RAIN!

Ok, so you haven’t really even dared to think about it, but there it is staring you in the face!

RAIN

The Weather Channel is calling for some “scattered showers” on your day of days!

Well, there’s no time like the present to think about that “possibility of rain” and plan for it.  Talk to your wedding planner about a “Rain Plan” and what your options may be for you and your groom and guests.

If your wedding is going to be outside look into some good old fashioned tents to keep everyone dry while your pictures turn out gorgeously!

It’s a known fact that photos taken in the rain are really fantastic but of course no one wants to catch a cold or be too uncomfortable.  Click here for a cute rainy day wedding article and adorable groom and best man pic walking in the wet stuff!

And there are always umbrellas and don’t forget they come in some pretty fashionable looks and colors these days.  All the way from white to clear and some bold black ones for the groomsmen and colors to match the bridesmaid’s dresses.  Click here for some info.  Click here for some adorable pics of “Wellies” for your wedding day.

Warm drinks and warm food can really help with the chill so discuss some “Rain Plan Refreshments” with your caterer.  After all, it could be fun to have a bit of a sprinkle and some hot apple cider and warm cookies on your special day.

Did you know that in many cultures rain on the wedding day is considered quite lucky?  The idea is a “wet knot” is harder to untie and since marriage is often referred to as “tying the knot” there you have it!

What about that dance?  Again, if you’re going to be outside you may want a “Plan B” for your dance since you’ll want to be safe in your high heels and not get your dress wet and dirty on the ground.  Luckily dancing stirs up the blood so at least you’ll be warm waltzing, foxtroting or whatevering with your dashing groom!

And finally remember… your wedding day will be absolutely fantastic simply because it is your wedding day!  And no little sprinkles from the sky can change that fact.

Happy Wedding Day even if it rains…

Jillian

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Visit my web sites at:

Our Wedding Dance

Argentine Tango Wedding Dance

Ballroom Dance With Jillian

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Cell for text and message:  949.400.7347

Email:  Jillian@OurWeddingDance.com

If your wedding is coming up in October, November or December now is the time to consider your first dance!

Will it be slow and romantic or upbeat and swingy?  Will your dance have  lots of movement  to show off a big dance floor or are you working with a small square or runway floor and need something compact?

Don’t have a song yet?

Well, let me tell you what some of my couples are using right now so you can get those creative juices flowing!

Click on the (Lyrics) link to see the wonderful words to these great first dance songs and see if they don’t just describe your relationship perfectly!

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First Dance Songs!

“Wrapped Up In You” by Garth Brooks (Lyrics)

“Someone Like You” by Van Morrison (Lyrics)

“Yellow” by Coldplay (Lyrics)

“Better Together” by Jack Johnson (Lyrics)

“When The Stars Go Blue” by Tim McGraw (Lyrics)

“I Knew I Loved You Before I Met You” by Savage Garden (Lyrics)

“These Are The Days” by Van Morrison (Lyrics)

“L-O-V-E” by Frank Sinatra (Lyrics)

“I’ve Got You Under My Skin” by Michael Buble (Lyrics)

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Whatever song you choose you’ll want to get started soon on learning how to lead (gentlemen) and how to follow (ladies).

I write everything down at the end of each lesson so you have something to practice with at home and you’re always welcome to bring your phone or camera and we can video some steps too!

Remember the further away from the big day you start the more the dancing steps and technique have a chance to get into your muscle memory.

After all don’t you want to be gazing into each others eyes rather than trying to remember what comes next in your dance

For more song suggestions visit my Music page at:

http://www.OurWeddingDance.com/wedding-music.htm

And… you can always text me at 949.400.7347 and ask me what type of dance would go well with the song or songs you’re thinking of using!

Happy September,

Jillian

OurWeddingDance.com

BallroomDanceWithJillian.com

ArgentineTangoWeddingDance.com

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EMAIL:  Jillian@OurWeddingDance.com

I can’t tell you how much I look forward to hearing news about “the big day”.  I get so excited being included in all the wedding plans that when it comes time to say good bye and send my incredible couples on to wedding bliss I do feel a bit misty eyed. 

Hearing the stories and seeing their smiling and happy faces is just a perfect end to a great time spent teaching dance to my wonderful wedding couples.

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Hi Jillian,

I know it has been a very long time since we last saw you, and even some time since our wedding, but I have been meaning to write you and send pictures. . .  and I am just now getting around to doing it!

Thank you so much for all your help, it was really so fun working with you and it was perfect to have a simple (yet choreographed) dance to do at our wedding despite our nerves!

Beautiful Cuddle

Actually, Chris did great and didn’t seem nervous at all, but I was – thank goodness he was leading!!

The dance went so well, although it did fly by!

I don’t think we missed a step.

The day was beautiful and our dance must have inspired all our guests because the DJ later told us that our guests did the most dancing he has ever seen at an afternoon (lunch) reception!

We all had a wonderful time and got some great pictures of the dancing.

Check out Mom of the Bride - so excited!

Thank you again for making it all so easy and just being a fun person to hang out with/learn from.

We wish you the best and will contact you if we ever need a brush up lesson!

Sincerely, Caitlin and Chris

(Photographs by Josh Aull.)

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Remember call now or email Jillian for Fall and Winter weddings!

Reserve your favorite day and time today to look great on the day of your dreams…

Jillian@OurWeddingDance.com

949.400.7347

OurWeddingDance.com

ArgentineTangoWeddingDance.com

BallroomDanceWithJillian.com

Jillian & apples at Riley's Farm

And all the little buds are getting ready to burst into bloom on the trees and flowers.

Kerchew! 

And it’s that time of year for those lovely high school debutantes to come out in their Presents!

What a beautiful tradition…

The debutantes in their gorgeous white long dresses  and their dads and escorts dressed to the nines in their pressed tails and white gloves.

The hotel ballroom busting with elegant flower centerpieces and a stage all set up for the girls to be presented for all to applaud.

These well planned and  elaborate evenings often include slide shows of the girl’s years from childhood all the way through high school spotlighting their accomplishments and adventures as well as an elaborate sit down dinner for family and friends and, you guessed it… lots of dancing!

An important part of the evening, and dear to my heart, is the father daughter group dance.

A spectacle that brings tears to everyone’s eyes as they watch the flurry of white satin and tulle and the looks on the dads faces as they waltz their lovely daughters around the floor.

This year I’ve been fortunate to teach dancing steps and choreography to two groups of debutantes and their dads.

What fun!

We’ve got some great songs and the dads are super positive about learning the steps and dancing their daughters confidently through their dance together.

I overheard one debutante say laughingly, “Dad, come on – remember the turn and make me look like I know what I’m doing!”

Her dad nodded obediently and they danced through the Ladies Under Arm Turn one more time with a flourish.  Of course just a few eyelash battings and daughters have their dads right where they want them!

Wikipedia Definition

The word debutante comes from the French word meaning “female beginner” and traditionally was a young lady from an aristocratic or upper class family who had reached the age of maturity.  As a new adult she was then allowed to be introduced to society in a formal manner known as her “debut”.

Originally this meant the young woman was now eligible to marry!  And part of the debut’s purpose was to “display” her to eligible bachelors and their families with a view to marriage within her “class” circle.

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Well, we’ve come a long way since those days but the quaint old custom is still a lovely one.

Of course these days debutantes also give back to their communities through extensive volunteerism and supporting philanthropies with hands on activities on a local level.

If you’d like to learn more about the Debutante Father Daughter dance visit my web page here:

http://ourweddingdance.com/debutantefatherdaughterdance.htm

Happy Spring!

Jillian

Smile and say "Debutante"!

From denim inspired wedding gowns in blues and dainty laces that lace up the back and cut up the leg to adorable table decorations with cowboy hats and boots doubling as flower containers… the big sky is the limit and the grass can be greener.

Blue and browns with touches of white and yellow seem to be the most common color schemes.  Bachelor buttons and daisies can keep the costs down and the whimsey up.  While you peruse cute cake toppers with horses and hitching posts and fun silver ring bearer horseshoes with white satin ribbons.

Accessories for a Western Wedding

Favor Ideas for a Cowboy Wedding

The bride can wear white in a western type period gown or go for something completely different with touches or whole parts of the gown in denim blue.  Why not add some fringed white cowboy boots or cream or off-white granny style boots with pretty lace inserts?  Top it off with a white or off white satin cowboy hat covered in lace, roses and tulle and you’re sure to feel romantic and country cool all at the same time!

Western Wedding Wear

Cultured Cowboy Wedding Dresses

Western Wedding Hat

White Cowboy Boots Granny Style Boots

(I love this denim halter for bridesmaids dresses in the Western themed wedding!)

Of course the variety for grooms is endless and who doesn’t enjoy duding up their best dude in the duds of a cool, clean cowboy?  There are period style vests and ties and natty jackets with and without fringe as well as boots in all sizes, shapes, colors and textures.  It’s a field day for the fellas and they’re sure to make a splash when they ride in off the range in today’s dashing designs.

Gentlemen’s Emporium

The Old Frontier Clothing Company

And last, but certainly not least, there are mother lodes of wonderful Country songs old and new from waltzes to 2-steps that will keep your first dance and your father daughter dance in the Western theme.  Below are a few of my favorites:

First Dance Country Songs:

I Love The Way You Love Me by Faith Hill

Could I Have This Dance by Anne Murray

From This Moment by Shania Twain

The Wedding Song (Girl Forever) by Marty Falle

Fishin’ In The Dark by Nitty Gritty Dirt Band

(Lyrics for Fishin’ In The Dark)

Father Daughter Dance Country Songs:

I Loved Her First by Heartland

My Little Girl by Steve Kirwan

Stealing Cinderella by Chuck Wick

I Hope You Dance by Lee Ann Womack

Daddy’s Little Girl by Kippi Brannon

Happy Trails to you Western wedding fans…

Jillian

OurWeddingDance.com

949 400 7347

* Remember I put these links to other web sites up for your reference and don’t endorse any one in particular.  I’ll let you do the research and remember always get your orders in writing and you can use my handy guideline, “If it smells fishy, it usually is”. 

Two words that conjure up images of lots of people, lots of noise and lots of choices!

Is a wedding show good for you to attend?  I believe it is but first let me qualify that.

Having been a participant at over 25 wedding shows in the Orange County area during my many years as a wedding dance instructor I can tell you from experience they are not all created equal!

There are gigantic ones at the Anaheim Convention Center all the way down to intimate ones at various wedding reception venues all over Orange and LA Counties and the Inland Empire.

In fact this Sunday, February 28th from 11am-3pm I’ll be dancing at a lovely local complementary wedding show in San Clemente, 111 Avenida Vista Montana San Clemente, Ca 92672.  Visit this link for more information.

Some are expensive to get into, others are free.  Some feel super high end, others feel home town and local.  Some are run by conglomerates who do three to six shows a year in several counties and even many states and others are offered by reception venues and cater to brides and grooms who have already decided to use their services.

Whatever the show, you’re sure to find lots of cake, food samples and vendors of every type to satisfy your wedding planning needs and maybe even a fashion show or two.

But be prepared…

Bring a large bag since the show might not provide one for you to collect paperwork and you don’t want to be balancing a lot stuff as you walk around and sample food.

Some really on-the-go brides and grooms even bring their own address labels complete with their wedding date on them so if they want to fill-out a raffle ticket or info card for a vendor they don’t have to waste time and tire themselves out writing but just stick one of their labels instead. 

Definitely wear comfortable shoes.  You will be walking and standing a lot.  Keep in mind too, if you’re bringing along your groom his comfort as well.  I see more and more grooms coming to wedding shows and I always try to make them feel especially welcome and not like they just stepped into a “girls only” sector.

If you are just getting started in this great big task of putting on a wedding (read that – you’re a year away from your big day) you might want to attend what I call the “overall picture” wedding show.

This show is usually fairly large about seven dollars or less per person for entrance and held in a local hotel.  Be sure to take a look at the vendor list in advance and see where the vendors are based out of and what kind of web sites they have.  You can tell a lot about a vendor from their web site and also the testimonials listed on it.

Often you can call a vendor listed on that particular wedding show list and they might have a few free tickets available for the show they’ll be at and they can send you some or leave them at the door.

Keep in mind, if the show has a lot of vendors based out of your area that might not be a good show for you to attend if you’re looking for local people so you don’t have to drive too far for consultations and follow-ups.

During the early planning stages you want to attend shows that will give you the maximum amount of knowledge for your time spent researching.  Other considerations include how big your wedding and reception are going to be and what your budget is for them.

If you know you’re having an intimate ceremony and reception for under a hundred you don’t need to go to a giant wedding show.  In fact you might only go to a wedding show in this case just for the fun of it.

Yes, guys – wedding shows can be fun.  Where else will everyone be really nice to you because you’re getting married and ply you with goodies and cake to eat and freebies and coupons to take home??  Just think of all the brownie points you’ll get to use when you need to have guys poker night or game practice. 

At any rate, I’ve only just touched on the giant area of wedding shows here. I’ll post more later on this year so check back often to see what’s up!

Email me at Jillian@OurWeddingDance.com if you have questions.

You can also visit my wedding show page on my web site to see more of my experiences at wedding shows.

Jillian at the Richard Nixon Library Wedding Show

Hmm, what special event?

Guess not – we bought our tickets and found a seat in the nostalgic black light fish festival mural theater on the pennisula.

The preview came up and then suddenly shut down.

Another employee said they were experiencing technical difficulties… not unusual.

Then another “preview” came up and I noticed that the two people in it bore a huge resemblence to a man and woman who had entered the theater and sat four rows down in front of us.  The longer it played the more I thought “wedding video” as it showed the blond gal doing lots of fun things with her handsome man all over the world. 

Minutes later the film screen went to black and four wonderful words popped up on it, “Will You Marry Me”?

The lights came up in the theater and about fifty people in the balcony (yes, this theater is one of the last I know of with a balcony!) started shouting and whistling and throwing streamers.  The bride-to-be was totally surprised and her fiance got down on his knee and proposed right then and there.

What did she say? – came the shouts from above.

Yes, Yes, Yes the bride responded, tears running down her face. 

And then, Oh you poor people who just came to see the movie!, she added. 

We didn’t mind and after the movie a couple of people announced with a laugh, Anyone else want to get married?, as they left the theater.

So… how cool is that?

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Remember after you say “I do” say – “Let’s dance”!

Call Jillian at 949.400.7347

Just last Friday evening I was out on the dance floor, as the sun made its way into the Pacific ocean, working with my brand new couple and their wonderful wedding dance.

She’s a beautiful Irish lass with red/blond hair and he’s a joy to work with, with an incredibly great dance attitude; and they both brought leather soled shoes on their first lesson!  Neither have ever danced before and that night they were ready to jump in with both feet and get going.

We were learning some beautiful fluid figures to move across the floor, some sweeping boxes and some fun figures in place and all of a sudden he came up with the best one liner I’ve heard in a long time!

After “cuddling” up his bride he zinged her out in a whip and I looked over to see this handsome groom “flick” his imaginary tux shirt collar.   I think I’m going to do this every time, he said with a smile.

I’m going to pimp my bride with this fancy move and then flick my collar like Wow, look what I just did.

I couldn’t stop laughing.  It was great!  So guys – why not, “Pimp Your Bride” and do a little fancy footwork in that first dance?  Take some dance lessons together and we’ll come up with the moves that will make your crowd cheer.

She’ll look hot and you’ll feel like the coolest guy around…

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Dancing. 

The very word can bring fear into a perfectly normal groom’s life. 

Guys know that girls like to dance and, let’s face it, most guys learn to dance to attract a girl.  So what’s the point in learning to dance once you’ve got the girl?  Answer: The First Dance at your wedding reception. 

Probably, given a choice, most grooms would opt out of the first dance and move right on through the reception.  But the first dance can be a great opportunity for grooms to get those extra “love bank” points that they can use as collateral later on!

Grooms come through the door of a dance studio with two very real fears: 1) They will not be able to do a partnered dance and 2) They will look very silly trying. 

But, the whole experience can be a very “liberating” one for them since they will be in-charge of the dance.  Because the man leads and the lady follows, grooms find out they can dance with a partner and they don’t look silly because the couple then moves as one across the floor.

During private classes, instruction should be kept in every-day language with work on the dance frame, the couple’s posture, simple walking steps to their song and basic dance patterns.  This way a three-way “creation process” can start that will eventually produce choreography that the groom can remember and the bride can look beautiful dancing.

Brides and grooms need to start their first dance as soon as they can spare the time. 

Couples can master simple routines in foxtrot, waltz, rumba, tango, and night club two-step in about five to fifteen lessons.  

More elaborate first dances with props and costume changes and first dances that combine two or more dance types may take a little longer to feel second nature. 

Personalization is the underlying theme with today’s weddings and the first dance can be as personal as the bride and groom want it to be.

No matter what you think you might like to do or even if you have no ideas whatsoever and just want some help “not looking stupid”, a professional dance instructor who specializes in bride and groom first dances can work with you to create your dream first dance. 

With time and patience you can have a dance to remember and even keep dancing for other special occasions all your married life.

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Happy Holiday Shopping and don’t forget to include a few dance lessons on your New Year’s Resolutions list!

It’s sooo perfect and sooo you!

Now you’re starting to learn a first dance and what about that dress of your dreams?

Does it dance?

I have had brides wear everything from the $5, 000+ designer dress to the white matching aloha muu muu and shirt. 

Brides have come in telling me that they’re going to wear a “mermaid” dress, an “A-line” dress, a “Scarlet O’Hara” type ballgown and hoop, a heavy beaded dress (one was over 35 pounds!) or a gown with a skirt that is cathedral length with no bustle only a loop to go over the hand. 

Gowns cut straight across the bust are a challenge since one does not want to “pop” out.  Gowns with small sleeves are usually not made for the brides to lift their arms in them.  And gowns with lots of embellishment need extra care when coming into close contact with the groom for a dip or leg work or cuddle.

Plus I’ve had brides wearing dresses culturally particular to various countries, some with pieces of material over five yards long that will need to loop over one arm, scarves that the couple entwine into and figure fitting tight knee length dresses with little above the arm reach.

It is challenging to dance certain dances in certain dresses but compromises can be made with dance steps to keep you looking like a princess in that dress of your dreams!

I always talk with my bride in advance about her dress (after all many of the fellas are still convinced that the dress is polka dotted with stripes so we need to keep the secret!) and we work through whether it will be bustled and also what kind of “reach” the bride will have when she steps forward and back and side to side.

If you’re totally in love with an Argentine tango for your first dance and yet the dress of your dreams is a Gone With The Wind ballgown we may have to rethink some steps!

Likewise if you’re special song is a waltz and your dress is totally form fitting with about a four inch walking step we will have to get creative about the dancing and do lots of beautiful arms.

Different dances do just “look better” in certain dresses but I always tell my brides that if they love their dress and they love their song and the two wouldn’t normally “go together” – we will make it work!

After all, years from now you want to look back on your wonderful day, dress of your dreams and first dance and song and say “This was totally how we wanted everything to be”!

Below is a wonderful testimonial from one of my very recent brides.  She mentions her dress was challenging but they did it and loved their dance!

Email me at jillian@ourweddingdance.com if you have dress and dance questions and I’m sure we can come up with a wonderful dance to make you look gorgeous in your dream dress!

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Hi Jill,

It’s been a crazy week but we had to share with you how our guests loved our first dance… It was so nerve wracking that Rey and I didn’t know how to pull it off… but with all the steps you’ve taught us we were able to improvise. 

We had a hard time with my dress but we made it through our grand finale.   We don’t have the official photos and videos yet but we would like to share with you a link from our photographer.

http://unveilus.blogspot.com

Hope you enjoy the link and we’ll keep you posted when we receive the official photos and videos.

Take care, Rey and Shella

(Married: October 10, 2009, Reception: Anaheim Hilton, Song: “When You Say Nothing At All”)