Have you ever met someone who is just striking?  I mean, literally, just stunningly beautiful?  Well that is my friend Abbie.  We first met when we moved into condominiums on the same street in Cincinnati, and we both had small dogs that quickly became boyfriend/girlfriend.   The most amazing thing about Abbie is that besides being naturally gorgeous, she is one of the sweetest, most down to earth, caring & loving individuals I have ever met.  Total package.  Seriously.  And after 2 years of being neighbors, trips to Cabo and Lake Tahoe together, we’ve now both met the loves of our lives and gotten married.  

I’ll feature Abbie’s wedding on here soon, but until then I wanted to share some shots of her modeling for amateur photographers in the Dallas area.  She was a model for a bridal workshop, where various budding photographers took plenty of pics showing her beauty… and her wedding dress.  That’s right, the gown she has on in these photos is her actual wedding dress that was worn last summer.   I love these pics and I know you will, too!

I loved my wedding dress — but GEEZ! Look at these new floral wedding dresses from Monique Lhuillier.  If I had to do it all over again, I may have to change to a spring wedding so that I could flaunt one of these beauties! 

I mean, just look at that dress!  I am IN LOVE!!!!!!!!!!

This post is for my wonderful husband.  I found another wedding that had Transformer cufflinks and a Transformer groom’s cak!  Also, similiar to our own wedding the bride wore a beautiful lace dress, colors were black & white… and they’re just stylish!   Enjoy this California wedding from Boucher Photography. 

Hot Pink Brides did a poll from Brides to Be to find out what order brides chose their wedding vendors. It was fascinating – I was shocked with the results.

1) Wedding Dress & Attire

2) Venue for Ceremony

3) Venue for Reception

4) Photography

5) Catering (If it was NOT included with venue)

6) DJ

7) Wedding Cake

8 ) Flowers

9) Videographer

10) Officiate (if not including by church venue)

11) Ceremony Music (if not provided by DJ like a harpist or guitarist)

12) Coordinator

13) Grooms Cake

14) Lighting and Favors

15) Transportation (Limo services)

I am not surprised that the dress was chosen first, as that is what most girls dream about. But I am really surprised that coordination was so low because it is SO important to have a good planner/coordinator.

Check out European Bridal in the Reading Bridal District for Unique wedding gowns… and right now, great prices!  Don’t  miss their $99 dress sale going on now through April 9th!

As I was browsing Facebook recently, I noticed my friend L had posted some great photos of herself doing some modeling work!  I immediately asked if I could share on the blog, as some of her modeling photos were ‘rustic bridal’ as I like to say.  These photos are taken my two local photographers that are friends with L –> so check out Jason Hatcher &  Josh Beeman.

LOVE this one!!  Photo by Jason Hatcher.

Photo by Jason Hatcher.  This is actually her real-life groom, J!

Photo by Jason Hatcher.

The two photos above are by Josh Beeman.  L did the make up herself — talk about talent!

All anyone is talking about is Sandra Bullock’s acceptance speech… but, what about the dresses?!  I loved all the peach & blush colors this year, and all the women who took a classy risk.  My favorite look of the night was Cameron Diaz — that is actually hard for me to admit because I am not her biggest fan, but I thought she totally Wowed!  Did anyone else find inspiration from the Academy Awards?

Lots of great deals & discounts going on this week in Cincinnati!  Take advantage, ladies!!

I can hardly think of anything more fun that browsing through all the dress designs that were showcased at Bridal Fashion Week.   Based on everything I’ve seen, here’s my top 6 trends in Wedding Gowns.

Trend 1: Pops of Color

General wedding tradition dictates that the wedding gown will be all white.  Well, not so, says one of the top trends of 2010.  This is not to say that the dress has little to no white, but it’s totally hot to have a hint of color in your wedding dress!  This could be a beautiful colored flower or bow, it could also be a colored streak or ribbon around your waist.

Trend 2:  Bows

NOT the super poofy kind that adorned the worst bridesmaids dresses of the 80’s… but rather more beautiful satin creations as small accents.

Trend 3:  Metallics

When I first heard that some bridal designers had metallics in their dresses, I was a bit worried.  Gawdy, anyone?  However, these designs give you a bit of shine & glamour, without feeling the least bit “over the top.”  This fashion can be built into the details of your dress, be added on with a shiny gold/silver sash, or hinted at with glitzy shoes.  Beware of too much.  This trend can go wrong quickly in bad hands.

Trend 4:  50’s Flair

Is everyone obsessed with Mad Men?  By looking at the runway, one might think so!  Plenty of classy tea-length styles and tulle skirts were found.  And it’s oh so cute!  Especially for an outdoor summer wedding, or a rustic fall wedding.

Trend 5:  One Shoulder Dresses

This trend has been huge in Hollywood during 2009 and now it’s carrying over to wedding gowns.  And I love it!  One of my favorite designers is Maggie Sottero and she’s all over this!  So, say “so long” to strapless, and welcome the asymmetry!

Trend 6:  Tiers & Raw Edges

Whether it’s chiffon, organza, tulle, or even feathers (my personal fave), designers are layering tons of fabric to create dramatic dresses.   When I think of this, I immediately think of Monique Lhuillier, and her designs worn by Heidi Pratt and most recently Molly (as in Jason & Molly from The Bachelor).  They are stunning… soft, yet dramatic.  I’m using the same Vera Wang dress I used earlier as an example.  This dress is lovely and shows how the trends can easily be combined, and still be classy.

Bridal Fashion by Vera Wang, Sottero & Midgley, Amsale, Alan Hannah, Justin Alexander, Maggie Sottero, Reem Acra, Monique Lhuillier

One of the things I’m loving about weddings this year is the combination of things that previously would never go together.

Look at these amazing images from Jenny Packham and see what I mean.  Modern gowns look right at home in a old world setting.  These goddess worthy sheaths somehow manage to fit right into the time worn textures of the room, while creating a vintage yet modern feel to die for.