Sports lovers...literally!

Once again, the Buffalo Bills kicked a wide right field goal to lose the football game during Monday night football. So sad... Like the late Tim Russert, I have roots in Buffalo (where I was born and raised, and watched Buffalo lose four consecutive Superbowls!), attended college in Ohio, and (sort of) have a connection with politics. (My husband works in local government as a city manager.) Even though they lost tonight, the Bills still make me want to shout! :-)

Having lived in Ohio since 1996, I also enjoy watching live Cincinnati Reds and Bengals games. There is something about the crowd at a game. Speaking of which, did you know you can have your wedding at Duke Energy field, host your rehearsal dinner in a box, have your wedding photos taken at the Bengals Stadium, or get the Buckeye mascot to come to your reception? I have had die-hard Buckeye fans play the game during their wedding reception or (at least!) have the DJ announce the scores. You can have your wedding reception at the Cintas Center, a local country club or even on an ice rink. Most courses will let you have photos on the greens but some have restrictions with the ceremony. So many unique ways to bring the love of sports into your wedding! Now if only the groom could look like David Beckham...

Save your wedding budget buying on consignment

Consignment is a great way to save money on your wedding items!

I have a small consignment area in my Dayton, Ohio, office and I list most of the items for purchase via ebay and once the auction is over you can pick them up. We don't accept dresses and attire, mostly just favors, centerpieces and decor. Right now, I have a set of 40 silk centerpieces with eiffels; holiday centerpieces; and 10 sets of three tall glass candle holders. A client of mine has tentitively reserved 100 pillar candles and 100 coffee mug favors but those may go up for auction if she changes her mind. Pixs are below and I'll be listing them on ebay and on the website at Got Wedding Stuff when I get back from Tucson. If you have leftover items you want to sell to a bride, we can list them for you and display them at the Dayton Bridal Connection for you and you'll get 40% commission of whatever is sold.

This great new website that does sell dresses, shoes, etc. online and it's really good. It just launched on October 8 so I'm not sure about their track record, but it's something you should definitely check out. http://www.bravobride.com/ In Cincinnati, Chaz Bridal has a great variety of lightly used wedding dresses for a fraction of the price at the new retail stores. I've had two brides purchase their dresses here this year for less than $100 each! They're located in Silverton on Montgomery Rd. Just make sure you call in advance because their hours change every week.

Fountains and First Dance Wedding Fun at Ault Park

Here is a video from a wedding that I coordinated back in June. What a neat couple! After taking photos at the Cincinnatian and Fountain Square, the couple went to Ault Park to exchange their vows. Instead of having a formal dinner reception, they had a cocktail and dessert reception for their guests. The couple served a nacho and caramel fountain, heavy hors devoures stations and cake to their guests. It was a great way to reduce the cost of their overall catering budget. If you think that's a neat idea, watch their first dance (Ballroom Swing to Thriller!)!

Thanks to Larry at Forever Wedding Video for providing the footage. Please make sure you have a high speed internet connection to view this. http://www.foreverweddingvideo.com/GrantMariaHighlights.html