THE BRIDE'S CAFE

Shoe Style V

Happy Monday Guys...I hope you all had a wonderful weekend and I hope you are ready for a little "Shoe Shopping"!  You guys are in for a treat today.....all I can say is FABULOUS!!!   TBC's guest today is the oh-so-amazing and wonderful Marie Labbancz....Marie sent me images of the most incredible shoes...I couldn't wait to share them with you in true "Contestant Style".....Enjoy Guys and let me know which pair is a "must have" for you!! 

CONTESTANT #1....Designer is Bettye Muller...Marie told me that the bride made the bows herself to give the shoe a more "festive" look....gorgeous!

CONTESTANT #2...Designer is Carmen Marc Valvo...a sexy little slip-on!

CONTESTANT #3...Designer is Christian Lacroix....OMG...love these.... and Marie you are amazing..they look as if they are floating on a cloud...such beautiful images!

CONTESTANT #4...Designer is Christian Louboutin...Christian made a "blue sole wedding shoe" so the sole was the bride's "something blue".  Marie shared with me that the green matched the green sash on the bride's Monique Lhuillier gown.  She had it special made in Paris....WOW!!!!!!!

CONTESTANT #5...Designer is Jimmy Choo....now these are HOT!!!!!!  The bride wore them for her November wedding!

CONTESTANT #6  Designer is Jimmy Choo...so sexy and just simply STUNNING!

CONTESTANT #7...Designer is Anne Klein....The bride wanted a way to tie in pink to her outfit...she had an all "pink theme"!

CONTESTANT #8...Surprise Guys...I don't know the Designer...but I love these rain boots...how cute..what a fun idea...it just makes the day more special!

Thanks so much Marie for all of the GORGEOUS images....this was so much fun...no worries guys....Marie will be back at the "cafe" soon!!

"Details Details"

Happy Friday Guys....I'm excited to introduce to you the 3 beautiful and talented ladies of Details Details, a premier full-service event planning and design company.  Jeannie, Brooke and Michelle are amazing and their beautiful weddings and events have been featured in countless wedding publications.....the ladies truly capture each  and every "Detail" of your beautiful day.  Jeannie shares a little "Detail" with us.....Enjoy!

TBC:  What details make a "Signature Wedding"?

JS:  A Details Details Signature Wedding is really a reflection of the bride and how we create the wedding around her.  Each bride has different tastes and style, which can be seen from the huge variety of wedding gowns available.  Some choose lace, while others choose princess cut, some are strapless and some choose quarter length sleeves.  There are so many different themes, color combinations, eras to choose from.

TBC:  How does a bride incorporate "her personal touch" on her wedding?

JS:  A bride can incorporate personal touches in so many different ways.  In one example, the bride and groom loved candy and sweets so not only did we do an elaborate table of candy and treats in her wedding colors, but we included gourmet caramel apples.  She also named tables after favorite desserts, like Creme Brule and Red Velvet Cake.  The bride also wanted to use Chinese Red as a primary wedding color but not having the wedding look too ethnic or traditional as her fiance was not Chinese so we paired it with a bright fuschia to create a modern edgy feel.  Smoked color plexi glass floated across the table while flowers and candles dangled from them.  The groom's interests were not missed as we created a martini ice luge of the New York skyline, to represent all the NY friends and family who flew to CA for the wedding.

TBC:  Describe a "Details Details" event.

JS:  A Details Details event can be just that...Details.  From the moment guests arrive to everything they see, hear and touch.  We carefully plan every aspect of the day.  At one wedding, the bride wanted everything to be green and brown.  It's common to have the flowers and decor in these colors but we looked at every detail and even designed a menu around only those colors, like Filet Mignon with Garlic Sauteed Spinach to Chocolate Lava Cake with Pistachio Ice Cream.

TBC:  What are some of the wedding trends to look for in 2008?

JS:  2008 is about the food for us.  Candy Stations or Interactive Dessert Stations are a huge trend this year.  It has become so popular that we are going to be offering a service called "Petite Sweets Table".....custom designed based on color and desserts and candy that the client loves.  Another food trend is late night snacks, mini burgers and shots of COKE and sweet potato fries and white cheddar popcorn at midnight!

TBC:  What has been the highlight of  Details Details to date?

JS:  Opening our first office in Orange County last November.

TBC:  What's next for Detail Details....hopefully a book, television, product lines.......

JS:  We have been approached about doing a book....not sure yet and we will continue to add to our current retail product line Maddie Totes.  For example...gardenia hair clips.  Each gardenia is individually handmade in Hawaii.  They are made from a water-based clay.  Extremely light-weight and will not brown when handled by the hairstylist or sun on your wedding day.  Each gardenia has a built in clip and will not need a bobby pin to attach to the hair. 

Thanks Jeannie for stopping by the cafe today and now guys....let's check out some of the inspiring "Details Details"! 

The beautiful ice luge of New York City's skyline!

Simply Stunning......guys check out all the "Details" that Jeannie spoke on!

The delicious "details" of the Candy Station!

Details from the open house of Details Details new office....wish I could have been there!

All so beautiful and the "Details" are amazing....guys I hope all the "Details" have inspired you to plan your unforgettable event!

In Style Weddings

Hi Guys....I want to share some exciting news with you...The Bride's Cafe was selected by In Style Weddings as one of their favorite wedding blog sites!!!!!!  How cool is that!!!!  I am so happy and so honored to be selected....it truly makes all the hard work that I put into TBC totally worth it...Thank You to the wonderful staff at In Style Weddings....and a huge thanks to the TBC readers...you guys ROCK and congrats to all the wonderful sites that made the list!!

Click here to check out the feature!

Jennie & Bret: Part II

Welcome back to Part II of Jennie & Bret's beautiful wedding.....the details of the ceremony and reception.  I hope you are enjoying all the beautiful images taken by TBC's guest photographer, Jose Villa.  Jose's work is amazing...please visit his site to see more of his stunning images.....Enjoy!!

The beautiful venue....Rose Story Farms!

Simply Stunning......how charming!

I love all the beautiful roses...it's all so elegant and the vibrant colors of the table runner is truly beautiful!

In case you forgot...Jennie designed the beautiuful wedding florals.

Check out the detail ribbon around the cake...the colors match the table runner......it's all so beautiful!

The colors are carried through in the maracas...great favors!

Thanks Jose for stopping by the cafe today...truly a beautiful wedding and thanks to Jennie & Brett!  Guys, make sure you check out Jose's beautiful blog...the images are amazing and the music is awesome!

Real Wedding: Jennie & Brett

It's "Color Palette Thursday"....I am so excited about our featured wedding today....Jennie & Brett.  Guys, this is such a beautiful wedding...it's chic, romantic and totally picture perfect.....the details are amazing and the colors are oh-so-romantic.....shades of reds, pinks, burgundy and teals.  The incredible photographer to capture it all is Jose Villa....not only is Jose an amazing photographer - he is soooo very nice!!!!!!!  I am featuring the wedding in 2 parts today....please come back later for Part II...the ceremony and reception decor..........Enjoy!

Our featured couple....Jennie & Brett

LOVE the shoes....I want them!!

What a fun shot and a great detail!

Don't you just love the bouquet....guess what guys....Jennie is the floral designer...that's right, she designed the beautiful florals for her wedding!

How cute...he has on his bow tie!

 

He is too cute guys...check out the sneakers!

Jennie is a gorgeous bride and her Monique Lhuillier dress is simply beautiful!

Such a handsome couple!  Thanks Jose for all the beautiful images...your work is truly "magazine worthy"!  Come back later guys to see the beautiful ceremony and reception decor!

"A Slice of Life"

Today I want to share some of the most beautiful and heart-felt images taken by my wonderful friend and oh-so-amazing photographer, Elizabeth Messina.  I love Elizabeth's visits!  Last week we shared a wonderful conversation about "life after the wedding" and how special family and friends are to us and just taking time out to relax....the next day I received the following images from Elizabeth and I wanted to share them with you!  I hope that they will put a smile on your face and make your day just a little more special....by the way....Elizabeth named the feature today..she's so awesome!  Enjoy!!!!

Priceless.......too cute!

Our little "fireman"!

She is sooooo beautiful!  Awesome shot Elizabeth!

This image reminds me of my childhood....so sweet!

I had to include this image....you guys know I have to take time out for my tea!

Simply precious!

Cute, cute, cute....did I say cute!!!!!!!!

Elizabeth you ROCK!!!!!  Thanks so much for sharing these beautiful images with us and they all tell a special story.  I hope you all enjoyed them...make today a wonderful day!

Meet Fashion Designer Chris Kole

Cotton Meets Couture.....that's right guys, our guest today is the incredibly amazing fashion designer, Chris Kole of The Cotton Bride.  You say your style is Elegant, Chic, Edgy, or Bohemian... Chris has the gown for you!  The collection is a mix of the most beautiful blends of cotton, linen and natural fabrics and the gowns are truly stunning!  I had the pleasure to interview Chris and learn a little more about The Cotton Bride and Chris...so without further ado...I give you Chris Kole!  Enjoy!!!   

TBC's featured guest....Chris Kole!

TBC:  Describe The Cotton Bride client.

CK:  The collection is designed for a new generation of brides...brides who want to wear something on their wedding day that is statement-making but still keeping with their lifestyles, values and priorities.  It is for the young women with a strong sense of self and while tradition is important to her, she does not sacrifice her sense of style, or fun, to satisfy the status quo.

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

CK:  There is a big movement away from synthetic, overly elaborate, heavy wedding gowns to less restrictive, lighter materials, especially natural ones.  The natural/green movement is having a huge impact on weddings as a whole and affects the bride's choice of not only her gown but her flowers, favors and choice of location as evidenced by the huge increase in the number of destination weddings.

TBC:  What are the three adjectives that describe your style?

CK:  Refined, Modern, Feminine

TBC:  What or Who inspired you to create The Cotton Bride?

CK:  I have always loved natural fabrics, especially cotton, but until recently, these fabrics were not particularly associated with the couture market.  Happily this is now changing and the times seems to have arrived where a collection of this nature seems appropriate.

TBC:  What has been the highlight of your career to date?

CK:  I enjoy working one-on-one with the women and the brides that wear my gowns.  When a woman leaves my studio thrilled with the new dress that she is carrying in a garment bag, it is without a doubt, for me at least, the best part of being a designer.

TBC:  Tell us a little about your home life.

CK:  I am from the island of Cyprus in the Mediterranean.  I came to New York to study in the late 1970's.  I was initially interested in studying architecture but after taking a couple of design courses at Fashion Institute of Technology, I knew that I wanted to continue in fashion.  Besides design, I am passionate about gardening and cooking.

Thanks Chris for sharing a little 411 with us....now let's  check out some of Chris's beautiful designs...

All so beautiful...but this one is my favorite!

Thanks Chris for stopping by the cafe and sharing your beautiful designs with us...guys, please visit Chris's site to see more of his collection....simply stunning!

Dana & Todd: Part II

As promised, Part II of Dana & Todd charming wedding....the beautiful details.  Suzy Clement is the amazing photographer that captured their wedding story....so simple..but yet....so elegant!.  Please visit Suzy's site to check out more of her oh-so-beautiful weddings....Enjoy!!

I'm loving all the vintage and rustic details!

The flowers look amazing and I do love the wild flowery look!  All the florals were designed by Leslie Grady.

Thanks Suzy for stopping by the cafe today and a special thanks to Dana & Todd for having such a beautiful wedding.

Real Wedding: Dana & Todd

Happy Monday Guys...hope you all had a wonderful weekend.  I'm excited to start off the week with the beautiful photography of Suzy Clement. Suzy sent me the images from the wedding of Dana & Todd.  Their wedding story has a hint of rustic ambiance...yet, it is oh-so-charming and elegant.  I love the natural look of the florals...as if they were just picked straight from the garden.  We will start with Part I so please check back in later for Part II .....all the charming details....Enjoy!!

Our charming couple.....Dana & Todd!

I love the bouquet...it has the "wild flowery" look and feel and the handle is wrapped with raffia.

Thanks Suzy for all the beautiful images...come back later guys for Part II.  Thanks to Leslie Grady for designing all the beautiful floral.....and to the oh-so-fabulous Wedding Planner, Kathryn Kenna of The Wedding Resource.  The wedding venue is Rancho Nicasio...a local landmark in Nicasio, CA!

R. Jack Balthazar

I'm so excited to share with you the amazing and creative owners of R. Jack Balthazar, Niki & Rene Delacueva.  Not only are they fabulous at what they do...they are truly wonderful and oh-so-kind!  Their beautiful work has been seen in some of the top wedding and fashion publications and they have hosted the series "The Perfect Party" on the Fine Living Network.  We have the pleasure of Niki & Rene sharing a little 411 with us on the company and a little about them.......Enjoy!

TBC's featured guest.........Niki & Rene

TBC: What inspires you as a designer?

N&R:  Inspiration comes in many forms for us.  Most of our design inspiration comes from our travels and we find that for many of our jet-setter brides, the same is true.  We have brides who come to meet with us  and they bring along a sari they brought back from India as inspiration for their table linens, or they bring a piece of hand-blown glass from Italy that perfectly captures the color palette they are dreaming of.  Nature, fashion and architecture are also sources of great inspiration for us.

TBC:  What is the best part about your job?

N&R:  We both used to have very conservative careers where the days were often routine.  What we most love about our work now is that every day becomes its own little adventure, no two days are alike.  Some days we are painting and sawing and building things; some days we are arranging flowers; some days we are hard at an event setup; and many days we are traveling.  As with our days, we love that no two clients are alike - our brides run the gamut from corporate attorneys to surgeons to actresses and rock stars.  We love that we get to know such a variety of fabulous people!

TBC:  What type of venues are the most fun to design for?

N&R: We most love to design in any non-traditional and non-event-specific venue - our favorite weddings have been on warehouse rooftops, on vast ocean bluffs, in private lofts and in art galleries.  Being in a ballroom at a beautiful hotel definitely has its advantages, but in terms of creating a really personalized look, sometimes the more untraditional spots offer the most personality!

TBC:  What should a bride look for when choosing her floral/event designer?

N&R:  The number one thing to look for when choosing a designer is a chemistry...a bride needs to entrust the vision of  her big day to this designer and to do so, she needs to feel comfortable with them on a social and personal level!

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

N&R:  Travel..Travel...Travel!  We travel and explore as much as we can......locally, domestically and internationally.....constantly trying to see new things and ways of life, both abroad and in our own back yards.  We try to get to a handful of different new and exotic locales a year as each brings us great inspiration...recent trips have been to Korea, Thailand, the French Riviera, and Belize; next up for us are trips to Argentina and India. Even when we just have a couple of days free, we are usually off to find something new....whether it's a drive up the Coast to visit a new floral farm, or to the desert to visit a new hotel.  We have a daughter who is almost two and she loves to tag along - "airport" was one of her first words!

Okay guys...now let's check out the images of one of Niki and Rene's beautiful weddings......

What a gorgeous bouquet!!!!!

Simply Beautiful!!

I love the red.......What a STUNNING table!

Absolutely Beautiful...........such a rich color palette!!!!

Thanks Niki & Rene for stopping by the cafe....your work is amazing and truly an inspiration to us!!  And a huge thanks to Stephanie Hogue for all the beautiful images!