What It Means To Find True Love

"Finding True Love: Means Never Having To Say I'm Sorry"
"Finding True Love: Means Having No Regrets"
"Finding True Love: Means Not Having To Start Over, and Over"
"Finding True Love: Means Never Having To Forget The Past"
"Finding True Love: Means Learning To Trust"
"Finding True Love: Means Raising A Family For Good Motive"

The release of the book "Finding True Love And The Secret To A Lasting Marriage" is out and burning a crater in the hot topic of how to make love and marriage last.

"This Book Tells All!" -Family Reunion Planning 

Looking for true love? It's not a secret anymore. Find out the keys to making a marriage last a lifetime. This book makes no apologies and explains what to do to keep your marriage off the rocks and how to make real progress keeping a firm grip on true love. If you're in it, be in it to win it. Take a look inside the "FTL" and read these powerful affirmations...

"First you say 'Yes', then 'I Do',
Then you keep saying 'Yes, Yes, Yes!'''

"Shopping for love is like shopping for packaged goods at a grocery store. You read the label. Buy it. Take it home and unwrap it. Even then you still won't know what's really inside."

"Stop Shopping in the Love Marketplace!
Start Finding True Organic Love"

"You won't really get to know a person until you turn off that television..." 

You're a big boy! Make the big choices... "The ones that put the wellbeing of your partner ahead of all other considerations."

FTL -  Finding True Love...
YouTube Video Book Ad

"Finding True Love And The Secret To A Lasting Marriage"

Learn how to find true love, is what makes some marriages last a lifetime. Read true love experiences, keys to happiness quotes and enjoy an interactive guide full of marital wisdom, family bonding tips, true friendship activities, romantic keepsake ideas, and lessons learned from those who have actually succeeded in finding everlasting love. 

"Finding True Love And The Secret To A Lasting Marriage"

Unlock the secrets to finding the love of your life. Discover the truth behind the mysteries of lasting marriages and marital bliss. http://amzn.to/2lghZ7w 

Book Reveals Secrets To True Love and Lasting Marriage

"The Book Blows The Lid Off The Secret To True Love!!!" -FHO
"Lasting Marriages? - The Cat's Is Out The Bag!" -Good News Better World 
"True Love... It's Not A Secret Anymore!" -My Keepsake Wedding Planners Blog

The release of the book "Finding True Love And The Secret To A Lasting Marriage" is out and burning a crater in the hot topic of how to make love and marriage last.

"This Book Tells All!" -Family Reunion Planning 

Looking for true love? It's not a secret anymore. Find out the keys to making a marriage last a lifetime. This book makes no apologies and explains what to do to keep your marriage off the rocks and how to make real progress keeping a firm grip on true love. If you're in it, be in it to win it. Take a look inside the "FTL" and read these powerful affirmations...

"First you say 'Yes', then 'I Do', Then you keep saying 'Yes, I Will'''

"Shopping for love is like shopping for packaged goods at a grocery store. You read the label. Buy it. Take it home and unwrap it. Even then you still won't know what's really inside."

"Stop Shopping in the Love Marketplace!"

"You won't really get to know a person until you turn off that television..." 

You're a big boy! Make the big choices... "The ones that put the wellbeing of your partner ahead of all other considerations."

Official FTL -  Finding True Love...
YouTube Video Book Ad

"Finding True Love And The Secret To A Lasting Marriage"

Learn how to find true love, what makes some marriages last a lifetime. Read true love experiences, keys to happiness quotes and enjoy an interactive guide full of marital wisdom, family bonding tips, true friendship activities, romantic keepsake ideas, and lessons learned from those who have actually succeeded in finding everlasting love. 

"Finding True Love And The Secret To A Lasting Marriage"

Unlock the secrets to finding the love of your life. Discover the truth behind the mysteries of lasting marriages and marital bliss. http://amzn.to/2lghZ7w 

Wedding Planner - My Keepsake Wedding Planner

Fimark's My Keepsake Wedding Planner book.

#WeddingPlanner, bridal party planner, honeymoon planner, how to plan a wedding, just before the wedding, wedding night planner, wedding party dinner, wedding party planner, 

Marriage Proposal/Wedding Waltz Song - "I Give My Love To You"

Congratulations to all you January brides and brides-to-be. Another special weekend gift for fiancée's and fiancé's. This is the long version of the proposal song - "I Give My Love To You" The ideal song for marriage proposal background music, traditional wedding waltz dances and wedding and anniversary memento video. Composition and lyrics by Mark Angelo Askew author of "My Keepsake Wedding Planner."

"Sing" The Marriage Proposal Song

So today I tell you a story about me and Brenda. As our regular readers know, we've been wed for over 37 years. The thing is I love her more now than ever. She's the kind of person every man wants for a friend. It was on a sandy beach under a golden Connecticut sky at sunset that I proposed to her. A remarkable date night. We've been holding hands ever since. 

1817 Date Nights

So far Brenda and I have shared 1817 date nights together. Three of the most special date nights ever were rather recent. We call them our video date nights. We like watch Youtube videos of family members singing together in their cars or of fathers taking their baby daughters out on a first date night. We especially like marriage proposal videos, couples getting married and wedding receptions.  The latest addition to our date night video collection was a young man proposing marriage and marrying his bride on the same day.

"I Give My Love To You"

Well, weeks later after Brenda was tending to her duties supporting her mother and sister I felt inspired to write a song called "I Give My Love To You", It's dedicated to Brenda, for her friendship, hard work, generosity and close ties to all in the family. I presented the song on our 1817th date night. Join us in celebrating the release of the "On Our Special Day" album by posting your proposal story or a video to this blog in the comments section or email it to fimarkhome@gmail.com with a link to the video. Submissions will be published on this blog and submitters will receive a free "My Keepsake Wedding Planner Guidebook."

The Proposal Song Contest 

If you think you have a beautiful voice enter the "Sing" contest. Submit a video of you (and your loved one) on date night singing the proposal song "I Give My Love To You".  If your performance captures the sentiments of the song we'll promote the video on Youtube, Facebook and on our blogs. Even better, the winners get 3 of our event planning guidebooks including Fimark's party planner. family reunion planner and wedding planner. Post your video on Instagram and send us the link in your comments on this page or email it to fimarkhome@gmail.com. The "Sing" Contest ends December 25th.

Get The Lyrics
Check out the proposal song "I Give My Love To You" and lyrics here... https://www.youtube.com/watch…

Download The Song
"I Give My Love To You" is featured on the "On Our Special Day" album available for download at http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/markangeloaskew

Related Articles
24 DIY Marriage Proposal Ideas
Date Night Idea List

Things To Do Last 7 Days Before The Wedding

Do you know exactly what needs to be done the last seven days before your wedding day?

No need to guess, hope or despair. Be prepared for the most important day of your adult life. Fimark's My Keepsake Wedding Planner guide presents...

7 Days Before The Wedding

Countdown Planner

Fimark's My Keepsake Wedding Planner

Includes wedding night and honeymoon planner!

Secrets To The #BestLifeEver Married Life

#BestLifeEver

Everyone wants to be happy. Especially those who are promised in marriage. 

Mark and Brenda Askew began their best life ever on October 25, 1980. Since then Fall has had a special nostalgic meaning to them. Warm, golden oak trees dance in the wind and hug the sky, blowing crimson carpets of leaves onto a path for their anniversary day stroll. Baked pumpkin pie, cinnamon swirl in hot steaming mugs of nutmeg and her warm smile. What a smile. After 36 years making the best memories, I believe the best of life is yet to come.


What is the secret to wedded bliss? How can you make your married life the #BestLifeEver? There are four basic keys.

1. Get to know yourself well. Your fears, those you truly love, and the things that bring you deep joy.

2. Learn to find happiness in giving little things that have special meaning to the receiver.

3. Make it your aim to share yourself with your spouse and value those moments when he does the same.

4. Remember there is a time for everything under the sun. Know what time it is and respond accordingly. Live in the moment and be supportive.

5. Discuss your expectations with your mate and explain why you choose to be strong, loyal and focused.

6. Put down the cell phone, Ipad and other distractions when you're together. Make each other your distraction.

7. Discuss your budget at least once a month. Get on the same page. Consult before making major purchases or entering credit obligations.

8. Make date night sacred. Just the two of you. No one interferes.

Take a glimpse into Mark and Brenda's 36 years together  here... https://www.facebook.com/Best-Life-Ever-Party-and-Event-Planner-1756357731298288/

For more #BestLifeEver tips go to...
http://www.familyreunionplanning.info

Getting Married? Get My Keepsake Wedding Planner by Wedding Planner blogger Mark Angelo 

Congratulations September Brides and Fiances

Congratulations September brides and fiancees. Congratulations to those who have been wed or will be wed, as well as those engaged in September? This is your month to enjoy this season in a whole new way. 

If you plan on enjoying a honeymoon vacation or a romantic anniversary get-away, this is the month for you to start planning your stay on the love boat.

Seasonal ActivitiesThe astronomical fall (Northern Hemisphere) 2015 begins on Wednesday, September 23. Early fall season events including arts and craft shows, street side bubble shows, outdoor fairs and festivals, music and food fests. special events also including beer and wine tasting.

A Special GiftA special gift just for you September Brides and fiancees. The 7 Days Before The Wedding Countdown Planner. Do you don't sweat the little stuff and don't forget the big stuff. Makes a great wedding planner bookmark. 

DIY CRAFTY GIFT IDEAS

The "7 Days Before The Wedding Countdown Planner Checklist Bookmark"  Makes a great gift and can be used as a printable graphical template for many different craft projects. 

• Print it on a commemorative T-shirt.
• Print it on a fabric neck scarf.
• Print it on a fabric hair scarf.
• Send it to all the Brides-to-be you know.
  
• Print on a tall mug (cut in three sections).
• Print on a slim poster.
• Print on sticky paper for a scrapbook countdown timeline.
• Print and stick to the side of your monitor display.
• Print and wrap vertically around your bed post
• Print and wrap vertically around your Ficus Tree
• Print and hang ornamentally from your chandelier
• Print and attach to the side of your wall poster.

Right click and save the image to a file.

Find vital wedding planning checklists in the newly released wedding planner and organizer Fimark's My Keepsake Wedding Planner guidebook and keepsake.

Autumn Bride Date Night Concert Playlist

Earth Wind and Fire's "Do You Remember (The 21st of September)" and Harry Belafonte's "Try to Remember (The time of September)" takes us back to the cool and mellow days of love. We want to congratulate all you September to November Brides and fiancées. It's time to start making plans for love, life, and laughter this Autumn season. To make that happen, read on for a free Autumn Bride wedding gift.

Autumn is a time to look back and enjoy the warm remembrance of the good old days. Getting cozy under backyard string lights wearing knit sweaters and warm blankets - that's what life is about. As a video music concert projects on the outdoor screen, everyone is sipping warm cider, coffee, and rum, eating sweet potato pie and carrot cake. Hot buttery caramel popcorn is popping and everyone is talking about the good times. We're making special. I'm talking about an outdoor backyard concert. 

Plan your Look-Back outdoor date night concert under the stars. Just create a Youtube video concert playlist of your favorite concerts of yesteryear and recapture the nostalgia of your past with family, friends, and that special someone you're going to build a family with. 

To get started here's an extensive concert playlist written by my bride, Brenda Marie, especially for our Friday evening date nights.  I call it the "YouTube Look Back Date Night Outdoor Autumn Concert Playlist". Use the video concert playlist to get your autumn season outdoor family reunion concert up and running. It's a message of hope, love, gratitude, loyalty and what it means to finally be completely and fully home. 

YouTube Look Back Date Night Outdoor Autumn Concert Playlist

Earth, Wind & Fire - In the stone, September, After the love has gone
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mfagqCcyE6g

Maze featuring Frankie Beverly - I Wanna Thank You (7:22)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_6VaCG3tUE

Levert - Father Sings To Son
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8UCI9u-Ps5o

Husband Sings To Wife with Patti LaBelle - If Only You Knew (Oprah) a surprise duet!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oorsvJ5VSe4

Harry Belafonte - Try To Remember (live) 1997
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IFaPImOyGa8

The O'Jays Live "Stairway To Heaven" (1976 Soul Train)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IR4tv2wiiqw

The O'Jays "Forever Mine"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rfRKzouM9lo

Let Me Make Love To You - The O'Jays (Soul Train)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eq3DfTFxRZ8

Levert - Gerald Levert & Eddie Levert - Baby Hold On To Me (Live on Motown Live)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1_myr52hHZ0

Levert - Eddie & Gerald Levert - Wind Beneath My Wings (Essence Awards June 13, 1995)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AwvAEIJ3d9I

Stephanie Mills Home
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T_qDvQStBqM

Luther Vandross - A House Is Not A Home (Live NAACP Image Awards 1988)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gQ9ZVGM7smE

Luther Vandross - Love Won't Let Me Wait (Live at Wembley Stadium 1989)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eZ9UHdyZcog

Luther Vandross - Superstar (Wembley Stadium 1989)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QG9MqIFzoUk

Is It Still Good To Ya (Valentines Day Special 7 Ashford & Simpson 2009)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-tPPZkiOI7s

Ashford & Simpson Live at Anthology San Diego (You're All That I Need)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VNK9HhCuw8s

Ashford & Simpson @ Paradiso Amsterdam 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=groUCPw1ZE8

Peabo Bryson I'm So Into You
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0vM6w04NRI

I Feel Good All Over
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-tY0GJM5KBw

Create memories while looking back on the sweetest of memories. If your wedding date is a few years away why not plan a Fall Fest Family Reunion Outdoor Concert? There is no better way to introduce your fiancé to the extended family than planning a family reunion. Just follow the step by step reunion planning guide written by seasoned reunion planners Mark and Brenda Askew. Get your copy of Fimark's Family Reunion Planner and plan a warm and cozy reunion this fall season. 

Date Night Idea List

After 35 years Brenda and I are still very much enamored with each other. I sometimes catch her looking and smiling at me while I sleep. A look of peace, affection and yes, that last minute look of 'whoops, you caught me staring again.' It's proof positive that when your willing to work harder on your marriage than anything else in life the dividends are great.

What We've Learned

Have you ever noticed? We are at our absolute worst when we are tired. We're disoriented and fatigued, touchy and snappy.  When rest is lacking we are impatient and disagreeable. That said, our first priority needs to be learning how to put life on hold and rest. It makes all the difference. After getting much-needed rest we can enjoy a relaxing afternoon or evening together.

The Importance of Dating

We found this solution early in our marriage and have kept applying it ever since. We call it Date Night. Date night helps keep the home fires burning. Establish a weekly day, afternoon or evening to focus undistracted on the two of you. Turn off the cell phone. Tell your friends and colleagues that you should not be disturbed on this day and then have at it. Dating in this way should never end. Whether you're 24 or 84, it is the lifeblood of a strong healthy relationship between two very busy people.

Hot vs Warm and Cozy

No, we don't aim for a  hot steamy evening full of romantic posturing. We prefer a simple warm and cozy atmosphere. The rest comes naturally. But to make date night work, we had to learn to make five basic rules of conduct a priority. And when we did, date night began to work its wonders on us.

Date Night Priority List
1. Getting plenty of sleep the night before date night.
2. Making weekly date night an unbroken sacred ritual.
3. Choose employment that won't suck the life out of us.
4. Make date night enjoyable and relaxing.
5. No discussions about problems or work-related issues.
6. No distractions such as cell phone calls or texting
7. Let everyone know that date night is sacred and you should not be disturbed

Date Night Ideas List

Date night should be like cooking a crockpot dinner once a week. The ingredients may be few and simple, but it always seems to turn out delicious, filling the house with an amazing aroma. Date night should be carefully planned well in advance. It should be a time to creatively say "I love you" in word or deed. But it should always be simply stated, uncomplicated and stress-free in order to work. That said we've put together what we call an after wedding Date Night Idea List to keep the home embers warm. Share it, print it, pin it, but most of all enjoy it.

Date Night Ideas List

Start planning your wedding well in advance with My Keepsake Wedding Planner - Everything you need to plan your Wedding, Wedding night and Honeymoon.

Congratulations July Brides and Fiancees

A special shout out and congratulations to all our summer brides, specifically those to be wedded in the months of June, July and August. Today we recognise both July brides and fiancees. What a special time of year to advance your commitment of love. Now is the time to take advantage of the special features of the season. 

July is also a great time for a romantic summertime honeymoon vacation. Consider going on a cruise, or enjoy a week stay at a luxury villa. Perhaps a stay-cation would be just as enjoyable? A catered dinner with wine and roses and then cuddle up with that special someone.

And here's a free gift for you. The 7 Days Before The Wedding Countdown Wedding Planner and the After Wedding Date Night Ideas List. 

For more vacation ideas and vacation planning and packing checklists get Fimark's My Keepsake Wedding Planner.


Keep the home fires burning! 
Congratulations and best wishes.

Mark and Brenda

Congratulations June Brides

A special shout out and congratulations to all our June Brides and Fiancees. What a special time of year to advance your commitment of love. Now is the time to take advantage of the amenities of the season. 

June is a great time for a romantic honeymoon vacation. Think cruise, riverside cottage or a luxury villa. Want to keep it simple and local? Dine in your new home, a catered dinner, wine and roses on the balcony under the stars.

- - - - - - -

For a honeymoon planning checklist and activity ideas get your personal copy of Fimark's My Keepsake Wedding Planner. 

How To Say I Love You

Congratulations Fabulous February brides, grooms, fiances and fiancees.

This month the words "I Love You" are the most popular words expressed around the world. Popularity is one thing, but showing how much you mean it is quite another. So how do you say I love you in a way that the recipient knows you really mean it?

It goes without saying, there are an endless variety of ways to express true love.  Experts say, be creative. Others say, be direct. Most say show it, but do so in such a way that the recipient knows exactly what sentiment is being conveyed.

"True love and affection is a gentle kiss on the forehead."

"If you have an overwhelming urge to shout it out across the housetops, you're probably in love."

Since love is about giving, it makes sense to first consider how the receiver will interpret your words, expressions and actions. That said, take some time to find out what acts of love have the most meaning to your loved one and the expressions of love that are most deeply valued. If all else fails hold the person in your arms, gently kiss their forehead and speak softly the words, "I Love You." Next grab her hand, run to the nearest street corner and shout it out for all to hear.

How To Say I Love You

Consider creative ways to celebrate your love and show it each and every day. Go to eBay and find that favorite toy she once had when she was a kid. Write a list of all the things you love most about the person. Take the time to express gratitude for the little things they do for you and others. The best thing about true love is you'll never stop finding ways to express it.

Don't Forget Rings! - 7 Days Before The Wedding Checklist

Find creative and memorable ways to say "Will you marry me."  24 DIY Marriage Proposal Ideas

Get Fimark's My Wedding Planner to plan that special wedding day simply and easily, one step at a time.

Keywords: how to say I love you, I love you
Tags: #ILoveYou,#HowToSayILoveYou,

Congratulations September 2015 Brides and Fiancées

Congratulations September brides and fiancees. Congratulations to those married or to be wed, as well as those engaged in September? This is your month to tell us how he proposed to you.

If you plan on enjoying a honeymoon vacation or a romantic anniversary get-away, this is the month for you.

The astronomical fall (Northern Hemisphere) 2015 begins on Wednesday, September 23. Early fall season events including arts and craft shows, street side bubble shows, outdoor fairs, music and food festivals. special events also including beer and wine tasting.

Here is a special gift just for those of you September Brides and fiancees. The 7 Days Before The Wedding Countdown Planner. Enjoy and congrats!

DIY CRAFTY GIFT IDEAS

The "7 Days Before The Wedding Countdown Planner Checklist Bookmark"  Makes a great gift and can be used as a printable graphical template for many different craft projects. 

• Print it on a commemorative T-shirt.
• Print it on a fabric neck scarf.
• Print it on a fabric hair scarf.
• Send it to all the Brides-to-be you know.
  
• Print on a tall mug (cut in three sections).
• Print on a slim poster.
• Print on sticky paper for a scrapbook countdown timeline.
• Print and stick to the side of your monitor display.
• Print and wrap vertically around your bed post
• Print and wrap vertically around your Ficus Tree
• Print and hang ornamentally from your chandelier
• Print and attach to the side a your wall poster.

Right click and save the image to a file.

Find vital wedding planning checklists in the newly released wedding planner and organizer Fimark's My Keepsake Wedding Planner guidebook and keepsake.

24 DIY Marriage Proposal Ideas

So you've finally found the love of your life and you want to ask her to marry you. Looking for creative ideas and inspiration? Look no further. 

First think of her. Some women prefer public proposals and statements. It gives them a strong feeling of belonging to you. Others prefer a discreet intimate private proposal. Consider her favorite songs. The places she loves to go. The books she loves to read. The movies she frequents. The character she adores. The things she loves to do.  

This is a list of actual engagement ideas from actual event by friends and family. The best thing about this list is it does not require a lot of help.  At the right place at the right time, you can pretty much do it all yourself.

DIY Proposal Ideas Quick List

1. After weekend lunch on a sunny day he proposed at a water fountain. When she accepted, they jumped in.

2. On a snow winter night he proposed at a theater watching her favorite romance movie. They played in the snow on the way to the car.

3. On a starry night in early spring he proposed at an art gallery before a work of art she fell in love with.

4. He proposed at her favorite restaurant. He had the waiter drop the ring in her wine glass and asked her to remove it before pouring.

5. He proposed by taking her to a toy store and handing her a stuffed bear with the ring box in it's arms

6. At a Spring Fair on a craft table was her favorite quilt. After opening it up and revealing engagement rings, he proposed.

7. After a fun day on a sandy beach by the ocean while the sunset he promised may more days like these. He then proposed.

8. After getting completely soaked under a tropical water fall he opens his hand and reveals the ring.

9. He sang and danced "Singing in the Rain" style. Then opening an umbrella that read "Will You Marry Me?" he proposes.

10. He proposed in an airplane flying over her hometown. As she looked out the window he says "You are my home. Will you marry me?"

11. He proposed in a limo after a Broadway show. Quoting the words of a beloved character she he opens up the ring box and proposes.

12. He proposed in a park on a bench while violin, guitar and flute were playing a request. Singing the song being played he rests on one knee. Opens the box and asks for her hand.

13. Laying on the grass under the stars during the performance of her favorite song at a outdoor concert he proposes.

14. While dancing to her favorite song he proposed in the middle of the dance floor.

15. He asks for her hand while strolling in the park. With one hand he holds hers. With the other he shows an open box.

17. He asked after a very good candle light dinner on an apartment roof top overlooking the city.

18. After a cruise dinner they walk to the bow of the ship and he asks "will you marry me" under a full moon.

19. After watching her favorite dinner theater play, the acting group sang a song at their table while he asked her.

20. A mime showed him how to ask her silently and he copied him superbly.
21. He proposed on horse back. When she said yes he lifted her up on the saddle and the two rode off into the sunset together. He used a stepping stool and the horse was led by a professional trainer.
22. He proposed to her while they were riding horse and carriage.

23. At a family reunion after telling a touching story about a couples loyal love and enduring marriage he proposed.
24. After they successfully completed a community outreach project he proposed.

In all these actual events she said "Yes!" What helped? Taking the time to get to know her. Making the most of the things that mean the most to her. Some forethought and preparation. Good timing. Thinking ahead.

Above all show her that you're putting her welfare ahead of your own.

"Let each one keep seeking, not his own advantage, but that of the other person"

Wether you propose in private or in public, make it something special that says, I know you and I love you. Will you be my wife?

#love #Romance, #Marriage,  #married life, #howtoproposemarriage, #howtoaskhetomarryme, #willyoumarryme, #willumarryme, #marriageproposals, #listofmarriageproposalideas #DIYMarryMeProposalIdeas

Congratulations October Brides and Fiancées

It's time to say congratulations to all you October brides and fiancees. May your weddings be as memorable and engaging as you planned. The October birth stone is Tourmaline:Opal. 

The October flower is Marigold. Marigolds make excellent cut flowers for both live and dried arrangements. For live bouquets, cut newly opened blooms early in the morning and immediately set the stems in a jar of warm water. Marigolds are great for dry arrangements as well and therefore make the ideal keepsake flower.

Brenda and I will enjoy our October wedding anniversary at Virginia Beach. We look forward to the October festivals, harvest fruits, desserts and cuisine. 

Great October activities include: A fun fall foliage country driving trip. Head due north to see leaves of gold and orange, red and purple. Stop for a fresh-pressed apple cider, caramel apple treats and tasty pumpkin or sweet potato pie. This is a great time of year for wine tasting, cheese olive and crackers.  

Each Fall (usually in late October), Farmers Market celebrates the harvest with a great, family-friendly festival. In addition to crafts and entertainment, these festivals features several bands and special acts for children and the young at heart. Fall Festivals offers very special activities including a petting zoo, balloon and wood sculpting, reef making, baking contests and more. Find the best warm eggnog at country cooking restaurants and festivals. enjoy the seasons bounty together.

Congratulations To April, May and June Brides

A special shout out and congratulations to all our April, May and June Brides and Fiancees. 

It's a season of love, growth, giving, letting go and coming full circle. As you plan your wedding remember to capture the essence of guidance given, wisdom shared and nurturing from parents, guardians and all those special supportive people in your life. With that sentiment here is a gift from me to you. My newly released musical score, "On Your Special Day."

"On Your Special Day" by Mark Askew

On Your Special Day

Last year I composed a musical score, "On Your Special Day", for a family drama, It centered around a celebrated relationship between a father and his daughter. On the eve of his daughters wedding day a father sits at his piano reflecting on giving his daughter away. The score would carry us through the life of the child leading to the father daughter dance. This music video of real people and events in my life conceptualizes that. 

I had the pleasure of playing the musical score and similar video for a group of 60 last month. The tears and smiles told me it struck a cord in them as well. I hope it does the same for you.

Like making wedding keepsakes, family slideshows and scrapbooks? Get My Keepsake Wedding Planner available on this blog page.

Congratulations February Brides and Fiancées

February is the month that stands in between promises made and then fulfilled. It stands between two seasons, winter and spring. Between resolutions spoken and those acted upon. Between the seeds preserved under a blanket of frost and snow and the sun and showers that beckons them to sprout.  

It's a month of renewing vows and commitments. It's a time to fondly look back and reminisce all the while making more warm memories. It's a season for contemplation, seeking guidance and direction. It's the month for planning out the year or a lifetime. 

If this is the month he popped the question or the season he said I do, congratulations to you. May your marriage be prosperous and forever new. Our gift to you is the 7 Day Countdown Wedding Planner Bookmark. Enjoy these practical reminders leading up to the big day. 

For those who want to plan from start to finish and beyond we wrote the book on wedding planning. Get the book My Keepsake Wedding Planner, everything you need to know to plan a memorable wedding ceremony, reception, wedding night and honeymoon.

Congratulations January Brides and Fiancées

It's the month of January and many are starting off the new year with  a "Yes" and an "I Do."

If that is the month he popped the question or the season he puts a ring on it we want to say congratulations to you. Now's the time to start planning for the next twelve months be it a wedding or a wish of marital bliss. That said here is a wedding gift just for you. http://www.pinterest.com/pin/502221795917841983/

Take your time reading the articles on this blog and you'll have everything you need to get off to a good start.
Not sure where to start planning your wedding? We wrote the book on wedding planning so you have everything you need to plan a memorable occasion. Find the book at Google Shopping.

Looking for great wedding ideas? Start with the addicting wedding idea presentation boards at Pinterest. You'll find gowns, photo ideas, beautiful cake designs and wedding decor and attire color swatches that bring it all together very nicely. http://www.pinterest.com/bestweddingbook/.

What Kind Of Love...

Last month a dear friend of mine celebrated 60 years of marriage.  I remember him saying not long after that he was still getting to know his wife. What kind of love has that much staying power? What kind of love goes beyond just sticking around or tolerating each other? What kind of love keeps on loving right to the end? 

This proves that every couple no matter how long they have been together must take the time to break new ground.  Not just finding and defining some new characteristic trait or quality about the other, but applying what has been learned to better the relationship and strengthen the bond.

Over the past 7 days Brenda and I took the time to talk about our lives together and the direction it has been taking over the past 10 years. Much has been accomplished helping newly married loved ones remain grounded and their households become more functional. We've encouraged them to take an individual assessment of themselves in order to determine if they are really being true to self and to their union.

There comes a time when we all must decide to do an about face, look back from where we have come and look ahead to where we are going and adjust the sails and point the rudder toward our intended destination. What else is there but to stand at the helm and drive on undeterred and undistracted until the goal has been reached?

The Lesson: Instead of going with the flow, which is so easy to do, we at times have to cut through the oncoming waves. Swim upstream against the tide. Break against the wind. Ride into the storm in order to break new ground.  We come out of it realizing that what we thought we had is nothing in comparison to what we now have because of what put into it. An ancient book filled with conventional wisdom calls it loyal love. 

What is loyal love? It's the kind of love that is aware that it must be tested. It prepares itself to be tested in order to learn to endure. And as it is tested it seeks to prove itself loyal. With each storm it is like a barnacle that remains attached no matter how fierce the weather. It is like the entangled weeds of the sea. Unshakable. Loyal love holds on in order to complete a well defined task and purpose in relationship to the object of love.