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 Maximilien in the Market  Hearty cassoulets, succulent roast duck, and melt in your mouth crème brûlée are French culinary standards that are rarely equaled outside of France. Lucky for us, Seattle has just the place to make you forget where you are and transport you straight to the cafés of Paris. Maximilien in the Market: With its elegant ambiance and spectacular view of Puget Sound, Maximilien serves up the finest service and extraordinary French recipes. You’ll be stopped in your tracks from the first bite and inspired to slow down and savor your food like a true Parisian. Order the duck, steak au poivre, or anything else on their delicious menu, and enjoy it with a bottle of bubbly or Bordeaux and the pleasure of your lady’s company.
The day before school got out for summer, 1st grade teacher Ms. Dang was in for a big surprise. While she packed away her things and prepared her room for their end of the year party she was called away by the Principal of the school who informed her that the kids had a special presentation in store for her. Ms. Dang was touched that the children would be so thoughtful, so she waited patiently in the teacher’s lounge wondering what cute idea they may have come up with.
When she was escorted back to class the kids were quietly sitting in a circle, with their legs “criss-cross, applesauce” and each had a single red rose in front of them. In the center of the circle there appeared to be signs turned upside down. While Ms. Dang tried to peak under them to see what she could read, the Principal announced a special guest. In walked “Mr. Paul”, Ms. Dang’s boyfriend, to say a few words on behalf of  the kids. He began by thanking her for her hard work and kind-heart and sharing how the kids felt about her. Then, he went on to profess his love and gratitude to her as well. She was touched and somewhat surprised by the personal nature of his words. When he finished he asked the kids to speak for him, and the signs began to be flipped over one after another. “Ms. Dang, will you marry Mr. Paul?” was the message that filled her with so much joy that she doesn’t even remember Paul getting down on one knee to make his formal proposal. She just remembers saying “Yes, Yes, Yes”, and even writing it on a sign of her own to seal the deal. “Mr. Paul” and Ms. Dang hugged and laughed while the kids got out of school for the summer and rushed through the halls yelling “Ms. Dang and Mr. Paul just got married!”
 I’d like to give my fiancée some lingerie as a wedding gift, but I’m nervous that I’ll choose the wrong things. How should a guy shop for lingerie? 
Don’t be nervous! Fine lingerie is a fabulous gift for your wife-to-be, and if you just keep a few things in mind you’re sure to choose something that will make her swoon. The first step to a successful lingerie shopping trip is to choose a great store with a knowledgeable staff. True professionals will guide you when you need help and make you feel comfortable and confident in the process. Look for independent lingerie boutiques in your area for fun selections, relaxed environments and dedicated lingerie experts. The next thing you need to know is her general size. The easiest way to do this is just to ask! A little gift buying cheat sheet in your wallet with all of her sizes, from shoes to dresses to bras and panties is a tool every man should have. If you want your gift to be more of a surprise, take a peek in her closet and jot down the  sizes of her other undergarments as well as her jeans and tops so the sales person helping you can get a good idea of her proportions. As you choose the actual items to purchase, think about her and the things she loves in her wardrobe. Does she gravitate toward bright colors or dark dramatic tones, to fun and girly styles or to sexy sophisticated looks? Also consider what parts of her body she’s most confident about (not just the parts you love the most!) Great lingerie should make her feel absolutely stunning, so choose items that accentuate her favorite attributes. Finally, lingerie needs to feel great as well as look great. Touch the fabrics, laces and trims of the items you’re considering and skip anything that seems scratchy, stiff or artificial (remember that if you don’t want it against your skin, neither will she.) Most of all have fun with it and you won’t go wrong, because really, isn’t fun the whole point? Buy her something special for your wedding night, or splurge on a whole sexy wardrobe for your honeymoon, a gift of gorgeous lingerie is always a win-win situation!
 Your honeymoon in France's Dordogne France is for lovers and all of us here at Junebug Weddings are simply in love with France! We love the food, the clothes, the architecture, and the feeling of romance that infuses every inch of the landscape. In fact, we’re so in love with it that our Art Director Kim Bamberg and her husband Adam got married there and our whole team returns to our favorite haunt, the perfectly located French chateau of Saint Julien l'Ars to mark the major celebrations in our lives.
Every time we visit, we set off in a different direction from the chateau and we’re always amazed and delighted by what we find. This November, Kim and Adam shot our Fabulous French Fashion Report in Paris and at St. Julien l'Ars, and then sped off to explore the enchanting villages along the Dordogne and Vézère Rivers, southeast of the chateau. What they found was some of the most charming locations on earth to spend your honeymoon.
 Just 5 hours from Paris and 2 hours from St. Julien l'Ars, lies the idyllic Dordogne Valley in the world renowned Perigord Noir, famous for its fabulous food and wine, medieval villages, prehistoric caves, and breath-taking natural beauty. We’re positive you’re going to love steering your European car along the winding ancient roads and discovering new delights around every bend. We suggest you put your bags down in the beautiful village of Beynac, once the beloved home of Richard the Lionheart. The Auberge de la Rivière is our favorite place to stay in Beynac with its riverside views of the Dordogne and delicious fare, but it is just one of the many romantic choices available to you in the Perigord Noir. Once you’ve settled in you’ll want to visit the magnificent Chateau de Beynac that looms above the village, then drive, bike, canoe, and hike your way to all the amazing attractions this area has to offer. Here are the sights on our must-see list. Medieval Towns Sarlat: Dating back to the 9th century, Sarlat with its gorgeous yellow sandstone buildings, stone roofs, and narrow winding streets, is one of the most visited towns in France and a featured locale in the movies "Chocolat" and "The Messenger – The History of Joan of Arc." The attraction is the town itself, where you can spend days wandering in and out of the many churches, restaurants, and artisan shops. The Saturday market here is renowned in France, and during summer months the city is alive with art and  music festivals. La Rogue Gageac: This picture-perfect postcard village features stunning medieval architecture and a troglodyte fort built 40 feet above the town in its sandstone cliffs. Southern exposure and a wind-resistant location make it a flourishing garden almost year round. Monpazier: Considered to be one of the most beautiful villages in France, this perfectly intact 14th century town is located just outside of the Perigord Noir about 30 minutes from Sarlat. It's well worth the trip for its beauty and historical significance.
Castles:Chateau de Hautefort: Featured in the Drew Barrymore movie “Ever After”, this impressive chateau is a fairy tale example  of what life was like for kings and queens of the Renaissance. Chateau de Commarque: This 12th century chateau between Sarlat and Les Eyzies was discovered in the 1970’s buried under rock, silt, and vegetation. The meticulous restoration of the village, castle, and prehistoric sites found here is a continually evolving discovery, making this chateau a particularly fascinating stop along your trip.
Prehistoric Caves: Lascaux: The Dordogne Valley has over 1,300 prehistoric caves. The cave at Lascaux, often referred to as the pre-historic Sistine Chapel, is the most grand, and by far the most famous. Visitors are treated to a paleolithic art gallery dating back over 15,000 years. Les Eyzies: Known as the pre-historic capital of the world, Les Eyzies is where the first remains of Cro-Magnon man were found in 1868. Both the town and the caves are treasures you don’t want to miss.
Gardens and Natural Beauty:The Hanging Gardens at Marqueyssac: Stunning gardens with panoramic views of the Dordogne valley. The gardens are lit by  candlelight on Thursday evenings making them the perfect place for a sunset picnic and a romantic evening stroll. Canoe trips on the Dordogne and Vézère Rivers: No matter which river you choose you’ll be treated to views unlike anything you’ve ever seen before. Soak up the sun while you slowly meander past hanging gardens, dozens of cliff-side chateaus, and hundreds of prehistoric sites. We suggest you take a ride down the Dordogne, where Les Eyzies, the Chateau de Castlenaud and Marqueyssac are all just part of the scenery.
Travel Tip:Consider traveling in the late spring or early fall when  the tourist season is not at its peak and the countryside is ablaze with blossoming fruit trees or rich fall color.
Note: Chances are you’ll be staying in Paris for some part of your French honeymoon. To make your stay perfect, get the scoop from Junebug in our article, “ Five Perfect Days in Paris.”
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She's got the dress handled, now what are you going to wear? Check out our list of favorite shops dedicated to helping you find your suit, tux, kilt, or whatever floats your boat for your wedding day.
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Look no further for the most luxurious and romantic places to spend your first night in wedded bliss. Hotels of all kinds, for couples of all kinds.
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Give the gift that you'll enjoy just as much as she will! Visit any of these fine lingerie shops and let their specialists help you find exactly what you, I mean she, will love.
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The ring, it's a big decision and you don't want to go it alone. Get guidance and an incredible selection at these amazing fine jewelry stores. With help like this, you just can't miss.
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If music is your thing, then these DJs are for you. From Sinatra to Salsa to Mozart to Hip Hop, they've got your wedding covered from beginning to end.
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For all the fun extras you didn't know you needed. Rent a photo booth, design a logo, learn to dance, have a blast.
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Do you love cars? Want to experience a little luxury? Get around town on your wedding day in style with transportation choices from funky to fabulous!
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Whether it's for your walk down the isle, an elegant dinner hour, a swingin' reception, or an all out dance party there's nothing like live music for your wedding day.
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