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Wedding Story Contest: Bliss & France!
Romantic France!
Contest
Tell Us About your Fantasy French Wedding/Vow Renewal, Romance or Honeymoon
WIN Your Choice of a free 2 hour photography session in Paris or a 2 hour privately guided custom tour in Paris!
To Enter
1. DESCRIBE: your idea of the most “Bliss”ful French wedding, elopement or honeymoon. Include how both France (whether Paris, Provence, or other locale) and the concept of “bliss” fit into you and your fiancés personal romantic story.
2. Friend Bliss Travels on Facebook
The contest is open to any engaged or soon to be engaged person 21 years of age or older. It is also open to people renewing their vows in the next 12 months. Void where prohibited by law. No purchase necessary. Must sign rules/entry form.
Winners
Entries will be judged on creativity, how close they adhere to the theme of their upcoming wedding, “bliss”, and how well connected the event is to some area in France.
The winning story will be featured on our blog, and the couple will be our “couple of the month” and featured on our website. The winners will receive their choice of a free 2 hour photography session in Paris (and a dvd of images) OR a custom designed 2 hour private walking tour of the Paris sites.
HOW TO ENTER. GO TO BLISS TRAVELS WEBSITE. WWW.BLISSTRAVELS.COM AND CLICK ON THE LINK!
Sign the below entry form and the rules pages, submitting the signed documents electronically with your essay and photos. Submissions without this will not be reviewed. (contact us for your copy of the form or see below)
OFFICIAL CONTEST RULES (“Rules”)
- Profane, obscene, or inappropriate material;
- Endorses, encourages, glorifies, or condones drug use, underage drinking, alcohol abuse or any
other illegal activity;
- Nudity, profanity or gratuitous violence.
- Inappropriate language;
- Any express or implied commercial endorsement;
- Any derogatory characterization of any person or group based on age, race, color, gender,
gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, marital status, mental or physical disability, citizenship, creed, national origin, physical appearance, political affiliation, union membership, or other unethical or unlawful factors;
- Depictions of any conduct, language or other context deemed inappropriate.
- Any actual or apparent copying or other infringement of another's intellectual property rights.
Clearances: Each participant is solely responsible for obtaining from all applicable individuals or entities any and all required rights, releases, consents, clearances, licenses, and other authorizations necessary to exploit and otherwise use their submitted video in any and all media. Clearances required include, for example:
- Location releases;
- Releases from any person whose name, voice, likeness or persona is referenced, shown, or
otherwise used in the submitted video;3. If any individual depicted is under the age of majority, participants must obtain the signature of the individual’s parent or guardian on the applicable clearance(s).4. By submitting entries, participants warrant that the contents of the submission do not infringe on any copyright owned by another, and/or that the content of the video is within the bounds ofthe fair use doctrine. Participants also confirm that to the best of their knowledge, any statements made in the submitted video are true and do not violate or infringe on the rights of third parties. All necessary clearances must be obtained and provided to Bliss Travels prior to selecting the video as a finalist or winning video. The sponsor may disqualify any submitted video at any time if the participant has not obtained all necessary clearances. Conditions of Participation: 1. By entering, participants agree to defend and indemnify sponsor(s) and sponsor's principles, subsidiaries, affiliates, directors, officers, employees, and agents from any and all liability for any injuries, loss, or damage of any kind arising from or in connection with the contest as a result of receiving participants’ submissions and/or misuse of any prize.2. Each participant agrees that the sponsor(s) may retain a copy of the submitted video and releases the sponsor from liability for any loss or damage thereto. Each participant, by submitting the video, also consents, approves and authorizes the sponsor the right to use, broadcast, webcast, podcast, link to or from, syndicate, or otherwise exhibit or display the submitted video in its original or an altered form or format.3. Each participant grants the sponsor(s) the unqualified, unrestricted, worldwide, irrevocable, perpetual and royalty-free right to use his or her name, logo, marks, submission entries, and other distinctive identification in connection with promoting or marketing the contest or its theme, and future contests, materials or as the sponsor(s) determine.
- The rights described in these official rules begin immediately upon submission of the video.
- The sponsor has no obligation to post or display any submitted video and may at its discretion
remove any submitted videos at any time.
- The participant releases the sponsor from any and all claims by third parties or the participant
- in connection with the submitted materials.
.General Conditions: 1. This contest is governed by the laws of the state of New Jersey and participants consent to the exclusive jurisdiction and venue of the state and federal district courts located within and of the state of New Jersey for any causes or controversies arising therefrom.2. The sponsor reserves the right to void entries it deems associated with electronic or non- electronic tampering.3. Should technical or other difficulties arise that compromise the integrity of the contest the sponsor may cancel, modify or suspend the contest without notice. In that case, the sponsor reserves the right to award the prizes from eligible entries received before the cancellation.4. The sponsor is not responsible for any technical malfunction or service outage related to the contest.Questions? Please contact wendy@blisstravels.com or Anthony@anthonybphotos.com Sign and include with your submission.
Guest Post: From Monique Marriage
Please enjoy our guest post from Madame Monique
Marriage...Posted on French Wedding Style! And look at the
post as it was originally published
Elope to Paris
French Wedding Style Blog – Photography Copyright (c) 2012, Bliss Travels
Wendy shares with us one of her real life elopement stories: “Michelle and Jack called me less than three months before their wedding date to ask if I could create a Paris elopement for them…Running off to the City of Lights to get married. Just the two of them. In the end, his father, and her mother, and their best friends also traveled with them. During the weeks that followed, our celebrant spent time speaking with Michelle and Jack about their lives, their love and the ceremony ahead so that he could craft the perfect moment for them.
Once in Paris, we arranged to meet for the first time in an historic art deco building on the Left Bank. Sharing Laduree pastries and some Champagne, we talked about the weekend ahead. We arranged for a ceremony in the Tuileries Gardens, by the lily pool, off to the side, under a beautiful tree. When we arrived, there was a painter, in full white, paint splattered smock, with easel, working on an oil painting. We couldn’t resist the setting and held the ceremony with the painter as our background. Along side the painter were some enthusiastic teens. Everyone was onboard with the romance of the marriage –and the teens threw rose petals at the bride and groom at the perfect moment, while the painter provided the most Parisian backdrop possible for this impromptu garden ceremony. After the ceremony, the couple was doused with a shower of rose petals and applause by family, friends, and locals…Everyone wanted to celebrate.
After the ceremony we took the couple, and the photographer, by limousine through Paris for photos at all of the fabulous sites. In between stops they enjoyed gourmet treats, champagne and a miniature wedding cake –little treats before they joined their friends and family for the more formal Wedding dinner. This wedding was romantic, casual elegance at its best.”There is something just so romantic about eloping especially to the capital of romance Paris. After all the big wedding celebrations have finished it is still two people making a commitment to each other and starting their life together – just with a few less guests if you elope. Thanks to Bliss Travels for opening the doors on the details behind couples who elope to Paris.As a discussion point, for all those couples who did elope did you tell your family before the big day or after?Happy elopement planning.Monique x x
What to Plan, Pack, Wear for Valentine's Wedding in Paris!
VALENTINE’S DAYThe most romantic day of the year. Propose? Marry? Just escape from it all? Meet the person of your dreams? We’re doing our version of Romantic Bliss over Valentine’s weekend in Paris….What could be better than a romantic hotel, breakfast in bed, private chocolate and wine pairing from a world class chocolate maker, a star studded (Michelin, that is) dining experience customized to the occasion, a saunter through the best that Paris has to offer….And then the moment….What would your moment be?
HOW TO PICK A DRESS FOR A DESTINATION WEDDING.Pick something simple and elegant, or over the top stylish. Pick something you can pack easily so that your trip is effortless. Bring two pairs of shoes. One for the ceremony and dinner, and the other to walk around Paris, so you can get those cool photographs without also getting blisters! Think about what you’d like to wear to your dinner. Elegant, easy to travel with, sophisticated are the Paris buzzwords.We arranged for a bridal shoot for Nicole Miller Philadelphia in Paris two years ag0, and her dresses work very well. Contact us if you’d like an introduction to Nicole Miller Philadelphia!HOW TO PACK FOR A VALENTINE'S DAY WEEKEND IN PARIS:Paris is usually not to cold. Typical weather in February should be about 40 degrees. This past Christmas was unseasonably warm. 50 plus! So, maybe this February will be as well! Whatever the weather, bring a coat, stylish scarf, boots, thin thermal socks (great for keeping feet comfy with all the walking. Pack a pocket umbrella too. I suggest great skirts and knit dresses (everyone was wearing them this season). And, most importantly, pack a small carryall bag to bring home your special purchases! You don't want to run out of room!
WANT TO BRING FAMILY AND FRIENDS?Of course they can come! And we can entertain them. They will sightsee and wine and dine while you and your fiancé decide upon your final plans. They will attend your ceremony, whatever meals you like, and celebrate all over Paris with you…If you like. We arrange for a special itinerary for your loved ones so that they have as memorable a time as you.
Think of these images while you decide whether you want to experience true Bliss!
5 Reasons to Spend Valentine's Day in Paris (as if you needed even one!)
5 Reasons to spend VALENTINE’S DAY in Paris....As If You Needed One!
1. It's the most romantic day of the year. And the most romantic city in the world. Where else would you be?
2. Propose? Marry? Just escape from it all? Meet the person of your dreams? We’re doing our version of Romantic Bliss over Valentine’s weekend in Paris….You do not want to miss out!
3. What could be better than a romantic hotel, breakfast in bed, private chocolate and wine pairing from a world class chocolatiere, a star studded (Michelin, that is) dining experience customized to the occasion, a saunter through the best that Paris has to offer, and that includes: foie gras, truffles, red wine and more chocolate :)
4. To say "I do" with the Eiffel Tower sparkling behind you....or even better, on top of the Eiffel Tower!
5. To find love in the City of Lights!(If you missed our Blog about the wedding photographer who found love on our photo shoot, check it out now. True story!)Think of these images while you decide whether you want to experience true Bliss! Ask about our exclusive WEDDING IN PARIS and our Valentine's Getaways. Not on the website. Limited sale.Call us when you're ready.....wendy@blisstravels.com. 609 462 6213.
In Paris & Brussels, Tis The Season for Chocolate
Now that the weather outside is frosty (hear the tune in your head), it's time for chocolate! Real chocolate. Delicate chocolates. Chocolates that don't like too much heat because they are filled with real, fresh, flavored cream, or stamped and painted with gorgeous drawings, or melted and stirred into thick unctuous decadent drinks. Is your mouth watering yet?
Each winter --in both December and February (Valentine's Day, anyone?) Bliss Travels visits the most magnificent chocolatiers and patissieres to see what new creations and exciting treats are available. (And, we don't just visit, we taste, and taste...and then have a glass of Champagne --whoops, got distracted. Sorry!)This year is no different. Even if you can't come on our Christmas week trip (where we do this in Paris) or our Valentine's weekend or add on a visit to Brussels, you can still look at these amazing treats and learn what to find here. What could be better ?Smaller than American confections, and typically more delicate, with thinner shells, these treats also have significantly less sugar, making them (in the opinion of Bliss Travels) practically a health food! (Truth: they are less fattening, and less addictive, because there is less sugar and nothing that's chemical in them.) If you talk to an artisan in Brussels or Paris, they will tell you chocolate in proper "doses" is medicinal and very good for you. I wouldn't argue with that if I were you. I sure don't!
Some of the flavors below include lavender and a fresh cream of tiramisu!
The chocolates in this photo are from Neuhaus. You can buy this brand in the US, but you cannot buy the fresh creams. They are too delicate to travel. The photo here depicts chocolates filled with a very light flavored whipped cream (this is not the cloying sweet gummy stuff we call "creams" in the box of assorted chocolates you get in the US). You must get these in BRUSSELS.So, what to do here. Look for small batch chocolates, make by artisans. Look for higher quality (and darker, more pure) chocolates. Avoid anything with a list of ingredients with things you personally wouldn't cook with. Look for smaller pieces, interesting flavors, freshest ingredients.Then there are other things you can do with chocolate...If you're in Paris or Brussels! Take a look at a typical, well done treat. (But, you have to know where to go!)
What could be a better gift than Chocolate --well, taking that person tasting in Paris --but, if you can't do that, find the real thing here. It makes a difference.We wish you a truly sweet season....And hope you'll join us soon! It's BlissIf you want to know more, write me. I love to hear from people! Wendy@blisstravels.com
How to Fall in Love in Paris: A True Story
Paris is the city of Love and Romance. Mais Oui! And never more so than over Christmas and Valentine's Day. This is a true story about finding love in Paris. One I like telling as I begin to plan for all the holidays.About this time, two years ago, Bliss Travels, was leading a group through France for a photo shoot of wedding gowns for Nicole Miller Philadelphia, when the first of three paralyzing snow storms hit the East Coast of the US. The photographer and I arrived in Provence for our destination wedding photo shoot, only to find that the model and all of the clothing were snowed in at home.Our intrepid photographer and I were sitting in a tiny village restaurant having a Christmas lunch with the town (yes, pretty much the entire town)
trying to decide how to photograph a destination wedding without a bride or bridal clothing when our waiter appeared-handsome, blue eyed and very photogenic. As we munched on pâté and warm toast, followed by a red wine soaked Provencal daube (for her) and a duck confit (for me) and the traditional 13 desserts (okay, it wasn't a hardship!) we hatched a plan with the town councilwoman whose hospitality we were enjoying.
For the next 36 hours as we received frantic updates from our 'bride' saying she (and our wedding dresses) were in transit, Julien continued to show up for photo shoots with a bow tie and a grin.Finally, on our last night in this little village, we invited Julien to dinner and told him that our "bride" would be waiting when he arrived. Secretly, Sarah and I joked that Julien could not possibly believe we really had a model on the way. There had been so many canceled meetings. As this became more and more comic, we plied Julien with pre dinner aperitifs and attempted to convince him -over his laughs and eye rolls -- that our "bride" did exist. At that moment, our "bride" , Mia Calona, sauntered in as if she was only "fashionably late" for a party. Julien took one look at her, smiled and said "oui, oui" (without asking if it was pretend).
However, like any 'marriage of convenience', theirs was over before it it began. Julien was off to see his family for the holidays and we left for Chateauneuf du Pape and Paris. We spent three more days of photography and then spent Christmas Day in Paris (which I highly recommend) together celebrating the success of our trip.The next morning, another paralyzing storm hit the East Coast, and Sarah found herself stuck in Charles de Gaulle airport for several hours, unable to leave France. So, she struck up a conversation with another delayed traveler (yes, part French) and, you guessed it, they hit it off. Within weeks, he had moved to Philadelphia. Within months they were engaged. And, now they are getting married! So, finding love in the City of Light and Love is always possible. Just ask Sarah!