Is there any one event that is more anticipated in your wedding planning process than shopping for your dress? Admit it, you’ve been dreaming about the dress since you were a little girl. Tulle, silk, chiffon, ribbons, lace, pearls, shimmer, glimmer, ruffles and more. So many choices, so many decisions. So today, we’ve invited Chelsea Tyler of Everthine Bridal Boutique to offer up some tips when shopping for the dress of your dreams.

via Style Me Pretty

{Style} A bride may have a particular style or image of a dress in mind, something that she’s been admiring for a long time even. Chelsea recommends trying it on. If the dress clearly does not work for a bride’s body type, she will move on to other styles that may have similar details and fabrics but have a different silhouette.

 Whitney Deal | Whitney Deal 

BHLDN | BHLDN

Photo by Michelle Gardella Photography via Everthine Bridal Boutique

{Fact Finding} Your wedding dress consultant should ask you questions about not only what your dream dress looks like but information about your venue, budget and overall wedding style and theme. A beautiful vintage ball gown might be overly cumbersome in a quaint backyard setting. And if you intend on doing a lot of jitterbugging on the dance floor, make sure your dress will allow you to do just that.

Lace Affair | Modcloth

Etsy | Etsy

{Open Mind} Yes, we know you’ve been dreaming about your wedding day since you were old enough to dress up but be open to suggestions. Find an expert stylist that will ask questions and be knowledgeable in all body shapes and sizes. Be willing to try on a dress that they suggest. You might be surprised what your ultimate dream dress will be.

Remember, vintage is not a trend but a style that invokes “a feeling of home and love with many different details that can bring a sense of nostalgia and charm to mind.”  Vintage style allows a bride to bring personal touches to the wedding. It encourages personal style, intimate and familiar details.

Wouldn’t you just love to shop at Everthine? It looks just so inviting!

Photo by Michelle Gardella Photography via Everthine Bridal Boutique

Speaking of details, many vintage wedding dresses are classically simple. Form fitting, sleek A-line  or full skirts but then the fun begins with jewelry, rosettes, gloves, shoes and hairpieces. I love how this dress gets a slightly different look by exchanging necklaces from vintage sparkle to the classic shimmer of pearls.

Etsy

BHLDN | Jannie Baltzer

Photo by Michelle Gardella Photography via Everthine Bridal Boutique

Photo by Michelle Gardella Photography via Everthine Bridal Boutique

And we can’t forget the shoes!

BHLDN | Seychelles via Caroline Joy Photography

We could go on and on, probably for days discussing wedding dresses and all the accessories that would make your vintage look perfect on your special day. But for now, we’ve given you a great start. So start dreaming of your dress, the one that will have your groom looking at nobody but you. 

Thank you so much Chelsea of Everthine Bridal Boutique for sharing her tips with us today!

xoxo

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! (Make sure you sing that to the tune of the song, please. It’s the way I wrote it and it’s so much more festive that way.) Speaking of festive… Fashion this time of year is über festive and so much more fun than any other time of the year. I think so anyway. The colors, the sequins (oh, the sequins), the satins and suedes .. j’adore! I’ve rounded up some fabulously festive fashion for all those equally fabulous holiday parties and weddings (don’t forget new year’s) you might still be attending. I’ve found some super pretty dresses, clutches and pumps .. You simply must come see!

This black and gold sequin combination is perfect for a New Year’s Eve soirée!

Velocity Dress from BHLDN on sale for {$220}

Gold Sequin Clutch from BHLDN {$180}

Black Tartan Slingbacks from BHLDN on sale for {$220}

Lovely green and glittering gold!

Gold Glitter Steve Madden Pumps from DSW {$59.95}

Green Twirled Sweetheart Dress from BHLDN on sale for {$120}

My very favorite purple sequin dress from Express also comes in silver sequins and gold, and is pretty much sold out everywhere. It’s fabulous. The photo doesn’t do it justice. Wish I’d nabbed one when I still had the chance .. hurry if you still can!

 Silver still available online and on sale for {$76.80}

Black Suede Pumps by Jessica Simpson {$89}

Burgundy ruffles and jazzed up Mary Jane’s, how I adore thee!

Christian Louboutins from Saks Fifth Avenue {$795}

Burgundy Ruffle Party Dress from ModCloth {$157.99}

Navy sparkles make thee sparkly and bright!

Rouched Sequin Dress from Express {$148}

Navy Peep-Toes from Kate Spade {$325}

Rock out with your purple frock out!

Bejeweled Purple Satin Pumps by Steve Madden {$99.95}

Amethyst Chiffon Party Dress from ModCloth {$89.99}

The little black dress just got a whole lot more sparkly!

Blue Glitter Peep-Toes from BHLDN {$120}

Black-Tie Dress from BHLDN on sale for {$280}

Blue satin and suede = l o v e

Blue Satin Party Dress from Express on sale for {$58.80}

Blue Suede Paramount D’Orsays from BHLDN {$280}

These next two sets, I love, because they are the perfect mix and match!

Silver Sequin Strapless Sweetheart Dress from Nordstrom {$54}

Teal & Silver Embroidered Clutch from BHLDN {$375}

Silver Glitter Steve Madden pumps {$89.95}

Teal Colorblock Ruched Draped Strapless Dress from Nordstrom {$64}

I’m in love with this purple color! Can you tell?

Purple Chiffon Dress from Modcloth {$74.99}

Purple pumps from Kate Spade with gold sparkle bow {$350}

What fabulously festive fashions will you be donning this holiday season?

xoxo

Ladies, it’s time to get your rouge on! Moulin Rouge that is. This Moulin Rouge inspired garden romance wedding fashion shoot from ZoomWorks Photography is filled with drama, awe-inspiring floral hair pieces, “green” wedding dresses, incredible makeup and stunning models. Trust me when I say this shoot is amazing!

{Inspiration Behind the Shoot from Marisu} The inspiration for the shoot came from a dream I had. I love everything about Moulin Rouge and every version I’ve ever seen. The antiquity of the Taylor-Grady House worked well with my idea of a slightly bohemian, decadent but gorgeous place where no one is what they seem but everyone is beautiful. I art directed as I went, weaving in and out of fantasy and using the light. We focused on a bit of a vintage, French flair with lots of drama for the hair, makeup and floral headpieces, and then whipped up some serious attitude to pull it all off.

Show stopping isn’t it? I’m not sure what I love more, the incredible makeup or insanely amazing floral hair pieces. The colors of both play together so well, creating a dramatic, yet beautiful effect. I love that this shoot isn’t cut, dry and pretty. It’s unique, different and beautiful. I imagine Marisu’s dream was much of the same and she brought it to life and captured it perfectly. Thank you, Marisu, for sharing this with us today.

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ZoomWorks Photography is a member of our Vendor Boutique. For information on how to join our growing family, click here.

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Venue: The Taylor-Grady House

Florals: Amy Osaba Events Floral Designs

Wedding Dresses: Dover Grace Bridal

Hair: Andrea of Mint Salon, Kayla and Marisu of ZoomWorks

Makeup: Kayla, Kenya, Jenni and Allison of ZoomWorks

Growing up, us girls dream of putting on the pretty white dress and walking down the aisle with our fathers to marry the man of our dreams. What a pretty picture that paints, huh? Prettier maybe now that the white wedding dress isn’t the only dress in town. That’s right, white wedding dresses have been joined by a seemingly plethora of colors including pale pink, ice blue, black, nude, peach, butter yellow, gray and even red. The colored wedding dress trend has become increasingly more popular. Just this year Reese Witherspoon donned a frothy light pink gown for her big day and Vera Wang released a number of black and nude toned dresses in her Spring 2012 line. Interestingly enough, some are surprised, delighted, and also disappointed by these trendy wedding dress colors. Which leaves me to wonder if the colored wedding dress trend is truly a do or a definite don’t.

Pastel Colored Wedding Dresses by Maria Lucia Hohan via The Cherry Blossom Girl

Nude | Light Pink by Samuelle Couture via Every Last Detail

Champagne | Butter Yellow via Wedding Chicks

Light Purple via Simply Bloom

Champagne Ruffles via Style Me Pretty | Light Pink Ruffles by Watters

Blue and White Striped Cotton Gown by Ian Stuart via Southern Weddings

Light Pink via Benj Haisch Photography

Red Silk Gown via Style Me Pretty

Red by Oscar de la Renta via Style Me Pretty: Massachusetts

Black | Nude by Vera Wang via Harper’s BAZAAR

Black | Nude by Vera Wang via Harper’s BAZAAR

Personally, I rather like these new colored wedding dresses. Though I am more of a fan of the pastel colors then the dark and the bold. Don’t get me wrong, I love the brilliant pop of red .. in the right wedding, at the right place, on the right girl. The red wedding dresses featured above were all of those things. In the wrong situation though, I’m afraid the brilliant color would look too much like prom. But the pastel colors .. those I love. I remember gasping at the pretty ice blues and pale pinks that came down the catwalk at this year’s Alfred Angelo show. I loved them! Just as much as I love all the pastel colored dresses above. Especially that blue and white striped stunner!! :)

What do you think of the colored wedding dress trend? Do you prefer the pastels like me? Or are you all for the bold and the bright? Do you think the colors are encroaching on something that is timeless and sacred? Should the white wedding dress be left alone? Do the colors look too much like prom? Are they a do or don’t? Answer all in the comments below!

Happy Friday!

xoxo

There’s something about a winter wedding that is .. simply magical .. so warm and cozy .. that I love. I have many reasons for why I think so, but that’s another post for another day. One of my favorite things about a winter wedding is the fashion. There are so many options for the winter bride. Today, I’ve rounded up some of my most favorite winter fashion inspirations, plus ideas on what and where to buy them!

Faux fur wraps, capes and boleros … how I love your coziness!

via Shannon Nicole Smith Photography

Aaron Delesie via Style Me Pretty | via Ashley Maxwell Photography

Cozy ideas from BHLDN!

from BHLDN black fur collar {$240} white fur bolero {$300}

Boots, scarves, mittens and coats … how I love your practical loveliness!

Sloan Photographers via Style Me Pretty | Style Me Pretty

via Emily Steffen

The best winter fashion is both practical and lovely!

from Aerie {$29.50} in rose pink and white

from ModCloth in Black {$179.99} Red {$149.99} Vanilla {$139.99}

Feathers, sparkles and boleros … oh my!

via Shannon Nicole Smith Photography

Bolero options from BHLDN!

from BHLDN ruffles {$150} silk {$180}

For the love of plaid .. when paired with wedding dresses!

via Ciara Richardson Photography

Plaid ideas!

from Hollister red and black {$49.50} red {$49.50}

Last, but not least .. just because they’re cozy and I love them! :)

from BHLDN round toe pumps {$390} knit clutch {$670}

Are you a winter bride? What will you be wearing? Do any of these inspirations or ideas speak to you? Share them and any other ideas you have in the comment section below!

Happy Tuesday!

xoxo

It’s the moment we’ve all been waiting for… The 2012 Disney Collections by Alfred Angelo! Last year, the Disney Fairy Tale Weddings by Alfred Angelo collection launched to rousing success. After posting about the collection that really would make women’s dreams of being a princess for a day on wedding day come true, we were invited to see the dresses in person at last year’s fashion show. We were more than excited to see the new 2012 Collections including the new Fairy Tale Wedding Dresses, the newly launched Royal Maidens and Royal Blossoms Collections, and a glimpse of the new Disney Veils Collection. Here they are now – be prepared to swoon!

{Disney Fairy Tale Weddings by Alfred Angelo Style 214/Rapunzel} Asymmetric Draped Taffeta Gown with Twisted Pick-up Skirt, Floral Belt with Pearls & Crystals, Chapel Train. Shown in Diamond White.

{Disney Veil Collection Style 104L} Two Tier Cathedral Length Veil with Beaded Embroidered Lace & Taffeta Flowers. Shown in Ivory.

{Disney Fairy Tale Weddings by Alfred Angelo Style 215/Jasmine} Soft Shimmer Organza Gown with Elongated Bodice, Jewel Encrusted Neckline and Multi-Tiered Ruffle Skirt, Semi-Cathedral Train. Shown in Ivory/Silver.

{Disney Royal Blossoms by Alfred Angelo Style 704/Cinderella} Tea Length Dress with Metallic Re-embroidered Lace Bodice, Tulle Skirt with Horsehair & Lace Trim. Shown in Ivory.

{Disney Royal Blossoms by Alfred Angelo Style 702 Snow White} Asymmetric Tea Length Ball Gown with Satin and Organza Flowers. Shown in Ivory.

{Disney Royal Blossoms by Alfred Angelo Style 709/Rapunzel} Organza Bubble Hem Tea Length Dress with Crystal Beading & Floral Applique Bodice. Shown in Diamond White.

{Disney Fairy Tale Weddings by Alfred Angelo Style 211 Snow White} Ball gown with Folded Satin Bodice, Asymmetric Tulle Pick-Up Skirt with Self Fabric Flowers & Re-embroidered Lace Vine Motifs, Chapel Train. Shown in Ivory.

{Disney Royal Maidens by Alfred Angelo Style 505} Fit and Flare Satin Dress with Contrast Belt. Shown in Loves First Blush/Black.

{Disney Royal Maidens by Alfred Angelo Style 508} One Shoulder Satin Sheath with Cascading Ruffle. Shown in Loves First Blush.

{Disney Royal Maidens by Alfred Angelo Style 507} Satin Cocktail Length Dress with Asymmetric Ruffle Hem. Shown in Moonlight Waltz.

{Disney Royal Maidens by Alfred Angelo Style 503} Satin Ball Gown with Draped Bodice. Shown in Moonlight Waltz.

{Disney Royal Maidens by Alfred Angelo Style 501} Luxe Taffeta Cocktail Length Dress with Pick-Up Skirt. Shown in Enchanted Glow.

{Disney Royal Maidens by Alfred Angelo Style 502} Luxe Taffeta Cocktail Length Dress with Cummerbund & Self Fabric Flower and Crystal Accents. Shown in Ever After.

{Disney Royal Maidens by Alfred Angelo Style 506S} Satin Cocktail Length Dress with Asymmetric Dropped Waist. Shown in Charcoal.

{Disney Royal Maidens by Alfred Angelo Style 504} Chiffon Cocktail Length Dress, with Shirred Neckline & Skirt, Satin Waist Band & flower Detail. Shown in Charcoal.

{Disney Fairy Tale Weddings by Alfred Angelo Style 216/Cinderella} Strapless Form Fitting Gown with Elongated Embroidered Lace Bodice, Metallic Accents, Triple Layer Tulle Skirt, Semi-Cathedral Train. Shown in Ivory.

{Disney Royal Blossoms by Alfred Angelo Style 705/Jasmine} Shimmer Organza Tea Length Dress with Asymmetric Ruffle Tiered Skirt. Shown in Ivory.

{Disney Royal Blossoms by Alfred Angelo Style 708/Rapunzel} Tea Length Dress with Satin & Organza Petal Skirt. Shown in Ivory.

{Disney Fairy Tale Weddings by Alfred Angelo Style 210/Ariel} One Shoulder Taffeta Gown with Cascading Organza Ruffles, Self Fabric Flowers & Feather Accents, Semi-Cathedral Train. Shown in Diamond White.

{Disney Fairy Tale Weddings by Alfred Angelo Style 218 Sleeping Beauty} Gently Draped Asymmetric Organza Fit and Flare Gown, Metallic Embroidered Waist Motif with Self Fabric Rose Inspired Flowers, Chapel Train. Shown in Rose/Metallic.

{Disney Fairy Tale Weddings by Alfred Angelo Style 212/Tiana} Draped Satin Mermaid Gown with Lace and Crystal Sweetheart Neckline, Organza Rosette Pick-Up Skirt, Chapel Train. Shown in Ivory.

{Disney Veil Collection Style 106} Two Tier Fingertip Length Veil with Beaded Re-Embroidery Lace Edge. Shown in Ivory.

{Disney Fairy Tale Weddings by Alfred Angelo Style 217/Belle} Jewel Encrusted Corset Bodice with Metallic Accents, Asymmetric Horsehair Grand Tiered Ball Gown Skirt, Chapel Train. Shown in Ivory/Metallic.

{Disney Royal Blossoms by Alfred Angelo Style 700/Belle} Crystal Beaded & Embroidered Bodice with Draped Tea Length Tulle Ball Gown Skirt. Shown in Ivory/Metallic.

{Disney Royal Blossoms by Alfred Angelo Style 707 Sleeping Beauty} Tiered Net Ruffle Skirt with Taffeta Bodice, Re-Embroidered Lace and Self Fabric Flowers. Shown in Diamond White.

{From the Desk of Michael Shettel} Royal Blossoms, Royal Maidens and a new Disney Veil collection join our princess-inspired gowns and take center stage with modern styling and fairy tale fantasy. Elegant and confident, these modern and sleek form-fitting shapes put a grown-up spin on the royal ball gown. Timeless and traditionally-spirited ball gowns of soft shimmering organza and satin float with an airy lightness across the floor.

Sigh. Disney Fairy Tale Weddings by Alfred Angelo is what love stories, dreams and princesses are made of! Every design is floaty and feminine, modern yet romantic. The Royal Blossoms collection for Flower Girls are too-die-for adorable (as are the little models themselves – so cute!). I don’t know a single little girl who wouldn’t love to be a fairy tale flower girl for a day (or every day). :) The colors of the Royal Maidens collection are positively dreamy. Every dress is fit for a princess. A fairy tale wedding day. And, of course, happy ever after.

xoxo

*Be sure to see Full Coverage From the Runway Parts 1 & 2 now! The new Modern Vintage Collection by Alfred Angelo and the Alfred Angelo Spring/Summer 2012 Collections!