Thursday, September 30, 2010

Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue!

Something old, something new
Something borrowed, something blue
And a silver sixpence in her shoe.



A well-known rhyme amongst bridal parties, this too can add even more meaning to one of the most memorable days of your life. 


The tradition started in the Victorian Era in England, each one of the tokens being a symbol of good luck. Something old symbolizes continuity within the bride's family and the past. Some new signifies optimism and hope for the bride's future, and something borrowed is usually something borrowed from a long-married friend or relative, so that the good future may carry over to the new bride. It is also a reminder for the bride that she can depend on her friends and relatives. 


The blue item is the most well-practiced element of the rhyme, which is a century old tradition, originating in Ancient Rome. Roman brides wore blue to symbolize their love, modesty, and fidelity. This is why the Virgin Mary is often depicted wearing blue, but since her attachment to blue, it has also been associated with purity. Before the 19th century, brides often wore blue gowns, instead of white. There is even an Irish Proverb that states "Marry in blue,lover be true." 


The last part of this rhyme is "a silver sixpence in her shoe." This element represents wealth and financial security, something that everybody is hoping for in a new marriage. This tradition actually started with Scottish grooms placing a silver coin under his foot for good luck. The chances of good luck were enhanced further, if it was placed under the left foot, in fact. Today, many companies make keepsake sixpences for this occasion, and sometimes dimes or copper pennies are used, as well. 


This week, and next week, we're going to spend some time looking into different, unique ways that this rhyme can be incorporated into your wedding ceremony. Keep your eyes peeled. Next, something old. 



Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Why do we do what we do?

Have you ever wondered why we do what we do, when we do a wedding?
Why do our brides wear white gowns?
Why do we ask our flower girls to toss flower petals around?
Why do we go on a honeymoon?
How about tying cans to a wedding car?
Or why do we wear our rings on our left, ring finger?
Why do we cut wedding cake together?
Why does the bride's party stand to the left of the groom?
Why does the bride wear something blue?

All of these are great questions to have answered for your wedding day. Besides the fact that these are all traditions, and tradition runs deep in many families, knowing the answer to these questions can add considerable meaning to your day. Knowing why we do what we do can add so much more to every moment to your day!

So here we go...

Why do we wear white gowns?
Because it proves the bride's worthiness.

Why do we ask our flower girls to toss flower petals?
It guarantees the couple many chances to have kids.

Why do we go on honeymoons?
It is considered a cooling-off period for the bride's family (what a surprising meaning!)

Why do we decorate wedding vehicles with cans?
The noise frightens away evil spirits.

Why do we wear our wedding rings on our left, ring finger?
This is the finger that contains the vein of love.

Why do we cut wedding cake together?
This tradition symbolizes the couples shared future.

Why does the bride's party stand to the left of the groom?
To defend his bride, his left arm must be free (of course!).

Why does the bride wear something blue?
This shows that the bride and groom are considered royalty (blue is the color of royalty.)

So now you know! How fun!

Friday, September 24, 2010

Mirabella Confections

We just wanted to send a bit of love to one of our favorite vendors, here at Grand Volute, Mirabella Confections. 

Mirabella crafts some of the most beautiful cakes in the West Michigan area. They have a professional staff that is eager to meet your every need, from designing a cake perfect to fit your theme, colors, and size. Our every interaction with Mirabella has been more than impressive.  Take a look at the pictures below: they speak a thousand words to the quality of Mirabella Confections. 



To Contact Mirabella Confections visit them on Facebook by searching "Mirabella Confections" or visit mirabellaconfections.com 

They are located at 4950 Plainfield Ave NE Suite F, Grand Rapids Mi 49525

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Honeymoon Destinations

Top 10 Honeymoon Destinations
1.       Jamaica- Has glorious sunsets and alluring white sandy beaches and sparkling waterfalls
2.       Hawaii- Some of the finest beaches and some of the best water sports
3.       Mexico- Mayan and Aztec heritage, non-stop nightlife and endless beaches
4.       Italy- Art and Architecture, Venice gondola rides
5.       French Polynesia- Lush tropics, turquoise lagoons, and vibrant coral reefs
6.       France- The city of lights and decadent cuisine
7.       Greece- Ancient history and charm with amazing islands
8.       St. Lucia- Gorgeous beaches with French flavor
9.       Dominican Republic- National beaches and beautiful beaches
10.   Aruba- Beautiful weather year round, with white-sand beaches and 24 hour casinos

ccontributed by Karen Horrigan, Travel Consultant
http://www.travelwithkare.com

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Take your Vows in Paradise with a Destination Wedding

Style, budget, location, theme… they vary from bride to bride but the one thing they have in common is they want their wedding to be a special, unique reflection of them. It is strongly suggested to work with a Travel Agency to help you with the wedding details; they can take care of the wedding, the guests, help you with the country’s rule to get married, schedule your spa appointments and help you with the legal requirements with group travel and marriage at the resort of your choice.

There are several different styles for a beautiful wedding in a stunning location, for your choice of a Destination Wedding.

Old Fashion with a Spirit of Adventure
You can have a traditional wedding, with all the traditional elements on a French Polynesian motu, in a European village, or aboard a fabulous yacht, where ever you wish!
Beach Wedding
You’re a beach lover, dreaming of the white sandy beaches and turquoise waters; you can choose a seaside chapel or the warm sandy beach under your feet to say “I do!” If it is just the two of you, you can have a romantic candlelit dinner on the beach or for a large group reception dinner it can be easily arranged by your travel consultant. If you want the theme to follow you to the dinner, add a flavor of the island with steel drum band or flavors of local cuisine.
Heritage Wedding
Heritage weddings are an extra special way to honor your background. If you are Italian, think about getting married in a cathedral in France. There are so many ways to incorporate your heritage into your wedding. You can also add wedding favors to fit the theme, Italian candies, or Parisian soaps.
Extreme Destination Weddings
Some brides are not looking for the traditional wedding; they look for a bit of adventure, maybe a bit on the wild side. Here are some of many ideas: scuba wedding, bungee jumping wedding, skydiving, or a wilderness wedding. You get the idea, what is your once in a lifetime adventure you want to do to start your life as husband and wife together?

Contributed by Karen Horrigan, Travel Consultant
 http://www.travelwithkare.com

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Not Just Any Honeymoon... Your DREAM Honeymoon!

What is your Dream honeymoon?

What is your dream honeymoon? Relaxation, romance, adventure, or cultural, here are some suggestions to find the right destination for your dream honeymoon.
For a quiet, relaxing honeymoon, laying back on the hammock or an in-room spa you might want to look at destinations like Bora Bora, Curacao, Kauai, St. Barts, or St. Martin.
For the hopeless romantic, looking for charming, cozy or luxury, Caribbean beach for a romantic honeymoon look at Aruba, Bora Bora, Madrid, Maui, Paris, St. Lucia, St. Martin, and Venice.
Are you looking for an action packed honeymoon with adventure? Good destinations to look at are Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Montego Bay, Oahu, Ochos Rios, Riviera Maya.
Do you like ancient traditions, discovering history, and enjoy learning about the local history then you may want to consider Cozumel, Madrid, New York City, Oahu, Paris, San Juan, and Venice.

Contributed by Karen Horrigan, Travel Consultant
http://www.travelwithkare.com

Monday, September 20, 2010

Destination Weddings

Another week has started! This week we have a guest contributor, Karen Horrigan from http://ping.fm/hlFaR Karen is a specialist in travel, and has a lot to say about the ever-popular destination wedding. Grand Volute highly recommends Travel with Kare for any destination questions or arrangements. Be sure to check back daily for additional contributions from Karen!


Top 10 Reasons to have a Destination Wedding
1. Save Money! A traditional wedding can cost several times more than a destination wedding.
2. Do something different- Skip the traditional wedding- choose a unique and memorable experience.
3. Have the Best of Both worlds!- Combine your wedding and honeymoon into one beautifully planned celebration.
4. Crowd Control- Bring along the whole family, or make it a wedding just for two.
5. Stress-Free Planning- Your Travel Consultant will work directly with the resort's wedding coordinator.
6. Perfect for Second Marriages- Scale down and go someplace special the second time around.
7. Neutral Setting- Avoid family drama, choose a neutral setting.
8. So Much to See and Do- Most resorts have many on-site, and off-site activities available.
9. Celebrate Longer- Traditional weddings last for 5 hours, while the destination wedding can last days or weeks!
10. Expand on a Theme- Incorporate your love for the beach, the snow, heritage or something else special to you.

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Want a fresh, trendy look for your wedding? Check out the ballerina length wedding dress.
Fresh to the wedding scene, the style is not new- Some might even remember it having been worn by none other than Audrey Hepburn in "Funny Face."

Definitely a trendy look that we love! Whether going for a fun, easy going, somewhat casual look, or a old-fashioned, reserved look, the ballerina dress is simply wonderful!


Monday, September 13, 2010

Thank YOU!

A big thank you to everyone who stopped by to visit us at the 2010 Pink Arrow Football Game at Lowell High School Memorial Stadium!

Early estimates have shown that the community of Lowell has raised over $750,000 over the past three years for cancer research.

Thank YOU, our wonderful clients for allowing us to be able to contribute to such a great cause!

Thursday, September 2, 2010

Pink Arrow Project

On September 10, 2010 CaterCat, the barefoot division of Grand Volute Ballrooms will be participating in the fight for Cancer at the Lowell High School "Pink Arrow Day"! Chef Kim Chase will be grilling marinated steak on skewers dipped in a secret sauce and rolled in a surprise topping! The aroma will permeate the stadium and have spectators lips smacking! A portion of the proceeds will be donated directly to the Pink Arrow Project Fund. The Pink Arrow Project Fund started three ears ago by the Lowell Football Team waring pink football jerseys. Pink football jerseys were auctioned off to the highest bidder along with the right to have a name of a loved one placed on the back of the jersey during the football game. At the of the game the guest received the shirt and the proceeds from the auction went to families in the Lowell Community that were touched in some way by Cancer. The Pink Arrow Project has blossomed today and many other communities are following in the same direction!

Come support the Pink Arrow Project at the Lowell High School Football Stadium and treat you taste buds to a culinary delight by CaterCat.

Contributed by Jan Herb
Cancer survivor