It's Contagious.

Have you ever met someone for the first time and knew you were in the presence of someone and something special? Well…when you do, it’s a pretty powerful moment. I met a bride for my show, “My Fair Wedding” this past week and she took my breath away. Her strength, positive outlook on life, and her passion for living in the moment is extremely powerful. There was a moment when looking at her that I began to cry, because she was radiant with that special something, that special feeling, the energy that is powerful. Kimberly was diagnosed at a young age with stage three breast cancer, has undergone a double mastectomy, and she elected to have her ovaries removed as she carried the cancer gene, and didn’t want to pass it on to her children. My bride is truly remarkable. I surprised her on my show with her Mom and Grandmother (also a breast cancer survivor) for a moment that was truly needed for her for her wedding. The experience of being with three generations of women that are connected to each other was contagious. The love they have for each other is indescribably powerful and I was honored to be in their presences, as their connection was infectious. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if more of us shared with others the energy of Kimberly? It would be amazing if the only thing in life that was contagious was positive energy and love!

Down the Aisle in Style,

David Tutera

I am picking on you... yes YOU!

My heart is sad for children that have to deal with being picked on, made fun of, laughed at and bullied to where they feel they have to take their lives. I was a child of bullying in school and for me, as so many kids, we did the best to survive throughout our years in school. No child should always have to be in survivor mode! It is up to the adults to be aware of this, teach our children how to respect others, and care for them. I am grateful that I had the strength to hold on and crawl through these muddy and uncomfortable years where it seemed like everything was moving in slow motion. I went to school officials, guidance counselors, and even my own teachers, but sadly, nothing was done…SHAME on them! Children need the support, protection, and guidance of adults. It is our role to teach, respect and show acceptance with compassion to everyone and never judge anyone for being anything other then perfect. All children are beautiful and perfect in my eyes….all children should be loved, and all children should be protected. Parents, I beg of you to listen, to not turn away if you see something or hear something and do not assume everything will be OK because many times it is not. When a child is bullied, it is like creating a scar in their heart, soul, and mind that is very hard to fully heal. Now I am picking on the adults reading this. I am urging adults to step it up and take responsibility….please! Treat our children with grace, love, and kindness so they in turn will do the same to one another. There’s a phrase I think about everyday “In loving kindness” – I think it says it all.

Down the Aisle in Style,

David Tutera

Perfect Combination

It’s amazing how we become like our parents…

This is sometimes for the good and perhaps sometimes not! I have recently come to realize how thankful I am to be fortunate enough to have been graced with the qualities of both my parents. My Dad; a man filled with much ambition. He is a person that works so hard and is so determined to make everyone happy. My Dad is the one that taught me at a young age to never say “NO”, to never accept this answer, and to persevere until you get to wherever you need to be in life that makes you happy. His determination in life has granted me the strength to always push forward. My Mom; a woman filled with compassion, heart and passion. When in her presence, you know you are surrounded by love, and she is someone that worries about everyone and only sees the positive in all and in life. This perfect combination of Mom and Dad has been a gift that I am lucky to have received. Thank you... Jo Ann and Joe for guiding me, teaching me and for sharing you with me, and for also allowing me to become the person I am today. We all need to learn how to acquire the best of the people we surround ourselves with and lose the negative qualities or energies that often surround us all too. We all have the ability to be the best we can be and we all have the ability to be better people…..but we ALSO have to want that!! So Mom and Dad…… thank you for simply being YOU!

Down the Aisle in Style,

David Tutera