Thursday, April 30, 2009

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Heidi Montag's Bridesmaids' Gowns Found!

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Thanks to their symbiotic relationship with the paparazzi, by now you (and the rest of the world) have all seen detailed photos of Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt’s weekend wedding. I know what you’re thinking, and yes, they have tied the knot for real this time – no reality TV coach was on hand as far as we’ve heard.

I kid! You know, as much as I find myself scrutinizing this couple, I'll admit the wedding party was well-styled and the décor was absolutely lovely. As I was perusing the photos in US Weekly this morning I immediately recognized the dresses Montag chose for her bridesmaids as being from BCBG.

I should confess that in addition to blogging for the Wedding Channel I have a sales/styling gig at a BCBGMAXAZRIA boutique here in New York City, so I am very familiar with this dress. It struck me as interesting (but great!) that after going for a couture wedding gown for herself, Montag chose a very accessible brand to dress her bridal party in, and a style I’m sure they’ll want to wear again this summer.

You can find this exact gown at a BCBGMAXAZRIA boutique near you, or online at bcbg.com. (Hurry, because when the news gets out they’ll sell out super quick!) The gown retails at $398.00 and is also available in Orchid -- a rich purple hue.

photos: Homero Tercero/FilmMagic/Getty Images

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

swirlBridal Fashionswirl

Faith Hill Channels Grace Kelly: Here's How You Can Too

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In case you haven't seen it, in the May issue of Redbook cover-star Faith Hill goes from casual to ultra classy to channel three iconic blondes -- actress Grace Kelly, international supermodel Twiggy, and actress/model/activist Brigitte Bardot.

They were obviously big stilettos to fill, but as you can see in this photo of Hill as Kelly, she did an awesome job! (Talk about vintage chic!) And, speaking of the photo, the dress Hill wore here was just so darn bridal, you know I had to find a bridal style inspiration for you. If you want a similar look on your wedding day look out for this hot new one-shouldered trumpet gown from Alvina Valenta (that we spotted at Bridal Fashion Week) will be in a gown boutique near you this fall. Like Hill's, this gown is simple, classic, and beautiful.

Photos: gown: Erik Ekroth

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

swirlCelebrity Inspirationsswirl

Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon Plan Vegas Anniversary Party

Mariah_careyIt’s been almost one year since Mariah Carey wed Nick Cannon in a surprise beach ceremony at her Bahamas home -- doesn’t time fly! (It seems like only yesterday we were asking what you thought of her outrageous registry requests and hasty tattoo plans) Well, the newlyweds aren’t keeping their anniversary plans hush hush. According to E! the pair has already sent out invites to their big April 30th anniversary bash in Vegas.

The gold invites with script letters ask guests to join them for a rooftop party at Moon nightclub at the Palms Las Vegas beginning at 11pm to party “until dawn”. And get this, they also say the dress code is “hot”. (I love it, Mariah!) I’ve personally been to Club Moon, and the view of the Vegas skyline at night is one of the best the city has to offer. Not to mention a great place to throw your bachelorette party if you’re headed to Sin City to celebrate the end of single life as you knew it, and are looking to do so VIP style. They can cater events both big and small, and you don’t have to reserve an entire room to party there. (Booth and bottle service anyone?)

Jim Spellman/WireImage/Getty Images

Monday, April 20, 2009

swirlCelebrity Inspirationsswirl

Andy Roddick's Down-Home Wedding After-Party Venue

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As I'm sure you've heard, on Friday, tennis pro Andy Roddick married supermodel Brooklyn Decker in a twilight ceremony at his Austin, Texas, home.

The beautiful bride wore a Vera Wang gown and her bridesmaids donned strapless chocolate-brown dresses. (Inspiration board to come tomorrow!) The happy couple exchanged platinum wedding bands from Tiffany & Co., and close friend to the groom Sir Elton John performed for everyone at their reception. After having dinner at local country club, the newlyweds, and about 250 other guests headed to local hotspot Stubb's Bar-B-Que for some real down-home partying. Guests' invitations read "denim-only" and the groom showed up in cargo short and his bride in a long summer dress. Brisket of beef and cole slaw were on the yummy menu and the satin tablecloths were decorated with lantern and floral centerpieces. Plus, The Spazmatics rocked the room until the midnight hour. (Talk about letting your hair down on your wedding night -- I love it!)

If you're in the Austin area, and you're looking for a great summer reception venue, we're guessing you'll love Stubb's Bar-B-Que too. Their motto is "everything goes with BBQ", and they promise to cater to any event. If you're going for an intimate vibe, rent the upstairs patio (which holds up to 60 people) that overlooks the amphitheater (the spot is known for their awesome and A-list live entertainment lineup), or the downstairs bar area (which can fit up to 100 guests).. For a bigger shindig, (and we mean big), reserve the Backyard, which they say will accommodate 1,000 seated guests, and up to 2100 standing. (Calling all brides with huge families on both sides -- this is your venue knight and shining armor!)
swirlBrides In The Newsswirl

Are Sponsored Weddings a DO or a DON'T?

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Okay, let's back up for a moment here. Remember last year when Virginia bride-to-be Kelly Gray made national headlines when she auctioned off a bridesmaid spot in her wedding on eBay in order to earn cash to pay for the wedding? Well, if you'll recall, Dr Pepper (yes, the beverage brand!) won the auction and opted to skip the whole matching dress and shoes thing and just go for sponsoring her wedding instead -- donating a shocking 10,000 bucks to her cause.

Gray claimed back then that all this fuss was really about making sure she could afford her "dream wedding". Not that I wasn't happy for her, but I was on the fence about whether or not securing funds for the ultimate wedding was worth essentially selling your big day to the highest bidder. And now that the wedding has taken place (this past weekend at the Virginia Beach National Golf Club), and I've read all about the (Dr Pepper maroon) details, I must say I've jumped off that fence and I’m convinced it’s not worth it -- here's why:

Her "fairytale wedding" was apparently more about the soda than their love. The bride wore a white dress with Dr Pepper maroon red flowers on the bodice and a veil lined with the same color. The bridesmaids wore Dr Pepper maroon apple red gowns, too.

At their reception, where a Dr Pepper public relations specialist was on hand, Snapple Apple drinks (also made by the company) were given out as favors, and guests enjoyed photo opps in front of an ice sculpture of a vintage Dr Pepper bottle. Gray, admittedly told local papers that the whole thing was a little "weird", but she went on to thank "Diet Dr Pepper for her dream wedding." And the branding fun didn't stop there. When Gray and her groom, Karl Gau, rode off into the sunset, their "Just Married" sign was also sponsored by the company.

I'd also like to point out that even though Gary's wedding made big news over the weekend, you'll find twice as many Google search results for "Dr Pepper Wedding" and "Dr Pepper Bride" than for "Kelly Gray wedding". Now that you're up to speed ladies, answer me this: Wouldn't you feel a little overshadowed by something like this? It is, after all, 100 percent your day! I'm glad she was able to splurge on wedding details she wouldn't have been able to afford otherwise, but at what cost? Would you allow a company to sponsor your wedding? Sound off!

Thursday, April 16, 2009

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A Stateside Honeymoon Spot Worth Writing Home About

SurvivorCoupleWeddingEven though the sun has once again come out to play, and warmer weather is on the way, our economic climate is still frigid, to say the least. But, it is wedding planning season, and you’ve got not only your upcoming nuptials, but a one-of-a-kind honeymoon to plan! SO what’s a frugal bride craving a first-class postwedding vacation to do?

Think long days by the pool (or the ocean!), temperatures 80 degrees plus, water that's never more than a few degrees cooler, and world-class service you'll by just dying to return home and gloat about. Sounds like a (pricey!) little slice of heaven, no? Well here’s the kicker: You can get all this for about a third less than you're thinking, no passport needed! How, you ask? By adding the Wild Dunes Resort in Charleston, South Carolina to your honeymoon destination consideration list. It's where Survivor alums Jamie Dugan and Erik Huffman were married on April 4th, on a croquet lawn overlooking the ocean.

Visit the land of luxury at this beachfront oasis, located just 30 minutes from downtown shopping, and is home to sumptuous private villas, idyllic pools, a five-star spa, expansive golf courses, premier dining, and whole lot of other fabulous amenities worthy of a mid-day work fantasy. It 's a real hidden gem, ladies. And, if you're in the southeast, you may not even need to fly there -- honeymoon road trip anyone?

photos: courtesy of CBS and Wild Dunes Resort

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

swirlTrend Reportsswirl

New Beauty Trend: Diamond Skin Cream?

Diamond_535_imageNow here’s a new an unexpected way to add a little star power to your upcoming “I dos”: The latest trend in the beauty world is the union of gemstones and facial creams. They’re popping up on the ingredients list for all sorts of rejuvenating skin products. They’re said to help with exfoliation, and some even promise to create an immediate shimmer effect on the skin. Dying to try this at home? So are we! Top rated products American Beauty Ultimate Diamond Restorative Anti-Aging Cream (which includes diamond-powder extract said to reflect light, and increase your skin’s luminosity), and Borba Age Defying Micro-Diamond Cleanser are first on my list to try. The price alone is hard to beat. At $49.50 and $25.00 respectively, they’re just a fraction of what the bling you really crave would cost. -- Jen DeRose

Friday, April 10, 2009

swirlCelebrity Inspirationsswirl

Booking a Celebrity Makeup Artist is Easier than You Think

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Here’s a headline especially for all of our New York and Los Angeles brides: You can, and should, consider booking a celebrity makeup artist for your big day -- it’s a whole lot easier (and cheaper!) than you probably think! (Stop that eye-rolling, I see you!) Hear me out here. Most celeb makeup artists keep a permanent studio in either L.A. or NYC and an appointment costs – wait for it -- about as much as the nearest upscale spa’s bridal beauty package would.

High-profile makeup mavens can often be a better all-around deal too. You won’t need to wonder about what they can really do. You want to see their portfolio? Just turn on your TV and watch their celebrity clients walk the red carpet looking truly flawless. You might be expecting a waiting list, but we discovered that most A-list studios will let you book an appointment as little as one month before your wedding day! Still don’t believe me? Go check one out for yourself. Here’s a guide to get you started:

If You’re on the East Coast: Pay Kimara Ahnert (Catherine Zeta-Jones’ wedding day makeup artist) a visit! Her studio is located on Madison Avenue. Emmy award-winning makeup artist Eve Pearl is just a subway ride away too, and she’s Today Show host Meredith Vieira’s personal makeup artist.

If You’re on the West Coast: Call the Tracey Mattingly Studio. The agency offers a stellar roster of makeup artists and stylists with mile-long celebrity client lists.

NOTE: There are celebrity makeup artists all over the country, so if you’re not nearby these recommended locations give it a go on Google to see just who you might find.

photos: Brushes/Todd Rafalovich, Eve Pearl/ Courtesy of evepearl.com, Kimara Ahnert/ Courtesy of Kimara.com

Thursday, April 09, 2009

swirlStraight from the Runwayswirl

DIY Goes Glam

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As Charli mentioned, it’s bridal fashion week, ladies, and we’ve been on the hunt for all things new, hot, and inspiring. Today I have a cool DIY idea (or four) to share with all you glamour girls out there. Want to upgrade the glitz factor at your wedding without going over the top? Without an A-list budget you can’t just drape your wedding details in stunning diamonds, but you can buy loose crystals to achieve the same sparkling effect.

A little skeptical about crystal-encrusted details? So were we – at first. But before you channel bitter memories of your Bedazzler (Though that sparkly pink jean jacket did look pretty awesome back then!) take a look at the astounding amount of DIY crystal ideas on create-your-style.com. This website is run by K. Gottfried, Inc., which sells loose crystals to brides and other vendors, as well as provides a plethora of unique ideas on how to up the bling at your wedding using crystals and beads.

DIY projects like these are true budget savers. A florist could charge two to three times the price to add similar detailing to a bouquet or centerpiece. And, the final products are elegant and chic too. (See above!) We love it all, from single crystals sprinkled throughout your bouquet to make it pop, to monograms with star power. Check out K. Gottfried Inc.’s abundant selection of crystals in every color for inspiration, then get creative ladies!

Wednesday, April 08, 2009

swirlStraight from the Runwayswirl

Hot Eco-Friendly Miami Couture Line Goes Bridal

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It’s Bridal Fashion Week here in NYC and I’ve been busy all week long stalking all the hottest runways for you ladies to report back on all things fabulous. And, speaking of fabulous, I met some first-timers to the industry, whose couture gowns instantly wowed me, so I of course must share. Introducing Orangia, an eco-friendly line of couture creations who are giving the bridal fashion scene a go.

Miami-based fashion designer Janelle Funair and graphic artist/designer Rodrigo Londono created the line, which they feel is a marriage of design, theory, couture, and craftsmanship. (You may have seen their couture designs featured in magazines like Lucky, WWD, NY Post, and People, or on reality TV sisters Angela and Vanessa Simmons on MTV’s Run’s House.) Their motto is comfort over elegance, and as Janelle puts it “captures the coziness of a favorite t-shirt combined with the mystical lure of a timeless couture piece.” The line is natural fiber based and uses only the finest cotton and silks.

After such success with their couture fashions, the Orangia team began designing custom gowns for brides, and after getting a sneak peek at them this weekend, I’m here to tell all you destination brides to look this way. They’re glamorous, sexy, comfortable, and good for the earth – what else is there for beach chic? Okay, well maybe an amazing headpiece. (Note: Credit goes to Corriebel for the stunning headpieces you see here – aren’t they so lovely and fresh?)

Look for Organia boutiques in Miami, New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Dallas – as well as international locations in Japan, Dubai, Puerto Rico, and Santo Domingo.

photos: Erik Ekroth






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Celebrity Wedding Buzz brings you the latest celebrity wedding news -- from engagements to insider details about the wedding day -- straight from the desks of WeddingChannel.com editors. With inspiration you can steal, red carpet to aisle style guides and tips from experts, we're obsessed with all things Hollywood. (Like what you're reading? Get in touch).

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