IrisD Bridal Blog

Day of wedding is the most precious day for a woman, aside wedding dress and veil, bridal jewelry is an indispensable accessory that enhances the grace of the bride. Bridal jewelry includes tiara, necklace earring set, bracelet and various headpieces, bride can choose their jewelry from a variety of different materials and gemstones to meet their personal preference. These days, the most popular bridal jewelry material includes Swarovski crystals, pearls, rhinestone, sterling silver or plated silver or gold.

Most of these wedding jewelry can be used later either for special occasions or every day depending on the particular piece. And in any case, it is important for bride to understand how to care for these jewelry so that bridal jewelry can last for a long time and may be can be even used as a heritage piece later.

 It is a good idea to keep all your beloved gems out of pools and hot tubs -and off the beach. Chlorine and heat can discolor the metal and erode the finish on gold and platinum items. Chlorine and salt can alter the color of porous gemstones such as pearls, opals, and emeralds. For those brides who are going to do a destination wedding or honeymoon on sunny beach, sand can scratch stones and soft metals such as 24-karat gold. If you do take a dip with your baubles (or sweat or get sunscreen on them), rinse them immediately afterward with warm water from the tap. When you get home, gently scrub them with a soft toothbrush dipped in warm water and a few drops of dish soap.

Take good care of your wedding jewelry will make sure that your most cherished moments are well preserved and can be used and shared generations after generations.

Meet the couple…

Bride’s Occupation:  Nurse-RN

Groom’s Occupation:  Phoenix Firefighter

Their Engagement Story:

People say they never believe in love at 1^st sight.  Well, Tonija has changed that theory. She met her heart on a beautiful summer day.  She was just starting to like boys at the time.  She took one look at Keon and said, “This man will become my husband.”  From that day forwarded, she never thought about who she would marry just when she would marry. It wasn’t until a couple of years later that they started dating. He was more than a man to her; he was her friend, the one she could share all her dreams and thoughts with.  Tonija could cry on, laugh with, and laugh at.  He made her smile when no one could.  Their relationship was more than they could have every imagined it to be. As day to day went on and as they got older, Tonija said to Keon at the age of 21 that nothing mattered because she was going to be he’s wife and he looked at her with the strangest face as if she could have been a little off the wall crazy.  He never knew that she saw something he didn’t in their relationship.  She saw real love; true love, two hearts put together and made into one whole at that time. He never had in his mind that he would be hers and she would be his. Through all troubles and all rocky mountains of testing, they passed and stand to be the best. She, taking life one day at a time and asking God for all his many blessings, she knew that the day will come when Keon would ask her for his hand in marriage and she would say, “Yes.”  It was so awkward because, he proposed out of no where.  When at the very moment she didn’t expect it, he had the biggest smile on his face and he was more excited than she had ever seen him all the years they had been together.  It was as if he had a glow inside of him.  Something that was so deep; it was like the love had taken over his body and he could help himself, but oh boy were we both excited!  They were so anxious but they just wanted to have are wedding in Vegas, but knew they couldn’t afford it.  They also thought about their have families never been there. They wanted the biggest wedding ever.  They decided to plan a year ahead for a wedding and decided that they would marry in July 2010.
Their Wedding Day Theme Plan

Their dream wedding is the summer kind of wedding with bright beautiful yellow; Tonija’s girls shining like the sun on a summer beautiful day like the season when Tonija and Keon met.  The glow of the yellow will brighten every ones day.   Their importance is their families being there.  They will post memorial pictures of the people in their life that have passed, meant the world to them, and have made a difference in our lives; his grandmother and her father.  They’re pictures in front of them, looking as if they where there sharing are day with them putting smiles not only on our faces, but on family members faces.

What the couple believes is special about their wedding that makes them feel they should win this free sponsorship…

Although all weddings are special, mine is special because of the delight that we have in sharing in our love; our commitment and our seriousness to become as one no matter what.  Our dedication to be lawfully devoted to one another and make this day a special day, sharing each others heart with one another, crying when we needed to, knowing that our relationship has been through some tremendous struggles, and have been able to share our story with people.  We tell them to know that threw it all you can get there if you believe and make yourself determine to succeed.  I’m not going say are years have been perfect ,but what I will say is that we have made it through some tough times and where still standing.  We have broken are childhood and immature ways together and have come to say that we want to be as one whole. A lot of young people find themselves saying that they’re in love at such a young age and deciding to get married at 18 which some may be ,but for us to experience good and bad times with one another became a learning and thankful process.  We wouldn’t be where we are today if we had not gone through those things and to say we still love each other; no one can break the seal.

To help this couple win:

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Meet the couple…

Bride’s Occupation:  Convention/Event Manager at the Marriott

Groom’s Occupation:  Assistant General Manager at Montis La Casa Vieja Restaurant

Their Engagement Story:

The Casa

Where it all began: The History of Montis La Casa Vieja

Monti’s La Casa Vieja is the city’s original pioneer home and the oldest continuously occupied structure in the Phoenix metropolitan area.  The original adobe hacienda was built as a home by Charles Trumbull Hayden in 1871.  Hayden settled in the area to establish a flourmill and a ferry service for crossing the Salt River, which flowed year-round at that time.  In 1954 the building was purchased by Leonard F. Monti Sr.  By concentrating on a simple formula of giving guests an outstanding meal at a great price, Leonard Monti steadily built his business into one of Arizona’s premier restaurants.  Today, Monti’s La Casa Vieja serves approximately 500,000 customers annually.

In diapers and a pacifier, Monique joined in on the monthly festivities at “The Casa” with her family.  Any time the Baart family would have out of town guests, they would treat them to a night of Roman Bread and Monti’s steaks!  The outings lasted up into her teen years.  Just old enough to have a job, Monique applied, interviewed, and landed the job as hostess at Good Old Montis La Casa Vieja!

At the Age of 22, young James Rowe from Spring Valley New York, followed his older brother across the country to live in the Valley of the Sun, Tempe, Arizona.  Seeing an ad in the paper, James applied for a job at “Montis at the Ranch,” a sister restaurant of Montis La Casa Vieja.  Skilled in bartending, the manager suggested he work at “The Casa” instead.  Days later, James became a bartender at Good Old Montis La Casa Vieja!

A young student from Tempe Arizona meets a bartender from Spring Valley New York.

Monique at 16 and James at 25 became co-workers, but were worlds apart!  Monique worked her way up to server; James worked his way up to head bartender.  James proved his integrity and hard work becoming Bar Manager.  Monique was offered the Banquet Manager position.  Five years later, Monique and James joined together on the Managers Team at Montis La Casa Vieja.  Once just co-workers, had now become friends spending holidays and special occasions together. Through trial and error, both Monique and James dated other people before realizing their humor, laughter, and love was with each other.

3 Years later, Christmas Day of 2009, James proposed to Monique under their Christmas tree.  She said “Yes”

“It doesn’t matter where you go in life; it’s who you have beside you that makes it worthwhile”

Their Wedding Day Theme Plan

Getting Married!!  Monique wishes she could say that she doesn’t let the little things stress her, but that just wouldn’t be the truth!  After deciding which invitation looks better, if the green dresses are the same green in the chair colors, fighting with dad because the photographer might cost a little bit more than they expected, and what to do with your bridesmaid that got pregnant unexpectedly…Once it’s all over and done…..every day she has to remind herself that this stuff doesn’t matter, the most important thing is that they have decided to share their lives together, and they are lucky to have so many friends and family to support them.

Oh yes and the important facts – the classic color of black -so elegant with some Ivory and a couple dashes of Lime green.  On the tables, you will find modern damask lamps and Candelabra’s with lime green satin napkins on top of damask runners.  It is a little modern meeting classic.  Yes, this is all planned out thanks to Monique’s job of being an event coordinator – this is her passion and she is so excited to show James her hard work when he sees the venue for the first time on our wedding day.

What the couple believes is special about their wedding that makes them feel they should win this free sponsorship…

We have both seen our lives grow from when we entered the hospitality/Food and Beverage business as inexperienced young adults.  It has been a long road of preparing the perfect day for our clients.  From the food preparation to the room being perfect!  Dealing with clients and their emotional rollercoaster…We are now walking in their footsteps and planning our special day!  We hope to experience that perfect day, as we have done for others!  Marriage is an amazing thing and we are excited to start the journey!

To help this couple win:

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Meet the couple…

Bride’s Occupation:  Teacher

Groom’s Occupation:  Sales (Laid off)

Their Engagement Story:

Benjamin and Nicole have known each other since high school.  However, they didn’t start dating until afterwards.  Ben and Nicole dated once and broke up, but never seemed to stray to far from each other.  Eventually, they got back together and knew it was forever.  One day, Ben went out and bought a ring, and it totally burnt a whole in his pocket!!  He couldn’t keep it a secret for his life.  Every night he tried doing it, but in the end decided against it.  Until one night when she was in class at ASU, he text her and said, “Lets go to dinner.”  She didn’t feel like going out, but she knew what he had planned since he had text all of her friends in class telling them what he was going to do.  He picked her up from class and took her to a local restaurant in Old Town Scottsdale.  He pulled out three roses and explained to Nicole, “One was for the past, one is for the present, and one is for the future.”  On the “Future” rose, the engagement ring was tied to it!! It was so beautiful!! It brought tears to Nicole’s eyes.  As soon as he finished, he said, “Did you like it, I came up with it all by myself!!”  Everyone else had given him ideas, but he wanted to do his own thing, which made it that much better.

Their Wedding Day Theme Plan

Ben and Nicole are getting married at Scottsdale Stadium where the San Francisco Giants Spring Train.  They aren’t Giant fans, but they both grew up in Scottsdale so the stadium has a specific meaning to the two of them.  They used to go there for Scottsdale Firebird games before the Diamondbacks became a franchise.  Nicole is a huge baseball fan so she had always dreamed of getting married at home plate.  This was a perfect opportunity.  Another reason they are using the stadium is because her scholarship for college was paid for through the Scottsdale Charros, which is a non profit organization that supports education in Scottsdale and they have a pavilion in the stadium.  Their colors are black, red, and white since they are very simple to work with on a low budget.  Ben was recently laid off  so paying for a wedding on a teaching budget is very tough.

What the couple believes is special about their wedding that makes them feel they should win this free sponsorship…

I think Ben and I should win this sponsorship because our idea for our wedding is the idea of an “American Dream”, staying close to home, baseball, family, friends, and a whole lot of FUN.  Through our wedding at the stadium, we will be living our “Dream.”  Having your sponsorship would just complete the “Dream” atmosphere of everything.  I have always dreamed of wearing gorgeous jewelry at my wedding, but without this sponsorship, I will just go without since it isn’t in my budget.  I understand everyone is having money troubles, but I am trying my best to work towards giving myself my “Dream” just on my not so dreamy salary.

To help this couple win:

Cast Your Vote on

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Meet the couple…

Bride’s Occupation:  Engineer

Groom’s Occupation:  Entrepreneur

Their Engagement Story

Back in August ’06, Roxanne and Matt met eyes across the dance floor at a dimly lit club in Old Town Scottsdale. He continued to woo her w/ his charm and a cocktail and they’ve been together ever since.

In February ’08, Matt made Valentine’s dinner reservations at La Fontanella which was sign #1 b/c that is HIGHLY unusual for him to make reservations anywhere. Then he was oddly quiet all evening and seemed visibly nervous which clued me even further. They had a delicious Italian dinner that was followed by a heart-shaped cheesecake for dessert. When the server brought it out, Roxanne immediately noticed the ring pop that was in the middle of the cake. Matt then got down on one knee and asked her to marry him. She thought she had managed to utter a “yes” in b/w sobs until a guy across the restaurant yelled, “So what did she say?!” Needless to say, she accepted.

Their Wedding Day Theme Plan

Their wedding colors are black & fuchsia w/ lime green highlights. As for their dream wedding, the most important aspect of it is for their family and close friends to be a part of the day that Matt and Roxanne exchange our wedding vows. They both are extremely close to their families, especially their mothers, so the day will definitely be an emotional one.  

What the couple believes is special about their wedding that makes them feel they should win this free sponsorship?

I come from a very traditional Korean family while Matt has German lineage and was born and raised here in the states. Our wedding will be a meeting of 2 very different cultures and symbolize 2 very different people joining to create a new life together. We’re both very blessed to each have such an amazing family willing to travel across the states (and some across the world) to celebrate our special day w/ us.

To help this couple win:

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Meet the couple…

Bride’s Occupation:  Office Manager

Groom’s Occupation:  Manager

Their Engagement Story:

Lila’s uncle was visiting her in San Francisco for the first time.  He was flying from Iran.  A couple of days before his flight, he called Lila and said there is a change of plans.  He was going to see his friend in Washington before he flies to California, while he was in Washington, his friend offered him a trip to Phoenix for some business meetings he had around here.  They flew here and his friend contacted Steve (then she and her uncle didn’t know him) and Steve made them dinner and gave them a tour of Grand Canyon.  On that road trip, my uncle really liked Steve and asked him, “Why are you single and not married?” Steve told him that he was busy with his life and at the same time he didn’t know any Persian girl here since he is from New York originally.  Right away my uncle told him about Lila being his Niece and that she lived in San Francisco and gave him my number, of course Steve never called me because we all know unless a girl passes her number a gentleman never will call.

Couple of weeks later, Lila took her uncle to Las Vegas to show him around and he called Steve telling him to come and see us in Las Vegas.  At first he said, “I don’t have time and” … and all of the sudden he showed up the last hours Lila and her uncle were there on Christmas day, we met on Christmas day in Las Vegas.

Although she didn’t give him any chance for the next few months to get close and talks about his feelings, he never gave up, he sent her flowers for her birthday on Jan 26th and Valentines day and she finally said yes in July.  Lila feels like the luckiest and happiest woman.

Their Wedding Day Theme Plan

Lila’s dream wedding day is when her whole family is around.  She would like all her flowers to be white, all roses but what is important to them is to be happy and take life as it is and enjoy one another every second in life. Love themselves and everyone around them. Lila always imagined herself in a long soft silk dress and a long veil.  She loves long veils and thinks it’s dreamy.

What the couple believes is special about their wedding that makes them feel they should win this free sponsorship?

Everything, we are special people, because the way we look at life.  We gave each other time to learn about each other and we went through some tough times.  WE PASSED OUR TEST and I am proud of ourselves. We did it with passion, positive attitude and respecting each other.

I still don’t have my dress, I just saw the dress of my dream in a boutique, but I am not going to tell him, because we can’t afford to buy this dress for $775 (on sale) it’s the most beautiful dress.

I think every one deserves the best in the world, I think we need love and kindness and that is enough for living. 

To help this couple win:

Cast Your Vote on

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Meet the couple…

Bride’s Occupation:  Payroll/Benefits Administrator

Groom’s Occupation:  Home Inspector for Century 21

Their Engagement Story:

Fairbi and Nicholas met when they were 16 years old thru some mutual friends. We were instantly attracted to each other & have been together ever since!

It was 7 am, Christmas morning, & Nick woke Fairbi up saying, “look babe there’s a string on your finger”. Still half asleep, she was confused but started to follow it. On the string were 7 pieces of paper (for the 7 years they had been together) with the sweetest things written on them about Fairbi & their relationship. Finally, the last piece of paper was in front of the tree & said to turn around. Nick was down on 1 knee & asked Fairbi to marry him! She started to cry & couldn’t say yes until she caught my breath. It was amazing & so unexpected because that was not in character for Nick at all!

Their Wedding Day Theme Plan

Fairbi and Nicholas honestly do not have a “theme”. Their colors are dark purple with accents of silver & black. A couple special things they will be having are: a butterfly release during the ceremony & a photo booth during the reception, which will double as favors & as our scrap book/guest book for guests to sign in next to their pictures. Their main objective is to just have an amazing day/night with all of their family & friends whom they love the most!!! 

What the couple believes is special about their wedding that makes them feel they should win this free sponsorship?

They are paying for the wedding for themselves. We have been saving up for the past 4 years, which hasn’t been easy considering they purchased their 1^st home together last September. But it has all been worth it & it’s been an amazing journey. Fairbi just can’t wait to make it official & begin the rest of their lives together!

To help this couple win:

Cast Your Vote on

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Meet the Couple…

Occupations:                                                                                                                                                                                                       Bride:  Front Office                                                                                                                                                                                                    Groom:  Painter

Their engagement story                                                                                                                                                                          Brandy and Jake met Jan. of 2007 at a bar. . . Brandy was dancing on the dance floor and Jake kept looking over and winking at her. She just smiled until he came up to me and asked her to dance. Brandy said, “Can you dance?”  Jake’s answer was, “We’ll see.” . . .LOL!  So cute. Then at end of night, when Brandy had to leave, they exchanged numbers. For the first couple weeks,  they talked on phone and text until he finally got her to go watch a movie with him. After that they just never stopped hanging out! 

They were engaged on December 8th 2008.  Brandy was in the kitchen making dinner when Jake ran out into the garage.  She didn’t think much of it.  He came in and said, “Babe you said you couldn’t cook when we first met (Which was one thing he always wanted her to do).  Brany said she couldn’t.  Jake said, “You promise to cook me dinner for the rest of our lifes?”  Still having no idea what was happening, she smiled and said yes. He winked and smiled like he did the night they met. Then right then he pulled out the ring and said then “Will you marry me?”  She said “yes …Really?!?!?”  He said, “Yes,” we cried, and Brandy called her mom and everyone else to tell them what happened.

Their Wedding Day Theme Plan                                                                                                                                                                    Brandy and Jake’s theme is hearts, Colors pink and blue.  They want something nice but simple.  They are very simple people but Brandy loves to doll up.

What the couple believes is special about their wedding that makes them feel they should win this free sponsorship?
We don’t have much money.  We just bought a house together about 3 months ago.  We have been through some rough stuff but we are strong people and do what we have to get by. We are cutting corners everywhere we can since 90% is coming out of our pocket. My dad is only helping with half of my wedding dress.  My mom is helping with what she can but she doesn’t have a lot either so I hate having her help to much money wise.   To make me stress with my money is fine but not someone elses, especially my moms. . .

To help this couple win:

Cast Your Vote on

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Play up your best feature: Every girl has a self ranking list of body parts, from most favorite to least favorite. You should definitely keep that in mind when you shop for your wedding gown. For example, if you are proud of your back, get a wedding dress that exposes your beautiful back, if you are proud of your overall figure, try a mermaid shape dress.

Find a good role model: The models on wedding magazine may not always be a good source for your wedding day look inspirations, instead, find a friend or a celebrity that matches your personality, style and body figure. Try to draw inspiration from them, see what works on them, what doesn’t.

Develop your own sense of style and step up a notch: For the wedding attire, I always tell brides to challenge themselves to go beyond, just a little bit, what they can normally accept. However, it is still critical to stay within the boundary. For example, if a bride normally likes plain, simple dress, then for the wedding day, she may want to add some sparkles on the wedding gown or the wedding veil. However, a fully beaded gown or veils with tons of Swarovski crystals will not work for her.

Express yourself with wedding accessories: Wedding day is the day to jewel yourself up. Make sure tiara, necklace earring set and bracelet are all coordinated. They don’t need to be from the same set, but they do need to be the same material and color tone. Some brides also make sure the bridesmaids jewelry match to the bride jewelry. This is particularly a good idea if the bridesmaids dresses are coordinated with the bridal gown.

Let the real you shine through: Don’t freak over so-called imperfections. The hair on the side of your face or above your lip? Those five extra pounds? Trust me, no one will ever notice these things unless you make it obvious. Let the real you shine through, your personality, your joy, that’s what people will see. Remember: “Happiness is infectious”.