CAPE MAY, NJ

Photo found here

This week you'll see a lack of posts. I'm signing off for the rest of the week to enjoy my summer vacation with the hubby in Cape May, NJ. I heart Victorian houses. I hope to have one someday, sigh.

Be sure to check back next week...I'll be sharing pictures from a wedding I coordinated in June at Capitale.

BRIAN DORSEY + ML = LOVE

Photos: Brian Dorsey Studios

I think it's safe to say that anything photographer Brian Dorsey shoots makes me squeal out loud for joy! This wedding is no exception! I first laid eyes on this adorable couple when I saw their E-Pics on Brian Dorsey's Blog. I never pictured myself in a ballgown on my own wedding day until Monique Lhuillier's Spring 2010 "Sunday Rose" hit the runway. Oh how I LOVE this dress! So I'll leave you today with this stunner of a gown.

WHIMSICAL MAPS

Maps (names have been blurred): Trial by Cupcakes

Every invitation these days seems to have a map inside of it, which I think is a wonderful idea. A hand drawn map allows the couple to tell their guests a little about themselves. You can include your favorite restaurant on the map or even the spot where the two of you were engaged. The options are endless and your guests will love this original piece of art that can later be kept as a keepsake! Are you a high-tech bride? You can also create a wedding map web page.

Whenever one of my brides is looking for a hand drawn map I immediately send them to Trial by Cupcakes. Her Etsy shops name alone lets you know that her work is going to be fun! Trial by Cupcakes maps are deliciously perfect and her prices for envelope calligraphy can not be beat! I dare you to tell me her work doesn't make you smile. So indulge and treat yourself  to a wedding map pronto!

MIREPOIX

First dress VW, second dress ML, third dress CH

Mirepoix (onions, carrots & celery) is the flavor base for so many dishes...without it cooking would be bland. Looking for a wedding dress without at least sampling Vera Wang, Monique Lhuillier and Carolina Herrera would be the same...bland. So grab a friend and find some time to visit the trunk shows below. Even if the dresses are out of your budget, you'll have fun gushing over these masterpieces!

If your not located in NYC, check out the links above to find out when the trunk shows are in a town near you!

Vera Wang

07.23-07.25 Saks Fifth Avenue 212.940.2269

08.13-08.15 Bergdorf Goodman 212.872.8957

08.21-08.22 Mark Ingram Bridal Atelier 212.319.6778

Monique Lhuillier

07.31-08.01 Mark Ingram Bridal Atelier 212.319.6778

08.28-08.29 Bergdorf Goodman 212.872.8957

Carolina Herrera

08.06-08.08 Saks Fifth Avenue 212.940.2269

CALLIGRAPHY BY JENNIFER

Photos: Calligraphy by Jennifer

Anyone who knows me, knows that I'm overtly obsessed with calligraphy. I'm constantly trying to find ways to incorporate calligraphy into my everyday life. Calligraphy is also the perfect way to personalize your wedding day! If budget is not on your side for hand written calligraphy, digital calligraphy might be an option for you! Starting today, every week I will feature an artists calligraphy. The styles will run the gamut, ranging from fun and modern to classic and pretty. I will try to keep all my selections moderately priced, but every now and again I'll have to throw in a pricier option...because who doesn't love a little luxe now and again!

For my first post I'd like to introduce you all to a favorite of mine. Whether you want something very simple and clean like Chancery Italic, or something very ornate like Hollywood Swirl, Calligraphy by Jennifer has you covered! Jennifer's calligraphy is classically beautiful, her prices are fantastic, AND she offers over 35 different styles to choose from too boot! For brides on a tighter budget, Jennifer also offers her work in Monoline Styles. Monoline is a less expensive option to calligraphy and is written with a gel pen. For brides looking for something truly unique, Jennifer offers Custom Invitation Design as well as Custom Menu Design. 

Why not wow your guests with calligraphy. A beautiful invitation inside an equally stunning envelope will set the tone for your affair and gets your guests excited for your event. Thanks to the USPS, the Internet and websites like Etsy- your choices for calligraphy are endless! 

WEDDING LIBRARY EVENT 07.23-7.26

Photo found here

When I was planning my own wedding I was working part time at the fabulous Bond no 9. Which turned out to be quite the dangerous location...5 blocks away from the Wedding Library. I would frequently visit the store and it's a must hit location for all brides to be!

Here are all the details for the event:

New Spring 2010 Amsale Bridesmaid Collection

Airbrush Makeup by Bridal Gal

Adorn Jewelry  

Sweets by Ruth Drennan

Custom garters by Julianne Smith 

Equinox Health Club

Manhattan Swing

Refreshments by Elissa Cooper of Bottlerocket & Barterhouse

Receive a personalized bookmark with calligraphy by Carol Danielle

Thursday July 23rd through Sunday July 26th

Wedding Library

43 East 78th Street

NY, NY 10075

212.327.0100

Visit their blog for up to the minute details!

Space is limited. Call 212.327.0100 for an appointment. Order at the trunk show and save 15%

BACCARAT...SWOON!

Photos found here

I am in love with all things pretty and sparkly! Don't get me wrong...I swoon for garden affairs too!! I have always been obsessed with Baccarat and hope to have a bride soon that pines after it as much as I do. It would be so fun to recreate the opulence of Baccarat!! 

J CREW SAMPLE SALE 07.12-07.16

Photos found here

Yah! J Crew is having a sample sale this week! They will have all stock sizes of special occasion and wedding gowns. The best part...the dressing rooms will only be available for wedding gowns. Hopefully that will mean no crazy long lines inside?!

WHERE:   

     Clothingline

261 W 36th Street

(Between 7th & 8th)

2nd Floor

NY, NY 10018

WHEN:     

     Sunday 10am-5pm

Monday-Thursday 10am-7pm

Entrance and selling floor closes 15 minutes prior to closing!

BLOG LUV

I am so excited to share with you some "teasers" from a wedding I coordinated in June.  The wedding was shot by the incomparable Marie Labbancz. Click here for part 1 and here for part 2. 

UPDATE...click here for part 3, and here for part 4!

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY

Photo Credit: Aga Images

I am signing off a little early today to enjoy the long weekend with my hubby and pup. Well...as soon as he gets finished with playing with his mistress, AKA golf!

In honor of Independence Day, I'll leave you with these pictures of our own wedding.  For our church exit we opted for sparklers instead of rice, bubbles, or rose petals. It was such a huge hit and intense moment! 

Originally I had purchased the 36" style. I do not recommend them! They are way to long and heavy! I returned them for the 20" size which was less cumbersome and had plenty of burn time!

MOMENT OF SILENCE

Photo Credit: Aga Images

My beautiful wedding gown has finally left my possession to get cleaned and preserved. SIGH! No more opening the bag here and there to sneak a peak. I left my Vera Wang Luxe Audrey in the good hands of J Scheer & Co.

It will be missed, but hopefully adored and worn by someone else in my family one day. Most likely not...but what a work of art my dress is...if I do say so myself! Barbie loved my dress so much that she teamed up with Vera Wang and Robert Best (Project Runway Alumni) to recreate my dress for Barbie this year.

Bye Bye Audrey...till we meet again.