GATSBY DIDN'T WEAR SNEAKERS

The Great Gatsby is being redone and due to be released in March.   And, Downton Abbey is already creating an excitement for brides to re- create that look.   The new craze for the 1920's inspired wedding has brought designers to create dresses reminiscent of the period and Pinterest boards to be bursting with pictures of these dresses and more.   I started out thinking I would do a post on this trend, but in my research, I found that the whole idea of a "vintage" wedding gets mixed into a crazy combination of retro ( 50's - 60's), romantic and just plain anything that isn't new.   I also found brides in platform shoes and dresses with pickups.  And grooms in cardigans, sneakers and no jackets.    You might also want to know that old movie tickets, coke bottles and chalk boards are NOT authentic reproductions of the time period.   Vintage is not all inclusive.  

So, I decided to write my post on what IS the 1920's inspired wedding instead.     

  The 1920's, if you watch TV, read or have seen The Great Gatsby, was a time of great opulence.   The war was over, prohibition was lining pockets with money- ill-gotten as it was and people, especially women, were feeling their way and spreading their wings.   Weddings was becoming big business!   The wedding industry began to grow and break into pieces- the caterers, the designers, the makers of dreams.   Fashion was changing, hems were rising and corsets and layers of clothing were for your grandmother.   Brides of the 1920's were wearing simpler and shorter dresses and opting for dressing their heads in a more dazzling way, so as to feminize their shorter haircuts.   The bob was the craze and the cloche veil or hat was the sign of the times.  Wreaths of flowers were also in fashion, as were jeweled headbands and feathers.   And, elbow length opera gloves were worn by most brides.   They were made with a button at the wrist so that the hand could be slipped out and the wedding ring could be placed on her finger.

        

A chemese or tube dress was popular at this time.  Dresses were also designed with intricate panels in the front and back or with geometric patterns.   They were sometimes heavily beaded all over or they were very simple, adorned with lace or embroidery.   Tea length or ankle length dresses were seen most often and dresses had petal hems, were cut on the bias and had lower waists with the train falling from the shoulder.    The dresses here by designers like Jenny Packham, BHLDN and in the Etsy shops, are very modern recreations of the originals.  

 

At the time, everyone dressed for dinner- even the help.   So, no groom would show up to his wedding wearing a sweater and no tie- or sneakers!  White tie and tails and a top hat were the order of the day, especially for such a momentous occasion.   Shiny shoes and even spats were worn by the men.   The ladies wore silk shoes, often with bows or other embellishment.    This stunning dress by Matthew Christopher is very Gatsby!       

 As you can see, this was a very elegant and proper time and one where everyone practiced etiquette and the utmost of manners and grace.   A wedding dinner would have been an afternoon tea in the garden or an elegant dinner with all the finest of china and such.   There would have been candles and spectacular centerpieces with calla lilies and ostrich feathers.   Black and white was a popular color palette at the time, as was gold and jewel tones, in keeping with the Art Deco period.   There would not have been a beer bottle or a BBQ.              

Here is a little interesting tidbit I found in my research.   The engagement ring changed too.   More ornate, square and in a unique setting, it was coupled with a matching wedding band.   Rings were made more in white gold or platinum. 

Now, when you start to plan your 1920's, Gatsby wedding, you will have all the right inspiration to do it the way your great grandmother would have done it.   You may even want to wear her dress or veil.    

    

PAIGE AND MICHAEL: A BEAUTIFUL DAY

Saturday, December 3, 2011- WHAT A DAY!!! The sun was shining and so was the face of this exquisite bride!! Paige and Michael said their "I Do's" at the Cathedral Basilica in Philadelphia and then celebrated in style at The Union League. It was a spectacular day! I took so many photos that is was hard to decide which ones to post. I also have the first sneak peek of the amazingly wonderful and talented Sarah DiCicco's professional photos.

But, this photo, taken just before the groom sprayed all of us with champagne, really speaks to the day- it sparkled with the love and the beauty that all weddings should have!!! And, this photo of the girls "hiding" the bride as the last of the guests arrive gave me a chuckle!

These are Sarah's photos. Paige is so lovely and Michael a fittingly handsome prince for this princess. Together they are destined to make a beautiful and rich life together full of many more memories like these. They are blessed with a great love and respect for each other, amazing family to surround them,
wonderful friends and this day, that just kept bursting with love and celebration.

After the ceremony the wedding party went to the Art Museum for photos while there was still good light. I love this shot that Sarah took of the couple.

Then, it was off to The Union League for some fun photos of the group outside and the couple in the lights of the city.
Yes, there were sparklers and champagne and lots of smiles. These images were not staged. The smiles are real and the natural ease of Sarah's talent to capture the essence of the couple's love is breathtaking!
The city lights pale next to the brightness of these two beautiful people! I can't say enough about how special they are. From early in the morning until the wee hours, the bride smiled from ear to ear. And,Sarah captured all of Paige's radiance and goodness.
This is one of my favorite photos of the day! I have to send a special thanks to Sarah! She was amazing to work with and helped me to smooth out some little issues in the day- Sarah, you know what I mean!!!



The ladies of the wedding party were expertly made up by the talents of Face the Occasion. Working with Jill and Kelly is always a pleasure! And, they had beautiful faces to start with here, so it made their job that much more fun. The house was full of Christmas- the smell of pine, carols on the stereo and the incredible tree- that we used as a photo op for the bride's dad and the girls to gather. Dressing Paige was great to watch. As I usually help to dress the bride, it was hard to step aside and let the girls and her mom do it. But, it was ok. These photos are priceless! All that Vera Wang organza needed to be fluffed just right!
The Union League did a fabulous job! There wasn't a glitch in the service! Every detail was just as we had requested and Michelle, Brian and the staff were amazing!


I have to tell you about the fabulous Petah Bashano! He created a winter wonderland for Paige and Michael! The cocktail hour was very festive in red and green,with lots of candlelight and Paige's snowflake theme. But, inside the ballroom was a splendid vision in white and gold! Trees with "snowballs" and votives hanging from the branches, gold linens, and chargers that captured the light. The backdrop to the bandstand was a winter tree- bare, but beautiful. When Paige walked through the doors to the reveal, she was thrilled! It was awesome!

The flowers, which look purple in this photo, were actually rich shades of red. And, the little flower girl's basket was white satin with crystals around the rim. She was so excited to be a fairy princess! Every detail, from the red dresses, to the snowflake ice sculpture, to the cake that was dripping with "ice" and crystal snowflakes, this wedding had every element to make it the perfect day!



The Sid Miller Band had everyone on the dance floor all night! The chairs were empty except during dinner. I had to switch things up several times during the evening, and every time, the band was right there with me to make the change or add a request. I love working with pros like this!

Thanks to Sid and his band for helping me make this a memorable day for this special pair.


The couple danced to All I Want For Christmas Is You. And, I love this shot of Paige's gorgeous mom in red! What a wonderful lady and how smashing she looked!


I could go on about this wedding for days! It was great fun, a very rewarding job and I can't say enough about the team!!! A resounding THANK YOU goes out to The Union League, Petah Bashano Event Design, Sarah DiCicco Photography, Video One Productions, The Sid Miller band, Wertz Motor Coach and King Limo, The Philadelphia Pretzel Factory and The Sofitel and Ritz Carlton for taking such good care of the guests.




This was one of those weddings that I will never forget!! Thank you Paige and Michael and Chere and Steve for letting me be a part of this exquisite and special day in your lives!!!

For more about this wedding check out Philadelphia Weddings.

Photos: Courtesy Sarah DiCicco Potography

ON GOSSAMER WINGS AND ENCHANTED THINGS

One enchanted evening you will be a bride. What is your dream? Could it be a glistening, floating, feminine whisper of a gown, swaying with your motion and carrying you to a time long past? A gown with a name like Dew Drop or Rhoswen or Madame Butterfly? Claire Pettibone may be the designer to capture your heart for your once n a lifetime fairy tale. Her vision of vintage charm, rolling meadows and classic art and literature make her a perfect choice. Let me share with you a select few of the glorious and special gowns that you may want to try.

Let's begin with Constance. An embroidered, ivory, cotton sheath with lace traps and silk flowers, Constance stands regal and classic in her beauty. Constance will surely make you look a royal beauty. Next, we have Emmeline. Emmeline is an ivory, cotton and lace mermaid with a ruffled skirt and jeweled flower embellishments. Emmeline is demure and sweet and wonderful in a garden of English roses. Luna will sparkle in the moonlight with her green camellias over gold lace and pearl silk. Finished with moonstones, you will glisten all the way to the alter and shimmer like the stars and the city lights. Then there is Rhoswen. Straight out of a Jane Austen novel, Rhoswen has an Empire silhouette with pink flowers and ivory tulle. A grand lady of a bygone era, Rhoswen will dazzle the guests at your country estate nuptials.

Here, Cherry Blossom is a sliver of stardust and elegance. Spun from silver and gold gossamer, this shimmering sheath is adorned with scattered crystals and will light up the room when you appear at the door. Dew Drop is a modern bride's dream of pink embroidered ombre with a bolero covered in dew drop roses. While Sparrow is a dress that will make your grandmother conger up memories of her girlhood. Sparrow has platinum handkerchief sleeves and incredible delicate embroidered and beaded flowers. And, Madame Butterfly will take you to the Far East with its embroidered tulle of gold appliques, Asian floral scroll and metallic touches. It has a kimono bodice and a detachable red Obi train. Looking to blend cultures, then glide into the ballroom glistening in this enchanting and exotic gem.























Of course, I could not show you all of these treasures without finishing them with a headpiece and veil. So, let's explore the delicate and lovely selection of veils and the magical headpieces designed to make you a vision to behold on your "one enchanted evening". Spring in Bloom is a cloud of pale green silk leaves and ivory beaded flowers on embroidered tulle. It is available in ivory or green and is the most wonderful accompaniment to many of these dresses. Vintage Bloom, made of lace and organza flowers and silk leaves embroidered on ivory or antique tulle, Vintage Bloom is as delicate as the flowers that grace its border. Imagine having it float behind you as you approach your groom. How lovely!

And, lest we forget to adorn your hair with an equally magical jewel plucked from the fairy garden. Apple Honey- pale yellow, porcelain flowers, pink leaves and rosebuds all wrapped in gold. A vintage and romantic piece to compliment a dress like Rhoswen or Emmeline. Or, Aria Vine- a floral vine with Swarovski sprinkled leaves to add glittering touches to Luna or Cherry Blossom. Finale Crown- the queen of all the pick, a Swarovski encrusted band of leaves with floral pendants and available in silver or gold. And, Bloom- Swarovski crystal flowers on a gold band with vintage green center crystals. Aria Vine and Finale Crown are two of the stunning and always dazzling designs from Enchanted Atelier for Claire Pettibone. I am never tired of looking at Enchanted Atelier and their charming collection of pretty baubles from the beauty of their nature. The enchantment and magic of Claire Pettibone doesn't end with the wedding. Oh no, more magic awaits when you arrive at your honeymoon destination. Claire Pettibone has a soft, feminine and lacy collection of lingerie to please you and your new husband. These delicate and sweet confections are sexy and will certainly cast a spell on your spellbound spouse. Slips, camis, loungewear, bras, panties and other dainty treats await you in your land of love.
Your enchanted wedding can begin and end with Claire Pettibone. So, if you want to fly away on Gossamer wings with enchanted things, visit a salon and take your enchanted wedding to the moon.

IT'S A GUY THING

Yesterday, I got an email from someone in the UK saying that he liked my blog, but didn't find enough about the groom. Interestingly, I have noticed that my Facebook page has more of a male following than female- go figure! So, those two things coupled with the eWednews stories that my friend, Paul Pannone has been writing about the tuxedo business, I decided it was time I gave the groom some attention. Here, we will talk about the different styles that are trending for grooms, some of the fun colors and accents that grooms are choosing and a yummy example of the groom's cake that is finding it's way back into the wedding picture. Let me ask you, are you a modern groom having a wedding in an outdoor or unusual place? Is your bride wearing a gown of silky fabric and shoes of color? Then, this seersucker suit with a pastel shirt and tie may just be the right choice. Or, are you having a formal wedding in a ballroom or a museum with a bride in lace and a plated dinner? If so, then a tuxedo is the right choice. Whichever style is right for you, remember a few things when shopping. First, fit is so important. If the suit is too big, too tight, if the sleeves are too long or short- you won't look your best. Gentlemen- this is your wedding too! Shouldn't you look as spectacular as your bride? the answer is- YES! Are you renting your tuxedo or buying it? Are you buying a suit just for the wedding? The caliber of the tailor, the store and the fabric are important. Whether buying or renting, your suit should be made of quality fabric, with precise craftsmanship. The value in the garment is not in the price, but in the quality of the work. But, remember- you get what you pay for. As I tell the bride, if you buy it cheap, you get a garment that is not well made and not a good fit. Your wedding is one time that you should look your best. Here are some ideas for a formal look and for a more modern and informal look. The groom in the middle with his bride had his tuxedo custom designed. It was smashing and he looked amazing next to his bride. How about it men! Are you worth it?! To quote my friend Paul- a tuxedo aficionado

: "The most recent data from TheWeddingReport.com suggests a rise in the purchase of formal wear and a greater rise in the purchase of non-formal wear products (suits). This is due to the decline in innovation and fashion creation in the formal wear business. However, I just left a meeting that has put forth an agenda to create new fashion products that are of interest to a a younger demographic; slimmer fit, vented and non-pleated pants in soft, supple fabrics. In time, the production and marketing of these goods under better branded labels from FLOW Formals is expected to turn the tide and revert attention back to sanctioned formal wear items."

These three examples run the gamut. From a daytime wedding in a meadow to a black tie affair in a ballroom, there is a look for all of you. It would seem, from my research, that the trend is for the purchase of you wedding attire, as opposed to the rental. It does insure that you are getting a proper fit. However, if you are going to rent, please do it from a reputable vendor. I can suggest Gino's as a great place to begin your search. Ventresca's is another good choice, as is Black Tie, Formals by Antonio and Kleinfeld Men.












Now, you have your suit and you need to accessorize. Ties, cuff links, pocket squares... all things you may want to add to your polished look on your big day. I found these fun and unique touches on The Cordial Churchman and Wedzu. There are great ties and pocket square at The Cordial Churchman and lots of fun accents at Wedzu. Some of the companies that design bridesmaid dresses also make matching ties for the guys. Coren Moore is one of those. Check with the bride and let her know I filled you in- won't she be impressed you are paying attention!























Now, for the fun stuff! These yummy groom's cakes are just a few examples of what you can hint to your bride about. What is your favorite pastime? Your favorite sport? Your favorite team? Are you a sailor, a golfer, a wine connoisseur? These tasty and whimsical additions to your wedding will make you feel more connected to the wedding preparations. Something just for you. And, they are very trendy right now. Here is another thing you can impress the bride with- "Hey honey, lets do a groom's cake. They are "in" now". So, now have I given you food for thought? Made you feel more like a part of this big, expensive and VERY important time in your life? I hope so! Now, get going and make some decisions. Take some of the pressure off of the bride. Show some interest in the planning. And... call me and give your bride an early wedding gift- ME! Happy planning and I know you will be great. .





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BHLDN-ANTHROPOLOGIE BRIDE

Today, Anthropologie unveiled it's new bridal line. To say that these delicate and feminine beauties are beautiful is an understatement! How do you choose just one? This is just a sample of the dresses you will find at BHLDN, the SHOP. In true Anthropologie fashion, the designers have taken the most incredible fabrics, the most intricate detail and a flair for the au natural and wrapped it all around these very special wedding gowns. "Understated charm" and an artistic eye for creating a memorable dress for a most memorable occasion- your wedding- that is what BHLDN does. The name, inspired by a Dutch word for "to keep" and stories of family and friends, put in motion the dream and the inspiration for these creations. In their own words...












































"We want, more than anything, to help a woman create an event that reflects her own unique perspective… to a tee. We want to give a bride that edit she’s been searching for—with heirloom-quality wedding gowns, artisanal hair adornments, footwear, and lingerie. And we want happy bridesmaids—in mix-and-match frocks with rich hues and unexpected details."

But it goes beyond the dress. Our goal, and the reason we drape, fold bustle and stitch, is to start a conversation with our customer—to build a resource where she can come to find inspiration and to share with those closest to her, as well as our broader coterie. BHLDN’s story is unfolding; and we’ll look to our customer for cues and guidance going forward."

Besides wedding gowns, you will find headpieces, jewelry, shoes, lingerie and bridesmaid dresses.

















There are wraps, belts, gloves, floral hair accessories, a full sizing chart, ordering and return policies and everything you need to order the gown of your dreams.





























































So, explore BHLDN and see all the lovely that there is to see!!



Be you. Be loved. BHLDN


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