The $100K Fantasy Wedding Winner was chosen and was awarded her prize on Friday, December 18, 2009!

Jaclyn Binder from Gardner, KS

We are pleased to let you know that the winner is Jaclyn Binder from Gardner, KS. Jaclyn is a middle school teacher and coach and as she wrote in her entry – they have had to, “Scrimp and save as well as work various extra duty assignments. Having this financial strain has caused some stress in our relationship that we had never expected before. If we had even $25,000 to work with we would be overjoyed and so relieved. I’d love to win this prize to surprise my fiancé and family with the fairy tale wedding I’ve always dreamed about. Please, Perfect Wedding Guide, choose me and my fiancé to win this prize!”

To watch the video footage of Jaclyn being announced as the winner, click here.

Visit www.perfectweddingguide.com to see more giveaways and contests to help create your dream wedding! To enter in our local “I Do Giveaway Crew” contest, click here. The I Do Giveaway Crew Contest awards one lucky couple fabulous prizes from local New Mexico Wedding Businesses. To view photographs of last season’s winners, Chris and Michelle, visit our Facebook page, Facebook.com/pwgnm.

New Mexico Marriages First is holding an awesome one day class for married and engaged couples for learning how to make your love last a lifetime with Dr. Pat Love.  My husband, Jacob, and I are planning on signing up because it sounds like fun and is affordable (lunch and childcare included) so there’s no excuses to not attend!
Don’t miss this opportunity to learn the secrets for long lasting intimacy, passion, and romance with Dr. Pat Love (appearances on: CNN, the Today Show, and Oprah!)

Only $10.00 per couple. This one day conference for couples includes, meals, refreshments, and child care (0-11).

Register today and give your partner an Amazing Valentine’s gift!

To register and for more information, call The Marriage Lifeline at (505) 891-1846.

An engagement party is the first pre-wedding event to celebrate your new relationship status. If you’ve yet to announce the news to family and friends, it’s also the perfect place to tell everyone for the first time, at the same time. Whether you’re throwing the shindig on your own or leaving the work to someone else, here are suggestions for planning an engagement party.

WHO TO INVITE

Your engagement party invite list should include family, close friends and those you plan to include in the wedding party. Ideally, anyone invited to the wedding should also be invited to the engagement party. However, it’s OK keep the guest list small and intimate if you so choose.

WHEN TO HAVE YOUR ENGAGEMENT PARTY

You should schedule your engagement party somewhat soon after the proposal—especially if you’re planning a short engagement. Whatever date you set, allow enough time for those who may be traveling in for the event.

HOW TO INVITE (STYLES OF INVITATIONS)

The style of invitations used for your engagement party should reflect the type of party you’re planning. For instance, a backyard bar-b-cue is less stuffy and formal, so sending an Evite is a perfectly acceptable option. But if you’ve got your heart set on a cocktail party in a hotel ballroom, elegant paper invitations are the way to go.

WHAT TO SERVE

No matter if it’s passed hors d’oeuvres or burgers and brats on the grill, your menu should reflect not only the tone of your party, but also your personality as a couple. For a touch of originality, establish a theme with your dishes, like cuisine reflective of your ethnic background or fare with an indigenous flair. Top it all off by serving signature cocktails.

WHAT TO DO

Eat, drink and be merry! And what celebration would be complete without music? Enlist the help of a DJ or band or make your own playlist to get everyone grooving out on the dance floor.

Lastly, remember to set aside time to thank everyone for coming and to allow loved ones to toast to the occasion. Your engagement party is a special time that you’ll want to remember forever. Follow these suggestions for a fun and stress-free event that everyone will enjoy.

For more wedding planning tips, visit www.perfectweddingguide.com.

Become a new Facebook Fan of Albuquerque/Santa Fe Perfect Wedding Guide for a chance to WIN A PRIZE!

Be the 250th, 260th or 270th person to become a new fan and you could receive one of the following prizes:

*250th person to become a new Perfect Wedding Guide fan will receive*

A free candy buffet for your wedding from Gourmet Candy Buffet. Prize valued at $395 for 100 guests. (Wedding must take place in the Albuquerque and Santa Fe Area)

*260th person to become a new Perfect Wedding Guide fan will receive*

A free private appointment and a personalized lingerie set from Crystal Heart Lingerie. Prize valued at $55.

*270th person to become a new Perfect Wedding Guide fan will receive*

$300 gift certificate to American Laser Centers. Can be used toward a package at American Laser Centers on 6200 Uptown Blvd, Ste 419, Albuquerque, NM 87110

Winners will be announced on our Facebook page!

Be our lucky winner and win fabulous prizes from local wedding businesses for your upcoming wedding!

Enter now for your chance to be our next I Do Giveaway Crew Winner. Winners will receive prizes similar to the items listed below, and in addition, the winning couple will be featured in our Spring/Summer 2010 Issue of Perfect Wedding Guide!

Deadline to Enter I Do Giveaway Crew is Dec. 31, 2009

Checkout the winners of the last I Do Giveaway Crew, Congrats Chris & Michelle! All Photos taken by Sonya Cogan Photography.

Chris & Michelle were I Do Giveaway Crew’s Fall 2009 winners. They plan to be married on June 2010 in Santa Fe, New Mexico. To view pictures of the previous winners, visit our Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/pwgnm. ( Photos were taken by Sonya Cogan Photography).

Chris and Michelle were the winners of these fabulous prizes:

• FREE live harp music for your wedding ($300.00 Value) Sandi J. Ludescher, Ya Gotta Have Harp!
• FREE bachelor party for up to 15 gentlemen (including beer, pizza, and unlimited tea and soda, $200.00 value) courtesy of Buca Di Beppo
• FREE makeup application ($75.00 value) for the day of your wedding provided by Que Bonita
• A $300.00 gift certificate to American Laser Centers
• A FREE on location (Albuquerque) bridal session with a CD of images ($150.00 value) courtesy of Sonya Cogan Photography
• FREE lingerie set ($55.00 value) provided by Crystal Heart Lingerie
• A large gift basket filled with scented candles ($85.00 value) Gold Canyon Candles, Patrice Leddy,
• Complimentary Relationship Education Session courtesy of Dr. Aryana Canfield
• FREE childhood video montage courtesy of Award Winning Video and Photography
• FREE one night weekend stay in the Marriott Pyramid’s Sandia or Presidential Suite including breakfast, champagne, and chocolate covered strawberries
• Two FREE Rental Altar Arrangements and six pew bows in your wedding colors courtesy of Charlotte’s Flowers
• FREE Day of Coordinating Services, 2 planning sessions, and a free organizational binder courtesy of Corazon Events
• A $100.00 gift certificate courtesy of Bonita J Jewelry and 20% off next purchase
• A $50.00 gift certificate courtesy of Slumber Parties by Kristin

Enter now for your chance to be our next I Do Giveaway Crew Winner!

To help you stay ahead of the curve when it comes to planning your spring 2010 wedding, we’ve compiled a list of 10 top wedding trends you’re sure to love.

Courtesy of Alfred Angelo

To read our entire list of wedding trends, visit Perfect Wedding Guide.com.

What a fantastic luncheon we had this past week at Madeleine’s Place! We held our Albuquerque Wedding Guild luncheon on Tuesday, December 8th, 2009 at  Madeleine’s Place Event Center in Corrales. We brought together 40 local wedding businesses for lunch, networking, and education on current marketing trends. Thank you to our event sponsors:

Thanks to our Luncheon Sponsors:

Classic Party Rentals
Madeleine’s Place
Charlotte’s Flowers
A Kaytahring Company
Gourmet Candy Buffet
Sonya Cogan Photography

All Photos by Sonya Cogan Photography

Read what others are saying: http://completeweddingbook.com/blog/

To view more photographs of the event, click here.

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Photography is an extremely important part of your wedding celebration. Once the big day is over, you will want your memories preserved for a lifetime. Perfect Wedding Guide expert Susan Southerland offers ten critical questions to ask your potential photographer to make sure you get exactly what you want.

Photo by Gretchen B Photography

Question #1: What do you consider your photography style to be?
Photojournalistic pictures have become very popular. The photographer captures events as they happen without a lot of posing. Some people prefer more traditional photographs where most of the photos taken are posed. Many photographers now combine both styles very well. Familiarize yourself with the different types of photography before you go shopping so you know what style you like.

Question #2: Do you shoot color, black and white, or both?
When photography was exclusively shot on film, photographers had to carry multiple cameras to capture people and events in both color and black and white. Now with digital photography, everything can be shot in color and converted to black and white. Some people say that the artistry of the black and white photo is lost in the conversion. If black and white photography is important to you, you should make sure you love the finished product whether it is shot with film or digitally.

Question #3: Do you bring an assistant or second photographer?
Some photographers will bring second shooters with them while others only bring someone to carry gear. Make sure you know which you are getting.

Question #4: Do you work well with videographers?
Videography is an important part of preserving memories. Some photographers work well with them, others find them intrusive. If you want both a photographer and a videographer (which I highly recommend) make sure your photographer is aware and happy.

Question #5: Do you correct your photos?
With digital photography most photographers can fix their photographs. They will take out imperfections, hide some wrinkles and blemishes, and maybe even get rid of a double chin. Find out if your photographer has that capability and if they charge extra for the service.

Question #6: Will the photographer give you a high resolution cd of your images?
Some photographers will willingly hand over the rights to your photos so you can have copies printed at will, while others prefer you to purchase your reprints directly with them. Find out your potential photographer’s policy prior to signing a contract.

Question #7: Are you willing to have input on the photos that we want?
Some photographers will gladly work with a shot list while others will not. If you have specific photos that you want taken, make sure your photographer is happy to accommodate your requests.

Question #8: Are you the actual photographer who will be shooting on my wedding day?
If the answer is no, make sure you see your actual photographer’s work. Photography is an art form; no two eyes are exactly alike. You don’t want any surprises.

Question #9: Are you familiar with my ceremony/reception site?
If the answer is no, would he be willing to do a site visit to learn about the rules and to scout out the best photo locations?

Question #10: What comes in my photography package?
Photographers charge many different ways. Some charge a shooting fee and then give a credit towards an album others have a complete package that includes shooting time, photos and an album. When making comparisons, make sure you know what you are getting.

To see more wedding tips, visit www.perfectweddingguide.com

Check out the below December Deals to save big on your Albuquerque wedding. Save big on your photography wedding package from Kevin’s Photography, or receive a free bridesmaid’s bouquet from Mille Fleur Floral, and even a free ceremony at Hyatt Regency Albuquerque! Other savings include 15% off at Tanoan Country Club,  a free rental arrangement from Charlotte’s Flowers, or a free cake from ABC Cake Shop.

Print out the below Albuquerque wedding coupons to save money on your wedding.

**The above mentioned businesses are paid advertisers of Perfect Wedding Guide.http://albuquerque-santa-fe.perfectweddingguide.com/coupons/

Join us at our upcoming Albuquerque Wedding Guild Luncheon next week!

Tuesday, December 8, 2009
11:30am – 1:00pm

Seating is Limited! Click here to RSVP.

Pre-payment is required with your reservation by Wednesday, December 3rd.  Cash, Check, and Visa/MC accepted.

• Our special guest speaker, Barbara Kline, will be presenting on “When the wedding is over – Make it easy for your customers to give you more business!”
• Lunch catered by A Kaytahring Company. To see the menu, click here.

Thanks to our Luncheon Sponsors:

Classic Party Rentals
Madeleine’s Place
Charlotte’s Flowers
A Kaytahring Company
Gourmet Candy Buffet
Sonya Cogan Photography
Sandi Ludescher

Albuquerque Wedding Guild is a not-for-profit luncheon, which is produced through a collaboration of NM businesses. Know of anyone else interested in growing their business in this wedding market?  Invite them!  Don’t forget to bring business cards/brochures to display on our networking table! Be prepared to meet lots of new faces in the wedding industry.

Come see why Perfect Wedding Guide advertisers are among the busiest wedding professionals in New Mexico.

TO RSVP:

Internet: Click here to RSVP at www.pwgnm.com

Phone: (505) 797-2749

Email: albq@pwg.com