A recently married couple (not one of ours) was the butt of a lot of jokes on the morning radio shows yesterday:

According to a criminal complaint, the Wielechowskis had just checked into the Holiday Inn-McKnight Road in Ross and were ready to enter their room on the seventh floor when they began arguing.

Dr. Wielechowski "then used a karate-style kick with his leg to kick Christa, knocking her to the floor," the complaint reads.

Upon hearing her screams, two guests of the hotel who had been attending another wedding reception ran to Mrs. Wielechowski's aid. But when they attempted to restrain Dr. Wielechowski, he began fighting the would-be rescuers only to have Mrs. Wielechowski "turn against [them] and also begin to assault them," according to the complaint.

(full story at http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08119/877164-52.stm)

And also in newspaper articles

Marriage consultants and relationship therapists will speculate about the Wielechowskis' marriage. Is reconciliation possible, or do they bite the bullet and put boxing promoter Don King on retainer?

(article at http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08120/877372-153.stm)

But seriously, domestic violence is no laughing matter, and we hope that if you're in a relationship, you seek out help to end the cycle.  Too many people convince themselves their partner will change once they're married, or after the child arrives, but usually things only grow worse and worse.  There are people who will help and protect you if you're in a violent situation.  It will take an incredible amount of bravery to get out of the relationship, but in the long run, it's the best thing you can do.

We're not sure if this couple was overcome by the stress of the day, or if this is more of the same in their relationship (and apparently they have been under a considerable amount lately, see http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/08120/877410-85.stm), but we wish them all the best.

This Saturday (March 22, 2008) the Succop Conservancy is having its Bridal and Events Open House from 11 am to 3 pm.  If you're looking for a unique place for a wedding, shower or corporate meeting, you really need to see The Conservancy.  The grounds are lush and beautiful (not like you can tell at this time of year), and the house is a 170 year old mansion up a small hill from a picturesque pond.  We drove by yesterday, and there were deer and geese eating beside the pond with the house in the background.  If we'd had our camera with us, it would have been a great photo.

Unfortunately, we're shorthanded this weekend, and won't be able to attend--we're sorry we'll miss you, but take the opportunity to see the place and meet some other vendors.  It was a good show last year, featuring some really unique vendors you don't find at other bridal or event shows.

The location is very convenient, just off of Route 8 a few miles south of Butler.  You can get directions from The Conservancy's site at http://www.bc3.edu/conservancy/. 

We've updated our Featured Location: The Mansion post with a video of the long driveway up to the house.  We shot the video last October, and finally got around to editing it off the camera and posting it.  The Mansion features a long, winding driveway, which is beautiful in the spring and fall, but absolutely gorgeous after a fresh snow.  Just imagine making the this trip in a horse-drawn carriage!  Check out the video and the photos at http://www.bloomeryweddings.com/blog/FeaturedLocationTheMansionButlerPA.aspx/.

Going to attend a formal event, but can't tell the difference between a Windsor and a four-in-hand knot? No worries, Kino Wear's blog will show you, with videos, how to choose the perfect tie, and tie several different knots.

How To Tie A Tie: The Pursuit Of The Perfect Knot

The Butler Days Inn will hold their Winter Bridal Extravaganza on Feb. 17, 2008.  Once again, The Bloomery will be there with all sorts of sample bouquets, photo albums, invitations and accessories.

There isn't any information on their website, but you can contact them at 724-287-6761 x262.  Their site is http://www.daysinnbutler.com/.

Are you a fabulous young bride-to-be planning an extravagant wedding for the summer of 2008? If so, we’re looking for YOU!

A new documentary reality series is casting the country’s most glamorous young bride-to-be and her bridal party. We will document all of the excitement leading up to the biggest and best weddings for the summer of 2008. Think if Lauren Conrad or Heidi Montag were getting married... fab, right? BUT, this could be you and your friends starring in YOUR own show!

Casting ends at midnight on 2/29/2008! (It's Leap Year, so you get an extra day)

Full information at http://www.gotcast.com/castings/Bridal-Party/50403

We've been meaning to get our 2008 floral trends post up, but the folks at Teleflora's flower blog beat us to the punch.

First up is Bloomery pal and fellow Pennsylvania florist Tim Farrell discussing monoculture weddings.  Monoculture is the use of a single flower, such as a rose or lily, throughout the entire wedding.  It's a very simple, clean and elegant look to your wedding flowers.  The real style of a monoculture wedding is using different containers and designs, since this is how you get different textures and shapes.  A variety of textures breaks up the room, and provides interesting angles to engage the eyes.

Another trend we've seen is using a single color--known as monocolor--throughout all of your wedding flowers.  One of our recent monocolor weddings was beautiful soft pink, and we made an all lavender bouquet for a wedding show last year.

Unlike a lot of trends, you can combine these two and still have a very chic look to your wedding.  Imagine a wedding of all white lilies, or deep burgundy roses.  Beautiful!  Just a little food for thought as the 2008 wedding planning season kicks into full gear.

Brides getting married in Oakland, PA this year, remember the Boulevard of the Allies bridge is now closed, resulting in serious roundabout detours.  As your wedding day draws closer, be sure to check detour maps--you may need to hand out a modified one at your ceremony!

Popular affected venues include Heinz Chapel, St. Paul's Cathedral, Phipps Conservatory, The Carnegie Museum and the popular photo sites around Pitt and CMU campuses.

Full story at http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/07347/841299-53.stm.

Thanks to Cyndy Meyer for pointing this out!

We love Crate and Barrel, and C&B is returning the love if you're getting married:

Crate and Barrel introduces The Wedding Parties.  If you're about to be married, we're throwing a party in your honor.

Bring your partner or your friends. Our store is yours. Enjoy great food, drinks, music and our expert advice on registering. Our knowledgeable staff will be there to offer insight, support, plus home entertaining ideas for newlyweds and our newest registry guide. You'll also receive this brilliant handblown glass bowl as our gift. To RSVP today, call a store near you.

More info at http://www.crateandbarrel.com/aboutus/grEvents.aspx.