courtesy of greentreephotography.net
For many years – and I know this to be true because before I worked here, I worked at a wedding dress shop – but for many years, it seemed as though brides looking for could never find anything to purchase that wasn’t strapless… Alas, a far cry from our mothers and grandmothers’ “I do” days where NOTHING was strapless.
And for a woman who was maybe more traditional or simply not comfortable in something so open, her options were almost immediately diminished to next to nothing. Not fun or fair for any bride-to-be.
But every cloud has a silver lining and following the Royal Wedding Explosion of Prince William and Kate Middleton two years ago, the Duchess of Cambridge’s Alexander McQueen dream dress – designed by Sarah Burton – had haute couture designers in awe. Middleton’s now famous dress, composed of silk gazer and hand-tatted lace intricately comprised with shapes representing the countries of the UK, is considered the Rolls-Royce of wedding wear.
courtesy of vogue.com
The knock out gown also featured a 9 foot train and several bling-tastic accessories. And with inspiration like that, designers got the message loud and clear that ALL necklines and sleeve lengths are high fashion… and make for dream come true pieces on and off the runway.
While strapless dresses are still ever present and popular, there has definitely been a shift in designers gowns towards the more demure and traditional. There’s just something to be said for the subtle sexiness; like how most non-strapless gowns somehow incorporate a surprise ooh la la factor… which hands down, has to be my favorite part!
Often times, women feel like the more covered up they are, the dowdier and less sexy they are… but this couldn’t be further from the truth with today’s designers’ modern spin on the traditional wedding dress, the potential is nothing short of extraordinary. With their illusion necklines, backless bodices and figure hugging shapes, I would put some of these gowns against the sexiest styles in existence.
Check out below and see what I mean :)
from Claire Pettibone’s An Earthly Paradise collection…
courtesy of clairepettibone.com
from Tara Keely’s Spring 2013 collection…
courtesy of jlmcouture.com
from Badgley Mischka’s Spring 2013 collection…
courtesy of badgleymischka.com
from Alfred Angelo’s Disney Fairy Tale collection…
courtesy of alfredangelo.com
from Alvina Valenta’s Spring 2013 collection…
courtesy of jlmcouture.com
from Maggie Sottero’s Wedding Dress collection…
courtesy of maggiesottero.com
from Lazaro’s Spring 2013 collection…
courtesy of jlmcouture.com
from Morilee’s Wedding Dress collection…
courtesy of morilee.com
from Jim Hjelm’s Spring 2013 collection…
courtesy of jlmcouture.com
from Sophia Tolli’s Wedding Dress collection…
courtesy of sophiatolli.com
from Amsale’s Fall 2013 collection…
courtesy of amsale.com
and finally, from Monique Lhuillier’s Spring 2014 collection! (that’s right ladies, this look is DEF here to stay!)…
courtesy of moniquelhuillier.com
May 16, 2013
photos courtesy of confettidaydreams.com
Ahhh, lace. A fixture in the wedding world since the dawning of “I do,” this intricate overlay is not only a detail with staying power, but it’s practically the signature for bridal royalty and vintage couture everywhere.
But in 2013, it’s proving to be one of the biggest go-to’s for bridal fashion and wedding design just about everywhere! According to Erika Pitera of borrowedandbleu.com – an online resource for one of a kind brides looking for one of a kind weddings – there is nothing more lovely than lace for the 2013 bride. In a recent interview with The Top 100 Wedding Blogs, she stated:
In my opinion, we are going to see a lot of lace in 2013. Lace has been a mainstay in bridal fashion for centuries, but it seems to be making a huge a comeback righ now with modern brides. From full on lace dresses to just a touch here and there to accent a dress, lace has already started to appear all over the runway. (Pitera, weddingblogs100.com)
And we all know nothing gets noticed faster than when it has a presence within the designer district of haute couture. Pitera continues:
Many designers will be showcasing classic wedding gown with lace details like lacy cap sleeves, illusion necklines, contrasting color lace and more in the Spring 2013 collections. (Pitera, weddingblogs100.com)
Her favorite thing about lace – and I think I’d have to agree – is that it doesn’t just have to be for the dress. It can be applied to the everything from your invites and wedding cake to your centerpieces and bouquets. In fact, it’s the versatility of lace that is what has given it such a powerful place in weddings for years. Check out below for some of the of the most fashion forward – not to mention some of my FAVES! – lace wedding gown from famed wedding dress designers 2013 Spring & Fall Collections:
from the Alvina Valenta 2013 Spring Collection.
courtesy of jlmcouture.com
from the Jim Hjelm 2013 Spring Collection.
courtesy of jlmcouture.com
from the Lazaro 2013 Spring Collection.
courtesy of jlmcouture.com
from the Maggie Sottero Bridal Gown Collection.
courtesy of maggiesottero.com
from the Monique Lhuillier 2013 Fall Collection.
courtesy of moniquelhuillier.com
from the Sophia Tolli Bridal Gown Collection.
courtesy of sophiatolli.com
from the Vera Wang 2013 Fall Collection.
courtesy of verawang.com
May 9, 2013
courtesy of Victor Sizemore photography
After doing last Thursday’s post: A Return to Formailty: 5 Wedding Trends Designed to Razzle Dazzle ‘em, I’d be lying if I didn’t say that I spent almost half my time browsing through the images I found under “wedding chandeliers.”
I’m not even kidding.
Between the rustic and refurbished to the formal and fabulous, reception chandeliers, lanterns and the like were enough to make my head spin! For serious! When you consider the range light ceiling accessories have, it’s almost impossible NOT to be in awe! Well-lit, hanging fixtures can be adorned with everything from flowers and bubbles to crystals and twinkles… making them agreeable to sleek and modern settings, as well as eccentric and outdoor scenes!
Not only that but it’s the fact that all these overhead fixtures will all provide lighting… and everyone – from photographers and reception hall coordinators to designers and professional planners – will all agree that LIGHTING is key when it comes to creating ambiance and setting / keeping a mood.
Sinead Kelly of Duluux Color wrote:
Lighting is such a subtle – yet vitally important – design tool. Good use of lighting will bring to life the most mundane design schemes. Put together with a great interior and you’ve got the perfect partnership. Picking a fantastic light fitting is just one element of the job. Where you place it, how it operates and the effect it has on its surrounding area is twice as important.
And I couldn’t agree more! Think about it… Consider two evenings. Both are EXACTLY the same. You’re enjoying a nice meal with a nice man in a nice restaurant, but one is by candlelight and the other is under the harsh florescence of flickering bulbs. One (the prior) has a warm, romantic connotation; while the other almost takes on a the beginnings of a horrow movie classic. Not(&)Good.
Hence why lighting is sooooo important for setting the scene on your big day, and when you’re setting it, consider some of these overhead exposures, shimmering chandeliers and lovely lanterns for creating (& captivating!) just the right one! Check out below and let the lighting inspiration begin:
courtesy of (left to right, top to bottom) flickr.com, perfectweddingcollections.blogspot.com (inset), bellethemagazine.com, bridalguide.com, onewed.com, 1chandelierslighting.com, platinumtouchevents.blogspot.com, weddingomania.com, onewed.com, dawnephoto.com, stratfordevents.blogspot.com, artfire.com (inset), platinumtouchevents.blogspot.com, onewed.com, weddingelation.com and dawnephoto.com
May 7, 2013
courtesy of Lazaro via jlmcouture.com
In recent years, the wedding industry has seen been booming with country chic weddings and then some. With the emergence of websites such as Pinterest and Etsy, it’s been easier than ever for brides to seek out and find just that perfect detail for her Mrs. debut! From enchanted forest and rustic barn weddings to handmade and one of a kind accessories, there’s no doubt that weddings are all about the Bohemian and burlap…
…and yet??
There’s been a return to formality for a number of weddings, and while it may not be the most budget savvy for all, it’s most definitely something to “ooh la la” all over! Check out these 5 Formal Wedding Trends and see what I mean:
Chandeliers. Not only do they add all kinds of ambiance of your big day, but with old world charm and high class style, they can almost cover formal and informal events with equal appeal. Brides and grooms can either look for locations that feature such incredible structures.
courtesy of onewed.com
Top Hats & Tails. Pip, pip, cheerio, gentlemen — it’s time to get your Fred Astaire fancy on! Throughout the years, but most especially as of late, grooms have began to bedeck in the most formal of formal wear, and I gotta admit, I like it :) From high end cuff links to turn of the century caps, men are dressing to the nines for their nuptials and looking all kinds of dashing doing so!
courtesy of ruffedblog.com
Instrumental Strings. From Four String Quartet ceremonies to a reception hall greetings from hired harpists, brides and grooms can really impress their guests with ceremonial displays of musicality. Realizing wedding days aren’t just a feast for the eyes but the ears as well, nothing quite out-classes live music from set of striking strings.
courtesy of fusion-events.ca
Pleasing Place Settings. From plate chargers and standout candelabras to bold gold and sterling silverware, brides and grooms have discovered how adding more ornamental place settings to their reception hall tables can easily take their wow factor from simply so-so to fantastically formal.
courtesy of theknot.com
Crystal Stemware. Break out the Waterford, ladies and gents, for wedding toasts have recently seen a resurgence in regal style with actual crystal flutes and stemware… stunning!
courtesy of marilynskeepsakes.com
May 2, 2013
courtesy of greenweddingshoes.com
If – in fact – a wedding day is the happiest day of a young woman’s life, she’ll no doubt be smiling from ear to ear from start to finish. So, she’ll for sure want to be sporting nothing but a beautifully bright, beautifully white set of chompers whilst doing so!
While photographers have tools, such as Photoshop (thank the good Lord!) that can most certainly enhance even the least envious to most envious, they won’t have access to everyone’s film and surely not to your actual teeth (weird!) the day of!
So, what’s a bride to do when her whites aren’t at their brightest coming wedding time? Well, I’m so glad you asked!
Sure, there are the over-the-counter Crest (or otherwise) white strips available at pretty much every local and national drug store chain, and yes, while these work like a dream – just ask my bf, Bre, and her almost glowing, not-in-the-least-bit pearly, ultra white smile…
Bre (left, clearly!) and me in Vegas for a girl’s trip :)
…they can get pricey and aren’t always suitable for sensitive teeth. Take me, for instance, I have SUPER sensitive teeth and have never been able to use any of the dentally supported, store bought products. For cereal, both times I’ve tried, it ended up feeling like screaming in my mouth. Not pretty and not fun :(
However, I still – like every other woman on the planet – would like to smile bright in shining white, but because of my toothy rejection to whitening remedies, always fell a little short. Boo. In the past, I was forced to where red lipstick (yes! that TOTALLY helps!) or simply smile with less teeth showing. Double boo.
But I’m happy to report, this is no longer the case!
Below are two Teeth Whitening Remedies that I know from personal experience work FAMOUSLY for even the most sensitive teeth, and cost next to nothing! Feel free to pick your best fit, ladies, and be fully dressed with the brightest, whitest smile on your wedding day celebration!
Teeth Whitening Remedy #1
courtesy of Christina Lovelace Nair via pinterest.com
What you’ll need:
- Toothpaste (of your choice!)
- Baking Soda
- Hydrogen Peroxide
- Water
- & Toothbrush
What you’ll do:
- In a small cup, mix one teaspoon of baking soda with one teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide and half a teaspoon of water. Put in a tiny bit of toothpaste for flavoring and mix until completely dissolved.
- Then, brush your teeth for two (2) minutes using the mixture in its entirety.
- Do once (1) a week until personal level of whiteness is reached. Then, limit to using treatment once a month or once every other month.
Teeth Whitening Remedy #2
This was given by Dr. Oz on one of his DIY, self-health shows.
What you’ll need:
- Baking Soda
- Lemon Juice (from an actual lemon!)
What you’ll do:
- Using 1/4 cup of baking soda, squeeze the juice from half a lemon and mix thoroughly. The solution will begin to bubble.
- Dip a cotton ball or Q-Tip into the mixture and apply all over teeth and let it sit for around one (1) minute.
- Brush your teeth to remove acid. Rinse. & Enjoy!
Hope these help save you money and give your brightest, whitest wedding smile ever :)
April 25, 2013
courtesy of greenweddingshoes.com
I think it’s safe to say that most brides choose their wedding colors based on two things.
- Their personal preference, and
- The season/weather surrounding the big day
Both simple and personal, this school of thought has held up through the years, and while trends may change, this is one area that has remained constant. No matter if a bride chooses navy, royal, baby or Tiffany’s, part of her mindset was / is / always will be focused on blue.
According to industry reports and online encyclopedias from places such as TheWeddingReport.com and Wikipedia.org, most colors tend to have dual meanings. I encourage all of you, especially all you brides-to-be, to only focus only on the good… because nothing, and I mean nothing good ever came from being negative :) So, feel free to find your hue below and see what it can do for you!
Red is the warmest, most energetic color in the spectrum, which is why it is the one most paid attention to. (See, I knew it was for divas!) It is associated with everything from love, passion and desire (great!) to violence, danger and fury (uhhh, not so great!). While some cultures uphold red as a symbol of courage and purity, others revere it as a sign of guilt or warning. (I’m sticking with the cultures who see it as brave and divine.)
courtesy of onewed.com
Orange represents energy. Still part of the warm hues, orange has a number of luminescent qualities, which include warmth, enthusiasm and vibrancy. (Perfect for a wedding day celebration!) However, orange also has a tendency to come off as demanding and controlling. (Can you say, Bridezilla?)
courtesy of Made in Heaven Cakes and Lulu Cakes
Yellow both warm and friendly, signifies optimism, joy, imagination, hope and happiness. In some cultures, however, yellow is the symbol for dishonesty, betrayal and cowardice. (Note to all brides, stick with the inspirational version.)
courtesy of rebekahwestover.com
Green often the most sited favorite color of women and men, symbolizes nature, health, renewal, generosity, fertility and vigor. On a darker note, it also corresponds with jealousy, inexperience and misfortune. (Feel free to ignore the yucky translation.)
courtesy of weddingwindow.com
Blue epitomizes peace, tranquility and harmony. In most cases (which are the ones you should focus on) blue symbolizes unity, trust, confidence, loyalty and security. However, (this is the part brides-to-be shouldn’t rely on) it can also be a representation of depression and loneliness.
courtesy of onewed.com
Purple/Indigo has the most regal representation globally. Often associated with nobility and royalty, purple embodies wisdom, enlightenment and spirituality. (Ooh la la! A color fit for a queen!) But even though it’s considered an exotic color, purple can also be seen as arrogant, cruel and mournful. (Blah, blah, not listening.)
courtesy of weddingomania.com
Black – despite popular belief – is the absence of all color and / or light. It is said to represent everything from power and wealth to sexuality and sophistication. On one hand, black creates a unique blend of elegance, formality and class; while on the other hand, it can represent mystery, fear and sadness. (I’m gonna go ahead and say when referencing “weddings,” we’ll stick to the first hand.)
courtesy of runezta.blogspot.com
April 23, 2013
courtesy of onewed.com
In light of Tuesday’s post: Pattern Solving 101: 2013 Weddings are WILD about Prints, I couldn’t very well open the door to its magnificence without walking through the power it has over wedding dresses too! That’s rights, ladies and gents, 2013 is all about wedding gowns featuring a little extra something something when it comes to their prints and patterns, and after further review, I have no choice but to give this trend two thumbs way, WAY up :)
I mean, I still get celeb-envy whenever I think about Jessica Biel’s wedding dress from her nuptial celebration to Justin Timberlake back in October. Of course, it’s not just the dress to be envious of… <insert my favorite, former boy bad stud here>… *droooools* (MARY!! Contain yourself! PLEASE!)
Okay, I’m back :)
Anyhoot, hubby love aside, it was Jessica’s dress that truly had heads turning and eyes popping! Who can forget the cover of People Magazine’s November 5, 2012 issue where Suit & Tie clad JT and Jessie B. graced us with what is no doubt a knock out gown??
courtesy of People Magazine
Patterned, pink and unbelievably pretty, the now Mrs. Timberlake won rave reviews for her avant-garde gown choice, and it’s not difficult to see why! In an interview with Elle Magazine, Biel opened up to her bold choice:
“I wanted the dress to be very romantic and feminine and a shape that I very rarely wear. I have never been crazy about all-white wedding dresses, for me at least. [Giambattista Valli] had created that same fabric in a fuchsia-and-pink combination for a dress in a previous collection, and I asked him if he could create that same pattern in a white combination, and he suggested pink. It was a bit of a leap of faith at the time, but it turned out better than I could have ever imagined. [Putting it on], I felt like I had made the right choice. I felt elegant. And it moved like a dream.” (Elle Magazine Interview, courtesy of huffingtonpost.com)
Now, I know their are grandmothers out there – heck, there are even modern day brides with an affinity for all things traditional – that probably think this is the worst, most over-the-top idea ever! However, I’m not so sure :)
I think of how much even a “traditional” wedding dress can have going on, even if the overall color (or lack there of) is white and white only. From beading and lace overlays to fabrics, structures and cuts, some of the most traditional gowns already take on the look of a print or pattern. Depending on the style of bead or lace work and even the construction of the dress itself can create a type of pattern or print look already. Maybe they don’t have the color to accompany them, but the patterned bones of their more colorful counterparts are most definitely already at play!
Still hesitant? Check out below for some of my favorite patterned dreams and see if things don’t change… even if just a little :)
courtesy of brides.prestonbailey.com, Atelier Aimée via weheartit.com, Atelier Aimée via weddinginspirasi.com, weddinginspirasi.com, bowtiesandbliss.com, weddinginspirasi.com , glamour.com, zakolkavrn.ru (insert), brides.prestonbailey.com, weddinginspirasi.com, brides.prestonbailey.com and eweddinginspiration.com
April 18, 2013
courtesy of loverly.com
That’s right, friends! As top wedding trends remain on the upswing of all things fabulous, patterns and prints have become all the rage. From bridesmaids dresses and bridal accessories to photo booth backdrops and table settings, today’s modern bride is pleased as punch to incorporate print-tastic patterns into her wedding day decor!
In a recent interview for the top wedding trends of 2013, Gaby Frescura of SouthBoundBride.com reported:
In my book, prints will be a kiey trend for 2013 weddings. We’ve already seen a few of these starting to come through, but this year and next, I think it will really catch on – everything from stripes and chevron to delicate florals and bold graphic prints. Look out for print fabric used as table runners and napkins, print bridesmaids’ dresses (either as one of a mismatched grouping or a striking collection) and even on groomsmen’s shirts or pocket handkerchiefs. Done right, it’s a great look, and if you tie it into your stationery well, can create a lovely ‘brand’ that brings the whole design of the wedding together. (Gaby, SouthBoundBride.com)
And after further research, I can honestly say that I wholeheartedly agree! A word of caution, however, for brides having a “prints charming” wedding, you need to be weary not go overboard and create a scheme of pattern overload or one that is too matchy-matchy. The point of patterns is to create interest and not to cause confusion or too much repeat.
Because patterns offer such a wide variety of shapes, styles and designs, it’s no wonder brides have found them to be such a vital part of wedding planning. Just consider for a second how much more upscale, high fashion or chic a wedding will be when you pair one of the following to your big day celebration…
Contemporary, mod-inspired nuptials + Sleek chevron = LOVE
courtesy of envisionblog.com, societybride.com, bellethemagazine.com, newportweddingglam.com, societybride.com, tealcouture.com, eventlucky.com and bellethemagazine.com
Elegant, upscale wedding + Demurely damask = LOVE
courtesy of bride.ca, dreamdaycakes.com, apriloharephotography.com, beckabellastyleinspirations.com (two dresses), ibsyndrome.wordpress.com, elizabethannedesigns.com, brides.com, fanswedding.com and hourglasslighting.com
Boho-chic ceremony + Overflowing floral = LOVE
courtesy of onewed.com, southboundbride.com, brendasweddingblog.com, southboundbride.com, prestonbailey.com, onewed.com, spotonseattle.com and weheartit.com
Seriously, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg, ladies! So go out, get print crazy and let us know how it goes!
April 16, 2013
courtesy of carolineplusben.com
The first time I ever saw custom lighting done was for my best friend, Bre’s fashion show at IU Bloomington. *Pause for a moment of fond recollection* Sigh, how I miss thee :)
Anyhoot, as it was for all design major students, Bre was responsible for creating a collection to present as a showcase for her final grade, and it was ahhhhmazing! The clothes killed it, but the set up was equally as INCREDS! Seeing “Bre” handwritten in what will surely become her famed signature in hot pink lighting? Fuhgetaboutit.
So, who knew after that day I would spend so many years never seeing it again? Until recently, that is. Nowadays, brides and grooms have started making a splash with custom lighting at their receptions! I mean, talk about a standout accessory! And even better? When using filters over lights, you get an extremely exciting look without taking a toll on your wedding day budget. Can you say, score? Big bang, little buck… it’s like the best of both wedding planning worlds :)
And don’t even get me started on the amount of possibilities that this bright lights, big city idea can create! Whether you choose to actually have lights made or simply use filters to create a personalized flare around the hall, I’m sure your guests will be nothing short of “ooh la la!” upon seeing it. Plus, the options are just as personal as the love the represent. Yet another win / win for the wedding world!
You can go big, bold and beautiful…
courtesy of keventlighting.com
Or small, sweet and sophisticated….
courtesy of stellardiscoveries.com
You could choose to feature something as long as your full names and wedding date…
courtesy of karma4me.com
Or maybe you want something a little shorter and more subtle? In that case, nothing works better than your just established marital monogram…
courtesy of thefrazzledbride.com
**Monograms are especially fun because you can really experiment with different fonts and varying sizes until you find the perfect fit :) Not to mention, monograms can make for interesting design, as well as a pop of personalized charm in your reception setting.
And speaking of interesting design, couples don’t just have to end their custom lighting kick with their names and dates. I’ve even seen where the newlyweds have also opted to light up the walls with all kinds of other faux fixtures. From chandeliers and damask patterns to florals and fabulously fallen leaves, custom lighting can really be exciting to experiment with.
courtesy of memorymakersdjs.com, bridalguide.com, hylite.com, karma4me.com and bridalguide.com
Really, you’re only limited by your imagination and local (or internet available) resources you can find. So, check in, check out and see just how amazing your names can look in lights :)
April 11, 2013
courtesy of ourstoryourjourney.blogspot.com
As with so many other trends, we can thank the likes of celebrities like Drew Barrymore, Ashlee Simpson, ones with Jessica in their name (Jessica Alba, Jessica Biel, Sarah Jessica Parker etc.) and pretty much every girl from The Hills / Laguna Beach / MTV era for taking this insanely gorgeous trend and setting it above all the rest.
Of course, when it comes to these famously celebrated celebutantes and trend setting, it started with thier most noticeable accessory – their hair!!! – and shading it from dark to light and vice versa. This gradual color change created a one a kind look that is equally fabulous as it is amazing, and one that didn’t go unnoticed for long!
courtesy of uk.glam.com, thebeautythesis.com and ivillage.ca
I mean where was SJP and LC and all these other ombre-colored cuties during my painstakingly awkward high school years? I could’ve really used their celebrity approved status to make my dark roots and bleached tips look fashionably on trend, rather than hideously off base. Heck, I’ve been rockin’ the ombre look since the early 2000′s – back when it wasn’t even near being considered trendy but trashy, haha! OMG! Did I set this trend into play?? I did, didn’t I!!?? I knew it.
Okay, so while I’m not delusional enough to believe I set this trend into play (…), I do know it is something worth celebrating, regardless of who did or didn’t start it. *cough, cough*
And – OBVI! – one area that has really started to love on the ombre is a lady’s favorite day – her wedding day! That’s right, my lovelies, wedding days and all their accessible accessories have taken this grand nod to color change and make it a uniquely beautiful part of the I do.
Everything from the dress and shoes to the table centerpieces, flowers and more have all been illuminated in the this beautifully shaded ombre look, and after taking a gander myself online, I can’t say I blame them! Check out below and see what I mean:
courtesy of (top to bottom, left to right) greylikesweddings.com, luvandido.com, thefoundist.com, ofbeautyandlove.co.za, thankyousummer.com, greenweddingshoes.com, glendaloughmanor.com, planmydaynow.com, luvandido.com, calligraphybyjennifer.net and luvandido.com
April 9, 2013
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