Kisses is thrilled to announce that our very own Kathi Wood, experienced wedding consultant for more than 20 years, will now be coordinating weddings at The Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Ascension in downtown Savannah, Georgia.

This beautiful, historic, center-aisle church is located on Wright Square in historic Savannah and until now has only allowed its church to be used by members for wedding ceremonies. Now, in addition to Kathi being available to offer brides her tried-and-true advice, even NON MEMBERS may now hold their Christian wedding ceremonies in this picturesque house of worship that was founded in 1741.

The Church invites you to visit the sanctuary during the week and attend a worship service on Sunday. The door is always open and available for meditation and touring.

Call Kathi Wood, the church wedding coordinator at (912) 352-2111 to discuss wedding availability.

Kisses for now!

Yes, we know, we just get so inspired by what's available for the DIY wedding we have to keep sharing it! We're not talking construction paper and glue here folks! These are honest-to-goodness creative ideas to make your wedding personal and unforgettable - all without breaking the bank!

From inventive save the dates to place cards, invites to thank you notes and more, be sure to give Paper Source a try! Even if just for inspiration, we're sure you'll find lots of "pretties" that will make you smile - and after all, that's what a wedding should be all about - what makes YOU happiest!

If you have some great DIY advice or photos from your own wedding - past or future - we'd love to see them so send them along! And until then, enjoy the bounty of creativity that is all around!

Kisses for now!

We just love coming across fun ideas to make your wedding unique and personal - and the folks at peartreegreetings have done it again! If you have already had or will have an engagement photo session (which is a fabulous idea!) this is an inventive way to show your invited guests multiple photos from your session while also creating a memorable save the date! Notice this couple's creative use of a simple chalk board to reveal their wedding date. You, too can borrow inspiration from their idea or come up with your own - like writing in the sand, or having custom T-shirts made that you both wear to convey your message.

Whatever you do just have FUN! And think of the day when you'll look back at this special time and be grateful for the many ways you captured these precious memories!

Kisses for now!

Whether toasts are given at your rehearsal dinner, your wedding reception or both, they are always a memorable part of your special celebration. The hope is that each toast will be moving, not mushy and exhilarating, not embarrassing - which can be tricky! Often all it takes is a microphone and an amp to bring out the worst in family and friends! But here we've provided you with a few tips to hopefully make all of your wedding toasts hit just the right note.

• Rehearsal dinners are the perfect time for the hosts, which are typically the groom's parents, to take center stage.
• Other than the groom's parents, toasting at the Rehearsal dinner should be reserved for the bride's parents, the best man and the maid of honor. Consider the one giving the toast - he/she may be more comfortable speaking in front of a smaller crowd at the Rehearsal rather than the often larger Reception guest list.
• For both the Rehearsal and the Reception, have the toasts done as early as possible to avoid any ill effects of alcohol consumption - lips get loose when too much is consumed.
• If those giving the toasts ask for your advice or input, let them know that sweet and clever stories are often best and add a personal touch - as long as they don't get too personal!
• Reception festivities give the bride's parent's center stage. The same folks from the Rehearsal may toast here again if they/ you choose.
• Let your wedding coordinator help you keep toasts under control so you don't have to be the bad guy (or forever relive a bad toast after it goes viral!)

As for the toast itself, here are some hints for the ones offering good wishes:

• Keep it short, simple and heartfelt
• Each guest should have a beverage in hand for the toast
• Alert the band or DJ to end the toast with a musical finale
• It is best to speak from the heart but it's OK to have notes - just practice it as much as possible before it's showtime so you seem more fluid
• Remember that the toast is a gift itself so raise a glass and have a ball!

Kisses for now!

Among the MANY fun things you get to do as a bride to be, registering has to be at the top of the list! First, it's something you and your groom can (and should) do together! It also makes the idea of married life and happy homemaking become very real! And while this fun check point on your way to wedded bliss may be super easy, you may also find yourself a bit overwhelmed at where to start once you see the seemingly endless array of choices retailers offer. Should you do in store and online or choose one method only? Should you pick the super high priced item you really, really want or will no one be able to afford that?

So Kisses wanted to share some helpful pointers that our experts have passed along over the years to help you navigate your gift selections. Consider this your crash course in Registry 101! Just read on, grab your groom and pick up that UPC scanner (which is SO much fun!) and soon you'll be on your way to receiving everything you need for happily ever after!

• Before you even go to your first store, sit down together and make a list of what you have and don't have. You can even make a list of essential items and "dream" items to help you prioritize.
• Try to narrow down your design preferences before you are bombarded with options. Do you want formal and causal china? Would you rather go casual only and register for a great luggage set or new bedding instead of formal china? Talking it out at home will make you more decisive in the store.
• As a rule, if you are having a large wedding, your registry will have more items in it than those who have a smaller wedding.
• Regardless of your wedding guest list size, you should include a variety of price ranges as a courtesy to your gift buyers.
• Get creative! The essentials of china, flatware and towels are usually givens and typically the big chain retail stores are your go-to for those - but remember, there are also unique finds in local stores, too! Like Savannah's own Sweet Tea, which offers many unique home decor and personal items you're sure to treasure including artwork (you will need to deck the walls after all)!
• Last but not least, ask any store where you register what 'perks' are in it for you! You are bringing a lot of business their way and often stores will give you some kind of added incentive for choosing them as your registry source. Also, be sure to ask about return and fulfillment policies up front. You don't want to be stuck with three of the same item OR have to finish out your entire place setting if you only get 6 of the 12 you requested.

As with all decisions that come with your wedding, above all, HAVE FUN! This is a great time to get some one-on-one time with your guy as you plan your future life together.

Did you recently register or get married? Tell us what you learned and what gifts you will treasure the most!

Happy Registering and Kisses for now!