Chantal Patton with HerWeddingPlanner.com recently interviewed millionaire, author, investor and financial specialist, Derek Foster. Derek Foster retired by the time he was 34! We encourage you to listen to this 20 minute audio clip filled with financial tips. Pick up one of Derek’s books filled with awesome financial insights and simple strategies for financial breakthroughs.

Here’s how you can order some of his books (click the book or book title):

Stop Working , Here’s How You Can! : Using The Strategy Of Canada’s Youngest Retiree

Money For Nothing , And Your Stocks For Free: The Financial Catch-Up Strategy From Canada’s Youngest Retiree

The Lazy Investor

 
We hope this interview and resources help you in your marriage. Derek offered if anyone wanted to email him any questions personally they can do so through his website at www.stopworking.ca

This is the part of the ceremony I read one day and I quote. “The true art of married life is an inner spiritual journey. It is a mutual enrichment, a give and take between two personalities, a mingling of two endowments which diminishes neither, but enhances both. I would like to share with you this poem about this mingling, called “Married Love,” which was written by a medieval poet about seven hundred years ago. In the English translation, it reads:

“You and I
Have so much love,
That it burns like a fire,
In which we bake a lump of clay
Molded into a figure of you
And a figure of me.
Then we take both of them,
And break them into pieces,
And mix the pieces with water,
And mold again a figure of you and a figure of me.
I am in your clay.
You are in my clay.”

This is what marriage is all about! Are you in each other’s clay?

Blog courtesy of Norm Martin – Martin Wedding Officiants
For more marriage blogs visit: www.martinweddingofficiants.blogspot.com

One important tip I can recommend, something I have always done is, I remembered my anniversary and don’t even have to ask my wife. I have always made an effort to remember my wife’s birthday, our anniversary, my Son and Daughter-In-Law’s birthdays and anniversary and the grand kids’ birthdays etc… With the technology we have these days with iPods and Smartphones, there should be no excuse for forgetting an important date. Most calendars will even email you reminders. Guys, be honest, we have no problem remembering the things that are important to us or interest us. Most men know who won the Stanley Cup this year and who won the Super Bowl last year. Forgetting your anniversary or any special date is not good and sends a strong signal that maybe you just don’t care enough to remember. That signal may bring a cold chill that could last for several days, if you know what I mean.

I heard a cute story a few years back about the two guys who were golfing. They had just set up to tee off on the 18th hole when one of the gentlemen stopped, took off his hat and put it over his heart while a funeral possession was going by. His buddy commented afterwards about being impressed over his friend’s display of respect. He said: “Do you do that for all funerals?” His friend’s response was: “No I don’t but this one was special; she was a good wife for almost 40 years.” What’s important to you these days???

Article brought to you by:
Norm Martin
Martin Wedding Officiants
For more marriage blogs visit: www.martinweddingofficiants.blogspot.com

Once you’ve narrowed down a list of photographers in your area based on your budget and your love of their work, here are some great questions to ask when meeting with one:

1. What does the photographer wear to the wedding? Don’t assume that they will turn up in formal attire. Make sure that is stated as an expectation in your conversation and contract.

2. Do they have backup equipment with them? There’s only one chance to capture the most important moments of your life. Ask if they bring backup equipment as standard practice.

3. Do they have someone to stand in for them if they can’t make it due to illness or unforeseen circumstances? One hopes that their chosen wedding photographer will not suddenly become unavailable on the day of their wedding due to an emergency. If this should happen, does your primary have an associate who they trust that can step in to fill their shoes? Have you seen this associate’s work? Do you love it? Would you be happy looking at it for the rest of your life?

4. Do they have accredited training from a photography school or are they a member of any professional photography organization? Schooling is not an absolute requirement by any means but is a great guide in choosing a competent photographer. While there are excellent self-taught photographers out there, there are also many who think that by simply owning a camera, they can claim to be a professional photographer.

Your final decision is based upon the individual that you feel most comfortable with and whose work you are in love with.  You want someone who will be a calm, relaxed presence and who will bring positive energy to your wedding day.  Provided you are satisfied with the standard of their work and their professionalism, go with your intuition. Whose work is the most visually and emotionally decadent to you? These memories will last you a lifetime. Hire a photographer whose work you will enjoy and will stand the test of time.

Gary Matchett Photography is one of these photographers. Visit his website at www.garymatchettphotography.com. If you like what you see email him at info@garymatchettphotography.com or call 905-926-1523 today!

A beach wedding can come in many forms; you don’t really have to limit yourself to a beach location to hold the wedding you’re aiming for. You can easily compensate with accessories, theme variations and decor.

Playing around with Themes

Aside from the obvious beach and coastline location, what comes to your mind when you think about a beach wedding? For example, if you’ve always wanted a wedding reception by the beach under the stars, you can always book an outdoor wedding and pick a clear and starry night to hold your reception.

If lighthouses remind you of the beach, you can play around with a lighthouse theme for your wedding. If you can rent an old lighthouse in your vicinity, then by all means, go for it. If that’s not possible, you can always pick a secluded area (if possible near the ocean) and play around with the motif.

You can even consider mermaid or fairy themes for your wedding, both of which have proven popular with many brides. A nautical-inspired theme complete with yachting decor, wooden boardwalks and sand can also be done, without having to poke a hole through your wallet.

To book your tickets for either show Click Here.

Randy Fenoli gave us an exclusive interview on tips for choosing your bridal gown. Watch the interview below.

When it comes right down to it, should getting married really be an expensive affair? To be honest, it all depends on how you want your wedding to be like, who you want to be part of it (are you looking to invite your immediate family, or the whole neighbourhood?) and where you want it to take place.

Being on a budget however, shouldn’t hinder your chances of having your dream wedding. While it’s true you’ll have to cut corners in order to make things work, you can still have the wedding you’ve always wanted. Here are some tips to help you get started.

• Wedding packages are where the action is at. There are some great hotels and venues that offer wedding packages to brides and grooms to be. For a wedding not to look tacky—which is often the case with such packages—you’ll have to compensate by careful planning and tons of customization.

• Ditch wedding planners and have a team of friends and family help you with your wedding. Not only will this save money—you can negotiate payment terms if you’re worried about being called cheap—it’s also easier for people who know you to understand what you have in mind.

• Do your homework. The Internet is teeming with wedding advice—this site alone should be enough for your needs. Get your ideas and adjust them according to your present needs. From the flowers, theme, entertainment and dress, there are plenty of ways for you to save without compromising quality.

Remember that it’s foolish to place too much emphasis on the beginning of your marriage. Having good memories about your wedding is great, but what good is a fancy wedding if the marital commitments and vows aren’t kept over the long run?