http://weddingchicago.com/blog/ en alison@weddingchicago.com 2008-07-25T14:46:00-06:00 http://www.weddingchicago.com/blog/entries/randy-pausch-the-last-lecture-author-dies/ Randy Pausch, professor at Carnegie Mellon University and author of “The Last Lecture”, has died at the age of forty-seven from pancreatic cancer as reported on CNN.  Dr. Pausch was diagnosed with this incurable type of cancer in September 2006 and delivered an incredibly moving last lecture to his students in September 2007.  His videotaped lecture became an internet sensation and was viewed by millions of people around the world.  He leaves behind a wife and three children, Dylan, 6; Logan, 4; and Chloe, 2.  alison 2008-07-25T14:46:00-06:00 http://www.weddingchicago.com/blog/entries/maplewood-hotel-a-top-getaway-in-saugatuck-michigan/ I’ve had the pleasure of spending time at the Maplewood Hotel in Saugatuck, Michigan and had nothing but a fabulous time.  Saugatuck is one of my favorite places to visit because it feels like a mini-Cape Cod right here in the Midwest.  This laidback, artistic community is located on the shores of Lake Michigan and boasts a number of festivals and events throughout the year. alison 2008-07-23T19:48:01-06:00 http://www.weddingchicago.com/blog/entries/health-insurance-marrying/ I just read a good article on ABC News about the growing numbers of couples who wed in order to get on their partner’s health insurance plan.  As we all know, the rising costs of health care along with our terrible economy are putting a lot of people in a financial bind.  Good health insurance is hard to find because employers are cutting back on the benefits in order to improve their bottom line.  alison 2008-07-22T19:50:00-06:00 http://www.weddingchicago.com/blog/entries/groom-invites-all-to-his-wedding/ According to KXLY TV, a groom invited everyone within the state of Idaho to his wedding reception, strangers and all.  Unbeknownst to his bride-to-be, Alex Smith put an ad in the local newspaper inviting the residents of Spokane, Northern Idaho and the entire region to his wedding reception.  He didn’t tell his future wife about his grand plans until after he ordered the ad. alison 2008-07-18T21:20:00-06:00 http://www.weddingchicago.com/blog/entries/photographers-and-videographers-from-hell/ When you hire bossy and demanding Chicago wedding videographers and photographers just because you like their work, you might end up with a very unhappy family. Why do I say that, you might ask?  I have survived working with all kinds of vendors over the years, but I’m always shocked when I hear a photographer or videographer bark orders at the bride and her family.  alison 2008-07-16T22:27:00-06:00 http://www.weddingchicago.com/blog/entries/cancer-survivor-wins-100000-dream-wedding/ A story in the Reading Eagle talks about a cancer survivor in Florida who comes out on top after she wins a dream wedding worth $100,000.  Courtney Dempsey was diagnosed with late stage melanoma and given only a year to live by her doctors four years ago.  She lived beyond that year, but she later needed a double masectomy.  alison 2008-07-16T22:08:00-06:00 http://www.weddingchicago.com/blog/entries/chicago-wedding-sale-this-weekend/ Left Bank Jewelry is holding their annual Sidewalk “Tag” Sale as part of the 40th Annual Sheffield Garden Walk this weekend on July 19th and July 20th.  They’re cleaning out their display and prop room to make sure that you will have plenty of great bargains to take away. alison 2008-07-15T15:37:00-06:00 http://www.weddingchicago.com/blog/entries/bridal-shop-investigation-in-the-united-kingdom/ Arvella Bridal, a bridal shop in the United Kingdom, is now under investigation after collapsing with debts with debts of at £370,000.  alison 2008-07-15T13:26:00-06:00 http://www.weddingchicago.com/blog/entries/the-ultimate-bridezilla-lisa-from-new-jersey/ Every once in awhile, I subject myself to a Jerry Springer-type show on the WE channel that promotes bad behavior in brides.  You know which one I’m talking about...BRIDEZILLAS! The reason I don’t like this show is that the entire premise is to glorify and ultimately condone outrageous bridal behavior.  Whenever I catch an episode of the show I am absolutely horrified that these people are acting out in such terrible ways toward each other. alison 2008-07-15T12:09:00-06:00 http://www.weddingchicago.com/blog/entries/sacha-baron-cohens-wedding-plans-take-a-pause/ The New York Daily News is reporting that Sacha Baron Cohen has put his wedding plans on hold for the time being.  Isla Fisher, Baron Cohen’s wife-to-be, has taken an inordinate amount of time to convert to Judaism, which she reportedly promised to do soon after the birth of their daughter, Olive. alison 2008-07-11T21:35:01-06:00