Read Between The Lines
We live in a microwave society. We want it now and we want it fast. With the tick-tock of the clock, you juggle a career, household and children. Where does planning your wedding fit into this time consuming equation? Take for example the Brad and Angelina family. This celebrity duo couldn't plan their own wedding alone between the kids, traveling, being the ambassador of goodwill and making hit movies. It would be utterly impossible. So why should the average day-to-day working class person forge the battle alone? Wedding planner to the rescue! Professional planners enjoy the excitement of putting on a grand event and may work better under pressure. An aggravating situation for a bride-to-be could put her over the edge or just be another challenge to tackle. If you are a fan of DIY (Do It Yourself), make sure to do your research. Use the following information from WMB Publisher, Myrdith Leon-McCormack as tools to lessen the load. Books and workshops are some of the things to help you through the planning process. I am a collector of books so needless to say my library is very extensive. Some of my favorite venues to get new books from vary from the small mom and pop shops to bookstores like Barnes and Noble, Borders and Amazon.com. Assouline is my favorite place for collectors' items. Fresh on the market and must haves are as follows:

Just Engaged, Christine E. Murray, PH.D. Licensed marriage and family therapist Christine E. Murray, Ph.D., offers practical guidance, exercise, case studies and discussion questions to help you both build realistic and positive expectations for your marriage. With this book in hand, you will be able to lay out a foundation for a satisfying partenership by learning the how-to for the fundamental things that are needed in a healthy relationship. Among them: commitment to one another, honor, sex, finances, family ties, balance and parenting.

Put Passion First, Why Sexual Chemistry is the Key to Finding and Keeping Lasting Love, Carol Cassell, PH.D. A Consultant for Critical Pathways, Cassell is a recognized leader in the field of sexuality at the University of Mexico School of Medicine where she is a senior health scientist. The doctor in this book teaches us how to open the "floodgates of passion in your life," identifying sexual chemistry and emotional blinders that get in the way of relationships as well as how to become comfortable with ones sexual desires. You will gain a fresh insight into your man's vunerable feelings about love and sex, among other things that affect the life of your relationship.

The Wedding Book, Mindy Weiss, with Lisbeth Levine. This bible of a planning book is amazing, which covers the step-by-step process of planning your wedding. From dress selection, floral concepts, religious ceremonies, standing at the alter chart and even to how to deal with the tabu of conversation about the 'P' word, Prenupt. I love it. So forget what you thought you knew - pick up this book with a fresh mind and actualize the things you've dreamed of as well as other details you never could have imagined.

Stylish Weddings, Mary Carol Garrity. For those who are not up to the task of creating an elegantly lavish wedding event, this professional shows you how to add a little je ne sais quoi to your big day. She will inform you of how to incorporate a color palette to go with wedding gown to coinside well with your wedding party and even what food fits best.The pictures are gorgeous.The advice simple and to the point.

Count Down To Your Perfect Wedding, Joyce Scardina Becker. This detailed and easy-to-follow instructional book is perfect for every aspect of planning. Becker offers inside tips on how to get what you want, plan your day with the appropriate budget, and know the key words to get what you want. My favorite portion of this book is the inclusion of how to plan a beautiful cultured wedding whether it be Hispanic, Asian or African-American. Becker shows her readers variety in society in one size fits all manner-+. Splendid.

Staging Your Comeback, Christopher Hopkins.This self-help/beauty book is a best gift for a mom. It reminds us how we can improve ourselves and how impactful the image we project can be. From beauty tips to clothing tips, this book is a must have. Hopkins offers knowledge to women 45 and over on how to love who you are and enhance your natural beauty while kicking it up a notch or two. Let the author teach you the importance of doing your own self-examination. Don't fight it but love it. Christopher Hopkins is the Tom Ford of beauty tips for mothers 45 and older.

Mikimoto, Nick Foulkes. This is one of the most amazing jewelery designers of all time. Mikimoto has adorned the necks of the most beautiful women in the world with his pearls. This native Japanese inventor of the cultured pearl is worthy of all the honor bestowed upon him. He is the symbol of excellence and his petite, sexy black book stirs great conversation while serving as the perfect coffee table book.