SPRING!

CREDITS

Photography: John Truong and Stuart Lirette
Gowns: Amy-Jo Tatum Bridal Couture
Hair: Kathie Rothkop
Makeup: Juliane Chai
Models: Jen Lam and Lauren Purcell

CHERRY

Lovely monochromatics of hot pink to the most gentle pastels remind us despite all this cold, spring is once more on the way with blossoms and froth.  Thanks Helena over at SMP Style Circle for sharing your thoughts and inspiration here with us . . .

Handmade With Love

I found these adorable charms for anyone who is creative and makes things to give away or sell. For only $3.29 you get a package of 70 heart charms! What a bargain! 

Hammered Metal "Hand Made with Love" Charms 

Personalize any craft project with these cute antiqued silver finish "Hand Made with Love" charms.Add flair to handmade cards or use on a charm bracelet or jewelry project. What a wonderful way to add that special, personal touch and let everyone know you put lots of love and time into what you make.

OPENING NIGHTS

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The theme was Belle Epoque at the San Francisco Ballet opening Wednesday night.  Rolling out the red carpet for the cavalcade of couture, the most celebrated designer it seemed was Alexander McQueen living on through his art as social sceners paid him the ultimate tribute by wearing his most dramatic pieces.  Above: Always nailing a grand entrance, Deepa  Pakianathan does it again wearing a cocktail length dress and booties by the late McQueen.  The skirt is extraordinary with gold painted feathers draped with silk screened fabric.  Says Deepa, "The print is very special . . . it looks like a tapestry with angels . . ." 

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The ever elegant Yurie Pascarella in Alexander McQueen.  A real tour de force in winter dressing . . .

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Suzy Kellems Dominik in a gown by Alexander McQueen.  The intricate gold shot embroidery and consistency of the pattern here  is indeed a work of art.

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I've always thought Napa Valley fashion designer Karen Caldwell is the best billboard for her own creations. This piece, like most she designs carries the spirit of the great Edith Head. Karen is best known for incorporating simple lines in jewel and pastel tones. Her belts and sashes tied into pretty bows are definitely one of her trademarks.   

 

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Everyone knows I'm a believer in exquisite hairstyling.  Thanks to Melissa Barber it looks like we might be moving into an era of grand and gala hair for nights out.  This is one of my fav looks for topping off an elegant gown.

POUF

 Check out these chic little poufs from Alisa Brides on Etsy.  The combo of feathers and use of netting is fabulous.  Paired with a simple gown like this it shows off your gorgeous face.  Wear a suit or shirt dress and you take on a whole new look of elan  . . . The above is a short birdcage with french net, feathers,  tulle, and a crystal flower.

French netting with silk handmade flower and scattered Swarowski crystals

This veil of Russian netting emulates a wide-brimmed hat with a tulle flower with sparkles and large crystals.
 

Russian netting with roses, Swarovski crystals, and ribbon.

Lynne Lucente Floral Design - Wins the Bride Choice Award!

Here's a little good news I wanted to share with you all! Do you remember Lynne Lucente? She generously donated a floral wedding package to Wish Upon a Wedding back in November for their silent auction. I bid on, and won, that floral package....that was valued at $1265.00! I did a giveaway in November for the floral package. Well, I was just informed that Lynne Lucente floral designs was chosen to receive the Bride’s Choice Awards™ 2011 on Wedding Wire - this is her 2nd year in a row to be nominated - and win this award! This award recognizes the top 5 percent of local wedding professionals from the WeddingWire Network who demonstrate quality and service excellence in the wedding industry!

Inviting Invitations

If you are planning a wedding or any kind of party you will soon realize a big chunk of your budget will be going to invitations! If you think about it...once you get engaged you will be sending out: Save the Date cards, Bridal Shower invites, Bachelorette Party invites, Rehearsal Dinner, Wedding Invitations (invite, response card, reception card, menu cards and directions) and Thank You cards! That is  A LOT of paper goods! When I planned my own wedding, I had so much fun doing all of these things myself! I had a theme through out all of my paper goods. Even though other people planned the Bridal Shower and Bachelorette party I volunteered to make the invites! I bought cards and printed them myself - saving a lot of money in the process. There was some trial and error with the printing and I did invest in a fun software program to help me (I have used this program over and over after the wedding so I think is was a good investment!). One of the companies I love is Inviting Company. I was sent an email with some new products they have coming out...they are whimsical and fun! 

The key is to pick your "theme" and then find paper goods to go with it! You can purchase Inviting Company invites (blank cards) at several retailers online - do your homework to get the best deal! All of these companies sell the products:

I mentioned investing in an invitation software. I bought Printing Press from Mountain Cow. I only invested the basic charge of $29.99 - since I was only using it to get the printing specs. 

You do not need the graphics package if you are buying cards like the ones above and you do not need to invest in their font package - there are plenty of nice, free fonts out there! Mountain Cow has come up with a lot of new software choice over the years so, you actually have plenty to choose from if you want to go a different direction! I chose them because their basic layout was easy to use! It was a lot of fun doing my own invites and I still have fun doing them for friends and family for birthday parties and other celebrations! 

OUTSIDE THE BOX

 Perusing Vogue Espana I found these lovely gems worth checking out if you're inclined to be stepping outside the bridal template on your wedding day.  Above is an Angel Blanco a la seventies with long fringe .  .

 Who else but Oscar de la Renta could do this gala grand entrance maker with satin bows? 

Reem Acra's classic bride is all dressed in embroidered tulle with a shrug added . . .

Vera Wang has worked some magic here making a scrumptious, walking bouquet out of silk organza.

Mocha Maddness

I love tea length wedding gowns! This Justin Alexander gown inspired me to create this board...and I suppose my obsession love of coffee helped. I wore the traditional bridal gown for my ceremony but, switched into a tea length gown for my reception! I loved having two gowns - especially the freedom to have fun and dance around without a big, poofy, heavy dress. 

Dress by Justin Alexander - Shoe: Nine West - Coffee Cup Candles with Whipped Cream Topping - Stamps.com - Coffee Flavored Wedding Cake - Bella Umbrella 

ROYAL BRIDES

We're definitely ready for another Royal Wedding as April 29, Prince Willlam and Kate Middleton's date nears.  Did you also know the 52 year-old Prince Albert of Monaco is at last engaged to to marry Charlene Wittstock, a former Olympic swimmer for South Africa?  Add Queen Elizabeth's grand daughter, Zara Phillips to the list and 2011 is the year for some royal bride watching.

Past royal brides the world over have been known for their one-off designer creations, exquisite tiaras, jewelry and heirloom laces brought out for the wedding celebration.  Here are a few of my all time favs.

 From Hollywood to Princess in real time, Grace Kelly had to be the most magic royal of all time (at least in my book). Thus her gown designed by Helen Rose, from a technical and 'materials used' standpoint was one of the finest the world has ever seen.

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This is Mary of Denmark  in her wedding gown designed  by Danish designer Uffe Frank  The Australian-born beauty met Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark during the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney.  The gown is a princess style (no pun intended folks) with long panels and antique lace sewn in. The silk satin tones of the gown fabric blend beautifully with the vintage lace. This incredible lace also used in the veiling comes from Ireland.

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Here is Letizia, Princess of Asturias.  She wore a gown by Spanish designer, Manuel Pertegaz. Letizia's  gown was silk white with a silk veil.  She wore the same diamond and platinum tiara Queen Sofia wore at her wedding to King Juan Carlos back in 1962.

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Style setting Princess Mabel of Orange-Nassau aka Maxima wore this  unusual silk strewn with tiny bows designed by Addy van den Krommenacker. Check out the shorter veil--a definite first.  Royal brides usually don sweeps of tulle the length of a Southern Pacific

This has to be one of the most simplistically beautiful gowns designed.  Mette-Marit of Norway's gown was created by Norwegian Ove Harder Finseth.  Traditional and state of the art all at once, this masterpiece is made up of hand-dyed heavy silk crêpe and silk tulle; it has a flared skirt and  long train edged in tulle emulating waves in the sand.

In a word . . .  gorgeous.

The Wedding Collection by Mindy Weiss

I am LOVING this brand new "not yet available" collection of wedding goodies from Mindy Weiss! These are a sneak peek at BRAND NEW items that will be available to purchase!

Mindy Weiss is having a sale right now and it's worth checking out for wedding party goodies! 

"The Perfect Bridesmaid"

Was $8.00 now...$5.99

"Here Comes the Bridesmaid"

Was $14.00 now...$8.99

Invitations - "Classic Plate"

Print it yourself invitations - Was $30 for 20 on sale now for $15!

The Best Bridesmaid Style - Your Opinion?

I got an email yesterday from the Dessy Group - they make dress for maids, destination brides, flowergirls, etc etc. This dress was featured as the "best bridesmaid style of the year". What do you think? Would you wear it?  Personally, I love the bodice! I am not crazy about the flat bow or the shirred waist. I know it wouldn't be a flattering style on my body shape...but the ruffled neckline I love and this dress has pockets...which is another plus in my book! Now, your opinions please??

Cake Love - Deal for the East Coast

Over the summer, while visiting the East Coast, I was lucky enough to stumble upon CakeLove and it was love at first bite! I posted about our visit to their Washington DC location here. You do not want to miss the TODAY ONLY deal on LivingSocial! You can get $40 worth of baked goods from one of DC's favorite eateries for just $20.00!  

You can redeem your deal at any one of the six locations (U Street, Shirlington, Tyson's Corner, National Harbor, Fair Oaks, or Silver Spring). Oh, you lucky East Coasters! Here is a ray of sunshine for all that snow you have been getting....