Welcome to YWD! As you meander through the Winter 2007 issue, you’ll find yourself saying, “Oh-h-h-h la la!” as our issue theme of sensuality weaves itself throughout, awakening all your senses. The word sensual conjures up a mood of unrestrained indulgence . . . in life . . . living . . . loving.

A wedding is a sensual, spiritual, emotional, and awe-inspiring life experience. It is a fascinating bond whose meaning is shared by humankind around the world. What I love most about today’s weddings in our Western culture is that they reflect a larger picture . . . that of the transitions and transformation of our world, bringing it closer to peace, unity, and equality.

Remember learning about the melting pot theory in fifth grade? Today, it’s not unusual to witness the merging of two or more cultures in a marriage . . . this is where beauty arises, from the very personal level to a global scale. As a couple preparing to wed, you’ll have the pleasure of digging deep into your own histories, to learn about the traditions that have been in place for hundreds, if not thousands of years, in a deep and intimate exploration. Then you’ll share with your friends and family members what speaks to your heart in a unique ceremony and reception—a profound experience arousing all the senses…

Within this issue, we explore all things that indulge the senses. We begin with the provocative qualities of perfume, and quickly learn that our sense of smell is our most immediate associative link to our memories. By selecting or custom-blending your own wedding day perfume, you will create a unique scent that will forever imprint in your memory the loving thoughts and feelings of your wedding day.

We also share with you our discovery of a new trend where today’s couples are embracing the same artful quality of their wedding day photographs for preserving other life memories—keeping the narrative of their anniversaries, births and other momentous events, creating visual memories as a family heirloom.

As we delve further into the realm of the senses, the style of our issue will be characterized by smooth, silky, and lacy gowns photographed under the warm, sensual night sky at the famous Villa Montalvo, a Mediterranean-style villa on 175 stunning acres in the Saratoga Hills near Los Gatos, California.

  Since the appeal of lingerie lies in its ability to adorn and flatter the most attractive aspects of the physical body, lingerie was a natural featuring selection for this issue. We wanted this piece to be not only about the intimate things you wear, but also a celebration of your beauty, an open invitation to the man you love to join you in the privacy of your boudoir for a preview of your feminine self.

Our three event designers have created and interpreted for us three distinct, uniquely sensual environments, ranging from sumptuous jewel tones through rich reds and golds to modern geometric patterns with bold contrasting colors of black and yellow. Style makes such a personal and versatile statement . . . it can be anything, anywhere, for anyone. After you go through the process of envisioning and then creating your own wedding, you’ll surround your guests with an authentic expression of who you are, inviting them into your personal world, evoking in them a sense of connection, and—in the process—tickling everyone’s senses . . .

Thea M. Lignos

Editor in Chief

Your Wedding Day Magazine 

 To find a newsstand near you, or to order your own personal copy of YWD Winter 2007, contact us at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it