Vendor Spotlight Updated

From time to time we like to rotate our Vendor Spotlight section of our blog. We enjoy featuring vendors we have developed relationships with, ones we feel are superb in their field and ones our clients are sure to love (or already do!).

Our latest featured vendors include the following:

Coastal Gourmet Caterers

Creative Image Collections

Dragonfly Floral

Visit their websites to check them out and enjoy! We know we do!

Fabulous Frocks For Your Bridal Fete: Green with envy!

Photo credit: Jim Bastardo

Whenever someone mentions green wedding shoes, all I can think of is the custom dyed pair of Manolos that Ilene Rosenzweig sported on her May 2003 wedding, as featured in the Spring 2004 issue of In Style Weddings. Doesn't matter that this wedding was almost six years ago - they are forever fabulous! Seriously, I have yet to see a green shoe to compare to these pretties.

So let's face it, not all of us have $700+ to spend on our wedding shoes. But that doesn't mean you can't get the look for less! Take these simple slingbacks, for instance. The could easily be dyed an apple, chartreuse, leaf or kiwi green to get the look of the ones featured above. Even better, they are on sale for $39.95 at Dyeable Shoe Store & More. Further, you can dye any pair of shoes for about $12.

$52 vs. $700. That's a good deal to me!


Happy Friday!

Lindsay

Shop and Save . . .For a Cause!

In need of that perfect shower dress, engagement shoot outfit, honeymoon clothes or wedding shoes, but a little tight on cash??? If so, you are in luck!Save money with Gap Inc's nationwide Give & Get coupon which will support The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS).

This Thursday March 12 -Sunday March 15 - Gap Inc's 30% discount coupons will also provide a 5% donation (of LLS coupon-holders' net purchases) to LLS.

Gap Inc stores include: Gap, Banana Republic and Old Navy. The coupons are for in-store purchases only and they are good in both the USA and Canada.

Simply go to the Give & Get coupon page, print a coupon and go shopping! Share the link as widely as you wish. You can print as many as you need, to shop at different Gap Inc stores.

I've supported the Leukemia & Lyphoma Society for the past three years through Team In Training as both a runner and fundraising mentor for the Hartford Marathon. It's a wonderful organization!

Here are our picks -

The perfect spring summer shower dress from Banana, topped with a classic trench:

Something light and easy for the honeymoon from GAP:

Engagement photo outfit from Old Navy:

Fabulous anytime shoes from PIPERLIME:

Happy Shopping!

Lindsay

Drama Queen: Palace Theater

Two weekends ago, I volunteered my services at the multi dress shop sample sale at the Palace Theater in Waterbury, Connecticut. One of our favorite brides owns one of the boutiques that participated, (The Wedding Embassy), and I had the best time catching up with her as well as taking in both the draw dropping venue and the gown sale. It was so much fun to witness girls fall in love with such gorgeous and affordable gowns and to hang with some of our favorite vendors. In particular, there was a fabulous Eve of Milady gown marked from $4k to $1k. HELLO. I really hope someone walked away with that dress. It did not deserve to be left behind!

While there, I became *immediately* smitten with the drama and history of the space, which was recently renovated. Of course I began dreaming of glam weddings of all kinds! Here is a shot of the grand foyer:

Check the ceiling detail and the chandys!! Swoon. Rainy wedding day? No problem! There are loads of incredible photo opps within!

Two of our favorite caterers had set up some amazing booths. I loved the fun splash of green against the swanky black and white linens from BBJ that Emily's Catering had set up. Tara Coakley, who we have worked with on many events, did all the flowers herself!

I also had a blast chatting with Debbie & Audra and of Jordan, who set up a divine breakfast in the entrance. We are looking forward to seeing them a few times this year at our GYC weddings! They used Party Rental for their set-ups and got the job done right with their cheeky display!

We also caught up with Sweet Maria herself (couldn't miss a chance to sample one of her out of this world cakes!) and Aurora photography. Check her blog; she has some amazing shots of the fashion show that took place later on that day.

Both caterers spoke of the incredible architecture and how much they loved doing weddings at the Palace Theater, whether full out on the stage, or with mixed locations between the grand foyer (for cocktails and dancing) and mezzanine upstairs for dinner. The Poli Club is also sweet for smaller parties.

I left the event truly captivated on how different and fabulous the space is and how much I would love to do a wedding there, so of course I called to get all the info. Rental fees range from $2500-$9500 depending on the day of the week and space desired. For specifics, see the on-line brochure or contact Mike Cammelletti via email or at 203-755-8483 x 108.

Here are some great shots of the specific locations (all photos provided by the Palace Theater):

Orchestra Lobby:

Mezzanine:

Poli Club:

Last but not least, the STAGE!

Take that Broadway!

Lindsay

Fabulous Frocks for Your Bridal Fete: Kate Spade Gracious

On a fun Friday morning, I am excited to bring you our second installment in our series devoted to fashion forward wedding footwear! Allow me to introduce you to Kate Spade Gracious! Hello beautiful! And is purple not one of the hottest colors of the year? I think so!

While browsing My Glass Slipper, a great resource for traditionally styled bridal shoes, I happened across Gracious, but in color! I was so excited to see their introduction, but then read that they will be stocking this shoe in white and ivory only...but of course. Fear not ladies, Gracious will be available in June, so keep your eyes out for these pretties.

What I love most about Kate Spade is the attention to detail and feminine designs. I just happened to wear a pair myself for our recent headshots (which we will be blogging soon!). The Gracious, in particular screams "Perfect for your Purple Wedding" to me as it's use of various shades is exactly what we aim for in wedding decor. Eggplant, Lavendar and Plum, the complimentary mix in a color palette gives depth and variety.

Swoon away ladies!

New vs. Vintage Bling

Source: Tiffany & Co. and 1stdibs

Today on the radio, Gary Craig and his morning team talked about new vs. vintage/estate sale engagement rings and opened the phones for comments as to whether or not it was appropriate for a bride to be presented with a ring that was pre-owned or not designed specifically for her.

Although I knew my answer immediately, I increased the volume and anxiously awaited for them to take the calls.

In the meantime, I thought about the last 80+ weddings I have attended in the last five years either as coordinator or guest and thought futher about all the rings the brides have worn. They have really been across the board: family heirloom, designed from scratch, designed to copy a designer ring, chosen directly from the case as is, setting chosen from case or on-line, but with different stone, and some have not even worn an engagement ring at all.

A lover of all tangible items with history, my personal answer was, "Absolutely!" My sister in law, in particular, has a gorgeous vintage Harry Winston setting, and mystery behind the ring made me love it even more. And who could forget the simple engagement ring Annie Banks and Bryan MacKenzie picked out at a flea market that "was at least 100 years old" in the 1991 remake of Father of the Bride!?!

In particular, many of our brides have rings that were designed to look like estate pieces by such designers as Tacori, Ritani, and Daniel K. Although that doesn't necessarily answer the question, does it matter if it was previously owned?

When the calls came in, the answers that I heard basically said the same thing, albeit in different ways:

1) "You should happy with any ring you receive!"

2) "I have an estate piece and I love it. As long as it didn't belong to a former girlfriend or wife, it's fine."

3) "Depends on the size of the diamond within the ring."

Of course, if you do in fact choose a vintage ring there are some things to consider, such as the cut and quality of the stone, as diamonds were often cut differently back then, as well as the strength in the prongs of the setting.

And for what it's worth, even if you do have a brand spanking new ring, there is always the chance that diamond has been used in a different piece of jewelry before it ultimately came your way.

So, I pose the question to all you readers. What do you think?

Happy Wednesday!

Lindsay

Fabulous Frocks for Your Bridal Fete: Emma Hope

In honor of our sublime obsession with great shoes (hence the name of our business!), we have decided to feature a different designer and/or style of shoe each Friday for a bit of lighthearted fun.

Kicking off this blog post will be the amazing UK designer, Emma Hope!

A few Saturdays ago I was out to dinner with some girlfriends and the conversation turned to weddings, as they often do, when one of the girls mentioned she had worn green Emma Hope shoes (happiness!) at her wedding. What was totally precious is that she paired these shoes with a Watters dress and remarked on how the dress was about $100 more than the shoes (or perhaps it was vice-versa). Regardless, she rocked killer feet accoutrements, which totally sealed her look.

Anyway, upon hearing she wore Emma Hopes, I immediately recalled a fabu wedding that was featured in Elegant Bride fall 2004 where the bride wore an incredible pair of robins egg blue beaded pretties:

I had actually forgotten all about this wedding and it's associated pretty feet, but the minute the designer's name was mentioned, it all came back to me! I mean, how could you ever forget a shoe like the one above???

For additional styles, check out Emma Hope's wedding section, they are delish, I promise you!

Cheers!

Lindsay

Upcoming Event: Bridal Gown Sample Sale & Wedding Showcase

One of our dear clients, Megan Dumaine, (getting married this upcoming summer!) just so happens to be the owner of a fabulous little bridal boutique in Watertown, named The Wedding Embassy!

This upcoming Sunday, March 1st, Megan and the Wedding Embassy are hosting a bridal gown sample sale and wedding showcase in conjuction with the Palace Theater in Waterbury. We are thrilled for Megan, she has put an incredible amount of work into ensuring that this event is a smashing success!

The following information was taken directly from The Palace Theater's website:

This sample sale features a huge selection of the area’s most gorgeous gowns, courtesy of The Wedding Embassy, Ragtime Boutique, Joyce’s Bridal, Delianne’s Bridal and Formal Wear, and The Great White Way, that range in price from $99 to $999. The first 50 brides receive 10% off their purchase!

The Wedding Showcase also features an array of CT's best bakeries, photographers, DJ’s and caterers, who will be on hand to offer patrons mini-samplings of their finest products. Attendees will receive a special gift and complimentary breakfast, and can enter a raffle to win a variety of prizes, including a tiara fit for a princess.

The event starts at 8:00 am, the entrance cost is $5 dollars per person. The first 50 brides receive entrance free of charge!

We will be there and we hope you will be too!

Claudia and Scott

It was two years ago this week that Lindsay and I met Claudia and Scott for the very first time. Claudia had so many ideas, so much excitement, and naturally a few nerves that go along with a wedding of over 300 on the guest list. Scott was so sweet, you could tell within five minutes just how dearly he loved her, how much he wanted for her to have the assistance she was seeking, and of course, he had plenty of ideas of his own as well.

As with most of our clients, the wedding vision narrowed and took shape over time, but from the moment we sat down, Claudia dreamed in Purple and Silver, Dazzle and Bling. Other ideas came and went, but these ideas remained.

Within two months of planning, we worked with Claudia and Scott as they selected their venue, their photographer, their DJ, and their florist, as well as Claudia's hair and make-up team! They were so ready to get the planning underway.



For their wedding reception they choose The Villa Rosa, a spot that was near and dear to their hearts as Claudia's mother has worked there for many years. The staff at the Villa Rosa wanted nothing more than for Claudia and Scott's wedding to be absolutely flawless.


We knew right away that Jerome Braga of Studio 1923 would do an incredible job capturing their day. As soon as they met him, they knew as well! All pictures in this post are courtesy of Studio 1923.


When I arrived at Claudia's parent's house on that blustery morning, the excitement was intoxicating. The house was full of girls having hair and make-up done by Naomi Martinez and Angela Dubreuil of Salon Naomi. Everyone looked beautiful, Claudia's dramatic look was incredible.


To assist in bringing her vision to life Claudia chose a stunner, a sweetheart necklined and trumpet skirted gown made by designer 2be Bride. The detailed beadwork and embroidery drazzled of Swarovski Crystal and Freshwater Pearl. Not only was the dress an excellent selection to match the theme, but it fit Claudia like a glove, ah, bridal perfection!


Her girls wore dresses by Watters and Bill Levkoff and Claudia worked with shoreline jewelry designer Lisa Giard, owner of Ooo la la Jewelry to custom create their necklace and earring sets.







The floral design by Jane at Just For You was gorgeous all around. Claudia's bouquet was a classic beauty, rich and full with various shades of purple, pink and cream, calla lillies, orchids, roses, seeded eucalyptus and loose greens.








The ceremony was held in Waterbury Connecticut at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception. Claudia and Scott had fallen in love with the orante and grand space, I couldn't think of a more dramatic space to hold their wedding ceremony.

Claudia's bridesmaid Angela sang the most beautiful rendition of Ave Maria during the ceremony. It was incredibly moving, touching and personal.



Following the ceremony, guests were greeted at the Villa Rosa to a ballroom, crisp and clean. Smartly dressed tables and chairs in white, with lavender accents and sophisticated tall arrangements of calla lillies and curly willow.


Claudia's mother Carmela was one of the sweetest of moms we have worked with. She put so much thought and pride into choosing the little details and personalizing touches one being the guest favors. Each couple received a stained glass hurricane vase, neatly wrapped and polished with a bow on the tables.






The cake, provided by Cakes by Donna was a four tiered staggered confection, wrapped with rich eggplant ribbon, dressed in fondant and adorned with roses and delicate greens. Not to be without a little glitz and glamour, Claudia had ordered a Swarovski crystal cake topper in lavender and amethyst to signify their new married initials.


To get the party started, Claudia and Scott surprised their attendants with Pom Poms to wave as the newlyweds were called to the ballroom. The spirit this group had was merely a glimpse into the good times that would follow as the evening progressed.

Claudia and Scott enlisted the DJ services of the Ken Reeder Experience. They had seen him play at a wedding of a friend, loved his upbeat, involved and entertaining persona, and it was clear early on, that their guests would enjoy him as well.


Following their grand entrance, Claudia and Scott danced to Hideaway, by Tess Ann Chin. I absolutely love when couples choose something unique, and all eyes were on them as the enjoyed their special moment.



During the dinner course, the live mariachi ensemble from Michael Entertainment arrived to wow the crowd. They mingled and played, guests took to them right away, dancing with them, wearing their hats, it was quite the hit, they were fantastic.

We couldn't help but take breather and get a rave picture of ourselves as dinner was just wrapping up. Jerome joined us and one of Claudia's friends took the picture!

As the evening roared on, so did the party, the dance floor was jumping, Claudia and Scott kicked up their heals to the music with all of their friends and family.

Claudia and Scott, we hope you had as much fun planning your wedding as we had planning it along side of you. You both are incredible people with so much love, we wish you endless happiness together.

xoxo,

Talia and Lindsay

Tickled for Tutus!

A girly, girl at heart, I confess to having a full out obsession with tutus. Seriously, they are tulle done right.

With this being said, I am totally loving the tutu option as a flower girl dress. It can be over the top adorable as seen here at bridalwave's blog:

Or, it can be a bit more rockstar, as seen in this amazing video by Monachetti of D.C., Swoon.

For this reason, I was so excited to see Layla Grayce's 20% off sale on their Ruffles and Frills collection through this Friday. Promotion code is TWIRL.

Someone please order one!

Lindsay