Recap: Wedding Expo 2014

Looking back at this last expo I am so overwhelmed with gratitude! I sat down the other morning to reflect on the weekend and was just blown away by how many things God worked out in my favor. Things going all the way back to the last expo in August! I was reminded that His plans are even more perfect than my wildest dreams.

The VIP Event, Engage, was AWESOME! To all those lovely brides that I was able to meet, HI and thanks so much for coming and having such a blast with us! The Met Bride staff and interns did such a fantastic job and I am so honored I got to be a vendor and help put the event on. 

Here I am chatting with brides during our "speed dating" style rotations that allowed brides to eat and mingle while vendors shared their spiel. 

My girls were awesome! From early morning prep, to helping with Engage, to chatting with brides during the show, to tear down and loading up they were rockstars! Thanks Jane and Rochelle! Muah! 

Trend: Eccentric Bouquets

It’s Rochelle with an innovative and eccentric trend rising in the wedding industry! We all know that flowers are a big part of the budget, but there are alternative options to choose from that are much friendlier to your pocket. 

Did you know that the bridal bouquet originally consisted of garlic, herbs and spices to ward off evil spirits? It wasn’t until the marriage of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert in 1840, did it get replaced with fresh flowers. In today’s time, the bouquet is decided by the colors and season of the wedding, but wouldn’t it be nice to keep the bouquet for years to come?

Wedding planners and brides are coming up with fabulous ideas to make their wedding one of kind while still keeping to the budget. I have found some of the more popular alternative bouquets being used today.

Our May bride, Emily, made her own bouquet along with ALL the flowers for her wedding out of sheet music! Here is a look at her creativity.



Below are some more beautiful bouquets created out of fabric that look just like the real thing.

My favorite eccentric bouquets are the brooch bouquets! So pretty!   

If you want to add some excitement to your bouquet, add some feathers to the mix.!

Lastly, are unique ideas like a pinwheel bouquet and other items to replace a traditional floral bouquet. 

 In Springfield, there is a small business that creates eccentric bouquets out of scrapbook and tissue paper and fabric.  They are called Flowers Now and Forever and you can see more of their work on their Facebook Page.

Flowers Now and Forever

Bridal Fashion Week Favorites!!

So I am probably WAAAAAAAAYYYY more excited about this post than anyone else in the world because I have been waiting to share it all week and because it is all my own personal favorites. Nevertheless, I think it is fabulous. Enjoy! 

That tulle on tulle action is literally killing me. Neckline - Gorgeous. Color - Gorgeous. Material - Gorgeous. Detailing - Gorgeous. I am officially planning my vow renewal. 

 Amsale

Can't say I would be brave enough to wear this one myself, but I am in awe of the construction elements and overall look. Nicely played Anne Bowan, nicely played. 

 Anee Bowan

This will be the second party dress I don for my vow renewal I am now planning. I mean seriously!? Perfection. 

 Della Giovanna

No one can do lace like Ines Di Santo.

 Ines Di Santo

  Ines Di Santo

In love with this sweet silhouette and that bow! Oh and that sparkle! 

Naeem Khan

What were some of your favorites from the fashion week lines? Any brides out there find their dream dress on the runway!? 

Bridal Fashion Week Trends: Accessories

We are continuing the week of Bridal Fashion Week love with the top trends in accessories! If you didn't catch the trend post on gowns you are seriously missing out. Stunning!

Ok so here are the top trends we identified on the runways that will be hitting the stores next year...

Capes. 

Yes you read that correctly. We are not talking little red riding hood style either, these are some seriously stylish capes. 

 Madeleine Fig

 Naeem Khan

Kelly Faetanini

Theia (Okay this one is a little bit red riding hood :))

Badgley Mischka

Feathers. 

From headpieces that fluttered down the runway to sleek looks that incorporated feathers as well, there was no doubt about this being a big trend.

 Reem Acra

 Pronovias

 Reem Acra

Pronovias

Gold Jewels.

It wasn't just gowns that kept this trend alive. Belts, headpieces, jewelry and more were glittering in shades of gold. And might I add, that I AM LOVING IT. 

Ramona Kaveza 

 Pronovias

Erica Koesler

Ornate Veils.

Details. Details. Details. I was absolutely swooning over the hand work on some of these stunners. Lace, applique, beadwork.......

 Naeem Khan

 Theia

 Theia

Reem Acra

British Inspired Headpieces. 

We all love how the Brits wear there millinery, and apparently we love it so much we are willing to try it! Fascinators have been big, but these looks are straight from Buckingham Palace. Kate's style choices live on!

Pronovias

Pronovias

 Pronovias

Watters

To see the top trends in gowns, look no further!  And to see all of our absolute FAVORITES from fashion week stay tuned! Would you rock any of these trends on your wedding day? 

Bridal Fashion Week Trends: Gowns

So last week was Bridal Fashion Week in New York for Spring and Fall 2014 seasons and this week it  is recap week on the blog the ENTIRE week!! We will be highlighting dress trends, accessory trends, and of course sharing our favorites. Stay tuned! 

Up first we have a break down of the gown trends we spotted that are going to be big in the upcoming seasons. The designs this season seriously had me speechless so enjoy! 

Color.

Now I typically categorize myself as a traditional girl, but these gowns in hues of gold, blush, and silver are incredibly rich looking.

Vera Wang made a massive splash by showing ONLY colored dresses in varying shades of pink. And by pink and mean PINK. Not a huge fan, not gonna lie. 

Theia

Lazaro

Lazaro                                     Badgley Mischka

 Lazaro

Jenny Packham                                                        Monique Luillier

 Lazaro

 Watters

Vera Wang

Gatsby.

Gatsby themed collections and touches were all over the runways last week and you won’t find me complaining! From glitzy headpieces, to feathers galore, I am head over heels for the Gatsby phenomenon. 

Johanna Johnson was the most memorable for the Gatsby aesthetic. Her luxurious, bias cut silk gowns are straight from the 1920s. 

Reem Acra

Lazaro                                                 Jenny Packham      

 Johanna Johnson

 Johanna Johnson

 Badgley Mischka

Layers.

Layers of tulle, layers of lace, layers of organza... You get the idea. This feminine and flirty trend is one we think will be huge next year. Weather messy or structured, this look can be so flattering on so many body types! 

Reem Acra 

 Lazaro                                                     Haley Paige

 Kenneth Pool

 Anne Barge

Jim Hjelm                                                  Della Giovanna

Illusion Neckline + Detail.

Ok this might be my favorite trend. And by might, I mean THIS IS MY FAVORITE TREND!!

Seriously I want to have another wedding. Same husband. Same people. NEW DRESS.  

These embroidered, jeweled, shimmering, and beaded illusion necklines are INSANE! From a totally mechanical standpoint, I am blown away. Do you even know how hard some of these are to make!?! My mind is blown over here. Okay, get a rag for your drool and continue…

 Yumi Katsura

 Reem Acra

 Marchesa

 Amsale

 Simone Carvalli

Badgley Mischka

Which dress or trend is your favorite!? Check back soon for accessory trends... yay!