With this Ring

There surely can't be a more personal, or long lasting, memento of a wedding than the rings themselves.

You can just imagine how many rings we see in the course of a wedding season, over the span of a career you'd think that there surely aren't any new ones! But of course, there are. When we arrive at the church and find the maid of honor and the best man, usually the repository of the rings pre-ceremony, one of the things we enjoy very much is to shoot the rings before they reside on their respective fingers.

Am I nervous, carrying the rings? Ohmygraciousabsolutely, yes!!! I make it a cardinal rule, carry them carefully.......... don't shoot around water, open grates or anything that could at some time make for an than ohcrap moment. Definitely wouldn't be good. Seriously, all care is taken and then some.

I've been asked often what the ring trend is right now. I'd have to say that there really isn't one thing I could point to as the 'must have'. Individuality rules, as it has for every bride and groom in every season. As a general observation:

• there is more white gold than yellow gold
• there is usually something 'added' to a simple solitaire whether it be set in a band with pave or baguette stones or floating in a setting
• normally we don't see 'matchy-matchy' bride/groom sets
• not a lot of colored stones such as canary diamonds or blue gemstones

and they are all gorgeous, just like our couples!

On a sad note, Bobbi reports that over the weekend her little girl dog, Hana, was very, very sick. It seems that she had some sort of seizures that ended her up at the Dog ER. Get better soon Hana!

Rings & Things

I wonder about wedding rings everytime I see them. Do they choose them because of:

• price
• design
• the 'show off factor'
• personality expression

At every wedding, we normally do a 'ring shot' before the ceremony, as well as throughout the day. When we are handed those little boxes by the best man and maid of honor it is always thrilling to open the case and see the jewel inside. Some rings are plain and simple, some are very trendy in their styling (i.e. square shaped or colored stones), and some are just plain flashy. In most cases the rings match the wearer---- but not always.

It's the day after Valentine's Day and everyone seems to be in a sort of daze. Is it the chocolate hangover? Or is it just the letdown that follows a 'holiday', especially a holiday where love is on the minds and hearts of just about everyone? We hope that you had a great Valentine's Day and your choice of loving gifts. I have to brag on my gift---- a RED iPod Nano! My Shuffle died recently and it's passing left me feeling very sad indeed. I'll be listening to Pema Chodrun while working today and feeling very Zen!

Stay warm----- and gather your strength, after all---- this weekend Mardi Gras is here!