Archive for 'Style & Grace'
We are less than four hours away from The Royal Wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton! Whether you’re excited or just curious, there’s no denying that this monumental wedding will be one for the history books.
I am a lover of all things weddings, but the detail I love most is the wedding gown. And I cannot wait for Kate to walk down that long aisle along Westminster Abbey.
There is so much speculation and anticipation around what she will be donning for this epic occasion - click here for sketches from famous designers. With her beauty, I’m sure whatever she wears will be breathtaking, but my pick out of all of them is the lace Valentino gown below (minus the veil monogram). I chose it for its timelessness, yet modern elegance.
Cheers to the stunning couple!
Happy New Year! Oh wait. When did a month already go by?!
Presenting the Best of 2010, brought to you by…
Best Engagement Look
Hands down my favorite top-to-bottom look goes to our Anthropologie-esque couple, Caroline and Chris!
Best Ring
These days, it’s almost a given that the girl chooses their engagement ring. Not so for Laina. Her unique ring was beautifully customized just for her by Ray. Call me old-fashioned, but I get really excited when I hear that someone was surprised with their ring.
Best Shoes
If these shoes were human, they’d be sweet, fun and flirty, and definitely a girl’s girl. These Badgley Mischka beauties started showing up on many a brides’ feet throughout the year but I spotted them on Stacey’s first.
Best Bouquet
The greenery wisps elegantly contour the bundle of pretty white peonies and garden roses. And presentation really is everything. Steven Moore is a magician with everything he touches.
Best Hair
Each strand of Lily’s hair was delicately and thoughtfully formed like it was a piece of art. Mark Putnam from Evolution Hair Design was the artist behind her updo.
Best Bridesmaid Dresses
Rachel had each of her bridesmaids choose their own dress in different shades of her wedding color. I’m a huge fan of this trend as it gives every girl the freedom to choose something according to their own personality, style, and body shape.
Best Decor
Mai and JD’s wedding was a sweet labor of love, and I mean labor. The two of them along with their family and wedding party made over 100 poms and cookie favors! Their talented Aussie cousin made two sets of the most darling lovebirds. AND JD built the floral H and wooden Mai+JD signs! Talk about DIY impressiveness!
Best Cake
Jennifer and Prentice’s drool-worthy strawberry shortcake was created by Starry Nights.
And I have to mention that they had S’mores! I was so giddy when I saw this!
Best Venue
It’s hard to describe, but when we were at the White Orchid Beach House for Gloria and Charles’ wedding, it felt like we were in our own little world. And not a care in that little world of ours.
Best Performance
Laura and her father started dancing like any other daddy-daughter dance, and then all of a sudden, they busted out with a choreographed number and surprised all their guests! Such a precious moment.
Best Groom Attire
I had an inkling from seeing his style that Ray would win this category. Black tuxes and suits are great, but it’s always refreshing to see a groom sport a different style and make it work.
Best Dress
I had a hard time choosing between two very different dresses, so I had to enlist the help of my fashionista friends (thanks girls!), and Lily’s ethereal Vera Wang gown was the winner! I also have to give her the biggest props for gliding around the entire day in six inch Louboutins like it was nothing!
Best Overall Wedding
I’m still blown away by Laina and Ray’s wedding! Their guests must have felt the same way because I have never seen so many jaw drops at a wedding before. I am a photographer, but more than that, I am a lover of details, and there was absolutely no detail left unturned. Of course there are so many people to applaud, but a standing ovation goes to Married & More with Michelle and Steven Moore Designs.
So there you have it. What a year of amazing weddings, and above all, amazing couples.
Presenting a belated Best of 2009.
Brought to you by…
Best Engagement Look
I tend to favor dresses for engagement sessions, but Laina and Ray impressed me with their fall-perfect wardrobe. It didn’t hurt that I have a thing for elbow patches.
Best Ring
Judy’s ‘something blue’ was a second ring gifted by her Jing Jing. You know what they say… a diamond is a girl’s best friend. Two BFFs in Judy’s case.
Best Shoes
I think I had the hardest time choosing this category because of all the amazing shoes we’ve seen. Ultimately, Hannah’s sophisticated Kate Spade’s won for their unique color.
Best Bouquet
I appreciated this modern take on the traditional cascading bouquet for Nhung created by Elizabeth Designs.
Best Hair
Stephanie’s hair looked divine in finger waves for her vintage chic wedding.
Best Bridesmaid Dresses
What are the chances that the same exact dress shows up on bridesmaids of two different weddings right after the other? These purple Ann Taylor dresses looked amazing on each one of the pretty ladies.
Best Decor
Something that I really loved about Michelle and Ben’s wedding was that they incorporated their engagement photos in so many ways – from their save-the-date magnet to the reception seating chart to the personalized M&M’s to the tags on the cupcake party favors. Also, they brought in lighting and draping which definitely transforms a space. And to top things off, they had an impressive dessert bar!
Best Cake
Most cakes are topped with frosting or fondant, but this one shimmered and sparkled along with meticulously made edible gardenias. Coincidentally, it was made by the daughter of my own wedding cake maker, and the same company who made my 2007 pick. To this day, I have yet to come across a better tasting cake. And believe you me, I eat a lot of cake. They go by referrals so they don’t have a website. Let me know if you’d like their contact information.
Best Venue
Oh my gosh. I cannot rave enough about this place! A winery with a majestic view of the mountains and Columbia River. So peaceful and breathtaking. Every single person on Cave B Inn’s staff was genuinely friendly and provided exceptional service.
Best Groom Attire
Scott looked dashing in his khaki suit. I like how he went with something different than the standard black.
Best Dress
This dress was actually just the reception dress for Lillian, but I absolutely adored it. It was made by one of Lillian’s friends who designs for Nicole Miller.
Best Overall Wedding
Something about backyard weddings make them my favorite. Amber and Brian’s wine-themed celebration was held in her parents’ backyard and there was no detail left unturned. It was truly a spectacular celebration with a firework show by Amber’s brother and sister-in-law to prove it. And it just so happens that last year, this category went to her Matron-of-Honor.
GINNIFER GOODWIN!
For Best Dressed at The Emmys 2009. In my style book anyways. :)
Something about her flowy magenta Yves Saint Laurent gown with her glass statement necklace. It just worked.
Image via E!
I love this gorgeous CHRISTOS ‘Julianna’ gown that was chosen for the “TODAY Throws a Wedding” bride. Lucky girl!
And of course CHRISTOS is under the creative direction of Amsale, the designer of my ”Best of” picks back-to-back. Who else? :)
Click the image to view larger and details.
