Fab Frocks Friday: Where There's A Will, There's A Way

Matthew Williamson makes standing out look so effortless with these perfect day glow and evening choices for your bridal shower or your second dress after the ceremony. Or better yet, what if your bridal party showed up looking like a high fashion editorial?

Images courtesy of Style.

A Moment of Reflection

What can I say? I love love - its one of the reasons why I got into the wedding industry. So when I hear some sad news from a fellow kindred spirit, I can't help but feel a little saddened myself.

In the rush of planning a wedding and all the details that come along with it, it can be easy for us to get caught up in all the excitement (myself included). But let's not forget the reason of having a wedding in the first place - a wedding is one day, but a marriage is for a lifetime. If your fiance asked you to go down to City Hall the next day to get married, would you?

I hope so, because sometimes love is all you really need.

Images courtesy of Pronovias.

Works of Art

A picture is worth a thousand words so I'll let these masterpieces do all the talking . . .

Images courtesy of Brides.

Love Doctor, I Need 4Cs Stat!

Attend any wedding and talk of engagement rings is bound to come up. So how can you ensure getting best ring possible?

Let's take a trip (sigh, only a virtual trip!) to Harry Winston for a much needed lesson on the 4Cs of diamonds. After all, when it comes to finding the perfect symbol of your love, who doesn't want to find a winsome piece?

Cut: the beauty of a diamond depends on how well it has been cut more than anything else. When a diamond is cut to exacting proportions - neither too deep nor too shallow - light will reflect inside the stone from one mirror-like facet to another and reappear through the top of the stone, making it seem to radiate from within.

Color: Diamonds are transparent, most display barely perceptible hints of color. The less color in a diamond, the more rare it is.

Clarity: Virtually all diamonds contain identifying characteristics, most of them too small to be seen with the unaided eye. In general, the greater the number and size of inclusions within a diamond, the lower its clarity grade. Harry Winston diamonds are selected from teh top clarity grades; any inclusions only become visible under 10X power magnification.

Carat: A diamond's size is measured in carat weight. Larger diamonds are valued because they are valued because they are found less frequently in nature. But diamonds of equal carat weight may vary greatly in brilliance depending on tehir proportion and cut. Therefore, caret weight alone is a poor guide for value. It is the complex combination of cut, color, clarity and carat weight that determines a diamond's quality and beauty.


Images courtesy of Leviev.

Vices

Here's one vice I'd be willing to have! The Viceroy Hotels in Miami, Palm Springs, and Santa Monica are just the thing for your next getaway. With their dramatic interiors from designer extraordinare and tastemaker Kelly Wreastler, these hotels are a world away from your typical desert or beach retreat.

Get jet setters status with sunny skies and glamourous vibes that rule the day at the Miami stop. How about a bachelorette party at the cheerful, sunny rooms of Palm Springs? If you need the the Pacific breeze along with your spa day, the luxurious greens of the Santa Monica hotel are sure to please.

A word of caution - don't be surprised if you girls get a little green with envy that they didn't think of this before. But why get jealous when you can get a room?

Images courtesy of The Viceroy Miami, The Viceroy Palm Springs and The Viceroy Santa Monica.

Fab Frocks Friday: Mother Plucker!

What's your plume of choice? Edgy and fierce or dreamy and romantic? Here's a bird's eye view on a few swoon worthy dresses for the guests and the bride that will have your heart feeling light as a feather!

Check out these two real world friendly options from Bebe and Shopbop for that straight off the runway look.

Happy Friday!

Images courtesy of New York Times Magazine, Harper's Bazzar, and Martha Stewart Weddings.

I'm Invited!

Who doesn't love being invited to a wedding? Yours truly just received her invitation to a friend's wedding and couldn't be more thrilled! As I gently opened the envelope, I revealed a tasteful and classic invitation perfectly matching my friend's personalitites.

Now the future Mr. and Mrs. both agree understated elegance is the way to go, nothing too ostentatious or contrived. So here are some elegant wedding invitations from Wiley Valentine and Kenzie Kate that celebrate hot summer love without being too obvious.

Proving that you don't always need a palm tree to say beach wedding, bright summer colors convey the same message with style and flair.

And a note to the bride and groom, the RSVP is in the mail!

Images via Wiley Valentine and Kenzie Kate Invitations.

King of Sole

A bride can't help but sparkle on her wedding day! Whether you want some ruby red slippers or something blue, here's some pretty treats from the King of Sole, Monsieur Louboutin, that will have you sashaying down the aisle in style.

Images courtesy of Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman.

The Great White Way

As you can tell, I love color! But if you are not ready to commit to a rainbow of color, consider the 80/20 interior rule.

Take a look at the gorgeous space above decorated with the 80/20 rule, creating an overall complimentary setting. Moreover, by using one bold color throughout the entire room, you can create a distinct statement. How does this translate to your wedding? While I show this design principle with white, please do make it your own with your preference of color palette.


Image courtesy of Faena Hotel + Universe.

Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend: Michael C Fina Ring Sample Sale

Seriously, who could pass up this amazing event?

Renowned Manhattan retailer Michael C. Fina will be hosting the first designer engagement ring & wedding band sample sale at their store, located at 545 Fifth Avenue, on August 4-6, 2009 from 11a.m.-8p.m.

Discounts of up to 70% off retail prices will be taken on every sample designer engagement ring or wedding band featured in the showroom. Tacori, Jeff Cooper, Scott Kay, Verragio and Vera Wang, are just a few of the many designers that will be offered at a fraction of their value for a limited time only.

The hundreds of rings available range in style from modern to classic, romantic to vintage and are available in platinum, white gold, yellow gold and titanium.

A selection of center diamonds in nearly every cut will also be offered at below wholesale prices and available for viewing. For more information and restrictions, visit Michael C. Fina.

Not in New York? I hear Virgin America is also having a sale! Isn't it funny how life just works out?

Image courtesy of Michael C. Fina.