VENDOR SPOTLIGHT: HORNBILL HILL STUDIO

Photos: Hornbill Hill Studios

I have been DYING to share Hornbill Hill Studio's work with you for months now. You see, I couldn't share her work sooner because I was working with them and one of my brides mother's to create a custom invitation for one of my brides surprise wedding shower.

When I first found the studio on Etsy, Jennifer the creative director was just integrating/developing her Etsy shop (there were literally two items for sale)...but from those two items alone I immediately emailed her and began working with her. I could tell from those two items that her shop would be a smashing success. She has so many fresh and wonderful ideas.

I don't know what else to say, but that you should contact her today...before her work quadruples in price (she's that good).

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY

Photo: Giddyspinster

I wanted to wish all mothers out there a very special Mother's Day this weekend. The above is a picture of the gift I sent my own mom (she lives in Florida). I love Giddyspinster's Etsy Shop! When I saw this up-cycled stiletto that had been turned into a planter I had to order one for my mom, stat. My mom is a constant source of inspiration for me...my mother is just about the spunkiest person I know and she has such a fun, modern, avant-garde/abstract interior design aesthetic. If you visited my childhood home, and especially their home now, you'd know exactly what I mean. I also get my crazy obsession with Yorkie's from my mother...she has two cuties, Zsa Zsa GaBow and Nico. I love you and miss you mom!

Photo: Poppies & Posies Events

Next up, my Mother in law. I am constantly telling her everyday to give up her job as being in charge of the volunteers at a hospital and become a florist (I kid, she loves what she does). When my mother in law and her family came to the states from Italy they were horticulturalist. I love hearing all her stories and seeing the amazing arrangements she whips up using the plants and flowers in her garden (and growing in her garage!). She adores Poppies & Posies Events aesthetic, so I've ordered something from them for her. Picture to follow Monday, but above you can see one of their amazing arrangements.

YUM AND SO PURDY!

Photos of Ron Ben Israel Cakes

I have been meaning to do a post on Ron Ben Israel Cakes for the longest time...and then yesterday I was reminded to do so when I saw a great interview with him on Darcy Miller's The Bride's Guide. His cakes are pieces of art and they taste good to boot. I am also blown away by his incredible sugar flowers. I couldn't be more excited that one of my beautiful couples (pictured above with Ron) will have a RBI cake at their July wedding. The design of the cake is to die for and I can't wait to see it...and eat it!! Be sure to check him out on Facebook, so many awesome pictures. I especially love the Sex and the City 2 cake pictured with my lovely couple. Rustic Chic Weddings are definitely very popular...but a glam NYC bash never fails to wow as well.

I HEART ALE PAUL!!

Photos of some of Ale Paul's Fonts

Yesterday I was with a colleague and we got to talking about fonts. So today I want to pay homage to the master of all fonts, Alejandro Paul. I thought it would be fun to introduce y'all to the man behind most of those fonts you ladies (and gents) are using for your wedding paper.

Ale Paul is a true artist...I can't even begin to tell you how obsessed I am with all of his fonts and type. He taught graphic design and typography at the Universidad de Buenos Aires. Ale is also the co-founder of the Studtipos Project, which is a type collective. I love his work so much because he really seems to capture the essence of time periods by translating them into type.

You can purchase his fonts here and here. Okay...not quite sure how much I taught you about the genius, but I feel good knowing that I put his name out there. If you ask your stationer who developed your font, don't be surprised if they say Ale Paul!

VINTAGE HEADDRESSES

Photos: Vintage Headdresses

I'm crazy in love with UK bridal fashion. There are so many designers that I wish we had in the states. I love UK bridal so much that it actually inspired the name of my company, Bespoke Affairs!

UK gals totally know how to accessorize, and Vintage Headdresses is at the top of my list. They have a wonderful selection of vintage headdresses, hair accessories, jewelry, and bags...the list goes on and on. They even offer made to order pieces (bespoke).

STYLE ME PRETTY FEATURE

Photos: Aga Images

It's basically impossible to pick a few of my favorite images from Kim and Tim's day after session shot by Aga Images...So click here to see the entire feature on Style Me Pretty! This shoot is near and dear to my heart because I am an alumni of MU and it is where I met my hubby! I'm over the moon to be featured on Style Me Pretty today, one of my favorite wedding blogs.

VERA WANG UNDER $1,500??

Photo found here

It's NOT sample sale time! Vera Wang announced today that she will be partnering with David's Bridal to launch a new bridal collection. Okay I'll be frank- I'm not sure how I feel about this?! As a Vera Wang bride myself, part of the allure of her gowns have always been (to me) the high quality couture feel and materials used on the gowns....I'll be curious to see how she can pull this off with price points of $500-1,500. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that every bride should have to pay crazy prices for designer duds.

What do you think? Love it or hate it? Personally, I love that her gowns will be accessible to brides everywhere, but I'm weary to think the fabrics and materials might be compromised.

PRETTY, PRETTY, PRETTY!

Photos: Carol Hannah

I am a huge Project Runway fan. One of my all time favorite designers on the show (ever) would have to be Carol Hannah. One day while endlessly browsing Etsy, I came across her ready to wear Etsy shop and her wedding collection on Etsy...I nearly died of excitement! I've been reading her blog and checking her website for updates on her collections ever since. Yesterday while looking on her site I noticed that it is completely updated with the most gorgeous wedding gowns and bridesmaid dresses. Best part...she's located here in NYC and a complete sweetheart!! Be sure to check out Carol Hannah's site today.

RAD PHOTOGRAPHER

Photo Credit: Brian DeMello

Brian DeMello is a crazy talented photographer. Although his website doesn't feature his wedding work I think from the above two images you can get a sense of his killer skills. Photographer friends (bride & grooms too) please take a moment to vote for one of Brian's images so that he can win 10k in lighting equipment. Click here to vote (green paint set and kitchen set).

MY NIECES & NEPHEW

Photos: Aga Images

Okay so this post is not exactly "event" or "wedding" related, but it does feature a couple of my favorite things...my nieces and nephew and the awesome photography duo at Aga Images. Click here to see the pictures in all of their glory on Aga's blog.

Brides out there, not only is Aga crazy talented (how will I ever choose which of these pictures to hang on my wall!!??) but she is also so sweet to be around.

$439 LETTERPRESS DEAL IS BACK!!

Photos: Invitations by Ajalon

UPDATE...MENTION THIS POST AND RECEIVE A FREE SAMPLE SET!!

I am really in love with Invitations by Ajalon. They have a huge selection of letterpress on dreamy paper with a deep impression and their customer service is outstanding. Well, they are running their famous $439 Letterpress deal again. You can even provide your own print ready pdf files by using one of their many templates.

Click here for all the details...but trust me you won't find a better deal for 100 letterpress invites, 100 letterpress RSVP postcards, and 100 envelopes!

UPTOWN MEETS DOWNTOWN

Photos: Danny Weiss

I'm so lucky to be surrounded by the greatest talent the NYC area has to offer! This shoot was the brainchild and made possible by Photographer Danny Weiss, I helped with the logistics, the gathering of vendors (aka talent), etc. I could sing Danny's praise endlessly for the beautiful images that he captures on wedding days...but ladies (and gents) if you're getting married you should totally meet with Danny and I can almost guarantee you'll hire him on the spot! Danny is a super fun guy to be around...exactly what you want on your wedding day!!

The rest of the crew was stellar as well...Annlum Red / Anna Zhu is the sweetest person and also specializes in made to order Bridesmaid dresses, I still can't get over that she made this wedding dress from scratch in a matter of a couple weeks! Imagine what she can do with your wedding dress. I have been a huge fan of Denise Fasanello Floral Design for some time now and I was so excited to get her on board. I find her work to be so organic, inspiring and original. Our "bride" looked smashing thanks to Sally Duvall (makeup) and Stacy Pitt (hair). These two ladies are NYC favorites in the wedding world and for good reason. You'd be hard pressed to find a more laid back & talented duo. Another favorite of mine, Holly of Artikal, made the cage veil and (bow) horse hair cocktail piece. I'm obsessed with calligraphy and Anna Beckman's tangled script was exactly what this shoot needed...something fun! Last but certainly not least, Red Carpet Boutique in downtown Millburn, NJ for accessories. Ray from Timeless Films is putting together a video from the shoot, so I'll be sharing that soon.

Alrighty that's about it. I hope that you will enjoy the images!

ROCK 'N ROLL BRIDE FEATURE!

Photo: Rock 'n Roll Bride

Click HERE to check out our feature on Rock 'n Roll bride today!! Last month I teamed up with Photographer Danny Weiss to help him coordinate a photo shoot on a rare Sunday that we all found ourselves free. The idea behind the shoot was simple...Uptown girl meets downtown guy, falls in love and gets married on a whim. The POV of the camera is the groom, and his new bride is flirting with him in front of the camera. This shoot would not have been possible without all the amazing vendors involved:

Danny Weiss for photography

Annlum Red / Anna Zhu for the couture wedding gown

Denise Fasanello Floral Design for the bouquet

Sally Duvall for makeup

Stacy Pitt for hair

Artikal for bridal hats & veils

Red Carpet Boutique in downtown Millburn, NJ for accessories

Anna Beckman for calligraphy

Timeless Films for video (which we will be sharing at a later date)

ALSO a huge thank you is in store to my friend Christian for lending us his motorcycle jacket for the shoot...AND...my real bride Tracy who jumped in as our "bride" for the shoot when our model bride had a modeling conflict and a busted hip. Tracy you are a treasure and I can't wait to see you in your real bridal gorgeousness in July!!

Will be blogging more pictures this week but head over to Rock 'n Roll bride to check out the feature today!