So what’s the next new and upcoming culture craze and fashion trend? Well, it originates from the saying: Scherben bringen Glück, meaning “shards bring good luck.” This trend has led to the popularization and transformation of a German custom called Polterbend into elegant must have pieces that any girl can cherish and appreciate (as proven by etsy.com).

Polterbend (derived from the German verb poltern [which means to make a racket] + noun abend [evening]) is a popular German wedding custom in which on the night before the wedding the bride and groom hold an informal party and their family, friends, and guests all bring pieces made of porcelain to the brides’ house or that of her parents. The porcelain items (as well stoneware, flowerpots, or ceramic pieces) brought by the guests are then given to the engaged couple to break during the evening’s festivities, for good luck. After all the excitement of the Polterbend’s events, the couple is then responsible for cleaning up the pile of shards together, as this represents how the couple will have to work together through all the difficult conditions and situations in life…

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“When I got sick of people asking if I’d be insulted if they paid me to play their wedding, I decided to become the best wedding singer in the world. I love weddings. I love wedding music. I love playing the Greatest Songs of All Time. I play originals too  - but I won’t play a song of mine unless it can stand up next to The Beatles.”  - Ben Rose

Ben Rose Wedding Band is a great source for live wedding music in Alberta. Ben Rose’s fresh take on classics makes for memorable, unforgettable wedding moments. Check out the videos below for a sample of Ben Rose’s take on Etta James’ “At Last, and the timeless classic, “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.”

This song is perhaps the best First Dance song ever written. Ben and his Wedding Band cover Etta James’ classic ode to love in their own “Burlesque Rock” style. On that theme, the video follows a very demure “Stripping Bride” (Jackie Gately; footage courtesy Prelinger Archives) who does her own special dance here.

SOMEWHERE OVER THE RAINBOW - performed by The BEN ROSE Wedding Band

When Ben sings this classic song to a bride coming down the aisle, grown men cry. It’s a stunning accompaniment to a beautiful bride in the most important walk of her life. The video here features a variety of brides and grooms to get you inspired, as photographed by the unique and romantic vision of Tara Whittaker (www.tarawhittaker.com).

For more information, visit www.benrose.ca

By Joanne Black

Joanne has been working as a Makeup Artist internationally for 17 years.  Celebrities, international fashion shows, magazine editorials, weddings, and TV appearances are all part of her long resume. Now living in Calgary, Joanne continues with her passion on making women feel beautiful. More examples of her work can be viewed at www.behance.net/JoanneB

Every bride wants to look their most beautiful on their wedding day and a crucial part of that is how their makeup looks. If you are planning to be your own makeup artist on the big day, here are a few things to keep in mind:

Photo of Lucy by Kevin Stenhouse

• Try out different looks before your wedding day. Find pictures in magazines of makeup looks that you like and start experimenting. Visit makeup counters or stores to have a makeup artist assist you with the right products. You can even book a makeup lesson to have a professional show you the tricks of the trade. There is no set “wedding look”, just go with something that makes you feel beautiful. Try to avoid anything too trendy, as your wedding photos will date themselves very quickly!
• Do not wax your eyebrows or upper lip within the few days before the wedding! Makeup does not “stick” to freshly waxed skin the same way it does to the rest of your face.
• Do not go overboard with shimmer. You can use shimmer products, but place them in strategic locations such as the cheekbones, inner corner of the eye, eyelid, lips, brow bone…just not all at once! The idea is to highlight certain features but excessive shimmer can reflect light on camera in an unflattering way.Photo of Julie and her Bridesmaids by Tanya Plonka

• Match your foundation to your neck and chest. If you have been tanning, your face sometimes does not achieve the same colour as the rest of your body, so get your foundation matched as close as possible to the wedding day. Keep in mind that there is no need to go “heavier” on the foundation for your wedding photos, just go with the same amount of coverage your skin may need or what you are used to. If you never wear foundation, then opt for a tinted moisturizer and a sheer setting powder, for a polished, natural look…

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Top 10 Groom’s Survival Tips
Although most of our blogs are for the brides to be, this one is for the grooms…

There are some things that a guy just has to know when preparing for the big day. With these tips, getting ready for the big day should be a bit more manageable.

1. Make a date with your fiance to get the marriage license. You must purchase your marriage license from the province/territory/country where your wedding will take place. If you are planning to marry in another country, you may wish to contact the consular office of that nation for information.

2. As the rehearsal dinner is traditionally the responsibility of your parents, you will want to assist them in planning it. What venue do you want to use? What kind of foods will make everyone happy? You can let your parents take the lead, but you should help make sure that any allergies are addressed, and do your best to provide options if you’re having any vegetarian or vegan guests.

3. If you’re going to have a honeymoon, plan on booking it at least 6 months in advance. Make sure your passports are in order, and check to see if any shots are required for your destination. This is also a good time to upgrade or become more familiar with your camera, as chances are you won’t have a pro on hand at your destination.

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