Spring is already proving to bloom some great things. Our friend & colleague, Christopher Duggan Photography announced his 5th Annual Spring FREE Engagement Day! Not one, but TEN lucky couples will be selected for a 30 minute photoshoot session that comes complete with professional hair and makeup, digital negatives, AND {yes there’s an and}, the chance to win a custom designed 20-page LOVEBOOK with images from the engagement shoot!!!

I cannot even begin to tell you the value of this giveaway!  Engagement pictures are a wonderful way to tell the story of your love and get comfortable in front of the camera in preparation for your wedding day.  Not to mention, Christopher Duggan is super talented at his craft and an overall fab person!  Couples have until May 18, 2011 to enter.  Click here for submission guidelines.

Happy Royal Week to all of you! As the world anticipates the nuptials of Prince William and Kate Middleton this Friday, I’m pretty excited to share some news of my teeny tiny part of all the “royalness” going on in the media.

As newlyweds, my husband and I are big time fans of The Newlywed Game show. This week they’ve dedicated all their episodes around the theme of the Royal Wedding. Tomorrow’s episode features couples from Queens (get it!) New York and we’re CONTESTANTS on the show! I invite you all to tune in to The Game Show Network (GSN) at 6:30pm EST to watch, laugh, and of course see who won!

We filmed another video for Topaz Access Granted last month and boy oh boy did we have F-U-N!  I was thrilled when Anni Bruno of NYC Faces welcomed us to go behind the scenes at her gorgeous studio to share expert tips on airbrush makeup.

So often as a planner I get asked questions about airbrush makeup from my brides because even though it’s been around for quite some time, not everyone understands its benefits in relationship to traditional makeup.  Anni is the go to person when it comes to this department and I am excited to present to you: Airbrush 101 with Anni Bruno of NYC Faces.  Enjoy!

I have quite a few favorite parts of a wedding day and today I’m sharing one of the many moments I love with you.  Maybe it’s because I’m a romantic or the fact that I love to give (and receive…ha!) gifts, but one thing that puts a smile on my face is when couples exchange gifts on their wedding day.  It’s hard to describe, but the look on the couple’s faces that I have been blessed to work with is usually full of shock, amazement and a little bit of “pinch me because I must be dreaming.”

Even more of an honor is when a bride or groom seek my help to assist in a gift for their partner.  Here’s a list of my top gift picks for grooms!

The Sexy Gift: Giving a boudoir album to your groom gives him eye candy and anticipation for the honeymoon!

The Tasty Gift: Grooms cakes are a great surprise for rehearsal dinners or during the reception

The Humorous Gift: Pack these “in case you get cold feet” socks or “game over” t-shirt in his overnight bag for a surprise that’s sure to cause a chuckle

The Thoughtful Gift: A pocket watch is a timeless gift and adding a picture of yourself gives a personal touch

The Self Indulgence Gift: Get him from nervous jitters to relaxation mode by hiring a manicurist or giving him one of these cute monogrammed mustache cases for his grooming accessories

The Romantic Gift: Adopt a bench with you and your soon to be husband’s initials and wedding date for a sacred place to retreat to

sources {boudoir album, grooms cake, in case you get cold feet socks, game over t-shirt, pocket watch, mustache case, manicure, adopt a bench}

Almost one week ago on Friday March 18, 2011 bloggers across the globe joined in together for A Bloggers Day of Silence to observe the tragedy and devastation taking place in Japan.  The event was successfully organized by Ever Ours and Utterly Engaged to raise awareness and money for those immediately affected.

Although Topaz Event Design humbly participated in the day of silence, we wanted to do our full part by spreading the word of this cause because there’s still time to help.  From now until March 31st, Shelter Box USA will be accepting donations.  ShelterBox provides emergency shelter and lifesaving supplies for families around the world who are affected by disasters at the time when they need it the most.  For information and to give a donation, visit ShelterBox.

Elizabeth Taylor will always be known as a legend.  She was someone who possessed style, poise, and grace.  More than anything else, I will remember Elizabeth Taylor as a true believer in love- not just for the number of times she was married, but by her giving devotion as a human activist.  Today we celebrate and honor that commitment in loving memory of Elizabeth Taylor.

sources: {Elizabeth Taylor, Elizabeth Taylor}

Cufflinks are a great way for grooms to really show their personalities. A groom’s hands are photographed throughout the day as the couple exchanges rings, wipe each others tears, rest upon the bride’s lower back during the first dance – you get the picture. Because of this, you may not have realized it, but cufflinks have plenty of opportunity to be seen.

There’s a cufflink to suite every hobby, career, or passion and I advise grooms to let their personalities shine!  Here’s a collection of some of my favorite unique cufflinks:

(click on image to enlarge)

sources: {New York Yankees cufflinks, camera cufflinks, scrabble cufflinks, iphone cufflinks, custom photo cufflinks, I-do cufflinks, snake cufflinks, cowboy boots cufflinks, Bentley cufflinks, musical instrument cufflinks}