Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Words Escape Me..Kinda


source

Seems like getting "wedding ready" has taken on a whole new meaning. I'm like most brides that will indulge in donning some lashes and maybe get my teeth whitened but I'm hearing and reading some disturbing new trends. "Botox for the Bridesmaids". "Tan or Else!". "With that dress you need Implants?!?!" What bride would inflict this self-esteem damaging pressure on their "most dearest"?

Now don't get me wrong, I'm all for whatever a woman feels she needs to do to be her most beautiful. If any type of cosmetic procedure will do the trick, by all means, enjoy. But insisting that your bridal party have work done or your future mother in law, especially for your wedding, is just in poor taste.

I think my sisters, whom are my bridal party, would pop me upside my head for uttering such nonsense. Fake lashes, of course, they love them some fake lashes but anything like mentioned above.. I would be quickly told to kick rocks. For your reading enjoyment an article about the latest wedding "trends".

*climbing off soapbox*

Photo Amour


Source

Ever come across an image that makes you take pause...

Sunday, September 28, 2008

Dressed Up In Love

Thanks to Liz at The Wedding Bistro, I've had the pleasure of feasting my eyes on the cutest favor packaging. EVER! While I'm still not sure I'll be doing favors, this really gives me incentive. I mean these things are so cute, you could place a pebble inside and it would be magical.




How darling is that?!?! It's called the Zaarni Organza Circle Wrap. I'm just over the moon with it's charm. This seriously knocks all the other favor boxes...well.. out the box. But if one must have a favor box, why not dress it up in loveliness?

Inspired by Japanese gift-wrapping called furoshiki, each organza circle forms into a stylish fabric ruffle when tied with its matching pearl and beaded drawstrings.

I can totally see myself using this for the wedding and beyond. Can you imagine the your giftee's face when they get their Diptyque candle swathed in organza! Now a regular gift has been upgraded to couture-esque.

P.S. Check out her "Choco Loco" bridal shower ideas.. Milk served in a champagne flute! I DIE!! (hahaha, I promise I will stop saying that..soonish)

Ooooh Pretty!

If you're a chica like me, slowly building your dream closet... *please see glorious sample below*


source

You might wanna start by hanging your fab pieces on these truly divine utilities.



source

They are chic, sparkly, beaded hangers. "I DIE!!", ala Rachel Zoe. How often would you visit your closet to pleasure your peepers, gazing at the artistry that fabulously displays your clothes?

Treat yourself to a few or alot! Get your, oh how deliciously apropos, GlamHangers, here.

Friday, September 26, 2008

Beautiful Blooms

My attention has turned back to flowers as of late. Of particular interest is my bouquet. I hadn't found anything that I liked. I mean I've seen flowers that I like individually but not bouquets... until now. My apologies for not having a photo but if you click here you'll visit the fab Nisie's Enchanted Florist site to see my dreamy bouquet.

See that bouquet on the top right? That's what I want. But not in one color. Which brings me to my next photo of inspiration:



photo from Delovely Designs

I love how there's "sections" of complimentary color.(the top part) It's really WOWing my socks off. I think having my bouquet designed like that would be delightfully pretty and different. I think done with mini roses, barely opened, tightly bunched, in different colors of the wedding, it would be divine. Then my bridesmaids could each have one of the colors of corresponding blooms for their bouquets. It's going to be smashing against their black dresses and make for great photos.

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Update On My Blues

I got the shoes from Zappos. Love their super fast shipping! And while the shoes are fabulous with a capital "F", they are not the same shoe. Now I thought I was going crazy because they look so similar and my theory was that it's just a different part of the Pucci pattern that's why they look different but essentially the same shoe. NOPE. I called the Pucci showroom in NY and inquired. I was told that the first pair were from this past 2008 Spring season and the pair that I have are from 2007 Spring season. She said that the shoes are no longer available but I may be able to score a pair from a place like Zappos at the end of the year, early next year. Apparently all the overstock will be made available to discount outlets after November. So there's hope. Yea!!!

Now you may be wondering what is it about those shoes, other than the fact that I love them, that I have to have them so badly? Fabulous details to come!! *wink*

I need a 'tini to quell my angst.


Tuesday, September 23, 2008

Invitation To Style

It never ceases to amaze me all the wonderful ideas I've swooned over from visiting fellow blogger sites. It has made wedding planning a joy. I love being able to "visit" tons of vendors without taking off my silk shortie pjs and slippers.

Next up on the "To Do" list is, as you might have guessed, invitations. At the very beginning of planning I was totally non-fab when it came to the invites. I said that I didn't want to spend a ton on something that would be thrown away. I mean I've seen prices up to 25,000. For paper!!! I said nope, I'll get something cute from Walmart and "merchandise it up" ala Carrie. However, as the plans and decor is slowly developing, Walmart just won't do. Much to Treasure's chagrin, our budget is quickly approaching the evil twin of it's initial amount. Yikes!

So with fabulousity in mind, I came across the silk boxes. We all know how much I adore them. They are so special. But what about what will go inside of them?? Well I just found Saima Says Design by way of Weddingbee.

Can I tell you these are THE most spectacular invites I've EVER seen!! She takes it not only to another level but outta the stratosphere. Feast your eyes on these beauts:




can't remember where I found these..if yours, let me know so I can credit or delete =(





images from blushevents blog

These photos really don't do these works of art any justice. The intricate detail is just beyond! Saima is a chic chick.

Remember These?

I'm putting out an all points bulletin!! Blue Alert!! I NEED to find these shoes. If anyone knows where I can get these, please send me a note. I've exhausted Google..she's not my friend anymore. Eluxury had them but they are sold out. Zappos, has a shoe that's similar and in my haste, I purchased them, only to find after careful inspection, they are not the same shoe. Boo!

Maybe my eyes deceive? You be the judge.

These are the ones I NEED:


These are the ones I bought:


I know I'm reaching.. they are not the same. Beautiful shoe but not the one I need. The first pair looks SOOO much better in the darker color and bigger, more fluid pattern.

I guess when I get them, I'll try them on while wearing sunglasses..that way they'll look darker. Then promptly take them off and return them. Bleh! Looking on the bright side, at least I'll know what size I'll need in that shoe when I find it.

Friday, September 19, 2008

How Do I Love Thee

Still Motion Cinematography!! Just got my contract. Almost done booking my vendors. Yea!!! Take a peek at their world famous "Same Day Edits" - short films that they put together in such an artistic way, in such a short period of time.. The Wedding Day. I mean the footage that they JUST filmed!! How amazed I am at their talent. I heart them! I've been in communique with Patrick and he's a doll. He's been very patient with all my millions of questions, although I've been sold since "Hello".



Everytime I watch these videos, I get so choaked up. I think I do that because I imagine myself as the bride in the photos..getting ready for the most important day in her life. The seriousness of the moment. How I'm about to embark on a new milestone in my life. At that moment, I don't think I will be fretting about the flowers, the weather, (well maybe the weather), the linens, the latecomers.. any of that. I just think that while I'm in the makeup chair, I will find a quite place in my mind and reflect on all the wonderfulness that's about to ensue. Marrying my friend, soulmate and permanent cuddle buddy.

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Hair Affair

I've been pondering how I'd like to wear my hair for the wedding. I know I wanted something loose yet controlled, if that makes sense. I have to keep in mind that this style has to work famously with my birdcage veil. I don't want there to be too much going to so that it doesn't distract from my whole look..rather compliment it fabulously. Also I want to take my hair down after the first dance. That's when I'll be changing into my reception dress, a short little cocktail number to show off my shoes. =)

I found this and think it's spot on! (You may find that I'll be using the "spot on" phrase alot. I have a new diva in my bff posse and she says it all the time in her cute English accent.)





I just love me some Carrie Underwood. She's such a cutie pie. She always looks smashing and well edited.

This hairstyle may be the one I'll go for during my hair trial. That's gonna be so weird.. me, the bridal makeup and hair savant, sitting for a trial. It's so funny everyone always asks, if I'm going to do my own hair and makeup. The answer is a big, fat no! Why.. because I want to be pampered and not stressed about not getting my eyelashes on straight because I'm a bundle of nervous energy. Nope, I just wanna sit back and enjoy while sipping my demi sec.

Simply Beautiful

We take a break from our regularly scheduled programming to bring you something beautiful and sparkly.



I don't know if it's the official engagement/wedding ring. But whatever the case, it's GORGEOUS!!

Monday, September 15, 2008

Brocade Beauty

I came across this dress in some bridal publication..can't remember which but I thought it was sweet. Very Jackie O or Hepburn. I don't know what the back looks like and there's no description on the website. I may have to take a trip to David's Bridal. It looks like it could be a great addition to my social wardrobe.

Flashing Lights

I finally booked my photographer! Well actually I booked them two months ago but just getting around to blogging about it. I'm so thrilled to have this rockstar team capture our wedding day. You remember me salivating over Sallee Photography, right?!? You also remember me sharing that they are a husband and wife team out of Texas. And as luck would have it they were on a tour, told you, 'rockstars', and made their way to New York. Which was totally great and convenient for me. So I got to meet them in person and see more of their work, namely their albums. OH MY GOODNESS!!! I whipped out my checkbook, faster than you can say "FABULOUS"!!!

They showed me all the albums available, including the 25,000.00 album. It comes with it's own suitcase. Yes, the ALBUM comes with it's own SUITCASE. Well needless to say, I didn't splurge on the 25k album. But nonetheless, over the moon with my choice. I wish I had a photo to share.. they were too fab for words.

Ok, so included in the destination wedding package is the full day of wedding photography, with the team plus one (the assistant) AND a Day After shoot as well as a Bridal Shoot.

I CANNOT wait for the Day After shoot. I've planned to rent time at the Westbury Gardens..it's a beautiful place for photography, think English Gardens. After that, a jaunt to Central Park, then to SoHo area then ending with maybe Times Square. The best part is it's going to be more fashion shoot than wedding so Treasure and I really get to do it up. I'm planning 3 changes for the different locations. I'm still trying to talk Treasure into multiple changes. He only wants to change ties. lol






photos from www.oldwestburygardens.org

Instead of wearing my wedding gown, I've opted to get 3 different "wedding" dresses. YUP, three! But I won't be spending a fortune. Look at my picks.



Aren't those black buttons down the back just dreamy? Perfection for the photos at Old Westbury Gardens. I plan to don short black leather gloves and mini top hat with veil. Cuteness!

hat from Madame Modiste

Or maybe this one:

from Ebay


Very "Eastside" Bride. Too darling.


The Boho-Chic Bride. Too fab!

I love them all soooo much. Each just "fits" each location so well and I really love that none are like my wedding day gown. The best part?? I'll pay about $450.00for all three. How you ask?? They are bridesmaids dresses!! They take on such a different feel in white. If I had thought about it before buying THE wedding gown, that gown in the first pic, would have been my wedding day choice. It's so chic, so glam, so me! These beautiful gowns are by BariJay.

Sunday, September 14, 2008

Two Down, One To Go

Hi-ya! Boy does a little rest do a girl some good. I'm feeling all kinds of fabulous! So much so that I've started working out. Well, actually I've worked out once but hey, that's a start.


Ok, so I've gotten two tasks off of my "To Do" list. I've booked the date for the wedding ceremony at Trinity Church. So glad that's done. As I've come to learn, people from all over the world request to have their weddings there. So it's a good thing I called almost everyday, to get an appointment.


Now, I believe that I've found the bridesmaids dresses, which I'm thrilled about. I will have 4 bridesmaids and choose two different dresses for them to wear. A short one for the younger girls and a long one for the older ones. They are totally not dresses that one could wear again, so much for that effort. But they are glam and I like them.




Pretty right? I love them. They are both by Alvina Valenta, I think from Spring 2006!! You would think I'd find something fab from this year but no dice. I kept looking at dresses but always came back to these two and since I couldn't make up my mind, decided to incorporate both.

So check and check! Two down and one to go. Still need to go to the bridal salon..maybe will try to do that this week. I have a special request for my gown so it's kinda big to do with the designer. Hopefully, I'll leave a happy camper. In the meanwhile, I need to order my birdcage veil. Actually, I'm thinking of being a two veil bride.. the long catherdral one for the ceremony and the 'cage veil for after. Ah decisions, decisions.

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

On Staycation

I'm pooped. With all the weddings, traveling and wedding planning, I'm just pooped. I still have so much to do but really don't feel like it. So I've decided to take a staycation. Since tropical storms are ravishing the islands, unfortunately, I will have to stay put. Which is fine. I'll be at home recharging my batteries. I will take one more..well two more.. actually three more wedding related appointments and that's IT for a month.

The first is finally getting to meet with the Rev at Trinity Church. Previously the ceremony was to take place at Grace Church but to be honest, it was a little steep to have the ceremony there. Trinity Church is beautiful. It's located in the Wall Street area. The cost to have the ceremony there is 3k less than Grace Church.


image from Flicker.com

Next up would be going to the reception location with the event planner to check out the space and decide what the final design will be based on the glamourous visual that was provided (see previous post).


image from Brides.com

Lastly, I have to go to the bridal salon to actually order my gown. When I decided what gown I wanted, sight unseen, I went to the nearest bridal salon that carried it to, hopefully, try it on and absolutely LOVE it. We LOVE it, I did and do. But given my track record of ever changing my mind, I just put down a small deposit to lock in my 15% discount and free alterations if I left a good faith deposit. So far I've seen MANY a gown but none to steal me from my beloved silk satin, ivory ballgown (although in the description, I don't think I would classify it as a ballgown *shrugs*), with draped bodice and a wee bit of crystal embellishment. It's simple elegance.


image from Jim Hjelm Bridal

This isn't my gown but it's quite stunning.

Once done with my sabbatical, I'll tackle invitations and bridemaids dresses. I'm still wondering if I want to do the letterpress invites with silk boxes...


image from Dio Selina

I haven't a clue as to bridesmaids dresses.. looking forward to the adventure though. =)