Going Green, Part 2

As one of the top colors of 2008, purple has definitely ceded much of its popularity to green for 2009. At the Dallas bridal show, purple was still sparingly used...but not nearly to the extent that green was! Chartreuse, mint, and apple green promise to be one of the greenest trends for the coming year.

And to be honest, I loved it! Striking color combinations from the show were:

• Chartreuse, black, & white
• Apple, expresso, & vanilla
• Mint, aqua, & white
• Sage, lavender, and white

Enjoy my "going green part 2" inspiration board from Brides.com! What fabulous eye-candy from a source that often acts as my muse...

[Photos Clockwise: Pastis Martinis, Bouquet by Janie Medley Flora Design, Cake by April Reed Cake Design, Invitation by Brides, Shoes by Giuseppe Zanotti, Dress (#JH8657) by Jim Hjelm Bridal]

Trend '09: Going Green, Part 1

Eco-friendly weddings continue to gather steam! At the Dallas bridal show there were vendors with all sorts of recycled products from invitations to wedding gowns. I know...recycled wedding gowns? But after perusing the selection from Anonymously Yours, I was hooked!

Throw out your conventional idea of the stinky thrift store with well worn items. Most modern wedding resale shops appear remarkably identical to a traditional bridal retailer. Designer gowns in stock now include Alfred Angelo, Bianche, Demetrios, Forever Yours, Jim Helm, Jasmine, Lazarro, Mon Cheri, Monique, Mori Lee, Monique Lou, Private Label by G, Signature, Maggie Sottero, Venus, & Vera Wang. The most important distinction is the cost!

Most brides expect to pay more for eco-friendly products. But not so with Anonymously Yours recycled gowns! If you don't mind getting an incredible bargain while helping the planet, research your options with Anonymously Yours or a similar type of shop. A designer dream gown may be in your near future...

The Violin Guy

So much spoiling occurs at the bridal shows. An endless parade of free goodies awaits each bride-to-be. And we definitely deserve our fair share of wooing! But when I heard this musician play, my hands quickly rifled through my overloaded tote to happily purchase a disc. Not only does Radu play what seems like an insane number of instruments, he sings in practically a dozen languages. Absolutely amazing!

In the week following the show, I can't stop listening to his music. My personal fave is, of course, the violin. View videos of his performances as well as client testimonials on YouTube. And don't hesitate to buy a CD from his website. He's a steal of find, and talents like his will make your wedding!

[Image online from The Violin Guy]

Braving the Cold

Yes, I braved the horridly frigid cold. No, it wasn't a blizzard per se -- but just about (by Dallas standards). And all so I could report the top bridal trends for 2009...

Well, mostly. Scoping out all the perfect resources for my 10th anniversary next year was another prime objective! I just fell in love with this dress from Alfred Angelo. And another from Demetrios. Oh, how exciting to set appointments to try them on!

So, stay tuned in the coming weeks as I report on the best trends, vendors, and products from the show. Curious if a bridal show is making the rounds to your neighborhood? Check here.


[Image online at Alfred Angelo]

Rock Talk: Todd Reed

I am so in love with Todd Reed's designs! Talk about artisan chic. His jewels showcase a modern aesthetic, but also give a nod to vintage detailing. My personal fave may just be the tourmaline ring, but it is so difficult to choose! Aside from these designs being stellar rocks all on their own, raw diamonds are a major trend in engagement rings. And why not? Everyone else may have a round brilliant or a princess solitaire, but very few rings could compare with these handcrafted pieces on style...
[Images online from Todd Reed]