A Golfer and His Love...

I'd like to introduce you to Audrey and Marc...a hometown girl and her Australian love. There isn't much to say except, I love these pictures. Marc is a golfer (I love that he gets to do what he loves for a living) so it defintely made sense to have their engagement pictures taken were he feels most at home, on the green.

I can't wait to share their wedding images with you...and luckily you won't have to wait long, their much anticipated wedding with be here in only 2 months.

Thank You Lissa Hatcher for letting me use 2 of their amazing images!


Workout Wednesday: Dieting Rules to Follow for Fitness Success

I always look forward to hear what Adam has to say week to week... And he is just as great of a coach in person as he is on our blog! I love that he is willing to share his expertice with us! Now for this week's tips:

Plan, Prepare & Enjoy Often

Rule # 1 - Plan
Plan your menu and shopping list first. Plan each of your meals for the week. Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks. Make a shopping list for the grocery store. When you stick to a list it's not so hard to say no to the Ho-Ho's and Ding Dong's. Make sure to include protein and vegetables in each meal. There shouldn't be any wiggle room when it comes to these two food items. Protein slows digestion, helps control blood sugar levels, controls appetite and your body burns more calories breaking it down than other nutrients. Go for: chicken, fish, lean beef (93/7 or leaner), low-fat cheeses and protein shakes.

Vegetables - Your Mom was right about this one. They are really good for you and here is why. Veggies are high in fiber, slow digestion (meaning your body has time to properly use and store the good stuff), helps control blood sugars and has tons of those ever-so popular Anti-Oxidants. They will keep you feeling younger, faster, smarter and better looking for a long time. So eat them!

Rule # 2 - Prepare
This one is simple and straight forward. Prepare what you bought at the store. Take the foods from your list and make the meals you already have planned. It's simple. Store your meals in cheap Tupperware containers so you can grab them and go. Once your food is made you have no reason not to eat it. It's healthy and less expensive. See, simple and straight forward.

Rule # 3 - Enjoy Often
It's a widely known fact that is rarely followed in the United States. Eating every 3-4 hours benefits you and your metabolism. Why you ask? It helps raise your metabolism, regulates appetite so your are not tempted by Drive-Thru food or the cupcakes at work. When you go more than 3-4 hours between meals (feeding opportunities) your body will start to think it is starving. When this happens your body goes in survival mode. In survival mode your body conserves calories meaning your are not burning them. Without burning calories you will not lose weight. Also, if your meals get too spread apart, then next time you eat, your body will go crazy storing everything. Now I am sure you know where that leads you. You got it. Weight Gain, and what bride do you know that wants that?

So remember these 3 Rules. Plan, Prepare and Enjoy Often.

Adam and Jenn Pismeny are certified personal trainers in Virginia Beach and owners of Virginia Beach Adventure Boot Camp for Women. They specialize in helping women of all Ages, Sizes and Abilities transform their bodies and improve their lives with the only year round Women's Exclusive Boot Camp. For more information on their Women's exclusive fitness programs, go to www.VirginiaBeachBootCamp.com or call them at 757-752-8663.

Who is Antonia Christianson?

I am a wife, mother, sister and friend. I am a planner, stylist, and business owner. I am honest, hardworking and dedicated. I am obsessed with my husband, my children and my clients. I am the perpetual cheerleader.  I am sassy. I love laughing, photography, and singing loudly in my car. I love a good debate, experiencing life through the eyes of my children and the beach in the fall. I love the color yellow, makeup and high heels. I love wearing a t-shirt and jeans. I love old friends and am thankful for the life journeys I have experienced. I love the moment before a bride walks down the aisle. My career is my passion, I am Antonia Christianson.

Fashion Week: Alisa Benay!

The final day of Antonia Christianson Events Fashion Week features every bride's wish for the perfect wedding day: a perfect wedding dress!!

Introducing Alisa Benay! Alisa Benay has specialized in custom bridal wear and design for over 14 years. We love her because she specializes in historical fashions, especially the look created by the corset and the drama of the bustle. Her gowns are unique because her fit charts were established from digital body scans taken of 20,000 American women in 2005. This allows for many brides to find the perfect fit in her gowns which saves her brides money because they don't need alterations.

If your budget is suffering because of the current economic situations, Alisa Benay has designed dresses for 2010 that appeal to a wide-range of budgets, while still paying attention to all of the important details.



And we love a good cause, too!! Alisa Benay's signature 100 Brides for 100K philanthropic initiative to raise $100,000 for breast cancer causes is going on RIGHT NOW! It runs from October 2009- October 2010. She is donating $1,000 from the sale 100 dresses of this seasons limited edition gown, Mirabelle.


Fashion Week: Hair Accessories!

What is as important (if not more important) then your bridal shoes, jewelry and garter? Your hair!


You can laugh, but I’ve had clients crying that their entire day would be ruined if their hair didn't look just right. (i'm not kidding)...I've had clients refuse to walk down the aisle until her hair accessories are “just so." I've had clients pay hundreds (upon hundreds) of dollars for their wedding "do's"...and even more money for their bridal hair accessories. What kind of hair accessory are we talking about?? The traditional headband, with a TWIST!

This everyday old school accessory is definitely making its way back into the fashion world. Don't be confused that today's headbands are anything like those from the past. You know, the ones that were padded, big and bulky. Today's bridal headbands are scrumptious, sleek, sexy!

Are you sold? Do you want to know where to get a hip, stylish, headband for your wedding day? Or do you love the idea of a sassy headband but you'd like to have one that's less formal and more available to wear for everyday use...Well look no further, check out Ban.do! The fashion forward accessory site that is brought to you by L.A. Stylists Jen & Jamie!

Here's what they are all about:
No. 60 $95.00

No. 101 $165.00
We love this one! Taylor Swift just wore it in "In Touch"

This ban.do headband is called the "s" for $35.00
Not perfect for a wedding...but definitely perfect for a sweet Valentines Date

Fashion Week: Adorn Brides

If you liked my first two posts in Antonia Christianson Events Fashion Week you will definitely love today's. I think every wedding look is only completed with the perfect jewelry...and now finding that final accessory is even easier and less expensive!

Have you heard of Adorn Brides? Do you love beautiful jewelry? How much do you love diamonds?

Here's the easiest question of all to answer...
Would you rather buy this bracelet for $21,000.00 or rent it for $490.00?

Would you rather buy this neckalce for $4,200.00 or rent it for $140.00?
Would you rather buy these earrings for $7,400.00 or rent them for $190.00?
Adorn Brides is "the leading diamond jewelry rental company designed specifically to meet the needs of today's bride." They have partnered with the biggest names in the bridal world from TheKnot.com and Kleinfelds of Manhattan (yes, the same great store featured on "Say Yes to the Dress") to make sure that every bride can look and feel as beautiful as they deserve to on their wedding day. "Though bridal jewelry can sometimes feel like a last minute detail, the accessories you select to compliment your gown are a very important decision and should be considered well in advance of your wedding," Laura Carrington, Adorn Brides Co-Founder and Chief Stylist, cautioned. "From your engagement to your wedding day, it should all begin and end with diamonds. Remember your jewelry will be the very last thing you put on before you walk down the aisle to complete your transformation from fiancé to wife. It's an incredibly memorable, symbolic moment that should be treated as such."

To view the Adorn Brides collection of fine jewelry available for rent, visit www.adorn.com.

Fashion Week: Everything Garters!!

Welcome back to day 2 of Fashion Week at Antonia Christianson Events. As your go to girl for all things weddings I thought it was important to introduce you to wedding related fashion items that you might not know about. Yesterday was awesome shoes, and today are a sexy little unmentionable...called a GARTER!

I'd like to introduce you to Julianne Smith the "Garter Girl". Julianne is quickly becoming known as the "it girl" in garter creations. It sounds silly I know, but I do have a number of clients that want something completely out of the box when it comes to their bridal garter, and before I found Julianne I didn't know where to send them. Julianne and her garters have been featured everywhere from Martha Stewart Weddings to Southern Weddings Magazine, From the Lifetime Channel's "Get Married" to the "Today Show".

Whether you want a total custom creation or a simple garter with elegance Julianne can help.

Garter Images from Julianne Smith

Antonia Christianson Events Fashion Week!

Welcome to Fashion Week at Antonia Christianson Events! There are so many awesome vendors/products in the world of weddings and fashion that I love I decided to do a little "ode to the inner fashionista" right here on our blog! 

First up: Hey Lady Shoes!!! I have to thank my client Audrey for introducing me to this great product. As many of you know I am a lover of amazing shoes...well, amazing shoes that are fabulously comfortable. I know what you're thinking...That's a complete Oxymoron! But it's not. You can definitely have beautiful shoes, that make you feel sexy and are comfortable at the same time.

San Francisco based twins Emily and Jessica Leung longed for a comfortable shoe that they could dance the night away while still staying fashionable.  Their goal was to create an "anti-dyeable, actually danceable wedding shoe..." They dared to ask the question "why can't we have it all?" Feeling great and looking even better --what a truly fabulous, functional shoe should do. The twins believe in pro-choice, the choice to have a killer shoe that isn't a killer shoe. And thus the perfect pair was born. 

How cute are these?

\

"Princess Buttercup"

"At Tiffany's"

"Twinkletoes"

Check out http://www.shopheylady.com/ for more information and to purchase these super fun, super comfy, super sexy shoes!


Ok, I really love the snow!

Ok Ok, I'm sure you are sick of reading about fabulous events in the snow... but I can't get enough. Maybe next week i'll do an entire series on summer weddings...because I know the thought of reading about the warm sun, waves and kickin' details of a summer wedding at the beach would surely warm you up. Personally, the thought that we are already mid-way into February is more than exciting...my heart is all a flutter thinking about all of our spring weddings, because I know they will be here before we know it!

Here's the truth...I was looking through the archives of one of my favorite blogs, Snippit & Ink for inspiration today and I found a beautiful Snow White, Silver Ice and Royal Blue inspiration board and I knew I just had to share...


Here's another thing. The way that Virginia Weather is going right now, I think we should all go to DC (they have 30 inches of snow right now) and build our own ice hotel. I have always dreamed of planning a wedding in an entire chapel made out of ice... Come on look how dreamy this is:



Workout Wednesday: Part 2

Last week I introduced you to Adam and Jenn, Fitness Experts and Owners of the very well known Virginia Beach Adventure Bootcamp for Women...today I am going to pass along the second post of our weekly series "Workout Wednesdays". Don't get scared...Tip #1 does include math.

Tip #1 - Know your numbers. What numbers you ask? Don't worry, that's not a silly question. Most women don't have the first clue as to what, how much, or how often they should be eating to get lean, stay lean and look amazing on their Wedding Day.


The Big Numbers - BMR. That is your Basil Metabolic Rate. BMR, in plain English is the total number of calories (kcal) your body needs to maintain your current body state.

So, since everyone has heard of calories before, let's talk about how they relate to getting lean, staying that way and blowing your guests away as you walk down the aisle. A calorie is a measured unit of energy. As we eat food (energy) our bodies either use it or stores it as fat. When you provide your body the right amount (your BMR) you will stay the same. When you eat too much (more than your BMR) you most likely store the energy and gain weight (fat).

Now, if you are like most Americans, you might be trying to lose weight. So here is how you do it. Simply eat a little less than what your body needs to maintain it's current state. How much less you ask? Let's take a look at how you figure out exactly what your body needs to maintain, then what it needs to slim down.

BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate) Use this calculation to get super lean for your big day.
BMR [kcal]
Body Weight [lb] x 15 + (moderate activity [mins/day] x 3.5)

Since you wish to lose weight, your target = BMR - 500 kcal
For instance, you weigh 140 lb and you perform 20 mins of moderate activity every day. BMR of this example = (140 x 15) + (20 x 3.5) = 2100 + 70 = 2170 kcal. BMR minus 500kcal; it would be 2170 - 500 = 1670 kcal. Therefore 1670 kcal is the target in this example to losing 1 lb per week.

Try this calculation for yourself. Find out how much you need to lose 1 lb per week. If you are looking for a more aggressive approach you can reduce your daily intake just a little bit more.

WARNING = Women should never eat less than 1200 calories per day. Any fewer and it becomes incredibly hard for your body to take care of itself. It simply will not have enough vitamins and minerals and other components for normal body function.

Tip #2 - Keep a food journal
Keeping a food journal is of the utmost importance if you are serious about looking your best for your wedding. Unless you have an amazing memory like Dustin Hoffman in Rain Man you are going to forget what you ate for breakfast or worse, all of last week. Not knowing is suicide.

Remember, whether you just want to maintain or you are trying to lose a dress size you have to know how many calories you need. The best way to do this is write it down. Review it daily at first, then weekly as you get into the swing of things.

Tip #3 - Get Going....Exercise! SERIOUSLY!!!!!!!!!!
Food companies, restaurants, the snack trays at work and sometimes even your family are not your friends when it comes to eating. Now, your family wants the best for you but more than likely they don't know the ins-and-outs of proper nutrition.

So EXERCISE. Not only does exercising burn calories (especially the ones on the snack trays and at the restaurants), but it tones and shapes your body. It also helps reduce stress, and you know that planning one of the biggest days of your life isn't the easiest thing to do.

Most authorities recommend 30 - 60 minutes of physical activity a day to stay healthy. Also try adding weight-bearing exercises at least 2-3 times a week. This will help burn some of the unwanted calories.

If you need help with exercise, look for an experienced trainer or fitness program that offers creative and challenging workouts so you don't get bored. Also, try and find a program that offers additional support. Getting into a real fitness program can be hard at times and it is nice to have someone who can give you friendly motivation and professional guidance.

Adam and Jenn Pismeny are certified personal trainers in Virginia Beach and owners of Virginia Beach Adventure Boot Camp for Women. They specialize in helping women of all Ages, Sizes and Abilities transform their bodies and improve their lives with the only year round Women's Exclusive Boot Camp. For more information on their Women's exclusive fitness programs, go to http://www.virginiabeachbootcamp.com/ or call them at 757-752-8663.

Surprise Engagment: Miss America 2009

I saw this proposal on twitter this morning and thought it just had to be blogged. Miss America 2009 Katie Stam was proposed to by her college sweetheart on the last night of her reign. My favorite part of the entire proposal is when her fiance Brian says "Miss America came on to me..." You'll have to watch it to see how great his proposal was.


A Winter White Wedding!

All this snow and cold has gotten me in the mood for a winter white wedding! I love the idea and have been asking clients to consider it for years...and finally we have a taker. Well actually, she came to us with her color palette, but we really have been asking for clients to even consider it. The idea of clean crisp white linens, white flowers, white dresses, beautiful event lighting and a bit of shimmer gets my heart all a flutter! Of course, there are a few accent colors that really play well with an all white wedding, you know, gold or the green of stems are two. OH YES! And candlelight is a must!

Here are a few inspirational images:
First, my clients, Kristen and Bryan. Their e*session was shot right after the first snow of the season (inspiration enough). Their amazing photographer is no other than James Christianson. I am looking forward to their winter white wedding in December.



Here are 2 others...Pretty and Tall, with candlight galore, both from http://www.theknot.com/



How about a white wedding cake? Of course it's awesome...it's from Martha Stewart.

I love the versatility of white, because it works in both the winter and summer. Since Virginia Beach is a destination area...colors that work year round just make me happy.

How about flowy white linens with a porcelain bowl over flowing with orchids?

Or Beautiful Brides enjoying the weather?

Even Simple and Elegant Details:


Thank You to James Christianson, Lissa Hatcher and Scott Hayne for allowing us to use their amazing images.

 

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