Save-The-Date With Your Stamp of Approval

There are so many creative ways to carry a theme throughout your entire wedding celebration beginning with the save-the-date cards. Save-The-Date cards are not only a new trend they are a necessity for couples planning a destination wedding. These little gems are precursors of the fun that will be awaiting them once they arrive at the wedding venue. Family and friends will be coming from far and near and must make preparations well in advance. They will have many things to attend to: scheduling time off from work or school, making travel arrangements, planning for child or pet care,securing lodging just to mention a few.

When deciding what kind of save-the-date to choose let your imagination run wild and your guests will share your in your excitement and anticipation of the celebration! Here are a few ideas to get you started:
* postcards
* magnets
* admission tickets
* bookmarks
* calendars
* luggage tags
* paper weights
* cookies
* candy with personalized wrapper
* note pads
If you can imagine it someone can create it!
Another way to keep a theme going is with your postage stamp. Many are unaware that you can have actual postage stamps made with your picture or a design printed on them. Now you can have a stamp that actually coordinates with your save-the-date cards and invitations. They do cost a little more than the standard postage rate ($18.99 for 20 42cent stamps), but if your budget allows and if you are looking for something unique and original they might be just what you are looking for. Remember, it's the little details that make the ordinary extraordinary.

Below is a link where you can view customized postage options. Be creative and have fun!

www.usps.com/postagesolutions/customizedpostage.htm

Signed, Sealed & Delivered

Marriage License Requirements In South Carolina










Destination Weddings are a fast growing trend and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina has become a very popular Destination Wedding venue. Whether you are envisioning a small intimate gathering or a grand affair, no matter what your style or budget there is one thing that is a necessity for every bride and groom. A marriage license. Obtaining a marriage license in South Carolina is a simple process and most everything can be done on line and through the mail. Below you will find information on obtaining your license, license fees and a link to the Horry County Probate Court (posted on the sidebar) where you may print out a Marriage License Application Form and instructions for submitting your application.

MARRIAGE LICENSES

To the full extent permitted by the Constitution, the Probate Court has exclusive original jurisdiction over all subject matter related to the issuance of marriage licenses; record, index, and dispose of copies of marriage certificates; and issue certified copies of the license and certificates.

It is unlawful for any persons to contract matrimony, i.e. marry, within this State without first obtaining a marriage license from the Probate Court.

The Probate Court may issue a marriage license upon: (a) the filing of the marriage application, (b) the lapse of at least twenty-four hours thereafter, (c) the payment of the fee, (d) and the filing of a statement, under oath or affirmation, to the effect that the persons seeking the contract of matrimony are legally entitled to marry, together with the full names of the persons, their ages and places of residence.

Only ministers of the Gospel or accepted Jewish rabbis and officers authorized to administer oaths in this State are authorized to administer a marriage ceremony in this State.

Marriage Licenses are public record and are open to the public during regular business hours from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Fees:
Marriage License (includes Criminal Domestic Fund) County Residents: $ 50.00
State Residents: $ 75.00
Out of State & All Others: $ 100.00

Ceremony $ 50.00
Certified Copy $ 5.00
Marriage Record Correction $ 6.75

Oh No!!

Hawaii Five-O Birthday Theme

We all have many occasions to celebrate, one being milestone birthdays. For some unknown reason people seem to choose this time for celebrating in a less than optimistic way. Seems like the ages followed by an "O" are always Oh No's! Oh No, your 3-0, Oh No-it's the big 4-0, 5-0 and on and on we go!!! Maybe we should change it to 3-0 Way to Go, 4-0 Cheerio or Hawaii 5-0!! We should look forward to them with anticipation not dismay. It's a brand new year, a brand new chapter of your story full of pages just waiting to be filled with new adventures and new memories to make. It's a chance to do all or some of things you've always wanted to do, begin a new hobby, take a class, travel to some place you've never been or just enjoy all the simple pleasures that bring you joy. So, the next time you have an "O" birthday celebration to plan or celebrate, do it with excitement, enthusiasm, originality, gusto and remember........age is just a number, with age comes wisdom, like fine wine you get better with age, you aren't getting older, you're getting better. Keep in mind that just because you are getting older doesn't mean you are getting old, you're as old as you feel or think you are. When friends say, "we're getting old" I quickly tell them, "you can be old if you want to, but I prefer to think of myself as vintage". Vintage is quite in vogue these days. Webster's defines vintage as being characterized by excellence and lasting popularity. Representative of the best. Aging is a natural process and birthdays, no matter what the number, are something to celebrate!

When planning a milestone birthday think outside the box. Be original, make it memorable and fun. Below are just a few ideas to get you started. I would love to know what clever themes you come up with so please leave a comment. Let The Celebration Begin!

Hawaii 5 - 0
Blast From The Past
Remember When
Circa 1979, Circa 1949 ....
Well Aged (wishing well or wine theme)
Over The Rainbow
Swing Time (70th or anyone who loves Big Band and Swing)

Reflect Your Personality With The Unexpected

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Having worked with numerous couples and individuals for over 25 years in planning and consulting a variety of weddings and events, I know that no two are exactly alike. Each event has been as unique as the individual or individuals it was planned for as it should be. Your wedding day should be everything you've ever dreamed of. It should reflect your personality, style and family traditions. Gone are they days of cookie cutter weddings where nothing much changed except the color scheme. There was one kind of wedding cake, white (vanilla) and your basic reception menu was wedding cake, nuts, mints and punch. Today's weddings are full of flair, color, style and originality. Your only limitation is your imagination and of course your budget. You and your guests should still observe basic wedding etiquette and manners as you don't want your special day to become a free for all, but not so steeped in formality that they are boring, uninviting or stiff. From a small intimate gathering to the grandest affair your wedding day should be fun and enjoyable not only for you, but your guests as well. Your family and friends have come to celebrate with you and should feel welcome and comfortable. If they do your celebration is sure to be a day of rejoicing, festivity and memory making that will last a lifetime. You've waited a long time for this day so savor and enjoy every minute of it. It will go by quickly.

A former bride of mine decided to add an element of interest in an unexpected way. She went with the theme of " A Night of Romance and Dancing Under the Stars"! Instead of a traditional wedding cake she opted for an ice sculpture of a wedding cake with the top tier being an actual cake which she and the groom cut. Guests were served elegant cupcakes of their choice of two different flavors. The "Ice Cake" was displayed atop a mirrored light box which projected light through the cake and added yet another element of romance. So, put on your thinking caps and let your imagination run wild. The sky's the limit.