After spending weeks, months, or even years planning your wedding, the day is finally over and the honeymoon is on the horizon! But if you’re like most brides who have been consumed with final dress fittings and confirmation phone calls, selecting your honeymoon wardrobe hasn’t exactly been a top priority.

Whether the two of you plan on sunbathing on the beaches of Cabo San Lucas or navigating your way through Europe, your clothing selections should be weather-appropriate, fuss free and comfortable. Your new hubby will hate nothing more than seeing and hearing you complain about your pack job.

The honeymoon is the start of your lives together, so why not look fabulous in the gazillion pictures you’ll be taking together! You’ll be happy you put some thought into that ruffled bathing suit or flowered mini sundress. Here are some of my destination-influenced picks.

Hanging Loose in Hawaii:

Hawaii Dress – An exotic dress to dine in

Hawaii Bathing Suit- A girly way to tan on the tropical island

A Mexican Fiesta:

Mexico Blouse – Vibrant colors make this a perfect daytime look

Mexico Sandals – Easy to dance and walk in, these sandals just scream “Mexico!”

Backpacking Europe:

Europe Everyday Dress – An everyday dress when you’re on the move

Europe Flats – Comfortable and cute flats to walk the town in

Cruising the Caribbean:

Caribbean Romper – A perfect romper for the windy deck

Caribbean Bathing Suit – A classy way to sunbathe

All cloths curtosy of Anthropologie

I hear from many couples that they are often confused as to how much to spend, where to obtain specialized services, and how to choose vendors.  After the euphoria of planning a wedding wears off, and the reality settles in, it’s shocking to discover how much preparation is involved in panning a wedding. This is typically when couples call True Bliss Evens to obtain experienced, professional assistance.

Not long ago, a wedding planner was thought of as a luxury, but today, a wedding planner is essential to the well planned affair.  Planners are experienced in negotiating contracts with caterers, florists, photographers, and other suppliers, and therefore can  the save you valuable time and money. We take advantage of discounts not available to private parties and avoid costly mistakes, while turning your dreams into reality. At True Bliss Events, we will save you time and enable you to get the most for your money!

The average wedding can take more than two hundred hours to plan and execute. With today’s hectic lifestyles, you may not have time to compare all the options, making sure you get the best deal, and that all the details are in place. By hiring True Bliss Events, during your engagement you can focus on preparing to spend the rest of your life with your fiance, not the planning details that cause stress and anxiety.  Professional knowledge and experience will turn your dreams and expectations into reality. At True Bliss, we are passionate about creating and orchestrating unforgettable, tailor-made events. We go out of our way to make the process effortless for you. Attention to detail matters to us, and we’ll go to great lengths to make sure your event is truly blissful.

Kerri Efendi, at Kerri Efendi Design is an amazing artist! If you are planning a wedding or event and need lovely stationary,  this is someone you need to meet!  At True Bliss Events, we have personally worked with Kerri on numberous projects, and can personally asure you that the quality of her work, professionalism, and creative spirit are superb! Wedding and event planning professionals search long and far to find their ” go to girl”  for couture stationary – I was luck to find Kerri in Bellingham, WA!

Photos by Eldad Efedi Photography

Seegin that it is Firday – and the holidays have arrived, here are a few of my favorite cocktail recipes to help welcome in the season!

Cinnamon Spice Champagne Cocktail

Yield: Makes 16 servings

Ingredients

• 2  quarts cranberry juice cocktail
• 8  slices (quarter size and about 1/8 in. thick) peeled fresh ginger
• 2  cinnamon sticks (about 3 in. long)
• 2  whole star anise
• 1/3  cup  cognac or brandy
• 8  cups  Champagne or other sparkling wine (about 2 2/3 bottles, 750 ml. each), chilled
• 32  to 48 fresh cranberries, rinsed, or frozen cranberries (optional)

Preparation

1. In a 3 1/2- to 4-quart pan, combine cranberry juice, ginger, cinnamon sticks, and star anise. Boil over high heat until reduced to 2 cups, about 1 hour. Let cool about 30 minutes, then pour through a fine strainer into a small pitcher. Chill syrup until cold, at least 1 1/2 hours.

2. For each serving, pour 2 tablespoons of the cranberry syrup and 1 teaspoon cognac into a Champagne flute (6 to 8 oz.). Add 1/2 cup (4 oz.) Champagne. Garnish with 2 or 3 cranberries if desired.

Mulled Cranberry Wine Punch

Yield: Makes 12 to 14 servings

Ingredients

• 1  cup  fresh or frozen cranberries
• 1  bottle (48 oz., 6 cups) cranberry juice cocktail
• 1/2  cup  raisins
• 4  to 6 cinnamon sticks (about 3 in.)
• 2  bottles (750 ml.) fruity dry red wine such as Gamay Beaujolais, or 6 cups apple juice and 2 to 4 tablespoons lemon juice, to taste
• 1/4  to 1/2 cup sugar
• 1  teaspoon  almond extract
• About 3/4 cup orange-flavor liqueur such as Cointreau or triple sec (optional)

Preparation

1. Sort cranberries, discarding bruised and decayed fruit. Rinse berries and put in a 5- to 6-quart pan; add cranberry juice cocktail, raisins, and cinnamon sticks. Bring to a boil over high heat; cover and simmer on low heat to blend flavors, about 20 minutes.

2. Add wine and 1/4 to 1/2 cup sugar, to taste. Heat until steaming, 5 to 8 minutes; do not boil.

3. Add almond extract and orange liqueur; keep punch warm over lowest heat and ladle into cups or stemmed glasses.

Photo James Carrier

Recipes cuurtesy of Sunset Magazine