New York Magazine: Dream Catchers

Have we picked up our issue of New York Magazine Weddings? New Yorker or not, the magazine is always a great resource for brides that are looking for something a little more editorial, a little more fashion forward.

Here's a sneak peak at their spread "Dream Catchers" for the summer issue:

Swoon-worthy gowns in a soft, dreamy palette. Did you catch the J. Crew? It's the last one on the left!

Images courtesy of Dream Catchers by Aneta Bartos for New York Magazine Weddings.

Vivienne Westwood + TCP = Sole Mates

Vivienne Westwood has collaborated with Australian company Melissa to design an amazingly stylish and adorable rubber shoe for spring/summer! Now I sure love me my Christian Louboutins, but don't these shoes loudly proclaim that love and fashion are the order of the day?

What's more, these cuties have a delicious bubble gum scent and are made of sustainable rubber so you'll be helping out the environment in style. Check out all the darling colors - and won't these look fabulous with your bridesmaid dresses! Or better yet, rather than doing different colored bridesmaid dresses, what about different color shoes?

I got my hands on a pair of the salmon and black ones - and all I can say is I will be comfortably dancing the night away!

Images courtesy of Melissa.

A White Stead

In our storybooks, the princess and her prince rode off into the sunset and lived happily ever after.

Obviously having a pretty white horse readily available can pose a bit of an obstacle, not to mention what a wardrobe challenge it would be to actually to look beautiful while riding away.

So for a modern day white carriage, may I suggest a vintage classic such as a Bentley or Rolls Royce? Such a vehicle provides old world charm and gives instant glamor to your wedding, not to mention a classic car will make much more of a statement rather that a standard black limousine.

For brides all across the nation, check out a great list of wedding limousine services compiled by those amazing people at The Knot.

Images courtesy of Fashion Model Directory.

Bite Sized Couture

Sigh, poor Cinderella - she spent her entire wedding budget on a divine Giambattista Valli gown (although, methinks the day isn't completely ruined!).

Surely she cannot serve something so common as pizza to her guest . . . or can she? If weddings are an extension of a couple's personality, wouldn't it be lovely to see their favorite eats on the menu rather than the standard salad appetizer and steak or chicken entree being served? In a classic case of uptown elegance meets downtown cool, our most beloved comfort foods are ending up on the menus of the chicest of receptions and cocktail hours.

But before you think paper plates and Dixie cups, check out these very delicious and seriously styled mini treats from Bite Catering Couture. Menus range from Asian Tapas to California Casual, Comfort food to Elegant Wedding so you'll be sure to have a distinctive cuisine for your occasion. And as added bonus? Your guest will be delighted to sample all sorts of foods so rest assured that this savory reception will never have a bland moment. Also, passed trays of food throughout the night means your guests will be able to mingle with everyone unlike a traditional sit down dinner.

So banish those thoughts of boring food from your mind, because a little flavor is on the menu for this wedding!

Images courtesy of Allure and Bite Catering Couture.

Fab Frocks Friday: The Right (or White) Stuff

Wearing the right attire to the wedding can always be a daunting task. If the invitation is for a lovely garden wedding, pulling one of your favorite spring time frocks is a piece of cake; likewise, if the invitation calls for evening attire, there's plenty of long and short options at your disposal.

However, if you are the guest that has set her eyes on a gorgeous white frock, what are you to do? Traditionally, wearing white to a wedding is taboo - no one wants to steal the bride's thunder. But with the runways showing some pretty white dresses, you'd be hard pressed not to wear them.

Your saving grace? All these gowns have an edgy black contrast to them so there won't be any issue of anyone mistaking you for the bride, not that there would be when the bride is decked out in all her Vera Wang splendor!

So ladies - what are your thoughts? Is wearing a white dress the right thing to do?

Images courtesy of New York Magazine.

Won't You be My Lily?

For today's wedding lesson, we're going back in time to the Victorian era to learn a little "flower speak." Did you know in those days, men and women were well versed in the language of flowers? Oh yes, flowers were not just a feast for the senses - they were communication unto themselves, conveying subtle meanings and words of romance. Since it was highly improper to show one's feelings, Victorian men and women shared their most romantic feelings in flower form. Imagine, if you will, a young lady receiving a bouquet of red roses from her suitor . . . oh I am just swooning with delight!

One of my favorite flowers (at weddings and to receive) is the majestic calla lily. These graceful flowers are reminders of our past generations when grace and beauty were the rule. Associated with elegance and charm, a calla lily is the perfect flower if you wanted to create a sophisticated atmosphere for your wedding.

For more flower meanings or to see what your wedding flowers mean check out TeleFlora's Flower Glossary. And who knows? Maybe you'll just receive a bouquet of freshly cut lilies to celebrate the day!

Images courtesy of Bride & Bloom and David Tutera.

Earth Day: Eco-Chic Weddings

Happy Earth Day! Today we celebrate our beloved green planet and inspire awareness on what each of us can do to help take care of our home.

But why leave it to only one day? As we have become more socially conscious of our impact on the earth, countless brides have taken to applying the ideas of their lifestyle to their weddings. Eco-friendly vendors are plentiful in the wedding industry, from invitations and registries,

to catering and favors.

One of my favorite go-to-green-girls is Emily Anderson at Eco Chic Weddings. Emily's a graduate of the Martha Stewart School of Amazing-ness, and in between writing a fabulous book about Eco-Chic weddings, she also has a fabulous blog for the green bride, or for any bride that wants to do her part:

So for this Earth Day, and everyday, I hope you think of creative and inspiring ways to incorporate the green in your wedding, because green is chic!

Image courtesy of Bella Figura, Viva Terra, Eco Caters, Beau Coup, and Eco-Chic Weddings.

State of Dress

The fashion world was all a flutter when Michelle Obama became first lady - after all who would she for her first big ball?

When Women's Wear Daily asked several of today's leading designers to dream up a dress for this modern day princess, we all wondered if any of those gowns would ever be made for us mere mortals.

Of course we all know how this story ends, but now you can have your own piece of fashion history. The modern and oh so stylish gown Diane von Furstenberg designed is now available at Net-a-Porter.

And while you are there, check out Net-a-Porter's new wedding boutique for the bride that wants to look like she stepped off the runway.

Key to Your Heart

Tiffany & Co. has come out with a magical collection of key pendants brimming with intrigue and allure in an exciting array of chains of varying lengths and materials.

Ranging from sterling silver and gold to diamonds and platinum for the most discerning bride, these keys are the perfect gift to receive or to give. Check out this dainty sterling silver key pendant with a round brilliant diamond. At only $200 its as affordable as it is stylish.

I know may brides are opting to "gift" the bridesmaid dress to her girls to help keep the cost of the wedding down for their nearest and dearest. Don't you think your girls would love a Tiffany & Co. keepsake to remember your generosity and the wedding by rather than another poly satin disaster? I know I would! And to solve a problem of what they will wear, what about a gorgeous gown of their choice (of course in your color palette!).


Images courtesy of Tiffany & Co.

Fab Frocks Friday: Mini Me

Don't you just love how mini dresses have become a fixture in the wedding circuit? It's amazing how a few inches off a hem can take a dress from drab to fab. Wedding gowns and bridesmaid dresses alike have all been updated with this make-better and given a little more fashion cred.

Take these stunners from Designers Remix Collection that push the boundaries of fashion, but stay within the lines of propriety. Don't you just love the big bow in the back?

Images courtesy of Designers Remix Collection.

Green (and Pink) with Envy

A reception this charming deserves its own post:

Lush arrangements of tulips, ranunculus, and roses in varying colors of pink and green are the perfect compliment to this green wedding. Add to that over sized hanging lanterns, coordinating table runner, chiavari chairs, and individual wedding cakes and you have the makings of a truly unforgettable reception.


Images courtesy of Rebecca Thuss for Martha Stewart Weddings.

Home Plate

Dress up your table and turn an ordinary dinner into a festive affair with gorgeous plates from Rebecca Moses.

Exclusively at Macy's, Ms. Moses brings her background in fashion and interior design to her collection of tabletop finery. Whether you play it safe or mix and match, make sure you get the entire collection of eye catching colored plates and stemware as each piece is equally as chic as it is affordable.

As Ms. Moses suggests, celebrate your daily life and infuse it with your own individuality and uniqueness!


Images courtesy of Macy's.

London Calling

Location, location, location. Sometimes the best locations are places we have to travel to, but if time and money do not permit, why not let the location come to you?

Case in point? The London West Hollywood - a little slice of modern English luxury in the heart of Los Angeles. If you're looking for a place to host a fabulous brunch or engagement dinner look no further than Gordon Ramsay at The London. This Michelin starred chef cooks up an extraordinarily delicious and affordable three course brunch for only $45. And let's not forget to mention the beautiful decor of pastel pinks and blues.

And with a stellar rooftop patio and lovely ballrooms, The London is open for weddings as well! A Gordon Ramsay catered affair? Bon appe-sweet!


Images courtesy of The London West Hollywood.

Colorscapes: Going Green

By now we've all scooped up the latest issue of Martha Stewart Weddings. With an eye for the elegant and the utmost attention to detail, Martha and her team have dreamed up this crisp and clean green and white palette that is just perfect for spring:

One important designer note: use enough color to get the a definitive statement, but make sure you don't overdo it. Multidimensional color also provides vivid depth and impact to the occasion, not to mention how many more options you have to play around with when you use a tonal color palette.

Think of what amazing bridesmaids dresses you can have your girls wear and how your white dress will pop! What about a tonal dessert buffet? Invitations that are uber-pleasing to the eye with various greens? I think so! And don't even get me started on the reception decor and flowers. With so may pretty greens in season, the only thing you'll have to worry about is what not to use!

Happy Planning!

Images courtesy of Martha Stewart Weddings.