THE BRIDE'S CAFE

"An Oh So Charming Wedding"

I didn't know how I was going to end this week at the cafe until I received these beautiful photos of such a romantic and charming wedding from the wonderful Elizabeth Messina. The photos truly tell the story of this couple and I hope you can feel the love between them and their special little friend!  Thanks so much Elizabeth for sharing their day with us!  Enjoy guys and have a wonderful weekend!

"Special Little Friend"!  So adorable!!!!!!!!!

 

Love the black and white photos!

The flowers are so simple and yet so elegant, love it!

Beautiful photos Elizabeth, your work is simply amazing!  I love how you always tell a story with your photos.......thanks so much!!!

Peculiar Pair Press

I'm so excited to have as our guests today the talented ladies from Peculiar Pair Press, Amy and Mary Beth.  Amy and Mary Beth are the "go to gals" for exquisitely designed letterpress wedding invitations and stationery.  Your wedding inspirations come to life through their well thought out invitation designs.  They can work with you regardless of your location to produce any stationery item for your big day including seating cards, menus, maps and program jackets.  Please give them a call for a custom consult.  I give to you.....The Fabulous Amy and Mary Beth!!!!

Amy and Mary Beth, your work is simply beautiful and so elegant!  Thank you for sharing your lovely designs with us and please stop by the cafe anytime!

"Here Comes The Bride"

Today's post is all about the beautiful bride and to capture her moment is the beautiful photography of Allegra, owner of Allegra's Studio.  Allegra is an amazing photographer and one of the sweetest ladies that you could ever meet.  I worked with her on a wedding last fall and I have kept up with her work ever since!  Please visit her website to see more of her lovely work but for now..........here comes the bride captured by Allegra!  Enjoy!!!!!!

I love the close-up of the bride in this photo.

Love, Love, Love the dress and what a great shot!!!!!

Allegra, what a beautiful shot and a beautiful bride!

Too cute!!!!

No worries guys, Allegra will be back at the cafe!

Ann and Brent's Story Book Wedding

Ann and Brent are not only TBC's featured couple today, but Ann is the niece of my girlfriend Minie of Wish! Flowers . This wedding is very personal to me because Minie and I talked so much about it from the time Ann and Brent got engaged.  I couldn't wait to see it all come together after all the phones calls that Minie and I had bouncing ideas off each other.  Well, the expensive phone bill was worth every penny!!!  The wedding was AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Minie totally designed a "magazine worthy" wedding and to capture it all is the fabulous photography of Jennifer Skog.

Now for a little background on Ann and Brent.........Ann is a cheerleader for the Houston Rockets and Brent works for Armani.  I must share with you that in 2002 Brent was in the Marine Corp and was deployed to Iraq.  He told me that while he was there, the soldiers envied him because Ann wrote him a letter every single day!  They are such a beautiful couple and so much in love with each other, with all of these "ingredients", the wedding could only turn out to be fabulous.......beautiful job Minie! I give to you guys, Ann and Brent......Enjoy!!!!!!!

   

The handsome couple!!!! 

I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THE BOUQUET and Ann is such a gorgeous bride!

What an awesome photo, you rock Jennifer!!!!  Ann's gown is from Pronovias and her shoes are by BCBG Max Azria.

Have to have a stylish bout on the Armani suit!

The venue is Martinelli Event Center.  Brent's dad is making sure that he gets this shot!

Minie used snowberries tied with tiffany blue ribbon as chair markers.  How charming! The photo on the right shows a young bearer carrying the coins for the Coin Ceremony.  The officiant blesses the coins and hands them over the the groom.  He then places them in the bride's cupped hands which symbolizes his vow to support her.  This custom originated in Spain but it is also a tradition in Filipino weddings.

Check out the lighting designed by Brandon of Elle Music & Events, it realy does make a difference!

The awesome videography was done by Justin Fone Productions.

Don't you just love all the hot fun colors?  The lounge furniture was provided by Blueprint Studios.

Pipe and Drape provided by Enhanced Lighting.

The linens, square tables, and chargers were from Classic Party Rentals.

And how cute are the lollipops at the kid's tables, it totally ties in with the color scheme!

The cake was designed by the Glass Slipper Gourmet.

Congrats Ann and Brent, thanks so much for sharing your beautiful day with TBC....Minie, I'll see you and Ann in NYC in two weeks, can't wait!!!!!!!!

Monique Lhuillier

Today's post is all about fashion, style, elegance and grace....today's post is about Monique Lhuillier.  Her gowns are simply GORGEOUS and she is truly an AMAZING designer!!!  Monique is the recipient of several prestigious designer awards and she is a member of  the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA).  I cannot express to you how happy and honored I am to have Monique let us into "her world" and share her style with us today. 

I have to also thank Lori for making all this possible, Lori, "you rock" and thanks also to Cynthia for the beautiful images.  Okay guys, I give to you the oh so beautiful, Monique Lhuillier...Enjoy!!!

  TBC:  What are the key trends for the 2008 wedding season?

Monique:  Everything for this season is softer and more elegant.  There is a lot of attention paid to draping and back treatments.  There are  new silhouettes in Chiffon and Silk Tulle.  The classic styles are all made of luxurious but light weight fabrics.  When beading is used, it is meant to "pop" for a dramatic entrance and yet stay very feminine  There are many beaded jackets that add to the drama of many gowns and of course can be worn again.  All of my accessories have always made my dresses versatile while exciting brides at the thought of wearing them again.  Whether it is a beaded sash threaded through your jeans, a bustier for every year on your anniversary or an incredible shrug or jacket to wear over and over again!

TBC:  Describe a "Monique Lhuillier" Bride.

Monique:  A Monique Bride is usually a savvy girl who has a flair for fashion.  She is not afraid to be different and cares much for quality and comfort.  Fifty percent of my clients have destination weddings and the rest have the "big blow out" affairs.

TBC:  Using one-word answers only, please describe your style.

Monique:  Classic, feminine, ethereal, edgy.....all mixed in the pot to create "magic".

TBC:  Monique, your gowns are so beautiful, it would be so hard to decide which gown is the perfect one.  In your opinion, when does a bride know that "this dress is the one"!

Monique:  A wedding gown is an emotional purchase.  You cannot analyze it or pick each dress apart.  It's a feeling of elation that you are the most beautiful that you can be!  It goes with the fantasy of becoming a bride.  Many girls walk in looking for a sleek straight dress and end up in the "princess" gown because she FEELS like a bride!

Thanks Monique, what a wonderful way to start the week!!!

Let Us Give Thanks

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone and a special thanks to all of my readers.  I hope you all will have a wonderful day with your family and friends!  My friend Elaine, (she is truly Martha Stewart's biggest fan) made this beautiful arrangement a couple of months ago and I thought it would be a beautiful design for the Thanksgiving holiday, thanks Elaine!

Let's Get Pretty

Today's post is all about being a "girly girl" and enhancing the beauty from within.  I asked make-up artist, Erika Nixon to answer a few questions that I have gotten from TBC readers about getting all dolled up on their wedding day.  Erika, was the wonderful make-up artist for the models that were featured in my very first two posts.  She trained with MAC Cosmetics and is so fabulous at enhancing the beauty that is already there!  Trust me, she makes you feel like a true "diva"!

   

TBC:  How do you determine the "look" for the bride?

Erika:  Any clean  and polished look will look beautiful on any bride.  It's best to avoid fashion trends in cosmetics, because you want to capture timeless photos.  Every bride should have all of the following products, even if they don't wear make-up everyday:

1. Brow pencil and/or brow powder to achieve a groomed brow.
2. Foundation and/or concealer - to create a smooth palette for makeup application.
3. Blush and/or bronzer - highlights the cheeks and pulls the look of the eyes and lips together.
4. Eye shadow - gives color to the eye area.
5. Eye shadow base - helps the color to adhere to eyelid and prolongs wear.
6. Lips - lip liner and lipstick/and or gloss.

TBC:  Do you suggest a  smokey eye for brides?

Erika:  Smokey eyes are a great look for brides, however, there are a couple of things to consider:

1. The shape of the eye - every smokey eye won't be the same.  For example, if you have a deep set crease, you want to avoid using really dark colors on the crease because it will make it appear even more deep set.
2. Texture - if you want to decrease the appearance of fine lines or texture on and around the eye, you want to avoid products with a lot of shimmer.
3. Chocolate - smokey doesn't mean just gray!  You could use a taupe brown, muted mauve or chocolate!

TBC:  Do you suggest false eye lashes?

Erika:  Lashes are a great way to accent the eyes!!!  I would suggest researching the types of lashes that you want.  The following are the three most popular for weddings:

1. Daily Wear Lash - these lashes are designed to be worn for one day only!  In my opinion, this is the best choice because the adhesive normally used will roll off the lash and not pull your lashes.  Also, if you are prone to eye infections you will be able to remove the lashes.  You can also re-apply the lashes several times if you maintain the shape of them by not sleeping with them on or weighing them down with lots of mascara.  Ladies please take note, these adhesives are normally water soluble, which means that if you shed a tear....the lashes won't make it down the aisle with you!
2. Semi-Permanent Lash - these lashes are normally applied with a waterproof adhesive. The lashes will wear for about two weeks and will join you at the alter -  tears and all!
3. Xtreme Salon Lash - these lashes are applied by a certified professional in a salon for a "nice" price.  These lashes will last as long as the semi-permanent lash, but they have a more natural look to them.  The adhesive is waterproof and less likely to pull your natural lashes out than the semi-permanent.

TBC:  How should you prep your skin for make-up?

Erika:  It's best to do the following:

1. Drink lots of water!  This will help to eliminate some of the toxins in the body and to hydrate your skin.
2. Get a facial about one week before your wedding. This should not be done on your wedding day because if you have a reaction to this procedure, make-up may not be able to cover or correct it.
3. Moisturize your eyes, face and lips!
4. Have your brows groomed - this is very important.

TBC:  Why is it important to have your make-up professionally done?

Erika:  It's your wedding day!  You have only one chance to capture this special moment so you should look your absolute best.  You deserve it!  I suggest that your bridesmaids have their make-up done by a professional as well.  The bride should stand out and her bridesmaids should gracefully compliment her.

TBC:  How does the bride maintain her look throughout the wedding ceremony and reception?

Erika:  The bride  should only need a couple of items to maintain her look:

1. All lip products to touch up after the BIG KISS!
2. A touch up powder and blot papers - this will get rid of any surface oil and is good for all the ladies in the wedding party and even the guys!!!!!!!

If you have any questions for Erika,  please e-mail her at: makeupondemand@comcast.net

Style Her Abby......of Style Me Pretty

Today's guest at the cafe is the oh so fabulous  and oh so beautiful Abby Larson of the Ultimate Wedding Blog, Style Me Pretty.   Guys, what could I possibly say about Abby that you don't know already know.......well, plenty!  Abby was a huge inspiration to me starting The Bride's Cafe and I'm sure to many of you that have started your own wonderful blogs.  So I asked Abby if she would drop by the cafe for a litte "girl talk".  I'm so glad that she did and guys, it was so much fun!  Thanks Abby for stopping by and a huge "shout out" to you and Michelle for including JMFlora Design in the Little Black Book! (I haven't been in a "little black book" in years!!)

Okay guys, l give you Ms. Abby..........Enjoy!!!!!!!!!!

TBC:  If you could change any of the design elements from your wedding, what would it be, (if any)?

Abby:   The execution of some of the details.  I spent hours upon hours making sure that every last detail was taken care of .  Our "day of coordinator" really didn't do a great job in making sure that everything was executed properly, so many of the special elements lacked that magic that I originally envisioned.  Other than that, there isn't a lot that I would change.  I loved my color palette, loved the fashions, loved the flowers and decor.  I  can imagine having a different style of wedding...perhaps a backyard fete, or a small dinner in  an intimate winery, or of course.... a beautiful beach side wedding.  But, at the time, my wedding was perfect.

TBC:  What is the best part about creating Style Me Pretty?

Abby:  I can't believe how many brides bring ideas that they have found on SMP into their wedding.  I get e-mails all the time from brides who just wanted to say thanks for being such an inspiration for their wedding style.  That is incredibly fulfilling to me.

TBC:  Abby, I believe that we all have a special gift, mine is being able to help and motivate others, especially women.  Designing floral is just a bonus because I have only been doing this for two years.  We all read SMP to keep us inspired in the "wedding world" but I hope that you know that you also inspire your readers, myself included, to achieve their dreams and start their own businesses.  With this being said, what advice would you give to someone who is trying to follow their dream.

Abby:  That is so sweet!  I suppose my one piece of advice is to be realistic.  To know that there are going to be days where you want to throw in the towel.  Days that you wonder why you chose this path in the first place.  But then, everything that is worth fighting for isn't always easy.  There is nothing like hard work, skill and passion...if you have those, your business will succeed and you will no doubt, realize your dreams.

TBC:  Abby, do you have any funny stories that you could share with us about SMP?

Abby: SMP has been such an incredible adventure.  What started as a little blog, has developed into a full-time job for me.  And although I love that I am now seen as somewhat of an expert in this industry, it also brings the opportunity for some pretty funny moments.  When Style Me Pretty was featured on the Martha Stewart Show, there are about five screen shots of me looking like an awe struck five year old girl......completely giddy with this huge grin on my face.  Although Style Me Pretty has allowed me to do some pretty cool things, I really am still just like a kid in a candy store!

TBC:  Please share some fun details about your home life.  We want to get to know you a little.

Abby:  Well, I live in Charlestown, Massachusetts in a brownstone that was built in the late 1800.  It is our first official place and we are still very much in the process of making it into our home.  My husband and my puppy, Chloe, keep the house happy and fun...albeit a little messy.  Let's see, what else.  I love to cook, but hate to grocery shop.  I love a clean house, but hate the cleaning part.  Most nights that I don't work, are spent sitting on the couch, surrounded  either by wedding or home design magazines (or cookbooks, like last night), watching some reality show that I am way too into.  I love reality television.  It's actually a little pathetic.  If I'm not sucked into The Bachelor, I am dreaming up ways to make Style Me Pretty even better.  My husband is a little nerdy, but also incredibly passionate about software design, so he is always inspiring me to not only dream big...but to dream smart.  To turn Style Me Pretty into a beautiful resource that not only inspires, but guides.

At the end of the day, I have a great life.  As cliche as it might sound, I can't believe how blessed I am.  To wake up everyday and work on a website that thrives on passion and inspiration.  Pinch me!!!!

Elizabeth Messina Photography

When I opened my e-mails on Friday afternoon I was totally blown away when I saw one from the incredible and amazing photographer, Elizabeth Messina.  You guys she sent sent me the beautiful photos below with the sweetest note saying that she would be honored to be featured at The Bride's Cafe........thank you so much Elizabeth, but I am the one who is truly honored to have you and your amazingly beautiful work as a feature.

Elizabeth's work has graced the pages in Town & Country Weddings, Elegant Bride, Grace Ormonde, and Los Angeles Weddings publications.  I love visiting her site and to make your visit even more enjoyable, she has the music of Lauryn Hill playing while you visit....now how cool is that!!!!!!!  I present to you........Ms. Messina, Enjoy!!!!!!

Love, Love, Love this shot!!!!!!!  These shoes are FABULOUS!

Love the vintage look, it reminds me of classic Hollywood style!

What a striking shot!!!!!! How handsome!!!!

So simple, so elegant, so charming!

Thanks Elizabeth, what a beautiful way to start the week.  No worries guys, Elizabeth has promised that she'll be back at the cafe!

"Calling All Photographers"

I was speaking with Eleise  yesterday and she was telling me about a photography seminar that she is hosting and it will be conducted by the oh so fabulous photographer Susan Stripling.  The seminar will be held on February 19th and 20th of 2008.  Please visit Eleise's site or Susan's to learn more about this event and to register. Don't wait to late to call, I 'm sure this event will sell out fast!!!!