Wednesday, December 30, 2009

The Fern Leaf Bangle


This gorgeous creation was crafted by Emily Elizabeth Jewelry. It's called the Fern Leaf Bangle but there's more to it than meets the eye. Its designer was inspired by Marilyn Monroe (who would be considered plus-size by today's standards) in the movie "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes." The bangle is offered in non-adjustable and adjustable versions. The non-adjustable style is ideal for larger wrists and can even be worn further up the arm.

Monday, December 7, 2009

Getting a Grip: Bridal Clutches


If you haven't heard by now, clutches will be all the rage for brides in 2010. But there are lots of shapes and styles to choose from that are clutch-like with various amounts of ornamentation. Just a few examples:







Grace Stardust Clutch


Blue Tux Satin Clutch


Aria Clutch Purse


Elizabeth Beaded Clutch Handbag


Coloriffics Clutch
Coloriffics Wedding Handbag Style HB225



La Regale
La Regale Evening Handbag Style 21840

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Haute Mamas!

In the last few weeks we’ve looked at wedding gowns and bridesmaid dresses. But what about dresses for the mother-of-the-bride or mother-of-the-groom? It’s important to remember that the mommies want to look great, too! A bride-to-be recently asked me if there was a place where her mom to try on different options for the wedding. I suggested she try David’s Bridal, where her mother could try on a variety of affordable dresses in a range of sizes.



Sophisticated Mom



Ultra-Modern Mom


Couture Mom


Glam Mommy


David’s is also having a sale right now, with some gorgeous gowns going for as low as $79. See more mother of the bride dresses. And if you decide to stop into David’s with your mom, please be sure to come back and let us know how it goes!


Thursday, October 29, 2009

Wedding Gown of the Day: BridalTM




This gorgeous lace and chiffon creation is sold by BridalTM. May be worn with, or without, sleeves.

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Pearlicious Bridal Necklace




Amorous Duchess Pearl Ivory Necklace
by TianaCHE
$48.00

Friday, September 25, 2009

Alfred Angelo Strapless Style

Do you doubt that you can wear a strapless dress with confidence? Take it from me, you'll never know until you try one on. There is no other way to find out for sure. Lots of full-figure brides-to-be are stunned to see how lovely they look in a strapless gown. Here is a popular style by Alfred Angelo:



Alfred Angelo
#1505W

Friday, September 11, 2009

Groom's Cake





Courtesy of Mimi's Garden

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Wordless Wednesday: Overcome, Overjoyed



Courtesy of Shawna Herring Photography
Tifiny & Telly
Atlanta, Georgia

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Plus Size Wedding Gown of the Day: Mori Lee


by Mori Lee Juliette
Style #3036
This gown is made of delicate chiffon with lace and comes in ivory or white.

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Save The Date Magnets: PosePrints.com

Looking for something fun in wedding stationery? Caricatures are becoming more and more popular among those who want to let their guests know they're in for a good time. Also, Save-The-Date magnets have been around for years because they can "stick around" as visual reminders before a wedding- and as mementos after the wedding. This week we found out that PosePrints is combining both ideas in their Save-the-Dates and allowing couples to customize them. Pop over to the website when you get a chance and take a look at some of the options. Here's one of our favorites:

Thursday, August 6, 2009

Bridal Boutique Madness!

Good grief! Have you been hearing all this chatter about the meanness of certain bridal boutiques? Apparently, it's enough to make some brides turn their backs on these shops altogther. No wonder Filene's Running of the Brides is more popular than ever. Many brides to be were already looking for ways around "boutique-ish" prices, as demonstrated by THIS article on CNN.com.


And now it's come to this: Women being CHARGED to try on wedding dresses. Right now, it's only happening across the pond. But is it only a matter of time before this trend washes up on our shores? Shop owners say they don't have time to cater to women who aren't serious about buying a gown, or women who aren't even engaged but are trying on gowns "for fun". Read the full article HERE. Well there ARE ways to get around all the mayhem. We'll have more tips next week. Stay tuned.



Tell us about your experiences (good or bad) with bridal boutiques in our comments section!

Thursday, July 30, 2009

Priscilla of Boston: For the Plussies!

When Houston Rockets basketball player Brian Cook tied the knot earlier this month, his bride Victoria Velasquez (left) caused a sensation in a stunning gown from Priscilla of Boston’s Platinum Collection.

But lots of non-famous brides-to-be are also discovering gowns from Priscilla of Boston thanks to the lush fabrics, beautiful beadwork and attention to detail.

The newest Priscilla of Boston bridal gowns come with glam modern details like “crumb catchers” and empire waists, but also with vintage touches. Each gown is custom made and sizes go up to 24. The standard order time for gowns is around 16-18 weeks. Here are just a few of the gowns that can be custom ordered.







See more gowns and read about real bride La’Keidra O. Hardeman on the Priscilla of Boston website by clicking the picture below:

Wednesday, July 15, 2009

The Sand Ceremony



According to our wedding-watchers, more and more couples are using the Sand Ceremony- also known as the Unity Sand Ceremony- in their nuptials. Why is this trend becoming so popular? Well, there are several reasons. The sand ceremony has all the sentiment of the unity candle. But the sand ceremony is more practical than the unity candle for outdoor weddings. How many brides and grooms have struggled to light a unity candle wick only to have it repeatedly blown out by the breeze? Another reason this tradition is taking off is because sand ceremonies can involve other people, like children, who will be part of a blended family.

During the ceremony the couple takes turns pouring different colors of sand from small vases into a center vase as the officiant reads a poem or blessing, until all of the sand is in the center vase. This symbolizes a union-- two becoming one. In some instances, children are allowed to take part by reciting a line from the reading and pouring sand as well. After the wedding, the finished sand-filled vase can be displayed in your home as a keepsake.
What do you need to pull this off? Not much:

A nice glass vase
2 smaller vases holding colored sand (one will be used by the bride, the other for the groom)
Colored sand to match your theme. Or not.
Rose petals (optional)
A poem, reading or blessing

We found these sets at Someday Treasures and My Spiritual Wedding


If children are involved you can lay coins around the center vase and give them coins at the end of the sand ceremony.
Try these Gold Unity Coins


Rose petals are a nice touch. We like these from Pick A Petal.

But they're completely optional. Feel free to experiement with other floral accents like bougainvillea petals



or lavender buds.


Have you seen the sand ceremony done differently? Or do you want to add your own spin to it? Tell us all about it in our comments section. Also, if you're already married, feel free to submit pictures from your own sand or unity candle ceremony.

Tuesday, July 7, 2009

Wedding Inspiration - Anne & Aaron

July 2009
Playa Del Carmen
All photos by Ashley Garmon Photographers




Thursday, June 25, 2009

Wedding Cake of the Day


Since we've been talking about Black-and-White themes, we thought it might be nice to wrap things up on a sweet note. Take a look at this onyx creation made by April Reed Cakes in New York.
More colorful posts next week, we promise. But it's hard to beat the clean, understated elegance of Black-and-White!

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

The New Black?



Alright, we're just going to say it right off the top. At the risk of stepping on the toes of the "goth" and the "ultra-trendy" crowds, this is one of those trends to avoid even though it's been around for a couple of years now. We're talking about the black wedding dress. It's true that several designers are sending black wedding gowns down the runway in their new collections. (Parisian designers seem particularly fond of this trend.) And yes, we know Jessica Alba did it. We'll even show you a pic:


But she's a Hollywood star and may have many more weddings to repair the damage. And yes, it may seem avant garde right now but what will you think when you see your wedding pictures 5 or 10 years from now. Save yourself the heartache. There are lots of other ways to show your indie bride (or anti-bride) streak. Don't let your walk down the aisle resemble a walk on the dark side. Please?

You can incorporate this color into your ensemble with accessories like black gloves, sash or millinery. Here are some options:








Agree? Disagree? Don't just go away mad. Leave us a comment below!