Mother of the Groom...

What a wonderful meeting I had today with a fabulous woman by the name of Sydell Rabin.  Sydell is the author of "The Complete Mother of the Groom: How to be Graceful, Helpful and Happy During This Special Time".  Sydell is from Ipswich, MA, but also resides on the Vineyard in the town of West Tisbury.  Sydell gave me a call after seeing a Wedding Studio ad in the newspaper, a copy of which she brought with her.  I was flattered, to say the least.  She told me about her fabulous book and I couldn't wait to meet this former Mother of the Groom, to hear all about it....I knew it would be a welcome addition to the Studio. 

When Sydell walked into the Studio, her compliments and praise about its design and community presence were humbling.  Sydell's inspiration to write this book, she explained... was being an excited and proud Mother of the Groom who simply didn't know what her role should be.  She spoke with other Mothers in this role, found common ground and various viewpoints and thus the book was written.  In her introduction she exclaims: "There is a legitimate place for the mother of the groom who needs and wants more than a pat on the back and the classic advice to 'Just wear beige and don't say anything'."  Well said!

I am proud to have this book in the Martha's Vineyard Wedding Studio for all to enjoy and I certainly encourage you to scoop up a copy of your own or give it as a gift to a woman you know would appreciate it.  Sold on Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble.com and locally at Bunch of Grapes Book Store in Vineyard Haven. 

At the Wedding Studio, I strive to inspire.  Today, Sydell inspired me. 

Enjoy!! 

Martha's Vineyard, where I call home...

My home, my comfort, my beaches...

my towns, my roads and all my heart reaches.

Farm Stands with leafy greens that grew,

little coffee houses with the freshest brew.

Narrow side streets, my feet know their way...

kind smiles and hellos that get me through my day.

Distressed wooden shingles 

and white trim all around...

lazy hammock Sundays and chocolates by the pound.

photo: Getty

Crisp cocktails by the sea

the smell of fried clams in the air...

talent-filled art galleries and Annual Fairs.

Fireworks bring us together

same time and place each year...

days of Labor wraps it all up with coastal flair.

Wouldn't trade a grain of sand

for a tall city high...

couldn't give you my fresh air, for gas clouds in the sky.

You can keep your crowded highway

I'll sail my ferry boat...

and when my sea breezes, I'll simply reach for my coat.

Each year I grow old

the more joy my Island brings to me...

with so many more years ahead, this is where I was meant to be.

The Studio Chaise Lounge....

When you come to visit the Wedding Studio and look through the fabulous wedding and event resources, the Studio chaise will be a comfy place to sit and relax while you gather your thoughts, ponder ideas and drink your champagne!  These next two weeks I will be updating you with bits and pieces of the Studio as it's being put together.  Today, the Studio Chaise has made it's way in to its new home.  I want you to imagine soft drapes behind it, a comfy rug underneath your feet, inspiration within your reach and all of your stress left at the door.  Ladies and gents, the Studio Chaise is so happy to be home and can't wait to see you!

Aaaah!  The Studio's signature color, blue!  A splash of color and comfort, all at the same time...

There's inspiration and conversation pieces throughout, a little bit of Paris seemed to fit the bill.  See ya' soon!

When Love Renews...

One of the most romantic things that married couples can do is renew their vows.  Choosing to renew your vows, is certainly a personal choice and if you choose not to, that doesn't mean you love your spouse any less!  But if you like idea of renewing your vows, it's certainly a wonderful thing to do for many reasons:

*Keeps the flame burning. Whether you write your own heart-felt vows or you're repeating the traditional I do's, it ignites a level of excitement and something "new" to look forward to.

*An excuse to party, with love.  When you planned your first wedding, was there something you wished you did differently?  Do you still follow the latest wedding trends and admire or drool over some of the ideas you've experienced at other weddings?  Feel free to renew your vows as often as you'd like as you experiment with different color combinations, different venues, or just decide that "next time" you want to get married on the beach.

*Great for the wedding "economy".  When you plan a renewal that involves some great wedding professionals, you are adding another element to their business.  You're keeping the love and wealth flowing each time you do it big. Of course, you don't ever have to do it big to express your love and commitment, it's just simply fun to do if you can budget for it.

So go ahead, wrap your arms around 'em, go down on one knee, put it in lights at a Red Sox game or send it in a text message...it doesn't really matter how you go about it.  What's important, is that you take a breather from the day to day to plan something you can look forward to....so why not just make plans to renew? 

Wedding Studio Color Inspiration

The Wedding Studio is currently being pampered and beautified.  The beige colored walls are turning into a light-reflecting white and the decor is awaiting patiently, longing to move its way on in.  The Studio colors were inspired from my own wedding.  My Martha's Vineyard wedding colors were aqua, chocolate and white.  My vision for the Studio was a little more "elegant" and I just couldn't incorporate chocolate (as much as I love it) into the decor.  In it's place, I added silver and a touch of black.  Aqua, white, silver and black...oh how I adore it!

When I look around the Studio and glance out the window across the way towards the ocean, the same colors and reflections look right back at me. 

My favorite Vineyard views, are always a little blue...