Wedding Day Memories

Planning a wedding? Or perhaps you own a business within the bridal industry... either way, here's some interesting information on how the recession is changing how brides are choosing to spend their wedding budgets.

A recent study conducted by Modern Bride magazine showed that many of us are not reducing our wedding budgets, but instead, are shifting how we're divvying up those precious, hard-earned dollars.

And, no big surprise to me, people are choosing to invest in items and memories that are long-lasting -- specifically, big diamond rings, quality photography, and great honeymoons.

Hey, I'm right there. While really big weddings are fun for guests, if you are the bride and groom it's so stressful to organize, and the day goes by so fast it seems like a blur.

Give me a decent ring (doesn't even have to be new -- could be an heirloom), some good photos to look back on, and a week or two away with my honey accompanied by a simple day of celebration with close friends and family. That is what would make me happy.

What do you think? If you're planning a wedding now, we'd love to hear from you.

Rough Winter

Now this is the type of winter I remember from my childhood. Snow and cold.

My horses are loving it -- no mud to contend with and the colder weather makes them a bit more frisky than usual. But me... I'm just freezing!

So, I'm heading down to Marco Island, Florida for a little sunshine. And I can't wait to be sitting on that beach, soaking in the warmth.

I made my reservations just a week ago. I had just had it.

I'm lucky enough that my Dad has a condo right on the gulf. So, all I have to do is hop on a plane and he'll be meeting me at the airport.

I am curious, though, to see how many other Hudson Valley residents are feeling the same way I am. We've been a bit spoiled in recent years and haven't had a cold winter like this since I can remember. Is anyone else planning a last-minute getaway?

I've noticed there are some great deals out there - especially for cruises. Bill Sivillo, from Captain's Club Cruises & Tours in Middletown is a member of ours. If you're looking to get away for an affordable vacation in the sun, you may want to give him a call. Tell him June sent you -- he'll have absolutely no idea who I am, but he'll probably rack his brain trying to remember. I've known his wife, Cindy, for years... but I think I've only met Bill once, on a cruise up the Hudson with the Chamber of Commerce. 

Whatever you do, try and keep warm. And we'd love to hear from you and find out how you're enjoying (or not enjoying) this old-fashioned winter we're having.

June Bisel