For couples that share a faith in God, there are special issues to consider on the road to a happy marriage.

"My favorite part of the reception was the photo montage," recalled my dear friend, Beth. I was a guest at her wedding and am in full agreement after witnessing the profound effect that the montage had on friends, family, and - of course - the couple themselves.

photography by William Innes

Love, even if fleeting, is more than worthy of celebration. This month we were especially excited to take on the task of creating the very best local bridal guide. Because when life feels uncertain, there's nothing better than knowing that no matter what, "love conquers all."

An in-depth look at local eateries and their catering options for your special event.

Fast cars, war games and nary a bikini-clad woman in sight: It's the perfect "marriage" between what guys want to do (hang out with the guys!) before the wedding and what their fiancees don't want them to do. Here are our favorite testosterone-driven options:

photography by William Innes

What the World Needs Now...
Love, sweet love. Express yours with unique details that will make your special day truly memorable.

The most memorable of occasions demand the most exquisite
of locations. Here are three of Santa Clarita's finest places to celebrate.

photography by William Innes
240 the average number of minutes you've booked for your reception site
90 the average number of minutes a discount tea light burns
Your centerpiece candles shouldn't flicker out before the real magic even starts. Pick up 100-percent soy tea lights made by Beanpod. They'll cleanly burn for at least four hours and are available in a variety of fashion colors to better coordinate with your event.

A Gift for the both of You
After the wedding, it's hard to find another "as good" excuse to get your hair, makeup and nails done... But he won't complain about the expense when he sees the final result.

A wedding is not a singular event, but THOUSANDS OF LITTLE DETAILS that come together - or apart - depending on one's preparation. Don't forget any of these necessities...

Before you surrender to wedding-planning blues or head for a drive-thru chapel in Vegas, here are some helpful insider tips that will help ensure your extravaganza is well-planned, organized and - most importantly - reflects your personal style.

HOSTING A PARTY in honor of the nearly-married should not require a special trip to the bank to pick up $50 in singles.

BRIDAL BEAUTY need not be high maintenance. Softly coifed hair, glowing skin and gently-defined features make for a stunningly-understated look.

Attention brides-to-be (or anyone who wants to look great for their own "big day"): Do you want to look your radiant best when you walk down the aisle? Would you like your skin to glow, your hair to be full and luxurious, and your makeup to be perfectly applied? Would you also like to feel relaxed and photographer-ready?

There is nothing like a little sparkle during the holidays and if you are now sporting a diamond ring on your left hand, that means you will soon be planning a special event of your own - your wedding.

As you prepare for the big day, deciding a date may be one of the easiest decisions you make. Today's weddings are big productions and there are hundreds of little details you will have to iron out before the day of your dreams arrives. Have no fear, though. There are several local experts who love weddings and are ready to help.

A co-ed shower that will impress even the most cynical guest! Game ideas: Every guest is asked to bring a wrapped item (with no name) that they feels represents their relationship/friendship with the bride for her to keep. This can be really fun and a great ice breaker as the bride is asked to guess who gave her which item. If the group has a great sense of humor, the guest can be asked to bring a new pair of underwear for the bride to help get her ready for her honeymoon. The guests would bring a pair that best fits their personality so the bride can guess who they are from. (the underwear are turned in - unwrapped - to the party hostess who hangs them on display for all to see on a clothesline). This is so much fun assuming it's the right crowd!

Weddings are a $25 billion industry and the newly engaged will join the 2,000,000 individuals who will be getting married this year across the United States. With that number in mind, it is wise to begin planning for the big event as soon as possible. Are you getting married in your parents' backyard or heading off to Vegas? There a ton of options for those planning on tying the knot and there are many professionals who can help walk you through the process. Before you start putting deposits on anything, experts agree the first thing to do is to set a budget.

This article is a bit different than most as it's a fill in the blank opportunity for you to do a service check on the relationship you have with your spouse or partner. I encourage you to set up some special alone time with your significant other; fill in your answers, then share your answers with each other. Be open. Be honest. Be humble. It's not about right and wrong but about opening up communication in order to develop a deeper, more meaningful connection to the person you're spending the rest of your life with.

Set the tone early with a starkly contrasted classic monogrammed invitation in chocolate and ivory that coordinates perfectly with formal on-site menu cards. Orchids add a special touch of luxury to bouquets, centerpieces and boutonnieres. You can display the glamour of the season with gold-flecked textured linens offset by sumptuous satin napkins shaded a deep champagne. Finally, close the evening with a burnished cake topped with hand-painted fondant leaves.

Set the tone early with a starkly contrasted classic monogrammed invitation in chocolate and ivory that coordinates perfectly with formal on-site menu cards. Orchids add a special touch of luxury to bouquets, centerpieces and boutonnieres. You can display the glamour of the season with gold-flecked textured linens offset by sumptuous satin napkins shaded a deep champagne. Finally, close the evening with a burnished cake topped with hand-painted fondant leaves.