I am so sick of rules. I am even more sick of being told what to do! Do we not live in the year 2009? In a world of change and progression? So why are we still worried about wedding fashion etiquette? Who is going to get mad at you? Grandma? Does your Grandma know you at all? So why would it surprise her or anyone else you invite to your wedding if you decide to go outside the box? Now let’s hold on a second, I am not giving you license to look a hot tranny mess. I am simply saying that there are plenty of antiquated rules that you, my darling, can throw out the window. 

First, no one, I mean no one wears panty hose!!!! Maybe I am telling you something you already know, but just in case, please don’t do it! They are incredibly dated and super uncomfortable. I am all for body slimmers and things that make you look hot in your gown, but panty hose are never becoming and for some reason people feel like they “need” to wear them, you don’t!!!! Even if Mom is screaming at you!!! Wear fabulous closed toe shoe if it becomes a huge deal.

I worked briefly at a shoe store owned by an older, very Southern woman, she and one of her other, older, employees were gossiping like little girls about a young woman who had come in the store looking for red shoes to wear on her wedding day. They were just beside themselves with disapproval. I was like, “are you kidding? that’s awesome and gutsy!!! and if done well, it can be really stylish!” They didn’t change their minds, but seriously, they’re old. Wear crazy colored shoes!!!!!

I just wrote on colored wedding gowns, and no, it’s not a sign that you are a harlot. It means nothing more than you are a stylish lady, who wants to do things a little differently, remember Miranda Hobbes from Sex in the City? She looked like a strong independent bride wearing a stunning reddish-brown velvet jacket and skirt. It was original and true to herself.  On the same note, at the bridal shop I would always get second time brides who wanted big, fluffy gowns, but were trying to be less of a bride since they had already done the deed before. I say peshaw!!!! If you are taking the time and spending the money to have another ceremony then you deserve to have exactly what you want, it’s a fresh new start. Who cares what people whisper? Those are the kind of toxic people that should be removed from your life altogether. I’m just saying...

Why must your nails be in a French manicure? I don’t want to make any enemies because I already ticked my sister off when I first said this, but I hate French manicures...Sorry!!!! They are just so 1994, I think that there are so many stunning colors out there, so you don’t have to do a French manicure. I swear, there is no law written that says, “big occasion = French manicure.” If you are looking for soft colors, check out Essie’s Mademoiselle, Ballet Slippers, Marshmallow or OPI’s Isn’t it Romantic, Samoan Sand, and Catch the Garter. Or why not have a little trendy fun with your nails? The new jade greens are fun, but unassuming Essie’s Mint Candy Apple is amazing! Or be a bit daring and try a super bright pink like Essie’s Pink Parka. I am also in love with OPI’s South Beach collection! The colors are all stunning and even though they are rich tones none of them are obnoxious.

Dress length is also sometimes an issue, but seriously long, short, day, night? It doesn’t matter anymore! You get to make your own rules! If you want a night time wedding and your want to wear a thigh skimming skirt, then do it!!!!! If you are having an early afternoon and you want to wear a ball gown, then do it!!!! Isn’t that fun!?!? Doesn’t it sound exciting to have all of the control? All you need to do is be comfortable and love what you have on!! It is so much easier when you aren’t trying to follow anyone else's set of rules, but simply shopping to find a gown that makes you feel like a stunning beautiful bride!!!

There are a million more other things that people think are appropriate and not, but I hope you understand that this is your wedding day and you deserve to do things exactly the way you want!!! Just please don’t do ugly things...there is nothing I hate more than someone who is trying too hard to stomp on rules, so try to do it in soft and interesting ways. Please come to me with any questions, I may be blunt, but only because I want everyone to look super hot and original on their wedding day!!

Now tell me, what wedding style rules did you or someone you know break? Tell me about it!! Share your knowledge!! Spread the originality and good times!!

Until we meet again, stay bridal and rebel a little, trust me, it feels good!

Lauren

  In mid September, Meilin and Rey exchanged wedding vows in Savannah, GA surrounded by loved ones. The weather wasn't cooperating quite like we all would have liked, in fact, we had to make a last minute decision to move the ceremony to a local church instead of using Forsyth Park. Although it wasn't exactly what was planned,  didn't stop Meilin and Rey from enjoying their wedding day and guests. Their spirits were high, smiles abound and of course, after all the worry, the rain held out for pictures! Meilin was a beautiful bride and her dress was breath-taking! Classy and elegant, just like Meilin! The reception was held at Vics on the River and the bride and groom had their guests on the dance floor all night long! Hot pink and taupe were the colors she chose to detail the day. The day was truly about the love that these two share for either other and the love they have for their families. Thanks to Hannah of HSGS Photography for the images of the day. We enjoyed sharing in your day and wish you all the best in the future!

 

 

While reading my Instyle Magazine this month, I came upon a great article (well more like 10 pages of amazing sites/blogs to check out) and the site I am about to tell you about was one that caught my eye. The site is Social Couture and you need to check it out! The site is meant for dinner party entertaining..but there is no reason we cannot enlarge the concept to accommodate your wedding reception or a bridal shower to boot! Everything you see is for sale on their site and the ideas they give you are just the beginning. Not to mention that you can save 20% off anything by using promo code: instyle.

 

   With the world whizzing past us at such an astronomical speed sometime we forget to just stop and enjoy the little things. Your wedding day will zoom by so quickly that you better take Morgan’s wise advice and take little moments to lock away in your mind and heart so that you will never forget them! Now you might be thinking this is a bit philosophical for fashion, but nay I disagree. Why don’t people take a more clever and introspective look at fashion? I think people would be less inclined to call me and other fashionistas “materialistic” if they really tried to think more about what fashion is, rather than simply something to keep you from being naked. I think that a wedding gown in particular should be a complete extension of your personality. And who of us really lay ourselves out so obviously? Other than me...I think that most of us hide our complexities deep within and once someone knows us better our true selves are shown, that is what I am loving about the new crop of wedding gowns. Complexity. I die. I have been watching far too much Rachel Zoe.

Wedding Fashion Week has recently ended and it really just reaffirmed that a white gown will never get old. The amount of fresh, clean, and breathtaking gowns are more than I can count and the theme of the week was detail. A common element among designers were appliquéd rosettes, flowers were everywhere! Made of lace, chiffon, and applied flat to the gown or raised like origami. Embroidered and embellished belts were also all the rage, a favorite look of mine. Fabric manipulation was also on display, pleating, folding, gathering and a lot more ings. And if you are a fan of shiny thing you needn't worry because sparkle was still all the rage. These gowns just feel like a breath of fresh air and I wanted to share them with you. I love their duality, wearable and incredibly fashionable at the same time. Aren’t you excited???

Now on a slightly upsetting note, most of these gowns will not be available to purchase until Spring of 2010 and some the Fall. Don’t be sad if you have fallen in love, you will survive, I promise.

Until we meet again, stay bridal and take time to smell the roses, or the coffee, or the Chanel no. 5...whatever blows your skirt up.

Lauren

 One of the premier wedding magazines on the East Coast, Weddings Unveiled, picked one of our weddings to feature on their “Real Wedding” spots. Sam and Tyler’s wedding has been featured again and we are so honored to be recognized! Be sure to check out their amazing blog and the post here! Congratulations again Sam and Tyler…the world loves you and your wedding as much as we did!

And as always…amazing photos by Turtle Pond Photography.

The reception was held at the Mansion on Forsyth and in true form, Vivien and Todd entered their reception to their first dance that was choreographed to a “T” and what a show stopper it was! Table names were named after places that the couple visited and held significant meaning behind each and each told the story as to why. In keeping with the black and white theme, we ordered these great damask runners off of Etsy! We tied their monogram in everywhere we could! The favors were mini bottles of some of their favorite wine with personalized labels. The cake was a vision of elegance adorned with their monogram and delicate touches. At the end of the night, we sent them off in style under a rainbow of sparklers! Simple, elegant and refined…this was Vivien and Todd!

       

Vivien and Todd are a match made in heaven. Each time they look at each other, they share this amazing connection that just makes you want to smile each time you see it. If you cant tell by these pictures, let me tell you, they are very much in love with each other. Todd being a military officer stationed at Fort Stewart, Vivien knew she wanted to honor his duty to our country and have a military wedding which they shared with friends, family and fellow military comrades. So on August 15th, 2009, they didn’t leave one detail overlooked. From the heirloom brooch on Vivien’s bouquet, the traditional military uniforms, flowers in memory of those that couldn’t be with them, to the thoughtful note to their guests and loved ones in their program, they made sure each guest was honored on their day!  Their wedding colors: black, white and hot/light pinks. Their style:  timeless and elegant. The ceremony took place at Trinity Methodist Church in downtown Savannah, GA and was soon followed by a amazing reception at the Mansion on Forsyth Park. Nicole Williams of Memories for Keepsake and Andrea Hillis her assistant that day, did an amazing job capturing the most intimate moments the day had to offer. On a personal note: We would like to thank Todd, Vivien and all their military friends and families, that give their lives to serve our country each and every day. It was truly an honor to share in your planning and dream wedding.

 

        

Tomorrow…part 2-reception details!

 

I love jewelry. Did you know that? I do. I really do! I love diamonds, sapphires. I love, love rose and black gold, stunning. Here’s the deal, it’s just not practical to have or to buy, especially for one day. Albeit it’s a very important day, but still spend the real money on your shoes and dress and spend smartly on the jewels. When it comes to jewelry it is super easy to spend less, natural stones like quartz and citrine can be just as stunning as diamonds at a fraction of the cost. Also, pearls...who can tell the difference between a hundred dollar strand and a thousand dollar strand. Uh, I can’t and I’m a princess! And after all of this, if you still feel the need to fancy, don’t be a snob, demanding name brand jewels can break the bank super quick. I love to look at J.Crew, Banana Republic, and Etsy for all of my jewelry needs. They are all full of super on trend items at amazing prices. So here are a few of my faves from each.

While J.Crew may be the most ridiculously overpriced store in the world when it comes to buying a white oxford button up, their wedding attire and jewelry is very well priced.  I love how they follow trends, but with there own preppy spin. My selections clockwise from the top left: crystal and pastiche necklace, $135; fringe and cluster pearl bracelet, $78; luxe cocktail bracelet, $98; hand-knotted pearls, $150; crystal thornbush drop earring, $48; pearl stud earring, $50; crystal cluster rose ring, $65.  

Now Banana is my go-to store for the basics and they never steer me wrong. They take trends and make them sophisticated and affordable. Their jewels are no different. I am a Banana jewel hog!!! I love their stuff because it’s cheap, but looks super fancy and I always receive tons of complements. My current faves, first page, left to right, locket bracelet, $42; twisted chain/pearl bracelet, $50; high society necklace, $98; grand entrance necklace, $49.50. Second page, clockwise from top left, pearl drop earring, $32; blooming flower ring, $50; clustered gem earring, $36; jeweled button earring, $26.

We all know that I looooove Etsy and really it’s hard to even give you a glimpse of everything available on that site! Thousands of pages, some of it is utter crap, but some of it is truly amazing  craftsmanship. It is the best place to find cool and new designers at the best prices! As I said, I can’t even begin to tell you all of the designers I love, but here are a few. Clockwise from the top left, Ring by ChicInfinity, $20; Bracelet by BumberShootDesigns, $26.50; Necklace by HilaryCaroline, $30; Necklace by ExclusivelyZoe, $70.

Until we meet again, stay bridal and avoid all costume jewelry that evokes images of Liz Taylor or Liza Minnelli. Got it? crazy divas out, blinging modern bride in.

Lauren

This is one of my favorite finds! My very own wedding photographer showed me this little ditty! I use it for all of my photo needs to this day and I guarantee you will too!

So…if you are on a limited budget when it comes to photo prints of any kind….my advice…go to MPIX , upload your photos, share and order! They are amazing quality!  Your guests, family and friends can all see your pictures and order what they would like as well! It is kind of like online hosting.

Now, I know some of you will say,"What about Snapfish, etc?” Well I have ordered prints from Snapfish and a few of the other online photo websites and while they are OK if the option is CVS or Snapfish, the quality isn't the greatest and for your wedding photos, you want as close to the photographers quality as possible. I haven’t found another site that has as competitive pricing as MPIX does along with the quality. If you know of another..I would love to add another to my mix!

They also have some other great options for sale: coffee table book, stretch canvas, greeting cards, and even for the ambitious, statuettes! HAHA. See below for just some of their work!

Please Note: These albums are not going to be anything near the quality that your photographer can get you, but they are great gift options for loved ones!

Holiday cards as the new Mr. and Mrs?

How fun would these be for new address announcements with your picture?

I just thought I would throw this in there….don’t lie…at one point in time you have done this!

You’ll thank me later!