Issue 13 Marriage & Bliss

MARRIAGE & YOUR RESOURCE FOR WEDDINGS & MARRIAGE IN TRINIDAD & TOBAGO

January 2016 | Issue 13

Ideas for the DIY Bride

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Fun Facts about Marriage

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Bliss

2016 Wedding Cake Trends Breaking Wedding Traditions

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Contents

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12 22 32 33 40 52

Features On the Cover The Icing on the Cake Inspiration Page Strange Wedding Practices M&B Movie Review - The Best of Me Then & Now

Breaking Wedding Traditions Personalizing your wedding with new traditions

Wedding Cake Trends for 2016 A look at the latest in Wedding Cake trends

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Professional help for your Wedding

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20 Fun Facts About Marriage Interesting facts and statistics about Marriage

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20 Fun Facts About Divorce Interesting facts and statistics about Divorce

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“6 Questions to Ask” Your Makeup Artist Continuing our series on Wedding Vendors

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Ideas for the DIY bride Suggestions for the bride who wants to add her personal touch

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Interesting Facts about 9 fascinating things you didn’t know

Choosing between Wedding Planner or Wedding Coordinator

Kissing

The Shoe Game An exciting newlywed game for your reception

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.

Kitania & Shaun Mungroo Rhea & Kevin Adjani Tanika & Kirby Sylvester Kyrene & Kenton Sooknanan Martika & William Mapp

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Scherine & Henry Campbell Marissa & Damian Matthews Jinella & Kareem Taylor Melissa & Kevon Watson Maria & Travis Williams

Nisha & Kempes Chan Aneesa & Khameez Rahaman Candi & Jonathan Howell Shari & Lindon Abraham Amanda & Annas Ali (COVER)

Scherine & Henry www.ambermediatt.com

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CONTRIBUTORS

From the

Publisher Amber Media Productions Creative Directors Kenroy Ambris Carla Mendez-Ambris Advertising Sales Kenroy Ambris Photography Kenroy Ambris Contributing Photographers Curtis Chase Contributing Writers Carla Mendez-Ambris Darryl Heeralal Sarah Sookraj Michelle Sohan Shinelle Ambris Marriage & Bliss is published

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) 271-4007 Website: www.ambermediatt.com Email: info@ambermediatt.com

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Publisher

radition.

According to the MerriamWebster dictionary, it is defined as “an inherited, established, or customary pattern of thought, action, or behavior”. In other words, it’s what we know, what we are accustomed to, what we are familiar with.

In the past, weddings were carried out according to tradition - who sits where, what to wear, how the cake should look and even what to feed your guests.

However, within recent times, things have evolved. A recent article I read even stated that a new trend is that women are proposing! So ladies are no longer waiting for their true love to go down on one knee, they are taking things into their own hands, literally.

Weddings are now designed to what the bride and groom want, not what is expected or what is the norm. In this issue, we look at new trends in the wedding industry, including the latest in wedding cake trends as well as other fairly new ones, that are slowly becoming traditions. We have also given some DIY ideas for those brides and grooms who care to add a little individuality to their wedding.

We continue our “6 Questions to ask...” series and in this issue we look at questions to ask the Makeup Artist. We have also looked at something that many persons mix up from time to time, the difference between a wedding coordinator and a wedding planner.

And as usual, we have inspirational photos to assist you with fun, fresh ideas for your wedding day, from real weddings right here in Trinidad &Tobago.

Be inspired!

Carla Mendez-Ambris Creative Director 4

MARRIAGE & BLISS | JANUARY 2016

Kevin & Rhea

Aneesa & Khameez www.ambermediatt.com

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Breaking Wedding Traditions

by Shinelle Ambris

How you can add that personal touch to your wedding and make new traditions.

S

OMETIMES just sticking to the customary wedding rules does not leave much room to explore new ideas and create new traditions.

Every wedding should reflect who you are and express your personality.

Here are seven wedding traditions that are slowly fading as the new custom of individual expression is taking root.

1.

The Step Away from All White The idea of wearing plain white from head to toe is being tossed with many brides now donning dresses with a pop of colour. Many brides are also adding more personality to their wedding dress and are no longer content with the “perfect in white” custom. Instead many are opting for bolder colours such as red, pink or black. The bride’s shoes are also now

in an array of colours and styles.

2.

Ditching the Veil Brides are now ditching the veil for a headpiece, tiara or floral ban, especially for outdoor and garden weddings. The long flowing veil is usually challenging as the wind can create havoc and this could generate some awkward pictures. Why not show off your beauty and don’t forget all the time and energy you put into your make-up.

went with the theme “East meets West”.

The groomsmen were in traditional navy blue suits and the bridesmaids decked off in traditional saris. At another wedding, the groom included his five sisters as his groomswomen all donned in tuxedos with heels.

3.

4.

Saying No to Traditional Wear The bridal party doesn’t have to stick to the traditional wear, they can dress according to the theme of the wedding. At one wedding, the couple

Marching past the Wedding March The old school wedding march “Here comes the bride” seems to be just that these days, old school. Many couples are now choosing their favourite songs and are picking more upbeat music. To those getting married in a place of worship, first ensure the desired song is appropriate.

5.

Merging ceremony and reception venue Outdoor weddings are trending with many couples going for having the ceremony and reception at the same venue. For the more adventurous, beach weddings are also gaining in popularity. (cont’d on page 8)

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www.ambermediatt.com

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“

Sticking to the customary wedding rules does not leave much room to explore new ideas and create new traditions.

6.

Saying goodbye to the All White Fruit Cake Traditionally, a wedding cake was multi-tiered and made of fruit cake or black cake. Now cake decorators are stepping up their game, making the wedding cake fun and incorporating the couple’s uniqueness in the design and flavour. Some couples even opt for alternatives such as cake pops, mini cakes, cupcake towers instead of a cake!

Check out more about the latest in Wedding Cake Trends on page 14.

7.

Abandoning the Almonds Wedding favours traditionally were some Jordan Almonds in tulle.

Not a very personal touch. Now couples can opt for a photo booth, which allows guests to leave with instant photos of themselves at the wedding. Fun props can also be included and the photos can be personalized to say “Thank You” from the bride and the groom. This eliminates the pressure of searching for the perfect wedding favour and your guests would have something fun to do while you are at your photo shoot and later in the reception.

It’s your day so celebrate it in any way you see fit. Make your day memorable and full of your personal touch.

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”

Thank you for

sharing this specia

l day.

tions c u d o r P a i d e M Amber pecial moments. s Capturing those

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MARRIAGE & BLISS | JULY JANUARY 2015 2016

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On the Cover

E G A I R & MAR s Blis

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Couple: Annas & Amanda Date: 13th June 2015 Venue: Signature Hall, Chaguanas

2016 Wedding Cake Trends

by Michelle Sohan

T

HIS year has to be one of my most exciting years as a wedding cake artist! Couples are using everything for their inspiration, and I am just as excited to help design their custom cakes!

Here are some of the latest trends.

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Ruffled and Rosette Cake Designs

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Naked Cakes

This is the ultimate look for a rustic and elegant themed wedding.

It has been very popular in the US for outdoor weddings, mostly in the autumn, when it is starting to get chilly, but it is a bit risky here in Trinidad, as our heat can cause a quick mess. For an indoor venue, there’s no problem once the proper supports are included. I think this trend is all part of the “deconstruction” of food, as we’re all familiar now with deconstructed desserts, laid out in sections rather than carefully layered in one! Naked Cakes can be embellished with fresh fruits, or even gumpaste flowers. Fresh flowers are not recommended unless you are 100% sure these are handled properly to be in direct contact with food.

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Hand Painted and Illustrated Cakes

This trend started with the concept of the stained glass windows, and has now become popular with hand

These look so elegant and need very little to enhance their presentation except for a few flowers. They are quite time consuming, but the end result is just gorgeous, creating a light and romantic centrepiece.

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paintings of people, sceneries and subtle backgrounds that are enhanced with lace cut outs and flower pieces.

Some actually tell a story of the couple, how they met, where they got engaged and their first kiss! It’s important to know how to balance the painting on the cakes though, as it could look quite messy if too much is done. We also have to consider the location, as cakes will sweat more on rainy days when the moisture is higher, and this could lead to colours running. An experienced decorator will be able to advise appropriately.

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Traditional Cakes with Flower Bunches

Of course, there is always the traditional wedding cake, very simple and adorned with bunches of flowers.

We have been asked to add a bit of hand piping on the cake to accent the flowers, and this creates a lovely pattern for the eye to follow.

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Patterned White Cakes

So we all know of the traditional white cakes our aunts and older family had, but this has been reintroduced with a new twist, adding white embellishments and cutouts to create a textured effect.

It’s quite stunning when there’s proper lighting to see these designs come to life.

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Metallic Coloured Cakes

These make a bold statement! Solid golds, silvers, bronzes. The art here is to balance the use of metallic in

the different layers, so it does not become monotone and loose the shine appeal! Use of edible glitter and gems, shimmery ribbon and rhinestone bands can create quite a stellar wedding cake.

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Stencilled Cakes The stencilling of geometric

and abstract filigree patterns has been a popular choice for brides who want to incorporate a modern Art Nouveau effect, enhanced with hand piping, brings a new dimension into the final appearance. A lot of brides are seeing this as an alternative to add colour in their cakes, without having to use too many embellishments.

As couples get more advice on how to plan their wedding, what themes can be used (which is just about anything), the choice of a wedding cake that is unique to them becomes more exciting, and with the right decorator, magic can happen! I encourage everyone to get consults, make sure you feel confident and comfortable that your ideas and expectations are being understood, and that you are creating your dream cake, and not just settling for one because that’s all the decorator can do.

Michelle Sohan is the Managing Director of Bakery Treatz.

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 16

MARRIAGE & BLISS | JANUARY 2016

“Black & White”

FX

Professional

Wedding

help for your

Planner or Coordinator?

by Carla Mendez-Ambris

Wedding Planner, Wedding Coordinator, Venue Coordinator, Day of Coordinator... they are all the same, right?

W

RONG!

So what exactly is a Wedding Planner and how is that different from a Wedding Coordinator or even a Venue Coordinator?

The Wedding Planner A full service wedding planner is basically the first person you go to after the proposal. Set your date and your budget with your significant

other and contact your preferred wedding planner. And that’s it, just show up on the day of the wedding.

Ok, not quite! You will need to work with your planner as he/she will plan the wedding according to what you want. However, the bulk of the planning now shifts to the chosen planner. Tell your planner the vision you have for your wedding and he/ she will do all the work - budgets & timelines, site visits, vendor meetings, perusal of quotations and contracts, and present you with the best options based on your needs and of course, your budget.

As wedding planners, we can help you select everything you need from the venue to the favours, assist with wedding etiquette and answer all your wedding related questions. Some wedding planners even plan your honeymoon.

One may argue that wedding planners are

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too expensive or a waste of money, but do you know that planners can actually save you money? Because of the relationships that we have with various suppliers in the industry, we can negotiate special prices and discounts.

Planners can also recommend the best in the industry so we can ensure that you are getting professionals who will deliver an excellent product or service and not disappoint.

The planner will also take on the role of wedding coordinator on the day of the wedding. So what does a wedding coordinator do?

The Wedding Coordinator A wedding coordinator is also known as a “Day of Coordinator”, a term which most coordinators cringe at because the work does not begin

to hand over files to a new person who you now have to build rapport with all over again. However, a planner works for you. If you hire a coordinator or a planner, you can be assured that you will be dealing with that person until everything is over.

on the day of the wedding. Some have even renamed it “Month of Coordinator”.

But my venue has provided a coordinator so do I need a wedding coordinator?

This is ideal for the couple who wants more input into the planning of their own wedding but needs assistance on the day of the wedding to pull everything off and ensure all goes well.

A coordinator does not select wedding vendors or manage your budget. Our responsibility is the smooth flow of events on the day of the wedding.

Some venues, particularly hotels, have venue coordinators (or site coordinator or banquet manager in their employ. Usually, this would be the person you would liaise with at the venue, making all the necessary bookings and arrangements. These venues tend to offer a few services you would normally outsource at another venue, for example catering and bar, tables and chairs and sometimes the decorator, DJ and sound system. In that case, you coordinate these details with the venue coordinator and they are in charge of those services and ensuring that all their contracted providers perform on the day. But the venue coordinator is responsible for solely the venue’s services.

They will not be liaising with your limo provider or makeup artist to ensure they are running on time.

However, our work doesn’t start at 7am on the morning of the wedding.

A coordinator meets with the couple ideally one month before the wedding, and has to be updated on all the wedding planning that the couple has already put in place. Who are the vendors booked? What do the contracts look like? What exactly is each vendor responsible for?

The coordinator must also be told the wedding colour scheme, theme and other relevant details about the wedding. We become the main contact person for the wedding and ensure that each vendor does what that person was contracted to do and that he/she runs on time. Don’t stress yourself on the day, it’s your special day! Leave all that potential stress to the coordinator.

Recently, other vendors in the wedding industry now have added “Coordination Services” to their portfolios. From my experience, this simply means they have a list of recommended wedding suppliers and they can offer you wedding planning advice. So be sure to find out exactly what coordination services they offer and if they actually provide ‘Day of Coordination’ as explained above.

Everyone wants the picture perfect fairytale wedding and do not want to be faced with the “What if ’s” on the day of the wedding and have to frantically find solutions to problems on the spot. It’s your day leave the stress to us, the professionals, to handle.

Carla Mendez-Ambris is the owner of Amber Marketing & Events and is a Certified Event Planner and Coordinator.

Also, since the venue coordinator is employed by the venue, that means that he or she may possibly resign or go on vacation before your wedding day, and have www.ambermediatt.com

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Fog Machine Rental now available from Amber Media Productions (868) 750-2550

Still not sure if to hire a wedding planner or a wedding coordinator?

Ask yourself the following questions: - Do you have the time? Do you have more than 3 - 5 hours a week to dedicate to wedding planning? If not a wedding planner would be the way to go.

- Do you know the right people? If you do not know many professional suppliers that you think you can hire for your wedding, don’t randomly choose from the yellow pages or choose the one with the most likes on Facebook. Your best bet would be getting a planner.

- Do you have a knack for planning events and have a vision for your wedding? Then by all means plan yourself and hire a coordinator for the day.

- What is your budget? A wedding planner is a lot more costly than a coordinator so if your budget is not very flexible, a coordinator may be the better option.

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

s t c a f n u 20 F about 1. Traditionally, bridesmaids would be dressed in similar bride-like gowns to confuse rival suitors, evil spirits, and robbers.

2. The average married couple has sex 58 times per year, or slightly more than once a week.

3. A person’s level of education influences the age at which they marry. Couples with a higher level of education tend to marry later, while the opposite is true for couples with lower education levels.

4. Millions of dollars in revenue are lost by businesses as a result of decreased worker productivity linked to marriage hardship.

Employees in a happy marriage, in contrast, tend to increase a company’s bottom line.

5. A statistical poll found that 72% of women surveyed have considered leaving their husbands at some point.

6. A 2008 study found that marital satisfaction improves once children leave home.

7. Throughout most of history, marriage was not necessarily based on mutual love, but an institution devoted to acquiring in-laws and property and to provide the family additional labour forces (by having children).

8. A white New Orleans man in the late nineteenth century transfused himself with blood from a black woman he loved so he could overcome antidiscrimination laws by claiming

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he was black and marry her.

9. One in three marriages is “low sex” or “no sex.”

10. Marriage does more to promote life satisfaction than money, sex, or even children.

11. Compared to singles, married people accumulate about four times more savings and assets.

Those who divorced had less assets than singles.

12. Married elderly people are more likely to maintain daily health-promoting habits, such as exercising, not smoking, eating breakfast, and having regular medical checkups.

13. More than friendship, laughter, forgiveness, compatibility, and sex, spouses name trust as the element crucial for a happy marriage.

14. Eighty-one percent of happily married couples said their partner’s friends and family rarely interfered with the relationship, compared to just 38% of unhappy couples.

15. Words form only 7% of our communication with anyone, including spouses. Tone of voice accounts for 38% and body language is responsible for 55% of the messages spouses receive from each other.

16. Women who report a fair division of housework were happier in their marriages than women who thought their husbands didn’t do their fair share. Wives also spent more quality time with their husbands when they thought the housework was divided fairly.

17. Half of all divorces occur in the first seven years of marriage, which gives rise to the popular term “the seven-year itch.”

18. Most couples experienced decrease in marital satisfaction after the birth of their first child.

19. Research shows infidelity is higher when a spouse is raised in a family where having affairs is

considered normal, has a personality that values excitement and risk taking over marital stability, has coworkers and friends who believe affairs are acceptable, and feels emotionally distant from one’s spouse.

20. The negative impact of no sex in a marriage is greater than the positive impact of good sex.

s t c a f n u 20 F about 1. In 2012, an Italian man brought his mother along on his honeymoon. His new bride asked for a divorce three weeks later.

2. The world’s oldest divorcées are a 99-year-old Italian man and his 96-year-old (ex) wife. He divorced her after 60 years of marriage when he found love letters she had written to her lover in the 1940s. They married in 1934 and divorced in 2011.

3. According to statistics, if one partner smokes, a marriage is 75% more likely to end in divorce.

4. According to the Catholic church, divorce is forbidden because a validly

contracted marriage could be dissolved only by the death of a husband or wife.

5. In the Philippines, divorce is illegal. Any divorce that is conducted outside the country is not recognized within the country.

6. Divorce is illegal in Malta, a country that is controlled by the Vatican. It is one of the three countries in the world (all Catholic) where divorce is illegal, even if the marriage is not a Catholic marriage.

7. Couples with children have a slightly lower divorce rate than couples without children.

8. In the United States, over 50% of first marriages end in divorce, 67% of second marriages end in divorce, and nearly 74% of third marriages end in divorce.

9. Women on average wait 3.1 years to remarry after a divorce. Men wait 3.3 years.

10. According to a recent study, dancers and choreographers reported the highest divorce rates, followed by bartenders, and massage therapists. Rounding out the top 10 were casino workers, telephone operators, military officers, nurses, and home health aides.

11.

Among the occupations with the lowest divorce rates are agricultural engineers, salespeople, nuclear engineers, optometrists, clergy, and podiatrists.

12. Marrying younger than age 25 dramatically raises the divorce risk. Also, the divorce risk is higher when the woman is much older than the man, though the reverse isn’t as a strong factor.

13. In Japan, visitors can write their divorce wishes on a piece of paper and flush them down the toilet in the Mantokuji Temple. The temple was traditionally a refuge for women seeking to escape an unhappy marriage.

14. After the 2011 earthquake and

tsunami in Japan, the country experienced an increase of divorces and divorce ceremonies.

15. In China, when couples of the Jing people divorce, they throw away the pen and ink stone used to sign the divorce papers because they believe they contain bad luck.

16. The top five reasons for divorce include 1) communication problems; 2) infidelity or betrayal; 3) financial problems; 4) psychological, emotional, and physical abuse; and 5) loss of interest.

17. Divorced men are at an especially high risk of alcohol abuse. In contrast, divorced women’s alcohol consumption falls sharply after a divorce.

18. In 2/3 of all divorces, it’s the woman who files for divorce.

19. The top six signs of an impending divorce include 1) dreaming of life without the spouse; 2) the bad in the marriage outweighs the good; 3) lack of communication; 4) engaging negative defence mechanisms, such as becoming overly defensive and dismissive; 5) a spouse feels like he or she is the only one trying to solve problems; and 6) the couple rarely, if ever has sex.

20. Birth order can influence whether a marriage succeeds or fails. Two firstborns tend to be more aggressive and can create higher levels of tension. The highest divorce rates are when an only child marries another only child.

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Limo Service provided by Ieri Tavaco Entertainment Co. Ltd. (868) 680-3140 See page 35 for more info

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Questions to ask

The Makeup Artist Some critical questions before deciding

by Sarah Sookraj

I

t is generally found that most brides (and some grooms) are very organized and meticulous when it comes to planning all aspects of their wedding, but in reality there are some areas that can seem like unfamiliar terrain. In Issue 12 of Marriage & Bliss we started a series of “Six Questions to ask...” to assist you in selecting the best vendors for your needs. In this issue, we look at questions to ask your Makeup Artist.

1. What is the procedure for booking your services?

Some Makeup Artists (MUAs) require bookings/ down payments, as well as trials, to be made within certain time frames prior to the big day. Be sure to check with your preferred artist at least six (6) months prior to your wedding date to ensure their availability.

2. Would you be able to accommodate a bridal party?

Most MUAs can work on a bride and her bridal party within the same appointment. There is the possibility, however, that they may have a previous booking on that date and may not have the time to include the extra faces in your wedding entourage. The artist also needs to be aware of the number of faces to be done to reserve the necessary time on that day, as a bride can require up to an hour, while others will need at least 30 minutes per face.

3. What type/ brand of 28

MARRIAGE & BLISS | JANUARY 2016

makeup do you use?

If you have acne prone, sensitive skin or are partial to certain brands be sure to ask your artist this question to determine if the products he/she uses are fitting to your needs. Additionally, if you require the use of specific products due to medical reasons, you will need to verify that the makeup artist will be fine with incorporating your products into their routine.

4. Do you have a portfolio or website that I can view?

This is an important aspect in choosing an artist. It allows you to see the range of makeup looks the artist can create as well as a brief idea of their experience based on the number of brides they have done.

5. Will my makeup be fresh

all day? What will I need to retouch if necessary?

The longevity of makeup application varies by a number of factors - the bride’s skin type, the humidity at the location and the number of hours the application is required to last. Most artists should be inclined to provide a list of similar basic products that can be pre-purchased should you need to employ a quick fix. Some MUAs even provide a complimentary touch-up kit as part of their bridal package.

6. What is your total cost?

While this may seem like an obvious question, it’s very important to not only ask the cost but to be certain of its inclusives. Often times, additional options like false eyelashes, body/camouflage makeup and transportation can add extra costs to your total bill as these are not always included in your initial quotes. Also, makeup artists sometimes offer discounts or packaged rates if you book with a bridal party. Be sure to ask about late fees and bridal trial fees too as these are usually separate from the wedding day costs.

Sarah Sookraj is a Makeup Artist.

Facebook: Bella Paraiso Instagram: @SarahSookrajMUA Twitter: @SarahSookraj YouTube: Sarah Sookraj

Ideas for the

by Shinelle Ambris

Bride

DIY

A few suggestions to make your wedding unique

D

IY - Doing it yourself - ideas are gaining popularity and with all this talk of recession DIY is a great way to save money and is also a fun way to include your loved ones in your special day.

Here are four DIY projects that are easy to do and helpful in cutting costs.

like Microsoft Word and keep it simple. Print them and then move on to the doilies.

2. Depending on the colour scheme for your wedding get spray paint to match. Spray paint both sides of the doily.

Hold the can at a safe distance where you can evenly distribute the paint, then lay to dry.

3. When the doilies are dry, place the printed invitation on the centre of your doily and glue together.

4. After the glue dries, fold the sides of the doily inward. Now trim the extra pieces on the top and bottom. Take the ribbon and tie a bow in the middle of the invitation.

chunky glitter.

3. Remove the tape after your glitter is in place and let your vase dry.

4. Add two thin coats of glue to ensure all your sparkles are in place.

5. (Optional) - Add fabric ribbon to decorate.

Remember you are not limited to this specific design, get creative and you can even visit Pinterest for more ideas.

There you have it, an inexpensive and very unique wedding invitation!

The Wedding Invitation What you need: • Craft Paper • Envelopes • White Lace Doilies • 1/2” Ribbon • Adhesive (Scrapbook Glue) • Spray Paint • Scissors 1. First design your invitation. Use templates from programmes 30

MARRIAGE & BLISS | JANUARY 2016

Glitter Vase What you need: • Small Glass Vases or Simple Drinking Glasses (Three Different Sizes) • Glitter • Tape • Decoupage Glue (Mod Podge) • Water

What you need: • Smooth Stones • Basket • Ultra-Fine Point Sharpie Markers • Large Glass Vase

1. Start by tapping various heights on your glasses.

2. Using your decoupage glue, paint on a layer and add your

1. Place the clean stones on a table at the entrance of the reception with the Sharpie markers.

2. Encourage guests to sign the

Wedding Stones

• Marshmallows

stones and place them in the Glass Vase.

Wedding stones can encourage everyone to have fun. They can write fond memories, marriage advice or best wishes on these wedding stones. This also makes a nice past time for you and your spouse to go through together after the wedding.

S’mores Kit Favours What you need: • Clear Wrapping Paper • Twine • Craft Paper • Puncher • Scissors • Graham Crackers • Blocks of Chocolate

1. Begin by making tags for the favours using your craft paper and a Microsoft Word Template.

2. Put your names and date to the front and a note to the back.

3. Then cut them in whatever shape you chose in your template and punch holes to the top of the tags.

4. Moving on to the actual kit, using your clear wrapping paper cut 8 inch squares, place graham crackers to the base in the middle of your square, then your blocks of chocolate and marshmallows to the top. Fold

wrapping paper upward and tie and secure with twine.

5. Now take your tags and loop them onto your twine and make a bow.

6. Keep in a cool area to prevent the chocolate from melting.

There you have a visually appealing wedding favour that people would enjoy.

Each bride would have a different taste so do not limit yourself to these ideas. If you do your research you can add more DIY ideas to your wedding to make it exceptional. Just remember not everything can be done yourself and certain things should be left to the professionals.

Have fun, invite your bridal party and spouse-to-be to join in the fun and lend helping hands.

Follow Marriage & Bliss on Pinterest for more DIY ideas.

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MARRIAGE & Bliss

Inspiration Page

Couple: Khameez & Aneesa Wedding Date: 16th August 2016

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Need more colour scheme inspiration?

Download our Mobile Wedding App - WeddApp. www.ambermediatt.com/app

Strange Wedding Practices

by Darryl Heeralal

Unusual Wedding Traditions from Around the World

F

ROM the liver of love to a salty romance; here are some weird wedding practices from around the world, sure to make your most adventurous plan seem mundane.

The Gerewol Festival for the Ladies In Niger, men have to dress in elaborate costumes and perform for their potential mates. When the performance is over, the women get to choose the man they like best.

The Cursed Tree-Marrying Wives of India In some parts of India, it is said that girls born during a certain astrological period are cursed, and will cause an early death for their husband. The only way to break the curse is for the woman to first marry a tree, and then have the tree cut down.

The Salty Bread of Romance In Armenia, single women eat a slice of a traditional salty bread in order to inspire a prophetic dream about the man they are going to marry. The guy that brings them water in their dream is the one they are supposed to marry.

n o t t u B a Cute as 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.

To a Whale of a Wife In Fiji, men have to find an unusual gift before they can ask for a woman’s hand in marriage. Before asking for the hand of his beloved, the groom must present his fatherin-law with a whale’s tooth.

Love and the Chicken Liver In Daur, China, there is a tradition that requires engaged couples to dissect a chicken and check out its liver. If the liver is healthy, the couple can set a date. If not, they can’t plan their nuptials until they find one that is.

Wedding Vendors Directory MARRIAGE &

Bliss

Interested in advertising here? Call (868) 750-2550 | Email: info@ambermediatt.com

VENUES

WEDDING CAKES

7 Hoi Pong Avenue, Matilda Gardens, Princes Town Phone: (868) 769-4343

Any special eventevent that that you can Any special conceptualize, can accommodate. you canwe conceptualize, we can accommodate.

Email:niavalley2@gmail.com Nia Valley TNT

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Special Effect Lighting and Decor Services also available.

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ENTERTAINMENT/ MC

VYBEZ

"Your first choice for Wedding Entertainment"

Live Band | Master of Ceremonies | Special wedding items DJ’s | Sound System | Event Planning Phone: 480-0251/745-4687/494-4463 Email: schoolofvybez@gmail.com School of Vybez Entertainment

BEAUTY

ENTERTAINMENT

PEDRO C. LEZAMA Saxophonist, Flautist

Local & Foreign Engagements Weddings, Corporate Functions, Anniversaries, Musical Arrangements, Studio Recordings, & Special Occasions

Email: saxypedlez@yahoo.com Phone: (868) 752-8496

DECOR

B A R S E RV I C E S

G I F T R E G I S T RY

INVITATIONS

TRANSPORT

CATERING

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Getting Married Soon?

Marriage & Bliss Magazine

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Wedding Suppliers * Wedding Planning Advice & Tips * Inspirational Photos * Wedding Venues & more Wedding Vendors Directory: www.ambermediatt.com/vendors Mobile App: www.ambermediatt.com/app Marriage & Bliss: www.ambermediatt.com/marriage-and-bliss 36

MARRIAGE & BLISS | JANUARY 2016

Interesting Facts about

Kissing

by Shinelle Ambris

A

ll of us have experienced it but what does a kiss really mean to you? A kiss can express a variety of emotions or gestures - romantic, sexual, respectful, affection, a greeting, a sign of peace, a good luck wish, even a religious ritual. You name it, there is a kiss for it.

Here are nine interesting facts about kissing that most people might not be aware of.

Kiss away your stress Several recent studies suggests that kissing reduces stress. During controlled experiments couples who were married or lived together and engaged in frequent kissing experienced less stress and they even showed lower levels of cholesterol.

A Calorie Burner Passionate kissing can burn approximately 6.4 calories per minute and kissing can also tone facial muscles.

The French Kiss Far from what it means now, the term “French Kiss” was originally used by the English as a slur on the French as the French were always portrayed as sexually open. In France the deep kiss was actually referred to as a tongue or soul kiss.

The Wedding Kiss Many Christians believe that the

wedding kiss represents the binding of two souls as one - “the two shall become one flesh”. The first kiss has always been custom, some studies suggesting that the tradition dates back to Roman times, when a kiss was exchanged to complete a contract.

A Kiss to Make Your Ears Pop A young woman in Guangdong, China got a ruptured eardrum after her boyfriend gave her an excessively passionate kiss. The intense kiss reduced the pressure in her mouth and caused her eardrum to pop. She was diagnosed as being partially deaf after being treated at hospital.

film was literally 30 seconds long and was just a man and a woman kissing close up.

The Metaphorical Kiss The kiss of life – the breath of God and not the Sade song - and the kiss of death (Judas’ kiss) are powerful literary and artistic symbols.

Sixteenth century authors more than likely used them as sexual metaphors rather than as a biblical reference.

So now you know, your next kiss should be an educated kiss.

Longest Kiss In July 2005, a London couple locked lips for 31 hours, 30 minutes and 30 seconds making it the longest kiss ever to be recorded. One wonders what the young lady from Guangdong thinks about that!

No Kissing Allowed In some cultures in Africa and Asia kissing is not practiced! May be it has to do with the 10 million to 1 billion bacteria that are exchanged between mouths when two people when they lock tongues.

Silver Screen Kiss The first on-screen kiss was in 1896 in a movie by the Edison Company, The May Irwin-John C. Rice Kiss. The www.ambermediatt.com

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BRIDES

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&

S M O O GR

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MARRIAGE &

Bliss

MOVIE REVIEW The Best of Me

M

ANY a time your first love is your high school sweetheart and the person you eventually end up marrying. But it does not always work out this way and you both simply move on. In The Best of Me, based on a Nicholas Sparks 2011 novel by the same name, we meet former high school sweethearts Dawson and Amanda who, twenty years on, have moved on with their lives. Dawson is single while Amanda is married and has a son.

They both learn that Tuck, their close friend and surrogate father to Dawson, has just passed away. They go back to their home town to fulfil his final wishes and they run into each other. The movie flashes back to them as teenagers and their young love. It also shows how they became so close to Tuck, as he became a father figure to Dawson and eventually to Amanda.

When Tuck is beaten up, Dawson goes to kill the person responsible and in the process ends up shooting a close relative by accident. He is sent to jail for four years so he decides to end his relationship with Amanda to allow her to move on with her life, despite her wishes. The two never saw or spoke to each other since.

Meanwhile, the two adults sort through Tuck’s belongings at his home and prepare to scatter his ashes. They reminisce on old times, and catch up on each other’s lives over the past twenty years and as the local saying goes “old firestick easy to ketch”, Dawson and Amanda end up spending a passionate night together. The next day, Amanda returns home to her family.

She realizes that she still loves Dawson and wants to reunite with him. Who will she choose?

Starring James Marsden, Gerald McRaney, Michelle Monaghan, Sean Bridgers Paul Walker was cast to the role of Dawson Cole but after his tragic death the role was given to James Marsden.

Genre: Romance/ Drama Rating: PG-13 Release Date: October 17, 2014 Directed by: Michael Hoffman

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s e l p u Co

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Bridal Parties

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Inspirational Love Quotes

“Love me when I least deserve it, because that’s when I really need it.”

SUDOKU INSTRUCTIONS: The object is to insert the numbers in the boxes to satisfy only one condition: each row, each column and each 3x3 box must only contain the digits 1 through 9 once.

Level - Medium

“A happy marriage is a long conversation which always seems too short.”

“The happiest people don’t have the best of everything; they just make the best of everything.”

“A great marriage is not when the ‘perfect couple’ comes together. It is when an imperfect couple learns to enjoy their differences.”

“Tell me who admires you and loves you, and I will tell you who you are.”

“A man with dreams needs a woman with vision.”

“There is no remedy for love but to love more.”

“You know you’re in love when you can’t fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams.”

“Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences and penetrates walls to arrive at its destination full of hope.”

“If I had a flower for every time I thought of you… I could walk through my garden forever.”

“Girls are like phones. We love to be held and talked to, but if you press the wrong button you’ll be disconnected!”

“You love flowers, but you cut them. You love animals, but you eat them. You tell me you love me, so now I’m scared!”

“A text message can lead to a date, which can lead to a kiss, and a wonderful night together.

Will you text me?”

“I love you not only for what you are, but for what I am when I am with you. I love you not only for what you have made of yourself, but for what you are making of me.”

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WORD SEARCH CAKE TRENDS CENTREPIECE COLOURED SHOES COORDINATOR CUPCAKES DIVORCE DIY HEADPIECE ILLUSTRATED CAKE INVITATIONS KISS PHOTO BOOTH RUFFLED CAKE S’MORES KIT STENCILED CAKE VEIL WEDDING MARCH WEDDING STONES

There are at least 14 differences in these two pictures. Can you find them?

1 Car on left is missing 2 Pink iPad logo is missing 3 Church door is missing 4 Man’s shoes are different 5 Woman on extreme right handbag missing 6 Blue Dress pattern different 7 Girl in front shoes are different 8 Church window is missing 9 Groom’s jacket is longer 10 Man behind missing 11 Man in pink shirt, jacket sleeves are longer 12 Man’s leg is missing 13 Woman’s white top is longer 14 Bride’s smile is different

SPOT THE DIFFERENCE

The Shoe Game T

HE SHOE Game is always a popular game at weddings as it can bring much comedic relief and entertainment for not only guests, but also the couple.

What you will need: • Two chairs placed back to back • The bride and the groom sitting • Their shoes in each hand • A fun MC and audience How to play?

The bride and groom remove their shoes and each hold a side of each

other’s shoe; that is the bride holds one side of her shoe and one side of the groom’s and vice versa (as shown in the photo below).

The bride and groom are seated with the chairs back to back. When the MC asks a question, if the groom thinks the answer to the question is him, he raises his shoe, if he thinks it’s his wife, he raises her shoe. The same applies to the bride.

So what makes the game so hilarious to watch?

QUESTIONS: 1. Who made the first move?

2. Who said “I love you” first?

3. Who is the “man” of the house?

4. Who is the better cook?

5. Who is more economical when shopping?

6. Who eats more?

7. Who takes longer to get dressed?

8. Who talks more?

9. Who gets up later in the morning?

10. Who is the better dancer?

11. Who is more likely to ask for directions?

12. Who is messier?

13. Who is more likely to be running late?

14. Who spends more time on the cell phone?

15. Who is more athletic?

16. Who is more romantic?

17. Who is always right?

18. Who is more creative?

19. Who is better at keeping surprises?

20. Who is the better dresser?

21. Who is the first to say “I’m Sorry”?

22. Who spends more money?

23. Who will be most likely to wake up grumpy?

24. Who is better looking?

25. Who is messier?

26. Who buys better gifts?

27. Who chooses where or what to eat for dinner?

By sitting back to back, neither can see the other’s response to the answers but the crowd can. So when the couple raises a different shoe for an answer the audience usually make fun of who is really right. So a question such as “Who is the better dancer?” or “Who is the better cook?” makes for some good laughs and debates.

So here is a list of 40 questions to choose from to ask when playing the shoe game.

28. Who is more organized?

29. Who spends more time on Facebook (or Instagram/Twitter/other social network)?

30. Who calls their parent(s) more?

31. Who is more likely to get a traffic ticket?

32. Who is louder?

33. Who keeps their car cleaner?

34. Who is the better kisser?

35. Who is more likely to run from an insect in the house?

36. Who releases more “stomach gas”?

37. Who will not make the bed on mornings?

38. Who is the better driver?

39. Who will fall asleep first on your honeymoon night?

40. Who do you love more than anyone in the world?

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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 Michael & Ollie Goodger

1st February 1972

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Years Shyam & Zita Ramnarine 52

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23 June 1974

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