MARRIAGE & YOUR RESOURCE FOR WEDDINGS & MARRIAGE IN TRINIDAD & TOBAGO
July 2015 | Issue 12
Bridal Stores
in Trinidad & Tobago
10
Unexpected Wedding Expenses
www.ambermediatt.com
Bliss
Technology & Weddings
Hindu Wedding Traditions
www.ambermediatt.com
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Contents
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10 Unexpected Wedding Expenses Top wedding costs for which couples forget to budget
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Technology & Weddings How Amber Media Productions can help you incorporate technology in your wedding Buying Property in Joint Names
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9 22 29 33 40 52
In every Issue
Options available to couples when either buying or renting their marital home
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Hindu Wedding Traditions
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Bridal Stores & Designers A Directory of Bridal Stores and Designers throughout Trinidad & Tobago
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Top 6 Questions to ask your Wedding Caterer
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The Importance of the Bridal Makeup Trial
A Closer look at Sindoor & Mehndi at Hindu Weddings and their significance
On the Cover The Icing on the Cake Inspiration Page Strange Wedding Practices
M&B Movie Review - The Fault in Our Stars
A look at some critical questions to ask when choosing your Wedding Caterer
Why brides should not forego this important step to simply save money
Then & Now
AMBER MEDIA PRODUCTIONS would like to thank our brides and grooms for the opportunity to be their wedding photographer. These are the lucky couples featured in this issue of Marriage & Bliss. Natasha & Korie Perouse Vanessa & Matthew McClean Sarah & Steffon Pacifique Shelly Ann & Avidesh Narine Karma & Akil Jackson Jillian & Lincon Morris Lucinda & Katanial Nanan Stacy & Shane Manolal 2
MARRIAGE & BLISS | JULY 2015
Ayana & Kenya Leacock Deasher & Dwaine Willington Joady & Devanand Basdeo Elisha & Daniel George Ayana & Kwasi George Debra & Richmond Williams Brenda & Alvin Edwards Kerbi & Brendon Perch
Onika & Ezra Melville Eleanor & Joel Jeffery Makini & Nigel Brown Kelly Ann & Sheldon Ganga Debbie & Dwight Herrera Candice & Mahase Bissoondath Jr. (COVER)
Makini & Nigel www.ambermediatt.com
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CONTRIBUTORS
From the
Publisher
Publisher Amber Media Productions Creative Directors Kenroy Ambris Carla Mendez-Ambris Advertising Sales Kenroy Ambris Photography Kenroy Ambris Contributing Photographers Curtis Chase Gari Barklay Leno Fermin Contributing Writers Carla Mendez-Ambris Darryl Heeralal Sarah Sookraj Natasha Nadia Karim Marriage & Bliss is published twice a year by Amber Media Productions. It is distributed free of charge to engaged couples and newlyweds. It is also available for sale at selected bookstores and other outlets. No part of this magazine may be reproduced in part or whole without consent from the publisher. Marriage & Bliss can be read online at www.ambermediatt.com/marriage-and-bliss
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA Marriage & Bliss - The Magazine Marriage & Bliss Magazine For advertising, distributing or more information on Marriage & Bliss contact: AMBER MEDIA PRODUCTIONS Kenroy: (868) 750-2550 or (868) 359-5448 Carla: (868) 359-5452 or (868) 748-0809 Website: www.ambermediatt.com Email: info@ambermediatt.com
“I
f you want the rainbow you have to deal with the rain.”
I heard this quote when watching “The Fault in our Stars” for the movie review in this issue and for some strange reason it resonated with me. I find it very applicable to marriage. Many people look at the ‘glitz and glam’ of a wedding and look at married friends and family and think that marriage is easy. But the reality of it is that marriage is a lot of hard work that needs a lot of comproCarla Mendez-Ambris mise, communication and commitment. So Creative Director if you want the “rainbow” of celebrating your Silver or Golden Anniversary you need to deal with a lot of “rain” - sacrifices, arguments and sometimes personal changes. In this issue, we will look at some traditions in a Hindu wedding namely the art of Mehndi and Sindoor. Choosing the right wedding vendors is very important so we have started a series of questions to ask wedding vendors. In this issue we suggest questions to ask when selecting a caterer. We have also discussed how you techno-savvy folks can incorporate technology in your wedding to wow your guests or to make things easier for you. Our beauty column explores the importance of a makeup trial and why it should not be eliminated to simply save costs. Our magazine would not be complete without an article dealing with marriage, so we explore the various options available when couples are considering purchasing or renting their marital home. We know that you will continue to be inspired by all things local as we publish cakes, décor, dresses and colour schemes from real weddings right here in T&T to help you in your own planning. We look forward to your positive feedback as usual. Be inspired!
Carla Mendez-Ambris Amber Media Productions
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Onika & Ezra
Venue: Nia Valley, Princes Town Phone: (868) 769-4343 See page 34 for more info
Stacy & Shane www.ambermediatt.com
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10
Unexpected
Wedding Expenses by: Carla Mendez-Ambris
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The top wedding costs for which couples forget to budget
T IS ONE of the most critical aspects of wedding planning but is the most easily forgotten. The Budget! While most people tend to remember the more obvious wedding expenses such as the dress, the rings and the venue, many other expenses are overlooked. Here are some wedding expenses that usually tend to be forgotten.
1)
Day of Coordinator A day of coordinator is crucial to the smooth flow of the wedding. A coordinator is not to be confused with a wedding planner. The planner works with you from the start of the wedding planning process to assist you with finding wedding suppliers, reviewing contracts and assisting you with sticking to your wedding budget. A wedding coordinator starts working with you approximately one month before the wedding liaising with all vendors to ensure that they arrive on time and they do what they are required to do, making sure that everything runs smoothly on the day. While you might be able to plan your own wedding, it is recommended that you have someone else coordinate. On the morning of the wedding, the bridal party or parents should not have to be
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worrying about wedding vendors arriving late or not arriving at all. Save yourself the stress and make the wedding day all about happiness and bliss.
2)
Lighting An outdoor wedding is always a beautiful idea. We all love the open air environment, being one with nature but when night hits, if proper lighting is not provided guests will not be able to see what they are eating or where they are going and other vendors, particularly the videographer, may have problems providing you with optimum service. Lighting also creates great ambiance for both indoor and outdoor weddings - tea lights in centrepieces, flameless LED candles around the tables and even monogrammed lights and gobos on the dance floor.
3)
Making it legal Posting of banns and getting your marriage licence comes at a cost. In Trinidad & Tobago, posting
of the banns is $10 each and the cost of the marriage license is $300. Read more about The Legal Requirements of Getting Married in Trinidad & Tobago on our blog www.ambermediatt.com/ weddingblog or on WeddApp our mobile app under the Wedding Tips section.
4)
Stationery Everyone remembers the obvious - save the dates, invitations, programmes. But other stationery items most people forget to account for include: menu cards, table numbers, escort cards. Some decorators usually include these in their costs so be sure to discuss with your decorator whether she can provide these. Postage costs to mail invitations to family abroad must not be forgotten as well.
5)
Vendors’ Meals The caterer would usually ask you for a final head count of all your guests approximately two weeks before the wedding. Do not forget to account for your wedding vendors, particularly the photographer and videographer who may have been with you since you since you were getting dressed. The DJ, entertainer(s), event coordinator and venue coordinator should also be catered for.
6)
Bridal Party Meals Here, most weddings start either
Karma & Akil www.ambermediatt.com
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at 2pm or 3pm. But while the bride, groom and bridal party are busy preparing and grooming themselves, especially if time is against them, lunch is hardly ever considered. Make arrangements for someone to either buy or prepare lunch for the bridal party particularly for the bride and the groom. Being in the photography business, the most common problem we encounter during the photo shoot is that the bridal party, including the bride and groom are starving because they skipped lunch (and sometimes breakfast), causing them to rush the photo shoot, the most crucial aspect of your wedding.
7)
Alterations It is very rare that you will go to a boutique to purchase a dress and it will fit you exact. Chances are you will be required to do some alterations and the same applies to dresses ordered online. Grooms, you too must look dapper on the day. Cater for altera-
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tions to be made to trousers and jacket to ensure a correct fit. We advise that you try on your dress/suit again, one week before the wedding just in case you need to make further adjustments.
8)
Bridal party gifts The bridal party plays such an important role in the wedding it is only courtesy to give them a gift as a token of appreciation. You may also consider giving them something special when asking them to be a part of the bridal party instead of simply asking them over the phone.
9)
Wedding Accessories Brides your dress, shoes and veil are not the only items you need to purchase. Do not forget your jewellery, proper fitting underwear, shapeware (such as a waist cincher or corset if needed), and of course your garter. Grooms do not forget your cufflinks,
nice pair of shoes and clean socks.
10)
Beauty Most makeup artists and hair stylists offer trials that allow you to work with them before the wedding to achieve your desired look. This comes at an additional cost. This is the time where you can make changes to your desired look, and perfect it. Brides do not forget your manicure and pedicure. Grooms you too should get a manicure to ensure your hands look their best as they will be photographed with your new rings and do not forget to get your hair cut.
On the Cover
E G A I R MAR &Bliss
Couple: Candice & Mahase Wedding Date: 28th June 2015 Venue: San Fernando Hill
tions c u d o r P a i d e M Amber pecial moments. s Capturing those
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www.ambermediatt.com
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TECHNOLOGY &Weddings
How Amber Media Productions can help you incorporate technology in your wedding from the planning to after the wedding day.
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n this modern age, technology appears to have taken over every aspect of our lives as we seem unable to survive without e-mail, instant messaging, Skype and social media. Weddings should be no exception and in some cases technology has trumped traditional “etiquette rules”. Case in point, the wedding invitation! Some have opted to eliminate the traditional printed wedding card, opting to email save the dates and/or wedding invitations. Is it considered technosavvy and upwardly mobile or just plain tacky? While the etiquette experts debate on that one, here are some other ways in which you can incorporate technology in your wedding (without encroaching on any etiquette rules or traditions).
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Amber Media Productions, the publisher of Marriage and Bliss has been using technology at weddings for quite a number of years now and so far our clients have been impressed. Here are some ways in which you can use technology to assist you with your wedding.
Before the Wedding
WeddApp
This is a mobile app that you can download on your android phone or tablet. With this app, you can plan your entire wedding at your fingertips.
It consists of: •A checklist with everything that needs to get done •Wedding Venues throughout Trinidad & Tobago •Wedding Suppliers throughout the country •Inspirational Photos and colour scheme ideas for new ideas •Even coupons to save you some much needed cash You can also email vendors directly
from your phone or tablet for quotations and immediate contact and a whole lot more. Visit www.ambermediatt.com/app to download or search for WeddApp on Google Play. If you don’t have an Android phone, still visit the link for the mobile website and access all the great stuff on the app!
During the Wedding
Live Streaming
Now that you have planned your entire wedding using a mobile device, let us discuss the wedding day. We all know that there may be some loved ones who cannot make it to the wedding, who are abroad or right here in Trinidad and Tobago but for whatever reason cannot attend. Well instead of waiting months to see the edited video, let them enjoy your wedding in real time. Amber Media Productions offers Live Online Streaming so that your wedding can be streamed on our website and even on our Mobile App so that anyone virtually anywhere can see your wedding as it happens.
Photos/video on screen One of the pet peeves of guests at a wed-
ding is waiting on what seems like forever when the bride and the groom are off on their photo shoot. Amber Media Productions can provide a large screen and projector so that while guests are waiting they can view photos from your childhood to present, allowing guests to reminisce and have a good laugh. Another option is to show the unedited video of the ceremony as some couples have done before. The screens can also be used for small venues where guests have to be seated away from the main stage area. The event can be shown on screen to ensure no guest is left out. Rental of screen and projector is included in some of our packages so be sure to check that out.
Instant Photo Printing Jordan Almonds, coasters and candles, all traditional wedding favours which may have become boring so why not jazz things up a bit. Photo Booths always add lots of fun to your wedding and to top things off you can also offer the perfect wedding favour, an instant photo. Guests can line up, choose the props they like and take a fun photo of themselves and before they leave they will be given a personalised photo with a thank you from the bride and groom printed on it. Who does not love a photo of themselves?
After THE Wedding
Online Photo Sharing
After the wedding everyone is anxious to see the professional photos. An album or photo book can only get to a few hands. At Amber Media Productions, we offer a secure, password protected online photo gallery, where everyone with access to the internet and the password can view your photos. Amber Media Productions does not only offer photography and video services, we strive to offer the best technology to ensure that your wedding is top notch.
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Natasha & Korie
g n i y u B by: Darryl Heeralal
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Pr
n the hype of marriage planning very few couples might take the time out to consider the legal implications of their marriage and more importantly the legal consequences of owning marital property. One of the biggest investments any married couple will make is buying a home together and it is important to consider how you should own that home. There are basically three ways in which spouses can own their marital home:
1) As sole owner This is where property is in the sole name of one spouse. 16
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y t r ope
s e m a N t n i o in J
legal consequences of the different types of ownership. Joint owner2) As Joint Tenants ship, rather than putting the propThis is where both spouses equally erty in only one name, will ensure own the property and when one that each spouse has a legal share in spouse dies his/her share goes to the the property. survivor who then becomes the sole One of the more important considowner. erations is getting a mortgage. Most couples will have to get financing 3) As Tenants in Common to purchase or build their home. Where both spouses are working This is where both couples own a putting the property in joint names share of the property and on their will increase the amount of financdeath their share goes to the ben- ing available as together your diseficiary in a will or according to the posable income will be larger. laws of intestacy. In some cases one spouse already It is important to consult with your owns the home and the other spouse legal advisor when buying marital moves in after marriage. It is advisproperty to be informed about the able to consult a legal advisor about
this arrangement especially if the non-owner spouse contributes to the upkeep of the property including paying bills and the mortgage and this would have legal consequences down the road. Another option is instead of buying, you rent a home. It should be decided from the start whether the tenancy or lease agreement should be in the name of one or both spouses. If the agreement is in the name of one spouse and that spouse wants to end the agreement then the other spouse has no legal protection and can be evicted. Finally nobody says ‘I do’ thinking that their marriage will not last, however, the sad fact is that a large number of marriages do fail and when couples decide to divorce, there can often be bitter wrangling over the financial and proprietary aspects of the marriage. Generally, if one person has control over the finances during the marriage, the other party will be at a considerable disadvantage when it comes to the divorce proceedings. Sharing a home with your partner is one of the most important issues to think about, and ideally, your legal position should be clear from the beginning.
Hindu
by: Natasha Nadia Karim
Wedding Traditions
A Closer look at Sindoor & Mehndi at Hindu Weddings and their significance
A
HINDU wedding is probably the most colourful and ritualistic marriage ceremony you will ever witness - each colour, each movement, each song, each dance flowing one into the next culminating in marriage. Marriage and Bliss explores two of the rituals associated with the Hindu bride: Sindoor and Mehndi.
SINDOOR
Sindoor or known in English as vermillion is the brilliant scarlet red pigment that a married Hindu woman wears in the parting of her hair. It signifies that she is married and under the protection of her husband and is also a visible expression of her love and desire for her husband’s longevity. The significance of wearing Sindoor goes back to Hindu Mythology as red is the colour of power while vermillion is a symbol of female energy. Hindus believe that the Goddess Parvati, the wife of Lord Shiva blesses and protects the husbands of the women who apply Sindoor daily. Sindoor, it is said, also enhances feminine grace and beauty. It is prepared by mixing mercury, turmeric and lime. Owing to its properties, mercury helps in controlling blood 18
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pressure and activates sexual desire, which is why widows and unmarried women are forbidden to wear Sindoor.
MEHNDI
Mehndi also called mehandi, or mehndi al-henna is the beautiful and traditional art of henna. It has been around since the 12th century and popular at Hindu festivals such as Karva Chauth and Divali. However, decorating a bride with Mehndi is one of the most important pre-wedding ceremonies. A special night called ‘Mehndi Night’ is set aside to adorn the hands and feet of the bride with very intricate designs. Within the design the groom’s name is hidden. Tradition has it that if the groom is unable to find his name, his wife has full control in their marriage, something you Hindu grooms should take careful note of. Mehndi is also considered part of the makeup for the bride and without it she is incomplete, according to tradition. It is also a symbol of fertility, good fortune and health and the darker the ‘henna stain’, the stronger bond between husband and wife.
Henna is made from the leaves of the henna plant which are harvested, crushed to a fine powder, mixed with essential oils, lemon juice and sugar and applied via a mylar cone or applicator bottle. With proper care, mehndi designs can last up to two weeks. Natasha Nadia Karim is the owner of Nadia’s Mehndi Garden. Phone: 302-4056 Facebook: Nadia’s Mehndi Garden
The Hindu Wedding
Devanand & Joady
www.ambermediatt.com
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“Black & White”
FX Black & White effects always stand out and give a vintage look to your photos. If you love them, don’t hesitate to discuss it your wedding photographer.
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The Icing on the
Cake
Here are some photos of wedding cakes from recent weddings. If you need more inspiration for your Wedding Cake visit our Facebook Page AND on our Mobile Wedding App.
Marriage & Bliss - The Magazine
WeddApp or visit www.ambermediatt.com/app
Four-Tiered Chandelier Square Wedding Cake & Barcelona Groom’s Cake made by Unique Cake Decor - (868) 473-1070 See page 34 for more info.
Bridal Stores & Designers in T&T TRINIDAD
YOUR PERFECT DAY ADDRESS: 1st Floor, Auzonville Mall, Tunapuna PHONE: 770-8823 WALK IN OR APPOINTMENT: Appointment Only TYPE OF APPAREL: Wedding Gowns, Bridesmaid Dresses, Flower Girl Dresses CONSULTATION FEE: No PRICE RANGE: $2,500 and up SIZES AVAILABLE: All sizes ADDITIONAL INFO: Decor Services and Event Planning services offered, jewelry also available. Your Perfect Day
MIMAR’S Bridal ADDRESS: Bon Air Gardens, Arouca PHONE: 288-8845/ 736-1980 WALK IN OR APPOINTMENT: Walk In TYPE OF APPAREL: Wedding Gowns, Formal Wear and Accessories (No Men’s Wear) CONSULTATION FEE: No PRICE RANGE: $2,500 and up SIZES AVAILABLE: 2-20, other sizes can be ordered ADDITIONAL INFO: Also offers rental of linens, decor, catering and bar service 24
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MIMAR’s BRIDAL, Arouca DK BRIDAL & FORMAL WEAR ADDRESS: Asos Building, Eastern Main Road, St. Joseph PHONE: 645-7984 WALK IN OR APPOINTMENT: Appointment Only TYPE OF APPAREL: Wedding Gowns, Suits, First Communion Dresses, Formal Wear CONSULTATION FEE: $100 PRICE RANGE: $5,000 and up BRANDS CARRIED: Sophia Tolli, David Tutera, Allure Bridals and others SIZES AVAILABLE: 0-28 ADDITIONAL INFO: Event Coordination & Decor Services NOW & FOREVER BRIDAL COUTURE ADDRESS: 111 Southern Main Road, Enterprise, Chaguanas PHONE: 665-7713 WALK IN OR APPOINTMENT: Appointment Only TYPE OF APPAREL: Wedding Gowns, Bridesmaid Dresses, Formal Wear, Plus Size Dresses (No Men’s Wear) CONSULTATION FEE: Yes BRANDS CARRIED: Varies SIZES AVAILABLE: All Sizes ADDITIONAL INFO: Wedding Invitations also offered
Allison’s Variety & Bridal Boutique ADDRESS: 161 Coffee Street, San Fernando PHONE: 653-7560 WALK IN OR APPOINTMENT: Walk In TYPE OF APPAREL: Everything - Tuxedos, Suits, Wedding Gowns, Bridesmaid Dresses CONSULTATION FEE: No SIZES AVAILABLE: 0-28 ADDITIONAL INFO: Full service for brides, grooms, bridal party as well as the parents of the bride and groom. WEDDING BELLES BOUTIQUE ADDRESS: Shop #4, Ground Floor, Ramsingh Plaza, Chaguanas PHONE: 376-8881/ 338-0835 WALK IN OR APPOINTMENT: Appointment Only TYPE OF APPAREL: Wedding Gowns, Suits, Bridal Party Wear CONSULTATION FEE: Yes BRANDS CARRIED: Various brands and custom pieces via our label Trés Belle Couture SIZES AVAILABLE: All Sizes, Plus Sizes, Maternity, Big & Tall for Men ADDITIONAL INFO: Gift Certificates available, maternity gowns, rush orders, mobile consultancy and much more.
PatSY’s Bridal ADDRESS: Ramsaran Street, Chaguanas PHONE: 671-4306 WALK IN OR APPOINTMENT: Appointment Only TYPE OF APPAREL: Wedding Gowns, Bridesmaid Dresses, Formal Wear (No Men’s Wear) FITTING FEE: $300 PRICE RANGE: $2,500 and up SIZES AVAILABLE: 6-18 ADDITIONAL INFO: We offer custom fitting and alterations BRIDAL PARTY ADDRESS: Port of Spain PHONE: 310-0250 WALK IN OR APPOINTMENT: Walk In TYPE OF APPAREL: Wedding Gowns, Suits & Bridal Party Wear CONSULTATION FEE: No PRICE RANGE: $1,200 and up BRANDS CARRIED: Maggie Sottero, Allure Bridals, Juliet and others SIZES AVAILABLE: XS - 24 ADDITIONAL INFO: Designer Tuxedos and Suits also available Fulfilled dreams ADDRESS: La Horquetta PHONE: 799-7310 WALK IN OR APPOINTMENT: Appointment Only TYPE OF APPAREL: Custom Made Bridal Dresses & Bridal Party Wear CONSULTATION FEE: No PRICE RANGE - $3,000 - $4,000 BRANDS CARRIED: Replica ADDITIONAL INFO: Custom Made Replica Gowns SUIT MASTERS We visit the Clients PHONE: 678-9618 WALK IN OR APPOINTMENT: Appointment Only TYPE OF APPAREL: Tuxedos and Suits CONSULTATION FEE: No PRICE RANGE: $2,500 and up ADDITIONAL INFO: Appointments must be made at least six (6) weeks in advance
NAIPAULS’ BRIDAL & FORMAL WEAR ADDRESS: Naipaul Bookstore Building. Cor Queen & Sanchez Streets, Arima PHONE: 667-2569 x4 WALK IN OR APPOINTMENT: Both TYPE OF APPAREL: Wedding Gowns, Bridesmaid Dresses, Formal Wear (No Men’s Wear) CONSULTATION FEE: No PRICE RANGE: $1,000 and up BRANDS CARRIED: Mary’s Bridal, Milano Formals and others SIZES AVAILABLE: All ADDITIONAL INFO: Custom fitting offered, Assist on Wedding Day with Dress Fitting; Wedding Accessories and Tokens also available Louear’s bridal and evening wear collection ADDRESS: 6 St Andrews Park West, Cocoyea PHONE: 678-0296 WALK IN OR APPOINTMENT: Appointment Only TYPE OF APPAREL: Custom Made wear - Wedding Gowns, Formal Wear, Bridal Party Wear, Suits CONSULTATION FEE: No PRICE RANGE: $2,500 and up ADDITIONAL INFO: E-commerce site coming soon
TOBAGO WHITE DIAMOND WEDDINGS ADDRESS: Golden Grove Road, Canaan, Tobago PHONE: 631-8586/ 337-1236 WALK IN OR APPOINTMENT: Appointment Only TYPE OF APPAREL: Wedding Gowns, Bridesmaid Dresses (No Men’s Wear) CONSULTATION FEE: No ADDITIONAL INFO: Custom Made clothing Iona’s ADDRESS: Dutch Fort, Scarborough, Tobago PHONE: 660-7978/ 308-7483 WALK IN OR APPOINTMENT: Walk In TYPE OF APPAREL: Bridal Gowns, Suits,Tuxedos CONSULTATION FEE: No PRICE RANGE: $4,000 and up BRANDS CARRIED: Varies SIZES AVAILABLE: All sizes ADDITIONAL INFO: Men’s wear by order, Rental of wedding gowns, Women’s work suits, wedding accessories ROEGELA’S CREATIONS ADDRESS: 5 Joefield Trace, Calder Hall, Tobago PHONE: 639-3950/ 767-1052 WALK IN OR APPOINTMENT: Both TYPE OF APPAREL: Wedding Gowns, Bridesmaid Dresses, Bridal Party Wear CONSULTATION FEE: No SIZES AVAILABLE: All ADDITIONAL INFO: Custom Made clothing
Dress available at Your Perfect Day.
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Groomsmen ‘Can’t JUMP’! Remember the 90’s movie “White Men Can’t Jump”? These groomsmen believe that they CAN! What do you think?
MARRIAGE
Bliss&
Inspiration Page
Couple: Eleanor & Joel Wedding Date: 4th October 2014 Venue: Clifton Hill Beach Resort
Need more colour scheme inspiration? Download our Mobile Wedding App - WeddApp. www.ambermediatt.com/app
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S
Questions to ask your Wedding Caterer
A look at some critical questions to ask when deciding on your Wedding Caterer
ourcing wedding vendors can be time consuming and frustrating - lots of meetings, countless site visits, quotations to be gotten and much more! In this Issue of Marriage and Bliss we will be starting a series giving you the top six (6) questions to ask various wedding vendors to assist you in choosing the best vendors.
First start by downloading our mobile Wedding App, WeddApp from Google Play or visit www.ambermediatt. com/app or go to our Online Wedding Vendors Directory www.ambermediatt. com/vendors to find a comprehensive list of wedding vendors. Then select about three (3) potential vendors for
Do not let COST be the only deciding factor in choosing a vendor. each category and ask various questions to determine who would be the best ones for you.
possible provide photos). Aside from the experience and past work, there are other critical matter to consider when deciding on each supplier. In this issue, we deal with Choosing your Caterer. Here are the top six (6) questions to ask your caterer.
1) What does your cost include? Although the quotation should specify exactly what is provided, do not leave anything to chance. Aside from the food, do you provide wait staff to serve the food? If so how many? The rule of thumb is one waiter for every 25 guests, e.g. 6 staff for a guest list of 150.
factor in choosing a vendor. In selecting any vendor, two of the most important things are experience (number of years they are in the business) and referrals (past clients who can vouch for your work, give recommendations and if MARRIAGE & BLISS | JULY 2015
day, therefore allowing for a faster flow of persons. If dessert is being provided, more tables will need to be allocated for that as well.
3) When can you do a site visit?
The caterer should do a site visit with the decorator to ensure that the food station is set up in the best possible position. This would ensure that on the day of the wedding the caterer knows exactly where to set up and would avoid any hiccups on the day. However, if the caterer has worked at your venue before, a site visit maybe unnecessary. Walk with a site plan of the venue and discuss the best set up location.
4) How many events do you have on the day of/weekend of my Do you also provide all cutlery, wedding? plates, stemware, and linens for
your tables? If not, these will have to be rented at an additional cost, and must be budgeted for accordingly. If the caterer does provide them, confirm that their staff will also set the table with the cutlery and stemware.
2) How many tables/food staDo not let COST be the only deciding tions would be needed?
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by: Carla Mendez-Ambris
Discuss with the caterer, the number of food stations that would be needed for your wedding. Larger weddings, over 200 guests, would need at least two food stations to prevent a long line up when guests are getting food on the
While some caterers may have the competence to handle multiple events on
the same day, discuss this with your caterer. Find out who will be cooking the food and what time they will be cooking it. Ensure that your food will not be cooked too early to prevent spoilage.
5) Who is the point person on the day?
During the planning process, you may be liaising with the owner or the manager of the catering company, but he/she may not be there on the day or may not stay for the entire wedding. Find out who will be in charge and get a cell number for them to be able to contact them on the night before or the morning of the wedding with any
last minute requests or changes.
6) When can we arrange a tasting?
Some people may say the best part of a wedding is the food. A caterer may have the best menu selection, top of the line service and great price but if the food is not tasty, all of that will not matter. Try to arrange a tasting of the menu you have selected to be served at your wedding. A fee would be attached for the tasting but it would be worth it to ensure that you are satisfied and to make any last minute changes to the menu you have selected.
Wedding Receptions | Graduations | Seminars Conferences | Banquets | Award Ceremonies
* 350 - 500 Seating Capacity * Tables and Chairs, * Fully Air Conditioned * Parking, Security & Clean Up * Catering & Decorating Services Available Address: LP #63 Main Road, Longdenville Phone: (868) 222-8896, 339-3825 Email: signaturehall@gmail.com www.ambermediatt.com
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Shelly & Avinash
Ayana & Kenya
Strange Wedding Practices by: Darryl Heeralal
T
Unusual Wedding Practices & Traditions from Around the World
Egyptian weddings - the hands of a bride and groom are literally tied together to demonstrate the couple’s commitment to each other and their new bond as a married couple.
he strange keeps getting stranger here at Marriage and Bliss so here’s your usual serving of all that is wedding weird. •
Nowadays there are all kinds of politically correct terms to refer to cross dressers but back in the day in Denmark the groom wore the dress and bride the suit to confuse the evil spirits!
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One wonders in Egypt how long does it take the groom’s mother in law to start, well, being a mother-in-law. I suggest not long as the bride’s family traditionally does all the cooking for a week after the wedding so the couple can relax.
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The ants would sure love this tradition as legend says single women will dream of their future husbands if they sleep with a slice of groom’s cake under their pillows.
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After the movie 300 many a woman would have thought of a Spartan for a husband. Well ladies then the first step is to allow your groom to be to have a raucous bachelor party. Stag parties were first held by ancient Spartan soldiers, who kissed their bachelor days goodbye with a raucous party.
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Ever heard the saying ‘Trinidad and Tobago so small we could all be family’, well the Catholic tradition of “posting the banns” to announce a marriage originated as a way to ensure the bride and groom were not related.
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Ever wonder why the bride always stands to the left of the groom? Well in bygone days the groom needed his right hand free to fight off other suitors.
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Why would you refer to a marriage as tying the knot, a phrase more suited to sailing? In many cultures around the world - including Celtic, Hindu and
• An old wives’ tale: If the younger of two sisters marries first, the older sister must dance barefoot at the wedding or risk never landing a husband. •
The ancient Greeks and Romans thought the veil protected the bride from evil spirits and brides have worn veils ever since.
Wedding Vendors Directory MARRIAGE &
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Any special eventevent that that you can Any special conceptualize, can accommodate. you canwe conceptualize, we can accommodate.
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7 Hoi Pong Avenue, Matilda Gardens, Princes Town Phone: 769-4343 Email: niavalley2@gmail.com Nia Valley TNT Niavalley2
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PEDRO C. LEZAMA Saxophonist, Flautist
Local & Foreign Engagements Weddings, Corporate Functions, Anniversaries, Musical Arrangements, Studio Recordings, & Special Occasions
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Cute as a Button
A bridal party would not be complete without some adorable flower girls and ring bearers. Here are some that Amber Media Productions has captured at recent weddings.
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Kerbi & Brendon
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BRIDES
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&
S M O O R G
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MARRIAGE &
Bliss
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MOVIE REVIEW The Fault in Our Stars
e are all familiar with the traditional wedding vows – “to have and to hold, from this day forward... in sickness and in health... till death do us part.” However, when one falls in love with someone who is already diagnosed with a life-threatening illness, you do not need to say these vows in front of an audience for it to be true. In this movie, based on a novel of the same name by John Green, we meet 16 year-old Hazel, who was diagnosed with thyroid cancer, since she was 13 years old. The cancer has spread to her lungs
and she has to carry around an oxygen tank. Her parents worry about her depression and force her to go to a cancer support group where she meets a fun loving and high-spirited Augustus, a cancer survivor who lost his leg from bone cancer. Augustus falls madly in love with Hazel Grace, as he calls her throughout the movie, despite her illness. We see the couple manage through Hazel’s sickness and Augustus’ continuous support for her as they try to live life like normal teenagers. They make contact with the author of Helen’s favourite book who has relocated to Amsterdam and the two, in addition to Helen’s mom, visit him in Amsterdam. Love knows no boundaries and this could not be more true when faced with the reality of
how precious life is. Cherish your loved ones at all times and always remember, “If you want the rainbow, you have to deal with the rain.” Starring Shailene Woodley, Ansel Elgort, Nat Wolff and Willem Dafoe. Genre: Romance/ Drama Rating: PG-13 Release Date: 6th June 2014 Directed by: Josh Boone
Limo Service provided by Ieri Tavaco Entertainment Co. Ltd. (868) 680-3140 See page 35 for more info
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s e l p Cou
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Bridal Parties
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Men are like department stores.... their clothes should always be half off. Men are like placemats.... they only show up when there is food on the table. Men are like computers... hard to figure out and never have enough memory. Men are like coolers... load them with beer and you can take them anywhere. Men are like chocolate bars.... sweet, smooth, and they usually head right for your hips. Men are like coffee.... the best ones are rich, warm, and can keep you up all night long. Men are like horoscopes.... they always tell you what to do and are usually wrong. Men are like plungers... they spend most of their lives in a hard ware store or the bathroom. Men are like mascara.... they usually run at the first sign of emotion.
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SUDOKU INSTRUCTIONS: The object is to insert the numbers in the boxes to satisfy only one condition: each row, column and 3x3 box must only contain the digits 1 through 9 once.
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4 1
4 9 1 2 4 4 8 2 9 9 3 8 2 3 4 5 9 6 3 5 9 1 7 6 4
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The Importance of The Bridal Makeup Trial by: Sarah Sookraj
A
Why brides should not forego this important step to simply save money. bridal trial is a test run of the makeup a bride will wear on her wedding day. Many brides forego this appointment as it is see as unnecessary or an extra expense.
However, it is always advisable to opt for a trial, at least six months before your wedding day, for two main reasons. The obvious reason is to agree on a look that makes both parties happy. Your wedding day is not the occasion you want your makeup to be a surprise and by booking trial it allows you to try different looks beforehand and make any necessary adjustments for the big day. A wedding day is a source of anxiety and nervousness for most women. Having a brash/ cold professional around you will further offset your emotions. Yes, a makeup artist is there to apply makeup but ultimately it goes beyond a simple service. Trials allow us to not only witness someone’s skill but it will also make you comfortable enough to share with them in your most intimate moments on the best day of your life. FIND MY WORK HERE: Facebook: Bella Paraiso Twitter: @SarahSookraj Instagram: @SARAHSOOKRAJMUA Youtube: Sarah Sookraj
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HAVE SOME FUN! Your day is special to us.
At Amber Media Productions, we set the mood to creatively capture every moment and every memory so that your pictures are as fun to look at as your wedding day was.
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THEN & NOW
Do you know any couples celebrating over 40 years of wedded bliss? Call or email us to be highlighted on this page and be an inspiration to other couples. Phone: (868) 750-2550 | Email: kenroy.ambris@gmail.com
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Years
Zainool & Rita Mohammed
3rd August 1969
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Years
Jose & Barbara Salazar 52
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13th October 1963
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