Category — Bridal Fashions

Pretty Parasols

by Erin

We’ve been seeing lovely parasols pop up, quite literally, more and more lately. Whether you’re on the search for a paper version or one with a more traditional intricate satin and lace design, any bride is sure to find a parasol to suit her bridal style and personality.

A parasol is an excellent prop for engagement and wedding photo sessions. Ask your photographer to make suggestions on how to integrate one into your photos. Whether held by the bride, by each of her bridesmaids, or by the couple, a parasol is a lovely way to add a soft touch to any setting.

Plus, parasols pull double-duty. They’re functional and are especially appropriate in the summertime, as they shield from the sun’s heat and rays.

(Credits, clockwise from top left: Desi Baytan Photography; Beautiful Day Photography; Victorian Bridal Parasol; Desi Baytan Photography; same; same; Satin Bridal Parasol)

June 11, 2010   No Comments

Why is she so concerned over this stinkin’ wedding dress?

Here’s one for you brides to pass on to your hubby-to-be.
You may have noticed your bride-to-be bordering on obsession over finding that perfect wedding dress. Did she start looking before you were even engaged? Crazy, right?
Maybe…
Maybe not.
As a guy, you’re not programmed to understand the bridal gown phenomenon. I mean, it’s not like you’re spending six months trying to find that perfect tuxedo (well maybe you are, but that’s for a different blog).
That being said, one thing you are programmed to do is be involved and understand why certain wedding planning activities matter so much. Never is this more important than during the bridal gown selection process. It’s cliché to say, but your bride has been planning her wedding day since she was a girl.
Here are some important time-lines to get used to, guys. This should help you get the idea of the amount of time that goes into the dress alone.
9-12 months – Length of time before wedding day that the bride should start looking for a dress
6 months – Length of time before wedding day that the dress should be ordered
2-3 months – Amount of time that should be counted on for alterations
2-3 weeks – Average amount of time in the bridesmaid dress selection process
3-4 – Number of arguments you just avoided by becoming familiar with the wedding dress shopping process.

Expert groom blogger Chris Easter is co-founder of TheManRegistry.com – the leading online resource for grooms. The site offers a unique wedding registry for men, groomsmen gift ideas and a wealth of content aimed at helping men make it through the wedding planning process in one piece.

April 29, 2010   3 Comments

Oscars Bridal Fashion

It’s Hollywood’s biggest night, and most definitely one of fashion’s biggest nights.

This past Sunday at the 82nd Academy Awards viewers saw an array of gorgeous dresses on the red carpet. We saw red carpet mainstays like Marchesa, Oscar de la Renta, Versace, Dior and Chanel, and we saw some perhaps unexpected designers represented, like Dries Van Noten and former Project Runway contestant Chris March.

The accessories were fabulous, too. Bracelets were especially popular, with Julianne Moore sparkling in a luscious emerald ring and diamond bracelets by Bulgari. Sarah Jessica Parker got in on the bracelet action with stacks of diamond bracelets by Fred Leighton, and Demi Moore wore Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry. We saw Chopard diamonds, Salvatore Ferragamo clutches, and Sergio Rossi and Jimmy Choo heels.

(source: life.com, celebrity-paradise, justjared)

And there was some color! Maggie Gyllenhaal wore a floral satin column gown by Dries Von Noten, a last-minute, custom-made choice. Zoe Saldana modeled a bold, either you love-it-or-hate-it Givenchy by Riccardo Tisci ombre couture gown. And Rachel McAdams sported a pastel-print couture gown by Elie Saab Couture.

(From left to right, Zoe Saldana in Givenchy by Riccardo Tisci, Maggie Gyllenhaal in Dries Van Noten, and Rachel McAdams in Elie Saab Couture, source: instyle.com)

But colorful gowns aside, there was a surprising array of wedding-worthy dresses. We saw pink, white, gray and gold in the form of iridescent organza, silk draping, tulle and beading. We saw a lot of romance, a dose of sexiness, and plenty of elegance. Who knew that practical inspiration could be drawn from the red carpet, too? Here were some of our favorites:

(Jennifer Lopez in Armani Prive, Sandra Bullock in Marchesa, Cameron Diaz in Oscar de la Renta)

(Julianne Moore in Calvin Klein Collection, Amanda Seyfried in Giorgio Armani Prive, Miley Cyrus in Jenny Packham)

(Meryl Streep in Chris March)

And if you’re looking to buck the traditional bridal gown trend, there were some non-traditional wedding dresses seen as well – and they were lovely.

(Elizabeth Banks in Versace, Demi Moore in Atelier Versace)

(Helen Mirren in Badgley Mischka, Kate Winslet in Yves Saint Laurent, Anna Kendrick in Elie Saab Couture)

(source: all photos from instyle.com)

March 9, 2010   1 Comment

“Everything Wedding” Bridal Show

It was a success!

Two weeks ago this Sunday, brides and company made their way through the rain to Calabasas Creek Park to partake in the fabulous “Everything Wedding” Bridal Show.

The Leonis Adobe Museum/Calabasas Creek Park and Sarah Z Events organized a fabulous first show, complete with 25 exhibitors. Also, R-Mine Bridal put on a dazzling couture show, with the models braving the cool air in their exquisite wedding gowns.

The park made for the perfect backdrop, with its charming feel and abundance of trees and creeks. The beauty of the park made us forget the cool and rainy weather!

We were delighted with the amazing turnout, and everybody appeared to be in happy spirits. We sold most our samples, and took order upon order of our custom “Soon to be Mrs…” shirt.

(top photo, dailynews.com, remaining courtesy of Duke Photography)

March 3, 2010   1 Comment