Getting in Shape Before Your Wedding!

Do you need to tone up before your wedding? I know I do, so I turned to Bikram yoga.

Bikram yoga is a set series of 26 yoga poses, each performed twice in a single 90 minute class. The room is heated to to 105°F with a humidity of 40%, Working out in that kind of heat might seem crazy but it creates deeper stretching, injury prevention, stress and tension relief (which every bride needs)!

I had only done yoga a few times before trying Bikram and I was able to understand all of the poses. The teachers really look out for the new students and guide you through the class. The great thing is after the first class you will know all of the poses and which one comes after the last, because all 26 poses are done in the same order each class. Before the class you will want to drink a lot of water and bring two bottles with you. You will also need a yoga mat, full size towel and another small towel to wipe your face and hands. You do not want to wear any make up because you will sweat and at the end of class look like you just jumped out of a pool.

I have been doing Bikram for three weeks now, three times a week and people can already tell a difference. I can see a difference in my arms, waist and energy level. My fiancee also attends the classes with me and he loves it! Bikram is great to practice together because you are getting healthy together and starting a healthy life for the future.

I would recommend starting your practice at the Bikram Yoga Institute on the North East Corner of Indian School & Miller in Scottsdale, bikramyogainstitute.com. Director Andrea Griego and all of the teachers are so nice, and make you feel right at home. They also know so much about Bikram and if you have any questions they are there to help. After my first two classes I had a bad headache and teacher Karin told me to drink something like Smart Water because I needed more electrolytes and I have not had a headache since.

Bikram Yoga Institute on the North East Corner of Indian School & Miller in Scottsdale also offers first time students 30 days for $30.00 which is an amazing deal, I look forward to seeing you there!!!

Wedding Dress Shopping…

The first thing I wanted to do as soon as I got engaged was go wedding dress shopping. I am all about the dress and could not wait to go try everything on.

I began my search on Saturday, May 29th, with my mother, my fiance mother, his two sisters and my close friend Lisa Brown (Scottsdale Sales Executive with Arizona Weddings). First we headed to Priscilla of Boston, 7135 East Camelback Road, Scottsdale AZ 85251, www.priscillaofboston.com. I would recommend every bride-to-be look for their dress here, because the bridal salon is beautiful and the staff is wonderful. They make you feel so beautiful and really listen to everything you are looking for in a dress. Here is a picture of the dress I loved but did not buy!

Priscilla of Boston Vineyard Collection Style Neely:


My second stop was I Do! I Do! Bridal, 51310 North 7th Street Phoenix, AZ 85014, www.idoidobridal.com. While shopping at I Do! I Do! you are able to look though all of the dresses for four to eight dresses that catch your eye, but remember that while shopping at I Do! I Do! you are unable to take pictures before you purchase your dress. Here is a picture of the Casablanca Style 1900 that I also loved but did not buy:

Even though I tried on many beautiful gowns I did not find THE ONE until the following weekend at Uptown Bridal, 11 West Boston Street Chandler, AZ 85225, www.uptownbrides.com. This time I asked my mother and close friends from work: Kristina Celik (Director of Marketing & Promotions) and Mary Markou (Accountant) to join me. The bridal salon is so beautiful and full of so many things I want to buy! Upon arrival Tonia sat down with me to discuss what I was looking for in a dress, than she gave me five (5) pink pins to mark dress that I wanted to try on. I quickly found all five and we headed to try everything on. The first dress I tried on was THE ONE, I knew right away! It was everything I was looking for in my wedding dress. I still tried on the other four just to be sure. I bought my dress that day and can not wait to try it on again in a few months for my fittings. I will make sure to post pictures of the dress after the wedding!!!

Thank you to everyone for helping me find my dream dress for my wedding!!!

Wishes for my Wedding...

I am marrying the funniest, kindest person on August 13 2011, on the Creekside Lawn at the l'auberge de Sedona. I have always envisioned a small beautiful, outdoor wedding. We chose the l'auberge because the first place we ever went hiking was Oak Creek Canyon in Sedona, which you can see from the l'auberge and because Nick asked me to marry him while hiking. I only hope that every one has an amazing time and that it does not rain because it is outside! Here are some pictures that I am using to draw inspiration for my wedding:

My Flowers:


Table Settings:


Wedding Favors: Seeing is Believing! Happy Eyes™ instantly transform lights, fireworks, candles or any bright point of light into hearts (too cute)

Phoenix photographer hosts boudoir marathon Aug. 28 and 29

Erica Velasco, a Phoenix photographer, is putting on a sexy event for ladies who want to show off and embrace their sultry side with The Boudoir Parlor’s “Boudoir Marathon” photo shoot!

Erica Velasco, owner and principal photographer at The Boudoir Parlor, is set to deliver “a tasteful, intimate, sexy, classy photographic experience” on Aug. 28 and 29 at Phoenix’s ultra-chic Clarendon Hotel. “Beautiful imagery for you. For him. But mostly for you!”

She will be offering 1-2 hour photo shoot appointments at a poolside suite with complimentary Champagne and hors d’oeuvres. Ladies will have the chance to experience the best makeup artists and hair stylists in Phoenix, Kensington Makeup Artists, for all-new and gorgeous boudoir photos!

“I am so happy to photograph fabulous women and show them they are just as gorgeous as any model in any magazine,” says Erica Velasco.

Session Options:

Unleash your Inner Sexy
$225 + tax

Two sets, two looks, 40 minute session

5-day online gallery of at least 30 fully re-touched images

Covers time, talent, and use of suite for session; images are sold separately in collections below

Add make-up application and hair styling for $100

The Basics
$125 + tax

One set, one look, 20 minute session

5-day online gallery of at least 20 fully re-touched images

Covers time, talent, and use of suite for session; images are sold separately in collections below

Add make-up application and hair styling for $100

Velasco and her team also offer a digital package in addition to your session fee, and if booked before August 1, you will receive an additional 10% off the packages.

To book an appointment call 480.862.3363 or email info@theboudoirparlor.com. Visit her Web site at www.theboudoirparlor.com.

About The Boudoir Parlor

The Boudoir Parlor specializes in boudoir photography for individuals as well as parties! Pin up parties, girls night outs and bachelorette parties are just some of the themes we can put together for you. We will also host marathons in cities across the country. So if you want to save money, you can have a short but sweet session at an all-day marathon. Marathons will be held at a chic and swanky hotel and are open to anyone interested in a taste of what The Boudoir Parlor has to offer.

The Boudoir Parlor is also unique in that we stylize your session to fit your personality or theme! Our stylist helps choose your outfits from your lingerie, or from our selection of lingerie and accessories. Your experience is completely custom and unique to your individual taste and style!

For a personal session, boudoir party or to reserve your spot for the upcoming Marathon, call 480.862.3363 or e-mail info@theboudoirparlor.com. www.theboudoirparlor.com

LOVE STORY: Allyssa Curley & Nick Bowers

THE COUPLE: Allyssa Curley, Arizona Weddings Associate Art Director & Nick Bowers, Photographer

HOW DID THE COUPLE MEET: Nick and I met in August of 2009 while I was shopping at Lowe's Home Improvement store in North Scottsdale with my mother. I had just bought my first home and wanted to plant flowers in my back yard. While we were shopping this very tall, thin guy with a “man bun” came over to help us. He was so funny, laid back and handsome. We returned three times with dead plants in tow and continued to see him there, by the way my mom loved him from the start which is why I think we kept driving from Central Phoenix to North Scottsdale to return plants! By the third trip Nick asked if he could come over to help plant all my new plants and I said yes. The next day at work I told everyone that his was the guy that I was going to marry and it turns out I was right!

HOW DID THE ENGAGEMENT HAPPEN? Nick and I love to hike, bike and practice yoga together so on April 25TH 2010 we took a trip to Prescott to go hiking at Watson Lake with our dogs. We were about an hour in when Nick wanted to go off the trail to the top of this very large rock structure, so off we went and when we got to the top there was such an amazing view. I grabbed water for the dogs and when I turned around to face Nick again he was on one knee with an amazing ring from Cornelis Hollander in his hand. I was so shocked and of course said YES!!!

2010 Event Elements

4th Annual Event Elements

Table Top Decor & Confectionary Creations Competition and Annual Fundraiser

Featuring the theme "Love Stories - All You Need is Love"

Confectionary Creations Competitors & Winners Below:




1st Place & Best in Show Winner
Crazy in Love by Tammie Coe Cakes



2nd Place Winner
Cleopatra and Mark Anthony by Honeymoon Sweets



3rd Place & People's Choice Winner
Chocolat by Four Seasons Resort

Groovy Kind of Love by La Dolce Pesca

Lady and the Tramp by Kick Ass Kakes



Mae and Clay Cowgill by Nicole Cowgill



Taj Mahal by JW Marriott Desert Ridge

Join Arizona Weddings at Summer School for Brides!!! (7/17/10)

Summer School for Brides
Hosted by Thee Wedding Warehouse
Saturday - July 17th
Informative lectures by trusted valley professionals


9:00AM Door Buster - up to 75% off*
9:45 AM Raffle: Win a $2500 Wedding Fairy Package, includes "day-of Coordinating"**
10:00 AM "How to hire a DJ" - by Curtis Whipple
10:15 AM "Key points on selecting the right photographer " by Blue i Concepts Photography
10:30 AM "Budget Saving Tips" - by Kathy Baggett, Thee Wedding Fairy
10:45 AM "Posture and body positioning technique for the perfect wedding photograph"
11:00 AM Tiara's and Veils 50%, Hot sale, One hour only!!!!
11:15 AM "Tips on hiring the right caterer, questions you never thought to ask"
11:45 AM Raffle**
12:00 PM "Don't forget the details" - by Thee Wedding Warehouse, home of EnDearing Floral Design
12:15 PM "Take your reception to the next level"
12:30PM "Photography from a recent bride's point of view"
12:45PM "DIY Tips" - by Jacque Dearing, Thee Wedding Warehouse, home of EnDearing Floral Design
1:00 PM "Making your wedding vows unique" by Reverend Giovanni Weddings
1:30 PM Cake Decorating, Learn to frost your own cake, make flowers, and pick up some great trade secrets. You also get to take your decorated cake home with you! Cost...10.00, Information...priceless!!

This is a Free event, so what are you waiting for? Join Us on Saturday, July 17th!!


For more information, please visit: http://www.theeweddingwarehouse.com/ or call (623) 536-0995

Thee Wedding Warehouse
500 North Bullard AvenueGoodyear, AZ 85338

*Selected in-stock items, ** Must be present to win