Happy 2011 New Year: Modern Romantic Sparkles

Inspiration Board #1

If I were to get married all over again for 2011, I want all things Modern Romantic & Sparkly.  I do adore the bling.  Happy New Year to you & to the Love of your life!

Stay tuned for a fun tutorial on the DIY sparkly shoes in the near future.

1. Christian Louboutin Lady Claude on the The Knot

2. Table Setting by Enchanted Dream Wedding Affairs

3. Kenneth Pool Amour

4. Johanna Johnson Harlow

5. Chloe leather purse at Net-a-porter

6. Saint Louis Excess Stemware from This Next

7. 2011 Stamp by Zazzle

How to Bustle the La Sposa Fanal Bridal Gown- Tutorial

This Beautiful Blushing Bride will be the talk of the town when she walks down the aisle with her elegant restyled Bridal gown.  Her guests will also be wondering what type of magic powers her Bridesmaids have once they see the cathedral train transform into something completely different.  You will see how it is all done in this short tutorial.

For her final fitting, the Bride brought her Bridesmaid from Florida.  It was literally a hair-raising experience for me.  I knew M.N. from 10+ years ago.  It is amazing how many people the Bride & I know in common, yet we only met when I got to work on her gown.  This world is amazingly small.  What a blessing to work with such a classy bride & I wish you all the best C.L.  Congratulations! .... I love your blue shoes!

Alterations: Restyle Gown.  Create a deeper sweetheart neckline.  Take in at Bust, Waist, Hip, & Hem.  The Bustle is a design element in itself.  Intricately planned out for a final dramatic effect.  To see more ways to bustle the La Sposa Fanal Gown, click here.  

Lace, Mermaid & Silk Flower Sash: Inspiration for JV

These gowns are sexy & modern with its mermaid silhouette and beautiful lace detail.  

1. Maggie Sottero Philippa: One-piece, strapless fit and flare style featuring an embellished ribbon lace over satin. The lace is adorned with seed beads, sequins, and bugle beads. This sophisticated style is elegantly finished with a sweep train. Gown is available with a corset closure or decorative button over zipper back closure

2. Enzoani Diana flower sash 

3. Enzoani Dakota on Brides.com : Strapless soft sweetheart neckline.  Modified trumpet skirt with mesh organza under cotton lace appliques.  Scalloped hemline with semi-cathedral train. 

Embellished Sashes: Why a Sash?

1.  Lazaro style 3853 on Project Wedding

2. Enzoani Diana photo from The Relentless Bride

3. Pearl Sash by The Headband Shop

4. Nicola by a.b. Ellie 

One of the striking details seen on the Bridal runways are the jewelled wedding sashes. Whether it is lace, satin, or beaded, it can add a touch of elegance or modernize a dress. The embellished belts can accentuate your curves, define your waist, and add some sparkle to your wedding day. Likewise, the belt options can add color, texture, and flair to an otherwise simple gown.

You can wear the sash as a meaningful piece on your wedding day and each anniversary or pass it on through future generations. It can also update an old dress or you can wear one sash three ways: around your waist, as a strap, or as a headband.

Thanks for visiting!

Custom Design: 80th Birthday Formal Gown

It was a lot of fun to custom design a formal Birthday gown for a lady turning 80 years young. I was not only working with Mrs. Kalu but had the opportunity to work with her family as well. They really knew how to have fun, laugh, & were just full of zeal. At one point, they were dancing in my studio to test out the dress! I hope to have her spirit & energy at 80.

How to Bustle La Sposa Fanal Wedding Gown - Photo Inspiration

These photos are from the Wedding Bee Boards & the La Sposa Fanal Gown at www.lasposa.com.

Here is a video tutorial for our gracious Bride, CL.  Hope this will make it easier for your lovely Bridesmaids!

Thank you for visiting!

Veils: Fascinator & Mantilla

Restyle: Kim + Francis

This tall beautiful Bride always dreamt of wearing a Sweetheart neckline on her special day. Lucky me got to turn her strapless A-line silhouette into something SWEET! Look how lovely!

Wedding Sash or Scarf: DIY Tutorial

Are you looking for ways to tie in your color palette? Here is a wonderful idea. Make a beautiful silk sash for your wedding dress or create it for your Bridesmaids. It will make wonderful gifts since it can transition into a scarf. See the step by step instructions on Altered Cloth.

Asian Inspired Necklines

These are beautiful bridal gowns that resemble an Asian Inspired Neckline. 
1.  The Monique Lhuillier sketch is a take on a gown from the 1920s featuring a silk sash and high neck with cap sleeves. The mermaid dress with lace detailing was designed for Bella in Eclipse. See other sketches for Bella at InStyle.com. 
2.  The beautiful Grace Kelly wearing a gown designed by Helen Rose. Her dress was made 100 yards of silk net and 25 yards of silk taffeta and was regarded as one of the most lovely gowns ever posted by FunnyBest.com on the Most Expensive Wedding Dresses.
3. Zinnia Pearl Bridal Bracelet by Pennelli Belle
4.  The Carolina Herrera gown, Camille, is made of ivory chantilly lace & silk mikado flare tier. I love the idea of the removable ivory embroidered chantilly lace pintucked blousson. 

Thank you for visiting!

Luz Kalu - Happy 80th Birthday

kalu by youtiquebridal featuring Adrianna Papell dresses

A Truly Beautiful Wedding Video: Michelle+John Highlights

I stumbled across this video on the Wedding Bee. It was created by StillMotion and has amazing cinematography. Bring out the tissue box and enjoy.

Michelle + John Highlights from stillmotion on Vimeo.

How was your experience with a videographer? Thanks for reading!

Wedding Card Boxes: DIY TUTORIALS

{photos by Style Me Pretty, card boxes from The Wedding Main St.}

These beautiful card boxes puts a new spin on how a couple can collect their wedding cards rather than use baskets, bird cages, or money bags (which can be beautiful too!). I was impressed by the chic & elegant quality of the card boxes from The Wedding Main St. I recommend you check out everything they have to offer. If you have the cash in your cute little clutch to spend, I say this is the way to go!

For the DIY Brides, I found a tutorial from DIY Wed Central to help you design your very own YOUnique card box. Here are the easy step by step instructions from the Dahl Wedding Company.

Did you create your own card holder? I would love to see your YOUnique ideas.