Archives – June, 2010
When I first started looking for wedding dresses, I started in a place with nearly 30,000,000 different options to choose from… Google, of course! (For cereal, what did people do before internet and cell phones?? Haha!) Anyhoot, this obviously led me down a countless amount of roads with an innumerable amount of options, and every dress – no matter if it was of my particular style or not – was absolutely b.e.a.uuuuutiful because, well, it was for a wedding day, duh :)
And with all that beauty rolled into all those options, I began to wonder how a bride could ever choose, and with soooo many dresses featuring different parts I enjoyed, I started to wonder how anyone ever did it in the first place…
Then, I came to the realization that every dress – like every home for sale – has potential to become whatever the bride envisions it to be. Because every bride owns the right to make that dress her own
For Contemporary Cuteness: Finish your dress with a Colorful Pair of Shoes and Clutch!
There’s a whole world of color out there, and they’re just dyin’ to be added to all that white…
photos courtesy of daily.wedshare.com and stylehive.com
For Flashy, Vintage Glam: Pair your dress with Gloves and Gaudy Jewelry!
It’s like playing dress up all over again…
photos courtesy of onewed.com, picsdigger.com and Oscar de la Renta (right)
For Retro Chic’ness: Give your dress a hint of hippy Flower Power!
Believe me, Mother Nature has never looked better…
photos courtesy of theknot.com, Vera Wang (center) and Atelier Aimée
For Modern Day Magic: Tie your dress together with Ribbons & Bows!
Nothing says girly glam quite like colorful ribbons, tied into bows…
photos courtesy of marthastewartweddings.com
For Free Spirited Fashion: Flock your dress with Feathers!
Be it peacock, ostrich or otherwise, you’ll be tickled by feather designs…
photos courtesy of bridesonthorndon.co.nz, Project Runway and Google Images
June 30, 2010
photo courtesy of jessikafeltz.com
In last week’s post, Looking for Something to do with Your Dress after the *I do’s: Trash It, I showed you one of the wedding industry’s biggest growing trends… brides trashing their wedding dresses and photographers documenting it for all to see!
While this can create some seriously ahhhh to the mazing photographs, it’s not always a girl’s first choice to destroy the greatest dress she’s ever worn in the name of fashion… nor is it something her parents or other financial contributing parties necessarily look forward to having documented. I mean hello?!?! After alterations, a wedding dress can be QUITE an investment, and these days, sooooo many of us can’t afford to lose those :)
So, what are the options for the more conservative or sentimental brides still looking for a fun, captivating way to immortalize their dress? Well, lots, actually. Instead of trashing your dress with fluorescent paints, murky mud or less than sanitary pond water, why not treasure it forever in a high end, editorial fashion shoot??
You heard me right. It’s time to let that inner-model shine! Woot, woot!
Often times still labeled as “Trash the Dress” sessions, brides will set up post nuptial dates with their photographers to have alternative photographs taken. They generally take on the same feel and fall under two categories: style or location.
The “Style” shots will more than likely contain more of a sense of who the bride is. By allowing the bride more creative freedom, they can generate even more personal shots than before. With their less traditional look and more editorial appeal, this type of “Trash the Dress” session doesn’t have to trash the dress at all. In fact, it can simply showcase it in another way that could be more fitting to another side of the bride’s personality.
The “Location” shots will focus more on putting the bride (and her gaaarrrrgeous gown) in areas that will juxtapose with her pristine look. Think industrial, urban or grunge. Think farm, rural or po-dunk. Think Goth, dark or rustic. Really, think anywhere you’d want. From old, closed down factories and dairy farms to dimly lit castles or even creepy cemeteries, location bridal shoots provide the atmosphere, while you (and possibly yours) provide the rest.
Think of these shoots as an extension of your wedding photos, but the more relaxed and carefree version. It’s also super fun to include the hubs in the shots for more authenticity and even more captured memories! <siiiiighhhh> I love weddings :)
If you’re still having a hard time totally getting the picture, check out some of these artistic, (un)Trash the Dress Sessions:
photo courtesy of litratophoto.com
photo courtesy of rawphotodesign.com
photo courtesy of dlweddings.com
photo courtesy of retrospectstudios.com
photo courtesy of jessikafeltz.com
photo courtesy of victoriasouzablog.com
photo courtesy of rawphotodesign.com
photo courtesy of chelseanicoleblog.com
photo courtesy of chelseanicoleblog.com
photo courtesy of giseleholloway.net
photo courtesy of trashthedressaustralia.wordpress.com
photo courtesy of tim-larsen.com
June 28, 2010
photo courtesy of stacyable.com
You heard me right, ladies. It’s 2010, and one of the fastest growing trends in wedding photography is “Trash the Dress” sessions. “What’s a Trash the Dress session?” one might ask…
Well, as the title clearly states, it’s an event in which you (the now Mrs. Prince Charming) trash the wedding dress you wore one the day you said “I do,” while a photographer captures it on film. (Please pick your grandmother off the floor, as I’m sure she fainted at the mere hint of a wedding dress being garbage-ified.)
Assuming Grandmama is better, let’s continue :)
Basically, Trash the Dress sessions create an avante garde solution to the more traditional deep cleaning, boxing and storing option most brides choose. Plus, they give you one more reason to put that puppy on and work it, touch it, bring it… turn it, leave it, stop, format it… Busta Rhymes, anyone? Yes? No? Maybe?
Anyyyyhoooot…
Trash the Dress photo shoots are also a dynamic way to get one more day out of your most favorite dress ever and create a spectacular outlet for some seriously sassy editorial shots. But don’t let Grandmama have a heart attack just yet, because this can also be something for the more faint at heart – who aren’t quiiiiiite ready to trash their dress completely.
For you ladies out there not quite ready to give up the dress dream just yet, you can merely wear it to a park and play around for a bit or climb a tree or build a sandcastle or go fly a kite in the rain… or simply choose a more urban, off beat or industrial area to shoot in. Really, the options are limitless, and the decision for what your Trash the Dress session becomes is entirely based upon how far you’re willing to go… just make sure to check with mom or dad or whoever else might’ve helped paid for it before you do anything drastic… I’m not trying to encourage any excess, unneeded Family Feuds. While the game show was money, the real life version is always less cheer worthy :)
Here are some of my favorite shots from my favorite Trash the Dress sessions:
Some more ladies who chose neon paint…
photo courtesy of digitalweddingforum.com
photo courtesy of galinawalls.co.uk
photo courtesy of designerevents.wordpress.com
photo courtesy of heatherlynnphotography.com/
Some that chose the less abraisive H2O option…
photo courtesy of sakuraphotography.com
photo courtesy of flickr.com
photo courtesy of charlottesvilleweddingblog.com
photo courtesy of waynewallace.com
photo courtesy of jessikafeltz.com
Some that chose a more modest approach…
photo courtesy of chelseanicoleblog.com
photo courtesy of elizabethannedesigns.com
photo courtesy of fionacarsonphotography.com.au
photo courtesy of richelledantephotography.com
photo courtesy of duluthweddingphotography.com
photo courtesy of prettychicky.com
And some that just completely outrageous…
photo courtesy of 2duce2.com
photo courtesy of bcrstudiosblog.com
photo courtesy of jeremyigo.com
photo courtesy of agwpja.com
photo courtesy of jeffcookephotography.ca
June 25, 2010
photo courtesy of people.com
Shortly after Monday’s post - Who is Hollywood’s HOTTEST Bride-to-Be? – went live, I went home, turned on E! and discovered some news that struck me to my very core… Orlando Bloom, the man who was my screen saver for a good portion of my freshmen and sophomore years of college, is now officially off the market. <Siiiiiiiiiighhhhhhh> How could Legolas do this to me?? I thought I was supposed to be his Mrs. Greenleaf?!?!
**If you’re not a huge action / adventure / fantasy nerd like me, the reference to Legolas Greenleaf is in regards to Orlando’s character in the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Yep. Cool points, noted and awarded.
Anyhoot, as you might have already deduced, Orlando Bloom announced Monday that he joined the ranks of the newly engaged after popping the question to long time girlfriend, Miranda Kerr. I mean, come on! Let’s not get caught up in the minor details of me already being married, her already being a Victoria’s Secret starlet and the two of them already dating for 3 years, shall we?? And let’s focus on the more important facts…
Fact 1: I was this man’s (self proclaimed) biggest fan for years! Fact 2: I could quote all three LOTR’s from beginning to end, including additional footage, without hesitation. Fact 3: I sat through Elizabethtown, borderline the world’s worst romantic comedy, not once, but twice for his royal hottness and Fact 5: I would soooo work a wedding dress tenfold harder than any perfectly shaped, runway *Angel…
…
Okay, Fact 5 maaaaay be stretching it a bit, but that’s neither here nor there. What is here and there is the fact that yet another Hollywood hottie is tying the knot and breaking my heart. So, in conclusion, might I just say (and in a bit more realistic tone) that I wish them both the best of luck and many, MANY years of happiness!
Oh, and… I love you, Tanner. The “divorce’esque” talk was merely for show :) :) :)
June 23, 2010
Katy Perry says ooh la la! (photo courtesy of askmen.com)
It’s no secret that I love celebrity gossip. I border somewhere between overly excited and overtly obsessed. You think I give a care that E! is almost a constant background noise when I’m in charge of the remote… think again! Haha!
And even if you’re not quite as unhealthily in louvre with Hollywood hotties as I am, there is no denying there pull on the rest of the world. Recently, People.com did a post on some of Hollywood’s hottest ladies in waiting, but I’m already dyin’ to know who will be the most jaw dropping, knock down, drag out, over-the-top bride of the bunch!
Only time will tell, I suppose, but in the interim, you can be darn sure I will be bustin’ out my old school paper dolls, plastering on celebutante heads and jimmy riggin’ each one’s most illustrious ensembles! Hooty hoot! Can’t even wait for these weddings! Ladies, my address is still the same :)
Without further adieu, here is the People.com list of Hollywood brides-to-be:
Name: Carrie Underwood
Age: 27
Hubs-to-Be: Mike Fisher
photo courtesy of askmen.com
Name: America Ferrera
Age: 26
Hubs-to-Be: Ryan Piers Williams
photo courtesy of askmen.com
Name: KatyPerry
Age: 25
Hubs-to-Be: Russel Brand
photo courtesy of askmen.com
Name: Amy Adams
Age: 35
Hubs-to-Be: Darren Le Gallo
photo courtesy of askmen.com
Name: Anna Paquin
Age: 27
Hubs-to-Be: Stephen Moyer
photo courtesy of askmen.com
Name: Nicole Richie
Age: 28
Hubs-to-Be: Joel Madden
photo courtesy of askmen.com
Name: Hilary Duff
Age: 22
Hubs-to-Be: Mike Comrie
photo courtesy of askmen.com
Name: Emily Blunt
Age: 27
Hubs-to-Be: John Krasinski
photo courtesy of askmen.com
Name: Jenna Fischer
Age: 36
Hubs-to-Be: Lee Kirk
photo courtesy of askmen.com
Name: Kristen Bell
Age: 29
Hubs-to-Be: Dax Shepard
photo courtesy of askmen.com
Name: Penelope Cruz (maybe?)
Age: 36
Hubs-to-Be: Javier Bardem
photo courtesy of askmen.com
June 21, 2010
Picture this to infinity and beyond! (photo courtesy of smh.com.au)
Move over, Katherine Heigl; there’s a new bridesmaid beaut in town!
Jill Stapleton has set the new bridesmaid bar, but my question is… who will break it? According to the Huffington Post, Jill Stapleton – an Ohio dance instructor – broke the Guinness World Record for most bridesmaids in a single wedding. 110 to be exact.
I have to admit, when I first heard about this story, I was like, “Really, Jill? Really??” Who has a 110 close friends? Let alone 110 close friends they’d want in their wedding photos?? However, after hearing the story in full, it’s actually pretty cute.
Stapleton’s 110 bridesmaids were actually 110 of her dance students. Ranging from tiny tots to tween queens, these world record breaking bridesmaids were all dolled up in various shades of aqua blues, royal purples and sea greens in order to march down the aisle all in the name of love! According to Jill, it was a “fairytale” wedding for all!
**Side Note: The former World Record for most bridesmaids was 90, but you can be darn sure I’ll be waiting on pins and needles to see who can top 110. Challenge noted and extended. I look forward to seeing who accepts :)
June 16, 2010
Fine, I’ll admit it… I love me some Martha Stewart. The woman is diva. Sure, sure, she’s had her fair share of bad press, ego trips and (my personal fave) stints ala jail house, but in a way, all the insanity almost makes her more believable… more relatable. Don’t get me wrong; there’s for sure an extra layer of nuts mixed in with her brownie sunday, but if you think about it, most of the world’s brightest minds are all accompanied by a little madness :)
Regardless of what her reputation might leave you thinking, her talent is undeniable. The woman has a serious eye for frills and chills, and after I saw this Contest - where she recently teamed up with new “bridal” buddy on the block, J. Crew – I knew I had to pass it along.
Self proclaiming to be “a match made in style heaven,” J. Crew and Martha Stewart are teaming up to offer brides-to-be everywhere the chance to win a weekend getaway in NYC for you and friend! Some of the prizes include, an exclusive wedding consultation with the famed, Darcy Miller, a private shopping trip in new Madison Avenue J. Crew Bridal Boutique and $2500 to spend on your dream dress!! I.N.C.R.E.D.S.
Click Here for your chance to win… Good luck!!
June 14, 2010
Alright, my little chick-a-dees, I’m just gonna lay it all out there. While those of us living the dream at Marilyn’s Keepsakes know how awesome we are, we’re starting to feel like the smelly kid in class. Yeah, I said it :)
As your favorite personalized wedding accessories and gift store, we started our very own, super amazing Facebook Page and have been a reckoning force on there for quite some time now… however (and this is a big however), I’m saddened to mention that our lack of fanship / friendship is starting to give us a complex. Waaauuuhhhn, waaaaauuuhhhhn.
I mean, what do we gotta do? Become more awesome? Is that even possible? Can you even make awesome, more awesomer?? And if you could, would that make us the awesomenest? Awesome-est? Most awesomest? Does this even make sense? Is anyone listening to me? (Haha, just thought of the Billy Madison quote, “Do horses have socks? Is anybody listening to me?”) If so…
Be a dear and like us, won’t you? Nobody wants to be a social (network) outcast. Help us be more user-friendly & become our Facebook fan… please <insert giant smile here>!
June 11, 2010
1953 June cover of Ladies' Home Journal
It seems that ever since I can remember, little girls are always taught that June is the month to marry… being a November bride myself, I couldn’t help but wonder why. So, like any good researcher, I first turned to my favorite grade school subject, history, to see what I could discover.
And discover, my dear friends, is exactly what I did! Historically speaking, there are several reasons why June has been the unmistakable month to marry. First, June is named after the Roman goddess, Juno, who is famously known as the patroness of marriage. I mean, hello???… seems like a pretty good start to me!
June is also the month known synonymously for warmer weather, and in previous centuries was typically related to the time of year right after a woman’s annual bath… and yes, I said annual… personal hygiene wasn’t really the main focus during the mid to late centuries. I suppose, however, if everyone smelled to high heaven together, what diff did it make? Haha!
photo courtesy of blog.photography.si.edu
Even as time went on, June remained the standout marrying month for female pioneers because it was thought if a woman were to get married in June, she’d birth her first child the following spring and have plenty of time to recover before the fall harvest. (Is anyone else glad they were born in the 20th century?)
photo courtesy of movies.ign.com
But it’s not just historical facts, myths, legends and superstitions that lead so many women to say “I do” in June; it’s also all the hype that the present day puts on it. In Bride Wars, both Kate Hudson and Anne Hathaway’s characters refuse to be anything but a June Plaza bride.
This same reference is made in Sweet Home Alabama when Melanie Smooter, played by Reese Witherspoon, reiterates to her supposed future mother-in-law that all the press would be expecting the Plaza in June… because apparently, if you’re a New York bride, it’s all about the Plaza in June. And I have to admit, after getting an eyeful of the picture below, I can see why…
photo courtesy of allegrophotography.com
Without a doubt, June has been the hands down winner for “most likely to succeed in wedded bliss” year after year. Several celebutantes – as if you didn’t already KNOW I’d need to reference them :) – have also followed the June bridal suit.
photo courtesy of usmagazine.com
Tina Fey, Jennifer Lopez (on marriage # 3) and Nicole Kidman (on marriage # 2) all took the plunge in June. Kendra Wilkinson, Alicia Silverstone, Christy Turlington and Jennifer Garner said “I do” during the famed sixth month of the year, and not to mention, Marcia Cross, Adriana Lima and Tori Spelling who all made their love offish in June!
The list goes on and on, people. (Even with brides that didn’t make it – cough cough – Jessica Simpson, Jennifer Anniston – cough cough – wed in June!) There’s simply no escaping the phenomenon known as the June Bride. Between movie references, celebutantes and every day brides, stepping out of single town and into married life was then, is now and perhaps forever shall be, June.
June 9, 2010
photo courtesy of washingtonpost.com
I used to not watch the news because it always seemed to be filled with bad people doing bad things. Hence why I decided to major in journalism, in order to change the world of news from the inside out.
It wasn’t until a journalism professor from college explained to us that the media reports on the unusual or out of the ordinary events that I began to see the world’s glass half full again… You see, the reason there is so much bad on the news is because it’s the “unusual” part of our lives.
So many people – each and every, single day – are doing great things; so, it’s more likely for the news to report on something less shiny because they happen less often. Thus, my love the world grew even more.
I’m a firm believer that there’s a lot of good in this world. There’s a lot of good people doing great things. We’re blessed to have so many wonderful things happening all around us, all the time; so much – in fact – that the wonderful in the world becomes less significant, less newsworthy.
But every once in awhile, the good becomes so great that even the media turns its head, tips its hat and acknowledges it as extraordinary.
One such event took place yesterday in our nation’s capital, when nearly 600 couples gathered under the roof of America’s largest Catholic hurch in order to renew their vows and state their claim of love once again.
According to the Washington Post, nearly 1200 men and women all stood up together, held hands and said “I do” all over again to their spouse of 25, 30 and even 60+ years. While their reasons for lasting so long all varied from couple to couple, there was one thing they all insisted to have in common… their love.
The presiding officiant, Archbishop Donald W. Wuerl, reflected this thought beautifully when he stated,
Because of the power of love, it is possible for a couple to move from ‘me’ to ‘we.’ Love never fails. We may. But love never fails. (Wuerl, washingtonpost.com)
Not only do I see the beauty in couples who withstand the test of time, but I see the beauty in these words. Love is a beautiful thing, make no mistake about it. But that doesn’t mean that people in love won’t be faced with hard times and bad days.
Often times, the couples stated the power and strength of their love held up not in spite of but because of the harder, less ”shiny” times in their lives. Chris Warner, married to his wife, Judy, for forty years said, “This is a commitment you make for life. And therefore, you work through any issues that you have.” To which Judy responded with, “I don’t think there’s any magic potion. You just have to go to bed every night thinking tomorrow’s a new day.”
And with all “new” things in our lives, there’s potential for greater opportunity. I think all couples – young, old or otherwise – could benefit from realizing it’s all about attitude… waking up every morning and choosing to smile instead of frown, choosing to love instead of hate, choosing to stay instead of leave and choosing each other, over and over again instead of anything else.
Congrats to all the couples who celebrated in this wonderful event and cheers to many (more) years of happiness!
June 7, 2010
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