Rihanna's Ethereal Marchesa Gown

I have to say that I am loving the gown Rihanna wore last night during the purple carpet at the European Music Awards in Madrid. It is from the Marchesa Spring 2011 Collection and it goes to show that the ruffle trend that we are seeing in the runways is not going anywhere anytime soon.

Her new flaming red hair seems a little toned down with the updo and her makeup is flawless. Very unexpected from her usual edgy fashion style, specially for the MTV EMAs too.

See it here from a different angle and the dress on the Marchesa runway.

 And here's the back.....amazing!!

 

So how do you feel about this dress? Would you consider it for your wedding?

Latest Wedding Dress Fashions From the NY Bridal Market

Even though I'm not at the New York Bridal Market, I still wanted to share with you the latest collection of wedding dresses that were showcased from a couple of my favorite designers.

Angel Sanchez, a Venezuelan born design genius, blew me away with his latest designs.

 So simple and chic

 

This one is amazing! Check out the back below it.

Photos from Wedding Bee

Nüage Mulberry Digital Art at the Charlotte Wedding Connection

This was our setup at the Charlotte Wedding Connection Bridal Show on 10.10.10 at the Levine Museum, Uptown Charlottte.

 

 

We also design directional signs and car magnets (wedding related).

 

Charlotte Wedding Magazine hosted the Charlotte Wedding Connection, and it was so amazing to be able to participate in this bridal show and meet all the fantastic brides that visited our table as well as the other vendors I was actually able to meet whenever I had a tiny little window to do so. 

Thank you all, and it was so lovely to meet you. 

You can see the rest of the pics here.

Tungsten--A Growing Trend in Men's Wedding Bands

I first learned about Tungsten rings about two and a half years ago, when we were at a resort with a group of friends for a wedding and there was a newlywed couple at the pool chatting with us. I noticed the husband's ring and its unique color, as well as how shiny and brand new it looked. I complimented him on the ring and he proceeded to tell me that it was Tungsten and that it would stay just as shiny for years to come...I was intrigued.

Tungsten carbide is approximately three times stronger than steel, and is much denser than titanium.

According to several jewelry industry surveys for the last several years, young couples aged 25-34 years have been overwhelmingly choosing tungsten rings for the man's wedding band more than any other material. Initially, most tungsten rings were of solid tungsten with little variance between styles. More recently however style and fashion conscious couples are opting for more elaborate tungsten rings featuring an inlay of a precious metal such as gold, silver, or platinum or a tungsten ring featuring diamonds. --Free Press Release Center 

I personally prefer simple and classic.

They also now offer a variance in the finish and color hue, ranging from super shiny, almost mirror-like, to a brushed finish, to black or dark hue. The material is highly resistant to scratches and scuffs, holding its finish for years--and that is what I love most about it.

A common misconception held concerning tungsten carbide rings is that they cannot be removed in the course of emergency medical treatment, requiring the finger to be removed instead--sorry ladies. We were warned of this when we purchased my husband's Tungsten wedding band. We weren't concerned since my husband's line of work doesn't require handy work. But emergency rooms and many full-service jewelry repair shops are equipped with jewelers' saws that can cut through tungsten carbide rings without injuring the hand or finger. An easier way to remove tungsten carbide rings is to use a tool such as a vise, which can be used to shatter the ring. So, don't be scared by this fallacy.

 

The best part though, is that it's actually a very affordable option--I likey that too!

Long-Lasting Beautiful Nails

Let me start by saying that Sally Hansen is NOT an endorser (unless they want to :D) and they have never contacted me to review any of their products. This is simply me sharing an amazing product that I use and I believe that consumer reviews are more powerful than what the product package says.

That said, I absolutely MUST share this with you because there is nothing more frustrating than spending over an hour of prep and painting your nails--or paying for it--just to have them chip the very next day. 

I recently purchased Sally Hansen's Super Shine Shiny Top Coat, which claimed to protect nail enamel for a longer-lasting manicure...and that it did! I painted my nails in a fab dark brownish-red color (different brand), finished it off with the Super Shine and my nails did not start chipping until 8 days later!!! I have tried the Revlon ColorStay before and that one also makes it last just as long but the problem with the Revlon ColorStay is that it is a pain in the rear to take off and the color just smears all over your fingers--not a big fan of that. With the Super Shine the nail polish was super easy to remove, love! And I also love that their products are DBP free.


This, of course, relates to weddings because even if you have a pro do your nails for your wedding you can hand them the Super Shine for them to use or you can apply on top of your mani when you get home, and it will last not just through your wedding but through most of your honeymoon, and you'll have pretty and perfectly manicured nails for days.

Dirty Dancing Wedding

There is a growing trend of performing unconventional, most times comical, first dances at weddings. And to be honest, its kind of actually getting a little old and tired now. But maybe that is because I see it more being in the wedding industry and perhaps guests are still surprised and tickled by them. 

Having said that, this particular wedding dance, to me, was actually fascinating because Dirty Dancing is one of my all time favorite movies and there's something about this couple that is so charming and likeable. So, without further ado, here it is...enjoy!

Courtesy of Just Wedding News

Would You Hire Wedding Security?

I was listening to the radio in the car this morning and they were talking about a new wedding trend...hiring wedding security. Now, we've seen on TV shows like Bridezilla and Who's Wedding Is It Anyways, couples hiring security to keep certain family members or exes from crashing and ruining their wedding day. But apparently this trend is not exactly for that reason. Security is being hired to keep guests from stealing their gifts, specially anything in an envelope--as well as preventing some from drinking too much. Some venues offer the security as part of the contract.

Wouldn't you think that if the bride or groom know or suspect of someone who may possibly steal from them, then maybe they shouldn't be invited? That's my thought, but I also understand that because of certain circumstances they have no choice but to invite them or they just may show up uninvited.

So, this radio station had listeners call in and tell their story of why they wish they would have hired security for their wedding, and one caller's story was both shocking and sad, with a touch of hilarity.

The person calling in was saying that he and his high school sweetheart had moved from their home town to Charlotte, NC before getting married. When planning their wedding they decided to invite--through Facebook, mind you--their old high school friends, whom they had not seen or hung out with since high school. The day after the wedding, the venue had informed them that cases of wine and beer had been stolen, along with--get this, are you ready?--decorative memorabilia and even a lamp from the venue, SHOCKING!! Then about a month later, an uncle had called to see how they liked their court side tickets to a Lakers game, did I say court side? Like where Leonardo and Jack always sit. "What tickets?". Oh man! And they still have no idea what else was stolen, what other gifts, money gifts, etc. That's just wrong!!

So, do you think you would need to hire wedding security? Maybe a background check would help before inviting people...I'm kidding! Or am I? :)

Etsy Find...Two Delightfully Adorable Dresses

These two dresses from Audrey and Grace Couture on Etsy are soooooo adorable, perfect for a casual vintage wedding. Paired with some fabulous bright colored peep toes, and you're set!

Katy Perry's Bachelorette Party In Vegas

So, Rihanna organized Katy Perry's bachelorette party which took place in Sin City this past weekend. According to NY Daily News they, along with 25 friends--which they keep referring to as her entourage--chilled by the pool on Saturday at the Hard Rock Hotel and then went to check out Cirque du Soleil's "KA" and hung out backstage with the performers (see picture). Afterward, they headed to dinner and partied at XS Club and ended the night at a strip club where Katy got a lap dance from a female dancer. 

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Any opinions on Rihanna's new red hair?

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Now, I'm wondering why they kept referring to the people that attended the bachelorette party as an entourage of 25 instead of her friends. I do like the fact that Katy wore a little top hat with white tulle around it instead of the typical tiara and sache. 

This was also the day after her Fiancé, Russel Brand, got arrested for attacking a photographer at LAX. Does this mean he got to spend his bachelor party weekend in jail? Probably not, but still, it sucks.

Too Funny!!!!

Xochitl Gonzalez @theblogsmaid shared this on Twitter and I had to post it. Its so hilarious!

"You will need to play a few requests like, 'I Will Survive', 'Brick House', and some of my favorites from David Hasselhoff."

"We don't do any David Hasselhoff tunes."

"Why not he's very popular in Germany."

"Thank God we are not in Germany, he is terrible."

Etsy Find....Eye-Catching Clutches

I am madly in love with these clutches by FiazCo, that I found on Etsy. They do

custom orders for brides and bridal parties and can include a personalized message inside the clutches, how awesome is that?

Cakes On A Stick....Genius!! Super Sale at New York Cake Pops

How amazingly delish do these look? I mean, cake on a stick....genius!

Lérida Mojica from New York Cake Pops creates these spectacular little wonders. Coming from a long line of artists, creativity comes natural to her. She used to work at the Guggenheim Museum and then started as a freelance photographer after her daughter was born. "During her nap times I would be in the kitchen baking and suddenly realized I was spending more time in the kitchen than behind my camera", Lérida recalls on how the light bulb came on.

The best part about these cake pops--as well as cupcakes and cakes--is that they are all made from handpicked organic and all natural ingredients, all baked from scratch and all hand decorated, and the cake pops wrapped and tied with pretty ribbons--perfect for a show-stopping impact at a wedding or any occasion. 

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The last image, with the cherry blossoms....divine for a wedding!

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I am dying to try the red velvet cake pop, it just looks like it wants to be eaten. Along with the staples she also has a wide variety of unique flavors, like in her "Not Your Kids Cake" category that includes green tea, lemon and lavender, carrot with coconut, tres leche. Her "After 5" category carries tequila lime cake, lemon vodka and her seasonal spiced apple with eggnog--Happy Hour anyone?

These cake pops can be shipped anywhere in the US, within two days to ensure the quality and freshness of the product. And for a limited time, starting today (9.15.2010 until 9.22.2010) she is having a super enticing sale: Buy two half dozens and get the third half dozen for FREE!! (still redeemable for 1 month after the sale is over... shhh its a secret, oh! I guess not anymore). So, visit her website at New York Cake Pops and mention the sale during checkout. Or contact her at lerida{at}newyorkcakepops.com. You can also visit her Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/newyorkcakepops.

Green and Grey Wedding Inspiration Board

Cupcakes Image: weddingobsessions.com; Shoes: Christian Dior, Image by Next Exit Photography; Invitations: nuagemulberry.com; Bouquet Image: weddingchicks.com; Dress: Vera Wang

Carolina Herrera Bridal Spring 2011--Style: ANNA :)

Ok, so I was going through Carolina Herrera's new Spring 2011 bridal collection and this dress immediately caught my eye--why? because its different, and you know I likey things that are different.

After checking out all the details in the picture and practically drooling right on my keyboard, I read the details and guess what?!? The style name is ANNA. Uh-huh! I knew I liked it for a reason ;)

A Wondrously Inspiring Necklace

Love, love, love this necklace! I came across this but I don't know who its by. If anyone can shed a light please share with us, I'm sure we have a lot of brides (and non brides) wondering.

Bridal Makeup Tips

Your wedding day is the one day you really want to look and feel beautiful, glamorous and flawless. Makeup is one of those things that brides don't think about much until its getting close to wedding day and they may realize that they didn't factor it into their budget. 

Hiring a good makeup artist will ensure that you look beautiful on your wedding day because they know how to apply makeup for pictures. But lets say you had a tiny little heart attack when you heard how much it would be to hire a makeup artist, and you think to yourself, "I use makeup all the time, I can do my own". Well, I have a great tip for you if you choose to do your own makeup.

Even if you think you know how to apply makeup, and are always playing around with different looks every time you go out on the town, you can always learn new tricks and tips. I suggest going to a makeup counter such as MAC or Sephora (I prefer MAC), and let them know that you are getting married and would like for them to teach you how to apply makeup for a wedding. They are always more than willing to help you out. They will explain step by step how to apply the makeup, the order you should apply it in, and will also write it all down for you so that you can use that sheet as your guide when the time comes for you to apply it yourself. They don't charge anything to teach you all this. 

TIP: I would probably do this about a month or so before your wedding, that way you get to practice your new makeup techniques a couple of times--maybe for your bachelorette party, bridal shower, or rehearsal dinner.

Now here's the thing, you should buy the products they use on you--yes its expensive, but guess what, they're YOURS, and you get to use them more than just once. So, for the price that you pay for a professional to do your makeup for one day, you can buy the makeup, keep it and learn a few techniques. Also,

Destination Wedding--Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

A couple of weeks ago I posted a review on the Majestic Colonial Resort, where I had my destination wedding and my experience with them. I said I would write another post on the actual wedding and here it is--TA DA!!!

Each of our guests received this welcome bag full of goodies. Some of the things included: A hangover kit, filled with all the necessities like band aids, tylenol, electrolyte mix, etc; a koozie, the weekend itinerary and guide of the resort booklet, sudoku book, bath loofahs, snacks, hand sanitizer, lip balm, playing cards....among many other things.

My flower hair pin for the reception and one of my bracelets; I had two bracelet options, this one was the most modest one, but I ended up wearing the bolder one at the last minute.

Tiffany & Co. Releases New Leather Handbag Collection

How perfect is this??? Tiffany & Co., one of the most influential houses in the fashion industry has just debuted the Tiffany Leather Collection, created by renowned designers of the finest leather accessories, Richard Lambertson and John Truex.

“The collection captures the spirit of American sportswear and its exuberant approach to life in town, in the country and from coast to coast,” says Richard Lambertson. “We also find great inspiration in Tiffany’s timeless style and its heritage of refined accessories.”

With clean lines, the bags are available in different materials such as crocodile, snakeskin, calf and suede, and are lined with Tiffany Blue leather.

The designers have created the bag of the day—the Manhattan Satchel. This generous-size
bag holds everything, maintaining its elegant shape in glazed crocodile or snakeskin, natural grain calf or a giraffe print in haircalf. In similar fashion, the designers take the measure of the tote and create the TRT (Tiffany Reversible Tote), the season’s surprise must-have in the rich colors and supple feel of reversible suede and metallic leather. --Tiffany & Co. Leather Goods News Release.

The evening clutches come in a variety of colors, materials and styles, perfect for weddings, cocktails and formal events. Some options are the Satin clutch, The Savoy clutch, which is pleated and tucked, The Camille clutch, embellished with a crystal bow, and the Bracelet Bag, which yes, it has the style of Tiffany jewelry in a wrist chain--awesome!!

The Tiffany Leather Collection range from $395 to a whopping $16,500.

I Do Details Events--Event Planning in Charlotte, NC

                   Photos by Amy Czelusniak

I've had the awesome opportunity of working with Kate Fitzgerald from I Do Details Events. She has been planning events since she was a little girl and, well, basically it just comes naturally to her.

As a kindergarten teacher, patience and organization is definitely embedded in her--and what is more important in an event planner than that?

Being a vendor myself, I know how critical it is to be able to count on other vendors and I can say that Kate is extremely reliable and always responsive. 

If you live in the Charlotte, NC or surrounding areas, and are looking for a wedding planner or any other kind of event you may need help with, Kate is your gal. She will make your  most important day of your life one to always remember.

A Thousand Facets--A MUST Follow Blog

Meet one of my dearest friends, Joanne --A jewelry designer, fashionista, world traveler and blogger.

Joanne and I have known each other for about twelve years, since we were college roomies. She majored in Fashion Design and I in Fashion Merchandising. Even though we never took a single class together, sharing a tiny narrow room, a small bathroom and an even smaller closet made us super buds--and she never got on my nerves, now that should tell you how awesome she is.

I am very much into fashion and like to follow some trends but still putting my own spin to them (seriously there are some trends I just don't get and wouldn't fall into just because everyone else is). But I also look to Joanne as my style guru. A Thousand Facets is the name of her blog, and it fits perfectly. In her blog you can read all about the things she appreciates, not just in fashion but in life. She doesn't have one specific style--which I love, because I don't either--but she does have her own style. By day, she is a jewelry designer for a company that sells to retailers. Some that have carried her designs have been: Anthropologie, Ann Taylor Loft, and Bloomingdales, just to name a few, and some of her pieces have been worn in the hit shows Glee and Ugly Betty. She loves to mix different types of materials, and she designs them from super eccentric to simple and chic, just like her!

I thought of her when choosing between a modest but intricate bracelet and a much bolder but elegant bracelet to wear on my wedding day, I knew she would want me to wear the bold one, so I did!

She is extremely talented and I have not yet seen a piece I haven't loved. Her blog inspires me to be more creative in my outfits and in life. So, visit A Thousand Facets, and be inspired.

Wedding Fun Facts

Did you ever wonder how some wedding traditions came about? I found some fun facts that may or may not be true, but found them kind of quirky and somewhat humorous.

•It was the accepted practice in Babylon 4,000 years ago that for a month after the wedding, the bride's father would supply his son-in-law with all the mead he could drink. Mead is a honey beer, and because their calendar was lunar based, this period was called the "honey month" or what we know today as the "honeymoon." -- Butlerwebs

 

•Why is a wedding ring worn on the third finger?  It was once believed that a vein of blood ran directly from the third finger on the left hand to the heart. The vein was called vena amori, or the vein of love, and early writings on matrimonial procedure suggested that it would be appropriate for one's wedding ring to be worn on that special finger. Source: Ever Wonder Why? Douglas B. Smith / Mass Market Paperback / Published 1992

 

•Life in the 1500's:  Most people got married in June because they took their yearly bath in May and were still smelling pretty good by June. However, they were starting to smell, so brides carried a bouquet of flowers to hide the body odor. -- Butlerwebs

•February 10th is World Marriage Day.

 

•The second Saturday in September is a popular date for weddings, but not in 2004 when the second Saturday fell on September 11th.  Most couples did not want their wedding anniversary to fall on that date.

 

•The wedding shower originated with a Dutch maiden who fell in love with an impoverished miller.  Her friends "showered" her and her groom with many gifts so the couple could do without her dowry.

The Blingest of Blings

Before I mention the price of these puppies, let me say that the bling factor here has been taken to a whole new level--Talk about making a freaking statement!!!

As you can tell by the famous red soles, these are Christian Louboutin--Lady Claude 120 Pumps--and they run a hefty $3,175. So, what makes these shoes so expensive? Besides the fact that they are CL, the pale gold leather, peep-toe, 4.5" tall pumps are encrusted with iridescent Swarovski crystals, and that answers it all. 

But the real question is, would you spend almost as much, or possibly more on your shoes than your wedding dress? Would you compromise on your dress for these? I mean, they are fabulous! Well, I did a bit of research and if you are absolutely in love with these shoes, or mainly the idea of having such blingy shoes, I found an inexpensive option so that you can still have those eye-catching wedding shoes you've been wanting. 

Benjamin Adams from London makes very similar pumps, also covered in Swarovski crystals--except for the heels--but for A LOT less. His website sell them for £275, that's less than US$430. But I've also seen them for around $399 on other sites.

So, now you can have your dress and your bling too!

Bridal Jewelry and Bridesmaids Gifts Solution

I've had the pleasure of meeting the über creative, sweet and lively, Erin McDermott when she was the winner for a giveaway I was doing of personalized cards on a local e-newsletter a few months ago. 

Once I received her first email with her personalized information I noticed she had a link to her website attached to it, and I was curious. I clicked on it and learned that she was a jewelry designer, and immediately I had a rush of excitement because I LOVE jewelry. I saw her pieces on her website and just had to have a few. So, I went to her studio and picked out three pieces for myself and she also designed a beautiful necklace for my five year old niece, personalized with her initials.

After taking jewelry classes at the Fashion Institute of Technology in NYC, Erin McDermott fell in love with the process of making jewelry. She uses semi-precious stones, sterling silver, organic forms, textures, glass, freshwater pearls, wood, and unique materials to create her classic but also modern and unique jewelry. I love them because they are delicate looking but definitely have a presence and make a statement.

She makes earrings, rings, necklaces and bracelets and has a bridal collection, a little girls collection, and my fave, her treasure chest collection, which is perfect for your bridesmaids gifts because she can personalize them, and I must say they are exquisite!

So, if you love jewelry like I do and have that refined taste I know you do (and also just happen to need that perfect gift for your bridesmaids) visit www.erinmcdermott.com and contact her for personalized jewelry.