Brilliant Blog

Boutonniere Alternatives

October 3, 2012

We’ve been noticing a trend in wedding flowers, or a lack thereof. Brides are choosing unique bouquets made of unlikely items, such as trinkets and brooches. This trend has finally reached our grooms! Signature boutonnieres are becoming a must-have wedding item. Whether he doesn’t like flowers or just wants to express himself, there are plenty of new boutonniere options for grooms. The below photos are some of our favorites for the groom who wants to be a little different.

Photos courtesy of Fritts Rosenow.

Fox News Magazine Interview

September 10, 2012

I was delighted to be interviewed for Fox News Magazine, the official lifestyle magazine of the news network, on an article regarding wearing white to a rehearsal dinner.  Find out the advice I gave here.

Keyhole-Back Wedding Dresses

August 22, 2012

Keyhold backs on wedding dresses have been a hot style for brides this wedding season! These dresses are all about elegance. While the trend started with simple keyhole backs, we are now seeing sheer backs and cutouts in various shapes. This timeless feature can range from girl-next-door to ultra sexy, depending on the cut and material you choose. Will you try a keyhole back dress?

Photos courtesy of Anna Campbell dress via One Stylish Bride, She Will be Loved, Hayley Paige dress via JLM Couture.

A Brilliant Wedding: Katie & Jason

August 1, 2012

Katie and Jason were married on Labor Day weekend of 2011 and were fortunate to have some of the last good weather of the summer! Their First Look was done in and around Central Park, with some of NYC’s most iconic images, like hot dog carts and yellow cabs, drifting in and out of their photographs. Katie and Jason then went on to exchange “I Do’s” in an intimate ceremony at The Harold Pratt House on Park Avenue.

Afterwards, Katie and Jason made their way up the grand spiral staircase, along with their family and closest friends, to the candlelit library for cocktails. The reception took place across the hall in the elegant dining room. There, guests enjoyed delicious creations made by Park Avenue Catering. The pastel pink and white flower centerpieces by Rebecca Shepherd were the perfect compliment to the classic décor.

By the time the first dance began, it was clear that Katie and Jason couldn’t be happier together and Katie was all smiles as Jason twirled her around the dance floor. Later on, guests took a break from dancing to enjoy a decadent cake from Baked. It was a pleasure to be a part of this wonderful couple’s picture perfect day!

 Photos courtesy of China Jorrin Photography

Mismatched Bridesmaids Dresses

June 27, 2012

One of the hottest trends in bridal fashion is mismatched-but-coordinated bridesmaids.  Many brides are foregoing the tradition of having all of their bridesmaids dress exactly alike.  There are many ways to embrace this trend.

Same Dress, Mixed Accessories:  The easiest is to have all of your bridesmaids dress in matching dresses, but to create interested with coordinating accessories or with different bouquets:

Different Dresses, Same Hue. For those that want to dive a little deeper in the mismatching trend, allowing your girls to choose there own dress and just picking a color that you like.  The key is to give some guidance to your bridesmaids.   For example, long or short?  Do you care if the fabrics are different?  The more flexible you are, the greater variety you will have in the dresses your girls choose.

Different Color Dresses. This final option is not for the faint of heart!  Each bridesmaid has a completely different color dress.  The best way to keep the look cohesive is to make one thing consistent, whether it is matching bouquets or accessories.

Image sources in order: Arrow and Apple, Jolynne Photography, Carl Zoch Photography, Kerry Morgan, Ruth Anne Photography, Ben Blood, HPM Photo, Bayly Moore, Jill Thomas Photography, Stephanie Williams Photography, Art by DNA, Stephanie Williams Photography, Caroline Tran, Dixie Pixel Photo, Emily Photo, Kellie Kano Photography, SohoMode Etsy Shop.

Alternative Wedding Bouquets

May 30, 2012

Gone are the days when a bouquet of white roses was the only choice for a bride.  Brides are foregoing traditional floral bouquets in favor of bouquets made out of brooches, vegetables, and even…doorknobs!  If a traditional floral bouquet isn’t your thing, check out these alternatives.

Colorful brooch bouquet by Jasmine Photography,  Gold brooch bouquet,  Doorknob bouquet, Artichoke bouquet.

A Brilliant Wedding: Marina & Tony

February 22, 2012

Marina & Tony got married on Memorial Day weekend of 2011 and truly lucked out with the best possible weather!  It was sunny and downright warm, perfect May weather for this genuinely happy, light-hearted couple.  They exchanged “I Do’s” during a gorgeous Greek Orthodox ceremony, complete with all of the special traditions of the faith – including my favorite, the crowns.  Food, dancing and a fabulous party followed at the Mandarin Oriental, with Columbus Circle and the Central Park skyline as their backdrop.  Their guests enjoyed a delectable cake from Kakes and dined among lush arrangements from Ariston Floral with lighting by JB Lighting.  Thanks to Karin Von Voigtlander for the lovely photos.

Since their amazing wedding, they’ve both graduated with Masters degrees and moved to far-away Texas, but these two lovebirds were nothing but an absolute dream to work with and I’m so proud to have been part of their special day!

A Brilliant Wedding: Ashley & Lee

January 26, 2012

It’s not every day that you move halfway across the country, only to meet and fall in love with someone who went to the same college!  Ashley & Lee did just that. These two wanted to combine their southern hospitality with their cosmopolitan life here in NYC so I designed their wedding in hues of purple with magenta and gold accents.  The ballroom at the brand new Eventi Hotel proved to be the ideal space with its expansive floor-to-ceiling windows and chic lounge furniture.

Their centerpieces from Starbright Floral reflected the young, fresh vibe of their wedding – three distinct arrangements, each with a different flower choice created a pop against the plum textured tablecloth.  A black lacquer dance floor and white calligraphy on their escort cards rounded out this beautiful May wedding.  Congratulations to this happy couple – I was so honored to be part of your big day!

Lovely photos courtesy of Moss Creation.

Flip for your Wedding Shoes

September 26, 2011

Every girl knows that no matter how comfortable, after ten to twelve hours in heels, your feet will be in pain! Your wedding day is no exception. If you plan to change into some foot-friendly kicks, a great option is thick soled flip flops.   With the high platform replacing your heels, you don’t have to worry about tripping over your dress and the hem of your gown will stay clean.

Photo courtesy of Wedding Splendor.

Corsage Alternatives

April 26, 2011

If your VIP ladies aren’t wild about a traditional corsage, check out this great alternative from Untamed Petals.  It’s just as elegant and won’t leave your bridal party having flashbacks of their high school prom. Or use it to during a bridal shower, baby shower or bachelorette party to denote the guest of honor.