Wedding Books

Large collection of great patterns. A good way to get a lot of reward for a minimal amount of investment in terms of tools and materials. I have as much fun making them as the kids do playing with them. A decent range of patterns from simple shape/alphabet/number puzzles to more intricate circus scenes and map of USA, etc.

I am a beginner with the scroll saw and I wanted some easy and rewarding projects to start with. This book really fit the bill.

We are beginners with a scroll saw and came across this book. It is terrific! It gives a lot of how-to information and the patterns are wonderfully clear. We've already made the adorable alligator; we'll definitely be making more puzzles than we can give to our nieces and nephews; they are fun to make so we will begin to make some for charity!

My first and favorite scroll saw pattern book. Great stand up puzzles, inlays, and some unusual puzzles. Spielman's patterns are excellent designs, not just drawings cut into pieces. Quite a bit of how-to included, from sawing to painting and finishing tips. Most patterns are of animals (standups include: mouse, turtle, elephant, hippo, dog, bunnys...) (inlays include: bird, fish, turtle, whale...) (unusual include: apple with dowel piece, large dowel puzzle) (one jigsaw pattern and how-twos, and a stamp puzzle). A great book for any scroll saw library.

I bought this book so my husband could make christmas presents for our kids with his new scroll saw. I couldn't get him out of his shop. He found out what kind of wood to buy, how to use his new saw, and he made the coolest puzzles - much more original than anything I've seen in stores. The kids love their puzzles and play with them all day. I can't wait to see what else he creates from this book.

Although this book is supposed to be helpful guide, the author manages to group most Latinos into one large culture to discuss. As another reviewer states, when the author is not writing about Latinos in general, she seems to know and write more about Mexican culture. I am looking for a guide that would help me plan a wedding with Cuban traditions, and though this book is not insightful in that area, I did find the section on how to format an invitation in the traditional "Y" layout helpful. If I had seen this in a bookstore, I would have not bought it and only taken notes on the invitation area. I would not recommend this book, yet unfortunately, it is the only book I know of that makes an effort to write about Latino weddings.

I jumped at the idea of buying this book because I wanted to get tips for planning my New York based- Latino wedding.
Clearly for someone like me who is from a Latino/Caribbean country it was not particularly helpful. Most of the book focused on what I characterize as more Mexican traditions. I can't really say that any of the vendors or sites that they suggest are good ones for New Yorkers or those of us that live in the Northeast. I'd love to find a book that focused more on Cuban, Dominican or Puerto Rican wedding traditions. I guess I'll have to keep searching.

The book is a very good tool in planning a wedding. The book gives a good historical view into weddings with pictures to reference. In particular, the book provides detail descriptions of various traditions including "jumping the broom." This is a great book to read for wedding planners, brides to be and those interested in history and cultural traditions.

This book had lovely pictures and the text on African American History was interesting, but what it lacked was information on how to actually plan a ceremony. When and how do you jump the broom, what words can you use, what are your guest doing while you jump the broom. It left me still searching for information. Hopefully the follow up is better.

The book was ok. I really didn't read it in it entirety, but from what I read I really would not rely on this book. I would take bits and pieces.

When my fiance and I began talking about our wedding, we both wanted to incorporate a traditional ritual commemorating our african-american heritage. We had both heard about the "Jumping the Broom" ritual, but neither of us had ever witnessed it or read any information (other than Alex Haley's "Roots") I found this book at a black memorabilia shop. It was marvelous, not only for the information of the ritual, but also as a wedding planner and marriage preparation guide. I highly recommend this book as REQUIRED reading for any African-American couple contemplating marriage.

The fact that this book recommends the Hartness House in Springfield, Vermont makes me doubt its worth. The Hartness House only looks good in the winter when the snow covers many of the problems. I would not trust this book.

No pictures, outdated information. There are thousands of sites I've found online that are not included in this book. And, the ones they rate as the best are definitely not. Very disappointed. Their research is flawed.

I own a info website and thought that this book would be useful for assisting in the reviews and generating ideas. It did just that, although some of the desinations seemed to mundane.

This is a nice little book. It contains and describes a number of places I would never have thought of. The references are very helpful. However, it covers only 100 places (as advertised) and few of them have the WOW! factor I expected from a book with his title.

I recommend the book. It's a can't hurt, might help item that is not very expensive. It's worth the price.

While the information provided for each venue in this book is useful and detailed in its own right, the actual venues chosen are quite suspect in many cases. It seems pretty clear there is an arrangement with some of them to be included in the book, rather than being places that were discovered through research by the author. IOW, many great places are left out because they weren't part of the "marketing plan". Also, while it's admirable to include as many states as possible, the plain fact is many states simply lack any real destination "pull".

Example: South Carolina is a state with literally dozens of beautiful seaside resorts, huge gardens and old historic places where one might want to have a ceremony. There is ONE listing for South Carolina... the same number of places listed for Minnesota (Mall of America???). The fact that Mall of America made it into a listing of America's 100 best "destinations" for a wedding, tells you something about how carefully the places in this book were considered. Similarly one listing for Alaska seems incredibly short-sighted, considering all the cruises and beautiful National Parks there. Meantime there are more than 12 locations listed for New Mexico. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure there are some beautiful locations in NM, but that is a disproportionate number of listings for a place most people will not have on their "short list of states".

Another problem with the book is that it has about a dozen pictures total, all in the front of the book, so there are many many locations you don't even get a sense for. How is the average couple supposed to say "Yes, that's the place we want to look into!" if you can't even see a picture of it? Bottom line: many great locations are overlooked in favor of those the author presumably has some connection with, and that helps no one...

...I do not recommend this book other than to borrow from someone (just in case the place for you happens to be here).

SOMETHING OLD, SOMETHNG NEW BY MAGGIE CASPER:

Matilda Cummings has her sister to blame for the predicament in which she finds herself. She has traveled across the country to marry a rancher after corresponding with him by mail. When Matilda meets Duncan Chandler instead of his brother Dawson, she prepares herself for bad news. Duncan comes clean that his brother didn't actually know he was signing a marriage contract and sending for Matilda. Plus, he doesn't want a wife. Matilda thinks about and mentions breaking the contract but winces when Duncan reminds her that she hasn't been all that truthful either.

Dawson Chandler doesn't want a wife and refused to go meet her train. He can't stop himself, however, from watching and waiting for his bride-to-be to show up with Duncan. Finally, Duncan and Matilda arrive. After waiting weeks, Dawson sees his mail order bride step down from the wagon and he can't believe his eyes. Unable to help himself, he finds himself wondering what having a wife would be like and before he knows it, he is letting Matilda know exactly what he expects from her as his wife.

Dawson and Matilda come to an understanding. Well, Dawson thinks that he and Matilda have come to an understanding. When Matilda's stubbornness sets in, Dawson doesn't know what hit him.

SOMETHING OLD, SOMETHING NEW is Maggie Casper's first foray into writing a historical novel. Personally, I don't know why she waited so long because her talent shines brightly with SOMETHING OLD, SOMETHING NEW. The character of Matilda is perfect for a tough rancher like Dawson. I still smile thinking about Matilda's sewing abilities and then I blush thinking about Dawson's reaction to Matilda's type of sewing.

SOMETHING OLD, SOMETHING NEW had me under its spell from the first word. It was humorous and incredibly sexy at the same time, which I loved. To me, the writing of Maggie Casper continues to evolve and improve with each novel she writes. I look forward to reading any and everything she releases.

SOMETHING BORROWED, SOMETHING BLUE BY LENA MATTHEWS:

Azure Kerr answers a strident knock on her door without looking or thinking about looking. She comes face to face with an attractive, fidgeting man who begs to use her facilities and uses his wallet as collateral. Azure laughingly allows him entrance figuring that if the man was a serial killer he wouldn't give up his wallet. Azure doesn't realize that the man she just allowed into her home will become important to her.

Gavin Conner promised a friend he would look in on his sister. The sister is not at home, and Gavin finds himself in an uncomfortable situation. Knocking on the neighbor's door, Gavin prays the owner is home. As soon as the door opens, Gavin promises to be a slave for life to the beautiful, African American woman who opened the door. Gavin is allowed admittance but has no idea how much his life and personal values are about to change. All Gavin knows is that he has to see this woman again and begins trying to convince her of that very idea.

Azure and Gavin become romantically involved and everything seems to be going well. They enjoy each other's company and care deeply for each other. That is, until Azure finds an antique wedding dress and shows it to Gavin stating that she wants to wear the dress at her own wedding.

Books by Lena Matthews are on my automatic read list. I looked forward to reading SOMETHING BORROWED, SOMETHING BLUE very much. I had no idea how realistic and thought provoking it would be. Gavin could be anyone's marriage shy lover and while I found myself wanting to shake him, as a reader I relished how his views changed but his love for Azure never wavered. I applaud Azure for her understanding because I would not have been.

SOMETHING BORROWED, SOMETHING BLUE is a perfect example of how versatile Lena Matthews is as an author. It is humorous, sexy, and shows off Ms. Matthews' talent. SOMETHING BORROWED, SOMETHING BLUE is now one of my favorite novels by Lena Matthews. I genuinely loved this book.

A SIXPENCE IN HER SHOE BY LIZ ANDREWS:

Melanie Parsons is an exhibit curator at the Smithsonian. For the past few months, things going into her 20th century history exhibit have been disappearing. When securities officers are called after the latest museum robbery, Melanie is surprised to learn that Traditionalists are being suspected of foul play. Later that night, Melanie finds herself admitting Agent Torres into her home; not because of the robbery but because of the way he makes her feel. By allowing Brady to dominant her like she wishes, Melanie gives away the one thing she wanted to keep to herself; her feelings for Brady.

Securities agent Brady Torres has been waiting to make his move on Melanie. Not wanting to scare her with his needs, he has been waiting for her to advance their relationship further. That night after the robbery, when Brady arrives at Melanie's home, he is both surprised and aroused to find her ready to take that final step. Armed with handcuffs, Brady begins his seduction and domination; just like Melanie has dreamed he would do.

Brady is taken aback when he sees an antique wedding dress in Melanie's apartment. Finding out that it has been passed down through her family makes it even more of a surprise. The authorities think that the rash of thefts in the Smithsonian are being caused by Traditionalists; Brady thinks otherwise and needs Melanie's antique dress to prove it.

A SIXPENCE IN HER SHOE by Liz Andrews is a delicious, naughty read. The sparks that fly between Brady and Melanie are combustible and I quickly found myself immersed in their story. Fully anticipating and just knowing who was behind the robberies, I was pleasantly surprised to find out that I was wrong. There is nothing better than when an author stumps a reader, and Liz Andrews got me on this one. As for her hero and heroine? Their interactions with each other left me almost to the point of needing a glass of ice water they were so hot. I love a dominant man and fell in love with Brady immediately.

A SIXPENCE IN HER SHOE is the perfect culmination to the Wedding Dress series. While it is strong enough to stand alone, I recommend reading the prior two books of the series from Samhain first. Well written and totally captivating, I have gladly placed A SIXPENCE IN HER SHOE on my keeper shelf. Liz Andrews is now an author whose books I look forward to reading in the future. As this is the first novel she has penned alone, I have to say that she has written a winner in my book and I couldn't be more proud by having read it!

***Natasha Smith for Romance Junkies***

I'm just starting out in wedding photography and I was taken to a wedding with another photographer to learn the ropes. There was alot of good info in this book, but it seems to be overkill in some areas. I've talked to other wedding photographers and none of them take a whole set of studio lights with them. The author seems to be doing a lot of elite weddings that I will probably never do.

That this book is about black and white photography and just black and white photography is a misnomer. While all the pictures are in black and white (either reproduced from color or shot in black and white), the book is encyclopediac in scope, covering the entire field of wedding photography by a highly-successful photographer who has been in the game a long time. If you want to know how a top-flight wedding photographer shoots the most fashionable weddings, read this book. She tells how she puts all of her $30,000+ worth of equipment she takes to a wedding to use. Her style is not very very exciting, but it is business-like. If you want information, it is here.

The author has created a very comprehensive wedding photography book that takes you through all aspects of the wedding day. There is also considerable information about products to offer and dealing with Brides and Grooms.

The photos shown are very natural in appearance and there is a lot of quality photojournalistic images throughout. Probably the image I liked the least is the one on the cover. This picture seems 'forced' at best. I have known a Bride to extend her arms out like that - especially with a decorative fan in one hand and her boquet in the other. I got past the cover to find the gems inside. You will too!

This is one of the best new books on the market regarding the subject of wedding photography. If you are serious about learning the art of wedding photography, this book is a "must have". There are so many books out there on this subject, and so many of them are not worth reading. This book is a delightful exception.

My three and a half year old has wanted to read this book every day since I bought it. Although Paula and Demetrius's parents aren't the same as my ex and I, reading about other children with "problem parents" seems to have helped my daughter talk about and release some of her feelings about our divorce. She's pointed out how we're different to the Ogglebutts and laughed at them. This book is completely non-judgemental. It tells everything from the children's point of view and shows how they're stuck in the middle and that its *not* their fault. And it's hilarious.

The book is also available in some countries as "Two of Everything".

I wish there were more kids' stories about divorce and children with two homes.

This book is another of Babette Cole's great ones. In it she tells the story of how two children go through the process of their parent's "un-marriage", and come out the other side with everyone still ok and things better than they were before. It would be a gentle way to explain to children that divorce is NOT their fault, but in most cases is just that the parents, who may still love each other, just need to live different lives. The book is spiced up with Cole's usual terrific illustrations, as well as cute text. A must-have for any family contemplating this kind of step, or any Cole fan.

As a child psychologist, I see many of these books (as well as work with children going through the trauma of divorce), and this one is terrible. It is a misguided attempt at helping kids deal with their parents' selfishness. It encourages a fantasy-driven approach, where the parents are both horrible, so fantastically wealthy that the children can live in two mansions (oh right, like THAT's going to happen!), and where the children actually celebrate rather than mourn the destruction of their family. Happily ever after apart? The research data clearly do not support that assertion.

This book is a celebration of selfishness, geared to assuage the guilt of parents by presenting divorce as "amicable" and even desireable. Parents would be far better off to sit down and talk honestly with their children, and not just give them more fairy tales. I recommend that parents read books like Wallerstein's "The Unexpected Legacy of Divorce" BEFORE they decide to dissolve the family, rather than try to patch up their injured children with cheesy books like this afterward.

I give it one star for providing the important message that children are not responsible for their parents' inability to maintain a relationship, and for amusing illustrations.