I can think of no better way to kick off the weekend with this ultraglam one shoulder vintage-esque wedding dress found over at 100 Layer Cake’s coverage of the Martha Fall Fashion Show.
PS—how cute is Sylvia Weinstock with her leopard print flats?
So, the day is finally here!
All the hard work, preparation, planning and hard work is about to pay off. You’ve, in your infinite wisdom, hired a wedding coordinator to protect your investment and allow you to actually enjoy your wedding day. Here are some tips if you decide to work with a personal wedding coordinator:
Assume s/he knows nothing! If your wedding coordinator is coming in about a month prior to your wedding (as most should), s/he hasn’t been with you throughout your planning process and doesn’t know the details of your wedding. Take this time to bring them up to speed and leave nothing out: share your vendor contracts, disputes, ideas and changes so that they are able take everyone’s needs into consideration when building the timeline and coordinating other vendors. For example, a typical mishap that occurs when couples forget that their vendors have requested a meal for the wedding day (hot or otherwise). Believe it or not, this can change the entire course of the day, but could’ve been easily prevented with earlier preparation.
Tell the family secrets. The same thing applies to any important family history your coordinator needs to be aware of. If your parents do not get along, it would be highly problematic to seat them together. If your sister is prone to dramatic displays or your maid of honor has a peanut allergy, again—let your coordinator know as far in advance as possible. What may seem little to you could ultimately disrupt well-laid plans that have been set.
Get your stuff together. If you are incorporating many DIY projects or personal items into your decor, you need to have them assembled, labeled, numbered, etc. at least one week prior to the wedding. It’s not really fair to dump a box of various pieces on your coordinator and her staff expecting them to turn your mess into fabulous. Here are some great examples:
to remove any stickers/adhesive, scuff marks, etc. We typically keep some in our kit for emergencies, but it works best when it has a chance to sit on whatever is going to be removed.
Decide who will have the last word. When your coordinator works with you to build your timeline and event preparation documents, it will be assumed the details are final. It can be extremely frustrating to arrive and begin working on what has been decided and agreed upon to have someone come along (your mother, bridesmaids, etc.) change the entire flow of things because they feel their way is better. These unauthorized changes have the potential of throwing off several other vendors who are relying on your coordinator’s information (timelines, setup docs, etc.). What may seem like a small change can affect several other vendors. Make sure that you give your coordinator or someone else who knows the entire scope of the wedding final authority.
I know I have lots of other wedding planner/coordinator friends out there—what are some of your tips for working well with your coordinating team?
There is something sweet on the menu—no, wait…it is the menu! If you are looking for fashion meets function at your wedding, these chocolate menus are perfect to double as menus and favors! Edward Marc Chocolatier, the 95 year-old family-owned company, specializes in creative and custom packages for weddings.
Key products from Edward Marc’s wedding lineup include customized chocolate menus ($12, available in milk, dark or white chocolate) or personalized medallions ($13); the must-have cordial cups ($15, available in milk, dark or white chocolate), or the Chocolate truffles,in Raspberry, Amaretto, Champagne and Espresso (available in a wide variety of sizes and combinations).
Another reason to heart them: 20% of each sale via EdwardMarc.com can be donated to the partner charity of the new couple’s choice. Current options include the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the Wounded Warrior Project, The Children’s Institute, the Clinton-Bush Haiti Fund and the Touch A Life Foundation.
Wedding planning can be fun, but overwhelming. There is no doubt that one can go into overload with details and ideas throughout the course of your planning. At times, it can be easy to veer off of your path. Luxury wedding expert, Nadia Digilov of Celebrating in Style has come up with this fantastic quiz to help you hone in on your event vision and style. Here’s an example of one of the quizzes to help you focus on your event vision:
Which if the below accessories are you most likely to be seen in on a regular day:
A) A floral necklace
B) A bold statement bracelet
C) Flip-Flop shoes
D) A unique hair ornament/ headpiece
Which of the below activities is of most interest to you?
A) Reading interesting novels
B) Dancing
C) Playing a sport
D) Shopping for the latest trends
What is your favorite color?
A) Pink
B) Red
C) Blue
D) Orange
What would be your dream vacation?
A) Relaxing on a beautiful exotic beach
B) Exploring the festive streets of an exotic country like Brazil or Argentina
C) Staying active and exploring nature- hiking, rock climbing, or cycling
D) Visiting Paris for Fashion Week
Now count up you’re A’s, B’s, C’s and D’s!
If you picked mostly A’s, you are: The Innocent Bride
You prefer a more angelic look and love sprucing up your look with flowers, pastels, and more earthy accessories. When getting married, you will feel most comfortable choosing a gown that is more traditional. Traditional gowns are fitted on top and come out wide at the waist, in a princess-like manner. Top the look off with soft curls and accessories like white flowers, which can be real or an accessory of your choice decorated with crystals. However, as with any unique bridal styles this look is certainly not for every bride. Her innocent look is not something that can be recreated with the right makeup or the right dress; she will look this way no matter what she wears. Just because the dress is fluffy and white does not mean that everyone will look adorable in it. So, flatter your fabulous self and accentuate your assets.
If you picked mostly B’s, you are: The Sensual Bride
The sensual bride is bold and exciting; she takes risks and lives for passion. Physically, the sensual bride tends to have strong features and looks dignified and elegant with red lipstick rather than a made-up doll. Wearing white on your wedding day symbolizes virginity and purity but let’s face it, we don’t all have angelic faces nor care to look innocent, even on our wedding day. For this time of bride, a fitted gown accentuating the hips and waist, some red lipstick, an elegant hair twist and an attitude that says “I can rock this look” are the way to go. We have all seen women who are desperately trying to carry out the sensual style with an innocent bride look! It just looks unnatural. Therefore, if you have strong features, have a curvy body and look great in a mermaid fitted gown, this look is definitely for you! Keep in mind that dressing a little sexy on your wedding is okay, but it will be best to still make sure it is done in good taste.
If you picked mostly C’s, you are: The Casual Bride
You’re a nature-lover, enjoy playing with the young ones, roughing it with the boys and you don’t mind getting dirty. Comfort is what you look for in clothes, and your wedding gown should be no exception.. The gowns that you will find surprisingly comfortable and casual, while still elegant for your wedding are different variations of the Grecian-inspired dresses. These gowns are flowing and comfortable yet elegant and sultry. They are fitted at the bust and flow to the ground. To top off the look,, try accentuating the hair with soft waves or with braids on the sides of the head. This look is great for a bride who has always dreamed of a beach wedding or a casual destination wedding.
If you picked mostly D’s, you are: The Trendy Bride
You’re the girl setting the trends not following them. You have always been considered a trendsetter, and therefore your wedding day should be no exception. For the Trendy Bride, gone is the day when putting together a bridal look was all about tradition. You’re the girl most likely to revolutionize the bridal look once and for all! A note to all brides, this look is very difficult to pull off unless you are the Carry Bradshaw of your circle, I mean, who else can pull off a bird in their hair on their wedding day? Dare to add color to your gown, accessorize with interesting hats and hair-pieces, add a statement necklace, or even opt for a short gown. The sky is the limit for the Trendy bride, but stay true to your body type and skin complexion. You’ve always known how to pull off any look, so make sure you’re working with what you know and not totally stepping out of your best looks.
Remember, no matter what category you fall under, it’s all about confidence. A bride needs to “own” her look and feel comfortable carrying out a style. Choosing the look that will fit your personality will bring out your inner happiness, confidence and ultimately result in an amazing wedding day experience for the fabulous and stylish you!
ABOUT NADIA DIGILOV & CELEBRATING IN STYLE:
Nadia Digilov is New York’s premier luxury wedding expert and the founder and CEO of NYC based event production firm Celebrating in Style, celebrating-instyle.com. After several years on the trading floors of the largest investment banks on Wall Street, her passion for production led her to begin creating luxury events that leave lasting impressions. Since 2002 Nadia has created weddings, corporate events, concerts, trade shows, and marketing events in major cities around the world; including New York, Miami, Moscow, Tel Aviv and St. Petersburg. For those getting married in New York City or the tri-state area, visitwww.newyorkweddinglist.com.
Photography by Emma Cleary, EmmaCleary.com and courtesy of Nadia Digilov, Celebrating-InStyle.com.
We had the pleasure of assisting Emily + Scott with their wedding at the Saint Simons Island Lighthouse and the Museum (the A.W. Jones Heritage Center). It was a sweet and intimate gathering of family and friends—with great food provided by Straton Hall and music by Island Sound. Emily + Scott originally met as “models” taking pictures for the neighborhood they lived in, The Woodlands of Athens. I love that Emily says, “5 years have passed and we are still drunk on each others love.” That being said, I am so very impressed with how the photographers of Once Like A Spark captured the playfulness and romance between the two of them.
Congratulations, Emily + Scott!
(I love that they chose to be married on the porch of the Keeper’s House at the St. Simons Lighthouse. Another personal detail: the same pastor that baptized Emily, was also the officiant to marry her to Scott)
The family decided to do a “Biscuits at the Beach” brunch the next day—but not before Emily + Scott did a killer morning after shoot:
If you’ve never been to our area—you are truly in for a treat with our islands, Saint Simons, Jekyll Island, Sea Island and Little Saint Simons Island. Tucked away off of the Georgia Coast, is the perfect getaway without “actually” going away. These islands are perfect for those who love the concept of a destination wedding, but want to make sure that their guests are able to attend their wedding without spending a lot of money for travel. Each island offers something for everyone—Jekyll Island is a quiet, natural island full of beauty and history. It is the home to the historic Jekyll Island Club Hotel, the al fresco Beachview Club, as well as the quaint Villas by the Sea with Straton Hall, and the large beachside Jekyll Island Convention Center. Saint Simons Island is a true vacation island??home to the historic seaside dance club turned uber resort King and Prince, luxurious Ocean Lodge, other sprawling estates like Villa de Suenos and several boutiques and restaurants. Sea Island is home to the ultra exclusive Cloister that is an experience all its own.
With all these options, I’ll share some tips on planning your destination wedding here in Coastal Georgia:
These tips should get you started with your upcoming wedding Saint Simons, Jekyll Island or Sea Island. We hope to work with you soon!
Absolutely loving the designs of Cheree Berry! The colorful minimalistic designs are perfect for bridal couples who wish to make an impact with their wedding invitation—after all, it does set the tone for the entire event. The designs have plenty of personality and detail which make the vibrant colors stand out even more. Paired with striking envelopes and response cards, you have the the perfect wedding invitation suites!
When I saw Shaliz + Robert’s engagement photos on Chris + Lynn’s website, I literally sighed. They are such a beautiful couple and the colors of Cabo San Lucas made the perfect backdrop for their engagement photos and wedding. You can feel how comfortable they are with their photographers and most importantly, with each other. With the way he holds her, you can see how Robert adores Shaliz and the warmth in her smiles says so much about the man she will spend the rest of her life with. See more:
I had so many favorites! Thank you Chris + Lynn for allowing me to share your work. If you are looking for wedding photographer for your destination wedding in Cabo San Lucas, please check them out!
If there was one word I could think of when I see the gowns of Winnie Couture it would be “romantic”. With rich textures and designs of soft rosettes, flounces, bubble skirts and ruffles, there is a gown for the bride who wants to look and feel ultra feminine on her wedding day. Everything from overly fashionable and chic to demure to destination gowns, these wedding dresses, Winnie Couture does not disappoint.
Visit the Winnie Couture website for more information on buying your Winnie Couture wedding dress, additional designs (including those for bridesmaids) as well as real weddings featuring Winnie Couture gowns!
When I saw this adorable Savannah engagement shoot shot by Brooke Roberts, I felt so at ease and carefree. I know that Jessica + Scott must have, too. I love being completely focused on them while in the midst of one of Savannah’s most beautiful landmarks, Forsyth Park. They were so relaxed with each other, you feel like that they were the only ones in this beautiful city.
