{Memories of Love}

Dear Bride-to-Be:
After days, weeks, months of planning, your wedding day itself may go by in a flash. Perhaps it will even become a blur! Nonetheless, you are creating memories—memories from your wedding intertwine into the lives of the people present and take on a life all their own. Memories may even be a way of “borrowing” this moment’s happiness in the future.

Whatever you remember or don’t remember about your wedding day—or whatever the future brings—ask yourself this: What do you need to let go of (disappointment, blame, anything negative) and what do you need to make room for (intimacy, forgiveness, trust) so the memories of love will be infused in your heart forever?

Hmmmmm. Think about it. Listen closely to your heart for the answer.

Love. Listen. Let go.
...with love from Cornelia

[Photograph: Missy McLamb]

{Do What Lights You Up}

Dear Bride-to-Be:
As you’re planning your wedding, you are probably finding ideas in magazines and books, from friends’ weddings, old movies, family heritage—the inspiration is all around!

Whatever ideas you "borrow," do what lights you up and fills your heart. Beware of the wedding trap that would have you do things because it’s what people expect, or it’s the latest fashion, or even because it’s tradition. Your wedding is an expression of your unique artistry and creativity . . . and especially your love.

What do you want? Be strong. Be happy. Be you.

Love. Listen. Let go.
...with love from  Cornelia

[Photograph: Lacour]

{Long Live Love!}

Dear Bride-to-Be:
Some brides I talk to have never heard of the "and a sixpence for your shoe" part of the famous "something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue" bridal rhyme.

The use of the acclaimed sixpence coin as a form of currency began in the British Empire in 1551 and was last issued in 1967. Around for over four hundred years, the coin still has sentimental value today as a token of abundance and good wishes for brides to use at their wedding.

To ensure that your love has that kind of longevity, what do you need to declare about your commitment....change in your relationship....or promise your heart? Abundance is infinite and love has infinite power, so think big, broad, deep—it’s all possible!

Love. Listen. Let go.
....with love from Cornelia

[Photograph: Missy McLamb]

{Goddess Birthright}

Dear Bride-to-Be:
Goddess mythology brings many stories of bridal origins and connections of the heart. In her book, The Ancient British Goddess, Kathy Jones shares stories of the Celtic goddess Brigit who was also known as Bride. Kathy includes this reference about the Goddess Bride in her many goddess tales:

“Bride is symbolically a horse goddess and her consort, the young god, is depicted as her groom, lavishly attending her.” Well, then—it’s confirmed! Being a bride not only comes with its own legends, but it also comes with your goddess birthright of being lovingly attended.

Weave this mystical legacy, as Shakespeare expressed, “with blue of heaven’s own tinct” into your heart and feel its divine connection.
Feel into your heart and know its true desire...then ask for it...and receive it with love and gratitude.

Love. Listen. Let go.
....with love from Cornelia

[Photograph: David Willems]

{Book Signing Tour}

Dear Bride-to-be (plus your Friends & Family):
I've begun my book signing tour for "The Bride's Ritual Guide: Look Inside to Find Yourself" -- starting with special places in Alabama near where I grew up! So for those of you in the Fairhope, Mobile, Auburn areas, here is the current schedule:

Saturday, January 16th, 2-4 pm, at the famous Page and Palette Bookstore in Fairhope, AL
Sunday, January 17th, (times tba), join us for an English Tea at The Ivy Cottage in Mobile, AL
Thursday, January 21st, (times tba), at the elegant WmHarrison fabric store in Auburn, AL

Hope to see you there if you live nearby...and please share the news if you have friends or family in these areas! Many thanks. (AND gifts will be given with each book purchase!)

....with love from Cornelia

{Less Is More}

Dear Bride-to-Be:
There are more and more eco-friendly ideas available to inspire “eco-chic” weddings: using recyclable materials, organic flowers, reusable decorations. Here’s a twist. Your “something borrowed” could mean using flowers from a friend’s backyard, linens from an aunt for the reception, serving utensils and vases from neighbors. “Be a champion of recycling,” Emily Elizabeth Anderson prompts us in her book, Eco-Chic Weddings.

Also, be sure that your reception venue is equipped with ways to recycle anything that fits the category...and then the man-power to handle the follow-through.

It’s easy to let weddings get a bit over-the-top, but there is a growing awareness—once again—that less is more. “Borrowing” thoughtful values from simpler times . . . it just feels good, don’t you think?

Love. Listen. Let  go.
...with love from Cornelia

[Photograph: Jason Hudson]