Tip - Take A Moment

Try to steal a moment with your groom at some point during the festivities to take a look around and soak everything in, because it will be over before you know it.Photo provided by Sharpe Photographers

Tip - Send A Sweet Secret Message

Give your groom a special message: secretive or out loud. These fantastic cuff links from Smashing's Etsy Shop give your sweet man a special, secret message that he can carry with him the day of your wedding and beyond.

Tip - Concert In The Park Date Night

For those of you in the Sacramento area, I have a great date night plan for you! It's my favorite time of year again...Friday Night Concerts in the Park! This is a great way to hook up with your sweetie after a long week at work for a free concert at Cesar Chavez Plaza on Friday nights between May 1 and August 7.

Bring a blanket or some chairs and relax in the cool Spring weather while rockin to some great bands. Bring some cash for the food and beer gardens or skip on over to the new Grange restaurant at The Citizen Hotel, right across the street, for an early bite before the concert. See you there!

For more information or to see the line up, check out DowntownSac.org

Tip - Be True To Your Heart

On this Hallmark holiday that reminds us to express our love for each other, it should also serve as a reminder to honor those we love all year round. Start thinking of ways that you can surprise your sweetie with thoughtful gifts or actions of love and plan them throughout the year. Celebrating your love continuously will keep that Valentine's Day spark alive!

Photos courtesy of Hostess With the Mostess, Martha Stewart Weddings, Chiasso, The Memory Journalists, Jamali Garden

Tip - Introduce The Little Pink Card

Help your sweetie's job of buying you the right gift easier. Order The Little Pink Card today! This handy cheat sheet will ensure that your man has no excuse for not picking out the perfect gift every time. Well...alright, maybe not perfect, but surely in the right size and color.Great find Maryrose!

Photo courtesy of The Little Pink Card

Ignite the Flame - Pack It Up

Sometimes you just can't get away for a romantic weekend. Do you both love the outdoors with crisp air, warm fires, gooey S'mores and starry nights? If leaving town is not an option right now, think about pitching a tent in your own backyard. You can purchase a personal fire pit for a reasonable price and have your own backyard camp out. The only rule is: leave your cell phones inside.

Ignite the Flame - Boy Shorts Honoring Your Boy

You can order some cute little boy shorts honoring your new hubby with I Love Tim or Mrs. Smith. He'll love that you thought of him and he'll surely love seeing you in them.

Photos courtesy of Custom Glam Girl

* Custom Glam Girl has tons of fun stuff to personalize: t-shirts, robes, bathing suits, tanks, bags, towels, hats, etc. Check it out!

Ignite the Flame - Take On His Responsibilities

This may not sound like a way to ignite the flame, but if you can take the time to mow the lawn for your sweetie, he will have more time and energy for you later. He'll be very appreciative of the fact that you took the time to take on his responsibility. You may come home to find a clean car or a romantic dinner soon.

One of the keys to a productive relationship is to always think of the other first.

Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Ignite the Flame - Week End Unwind

Surprise your significant at the end of a long week with a warm bubble bath, their favorite libation and a relaxing massage. You'll be surprised at how grateful they are for this welcome home!

Photo of Dream Day Spa provided by Sierrastyle Weddings

Tonight's Top Story: Emily, Will You Marry Me?

We saw this fantastic proposal story on Brides.com blog, Wedded Bits and had to share!
"CBS weatherman Matt Laubhan surprised his girlfriend, ABC anchor Emily Leonard, when he popped the question on a live morning news broadcast," ABC News reports. "Emily Leonard is not only the sweet, quirky, crazy girl that you watch every morning on this channel, but she is also the love of my life," he said. Watch the video to see the whole proposal!" Her reaction is priceless!!

Ignite the Flame - Dessert Menu

Give your husband tonight's dessert menu to choose from. The menu is actually full of spicy names you've created for a special outfit you'll wear each night that he gets to choose from the menu (Simple Strawberry Serenity, Divinely Delicious Delicacy, Luscious Licorice Layers...). You get the idea!

Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Take A Trip

My husband and I are truly very fortunate. One of our wedding gifts was a trip to NEW YORK. And, now I completely understand why people confidently wear their I Love New York shirts. We chose to delay the trip for awhile due to work schedules, weather, etc. This flexibility allowed us several months to enjoy being newlyweds and get work time off. We also knew that right around the corner, a fun trip was waiting. It was like having 2 honeymoons, really. Our friends (who live there and gave us the gift) were amazing. They allowed us the opportunity to go to fabulous restaurants, great sites, fun attractions and the top of the Trump Tower (and, yes the view is quite spectacular, not to mention the other aesthetics). It was so nice to be able to have one on one time with my husband too. If you like to travel, I definitely suggest trips as gifts. Sometimes groups of people enjoy going in on a large gift, so I recommend picking a fun destination. I don't know how I managed to get soooo lucky in receiving this gift because I hadn't even thought of it, but I will tell you, I can't imagine my life having not gone on the trip. We got to get away for two honeymoons?? What a great first year of marriage!!

Relive Your Engagement

My husband and I agreed on starting a great tradition. Each year, on the anniversary of the weekend he proposed, we will take a trip to where it happened. We got engaged in San Francisco and both love visiting the city when we get the opportunity. This year was a ton of fun. We visited the same places as on the day we got engaged and reflected on the past year. It is crazy to think how quickly time passes. We hope to keep this fun tradition alive regardless of busy schedules, kids (someday) and work obligations. The most fun part about this is we literally get to watch ourselves grow old in the same spot. We took pictures together on our engagement night (obviously) and our first visit. My husband already thinks in just one year, mind you, his hairline is receding and I feel like I've got some extra wrinkles, but just imagine these pictures in twenty years! I can't wait to keep track.

Tip - Follow Your Heart

So you announced that your man popped the big question… now everyone is coming out of the woodwork it seems telling you that you have to do this, you MUST do that. Remember that your big day is just that; YOUR big day. If you think doing a bouquet toss or a garter toss is just a little to “cheesy” for your taste then don’t do it. If you really want there to be an ice cream sundae station at your reception, well then bring it on. It is you and your fiance’s day, so follow your heart and make it your own!!Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Trend - Love Story Table Names

Share your love story by using photos from your recent engagement shoot or photos you and your fiance have taken together. With the photos add the names of places that you and your fiance have shared together (ex: Camping in Monterey, Wine Tasting in Napa, etc.). Guests will go around checking out the other table names to learn more about the journey you two have shared.

Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Trend - Get A Little Hanky Panky

Brides love to surprise their new hubby with a sexy little number the night of their wedding. Not sure where to shop? Looking for something "bridal"? Try Hanky Panky for your wedding night lingerie.Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Ignite the Flame - Tapas for Two

There are few things more romantic than sitting down with your favorite person (your spouse of course!) and enjoying a delicious meal for two. Tapas restaurants often allow for a more intimate feel while dining and you are able to sample several dishes of varying culinary delights. Since the dishes are generally small (perfect for two), you can take a chance and order something daring. What a great opportunity to spend a little romantic time together and enjoy a fabulous meal. Add to your evening by ordering a wine flight or a sumptuous dessert for two!

Photo courtesy of Sharpe Photographers

Ignite the Flame - Dry Spell

Ok ladies. You all know what we are talking about: the dreaded dry spell. It’s late…I’m tired…I have a headache. We have all used some excuse to avoid the late night hanky panky session. Once in awhile is ok, but be aware of the frequency of your sheet wrestling. If you are averaging weekly sessions, you are doing just fine. However, if you are having a hard time remembering when the last time was-there may be a problem. We all know the real way to a man’s heart is NOT through his stomach!

Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists

Cloud Nine - Spend Time Apart to Want Time Together

It is just as important to spend time apart from each other as it is together. Go out and have a girls night dinner. Go spend a day shopping with a friend. The few hours you spend away doing things separately from one another will help your love grow stronger. Remember absence makes the heart grow fonder.

Photo courtesy of Sharpe Photographers

Ignite the Flame - Love Yourself

One of the best ways to fan the love fire between you and your beau is to be your best “you” possible. We all know that when we make time for ourselves and enjoy a little pampering along the way, we are much happier and feel more fulfilled (and much more likely to contribute to our husband’s happiness and fulfillment!). It can be difficult to balance married life with the routines and activities from your pre-wedded life. By staying true to yourself and nurturing that amazing woman on the inside, you will be giving your spouse the very best version of you possible.
Photo courtesy of The Memory Journalists