Happy New Year!

I am so excited to start 2010! I think it's going to be a great year! I have some exciting plans for this little blog and I am happy to have whoever reads it out there along for the ride! One of the things I will be offering to readers....give-a-ways! I love finding beautiful, unique things for weddings and then sharing them - so why not offer some lucky person the chance to win the things I find?? My first give-a-way will start tomorrow, so make sure you come back and check it out...until then I am wishing everyone a safe, healthy, happy New Year!!

HYDRANGEAS AND SATIN

Looking forward to Spring this year? It's all about new beginnings. With a little help from the wonderful tools over at SMP, I've put together a medley of tones found in the Aurora Borealis range I just couldn't resist ringing in the New Year with. Happy 2010!

Credits: Gown by Amy-Jo Tatum Bridal Couture; Shoes by Kate Spade

A Cool Website!

Tonight I was playing around with a website that offers a unique way for you to make Save The Date cards, Photobooks or multimedia scrapbooks - all with a drag and drop feature! I love scrapbooking! In fact, I have about four scrapbooks I am working on - or should I say that I have been working on for...oh...ummm...3 or 4 years now. How hard can it be? Honestly, I can be "creative challenged". I have been to the local stores...I have bought all the scrapbook papers, embellishments, hole punches, ribbon, etc etc. I have boxes of this stuff. I just can't seem to sit down long enough to create those beautiful pages I see people making. Now, I find this website where you just upload your pics and then drag and drop them in the provided boxes. How easy can it be? Well, let me tell you...VERY EASY!

I have used other similar sites that allow you to do the same thing but I haven't been to any other sites that have the adorable backgrounds this site does! I have already started uploading pics! You can even share them on your blog, Facebook or email to friends and family!! You can add music and video...I am just getting started here and oh...the possibilities! :) Check it out for yourself...let me know what you think! Scrapblog.com

NEW LAUNCH!

As editor of Bride Chic I can't tell you how excited I am about this new launch! For those of you following Bride Chic, The Blog, The Zine is a hand-picked assortment of features focusing on all the best of the blog and Amy-Jo Tatum Bridal Couture combined. That's right, if you love those fashion editorials you can catch three at a time on the Zine. In addition will be a few postings from some of my favorite sites out there. And for those of you just stumbling upon Bride Chic for the first time, we're all about wedding fashion starting with the gown and moving on to Mom dresses, bridesmaids, guests, kids, as well as rehearsal and shower options. An entirely new feature for the blog as well as Zine will be 'Access', a spotlight on all accessories bridal from tiara to shoes. And if you love top notch photography stick around. All the newest, off-the-charts fashion and wedding artists gather on Bride Chic, The Zine . . . .

Cover shot by Stephanie Williams Photography

COCKTAIL CHIC

click to enlarge

Here's something festive to ring in the New Year. Check out this cocktail-chic little gem from
Max Chaoul's, 'I Love You 2010' Collection. A real dazzler, don't you think?

Something Blue

Two trends I keep reading about over and over by "experts" is that Blue is the color for 2010 and Modest gowns are in. Blue makes sense...Tiffany Blue has been a very popular color for weddings and it pairs nicely with quite a few other colors - Brown and Black come to mind. I suppose using Something Blue in your wedding would then only leave you with Something Old, Something New, and Something Borrowed to worry about so that could be a good thing! The other trend I keep reading about is that brides are going for a more covered look and that modest gowns are "in". Here are some things you can use if you are one to follow the "experts" advice...

A modest gown with a Sapphire band/bow

This modest gown (shown in Ivory/Wine) as available Sash Colors in: Midnight Blue and Sapphire

How about some pretty Blue Jewels?

Thristing for a unique favor?

Ok, the title is cheesy! But, it made me laugh! I came across this unique idea and it's yummy too! Jones Soda has an option to make your own label - complete with picture and personalized message! Personalized water bottles are so common but a yummy soda that is available in 14 flavors...kind of hard to resist! It can be a little pricey...at $16.99 a 6-pack or $29.99 for a 12-pack (don't forget to search the web for a coupon before you order!). There are so many unique ways to use these:

• Announce your engagement this way! Offer a refreshing drink to your folks! Oh the surprise!
  
• Ask your favorite friend to be your bridesmaid
• Use as decoration at your bridal shower
• Set up one per place setting at your wedding - use alternating colors that coordinate with your wedding! (see example pictures below)
  

The ideas are only limited by your imagination...any way you use them they are pretty cool!

Here are some ideas from the Jones Soda Website from Kayla & Adrian's Wedding: 

 

 

 

GOWN VERSUS DRESS

Sweetlight Studios

Gowns by Amy-Jo Tatum Bridal Couture
Stephanie Williams Photography


Okay, so . . . is there really a difference between a wedding gown and a wedding dress? I mean you hear designers and savvy merchandisers referring to what you wear on your big day as either gown or dress. So which is it?

Defined, gowns are anything to the floor and definitely ones with trains and/or extensions are considered super gown-worthy. For me the gown at its quintessential best is 'Harlowesque' lean-lined and clingy, something Hollywood designers borrowed for evening wear from sexy nightgowns back in the 1930s (hence comes the gown). The dress on the other hand can be any silhouette--even a ballgown--as long as it's ankle length or above. A good example of ballgown silhouette as dress is in the second image directly above. BTW my favorite length and silhouette for bridal wear right now is Ballerina, just above the ankles and very full . . .

INSPIRATION SUNDAY

Azac Clothing Company

O Mistress mine, where are you roaming?
O, stay and hear; your true love's coming,
That can sing both high and low:
Trip no further, pretty sweeting;
Journeys end in lovers meeting,
Every wise man's son doth know.
What is love? 'Tis not hereafter;
Present mirth hath present laughter;
What's to come is still unsure:
In delay there lies not plenty;
Then, come kiss me, sweet and twenty,
Youth's a stuff will not endure.


--William Shakespeare--

Comical Cake Toppers

My own bridal drive is kicking in - if you got engaged over Christmas you might know what I am talking about! I was surfing the web tonight for something unusual and interesting to post and came across these Comical Cake Toppers. Some of them made me literally LOL. I had to share them, especially when I saw the price: $30 - $40! I thought that was a bargain. Considering I had a total "cake top block" in my own wedding planning (I opted for fresh flowers for my cake top) I hope someone out there might find these fun, whimsical and unique!

 

 

 

 

 

VIVA LA BELLE EPOQUE!

The gown here fits perfectly into the Belle Epoque theme. Titled, 'Evening in Paris', the gown is by Elie Saab; veil and flower headpiece by Dolce & Gabbana; rings by Dior Fine Jewelry.
Credits: The Independent Online, Martha Stewart Weddings, Martha Stewart Weddings, Four Seasons Magazine, Weddings in France-Belle Epoque Restaurant

Special thanks to

Lauren Kolalski of SMP Style Circle who created this lovely board . . . 

Wishing you a Merry Christmas!

Weddings and planning tend to slow down a bit around these times. I wonder why....it couldn't have anything to do with the hustle and bustle of planning for Christmas...could it?? :) We will be taking a few days off posting to celebrate with our family. We wish you  a very nice holiday! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Ivy D. / Wandering Bohemian

Have yourself a merry little Christmas!

Winter Boards: Red & Green

Happy Christmas Eve from MasterPiece Weddings! Since we are in the Christmas spirit, we're ending our Winter Board week inspired by reds and greens.

{table}{shoes}{vases}{place cards}{ornaments}{suit}{cocktail}{bridal party}{cake}{invitations}

What do you think?

WINTER BRIDES

David Shorey

Enjoy this array of winter wedding gowns and off the charts accessorizing ideas shot by some of the finest photographers in the world. If you're on the hunt for that wintery fashion twist for your wedding or Christmas Day, keep browsing . . . . . .

Vicious Dolls

winterwolfstudios.com
Jamie Cochran

DG Studios

SerdarDesign

White, Ivory or...Diamond White!

Colors, colors, colors. Now your wedding gown can come in a variety of colors. Let's be honest though the percentage of brides who will NOT wear a white wedding gown has to be pretty small right? Before, you had a choice of White or Ivory and now we throw into the mix the color Diamond White. What is Diamond White? It's basically a creamy version of white. It's not as stark as white and it's not as yellow as Ivory. It's actually a color that works with many skin tones and because it is a soft color I think it photographs beautifully! You would probably be surprised by how many dresses are photographed for the magazine ads in this color - because with the proper lighting it does come off as white in photos. I love the color and I love dresses in that color! Here are three dress that are sampled in Diamond White...can YOU tell the difference?

Dresses courtesy of Bonny Bridal

Winter Boards: All White

How pretty is this all white board created by our intern Melissa? We think it's so fresh and romantic!

{dress}{suit}{cake}{sparklers}{centerpieces}{champagne}{place cards}{napkins}{place setting}{invitations}{bouquet}

HEADLINES

Hats on heads

In celebration of Christmas, this hat and veil combo by Hats on Heads looks a little Dickensian. The Venise lace application combined with small silk roses is has a real one of a kind
chic.

Bridal Shows

Recently, I have been getting a lot of emails about upcoming bridal shows in my area (Southern California). If you are newly engaged I think a bridal show is a great place to get started! January kicks off the bridal show season - I am sure every one knows why! Christmas and New Years are two of the biggest engagement times during the year! Bridal shows can be overwhelming if you have never been to one! There are vendors for every thing you can think of - from DJ's and Photographers to Tupperware and Tuxedos. You will get A LOT of information to put you into bridal over-drive. One good thing? Cake samples! :) Isn't that enough reason to go? To find a local bridal show or expo in your area you can do a search but here are a few sites that list them by state:

http://www.wedalert.com/bridal_show/
http://www.onewed.com/bridalshows/

Winter Boards: White & Blue

Sources: Photo 1, Photo 2, Photo 3, Photo 4, Photo 5, Photo 6, Photo 7, Photo 8

MORE WINTER CHIC

Rosy Garbo

Winter brings so many opportunities. Did you realize adding a jacket or needed accessory like a belt can improve the look of your gown? These additions can also be put to use after the wedding. The feathered coat would totally rock with a pair of jeans.

Anna Ceruti

Jenny Packham

Winter Boards: Red & Aqua

This week we are featuring winter inspiration boards in honor of the upcoming holiday. We paired red and aqua together for an unexpected color combination and look how beautiful it came out:

{table}{invitations}{cake}{place cards}{truffle}{favor boxes}{shoes}{berries}{bridesmaids}

What do you think?

A LITTLE MONDAY INSPIRATION

Credits: lepapierstudio (2), brides.com, marthastewart (2), "LOS CABOS" by Dolly Couture

In the midst of all the holiday hoopla, stop a moment and glean a bit of inspiration from this array of images I found on Style Circle. The decorative accents like a spray of berries, miniature pine cones embellished with needles are simple and elegant touches. If you have all the right materials handy, you can decorate a package or table top in a few minutes. The dress is a total dazzler from Dolly Couture lending itself beautifully to holiday chicness . . .

THE CHRISTMAS WEDDING

click to enlarge

Love to say I dreamed up this array of holiday cheer myself but I lifted it off one of my favorite sites, The Perfect Palette. They ran this about a month back and if you missed out on it, now's your chance to share this winter wedding with all the ice- white beauty of falling snowflakes and bare tree branches, candy canes and hot cocoa.

VINTAGE BOUDOIR

Credits: Vanity Fair, Vanity Fair (2), Showtime

You might just find you love vintage-chc lingerie as much as you do retro fashion and bridal. What women wear underneath it all changes with the eras of course. These Vargas-like images go from WWII pin-up to mid sixties funk. Reminiscent of boudoir photography--those shots you have done in a session with a photographer specializing in this niche--this is a gift you could give your groom pre or post wedding. For some, a present like this to their beloved is the equivalent of sitting for a bridal portrait (sans the gown of course). If you're contemplating boudoir photography have fun deciding which era or mood will be yours. Here are a few tips to ensure a successful portrait session.

1. Bring underthings in which you feel sexy and beautiful: Bras, panties, corsets, stockings, garter belts, tank tops, sports jerseys & even the man’s business shirt complete with homberg. All are trendy.

2. Bring accessories and props for each of your outfits. You know what I mean by props: flowers, feathers, parasols, gilded hand-held mirrors. And of course those sexy shoes. What's a girl to do without those high heels?

3. If you are recreating an era, do study up on the lingerie, hair and make up of that era.

4. Find a great photographer. Here are the few greats I have had experience with through my clients who will deliver more than you ever thought possible. . . . Check out their sites where you can glean some knowledge and inspiration. Albeit, they are scattered far and wide around the world though best at their craft . . .

Critsey Rowe Couture Boudoir

Erika Gerdemark

Vendorzilla: Photographer

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Photographerzilla... do you realize that after the wedding, you are what the bride and groom have. Your work. Your albums (hopefully!) Your referrals... not if you are a Photographerzilla! Please, don't zilla'ize yourself!

Photographerzilla, if you want to be at the rehearsal, that'd be great! If you ask to chat with the bridal party for a minute or two, that's great too... but don't turn that 2 minutes into a 30 minute speech about how you'd like things to run tomorrow... uh, not your day.

Photographerzilla, I sent you the timeline in advance we talked about it... you discussed it, we adjusted it to suit your needs... so on the wedding day, if you say you need another 20 minutes, it's really not a big deal, until it starts messing with the other vendors... like, dinner.

Photographerzilla, sounds obviously...but be on time... show up.

Photographerzilla, don't delete the bride and grooms wedding pictures from your memory cards until they are uploaded to your computer in at least duplicate... cuz I've seen photographers loose entire weddings. Literally.

Photographerzilla, meet your deadlines for albums. If you promise an album in 6-8 months after the wedding and a year goes by and the bride and groom still don't have an album (and they met your deadlines) they are gonna be mad.

Photographerzilla, don't scream to your staff at the wedding in the middle of the ceremony. HEY OVER THERE! Everyone can hear you... unprofessional!

Photographerzilla, don't cut the Father of the Bride in the buffet line! I promise you'll get to eat...

Photographerzilla, don't scream curse words at your staff. Everyone can hear you. And it's really bad form if your staff is your wife.

What are your fears for a photographerzilla?

THE SNOW WEDDING

Credits: Delicious Desserts, James Christianson (3), ABC Dragoo, James Abel Events (2), Belathee Photography

The thing I miss most about living in New York is the marked change of seasons and the drama of a snow-sparkled climate come Christmas time. Here in California we do get our share of snow but not in San Francisco. As a kid, watching holiday TV specials like, Perry Como's Christmas in Hawaii with hula dancing Santas, just didn't cut it for me. I guess I'm just a traditionalist at heart . . .

Kick Off Your Heels!

I am one of those people who just can not wear high heels. I envy girls who can! I love them, but I have valid excuses: I am 5'10, I have weak ankles, my arch can't support them, blah blah blah. When I was planning my wedding, the dress wasn't the problem (I found three...check my older blog posts for that story...) my shoes, on the other hand, big problem! I knew I wanted flats but what kind? I wanted some dressy shoes that were stylish but comfort was at the top of my list! I went through multiple pairs of shoes trying to find the perfect pair - and I admit 4 years later I still have some of them (unworn) that didn't make the cut. I found an awesome site that I wanted to share because when I saw it my first thought was: "Wow I wish I had found this site when I was looking!"

These shoes are from Esny (a division of Totes and Isotoner)

Satin Flats with rhinestone trim in White, Ivory or Black $30.00

Flat Wedding Sandals with Rhinestones in Silver $20.00

Thong Wedding Sandals with Rhinestones in White or Black $20.00

(the black shows the detail better but these are super cute!)

Isotoner Rose Quilted Ballerina Women's Slippers with Rhinestones $20.00

(what a deal! these have a suede bottom!)

And finally...let's not forget your bridesmaids! I found some totally cute flip flops from Dessy! They come in their most popular bridesmaid colors (talk about color match ease!). They come with a matching bag and for $15.00 how can you not say "DEAL"!