A Royal {Inspired} Affair

In honor of the royal wedding tomorrow (yay!), I'd like to share this royal inspired shoot designed by Principal Planner Wedding & Events and photographed by MIMMO & NAZ.

In this shoot you'll find all the elegance and glamour that you hope for and expect from a wedding fit for a prince and princess with a hint of punk rock thrown into the mix; Bringing this timeless royal affair into the modern era.  The floral arrangements are to die for, along with a dreamy, cloud of a dress by Ines Di Santo and of course lacy, gilded details that are sure to make all the princess wanna-be's swoon with jealousy.  

"From Principal Planner…  When news of Prince William and Kate Middleton’s engagement hit the stands, wedding industry professionals and brides alike were sent into a royal frenzy.

"Personally, the news of the engagement as well as the ring itself brought back memories of legendary Princess Diana. How she would have loved seeing her son get married and how things would have unravelled if she were still with us today. She was a beautiful, respected and powerful woman, whom some would dare call, a rebel with a cause. When I decided to venture into this design, I knew Diana would be a major inspiration because the world hopes that Kate Middleton will follow in her gracious footsteps.

"Premise: a creative shoot that offers an ode to the simplicity of both princess Diana and Kate Middleton as well as a youthful take on what a royal wedding could look like. Without any specific guidelines, I sprung for an understated opulence that lends endless inspiration to all royalty smitten peeps.

"We found a Kate Middleton “look-alike” as a playful touch and pushed the envelope by introducing a little boudoir attire! (breaking the rules a little?) With the British known for many attributes including a ‘less is more’ approach to design and attitude, we set out to create a tasteful yet detailed table scape that honors this. We let our imagination run wild with our cake, so graciously manifested by the Caketress and the invitation designed by the ever so talented Deborah over at Palettera.

"Sapphire velvet linens, a hint of black throughout the design as well as the use of golds and white set the perfect tone for our rendition of a wedding fit for a British Princess. We all dream of being a princess on our big day and Miss Middleton will soon be just that."

  

Planning a Spring Soiree?

I love a good craft session.  Here are some great DIY projects.  From center pieces to favors, I'd like to give you just a few easy projects sure to impress your guests at any summer soiree.

The Blue Days of Summer

By Mattew Mead Style via Style Me Pretty

To make the tip can wraps, featured in the top left corner, collect a handful of tin cans leftover from soups and sauces. “Cover each tin with paper and personalize with a names, date, and rick rack.”

To make the napkin ties, featured in the top right corner, "purchase candy flowers from a cake decorating store or craft store. Tie 6 inches of silk wired ribbon around a rolled napkin in a bow. Hot glue a candy flower to the center of the ribbon.” Absolutely gorgeous on any table setting. Vary the ribbon color and the flower for more versatility.

To make the candy tins, featured in the bottom left corner, start by finding the perfect container to accompany your wedding decor. Papermart has comparable tin containers. Paper Source also has a pretty array of paper boxes that would be perfect and the Container Store sells miniature paint tins that would be absolutely adorable. Fill the tin with your favorite candy, then add a customized label to the top with your new monogram.You can print labels at home using a color printer. If you are design challenged, don’t fret over the label. Just use a single letter monogram in a clean, simple font. Voila!

To make the chocolate favors, featured in the bottom right corner, pick out your favorite peanut butter candy (or something similar) from your local candy shop. “Use the computer to print name tags on colored paper. Cut into flags and pierce two holes with an ice pick…. thread on a skewer, and plant
in the candy. Place one at each setting.”

Bloomin' Favors

This a great tip from Posh Paperie.  Dress up your favors, add them to your seating cards, decorate your cake table – heck you could even string them down the aisle. The possibilities are endless with these pretties.  Posh Paperie explains all the pretty details…

Supplies:
-crepe paper
-scissors
-glue dots
-ribbon
-crystal clear box (can be found at clear bags)
-macaroon (or sweet of your choice

Directions:

1. cut crepe paper in to 4 x 4 squares; 3 squares per bloom
2. stack 3 sheets and fold in half
3. cut into half circle (round the edges)
4. layer the petals (staggered)

5. pinch from the center (underneath) and twist to secure
6. feather crepe paper with fingers to create a full bloom
7. attach bloom with glue dots (and ribbon, if desired) to top of favor box
*another option: put the bloom on a cake ball lollipop

Photo Credit to Jackie Wonders

 How cute are these little flowers?!  I want to put them on everything!

Pretty Preppy Party

I love the center pieces!  These centerpieces are easy to make, and a great way to make your guests drool over your Martha Stewart skills.

Photo Credit from Style Me Pretty DIY Blog

To Make the Flower Arrangements… I purchased most of our flowers from Costco. The centerpieces were created using large square vases purchased at IKEA. The space between the stems and the vases were filled with limes, then with pink, green and white flowers. We made the centerpieces the night before then placed them outside in the shade.

To Make the Pink Table Runners... We had 60″ round tables and made two-toned table runners to create a custom look. I purchased 60″ wide light and medium pink shantun silk and cut them into 12″ wide strips and 61″ long strips. I used the light pink 12″ strip for the center and two 12″ medium pink strips, folded in half, ironed under and sewed onto the middle strip.

The Proposal

Proposal: (verb) 1. The event a girl waits for her entire life. 2. A romantic story leading to the lifetime union of a man and woman. 3. Boy meets girl, boy falls in love, boy buys expensive ring, boy asks girl to marry him, girl screams with excitement, which is her way of saying 'yes!'

How do you identify with the word proposal?  Was it something out of a fairy tale?  An accident? Funny? A wake up call to dump him?  A proposal packs a large punch, and the lead up to the proposal can be full of uncertainty (mainly for the guy!).  I used to imagine how my own proposal might go.  Romantic Movies (aka chick flicks) and Nicholas Sparks books definitely influenced the picture perfect ending I had in my head.  Every love story is unique and every proposal is unique.  Some fiance's spend months and months preparing for the event, and others are just so nervous and excited they can't wait to pop the question.  There are so many great stories to share, but I want to share just a few romantic proposals.

A styled photo shoot turned proposal.

Kim and Devin are good friends with photographer Stacy Kokes.  Being that they are such a photographic, adorable couple, she uses them occasionally for styled photo shoots.  When Stacy asked them to do another session, Devin got the idea to use this as a way to propose to Kim.  To keep Kim none the wiser, Devin gave the ring to Stacy's second shooter, Joe during the shoot.  Then Stacy suggested Joe take some separate shots of Devin, which Stacy photographed Kim.  This is when Joe gave the ring back to Devin right before he was about to propose.  Everything went as planned with the photo shoot, then out of no where, from Kim's persepective, Devin, reaches into his pocket and bends on one knee.  The rest is history :)  Such a romantic way to propose, and so thoughtful!  You have to visit Stacy's blog to see this shabby chic styled shoot turned engagement photo session.  Stacy is a very talented photographer and you will love love love this post!

See more at Stacy's Blog

The crossword puzzle engagement

You may have read about this story in the news about a Virginia man who got creative with his proposal to his then girlfriend-- now fiancee!  Here's the low down.  Marlowe Epstein loves to do the Sunday crossword puzzle in the Washington Post, and Corey got into it after he fell for Marlowe over a year ago.  Corey contacted veteran crossword creator, Bob Kahn to help his dream become a reality.  He was able

to get the crossword puzzle in the Saturday, April 16 paper after a few months of work.  An excerpt from the Washington Post article by Ellen McCarthy

-39 Across:“ ‘Casablanca’ screenwriter Julius or Philip.” Answer: Epstein.

-37 Across: " 'Shakespeare in Love' role." Answer: Marlowe

(So creative! I just keep wondering how on earth anyone can find a clue for Culicchia!)

"Am I losing my mind?" Marlowe Epstein wondered.  It wasn't until she landed on 51 Across that she figured out what was going on.

-"Words with a certain ring to them," she read aloud. Answer: "Will you marry me," she suggested, and looked to her boyfriend Corey Newman, for agreement.

He agreed more than she realized.  Newman pulled out a diamond ring.  Down on one knee, he repeated the words back to her.  "Marlowe, will you marry me?"

"Oh!" she whispered, "Yes, of course!"

Marlowe didn't realize how many of the clues were related to weddings.  Corey had originally planned to propose on Sunday, but a city wide scavenger hunt planned for Sunday bumped his plans to Saturday.  Only one problem- Corey couldn't find the Saturday paper with the crossword in it!  He went to several places to buy a paper, all sold out!  He did find one in front of a building, and since no one was there to take his money he swiped a copy so nothing would get in the way of his carefully thought out proposal.  (Although Corey said he has every intention of going back to pay for the paper.)

Check out the full story, including a video, here.

This proposal is my absolute favorite... Mine! :)

My thoughtful fiance asked if I wanted to go to dinner after my last exam to celebrate the end of college. We had met the second day of school and started dating shortly after, so our whole college career was spent together.  My last exam was 20th Century Music, and any music majors who have had to endure this class, especially Dr. Erdmann's class, knows how exhausting it is!  I was completely brain fried and not in the mood to go anywhere because of my massive headache.  Todd insisted that we go even though I wasn't in any sort of mood to go.  He made reservations at our favorite place in Greensboro, NC called Lucky 32.  The day was rainy and overcast, but that didn't stop Todd from wanting to stop by the Greensboro Centennial Gardens before dinner.  Now, if you know Todd, you know that nothing stands in the way he him and dinner time; Yet he still insisted we stop because he wanted to show me the gardens.  We had been talking about engagements and marriage, so the thought definitely crossed my mind as we pulled up.  Todd didn't want to put anything in his pockets, which I thought was strange.  He held his keys in his hand the whole time we walked around the park. Little did I know, thats because my ring was in his pocket and he was afraid it would fall out or something might happen.  We were walking around for a while and nothing was happening, so I suggested we just go on to the restaurant because it's drizzling and I was hungry.  He said well lets just go look over here, and we kept walking.  Todd was getting sentimental talking about the first time we met, and that he was glad we got to experience so many great things together.  Then, after I suggested we make our way to Lucky 32 for the second time, he started to walk a little slow and then knelt down on one knee.  I always talked about the line that guys use to propose, or at least they do in the movies.  Todd must've been listening and he put his basic math skills to good use with his proposal.  As he got down he said, "We've been together for exactly 1,322 days, and I want to spend the rest of my life with you.  Will you marry me?"  I was excited, kind of shocked because it was actually happening and I wanted to laugh all at the same time.  I kept saying, "Are you serious? Yes, of course!" And, "This better not be a joke."  It was great evening.  So delightfully us with the way the night paned out.  I wouldn't trade it for anything!

Let me also put a side note in: Todd used my entire camera battery taking pictures of the rain as we were driving to Greensboro, so by the time he actually proposed we could only take about 5 photos because my camera was so dead.  So these are not the best, but like I said- so us.

Trying to take pictures after- No one was around!

SO Excited!

The exact spot where he proposed

Bachelorette Bash

Callin' all my party girls!  In honor of my friend Lisa's upcoming bachelorette festivities this weekend, this post is dedicated to the tried and true tradition of bachelorette parties.  You hear bachelor(ette) party and you immediately think The Hangover in Las Vegas, right?  Vegas is certainly an excellent way to throw one last blow-out party before your wedding day.  But, other destination bachelorette party ideas include Miami, Cabo, a spa weekend, a girls trip to the Big Apple and, of course, good ole Bourbon Street in my hometown of New Orleans, Louisiana.  (Side note: You don't necessarily need to have a destination party to have a great time!)  Of course the lead up to the party builds anticipation, so how do you pull off a top notch bachelorette party?  Here are 7 great bachelorette party ideas.

1. Ante Up
So, some may say that marriage is a gamble; why not hold the bachelorette party at a casino or racetrack?  Most have great restaurants and shows, plus hotel rooms to make it an overnight stay.  The best thing about gambling parties, other than the free drinks, is that you could walk away with enough money to pay for the bridesmaid dress- or another girls night out!

2. Pamper the Princess
The high strung bride, in-desperate-need-for-a-vacation will appreciate this bachelorette bash idea!  A day or weekend spa event will send all your best girlfriends running for their plush terry robes.  Get your pores cleaned, exfoliate your face and battle those eyebrows to prepare for your wedding day.  Chose a full service spa that offers everything from massages and mud wraps to makeovers and manicures.

3. Do you have the Fever?
...Disco fever!  Who every said disco was dead, is seriously mistaken.  Strut on over to the hottest nightclubs and party the night away.  Whether you're a Disco Infero, 80's Prom Queen,  or Lady GaGa kind of gal, find a place that fits your personality and dance the night away.

4. My Big Redneck Party
Have a country girl on your hands?  Yeee Haaw, ya'll!  Coral your crew down to your favorite honkey-tonk country western bar.  Maybe a trip to the motherland, aka Nashville is in order for this party.  Don't forget your cowboy boots and hats!

5. K-K-K-Karaoke
If you have a silly group, then there's no better way to showcase that special group dynamic than with a Karaoke party.  There is no better feeling than making a fool of yourself in front of others.  So lip-synch your way into a fabulous night, and have a few extra sips of liquid courage!

6. Where the Wild Things Are
Whether the bride loves the great outdoors, or just loves animal print, consider a back-to-nature bachelorette party.  Make a safari themed party that would bring tears of joy to the cast of The Jersey Shore.  GTL your way to fabulous night with your best girlfriends.

7. Cerveza, Por Favor
A sure-fire way to make the bride forget about what's-his-name: Jet set to paradise!  Let your inner Buffet loose and keep the margaritas coming on a beautiful beach.  Depending on the time of year, you can get a great off-season package on island vacations or cruises.  There are great deals for a quick get away on travel sites.  But, if the bride can't fly the coop completely, think about a beach weekend.

I'd like to share one of my favorite drink recipes... perfect for any girls night... called The Giddy Girl:

-About a 1/2 glass of Champagne

-1 splash peach schnapps

-1 splash light cranberry juice

-1 splash pineapple juice

It's absolutely delicious, and sure to jump start any girls night out!

This weekend I'll be traveling back home to New Orleans to celebrate Lisa's bachelorette party.  I couldn't be more excited to see all my best friends from high school, and implement one of these memorable party ideas!

For more information on Bachelorette Parties visit TheKnot.com.
Credit: TheKnot.com

Top 20 Trends from New York Bridal Market

Bridal Market started this past weekend in New York City, and the 2012 collections are unbelievable!  From sexy lace sleeves to a jaw dropping backs the fashion for 2012 is anything but blah.  The future Queen, Ms. Kate Middleton, definitely served as inspiration for a number of designers and trends.  So if you've every dreamed of being a princess on your wedding day, now's the time to get married!  The sophistication of a high neckline and elegance of illusion and lace sleeves were all the rage on the runway.  And, many collections offered their perspective on a royal wedding dress.

Like the 2011 collections, texture and color are still big trends going into 2012.  Internationally renowned designers like Oscar de la Renta, Monique Lhuillier, and Vera Wang are using these bold trends in their own signature aesthetic.  Unfortunately, I am not important enough to attend this glorious Bridal Market, so here is a report from WeddingChannel.com about the Top 20 Trends of 2012.

1. Royal Inspired Wedding Dresses

No one could do a Royal Inspired dress better than Romona Keveza.  This dress is completely royal!

Designer: Romona Keveza

2.  Plunging Necklines
For the daring, sexy bride this is a show stopping style.

Designer: Sarah Jessir

3. Feathers GaloreIt seems as though texture is here to stay, and the designers are all about the feathers for 2012.  

Designer: Lazaro

4. Tip of the Shoulder Looks

This elegant, vintage style is back for 2012 and I couldn't be more excited.

Designer: Watters

5. Blush Colored Gowns

Many brides dare to be different and stray from the traditional white gown on their wedding day, like Reese Witherspoon.

Designer: Monique Lhuillier

6. Geometric Detail

This dress is totally va va voom!  The extravagant detail and ornate beading are in for 2012.  Ines di Santo is known for sexy and dramatic gowns- and this dress does not disappoint!

Designer: Ines di Santo

7. Textured Fabrics

Designers like Amsale played with textured fabrics in 2011, but there were even more in the 2012 collections.  Textured fabric is an excellent way to modernize a simple, classic gown.

Designer: Francesca Miranda

8. The Tiara

Like trend #1, the royal influence was ever present at the 2011 Spring Bridal Market for 2012 collections.

Designer: Reem Acra

9. Bold Cuffs

In terms of accessories, the cuff was all the rage on the runway for 2012.

Designer: Ines di Santo

10. Subtle Prints

The feminine touch of subtle prints arrive on the scene for 2012.  Perfect for an old style New England or garden wedding.

Designer: Theia

11.  The Dramatic Back

I am in love with this next trend.  As a future bride, something I am looking for when selecting a dress is the back.  After all, your guests will spend a lot of time looking at your back.

Designer: Heidi Elnora

12. High necklines

Higher necklines, including those with lace or illusion panels at the bust line are back-- big time!  Perfect for the bride who wants to minimize their bust or wear something other than strapless.

Designer: Pronovias

13. Two Tiered Skirts

The two tiered skirt is a great way to add drama and volume to an otherwise classic A-line design.

Designer: Oscar de la Renta

14. Illusion and Lace Sleeves

Another royal inspired trend for 2012 are illusion and lace sleeves.  The sleeves on this Marchesa gown are made of sheer netting with beautiful embroidery.  This dress is simply stunning!

Designer: Marchesa

15. Embroidered Edges

For an earthy, vintage bride this trend is timeless and perfect for any outdoor wedding.

Designer: E. Lebron

16. Straps with a Twist

Many designers featured a twist, whether with one strap or two, for the traditional strappy gown.

Designer: Anais Collection

17. Ribbons and Bows

Bows continue into 2012 collections, with more modern placement and size to update the trend.  This St. Pucchi gown is an excellent example.

Designer: St. Pucchi

18. Peak-a-boo Skirts

Many skirts with pick ups or two tiers revealed a peak-a-boo fabric hiding underneath.  On the runway this trend looks stunning, offering plenty of movement and drama.

Designer: Oscar de la Renta

19. Splashes of Taupe

Leave it to Vera Wang to try a trend like color in a new collection-- and make it look so amazing!  Last season we saw touches of black and blue in sashes, but this year the earth tones dominated.  Bonus, this hue is perfect for a wide variety of skin tones.

Designer: Vera Wang

20. Raw Edged Fabric

With this trend, a bride can achieve an effortless, chic look.  This trend features unfinished hems on light, airy fabrics like chiffon or tulle.  

Desinger: Tara LaTour

The Love Shoots

One of my favorite aspects (as a bride) of the wedding process is the engagement.  Although maybe I'll change my mind as of June 9, 2012... But we'll see!  I love this time because it is full of excitement, adventure, planning and of course, butterflies.  There is so much to do and prepare for the big day.  The engagement photos, aka love shoot, is a wonderful opportunity for couples to capture this happy, blissful time.  Like planning a wedding, the sky's the limit when it comes to the format of the engagement photo shoot.  Many couples still go for the traditional poses, however the current trend is a 'casual' shoot that captures the couples personalities in every day situations.  I LOVE to look at engagement photos because they are so special.  Done right, you can feel as if you've known the couple forever because they are so intimate.
I absolutely adore the work of the photographers featured in this blog post.  They have each done an amazing job capturing the love, fun, attraction and charm of these couples.

Photo Credit: Lindsey Lee Photography

Photo Credit: Lindsey Lee Photography

Photo Credit: Indigo Photography

Photo Credit: Alders Photography

Photo Credit: Leslee Mitchell Photography

Photo Credit: The Wedding Artists Collective

Photo Credit: Gavin Photography

Todd and I have been engaged since May 17, 2010 and have yet to take engagement photos!  Shocking, right?  But don't sound the wedding alarm yet, we have a session booked in June and I could not be more excited.  Although, I can't speak for Todd.  But if he knew what was good for him, he'd be super excited!  Just kidding, Todd... kind of :)