Having a Private Affair in a Public Location March 25, 2013

Dancing in the Street

This past weekend I was down in New Orleans for a conference and while walking around the picturesque French Quarter on Saturday I noticed a bunch of blushing brides and their wedding parties around the town. (In addition to all the Bachelorette parties having a blast on Bourbon Street!)

 

These bridal parties were all posing for pictures around the historic and gorgeous St. Louis Cathedral and the quaint side streets. The unifying theme between these brides was that these women and their wedding parties were thrust into the public eye when weddings are usually a private affair.

St. Louis Cathedral, New Orleans

 

A couple laughing and spontaneously dancing to a jazz band playing in the street

A bride leaning in to whisper something to her father in between photos

A bride and groom holding a sweet, endearing pose for the photographers while the city rushed around them

 

These charming, personal moments and others like them are private occurrences that are generally tucked away inside a person’s memory. But when an event occurs in a very public location, these moments are projected before the public. A closed, private moment easily transforms into a public show for all; like a movie still the passing pedestrians can glimpse into your life’s celebratory moments.

 

The night before I saw all these weddings, there was a private party for Microsoft occurring at the Riverwalk along the Mississippi River. This event was closed off to the public. Trust me, I tried to sneak in to get close enough to see Matchbox 20 (who was performing at the event) but I was stopped by security guards. If the security option is out of the question for your event or if your event plans take you out and about in a public area, just know that there will be onlookers.   If you are rather shy and don’t like the idea of outsiders being able to peek into your special moments then it might not hurt to consider having your event at a more remote location.

A bridal party posing for pictures adjacent to the cathedral

 

Feel weird with a crowd of people staring at you and your hubby taking pics? Don’t! People love to rejoice and often find the beauty of weddings and other cool events irresistible. You may feel like you’re being thrust into an undesired spotlight, but c’mon, we all know everyone loves to ham it up now and then! Bask in your celebrity moment and appreciate the passersby’s’ well-wishes!

 

In all, be aware of the potential for onlookers and don’t be alarmed by them. If they take you by surprise, roll with it and embrace the moment!

adorable!

Why Anniversary Parties are Great March 18, 2013

The happy couple laughing about something…

 

A anniversary party, whether it be in honor of the 10^th, 20^th, 25^th, or 50^th  wedding anniversary is a memorable way to commemorate a couple’s love…and who doesn’t love another reason to party!

 

Foremost, everyone just wants to have a good time. This isn’t the wedding, so chances are no one is stressing out making sure that the cake is brought out at an exact time or that the toasts are precisely 3 minutes long. Everyone at the party is more laid back; this relaxed atmosphere is completely conducive to having a great time!

 

The party doesn’t have to been too fancy or expensive. My parents just celebrated their 25^th anniversary a few months ago and they had the party at my uncle’s restaurant. Our family and friends attended, and that was all that my parents needed. Compassionate people, delicious food, and tasty drinks. Success.

 

Simply put, there is nobody to impress. Realistically, those first few combined family gatherings, the reception dinner, the engagement party, and even the wedding, are times where members from both sides of the family are trying to get acquainted with each other. Come anniversary celebration time, both families will be comfortable with each other. Everyone is relaxed and just wants to celebrate the happy couple. No need to hold back or to try to impress the sister-in-law. If they don’t like you by this point, well…

 

Life is about celebrating important moments, and if we can’t celebrate anniversaries, then what’s the point?! We all know that divorce is an unfortunate commonplace in today’s society, so when a marriage has successfully lasted for years, we should rejoice and spread the love!

 

“An anniversary is a time to celebrate the joys of today, the memories of yesterday, and the hopes of tomorrow” –Anonymous