Wedding-Worthy Oscar's Dresses

Ready to steal a little bridal inspiration from the Oscar's Red Carpet Celebrities?...

There were so many wedding worthy looks at the 2011 Oscars, it’s hard to narrow down my favorites. These are my top choices for bridal dresses inspiration from the red carpet. Which dress is your favorite?

Halle Berry in Marchesa  

Hilary Swank in Gucci 

 Mila Kunis in Elie Saab

Hailee Steinfeld in Marchesa 

Anne Hathaway in Valentino

Camila Alves in Kaufman Franco

Cate Blanchett in Givenchy

Michelle Williams in Chanel 

Mandy Moore in Monique Lhuillier 

Jennifer Hudson in Versace

Anne Hathaway in Givenchy Haute Couture by Riccardo Tisci

Sandra Bullock in Vera Wang 

A Cast of Cocktails for your Oscars Celebration!

Planning an Oscar party?

Hollywood’s biggest night of the year calls for a toast so don’t forget to invite a cast of Oscar-worthy cocktails to your soiree!

We have you covered with these fabulous drinks inspired by this year’s Best Picture nominees.

Starry Night – BLACK SWAN 

1 ½ oz Chambord Flavored Vodka
¾ oz Elderflower Liqueur
½ oz Lime Juice
Top Champagne

Method: Shake and strain ingredients into a Coupe glass or champagne flute. Garnish with a rose bud. 

The Sweet Taste of Victory – THE FIGHTER

2 oz Bourbon Whiskey
3/4 oz Chambord Liqueur
3/4 oz Vanilla Syrup
2 dashes Peychaud’s® Bitters

Method: Shake all ingredients and serve in a Coupe glass. Garnish with any three of brandied blackberries, brandied raspberries or regular blackberries.

(RECIPE CREATED BY: United States, Hal Wolin – El Cobre, New York, NY)










King’s Treasure – THE KINGS SPEECH

2 parts Chambord Flavored Vodka
1 part Cognac
1 part Pineapple Juice

Method: Shake well with ice and strain into a sugar-rimmed martini glass. Garnish with a cherry.












Billionaire Margarita - THE SOCIAL NETWORK

2 oz Casa Noble Añejo
1 oz Grand Marnier 150 Year
1 oz Fresh Lime Juice

Method: Serve shaken over ice 

{Real Weddings} Paola + Jose : an explosion of gorgeousness and unexpected details

When two artistic souls convey amazing things happen. Painter Paola Rascon and architect Jose (Pepe) Sanz, design and produce this breath-taking wedding. Are you sitting down? You may want to because these following images straight from my hometown Chihuahua city are out of this world. My favorite weddings are those that show off a couple’s unique style and this one is full of personality. It is an explosion of gorgeousness and unexpected details.

The Venue: An old oatmeal factory, which is currently the couple’s office and studio, served as the venue for the reception. The photographer, Patricia Mariscal, described it as an “open house/wedding” event. Paola and Pepe incorporate into the wedding décor their own studio furniture, art books and accessories.

 

The Ceremonies: Yes, there were two ceremonies. In Mexico religious ceremonies are not recognized as official by the state. So people get married twice, once by the church, the other one by the state. This catholic ceremony took place at one of the most beautiful and iconic churches in town. The reception venue was also the location for the civil ceremony.

 

The Reception: After the civil ceremony, Paola and Pepe hosted their sit-down dinner decorated with banquet tables and candelabras by Castallia Eventos. All the waitresses had black masks painted on their faces. Lighting played a huge roll during the dinner party where the mood was set-up by the performance of a saxophone player. 

After dinner, guest moved to the tent where lounge furniture, dance floor and the DJ started the outdoor party. To keep everyone warmed, instead of traditional heaters, a special chimney was build just for the occasion, as well as, the couple’s amazing sweet heart chairs.

Photography - Patricia Mariscal Fotografa
Decor - Castallia Eventos

{Wedding Trends}: The Color of 2011

Keeping track of hot trends in the wedding industry is my job, and I know that our Brides count on us to be in the know when it comes to all things weddings. So, here is a no-so-new-one that I own you...

Last December, the good people at Pantone released their pick for the 2011. I was thrilled to see Pantone’s announcement for the 2011 Color of the Year (do you want to see 2010 color of the year? click here). For those of you not familiar with Pantone, they are the authority on color. Their incredible system for matching and communicating colors is used by professionals in areas as diverse as graphic arts, paint, and industrial design.

So what color did they crown as the "it" color this year? Honeysuckle! This reddish pink with a bit of a blue undertone is juicy and full of life. Some of you may be tempted to call this Mauve! But I think this color has a lot more warmth and energy than the 80′s no-no.

Pantone describes honeysuckle as “encouraging and uplifting,” adding that, “it elevates our psyche beyond escape, instilling the confidence, courage and spirit to meet the exhaustive challenges that have become part of everyday life.”

So what does this have to do with your wedding? Well, honeysuckle will be everywhere this year! And it’s a great color to center your wedding around. Bright and vibrant, it will infuse your day with an added boost of festiveness.

I predict that we will see lot of Honeysuckle touches at El Paso and Las Cruces weddings this year, including Bride’s shoes, Bridesmaids’ dresses, place settings, reception details and even honeysuckle itself in floral arrangements. Here is an inspiration board I created around this lovely color. What do you think? Will you include Honeysuckle in your wedding design this year?

{Wedding Trends} Nontraditional Wedding Food

Regarding your wedding, here's one thing you know for certain: this is not your mother's wedding. Today's wedding trends are changing the look of each feature of wedding ceremonies and receptions.

Many brides and grooms are stepping “outside the box.” They are personalizing their menus to express who they truly are. These creative couples serve cocktails that are personalized with their name and send each guest home with milk and warm chocolate chip cookies to go.

If you feel like rocking some of your favorite treats on the big day or you are just looking for that perfect finishing touch for your wedding menu, be sure to check out the following Nontraditional Wedding Food ideas.

Ice-cream Cones

Hamburgers

Pop-corn

French Fries

Cookies and Milk

Gummy Bears

Pie Pops

Smores

Credits:

1 Vallentyne Photography - Photography

2 Laurel McConnell Photography - Photography

3 Sweet Life Designs - Design / Creative Push - Photography

4 Jeremy Lawson - Photography

5 Jasmine Star - Photography / Vanilla Bake Shop - Bakery

6 Studio B - Photography

7 Max Wanger - Photography 

8 James Christianson - Photography

Images via Style Me Pretty


You may like to stop by: Fall Fovirite Wedding Desserts for more unique food ideas. 

If you found this blog post helpful, please help sharing the word by tweeting it or sharing it on facebook.

Dress of the Week

Having a bit of a Elie Saab love affair. What about you?

Elie Saab 2011 Bridal Collection for Pronovias

There is no occasion too small for a giant bow...

Bridal Gowns and Giant Bows mix well.

{Wedding Trend}: Contemporary/Loft-Style Wedding Venues

I find contemporary venues irresistible. Loft-Style wedding venues are like blank canvas that allows you to create a truly memorable event experience. Maybe you're a modern bride, but don't want to go completely urban/industrial. At the same time, you aren't interested in a hotel wedding but like the chic feel. These venues are great if you are looking for a place with many great bulit-in details, sophistication and personality.

But if you prefer your wedding reception to be on the classic side in a traditional venue, and still give your celebration a touch of urban vibe, consider these modern spaces for other events like rehearsal dinners, bachelorette parties or bridal showers.

I adore Couture Parties, a local (El Paso, TX) venue. It’s very modern and very affordable. The best part, their packages include lounge furniture draping and lighting. To visit their FB page (click here), to visit their weblog (click here).

1 Espace via EMRG Media

2 Photography by Olivia Leight

3 Photography by Jessica Claire via Green Wedding Shoes

4 Couture Parties

Introducing: {Fabulous Fridays}

I fall in love with weddings every single day. Beautiful dresses, delightful details, lovely couples… I’m totally  smitten   with all things beautiful and Fridays are no exception. But, from now on, every Friday I’m going to leave you (until Monday) with a fabulous idea (inspiration, question, fact, image,etc) to wish you a happy weekend. This is my first of many {Fabulous Friday}s, I hope you like it!

From ribbons to shoes, you have to get something blue. Loving this new twist on the something blue. Brides what do you think? Is a hand painted skirt on your something blue list?

Have a Fabulous Weekend! 

Stunning Headpieces

You know I obsess over gorgeous details, so it should come as no surprise that I’m completely in love with the beautiful headpieces by accessory goddess Myra Callan, the mastermind behind Twigs & Honey. Each handmade design is an absolute masterpiece… ohh, and the fab photography!... Just by the always-amazing Elizabeth Messina.

If you are looking for that perfect finishing touch for your wedding day or you just feel like rocking some fabulous head gear, be sure to check out this stunning collection. 

Accessories by Twigs & Honey

Photography by Elizabeth Messina