BE MY VALENTINE

Tomorrow is a day for hearts, flowers and fancy chocolates. So, what better day to dream about a Valentine wedding. Of course, Pinterest is abundant with images of Valentines and all things red and pink. And, in my files, I have some images of those reds and pinks too. Here is an inspiration for a romantic and nostalgic Valentine wedding. Happy Valentine's Day from Bridal Affairs!

Red gown from Carolina Herrera, dainty white nymphs from Papilio, heart lolipops from Frosted Petticoat on Etsy, raspberry chocolate martini by Martha Stewart and red heart cake from Sprinklebakes, strawberry wedding cake photograph from Sarah DeShaw via The Wedding Chicks.

A PASSION FOR PURPLE

Purple majesty! Is this deep, delicious palette what you yearn for on your wedding day? If so, I will assist you in making it your reality. Your flowers can look like an English garden or as exotic as these calla lilies. Perhaps you want to make a statement by using feathers and ribbon for the boutonnieres. Or, a brooch bouquet-quite the rage right now. Your tables will be spectacular in shades of purple with a billowing skirt on the backs of your chairs. Table linens don't have to be flat. This one creates a textured look with a flair. And, your dress- it doesn't have to be white. Yes- that is one of my brides walking down the street in her purple wedding gown.
If purple is your passion, then lets make it happen. Being a unique and regal bride can be easy with my help and a little imagination.













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OLD FASHIONED ROMANCE

Romance is in the air along with the budding flowers and trees. So, what better time than some inspiration for a romantic wedding with an old fashioned flair. From flowers to dresses, I can help you design a wedding from a bygone era. Jane Austen, the Brontes', your great- grandmother's wedding photos- whatever inspires you we can turn into your wedding dream.
Let's begin with pinks and golds, lace and pearls. Muted colors and dreamy concoctions to adorn you, your maids and your tables. Linens with rich color and fine embroidery, chairs with a luscious cover- like gossamer. Bouquets that carry us back to a time when your flowers were plucked from the garden on the morning of your wedding and wrapped in a fine doily or piece of heirloom fabric. A small token
of your true Love's devotion, such as this lovely locket.
Let's talk about the dress. An English garden with a basket of fresh flowers. A grand ballgown, befitting a princess of the royal court. An heirloom that your mother retrieves from the attic, wrapped in tissue- or something new, made to look like it came from another time. Picture your wedding rings on this satin pillow tied to ribbons attached to an antique brooch that belonged to your ancestors- or his. A bracelet that you found at a flea market or Wedzu or Etsy. Your bouquets made from broochs, not flowers.























Vintage gowns, jewelry and floral arrangements can be found in the most unexpected places. In my daily travels through the many blogs I read, through research for a client or from my own passion for all things romantic and frilly, we can create this dreamlike picture just for you. If this ethereal and rich collection of beautiful things is what you see when you dream of your special day, let me help you make it a dream come true. The best vendors, the most amazing photographers and your dream wedding await. All you need to do is call or email me and we can get started.



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INSPIRED SPRING

Time to think spring! The taste of spring yesterday inspired me to create this collage of spring colors. When the buds on the flowers start appearing and the air stays warm for more that a few hours, you can begin thinking of these luscious colors for your big day. Whether you lean toward the bold of yellow and orange or the softer pale purples and pale yellows, or just choose one color and accent with white or ivory- I hope these sweet shades inspire you to start creating a palette that makes you THINK SPRING! For more fabulous color palettes, check out The Perfect Palette. There is no combination of colors that hasn't been created there and the inspiration boards are spectacular!



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WINTER WONDERLAND

Winter weddings! There are so many possibilities. Pocking a dress is usually first on the list of things to do. Maybe you want to be a fluffy billow of snowflakes Or, maybe you have a vision of being a snow queen or an ice princess or the sexy Hollywood star on the red carpet. Make a statement with a red dress in the whiteness of winter or glide down the aisle in satin elegance. Whatever your vision, there is a dress for you.
Top Row: Lazaro, Vera Wang, St Pucchi
Second Row: Pnina Tornai
Third Row: Oscar de la Renta, unknown, Oscar di la Renta
Fourth Row: Reem Acra

Once you have that perfect confection to wear, you can start to think about the other things that will create your winter wonderland. I just love these cakes, pure and lovely. And, what better to have sitting on the tables for dessert but these chocolate snowflakes. This icy raw bar as a fabulous addition to any wedding in the winter months. And these branches with crystals give a wintry sparkle to this table. White bouquets are perfect to keep that white theme. But, this amazing red bouquet will surely give a warm light to a white wedding. When it comes to favors, these interesting and unique ideas really finish the winter theme in style. Potted orchids or rosemary infused sea salt in cute little jars. And, if you are really creative and like ancient tradition, then how about this paper compote filled with sugar coated almonds. They are sure to bring you good luck. Thanks to Martha Stewart weddings for these photos.

Whatever your taste, whatever your vision, a winter wedding doesn't have to be dark. My own daughter got married in February. She wore a white tulle Lazaro gown with a silver embroidered lace overlay. Her girls wore silver tulle skirts with satin, corseted bodices. Her flowers were white with sprayed, silver accents. The centerpieces were simple floating candles and mums in silver vessels. And the cake was the palest silvery blue with painted snowflakes and a Swarovski crystal snowflake for a cake topper. It was very understated, but really elegant and we all felt like we were in an icy glade. So, use your imagination and warm up to the idea of a beautiful winter wedding.

IMAGES FOR A FALL WEDDING

Dreaming of a vintage fall wedding in a vineyard in Tuscany? These images of soft mocha, deep chocolate and creamy ivory will conjure visions of a lovely palette as the start of a luscious scene that is sure to make for a fairy tale day. Brown is a perfect color to begin spinning a rich theme for your special day. You can accent with soft ivory or yellow. Maybe you want to bring the splendor of fall with brilliant reds, oranges or greens. Fall is a perfect time of year for a wedding- the air is crisp, but the sun is still warm and the colors of nature are spectacular. So, start planning your fall wedding and enjoy the process!

SORBET?

I was peeking through a bridal magazine the other day and happened on a page of peach and pale green weddings. Such a pretty palette and perfect for a summer wedding. It puts me in mind of sorbet- mango and lime.

SWEET SUMMER BRIDES

Don't you just love summer weddings? And, these soft and feminine colors are perfect for any summer bride. Whether you want to sizzle with hot pink and orange, return to Victorian times with pale pink and moss green or just use muted shades of pink and/ or yellow to touch on your girly side, there are so many options. You can even find a venue that matches, like this hotel. Oh- and the shoes! Shoes are such an important accessory and they can be the surprise pop of color and panache under your gown. So, have fun with these images!

HAVE A YUMMY FOURTH!

Here are some festive goodies for your 4th of July wedding! So many yummy things come in red, white and blue! From cocktails to dessert to favors, you can find ways of keeping your fireworks wedding exploding all day.






So, Happy 4th and Good Luck to all of the lucky couples whose 4th of July wedding falls on a Saturday!!
CHEERS!

Hope you have some of these fireworks at your wedding too!!

VARIATION ON A THEME

Since the 4th of July is only a few days away, I decided to put together an inspiration board of red, white and sort of blue! I love the combination of aqua and red or fuschia and teal. What could be better for a summer wedding than these vibrant and festive palettes? Good luck to all of you 4th of July brides getting married this weekend!! And, for you 2010 brides looking for a theme- hope this brings you some inspiration!

CUSTOM INVITATIONS FROM THE DIVAS

Wedding Paper Divas has the greatest deal for custom invitations! Look at all the color choices you have, not to mention the savings on invitations, save the dates, and more. And, the free shipping! As usual, the Divas has all the trendiest invitations and plenty of traditional ones. One more thing...there are only a few days left to enter the chance to win a honeymoon in the Bahamas!! So, get on over the the Wedding Paper Divas and get started designing an invitation that suits your tastes and the flavor of your wedding!!

"I DO" FLOWERS

Flowers are one of the biggest and most confusing part of planning your wedding. What is available at what time of year? Does my favorite flower come in my wedding color? What varieties of flower work well for centerpieces? Well, here are a few tips for talking to your florist, and some popular- or not so popular varieties of flower.

Hydrangea is available most of the year and comes in pink, blue, green and white.

Mini Callas are so elegant and make a beautiful bouquet. They are available in purple, red, yellow, mauve, pink, green, white and ivory. They are available all year.

BOUQUETS

Arm bouquet

The look: old-fashioned. Think beauty-pageant winner: Long-stemmed flowers are cradled in the crook of the bride's arm. Best for: retro-themed weddings.

Biedermeier

The look: structured. A round bouquet that features concentric rings of flowers that fan out from the center. Best for: hip, cutting-edge events.

Cascade

The look: free-flowing. Flowers and greenery that spill downward from a base, creating a waterfall effect. Modern cascades have a more compact teardrop shape. Best for: grand, large-scale weddings in a formal setting.

Composite

The look: structured. Petals or buds wired or glued together to create one single bloom. Best for: artistic, creative affairs.

Hand-tied

The look: loose and casual. The stems of flowers are bound with ribbon or raffia instead of being placed in a foam-filled bouquet holder. Best for: casual affairs.

Nosegay

The look: classic. A tightly-packed, round bouquet. Best for: nearly any type of event.

Tussie-mussie

The look: Victorian. A hand-tied bouquet with stems cut to the same length is placed in a silver, cone-shaped holder. Best for: elegant affairs.

Pomander

The look: structured and globe-like. A round ball of flowers is attached to a ribbon loop handle. Best for: romantic weddings.

Posy

The look: similar to a nosegay but smaller. Best for: corsage alternatives for the bride and groom's mothers and grandmothers.

Toss bouquet

Less expensive flowers used solely for the traditional bouquet toss

Butterfly Weeds-- are available year round and come in vibrant yellow and orange.

CEREMONY FLOWERS

Floral Arch

The look: romantic. Flowers are woven into a tall arch that the bride and groom or the officiant stands under during the ceremony. Best for: ceremony venues without altars.

Garland

The look: natural. Flowers or greenery woven together into a ropelike structure and draped over railings, doorways, or church pews. Best for: traditional church weddings.

Pew vase

The look: casual. A small vase of flowers that's clipped to the end of a pew. Best for: simple, small church ceremonies.

Spray

The look: contemporary. Branches bearing buds, flowers, or berries. Best for: tall, potted arrangements.

Trellis

The look: casual. A structure of wooden or plastic latticework supports climbing plants and flowers. Best for: outdoor weddings

Anemones-- a sweet little flower that is perfect for fall through early spring. It comes in purple, red, blue, violet, pink and white.

CENTERPIECES

Breakaway

The look: nontraditional—vases of flowers are clustered together at the center of the reception table. Best for: bohemian events.

Fishbowl

The look: classic—a low glass bowl with flowers at the center of the table. Best for: traditional and elegant affairs.

Pedestal

The look: contemporary—a vase of flowers is placed on a surface that rises a few inches from the table. Best for: architectural events.

Tiered

The look: offbeat—flowers are arranged on two or more different levels. Best for: hip, urban events.

Topiary

The look: formal and offbeat—flowers or plants trimmed into geometric shapes. Best for: upscale events with an artistic edge.

Tower Vase

The look: regal—flowers tower above the ta

ble. Best for: glamorous affairs.

Trumpet

The look: contemporary, offbeat—a vase that's small at the base and flares out at the top. Best for: contemporary, offbeat, and urban affairs.

OTHER FLOWERS

Boutonniere

A single bloom or small cluster of flowers pinned to a man's jacket lapel. Worn by the ring bearers, groom, groomsmen, and fathers and grandfathers of the bride and groom.

Corsage

A single bloom or small cluster of flowers pinned to a dress or worn around the wrist. Worn by the mothers and grandmothers of the bride and groom.

Wreath

Flowers, boughs, and leaves woven into a ring shape. Worn by flower girls as headpieces or placed at the base of centerpieces.

Aisle Runner

An aisle covering that the wedding party walks on during the ceremony.

Candelabra

Tiered candles that are used as altar arrangements and in reception decor.

PERFECT FOR EVERY PALETTE!

If you don't know about The Perfect Palette and you are getting married- consider yourself informed!! Chrissy is a genius at inspiration boards and color! Whatever your vision- she has the perfect palette! I chose these two because they are great for a summer wedding and because my June 5 bride is using these colors. don't waste another minute- get on over to The Perfect Palette and get inspired!

Inspiration boards courtesy of The Perfect Palette

SOMETHING BLUE- OH, NEW!

Rock Paper Scissors is full of new things! Summer brides will be so excited to get their something blue as a bonus with these crisp and lovely invitations. Whether your wedding is an elegant evening dinner in a ballroom or a more casual beach wedding, there is something for any bride with a blue color palette.

The idea of an invitation in a box is so elegant to me. And, Rachel is the master of boxed invitations. Imagine your guests opening this beautiful package and knowing that they cankeep the box as a memory of your special day. Genius!

This invitation is very simple, yet makes a statement. the dark box- a little mystery for the event, a pale blue ribbon- the sweetness of the moments to come and the white gardenia- a symbol of the vision of white ( or ivory) as the bride comes into the room.

For you more flowery brides with an outdoor garden wedding, how about these naturally beautiful floral invitations? No matter the garden variety, there is something for the rose lovers and the more traditional. I love the floral brooch on the pink and gold invitation.

This idea for a beach- themed wedding is just perfect! From the little "beach bags" on the chairs to the escort cards in sand and the shells on the table numbers- need I say more?
This is another idea that is pure perfection! The colors remind me of the warm sand and the cool breeze of the beach. The soft pinks and deep browns are so luscious!












Now for the best news! For brides on a budget, you don't have to give up these great ideas at all! Rachel and Rock Paper have designed a whole new site called Rock Paper Scissors Al a Carte! This way, you can
have the same brilliant ideas and not break the bank! So, look for this new line coming soon. And, start dreaming of your fantasy invitation! In the meantime, happy planning!