by Danielle Ellis, Editor

Whether you’re in the throes of planning your wedding, or that day is decades and generations past, it’s always important to keep the courtship alive. Scientists will tell you how much a happy marriage improves your health and increases your life expectancy. Sociologists will tell you how much better you are in a happy partnership than any other way. Prophets will tell you that you are building a relationship that can go on through eternity. But you probably already know for yourself that wedded bliss is just plain old fun. So how do you keep the spark in your relationship? Here are a few ideas.

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by Dave Ellis

Now that it’s Bridal Issue time again I would like to give out my advice to the men for creating the perfect wedding – just do whatever she says so you won’t be skating on thin ice. Speaking of skating on ice, I took my family ice skating last month and I’d like to tell you about it. Sorry about the lame segue, but I’m kind of tired of having to come up with good transitions between topics. I sure love nachos!

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Once upon a time…

So begin the great fairy tales and love stories. Two people fall in love and suddenly all the world is hearts and flowers and valentines. And as the schoolyard version goes, “first comes love, then comes marriage.” So you’re planning a wedding…

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Is you’re basking in the glow of your new commitment to your sweetheart, consider the six most common mistakes in wedding planning. Plan your perfect wedding while minimizing your stress, frustration, and disappointment.

Not Taking The Time To Envision The Details Of Your Wedding.

It is your wedding, so take time now to think through the details. How formal will your event be? What do you want the feel of your day to be? Envision even the smallest details that will make your day exactly how YOU want it.

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White gold and platinum are leading the trends in bridal jewelry. Although the worldwide cost increases have driven up prices for 18kt white gold and platinum, they are still very popular.

White diamonds are always in great demand although browns, oranges, pinks, yellows, and blues are expected to be important for 2007. Diamonds can be purchased in any of these colors. Other natural colored gemstones are available and gaining in popularity as well.

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Once your wedding day is over, the pictures will be your memento of the biggest day of your life. So how do you get the photos you want? The album that says ‘you?’ I asked Lynette Hagel of Cameo Photography (who, full disclosure, has done several family photo sessions for me) about her insights into getting a great finished product.

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by Danielle Ellis, Editor

On a wedding day, the ceremony is a sacred, special time. But the reception is all fun and celebration! The latest trends in receptions and decorating are more personalized to the couple, whether that means a Tuscan-themed location reception, a ring ceremony before the reception, or just transforming the cultural hall into an elegant reception site.
Diane Bulloch, a Las Vegas-based reception caterer and decorator, enlightened us on what is happening in receptions and what’s coming:

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By Josi S. Kilpack

Of the night before her wedding, Camilla Eyring wrote: “I was ready to back out. I went to my room and cried and cried.” She and Spencer W. Kimball had courted only thirty-one days. She wasn’t sure she was she ready to be married.

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by Jay & Marilyn Richardson

When two people from different backgrounds come together—and everyone’s background is unique—a hidden potential for crisis exists. To adapt to living with a relative stranger, newlyweds need to understand some of the more subtle dynamics of family life. Learning the difference between “family rules” and “family laws,” help families to co-exist in peace.

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by Andrea Lauritzen

Being single in a family-oriented church can be difficult. It is important for single members to find a place within the ranks of gospel service and membership; and for others to be sensitive to the fact that single members have differing needs and may have tender feelings regarding the issues of marriage, childbearing, and families.

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by Gail Jackson

When we overload during the holidays we think we look forward to January’s return to sane eating. When January arrives we desperately try to ignore our bodies’ continuing cravings and feel satisfied with healthy fruits and vegetables. That can last a week, or more if you are determined. If not…

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By LaRae Free Kerr

Marriage has historically been an economic alliance: I’ll provide the food, shelter, clothing and safety. You provide the magic that creates children and nurture them to adulthood.

When property is at stake, marriage becomes a political alliance too: If I marry you, I’ll be richer and/or more powerful than I was before.

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By Georgia Jensen Blosil

I recently had a discussion with one of my seven sons regarding whether or not a new US Congressman should be allowed to place his hand on the Koran when being pledged to serve the government of the United States of America. As a result, my passionate American patriotism became inflamed anew.

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By Florica Hagendorn, Henderson Libraries

Henderson Libraries have embraced the revolutionary concept of Animal Assisted Therapy with a new but growing approach. Reading with Rover pairs trained, certified therapy dogs with children who are uncomfortable reading aloud. In this one-on-one setting, the dogs provide their attention while children read aloud without fear of criticism or interruption.

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Once upon a time, a young California mother dreamed of her small children getting a quality education in a wholesome environment. When she couldn’t find a school to provide it, she created her own. That was 1970.

In 2005, that mother and her now-grown daughter brought their winning school environment to Las Vegas, known as Cumorah Academy. The school serves students ages kindergarten through eighth grade, as well as a half day pre-school for three-year-olds, and a half day Jr. Kindergarten program for four-year-olds.

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