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WEDDING PLANNER
Modernize Your Matrimony Check out these unconventional wedding ideas
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t’s 2013 and while divorce rates are skyrocketing, that is only possible because there are still tons of people who are obsessed with the sacrament of marriage. Marriage is a time honoured tradition, but it does not have to be traditional. Make a difference on your wedding day with these unique ideas. Cut Down The Bridal Party Bridal parties often put burden on friends. Why not have a smaller and easier to manage bridal party? Nowadays, the majority of brides and grooms are asking only a maid of honor and best man to stand up with them or going without a bridal party altogether. Many professional wedding planners couldn’t be happier about this. Choreographing the processional is sometimes like timing out the Independence Day parade with eight to ten attendants, but now brides don't want the hassle of listening to their friends complain about the dress and shoes they have to purchase or people bickering over their role in the party. Rile Up your Reception You can do something funky to
liven up your reception without much effort. At your reception, instead of naming each table a number like everyone else normally does, name it a song instead! Then have your DJ announce at the beginning of the reception that when your table's song plays, the entire table has to get up and dance! It's a great and unique way to get everyone out on the dance floor! As an alternative, try a wedding invite with song requests, so that you won’t have to give your DJ a list of songs that you hope your guests won’t hate. Plus, everyone can get their own little tune in there, from the kids to the grandparents. Genius! Have Fun With Flowers What about switching up the floral traditions? Though this goes against the supposed things every woman loves, maybe you're not a fan of flowers. That's totally fine! Find something you love instead and create a bouquet out of that. For example, this bride made a bouquet out of butterflies and it looks gorgeous! Plus if you make a bouquet out of something non-perishable, you can have it as a keepsake from your
big day! If not, you can have flowers, but go out-of-the-box with freshly cut flowers. Brides today love the ‘just-picked’ and looser feel and look to their bouquet. Personalization Brides and grooms are looking to add their own tastes and personal mark on every aspect of their wedding and are doing so in more creative ways. One way brides are adding a personal touch to their wedding-day look is adorning their hairstyle with a flower and textural element, such as a feather. When it comes to their attire, brides have the choice to accent their wedding dress with everything from belts and sashes to bright and bold colors. And while grooms and groomsmen may still wear a classic tuxedo or suit, they're accessorizing with colorful or themed socks and a pocket square. Where entertainment is concerned, couples are choosing genre specific bands for cocktail hour, dining, and dancing music.
with a scrapbook that collects guest’s best marriage memories, and their hopes for yours. Set out Polaroid cameras on tables so guests can capture their favorite moments, and leave it up to them if they keep the shots or leave them for you to have. Organize a silent auction where all proceeds go to a charity of the couple’s choice in lieu of wedding gifts. Have a table where guests can decorate postcards, and self-address them so you can use them as thank-you cards.
Have A Dessert Buffet Bring in 20 different sweets like chocolate-covered strawberries, banana fosters, and creme brulee. Talk to your caterer for clever ways to decorate tables and present mini desserts. Your family can join in the fun -- ask your best friend's mother to make her famous brownies or your aunt to make those pecan delights. A dessert buffet encourages mingling and ensures getting people off their seats and closer to the dance floor. If you still can't pass on the multiKeep The Guests Involved tiered confection, box the indiTake the traditional guestbook vidual cake slices and distribute well-wishes to the next level as favors. JUNE 2013 ABSTRACT bridal 1
WEDDING PLANNER
Three Tips For Renewing Your Vows
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enewing wedding vows can be a special occasion. It is usually done to mark special occasions like anniversaries. Most importantly, it is a time to enforce the love shared between husband and wife. It also offers the opportunity for spouses to make up for elements of their actual wedding that may have been missed. Didn’t go on honeymoon? Do so after the renewal. Got married at a JP’s office? Do it in a lavish hall this time. When it’s all said and done, you should consider that there are tips to ensuring all goes well. Keep It Personal Vow renewals are usually much more intimate and personal than a traditional wedding, so you may not have many guests or any at all. If you two had children together, you may want to include them in the ceremony,
and inexpensive. Then again, it is common for a married couple to renew vows for a marked anniversary. In this case, new rings seal the new “marriage” but the rings are also a great gift in recognition of the milestone met.
or other close friends and family. If you choose to renew your vows over the holidays it may include more people as extended family comes together at those times. Seek New Bling While buying new wedding
rings is not expected, it is a wonderful gesture. Couples renewing wedding vows make the decision to present each other with new rings for several reasons. For instance, the couple might have eloped and never had rings at all or, it could be that the initial rings were simple
Write your Vows You don't have to do this, but this is a vow renewal ceremony, with the focus on your continued love for your spouse, so writing your own vows is a nice touch. If your officiant is a clergyman, ask if you can write something to say in addition to the traditional ceremony readings. If your officiant is a friend or family member, you will need to figure out what he will say as well, since he will have no experience in leading this kind of ceremony. There you have it. Not too much info, but ideal info to help you renew your wedding vows.
Tips To A Successful
Second Marriage
tions about a second wedding. However, happiness should not be halted because of past fears. If you seek marital success this time around, then follow these tips.
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f you’ve done it before and it didn’t work out, chances are you are going to have some reserva-
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Really get to know your new partner Take this second marriage as an opportunity to really get to know your spouse on a deeper level. This means talking to your spouse about issues in marriage even if you’re scared or embarrassed. If you want to make your second marriage last, you have to be honest. Understand Your Previous Mistakes Figure out your weaknesses and mistakes in your first marriage,
and make sure you don’t repeat them in your second marriage. You’ll improve your chances of a successful second marriage if you know where you — and your new spouse – are coming from. This remarriage tip requires you to face your weakest self…but it’s worth it. A Fresh Start Don’t hold on to your past. Saying "Well, the last time I did this..." can make your new love feel angry and hurt. Do everything differently this time. Different individuals deserve to be treated differently. Show Strength The strength of Second Chance Marriages, or any marriage, is a God centered married life that
is regularly nurtured. Worship together (meditate, or practice whatever centers your life, respectfully), as you do everything else together. Pray for one another, never prey on one another.
Join Hearts And Households Be prepared to blend households as well as families: Talk about what you'll do with your stuff before you marry. Have a joint garage sale to get rid of extraneous clutter. If he really wants to display his toy car collection, but you can't stand it, give him his own personal space (away from you) to show it off. Keep in mind that the same goes for your collection of ceramic elephants!
WEDDING PLANNER
Choosing A Makeup Artist
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edding days are memorable ones not only because of the occasion, but because the event is always documented via photo or video. No bride wants to spend such a day in less than stellar condition. Therefore,
brides don’t do their own makeup on wedding days. Instead they seek the help of a qualified makeup artiste. However, the number of makeup horror stories can usually match the success stories. It is therefore important to find the right one for the job. Begin with a list. Decide what things are most important to you in a makeup artist and their offered services. Do you have a large bridal party (10+) and need someone who can handle that size group? Or perhaps you’re on a tight budget and need someone who can work within that limit, no matter what. Make a list of these important things for reference during your research and to take with you to your consultation. Then, as you begin your search, start with your married friends and ask them who did their makeup for their wed-
ding. Look at their wedding album and take note of how their makeup looked throughout the day and in different lighting situations. Did the makeup look just as good before the ceremony as it did in the last frame? Talk to your photographer about what kind of look you want for your wedding pictures and ask them for a recommendation. Your photographer will be able to give you a professional opinion about someone in the industry that they may have already worked with. Use your local resources to research professional Makeup Artists in your area. These include bridal magazines, bridal websites or bridal expos. Another tip to enhancing your search for the right makeup artist is to do a trial run. Organize a trial run. Wear a white shirt to your makeover to give you some idea of what a white background would look like with the
colors she selected. If the makeover meets with your approval, talk to the artist about doing your wedding makeup. Do not mention your wedding if she does not do a good job. Come back another day and try someone else. Alternatively, you may want to call a few makeup artists in the phone book and ask the cost of a makeover. Communicate with her during your trial run. Talk to her about how you want to look. Bring photographs if you like to show her makeup you like. Finally, the importance of a proper budget cannot be understated. The cost of a make-up artist can vary significantly. To be efficient, decide how much you plan to spend on make up before you start your search. Many artists list prices on their website, as well as sample photos of brides, making websites a great place to start.
Fix Your Face with Exercise
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very year millions are spent on products which promise to work miracles on the skin and face of consumers. Some even go as far as undergoing cosmetic procedures to enhance their facial features. Fortunately, your first option doesn’t have to entail dipping into your wallet. There are facial exercises which can help alter and improve your look that can be done at no cost to you. These 8 exercise tips will lead you on the right path to face fitness and beauty leading up to your wedding day.
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In the morning after brushing your teeth, fill some air in your mouth and then release it slowly. Do this practice 4-5 times daily. It’s an easy exercise and can be done by anybody. It keeps the cheeks toned and glowing. 4
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On the forehead, put your middle and index fingers exactly above your eyebrows and put pressure on them. Release it and repeat it for 5-6 times.
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Stroke your chin in upward motions using both your thumbs. It helps in reducing the double chin.
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Pull the eyebrows up, hold them up for 10 counts and then slowly let them down. It's a relaxing exercise for the eyebrows.
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Move your eyes in circular motions from left to upward, then right and down, practice it at least five times. It relaxes your eyes and whenever you are tired, after reading or working on comput-
ers for long hours, you can do it and relax your eye muscles.
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Tap the face slowly and lightly with the fingertips to increase the blood circulation. Making a smiling face and then holding it for few seconds before releasing it is a good exercise for the cheeks.
Blow out air from your mouth as if you are filling a balloon with air, it's a helpful exercise in filling the flat cheeks. Overall, doing all these facial exercises even for few minutes in a day relaxes facial muscles, tones them up and reduces fine lines from the face while giving you smooth, flawless skin. It even helps skin complexion as the exercises improve blood circulation.
ENGAGEMENTS
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Signs He’s Willing to Go to the Next Level
s your mate a man or a mouse? If he’s a real man, he’s probably thinking about taking the relationship to the next level. This may signal an impending engagement. It’s up to you to decide if you want things to continue the way they are. Just note, that a good man is hard to find. Here are some tips that would show your man’s willingness to move forward. He treats you with respect When a man is in love with a woman, he respects her. He cares about the details of her life. He treats her well. If your guy values your opinions, compliments your character, celebrates your accomplishments, pays attention to details, and even accommodates your quirky you’ve got a keeper who’s falling fast and hard for you. He wants you to meet family Does he want you to meet everyone who’s important to him? When he’s ready to introduce you to people who matter most — and is equally eager to meet 6
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your friends and family — he has no intentions of going anywhere. He’s proud to be with you and wants his family to fall in love with you, as well. He compromises It is uncommon to see guys show up to a lime to watch a football game with a girl in tow. Most would even shirk boyfriend responsibilities just to sip a beer over the highlights of the game. However, if he is making sacrifices by ditching such events for you, then he deserves a cookie because he loves you.
He Publicly Claims You as His girlfriend If you have been going around for some time and he, one day, just introduces you very comfortably to his friends saying, "Meet my girlfriend," it's a milestone. It means he has accepted you as an integral part of his life. Men normally do not want to give instant commitment so when he introduces you as 'his girlfriend' means he is comfortable about his friends knowing your importance in his life. They consider their friends' opinion important. This shows a sense of acceptance for you and a commitment to let the relationship move ahead. You attend a wedding together If a guy agrees to accompany you to a friend's wedding, he is showing another 'first'. Watching your friend taking her wedding vows brings you closer as a couple as it sets the man thinking. Attending social functions together signifies making a relationship public. It also builds dreams of staying together and
how you want to go about it. Attending any serious function together means the relationship is actually moving from being carefree to committed. He calls you multiple times everyday He calls you sometimes for no reason. Even if you’ve met at Rituals an hour ago, he calls you after he reaches home. This behaviour is typically displayed in the first few weeks of the relationship, when everything is new and exciting. However, when you realize that he still calls you just to hear your voice and it’s been about a year since you started going out, you should know that he’s serious about you. He Passes the Distance Test It seems this always happens: You meet someone you like, you hang out for a few weeks, and then a holiday or business trip interrupts. So, instead of riding the momentum of the sparks, you must brave that week apart. If he is the same afterward, he is proving his readiness.
cakes
Creative Cakes Your cake might very well steal your spotlight if it looks this good.
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cakes
Nothing says elegance like a pedestal cake.
Cake creativity is all about combining colour and texture.
These unique nine-tiered fruit cakes stand out.
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cakes
Fresh fruit adds colour and flavor to this simple three-tiered cake.
Fancy figurines give this confection a visual boost.
These edible designs make this cake a true delight.
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Soft, delicate and light‌ Mimic your dress with pastels and shades of white.
cakes
Why go for big and gaudy when several small cakes can offer the same effect?
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cakes
Intricate design gives this cake the flair and class of a Victorian wedding dress.
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MONEY MATTERS
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Financial Mistakes Couples Make
robably the biggest mistake a married couple will make considering money is to keep their finances secret from their spouse. However, there are other issues which may trigger serious problems for a new couple. Read on and see what they are. Ignoring conflicting spending habits Disparity in spending can be manageable, but if issues aren’t addressed, this could increase your likelihood of divorce. Individuals who feel their spouse spend money foolishly report lower levels of marital happiness. Individuals gravitate toward spouses who look, sound, and act as they do – except when it comes to money. Penny pinchers and reckless spenders tend to marry the other, but these couples report unhappier marriages than those in which both spouses had similar spending habits. Not having a budget Establishing a budget not only enables couples to talk honestly about the state of their finances, it facilitates discussions surrounding future financial goals and the joint planning required to get there. This planning will be beneficial if you are looking to get a mortgage loan or to make a significant purchase in the future. Not Making the Time to Talk about Money Not setting aside time each week to talk about spending decisions can be damag-
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ing to your relationship. It can also result in talking about money at the most inconvenient times, such as at the dinner table or on a date. Try to set aside a few minutes every week to discuss the budget. Consider any overspending and plan for new expenses you didn’t think of when creating your budget for the month. This helps to prevent you from surprises to deal with later. Dealing with Debt Debt and marriage is dangerous. Debt holds couples hostage to the nerve-wracking decision of whether to pay debt together or separately, especially if it’s a one-sided financial burden. Figuring out finances after marriage ultimately means compromise, so you and your spouse have to work together to determine a payment plan that avoids late payments and takes a chunk out of the debt as soon as possible. Leave the breadwinner to be responsible for the finances This mistake applies to housewives in particular even though some working partners are guilty of this. Don’t let your spouse manage all of the finances. It does show how much, you trust each other, but you could be setting yourself up for risky business in the future. If you divorce after several years, financial matters may not get resolved that easily. It is imperative that you know how to be financially responsible and talk about your finances right from the beginning.
Separating your Funds No more what's yours is yours and what's mine is mine. Divvying up bills to be paid by your individual bank accounts makes you more roommates than committed partners. Splitting household costs can breed resentment in a marriage when one spouse makes a lot more money than the other. It also can foster a sense that the person who pays more should have more say in financial matters. While separate finances may work at the start of your marriage, once children are involved it gets increasingly difficult to separate expenses and maintain financial equality. In short, learn how to manage money as a couple from the start of your marriage to avoid big problems later. Living in the now The furthest thing from a young couple’s collective mind is retirement and future planning. It’s all about the here and now. Too many young brides and grooms do not plan for future investments. They are of the opinion that one should not care too much about their personal finance from the beginning of their married life. If their spouse also has careless spending habits, then it can result in financial problems in the future. Do your homework. Go over the credit score of your new spouse, it will help you determine how well your spouse has been managing his finances. These finances include credit cards, loans and car installments. If there is a need for improvement, both partners should discuss it in detail.
dÉcor
Delightful Wedding DĂŠcor Giant centerpieces may not be functional, but they are becoming more and more popular.
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dÉcor
The light green elements help to merge this semi outdoor wedding’s appearance. 16
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dÉcor
Elongated tables encourage a close knit reception. JUNE 2013
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dÉcor
This tropical themed wedding venue fits right into our island.
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BRIDAL COUTURE
ABSTRACT Stylists Show off The Latest Looks For Your Maid of Honor, Flower Girl & Best Man‌ Photography: Marlon Rouse Makeup: Paulla De Souza Creative Director/Stylist: Anthony Gomez Assistants: Kerri Inniss, Chad Arneaud Models: Rennie Mullings, Arriel Vincent, Naomi Bachan. Wardrobe & Accessories: Female: L Edwin Wedding and Events, Valpark Shopping Plaza Male: Ecliff Elie
Putting Together A Pretty Pose!
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BRIDAL COUTURE
Making Every Memory Magnificent
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BRIDAL COUTURE
Soft Pastel Colors Always Add A Tasteful Touch
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BRIDAL COUTURE
FinalTouches Before Heading to The Hall
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BRIDAL COUTURE
A Beautiful Smile With A Whisper Of White…
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LOVE & MARRIAGE
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Awesome Anniversary Ideas
e know this is a bridal magazine, but the actual ceremony is not the end all and be all of a marriage. A lot of work has to go into making the love last. Keeping up with anniversaries is one way to make sure your spouse knows you are on their mind. Here are some anniversary ideas. Watch Your Wedding Video Few people actually ever watch their wedding videos. Some don’t even know where to find it. But what’s the point of having a video made if you are not going to watch it? Your anniversary is a great opportunity to remember that special day, so dust off that wedding DVD and watch highlights together. If you don’t have one, perhaps you have a video of a vacation you took or another memorable occasion. If not, look through your wedding album or pictures that you have taken throughout your years together. Have Your Own Personal Photo Shoot Make a list of some of your favorite places around town, load up your camera, and have your own photo shoot! Go to places 26
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rant is the first place you met or went on our first date. Publish Your Love Write what is in your heart. Want practical? Anniversary cards are fine, even if expected. Just expand the thoughts on the card. If you would like to try a crazy poem, write one. Even the corny poems will be kept forever. . Or find the words to a favorite song, write them out, and personalize it with your lover's name. that hold special meaning to you and your significant other. Perhaps you could stop at the place you had your first kiss or the church where you were married. Ask a passerby to take a couple shots of you. Another idea is to simply take a photo of you together each year on your anniversary. Keep an anniversary album for these special memories. Make A Restaurant Tradition It is a great idea to pick a restaurant that you both love, and frequent it every year on your anniversary. It reminds you of the good times you have had together, as well as gives you something to look forward to each year. This is even better if the restau-
Just Add Flowers No matter what you have planned, adding flowers is usually a good idea. Flowers are usually first on the list for romantic tips for men, but women can take advantage of them as well. A bouquet is a quiet way of saying that just the small joy their beauty may bring is worth the money. However, make sure the flowers are in good condition. Cheap flowers suggest that it wasn't worth the time, effort or money to bring that special smile to your partner's face. Breakfast in Bed A sweet, easy and very romantic way to treat your spouse is breakfast in bed. Take time to make their favourite dish -- try
scrambled eggs on lightly toasted crumpets with smoked salmon on the side -- and serve with a flower and anniversary card. Eat together at your leisure as you rejoice in a year of waking up married together. Break the Monotony Never have the same kind of celebrations for anniversaries. This is an important anniversary tip. A dinner and drinks has been long overdone. Try something different every time. Indulge in activities you will enjoy together as a couple. If you are adventure junkies go on a hike together. If you are always “busy” and finding time for each other has become difficult, go for a relaxing couples massage together. If you want to throw a party, make it exciting. Choose a location close to nature or just have a picnic with a hearty meal in the park. Spending spree An anniversary is a time to forget your everyday troubles. Forget the bills and throw caution to the wind with a shopping spree. Treat each other to new clothes, CDs or whatever you both want! Enjoy a smart lunch during the day and enjoy the high life, even if it is just for one day.
HAPPY HONEYMOON
Honeymoon Planning For Grooms
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edding planning is usually where good fiancées become Bridezilla and the groom in waiting suffers the stress of dealing with his future wife’s stress. Even the wedding day can be quite hectic for both of you. But let’s face it; the groom always has it easier. Therefore, it is usually recommended that the groom takes care of the honeymoon. This does not mean that since a man is doing the planning the honeymoon should be at your dream sports resort. It means you should do all you can to make your wife happy after she put in all the initial work during wedding planning. Yet, you should also include elements that you will enjoy. After all, it is your honeymoon as well. It’s a time to kick back and relax and finally have that marital sex you’ve always heard about. However, in planning honeymoons, there are some things all 28
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grooms must take into account. I know I just mentioned sex as one of the things to look out for, but be realistic. You should know now that sex on the wedding night is most likely not going to happen and No, this is not a “preview” to your sex life for the rest of your life. In any case, it is important to take the pressure off in order to facilitate your love-making ambitions. Plan for a late checkout and enjoy a nice late morning with each other. Avoid morning flights or early plans to meet anyone. Get
the recovery sleep you need and wake up late together. A refreshed body is a sexy body. The next thing to consider is the fact that you cannot be selfish. This was discussed briefly in the introduction, but it should be re-itemized. Consult your spouse and get her ideas. In order to pick a honeymoon that is important to both of you, create a list that helps you understand what you both want out of this adventure and trip of a lifetime. Do you want ocean front villas, does TV matter, do you want a butler, your own private plunge pool, do you want nightlife, tours, sightseeing, watersports, golf and anything else you need to know to PICK where you want to visit! The more you know about you both want, the better you will be at choosing a location that will make you both happy. If making your wife happy is what drives you, be sure to remember one word… RO-
MANCE. For many men chivalry becomes a lost art as soon as the engagement ring is slid onto her finger. However, romance is important to a successful honeymoon and by extension marriage. If being romantic isn’t one of your strong suits, then by golly start looking for reference materials. Your common charm and wit may have gotten you through engagement, but from the honeymoon onward it is going to be a whole new ballgame. Romantic gestures will not only improve her smile, but will help your sex life as well. Trust us. As was previously stated, it is important to offer important romantic gestures. Apart from the token gestures, be sure to plan something extra special. Even if she knows where you're going, it's a nice touch to plan a little surprise such as a hike before sunrise or a hot air balloon ride. Whatever it is, make sure you hold a little something back to surprise her with.
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