Sacramento, CA (PRWEB) February 21, 2012

Few things are more romantic than exchanging wedding vows in an intimate garden surrounded by beautiful blooms or in the glow of a majestic fireplace. As purveyors of romance, most California bed and breakfast inns are ideal destinations for elopements and small weddings. There are more than 100 members of the California Association of Bed and Breakfast Inns that offer wedding services. Many inns also offer elopement packages to save couples the time, money and stress of planning a wedding.

With its upscale, rustic elegance, Black Bear Inn is one of the most romantic places in South Lake Tahoe for an intimate wedding or honeymoon. In the winter, when the grounds are blanketed with snow, couples exchange vows in front of a roaring fire in the main lodge, which features vaulted ceilings, a 34-foot stone fireplace, and a warm, romantic ambiance. In summer, couples can say “I do” in the wedding gazebo nestled among the pine trees and flowering gardens. Black Bear Inn can accommodate weddings of up to 25 people indoors and 50 outdoors.

The Farmhouse Inn in Sonoma’s Russian River Valley collaborates with Iron Horse Vineyards to make an elopement the most magical day of a couple’s life. The inn’s Tiny Weddings in the Wine Country package includes a 60-minute couples massage, an unforgettably romantic pre- or post-nuptial dinner for two with an optional wine pairing by the inn’s master sommelier, a tiny wedding cake from the inn’s pastry chef, a non-denominational minister, a photographer with a disk of up to 150 images, fresh cut flowers or rose bouquet, chilled bubbly and artisan cheeses upon arrival, Farmhouse’s signature “Bride and Groom” basket, and a signed bottle of Iron Horse Wedding Cuvee to take home as a memento. The elopement package may be added to any three-night stay for $2500 weekdays and $3000 for weekend ceremonies.

Exchange vows against the breathtaking backdrop of the Pacific Ocean at the Elk Cove Inn & Spa on the Mendocino coast. The inn offers an Effortless Elopement Package that takes all of the stress out of planning a wedding. The package includes use of the inn’s gingerbread-crowned gazebo overlooking the ocean for the ceremony, an officiate, a traditional bouquet of seasonal flowers and matching boutonniere, a wedding photographer and a disc of digital photos, wedding cake for two, silver service champagne tray and two nights’ accommodations in one of the inn’s oceanfront luxury suites. The elopement package is $2,850.

Say ‘I do’ amid majestic cedars and pines at the McCaffrey House Bed & Breakfast Inn near Yosemite. The inn specializes in elopements and small weddings, with packages ranging from $495 to $1,195. Their “Just for the Two” package includes a wedding consultant, minister, ceremony and a champagne toast. The “Wedding and Honeymoon” package includes all of the above plus a rose bouquet, boutonnière and two nights’ lodging with a gourmet breakfast, wine and appetizers. Also ask about the “Dreams Come True” package, which includes a ceremony for up to 15 people, custom engraved champagne flutes and a cake.

In historic downtown Napa, the Beazley House Bed and Breakfast Inn’s1902 Edwardian mansion provides two options for an intimate elopement or wedding. For an indoor ceremony, couples can exchange vows in front of the warmth of the inn’s fireplace in the parlor. Outdoors, the inn’s secluded English gardens provide a peaceful backdrop filled with flowers, fountains, lush lawns, and a century-old oak tree. Elopement and intimate wedding packages are $2,700 for up to 50 guests. The package includes two nights’ stay at the Beazley House, two hour site fee, ministry services, bridal bouquet and boutonniere, cake and champagne reception, chairs, and coordination services.

At the top of Napa’s wine country in Calistoga, the historic Brannan Cottage Inn provides flexible, personalized service that allows couples to plan as much or as little of their wedding as they wish. Distinguished by its intricate gingerbread, gable-board and scalloped ridge cresting, the inn offers several intimate ceremony options including a lovely lawn surrounded by ornamental gardens, a brick patio shaded by a 200-year-old French elm, and a broad, wraparound porch lining three sides of the main building. The inn can accommodate weddings and receptions for up to 50 people.

Hotel Charlotte’s charming saloon and romantic restaurant provide in inviting ambiance for a small family wedding, and/or a reception with seated dinner for up to 50 people. With Yosemite National Park just up the road, newlyweds can soak in the beauty of America’s iconic park during the day, and relax with a glass of wine in the evening from Hotel Charlotte’s local wine list, and dine on specials specially crafted by owner/chef Victor. Hotel Charlotte staff can assist brides with arrangements for their wedding, including a variety of venues, catering, dining, and sightseeing itineraries and guides.

To find more elopement and wedding destination inns in California, visit cabbi.com/weddings.

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The two years leading up to his wedding, Glenn Mamary didn’t touch a single sweet. He was 25 and marrying the love of his life, nine years after meeting her inspired him to slim down, shape up and stay that way. On his wedding day he was 6’2” tall and 190 pounds.

But it wouldn’t have been right to refuse his own wedding cake that day 25 years ago. And the couple’s honeymoon to St. Thomas included unlimited meals.

“You can see it in the pictures. We went to St. Thomas and I looked good. By the end of the week I started to ‘fill out.’ People started saying that I looked very ‘content.’”

That’s because he weighed 210 pounds within a few months of his wedding.

Weight-wise, it was “the beginning of the end. I kept yo-yoing up and down and each swing was bigger than the previous one,” he said from his office at Hunterdon Medical Center in Raritan Township, where he is vice president of information services and chief information officer.

On June 23, 2011, the day he underwent bariatric surgery, he weighed 361 pounds. Seven months later he had dropped almost 110 pounds and was on track to lose 42 more and reach his target weight of 210 pounds. His 56-inch waist in February was 32% smaller, allowing him to buy pants with a 38-inch waistband.

More importantly, he no longer takes 90% of the medications he once needed to treat a myriad of health problems, including diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and sleep apnea.

George Pacciello/staff photographerBariatric surgery, along with workouts at Hunterdon Health and Wellness Center in Clinton, including strength training, helped Glenn Mamary lose more than 100 pounds in about seven months.“I feel like a different person!” says Mamary, a Branchburg resident. “I’m flexible, I have energy. I’m just enjoying my life, doing so much more with my family,” wife Maureen and children Nicholas, 23, and Amanda, 21.

Anyone interested in learning more about Hunterdon Healthcare’s Center for Advanced Weight Loss, a multidisciplinary program that meets the growing need for bariatric surgery and weight loss services, can attend an information session held the last Wednesday of each month from 6 to 7 p.m. at Hunterdon Health and Wellness Center, 1738 Route 31 north, Clinton. Center doctors and dietitians attend to answer questions.

Mamary said that he struggled with his weight as a child, forgoing sports in favor of computers and marching band. “I was definitely self-conscious,” he says. At age 16 he met Maureen and, hoping to impress her, dropped 45 pounds by “starving and working out,” and then keeping it off until their marriage.

It didn’t help that Maureen, and their children, don’t struggle with their weight. For instance, when his wife would fill a bowl with ice cream at night Glenn says he would think, “I can eat that too! It made it very difficult.”

Mamary knew his weight was dangerous. Diabetes cost his maternal grandfather both legs and his father had diabetes and a heart condition. And, he’s worked at the hospital for more than 16 years.

Last year Mamary went on yet another diet, lost 60 pounds and then, within a couple of months, gained back those 60 and another 20.

“I was 49 years old and I had diabetes, sleep apnea, reflux, high cholesterol and hypertension,” he says. “I love to swim, I love the beach and I still went, but it was embarrassing.”

George Pacciello/staff photographerSurgeon Naveen Ballem speaks with Glenn Mamary, a patient whose weight-loss surgery has inspired the Branchburg man to lead a more fit lifestyle.

Then he walked into a work meeting at which the new director of the weight loss center, Dr. Naveen Ballem, spoke about the new bariatric program.

One slide in the presentation “just got me, all of the co-morbidities of being overweight,” says Mamary. “I said, ‘Oh my God, I have every one of these. What am I waiting for?’ It just hit home.”

He had never undergone surgery, but feared for his future more than he feared an operation. In part, that was because he works at the hospital. “I know the quality of care here, I know they’re good people. It’s safe, it’s clean,” he says, lessening worries about infection.

Surprisingly, his family didn’t share his enthusiasm for surgery. They thought it was too dangerous. He replied, “My weight is more dangerous. I’m going to die young.”

He explained to them, “I’m not enjoying this. The last yo-yo is going to be what, a 100-pound swing? I can’t do this.”

Mamary qualified for the surgery because he was more than 100 pounds overweight.

Weight loss surgery changes the way the body handles food and limits the amount of food that can be eaten. But, in order to be successful, patients need to commit to making healthy food choices and changing their behavior.

“It’s about changing your lifestyle, your mindset and your habits,” explains nutritionist Velta Soucie, from the Center for Nutrition and Diabetes Management at Hunterdon Medical Center. Soucie counsels and educates patients, before and after surgery, on nutritional needs.

Mamary says that he went into the surgery understanding that “it’s not a miracle tool. But I know it’s the tool I needed.”

George Pacciello/staff photographerAerobic workouts are helping Glenn Mamary to reach his weight-loss goals following bariatric surgery at Hunterdon Healthcare’s Center for Advanced Weight Loss.

A patient who decides to undergo bariatric surgery meets with various members of a team at Hunterdon, including a clinical psychologists and physiotherapists. The goal is to help patients achieve sustainable and lifelong changes. Mamary rates them all “excellent.”

Before the surgery he had to be cleared medically. And he was counseled that eating “is very behavior oriented. I can no longer turn to food for my comfort. At first, after the surgery physically you won’t be able to do it and when you can you don’t want to. You have to re-focus, make sure you’re emotionally ready for this.”

Pre-surgery, Glenn remembers that he “felt OK. I didn’t feel like a very, very old person,” even though he “had a hard time breathing and speaking” and wasn’t able to climb a flight of stairs or ride a bicycle. He couldn’t fit in booths at restaurants and was uncomfortable on airplanes.

Now, he frequently takes the stairs to his sixth-floor office.

Mamary says that before the surgery he usually worked out at Hunterdon Wellness Center a few times a week. “I’d go, but it wasn’t a priority.” Today he’s encouraged by his progress and works out at least five times weekly, on cardio and strength training. He loves taking walks in his neighborhood and is shopping for a new bicycle.

“I look normal, I don’t look like a big person anymore,” he says.

Recently Mamary got a $20 gift certificate in the mail from one of the few shops where he was previously able to find clothes that fit. “When I walked in the clerk said, ‘We don’t have anything here for you.’ I wanted to kiss him!”

According to Dr. Ballem, “Obesity is the single-largest public health concern the country is facing. In New Jersey, one of three people is considered overweight and has an obesity-related medical problem.”

For more information on the advanced weight loss program, call program coordinator Christine Meny at 908-237-5529.

Have you struggled with your weight? If you’ve lost weight, what was the impetus? If you haven’t and want to, what’s holding you back?

After missing two First Friday Artwalks for an upgrade to its heating, ventilation and air conditioning system, the Mulvane Art Museum returns with four new exhibits in its galleries.

On the monthly self-guided tour of Topeka’s art spots coordinated by ARTSConnect Topeka, those who include the Mulvane as a stop can see the exhibits at a reception from 5 to 8 p.m., which are the hours for most First Friday Artwalk stops.

At 5:30 p.m., the abstract artists who created the works in the Mulvane’s featured exhibit, “Parallel Views: Works by Miguel Angel Giovanetti and Fernando Pezzino,” will discuss their art in the first-floor galleries.

Giovanetti, a Buenos Aires, Argentina, artist will display works from his “Open Shapes” and “Ovals” series.

The “Open Shapes” pieces are geometric interpretations of a vest as homage to the futurist vests that were designed by the artist Fortunato Depero in the 1920s. Because of the strong colors that contrasted with the gray of the suits worn at the time, they were very imposing.

The oval is an ideal reference to the vest and the straight lines he includes complete the composition. Along with the “Open Shapes” series, Giovanetti is working in parallel with his “Ovals” series where he eliminates all the figurative references and uses a great number of ovals that are superimpose and integrated with each other.

Pezzino, an instructor in Washburn’s modern languages department since 2008, will display works from his “Cultural Fragments Series” which is based on the concept of communication.

The Argentina-born Pezzino work uses a figurative element as a platform to arrive at a geometric abstraction. Fragments of different cultures provide clues and it is up to the viewer to interpret the cultural hints.

“Parallel Views” will be on display through March 18. On exhibit through April 15 are:

• “Industrial Nature: Works by Michelle Stitzlein,” a Baltimore artist who creates sculptures out of recycle objects including slide carousels, headlamps and piano keys. Stitzlein will be at the Mulvane from March 7-10 to create from bottle caps a mural for the museum’s ArtLab and participate in its Family Day on March 10 when she will help patrons create art magnets from bottle caps.

• “Ichi-Mai Ori: Works by Robert J. Lang,” an Alamo, Calif., creator of origami sculptures.

• “Twist and Turn: Art Work by Participants in the Museum’s Twist & Turn Project,” in which area schoolchildren created works inspired by “Topiary with a Twist,” the large nest-like instillation art work in front of the museum created by Patrick Dougherty from sticks and limbs of trees.

The ArtLab also will be open for visitors.

Here are more First Friday Artwalk stops:

WESTBORO/MIDTOWN

Alice C. Sabatini Gallery, Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library, 1515 S.W. 10th: “The Waiting Room: Lost and Found,” art inspired by the experience of time spent in waiting rooms. Learn more about the Waiting Room Project at thewaitingroomproject.org.

Artist Collection & Custom Framing, 4039 S.W. 10th, in Fleming Place: Largest collection of Flint Hills and Kansas photography in the area.

Beauchamp’s, 3113 S.W. Huntoon: “David Hartley & Brad LeDuc: Recent Works,” which will contrast the dense charcoal landscape drawings of Hartley, who teaches art at Washburn University, with the bold colorful regionalist paintings of Topeka artist Brad LeDuc.

The Collective, 3121 S.W. Huntoon: “My Women Series: 1992-2012,” in which Barbara Waterman Peters offers a retrospective of her ongoing series with at least one painting from each of the 20 years.

Flying Collective Handcrafted Brews, 1635 S.W. 17th, in College Hill: Photography by Grant Fitch.

Glass Expressions, 1250 S.W. Oakley: Fine art glass in the form of heart-shaped pendants, paperweights and ornaments, as well as other glass gifts for Valentine’s Day.

Mulvane Art Museum, Washburn University, just south of S.W. 17th and Jewell entrance to campus: “Parallel Views: Works by Miguel Angel Giovanetti and Fernando Pezzino,” “Industrial Nature: Works by Michelle Stitzlein,” “Ichi-Mai Ori: Works by Robert J. Lang” and “Twist and Turn: Art Work by Participants in the Museum’s Twist & Turn Project.” The ArtLab also is open for visitors.

Soho Interiors, 3129 S.W Huntoon: Introducing the photography of Karen Whightsil, as well as new still life oil paintings by Mack Schroer, jewelry by Tabitha Todd, watercolor and oil paintings by Ron Flier, and graphite and mixed media works by Traci Osborn.

WEST & SOUTHWEST

Art Guild Gallery, 5331 S.W. 22nd Place, in Fairlawn Plaza: :”Travel: Near and Far,” a juried group show; new jewelry by Karen Taylor; and creations by student artists at Jefferson West High School.

The Hub, 5333 S.W. 22nd Place, in Fairlawn Plaza: This boutique joins the walk with a display of images by Jana Futcher of A2Z Photography.

SouthWind Gallery, 3074 S.W. 29th: “Artists to Watch in 2012,” with works by Michael James Allen, Topeka; Jim Clements, El Dorado; Jane Flanders, Lawrence; Doug Frye, Topeka; Marilyn Horsch, Lawrence; Michelle Leivan, Topeka; Cheryl Heller Olsen, Council Grove; Jeannie Pflumm, Lenxa; Richard Prather, Garland, Texas; and Deb Schroer, Strong City; with an artists’ reception from 6 to 8:30 p.m.

BERRYTON

Colorfields Gallery & Hot Shop, 6826 S.E. Stubbs Road: Hand-blown glass ornaments, paperweights, vases and sculptures and lamp-work jewelry by Bret Ebberts, who will go glass-blowing demonstrations, and paintings, drawings, Kansas note cards, fused glass jewelry, stacked wool felt jewelry and dried floral arrangements by Roxanne Ebberts. Open 4:30 to 8:30 p.m.

DOWNTOWN

Avenue Hair Styling, 807 S. Kansas Ave.: Kansas photography.

Blue Planet Cafe, 112 S.E. 8th: Works by local artists.

Bosco’s, 435 S. Kansas Ave.: Featuring visual, performing and epicurean art.

The Break Room, 911 S. Kansas Ave: First competition of Round 2 of So U Think U R Funny?? at 8 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m. Admission is $3.

First Presbyterian Church, 817 S.W. Harrison: “Icons in Transformation,” featuring the abstract art of Russian-born Ludmila Pawlowska with traditional icons of from the Vassilevsky Monastery in Russia. Also on display at Grace Cathedral.

Grace Cathedral, 701 S.W. 8th: “Icons in Transformation,” featuring the abstract art of Russian-born Ludmila Pawlowska with traditional icons of from the Vassilevsky Monastery in Russia. Also on display at First Presbyterian Church.

H & R Block, 726 S. Kansas Ave.: Works by local artists.

Hazel Hill, 724 S. Kansas Ave.: Works by local artists, plus PT’s coffee samples.

Kansan Grill, 705 S. Kansas Ave.: Photography of famous Kansans.

The Merchant, 913 S. Kansas Ave.: Visitors can in the upstairs art workroom try their hand at pastels, watercolors and charcoals and sample Hazel Hill chocolates. Via’s pizza also will be served, and music on keyboards will be played by Rydum by Bernie.

NexLynx, 123 S.W. 6th: Kansas landscape paintings by Irene Redman, plus visitors will receive a free Midwest Bruins baseball team T-shirt.

Topeka High School, 800 S.W. 10th: “Love,” student art inspired by the theme of “love.” Use the Western Street entrance to access the third-floor gallery open from 5 to 7 p.m.

The Upstage Gallery, in the Historic Jayhawk Theatre, 720 S.W. Jackson: Barbara Solberg’s mixed media works inspired by nature and ancient culture. Also showing works by Mary Anderson, Robert Ash, Beth Cain, Randy Fay, Jim Ginavan, Linden Kirby, Angela Lexow, Barb Quaney, Pam Renovato, Celia Smith and Joe Williams. Open to 9 p.m.

Warehouse 414, 414 S.E. 2nd: “Margaret Ramberg + Phil Hershberger,” plus sculptural chairs by Jason Startup and from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. an acoustic set by singer Megan Leigh before she makes her concert debut at with the band Lonesome Jake at 9 p.m. at College Hill Tavern, 1616 S.W. 17th.

NOTO ARTS DISTRICT

Artist Lofts & Rusty Haggles Antiques, 826 N. Kansas Ave.: Artists Lisa Adame, Joey Embers, Peter Gotta, Robert Hubbard and Kurtis King will great visitors in their studios, access to is up the steps from the street or through the rear of Rusty Haggles Antiques, where additional art by Shirley Akers, Melody Beacham and Joyce Knott is on display in the lower-floor wall gallery.

The Eclective: Eclectic Art Showroom & Studios, 900 N. Kansas Ave.: Monk’s Wine performing at 5:30 p.m.; works by abstract artist Shay Dodson and gourd artist Nancy Overmyer; and author Max Yoho will sign copies of his new book “Me and Aunt Izzy.”

Foole’s Dream Studio, 833 ½ N. Kansas Ave.: Demonstrations by by designer, painter and illustrator Shelly Bedsaul of her coloring process using colored pencil.

Kaw River Mercantile, 833 N. Kansas Ave.: Owner Donavene Brian Liggett will help visitors find a perfect Valentine’s Day gift.

The NOTO Community Arts Center, 922 N. Kansas Ave.: Music by the High Falutin’ String Band at 5 p.m.; announcement at 5:30 p.m. about the NOTO Saturday Market which will begin Saturdays in April; and Ballet Folklorico de Topeka dancing at 6 p.m. A mockup of the market with three tents in the cent wil feature Porubsky’s chili, vintage soda drinks, arts, crafts and antigues.

Robuck Jewelery, 845 N. Kansas Ave.: Estate and antique jewelry and designer lines of fine jewelry.

Second Chance Antiques and Collectibles, 840 N. Kansas Ave.: Antiques in all price ranges.

Serendipity, 820 N. Kansas Ave.: This new wedding reception center marks its grand opening with a ribbon cutting at 4 p.m.; music by Mike Babb and S’more Blues at 7 p.m.; art by Stephanie Munoz-O’Neil, Jenny Lui Designs and Staci Ogle; and dinner with drink from Johnny Carino’s for $10 for adults or $5 for children.

Southwest Traders, 830 N. Kansas Ave.: Southwestern artwork, Native American-crafted jewelry and handmade blankets, rugs, pottery and home décor purchase, including recent acquisitions.

Studio 831, 831 N. Kansas Ave.: Works by Anne Kufahl, Diane Lawrence, Angela Lexow, Pam Renovato, Hi Stockwell, Cindy Stubbs, Lois VanLiew and Barbara Waterman-Peters, and ceramics by Michael Bradley, Merl Miles and Larry Peters.

The Two-Day Monthly Market, 824 N. Kansas Ave.: In the gallery room, “Two Sisters at Two Days,” works by Louise Brock Hamilton and Marilyn Schroeder, as well as vintage pine furniture, old-fashioned valentines, a steel cabinet, winter white items, industrial items, vintage bikes and other antiques and merchandise from Coralee Evans and Lisa Cusick, co-owners of Brickhouse Antiques, 3711 S.W. Burlingame Road.

Bill Blankenship can be reached at (785) 295-1284 or . Follow him on Twitter @TCJ_AandE. Read his blog at CJOnline.com/blog/dark.

Feb 2 2012 by Maria Croce

WHETHER it is a lack of time for busy mums or a desire to cling onto their youth, many women get stuck in a style rut when it comes to their hair.

In fact two thirds of female have had the same style for at least six years, while nearly half haven’t altered their style since their teens, according to research by Remington.

MARIA CROCE challenged three women to break out of their hairstyle rut and have the confidence to go for a new look.

Emily McIntyre

AS a busy working mum, Emily McIntyre found it easier to keep the same long style for a decade.

Emily, 28, from Bellshill, Lanarkshire, runs Ruby and Rose Jewellery with her mum and is married to Nairn, 33.

The couple have four kids, Oliver, seven, Ava, four, Elliot, three and Isaac, who is 18 months.

Emily said: “I was comfortable with the length and didn’t want to do anything too drastic – so my hair has stayed the same for the last 10 years.

“I didn’t really know what to do with my hair and because it was thick the best thing I could do was straighten it.

Before “My passion is clothes, shoes and accessories. I didn’t realise I didn’t do much with my hair by accident.”

Emily went for a restyle at Westend Hair Aveda – having her long locks layered, a fringe and colour.

“I think the fringe has made me look younger and I feel more excited about what I can do with my hair now,” said Emily.

“If I was going on a night out I now know how to put it up as the hairdresser was giving me tips on what I could do.

“It was a whole experience rather than just a haircut. This is perfect because it’s a change without losing the length.”

Emily’s hair is by Westend Hair Aveda, Kelvinbridge in Glasgow.

Emily’s hairdresser: Dawn Murray, who owns Westend Hair Aveda, went for a subtle change, which made a big difference to how Emily felt about her locks.

Dawn explained: “She didn’t feel special about her hair. Looking at her eyes and eyebrows we decided to accentuate them with a fringe. I wanted to make the hair look longer, so layered it, which allowed me to get texture into the hair, getting rid of dry ends.

“She didn’t want to do anything too radical but this made her feel very different, even though it was only a slight change. She was scared of colour, so we went for something that can wash away, with panels of vibrant violet and red. We’re about health and being as natural as we possibly can, so we just wanted her to look really healthy.”

Arlene Gordon

Admin assistant Arlene Gordon had been sporting a bob for eight years.

As a busy mum of two she found it easier to tie her hair up while she looked after her family and had other priorities when it came to money.

Arlene also admits she was scared to go for anything dramatically different, and when she did get her locks cut, she just went for a few inches.

The 37-year-old from Muirhead in Troon, Ayrshire, is married to fireman Paul, 36, and the couple have two children, Millie, five, and Ethan, seven months.

She said: “I had long hair for ages then I got it cut a bit shorter but I was scared to get anything else done.

“You forget about yourself when you’ve got children and tend to avoid the expense of keeping a hairstyle.”

We challenged her to go for a short crop and, although she was a bit nervous, Arlene was delighted with her transformation, which was done at Finnell & MacMillan in Glasgow, with make-up by Townhouse Beauty.

She explained: “I think it’s BEFORE taken years off me – I keep looking at myself in the mirror and thinking it’s not me. My husband really likes it – I’m like a new wife.

“I stopped going to a salon and I had a hairdresser come to the house because it seemed easier.

“It’s difficult to find the time. But it was great to be pampered.

“I felt a real fuddy duddy with my hair before – old before my time and a bit mumsy – but I feel more myself. It’s lifted me.”

Arlene’s hair was done by Finnell & MacMillan, 15 Royal Crescent, Glasgow, while her make-up is by Liana from Townhouse Beauty, Glasgow.

Arlene’s hairdresser: Kevin Finnell, of Finnell & MacMillan, helped Arlene change her look to fit into her lifestyle.

He said: “She has two kids and doesn’t have a lot of time to do her hair. Her hair is very thick so I decided to do an undercut to remove bulk from underneath. We cut in a slight fringe to soften it and used a semi-permanent colour and added dark copper slices to give it nice tones.

“Women with small children can fall into keeping their hair a bit longer and tied back, which can actually be quite ageing.”

Suzanne Davies

Air traffic assistant Suzanne Davies couldn’t get her hair to grow any longer – so had been stuck with the same style for seven years.

Suzanne, 42, of Troon, is married to Rob, 52, and they have four children, Freya, eight, twins William and Alice, four, and Olivia, three.

“I had the same hairstyle in a bob on my wedding day when I was 23,” said Suzanne.

Suzanne had cold fusion flat-bonded hair extensions by Chris Christoforou, of Universal Extensions, and was styled at Pele Hair and Beauty, Hope Street, Glasgow.

“I absolutely love my new look,” said Suzanne. BEFORE “I actually feel more assertive because I’ve got more confidence.

“One of my work colleagues said it wasn’t just my hair that had changed – I seemed to have a new attitude too.”

Suzanne’s hair is by Chris at Universal Extensions (universalextensions.co.uk, or call 0141 554 9251 or 07877210495).

The extensions cost from £250 but Chris is giving a special offer to Daily Record readers of 125 strands for £495, instead of the usual price of £800.

Suzanne’s hair was styled by Michael Moran and her make-up was done by Sandra McCafferty at Pele Hair and Beauty, Glasgow.

Suzanne’s hairdresser: Chris Christoforou, of Universal Extensions, works with 50 salons around Glasgow, specialising in Wonderful Hair cold fusion flat-bonded extensions, which last around four months.

He said: “We get a lot of clients whose hair doesn’t grow a lot longer, so extensions are good. With this type of extension it’s flat instead of twisting the hair, so it looks more natural and doesn’t put pressure on, or damage the hair.

“We’ve gone for a natural length rather than making it too long. I then softened Suzanne’s own hair to blend it because it had been in a blunt cut and I shaped it around her face to give softness.”

Your wedding is probably the biggest day of your life so you want it to be truly special. To help you plan your perfect day, Wolverhampton Magazine – a sister publication of the Shropshire Star – is hosting a wedding fair on Sunday, March 11.

With up to 35 exhibitors, covering every aspect of planning your dream wedding, the fair will offer everything a bride and groom needs to turn their dreams into reality, all under one roof.

Wedding specialists attending will be showcasing bridal gowns and formal men’s hire; hair and make-up, cakes, flowers, photography, transport and wedding gift services.

There will also be two fantastic fashion shows when wedding dresses will be modelled in sizes 10-14. Menswear will also be on the catwalk as well as mother-of-the-bride outfits.

If you have set a date for your nuptials you won’t want to miss our wedding fair which will be held between 11am and 4pm in the stylish surroundings of The Mount Hotel, a Grade II listed venue in Tettenhall. Admission is free.

General manager of MNA Magazines, Tom Graham says: “Wolverhampton Magazine is delighted to be hosting its first wedding fair, at the elegant Mount Hotel.

“The magazine is all about championing local people and local businesses, so it is great that so many of our wedding exhibitors are local.

“The fair is the ideal platform for both up and coming and established businesses to showcase all their finery, and the perfect place to get ideas if you are planning your big day.

“There will be many different exhibitors, as well as bridal shows, so it is bound to be a great day out.”

Wolverhampton Magazine is delighted catwalk model Sally Mansell, founder of The Fashion Show Company, will be organising the fashion shows.

If anyone can stage a stylish show it’s Sally, from Finchfield in Wolverhampton, who set up her successful company with the help of husband Jason more than a decade ago.

She will organise the full production, from choosing the models and the music as well as the styling and choreography. Shows will be compered by model Julie Froggatt, wife of the former Wolves footballer Steve Froggatt.

For a long time, Lisa Mattison Roberts and her family had wanted to own their own store, even to the point that as they lived in various places around the country, they took notes on the shops they came across.

The dream finally came true when Roberts and her mother, Ann Mattison, opened Rock Paper Scissors at 102 W. Chicago Blvd. in downtown Tecumseh.

Rock Paper Scissors carries gifts for any occasion, from “hostess gifts to baby gifts to everything in between,” Roberts said.

Customers can also find jewelry, out-of-the-ordinary greeting and note cards, and personalized stationery and invitations for events including weddings and graduations at prices to suit any budget.

“We’re so much more than an invitation and paper store. We have a lot of fun gifts,” Roberts said. Items can even be found that would complement other presents. For example, said Roberts, a customer needing a hostess gift could go across the street to the Boulevard Market to purchase some wine or cheese and come to Rock Paper Scissors for a special gift bag for the wine or accessories to go with the cheese, making the gift more complete.

One of the shop’s popular items is the “Happy Everything” plate, which comes as either a large circular plate or a small square one. The plate has Velcro on which a variety of separately available attachments can be affixed depending on the occasion, such as a Christmas tree figure or wine bottle decoration.

“They’re a really fun gift and really unique,” Roberts said.

Where did the store’s name come from? Given the family penchant for the game of that name, it seemed appropriate.

“My family and my husband’s family are very competitive,” said Roberts. “At our wedding, we even did Rock Paper Scissors for who would get to say their vows first.”

To that end, she added, the shop runs promotions inviting customers to come in and play Rock Paper Scissors with her to earn a discount on their purchase if they win.

Roberts is no stranger to the business world. She has an MBA degree and has worked in business for years, for companies ranging from Starbucks to Target to Sysco, the food service firm, and in banking as well.

She and her mother first got into business together selling wedding invitations and personalized stationery from her home. Now, she and Ann, whom she called “the world’s greatest hostess,” work together at their shop.

Wedding is a very memorable thing in life. That is a special day on which two different people will be bounded in one unity. With the development of wedding equipment industry, people now can just say what kind of wedding ceremony and party they want to have. Among so many themes of wedding, vintage wedding theme is one popular choice. The vintage or classic atmosphere is considered to be able to bring the “sacred” atmosphere and the uniqueness of the day. Of course people want this day become a unique day and only happens once in a lifetime.

One important element of vintage wedding theme is the antique jewelry which will be worn by both the groom and the bride. Jewelry takes an important role as the symbol of the beauty and the prosperity of the couple in marriage. It does not have to be so expensive, but it should be catchy and be able to enhance the gleam of the ceremony. Since jewelry is not a big item, you can use the vintage jewelry as “something” that has to be existed in a wedding. With blue antique rings, you can have something blue for granted. And even with the property of “vintage” there, you can use the jewelry as something old too. Or you can borrow some vintage necklace and use it as something borrowed. Really practical and flexible option, right?

Do not be afraid to be different since uniqueness is richness. When you decide to have vintage wedding ceremony, you have started something different. Develop your idea of vintage wedding by using also the antique jewelry. The older the look, the more unique it will be. Use the right antique wedding jewelry so that you will enhance your beauty and you can have a memorable and amazing wedding event.

Places to get married – a church, a judge’s office, at thebeach, a resort.

The winner’s circle at a horseracing track?

That’s where a local couple, Bruce and Michele Testerman, exchangedvows last summer.

Bruce Testerman and Michele Dionisio got engaged at Christmas 2010.They were planning a wedding, thinking about maybe going to thebeach or Las Vegas.

Then, one Sunday last February or March, Dionisio was looking atthe Richmond Times-Dispatch and saw a promotion called “It’s a Raceto the Altar!” To enter the contest for an all-expense-paidwedding, participants had to write an essay about why they shouldget married at Colonial Downs racetrack in New Kent County, nearRichmond.

Dionisio wrote the essay.

“You never think you’re going to win something like that,” she saidrecently.

In her essay, she wrote about working with horses in her native NewYork and that Testerman grew up on a farm in rural Virginia. Shewrote they were trying to decide about their wedding so theirfamilies could be a part of it.

“Colonial Downs would make the perfect backdrop for the start ofour forever lives together,” she wrote. “It would take our familyand friends to a place that gives us happiness andexcitement!”

Last April, Dionisio and Testerman went to the Times-Dispatchoffice and met with representatives from the newspaper and ColonialDowns and nine other couples.

On June 25, the 10 couples, most from the Richmond area, went toColonial Downs for the decision on which one would get the weddingpackage. It would be determined by the winner of the seventhrace.

Twelve horses were in the race. The 10 couples picked horse numbersout of a box. Dionosio and Testerman picked horse number one, a3-year-old named Rockaby Bay.

“Our horse was smoking them,” she said about how the race wasgoing.

Rockaby Bay ended up finishing second, but remember there were 12horses for 10 couples. None of the couples had picked the horsethat actually won the race, meaning Testerman and Dionisio were thereal winners. They got the wedding package.

Colonial Downs had picked the wedding date, July 30, a monthaway.

“That month was a total blur, trying to get everything together,”she said. She made seven trips to Richmond that month working oninvitations, photography, trying on a wedding gown and much more.Testerman said he went three times.

The package included wedding planning, invitations, wedding dressand tuxedo, dance lessons, hair styling for Dionisio, a cake,flowers, photography, favors, limousine service and a honeymoon tothe Outer Banks in North Carolina. It also included the weddingreception at the track’s Turf Club. The package was estimated at$25,000.

Dionisio and Testerman got married in the winner’s circle after theday’s first race. Dionisio and her uncle,William Latham, rode tothe winner’s circle in a horse-drawn carriage.

The wedding was performed by New Kent County Sheriff Wakie HowardJr. and was shown on the track’s big screen for the 10,000 racingspectators to watch.

The ceremony lasted about five minutes, which was OK since it wasnearly 100 degrees with high humidity. The inside reception wentfor a few hours.

About 80 family members and friends attended, representing ninestates, including California, Texas, Florida, New York andothers.

The Testermans, who live in Long Island, said the best part wasthat so many family and friends were able to attend. Some drovefrom New York, while others took a redeye flight from Las Vegas toWashington, D.C., and then drove to the track. A cousin coming fromTexas had to change air carriers and airports because of atornado.

“It was a blast. We had so much fun,” Michele Testerman said.

When your wedding is over, what will you have? Of course, you will have each other and some great memories, but how will you preserve those memories, not only for yourself, but also for future generations? The easy answer is with pictures of your wedding, but the truth is that it’s not really that simple. When preserving such a special and unique day, you can’t trust just anyone. To make sure that your special day is captured in the best way, make sure to choose a professional wedding photographer that meets a few simple qualifications.

One of the first things to consider is to make sure that you feel at ease with the photographer – If you are not, it will show in the pictures. When you talk to potential wedding photographers make sure that you feel comfortable with them. Is it someone that you can spend all day with? Is the photographer someone that will blend naturally with your guests? Look at the photographer’s other photos. If the photographer can’t make people feel relaxed it will be obvious in the pictures.

Another very important thing to look for in a quality wedding photographer is how organized and efficient they are. A good wedding photographer will have everything organized from the beginning. If a wedding photographer doesn’t provide you with a checklist of desired photos it should send up a red flag. A simple questionnaire about what you want will give the photographer an idea what you are looking for and ensure the best pictures possible.

Before you book your wedding with a photography company, find out who will be taking your pictures. There are many large photography firms that snap out weddings in an assembly line fashion. With these large companies, you don’t always know what or who you are getting. You should be able to work directly with the person that will be taking your wedding photos and not with a manager or sales person. If you don’t know who is going to be taking your pictures, you won’t know if you have the needed rapport with your photographer and it will show in the end.

Every couple is different and that means that every wedding is different. Of course, there are many must have shots that all couples want, but there are often unique requests. With family structures evolving and old divisions breaking down, the wants and needs are changing too. If you have interesting and distinctive wedding photography needs you will need a wedding photographer that is flexible and adaptable. Make sure to talk to potential photographers and see how they respond to odd request. This will help you decide if they have the talent and creativity to get the look your want.

The best wedding photography is going to take some time. Standing and posing for shots isn’t always the most enjoyable thing to do when there is food and fun waiting, but if you want the best photos from your wedding you should allow at least 30 minutes for after ceremony pictures and up to an hour for pre-ceremony photos. It takes time to arrange the groups and ensure that everything is in place. Make sure that you and all of your party are on time for the pictures. If people are late it will only rush the photographer and compromise the quality of the final product. After the event, allow the photographer time to print the photos. You don’t want rushed prints.

The last and one of the most important things to keep in mind is how the photographer approaches wedding photography. Is he/she just taking pictures? Or creating art? Is your photographer passionate about photography or simply just doing a job? There are literally thousands of wedding photographers that can take your pictures and do a good job. They can output posed pictures as easily as someone in an office creates a spreadsheet. To these generic photographers it is just a job. If you want something special you need to find an artist that loves photography and will combine skill, talent, and heart to capture your special day.

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