Sam’s Club Selling Disney Wedding Package aka How to Spend $4000 per person

If you have $200k for your wedding for 50 people just laying around, why not give it to Disney & Sam's Club - two of the richest companies in the world? 

Sam’s Club stores have a very special package deal that they are offering on November 18th for brides and grooms.

For $198,000 couples can purchase a fairy tale wedding on sale from the store.

The wedding package includes:
- A 2 day planning session with a Disney Fairy Tale Wedding Wedding Planner
- 4 night accomodations at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa for the bride and groom
- 4 day Royal Treatment with a Disney Special Activity Host 8 hours per day
- Transportation for the bride and groom on the day of the Wedding
- Photography and videography package for the Wedding Ceremony and Reception from Disney Fine Art Photography
- Save-the-Date wedding invitations
- Custom ceremony as well as dinner and dessert reception for 50 guests, including floral, decor, entertainment and menus

The wedding ceremony is held in front of Disney’s Cinderella Castle and the reception is held in a secret location, surrounded by Disney magic.

The bridal party will also receive an exclusive private viewing of Wishes Nighttime Spectacular as well as get the chance to ride on a float!

For more information you can visit www.disneyweddings.com

via www.disneydreaming.com

Let me tell you what you can get from me for $4,000 per person:

• Exclusive use of a private estate sleeping 22 for 1 week.  Ceremony & Reception can be held here OR have a private dinner at a castle, ceremony offsite at estate. 
• Celebrity photography team for 10 hours on your wedding day
• Celebrity videography team shooting HD video, film & steadicam
• James Beard Award Winning Chef creating your four course seated menu along with orchestrated dinner services, paired wines, high end champagne or sparkling wine...Caviar bar or ice table...anything your heart desires...not made by a hotel chef
• Your own personal sommelier aerating your wine choices and pouring for your guests.  Tastings tableside.
• Up to a 7 teir wedding cake, dessert buffet, edible wedding favors, ice cream bar...you tell me!
• Guest accommodations for the other 22 at a high end local resort
• Custom linens, custom chair covers...any rentals you want for your wedding. 
• The most amazing wedding planning & decor team for your wedding {smile} - and you can have as many meetings as you want.  Plus scale schematics, customized design plan, tracking of RSVPs
• Letterpress save the dates, menu cards, escort cards, place cards with crystal details, dye cuts, you name it
• Invitations hand delivered to your guests in lucite boxes with custom letterpress printing
• Spa appointments for your entire bridal party
• Makeup for your entire bridal party by an Emmy Award winning makeup artist
• Hair appointments for your entire bridal party
• Lady in Waiting on your wedding day
• Concierge service at your disposal for all guest activities
• All guests transported to the wedding in convertible Packard limousines
• A band, a DJ, a gospel choir...you name your own music (aside from a name act)
• Laser Light Show, Custom Effect Lighting, Custom Gobos, Color Changers, Uplights, Downlights, Pinspots...my lighting designer would love you.
• Wine Tour for 25 - 40 of your closest friends followed by a picnic in the vineyards
• Flowers, Flowers, Flowers, Flowers, Flowers...Custom Poured Candles.
• Lounges, sure - custom covered...yep.
• Custom painted chiavari chairs to match your pantone colors perfectly.
• ...you can call me anytime...on my cell phone.
• *

...shall I go on??  I can...Because if you have that kind of money to spend on your 50 guests, I'm waiting for your call...707-253-8160.

Maybe Walmart & Disney are missing it, but aren't we just starting to come out of a recession?  Jus' sayin...

*tenting may be extra :)

BRIDES LAUNCHES FIRST EVER BRIDAL MAGAZINE IPHONE™ APP

Beginning TODAY, wedding dress shopping will meet the age of technology as BRIDES magazine launches Brides Dressing Room, the first ever wedding dress locator of its kind on a mobile device.  

 
Through BRIDES Dressing Room, users will browse a variety of wedding and bridesmaid dresses, and sort by silhouette, designer or price - then check availability, and schedule an appointment with a local bridal shop for consultations and fittings. Users of the application can also email a photo of a wedding gown or bridesmaid dress to friends to get their feedback.  BRIDES is the first magazine in its category to launch a mobile application.
 
BRIDES Magazine is once again leading the charge in the bridal industry as it forges new ways to match consumers with bridal fashion and accessories.  Through this new technology, BRIDES will provide another key outlet for advertisers to reach consumers at the moment they are actively engaged in the wedding planning process.
 
Consumers can download the app by going to iTunes and searching for BRIDES Dressing Room.  Or by clicking this link.  
 
BRIDES Dressing Room is being created by NearbyNow, a unique digital shopping concierge service that empowers consumers to search online -- from their computers and via innovative mobile applications -- for the most convenient local source for their favorite products and brands. Founded in 2005, NearbyNow is headquartered in Mountain View, California. The company is privately held, with funding from Draper, Fisher, Jurvetson and Norwest Venture Partners. Additional information can be obtained by phone at (650) 967-0940 or by visiting the Company’s Web site at www.nearbynow.com.
 

Signature Sasha: Magnificent Weddings by Design - Exciting News!

For quite a while we've been working on a design book which will debut in January 2010. 

The wedding design book Signature Sasha: Magnificent Weddings by Design is a stunning, hard cover wedding design book featuring beautiful photography of all aspects of wedding design including never before seen Weddings by Sasha Souza Events.  The book will have a cover price of $50.

The four color, hard bound book will be available at all major bookstores and online through our website:  http://www.signaturesasha.com  Which will feature the most up to date information about the book release, speaking engagements and book signings and information about our line of products including the Team I Do Business Coaching program. 

As the release gets closer, we'll share on the site information from the inside of the book and probably even a sample chapter!  Keep an eye out for these updates by following us on Twitter & becoming a fan on Facebook! 

Fresh Hubby of LA - A Love Story

PURE BLISS* NUPTIALS {via Kiss the Groom}

The always amazing photographer Elizabeth Messina featured my good friend Kristen's wedding today on Kiss the Groom.  The wedding is currently in the Fall issue of Modern Bride Magazine {thanks to Tony, et. al}  and Elizabeth showcased even more of the lovely, lovely wedding!  Kristen is the owner of Bliss Video Productions a boutique film company based in California. 

it is with great happiness that i share with you the intimate photographs of kristen* & todd’s elegant summer wedding….you simply must pick up the newest issue of MODERN BRIDE, which has a beautiful four page spread on this truly unique & inspiring wedding….all the elements of this special day were brilliantly executed by sasha souza, an amazing event planner in northern california…..

 

the couple exchanged vows at nestledown a stunning location, literally “nestled” in lush foliage & beautiful redwood trees….it was the perfect backdrop for kristen’s vision of a wedding inspired by nordic mythology & art nouveau….their wedding felt like a A Midsummer Night’s dream soiree…..

 

this vintage london taxi was the stylish couple’s get away vehicle

 

kristen’s wore a beautiful hand crafted shrug over a stunning lace la sposa gown….the shrug was not only a work of art but a very special momento for the bride….it was made by holly stalder from lace that belonged to kristen’s great great grandmother….such a stunning and meaningful piece….

 

kristen* also wore a stunning one of a kind headpiece made by leah c…..todd wore a vintage suit, made by al’s attire…. kristen* & todd are such a beautiful couple…so sweet & incredibly stylish….

 

todd shielded his eyes as he waited to see kristen* for the first time….and at the ceremony, sasha souza created the most adorable “toss me” table for the couple…….the guests filled little cups with an array of  beautiful flowers & herds & tossed them at the stunning couple as they walked down the aisle…

 

the amazing florals were created by northern california based leah lowery for sasha souza events

the guests dined on locally grown organic cuisine at stunning tables designed by sasha souza

kristen’s hair was an amazing nordic inspired updo with braids woven throughout….

 

at the end of the evening, the couples & their guests danced and celebrated inside a barn, adorned by sasha souza with beautiful fabric & candles…their art nouveau cake was created by san francisco based i dream of cake….and guests enjoyed hundreds of homemade cookies made with love by the bride’s mother and grandmother…. i hope this incredibly beautiful blissful event inspires your own….

She's Pretty {& Lacey}

photo by Brooke Schwab via Life. Love. Lipstick. Blog.  I wish I knew who made this gown.  It's AMAZING!

I'm Over It!!! {actually I'm in LOVE with it}

I came across this company earlier this week on Twitter and couldn't believe my eyes. Gorgeous, GLAMOROUS jewelry for rent at amazingly reasonable prices! So smart.  The prices for the jewelry below are just in the $30 - $40 for a full 7 day rental and you get the necklace and the earrings. 

The Carolee LUX Floral Bib Set $41.00 for a 7-Day lease. The Carolee LUX Antique Collar Set $34.00 for a 7-day Lease!

I want to reserve the set below to wear to the Special Event Show Gala Awards in January 2010...not that I have a dress to match it, but I fully believe in using the jewelry to inspire the gown :)

This set is from the ABS India Collection. Beautiful blue, green and gold wrapped in a stunning collar fit. And a 7 day rental?  FOURTY FIVE DOLLARS.  Smokin'!!

Go Sarah!

Say I Do With: Alesia & Charles compliments of Alisha+Brook Photography: The Dress, The Couple!!

I am so in love with this bride's gown made by costume designer Catherine Martin.  What an amazing gift to be able to creat something so timeless. 

When I talked to Brook about this wedding, he spent about 10 minutes total photographing the couple and it looks as if it took him hours!

And because I can't show enough of her gown...and I love her wrap and the old barn.  I love it!!

   

oh wait...there's more :)

Say I Do With: Alesia & Charles compliments of Alisha+Brook Photography: Welcome

When I first saw this wedding, my mouth was agape -- the event was very chic and the amazing photographic details is what makes it so much fun.  I love Alisha+Brook Photography {& so does Oprah!}.  Their website is fully of exactly this kind of blog candy.  And can I just say... I want this bride to be my best friend because she ROCKS that frock!

Enjoy the three posts to follow today and the details of the vendors in the last post! 

{Ritzy Bee} invites you to Get Hitched! March 19, 2009

We are so excited to share news about an upcoming {unique} DC area wedding event {Ritzy Bee} is proudly taking part of with wedding expert Anne Chertoff and some of DC's most talented wedding vendors!

If you are a new bride-to-be in the DC area and starting to plan your big day, you must read about this valuable wedding event you will not want to miss...

I’m Getting Hitched!

Now that you’ve said “I will”…come meet, mingle and hear wedding expert Anne Chertoff and the best of DC’s wedding vendors give you inside tips and advice on getting organized and planning to say “I do”!

Get inspired with event décor, sample cocktails & decadent sweets, win fabulous raffle prizes and take home a wonderful assortment of goodies too

Featuring: Hitched Salon, Design Cuisine, Ritzy Bee Events, Kate Headley Photography, Humanstory Films, K. Rose Cakes, Laura Hooper Calligraphy and more…

When: Thursday, March 19, 2009 6 pm – 8 pm

Where: Hitched Salon {located in Georgetown} 1523 Wisconsin Ave, NW Washington, DC 2007

Register: The event is complimentary and you must register to attend. Space is very limited and open to brides + 1 guest only.

Please RSVP early to: fromiwilltoido@gmail.com with your first & last name, wedding date, email, phone, mailing address and guest’s name

Questions: Please email info@ritzybee.com

{Fabulous map and calligraphy by Laura Hooper Calligraphy!}

Colorspotting: Monarch Butterfly & Dusty Sky Blue

How GORGEOUS is that Butterfly Dress by Luly Yang Couture?  I HAVE to own it!  I wouldn't eat for a month if I could wear that dress for one night.  It's perfection, the feather detail, the printed underskirt, the wrapped bodice.  I'm in love, love, love.  I also love how she set it in her window against a sky toned background.  I had to make an inspiration board out of it.  I just wish I had a bunch of detail shots of that dress, but I hear that she doesn't publish her dresses so those of us who do not live in Seattle are relegated to seeing her amazing windows on Flickr. 

 

Sources: Row 1: Shoes, Tablesetting, DRESS!!!,  Row 2: Purse, Row House, Row 3:  Monarch Butterfly, Sunrise, shoes, makeup, flower, Row 4: Love Knot, Rose, Earrings, Stationery, Necklace, Hat

Lovin' The Blog: Fashionbride's Weblog

It's no secret that everybody in my office adores fashion.  I mean, Mel has her degree in Costume Design and Galen is a Fashion Design major so we are all fascinated by the Fashion Bride Blog.  Get yourself some popcorn and a fruity beverage 'cause you'll be surfing this blog for a while!

The blog itself is not fancy-schmancy but gives tons of eyecandy and beauty.  If you're looking for haute couture, they've got it.  If you're looking for undergarments, they've got it.  I love the Fashion Horror section and I'm sure they show a ton of restraint in that area, but I have to agree about their Shoes to Kill or Die For  -- check out the gorgeousness...

 

Loves it!

Grammy Fashion That I Hope Doesn't Make It To Weddings...

As I was watching the Grammy's tonight, I was seriously distracted by the lack of beauty (aside from Kate Beckinsale - who is not a musician).  The ridiculousness just made me thing to myself "Self...I sure hope this doesn't trickle down to weddings" -- traditionally fashion has gone from runway to home to weddings, although weddings now are influencing home a bit.  But check out these fashion terrors and join me in standing up to the designers and saying... "Different Isn't Always Better"

P.S.  I know the images are terrible, but it's all that was available via the AP at the time of publishing..

The Collar:  Now, I know that Jennifer has had a bad few months, but somebody LIED to her when they told her she looked goooooooooooood.  Tim Gunn is probably just rolling around thinking that somebody obviously didn't "make it work" and while Sheryl Crow's gown is less offensive, I'm not sure I want my bride's wedding dress to come with a napkin included. 

 

The Front Bow:  Now, I know Bai Ling isn't exactly a fashion goddess, but I did see dresses worn by others such as Katie Perry that had a front bow right around the hip/crotch area which I though was even more unattractive an the much shunned butt bow of the 80s.   "Nuf Said, right?

 

The New Meaning of Ball & Chain:  I'm just not going to have too many comments because I think Natalie Cole is wonderful, but I think her eyesight might be going.  Some stylist thought that instead of mucking up her beautiful gown with a necklace that would distract from the Grecian one-sleeve beauty, they thought they might drop that down a little bit and encase her upper arm at the elbow with a thick gold "chain" -- wear this for your wedding and the jokes will be never ending...

Move Over Manolo...Best Shoes EVER

If you have ever worn Cole Haan with Nike Air, you know I'm right.  You have probably screamed from the rooftops - Praise Jesus, my feet don't hurt!  And they are C-U-T-E! 

If you saw me or Mel at The Special Event Show in San Diego we were wearing these shoes, in about 9 different styles from flats to 4 1/2 inch heels with platforms.  (except when I busted out the flip flops one time). 

They are so amazing and although there's not really a way not to ruin your feet at TSE, I have to say I was my most comfortable to date.  So, that brings me to this post - and they are not cheap shoes by any means starting around $295 - but they are worth every single dingle penny. 

I came across them at the Cole Haan outlet near my house in Napa, CA.  I bought them before going to an event in San Francisco because I needed a copper shoe and dang it if my feet didn't hurt the entire time.  I couldn't believe it.  I didn't even want to take them off when I got home!!   I now own two pair of black (one mary jane round toe, one black chunky heel pump with suede & patent), a pair of brown linen, the copper peep toe maryjane, a tortoise shell mary jane slingback, gold satin corseted stiletto, a purple patent slingback, cream satin maryjanes & a reptile peep toe maryjane). 

So check out these beauties -- and the white ones are DYEABLE.  Can you believe they make such darling DYEABLE shoes?  I can't.  The bridesmaids won't need flip flops and the bride won't need to change into sneakers. 

I'll probably go to the poor house for Cole Haan.  When you're buying these shoes, you have to make sure they have the Nike Air in them.  Check out their outlet on-line, too!  So amazing the deals you can get on these super cute, super comfy shoes. 

Bridal Fall Fashion Week: Spring 2009

Every season we receive a handful of invitations to the runway shows for bridal fashion week...I've yet to be able to accept those invites, but one of these days...I'll go to ALL of them!! 

But this year, I cannot go but I'm all over seeing the Sneak Peeks available on Brides.com - I may be late to the blogging game on this find, but I have to say that the sketches make me want to see the real thing!!  Right now!! 

Sources:  Jenny Packham, Ines Di Santo , Angel Sanchez

My favorite is the Ines Di Santo gown, it's very Spanish inspired and I'm adoring the neckline and laser-cut ruffles!  Tres chic!  The sketch includes both front and back views which is awesome as well!  What's your favorite?

Frock Talk with Mel

I feel like I’m a pretty practical girl. I have a degree in Theater/Costume Design and one thing I took with me from that whole experience was that I have to be prepared for when something will rip… or burst….. or……catch on fire. I’ve definitely applied that to weddings, cuz Sasha has a fondness for the term “en fuego”J.

I was at a wedding recently, and I found myself, yet again, “fixing” the bride’s bustle. It’s actually a fun challenge and it takes me back to the theater, but I realized that I am in this situation far too often. I said to myself, “Self… who is causing this chain of events that end with me under a dress all up in someone’s business?” Let’s investigate…..Here is a list of suspects:

Our first suspect is the designer. I have been looking through bridal magazines since my days at Jessica McClintock and it’s definitely all about selling the fantasy. You know, that highly stylized photo of the bride splayed out on an indecipherable pelt flanked by random wild animals and fake flowers. Yeah, you know what I’m talking about. Or where the bride is peering at you coyly over her shoulder, with a look that says, “This could be you, baby”. Let me just say that these photos do not give us any bit of practical information, let alone what the dress looks like from the front. When “VW” or “ML” are designing their next gowns, I’ll bet they don’t take a step back and think, “Hmmmm, how will this dress bustle? I’d like to make a dress that’s beautiful on the dress form and practical at the party that will last from day into evening and still look good when the bride gets to the honeymoon suite.” I’m thinking, not so much. Gown designers need to get past the pretty and inject some practicality.

Second, is the seamstress that puts the bustle into the dress. I totally understand that it takes mad skills to do this kind of work, and there are people out there that do an excellent job, but there are a few things I’d like to share from the battlefield.

1.       Please account for what type of surface the bride will be on the day of the wedding. We do a lot of outdoor events and tend to be on grass a lot of the time. It just makes the bride a target for being stepped on when the train is propped up by the freshly trimmed green blades of summer grass.

2.       I’m not sure why so many of the gowns I see still have some fabric hitting the floor. Again, it’s going to get stepped on, so please pull it up to the heel of the shoe!

3.       Allover lace is heavy. Securing the train with a pickup bustle (single point) on the dress is not secure enough for both layers of fabric and will tear the underside or cause us to whipstitch a new bustle the night of the wedding.

4.       Find a system for the bustle that makes sense to a 3 year old. Draw a diagram even. I once had to bustle a dress that had 24 points. It took me a half an hour to do it because the mother of the bride had started and gotten completely confused. It was a “train” wreck (pun intended) under there. I suggest if you do something like this, use a numbering system if you can. It’s so easy!

Last but not least is the bride. I’m sorry girls but there’s just no instruction manual out there for you on this subject. Not everyone is a seamstress, and honestly, when you’re getting your fitting done, they can pretty much put a bunch of junk in your trunk, and you won’t know if the contraption will turn out to be a lemon on the wedding day. You should definitely think about all of the items in the list above. Tune in next time for the quick and dirty on bustle lingo….but one last note: Please wear panties, cuz you never know who’ll be under your hood.

It's A Plaid World...

I fell in love with the cake below by Oklahoma Sugar Artists and started looking for other tartan plaid and Scottish-inspired things on the web and boy did I find a lot of stuff to love.  Like the dress on the top right.  Hubba Hubba!  And the coat on the bride on the bottom - although not tartan fit in so beautifully. 

The guy on the bottom left isn't that bad either - ...how you doin'?

Colorspotting: Fuschia / Candy Apple Red / Gold Lame

So...I'm not known for my love of pink, but I came across an amazing couture dress by Christian Lacroix online and couldn't resist the gawdy beauty and use it as inspiration (see the top image).    Part pirate hooker and part brightly colored wood nymph the dress spoke to me.  It said...make me a party.  So, here is the colorspotting for this luscious dress.  So, go forth an mulitply the trend of gold lame (which we have been seeing for a few years in fashion) and mix it up with candy apple red and fuschia.

Photos:  Ceremony via Sparkly to Single, top journal at Barnes & Noble, Hindu Wedding Image by Regeti Photography, Invitation by Kenzie Kate, Jeweled Wedding cake by Sasha Souza Events, Gold Lame wedding cake by Brides.com, Shoes by Christian Louboutin.  All other images via Flickr and Etsy

Colorspotting: Mahogany / Green Tea & a *Splash* of Slate

Over the years, we've done many parties that were green and burgundy -- but I always ask myself about incorporating another color into our palettes.  I've also long been a fan of the cool tones of pewter and grey.  So, kids, here ya go... my take on Mahogany/Green Tea & a *splash* of Slate. 

All images by Flckr except:  Bride & Groom by Sasha Souza Events, Charger Plate by Sasha Souza Events, Burgundy Bouquet on PriceScope, Keep Calm Pendant on Etsy, Green Shoe on Zappos.com, Invitation by Dauphine Press,

Meow....

What most people don't know is that I spend my day seated in a super cute leopard print office chair -- it's so soft sometimes I find myself actually petting the arms.  Strange, I know. 

As a child, I hated the leopard print shirts my mom would wear...she was always ahead of her time.  Now, I love everything leopard and hang my head when I think of how I made fun of her and her now ultra-chic wardrobe.  So today, I'm feelin' randy -- and I give you my red & leopard inspiration.  Meow.

All images via web search except the lounge which is Sasha Souza Events (I'm personally most in love with the baby creepers!)

Where Oh Where Is My 3 Piece Suit, Where Oh Where Could It Be?!

Today, I'd like to introduce you to my first "guest" blogger -- Galen.  He's one of the most fabulous event assistants we have -- works in the office -- keeps us on our "fashion toes".  He's a student also at Academy of Art in San Francisco studying Fashion Design.  He's a lover of turbo charged cars, instant messaging and all things made with pig (and honestly, who isn't?). 

Galen has been watching menswear this season and out pops this dandy little fashion nugget for you to share with your grooms.  And we've made it printable as a take along Sparkliatti Guide .  Enjoy!  I know I personally loved looking at the photos. 

It's been a while, but really I'm feeling it, the three piece suit is making a come back.  When one envisions the 3-piece I'm sure the first few images that come to mind are tails, top hat, and a cane.  No more I say! No, the 3piece has become quite the hot little number for gentlemen to wear on those special occasions...such as a wedding perhaps? 

There is nothing more yummy for a man to wear than a perfectly tailored suit.  The 3 piece adds that extra bit of sophistication that, that sport coat and pants might be lacking.  Now, no need to to be worried ladies, we're not talking the suits your great grand daddies wore while smoking cigars out on their plantation home decks sucking down mint juleps all day.  Now a days the 3 piece is edgy and FITTED!  That's right guys get on the band wagon, women have had the Fitted trend down for years it's our turn to get with it! It gives you those strong broad shoulders and that oh so lovely V shaped back that the ladies (and I) adore. 

For those of you who are thinking, "A three piece suit?! It's too matchy ew!"  be at ease, while yon ladies outfits are a fabulous mess of contrasting and complimentary colors/patterns/shapes...formal menswear is at the other end of the spectrum using a few basic shapes, about 5 colors, and a lot of uniformity.  For those of you who don't get my drift, think of all the men's suits you've seen, the really great classic ones...black, brown, navy, grey, and tan (5 colors), triangles, rectangles, and squares (basic shapes), and all of it in similar shades, hues, and patterns. 

The thing that makes this hot ticket item so hot is its surprising versatility, really it can be worn a bunch of different ways.  Super fitted like lovely Mr. Beckham, slouched like Adam Brody, loose and tailored like Sean Combs....and on and on it goes.  Exciting?  I think so.

So all in all what I'm trying to say is, take a cue from James Bond, get with it and put on a "3piecer".

Hope you enjoyed it ladies.  See you next time :)  - G

R.I.P. YSL

Yves Saint Laurent died today in Paris at the age of 71. His close friend, Pierre Berge, confirmed his passing and would only say he died this evening after a long illness. He did not give any other details.

Yves retired from haute couture in 2002.

So sad...

Foot Candy

Since I won't get to see Sex & the City for a week or more, I figured I'd go "shoe shopping" on the web.  In honor of Carrie & Co, here's some of the cutest shoes I loved. 

Hello Lover...

Top Row:  Flickr, Brides.com, Zappos.com, stevedelpino.com, Net A Porter

Second Row:  Flickr, Flickr, mikecolon.com, stevemadden, Flickr

Third Row: Christian Louboutin on Net A Porter, same as left, Flickr, Net A Porter

Bottom Row:  Flickr, Flickr, saraheinrich on Flickr, Flickr

Colorspotting: Butterscotch & Purple

I'm planning an event for a client for June 12 -- they just hired me last week for their winery event -- I've worked for them three other times including their wedding & five year anniversary party.  This time, they are hosting their very best wine club members for an unforgettable evening.  We're planning the event using the colors of their wine label  - purple & butterscotch.  I created this colorspotting to reflect the tones of their party. 

All images by Flickr except:  invitation by dochelle, candle holders on brides.com and the recycled denim wedding gown from outsapop trashion. 

Look Book - For the Love of Daisies

The second most maligned flower of the wedding industry (behind carnations, which also have a bad rep) is the Shasta Daisy.  It's cousin, the gerber daisy is seen as whimsical and light hearted while the Shasta daisy is seen as the unfortunate smelling, cheap yellow centered stepchild.  So sad for the Shasta daisy - how upsetting this must be for such a cute (& inexpensive) flower.  Here we have created a mood board to celebrate all that is good about the shasta daisy.  Find your inspiration here...go forth and enjoy the daisy!

Trash the Dress

So, I know the other day that I talked about how to best preserve your dress - the gown you paid so much for and cried when you first put it on...but how do you destroy it all in the name of art?  Trash the Dress is a concept which has been around for a few years and is gaining ground thanks to an article in the New York Times last June.

What I love about this is the fact that you can have a really great time, get a little dirty and have some AMAZING photos take of you in your gown (or any gown for that matter) and send it off for one last hurrah...enjoy the photos even if you don't choose to trash your own frock.

Men's Ring Makeover

Men's wedding rings have received a much needed makeover!  From the plain gold/white gold/platinum bands of just a few years ago, grooms are now opting for much more interesting finger fashion.  Rings are now made from metals not traditional to weddings including tungsten carbide, titanium and stainless steel. 

While women still enjoy thier platinum and diamond rings -- men are the adventurous bunch, having rings crafted using old world techniques such as Makume Gane -- the ancient art of Japanese sword making -- which fuses metals together to make an interesting and unique pattern.  Two rings will never be the same using this technique. 

Encourge your man to step out to the wild side in his most important jewelry purchase!  Rawr.   

You Can Be Modern Bride of the Year!!

For the second year in a row, Modern Bride Magazine is on the lookout for the Modern Bride of the Year.  Instructions on how to enter on on their website.  Let us know if you win...http://www.brides.com/modernbride/modernbrideoftheyear

White Paper Parasols... blech.

White paper parasols are nothing new to weddings -- we've seen 'em in magazine layouts and at events we've been to.  But!  And there's always a But! at Sparkliatti... these parasols are made to be a major focal point of the party.  They are offered in many colors and patterns

top:   eparasols.com, dragonflydesignstudio.com

bottom:  jedicreations.com, jedicreations.com

Do you know how easy it is to paint a parasol?  All you need is spray paint and some rubber gloves to keep your french manicure in tact.  You can sponge and batik a parasol all by your little self.  Make it FABULOUS -- if it's one for you for pictures or paint them in coordinating wedding colors for the guests.  You can start with a colored or white parasol depending on the color you want it to come out.  Super easy!  Try it!

On a side note, make sure you know the SIZE of the parasol you're purchasing.  Not all of them are 24" - 30" wide -- some are as small at 10", can you imagine a guest trying to stay shaded under a parasol no bigger than a cocktail drink umbrella? 

We had a bride who provided her own parasols once -- It's pretty funny to watch the guests open the umbrellas and wonder where the rest of the umbrella went!

Little Darlings

photo by Anna Kuperberg

I think that the flower girl walks a fine line between looking too much like a miniature bride and a little ballerina. 

Their whole job is to float down the aisle, looking darling while dropping flowers along the way.  A few even run down the aisle when the doors open to the ceremony because of stage fright creating a welcome bit of comic relief. 

What I love best are the beautiful frocks worn by the most fashionable of flowergirls -- decorated with beautiful lace, whimsical wings and vibrant colors.  Below is a collection of young maidens in what I think are the most beautiful dresses available.

Dare I call a trend?  Flowergirl dresses have long been done in white silk on top and color at the bottom and often a sheer overlay of organza on the skirt.  But today's dresses are bolder in color with unique hemlines, 3 dimensional flower details and fabulous laces.  Color outside the lines and make the flowergirls match with the decor and not with the bride or bridesmaids...it's fierce!

Fascinated by the Fascinator

What's smaller than a  hat and bigger than a barrette?  A fascinator. 

It's a headpiece, veil and super chic trend in bridal hair fashion.  The fascinator is commonly made with feathers, flowers and/or beads and attaches to the hair by a comb, headband or clip.  It's a great alternative to a bridal veil, especially if you're getting married outside where wind can be a factor. 

Facinators NYC has many from bridal fascinators to those for kids in a headband style-- so cute for flower girl  hair instead of a garland. 

DIY Directions can be found here at Corvus Tristis

1) Etsy  2)FascinatorsNYC   3)Etsy   4)Etsy  5)brides.com

Something Blue?

Something old, something new, something borrowed and a garter?  Who says your something blue has to be a garter?

1)  Leigh-Anne McCague Tiaras, 2) Judith Leber Inspired Bags, 3) Tiger Lily Jewelry, 4) Faye Cullen Jewelry, 5)  Zappos.com, 6)  La Perla, 7)  Filigree Monograms, 8)  Brooch on Ebay, 9)Filigree Monograms, 10) Beadssss' Shop on Etsy, 11)  Moschino at Zappos, 12) Brides.com

Ring bearer Pillows

Ring bearer pillows have come a long way since their satin & lace predecessors -- now they're made of everything from woven reeds or moss all the way to small boxes filled with fresh flowers.  Check out these super-cute ring bearer pillow ideas we scavenged from the internet.

Colorspotting: Coral & Orange & Red...Oh My!

Everybody who knows me understands that I really like orange (well, maybe more than really like...). 

Today's Colorspot is on my favorite color and a combo that we have become known for -- orange & red -- but we paired it with an unexpected shot of coral for a little bit of extra punch.  Enjoy the inspiration board below, we hope you can pull some ideas for your own fabulous event. 

I love when you can tie color into all aspects of the event, into the food, decor, lighting, stationery, bridesmaids gown...

dress by INC at Macy's, shoe by ViaSpiga at Macy's, flowers, decor and design by Leah Lowery for Sasha Souza events, invitation & stationery by Dauphine press, lighting by got-light?, event at a private winery

Internet Crack

Nuf Said...

Strapless Is So Last Season

With so many different types of necklines out there, why settle for plain ol' strapless?  Don't we all (and all of us who have been bridesmaids 100x over) have a closet-full of strapless dresses?  Why not create a new look with your bridesmaids and choose dresses with interesting and fun necklines?  They certainly look more like ballgowns or summer cocktail dresses and can really serve as a regular piece of clothing (not a la 27 Dresses).  Check these babies out. 

Designers from top left to bottom right are:

Alvina Valenta, Alvina Valenta, Watters & Watters, Alvina Valenta, Amsale, Alfred Angelo, J Crew

It seems that the overall winner for "new" necklines in the 2009 collections is the one shoulder gowns shown below.  Love these! 

Designers from top left to bottom right are:

Melissa Sweet, Jim Hjelm Ocassions, Ines Di Santo, Alvina Valenta, Lazaro

So spice up your wedding and let the 'maids pick a chic neckline instead of the plain ol' strapless (which half of them are hiking up all night anyway)

Trendspotting - Gown Designs...Spring 2009 Runway

Every year I get invited to the shows for the gown designers in NYC...each year I say I'm going to go and then I end up with an event or conflict and can't go.  One year I even received a handwritten invitation from Austin Scarlett for Kenneth Pool (I'm a Project Runway fanatic, so *that* letter is on my wall next to my desk).  Next year, I'm goin'...you've heard it here -- I WILL BE THERE.  For now, though, I'll have to settle for shuffling through the 900 plus images on the websites of the magazines to get my gown design fix.  I found inspiration and beauty in a variety of gowns which were dimensional in their design -- a trend?  I think so!  Check out these gowns and see for yourself.

Designers clockwise from left: Monique Lhuillier, Kenneth Pool, Carolina Herrera, Carolina Herrera, Elizabeth Fillmore, Monique Lhuillier, Lazaro, Oscar de la Renta Bridal, Oscar de la Renta Bridal, Oscar de la Renta Bridal

I suspect that, after looking at 900 gowns, I should also do a post titled Trendnotting ... Awful Spring 2009 Runway Bridal.  I swear one of the gowns I looked like reminded me of a poodle...Woof. 

Pretty Pretty Princess...

Are we the only people who assign a gender to something beautiful?  We call our shoes and bags...she or her.  As in... "she's pretty" and whenever I see something sparkly and beautiful, I say "she's a pretty, pretty princess" -- maybe I need to seek medical help for that one... but it sounds cuter than when I write it out where it just sounds weird.  But I digress...  I was looking around today for bridal hair pieces and tiaras for a client's wedding and most of what I found was actually kind of gross, but did find these which I think are very deserving of the title of "pretty, pretty princess"

hair comes the bride:

A goofy name for a website that has some beautiful tiaras, hair pins, clips and accessories. 

jennifer behr:

The best thing about her work is that it doesn't look "bridal" and she has items in multiple colors -- so they're even great for accessories for your bridesmaids!

christina garcia bridal:

Very couture and sought after -- she even has beautiful convertible pieces which can be a Spanish clip, a tiara and then made into a necklace.