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!

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.

Valentine’s Day may have been yesterday, but the love and gifts are still being spread around!  New York City wedding artists: Sofia Negron Photography, Merci New York and NYC Faces are teaming up to giveaway to one lucky engaged couple, a styled New York Love Affair engagement session.

(click on image to enlarge)

If you’re engaged, submit your New York love story and you will be eligible to win a styled New York engagement shoot by all three talented vendors. The contest runs until February 28, 2011 and the winner will be announced March 4, 2011.  For more details and to enter the contest, click here.

And check out this fab video they filmed to announce the giveaway!

New York Love Affair Giveaway from Madison Waters on Vimeo.

One of our favorite wedding gown stores that have helped so many lucky ladies say “Yes to the Dress” is having their anniversary blow out sample sale soon.  This is your chance to save up to 70% on select sample bridal gowns, headpieces, veils and accessories from top bridal designers.  Here’s all the details:

Where: Kleinfeld Manhattan

110 West 20th Street

New York, NY 1001

When: Tuesday December 1st

3:00pm- Doors close at 7pm

(no appointments necessary- first come, first served!)

The DO’s for shopping at sample sales:

1. DO: Be EARLY.  The earlier you can get there, the better your chances are for top picks.
2. DO: Bring friends or relatives, but not an entourage.  Keep the limit to 2-3 people.  Even though it’s a sample sale, you’re still shopping for your wedding dress which can be an emotional experience.  With all the chaos that will probably be going on around you, you’ll want a good support system and people that are as focused as you are.
3. DO: Bring inspiration pictures but be open to alternatives.  A lot of people end up with dream dresses they’ve never envisioned themselves wearing.
4. DO: Have the vision for alterations because more than likely you will need them since you’re buying off the rack.
5. DO: Have FUN and don’t get discouraged if you don’t find the one.  Soak up the experience!