June 03: Brides-to-be, mothers-of-brides, even second-time-around brides, gathered Wednesday at Saks Fifth Avenue to toast the store's new collaboration with the Claudia Hanlin Wedding Library -- a union that is sure to bring continued bliss to both establishments. Partnering to launch Saks' wedding registry services, Claudia Hanlin brought samples and vendors into the store's beautifully decorated eighth floor to tempt blushing brides. Lush bouquets of crimson lilies from Belle Fleur sat on a table near four-inch tall tastes of Ron Ben-Israel's decadent, yet light wedding cakes, and mini caviar-topped blinis from Sonnier & Castle were downed with mini bottles of Pop Champagne. On hand to offer sage advice were photographers, stationers, jewelers, Saks resident makeup artist Kim Weinstein, and calligrapher Claudia Calhoun, who passed out cards that read, "Eat, Drink and Remarry." The Upper East Side library has been the place for the best wedding resources since Hanlin established her business in 2000, striving to make wedding planning "fun, tasteful, fashion-forward and above all, easy." Partnering with Saks, the Claudia Hanlin Wedding Library will direct couples to the Fifth Avenue store to receive complimentary concierge services for everything from gift registry and china patterns to certificates from the bridal salon and the Elizabeth Arden Red Door Salon & Spa in the store.

Couples registering at Saks will also receive a registry product booklet and a copy of "Gifts From the Heart," a book that suggests appropriate tokens of appreciation for groomsmen, bridesmaid and parents, which means no more tchotchkes collecting dust on the vanity. Bureau Report