Category Archives: Weddings

Do You Hear “Wedding Belles”?

Posted in Decor + Style, The Dress, Weddings by

Kate Spade has recently debuted their entry into the multi-billion dollar wedding industry with the debut of their newest line, Wedding Belles. It’s a small line – only 8 in total – of little white (and off-white) dresses that they’ve designed with every shower and soiree in mind.  Wedding Belles has left no detail forgotten and also includes a stylish treasure chest of jeweled accessories including, hair barrettes, clutches, and shoes. Have a look at the complete Wedding Belle Collection by Kate Spade.

 

Dylan Dress, $425

Elenore Dress, $475

Briella Dress, $425

Kaye Dress, $425

They also carry a small line of colorful and feminine Bridesmaid dresses…

Jillian Dress, $355

Elaine Dress, $425

Anette Dress, $445

I’m definitely loving these dresses for the summer and if you’re a destination bride, there’s more than one LWD that would not only fold into a suitcase but also look perfect for barefoot vows on the beach.

Amazing Orchids

Posted in Decor + Style, Events + Contests + Giveaways, Weddings by

Any florist will tell you that if you’re looking for a flower that is not only beautifully radiant but also durably versatile, orchids are the perfect choice. After all, there are over 25,000 species of the flower, all of which are edible, and come in every color except blue.

The glamour and irresistible allure of more than 300 types of species and hybrid orchids will take center stage at The New York Botanical Garden from March 5 through April 25, 2011.

The Orchid Show is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and will cost $20 for adults, $18 for seniors and students with ID, $8 for children ages 2-12, children under 2 are free. For more information, please call 718.817.8700 or visit www.nybg.org

Found: A SoleMate

Posted in Brands, Sites + Technology We Love, Decor + Style, Fashion + Beauty by

I think just about every woman has experienced that horrible moment when she realizes the heel of her new stiletto just sank in between the cracks of a city sidewalk.  It’s a paralyzing feeling; leaving you unable to look down because you know, more often than not, an unsightly and oftentimes irreparable scuffmark will be left behind. In an instant, your shoes have gone from fashion statement to fashion faux pas.

And as a wedding planner, there have been moments when I’ve found myself silently encouraging every muscle in my core to carry me  across the many grassy knolls that set the backdrop for outdoor weddings.  It’s an experience that becomes that much more difficult when your “greener pastures”have recently been watered by Mother Nature.  Ah, the joys of womanhood!

So, imagine my delight when I heard about SoleMates High Heeler®, a clever high hell protector that attaches to most stiletto and kitten heels to reduce heel pressure and prevent the heel from sinking into grass or falling into cracks. Ladies, I do believe all of our shoe prayers have been answered!!

They are currently available in four colors – Clear, Black, Silver and Gold – and will cost you about $9.95 a pair.  If you order directly from the SoleMates website, you’ll be treated to 10% off any order of 10 or more or free shipping on two or more pairs.  Retailers, such as DSW, David’s Bridal, and Kleinfield Manhattan, also carry SoleMates High Heeler® but you can also use their online zipcode finder to locate SoleMates in a store near you.

Getting Married Outside?  Then SoleMates are a must have accessory for any bride and her bride’s maids. Better yet, order in bulk and place them in a decorative container near your sign-in table for all of your female gal pals to pick up on their way in.

**all images courtesy of thesolemates.com**

A Greener Way to Illuminate…

Posted in Anatomy of a Party, Brands, Sites + Technology We Love, Decor + Style, Weddings by

Event lighting is a relatively small investment that yields a significant impact on the overall décor and ambience captured by your event.  Perhaps the least expensive and most common lighting option is candles.  But have you ever given thought to the amount of energy that is consumed making tea light candles only for them to burn for 2 hours and be discarded?  What about the amount of wax and wicker that goes into large votive candles? Depending on the number of candles you burn annually, you may be leaving behind a rather impressive carbon footprint.

A greener and safer option, which has been growing in popularity over the years, is the flameless and rechargeable candle. Until recently though, I’ve thought that what flameless candles made up for in cost effectiveness and environmental friendliness, they’ve lacked in design…that is, until I came across these ideas.

While all of these are touted as the perfect decorative light addition to your home, office or child’s room consider them for use the next time your event calls for the soothing benefits of a soft candle.

Milk Glass Cup Shaped LED Night Light Lamp

This energy saving LED Light is designed to look like a glass of milk and even comes in a fun cow-inspired package.  Standing at 5.43 inches high and weighing only 4.6 ounces, this fun lighting alternative is powered by 3 AAA batteries and an ON/OFF setting that is concealed on the bottom of the glass.  When set to ON, the light inside of the glass will turn off automatically whenever it is tilted sideways or placed upside down. Unlike the Sun Moon Jar (shown below), the Milk Glass Cup Shaped LED Night Light Lamp is not water repellent and will need to be kept dry if used outdoors. You can buy them on Ebay for about $4.97 each (includes shipping).

Sun Moon Jar LED Solar Mood Lamp Light

Aren’t these adorable?  The Sun Moon Jar LED Solar Mood Lamp Light is a completely waterproof and weatherproof lighting option – making it the perfect outdoor solar light solution that comes in blue, amber or pink.  Like the Milk Glass Cup Shaped LED Night Light Lamp, the Sun Moor Jar also contains an ON/OFF setting but the batteries are replaced with 2 solar panels which automatically charge by day and give off a welcoming glow at night. The Sun Moon Jar LED Solar Mood Lamp Light also doubles as a storage solution, and is large enough to house candy, coins or collectibles. The least expensive unit price located online for the Sun Moon Jar is $13..24 at CZRH but keep in mind you’ll be paying for international shipping and will require additional time for delivery.

Soji Modern Rechargeable Solar Lanterns

The Soji Modern Rechargeable Solar Lantern is where design meets sustainability, making these the perfectly elegant lighting solution for an elegantly posh event.  Created in a layered wave-like form on hand formed weather resistant plastic, these green lighting alternatives are unique, portable, and efficient and will never require stringing of unsightly electrical wires. Creating the effect of a solar powered chandelier the Soji Modern lantern will turn itself on at dusk to cast a stunning golden glow that can last up to 6 hours.  They are available in 3 beautiful patterns: Pure White, Pearl Motif (white with white floral pattern) and Mineral Motif (white with grey floral pattern). If you order them from LampLust, you’ll pay about $36.99 a piece but will enjoy the discounted rate of $34.99 if you purchase 4 or more and the benefits of free shipping for all orders of $99 or more.

Targetti Art Light

Created by Australian born designer, Simon Crilley, this Targetti Art Light is actually a ceramic plate that contains living, breathing, and growing turf.  Yep, you read that right…it’s alive and as it grows it changes the nature of the light cast by the lamp.  Sadly, this item isn’t for sale.


Do We Love It? Real Housewives of Atlanta, Cynthia Bailey, Wedding Dress Revealed

Posted in Celebrity Weddings by

If you follow Bravo TVs drama reality series, Real Housewives of Atlanta, then you know the season finale will finally reveal whether or not self-confessed runaway bride, Cynthia Bailey actually says “I do” to 50 year old fiance, Peter Thomas.

Thanks to my bestie [@JenayeMarnique] I learned that the February issue of Essence will include an entire spread of the Bailey/Thomas wedding day but not before a leaked photo revealed the the statuesque fashion model draped in her custom-designed, gunmetal silver, Rubin Stinger wedding dress.

 

PHOTO COURTESY OF WETPAINT.COM

My initial reaction upon seeing the dress was one of shock, after all it is fiercely larger than life. I love the exaggerated style of the dress and the gunmetal/chocolate brown/white color combination. I even think she looks fabulously stunning in the nontraditional gown but they remind me more of a couple that is about to step out on the red carpet than one about to say their vows.

Cynthia and Peter did, however, tie the knot in a formal ceremony that took place on July 24th, 2010 at the Fernback Museum of Natural History (Atlanta, GA).  The couple, now 187 days into their new life together, posted a simple wedding website (which is disappointingly lacking in wedding recaps) and registered at Williams-Sonoma, Bed Bath and Beyond, and Tiffany and Co. Despite recent rumors of possible marital challenges, we wish Cynthia and Peter all of the joy in the world in their new marriage.

The season finale of Real Housewives of Atlanta airs this Sunday, January 30th at 10:00pm on Bravo TV.

For Love or Money?

Posted in Weddings by

 

image courtesy of google.com

 

Each morning, the day’s most interesting wedding-related write-ups are delivered into my inbox and today’s first story was an interesting article titled: New prenups include ‘signing bonus’, which goes into the evolution of prenuptial agreements.

Just to stir up some early morning excitement (and as a personal social experiment), I distributed a few copies throughout the office, returned to clearing out my inbox, and waited.  I didn’t even have to wait patiently – it was 8 minutes before the first call came in…

…3 phone calls, 2 personal visits, and 45 minutes later, I realized that public opinions run deep on this subject and my platform – just say NO to prenups – is not the fan favorite.  While there may be a need to protect valuable assets in relationships where either or both parties know they are marrying for the wrong reasons, the hopeless romantic in me sees no reason to institute marital stipulations, the subtext of which reads divorce, otherwise.  After all, shouldn’t the most precious and valuable asset be love and the hearts that covet the vows of marriage?

I would also argue that this new era of prenuptial agreements, where date nights, acceptable forms of intimacy and the rightful owner of the dogs, are spelled out removes organic spontaneity from the relationship and diminishes the value of counseling in times of marital trouble.  But this is just my brief opinion, and I’m curious to have you weigh in on this so my question for you is the same:

  • Do you agree with the concept of a Prenuptial Agreement or did/will you introduce one into your marriage?  If not, why not?
  • Do you think the idea of instituting things such as signing bonuses and date nights into a prenuptial agreement is necessary or too much?

Rent the Runway for Your Next Event

Posted in Brands, Sites + Technology We Love, Fashion + Beauty, The Dress, Weddings by

As a woman, I find the hardest part of getting ready for a night on the town is picking out the outfit.  After all, there’s a science to looking effortlessly beautiful in a look that only you will be wearing.  Well, the process may have gotten a hell of a lot easier thanks to Rent the Runway (RTR), a NY based online shopping experience started by Harvard Business School students, Jennifer Hyman and Jennifer Fleis, who according to their Backstory, found themselves faced with the same challenge of finding something to wear.

Badgley Mischka

Registering for the site is easy and free and once complete, you have immediate access to dresses from over 95 designers at your fingertips.  Designers range from Nicole Miller to Shoshanna and are offered at 90% of the retail price.  Yes, you read that right. For $1o0, this Badgley Mischka dress, which normally retails at $1150 in stores, can be yours for 4 days.

You can also choose from an array of accessories to compliment your outfit and if you’re not sure of your size, there’s an option to have your dress selection in a 2nd size for NO additional cost.  You’re given the option of a 4 or 8 day rental (8-day rental is a little more expensive) and the cherry on top is return shipping is also FREE!

No lines + No Membership Fees + Free Shipping = Win-Win Situtation! Log on to www.renttherunway.com to find your designer runway look today!