Mailbag: BCBG Dress MIA....

Reader Steph:


So very sorry that the dress is no longer anywhere to be found on bluefly... however, it is still available through BCBG (but at the full price of $400). What I loved so very dearly about this particular piece, we the fact that it is remnicent of one of my favorite dress designers, Betsy Johnson. Here are a few pieces from her current collection:







Note though, that they rack in at comparable prices to BCBG so if you are really looking for a "deal" then perhaps it's back to bluefly- here are a few little black dresses that ARE in stock to get you started...

Mail Bag... a little belated

If you've stopped by a couple of times today you'll notice that I'm unloading several posts that I have been too busy to get around to. In my attempt at cleaning house around here- I've uncovered a reader question that was unintentionally overlooked. A while back, I posted on long-sleeve wedding gowns worn by the lovely Jackie O (hers was not for a wedding, but was so very bridal worthy)... and was asked where to find a modern alternative....

I enjoy the work of Stuart Parvin. His simplistic silhouettes and sleeves are so very remnicent of the gowns in question, while his larger-than life single appliques keep the gown modern and NOW.

Stroll on over to Nic Events

I am just getting around to answering the mail sent over the past week - sorry! But wanted to share a new find of mine. Nicole of Nic Events sent me a press release. I made my way over to her site today and I must say that it is lovely. She pairs her knowledge of illustration and graphic design with her recent trip to the alter- to bring you a stationary studio/event planning company that is unique in its own right. Now I know that all letterpress is lovely... and it seems that there is a new face around every online corner... but Nic Events is different- really. There is a story behind each custom piece... the invitation merges the personalities, traditions, culture, and dynamic of the couple- creating something that is not only pleasing to the eye, but endearing to the individuals as well... give her a looksie (she's a little under construction right now).. and I am sure you'll see what I mean.

Mail Bag: Lobe Adornments

Ellen- this one is for you... I was unable to find my original source for the rings in question (posted on Vintage Lovlies Pt 2)... but found these substitutes- One Two and Three... this earring is actually circa the 1950's in its style- thus you may be able to find a wonderful replica at your local antique store (had to throw that in the spirit of Blog Action Day)...


This little inquiry got the wheels a-spinning... and I realized how often I am asked for my opinion on the pairing of earrings with bridal/bridesmaid options. My feeling is that there is no set answer. Your earrings will be dictated by the hairstyle, formality of the event, face shape, and neckline of the dress. That being said, my basic rule of thumb is that if you put the earrings on and they are a bit distracting then perhaps you need to entertain another option. Chandelier earrings look amazing on those with prominent features, but often overwhelm others-the same is true with studs... they can be elegant on one lass and a massive understatement on the next... use your best judgement and take a few cues from the red carpet...

If I was a video which would I be??

Alright... a few posts back I promised a little number on wedding videography... here it is...

A few weeks ago I posted on Well Spun Wedding Films- my FAVORITE wedding videographer- but within that post, I mentioned that I did not feel that videography was necessary on a modest budget- that an amazing photographer would suffice. My comment inspired one videographer to respond- in the wee small hours of the morning- and spark what became a series of emails throughout the week back and forth, all within the wee small hours of the morning... my insomniac friend and I both plead our cases and found that we generally had the same beliefs.... generally. We both feel as though videography is so important but that the lack of quality within the industry is directly related to the fact that talented videographers must go into a commercial or art sector to find real money- leaving a hand full of sophmoric videographers with little interest in innovating the artform. You see- the talent is out there... but the market is not. Until brides become knowledgeable enough to buy-in the the artform, then there will not be quality products to choose from. A mere decade ago, wedding photography was NOTHING like it is today. We have the choice of digital or film, fashion-forward or photo-journalistic... the options and styles are endless... such COULD be the same with videography.

The first step is understanding that there is more to it then just soft edges and overlapping fades in and out of shots... just as with all vendors there are cheesy dated options and more modern ones as well. You should approach finding your style for videography much like you would choosing a photographer. To help, I have put together a sampling of what kind of bride would like the following videography techniques (and also a list of wonderful videographers below)

First up- my favorite- the vintage Super 8... This is an option that you may want to entertain if you are going for a vintage/casual feel.




Next- a "movie" quality- 16mm... Brides that are looking for a more modern wedding with colors that "POP" will enjoy this option...



And now- a mix of 8mm and 16mm- this is perfect for the bride who is looking to have those little remnents of vintage qualities, while keeping it very modern and NOW... this is the option for the contemporary bride (not too mod, not too vintage)



And now for the big boys (and girls) within the industry.... hand picked and presented to you on a silver platter... enjoy.

Well Spun Wedding Films- Amazing Super 8 quality videography! VERY affordable!Based out of Philly

Bliss Video Production- They do it all- but I especially like their 8mm and 16mm work- you MUST request a demo, if not for anything other than the amazing packaging- they are on the higher end of the budget scale- but as soon as you receive their demo you will soon see why! Based out of Cali

Jason Magbanua- He is based out of the Philippines, (my fiance and I are both half-Filipino)... so if you are seeking a destination wedding then book him early as his schedule fills fast!

Leyda Cordova with Rockmelon- she is the lovely videographer that inspired this post... and how talented she is! Based out of New York

Spencer Lum of Iris Cinemas is based out of New York and does lovely work for the contemporary bride...

DVideography- this is a videographer that is a bit more traditional in the shooting, but still worth a looksie..

Sarah- this is for you...

I am often confronted with trying to make a theme- well- not so theme-y... I try to tell my brides to remember that less is always more- and that quality will outshine quantity any day... that being said- when I heard that Sarah of Toast and Tables was on the hunt for "Game Night Wedding" ideas... I was thrilled to start searching... there is soooo much that can be done to really take this theme over the top- the real challenge is in editing the ideas to create a seamless and TASTEFUL flow... here are a few little touches that I would love to contribute to the planning process...

1. Save-the-date Spinners.... I love the idea of printing your information on a spinner- what fun! {and so easy- this could be a DIY... take a vintage spinner template... add information... and use a fun bracket to attach the spinner... and voila!}
2. Scrabble Guest Book... have plenty of scrabble letters available... and guests can spell out their message atop a scrabble board.... keep a camera close to document the message-

3. Custom Maps- I really love the idea of making your maps (to rehearsal dinner/ceremony/reception).... mirror the look of a boardgame... put the direction into the squares ( go forward 5 lights.... Make a Left and Loose a Turn... Go forward 1.2 miles)

4. I have always fancied gardens of grass in a checkerboard pattern. I love the idea of taking this a step further and making checkerboard tables for the cocktail hour-complete with oversized floral checkers to make them functional
5. Place crossword puzzles at each guest's place setting- with fun facts for them to fill in (our first date... where we were engaged... his mother's maiden name... her father's occupation)

6. Bring in elements from Candy Land to your own Candy Bar... with Peanut Brittle, Cotton Candy, Fudge, etc.

7. Make the entire wedding cohesive by carrying a common "branding" through all of the elements... I love subtle hints.... such as two puzzle pieces that fit into each other- two candyland people holding hands... a king and queen chess piece.... the list goes on and on.... and when you package the items- why not have a customized version of the game "Life" printed atop a box that holds all of your wedding suite in it... what fun to receive the entire invitation and inserts in the form of a game! I would suggest the lovely work of Lily Darby- just the creative edge you will need to pull this off...

Alright... fearing that I may go into overkill soon enough- I'll leave it at that and hope that you'll find a bit of inspiration amidst my madness....

Blushing Brides II.... A birdcage is like a reeses

There is just no wrong way to wear them... (in response to reader Kate's inquiry on what hair styles work best with the birdcage) the first picture is how I envision my hair being on My Happy Day.... and these are just a few more styles that can easily sport the veil... your hairstyle will be dictated by your face's shape and the length of your hair... such is the nature of the veil as well- I suggest doing a few mock run throughs with the veil to determine what works best for YOU....