McQueen Bridal Shoes - Shoes on a Whole Different Level

I love fashion and love how cutting edge Alexander McQueen's creations are. Check out some of McQueen's line latest bridal shoes of the season -- love it or hate it, they are worth mentioning.

In my opinion, I love it.

Braided multi-strap leather sandals

Sculpted resin and leather sandals

Resin leaf silk-satin peep-toe pumps

Stud-embellished python and leather ankle boots

Not All Garters Are Created Equal

I've noticed a steep decline in brides participating in the garter toss - whether it's their second marriage and have "already done that", or they don't feel comfortable having their new husband lift up their dress during their reception - many brides are opting out completely.

Honestly, in my opinion, who can blame them with some of the unimpressive garters available out there.

Whether you plan on tossing that garter or not, it's still a bridal accessory and should not be overlooked. It's a fashion statement and they come in amazing designs - Chantilly lace, silks ribbons, adorned with crystals and pearls. Don't skimp.

If you aren't planning on having a formal toss, save it for your wedding night - your Hubby-To-Be will appreciate it.

Check out some of these chic garters available now by BHLDN.

Forget-Me-Not Garter by BHLDN

A bit of old Hollywood glamour for your leg’s upper. Florrie Mitton anchors her swath of shimmer tulle with hand-beaded floral appliqué.

Tethered Tiara Garter by BHLDN

Florrie Mitton sources each vintage strand of jewels individually so that no two of her lace and rhinestone garters are alike.

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This Week's Obsessions - CordeValle, Peonies & Backdrop Necklaces

Wedding season is in full spring and I'm traveling on average of 400 miles a week attending site visits, vendor meetings, client reviews and networking events. With a schedule like mine, I'm always discovering new amazing locations, lunching at fantastic resorts and meeting unbelievable vendors who are true masters of their craft. As a wedding planner, I LIVE for wedding season.

If you are one of my brides, then you know I get totally obsessed with things, places, people and styles that inspire me. I start dreaming about them and I don't stop until I get to utilize them in one of my events. Inspirations happen on a daily basis for me - grand or small, here are this week's:

CordeValle Resort in San Martin

Photo by one of my favorite people, Deanna Graham 

of Sweet Thing Photography

There is something very special about CordeValle and it has nothing to do with it being a 5 star luxury resort or it's ranking of #13 on the list of best places to stay in the US by CondeNast. This place is magical, beautiful and incredibly exclusive - driving past the San Martin exit on HW 101 S, one would never know it even existed.

With a 360 degree view of rolling hills, impeccably kept golf greens and a Michelin starred restaurant, this is the "cream of the crop" for country club weddings. 

Oh, and my obsession? It's massive driving range the size of a football field in a remote location - a seriously pristine canvas for any wedding planner.

It's Peony Season

Photo provided by The Knot

Peonies are one of my top three favorite flowers and they are only available locally two months of the year - May and June. I am completely obsessed with these massive feather-like floral blossoms until I can't get my hands on them any longer. They come in soft shades of white, ivory, pink and lavender. They are the ULTIMATE wedding must-have for a spring and early summer soiree. Get them, TRUST ME.

Jewelry - Backdrop Necklace

I just LOVE this fashion trend right now. Whether it's with diamonds, pearls or crystals, I think it's so elegant and sophisticated for brides to wear a gorgeous piece of jewelry to help accentuate her back. If you have an amazing backless gown and already have a lot going on in the front, take a risk and add a bit of bling between your shoulder blades.

It's All About the Details - Bridal Shower Drinks & Accessories

It's spring time with only a few months left before your big day. What does that mean? It's means bridal showers galore! On average, most brides have at least two bridal showers which means lots of colorful dresses, lunching and presents.

As the star of the show, why not ask the shower host to really help step up the party style with some fun details? After all, wedding celebration style is all about the unique details that should reflect the taste of the bride.

Try a couple of my favorite spring time party details and recipes that are perfect for any bridal shower:

Floral ice cubes 
Floral ice cubes are super simple and require nothing more than an ice tray, water, your favorite small blossoms and some imagination. They make a nice garnish for any cocktail and can really spruce up some soda water. Go crazy on different combination that match any color scheme. I love mint and raspberries, organic Pansies or Spray Roses, thinly sliced Lime or Lemon, and Lavender.

Directions:

1) Cut small, colourful flowers from your garden. Some types you might select are: pansies, violas, wallflowers, lobelia, and miniature roses. For larger flowers, simply use the petals instead of the whole flower. You can also use flowers from fresh herbs. 

2) Fill an ice cube tray half full of water. Place the tray in the freezer until the water freezes. 

3) Remove the tray from the freezer and place one flower or several petals in each of the individual ice cube cups. Top off with enough water to cover the blossoms.

4) Return the flower-filled ice cube trays to the freezer until the cubes are frozen. Remove the cubes from the trays and either store in the freezer in zip lock bags or use in beverages straight away.

Custom Drink Straws with Tags 

These super cute straws not only help determine who's drink is left on the table, but also adds simple style to to any cocktail. Tags can be custom ordered to say anything your heart's desire. 

Find endless options of these great little accessories PLUS more on Esty.com.

Floral Inspired Bridal Shower Cocktails:

Violet Vermouth

Combine 1 ounce Violet Liquor, such as Creme Yyvette and one ounce dry Vermouth. Pour in an ice filled glass and serve with an edible flower.

Raspberry Champagne Cocktail

Pour 1 ounce of Raspberry liquor (Chambord Black Raspberry Liqueur) into 6 ounces of Rose Champagne or Sparkling Wine in a flute. Drop a few Raspberries in for garnish. 

Enjoy!

Happy Planning!

Boudoir Pho­tog­ra­phy - The Sexiest Wedding Day Gift Trend, Ever

Photo by Tanja Lippert

Every wedding season many brides get stuck on what to give to their fiance for their wedding day. While the traditional gifts such as custom cuff links or a Rolex watch with a personal engraving never falls short, many brides are discovering an exciting new trend that has their men thanking them well past their 5th wedding anniversary.

Boudoir photography is a sexy new trend that's gaining in popularity right now with many brides. Boudoir photos are usually taken wearing either just a little, or well, nothing at all. They're hardly X-rated though, but rather PG-13 -- as in classic pinup-inspired pics, or what the pros call 'implied nudes.' That means you're not wearing anything, but you're also not showing off anything either (think shot from the back, or lying on your stomach).

Who takes these kinds of photos?
Many wedding photographers are now offering Boudoir shoots as part of their service offerings and can be easily added to your wedding day package. If you love your wedding photographer, but aren't comfortable with taking your clothes off in front of him in such an intimate and private setting, find a woman photographer who offers these types of shoots (I'm sure your wedding day photographer will understand and give you a good referral).

Not sure what to wear? 
Well, you know your man so I'm sure you have an idea of what he likes to see you in. If not, enlist the help of one of your best friends to help with wardrobe selection ... less is more, in this case. Just remember, you have to feel sexy to look sexy so select something that you feel great in and shows off your best assets (no pun intended). 

So, if you've been hitting the gym with Tammy Foxx, the ultimate bridal fitness guru, or have lost weight from a bit of planning stress, why not rock that awesome body and create an amazing album of beautiful shots for your husband-to-be? Believe me, when that album is delivered to him before the ceremony, he'll be so blown away that he'll forget all about how much your custom engagement ring cost. After all, men should never underestimate the power of female sex appeal.

If you are having trouble locating a photographer who you feel comfortable with, please contact me and I'll connect you to the perfect fit.

Check out beautiful examples of Boudoir photographs by Tanja Lippert, one of the best in the business.

Photo by Tanja Lippert

Photo by Tanja Lippert

Photo by Tanja Lippert

Photo by Tanja Lippert

Photo by Tanja Lippert