Happy Halloween to all! Here is some interesting trivia I found related to the second most commercially successful holiday (Christmas being number 1). October 31st (Halloween) is the last day of the Celtic calendar. It was originally a pagan holiday, honoring the dead. Halloween was referred to as All Hallows Eve and dates back to over 2000 years ago.

Halloween Holiday Trivia. Orange and black are Halloween colors because orange is associated with the Fall harvest and black is associated with darkness and death. Jack o’ Lanterns originated in Ireland where people placed candles in hollowed-out turnips to keep away spirits and ghosts on the Samhain holiday. Pumpkins also come in white, blue and green. The ancient Celts thought that spirits and ghosts roamed the countryside on Halloween night. They began wearing masks and costumes to avoid being recognized as human. Bobbing for apples is thought to have originated from the roman harvest festival that honors Pamona, the goddess of fruit trees. Black cats were once believed to be witch's familiars who protected their powers.

Monster Trivia & Folklore. Signs of a werewolf are a unibrow, hair palms, tattoos, and a long middle finger. Vampires are mythical beings who defy death by sucking the blood of humans. In 1962, the Count Dracula Society was founded. To this day, there are vampire clubs and societies with people claiming to be real vampires. There really are so-called vampire bats, but they're not from Transylvania. They live in Central and South America and feed on the blood of cattle, horses and birds. Many people still believe that gargoyles were created by medieval architects and stone carvers to ward off evil spirits.

Creepy Tidbits. If you see a spider on Halloween, it is the spirit of a loved on watching over you. Worldwide, bats are vital natural enemies of night-flying insects. The common little brown bat of North America has the longest life span for a mammal it's size, with a life span averaging 32 years.

Jackie & Jason's Wedding & Reception 10-15-10

Bartlett Hills Golf Club was the picturesque backdrop for the Wedding Ceremony and Reception of Jacqueline & Jason. On a beautiful fall day, with delightfully manicured fairways as far as the eyes could see and a slight chill in the air (temps hovering around 60 degrees), this day was already on track to be five-stars. Reverend Jim Rehnberg officiated the union of Jackie and Jason with a spectacular ceremony. All were drawn to every word he said using delightful characterisations of the bride and groom, plus a little levity to break the tension! Things moved indoors with dancing starting promptly at 8:30pm. Jackie & Jason's 'First Dance' as husband and wife ('I Can't Fight This Feeling' by REO Speedwagon) was followed by the unique Father/Daughter Dance('Daughters' by John Mayer) and the classic Mother/Son Dance ('A Song For Mama' by Boys II Men) after which 'The Anniversary Dance' kicked off the dancing festivities for the gallery of 100+ guests in attendance. I knew something special was gonna happen with this unique way dancing started! With most guest requests getting played coupled with many of the 35+ favorites Jackie and Jason submitted (...and a few added by the DJ), the music connected well with the group and a great time was had by all. A fairytale beginning and a happy ending for a wonderful couple. Best wishes always, Jackie and Jason!

Maria & Jaime's Wedding 10-10-10

An 84 degree October day in the heart of Bensenville definitely set the tone for Maria and Jaime's Wedding Ceremony & Reception at White Pines Golf Club. Guests were especially treated to a ceremony officiated by Jim Rehnberg a.k.a. Rent-A-Rev. (Even he had to laugh when the groom came out with 'for richer and richer' on the 'for richer or poorer' line!) All kidding aside, everything was 'Moy Caliente' in a great way from Rev. Jim's homily & Nicole's spectacular live rendition of Cascada's cover of 'Truly, Madly, Deeply' (for their first dance) to the unique table centerpieces and energetic dance experience had by all. Rather than using traditional table numbers, Maria & Jaime had a Hollywood movie DVD showcased for each guest table. The fun started at dessert when the guests were asked to 'Pass the Movie' around the table to the tune of 'Hooray for Hollywood'. With several pauses in the music (where guests had to do creative or borderline crazy things with the DVD), they really got caught up in the excitement, concluding with some lucky guy or gal at each table going home with it. Maria and Jaime's Big day gave a whole new meaning to the phrase 'Lights, Camera, Action!' p.s. - (For those curious, you will have to wait 400 years for another Saturday that is 10-10-10. That will be the year 2410. -- Best wishes!)

Sara & Rick's 'Unique' Wedding Reception 10-2-10

While the weather tried to put a damper on things, the 'buzz' was ratcheted up a notch for Sara & Rick's reception. A highly energized crowd attacked the dance floor at the Grotto in Oakbrook to celebrate their nuptials. Everything about Sara and Rick's reception was unique. Even the guest register was different. It was not a book, a signing picture or photo book but consisted of card the guests filled out and inserted in a fancy, oak box. Could it be there were secret messages writtn to help guide Sara and Rick along the way to having a successful marriage?

Even the venue was unique. The Grotto, being a family-operated business, Matt and Cindy explained how they pamper their clients by imposing "no limits" on many things including the length of receptions hosted there. While known for their steaks, each guest is allowed to choose from an assortment of entree options ordered right there at their table as in a fine restaurant (but aaaah, it is! They have a restaurant and bar, too.). Incredible! I have never see that done for a wedding. I have to admit it at first I had my doubts, but they rocked right down to the smallest detail! I will definitely encourage my Loyola accounts to use their 5-star facility.