Wondering if you should have a beach wedding or not? It’s a decision many brides and grooms are pondering. According to the latest bridal industry news – beach weddings are still wildly popular, even though the trend started years ago.  Not only is this type of wedding very romantic, it’s also very affordable.  With the average cost of a wedding in 2010 between $20,000 – $30,000, this seems like an enormous financial burden.   Starting your marriage enslaved by your wedding day debts is not how you want to remember this wonderful occasion.

Think about the glorious, natural setting that provides a gorgeous backdrop, minimizing the need for expensive decorations.  Consider the miles and miles of beautiful beaches right here in the U. S., saving the cost of travel to distant lands.  Now close your eyes and picture yourselves surrounded by the embrace of your loving family and closest friends in a warm and intimate ceremony.

A beach wedding can also be more casual.  Everyone can relax, dress comfortably and affordably.  You can even involve family or friends in your ceremony and make them part of the celebration.  It’s your day and you can plan it any way that you want, be it romantic, whimsical or even silly.   It can be a modern and refreshing change from the typical indoor wedding and it allows your creativity and personalities to shine through.

Give it some thought – think about how unique you can make it and remember that your beach wedding footwear  is already taken care of….. by shopping at Jewels-by-Jan!

The Washington, D.C. -based Dhoonya Dancers held one of their largest performances of the year on Saturday, November 7th at the Montgomery Performing Arts Center in Silver Spring, MD. The show was titled Bollyb!end 2: A night at the Bollywood Film Awards which, through dance, celebrates the glitz and glamour of India’s most popular film genre.

Shown here on the red carpet are two of the colors of custom-designed barefoot sandals that we handcrafted for one of their dances.  They matched the magenta and green costumes worn for that performance.  The sandals were a big hit with the crowd and with the dancers! 

And just so you know, the dance troupe is available for private parties, wedding receptions or any type of event that is looking for some fabulous, up-beat and colorful entertainment.   Contact Priya via e-mail on their web site http://www.dhoonyadance.com .

Remember that we will custom-craft barefoot sandals for any occasion in any color so if you know of another group of dancers who might like to add bottomless sandals to their costumes – just send us an e-mail at jan@jewels-by-jan.com

How many L.B.’s have YOU gained from all the leftover Halloween candy?  Ugh!  Now that the bats and goblins are all tucked away until next year, we can reflect back on the photos taken at Halloween events we attended.  Here’s Jan as Mother Nature and her husband Les as Father Time.  The party we attended was at the home of good friends and not only did they have great decorations but they had a graveyard complete with tombstones and fog, awesome food (jello shots too!)  and even their own D.J.!  You can bet everyone was enjoying the music – especially when “Thriller” started! They really know how to throw a great party. 

Mother Nature even wore a pair of barefoot sandals made with green leaves – but unfortunately, no one took a picture of them.  

Needless to say, we all have another year to come up with ideas for next year’s costumes!  Now it’s time to get ready for giving thanks.

JAN