INSPIRED GOODNESS ON WEDDINGBEE PRO

Good Morning! This morning I opened my gmail to find that my blogger friend, Kim Canale of Inspired Goodness is going to be writing for Weddingbee PRO! Congratulations to Kim!! I have always enjoyed reading Kim's blog and seeing the work she does. She is one of my "daily reads". Now, all of Weddingbee PRO readers will get to enjoy it too. You can see more of Kim's work on her site and on her blog. And, tune in to Weddingbee PRO for updates on Kim an other fabulous wedding experts! Way to go Kim! Below are some of Kim's inspired productions!






Photos courtesy of Inspired Goodness

Central Park Save The Dates











Wedding Decor











Weddingbee Pro's new workspace

DREAMY DRESSES

I picked up the new Philadelphia Wedding magazine yesterday and I am in love! These dresses look like a wintery dream! I can't decide if I like the soft pinks and creamy champagne or the silver and silk whites. Either way, these dresses will make you look amazing on your wedding day.
From top left: 1. Edgardo Bonilla's Antoinette. Available at Bridals by Danielle, Philadelphia 2. Vera Wang. Available at Vera Wang, New York 3. Romona Keveza. Available at Bridals by Danielle, Philadelphia 4. Judd Waddell. Available at The Wedding Shoppe, Wayne 5. Vera Wang. Available at Vera Wang, New York 6. Maria Romia. Available at Maria Romia, Philadelphia 7. Priscilla of Boston. Available at Priscilla of Boston, Wynnewood 8. Romona Keveza. Available at Bridals by Danielle, Phialdelphia 9. Platinum Collection by Priscilla of Boston. Available at Priscilla of Boston, Wynnewood
Remember when you go shopping for your gown:
1. This is your dress for your day. Only you can decide what you want- what it "The Dress"
2. Don't go with an entourage! Too many opinions are too confusing and distracting. And, it is really hard for any bridal salon to accommodate a large group of people
3. Make an appointment!! Walking into a salon without one is usually not the way to go. You may not get the service you deserve
4. This is an important purchase- dress the part. Don't go in sweats with your unwashed hair in a knot. Do your hair, feel pretty and wear good underwear. In fact, WEAR UNDERWEAR!! It's true- I have seen brides go shopping without underwear.
5. Wear a good shoe- or take a pair with you. It is hard to see how a dress looks in bare feet.
6. Don't discount a bridal consultant's suggestion. It may be that the dress you say "no" to is the dress for you. Try things on. You only get one shot at this. While I don't promote going to 15 bridal shops and trying on 1000 dresses, it may take you a shop or two to find "the one".
7. When you feel right- stop! Don't second guess, don't sleep on it. You will know when you have found the right dress. Yes, there will be others you see that you love, but you can only have one. So, go with your gut
8. Be prepard to put a 50% deposit on your dress.
9. Try on veils, tiaras, etc while you try on things. Getting the whole picture is much more helpful in actually seeing yourself as a bride. Even if you don't purchase your veil with your dress, the salon will write down what you have tried on and will help you decide when your dress arrives.
10. Yes- it takes months to get your gown, so shop early. I read all the time the question" did they really order my dress?" or " why does it take so long?". These dresses are very intricate and the hand beading takes time. Use a reputable salon and trust that your dress will be on time.

If you have questions or need advice or the name of a good salon, write me. I am happy to help you find the right salon or the answer to a question. Enjoy shopping for your wedding gown.

BABY, ITS COLD OUTSIDE

It may be sizzling where you are, but winter will be here before you know it and your winter wedding should be as smashing as you are! So, while we sweat out the dog days of August, we can ponder the glory of winter nuptials with these images. Let's start with the decor. Whether you are planning a holiday celebration or a winter wonderland, you can dazzle your guests with berries and pine branches or white as snow blooms and candles. The mix or fire and ice is sure to keep your guests reveling in the season.



















THE CAKE! Snowflakes is the theme here! Just look at all the ways to decorate with the little flakes of winter- you can just feel them on your tongue!!



















And, speaking of food- you will want to warm your guests with luscious goodies from cocktails to dessert. I love this raw bar and the colorful soup cups. Cookie favors, mini donuts and cocoa and a white candy bar are all great ideas for a winter theme.










Details! Details! Let's look at some of the lovely things you can do to add to the beauty of the day. A snowflake on the menu card, an icy signature drink, muffs for the girls and an ornament that doubles as a place card holder and a favor. These are only some of the little touches that will make your day stand out.



















Your bouquets should make a statement about the season and these lovelies sure do. the idea of feathers and pine cones in a bouquet are unique and so pretty!













Last, but not least, THE DRESS! You will surely be the ice princess in one of these gorgeous gowns! A coat or a fur wrap will finish off the look and keep you warm. and, don't you just love these little marabou trimmed shoes!? I hope I have inspired you to start exploring all the options for your winter wedding! It really is a perfect time of year for a wedding and it may keep you cool for the rest of the summer.

BEAUTIFUL BLOOMS ANEW

Donna and the team at Beautiful Blooms has more energy and style than I can say! The work is always top- notch and Donna's personality and charm is infectious. This is the new boutique on Liberties Walk at 1021 N. 3rd Street in Philadelphia. Sleek, modern and very inviting, just like the studio around the corner at 1011 N. Hancock St, Philadelphia. Donna loves to share her style and so she is holding floral workshops so that you can create beautiful arrangements at home.



Below are some of Donna's incredible floral designs. Donna's work has been photographed for several magazines and she has won countless awards for her work. Check out the blog for more photos of her work and updates on all of her many happenings and accolades. Donna also just launched her new and improved web site and it is spectacular! Do yourself a favor and visit Donna for your wedding flowers- or just a pick me up bouquet on the way home today! And, don't forget to say hi to TJ- Donna's dog, when you stop by!






































Thanks to Marie Labbancz for the photos

BEAUTIFUL BOUQUETS

I love this idea from Colin Cowie's blog! These are actually real orchids sewn to the bride's wedding gown. A perfect touch for an island or an outdoor ceremony. Colin gives tips on everything from seasonal flowers to how to hold your bouquet. Read more here and also check out Blogger Brides at Get Married for more great ideas, tips from wedding experts and real brides You can also check out Colin Cowie's web site for amazing photos, great tips and information to help you plan all of the grand events of your life.

PICTURE PERFECT

Hair and make up for your wedding doesn't have to be a trial. Don't try to be someone else on your big day! Be the best of yourself. If you don't wear a lot of make up every day, then go for a natural look on the big day. If you like to play up your eyes- then go for it. Hot weather brides may like one of these soft up- dos instead of tight curls. See your stylist before the wedding and try some different looks. And then, don't change your mind on the morning of your wedding. Be happy with the style you practiced. Find a make up artist who understands your needs and listens to you. Remember that they do this job every day, so don't be a tyrant, but don't be taken advantage of either. Don't get a facial the week of the wedding and don't pluck your eyebrows the morning of! Try a skin care class or a virtual makeover like the one offered by Tara Hallston. She has a great bride's package for skin care and make up application. Check out her web site and get her tips. This episode of "Road to the Altar is a perfect example of what not to do for your wedding hair and make up- and your flower girls! They look like little pageant cuties! BAD! The episode is very funny though! Have any of you felt like this at your trial?

COULD THE SLEEVE BE BACK!

Watching Get Married this morning, I noticed that the runway for Spring 2010 had dresses with sleeves. Strapless is still the most noticeable, but sleeves are really coming back. Not every bride wants a strapless gown- nor should every girl wear one. So, I created this inspiration board for all the brides out there who want a look that isn't strapless.
From top left: Vineyard Collection, Vera Wang, Oscar de la Renta
Center: Peter Langner, Lela Rose, Judd Waddell
From Bottom Left: Christos, Carolina Herrera, Amsale

I also have to take the opportunity to showcase Amy Jo Tatum's designs. She is so amazing and she gets her creative styles from the history of bridal fashion. I just love the elegance and the class of her beautiful creations. Amy Jo is based in San Fransisco, but you can have your custom gown made no matter where you live. You can read Amy Jo's inspiration every day on her blog and see her creations on her web site. She is a lovely lady and a creative genius!