Crystal Clear Weddings & Occasions

Great Article for Couples to Share !!!

2010-02-18T10:03:00.000-08:00

Questions to Ask After 'I Will' but Before 'I Do'

by Jeff D. Opdyke
Tuesday, February 16, 2010

provided by

All over the country on Valentine's Day, men were down on bended knee proposing marriage. They spoke of love and affection and devotion. Few, however, mentioned what really matters: money.

Crass, maybe. But true nonetheless.

When you think about it, couples don't fight over love. They fight over money. They fight because one person didn't balance the checkbook or made a bone-headed investment without consulting the other. They fight because one partner exerts dictatorial control over the money, or because one has secretly amassed thousands of dollars in debt on a credit card, imperiling the couple's finances.

Whether the issues are big or small, money will prove a powerful force impacting your marriage -- sometimes overtly in the form of routine arguments; sometimes quietly as animosities seethe beneath the surface for years, only to explode into a potentially marriage-ending supernova.

What couples don't always grasp is that money is rarely the real culprit. It's the lack of communication, often stemming from a lack of knowledge about each other's personal financial quirks and beliefs.

So, some time between "Yes, I will marry you," and "I do," you and your partner need to have The Money Talk -- the key questions all couples should ask of one another.

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Here are four of the more important questions to ask each other, since they provide insight and information on how money will flow through your marriage.

1. What Are Your Assets and Liabilities?

This question is paramount because assets and liabilities are the basic building blocks of the financial life you'll live together. Assets (banks accounts, investments, retirement plans and a house) help you strive for the life you want. The liabilities (a mortgage, credit-card debt, auto loans and leases) will hold you back.

Your goal is to pinpoint where you are financially as a couple so that you can map out where you want to go together. That could mean determining how much you want to save each month for retirement, or how much you want to put into an account for a new house, a new car or an annual vacation.

It also could mean talking about how you each use debt and the amount of debt you each have -- and mapping out a plan to pay off as quickly as possible the combined debt you will have as a family.

The best way to approach this: Present each other with a copy of your net-worth statement, a simple list of all your assets and liabilities. And voice no judgments. Mocking a partner's choices will simply lead to future silence.

2. What Is Your Money History?

What you experienced financially as a child -- how your parents managed their bills, how they talked or yelled about money, what they taught you about saving and spending -- has shaped who you are today.

Problems arise in marriage because partners don't always see money from the same perspective. You might abhor debt for anything other than a mortgage, yet your spouse-to-be thinks nothing of putting lunch, groceries and the afternoon Slurpee on a credit card, and then paying the minimum each month and allowing the balance to roll over.

In talking to one another about how you each see money, you will begin to understand one another's money habits. That, in turn, will help you find a common approach for managing money successfully as a couple.

Neither of you will -- nor should -- get your way completely. Marriage is about compromise. A better understanding early on of how you each see and use money will give you the tools to find a middle ground you're each happy with when financial discord arises.

3. How Should We Divide Financial Duties?

In many marriages, one partner exerts financial dominance over the other, leaving the silenced partner anxious and angry. Other times, one partner shirks financial duties because of disinterest, leaving the other to shoulder the burden. Neither is fair.

Couples should determine how to divvy up the various financial obligations that exist. Maybe one takes charge of investing and the other balances the checkbook. Play to each other's strengths. If you're good at challenging bureaucracy, maybe you agree to handle the insurance companies and the medical bills.

The point is that you both have an obligation to the family's financial well-being, and both spouses need to be aware of the household's financial situation.

If one partner wants to opt out of the daily financial minutiae, that's fine, so long as the other spouse is OK with handling the full obligation. But even then, you need to remain aware of what's going on with the finances so there are no unsavory surprises.

4. Do We Combine Accounts or Operate Individually?

This is a divisive issue. Many financial pros argue that operating from individual accounts helps maintain marital peace. Since neither partner knows what happens in the other's account, there's no bickering.

Maybe. But it's far from perfect. Resentments can emerge if one partner is better at saving and always has money for larger, more meaningful purchases. Moreover, individual accounts mask the family's true financial position, which can hamper the main purpose of marriage: operating as a team.

If neither of you know how much money is really flowing through the individual accounts, nor how much is being saved and invested, then it's impossible to plan a future together.

That doesn't mean individual accounts can't work. They can. But they require a large degree of openness so that you can both work toward common goals.

Ultimately, all of these questions are about one thing: communication. Learn to talk about money early and often, and you can mitigate the financial tensions that are normal in all marriages.

New Award Announced!

2010-02-02T11:43:00.001-08:00

Welcome to 2010!!!

2010-01-02T11:22:00.000-08:00

Pop the Champagne ...and welcome to our season! First rehearsal and wedding of the year starts this weekend! Congrats to Britt and Tom on their forcoming New Years Nuptuals! So excited the CRYSTAL CLEAR SKIES are back :)

Video and Photos to follow !

CCWO GALS

Meet Lindsay!

2009-12-28T08:51:00.000-08:00

Showing through last years season that she can handle it all..she is our newest addition to the CCWO Team! She has also successfully completed the www.acpwc.com Wedding Coordination Training Program and her own Client Wedding. We are proud to have her talents and enthusiasm on board. Welcome Lindsay!!!

Economically Aimed Site for Couples!!

2009-11-13T20:10:00.000-08:00

Discovered a great new website of resources with a really funny but well timed name:

http://www.thebrokeassbride.com/

Enjoy!!!

CCWO GALS

Past Client shares Baby News!!!

2009-11-12T14:25:00.000-08:00

Congrats to one of our first customers ..David and Lizette Olivares for having their first buddle of joy!

Dominic Alexander. He’s 6 ½ months. Future CCWO Groom someday??

Fellow Coordinator Meets Colin Cowie

2009-11-11T20:27:00.001-08:00

Carmela a coordinator friend from Austin TX shared this great experience with us...he seems to be really nice. Congrats Carmela!!!

Special Event Invite to all !!

2009-11-11T11:18:00.000-08:00

Wedding Fav for a Past Season !

2009-10-21T10:03:00.001-07:00

http://www.pictage.com/client/eventPhotos.do?event=599545

Past Bride has Something to Share !!!

2009-10-15T13:53:00.000-07:00

Maureen Malczynski
Beyond by Maureen

Maureen a past client has a new project where she designs, creates and sells flower pots. They are easy to order...just pick your pot size, pot color, design and design color! Some great design ideas for the newlyweds are monograms, last names, new address or an initial. I also do fleur de lis' and Christmas trees for the holiday season. The flower pots make unique and easy wedding/shower gifts, housewarming gifts, Christmas gifts, thank you gifts...the list is endless! The flower pots come in 4 sizes: mini-$25, small-$45, medium-$55 and large -$65 and there are 6 different colors to choose from: black, cranberry, cream, navy blue, red, forest green.

For interest in this creative product line email her directly at maureenmerino@yahoo.com!

Congrats Maureen !!!

Posted by Marcia & CCWO Staff

Come to Wedding Happy Hour!!!

2009-07-17T21:09:00.000-07:00

RSVP

2009-07-16T15:17:00.000-07:00

Bridal Beauty Countdown - The Checklist
From Maria Chang of Professional Makeup Artistry

One Year
Treat acne early
Visit your dermatologist and work on a one year plan to clear your skin. Blue light and laser treatments are a great solution. Alternatively, your doctor might prescribe birth control pills or oral antibiotics, along with vitamin A-based creams.
Prepare your hair
Go from short to shoulder length (based on average half-inch growth per month). Do not cut your hair in layers! Layers are the enemy of up do's! Get trims every four months to eliminate split ends, take multi-vitamins to spur growth, and go easy on blow dryers, curling irons, and flat irons, which may damage and break hair.
Begin an exercise regimen
To stay healthy and on track, eat a wide variety of foods; portions of protein and carbs should fit in the palm of your hand (eat all the fruits & vegetables you want). Kick start your metabolism and build muscle--both burn calories--by incorporating a three-times-a-week workout:
• cardiovascular exercise (20 minutes)
• strength training (30 minutes)
• fitness routine like Yoga or Pilates (30 to 45 minutes)
Six Months
Get luminous skin
Microdermabrasion helps you achieve a healthy glow by spraying silicon-like crystal on the skin to deeply exfoliate; you'll need as many as six treatments, with two to four weeks' downtime in between. Light Salicylic-acid peels--try four to six treatments, with three-week breaks in between--can help you achieve the same radiant results.
Repair overly processed hair
Gradually restore some of your natural color in the form of lowlights adding depth and richness, and dimension to over highlighted hair. Start doing deep conditioning treatments once a month. Have accent highlights done two or three weeks prior to the wedding.
Tone muscles
Whether is firming your arms or your tummy, devote 30 to 45 minutes per week of resistance training to each area (add stretching to lengthen muscles). After three months, increase weights, exercise intensity, or repetitions.
Four Weeks
Prepare for last minute breakouts
As you get closer to the wedding the stress level goes up and so the breakouts. Your dermatologist can prescribe last minute oral antibiotics. An injection of cortisone or the application of cortisone cream by a local nurse or doctor could reduce the swelling and redness of a blemish, an allergic skin reaction or an insect bite in a matter of hours. Have your Dermatologist office number on speed dial!
Start using a hand lotion
Your hands will be photographed countless of times the day of the wedding. Invest on a good hand treatment such a paraffin wax. Use a daily hand lotion and don't forget to reapply every time you wash your hands.
Hydrate
The best thing you can do for your body and skin is to drink lots of water! Drink at least 1 gallon a day. Stop or reduce your caffeine intake, coffee dehydrates the skin and can raise stress levels as you get closer

May Mansion Wedding Bliss!

2009-06-17T19:01:00.000-07:00

Jeanne and Mike's Wedding took place at beautiful Stone Manor, a private estate overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Malibu. Their day was perfect in every way. Truly Yours Catering did a phenomenal job with the menu and the cupcakes from Vanilla Bake Shop were delicious.

A special thank you to Jackie Combs from Jackie Combs Floral Design and Kerry Corcoran from David Michael Photography. You both were great and your work was even better.

Congratulations to Jeanne and Mike. They were a great couple to work with and I wish them a lifetime of love and happiness.

What's Hot in Invitations

2009-06-10T07:30:00.000-07:00

As a wedding planner, we know how important it is for you to stay abreast of up and coming trends in each and every aspect of the industry. To make your market research a little easier, here are some hot new trends for wedding stationery that you can expect to see more of in the coming months and year. They're what your well-informed brides will be asking for.

Unexpected New Wedding non-Color: Clear!
Crystal, glass, and diamonds are synonymous with weddings, so why not carry the notion over to your stationery as well? Although it goes with any accent color you can imagine, it is especially powerful with black and jewel tones such as red, hot pink, electric blue, and royal purple.

Vintage and ethnic inspired prints
Vintage patterns go hand in hand with the letterpress rage and add a traditional touch to invitations, while ethnic prints grow in popularity as couples choose to make their weddings more personal. Whether it reflects the heritage of the bride and/ or groom, or just honors a favorite travel destination, it is a classy and subtle way to pay homage to another culture that is significant to the couple. A great pattern from a stationery suite can be carried through to cake, linens, and even lighting, tying the event together from start to finish.

Unique Die-cuts
While die-cut pocket invitations and rounded corners have been popular for several years, we are starting to see more intricate and elaborate die-cuts. Look out for non-traditional shaped pockets like the fan pocket at left, as well as sophisticated corners on layered invitations.

Font- tabulous Designs
In recent years a popular concept has been to print the wedding information in a conservative font and highlight the names of the bride and groom in a more elegant or artistic script. While this trend is still very in style, we will also see it taken one step further with the use of multiple fonts becoming part of the design itself. Bold letters reminiscent of vintage posters and "distressed" fonts will be among the favorites. During a time when everyone is looking for ways to cut back on the budget, this fad allows the budget bride to make a bold statement without the cost of specialty papers and pricey embellishments. Who wouldn't love that?

Summer Garden with an Asian Flair!

2009-06-09T14:51:00.000-07:00

Congrats to the happy couple married last month! Check out the fab photographer blog http://conniemchung.blogspot.com/ for some of the details ...it was a lovely affair which we were so happy to be apart of! Enjoy

Marcia

Bride Save House From Burning on Wedding Day!!!

2009-06-02T13:25:00.001-07:00

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. – Georgette Fogarty-Clemons was heading home from her wedding Sunday evening, looking forward to relaxing with a few friends. Her friend was driving slowly because they had some leftover cake in the car, along with hydrangeas and lilies still in water.

That's when Fogarty-Clemons spotted smoke from the side of her neighbor's house in Bridgeport and told her friend to back up and stop.

Still in her wedding gown and high heels, Fogarty-Clemons jumped out of the car.

"I stepped right into a pile of mud," Fogarty-Clemons said. "I just thought to myself, 'Oh my God, my shoes.'"

"Where are you going?" asked her friend, Hanifah Bost, thinking the smoke was from a barbecue. Guests following them were equally perplexed.

"That's fire," Fogarty-Clemons said. "Come on; we have to tell them."

Fogarty-Clemons made it to the house and pounded on the door, alerting the residents to the fire. A woman and her 16-year-old son and their pets were able to escape unharmed.

"We have no way of knowing what would have happened had she not come to the door," said Susan Schneiderman, who owns the house that caught fire.

As firefighters arrived and battled the blaze after members of the family were alerted, Fogarty-Clemons folded her muddied wedding dress nearby.

"She was doing her best to get everybody out," Bridgeport Deputy Fire Chief Bruce Porzelt said. "It's got to be a funny thing to end up doing that on your wedding day, in your wedding gown."

Fire officials said the cause is under investigation. The home's occupants were not injured, though a firefighter suffered a wrist injury and a lieutenant's shoulder was injured, Porzelt said.

Schneiderman said it was "surreal" to have a bride show up in her wedding dress to say her house was on fire.

"I wished her mazel tov, remember that," Schneiderman said. "I thought it was amazing and selfless."

Her son, Lowell Eitelberg, said Fogarty-Clemons and her friend made sure no one else was at home, then let him use their cell phone. "I think it was a show of real community," he said.

Fogarty-Clemons, who also knocked on a neighbor's door to alert them, said what she did was a natural reaction.

"They are my neighbors," said Fogarty-Clemons, a 31-year-old tax accountant who has two boys, ages 7 and 4. "God forbid if there was a fatality. How could I explain that to my children? I just couldn't live with myself if I didn't do anything."

Bost and Fogarty-Clemons said the occupants initially didn't believe it was a fire — until they showed them the flames. They grew nervous as the residents went back in to get their pets, so Bost went into the foyer to try to coax them out.

"We were getting emotional because the fire was spreading," Fogarty-Clemons said.

Schneiderman and her son returned to the house Monday to assess the damage. A white plastic fence was curled and melted from the blaze, windows were boarded up and framing was charred.

"The den is totally gone," Schneiderman told her son.

Schneiderman said she's not sure what caused the fire, which apparently started on a rear porch. She said she is an unemployed attorney and her husband an unemployed contractor.

Fogarty-Clemons said she hopes the community rallies to help the family.

"They lost so much," Fogarty-Clemons said. "I think the focus should be on them and what we do for them."

___

Associated Press writer Stephanie Reitz contributed to this story.

2009-05-20T09:24:00.001-07:00

Special Sneak Peak at our special designed "Wedding Happy Hour" in May can be seen at www.whhmay.photoherald.com . We are proud of our efforts in helping couples see what is hot in 09 and helped the GO RED for Women Foundation.

Stay tuned for more information on our upcoming June Wedding Happy Hour!

Out with the old!!

2009-05-15T13:54:00.000-07:00

Great article found by : Rita Mauceri and Elycia Rubin

When it comes to weddings, who says you have to follow all the rules? Sure, if you want to stick with some classic traditions, go for it. But we believe that less is more, so it's time to reevaluate the old-school ways of saying "I do." The more you simplify, the more you'll be able to focus on the really important stuff for your big day...

Matching Bridesmaids Chances are the friends, sisters and cousins you've selected to be in your bridal party aren't all of identical make-and-model. One's a tall lanky brunette, another is a short curvy blonde. So outfitting them all in the exact same dress means there's a good chance someone is going to look awkward (at best) and awful (at worst). Instead, try doing different dresses in one color or a colorful array of complementary shades.

Big Bridal Parties Since there can be lots of posturing and jockeying for these prime positions with the bride and groom, keep the bridal party small to avoid potential quibbles (and even all-out wars!). Plus, with a more intimate group you'll save money on gifts for the bridesmaids and groomsmen.

Long Vows Be kind to your guests by keeping your vows on the shorter side. This is especially important if your ceremony is under the blazing sun without umbrellas or fans. Say what you want to say, but don't bore your guests!

Throwing Rice Does a blushing bride really want to be doused by a storm of hard little pellets that end up getting stuck in her hair, veil, gown, and worse, inside her shoes? Not the most comfortable situation when she's whooping it up to "Brick House" on the dance floor.

Assigned Seating Guests get miserable if they're stuck at a table away from the people they really want to hang with. Cocktail-style settings with open seating and lots of grazing are more inviting and lively. And you'll save money and migraines by ditching elaborate seating charts and place cards.

Expensive Wedding Favors Weddings aren't about giving showy gifts; they're about celebrating your love with your loved ones. None of your guests expect pricey parting gifts. If you want to show your appreciation, leave a short, sincere note on each place setting thanking them for being there. Or let them know that a donation to a meaningful charity has been made in their name.

Throwing the Bouquet Nothing in life -- not the SAT's, not parallel parking during our drivers' test, not meeting our boyfriend's parents for the first time -- can compare to the pressure of being a single gal expected to push, pull, and pummel to catch that doggone bridal bouquet. Enough already.

Removing the Garter Kind of cheesy, right? Kind of grope-y? Kind of I-don't-want-to-have-to-holler-like-a-frat-boy-as-he-runs-his-hands-up-her-thigh?

Drunken Toasts Oh, the joy, the tenderness, the humiliation of an old-fashioned toast given by someone who has had a few too many sips of bubbly. Talk to your talkers ahead of time and let them know you'd like them to keep it sweet...and sober.

Leaving For the Honeymoon the Morning After After all the planning and partying, it's nice to take a pause before heading off to paradise. There's so much to think about when leaving town. Give yourselves a day or two or even longer to get organized. You need an extra breath before jetting off and finally melting into relaxation mode.

I definately advise alot of the same :) !!!

2009-05-08T12:33:00.000-07:00

Don't miss the opportunity to see "What's Hot in 09" trends in floral, decor, chairs, food, entertainment and meet elite wedding professionals to make your event perfect! Ticket sales go to a great cause...see the flier below for more details and RSVP ASAP as the first 100 guest get a special gift!!! Happy Planning !!!

ABC Event

2009-03-26T08:00:00.000-07:00

Marcia of CCWO had the honor of meeting our Association of Bridal Consultants President David Wood recently. It was a wonderful evening displaying the newest ideas for weddings and events along with hearing some 2010 news of where the industry is expected to venture.

Featured in Photo: Ellice of ES Photography & Mariah of Mariah Nicole Make-Up & Hair.

Photo Credit:Andres Castaneda www.organizedlight.net

Monday's Love Message

2009-03-23T13:50:00.000-07:00

When I look into his eyes, it seems all the problems in the world go away and I'm floating in mid-air."

Source Unknown

Happy St Patrick's Day

2009-03-17T08:00:00.000-07:00

May luck be our companion. May friends stand by our side. May history remind us all of Ireland's faith and pride. May you be blessed with happiness, love and faith abide.

Monday's Love Message

2009-03-16T11:48:00.001-07:00

Love is life. And if you miss love, you miss life.

Monday's Love Message

2009-03-09T10:09:00.000-07:00

Hearts will never be practical until they are made unbreakable.
From the "Wizard Of Oz"

Wedding Happy Hour "March" Event Details

2009-03-05T22:33:00.000-08:00

Brides Helping the Cancer Movement and Shopping Too!

2009-02-25T10:16:00.001-08:00

Bargain Hunting Brides Can Get Wedding Dress Deals
and Support a Great Cause

This Friday and Saturday February 27-28, the Brides Against Breast Cancer Nationwide Tour of Gowns stops in Anaheim! For two days only, brides can shop from a huge selection of wedding dresses in all sizes and with prices at 25-75% below retail. These beautiful wedding dresses have been donated by past brides, designers, salons, and manufacturers so that proceeds from the sales go to benefit Making Memories Breast Cancer Foundation, a non-profit organization which grants end of live wishes for terminally ill metastatic stage IV breast cancer patients.

Power HoursMaking Memories will host special morning hours of operation to offer brides a "sneak peak" and first pick of the thousands of gowns available for her one special day. "Power Hours" are on Friday, February 27, 2009, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm - admission is $20, advanced registration is required, and space is limited.

Here are the details on the Brides Against Breast Cancer Wedding Dress Sale:
LocationAnaheim Marriott Suites Hotel 12015 Harbor Blvd Garden Grove, CA

HoursPower Hours:Friday, February 27, 10:00 am to 12:00 pmGown Sale:Friday, February 27, 12:00 pm to 8:00 pmSaturday, February 28, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm

Pre-RegistrationPower Hour Brides
Volunteers

PaymentCash and credit cards are welcome. General admission is FREE.

BONUS!
A coupon worth $50 off any gown over $500 or $25 off any gown from $250 to $499 will be printed in the Orange County Register and the LA Times - Orange County Edition on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday for additional savings! Brides must present the coupon clipped from the newspaper to redeem the discount

Monday's Love Message!

2009-02-23T09:42:00.000-08:00

Within you I lose myself
Without you I find myself
Wanting to be lost again.
~ Unknown ~

Wedding Happy Hour Success!

2009-02-19T09:58:00.001-08:00

The Wedding Happy Launch was a huge success! Everyone that attended and participated just has a magnificiant time at the always enchanting Cicada in Downtown Los Angeles. If you missed it ..see a sneak peak of what happened and what to expect at our March Event!

Peak at http://vimeo.com/3276587 or view photos at www.weddinghappyhour.com

RSVP for Wedding Happy Hour !

2009-02-12T12:34:00.001-08:00

Space is running out so make sure to RSVP online at www.weddinghappyhour.com for this free wedding planning event.

Hope to see you there..cheers!
Marcia &Lisa

Monday's Love Message

2009-02-09T10:31:00.000-08:00

How beautiful is life when shared with someone special
The years float by like moments and love grows even stronger...

Monday's Love Message

2009-02-02T10:20:00.000-08:00

The bottom line is that (a) people are never perfect, but love can be, (b) that is the one and only way that the mediocre and vile can be transformed, and (c) doing that makes it that. We waste time looking for the perfect lover, instead of creating the perfect love. --Tom Robbins

Look what we have launched!

2009-01-29T17:55:00.000-08:00

Happy Chinese New Year!!!

2009-01-27T12:36:00.001-08:00

This Chinese New Year begins on January 26, 2009, and ends on February 13, 2010. This brings a serious and conservative energy. This Ox year will be especially long, beginning before and ending after February 5. To the Chinese way of thinking, this gives "eyes" to the year. This year will be a time when you can be especially aware of the influences of both the past and the future. Having wisdom from the past and foresight for the future makes this an especially auspicious year for marriage. Earth Ox energy promises you the gifts of endurance, discipline, and will power so you can reach your goals next year! Stubborn Earth Ox gives you greater determination and strength to endure challenges and trials. The current international economic slowdown will affect many, but by harnessing the power of the Ox, you can rise above and build prosperity beyond your wildest dreams!

2009 is the Year of the Ox Horoscope
Be Happy, Be Healthy
The practical element of Earth combined with your own sign will make you an even more serious and careful Ox. Earth Ox energy supports your love of regular routines, traditional methods, and well-established systems. It is important to balance responsibilities with some well deserved "me time." To stay at the top of your game, do not neglect health and fitness. Regular exercise can improve your attitude and quality of life. Take small steps to improve your diet. Wise Oxen will make establishing healthy habits a priority.

Monday's Love Message

2009-01-26T11:42:00.001-08:00

Beauty and love are all my dream; They change not with the changing day; Love stays forever like a stream That flows but never flows away..." Andrew Young

Cool New Wedding Day Engagement Photo Guest Book Idea!

2009-01-17T07:59:00.001-08:00

Thank you to my Feb clients Jackie and Nile for sharing such a great find! Here are the details and direct link to find it on David's Bridal http://www.davidsbridal.com/gifts_detail.jsp?pid=3452

Happy New Year !!!

2009-01-02T11:22:00.000-08:00

It is Jan 2009 and it is time for those resolutions to take action. CCWO has much planned and we welcome you back to our blog to see what we are up to in 2009!
Wishing our clients, colleagues & friends a successful year...CCWO Staff