Celebrating a wedding union lasts long after the last hug in a receiving line and after the last wedding gift has been unwrapped. The joy of marriage is in the dainty details of everyday life, and nothing pays homage to love like a home cooked meal.

The authors of the Bride & Groom First and Forever Cookbook ($35.00 from Chronicle Books) understand the elusive connection between love and ladle, and prove their kitchen prowess with this offering of recipes for the newly betrothed.

Twin sisters Mary Corpening Barber and Sara Corpening Whiteford bring their Southern food heritage, professional cooking expertise and experiences as new brides together to create a valuable cookbook for culinary hotshots and neophytes alike.

The Bride & Groom First and Forever Cookbook begins with a chapter on kitchen basics which reviews the pots, pans and cutlery essential for success in the kitchen. Next, the authors suggest stocking the kitchen cupboards with staples like balsamic vinegar and cornstarch. The sisters show sophistication and imagination with their inclusion of interesting and versatile pantry items like couscous, black olive tapenade and Nutella.

Beyond the basic first chapters, the book blossoms into an artful collection of recipes and breathtaking photography. All recipes, even the most basic chicken soup or Texas chili recipes, are presented with flair and unique presentation ideas.

The authors temper sublime but intimidating recipes like Nectarine Tarts for Two by including basic advice about assembly and serving. And handy charts that map out interesting taste combinations are invaluable.

For instance, Barber and Whiteford suggest pairing apples with feta cheese and toasted pine nuts for a fresh, versatile salad. If you want to add a dash of extra flavor, try sprinkling your salad with fresh dill or lemon zest. If your fruit of choice is a ripe, golden pear, try slicing it in a salad with curls of shaved Parmesan cheese and walnuts. You can further enhance the combination with crumbled bacon or shaved endive, they suggest.

The twin chefs also aid newbies through the culinary minefields of Super Bowl parties, Easter Brunches and cocktail parties with pre-planned menus and to-do lists.

Whether you and your love want to break out the new Cuisinart and try whipping up an extravagant dish, or the two of you want to share an evening at home with a trusty chocolate chip cookie recipe, this beautiful cookbook is your most trusted guide in the kitchen.