Dashing Diva's wedding colors for your fingers and toes

The Ladies of Dashing Diva not only rocked NY Fashion Week, they are rocking brides nation wide with some of the hottest colors of the season. Celebrities like Jordan Sparks, Felicity Hoffman, Kim Kardashian, NCIC’s Pauley Perrette and Raven Simone were just a few of the star who sport colors designed by the Head Diva Tech in charge Pattie Yankee and her team under the tents. Creating colors and haute styles is what Pattie does. So what are the colors that not only grace the runway but brides for this season? These are some of her suggestions for you and samples of the colors are in the slide show - enjoy.

Your ring will stand out with a Dashing Diva Red in Big Apple Red, or The Red Carpet.

If you are looking to have diamonds from the tips of your ring to the tips of your fingers and toes, how about the same color Naomi Campbell choose for her Fashion for Relief show to benefit Haiti - Diamond District. It’s a beautiful crisp bright white shimmer that works on every skin tone and gives you just a little extra sparkle.

Are you channeling Russian aristocracy, Central Park After Dark created for the George Chakra show is for you. A beautiful deep plum burgundy with a rich creamy feel to it. If you are looking for a ‘pure’ deep burgundy, then try Midnight Rendezvous.
For my Brooklyn Brides, you know those of you that live in Williamsburg…wear your town with pride. This bright neon orange polish will accent the blues and greens so a perfect eco-friendly themed color.

West Village your home, then go for a subtle creamy, nude with a hint of light mocha.
For the Fashion Diva Bride there no better choice than “Fashion Week” This soft creamy nude shade with a hint of pink to compliment various skin tones.

For locations of a Dashing Diva salon near you, go to their site for a complete listing.

Photo Credit in order: Eric Yu and Ann Lawlor

Bridal Boudoir by Lily Kesselman creates tasteful, intimate images

Bridal Boudoir finished book

While Valentine’s day may have been a few weeks ago, there isn’t any reason not to do something special for your future spouse. You know the more I think of it, why not do something special for yourself. Sometimes we are so hard on our selves as women (you know trying so hard to get into shape) that we don’t see the true beauty that is who we are. That’s why I think Bridal Boudoir is an excellent idea. Letting someone capture the real you is a magical experience.

I met with Lily Kesselman of Bridal Boudoir and was able to see her artistry first hand. Fascinating to me, I thought I would share it with you.

Lily, why did you create Bridal Boudoir?
I am a wedding photographer in New York City a while back a bride requested her own personal lingerie shoot. She wanted to give a truly unique wedding gift to her fiancé so we did our first session at my studio. She had fun and sexy lingerie and some personal items as well - her fiance was a Harvard graduate so one shot was of her wearing a Harvard shirt but tied up and with boy-shorts. He was from Ecuador and we used the flag in some of the images. It was totally personalized for him. The photos were amazing and I decided to launch this division for other brides as well as all women. I love the creative challenges from working with one client.

What 'type' of woman takes these types of pictures?
Urban Boudoir photographs all types of women - it is not about showing off the perfect body - it is about showing off a beautiful woman and I truly feel I can make all women look sexy, seductive and fabulous. One client just gave birth 5 months before but you'd never know it. None of the images on my blog are retouched - they are all real women and they look amazing.

I can imagine that this can be a bit…shall we say intimidating right?
I guest a client must be able to trust me and have fun. It can be a little scary - because this is not something you do every day. But I show all my clients the work as we go along and once they see how amazing they look they relax, have fun, and enjoy the shoot.

What does one have to do to prepare (you know girls want to know if they have to be in great shape before they do this)?
Basic grooming is the best way to prepare - do the nails, do the toes, make sure you moisturize and remove anything you don't want photographed! My hair & makeup team will do the rest. I have an incredible hair & makeup team that works on commercial photo shoots every day. We do a few variations on hair & makeup for variety.

How long does it take to do a shoot? Where are shoots done?
Shoots take about 2 - 3 hours and hair & makeup takes an additional 90 minutes. I work on location so you can choose to shoot in your home or rent a hotel room in New York City. It depends on your style preferences and budget. I also put together boudoir sessions in a hotel where clients can book a 3-hour shoot in a location I choose and I'll shoot a few women each day.

Do you have a registry?
Clients can order gift certificates for friends to give.

Anything else you want to share?
Well, I want to share a comment I received from a client. She wrote:
So the woman who helped me bring "sexy back" is Lily Kesselman. She's a big shot wedding photographer here in New York. Her wedding website is http://www.lilykesselman.com/ and her Urban Boudior site is http://www.urbanboudoir.blogspot.com/. All I can tell you is that this woman does things with light and angles to make you feel like you're in the pages of Vogue. Whether it's your wedding day or if you're feeling a little saucy...Lily is your woman. She will capture you in a way you wont believe.

I think this is something that is so personal, so intimate and so special that even if you don’t do it for your future partner, do it for yourself. Go as you are and have Lily and her team show you the beauty in you that they see. I’m sure the final result will be just as it’s supposed to be – perfectly you.

For more information and to set up your appointment visit:

Lily Kesselman Photography, LLC
16 East 10th Street, Suite 4
New York City

212.204.6518 - Phone
917.532.7884 - Mobile

http://www.lilykesselman.com
http://www.lilykesselman.blogspot.com

Visit the new Urban Boudoir Blog http://urbanboudoir.blogspot.com

When words count; wording of your invitations

When you’re planning your engagement party it’s easy. You know that at least 95% of your guests will come in their best party clothes. When it comes to your wedding, you want to make sure that you leave nothing and no one to chance. But what wordings do you use and what is the difference?

Here’s a little cheat-sheet to help you.

Black-tie
Are you having a truly formal wedding, at night, perhaps at the Plaza? If you are then it’s perfectly acceptable to say “Black-Tie attire. This means that your expectation is that the male guests will be in tuxes and your female guests in dresses that are very fancy. They can be cocktail length or floor length. Simply put, everyone is dressed to the nines - BLINGED OUT !

Black-tie optional
This is one of the most used directives on a wedding invitation. Here, your male guests can wear tuxes or really nice suites. The women can range from very fancy to cocktail.
You can use this for an evening wedding.

Cocktail
Men in nice suits and ladies in really nice dresses. If they want to wear a cocktail length or slightly above the knee (tasteful reminder to those people who may need it – oh, come on. You know who I mean). If your girls are more comfortable in a pants suit, that is also acceptable.
I would recommend this for a morning, afternoon or Island destination wedding.

No mention at all
Well, I would hope you know your friends and that they know what is appropriate to wear to you wedding. If you are getting married in a field, over looking a lake in the summer, or a loft in Greenwich Village, your guests should take their wardrobe cue based on the time of day, year and location.

No matter what, all eyes are going to be on you. You are the star and you will be beautiful. If you have any doubt that your guests won’t understand your expectation, then say something.

René Geneva Design eco-chic bridal wear

Eco-Chic fashions by Rene

It’s been a while since we’ve had a new eco-friendly designer and I’m thrilled to be able to introduce you to René Geneva Design. While the term ‘eco’ is just now really releasing the stigma of being ‘non-attractive’ and taking it’s rightful place among some of the more innovative designs, with really innovative designers

What types of gowns/dresses are girls asking you for (either type of material (cotton, silk) style, shape etc.)?

Since our specialty is corsetry, we get a lot of creative brides who want to incorporate corsets on top of their dresses. Our latest favorite combination was a bride who combined our 3/4 length 25002E Evening Dress with an embroidered Riding Corset in a gun metal. It was beautiful. We also have brides who have us shape them with corsets, but use cover fabrics so you can't tell.. its always flattering.

Why did you decide to do an eco-line?

I've had a clothing line since 1997 but it started in night club wear that incorporated a lot of PVC - not so great for the earth. I had absolutely no idea however, and when I started looking into green building as architecture has always been an inspiration of mine - I figured that there must be a way to incorporate that into fashion. Since it was 2003, there was very little textiles to choose from so I relied a lot on formaldehyde-free silks. Lucky for me, other eco-textiles were mainly upholstery fabrics, and corsets benefit the most from the heavier fabrics. It didn't take but a year or so for more fabrics to hit the market to have more choices with hemp blends and whatnot. Also, I started picking up fabrics through traveling from small villages that was nothing but eco-friendly - such as the bark fabric I use from Central America... its literally beaten down bark mixed with water. I've seen similar bark fabric made from coconuts as well.

What makes you create the type of designs you do and is there anyone who inspires you?

There are a lot of people who inspire me, but no one I could name. I love people watching, and I am the style of designer that will notice the odd ball in the crowd that is wearing a layered combination or a new look that is all their own that is just really stunning - and that inspires me. But mostly I am inspired by pretty ethereal things.. such as the shapes that the tops of the Alps made when I ended up on an adjacent mountaintop absolutely alone dirt-surfing, stuck in Switzerland (which didn't suck - but I was stuck none-the-less), and terrified because I was hearing this eerie noise in the wind that was getting louder and impending... I stopped and stretched - which turned into a personal yoga session, and I could do nothing but feel like I was in an high-budget Saturday Night Live skit. I turned around to finally see about 60 cows coming down the mountain into the field right behind me and they were all wearing an old-fashioned cow bell that together was making an incredible noise like the cross between a vintage children's toy and a spooky soundtrack you may hear in Children of the Corn. You can't beat life for inspiration.

How long does it take to create a dress and what are your price ranges?

To design a dress could take a day to months. To make it, we average 6-8 weeks since we hand dye the colors and usually end up custom patterning it for our bride. Our prices range from $800-$4000

Anything else you want the readers to know about your designs?

Just finished a new design that isn't released yet.. and I'll let you have the sneak peak... consider that my penance for taking so long to get back to you! If you need it higher quality for print, let me know.. I can email it to you separately. Photos below are by La Dolce Vita Photography. Its made from a hemp/silk blend coupled with silk chiffon. It took and episode of Project Runway plus the Darjeeling Limited to make all those roses!

For more information: René Geneva Design, LLC Sustainable~Organic~Contemporary~Apparel™

Retail/Wholesale: http://EcoChicClothing.com
The Trunk Show: http://TheTrunkShowAustin.com

Office - 512-448-0690
Toll Free- 877-34-Dress
Cell- 512-762-2918

Destination: Palace Resorts creating a dream location come true

Pool view from Palace Resorts - photo w/permission

I can’t begin to tell you how lucky you are my faithful readers. I’m going on a yearlong adventure and I’m taking you along for the ride. There will be some places near, far, exotic and yes some will be environmentally friendly. I’ll be writing about the location, food, people and things to do and where necessary, what you need to have to get legally married there. To say I’m excited is a complete understatement, but I’m doing it all for you…ok, so for me too.

I’m dedicated to providing you with the destination options that will make your planning and your choice as easy as possible.

So what a better place to kick-off our yearlong adventure than visiting the wonderful locations that Palace Resorts has to offer. Setting the standard in five-star, all-inclusive reports, these properties are ideal for your wedding, honeymoon or a quick “get-out-of-the-cold” weekend away.
They provide a stress-free wedding for you, while making sure you and your guest have a time to remember. So let’s get started.

Can you tell me about your space, locations and opportunities for weddings?

Offering twelve properties in exotic locations through Mexico and the Caribbean, Palace Resorts has a variety of intimate or extravagant settings for destination weddings, such as a private gazebo at Aventura Spa Palace, white sand beach at Moon Palace Golf & Spa Resort or Sky Terrace at Beach Palace, all overlooking the sparkling Caribbean Sea.

What are the heavy times of year you're seeing brides?

Palace Resorts' tropical weather allows the perfect wedding to take place year-round. We welcome couples to come and visit not only before their wedding, but also for their 1-year anniversary.

What are the best/signature experiences can a wedding party expect - or most importantly, if a couple is looking for a venue, why would they choose your space vs. another venue?

Combined with lower than ever price of airfare to Mexico and up to $1,000 in added-value promotions with the Palace Passport for wedding guests that stay at Palace Resorts for three nights of more, complimentary wedding amenities give all happy couples the chance to create a one-of-a-kind affair at some of the most affordable prices for tropical destination weddings.

With the Palace Resorts Complimentary Wedding, a personal wedding planner handles every aspect from securing a Justice of the Peace and official marriage certificate to the decor for the special day and wedding cake, allowing the bride and groom to enjoy their wedding day without the stress of securing last minute details.

For guests interested in a grand wedding, Palace Resorts has created the Precious Wedding Collection packages. These packages offer all amenities in the Complimentary Wedding package in addition to themed luxuries including pre-wedding bridal pampering, elaborate ceremony display including bridal canopy and tropical floral arrangements and incredible receptions with personalized menus, décor and entertainment.

Tell me about the catering, bridal suite, adventures and anything else you want to share with a couple who might consider your properties for their special day.

- Palace Resorts has a variety of different catering options for weddings. Brides and grooms can choose from different menus to have either a sit down or buffet style lunch or dinner at the reception. Smaller parties can choose to host the dinner in one of the on-site restaurants, instead of at the wedding location.

- We offer special bridal suites in their dreamlike spas, so brides and their bridesmaids can get the royal treatment before the ceremony.

For those “adventure couple”, Palace Resorts has two boutique properties located in Isla Mujeres and Cozumel Palace, which are perfect for them.

What are some of the signature eco-friendly aspects can a couple expect?

The Palace Resorts Foundation provides tools to balance the development of the brand's business with the environmental welfare of Mexico’s natural resources and its native ecological inhabitants.

- More than 124 tons of paper and plastic recycled throughout the year (equivalent to more than 2,121 trees saved)
- Energy saving room key-cards in 2,691 of the brand's rooms, which ensure that lights, air and electronics are turned off when a guest is not in the room
- All water reused on the resort plants, saving 146,879,660 gallons (enough water to give each person in the USA (303,824,640) more than one liter of water)
- Xpu-Ha Palace is home to countless ecological exhibits, where local species are saved and brought to the resort to be nursed back to health (including deer, alligators, flamingos, native birds, etc.)

Palace Resorts also safeguards native leather-back and loggerhead sea turtles in Cancun and Riviera Maya through the Turtle Conservation Camp at Moon Palace Golf & Spa Resort in Cancun. Guests have the opportunity to help care for and release turtles into the Caribbean Sea, helping Palace Resorts save more than 338,181 offspring of this endangered species.

There are so many wonderful options that they offer. From the Signature Jack Nicklaus golf courses (for your grooms afternoon out), to signature spa treatments, you will enjoy the warmth of the people there. To find out more please visit their site: www.palaceresortsweddings.com

Lily Kesselman Photography creates beautiful sensual boudoir memories

Bridal Boudoir finished book

While Valentine’s day may have been a few weeks ago, there isn’t any reason not to do something special for your future spouse. You know the more I think of it, why not do something special for yourself. Sometimes we are so hard on our selves as women (you know trying so hard to get into shape) that we don’t see the true beauty that is who we are. That’s why I think Bridal Boudoir is an excellent idea. Letting someone capture the real you is a magical experience.

I met with Lily Kesselman of Bridal Boudoir and was able to see her artistry first hand. Fascinating to me, I thought I would share it with you.

Lily, why did you create Bridal Boudoir?
I am a wedding photographer in New York City a while back a bride requested her own personal lingerie shoot. She wanted to give a truly unique wedding gift to her fiancé so we did our first session at my studio. She had fun and sexy lingerie and some personal items as well - her fiance was a Harvard graduate so one shot was of her wearing a Harvard shirt but tied up and with boy-shorts. He was from Ecuador and we used the flag in some of the images. It was totally personalized for him. The photos were amazing and I decided to launch this division for other brides as well as all women. I love the creative challenges from working with one client.

What 'type' of woman takes these types of pictures?
Urban Boudoir photographs all types of women - it is not about showing off the perfect body - it is about showing off a beautiful woman and I truly feel I can make all women look sexy, seductive and fabulous. One client just gave birth 5 months before but you'd never know it. None of the images on my blog are retouched - they are all real women and they look amazing.

I can imagine that this can be a bit…shall we say intimidating right?
I guest a client must be able to trust me and have fun. It can be a little scary - because this is not something you do every day. But I show all my clients the work as we go along and once they see how amazing they look they relax, have fun, and enjoy the shoot.

What does one have to do to prepare (you know girls want to know if they have to be in great shape before they do this)?
Basic grooming is the best way to prepare - do the nails, do the toes, make sure you moisturize and remove anything you don't want photographed! My hair & makeup team will do the rest. I have an incredible hair & makeup team that works on commercial photo shoots every day. We do a few variations on hair & makeup for variety.

How long does it take to do a shoot? Where are shoots done?
Shoots take about 2 - 3 hours and hair & makeup takes an additional 90 minutes. I work on location so you can choose to shoot in your home or rent a hotel room in New York City. It depends on your style preferences and budget. I also put together boudoir sessions in a hotel where clients can book a 3-hour shoot in a location I choose and I'll shoot a few women each day.

Do you have a registry?
Clients can order gift certificates for friends to give.

Anything else you want to share?
Well, I want to share a comment I received from a client. She wrote:
So the woman who helped me bring "sexy back" is Lily Kesselman. She's a big shot wedding photographer here in New York. Her wedding website is http://www.lilykesselman.com/ and her Urban Boudior site is http://www.urbanboudoir.blogspot.com/. All I can tell you is that this woman does things with light and angles to make you feel like you're in the pages of Vogue. Whether it's your wedding day or if you're feeling a little saucy...Lily is your woman. She will capture you in a way you wont believe.

I think this is something that is so personal, so intimate and so special that even if you don’t do it for your future partner, do it for yourself. Go as you are and have Lily and her team show you the beauty in you that they see. I’m sure the final result will be just as it’s supposed to be – perfectly you.

For more information and to set up your appointment visit:

Lily Kesselman Photography, LLC
16 East 10th Street, Suite 4
New York City

212.204.6518 - Phone
917.532.7884 - Mobile

http://www.lilykesselman.com
http://www.lilykesselman.blogspot.com

Visit the new Urban Boudoir Blog http://urbanboudoir.blogspot.com

Taking recycled clothing to a new eco-friendly level with Gary Harvey

Gary Harvey and model in Weleda Packaging Dress

“Too many garments end up in landfill sites. They are deemed aesthetically redundant and get discarded at the end of the season, when there are often years of wear left”. ~ Gary Harvey

We are just about to enter into one of my favorite times of the year – spring. I just love everything about it flowers blooming, the sun stays out a bit later, and clothing takes on a new feel. Hmmm, speaking of clothing taking on a new feel, I was invited to a Green Fashion Show, billed as “Fashion with a conscience”; with designer Gary Harvey. This was a collection inspired by refined elegance, drama and proportion one would find in vintage couture. Best of all, each garment was made entirely from recycled clothing.

After days of viewing days of haute couture (can I say again how much I love Naeem Khan!!), I was really interested in what would be on this eco-runway.

The collection was designed to challenge people’s perception of second-hand clothing by re-contextualizing iconic everyday garments and creating dramatic new silhouettes to create Eco-Couture fashion. Well it was…interesting to say the least.

Each piece created was totally unique – truly one of a kind. There is a Denim dress made of 42 pairs of Levi 501’s; a Military Dress made of 28 army jackets; “Mac dress” 18 trench coats; Silk scarves dress made out of 50 pink scarves knotted together; a Wedding dress made of 16 wedding dresses; Newspaper dress out of 30 copies of the Financial Times and the Weleda Packaging dress made of 350 packages of Weleda “skin food”. There are others including a wonderful “Funeral dress made of 14 1980’s little black cocktail dresses.

I don’t know if anyone will truly wear these, but I give him credit for reminding us that your clothes can have a second life, if you have a bit of imagination. If you are interested in seeing more, check out his site at www.garyharveycreative.com

Dom Pérignon wedding collection

Beauty in a Dom Perignon bottle.

When you’re thinking about your first toast as husband and wife, I’m sure you want it to be as special and unique as your wedding ceremony. You’ve married your ‘prince charming’ and your champagne should be worthy of royalty right? Well I’m really happy to tell you that Dom Pérignon is launching into the bridal market this spring with something really special.

Dom Pérignon Wedding as it’s called, will consist of 12 bottles of Dom Pérignon Vintage 2000 along with a white lacquered box for your plus one of Dom. The 13th bottle comes with a silver label, which can be personalized with the bride and groom’s name and wedding date. This idea was inspired by the 1981 wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer and their wedding celebration, where all their bottles were engraved. What a way to celebrate?!

Celebrities like Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes, Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon, Beyoncé and Jay-Z, as well as Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony all toasted their nuptials with Dom Pérignon. Now you can add your name to that list. Here’s hoping that your marriage lasts forever and if you’re wondering what to do with that lucky number 13…save it until your first anniversary and toast to the next 50 years of happiness.

For more info: Choosing the right Champagne for you requires you learn a bit about them. Learn more about Dom Pérignon at http://www.domperignon.com/. Please enjoy responsibly.

More March events

No matter where you are in the planning process, paying for a wedding is expensive. My job – which I love, is to find ways to help you with your budget. Here is a great idea – especially for your engagement party, rehearsal dinner or your possible change of dress during your wedding reception. RetailMeNot.com is helping one lucky couple focus on the richer rather than the poorer, by giving them a chance to win $5,000 for wedding-related expenses in the “RetailMeNot.com Wedding Toast Contest,” officially launched today.

To enter, all you have to do is record a short video in the style of a wedding toast, telling the world why you love RetailMeNot and upload it to YouTube. Entrants must subscribe to the RetailMeNot.com YouTube Channel and tag “RetailMeNot.com Wedding Toast Contest” in the video. Additionally, the first 25 entrants will receive a $25 gift certificate to Sephora.com. More entry information and the official can be found on the RetailMeNot.com site.

Couples are you looking for an affordable and easy-to-get-to destination for your honeymoon? Look no further than Nassau, The Bahamas, where the Sheraton Nassau Beach Resort is offering incredible savings with their Buy One Get One Free Package. With Ocean View rooms starting at $298 a night, for every room night purchased you’ll receive one room night free! Guests must book a minimum of two nights through their preferred travel agent by April 30 for travel through December 23, 2010 using rate code WBOGO10.

To sweeten the deal, guests who book the Buy One Get One Free Package for a minimum of four nights are eligible for free companion airfare with the resort’s Companion Flies Free Offer. Air transportation must be purchased at time of booking and must be completed through domestic tour operators or online travel agencies by May 10 for travel through December 22, 2010. Think about this for those of you who are planning a destination wedding.

Gilt Groupe, in collaboration with Martha Stewart Weddings, will be hosting their first ever WEDDING themed sale this coming weekend. Starting today, March 12-14, we'll be bringing you everything you need, want and can’t imagine walking down the aisle without — from beribboned silk heels to the perfect topaz necklace. Love is in the air … and so is the flutter of show-stopping bridal gowns, bridesmaids’ dresses, wedding gifts and so much more.

As part of Gilt’s Wedding Weekend, we’ll also have sharp suits for the groom, get-pretty prep packages for the bridal party, dreamily decadent lingerie, and stuff-of-dreams honeymoon packages courtesy of Jetsetter. And if your head’s spinning with the task at hand, chin up — Darcy Miller, editorial director of Martha Stewart Weddings has culled her personal picks to help aide in the planning process.

This is just too cool to have access to: Carolina Herrera, Vera Wang Lavender Label, Thread Made to Order, Temperley London, Judith Leiber, Tara Pearls, Lu Lu Frost, Tutu Couture, Checkerboard Stationary, juice cleanses, chic hotels, some great groom ideas and more. Go directly to www.gilt.com/weddingweekend for your access.

Wedding Salon and Dylan’s Candy Bar are doing it again. Monday, March 15 from 6-8:30pm. Go to discover candy trends by founder Dylan Lauren and cost cutting measures. Of course there will be candy treats. For complimentary entry for 2, use code BENY3C. Log on here and I’d advise you to go EARLY – limited space.

I love a good event and really love a good sale. All I can say is, it's that time of the year - BRIDAL SEASON and there are going to be lots of shows and events to attend, as well as all the other things you have to do. Are you a vendor who wants me to cover your event, contact me at bridalease{at} gmail {dot} com.

New parent company but your fairy-godmother content remins the same

I'm so excited to announce that we are about to make a change - a B-I-G Change.

The business is expanding and am look forward to taking you all along the ride with me. What does this mean? I am still going to be here to bring you the latest in everything wedding...I'm still your bridal fairy godmother who is here to making your wishes happen...I'm now taking all of it to a new level. There are going to be more interaction with the designers you love; more opportunities to have one-on-one time with brides who are looking for a different type of consultant; more oh-so-cool destinations to visit and yet, all of this information in one location, with a team of professionals who are here for you.

The new company "Yours in bridal" is our new the parent company which will continue to make your wedding planning process easier. We are working on the new site and can't wait to share that launch with you soon.

Until then, look for us on Facebook and become a fan. Oh...so what happens to Bridalease...nothing! This will remain as the editorial portion of the business and will continue to be a big part of who we are and what we do. Making us the 'easy' site for all the latest in bridal and wedding related news.

Can't wait to see you on Facebook.

Brides Rock this way with Naeem Khan

The Naeem Khan 2010 fall collection was the final show I viewed under the Bryant Park tent. It was a very long, but fun week and Naeem is one of my favorites so I couldn't wait to see what was in store. Before the show began, I met Ranjan Khan, Naeem's beautiful and talented wife saying to her that I needed to find a new way to say “oh my god” every time I view his collection. We had a great conversation and she said "just wait until you see what's about to show. I think you'll like it." Last year Naeem was amazing, so I was looking forward to this presentation. Lights dimmed, the first beat of music played and once the first model took the runway, the electricity in the room went from zero to 1billion in .2seconds flat. I could go on about the music 'classic rock and roll' which had the entire crowd jammin', but let me tell you about the clothes. (You have got to watch the video below and I dare you not to start dancing..dare ya)

Glamour with a touch of American classic sports wear and sex-appeal mixed with rock and roll edge equaled perfection. As one looking not only at the clothes, but the reaction of my fellow editors and those in the audience, there was deep appreciation not only for the music choice (which matched perfectly thanks to the live DJ mixing of Donna D'Cruz), but for the true masterpieces we saw. They went the range from short, sexy and embellished to a luxe trumpet gown paired with a crocodile brocade motorcycle vest. I can so see this look on a bride with or without the motorcycle vest (which you could wear as you head to your honeymoon...). Yes Naeem is one of the favorite designers of our first Lady Michelle Obama, but his designs have graced the runway at the Academy Awards and most recently the Oscars on stars like Anika Noni Rose, Michele Lee Reitman, Brooke Shields, and Maria Menounos. In the end, both he and his show received a very well deserved "OMG' standing ovation.

Naeem, know that viewing your collection was worth all the hours, train rides across town, up and down stairs, being bumped in the head by a wayward camera lens and lack of sleep during fashion week. I want every piece in your collection and some of the editors I was sitting with feel the same. The standing ovation your received was sincere and I truly can’t wait to see what next season brings. Thank you for being such a talented man who obviously loves the power, strength and sensuality of a woman.

Fall Color trends for your wedding décor to consider, based on the Naeem Khan RTW collection: Anything Metallic, Gold, “Metal”, Black. Gold, Silver, “Glass Chenille”, Crystals, beading, fringe, sequins, iridescent colors and feathers. Have a bit of sparkle to surprise and delight your guests. Also consider textured fabrics including velvet as a surprise element.

Just as an aside, the jewelry which were strong statement pieces, earrings and bracelets were created by the talented Ranjana Khan, Naeem’s wife.

Naeem Khan 2010 Fall Fashion Show - Thanks to Mercedes-Benz for the video footage

Barbara Tfank brings the 1960's back

Emerald Green Swing coat - photos: Lisa M. Barr

The colors and fabrics that Barbara Tfank used were vibrant, fun and all hers. That’s right, Barbara Tfank created her own textiles and the designs were fun and a throwback to the days when women dressed all the time. Fur stoles draping their necks, dinner coats, big bows on the back of coats, dresses at the knee and beautiful long gloves.

The textured floral patterns were inspired by Fauvist painter Raoul Dufy who Ms. Tfank choose as her muse this season, and the 1950-1960’s inspired cocktail dresses fit both perfectly. A little Hitchcock a little Marilyn Monroe equaled subtle seduction. Vintages look in beautiful jewel tones. There was true sensuousness, ease and comfort in her clothes. Even her make up reflected this look – grayish eyes, shimmer on their face and lots of mascara (no eyeliner).

There were lots of A-lines dresses, along with beautiful (and a personal fav of mine) swing coats. I had the opportunity to meet Barbara and she is as charming as her designs. So for you brides who are thinking of a “Mad Men” type of wedding, the Tfank collection will provide you with all the classic elements you want with just a splash of the ‘cool factor’.

Fall Color trends for your wedding décor to consider, based on the Barbara Tfank fall 2010 RTW collection: aquamarine, shocking pink, emerald green, cerulean, gold poppy and deep blues. Also look toward textured patterns and velvets. Have all your guests senses ignited during your reception.

Bridal Event Reminders for NYC

It's beginning to feel just a bit like spring and I'm just about to go out and play while I still can. The more I think about it, we all deserve to be a little spoiled. I mean honestly, this has really been one of the longest winters we've had in a long time. iVillage and Dove have heard all of us and have partnered to create the ultimate 'Afternoon of Indulgence'. You are being invited to indulge in yummy chocolate, relaxation treatments, music and a lot more. This seems to me to be a great opportunity to find ways to get rid of your 'winter skin' and find out how to get your self ready for spring.

So why not stop by Tuesday, March 9, 3-7:00pm at Chelsea Market, 75 9th Ave (bet 15-16th street). When you register tell them that you heard about this event from 'bridalease' and look for me while you're there. I'll be around and would love to be able to meet you.

The Ultimate Engagement event of the year for brides, grooms and those that love them

The Ultimate Engagement- a bridal event that allows brides-to-be, the opportunity to have their special day planned by the premiere wedding experts of the industry! The Ultimate Engagement believes that ALL brides deserve a chance to parlay their ideas and desires with the best of the best.

Actually this is a unique opportunity to schedule appointments with the hottest high-end vendors you’ve read and heard about – all in one day, in one location. In addition to personal appointments, there will be champagne, hors d’oeuvres, celebrity book signings, seminars, couture trunk shows and other enticing surprises. So who are some of these folks they say will be attending; Marcy Blum, Sylvia Weinstock, Ines Di Santos & Other Luxury Vendors that will guide you on your way.

So get save the date: Sunday, March 14th, 2010 from 9am to 7pm at Gotham Hall in NYC you can be a part of this unique and ‘personalized’ event. Sign up is simple and easy, just click here.

URBAN WED

There is still time to register for Urban Wed on March 23 or March 24, from 5-8:00pm, at Nest Event Loft, 920 Broadway #1703. Space is limited, with just a few tickets per night left. Hosted by blogger Brooklyn Bride, there will be vendors at this event who can help you with all your details from florists, photographers to beautiful bridesmaids gowns. In other words this is a great opportunity to have a real one-on-one experience in a very intimate setting. You know, a great opportunity to ask those questions no matter if you are just beginning your planning or down to the final stretch. Once again, here is ths link so register today.

Oscar themed wedding nibbles for the star in your life

The cuties from Moet & Chandon - 4-pack

Champagne is a perfect drink anytime as far as I’m concerned. One of my favorite brands Moët & Chandon, will be serving the cocktail on the red carpet for the Academy Awards as well as inside of the Governor’s Ball. These adorable mini-bottles were a big hit during fashion week and I’m sure they will go over just as well with Oscar. If you are thinking of having an Oscar-themed party, or how about your engagement party, rehearsal dinner, or celebrating your first dinner party as an engaged couple, these are some quick and easy cocktails and snacks.

Moët’s “Golden Glamour” signature cocktail will be served on the red carpet and inside of the Governor’s Ball. It’s simple and delicious, made with a bit of passion fruit juice, a splash of vanilla liqueur for an exotic flavor, topped with Moët & Chandon Imperial, and finished with a sprig of mint.

Renowned author of “The Comfort Table,” culinary personality and Moët & Chandon’s entertaining ambassador, Katie Lee, is really a sweetheart to share some of her Oscar entertaining ideas with all of you. Thanks Katie. We hope you enjoy them.

Golden Glamour

4 oz. Moët & Chandon Imperial Champagne

0.25 oz. Navan
1.5 oz. Passion Fruit Juice

Combine all ingredients in a champagne coupe. Top with fresh sprig of mint for garnish.

The party pack features four Moët Imperial mini bottles and four mini flutes, which screw directly into the mini bottles, carried in a decorative tribute to cinema ice bucket. This is the perfect starter kit for a home viewing party and five-spice Kettle popcorn.

What goes better with the movies – popcorn. Make this Chinese Five-Spice Kettle Corn to enjoy with cocktails and also package it up in take out boxes for a party favor for your guests.”

¾ cup popcorn
¼ cup canola oil
3 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons Chinese 5 Spice powder
2 teaspoons salt
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

In a pot with a tight-fitting lid over medium heat, combine popcorn, oil, sugar, 5 Spice powder, and salt. Shake constantly. When popcorn begins to pop, lower heat to medium-low. Continue to shake until popping begins to slow and transfer to a bowl. Drizzle with melted butter.

Yield: 6 to 8 servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes

Katie’s Shrimp Pot-stickers with Ginger Lemon Dipping Sauce

Katie says, “Making homemade pot-stickers is much easier than it sounds and the little extra effort is well worth it in the end. Store-bought wonton wrappers are very easy to work with and once assembled, these pot-stickers can be refrigerated or frozen until you are ready to use them. I like to take any uncooked potstickers and drop them in boiling chicken broth combined with the leftover dipping sauce for an instant wonton soup.”

For the pot-stickers

½ pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
¼ cup thinly sliced scallions
1 large egg, lightly beaten
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
24 to 30 round wonton (or goyza) wrappers
4 tablespoons canola oil
¼ cup water

For the dipping sauce

2 tablespoons soy sauce
3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
1 tablespoon barbecue sauce
1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
1 scallion, thinly sliced

For the pot-stickers

In a food processor, pulse shrimp until ground. Transfer to a mixing bowl. Add scallions, egg, salt, and pepper.

Place 1 level teaspoon shrimp mixture onto each wonton. Brush edge with water and fold into a half moon to seal.

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons oil over medium high heat. Add half of the dumplings seam side up and cook 2 minutes. Add ¼ cup water, cover and let steam 3 to 4 minutes. Cook the dumpling a few minutes longer with the lid off if they are sticking to the pan. Repeat with other half of dumplings.

For the dipping sauce

Whisk soy sauce, lemon juice, ginger, barbecue sauce, and sesame oil. Stir in scallion.
Yield: 6 to 8 servings
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes

No matter how you spend your weekend, or who your favorite movie is, I'm sure these quick and really easy recipies will be an Oscar winner. If you are looking for other great drinks that can be used for a variety of your wedding themed events click here and here and here.

And the winner is... YOU!

A starburst of flavor with Carlos Miele

A giant bag of ‘starbursts’ is what the Carlos Miele collection was like. This collection was not only colorful, playful and the colors popped, it had the body-hugging elements that all women like. If you have curves, the will be brilliantly accentuated, if you’re curve ‘challenged’ – no worries, you’ll have them now.

Geometric abstract, photomontages and constructivist architectural engineering inspired the line. What makes this special is that all the remnant pieces of fabric that are usually tossed away, were then turned into ‘fuxicos’ (rosettes) which are his ‘signature’. In other words, Carlos Miele is a friend of the environment.
His cropped fox jackets and swing coats were mixed with 100 percent organic denim trouser from his lower-priced jeans line. Talk about ways to reuse denim.

Gracias Carlos mucho, para amar la curva de una mujer y el medio ambiente por igual.
(Thank you very much Carlos, for loving the curve of a woman and the environment equally).

Fall Color trends for your wedding décor to consider, based on the Carlos Miele Fall 2010 RTW collection: Purple, Red, Fuchsia, Grey, Light Gold, Charcoal, Electric Blue,
Geometric Abstract prints, three-tone colors (to compliment in the same color palate), Appliqué and asymmetric colors/patterns

Naeem Kahn WOWs the Tent Fall 2010 collection

Naeem Khan was the last show I was seeing this fashion season under the tent. I have to say, I was tired, beyond exhausted if truth be told. I met his beautiful and talented in her own right, wife and said to her that I needed to find a new way to say “oh my god” every time I view his collection. She joked with me and said just say “OMG”. As I made my way to my seat, I knew from last year that Naeem was going to be amazing, so I was looking forward to it. As the lights dimmed and as soon as the first beat of music played and the very first model took the runway, the electricity in the room went from zero to 1billion in .2seconds flat. I could go on about the music classic rock and roll, but let me tell you about the clothes.

Glamour with a touch of American classic sports wear and sex appeal mixed with rock and roll edge equaled perfection. As one looking not only at the clothes, but the reaction of my fellow editors and those in the audience, there was deep appreciation not only for the music choice (which matched perfectly), but for the true masterpieces we saw. In the end, a very well deserved 'OMG' standing ovation.

Naeem, if you read this know that viewing your collection was worth all the hours, train rides across town, up and down stairs, being bumped in the head by a wayward camera lens and lack of sleep during fashion week. I want every piece in your collection and some of the editors I was sitting with feel the same. The standing ovation your received was sincere and I truly can’t wait to see what next season brings. Thank you for being such a talented man who obviously loves the power, strength and sensuality of a woman.

Fall Color trends for your wedding décor to consider, based on the Naeem Khan RTW collection: Anything Metallic, Gold, “Metal”, Black. Gold, Silver, “Glass Chenille”, Crystals, beading, fringe, sequins, iridescent colors and feathers.

Just as an aside, the jewelry which were strong statement pieces, earrings and bracelets were created by the talented and extremely beautiful Ranjana Khan, Naeem’s wife.