2 for the price of 1!

MEET THE EXPERTS

Interview multiple vendors in one afternoon!

GET INSPIRATION

At the Wedding Expo you’ll be able to interview multiple wedding photographers, bridal salons, florists, caterers, wedding and reception sites, DJs, bakeries, and more — all in one fabulous afternoon. The show gives you the ability to compare prices, style and personalities right there on the spot. Ask questions and look for that special connection with your favorite company and then don’t hesitate to book them because their calendars usually fill up fast!

Get a closer look at what the vendors can do for you! Stroll through the wedding photography booths to get an idea of who will capture your style and character best.  Choose a photographer you feel you connect with and who’s art you like the best.

SHOULD I BRING SOMEONE WITH ME TO THE EXPO?

Yes! Your fiancé, family members, wedding party, and friends can be a great asset to you as you plan your wedding. They can collect information, provide valuable input, give you support, and assist in decision making. Over 50% of our brides bring several guests with them. Even if you can’t attend, please send anyone you wish to collect information for you, the show is completely open to the public.

The smartest thing you can do at an expo is book wedding vendors on the spot to take advantage of special discounts that may be expo only.  The next smartest thing is to book as many one-on-one consultations after the show as you can.  Sometimes, if you show the vendor you are genuinely interested in them by booking a consultation, they will extend their expo special until you meet again.  It’s a neat trick to allow you time to consider your options and still get a deal.

WHAT SHOULD I BRING TO THE EXPO

• Pre-Printed Address Labels/Business Cards are a definite time saver :  Many of the vendors will ask you for contact information to enter you in drawings to win extras for your wedding day. Filling out your name and phone number over and over can get tiring. Be sure to register with everyone so that you will be eligible to win the great prizes they give away. This also assists the vendor in following up with you.

• CHECKBOOK :  Some vendors offer special show discounts if you book them the day of the show. Keep in mind certain vendors can only handle one wedding per day and their date books fill quickly. For that must-have vendor, be ready to reserve your date!

• CALENDAR : You will want to bring a calendar with you so you can make appointments with the businesses that you have an interest in. Remember that the show is a bit overwhelming so as we said before you will want to schedule as many one-on-one consultations after the show as you can… One decision at a time and your calendar will help you keep all of your appointments in order.

HOW MUCH LITURATURE WILL I RECEIVE AT THE EXPO

You will acquire a lot of information from the show which is really wonderful. With so many vendors, expect a lot of material to be offered to you. Take what you want and what you feel you will need to make an informed decision about that company.

Ask for pricelists as well. You may also want to use a two bag system giving you the ability to sort the information you want into two bags of interest. Keep both so you will have access to everyone’s material for comparison.

SEE YOU AT THE SHOW

So shine up that new ring, and REGISTER to attend the Seattle Wedding Expo today. Here is your link to get the 2 for 1 discount pass https://secure.bridesclub.com/seattle/ordertickets.cfm . It’s the smartest decision you’ll ever make. (next to saying, “YES”)

When your guests arrived at the reception, if you want to really blow their minds, the place to start is really the guest tables!  Then mold the rest of your decor around them.  Well decorated guest tables will pull together the whole reception.

A great centerpiece is the anchor of beautifully decorated table.  Traditional floral arrangements can always do the trick!  There are tons of unique flowers to choose from, but do keep your budget in mind while letting your imagination go wild.  If you’ve decided you have enough flowers in your wedding already, you may choose a centerpiece that’s a little less common.  Asian lamps have been making their way into the wedding scene over the last few years.  Turn down the lights in your reception to really set the mood.  Another option that has been growing in popularity is the use of fish in fish bowls.  Betta fish and other colorful species have been used as the center of the table!

Centerpieces are definitely a necessity but you don’t necessarily have to go all out if you use linens to spruce up tables!  Many brides are discarding the idea of the traditional white linens and attempting to wow guests with brightly colored or even iridescent table clothes and even napkins!  Throw on some table runners in bold or pastel colors for extra splashes of color.  Linens in shimmery fabrics add an extra luminescence to candle lit centerpieces.  If your venue doesn’t have colored linens, almost all event rental companies do.

Once you’ve drenched your tables in color, there’s no need for the traditional patterned china!  Brides today are sticking with a simple white dish with more modern shapes.

So, start planning your perfect guest table and stun your guests as they enter your reception!

Some of our favorite vendors for linens are:

IN SEATTLE -

Grand Event Rentals - www.grandrents.com

American Party Place - www.americanpartyplace.com

IN HAWAII -

Les Saisons - www.les-saisons.net

REA Events - www.reaeventshawaii.com

I wanted to share some beautiful wedding venues in the Seattle area.  These wonderful venues will be exhibiting at the Seattle Wedding Expo this January 14th & 15th at the Seattle Center Exhibition Hall!  See www.bridesclub.com for details….

Blue Ribbon Cooking - They are a unique venue location over the water on Lake Union.  They offer all inclusive wedding packages custom tailored to meet your needs!

City of Mukilteo Community Center - Located in Mukilteo of course, the community center has a few options to choose from for rental space…. choose from the Rosehill Community Center, the picnic shelter, the Wedding Circle and the Lighthouse Grounds!  They are prepared for your wedding, rain or shine!

Hilton Downtown Seattle - A new addition to the Seattle Wedding Expo!  A beautiful downtown Seattle venue!  Get married in style!

These are just a few of the great venues you can find at the Seattle Wedding Expo this January 14th & 15th!  We have more of course at the Tacoma & Lynnwood Wedding Expos this January as well!  www.bridesclub.com for all the details!

It may not have crossed your mind but the vendors that you have hired for your wedding are providing a service and it is customary to tip……if of course you were happy with their service.  It’s a nice way to show your appreciation of them making your big day perfect!

A couple of tips on tipping….

• Don’t forget to include tips into your wedding budget so you don’t go over!
• Plan ahead and put the money in separate sealed envelopes and label them.  Then designate a person, like the best man or your parents, to give them out at the end of the reception.  That way you don’t have to worry about it!
• You should plan on 15-20% for wait staff and limo driver (if you have one), about 10% for bartendars, Musicians or DJ’s typically receive about $25 each and delivery drivers are usually good with about $5-10.
• Be sure to talk with your vendors first about their tipping policies as some may have a no tipping policy and some may have already included it in their bill!

So, show your appreciation and tip those wedding professionals!  Don’t forget to visit www.bridesclub.com for a complete list of wedding vendors you’ll love!

If you’re getting married in Hawaii, you’ll find tons of beautiful locations to choose from besides the typical beach wedding.  Hawaii is the perfect place for tropical gardens and Polynesian architecture.  I’ve included a few of our favorites complete with photos!  And you can find them all at the Hawaii Bridal Expo this July 29th-31st at the Blaisdell in Honolulu…..

Haiku Gardens….

At Haiku Gardens, they offer 3 different places you have your ceremony….in their amazing botanical gardens, in the open aired Tahitian chapel or under the gazebo over the ponds.  All this with the backdrop of the Ko’olau mountains.  Receptions are held at their restaurant, Haleiwa Joe’s Seafood Grill…. you won’t be disappointed!  Check out their website at www.haikugardens.com

JW Marriott Ihilani Resort & Spa…….

We’ve blogged about the Ihilani before and for good reason, the resort is AMAZING!  There are many spaces in the resort to choose from.  They have several ballrooms if you’ve got a more formal wedding planned or check out their breathtaking coy ponds complete with manta rays!  They can also feed your desire of a beautiful beach wedding if you’d like because they are right on one of the Ko’olina lagoons.  See their website for more gorgeous photos of the resort! 

Sunset Ranch……..

Sunset ranch located in beautiful Haleiwa has some different options to choose from!  Choose to have your ceremony in the meadow overlooking the coastline then follow with your reception in their stables for a more rustic setting.  You must also see their fern gardens.  You’ll want to take a peek at their site for sure!

Remember, you can meet the staff of these wedding venues and many more at the Hawaii Bridal Expo this July 29-31 at the Blaisdell in Honolulu.  See www.bridesclub.com for coupons, details and a full list of wedding venues in Hawaii!

It’s your special day and you want EVERYONE that is important to you to share it with you!  Does that include your beloved pet?  For many people the answer is YES!  More and more couples are making their favorite furry friend part of the wedding.  If you’re considering having your precious pooch or other furry critter accompany you at the alter here are some things you may consider….

Does the facility you’re getting married at allow pets?  You may be surprised that a lot of places will welcome the idea of your pet being there.  Some however may want you to pay an additional deposit though so be sure to double check!

Does the venue use pesticides or have other harmful chemicals in your pet’s reach?  Be sure to let them know you will have your pet with you on your wedding day to be sure they don’t treat any part of the facility whether indoors or out with anything that could be harmful.

What role will your pet play in the wedding?  Dogs of course are pretty trainable and could easily take on the duty of being your ring bearer.  Strap a pillow on his or her back and be sure to tie the rings SECURELY to it just in case though.  You’ll also want to designate who will walk the dog down the aisle and be sure to bring them with to your rehearsal.  Cats or other animals may not be so easy to train so it may be best to have them walk down the aisle with you or someone in your wedding party.  Also, make sure any costume or clothing they will wear is breathable and not too tight!

Who will watch them at the reception?  You will want to ask a trusted friend or family member to keep an eye on them during to reception.  Alcohol and chocolate are just a few of the hazards you don’t want your pet exposed too.  So be safe make sure they’re monitored!

Also, don’t forget to schedule a trip to the groomer a day or two before the wedding!  You want to be sure everyone looks their best on your big day!

Be sure to check out www.bridesclub.com for all your wedding planning needs!

Five Great Punch Recipes for Your Wedding 

Summer is here (sort of) and so are summer weddings. With the temperature rising (we hope), it’s important hydrate everyone. A bowl of punch is a great way to keep your thirsty guests satisfied. We went and found some great recipes that would be great for your wedding.

1. Here’s “Champagne Punch” from OurMarriage.com:

 1 gal. Sauterne Wine

 4 quarts champagne

2 quarts ginger ale

1/2 pt. sherbet

Ice cubes to chill

2. From Punchrecipes.org, get bombed with “Artillery Punch”:

1 quart of bourbon

1 quart of strong black tea

24 oz of orange juice

12 oz of lemon juice

9 oz of light rum

6 oz of apricot brandy

4 oz of dark Jamaican rum

¼ cup of sugar

3. For a non-alcoholic option, here’s “Incredible Punch” from Allrecipes.com:

2 quarts of cranberry-raspberry juice

1 quart of pina colada mix

2 liters of raspberry ginger ale soda

4. “Green Party Punch” from Cdkitchen.com is sure to be a hit:

2 packages of lime-flavored gelatin

1 quart of hot water

46 ounces of pineapple juice

24 ounces of thawed orange juice concentrate

1 cup of sugar

2 cups water

2 quarts ginger ale

5. For another “adult” punch, try “Pina Colada” from Recipeczar.com:

48 ounces pineapple juice

15 ounces cream of coconut

4 cups (not cans) of 7Up

2 cups of rum

You plan your wedding for months, maybe even for a whole year.  You plan where you are going for your honeymoon, where you are going to stay, what you are going to see and what you are going to do but do you think about or plan for what happens on your wedding night or when the hotel door closes on the honeymoon?   Most brides these days don’t.  70% have already had a sexual relationship with their partner and assume that everything will just fall into place or they have this romantic vision of what the wedding night is “supposed to be”.  That is not always the case.  A little extra planning and some great advice from us and your wedding night and honeymoon will be without disappointments.

The Wedding Night…

What a day!   The wedding was perfect.  You started the day early with lots of running around, getting ready, and those pre-wedding pictures.  Then there was the ceremony, more pictures, reception, more pictures, dancing, more pictures…maybe you didn’t even get to eat.  At the end of the day you are a little more than tired, your feet hurt and hair and makeup are a little droopy…not feeling sexy?  Now you are “supposed” to look fantastic for your man.  Here is where we tell you to “STOP”.  Take a few minutes…give your new husband a hug!  Take a breath.  What do you do next?  Maybe the answer is SLEEP.  That is okay!  You may have to get up early for your honeymoon flight or trip and that is a good option.  Remember, you have the rest of your lives to explore each other.  Then again, maybe he can’t keep his hands off you.   So here is where a little preparation will go a long way.  We have answered some questions for you…

I am nervous and tired and don’t feel like have sex right away.  What do I do?  First of all, no matter how excited…nervousness, stress and a long day will derail even the most eager bride.  A good way to destress and relax your body for sex is to start off with some fantastic foreplay.  Foreplay allows a women’s body to prepare to engage in sex.  Foreplay helps you become aroused, which in turn allows your body to prepare for sex.  It also allows the body to begin to lubricate.  A good way to start foreplay after a long day is massage.  Using a good massage oil or lotion will allow you to give each other time to begin to relax along with being able to explore one another.  

I keep drying up and it is frustrating!   You assume that because you are aroused you will be well lubricated to enjoy sex …wrong.  Stress, nervousness, dehydration (from all the alcohol), certain medications, or forms of birth control can cause dryness.  If you are not as lubricated as you need to be, this may cause minute tears in the vaginal walls potentially causing infections.   No one wants infections on their honeymoon!  Our recommendation is a good water-based lubricant for the honeymoon.  

I am not aroused!  It is my honeymoon and I don’t want him to know.   A huge cause for not being aroused…you guessed it…the stress of the day.  A good arousal cream is recommended just in case.  Make sure that you understand how they work before you take them with you as some of these may be too strong and no one wants that either! 

I want to spice up our wedding night and make it fun.  You want to make your wedding night a little different…simple romance card games or romance dice travel well.  

What if he wants to do something new that I don’t want to do?    Talk to your partner in advance about expectations.  Let him know that you are nervous and voice any concerns.   This is your partner for life, having this conversation before the big night is a little difficult to approach but necessary.

I am still a virgin but he isn’t.  I am really nervous.  We recommend reading a book on sex and your body before the big night.  Our book Tickle Your Fancy is a great one.  Another good book to read would be a couple’s book.  You can have an open discussion about anything that would make your nervous.  We also recommend a good lubricant and an arousal cream just in case.

We are both virgins.  A good couple’s book.  We have several in our product line.  Also, a very frank conversation beforehand.  We promise it will not distract from the spontaneity or the romance…in fact, it will put you both at ease and make the night more special.

I am worried that he won’t last long enough for me.  Men are like microwaves and women are like crock pots.  Men can have an orgasm with minimal stimulation in less than two minutes and the average women takes 15 to 45 minutes to reach orgasm.  This is a concern for a lot of women.  Our recommendation, lots of foreplay but you can also consider a prolonging cream for him or a c-ring.  Remember the stress of the day will affect him too.

When I shave my bikini area, I get a rash and sex is painful.  Shaving the bikini area is a must be the day before.  Use rash free shave cream.  We have a wonderful one in our product line.  Bring some along for trip along with some soothing aloe vera gel.  

He said he was tired and little drunk.  He didn’t want me.  Don’t think if he doesn’t want sex that it is all about you…performance anxiety, stress, tiredness and alcohol will make his performance less than stellar so to speak.  It is all about not wanting to disappoint you!  

Some additional tips…

•  Know your lubricants.  Do not use an oil or silicone based lubricant with certain birth control methods or certain bedroom accessories.
•  Bedroom accessories are a fantastic way to spice up your romantic lives but your wedding night is not a great time to introduce them unless you have long history of using them together or they aid in helping one partner with condition.
•  Lingerie…you don’t have to go all out and get crazy but giving your man something visual to enjoy is arousing to him.  Just remember it will end up on the floor very quickly.  Asking your partner in advance about his either his favorite color or vision when it comes to lingerie and surprising him with it on your honeymoon is fantastic.  Maybe a few pieces for the honeymoon or better yet…walk around in nothing but his bow tie!
•  Having a conversation about sex before the wedding is not going to dampen the spontaneity of it but rather enhance the experience and less the chances for disappointment or misunderstandings.

Feel free to email us with further questions.

Jennifer Johnson:  Jenniferjohnson7377@pureromance.com

Desi Snowden: desisnowden@pureromance.com

Or go to our website to view our product line:

www.desireesnowden.pureromance.com

www.jenniferjohnson29835.pureromance.com

A Pure Romance party will give you even more information on how to spice up your romance!

The best part of having your party with Pure Romance is that the party is FREE to have (no added wedding expenses!), I provide all the games, prizes and entertainment and at the end of the evening you will have everything for the perfect honeymoon for FREE!

What is a party like? 

With an educational, entertaining approach in a comfortable, familiar environment, women learn about themselves, our products, and how to incorporate them into their relationships.  The result?  Intimate lives, vastly improved!

Host your own party! 

Not often do you have a chance to just relax with your bridal party and your friends before the wedding.  A Pure Romance party gives you the perfect excuse! 

What do you receive as the Hostess? 

As the hostess, you will receive 10% of total party sales in free Pure Romance product, a FREE gift from me just for having the party and discounts galore!  I love spoiling my hostesses and especially my brides!  Most of my hostesses walk away with $150.00 or more in free product!

The best part of hosting a party is that I carry stock on hand, so you and your friends will be able to go home with your product that very evening!