Wedding Books

this should be on the mandatory readig list for all males- sure to make for "at least" a more sensitive husband!

THE STAR-CROSSED BRIDE is the third novel of the Once Upon a Wedding miniseries by Kelly McClymer. The Fensters separate themselves from Victorian society in one distinctive way -- rather than adhering to the grim convention of marrying for wealth or title, they choose to marry for love.

Three years ago Valentine Fenster and his beloved Emily Wertherley attempted to elope because her family would not have considered Valentine an acceptable match. Indeed, Emily's mother has her eyes set on becoming a marchioness, at the very least. Valentine, as only a Viscount, did not possess a sufficiently powerful enough title. Unfortunately, when they stopped for a bite to eat, Emily's cousin Simon stood before them. Admitting that he'd rather die before he heart Emily, Valentine allows Simon to lead her away. Emily believes his words indicate that marrying him would hurt her; inferring that her reputation has more value than her heart.

Emily's first two betrothals ended when the men died before reaching the altar. Now she's engaged to Lord Granbury, the wedding waiting until her year of mourning for her father has passed. Lady Granbury does not welcome Valentine's arrival at her castle, and resents his intrusion. Further, she does not listen to Valentine's warnings regarding Emily's intended husband. Lady Granbury believes desire for Emily overrides Valentine's concerns, and will not hear the truth of his message because she believes this to be the last chance to restore her daughter's reputation and position in society.

Determined to warn Emily himself, Valentine watches the castle and contemplates how to reach her. Not knowing he waits below, Emily makes a rope from her bed sheet, exciting the castle through her window. When she lets go to drop to the ground, she lands in Valentine's arms. He tells her they cannot run away together, however, because it would ruin her reputation. He convinces her to sneak back in through the kitchen, accompanies her to her room for a moment, and eats food she refused earlier. Too bad they didn't know the beverage had been drugged. As the impossible situation goes from bad to worse, the reader cannot possibly refrain from thoroughly enjoying their escapades.

While many miniseries are centered around the women that connect the series, Kelly McClymer breaks convention herself by choosing to champion the brother of this family. Further, while the plot is at times entirely improbable, the delight and humor that McClymer brings to her writing makes it thoroughly enjoyable. An absolutely delightful read, I highly recommend THE STAR-CROSSED BRIDE.

I have worked with many couples over the years and no book explains the entire wedding and all its significance like Rabbi Kaplan. Other books are so focused on alternative weddings, they don't teach the real thing.

Rabbi Kaplan is authentic, authoritative, and deeply mystical.

"Made in Heaven' is an excellent resource for those planning or performing a wedding and are interested in easily understanding Jewish traditions and Halacha. I performed the wedding ceremony for a niece (my first wedding) and this book gave me comfort that the wedding would be acceptable according to Halachikh and eased my mind as the Mesader Kiddushin. Whether you are leading the ceremony or simply want to know more about Jewish weddings, I strongly recommend this book.

Everything that Aryeh Kaplan has written is filled with love for the Jewish tradition. It is all filled with great understanding and feeling , and provides the reader a means to connect more personally with Jewish practice.
Mazal Tov.

This is the book to read if you have a family member or friend who's orthodox and you want to understand nearly EVERYTHING about Jewish practice involving weddings. Or, if you have become orthodox or are marrying somebody who is at that level. And of course, if you just want to understand how the orthodox and very orthodox practice when it comes to wedding ceremonies.

Aryeh Kaplan is a genius and I'd recommend nearly anything he writes. Unfortunately, he passed away at an early age.

A previous reviewer said something about messianic "Jews." I can't imagine what that would have to do with this book, and don't agree that it would offer anything to such a person.

This is one of the best books ever written on the subject of Jewish marriage. I can't recommend it enough! I think that anyone getting married, already married or considering marriage needs this book...Classic!

I loved reading about Maggie and Daniel, ever since Stay... I have wanted to read more about the Clay family ranch in Wyoming. These books are so well written with characters you get to know and love. You will want to read more about the Men of the Double C Ranch.

This was one of the first books I read in the romance genre, and it got me hooked. The relationship between Daniel and Maggie was so sweet, I have read it three times. I have read all of the books in this series, and this was definately my favorite. Allison Leigh definately scored with this one. I laughed and cried, and there aren't many books that make me do both. I really recommend this book to someone looking for a good read. I read it all in one night; it kept me involved with the story everytime I read it. And the little girl, Maggie's daughter J.D.was so cute, and really added humor to the book.

I am a wedding consultant and I use this book to address all types of etiquette issues. No consultant -- or bride -- should be without it.

The most Proper way you would need your wedding to be. Tells you the proper way to address invitations & announcements, the proper things to include in a Bride's Trousseau, proper march-in, proper wedding registry, proper blah, proper dee... I need one of these proper books to know what to do, & how to do it properly. Maybe you do, too!

I purchased this book to research organic weddings for my own wedding planning business. The book had some great ideas, but most of the websites she used as resources are no longer available. I only found a small number of them still working and the ones still on-line have very little information. I would not waste my money on this book as you can find this information on the web by just typing in organic weddings in your search engine.

This book is great because it gives suggestions for everyone, but reminds you to pick and choose what you can. You have to make a lot of decisions in planning your wedding and the saddest decision would be to ignore ecological choices all together because they seem too difficult. One thoughtful choice can go a long way and this book offers many to choose from.

Michelle Kozin guides you through a wealth of information we should all be more concerned about. Ideas and real eco-minded weddings are described. Brides and Grooms-to-be could use this soft-cover book as an easy take-a-long planning source. Professionals answer how-to questions. Earth friendly advice that's within our reach in this all to easy to throw-away culture. From ink use and its alternatives, to ideas for great food to enjoy, all keeping in mind the term, "it's better for us and our environment."

Expertly written by Michelle Kozin (the founder and president of Organic Weddings Inc.), Organic Wedding: Balancing Ecology, Style And Tradition is a "user friendly" guide especially designed for those who want to celebrate their weddings in step with their values of and lifestyle, and with respect for balancing ecological and environmental needs against the demands of style and tradition. An extremely practical instructional guide covering everything from planning and budgeting to wedding attire of natural fibers, tree-free stationary and invitations, organic foods and beverages, eco-friendly gifts, honeymoons in green hotels, to sustainable living as newlyweds in natural homes, and so much more, Organic Weddings is an absolute "must-have" for the environmentally passionate bride and groom.

This book is a great combination of inspiration and pratical information on wedding planning.
While suggesting ways to plan a more eco-friendly event, it's impressively non-preachy or prescriptive. Several couples are profiled (full disclosure: including myself and my husband), and the variety of approaches shows the many alternatives that exist beyond the conventional offerings of the wedding industry.
As a subject for the book I was concerned about not being "organic enough" to be included, but now seeing the complete version I realize there's no set ideal. Kozin's focus is on how to joyfully incorporate some of your shared values into your wedding.
In sum: I wish we had it when my husband and I were planning our wedding!