Tag: celebrity weddings

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 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 onewed.com
Everyone is familiar with the traditional wedding veil. Cathedral to fingertip, the lengths of the traditional veil often vary in size, shape and design. Many are equipped with the even more traditional blusher (ie. the part that goes over your face as you walk down the aisle toward your future hubby), and no matter how they’re finished, there is no arguing that traditional wedding veils have had a part in the wedding day ceremony for as long as the dress itself.
But today’s modern bride isn’t necessarily finding the same value in the traditional veil as their grandmothers and mothers did. In fact, the future Mrs. of today are looking for something a little more modern… a little more them :)
What are they? You may find yourselves asking. Well, like everything else for weddings in recent years, there’s all sorts! Below are 5 Alternatives to the Traditional Wedding Veil:
1) Birdcage Veil Beauties. Both modern and stylish, the chic styling of these trendsetters can be worn in a number of ways with a number of accessories detailing their magnificent form. And because of their no muss / no fuss simplicity, they can be styled in and worn for the entire day!

courtesy of etsy.com, pinkfashionz.com, weddingcometrue.com, asaclam.wordpress.com, olivialeighweddings.com and birdcagebridal.com
2) Framed with Flowers & Love. Organically whimsical and fashionably floral, headpieces draped in flowers have become all the rage with Bohemian and earth friendly brides everywhere. From over the top to under the radar, the fragrant veil alternatives can be styled just about any way the bride-to-be sees fit.

courtesy of etsy.com, loveyoumeanitblog.com, onewed.com, dressygirlkouture.com, honeybeevintagebridal.com, onewed.com and aprylann.com (bottom)
3) Grecian Goddess Goes Bridal. Greek mythology was filled with some of the most beautiful creatures ever immortalized on the page, and who wouldn’t want to channel their inner Aphrodite on their wedding day? Hello?!? The goddess of love, beauty, passion and desire?? Well, sure!

courtesy of portobellojewelry.com, pinterest.com, astylishbride.wordpress.com (insert), weddingwindow.com, etsy.com, greenweddingshoes.com and styleunveiled.com
4) Bring the Sass with Sashes. Creating a look that is both 70′s inspired and modernized by today’s bride, the sash veil is idyllic for outdoor, destination and Bohemian weddings. Decorate them with as much or as little as you want, and you’ll easily why this alternative is so amazing!

courtesy of simplybloomphotography.com, emmalinebride.com, greenweddingshoes.com, thenicholsblog.com and quirkyweddingsblog.co.uk
5) Veiled in Vintage with Cap Veils. Modernize the famed flapper look with cap veils. Inspired by the 1920s, cap veils have started to make a resurgence in recent years, and the final look they create couldn’t be more fabulous!

courtesy of onewed.com, thewhitegown.com, chicvintagebrides.com, lover.ly, sibodesigns.com and lover.ly
March 28, 2013

courtesy of greenweddingshoes.com
Last summer when Matthew McConaughey tied the knot with long time girlfriend, Camila Alves, in front of 100 of their closest family and friends, a new trend was born! According to US Magazine, McConaughey and Alves took their guests, which included famed Woody Harrelson and filmmaker Richard Linklater on a “high end” camping themed wedding adventure at their home in Austin, Texas.
But this was not just your average, childhood, sleep-away camp escapade. Sure, the couple reconstructed their property into a campsite, but that doesn’t mean guests were roughing it by any sense of the phrase! McConaughey and Alves not only offered the option of “celebrating all night long, camping out in state-of-the-art tents set up on [the couple's] property,” but they also offered showers, restrooms AND air-conditioning! (Maybe the good ‘ole Kidwell family should’ve taken lessons from this duo before taking us on one of their camping “extravaganzas.” Ppppfffttt.

courtesy of dreamlovephotography.com
In regards to this kind of star-studded nuptial digs, however? Um, yes please! And I’m not the only one! Because celebrities tend to celebrate our biggest fashion and social trends, it’s no wonder that this idea took flight for brides and grooms planning their 2013 nuptials!
Coined “glamping,” grown up or glamorous camping has become all the rage with today’s modern brides and grooms looking to have a little fun! According to Bridal Guide, couples are finding the idea of an adult version of summer camp super fun and a way to keep the celebration going. Thus, paying proper homage to their ceremonial “I do’s.”
Not only that, but just like Matthew and Camila, they’re also doing it in style! These wedding themed campgrounds aren’t filled with leaky, over heated, days of Yore tents covered melted ‘mallows. Oh no. Brides and grooms taking on grownup camping are all about serving up guests with oversized, ultra luxe tents, complete with electricity and fresh linens! Talk about a new take on an old tradition!
Absolutely love love love this? But how about you? Would any of you turn your ceremony into a s’more-filled celebration?

courtesy of greenweddingshoes.com
March 12, 2013

courtesy of Blush via jlmcouture.com
Now I know at least one pretty lady (wad up, Carolyn – our fearless MK leader) who won’t be happy about this trend, but I gotta admit, I kind of dig it :)
Sure, it’s not traditional in the least, and it would take just the right bride to pull it off… but some of the colorful results are nothing short of spectacular! According to Brides Fashion Director, Rachel Leonard, “You don’t have to wear a white wedding dress anymore, but it still has to look like a wedding dress. The trick is to find a color that’s flattering on your skin tone, and not everyone looks good in white.” (brides.com)
I mean, heeeellllooooo?!?! It seems so simple. Sure, tradition would have every bride pinned in white, but what tradition doesn’t understand is that some ladies simply don’t feel sexy in it. And shouldn’t every bride get to feel beautiful on her big day? I think YES!
So, bring on the colorfully carefree bridal gowns and see how some of today’s biggest designers put a more vibrant pallette to work!
Vera Wang. While her entire Fall 2013 bridal line is chalk full of deep blush tones and black, her Spring 2013 line is filled with color in HD!

courtesy of verawang.com
Oscar de la Renta. It’s all about ice blues and red hots in Oscar’s 2013 Spring Bridal Collection, and looking at these pups strut, I can see why!

courtesy of oscardelarenta.com
Demetrios. Lavender blue dilly dilly dilly, lavender green… and all the other pastel colors in between can be seen in Demetrios’ bridal line!

courtesy of demetriosbride.com
Douglas Hannant. And don’t forget about patterns… they’re no longer just for bridesmaids as Douglas Hannant’s Spring 2013 Collection shows!

courtesy of douglashannant.com
May 3, 2012

courtesy of heraldsun.com
That’s right, my friends, the Mr. & Mrs. Smith co-stars are FINALLY tying the knot! After seven years, countless speculations, one gargantuan celebrity scandal and 2034289 kids later, these two purrr-fectly proportioned kittens are getting hitched… and I, along with all my other celebrity junky counterparts, couldn’t be more excited!
On April 13, 2012 – just a shade under a decade after the celebrity break-up scandal of the century – the most famous other woman, Angelina Jolie, and Mr. Anniston’s (former) other half, Brad Pitt, were forced into the nuptial limelight after Jolie was spotted sporting a right ring finger rock out in public. Celebrity media went into overhaul, until reps of the couple officially confirmed the engagement rumors were no longer rumors at all :)
According to USMagazine.com, Brad proposed to Angie during a weekly Jolie-Pitt family meeting in front of their six (yes, six, not 2034289 – hehe) children, to which Angie happily responded with tears of joy.
Tears of joy, indeed! CBS News reports, it took Brad an entire year co-designing this tablet-styled, 16-carat diamond stunner with jeweler, Robert Procop, to get it just right…

Marisa Guthrie, senior writer for the Hollywood Reporter, broke the story of the Jolie-Pitt engagement after receiving a hot tip that the hot woman was seen with some sparkle on her right finger at a benefit last Wednesday. (photo courtesy of mommyish.com)
And why now after seven years was the itch to get hitched so great?? Well, all the pressure, of course! But not the media pressure… oh no! The kids’ pressure, duh! is what finally made Brad get down on one knee.
On a recent CBS Sunday Morning interview, Pitt confirmed that Maddox, 10, Pax, 8, Zahara, 7, Shiloh, 5, and twins Vivienne and Knox, 3 were all anxious to see their parents get married. Pitt reported catching grief from his kids about why he and “Mommy” hadn’t gotten married when all their friends’ parents were married.
After responding with, “We will someday. We will,” Pitt was confronted with a chorus of, “Get Mommy a ring then!”
Haha :)
While the certified wedding date hasn’t been announced yet, I can only it happens soon! (And that my invite comes even sooner!!) Surely, they’ll want me at the affair :)
In the meantime, here are some other E! Online celebrity powerhouse couples who also took their time in tying the knot:
Jay-Z & Beyoncé

This multi-talented, multi-million dollar couple kept their private love under wraps for six years before saying "I do" in NYC back in 2008. (photo courtesy of music.yahoo.com)
Brian Austin Green & Megan Fox

This uber hot couple may have started seeing love stars back in 2004, but it wasn't until 2010 that they made it official on a private Hawaiian beach in front of Green's son. (photo courtesy of justjared.com)
Jewel & Ty Murray

This singer and rodeo star celebrated for 10 years before tying the knot under the sunset in the Bahamas. (photo courtesy of usatoday.com)
Mark Wahlberg & Rhea Durham

Mark and Rhea had 8+ years and 3 kids under their belt before taking the nuptial plunge back in August of 2009. (photo courtesy of withfriendship.com)
Woody Harrelson & Laura Louie

Talk about staying power! Woody and his lady love had more than 20 years of before they wed just after Christmas in '08 near their home in Hawaii. (photo courtesy of newshopper.sulekha.com)
David Letterman & Regina Lasko

But nobody can top the king of late night comedy and his leading lady. She had the starring role in his love life for more than 23 years before they got married back in 2009! (photo courtesy of beersteak.com)
April 19, 2012

Could wedding bells be ringing for Jennifer Lopez and current BF and back-up dancer, Casper Smart? (courtesy of hellomagazine.com)
According to recent reports from online celebrity sites, such as E!, there has been talk around the water cooler that Jennifer Lopez may be making her fourth trip down the aisle to say “I do.” Rumors sprung into action after a mysterious tweet from Roberto Cavalli – fashion legend and long time friend of J.Lo – buzzed through the blogosphere yesterday afternoon. The tweet went as follows:
“Today , Jenifer Lopez. Call me…… She ask me. To create a special dress. For her next weding. ! Wich color … Do you advise me. ?” (twitter.com)
While the spelling, broken English and horrendous grammar (dead sere, can’t even look at it without my former editor noggin twitching!) should’ve been a dead giveaway this was not THEE Roberto Cavalli, the press went haywire over the coulda-shoulda-woulda of it all!
J.Lo – famous the world over just as much for her unspeakably good looks as her incredible cross-media / cross-cultural talent and appeal – has been a long time supporter and friend to Roberto Cavalli. Her body is no stranger to his clothes (as shown below); so, it seemed a bit out of place to have such a long withstanding, respected friendship be blasted over a place as public as Twitter.

J.Lo dubbed three Cavalli (pictured with her) ensembles at the World Music Awards in 2010 alone! One for the red carpet; one for her perfomace, and one while accepting the Legend Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Arts. (photos courtesy of fashionwindows.net)
After further reading, however, my suspicions were – in fact – proven true, and no, Roberto was not behind the “nails on a chalkboard” tweet that caused all the commotion. Apparently, Mr. Cavalli’s twitter account was hacked… I mean really?! Getagrip, people.
After her separation from Marc Anthony in July 2011, she began dating back-up dancer, Casper Smart, and while they may be hot and heavy on the media radar, there have been no confirmed reports that marriage has even been part of the conversation.
I suppose it wouldn’t be totally off mark though… Just like J.Lo’s body is no stranger to Cavalli’s clothes, the girl herself is no stranger to marriage. At 42, she’s already had three failed marriages, one long term relationship with Sean “Puffy” Combs / Puff Daddy / P.Diddy / Diddy / whatever he goes by these days and one infamous nickname forever linking her to Ben Affleck. Oh, Bennifer, how I miss thee.
But no matter what the future holds for Ms. Lopez, one thing is for dang sure… the girl knows how to rock a wedding dress :) So, if the path should wind her back down the marriage brick road again, she’s sure to look devastatingly stunning. I mean, just look at the girl’s history…
First Marriage

The first marriage sprung from love with Cuban-born Ojani Noa. The two were hitched in 1997 but sadly ditched by 1998. (photos courtesy of latina.com and examiner.com)
Second Marriage

The second marriage came after her split from P.Diddy back in 2001 to back-up dancer, Chris Judd. The two were divorced by January 2003. (courtesy of people.com)
Third Marriage

The third and longest lasting marriage was to none other than Grammy award winning artist, Marc Anthony. It lasted from 2004-2011 and resulted in the birth of two beautiful twin babies, Emme and Max. (photos courtesy of popsugar.com and fanpop.com)
March 15, 2012
I love celebrities.
I love weddings.
Hence, I love nothing more than when celebrities and weddings somehow join forces to make magic. And nowhere has this combination been more apparent than at this year’s Oscar Celebration! Celebrity starlets came out of the wood work, seriously workin’ all kinds of bridal couture!
Okay, so maybe they weren’t actually bridal gowns, but between the bashful shades of pinks and creams to the stark bright contrasts of crispy whites and metallic dreams, this proved to be one red HOT carpet filled with a whole lotta wedding looks! Check out below and see what I mean :)
Gwyneth Paltrow in Tom Ford

Dream! La-Louvre this impeccably tailored gown and cape combo! (courtesy of huffingtonpost.com)
Rooney Mara in Givenchy Haute Couture

If Marilyn Monroe were a wedding dress... she'd look an awful lot like this :) (courtesy of huffingtonpost.com)
Cameron Diaz in Gucci

Flared to perfection, this is an "I do" nude and gold dream come true! (courtesy of huffingtonpost.com)
Stacy Keibler in Marchesa & Judith Leiber

Give us the gold baby, and make a bride 'pop' with richly awaited applause! (courtesy of huffingtonpost.com)
Jennifer Lopez in Zuhair Murad

The deeply plunging neckline and perfectly tailored diagonals give this gown a whole lotta POW! (courtesy of huffingtonpost.com)
Milla Jovovich in Elie Saab Couture

Talk about Old Hollywood GLAMour at its finest! And what bride-to-be wouldn't want to be seen sporting this sparkling dream? (courtesy of huffingtonpost.com)
Shailene Woodley in Valentino Couture & Harry Winston

While it may be a little "too old" for such a young girl, I could see a number of slightly more mature brides rockin' this Westwood! (courtesy of huffingtonpost.com)
Octavia Spencer in Tadashi Shoji & Neil Lane

Can you say, Silvery Siren, Ms. Spencer? Another vintage styled, cap sleeve gown I'll be dreaming about! (courtesy huffingtonpost.com)
Kristen Wiig in J. Mendel & Neil Lane

Tiers of neutral tulle make this unique gown a pixie-inspired bridal pick! (courtesy of huffingtonpost.com)
Kelly Ripa in Carolina Herrera

Grecian goddess meets modern princess with this twisted halter dress. (courtesy of huffingtonpost.com)
Giuliana Rancic in Tony Ward Couture

Love love love everything about this illusion neckline and intricate beadwork! Brava! (courtesy of huffingtonpost.com)
Li Bingbing in Georges Chakra Couture & Cindy Chao

Strapless florals and appliqués... can it get anymore bridal than that? (courtesy of huffingtonpost.com)
February 28, 2012

designed by Tony Fleecs, courtesy of dailymail.co.uk
Zap! Boom! Whoosh! Bamf! POW!
That’s right. As geek chic becomes more and more popular, so do all the nerd-tastic trends it represents! And brides and grooms everywhere are learning just how fun incorporating these once less desired details into their big day can be!
As a lifetime-achieving, self-proclaimed nerdy bird, I’ve got to admit, I love this… especially when it comes to the comic book themed invitations. My brothers and I were raised on comic books and continue to little-kid-at-Christmas excited every time the latest Marvel or DC dream is released to the silver screen!
But I’m not naive enough to think that everyone will delight in this trend as much as me. In fact, I’m sure the more traditional and classic-minded folks out there might even turn up their noses to it… but even the most cynical comic book critics have to admit… they are one of a kind at the very least! And when done appropriately, turn out pretty amaZING!
Check out below and see what I mean…
Designed by Tony Fleecs for Heidi Atocicco and Chris Ryder’s wedding, this 5 page invitation was nothing short of a page turner :)

courtesy of dailymail.co.uk
Hello Kitty meets Archie Comics for this couple’s ‘happily ever after’ invite :)

courtesy of canvasandcanopy.com
Get super literal with a comic book cover invite, captioned with all the big day details and custom illustrated just for you :)

courtesy of emmalinebride.com (left) and stormwolfstudios.com
Take it even a step further by filling your invitation with graphically inspired inserts and super fun details :)

courtesy of nandlnotes.com
Or simply pop in thought bubbles with your favorite photo and BAMF! you’ll have a one of a kind invite like Jay and Anna :)

courtesy of minted.com
No matter how they do it or choose to showcase it, there’s no denying these original invites stand out and leave audiences (err, guests) hoping for the *To Be Continued…
February 21, 2012
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