Hello Readers,

Listening on the radio this morning, I heard that Carrie Underwood’s wedding is well underway and is shaping up to be a grand affair!  However, what really sparked my interest was her decision to forego the traditional wedding cake for the “new darling” of weddings: the cupcake.

The cupcake has grown in popularity over the past few years, as its cute and trendy appeal, along with the individualized portions of sweet happiness truly provide guests a unique alternative.

A search for “cupcake” on Wikipedia.com states that the origination of the cupcake began in the “early 19th century” with the first reference of a cupcake “in Eliza Leslie’s Receipts cookbook from 1828.”    Interestingly, the “first bakery devoted exclusive to cupcakes is Sprinkles,  located in Beverly Hills, CA.”

Cupcakes can be utilized for many wedding events including the rehearsal dinner, bridal showers, engagement parties and bachelorette parties.  In fact, I am hosting a bachelorette party this weekend for a great friend of mine, and  cupcakes will play center stage during dinner!  Below are some charming pictures of cupcakes made at bakeries in North Carolina:

Go to The Cupcake Shoppe in Raleigh, NC for these delightful cupcakes:

Go to Simply Cakes in Apex, NC for these sweet cupcakes:

The “New Darling” of Weddings and Events: CUPCAKES! is a post from: Wedding Blog by With This Favor. With This Favor is your official superstore for wedding favors.

With Valentine’s Day approaching in a little over a month, my thoughts always shift to romantic movies, as well as television shows with romantic couples (for example, Mr. Big and Carrie Bradshaw), and the pleasure I have in watching them.  When perusing my collection of romantic dvd’s (which inevitably, always provide an intense sob session on my part), I began to think about the characters in these movies and  television shows, and the believable connection that they are able to create between one another.

Have you ever thought about how well some of the actors/actresses are able to make you believe that they are truly in love with one another?

Thus, I have created a list of actors and actresses that are able to ignite the “fire” so well on-screen, that I cannot believe they are not currently married or in a relationship together in real life. Can you think of any other candidates that are not on this list?

Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan in “Joe Versus The Volcano”, “Sleepless in Seattle” and “You’ve Got Mail”

Clark Gable and Vivien Leigh in "Gone with the Wind"

# Richard Gere and Julia Roberts in “Pretty Woman” and “Runaway Bride”

Richard Gere and Diane Lane in “Unfaithful” and “Nights in Rodanthe”

Kevin Costner and Whitney Houston (ahhh…love the “Bodyguard”)

Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams (although the “Notebook” brought them together, this on-again/off-again couple seems to currently be taking a break)

Antonio Banderas and Catherine Zeta-Jones in “Zorro”

Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet in “Titanic” and “Revolutionary Road”

Bill Cosby and Phylicia Rashad on “The Cosby Show”

Sylvester Stallone and Talia Shire (think the “Rocky” series..”Yo, Adrian!”)

Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart (for all the “Twilight” series fans)

Adam Sandler and Drew Barrymore in “The Wedding Singer” and “50 First Dates”

On-Screen Couples That I Can’t Believe Aren’t Married! is a post from: Wedding Blog by With This Favor. With This Favor is your official superstore for wedding favors.

Hello Readers,

Below is the link to view a montage of photos captured during our 1-year Anniversary Session with professional photographer Nikki Sanders, located in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Kara and Brian’s Anniversary Montage

Once again, I cannot tell you how delighted we were to take part in this photo session, and we definitely recommend this experience (as well as Nikki Sanders Photography) to any couple near their first anniversary mark.  It was a great way to celebrate our love and commitment to one another, and most of all–SO MUCH FUN!

Enjoy!

Kara and Brian Hall

Our First Anniversary Pictures Have Arrived! is a post from: Wedding Blog by With This Favor. With This Favor is your official superstore for wedding favors.

Dear Readers,

You may have already scheduled your engagement pictures, bridal portraits, and even a trash-the-dress session.  However, have you ever wanted to be really brazen and provide your significant other a gift that is equally sensual and tantalizing as it is empowering?  How about a gift that is also a way for you to show confidence and exuberance in your own natural skin–an outlet to express yourself, and your beautifully unique body?

Boudoir photos sessions are becoming a growing trend for many people as shown through the following diva-licious website: The Boudoir Divas.  These sessions can consist of several outfit choices photographed by a professional and even a makeup artist/stylist to help you (yes…I am going to say it) “bring your sexy back!”

These photos can make for a great gift to your special someone, especially as a wedding present (if getting married), an anniversary gift, or birthday present.  Boudoir sessions can truly yield amazing results for your significant other to admire, as well as something the two of you can share together.

Although boudoir sessions can be a wonderful boost in a person’s self-esteem and a further testimony of their beauty, these sessions are not for everyone.  Thus, when making the decision to move forward with a boudoir session, make sure you are:

• Utilizing a reputable and professional photographer and view some of his or her work beforehand, as well as speak to the photographers references (preferably past boudoir customers).
• Feeling comfortable about the experience so that you can have fun–this is a wonderful opportunity to creatively express yourself.
• Really thinking about who will be viewing these photographs.  If you are participating in a boudoir session for anyone other than yourself, make sure to ask yourself if this person is trustworthy.  Also, will this person(s) be able to share with you the enjoyment of having these pictures?

In NC, there are several professional photographers that offer boudoir sessions.  Most notably,  April Sirit from Evoke Photography has done amazing photojournalistic work when it comes to her boudoir photographs.  TheKnot.com even features a North Carolina wedding board where many future and past brides give glowing reviews about the fantastic experience they had with April and  NC Makeup Artist: Elizabeth Tolley.  This dynamic duo helps to create a carefree and joyful boudoir photo session that clients have walked away from feeling powerful and lively, and even with a new belief and love for their own body.

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.  Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.  It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us.  We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?  Actually, who are you not to be?”

~Marianne Williamson, A Return to Love: Reflections on the Principles of “A Course in Miracles,” 1992

Boudoir Bliss–”Express Yourself” is a post from: Wedding Blog by With This Favor. With This Favor is your official superstore for wedding favors.

Dear Readers,   

     The beauty and timeless grace that a diamond ring embodies is something many brides and grooms spend a devoted amount of time toward.  To discover a diamond ring that perfectly defines a bride and the relationship a bride and groom holds so closely to their hearts can take time.  Thus, an elite online boutique emerges as a leader of discount diamond jewelry and of course, superior loose diamonds. This elite leader can be found at Abazias.com, a company blossoming with its high standards and satisfaction that is guaranteed—not to mention diamonds that women are absolutely enthusiastic over!

      Abazias boasts a significant collection of diamonds, perfect for the bride that wants options for her diamond and wedding band, and is not narrowed into once specific style or another.  By going online to their website, brides and grooms together can build their own rings, truly customizing a ring that can be cherished forever.  After choosing an engagement ring, the soon-to-be bride can also select from a myriad of dazzling diamonds found in earrings, necklaces, and bracelets.  Abazias is adorned in accessories that even feature Paris Hilton’s Limited Edition Watches.  These watches exude utter superiority as these fashion watches are one-of-a-kind.  Ultimately, this vast collection of diamonds and jewelry illustrates their commitment to excellence, while enabling their customers to have a luxurious and secure shopping experience.

      In the end, brides and grooms have an immense assortment of diamonds and bands to make a very important decision upon.  When narrowing down the selections, it is important to choose a company that is distinguished with a high standard of quality, coupled with the reputation and expertise of only the finest jewelers. Abazias symbolizes all of these components, and can enable brides and grooms to symbolize their love through their exclusive diamonds.

The Perfect Diamond Ring is a post from: Wedding Blog by With This Favor. With This Favor is your official superstore for wedding favors.

Brian and Kara Hall on Wedding Day: 10/25/2008

Dear Readers,

There is nothing quite like celebrating your first anniversary with a photo session celebrating your marriage.  The owners of With This Favor recently had their photos taken at Duke Gardens in Durham, NC and at the location where they wed–Brier Creek Country Club in Raleigh, NC.

They found a local and savvy photographer for their 1- year Anniversary pictures that would be able to capture the  photographic memories that they desired.  Bubbling with energy, Nikki Sanders from Nikki Sanders Photography has a jubilant, yet casual style to instantly warm and relax those that she photographs.  The end product results in artistic photos, coupled with the flair of a fashionista.

Photos will be be uploaded in the next month, so check back soon!

1-Year Anniversary Pictures for With This Favor’s Owners is a post from: Wedding Blog by With This Favor. With This Favor is your official superstore for wedding favors.

The stories of how a groom proposes to his bride (or vice versa) are endless, but they can certainly bring a smile to those that hear these tales of love.

How the proposal occurs sometimes comes as a spontaneous act, fueled by the spark of intense desire.  Other proposals are narrated by a well-planned, time-consuming, yet creative venture.

Regardless, these stories are usually nestled into the thrones of dramatic fashion.  Below are a few proposals that may flutter your heart, and yes…make you smile.

• Proposal One:  Use a book to write out sweet memories of the time you and your loved one have spent together, or make an album of pictures of you two together. Then, cut out a section at the back of the book or album.  When the book or album is opened to the final pages, inside will sit a dazzling engagement ring.

• Proposal Two: Hot air balloon ride.  Find a local company that specializes in these adventures, and make sure your soon-to-be fiancé is not afraid of heights!

• Proposal Three: Trip to New York City’s Rockefeller Center. Pop the question in the middle of the ice skating rink. If you work it out beforehand you might be able to have the ice cleared so that it is only you and your significant other on the ice.

• Proposal Four:  Take a trip abroad to London, UK.  Ride on the tallest ferris wheel in the Western Hemisphere—the London Eye—and let your loved one know how much they mean to you and ask, “Will you marry me?”

• Proposal Five:  Travel to the happiest place on earth!  Stay in a resort on site of Disney World in Orlando, FL!  There are many places to propose, such as the Rose Garden at the Magic Kingdom (which has a wonderful view of the Castle, and is right below where Tinker bell makes her descent during the nighttime fireworks show). Or take a stroll to the wishing well near the Castle at dusk for a truly romantic proposal. Another option that is absolutely magical involves collaborating with a travel agent that can help you to book dinner before the fireworks show inside the Magic Kingdom Castle!  While dining in the Castle, you can arrange for Walt Disney World Cast Members to bring out the engagement ring situated on top of a glass slipper.  Then you can propose to your special someone right before you look out the stained glass windows to see beautiful fireworks highlight the sky!

Five Unique Proposal Ideas is a post from: Wedding Blog by With This Favor. With This Favor is your official superstore for wedding favors.