REAL WEDDINGS: CARLINA AND ALEJANDRO

CREDITSPhotography: Unusually Fine PhotographyVenue and Catering by Toro, Boston MADress: BCBG Max Azria Carlina's shoes by Joan and DavidEarrings by NYXCarlina's ring by E Scott Originals Carlina and Alejandro had a stylish, funky little ceremony under a giant (fake) bull's head at Toro in Boston's South End. After the ceremony, Margaret and Max of Unusually Fine Photography abducted the pair

MORE HEAD CHIC FROM FRANCE

Enjoy this alluring hat and head piece combo from Catherine Alhinc fashioned out of lightweight buckram.  Tip: The gown you pair up with this one needs simplicity and great lines . . .

Black Bridesmaid wedding Dress

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A ROSE IS A ROSE

Say hello to the new English Rose.  Drawing from the inspiration of THE waif/Goth/fairy-tale, designer Sharon Bowen's new English Romantic Collection pieces are stunning, perfect for the bride wanting that storybook quality mixed with cutting edge.  I'd call each one of these looks inspiring for the roguish brides out there . . .

HEAD LINES

CREDITSPhotography: Stuart Lirette                  John TruongHair: Kathie Rothkop of Salon GlamMakeup: Juliane ChaiGowns: Amy-Jo Tatum Bridal CoutureModels: Jennifer Lam and Lauren Purcell There's a focus on inventive hairdressing lately whether you decide to ditch the veil or not.  Once you've chosen your gown, your head is the next most crucial detail to dressing the part. Because not every

Spaghetti Straps Wedding Dress

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ROSES ARE RED

Muted beiges, reds and browns, this beautiful  medley is a preview of coming attractions, reminding us, Fall is really here.  A big thanks once more to the very talented Shana over at SMP Style Circle. for putting these images together. Want more inspiration like this?  Check out her blog, Baubles and Bubbles . . .

V-Neck Wedding Dress

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A LITTLE SATURDAY INSPIRATION

 Colors and natural backdrops outlined in black make powerful statements.  Today we're looking at  fusions of landscape, food and fashion surrounded by black and dark shades .  Thank you Renee Ferguson of SMP Style Circle for posting this gemmie of a board.  Check out her blog, The Beginning of Forever for another dose of pure inspiration . . .

STALKING THE LOOK BOOKS: OSCAR DE LA RENTA SPRING 2011

Spring collections are my favs. All those bloomin' colors and lightweight, wispy fabrics. Oscar de la Renta has always had a knack for bringing on the Spring gala chic.  He definitely has my compliments this season . . .

Maternity Wedding Dress

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Cheap Maternity Wedding Dress

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PHOTO OF THE WEEK

tqphoto The great part about blogging for brides is sharing great images by photographers like this one.  I know the dreamy quality here evokes what so many of you are feeling every once and awhile in those moments of repose . . .

Spring Wedding Dress

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HEADS UP

pickle and macaroniWhile veils are still in vogue and ever traditional, the new head options are definately worth checking out. Some brides bypassing the veil are going for wide brimmed hats, fresh flowers or jewels in their hair. The idea is, if you’d rather wear a feathered toque down the aisle and it works with your gown, go for it.Did our grandmothers have choices like this. No way. There

Kleinfeld Wedding Dresses

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CUT VELVET

 Scott Williams PhotographyGenerally we associate velvet as a heavy-weight napped fabric, that great conductor of warmth ideal for winter wedding gowns.  The cut velvet seen here is a different story.  Backed with chiffon so that it drapes makes it an ideal fabric for any season.  Patterns can vary from florals to paisleys--stripes to polka dots.  All these pieces including the draped cocktail

Plus Size Bridesmaid Dress

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GRAND ENTRANCES: Brides and Celebs on the Red Carpet

source  Suddenly Fall is upon us, that exhilarating time of opening nights and colorful galas.  We all look to the red carpet for inspiration in putting our own looks together, especially if we have an up and coming  wedding or event planned.  Add paparazzi to the mix and we want everything to come together just right. To really understand life on the Red Carpet, we have to think of it similar to

SULTRY SAND

Every color and tone in this medley gives me inspiration and an appreciation of that ombre and ochre autumn light that changes the whole picture of life this time of year.  Thank you Lori Smith of Mi Amor Wedding and Events for putting together this array of images . . . .

New Trends Of Wedding Dress 2011

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ESMERELDA

Green is such a lovely and ever present color, almost a force of nature that frames flowers and is the essence of gardens.  Here from jewelry, clothing to decor are the different shade that inspire us . . . Thank you so much to Helena over at SMP's Style Circle for inspiring us  . . . .

Pnina Tornai Wedding Dress

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Blue Bridesmaid Dress

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LEGACIES IN TULLE

CREDITSPhotography . . . . . Bryan John HendonVintage Gowns . . . .Divine EleganceModel . . . .Loren Juliet Paige Make up and Hair . . . . Christal SavilleLocation . . . .Falkirk Cultural Center, San RafaelWhen I first laid eyes on these stunning images I followed the links leading me to the work of photographer Bryan John Hendon. A master of composition, his specialty is his incredible use of

New Trend Of Mermaid Wedding Dress

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PHOTO OF THE WEEK

Urban shoots always intrigue me, especially when done in black and white.  Check out the groom chic in these photos.  Totally proves my theory that yes, the fashion scene is a' changin' on all fronts, including menswear.  Kudos to Renata Kaveh Photography and master wardrobe stylist, Tania Pedro

Pnina Tornai Wedding Dress

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PORTRAITS of CHANTILLY

You can always recognize Chantilly lace by its delicate background and intricate detail. Named after the town in France where its still made, the patterns originating in the 18th century are to this day, still time-honored and manufactured.  My favorite of all laces, Chantilly is fragile and romantic.  It can be used as an allover lace or touches of it here and there on bodices, skirts and

Kleinfeld Wedding Dress

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YOUR TROUSSEAU

click photos to enlarge How come I haven't addressed this subject before? Putting together a hot trousseau is a fun part of the whole crossing the threshold transition. Trousseau defined is simply a new wardrobe or special pieces for the bride to see her through wedding, honeymoon, and first days as a newlywed. If you're honeymooning in the tropics or anyplace casual and sunny, Charlotte Chen's

Attractive Fall Wedding Dress

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WHAT'S NEW IN THE GOWN GALLERY?

  Make-up by Pretty Girl  Meet YOLANDA.  Inspired by an old MGM musical, this dress is layered in yards of tulle and crinoline. The bodice is a close fit covered in Chantilly lace appliques with an overlay of shirred tulle.  The rosy tint of the tulle is the result of a tea dye.  I cinched the waist with a gray satin belt.  This dress is available via special order through Amy-Jo Tatum Bridal   

Fall Wedding Dress by Jenny Lee

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A CAMEO APPEARANCE

Loving vintage as I do you can't imagine how jazzed I was to stumble across this amazing board On SMP.  Cameos are wonderful for accessorizing everything from denim jackets to high collared lace blouses; blazers and accent pieces on belts.   Thanks you Anita Brown of 2beSquared Designs for putting together this fabulous inspiration . . .

Mermaid Wedding Dress 2010

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ROSE AND DESERT

Soft pastels always catch my eye and go even further to inspire my mood . . . Everything here is muted, soft focused, and dream like.  Thank you Emilia Jane over at SMP for putting together this gorgeous set of inspirations.  There are even  more pretties to be had.  Check out her blog, Sweet Emilia Jane 

TOPPING OFF YOUR LOOK WITH SOME OOOOH LA LA

I was so jazzed this season about creating these little head poufs and fascinators harking back to the 1940s.  The pouf above is a gathered piece of Point d'espirit topped off with a hand rolled silk floral.  Below a large organza floral with moire faille leaves makes the perfect fascinator.A pancake hat with a silk rose is topped off with a pouf of tulle . . . I can't take credit for this veil.

Outdoor Wedding Dresses

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GREAT WOMEN AND THE DESIGNERS WHO DRESSED THEM

source They surprised the world by managing a quiet, classy and secret ceremony without the usual Kennedy media carnival. On September 21, 1996, Carolyn Bessette Kennedy walked out of a small and rustic church on the South Georgia Coast with John F. Kennedy Jr. She wore a simple white silk gown designed by one of her dearest friends, Narciso Rodriguez. After the wedding Rodriguez shot to designer

Plus Size Wedding Dress

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AMAZING PHOTOGRAPHERS GO BRIDAL

Bruce SmithSometimes the world's best fashion photographers go bridal and when they do, their work goes beyond anything we know as traditional and straight into visionary.  I won't say much here other than the muses are alive and well . .  . . . .    Bruce SmithGeorge FaviosCasi SandemanCasi SandemanCasi Sandeman

New Wedding Dress Bridal Gown Ivory

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CREATING ONE-OF-A-KIND CHIC

 It's those diverse and interesting touches that make you a one-of-a-kind bride. Above, the headpiece circa  late 1940s paired up with black gloves amps the glam factor . . .I call this, The Ascot Bride.  Same dress and gloves only we've changed out the head wear for a sisal picture hat with a taffeta striped bow and giant daisy, making this a great candidate for all you  My Fair Lady fans.  

SLEEVES

Ron Greystar PhotographyThere are probably more variations of sleeve than any other component on your gown.  Believe me, once you've decided to go with sleeves, your possibilities are never-ending.   From a designer's point of view, sleeves can be one of the most creative elements on a gown.  For me, a well-designed sleeve is a work of art; it combines fabric and adornment into the overall image

SOMETHING BLUE

 Psychologists will affirm blue is just about the most soothing if not healing color there is.  Focus an entire theme around powder blue or aqua from your gowns and accessories to invites and food.  Thanks to Mi Amor Weddings and Events over at SMP Style Circle for sharing this lovely inspiration with us.

Evening Dress

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LOVE SWEET LOVE

SThe soft focus textures and pastel pinks and blues here inspire us into dreaming about nature and light.  Kudos to Helena over at SMP Style Circle for mixing this lovely array of images . . .

INSPIRATION FRIDAY

Ellen Christine MillineryLove to share images that inspire.  This one a la Dior comes from MS Weddings. There's something ultra-fem and elegant about these little pancake type hats that are becoming so popular.  I'd love to hear from any of you who are sporting a hat on your wedding day and all the reasons why . . . .

LOVE THAT VINTAGE CHANEL

The Great Mademoiselle Chanel left us so much more than fashion.  Besides timeless fragrance and an inspiring bio, she left a certain panache we find in all things classy.  Here are just a few lovely things to remind us what the Chanel experience really means.  Special thanks to Chandra over at the Style Circle over at SMP for putting together these inspirations . . .

2010 New Wedding Dresses

Top Five Wedding Dresses

Top Five Wedding Dresses

Top Five Wedding Dresses

Top Five Wedding Dresses

Top Five Wedding Dresses

WHAT'S NEW IN THE GOWN GALLERY?

Meet 'Madelyn' the newest addition to the Dioresque collection. I set out to create this dress as a near perfect hourglass as I could get.  The bodice is made up of Chantilly lace under shirred tulle atop a tea-dyed tulle gathered skirt. And of course, loads of volume underneath.  Because this dress has an ecru underlining, there's a cast of pink, and beige undertones.  The waist is cinched with