http://occasions.gmnews.com/news/2003/0924 Copyright 2004 The NJ Occasions - Bride en-us Mon, 6 Mar 2006 15:26:39 EST http://occasions.gmnews.com/News/2003/0924/Style/001.html One of the most ancient social customs in the world, weddings are full of customs and traditions. From throwing rice to wearing a veil, have you ever wondered where they came from? 09/24/2003 http://occasions.gmnews.com/News/2003/0924/Style/001.html http://occasions.gmnews.com/News/2003/0924/Style/003.html When you’re looking for that perfect accessory to wear to a special event or if you need a great looking gift for someone, Susan Greene in Matawan is the place to go. BY ANITA STRATOS Correspondent 09/24/2003 http://occasions.gmnews.com/News/2003/0924/Style/003.html http://occasions.gmnews.com/News/2003/0924/Style/005.html In 1477, when Archduke Maximilian of Austria proposed to Mary of Burgundy by offering her a diamond ring, he was unaware that he had begun a new tradition. 09/24/2003 http://occasions.gmnews.com/News/2003/0924/Style/005.html http://occasions.gmnews.com/News/2003/0924/Style/011.html Something old, something new, something borrowed, something ... personalized? For modern nuptials, there’s a growing demand for personalized items, and many brides are seeking out how-to information on everything from sewing their own gowns to embroidering table linens for the reception. 09/24/2003 http://occasions.gmnews.com/News/2003/0924/Style/011.html http://occasions.gmnews.com/News/2003/0924/Reception/009.html ‘Memories are simply moments that refuse to be ordinary" — a perfect logo for Tea Times, the on-site event planners of Victorian tea parties for "toddlers, teens, and twilight tea totalers." BY ANITA STRATOS Correspondent 09/24/2003 http://occasions.gmnews.com/News/2003/0924/Reception/009.html http://occasions.gmnews.com/News/2003/0924/Reception/012.html Your wedding is about a month away. You’ve settled on a reception hall, menu and table decorations. Now it’s time to decide where your guests will be seated on the big day. 09/24/2003 http://occasions.gmnews.com/News/2003/0924/Reception/012.html http://occasions.gmnews.com/News/2003/0924/Photography/007.html Wedding memories come alive at Magnum Video Productions (MVP), 1140 Burnt Tavern Road in Brick. With the very latest technology and talented videographers recording the precious events of the day, MVP co-owners Keith and Frank Signorile put their hearts and souls into their spectacular cinematic productions. BY JO-ANN LAMON RECCOPPA Correspondent 09/24/2003 http://occasions.gmnews.com/News/2003/0924/Photography/007.html http://occasions.gmnews.com/News/2003/0924/Gifts/002.html Special occasions such as weddings, retirements, anniversaries, and birthdays call for the finest gifts to mark the milestone events. Nothing expresses your thoughts and good wishes like a gift from Waterford Wedgwood. BY Jo-Ann Lamon Reccoppa Correspondent 09/24/2003 http://occasions.gmnews.com/News/2003/0924/Gifts/002.html http://occasions.gmnews.com/News/2003/0924/Gifts/004.html Feel wonderful, rejuvenate your body and spirit, and enjoy the ultimate in pampering at the new Aquatica Salon and Day Spa in Shrewsbury. A perfect gift for that special couple, bride-to-be, mother-to-be, or for yourself, Aquatica offers head-to-toe relaxation, beauty, and all-around rejuvenation. BY ANITA STRATOS Correspondent 09/24/2003 http://occasions.gmnews.com/News/2003/0924/Gifts/004.html http://occasions.gmnews.com/News/2003/0924/Gifts/015.html Maegreens Gifts and Home Décor has been a landmark shop in Lakewood for 45 years, but owner Andy Greenberg wants the public to know that today’s Maegreens "isn’t your grandparents’ Maegreens. BY ANITA STRATOS Correspondent 09/24/2003 http://occasions.gmnews.com/News/2003/0924/Gifts/015.html http://occasions.gmnews.com/News/2003/0924/Gifts/017.html If you’re looking for a unique, festive and unusual gift for a friend, relative or special someone, think sweet thoughts and then call the Candy Bouquet shop in Howell. BY CLARE MARIE CELANO Staff Writer 09/24/2003 http://occasions.gmnews.com/News/2003/0924/Gifts/017.html http://occasions.gmnews.com/News/2003/0924/Florist/016.html When you get married, you are introduced to an array of new "worlds." Hiring a band teaches you about the worlds of good music and not-so-good music. 09/24/2003 http://occasions.gmnews.com/News/2003/0924/Florist/016.html http://occasions.gmnews.com/News/2003/0924/Tips/006.html There will be approximately 2.5 million weddings in the United States this year and many couples will be searching for the perfect diamond ring. Four factors, known as the "4 Cs," determine the value of a diamond. They are: 09/24/2003 http://occasions.gmnews.com/News/2003/0924/Tips/006.html http://occasions.gmnews.com/News/2003/0924/Tips/010.html The bride and groom are center stage on the big day. But there is also a time for the maid or matron of honor and best man to be center stage — it’s called the toast. 09/24/2003 http://occasions.gmnews.com/News/2003/0924/Tips/010.html http://occasions.gmnews.com/News/2003/0924/Tips/013.html The bride and the groom may be the stars of the big day, but the wedding cake deserves a nod for its time-honored supporting role. 09/24/2003 http://occasions.gmnews.com/News/2003/0924/Tips/013.html http://occasions.gmnews.com/News/2003/0924/Tips/014.html The first time you meet with a cake designer, you may feel overwhelmed. Don’t fret — below are several cake decorating terms to help your initial intro run as smoothly as fondant. 09/24/2003 http://occasions.gmnews.com/News/2003/0924/Tips/014.html