Destination Wedding Planning

Earlier this year I planned a two week wedding planning trip for my client, her mother and best friend who traveled from Angola, South Africa to New York. Their goal was to purchase wedding gowns, accessories, shoes, reception decor items, favors, details and other luxury items that are not available in their country or were more accessible when purchased abroad. It was quite the shopping trip and undertaking as planning to get all the amazing purchases shipped safely, economically and in time for the big wedding weekend presented unique challenges. The outcome was amazing. I'll recap our Manhattan wedding planning adventures and share pictures from this very special wedding weekend, but wanted to start with this beautiful images from their beach ceremony!

Photo Credit:  Catherine Mac Photography

Craft Sale and Bridal Trunk Show: Today!

Is holiday or wedding dress shopping on your agenda today? Last year Martha Stewart created this opportunity for her team to showcase and sell their original creations. Here is my recap from last year. It is certainly worth checking out.



There is also the Douglas Hannant Trunk Show at Gabriella New York Bridal Salon today through Sunday, December 5th.

Make an appointment to see his designs straight from the runway! The beautiful 2011 collection of wedding gowns by famed designer Douglas Hannant was inspired by snow. Shop this weekend and receive a 10% trunk show discount on all of his gowns.


Happy Shopping! Happy Saturday!

Dress Sale in New York City: This Weekend

Finding The Perfect Wedding Dress

Last month, wedding photographer Missy Murphy, Maria Cerff, bride to be and the creative force behind Lela New York, Missy Firth and the always amazing Jen Huang visited Lovely Bridal Shop in the West Village. Lanie's inventory of dresses and accessories is gorgeous and it was such a treat for me to help these lovelies into bridal gowns so Jen could make stunning pictures. Wedding Chicks published the photos yesterday along with their tips on shopping for the right wedding dress. Take a look here. New York brides have three great opportunities next week:




It's a great time to be a bride, enjoy!

The Best of New York Magazine's Wedding Show

I am so happy to bring you the best of New York Magazine's Wedding Show. It is certainly the wedding event of the season and well attended it was. Over 100 vendors gathered to kick off bridal fashion week. It was an interesting blend of vendors I know and love sprinkled with first meeting and stunning new discoveries. Thanks to Jen Huang for taking the time to make these beautiful photographs and so generously sharing the images.


Poppies and Posies designed Laura Napier's tables. These women are so delightful and I adore their aesthetic which was shared by many throughout the event.

Designs by Ahn's exquisite arrangements were rich in colors and textures.


I heart Nine Cakes!



Hatch is incredible. Their designs inspire!

Happy to see Gabriella! Her beautiful wedding dress is positioned front and center amongst other stunning gowns.

Congratulations to Lanie of the Lovely Bride on the grand opening of her West Village bridal shop yesterday! I look forward to visiting soon. The lovely Jillian of Jillian Event Design and Styling created this pretty table.

Happy to bring you another new genelogy chart by Elana of Mélangerie, she tells me they plan to keep introducing more new charts on a semi regular basis. They are still one of the most ingenious and creative ways to welcome your guests, personalize the wedding reception and create a keepsake that will hang on your wall for years to come!

Planning a traditional tea ceremony?

Dynasty and Ceremony's table was beautiful.

I love this bouquet by ciao Bella floral styling!

This is simply an overview of a wonderful evening. I plan to share more of Jen's beautiful photos and feature some of the vendors I saw in depth in the weeks to come. Two personal highlights of the evening were meeting industry greats Tara Guérard of Soirée and Alison Hotchkiss of Alison Events. Two of the finest event planners in the country, the weddings they produce influence and ignite! I am a big admirer of their work and was absolutely delighted for the opportunity to meet them in person. Tara is from Charleston, she was launching The Lettered Olive and signing her beautiful book. Based in San San Francisco, Alison is known for designing spectacular destination events and was recently featured in Martha Stewart Weddings.

Hungry for more? Want another perspective of the same event, check out Merci NYC, it's an excellent resource for the sophisticated Manhattan bride. Jackie's sense of style is brilliant. It was fun for me to experience this event with her.

Did you see my favorite new vendor of the show yesterday?

Remember tonight is Happily Ever After! Hope to see many of you there.




Photo credit: Jen Huang Photography

Real Wedding: Best Manhattan Wedding 2009

Katie and Matthew's beautiful Manhattan wedding was published yesterday in the NY Daily News, what a perfect opportunity to share the stunning photographs of their wedding courtesy of the hugely talented Jen Huang.

The couple was married at Bridgewaters, South Street Seaport, New York City.

I love that Katie wore her hair down, it's so natural and true to her personality.

The flowers were designed by Maria Nino of Pristine Events.

They got ready at Gild Hall.



The bride looked stunning in an ivory Melissa Sweet gown. The landmark architecture and picturesque cobblestone streets provided an amazing backdrop for the photos.

The couple walked from the hotel to the venue, having fun along the way.



The groom is an avid biker. Guests were welcomed by this Tour de France map, where they were invited to find their seat assignments. Escort cards, place cards and table names are a great opportunity to add a personalized or creative touch to a wedding reception.

The couple danced to the music of the Kenny Ford Band.

Congratulations Katie and Matt! Cheers to the newlyweds.

I was thrilled to have a hand in the planning of their nuptials. They are as cool as they are photogenic. Katie is a neonatal ICU nurse and Matt is one of the funniest guys I know. He makes me laugh without even trying. They have a beautiful (and funny!) future in front of them.


Photo Credit: Jen Huang Photography

Bridal Trunk Show

If you are getting married and still shopping for your dress and have not been to Gabriella New York Bridal Salon yet, I am delighted to inform you that there will be a couture dressing experience the first weekend in February. Owner Gabriella Risatti and her team always strive to give brides a warm and inviting experience while shopping for their wedding gowns. February 5-7 Michelle Rahn's 2010 spring collection will be in New York.

Designer Michelle Gertzman will be on hand to discuss her creative process and the customization that goes into each couture wedding gown.



Michelle Rahn Bridal embodies today’s modern bride, featuring a collection that is renowned for its exquisite design aesthetic, luxurious fabrics and embroideries, and attention to detail. In just a few short years since the line’s inception, Michelle’s designs have found a following amongst the world’s fashion-savvy women and have graced the pages of Brides, Martha Stewart Weddings, In Style, Chicago Social, People, Elegant Brides, Women’s Wear Daily, and Daily Candy to name a few. Each gown is made-to-order, therefore brides are able to choose fabric, beading and suggest subtle alterations to meet their preferences. Alternatively, brides with their own unique vision can collaborate directly with Gertzman in true Parisian couture style to design a one-of-a-kind creation.

10% Off All Michelle Rahn Gowns

Call 212.206.1915 to make an appointment.

Good luck finding the dress you love.

Wedding Gowns and Bridesmaid dresses

I had the pleasure of meeting bridal gown and bridesmaid dress designer Coren Moore last night. I was so refreshed by her dresses.

While I could look at wedding photos, sample hors d'oeuvres, taste wine, talk about graphic design and listen to first dance songs all day long, I admit to not having fully developed my bridal gown gene. Certainly not due to a a lack of quality gowns, but instead I will contribute this to the fact that I am not a size three. Often times dresses are designed with smaller statues in mind. I know many salons do have dresses to accommodate tall, short, thin and not so thin but it's a girl thing ingrained in me and it's simply hard to shake. I am always asked what my wedding would be like, and I can certainly describe many details of the day but when asked specially about the dress I'd choose, I often breeze over it saying I want something that fits me well and flatters my figure.

Meanwhile last night I was so pleasantly surprised by the gowns I saw. The simple elegance and real woman appeal was undeniable. The showroom is conveniently located in Manhattan's garment district. The dresses are made in a factory across the street.

Wedding Dress Designer

After hearing about her dresses, seeing her sketches and meeting her clients, I finally got to see a Samuelle creation in person. Sam is an amazing designer from the United Kingdom and has a personal approach to designing non-traditional wedding dresses. She invited me to an event at The Wedding Cafe, a beautiful midtown spot, where her dress was being modeled.

When Sam initially contacted me last year, she introduced herself by saying:

"I offer a very personal and bespoke service, for the discerning bride who is wanting a more creative and custom made experience for her wedding.
I work very closely with the bride over a period of 6 months to create her perfect wedding dress. Initial consultations provide a creative arena for her ideas, as a designer I then make and present drawings, which then are translated into a custom made pattern,and a muslin dress. Highest quality fabrics are sourced, for the final dress to be created to perfection, personalized detailing ensures an exclusive one off garment."

Sam is a true joy to be around!

Dress for Success

Thanks to InStyle Magazine and Pronovias for hosting a lovely evening of beautiful dresses and great designs. Michelle Rago and Shiraz were also on hand to share their floral and culinary expertise.

All Dressed in White

Wedding dress shopping with two brides today, was successful times two!

First stop: Nicole Miller in Soho. This bride is planning an ocean front ceremony in Montauk this fall. The dress selected was purchased off the rack and is the perfect choice for this creative urbanite.

Next: I took a more traditional bride to The Bridal Garden, where gowns and veils are donated by couture and top designers, stores and some individuals. This non for profit bridal boutique benefits education for New York City children. Oh, and... the garden sells the designer gowns for 75% off their original prices. This was my first visit, I was optimistic and not disappointed. It's a great concept, and I saw many brides leave happy. The dresses ranged from funky, to original to traditional. This bride's summer reception is at an elegant country club on Long Island and her Pronovias dress matches the venue very well.

Both New York brides have excellent taste, but very different styles and weddings planned. There are though, many common threads of consideration when wedding dress shopping:

*Mother Approval
*Color (White or Cream)
*Comfort
*Price
*Age & Venue Appropriateness
*Fit
*Figure Flattering

Two beautiful dresses were purchased today. They both compliment each brides' personality, style, wedding, body and venue.


Sorry, no pictures today, like their fiancés you will have to wait and see.