No 107: the Designer

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

For those of you who read wedding publications beyond my blog, I'm guessing that a curious thing happens to you. You see one of those pages of dresses, and when you find your favorite, it's always the same designer! At first you chalk it up to the season, but I think that in the same way we identify with brand images of the clothes we wear everyday, we grow certain affinities for bridal designers.
Mine, I must admit, is the J.L.M. umbrella of designers which includes Jim Hjelm, Lazaro, Alvina Valenta and Tara Keely. I'm drawn to the body conscious silhouttes and the (usually) understated embellishments. John, on the other hand, can spot a Paloma Blanca in a heartbeat. And I know one Miss Rebecca Dixon who always, always, always falls in love with Priscilla of Boston gowns.

On a recent episode of "Say Yes to the Dress" on TLC, a woman who adored Kenneth Pool actually got to try on Austin Scarlet's creations with him waiting in the hall! But, of course, they looked awful on her and she had to find a new favorite. Most of us adore dresses that look phenomenal...on other people. We don't always have a good idea about what suits us. So when we're all lucky enough to go bridal gown shopping, take in examples of your favorite gowns, but be ready to try stuff on you never thought you'd wear. Who knows, I might end up in a bias cut 1940's sheath!

Okay, I won't, but you know what I mean.

No 106: the Jewels

This gem was designed by Cartier for Mrs. Conde Nast, who wanted to be sure that if she left her clutch at the Colony Club, it would be returned to her Park Avenue address. Can you believe the giant jewel clasp? Cartier is celebrating its 100th anniversary in the States with a retrospective of some of its most divine pieces, installed in their 5th Avenue Flagship store. The platinum, diamond and pearl bandeau below was made in 1924, and was inherited by the incomparable Doris Duke from her mother.

No 105: the Letter Invitation

Monday, April 27, 2009


How awesome are these invitations, found at A Cup of Jo? The vellum, the signatures with the custom silhouettes, and the vintage typescript-it's so unique and well designed.

No 104: Real Wedding: Juliet and Gregor

Sunday, April 26, 2009











First spotted on snippet and ink, this wedding photographed by Meg Smith and designed by Laurie Arons is so lovely. The bridesmaids wore Vera, and were given Hermes scarves which they held with their bouquets (scroll back up and you can make them out). The ceremony was held at the gorgeous Carneros Inn, where the two shared their first vacation, and the bride wore an incredible confection by Valentino. This wedding is so incredibly elegant, it makes my heart ache. Enjoy a beautiful Sunday.

No 103: the Strawberry Season

Saturday, April 25, 2009



Just the other day, I bought four pounds of strawberries for $5 (just one of the many reasons I love California). Then I saw the most tantalizing series of strawberry treats on the Martha Stewart website. Frozen strawberry souffles? Genius! I know I've gushed about the perfect wedding cake, but who's to say I couldn't also serve a beautiful dish full of strawberries and cream?

No 102: the Champs in a Can

A dear friend and I discovered Sofia Minis yesterday: California Blanc de Blancs packaged conveniently in a can! It also includes a bendy straw. Yes, you heard me. I drank champagne from a can with a straw, and I loved every minute of it.
While I wouldn't place a can at every place setting, I would certainly keep them around the bridal suite. They're the perfect thing to sip on when you have a handful of beauty professionals buzzing around, and they look ridiculous, which I adore.

No 101: the Lily Garlands

Friday, April 24, 2009

I know this is incredibly morbid, but the smell of lilies always makes me think of death, or more specifically, funerals. I also think they're beautiful, and so when I saw what could be the perfect way to use them, care of Martha Stewart Weddings, of course, I thought I should feature them. These were made with Easter lilies (Lilium longiflorum, thank you Wikipedia) and I believe that if you remove their centers, the fragrance should be diminished, although Martha does call them "Fragrant Garlands". Perhaps I could hunt down some of the less odoriferous varietals. But be sure not to let your felines anywhere near them-Wikipedia not only instructed me as to lilies' biological names, but also their deadliness to all things cat, even in small amounts.

See, still morbid. Maybe I'll skip the lilies.

No 100: Real Wedding: Beka and Jesse

Sunday, April 19, 2009



















This wedding has been one of my favorites for months now, and I've been hoarding it for a momentous occasion. This is both my 100th post and my first day back from Baltimore, which was wonderful. John's recital was a phenomenal success, and I hope that I'll see him many more times in tails, including at an event that looks very, very much like this one.

Photographs by Marie Labbancz of Art of Love photography. The bride, Beka, is one half of Philadelphia-based Innove Events and has a phenomenal sense of style. The gown was Monique Lhuillier and customized so that the bottom layers of tulle could be removed for the reception and dancing. The groom wore Giorgio Armani and they were married at the Governer's Residence in Harrisburg, Pennsylvannia.

The thing that drives me crazy about this wedding is that there isn't anything I don't love. Her perfectly undone hair, the glorious flowers all over the place, the historical home, the tent, for the love of God. And although I'd tone down the pink accent colors and replace them with gold for John's benefit, I have to admit that I even like them, and I don't normally do pink. So keep this in mind when you picture my wedding, because it's going to be a style handbook in my planning.

No 99: John's Senior Recital!

Saturday, April 18, 2009

Shameless Plug Up Ahead. Tomorrow is John's Senior Recital, and I could not be more excited. He's playing like a dream and he'll look so handsome in his tuxedo. Really, what girl doesn't love the chance to see her sweetheart dressed to the nines. It's also an opportunity to put on a new gown (perhaps there will be photos, either here or on the FaceSpace), which I always heartily relish. So, if you're in Baltimore this Sunday, do consider coming to Griswold Hall at 5 pm for Bach, Sor, Granados, Villa Lobos, Torroba, Savio and some capital guitar work.

Photo by Anne Sachs.

No 98: Butterfly Cones

Friday, April 17, 2009

Lots of wedding blogs have been featuring DIY projects and contests recently, and this musically themed confetti was at the top of my list. Although Once Wed featured butterfly stamps, any other shape would certainly do as well. Click here for step-by-step instructions from A Field Journal.

No 97: the Sparkly Things!

Thursday, April 16, 2009





What a simple ploy. Jewels and candy...mmm! All photos c/o Martha Stewart Weddings.

No 96: the Senior Recital!

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

I'm headed here...
For some of this! By here, of course, I mean Baltimore. Some of you may recognize that lovely street of row houses in our 'hood. And by this, I mean quality time with my sweetheart. His senior recital is Sunday, and I could not be more proud. I promise I will do my best to keep updating, but since many of you who read this out of affection for me will be in Baltimore with me, there's a little less pressure. See you all soon!

No 95: Real Wedding: Ashley and Todd

Sunday, April 12, 2009












This gorgeous wedding was featured on OnceWed and Photographed by Jose Villa. The event has this phenomenal fusion of Southern elegance and California charm that I find totally irresistible. All those glorious flowers and cupcakes don't hurt, either.
 

A Crimson Kiss – Timeless Events and Classic Cocktails by Ana Degenaar : Blogger