How do you choose wine for your wedding pt.2

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Recently a bride who was a cosmo kind of girl sent me some questions. She asked if there were some simple rules for picking wines, how many bottles to buy, and what questions she should ask when picking wines for her wedding. Well, you asked me…and here they are.

These rules/suggestions come directly from the wonderful people at Wine Spectator. It’s a great magazine and they know, I would think just about everything and offer the best information about wine.

1- Keep it simple and serve wines you and your finance like.

2- There is no need to break the bank. There are lots of tasty wines within any budget. Honestly!!

3- Figure there is about 1 glass per person, per hour and there are approximately 5 glasses in a bottle. If you are doing a DYI wedding or other self-catered event, you should be able to return any unopened bottles (check with your wine distributor when you make your purchase), if not, then give the m as mementos to special guests, your wedding party or use them to start your own bridal cellar at home.

4- The one and only thing that I think that is super important to remember is: If you are serving champagne with your cake, make sure it’s ‘slightly sweet’. A dry wine will taste extremely sour against the sweetness of the cake.

How do you choose wine for your wedding pt.1

You’ll be wearing your dream dress. Your cake will be delish and your first dance divine. Each moment of your reception however, will be memorable if you have a wine, champagne or signature cocktail that fits your personality. Beginning today and every Wednesday throughout Sept., you can look forward to information about wine, champagne and spirits. There will be recipes for cocktails as well as some cool 'tools' to add to your wedding registry. If you have any questions, I am lucky to have experts on hand that are ready, willing and able to answer them.

Today we’re going to focus on wine for your wedding and beyond. Like picking out a diamond it’s all about the 4Cs…when you pick a wine, it’s all about the 4Ss.

See: Tilt your glass to a 45-degree angle against a white background if at all possible. Look at the color/intensity of the wine. The rule of thumb is the more intense the color, the more intense the wine will taste.

Sniff: I always thought this was silly but you should give your wine a swirl to release the aromas. Wines that are from white grapes will smell like ‘white, yellow and orange-fleshed fruits like apples, pear and melon. Wines made from red grapes will smell like red and purple fruits like cherry and plum.
(Side note: when you are picking an after-dinner cordial, warm the glass first (with hot water – let the glass get just warmed and then dump the water out!!) and then pour your scotch, brandy or cordial into the glass. You won’t believe how quickly the flavor and aroma will be released. Try it!)

Sip: Take a small sip and swish it around (not like your gargling, but you’ve seen the movies….). Is the wine thick/full-bodied like ice cream or light-bodies like sorbet?

Summarize: Swallow the wine and what lingers? They say the longer the finish, the better the wine. Is the wine crisp and leaves your mouth feeling refreshed? If it’s a red wine, is it a smooth finish or ‘rough’?

Truly the bottom line is that you should really just serve what you like. If you would say “hmmm, I think I’ll have a second glass of that, then your guests are going to enjoy it as well.

San Rocco NYC authentic aperitivo bar and happiest happy hour

Aperitivo Bar at San Rocco NY

I can't think of a better way to celebrate the beginning of summer, your engagement, a night out with the girls/guys, or simply wine-Wednesdays, than to have a great Italian inspired cocktail at one of the hidden gems of New York. A special and exclusive offer is available for you, so read on.

San Rocco New York indulges the senses with a contemporary approach to Italian cuisine and excites the palate with classic “Dolce Vita” cocktails created by Bar Master Richard Boccato of Dutch Kills.

Each night San Rocco NY offers a generous aperitivo bar from 6:00-9:00pm. Aperitivo is meant to open and relax the palate before a meal. The concept is an important part of Italian life as a way of socializing and winding down after a day of work. It is much more than the happy hour cocktails we know and love in the U.S.; it typically entails an elaborate spread of “gratis” gourmet snacks when a cocktail or glass of wine is ordered. San Rocco NY boasts an impressive collection of Italian cocktails, Italian wines and beer available during the aperitivo.

Exclusively for my readers: To celebrate the beginning of my new Wine Wednesday column, San Rocco has graciously created a special offering. Print and bring a copy of this column, to San Rocco and you will receive a free Seperatist cocktail, every Wednesday night, beginning tonight, thru July 30th.

The food is light, fresh and they proudly boast the pasta, bread and ice cream is made fresh on the premises daily. I promise you once you experience their cuisine, this will be your new favorite place. So tonight is beautiful, grab your friends and experience summer the Italian way.

San Rocco is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The Aperitivo Bar is offered from 6:00-9:00pm every night, complimentary with a cocktail, glass of wine or beer.

For more info: San Rocco NY
39 W. 24th Street
(Between 5th and 6th Ave.)
New York, NY 10010
212-255-4655 - www.sanroccony.com

Bridal sales, steals and events for June pt. 2

Don't you love Amsale?

I know it’s totally not bridal, but even you need a break from the ‘diet’. Shake Shack opens in MIAMI BEACH!! So if you’re post wedding and in the Miami Beach area, go have a caramel shake and burger for me.

Where: Shake Shake 1111 Lincoln Road, (at Lenox Ave.) Miami Beach FL. 305.434.7787
♥ ♥ ♥

Don ‘t forget you still have time to enter “Wed like a celeb” the ultimate bridal giveaway by the great folks at spa week and weddingchannel.com
It included a bridal and honeymoon package that is ‘fit for Hollywood Royalty’. I don’t know about you but if I could win 6days/5nights in Bora Bora…I’d take it.

Where: Spa week and weddingchannel.com – http://www.spaweek.com/WedLikeACeleb
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DC Area Brides: Please join me and the Wish Upon a Wedding DC Chapter members at a chic cocktail Launch Party on Sunday, June 27th at 201 Lounge in Washington, DC @3pm!! To RSVP or to find out about this wonderful organization click here for their FB page.
♥ ♥ ♥

Exclusive Pronovias Bridal Sample Sale:
Sunday, June 27 at the NYC Flagship store. They will have sample gowns up to 75% off their original price. Appointments are limited so call 212.897.6393 or click here to secure your spot. http://www.pronovias.us/samplesaleus

Where: Pronovias NYC – 13 East 52nd Street (bet 5th & Mad.) To schedule an appointment, please call 212.940.2269
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Mark Ingram Bridal Atelier – is showing the following designers designs and trunk show options:
Lela Rose Trunk Show June 24 - 26
Oscar de la Renta Trunk Show July 15 – 17

Where: Mark Ingram Bridal Atelier – 110 East 55th Street, 8th Fl., To schedule an appointment, please call 212 319 6778
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Bridal Reflections – The perfect time to purchase your dress at their trunk shows.
Ines Di Santo June 25th – 27

Where: Bridal Reflections 260 Fifth Avenue (At W. 28th St) To schedule an appointment, please call 212-764-3040.
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Saks Fifth Avenue NYC – will have the following designer bridal trunk shows:
Oscar de ka Renta – June 24-26

Where: Sals Fifth Avenue 611 5th Avenue, NYC. To schedule an appointment, please call 212.940.2269
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Wedding Salon of Manhasset – Manhasset NY will have the following designer bridal trunk shows:
Amsale - June 24-27

Where: Wedding Salon of Manhasset 1681 Northern Boulevard Manhasset NY 516-869-8455 (please call for directions)

♥ ♥ ♥

Lovely Bridal Shop NYC – will have the following designer bridal trunk show:
Watters 2010 – July 9-11

Where: Lovely, 313 West 4th Street, NYC To schedule an appointment, please call 212.924.2050

♥ ♥ ♥

It's that time of the year again "AWARDS"!!

So you know I do my best...and absolutely try to give you the information available. This is truly a labor of love as I'm not paid for ANY reviews. While I do receive tons of product samples...if I don't think they will help you - my couples...they don't get a write-up. It's just that simple. If there is a 'paid sponsor' I tell you - that's honest and because you trust me, I try to keep that to a minimum. I know that you can go to other blogs for 'inspiration boards' so I do what I do best. I write about the things you ask me to write about - vendors.

With that in mind, I'm asking you to nominate me for the weddingchannel.com "Best Wedding Vendor Blog" award. It would mean a great deal to me as I continue to do all I can to bring you the best in the business.

Thanks in advance for your continued support.

Yours in bridal,
Lisa

Father's Day 2010

Photo property of A Raisin in the Sun

Your wedding day will have many parts that will keep you running like “a chicken with no head”. While you focus on the dress, the cake, how you can get your mother-in-law to be nicer, or trying to justify why your 43rd cousin-twice removed, who you haven’t seen since you were 5 shouldn’t be in your bridal party, there is one person who is often overlooked and yet has his eyes on you – your dad.

The way your father looks at you on your wedding day will trump any and possible all other times in your life. The look is of a man that held you as a newborn filled with so much love his heart was bursting out of his chest. This is the man that taught you to ride a bike, whose feet you stood on to learn to dance, the warm hug or lots of tickles. He’s the one that wanted you to be independent, but not grow up too fast. As he gave you the keys to the car, watching you drive away waving proudly, I think that’s probably the first time that he realizes that you will one day, leave him. It’s in my opinion, a day mixed with pride (that you are a strong woman) and sadness (that his little girl…well, is a woman).

The day your boyfriend has ‘the talk with your dad’ is a day that changes everything. For a father, he will worry, pray and hope that this new man in your life will take care of you as he did. He also sees that your relationship will now change forever; that some other man is 'taking his place in your life'. That this person who is asking his permission for his ‘little girls’ hand is saying that he will be just as good to you as he has been. Honestly….if you’re lucky to have a really good father, like me, no man is ever good enough.

My father is such a super-stupendous man. There is no one like him; I’m the luckiest girl in the world and proudly wear “daddy's-girl” with pride. We love to dance together, watch sports and sometimes just sit in the shade under a tree. Weeks leading up to my wedding my big-strong dad (became a big-mush), gave me a book “Butterfly kisses” by Bob Carlisle. It’s a book filled with great short stories from dads to their daughters. In it, he included a note which said in part:
“This is coming from your dad, the person who loves you the most. I will always be here for you. I’m so happy for you and I know that you will be ok.
Let your husband OH MY GOD!!! Did I say HUSBAND? Yes, I did….Remember I love you."

t was and still is one of the many notes, cards and goofy drawings that I treasure like a fine wine or the shiniest diamond that I own. My Mr. B. is the highlight of any party, the person I get my silly sense of humor from, the man all my girlfriends had a crush on, the man I'm most proud of.

These things I know for a fact:
No matter how old you get, you will always be your dad’s pride and joy.
No matter what you do, he is the one man that will always have your back.
No matter what he says, he will love doing the ‘dad-and-me’ things. For us, it’s anything from hanging out on the lake, to simply walking up/down the aisles at Home Depot.
No matter how many eyes are on you as you walk down the isle, no one will be filled with more pride (and perhaps a few tears that he will fight to hold back) than the first man in your life. Take his arm and let him know he will always walk with you, even a you take these steps into a new life. Reassure him that while he helped you grow into a strong woman, you will always be his little girl. Take some time before your wedding to have a father-daughter day. Include him in aspects of your wedding day planning. Give him hugs and kisses….just because. He may not show it, but this day is as big a deal for him as it is for you. I promise you, it will create another memory you both will treasure for a lifetime.

So here’s my gratitude and appreciation for the best and number one man in my life. Happy Father’s Day Daddy. I thank you everything thing you've ever done and continue to do for me. I love you because you are simply the best. I'm proud when people say "you're just like your father". I am honored to be your daughter, now and forever.

Happy Father's day to all the dad's around the world, especially mine.

Food: The Stone Turtle Resturant

The Stone Turtle is fine dining with a flare, and that makes them my Eco-Wednesday recommendation this week. Executive Chef Gregory Baumel shares his imaginative take on Eclectic cuisine – everyday food with a twist – crafted with the season’s
freshest ingredients: local organic veggies, the freshest fish and meats that are raised on their farm in Texas. I mean who would have thought of wild boar sausage in lasagna, or South Texas Antelope burgers? The Tuna Club is made with Sashimi grade tuna and I promise you, it will be the best non-traditional club sandwich you will ever have.

Not to be over shadowed by great clean-tasting food, they have a dessert called “dirty ashtray” that will put you over the top. Created around the same time of the cigarette band, it is chocolate, ice cream, molded cookies and then froze with yet more chocolate and when you ‘put your fork out’, the entire beautiful dessert looks like….well, a dirt ashtray (but I promise you’ll be fighting to lick the bottom.). If you are a choco-halic, 99 percent of the dessert menu will more than exceed your expectation and taste.

Let me say that the vibe of Stone Turtle and its staff is, “come on in, stay a while”. Truly a friendly establishment with its own ‘library’, the soothing waterfall adds a calming and cozy touch. This is a perfect place for you to pick up one of the many cookbooks (are you a Beatles fan - you'll love the collection), or have a slice of Chocolate Jack Daniels Pecan Pie with a cup of tea. How about playing one of their many board games or just relax and catch the game on TV in the bar area? What makes this a great mix for me (beside the food) is the wonderful eclectic mix of classic rock, Motown and some Sinatra thrown in for good measure. Are you looking for a wonderful space for your rehearsal dinner, bridal shower or bachelor party? They have a ‘wine room’, which is intimate and wine/spirits list to match, which will leave all your guest feeling the love.

The heart and soul to any great establishment is the kitchen (and you know chefs NEVER show a kitchen). Chef Baumel opened his kitchen to me for a visit and like the food, it was clean and friendly. He truly takes the love and fun from the kitchen and brings it directly to your table. So, if you’re looking to get out of the city, even just a great date-night get-a-way, head to the Stone Turtle. Like the story of the "Hare and the Turtle", their 'relaxed and steady wins the race' attitude is a welcomed change from the rush of the city. However don't be surprised if this is the one time when, the ‘hare' will just end up on your table, in a potpie.

For more information check out their site http://www.thestoneturtlerestaurant.com or their facebook page: facebook.com/stoneturtle

The Stone Turtle Resturant - accessible via LIRR (Island Park stop)
4160 Austin Blvd.
Island Park, NY, 11558
Phone: 516.431.6570

The 2011 six bridal collections of Priscilla of Boston

Did you know there are six brands that make up Priscilla of Boston? These designers do fulfill every bride’s dream by creating a their look of a lifetime. While each collection is created for a distinct style, sensibility, price range and look, they all share the same attention to detail and look of refined luxury. Ms. Kimberly Minor, Priscilla of Boson Chief Fashion Strategist said, “This season, each designer’s collection offers their take on elements of romance, from Priscilla of Boson’s Classic romance and Melissa Sweet’s Whimsical Romance to Vineyard Collection’s pure romance.” Every Priscilla of Boston brand combines the heritage of couture craftsmanship all with modern flattering silhouettes and exceptional details.

So which are you?

Priscilla of Boston: This spring POB offers feminine silhouettes in luxurious fabrics and details. Floral treatments, textures, elaborate corsage accents and an all-over embroidered and cutout floral ball gown. Signature to POB is hand-appliquéd lace adornments creating a modern and fresh feel.

Melissa Sweet: If you are looking for vintage couture, then look at this collection. She uses lace and satin to bring a sumptuous feel within this whimsical, fashion-forward line. There are regal accents and lots of feather and hand-cutout details. The look is completely feminine.

Reverie by Melissa sweet: This free-spirited bride wants an alternative wedding-day look. She’s looking for soft and light fabrics that cover the range of textures. There is just a touch of bohemian sensibility but also floral embellishments that match the luxury in her life.

Vineyard Collection: For spring 2011, this is a sophisticated bride all the while not overwhelming her. Genuine and familiar shapes providing a relaxed elegant feel that emanated throughout each look. Clean silhouettes showcase elegant proportions.

Jewel: Magic and fantasy inspired this collection. Textures, sequins all create a lustrous effect. Classically beautiful silhouettes make this gown one to be treasured. The look is young which really is refreshing. Loved it!

Platinum for Priscilla of Boston: This bride takes opulence to new heights of “glamorous times three”. Inspired by the bride who craves the embodiment of luxury, gowns showcase hand-finished details and couture craftsmanship. The dresses in this collection were show stopping!

No matter which Priscilla bride you are, no matter which collection you decide to choose, you’ll be beautiful. They also have an amazing collection of bridesmaids’ dresses that will assure your entire bridal party looks elegant.

Things are a'changing

I'm in the process of working on a new, bigger, better and more focused sites for brides and grooms and those who are thinking of getting engaged. While I'm working on it, you can always find some great articles on the companies NEW FB page. Join, Friend, Like me please.

Once the new site goes live (shhhhh,) we have already secured everything from beauty to wedding gowns to giveaway. I'm so excited. So bear with me for a bit longer. Keep coming here, or better yet....make the move to "Yours in bridal" on your FB page.

Make sure to tell me what would make your life easier during this time, who you want to hear from or just say "HI".

Yippie...change is coming soon.

Colin Cowie does it for the children

All photos by Luca Zordan

All eyes are focused on South Africa for the world cup, but you and your future partner are up to your neck in wedding planning right? Do you want to be apart of something uniquely special but your funds for this trip tied up? Well, the industries own event planner superstar Colin Cowle, has a possible answer for you.

On June 16, Colin will be the master of ceremony at the book launch party for award winning photographer Luca Zordan. No, not a wedding or event planning book but something just as beautiful. "The Children of Africa: Southern Africa Edition", is a stunning coffee table book, showing children of every walk of life and the diversity, magic and beauty of this country. All funds will help benefit programs by Ma Afrika Tikkun.

“I have tremendous respect for my friends Alethia Gold, fashion stylist and Luca Zordan for their beautiful books and philanthropy and the charitable work that MaAfrika Tikkun does for children in South Africa.” Colin Cowie said “I am looking forward to our event on the 16th June - we have amazing, glamorous and wordly auction items, that together with the sales of the book I know we will make a difference for a lot of children. Please come and support us.”

MaAfrika Tikkun, is a non-profit organization that offers holistic caring for and uplifting vulnerable children and youth living in poverty in informal settlements and townships of South Africa, many of whom are affected by the HIV/AIDS pandemic. Funds raised from this event will help upgrade sports and soccer facilities for thousands of these children living in six townships. Nelson Mandela their patron chair has remarked, “Ma Afrika Tikkun demonstrates what can be done with resources, commitment and passion.”

While I’m all about great gifts for your guests, why not make a 'life-lasting' impact by donating to this organization. Think of it as you’re starting a new life with your partner and helping to create a better life for a future generation. Ok, if you want it in simple dollars and cents, if you donated even $50 (less than you would spend for 5 guests ‘gifts’), that would provide help for a child for a month. I know you can do that right?

This event is by invitation. There are generous items being auctioned off with bidding beginning at $4,000: An autographed copy of “Nelson Mandela Treasures”; Six Night “Bush, Beach and Winelands” South African Trip; one-of-a kind cocktail gown by designer Naeem Khan and seats to his show during Fashion Week, One-week cruise aboard The World: www.aboardtheworld.com for 6 nights in PH suite and many others. All profits from the sale of the book and the evening will be donated to MaAfrika Tikkun.

For more information about this wonderful invitation only event please contact: dianaanderson48@yahoo.com. A special plea from Colin,'If you can’t attend this very special event, then please click on www.maafrikatikkun.org.za and go to USA flag button to make a donation, or send a check. Thank you'.

Cynthia Rowley Bridesmaids affordable dresses have arrived

So pretty in Cynthia Rowley bridesmaids

Cynthia Rowley was having a great night when she introduced her Bridesmaids collection with media, brides-to-be and their bridesmaids at her West Village shop. The designs are from day or evening, formal or beach, your wedding day and days long after. Elements taken directly from her runway collection have clearly inspired her as they are simply gorgeous.

What made this launch really unique (from my perspective) is that, the launch was the first collaboration between Ms. Rowley – the designer, a retailer (Dessy) and Foursquare. All brides and bridesmaids that ‘checked-in’ with foursquare, were awarded a $25 gift certificate plus 15% off for all bridal goods at dessy.com with whom she has partnered. I’m thinking…and you heard it here first, this will become a trend for designers who are introducing their new lines to brides and a great demonstration of social media.

What I’ve found is that Cynthia marries her fashion runway trends and brings a fresh and wearable look to your bridal party. Did I mention affordable? All dresses are priced between $175 and $220.

Before I left, I asked her two questions, how she would describe the collection and when is she going to create her first line of bridal gowns? The answer to the former was: “Fantasy, flirty, comfortably feminine. I want the girls to have options and be able to get some wear out of the dress. These are made so they really can wear them to a wedding and then go a cocktail party the next week still liking the dress. It’s a look that pretty yet sophisticated”. When I repeated my “and bridal gowns….”? The answer ….just a sly smile. Don’t be surprised if you see the Cynthia Rowley bridal line just in time for fall market (dresses available for spring 2011).

Visit Cynthia Rowley - 376 Bleecker Street, NYC
For additional details and extensive ‘look and see’ colors check out Dessy
Lovely – 313 West 4th Street NYC – 212.924.2050

Have you 'joined me yet on Facebook? Go to "Yours in bridal" for more updates, contests and you can see the entire Cynthia Rowley collection. Come on...meet me there....

Not your mothers wedding stationery

Design by Ann Scott

Paper is always in vogue. For those that tailor to the bridal market and were truly creative, displayed top-line silhouettes, patterns and laser cut-outs that would rival that perfect bridal dress. These four designers take their cue from the latest fashion trends - love it!!

Ann Scott launched at NSS only last year, but immediately became much loved. Her whimsical and sassy designs captured the essence of today’s woman. This year she launched 3 lines, including one of them geared toward men.

Byrd & Bleecker

I’m a big Izak (Zenou) fan. He is as talented as he is charming. When I heard his designs would now be apart of Byrd & Bleecker, I was thrilled. I’m hoping that Izak’s playful style, beautiful artwork and luxury branding will bring back the use of social stationery. Remember, you don’t HAVE TO use boring note cards to tell your bridal party thank you. With Izak, I’m sure you’ll find a card that will match the personalities of all your girls.

Pergamino

Both new & noteworthy and nominated in the 'Best New Product' category, Pergamino burst on the stationery scene with some of the most life-like cards “for the well-heeled woman”. The greeting cards are printed with eco-friendly inks on recycled, luxurious paper. Honestly, the paper has been ‘specially treated for a 'cashmere-soft touch’. So they feel as good as they look.

Bonnie Marcus

I’ve had the pleasure to meet Bonnie Marcus about 3 years ago and if your immediate thought when you see her stationery is “ahhh”, that is because her cards are a true reflection of the designer. You know the person you just meet, but wish she was your BFF? She has a great personality and you can tell she cares and listens to her consumer. This year she expanded her Wedding Celebrations section to include mini-bon bon (chic purse pads), bon bon notes (the large magnetic note pads with helpful reminder lists) and my new favorite wedding style flip flops.

Aren't they all lovely? The best part, there is something for every type of bride. Enjoy!