July 13, 2009 at 10:15 AM
Once the wedding is over, the sad fact is that some of the gorgeous wedding books you just could not plan without become, well, useless. And good luck trying to convince your new spouse those typically huge tomes are worth keeping. Fortunately, we have good news for brides looking for a wedding book they'll be able to use long after their "I Dos." Karen Bartolomei's Paperie for Inspired Living is available tomorrow and it offers practical tips for creating eye-catching wedding stationery, that works just as well for dinner and birthday parties.
Karen Bartolomei knows a thing or two about stunning stationery. She's the founder and designer of Grapevine Paperie and has created wedding papers for stars like Numb3rs star David Krumholtz and actor Sam Huntington. In her new book, Bartolomei makes it easy for any bride to create incredible wedding stationery with materials readily available at a craft store. Even better for brides, Bartolomei shares her expert tips on invitation wording and etiquette. The best part of all, though, is that Paperie for Inspired Living doesn't just cover wedding stationery. Whether you're hosting your first newlywed dinner party or even a barbecue, the book has creative, easy-to-execute ideas for making menus, drink signs and more!
Get your copy today on amazon.com!
—Jeanine Edwards, Associate Editor
July 10, 2009 at 12:00 PM
Welcome back for another week of Web-based wedding inspirations. Read
on for two great weddings and a shower perfect for the summer weather.
We loved this cake on Brooklyn Bride. The yellow and black accents
(in the form of butterflies) are perfect for a
summer wedding.
Here’s a backyard bridal shower, which comes via 100 Layer Cake. The picnic tables, a
wine tasting and delicious desserts made for what looks like a fun
event.
Kiss the Groom has a photo shoot
featuring gowns by Kirstie Kelly Couture. The designs are feminine and
elegant, and the photos are lovely.
Finally, we have to great weddings to show you—the first is an
outdoor wedding in Atlanta found on Our Blog of Love. The other, from Bridal Bubbly, took place at a museum in Washington, DC. Both made great use of their
different settings, and you can see the personalities of both brides
in their respective affairs.
—Jessica Derschowitz
July 9, 2009 at 11:00 AM
W recently added another incredible property to their already amazing collection of modern, stylish hotels: W Washington DC opened yesterday and you have to check it out! Try one of these 3 ways to work it into your wedding:
1. Destination wedding. The W completely gutted what used to be a roller rink on the roof of the Hotel Washington and converted it into a breathtaking rooftop ballroom, aptly called Altitude, that overlooks Lafayette Park. In addition to views, the food is impressive, too. Jean-George Vongerichten is opening his first DC restaurant in the hotel that will provide all the ballroom catering!
2. Girlfriends getaway. In addition to all the cultural sights you can take in with your girls in the nation's capital, you also have the option of staying put in the hotel's Bliss Spa. It's the first one in the region and features the spas signature hot milk and almond pedicure and the blissage 75, a 75-minute head-to-toe body massage.
3. Engagement party or welcome cocktails. Back on the rooftop is P.O.V. (Point of View), a swanky lounge for more informal gatherings. Guests can sip drinks on bold red couches and take in views of the White House lawn and the city's historic monuments from the floor-to-ceiling windows.
Unsurprisingly, the ballroom is already booked through winter and the rooms are getting snatched up fast, so get a head start on your 2010 planning at
starwood.com where you can get more information and make your reservations.
—Jeanine Edwards, Associate Editor
July 8, 2009 at 4:25 PM
Hot on the heels of Leslie Greene's new bridal line (check it out here), we're thrilled to share more great jewelry news. Sarah Chloe just released her premier collection of stylish pendants and charms, which start at just $19!
The best thing about Sarah Chloe is the vast array of style options offered. We're talking gold charm jewelry, key chain charms and handbag
charms in sterling silver, gold vermeil, and 14 kt gold. There's something for everyone!
The pendants make especially sweet bridesmaid gifts. Why not give each of your bridesmaids their
first initial, or add a diamond to your maid of honor’s pendant? You could also get the girls HOPE charm necklaces, and 50% of the profits will be donated to TIKVA, a
charity that builds orphanages in the Ukraine. The more you get the better, because these necklaces look even better layered together.
For more info or to view the entire collection, go to sarahchloe.com.
—Rachel Jacoby, Assistant Editor
July 7, 2009 at 2:30 PM
Any bride-to-be with curly hair knows the amount of work that goes into ensuring each strand has the perfect bounce. And what could be more nerve-wracking than worrying about your curls going limp, frizzy or just plain out-of-control on your big day? Fortunately, Ouidad is giving curly girls around the country the opportunity to air their hair grievances in hopes of winning a makeover!
To enter the Ouidad "If These Curls Could Talk" contest, just head over to ouidad.com where you'll need to upload a picture of your curly mane and tell Ouidad
what your curly, wavy or kinky hair would say. The grand prize winner will
be named Ouidad Curl Ambassador and win the ultimate curly girl weekend in New York City, where you and a friend will be treated to:
A makeover with Ouidad at her New York flagship salon
Two nights at the W Hotel
Two tickets to see "In the Heights"
A $500 American Express Gift Card
A collection of Ouidad products
A guest blog on Ouidad.com
Summer brides worried about humidity wreaking havoc on their hair should hurry! Submit your photo before
the July 14th deadline and you could walk down the aisle with gorgeous, carefree curls.
For more details, visit ouidad.com.
–Christa Lee
July 7, 2009 at 12:00 PM
Our feature wedding this week is a Big Apple affair! Amy and Albert tied the knot on May 23, 2009 at the Russian Tea Room and partied with their guests until one in the morning! As a personal touch, the couple named the tables at the reception after places they've visited together and displayed a picture from each trip. The bride's Pronovias gown was also pretty spectacular. Congrats, Amy & Albert!
Photos courtesy of Images by Berit.
