Soak Up the Sun

And if weather permits, a sunny wedding day never hurts! Here are some gorgeous shots of the grand and the heartfelt.

Images via Hoffman Photography from Details Details, David Tutera, and Martha Stewart Weddings.

Under the Weather

We can no more control who we fall in love with than we can control the weather.

If you wake up and find your wedding day has less than sunny skies, fret not dear bride, for here are some tips that will help you weather any storm!

Begin with a positive outlook. Sure, the rain isn't ideal, but it could be worse. After all, rain is something that is extremely romantic. Don't let your desire to pout about the weather stop you and your groom from embracing the highly romantic nature of a rainstorm. Rain is known to bring about feelings of warmth, enchantment, and coziness. Take a chance and embrace the romanticism that comes along with that hated rain storm.

Some brides might freak out and wonder what will become of the wedding photos. If you've hired a good, professional photographer (which you should have), they should have no problem taking pictures in the rain.

Some photographers even claim that rainy weather creates better pictures. The soft lighting associated with rainy days can make for easy picture taking and the sight of rain drops through a camera lens can create some stunning final pictures. Let the creative juices flow for you and your photographer and the results might end up surprising you.

Of course, it never hurts to have a back up plan just in case. Should a rain cloud loom over the horizon, be prepared with decorative umbrellas for you and your guests (adorable picture alert - there's bound to be more than one pair of love birds cuddling up under the umbrella) or an alternative ceremony and reception site should your venue allow. Speak with your vendors for any additional rainy day rentals and details beforehand such as a large canopy or tent for a divine and dry time.

And for that walk down the aisle? Forget those stilettos that will get stuck in the mud and try some wellies. Here's a great idea from this resourceful bride:

So put a little sunshine on your face and enjoy the day - after all, it only comes once!

Images via Elizabeth Anne Design.

Fab Frocks Friday: Remembering

On this day, let's take a moment to pay tribute to a lady that lived with grace and dignity - really just simple gestures of good will to make the world a better place for all of us.

Your Time to Sparkle

Get ready to shine in a sparkly soiree fit for a princess!

What girl wouldn't want a posh, polished wedding with all the details in place?

Images via Brides.

The Great Diamond Dash of 2009

Michael C. Fina and TACORI, leaders in the jewelry and bridal industry, have partnered to host a diamond scavenger hunt in Manhattan on September 12, 2009 at 12:00 noon entitled the “Diamond Dash: Dash for a Diamond & A Cure.” Proceeds generated through the dash will support The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS), of which Michael C. Fina is a National Supporting Sponsor.

Grand prize winners of the Diamond Dash will receive a beautiful handcrafted Tacori engagement ring setting, matched with a Tacori Diamond, both valued at approximately $20,000, as well as a honeymoon package to Waikoloa Beach Resort on Hawaii's Big Island, including roundtrip airfare and four nights hotel accommodations at Hilton Waikoloa Village. The dash will culminate with the ultimate romantic proposal.

"Michael C. Fina is honored to host the ‘Diamond Dash: Dash for a Diamond & a Cure.’ With the help of our partners, we strive to bring awareness to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society while demonstrating how diamonds make a difference in everyone’s lives,” said Steven Fina, VP of Michael C. Fina.

Dashers will make their way to various wedding-related destinations in New York via clues texted to their mobile device. The team to arrive at each stop first will receive a special prize valued at up to $3,500 each. The couple that puts their knowledge of New York bridal landmarks to the test the best by arriving first at the ultimate destination will receive the coveted Tacori engagement ring, Hawaiian honeymoon package, and once-in-a-lifetime proposal opportunity.
“We are thrilled to exclusively launch our Tacori Diamond in New York with Michael C. Fina as part of the ‘Diamond Dash’,” says SVP Sales and Marketing, Paul Tacorian. “We are honored to support this amazing cause, and we wish all the Dashers the best of luck!”

Potential teams of two can sign up for the event at www.diamondsmakeadifference.com or link from www.michaelcfina.com or www.tacori.com. No more than 1,000 teams will be selected to participate by means of random sampling.

"The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is grateful to Michael C. Fina and Tacori for their unwavering support of LLS' mission to cure blood cancers. Events like ‘The Diamond Dash’ help LLS fund critical research and provide much-needed services to blood cancer patients and their families," said Michael Osso, Executive Director of the New York City Chapter of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

All dash participants will receive prizes from partners including Tumi, Godiva Chocolatier, Kleinfeld, Town&Country Weddings, Ron Ben-Israel, and John Allan’s, totaling nearly $1,000. Participants who raise $100 or more for LLS will be given a special gift courtesy of Michael C. Fina. Prize distribution will take place at an after-party held at Michael C. Fina following the dash’s conclusion.

Monique Lhullier Hearts Bridesmaids

The bride wore Monique Lhuillier. The bridesmaids wore Monique Lhuillier.

No, your eyes are not deceiving you. Calling all ladies who love Monique Lhuillier - and who doesn't love her? Introducing her first collection of bridesmaid dresses that are sure to please. What's more, the entire collection is available online, making planning a coast to coast wedding that much easier.

Images via Monique Lhuillier.

Fab Frocks Friday: Carefree

Here's a perfect frock that will have your heart skipping a beat. For these final days of summer, be free and happy. And for this Labor Day, there is nothing more important that a labor of love.

Happy long weekend!

Image via Norman Jean Roy.

Charmed, I'm Sure

Set the tone of your wedding like this picturesque setting for your own fairy tale ending!

Images via Brides.

Tough Love

The road to love can get a little rocky sometimes, but these pieces of art will have you looking smashing during those hard times that involve matters of the heart.

These feminine yet edgy pieces are all the tough love you'll ever need!

Update: head on over to {this is glamorous}: {give-away: gunmetal cuff} for some amazing visual inspiration and some gunmetal eye candy!

Images via Net-a-Porter.

Celebrations

I'm taking a little moment today to celebrate a little change to my labour of love. I do hope you enjoy the new logo as much as I do.

A big, big, big, thank you to Melissa St. Giles for making it all possible!