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.    

    

SOMETHING BORROWED, SOMETHING NEW?

Have you seen the latest Friday, Bride Day show on TLC?   Something Borrowed, Something New  begs the question- "Should I wear my mother's dress or a new gown that I choose?"   Last night I had the pleasure of interviewing Kelly and Sam, the funny, talented and wonderful duo that helps a bride decide.   Kelly Nishimoto, a designer, cuts and pastes a family heirloom into a one of a kind gown, while Sam Saboura, a Hollywood stylist scours the bridal salons for a new dress.   The finger biting decision is a secret to them both as the bride appears on her choice.    

I asked them both what the easiest part of the show is and what is the hardest part.   

Kelly-      The easiest part for me is the vision.  I can see what I can do to make an old dress new again.   The hardest part is the construction in the short amount of time and the blind fit. 

Imagine how much stress is involved in creating a dress out of something that already exists in a short time!   

 

Sam- The easiest part for me is the inspiration.  It is natural for me to visualize the right dress.   The hardest part is that the bride sees nothing until she looks in that mirror.  The pressure to find "the dress" as opposed to her wearing her mother's dress is stressful.

I remember selling dresses.  I always saw "the dress", but making the bride SEE it was another story!  Add in the emotional bond of a family heirloom and WOW!

I asked Kelly and Sam if there were any nightmares in the filming of the show.  Well, it seems that one mom got really upset with Sam because she REALLY wanted her daughter to where her dress.   Sam had to do some real smoothing out of ruffled feathers.  And, there was a bridesmaid that caused a bit of a ruckus.  But, all in all, they both love the show, the brides and their moms and the idea of creating a dream dress- even if it means wearing mom's dress in the end.       


Kelly Nishimoto started out in Georgia, her first design being a wedding gown made from a trash bag and a glue gun.   She soon knew she was destined for bigger and better things and headed for Miami where her first collection, made from colored Reynolds Wrap, was a hit.   Spreading her wings and moving to California, Kelly began reinventing the corset and soon became a hit on the Red Carpet.    Designing wedding gowns came as she was asked by clients to create their dream dress.   Kelly's designs are cool, sophisticated and feminine- just like her personality.   We had a great chat and I can't wait to chat again soon.    

Sam Saboura is adorable!!!  He started out as a personal shopper for Fred Segal in LA.  Dressing celebrities came naturally to him, but he always had a fascination for weddings.   Sam headed the team of Extreme Makeover.  His warmth and keen eye were a great combination for transforming lives.   But, Sam loves Something Borrowed, because it gives him a chance to explore the world of weddings- his passion.

So, tune in tonight at 10 and get to know Kelly and Sam- and the brides who have to decide- Borrowed or New?       

PHILADELPHIA WEDDINGS WITH MATTHEW DAVID CELEBRATIONS

Happy Valentine's Day! 

 Imagine walking in to your wedding to this exquisitely romantic setting!   And, imagine having a "dream team" to see to every element of your big day!  Every bride deserves to have her vision become a reality!  That is what Matthew David Hopkins and I believe.  And, that is why we would like to team up to give you the wedding of your dreams.  From beginning to end, there is not an aspect of your day that we can't make happen.  So, let the dream begin!  This is, after all, YOUR day!

Matthew David Celebrations can design the wedding of your dreams!    And, I will keep you calm and organized along the way.  While Matthew is designing the "look" of your wedding, creating gorgeous centerpieces with the perfect linens, lighting the room with ambiance and adding all the special touches that YOU describe, you and I will be shopping for the perfect dress, finding photographers, music and all the other pieces of your special day.  Staying organized, feeling calm and having someone at your side through the entire process- and throughout your wedding.  

Matthew David Celebrations will create a vision that is truly you and that will be remembered for years to come- a vision that embodies your personality and style.   And, Wendy's Affairs of Heart will make it stress free, fun and just the way it should be.  We believe that this is YOUR day.  It is not about us, but about what you and your dream.   So, welcome Matthew David Celebrations to Philadelphia and let us make your wedding dreams come true!   Whether you are a New York bride getting married in Philadelphia, a Philadelphia bride looking for a chic New York inspired wedding or a New York bride seeking the best in the business.   The possibilities are endless.  So, let the magic begin!

 Matthew David Celebrations
95 Morton Street
New York, New York 10014
212- 905-3000

Wendy's Affairs of Heart
Philadelphia, Pa
215-237-7149
 

BE MY VALENTINE- FOREVER

Are you looking for a unique, romantic and affordable way to "pop the question" this Valentine's Day?  Well, here are two fabulous ideas from my good friend Matthew David Hopkins!!  So, get out your imagination and your glue gun and get set to wow her with a very romantic proposal!  

Inspired by sweetheart candies with messages on them,  Matthew suggests you take that concept and create an intimate table setting with love notes written on paper hearts.   Make sure the real message- "Marry Me" is written one of those hearts.   Then be ready to get an answer and have that bling ready to put on her finger when she says "Yes"!   

Another perfect idea is to create an indoor picnic!   Using your own china and glassware, you can bring the laid back feeling of the outdoors to a romantic indoor experience.  Who needs a restaurant setting for such a personal and intimate occasion?!   Soft lighting, sexy music and just you two- what a perfect way to ask "will you marry me?"   So, if you don't want to be in a crowd with your Valentine, get busy and get creative!   You will be creating a memory that will last a lifetime!     

Matthew has amazing ideas for your wedding too!   So, after she says "YES", let Matthew take over and create another memory to begin your life together!!   

A BEVY OF BRIDES

Photo Courtesy of Sweetwater Portraits

It seems that when one of you gets engaged, all of your friends follow suit. So, you are not only planning your wedding, but also getting ready to be a bridesmaid in several other weddings. Is there no end to the money flying out of your wallet and the decisions to be made and the parties to go to and the showers to plan?   I can offer a way to save your wallet and your wedding jitters.  From now until the end of February, if you book my day of services, I will take $500 off the price for every other bride in your wedding party or another wedding party where you are a bridesmaid that also books my services.   That means that anyone in your wedding getting married, and you, get a huge break in the price of my services.   And, you get the personal service and peace of mind that comes with having someone watching over your big day.   This deal is good through the month of February and is a "group rate", one you all can take advantage of if you all book.   Think of how relaxed you will be now that you know you have someone watching your wedding, even when you are busy being in someone else's. We will all get to be great friends by the end of all those weddings. I can't wait to get started, so don't wait. Call me today at 215-237-7149 or email me.

SHEARER ELEGANCE

 There is a treasure hidden in the countryside of Montgomery County that is perfect for a romantic getaway, a bachelorette weekend, a place to pop the question or a destination for your wedding party's overnight stay or your rehearsal dinner.  A lovely place for a bridal shower or luncheon for the special girls in your wedding.   Shearer Elegance is a beautifully restored Victorian mansion with a cozy and inviting atmosphere.   From the big wrap around porch to the glorious woodwork throughout and the lovely antiques and treasures in every room, you won't find a friendlier place to entertain your wedding guests.   And, starting on February 3, 2013, there will be a series of bridal events- Bridal Blossoms, hosted by Whimsical Welcomes Floral Design.   Come and see the house and find out all about flowers for your wedding, plus speak to wedding experts about your questions in planning your big day.  Tour the house, feel the love and come away feeling more informed.  Can't wait to see you there.  More details to follow in my Tidbits and Events.           

GUEST BLOGGER: FLORAL PRESERVATION

Let me introduce you to a beautiful way to preserve your wedding flowers.   Floral Preservation will make sure that your bouquet is forever lovely!   Here in her own words is Debbie's story:

I am a flower preservationist which means just what it sounds like; I give life to your flowers. My name is Debbie Flohr and I work out of New York’s Hudson Valley, servicing brides from throughout the tri-state area. My last name, Flohr, actually means flower in French. Seems like I was destined to work with flowers! 

I have 3 young, beautiful, blue eyed boys who keep me on my toes and help me see the flowers all around us. I’m lucky that I get to do what I love and to work out of my home so I can juggle work and being a mom.
I have always been artistic: have taken art lessons for years. I have always enjoy creating things with my hands. I came across floral preservation almost by accident when I was looking for a way to hold onto my own bouquet after my wedding. In the eight years since, I have created countless keepsakes, helping brides to hold on to their wedding memories forever. I am passionate about creating one of a kind masterpieces for each couple that commemorate the most meaningful day of their lives.
If you are a bride who spent hours dreaming up the perfect wedding bouquet and can’t bear the idea of tossing it...don’t! Preserve it! It’s not only diamonds that are forever, with a little help from me, your flowers can last forever too.
Each wedding is unique- so is each keepsake Floral Preservation creates!
Let’s make something special!
Debbie

 FACTS AND TIPS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT FLORAL PRESERVATION:
Put your flowers in the fridge.
DO NOT put in freezer.
Do NOT hang your bouquet upside down.
If you know you want your flowers preserved, its best to call prior to your wedding day!
The fresher the flowers the better the results.
REGARDLESS OF THE PRESERVATION TECHNIQUES ALL FLOWERS WILL CHANGE SOMEWHAT
Some types of flowers may need color enhancement and petal reinforcement.
Each keepsake is customized to your specification.
You can include in your keepsake: Pictures, invitations, tiara, cake tppper, favors, boutonniere, garters etc.
We have a variety of shadowboxes & acrylic domes to choose from that WILL fit your budget.
We serve the Tri-State area.
You can have someone drop them off.
You can have them shipped.
Pick up service is available depending on your location.
Prices to preserve your beautiful bouquet will vary depending on your frame selection. You may select to have just a few flowers, just the bouquet or include many of the wedding mementos. Generally the cost of preserving your flowers is relatively very low given lifetime of enjoyment.
Now that you know more about preserving your bouquet. Make preserving the bouquet part of your wedding plans. You can have your flowers for a lifetime of enjoyment, so why not?

THANK YOU FOR SHARING, DEBBIE!