Introducing the Fall 2011 White by Vera Wang Collection!

Posted in All Things Vera Wang by

If you’ve been following Behind the Veil, Beyond the Vows, then I don’t have to tell you that I am a TOTAL FAN of all things Vera!!  After Vera Wang’s very beautiful debut of White by Vera Wang earlier this spring, she’s back with the Fall 2011 Bridal Collection which has expanded to include not only seven new wedding gown styles but also bridesmaids dresses, shoes and delicate accessories.  Prices remain (more than) budget-friendly, with gowns ranging between $600-$1200, bridesmaids dresses priced under $200 and shoes priced under $100.

The White by Vera Wang Collection is available starting today at select David’s Bridal locations nationwide.  Be the first to make an appointment to see these beauties up close and personally!

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Photo credits: verawang.com

Creative Wedding Bouquets and DIY Ribbon Bouquet

Posted in Do It Yourself Diva by

Who says your bridal bouquet must consist of flowers?  From seashells to lollipops to jewelry and fabrics, there are so many chic options that are not only beautifully unique but many will last much longer than the evanescent flower bouquet. Check out all of these stunning, out-of-the-box bouquet options, that we’ve found across the web and tell me which is your fave.

Don’t you love this ribbon bouquet?  It’s surprisingly easy to do yourself with these simple instructions found on BurdaStyle: DIY: Ribbon Bouquets

Summer Read: Committed – A Love Story

Posted in Weddings by

Book description [as posted on Amazon.com]:

At the end of her bestselling memoir Eat, Pray, Love, Elizabeth Gilbert fell in love with Felipe, a Brazilian-born man of Australian citizenship who’d been living in Indonesia when they met. Resettling in America, the couple swore eternal fidelity to each other, but also swore to never, ever, under any circumstances get legally married. (Both were survivors of previous bad divorces. Enough said.) But providence intervened one day in the form of the United States government, which-after unexpectedly detaining Felipe at an American border crossing-gave the couple a choice: they could either get married, or Felipe would never be allowed to enter the country again. Having been effectively sentenced to wed, Gilbert tackled her fears of marriage by delving into this topic completely, trying with all her might to discover through historical research, interviews, and much personal reflection what this stubbornly enduring old institution actually is. Told with Gilbert’s trademark wit, intelligence and compassion, Committed attempts to “turn on all the lights” when it comes to matrimony, frankly examining questions of compatibility, infatuation, fidelity, family tradition, social expectations, divorce risks and humbling responsibilities. Gilbert’s memoir is ultimately a clear-eyed celebration of love with all the complexity and consequence that real love, in the real world, actually entails.

What I expected: 

A self-congratulatory memoir of how Elizabeth and Felipe overcame months of immigration hurdles and setbacks along their journey to attaining happy ever after (in the United States).

What I got instead: 

A memoir, thoughtfully written to help frame a cultural study of marriage.  It’s a magpie of information, a thoughtful analysis of courtships, families, and relationships across numerous eras and cultures, and a story that may veer dangerously close to the edge of boring at times but is never smug or superior.

My advice: 

Committed isn’t for the reader that is hoping to lose herself in a compelling love story, but is a definite MUST READ if you are interested in learning about marriage – what it is and is not, why it doesn’t always work – and are prepared to carefully examine your own assumptions and ideologies about this beautifully shifting concept.

Destination Decadence: All Aboard the Princess Mariana

Posted in Destination Decadence by

It’s quite arguable that the Princess Mariana is so outrageously decadent that the title of this blog should read Picture This: Princess Mariana or better yet, In My Wildest Dreams: Princess Mariana.  You see, this lovely work of nautical art is a 258 yard luxurious mega-yacht.   And if you’re anything like me you’re probably wondering how, exactly, does one super-size a yacht.  You add some impressive features like six staterooms, a beach club, helipad (which by the way, becomes a golf driving range when the helicopter is away), and fully equipped gym.

And then you add in some fun accessories like  the party deck which includes two bars, casual seating areas, a raised dance floor, a grand piano, three cinema screens, a barbeque, sun beds and a spa pool!  And of course, a cinema on the main deck with seating for 13 guests.

Of course this is Destination Decadence so if you want to rent the Princess Mariana for a week, you’ll need to incorporate approximately $606, 500 into your wedding or event budget. Talk about a platinum wedding.  However, as I have also subtitled this blog entry In Your Wildest Dreams: Princess Mariana I dare to dream that I just blogged the location of my future wedding.

Chocolate Covered Strawberries

Posted in Do It Yourself Diva, Food + Drink by

I tried my hand at chocolate covered strawberries a few weeks ago after deciding to include them as one of many surprises awaiting my newly married couple upon their return to their bridal suite.   Now, if you know me then you know that I am not a gourmet chef but every once in a while I get the urge to whip up something new.  Sometimes, it works out perfectly…other times, notsomuch.  Luckily, this time my curiosity landed on something so easy that I’m actually a little frustrated that I’ve been paying bakery prices all of these years.  See for yourself…

Chocolate Covered Strawberries

The Ingredients:

  • 1 pound strawberries with stems (about 20), washed and dried very well
  • 6 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped

Raw Materials:

  • 1 Heatproof medium sized bowl
  • Parchment or waxed paper

The Instructions:

  • Put the semisweet chocolate into a heatproof bowls
  • Fill a medium saucepan with about 5 inches of water and bring to a simmer over medium heat
  • Turn off the heat then carefully set the bowl of chocolate over the water to melt and stir until smooth
    • IN A HURRY? Melt the chocolates in a microwave at half power for 1 minute. Stir. Heat for another minute or until melted.
  • Remove the chocolate from the heat once it had fully melted
  • Line a sheet pan with parchment or waxed paper
  • Holding the strawberry by the stem, dip each on into the chocolate using a lift and twist motion.  This will allow any of the excess chocolate to drip back into the bowl
  • Place the strawberries on the parchment paper and when finished let sit for 30-45 minutes to allow the chocolate to set.
    • IN A HURRY? Place the strawberry lined sheet pan in the refrigerator for 15 minutes for a quick set.

Now, I didn’t try these enhancements this time around but I imagine you can follow up the first chocolate plunge with a dip into coconut, chopped nuts, or even white chocolate for a little something extra. You may even want to try other types of fruits. It’s quick, easy and simple enough to try for your next baby shower, engagement party or girls night in and since not many people are going to say no to chocolate covered strawberries, they’re certified PARTY-FRIENDLY! Bon apetit!

Hostess Hints: Fleur-de-lis Table Linen Fold

Posted in Anatomy of a Party, Decor + Style, Weddings by

The Fleur-de-lis linen napkin fold is an elegant and easy napkin folding technique that works well with formal and casual table setting.  It’s simple to do.  Don’t believe us?  Check out the step-by-step instructions found on makemytable.com.

Fleur Step 1

Begin by folding the edges of the linen napkin diagonally, so that the result is a triangle.

Fleur Step 2

Fold the right edge to the top.

Fleur Step 3

Same with the left edge, resulting in a square.

Fleur Step 4

Now fold about two thirds of the lower edge upwards.

Fleur Step 5

Fold the top edge back.

Fleur Step 6

Turn the napkin over and insert the edge into the other end.

Fleur Step 7

Open the table linen napkin forming an “O” at the bottom and stand it up. Pull each edge of the table napkin to form the petals on both sides.

Voilà! You have just folded your Fleur-de-lis fine table linen napkin!

Your Summer Packing List

Posted in Travel + Destination by

Are you preparing for a honeymoon at or by the sea this summer? Well, with more and more airlines imposing increased check baggage fees, it may be worthwhile to pack light with our travel-light packing list:

Dressing For Day or Night

  • Two (2) Sundresses
  • Seven (7) Tops
  • Two (2) Pair of Shorts
  • One (1) Pair of Light Pants
  • One (1) Evening Cover-Up

Unmentionables

  • Seven (7) Pair of Undies
  • Three (3) Bras

Accessories

  • One (1) Beach Bag
  • One (1) Beach Hat
  • One (1) Sarong
  • One (1) Jacket
  • One (1) Skirt

Footwear

  • One (1) Pair of Dressy Sandals
  • One (1) Pair of Flip-Flops

If you plan on exercising during your vacation, we also recommend adding a set of workout clothes and a pair of running shoes to this list.  Most importantly, don’t forget to pack your camera to document the memories.  Bon voyage!

Happy Memorial Day

Posted in Holiday Spirit by

I am a military brat so I must say thank you to the men and women (especially my father) who have placed their lives in peril while serving our great country.   THANK YOU!!!

But Memorial Day is also the unofficial start to Summer which means more weddings, weekend getaways, family gatherings and travel and more blog posts (from yours truly) on how to make it the hottest summer yet!  Happy Memorial Day!!