Unforgettable Beginnings by Sabrina Says

Well, Friends and Family, we know that Amber and Elias are here today to get married and that they are perfect for each other. (Can I get an “amen”) Friends, how did we end up here today? How did these two people somehow not only end up meeting, but also end up falling in love and choosing to spend the rest of their lives together? Well, I’d like to spend the next few minutes Telling you a true version of how that happened. This love story begins in the bustling days of 3rd grade, where Elias and Amber first cross paths. They're in Mrs. Dickey's class, a world filled with multiplication tables and cursive writing. Amber, with her tomboy style, fits right in with the boys during recess. Elias, on the other hand, finds a fun playmate in Amber, her energy matching his own. Elias enjoys Amber's company, her lively spirit, and her kind nature. He sees her as a 'one-of-a-kind goofball,' and it's this fondness that prompts him years later to add her as a friend on ...

Valentine’s Day gets a bad rap. Somewhere along the way, it became synonymous with red glitter, plastic hearts, overpriced prix-fixe menus, and decorations that feel more like a school dance than a wedding. So when couples say, “We’re getting married in February, but we don’t want it to feel cheesy,” I get it. Completely. Here’s the good news: a Valentine’s-inspired wedding doesn’t have to be obvious, overdone, or theme-y in the slightest. When done well, it can be romantic, warm, elegant, and deeply personal —everything a wedding should be. The key is intention. Thoughtful color choices. Elevated textures. Meaningful details. Less novelty, more nuance. If you’re planning a winter or February wedding and want to embrace the romance of the season without leaning into clichés, these Valentine’s-inspired wedding ideas strike the perfect balance: creative, classy, and absolutely not cheesy. 1. Choose a Valentine’s-Inspired Color Palette (With a Twist) You do not have to commit to b...

This love story begins at The Candlelight Inn , a cozy spot that's buzzing with the chatter of Dungeons and Dragons enthusiasts. It's a typical D&D meetup, but for Miles Dobry, it's a whole new world. He's not just a stranger to this group, but to the whole idea of mingling with people he's never met before. He's a ball of nerves, fidgeting with his dice and glancing around the room. At the far end of the table, a woman captures his attention. She's not hard to notice, what with her goth lipstick and the air of confidence that surrounds her. Her name? Well, it's complicated. She goes by Amy Estes, Raven Morrigansdotter, and Ishtar Aladeen.   An interesting trio of names that add to her captivating aura.   On the other end, Amy, or Raven, or Ishtar, is also sizing up Miles. She finds him unusually quiet. He's not the chatty type, unlike the others around the table. But what really strikes her is his stunning looks. She thinks he's beautifu...

Wedding Vendor Gratuity Guide: Who to Tip, How Much, and When Confused about wedding vendor tipping? Learn who to tip, how much to give, and when—plus etiquette tips to thank your wedding pros with confidence. One of the most common questions couples ask as their wedding day approaches is this: “Who are we supposed to tip—and how much?” Wedding gratuities can feel confusing, awkward, or even stressful, especially when you’re already juggling timelines, budgets, and about a hundred tiny details. The good news? Tipping doesn’t have to be complicated, and it doesn’t have to feel transactional. When handled thoughtfully, gratuities are simply one more way to say thank you for the care, skill, and labor your vendor team pours into your day. Let’s walk through it together. First Things First: A Few Important Ground Rules Before we get into specific vendors and dollar amounts, here are some overarching guidelines that will make everything easier. 1. Always Check Your Contracts ...

Engaged? Here’s What to Do Next: Your Just-Got-Engaged Checklist (Without the Overwhelm) So, you just got engaged. Cue the champagne pop, the ring selfies, the phone blowing up with “OMG CONGRATS!!!” messages, and that one aunt who immediately asks when the wedding is. First things first: congratulations . Truly. This is one of those life moments you’ll remember forever, and it deserves to be soaked in. And then—usually somewhere between celebration dinner #3 and the first time someone sends you a Pinterest board —you’ll feel it: “…Okay. Now what?” If you’re staring down wedding blogs, Instagram reels, and checklists that make it feel like you should already have your colors, venue, dress, and signature cocktail picked out… take a breath. You are not behind. You are exactly where you’re supposed to be. Whether you’re planning a wedding in six months or two years, this guide walks you through what to do after getting engaged—in the right order . No fluff. No pressure. Just real, ...