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We Likey: Yala Designs

Wedding Sugar

I am so completely in love with Yala Designs! Their beautiful creations include clothing for children, women and men as well as items for the home and travel.

Weddings have a reputation for being guiltlessly over-the-top. By the time the honeymoon comes around, you’re ready to relax and just be yourself again. Yala, a newly launched line of buttery-soft, eco-friendly comfort essentials designed by a mother/daughter team of well-travelled brides, has right stuff to have you feeling totally chic in your own skin and ready for whatever adventure comes after the bouquet toss:

Soft Whites for Happy Nights
Yala’s Flirty Lace Nightie and Short Robe are each made from 100% organically-farmed bamboo fiber. The sumptuous fabrics keep you warm but stay cool to the touch – so you CAN show off a little extra skin. Any night. I have this one and it is my favorite! It is so soft and comfortable to sleep in!

Something Blue
The Sophie Short Wrap has day-to-evening, plane-to-pool versatility and packs small so you can stay warm and elegant without sacrificing room in the suitcase. If the honeymoon takes place somewhere a bit too rustic for comfort, be sure to take the Double Deluxe DreamSack, a habotai silk sleeping liner for two that offers confidence when travel accommodations don’t.

Always Say Thank You
Gift your wedding party a monogrammed PashBu Scarf in a rainbow of candy colors. A classic, especially one this soft and well made, never goes out of style. I am a lover of the limited edition ruffled pashbu— so sweet!

Yala designs are made of organically-farmed fibers, naturally stain, wrinkle and odor resistant, and proudly GreenShipped to your doorstep.

What to Expect When You’re Planning A Wedding

Wedding Advice

When I was pregnant with my first child, I remember my sister getting me the “What to Expect When You’re Expecting” and I read it voraciously, zipping through chapters, giggling at the stories and anticipating the milestones ahead. I was recently thinking that brides could really use some sort of guide like that for planning their weddings, because it is not all puppies and rainbows, luxeling.

Take Whatever You Think Something Should Cost…and Multiply it By 3. Brides get sticker shock BIG TIME when it comes to things like decor and food. I have heard some say “It’s just roses” or “It’s just food”. It’s never just anything when it comes to weddings. You are paying for the product, yes; but you are also paying for your wedding professional’s time, skill and creativity. No, these aren’t your supermarket’s flowers– that cost $9 for a bouquet of roses. These are gorgeous florals that have to be processed, cut, wrapped, positioned and designed to create what you want. The same thing goes with photography! I’ve ranted on and on about why photography is so important, so I won’t carry on. But I will say this: it is so much more than someone “showing up” on your wedding day to take photos.

It’s Nothing Like What You See on TV or on the Blogs. Styled Shoots and Wedding stories on reality TV are heavily designed but also heavily comp’ed. Don’t compare your wedding to those that you see on blogs or TV and feel bad about what you’re doing with your wedding. It’s completely okay to garner inspiration from these places. Make sure you keep it into perspective and in correlation with your budget. If you find something that you absolutely must have– splurge on it, but make sure it is complementary to everything else that you have.

Be Prepared to Spend Some Money…Before Any Work is Done. Lawyers (and most wedding professionals should) call it a retainer. A retainer is a non-refundable payment to reserve space for your event on the wedding professional’s calendar. Any work done between the date you book and your next payment will be deducted from that payment. Why is that? Well, sweetling, there are only 52 weeks in a year, which all only have one Saturday. Most wedding professionals do not want to work each Saturday, so they have blackout dates, which makes their availability even more complex and crucial. Since many brides are going to be vying for the same date, typically it’s first come, first served with whomever gets their retainer into the vendor first. You need not worry about anyone running off with your money, as you are working with professionals. But you can fully expect to pay a retainer to hold your date and please don’t balk at it being non-refundable. In the event that you cancel your wedding or your services with the the vendor, they have possibly turned down other events because they have committed to yours. Your retainer helps them recoup some of those losses.

No One Is Going To Care About Your Wedding As Much As You Do. If that comes across as harsh, I don’t mean for it to come across that way. This is your wedding– the day that you have dreamed of all of your life that is special to both of your families. To some of your friends it’s just another celebration and for some of your vendors, it’s another event within the season. While we enjoy and love our clients– it’s not just the personalities that we have to take care of, it’s logistics, payments, details, budgets, and more. It is not personal that your vendors don’t get as excited about your wedding, but it is important that they are excited and look forward to putting forth an awesome event.

It’s Not Going to Always Go Your Way. Some things aren’t available in your season, some things aren’t going to be in your financial comfort zone. Vendors will not respond as quickly as you would like or say the things you would like them to say. A majority of the time, though, you will enjoy your wedding planning process if you are have a good team of professionals in your corner. Even with your bridesmaids– they may argue about the color or style of the dress, your groom may not be as involved as you want, but I promise, it will all work out. Just reevaluate your approach and if you need to express your expectations a bit better to vendors and friends, certainly do so and make sure it is something everyone can be happy with.

It’s Going to Be Beautiful. No matter what you may encounter in your engagement with your vendors and family or even little things that will happen that aren’t planned, your wedding will be beautiful. See the bigger picture and realize this is the beginning of your marriage and enjoy the small moments that make everything worthwhile.

I am sure some of my wedding planning friends and former brides will have lots to say on this subject, so please share your wisdom!

We Likey: Bridal Jewelry for Your Wedding with Forever Flowers

Wedding Advice

If you are looking for something petite, feminine and beautiful to complement your wedding day beauty, you will absolutely enjoy these gorgeous designs from these jewelry designers. Although they are unassuming, they have a huge impact and can be worn after the wedding as a sweet reminder of the day you said “I do” and also make beautiful heirlooms.

CALEO Stelring Silver Pinch Flower Bracelet

CALEO Stelring Silver Pinch Flower Bracelet – $1,065.00 –

Dana Rebecca Designs Lindsey Elizabeth Ring – 14K Rose Gold with White Agate and Diamonds $4,400.00 –

Iced Orchid Cluster Diamond Earrings – $1,462 –

Dana Rebecca Designs Karly Beth Ring – 14K Yellow Gold with Diamonds – $4,620.00 –

Dana Rebecca Designs Karly Beth Bracelet - 14K White Gold with Diamonds

Dana Rebecca Designs Karly Beth Bracelet – 14K White Gold with Diamonds – $9,460.00 –

MEUS Designs 18K Gold Champagne & White Diamond Cluster Earrings – $5,660.00 –

Dana Rebecca Designs Sylvie Rose Bracelet – 14K Yellow Gold with Diamonds – $1,210.00 –

These dainty collections are beautiful and timeless. Which are your favorites?

Color Fabulous: Pink + Green

Wedding Sugar

There is something sweet, delicious and crisp about a pink and green color palette for an event. From the palest of pinks to the deepest of greens, this is a palette that can mesh well with early morning casual weddings to glamorous evening affairs.

// Board Credits //

Fashion Monday: White by Vera Wang Collection at David’s Bridal

Wedding Sugar

purple layered bridesmaids dress by vera wang pink and black strapless vera wang bridesmaids dress moss strapless long bridesmaids gown vera wang

After the successful Spring 2011 debut collection of White by Vera Wang exclusively at David’s Bridal, Vera Wang followed up with exquisite new bridal styles for Fall 2011, and introduces the much anticipated Bridesmaid and Shoe collections.

The brand new Bridesmaid Collection includes seven dresses, each available in eight colors, priced under $200, with cocktail and full-length styles ranging from $158 to $198. With strapless satin and organza cocktail dresses to one shoulder, sleeveless chiffon gowns, there is a diverse range of ethereal looks for modern and traditional brides alike. One of the best things about this collection is that these dresses work for any special occasion; it’s definitely not a bridesmaids dress that you’ll wear only once!

Here are some of my favorites from the collection:

Can’t wait to see these in “real life” at a wedding in an upcoming season!

Dress Your Martini in Style with a Status Glass Giveaway!

Wedding Sugar

Still looking for the perfect bridesmaid’s gift? Why not an adorable hand painted glass to commemorate their style and “status”? Designs by Lolita create gorgeous hand painted glasses with a unique martini recipe on the bottom! It all started with a girls’ night out… one that contained more than the usual laughter and fun. Browsing for the first time through a Martini menu, Lolita was inspired by the recipes. After being served a Cosmopolitan, her creative imagination made her see the glass differently – the way she thought it should be – a bit more dressed up with a pattern, with flair and a fabulous recipe on the bottom.

always a bidesmaid handpainted martini glass always a bridesmaid cocktail recipe

Single And Loving It Handpainted Glass single and lovin' it martini cocktail recipe

I also love some of her other creations like stemless glasses, birthday glasses and parent mugs! There are even acrylic and melamine glasses for when you need something shatterproof and they, too, come in a myriad of colorful designs. There are several other items in the Lolita Store — from candles to trays and more for the perfect girlfriend moments in your life!

Be sure to follow Lolita on Twitter and Like her on Facebook!

wedding blog giveaway

We’re giving away a designed glass from Lolita! For your chance to enter, share your all time favorite cocktail with us! Leave a comment below with its ingredients and instructions so we can try it, too! For an additional chance to win, share your recipe on our Facebook Page! We’re always doing a little martini swapping over there 😉 (PS– for a shortcut to the Facebook page, just click on the bar below and your can post directly from the blog!)

In the News: See Terrica on WTOC- Channel 11 for the Jekyll Dream Wedding!

Company News, St Simons & Jekyll Island Weddings

I’m a little late blogging this, but in case you’ve missed my tweets and status updates, I had the honor of being on WTOC’s Mid-Morning Live in early August! It was a wonderful opportunity to share the excitement of all the Jekyll Dream Makers for the Wedding Giveaway that is still happening RIGHT NOW! (That was your cue to get your entry in!)

View the video of my first segment on live on air and learn about all the wonderful inclusions of this wonderful wedding package from some of the areas BEST vendors like The Jekyll Club Hotel, Latitude 31, Tasteful Temptations, Brooke Roberts Photography, iMint Media, Image Artisans and so many more! I’m also staking out space each Wednesday for Wedding Wednesday answering all wedding related questions on Jekyll Island’s Facebook page! I look forward to seeing you there for my “happy hour” from 6-7 PM!

Martinis with Terrica: David Tutera of My Fair Wedding

Terrica Talk, Wedding Advice

terrica skaggs of cocktails details with party planner david tutera

Prior to the VIP Cocktail Party for the Tybee Wedding Chapel, I was able to take a moment to sit down with party planner extraordinaire, David Tutera of My Fair Wedding who was there to cut the ribbon (and the cake) for the grand opening. It was really wonderful to sit and pick his brain, hear his thoughts on this area and as well as how he uses his talents to translate his client’s passions and personalities in their events. David is extremely warm and talented– and so gracious with his thoughts and time.

: What is your name?

: Terrica.

: Spell it.
: T-E-R-R-I-C-A

: T-E-R-R-I-C-A. I like that!
: Thank you! Me too. It’s French for “fabulous”.

*Laughter*
: I’m just kidding. I’m really excited to have a chance to talk with you!

: Well, thank you! It’s been fun.
: Tell me, David. What do you find most romantic about a Southern Wedding?

: Oh my gosh! How they embrace families and food. It is so serious, it’s not even funny.
: It’s not a game, is it?

: Not at all! I used to do a lot of work in Atlanta years ago, and I’ll never forget the first time I did a wedding down in Atlanta to meet the family. And I met them, the hospitality– the Southern hospitality, was so odd to me, that when I went back to New York and I’m like, “The people down here are so strange”. And then when I went back for another meeting, I was thinking “I like this!” Because it’s real.
: Well, see you had a totally different experience. I’m a Northern transplant, too. So it totally caught me off guard. My husband would be out mowing the lawn and people would ride by and honk the horn or wave. I remember thinking, “Oohhhhh no no no no no. Who is THAT waving at you?!” But the Southern hospitality is awesome.

*Laughter*

It is. It’s very endearing. And the weddings– there are no walls, and there are no pretenses. I think, and I don’t live here, but what I’ve experienced with the weddings I do in the South, you get what you see.
: Absolutely. Absolutely. So with the return of glamour in weddings and events, how do you think that can be incorporated with a Southern wedding? You know, meshing the homespun with a little bit of the glam. Can it be done?

: I’ll give you a perfect example: here we are sitting in the Tybee Wedding Chapel. Someone just asked me earlier, “Can you embrace uniqueness to this space?” And I say, yes! You know what, just because you are in this space, you don’t have to have a Southern style wedding. Can you imagine a wedding with two long tables in here– done up in high glam?
: Oh, gosh that would be awesome. Estate tables…that would be fabulous!

: Yeah! But you wouldn’t expect that in here. And then if you came to that and left here, you’d think, “Oh my God”…
: “What just happened!?”

*Laughter*

: That, to me, is what makes great celebrations.
: Well, I know you are all about “Dreaming Bigger”…

: Thank you…
: and brides going for the absolute best, and I really appreciate that. So if a bride had to splurge on one thing– what should it be?

: Well. It’s going to be one of three things…

*Laughter*

: It’s gonna be either food, music or decor.
: Oh my gosh, yes!

: And since none of those things can happen all at once, so if we had to splurge on one of them…Just because I am a designer I would say decor. I’d have to say that–because that’s my roots. It would have to make sense to who you are and what the bride wishes for the most. You can always make the energy happen with music, and not spend a lot of money. That’s not necessarily true with decor.
: That’s true. Really create the experience. Now, I have to ask this– are you finding that you are drawing a lot from what you learned from your grandfather into what you do?

: I come from [pause]… You’re the first person to ask me these questions. I come from a very close family. My grandfather had no money. My parents had no money. I learned everything I could with the simplest of things. I’m grateful for that because it gave me such a strong ability to put up with people that have a lot of money. I don’t find myself of that class to fit in, I found myself comfortable enough to step into it to execute a wedding and then go back into the life that I am comfortable in. And it really make me appreciate the simple things.

: That is awesome. I think any client would really appreciate that… That you bring something different to the table.

: I’m not sure that clients knew that as much. It came more focused in my world when I began hosting “My Fair Wedding”. Because the brides on My Fair Wedding are really just like people I grew up with. And I thought, “Oh, full circle”. 25 years later, but…

: *Laughter* It happens! It happens! Ok. Another real talk moment. What wedding trend would you absolutely see die? I mean like right now..I’ll get the crime scene tape out of my truck…

*Laughter*

: The.freaking.garter.belt! As far as I am concerned, it is dead.

: I don’t even see the point anymore.

: It’s not the time or place to do that in front of a bunch of people. So that’s what I’m hoping disappears.

: I know from the Grammys to the parties that you do for social clients…how do you bring out an event’s personality? How do you make it different?

: Listen. You listen. People can’t actually explain what they want. And you ask questions that are non-related to the ceremony or to the event. Like I would ask you– you told me you were from Baltimore, you told me a couple of things. From the sense of what I see– I would do something high glam and you probably like a little sparkle. I have a really great knack of getting to know someone fast and getting into their heads.

: Are you finding it’s more of what people “don’t” say, too– and you learn from that too?

: Or it’s what they say that they think that they’re understanding that they’re not. I like to ask a lot of important fact finding– just like you are with me. I do the same in return.

: Well, thank you so much for spending time with me, David!

: You are very, very, very, very welcome! Thanks, sweetie!

David was so gracious and warm! Everything that you see on TV– he truly is in real life! Be sure to check out his show, My Fair Wedding, on the We Channel each week and also get his MUST HAVE book for wedding planning, The Big White Book of Weddings: A How-to Guide for the Savvy, Stylish Bride
available in Hardcover and for the Kindle!

Party with Me: The Tybee Wedding Chapel Grand Opening

St Simons & Jekyll Island Weddings, Terrica Talk

228949_10150257097551615_225266186614_7975039_8064419_n.jpg

Last week, I had the great opportunity to visit Tybee Island, Georgia and participate in the Tybee Wedding Chapel Grand Opening. It was a wonderful experience to visit this seaside town, especially to see the opening of this gorgeous little chapel! Originally built by prized artisans to reflect the look of a turn-of-the-century Baptist chapel for the Miley Cyrus movie, “The Last Song”, it was slated for demolition after filming wrapped. At the last minute, the new owner Stayce Jarrell, saved the Chapel and lovingly repurposed it as a unique, beautiful wedding venue. The renewed Chapel has elevated Tybee Island to a premiere wedding destination where brides and grooms from across the country come to take their vows.

Tybee Wedding Chapel for weddings and events

The Tybee Chapel is absolutely STUNNING! Stayce has taken every care into all the details, creating a unique space filled with romance, history and timeless beauty. As part of the Grand Opening, she invited us to join her and Party Planner David Tutera as they “Cut the Ribbon and Cut the Cake” to celebrate the opening of the Chapel. What made the event extraordinary is that it was something that could appeal to all of the senses– David conceptualized different vignette motifs, which the members of the special event trade translated into flowers, food, and decor. It was completely amazing to see how their creativity interpreted his vision.

Paris Market

Antique Garden

Tuscan Bounty

Posh Picnic

Other vignettes:

But it wasn’t all work and no play– there was great food, music and laughter as at any event industry event! It was great to meet with so many talented vendors, some of my twitter followers and great innovators in the industry. I had a chance to hug and chat with Matt and Ginny— the AWESOME couple who raised the bar with Matt’s wedding proposal which was a movie trailer. They are SO much fun and I cannot wait for their wedding!

Youtube wedding proposal sensation matt and ginni

The food was absolutely DIVINE! Everyone knows my adoration of cakes and cocktails, so I made it a point to try the “Chapeltini”, which was a melange of Peach Schnapps, rum, strawberries, and peach nectar. It took everything in me not to just scoot out with the punch bowl! Not to mention, Gigi’s Cupcakes were there with adorable mini smoothie shaped cupcakes and other confections! I loved this peacock cake as well as some of the passed hors d’oeuvres like bacon wrapped dates, seared ahi tuna, duck confi and SO much more. I was in foodie heaven!

peacock wedding cake, chapeltini signature drink, cupcakes

I also had a chance to meet Carlie of TravelPod an her mom, Chris who were my housemates (Top left). They were absolutely hysterical! I loved hearing all about Carlie’s travels, so be sure to check out her blog! The Tybee Chapel owner Stayce Jarrell (Top right) is an absolute visionary with everything she has done to transform the chapel and create a blank canvas of a space that can welcome any event and be a beautiful backdrop. Additionally, she is beautiful, dresses divinely and is a gracious host! I look forward to working with her in the future. It was so very nice also to chat with Diann Valentine, the celebrity event planner and host of the new wedding show “I Do Over” (Bottom left) as well as FINALLY meet the man simply known as “Big George” on Tybee Island of North Beach Grill (Bottom right). Not only is George a ridiculously terrific cook, but he is an artistic genius! I loved his low country vignette above that was laced with antique mason jars, hydrangeas and candles!

celebrity event planner behind the scenes party

And I must give a shout out to my date, Nicole who helped me capture some awesome images to bring back and was the perfect company! We had so much fun and I cannot wait to do it again!

wedding planner terrica skaggs cocktails and details

The next day after the VIP cocktail party, we arrived back to the gorgeous chapel for the ribbon cutting with David Tutera:

Tybee wedding chapel opening with David Tutera

Diann Valentine with Terrica Skaggs Wedding Planner

Tybee Wedding Chapel Grand Opening with David Tutera and Stayce Jarrell

The Tybee Wedding Chapel is a beautiful venue– if you are ever in the area, be sure to check it out. It would be the perfect backdrop to your destination wedding in Coastal Georgia while keeping the beach town feel and ambience. You’ll fall in love with the flooring, architecture and spacious grounds!

Fashion Monday: Kim Kardashian Alternative Wedding Dresses!

Wedding Sugar

We were ALL ridiculously excited for Kim Kardashian’s wedding this past weekend and couldn’t wait to see her dress! Even though Kim’s gown was made by family friend, Vera Wang (okay…who wouldn’t LOVE to have a family friend in Vera Wang!?), some of the top powerhouses in bridal fashion wanted to give their interpretations on what the voluptuous beauty would saunter up the aisle in. Who do you think got it right?

ANNE BARGE is known for having impeccable quality both in construction and fit. Anne’s use of pure silk couture fabrics paired with simple clean lines beautifully modernizes vintage couture. With careful attention given to every detail, many of her designs are accented with delicate embroidery and beading.

Anne Barge’s interpretation: “My inspiration was over-the-top romantic drama. The lace was the romance and the drama was the silhouette and three dimensional beading and embroidery.” The elongated mermaid bodice and deep border hem of the gown are ivory French Alencon lace heavily embellished with three dimensional organza petals and beading. The upper portion of the full skirt is pearl silk organza appliquéd with Alencon lace motifs. The hem and chapel train are triple tiers of scalloped border lace. Accented the left shoulder is a corsage of lace, dimensional beading and embroidery which trails asymmetrically across the front of the bodice.

The INES DI SANTO Collection is known for marrying a sculpted, polished bodices with sumptuously layered skirts and romantic detailing. The effect has garnered the brand an eager client base of discerning and celebrity brides. Her well-recognized designs are carried at luxury retailers such as Bergdorf Goodman and Neiman Marcus.

Ines Di Santo’s interpretation: Kim Kardashian is a perfect mix of classic with a cutting edge style. Our inspiration when creating this gown was to create something very luxe that represents Kim’s style and sets her apart from every other bride this Silk Satin Organza gown does just that. To dress a curvy body such as Kim’s it is all about accentuating the waist. As per our sketch the beading is accentuating her waist because of how the beading is concentrated at waistline. What makes the gown we have submitted special is the cut out details and different size Swarovski crystals embroidered throughout the bodice. The gown features a detachable train that can be unattached after the ceremony, with a short sexy mini for the reception. myWPEdit Image

JENNIFER SALZMAN: Formerly of Prada and D&G, Jennifer now creates her own line of glamorous, elegant and Italian-inspired dresses. Her use of Swarovski crystals, french lace, ruffled skirts and bubbled tiers create a unique collection perfect for the modern bride. From dramatic tulle princess gowns to the perfect beaded mermaid dress, Jennifer Salzman’s keen eye for fit and proportion continue to set her apart.

Jennifer Salzman’s interpretation: I tried to be true to Kim’s style, which tends to be more sexy and dramatic, but also take into consideration that for her wedding day she may surprise us all. The gown I designed for Kim has a structured bodice and trumpet style skirt that flaunt her fabulous curves. The neckline and bodice are simple so she can add her own jewelry, and the skirt has soft feminine draping with a dramatic billowing train to appeal to her usual sensational gown choices. I added clear crystal beads throughout for some sparkle. Kim has very feminine curves and she is also thin, so she can really play up her curves in a style that hugs her body and flares out below the hip, making her waist look even smaller than it is.

4. CLAIRE PETTIBONEspecializes in ethereal dresses with a playful, vintage look; truly for a bohemian girl who wants to stand apart from the crowd. Claire’s romantic and ultra feminine line incorporates jeweled eyelet lace, silk floral appliques and detailed European trimmings.

Claire Pettibone’s interpretation: Claire used Silk charmeuse which is layered with hand beaded tulle and ribbon roses. Silk ribbon flowers and leaves are scattered throughout, along with Swarovski crystals and pearl accents. This gown has a sweetheart neckline and a mermaid silhouette. A full sweeping train, opulent details and just a touch of sparkle are perfect for glamour-girl Kim. When asked how to dress for Kim’s body type claire answered, “Love your curves, and accent your waist! Try to keep the lines of your gown long and lean (rather than breaking it up say, with a belt) I think this gives an elegance to the curves. The ribcage is usually one of our slimmest areas, so if you have a full bust & hips, you can choose a gown fitted through the high waist to really give an hourglass look. I love to bring focus up to the neckline and face, so why not show a (tasteful) amount of décolleté?!”

From what we heard about this weekend’s nuptials, there were a few wardrobe changes, so personally, I am very excited to see the fashions worn by everyone. Which of the above are your favorite?