Thursday, July 2, 2009

This Week In History: Bridal Jewelry, Multiple Wedding Cakes, The Wedding Salon

Your After "Yes," Before "I Do" & Everything In Between archive reminder has arrived! And yes, I'm being lazy again as we take a look back at a full month's worth of interesting and informative posts one year ago (so sorry...forgive me...next month we'll be back on schedule).


* Tigerlilly Couture Bridal Jewelry (a look at one of my favorite jewelry design houses)
* Why Just Have One? (thoughts around having more than ONE wedding cake)
* A Bridal Show for the ELITE (a few snapshots from last year's Wedding Salon event in NJ)
* Dipped In Gold (profile of Marie-Lise Lachapelle who creates jewelry using REAL flowers dipped in 18-karat gold)

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by Rashana Anderson
Founder & Managing Director, The Bridal Party

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Weekly Wedding Eye-Candy: 7/1/09

Our Weekly Wedding Eye-Candy today features the wedding of a photographer (the bride), which took place at The Morton Arboretum. The bride chose John Chen of Chennergy Weddings to photograph her once-in-a-lifetime...and after seeing the outcome it's not hard to understand why this was her choice. These photos are nothing short of phenomenal! Beautiful location, beautiful wedding, beautifully captured moments.  Not much about this photography is run-of-the-mill, nevertheless it's still fun and elegantly classic.

Feast your eyes ...

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by Rashana Anderson
Founder & Managing Director, THE BRIDAL PARTY

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Where To Watch The "Moon" With Your "Honey"

Now that summer's here and we're in the thick of wedding season, it seems befitting for everyone to turn their attention to the ultimate vacation...THE HONEYMOON! Per the Online Etymology Dictionary, the word "honeymoon" dates back to 1546, but is likely much older. "Honey" was a reference to the new marriage's sweetness, while "moon" referred to how long bliss would probably last (where use of the moon was a comparison, as it wanes as soon as it is full...similar to the affections of a newly married couple, being most tender right after marriage).

Since the honeymoon is likely the best of times between newlyweds, brides and grooms are paying special attention to their location options. Here are a few of my personal favorite destinations and resorts for honeymoons, the last being my absolute #1 choice:
(photos courtesy of TripAdvisor.com)

Cap Juluca - ANGUILLA

If there is one place that embodies the romance, serenity and physical beauty of The Caribbean, it’s Cap Juluca. Located along the intimate crescent of Maundays Bay, Cap Juluca’s Moorish architecture and Moroccan décor are as timeless as the sea itself.

And thanks to a $22-million renovation, Cap Juluca is tailored to today’s travelers and seekers of solace, yet focused on improving your overall resort experience.

 

Hotel Casadelmar - CORSICA, FRANCE

Located in Porto-Vecchio, the Casadelmar Hotel welcomes you on the splendid Corse island.  This unique Corsican destination ensures to its guests luxury and relaxation in an outstanding location.

Situated on a hill, the hotel features many services including the gardens with cypress and olive trees, that stretch from terrace to terrace, a sumptuous swimming pool, a magnificent spa and a restaurant.


Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi - CHIANG MAI, THAILAND

Spread over 60 acres of natural landscapes, a self contained world of beauty, incorporating serene paddy fields and exotic plantations.

Mandarin Oriental Dhara Dhevi
is Chiang Mai’s only luxury hotel and resort where you can enjoy one of the world’s most beautiful spas and surround yourself with the rich heritage of the Lanna Kingdom.



The Caves - NEGRIL, JAMAICA

Poised on the limestone cliffs of Negril's scenic West End in Jamaica, The Caves capture all the essence of a seductive oceanfront sanctuary. 11 exclusive cliffside accommodations, a Private Cave Dining, a sensual Cave Rum & Cigar Bar, and a seaview Aveda Amenity Spa offer a refreshingly organic interpretation of romance.


InterContinental Thalasso-Spa - BORA BORA, FRENCH POLYNESIA

InterContinental Bora Bora Resort & Thalasso Spa is located between the “two hearts” of Motu Piti Aau, a coral island on the barrier reef. The Deep Ocean Spa is the centerpiece, but the resort offers lots of cultural and recreational activities to fill your days including canoeing, kayaking, snorkeling, stargazing and handicraft demonstrations.


Dar Ayniwen - MARRAKECH, MOROCCO

Dar Ayniwen is a unique establishment, half -way between a family home and a luxury hotel.  It is a voyage into an atmosphere created by a passion for perfection. Tranquility, quality and style are the keynotes of the 8 suites, all boasting international five-star standards of comfort.  Intimate and decorated with museum quality antiques, each suite is also open onto the gardens.


Musha Cay - EXUMA CHAIN, BAHAMAS

Musha Cay is actually 11 private islands owned by renowned magician David Copperfield.  The private island resort has 7 private beachs and 5 houses, offering activities such as snorkeling, diving, windsurfing, a gym, and walking paths.

For special events such as an unforgettable wedding, a 25-year anniversary, a multigenerational family reunion, or to celebrate a special achievement or windfall, Musha Cay is without equal. Only 24 guests – invited by you – can enjoy the resort at any one time.

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by Rashana Anderson
Founder & Managing Director, THE BRIDAL PARTY

Thursday, June 25, 2009

If You Like It...Then Put Your Stamp On It! (wha-oh-oh-oh-oh-ooh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh)

It's all about first impressions and they're hard to break, so never forget how important your wedding invitations are. Try not to fall into thinking such as "The invitations are only going to end up in the garbage, so who cares about that." Contrarily, you should pay very close attention to the style, formality and design of your wedding invitation, as this will set the tone for your event. For example, if you're having a casual intimate affair, it would be best to steer clear of overly embellished invitation sets with fancy wax seals. This may encourage female guests to attend in gowns as opposed to more appropriate cocktail dresses. Alternatively, if you're wedding is being held at a castle featuring two live bands and a caviar station, you'd want to skip the DIY invitation kits available at Staples.

There's something out there for everyone, so start early and do your research. Here's a sampling of what's new and fresh in the marketplace just to get you started (all photos courtesy of Brides.com):


 
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by Rashana Anderson
Founder & Managing Director, THE BRIDAL PARTY

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Weekly Wedding Eye-Candy: 6/24/09

Our Weekly Wedding Eye-Candy today features none other than a recent New York City wedding. Ok, so I might be a little biased having grown up in the tri-state area fully believing there's no wedding like a NYC wedding, but I can't help but think this may actually have some truth to it. Of course, with the right photographer, a wedding ANYWHERE can look like a million bucks...but in this case it's a New York wedding AND Jason Groupp is one of those "right" photographers.

When I first saw these gorgeous photos I thought of my favorite Sex & The City character, Charlotte York Goldenblatt.  Without a doubt, Charlotte would have had this type of wedding. I'd say my favorite details are the stunning vintage white anemone bouquet, chandelier-style centerpieces and, last but not least, the gown.

Feast your eyes ...
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by Rashana Anderson
Founder & Managing Director, THE BRIDAL PARTY

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Happy Little Feet

 (photo courtesy of Lumiere Imaging)

There's a reason why women LOVE shoes...because designers start us off with such snazzy options as little girls! When shopping for flower girl shoes, remember to check these out.  I just love the ones with little "heels."  Too cute!

 
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by Rashana Anderson
Founder & Managing Director, THE BRIDAL PARTY