| welcome to the shoreline |

we are excited to host an invitation-only cocktail party on saturday evening to welcome both michelle rago, new york event designer and anne chertoff, senior editor of brides.com to the store in two weeks. we look forward to introducing them to all the talented wedding experts we have right in our backyard. and we are grateful to the generosity of a thyme to cook who is sponsoring the event with us.

read below for more of the exciting details for sunday's conversation and book signing with these celebrity experts and authors. sunday's event is complimentary. bring a client and rsvp early, as seating is limited.

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| be engaged: march 22nd conversation |

Are you asking any of the following questions - How do I select a venue? When should I order my wedding gown? How far in advance of the wedding should my save the dates go out? Let us help you answer these questions and more at the second event in our be engaged series - Perfect Planning for the Perfect Wedding.

The event is taking place on March 22nd from 1:00-3:00 PM and features Michelle Rago, acclaimed event designer and author of 'Signature Weddings, Creating a Day Uniquely Your Own.' The day will begin with a panel discussion moderated by Brides.com senior editor and author Anne Chertoff. Beth Chapman and Christine Toner will also join the conversation to talk about Perfect Planning for the Perfect Wedding. The discussion will last about an hour and give brides the opportunity to ask the experts their own questions regarding their wedding plans. It will be followed by a book signing, featuring both Michelle's Signature Weddings book and Anne's wedding organizer from Russell+Hazel. We will also have exciting giveaways including gifts from our sponsor Crate & Barrel.


Seating is limited, so kindly rsvp. Reservations can be made by calling 860.669.4596. Books may be purchased at the event.

Hope to see you there!

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| be engaged: march 1st conversation |

simple and stunning. . .those are two words that come to mind when we think of the lovely and enormously talented karen bussen. she's a celebrated nyc event planner and author who took the time to come visit us on the connecticut shoreline this past weekend. how lucky are we?

we started the weekend off at the amazing bee and thistle inn and spa with gracious owner and vocal artist, linnea rufo. the stunning ann nyberg of wtnh 8 joined our dinner and moderated the panel with such genuine grace -- we are forever grateful. the talented photography duo justin and mary marantz added a warmth that only newlyweds can exude. plus the fabulous allison salvati was once again kind enough to be a part of our planning team.

but wait there is more. . .

the genius of hana floral design and boutique, yumiko fletcher, brought karen bussen's designs to life. jennie fresa treated us all to her signature services and new makeup line. [how lucky are we?] bloomingdale's showered our guests with lavish giveaways while the generous talents at metro catering poured karen bussen's prosseco punch and designed the delicious delectables. we were also fortunate to have the help of rj julia–the booksellers extraordinaire–to coordinate the signing.

and we had the loveliest of brides, sisters, mothers in our audience mingling with some of the wedding industry's most talented.

again we say, thank you, thank you, thank you to all that helped bring this event to life. hope you'll join us for our next conversation on march 22nd. . .

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photos courtesy of Justin & Mary Marantz Photography

| rain, sleet or shine |

it is bright and sunny this saturday morning, and we are busy getting ready for tomorrow's event with karen bussen. come rain or shine we hope to see you. scroll down for the rest of the details. . .

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| march 1st giveaways |

We wanted to highlight the great giveaways that will be at our first be engaged event on March 1st, featuring the lovely Karen Bussen.

Every bride that registers for the event will qualify for a drawing to win one of the following:

Wedding Luncheon with Karen Bussen

This is one lucky bride's chance to have one of America's top wedding planners and

entertaining experts all to herself for two hours! You'll dine as a VIP with Karen and

one guest at Le Train Bleu, a vintage dining car restaurant set in the home department

of Bloomingdale's flagship store in Manhattan. You can choose any topic to discuss

with Karen--decor, dresses, invitations, etiquette, food, logistics--whatever you like!

Bring your notes, questions, and inspirations and Karen will share inside advice and

tips with you to help you personalize your celebration and streamline your planning

process.

Monique Lhuillier "Joie" Toasting Flutes

This extraordinary refined collection from designer Monique Lhuillier proves that elegance is all in the details. The Monique Lhuillier for Royal Doulton collection is extremely durable, intended for everyday use and is also highly sophisticated for special entertaining. Inspired by Monique's best-selling bridal gowns and fabrics from her evening gowns, the collection appeals to a wide range of personalities and tastes. Owning them is a joy forever.

Karen Bussen's Simple Stunning Wedding Collection

The Simple Stunning Weddings series of books has everything you need to know from start to finish including resources and insider advice on all the details from one of America's hottest wedding experts! Simple Stunning Weddings is a design book with 200 color photographs to inspire you, plus hundreds of tips and tricks.

Simple Stunning Wedding Organizer is filled with checklists, a customizable calendar, and plenty of notes pages, plus pockets to keep swatches, contracts and business cards at your fingertips.

Simple Stunning Wedding Flowers is a must-have guide to wedding flowers for every bride. Filled with gorgeous photos, beautiful budget-friendly centerpiece ideas, and easy flower reference charts to put you in-the-know.

Simple Stunning Wedding Etiquette is the real-life guide to hosting your celebration with grace and style. This practical etiquette book is jam-packed with Karen's advice on tons of "sticky situations," along with the ins and outs of formal attire, invitations, and all the details ...

Simple Stunning Wedding Showers is filled with inspirations for twenty fresh shower themes, plus pages of recipes and activities. Perfect for your bridesmaids!

| space is limited, so please RSVP today by calling 860.669.4596 |

please scroll down for more info

| New Yoo! |

Introducing The New 2009 Maids Collection from Jenny Yoo.


We are excited to announce that new Jenny Yoo maids have arrived! See below for a sampling of the new beauties.

Please ring us at 860.669.4596 to schedule an appointment to view the collection.

Hope to see you soon!

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| be engaged in 2009 |

Join us this March for our Be Engaged series of conversations — two exclusive panel discussions and book signings happening at the newly renovated second floor at the White Dress by the shore.

The first event scheduled to take place on March 1st from 1:00-3:00 PM features Karen Bussen, event planner and celebrated author of a series of wedding related books entitled ‘The Simple Stunning Collection.’

The panel will also include Justin and Mary Marantz, wedding photographers and founders of Portrait House, a non-profit organization dedicated to building a house for Habitat for Humanity along with yours truly—Beth and Christine.

Moderated by WTNH anchor Ann Nyberg the panel discussion will focus on the topic of Personalizing Your Simple Stunning Wedding. The discussion will last about an hour and give brides the opportunity to ask the experts their own questions. It will be followed by a champagne book signing sponsored by R.J. Julia Booksellers of Madison, featuring six of Karen Bussen’s Simple Stunning Collection.

The second event will take place on March 22nd from 1:00-3:00 PM and features Michelle Rago, acclaimed destination event planner and author of 'Signature Weddings, Creating a Day Uniquely Your Own.' The day will begin with a panel discussion moderated by Brides.com editor and author Anne Chertoff. Beth and Christine will also join the conversation to talk about Perfect Planning for the Perfect Wedding. The discussion will last about an hour and give brides the opportunity to ask the experts their own questions. It will be followed by a champagne book signing sponsored by R.J. Julia Booksellers of Madison, featuring both Michelle's Signature Weddings book and Ann's wedding organizer from Russell+Hazel.

There is limited seating at both events. Reservations can be made by calling 860.669.4596. Books can be pre-ordered through RJ Julia at 203.245.3959 or may be purchased at the events themselves.

Hope to see you there!

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