Unveiled {bridal show} at Four Seasons

Have you ever wondered what a true luxury property can do for the day of your dreams? Well, the geniuses at the Four Seasons would like to show you! The Four Seasons team from both Denver and Vail are teaming up to host Unveiled. Completely complimentary, this night of inspiration features food, frocks, inspiration from top florists and event designers,  a celebrity gown designer (click here to learn more about the celebrity designer and the trunk show at anna bé), and the chance to catch a glimpse into what your wedding could look like!

We're always so impressed when we talk to the folks at the Four Seasons, and really believe in the amazing experience they offer brides. Beautiful spaces, world class cuisine, and top notch service, these are the people you want in your corner on your special day.

Unveiled starts at 6pm on Thursday the 16th, and space is limited, so RSVP ASAP! (they are taking reservations through Feb 6th)

Weekly Pinterest Board: Roman Holiday

Lemons started me thinking about lemon and caper pasta, al fresco dining, sweeping terraces overlooking Italian piazzas, and the magic of Rome. So, from last weeks citrusy sweets, comes golden yellows, weathered reds and browns, and all the beauty of Italian design, the ornate masterworks of the renaissance mixed in with simple rustic elegance. Fresh, easy living, a celebration of beauty and life, and everything a wedding should be. Even if your wedding won't bring you to Italy, the elements of la dolce vita are easy to incorporate wherever you wed!

{click here to see the whole board}

TULLE is here and they are bee..yoo..TULLE..ful

Welcome Tulle! We just got these gorgeous gowns in from the design team that previously designed for Melissa Sweet and they are tuu delightful! Come try on these dresses and be one of the first in the country to order! Plus, all Tulle gowns will be 10% off thru February.

INKA:

LUCY:

LULU LONG:

Whose shoes do you choose?

{photo credit brinton studios}

{photo credit lindsay b}

There are choices you never really think about until you're there, and you'd be surprised how little things can turn into big things if you are less than specific. Case in point: are you choosing shoes for anyone else? Are you setting what shoes your bridesmaids are wearing? Are you buying them or are they? Do they have to find their own, but choose a certain color? Does your mom want to coordinate as well? What about your flower girl? Does she get the same type of shoe, just in flats? Does she wear white because her dress is white? What if everyone else is wearing colored shoes? Welcome to a world of choices that you didn't know existed!

If you really want a uniform look, pick a conservative middle ground that everyone can comfortably wear (some girls will be fine in all stilletos, others might need flats) If you're thinking different shoe heights, make sure the color and sheen match, it is okay to ask for shoe approval from bridesmaids, as long as you can give them reasonable price options if the pair in their closet doesn't work. And if you really want something high-end for all your girls, consider making it part of their bridesmaids gift, no one wants to be forced into a $500 pair of shoes on top of everything else they're committing to the wedding!

Flowergirls traditionally wear all white no matter what, but ballet flats or mary janes that match the rest of the party are cute too. Ringbearers, ushers, groomsmen should all have the same color/type of shoes as well.

And as far as matching you? You get to so whatever you want! Don't worry about coordinating with anyone else, you are your own statement on the wedding day, so let your look be unique from head to toe, literally!

Edit

"Before you leave for the day...take one thing off" - Coco Chanel

{click here to see this whole wedding}

There is something so elegant about simplicity, and when you're in crazed million and one things to bring together wedding mode, it's easy to forget to leave some things out, intentionally. The editing process is an essential part of the creative process, you have to try stuff, put it all together, and see what you just don't need. Removing a sentence can make an entire paragraph or even chapter of a novel clearer. Removing 1-2 pillows can make a sofa remain stylish and not cross over into garish. Excess is made to be tempered with moderation, otherwise it looks like a design magazine exploded everywhere. So whether its jewelry, tablescapes, makeup, dessert, find at least one thing to take away to help clear your palate, and help the whole event feel easier and more elegant.

Weekly Pinterest Board: Lemon

After a week of decadence, it's nice to freshen things up a bit with lemon. I love citrus in the winter, a little vitamin C to keep colds away. Hopefully this sunshiney board will inspire you to really commit to a color and enjoy it super saturated. Dark walls, weathered wood, and generally neutral backdrops work best to let the natural beauty of lemon shine through, and don't be afraid to get literal, lemons work beautifully in bouquets, centerpieces, gifts, and more!

{click here to see the board on pinterest}

Seawell Ballroom Bridal Event

This past Sunday we had the pleasure of working with a great group to put together a vignette for the Seawell Ballroom Bridal Event. We were just in awe of what The Perfect Petal put together and LOVED how our Vera Wang gown fit in perfectly (what a gorgeous dress, right?!?). Also, never having been into the Seawell Grand Ballroom before, really enjoyed the space and my favorite part was that you are in such a great location. If you are looking for a downtown denver venue, you should definetely give Seawell Grand Ballroom a look. 

DRESS: vera wang (it's at anna bé!)  |  FLOWERS/STYLING: the perfect petal
CAKE: elegant bakery  |  PHOTOGRAPHER: jenna walker photographers 

Golden Globe Fashion Report

Ah celebrities, what a funny world where we get to pick apart complete strangers in the name of entertainment. Celebrities often become our closest connection to the world of fashion, and can inspire us when it comes to shopping. I've seen red carpet gowns as inspiration for many a wedding dress, and I've seen some designers sneak wedding dress designs (in another color usually) onto the red carpet. So who soared and who tripped and stumbled last weekend at the Golden Globes. Here's a look from both Joy and Michael's perspectives.

Jessica Chastain.  
J - This dress would have been perfect on Michelle Williams and suited her personality better.  Charlize Theron or Anne Hathaway also could have pulled it off in a different way, but on Jessica its just not working.

M - I honestly didn't know Jessica, so originally I thought "what a pretty and age appropriate dress"... until I found out that she wasn't pushing 50. baad neckline!

{photo - huffingtonpost.com}

Jessica Biel.  
J - Aside from the weird third boob issue, this dress would be perfect for someone like Kirsten Dunst, who would have styled it completely different and made it feel more special.  Biel's hair and makeup were good but would have been better with a different dress...

M - Biel just isn't cool enough to rock this covered lace look. It made me think more rocker chick, you know tattoos peaking through and electric pick eyeshadow

{photo - mtv.com}

Evan Rachel Wood.  
J - How old is this girl?  I'm too lazy to google, but this dress would be perfect for someone in their 40's like Julianne Moore.

M - I don't know what Joy is talking about, sure that plunge neckline would be super hot on Julianne, but I think she looks amazing. sparkle, feathers, yes please!

{photo - huffingtonpost.com}

Sarah Michelle Gellar.  
J - This silk faille dress must have been amazing in person, but SMG just doesn't seem to have a big enough personality to carry it.  I would have preferred to see it on someone like Cameron Diaz.

M - No thank you, the white is just too bright, and reminds me of a bad tie-dye job

{photo - mtv.com}

Claire Danes
J - loved everything about this dress, nothing bad to say.

M - loved the dress from the back, little doudy in the front

Octavia Spencer.
J - she could not have chosen a better dress for her figure, she looked fantastic

M - THIS IS HOW BIG GIRLS SHOULD DRESS! Perfect color, shape, fit, coverage!

{photo - huffingtonpost.com}

Ariel Winter.  
J - I loved the purple, and the shape was fresh and age appropriate, so cute!

M - color, style, bodice, all great, but the shape/volume of the skirt was just wrong

{photo - huffingtonpost.com}

Zooey Deschanel.
J - Good, BUT I hated her hair

M - I liked it too, may the hair was a touch too mod

Natalie Portman.
J -  It seems as though her bad life decisions are also affecting her style.  Pink taffeta?  Really?  Didn't you win this thing last year??

M - nobody looks good with an extra 6" width of fabric hanging off their hip.... no one!

{photo - mtv.com}

 

Mila Kunis.  
J - I know she has a deal with Dior, but it wasn't just the dress, her makeup was also meh.  It must be a black swan curse.

M - pretty, but kind of a snooze fest

{photo - huffingtonpost.com}

 
Reese Witherspoon.  
J - Was she going for playboy bunny or jessica rabbit?

M - Reese, put your hair up, this ain't the Country Music Awards!

Tina Fey
J - Love her, hate every single thing she has ever worn on the red carpet

M - Couldn't agree more. While the color could have worked, that is just not her shape!


 

Nicole Kidman
J - Is it me or does the bust looks ilke 2 pac mans heading toward each other?

M - Couldn't agree less, this might be my favorite look on the night (and that might just be me too) She looks flawless in Versace, there's no one I'd rather be walking into an awards show with.

Have your own thoughts? Want to weight in? We'd love to hear what you think!!!

How much is too much? ...dress that is.

click here to see more of this wedding {dana romanoff photography}

I want to clear up a common quandary I come across in bridal appointments. The idea of a dress being "too much". Now yes it is possible to overwhelm yourself with dress. Super petite girls wearing dresses the size of a Gypsy wedding, that sort of thing. And it is possible to go too formal, full satin ballgown at City Hall would be a bit overkill. But as long as you're not getting ridiculous, it's hard to have "too much dress".

Think about it, this is a once in a lifetime shot to indulge that more decadent side, to enjoy detail and volume and shine. It's pretty impossible to give the impression that your wedding dress is out of place at your own wedding (previous examples excluded), guests will always expect you to be the belle of the ball... even in your own backyard.

The key to keeping your look in line with the style of your wedding is by, well, styling. Think of the accessories. If your dress is beaded, you might just need the simplest of earrings. A full lace dress? Perhaps a full lace veil might be tip the scale, the dress is the important part, so let yourself shine in that first, then let your accessories be dictated by formality, style, feel.

And there's not much weight to the idea that your dress can be wrong for your venue either. I mean if you love the dress, and you love the venue, than obviously there's a connection right there. It it's continuity you're looking for, remember you don't want to get matchy-matchy, juxtaposition is your friend. A very modern clean-line dress can be just the thing to take a romantic flower garden weddings and saving it from looking too Disney!

Remember all the elements of your wedding are about surround yourselves with things that are special (friends, food, laughter, music included!) so don't let your venue "style" be more important than your own! Trust me, it's not "too much".

click here to see more of this gown {tamara murphy photography}

click here to see more photos of this wedding {chad morgan photography}

click here to see more of this wedding {cedar house photography}

Weekly Pinterest Board: Chocolate

Maybe it's just because I'm on a month-long detox and I haven't seen chocolate in far too long, or maybe it's anticipating Valentine's Day and red heart-shaped boxes filled with the sweet stuff, but there was just something inspiring about the dark, rich, velvety color that felt perfect for this time of year. We've paired chocolate with gold, cream, blush, and the occasional touch of "creamsicle" orange for a bit of brightness. These colors all make skin tones look fantastic, and are high impact while remaining relatively neutral. Best with ivory dresses, white should be used VERY sparingly in this sort of palate. Taste and enjoy!

{click here to see the full pinterest board}

 

1 dozen things to ask about your venue

To celebrate 12 months of 2012, and because I love lists. I've thought up a couple top 12 lists for the year. Here are 12 things you want to ask your venue (that you may not have thought of) as you're planning your wedding:

1 How many guests can we have?
You first have to know if your party will fit. If the venue max is the same as your guest list a year out, it won't fit everyone who you end up adding last minute (it always happens!)

2 What comes with the rental?
The venue is one of the largest pieces of the wedding puzzle, and there's nothing wrong with being crystal clear from moment one about what you'll get. They say they provide chairs, look at the chairs! Linens, know your color options. If it's just an open space, it's the most freeing artistically, but definitely more expensive.

3 Where do we get ready?
You don't want to be hanging out with your girls in a closet upstairs, make sure your venue has an appropriate area. Also, make sure your not paying top dollar for a jacuzzi tub you'd never use.

4 Can I have my ceremony AND reception here?
Some places will charge a separate ceremony fee if you're having both parts of the wedding on site. You'll also need to see if you're allowed two different areas or if guests will have to move out of the way for the space to change configurations in-between.

5 Can I take that ugly thing down?
I know galleries that will let you take art off the walls you don't like, but more often than not, you can't touch anything in the space... you're stuck with what's in there. Paintings, furniture, all the knick-knacks. Or you might be able to move something, but not outside of a certain area (dining table doesn't have to be in the middle, but it can't be removed from the room, stuff like that) Make sure you can live with what's there!

6 Are there extra charges for additional set-up time?
Are you and your girls decorating the space yourselves? Do you have 15 different vendors who all have different delivery windows? Make sure you know exactly when you'll get access and what might cost extra. Same for breakdown!

7 Do I have to use your caterer?
On-site catering, one simple bill can be easier and often save money, but if you want to get more creative to stretch your budget further, this can really lock you into a tight spot. Check catering prices on the list before you commit to a venue, as they can blow a budget. Also, if you have your heart set of something specific, make sure one of your caterers can delivery it.

8 What's the deal with alcohol?
Easiest way to save money, buy your own booze. Find out if you can, or see about going with a flat-rate package for your "eat drink and be merry" friends.

9 Are there noise ordinances about being outside?
If you want an all outdoor affair, dancing in the moonlight and such, you may run into some issues. Lots of places will not let you have amplified music after a certain hour, or sometimes at all when you're outside. If you're a late night crew, you may want to take this into consideration before you book.

10 Will you be there on the day of?
Do you just loooove the woman who gave you your tour? Make sure you ask if she'll be the one there day of, especially if you're not working with a planner. You want to know exactly who your point of contact is, and to see that friendly face when everyone's buzzing around.

11 Where can we dance?
I once saw the perfect venue and loved everything about it, I could picture cocktails under the pergola, a whole room dedicated to dessert (I told you it was perfect for me!) great flow, lots of space, perfect. ...except that you couldn't dance there, you had to dance downstairs in a low-ceiling basement down a dark stairway. It's not that it was bad (though it wasn't great) it was just completely cut off from all the beautiful things on the main floor, and I didn't want to abandon my non-dancing guests in a whole different part of the building.

12 What do you need to secure our date?
Do you need it all up front? Half a half? Do they give you a week to get the finances together? Make sure you're coming in armed if it's a hot spot and your jockeying for your date.

Choosing Sides

For those with less wedding experience some of the rules can be a bit confusing. Brides side on the left, grooms on the right, work out to in with your silverware, start your dance with a step to the left, wait, or was that right? And styling a bride can bring up the same problems. Should your birdcage veil go in on the left or the right? How about the detail on your sash? Or should it be centered? Hopefully this will give you food for though on choosing sides with your bridal accessories, but ultimately, it's whatever you like the look of best.

Birdcage veils
If made symmetrically, it usually makes the most sense to center it on your head, just remember to keep the first kiss in mind, if it's not easy to pull back, keep your lips out from under the veil

If cut favoring one side, place the comb on the side your part your hair, it'll feel balanced on your face because it's coming from a certain point. If your hair isn't parted, or is down the middle, place it over your right eye to show up more when in the ceremony, or over the left eye if you want it to be more discreet when you're standing in front of everyone.

{collette veil by sara gabriel}

 

Traditional veils
My favorite placement is on the crown of your head, have someone set your veil so that you can't see any of the "pouf" on top from the front, but you can't see any hair uncovered above your veil from the back, that's the sweet spot. The further forward you place your veil, the more pouf that's going to show, and the more the veil will hug around your shoulders. The further back, the more discreet and more likely it will be to get very narrow as you're walking.

{dahlia veil by sara gabriel}

Sashes and belts
When placing something with a regular pattern or a distinct center, line the center right up with your belly button! If it's an asymmetrical design, place it off towards the side (again, it'll show more at the ceremony if you place it on the right hip, less on the left).

 

{sara gabriel paige & haleigh sash}              

Dresses with strong asymmetrical necklines
Balance the look and create elongating diagonal lines by keeping details on the opposite side of your dress detail,if all the detail is one-side heavy it might look like you're off balance and about to topple.

Bracelets and rings
Move your engagement ring and place bracelets on your right hand. They'll show up more in pictures, and won't compete with your wedding ring. Once your wedding ring is on, switch your engagement ring back, keeping the wedding band on and "closer to your heart", but leave your bracelet on the right for balance.

Weekly Pinterest Board: Winter Grays

People say winters are gray like it's a bad thing! Sure I miss the sun, but embracing gray means opening yourself up to a world of soft, fuzzy textures, beautiful diffused light, romantic crisp evenings, and a warm spot to remember in winter fondly. Felt really inspired this board, as well as English manor homes and touches of gold.

{click here to see the board on pinterest}

styled shoot by Talia Events

Flowers and paperie: Cori Cook Floral Design
Photography: Jenna Walker Photographers
Dress:  Nadia by Stephanie James {at anna bé}
Cakes and desserts: Piece Love & Chocolate
Rental items: All Events Tent & Party Rental
Makeup: Liana for makeup by janine
Styling and Design: Talia Events

styled shoot by a vintage affair

From Jessica at A Vintage Affair:
For this shoot I wanted to do something very “Colorado” in the mountains. Inspiration that brides could really relate to. The new venue- Deer Creek Valley Ranch was perfect for it. It has a ton of great history (once was a stage coach stop between Denver and Fairplay), is family owned, and even has the gorgeous Mount Evans as a backdrop. We focused on keeping with natural colors to compliment the scenery. Each and everyone one the vendors worked hard for this shoot together. Laura Murray has an eye for catching all of the perfect shots and details. Hailey Middleton, not only has that timeless beauty, but every singe second she was posing. She really knows how to work the camera. The dress, Fawn by Vera loaned to us by Anna-Be Bridal Boutique, was a dream. The make-up by Natosha Cooke Make Up Artistry really enhanced Hailey’s natural features. For the hair, Brandice Boss did a wonderful job styling Hailey’s hair with a unique braided look that complimented the inspiration. And Fleur Decor rose to the challenge of creating flowers for not just Hailey, but a horse. They not only looked gorgeous, but apparently were tasty because both horses keep trying to eat them. All in all, it came together better than I imagined.  

---

Rentals / Styling: A Vintage Affair Rentals | Photographer: Laura Murray Photography | Venue: Deer Creek Valley Ranch | Model: Hailey Middleton, Agency: Wilhelmina Denver | Dress: Fawn by Vera Wang from Anna-Be Bridal Boutique | Make-Up: Natosha Cooke Make Up Artistry | Flowers: Fleur Decor | Hair: Brandice Boss

Winter Flowers

These days it seems like nothing has a season, anyone will be willing to grow specialized flowers to ship around the country (or around the world) for you. But often that can come at a hefty price tag, and isn't exactly the most eco-friendly option when there are flowers all year round that bloom in different seasons.
Given how dormant the ground seems during winter, you think it'd be harder for winter brides to find an assortment of flowers, but there are lots of blooms that do wonderfully in this chilly time of year. Some of my favorites are amaryllis, camellias, cymbidium orchids, ranunculus, and sweat pea! The colors are equally as varied, but given the soft winter light I think blushes and pinks with pale icy green succulents look the best. Mix and match from these different types, and remember, some of the classics (roses, calla lily's gardenias and orchids) are fairly abundant year round!

{amaryllis bouquet}

{camellia bouquet}

{cymbidium orchids}

{ranunculus bouquet}

{sweet pea}

Best of 2011 - and the dresses we'd put them in

2011 was full of celebrity fashion, lots of weddings, lots of wedding dresses (I mean three of them alone were Kim Kardashian's!) but we imagined what it'd be like if some of our best dressed stars were to announce their engagement. What would they be wearing? Would they go classic like Kate? Over the top like Kim? Or would they do soft and sweet? Well here our three of our favorites from People magazines best dressed of 2011 list, and what we'd put them in (hear that Blake? come shopping with me!)

Blake Lively
Perpetually stylish, always risk-taking, this self-styled actress has the body to wear anything, but even the most dangerous outfits have a sexy sophistication.

Wedding Dress: Vera Wang: big, bold, sexy high neck with sheer lace and a skirt of tulle "confection" that makes a high impact, couture statement!

 

Mila Kunis
Always channeling old Hollywood glamour, Mila has grown up so much, but always looks the part of the classic feminine starlet.

Wedding Dress: Monique Lhuiller: a soft siren in head to toe lace, front slit reminiscent of old Hollywood style, and with a deep exposed back.

 

Ginnifer Goodwin
Who'd guess it from the dowdy librarian styling on Once Upon a Time was a strong edge this little pixie has?! Bold, vibrant, inventive, and with serious wow that isn't over-vamped.

Wedding Dress: Junko Yoshioka: the small indie New York designer who prides innovation in her aesthetic. A short empire-waisted dress with billowy volume to the skirt, showing off killer legs and a "do it my way" attitude

Daily Deals for Brides - DressRush.com

I might be one of the only guys whose inbox daily gets updates from Vera, the Knot, and various other bridal sites scattered across the interweb. But there's one in particular I'm really glad I get. A few months ago I was checking out one of my beautiful brides who was featured on Style Me Pretty, and I came across a little something called DressRush. So what is dressrush you may ask? It's a new daily deal site specifically for weddings. The idea is brilliant, there are so many little pieces to the wedding puzzle, and we're constantly in need of a little this or that, so now there's one spot to look for a hook-up with any part of your wedding. I've gotten deals in my inbox from stationary to bridesmaids dresses, to favors and more. It takes just a few seconds to peruse, and even if it's not the deal for you, it's a free bit of inspiration delivered every morning in your inbox. Deals last from 24 hours to a full week, and with each purchase you also get credit towards your next deal. So, if you're in the market for lots of little wedding goodies, and are already a groupon/living social/daily deals user, check it out!

Five Ideas to Steal, from FIVE!

We had a blast at our five-year birthday bash, and wanted to thank everyone who was able to make it. We partied like rock stars..well, rock stars who are in bed by midnight anyway, and we're so thrilled with the way the whole event looked. So, after putting this huge party together, what moments really stood out and are worth repeating at your wedding. Here's are list of top FIVE favorites from FIVE!

5. Mixologist!

You know why there was a line all night in the speakeasy? Because people love cool drinks, and who has 15 ingredients lying around and a draw full of specialized tools to make these custom drinks? It really feels like a treat to have a skilled bartender mixing up delicious libations that put you in a party mood, and we were thrilled everyone got into the era-themed custom cocktails!

4. Video!

You only occasionally caught a glance, but having video playing through a party actually stimulates energy and movement. The constant running of a movie on the screen means people who were taking a breather had something to watch, and keeping it on a loop all night added to continuity! We just took shots around the store and made a short movie with title screens, thanking our sponsors, but running a slideshow, playing a fav flick of yours if you're movie buffs, or hiring a videographer to make a short movie with the two of you to play at the wedding are other great uses of a space with screens already set up!

3. Vignettes!

One of my favorite things is the fact that there were all kinds of nooks and crannies to discover around the space. Old dressers with luminaries in the drawers, swags of curtains creating a miniature seating area. a self-serve candy bar, al these little spots gave me places to go and things to discover, and I doubt I saw it all! And even though they were all done by different planners with different themes, the overall vibe totally worked, and the variety was refreshing as opposed to just having everything look like a perfect match. There are great props people in Denver who design looks for theater, and would add those perfect touches of something different for your wedding!

2. Dance Break!

Professional dancers is one of the best form of entertainment at a big celebration. They're live right on the dance floor with you, add a little performance element, and inspire people to get on the dance floor! It breaks the ice when no one wants to be the first ones on the dance floor to bust a move, and seeing professionals strut their stuff just might inspire your guests to cut a rug and really let loose!

 1. Having everyone there!

We know getting a huge group together, getting a large space, coordinating a big celebration is a lot of work! But at the end of the day, we were so happy we got to see so many people we love! From all the vendors, tons of former brides, and lots of new faces of girls who either just bought or were still in the market for a dress! Lots of people on the dance floor, tons of mingling, and just the buzz you only get with a big group, so thanks to everyone who came, you're our favorite part!

Trend Alert - Patterns

Last season we saw mini's everywhere, reception dresses, lace with sleeves, feathers, and more! This season we noticed a new trend, the number of dresses in a patterned fabric almost doubled! Most are soft and subtle and a little hard to catch on a camera, but designers are adding more texture and depth to their dresses but using light patterns to create interest while maintaining a soft, clean shape.

We also noticed patterns/new colors in linings as well. A detail that most people will never see, but great for bringing in a favorite color, a fun pattern, or just something non-traditional and unexpected for yourself. Patterns rule!

{ivy & aster}

{junko yoshioka}

{lela rose}

{junko yoshioka}

{modern trousseau}

{monique lhuillier}