After "YES," Before "I DO" and Everything In Between

Part 4 of my series on how to translate your personal style into your wedding design and look is here!  We've already explored the Glam Tomboy , Business Beauty and  Bradshaw Belle .  Today we continue with the DIAMOND DIVA : The Diamond Diva is high-maintenance.  Some would consider her flashy and flamboyant, but it's mostly due to her ability to command a great deal of attention .  She seeks out only the very best and tends to follow celebrity trends.  Still, she likes to be exclusive and one-of-a-kind stays top of mind.  WOW factor is her middle name.  She makes no apologies for innate expensive taste. If you're a Diamond Diva , consider these inspirations for your wedding:   (photos courtesy of One and Only Paris Photography , Wedding Inspirasi and Karen Tran Floral Design ) Sometimes, it's all about location ... therefore, Destination Paris!  After all, what's better than the Eiffel Tower as a backd...

In parts 1 and 2 of my series on how to translate your personal style into your wedding design and look, we focused on the Glam Tomboy and the Business Beauty .  Today, part 3 continues with the BRADSHAW BELLE (affectionately named after the Sex & The City character "Carrie Bradshaw"): The Bradshaw Belle is stylish, creative, spontaneous and emotional.  Her closet's full of pieces that epitomize her personality.  She loves color, bold patterns and layering, which in most cases leads her to pairing unique combinations together.  There are times when she'd rather be simple, but there always has to be a twist.  She's a risk-taker above all else. If you're a Bradshaw Belle , consider these inspirations for your wedding:   (photos courtesy of Lisa Devlin Photography , Kristen Taylor Photography and Karen Tran Floral Design ) Infuse a Bohemian-chic vibe into your attire, it's trendy yet nostalgic at the same time.  Knowing yo...

Last week, we discussed the world of the energetic, boisterous, spitfire Glam Tomboy .  Today, part 2 of my series on how to translate your personal style into your wedding design and look continues with the BUSINESS BEAUTY : The Business Beauty is refined, cultured, loyal to a specific aesthetic and exudes swank.  Designer handbags, understated yet exquisite jewelry and blazers are staples in her wardrobe.  Yet, she also enjoys inserting menswear influences here and there.  It's never a problem for her to take an in-the-office look and turn it into high fashion.  For her it's always quality over quantity, but she still loves to make a statement. If you're a Business Beauty , consider these inspirations for your wedding:   (photos courtesy of KT Merry Photography and Nadia D. Photography ) Tradition is preferred in this case, but a little twist here and there is still acceptable.  Push stark white aside and lead with creamy ivor...

I've always believed your wedding should be a reflection of who you are as opposed to what trends, critics and magazines specifically call for.  In the grand scheme of things, there really are no wrong answers for brides-to-be.  Whatever you like is perfect!  So, I've been working on this four-part series on how to translate your personal style into your wedding design and look. The series will feature ladies who are not “real” brides, but have inspired me via a bold sense of style and each week I'll share my thoughts on the direction this type of woman should take in planning her wedding.   Sounds like fun, right? Without further adieu, let's get started with the GLAM TOMBOY : The Glam Tomboy is energetic, sometimes boisterous and can be a spitfire for sure.  Boyfriend jeans and studded jackets are staples in her wardrobe.  Yet, she's easy-breezy, chill and relaxed, able to go up against the best of 'em when it comes to glamming it up and showca...

We shared snapshots of our Isle To Aisle wedding back in September but, to our delight, professional photos became available today! We'd worked with this couple for over a year prior to their big day, via satellite (since they reside in the Washington, D.C. / Northern Virginia area).  We partnered on each and every detail of their wedding, from selecting the venue, to incorporating their African and Caribbean heritages, to the intricate design of their wedding cake; and it all came together on September 3rd at Dolce Basking Ridge .  The ceremony and cocktail hour took place within the venue's handsome courtyard as guests were treated to the soothing sounds of a jazz duo.  The outdoor festivities were followed by a posh reception which featured signature cocktails, photo booth and a surprise African dance troupe performance.  The dance-floor was rarely empty ... guests continuously raved about how much fun they were having. The chosen color scheme was a phe...

As 2011 draws to a close most of us in the events industry are pondering what'll be in for 2012, and of course what'll be OUT .  Cupcakes took the world by storm several years back and have held a pretty tight grip on weddings, showers, birthdays, BBQ's - you name it!  Let's face it, this cute little ditty was even big and bold enough to knock the traditional wedding cake right off its pretty filigree pedestal; so could this monster of a trend be coming to an end? While cupcake stand rentals are still helping most bakery bottom lines, it seems folks are ready and willing to move on, considering the plethora of other options in the world of confections (like pie, cookies, cake balls, push-pops and doughnuts). We've even noticed bedazzled bon-bons bogard their way into all of our hearts.  Regardless, people LOVE mini-anything, so even if cupcakes are being asked to take a temporary bow, it's safe to say they'll be back.  Especially if they continue to com...

It's no longer surprising that a bride, who wore a traditional white gown for her wedding ceremony, might don a completely different ensemble for her wedding reception.  These days it's almost expected.  And when this is the case for our clients, I usually offer the suggestion that they complement the wedding cake (or vice-versa).  This approach is sure to make an impressive statement and work really well during the holiday season.  For instance, here are some of my personal suggestions for the New Year's Eve bride : (credits: #1- dress by Dorothy Perkins; cake by Sublime Bakery   #2 - dress by ADAM; cake by CrazyCakes   #3 - dress by Charlotte Eskildsen; cake by Sweet & Saucy Shop   #4 - dress by Marchesa; cake by Debbie Bone   #5 - dress byDiane von Furstenberg; cake by Sugarplum Visions   #6 - dress by Emanuel Ungaro; cake by Tallant House ) - - - - - - - - - - by Rashana Anderson Founder & Managing Director, THE BRIDAL PART...