In Bloom: 4 Summer Flowers For Your Bouquet!

"Go easy on the bouquet.

Bouquets that are too large or too loud will detract from the dress."

-Vera Wang

Every well-researched bride-to-be knows that the trick to saving money on the bridal bouquet is selecting flowers that are in-season. While this can include flowers with year-round availability such as roses, less traditional flowers that naturally complement the season can also make for an eye-catching bridal bouquet. For brides craving a summer wedding, here are some beautiful 'late-bloomers:'

1. Sunflower: Sunflowers reach their peak in the summer months, and only a few are required to create a wonderfully full, yet simple bouquet. Sunflowers symbolize loyalty.

2. Zinnia: Zinnias are an inexpensive flower available in a variety of beautifully bright colors. Zinnias symbolize friendship.

3. Dahlia: With their spice-like fragrance and Aztec origins, the dahlia adds a flair of the exotic at little cost. Dahlias symbolize gratitude.

4. Hydrangea: Hydrangeas are another flower where just a few can create a full and well-shaped bouquet. Hydrangeas are available in the popular bright green and blue colors as well as white, pink, and purple. Hydrangeas symbolize devotion.

Images: www.theknot.com, Jeremy Lawson Photography, Hanjel Lianeras Photography, Halo Photographic, Troy House

I am beyond excited to share my best friend's gorgeous, gorgeous wedding!

My best friend since childhood got married a few weeks ago. I was fortunate to not only be her maid of honor but I also got to make several custom gowns for her and the bridal party. The whole tropical, laid back vibe of the wedding was so Nicole. She is just as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside and is one of the kindest girl’s I know.

Nicole words cannot express how happy I am for you. It was a beautiful ceremony and a fantastic day for all who were there. I love you so much!

Nicole modeling off the jewelry I got her from my chic boutique!

The bride and groom

Matt and the boys

Loved this cake

I'm actually excited about wearing this dress again!

To love, laughter and happly everafter...

"Fascinating" Headpieces

The term “fascinator” was once used to describe a lacy or crocheted shawl-like headpiece worn during particularly formal occasions during previous centuries. In modern fashion, the term has taken on a more whimsical and fashion-forward connotation, most recently in the attire of the wedding guests of Prince William and Catherine Middleton. Unlike their stuffy predecessors, modern fascinators are known for their style, playfulness, and unique personality. In fact, while the use of these beautiful and interesting headpieces maintains a certain formality, they are increasingly used as a modern option for brides in pursuit of a less-traditional look, or with a flair for vintage style. Birdcage veils are one example of “fascinator-esque” pieces that bring the whimsy of fascinator fashion to a bridal ensemble, while still retaining a romantic veiled look. In complete departure from the veil, a floral or feathered detail could also serve as a fascinator. In either case, the customization of the elements in a non-traditional bridal headpiece allows for a uniquely personal look that can be as formal, classic, playful, or nostalgic as the bride herself. Observe, for example, this floral detail made for bride Jill, that combined lace from her dress with a piece of her mother’s wedding veil to make a unique and beautiful piece that perfectly combines past with present, and tradition with contemporary style.

Birdcage veil photo: www.theknot.com, Oakley Photography

Lace

"I consider lace to be one of the prettiest imitations ever made of the fantasy of nature; lace always evokes for me those incomparable designs which the branches and leaves of trees embroider across the sky, and I do not think that any invention of the human spirit could have a more graceful or precise origin."

Coco Chanel

A few weeks have passed since the royal wedding, but bridal fashion is still abuzz with talk of Kate’s gown, and comparisons to style icon Grace Kelly. The lace, perhaps the most surprising element considering Kate’s penchant for simplicity, has also become a re-popularized trend in bridal gowns. Departing from its over-worked stereotype, Kate demonstrated that an all-lace gown can be stylish, classic, simple, and even as fashion icon Tim Gunn states, “sexy.” Here are some tips for shopping for your own lace dress:

1. Decide how much lace you would like. An all-lace dress is beautiful, but a dress with lace accents can also echo classic style, and is more affordable for the budget-conscious.

2. Sometimes lace details can be added to simpler gowns. If you’re in love with a certain silhouette, keep in mind that there are still embellishment options if you wish to jump on the lace bandwagon.

3. If you’re in doubt as to whether lace is “modern enough” for you, try gowns with a more modern neckline… adding a contemporary edge to the classic look. This is perhaps one of the most raved about elements of Kate’s dress.

Photos: http://3.bp.blogspot.com, http://www.weddinginspirasi.com

BREAKING BRIDAL STYLE NEWS!

Dress by Sarah Burton

Photo: US Magazine, Dan Kitwood, Getty Images

The Time is Now-KSU Fashion Show 2011

The Kent State fashion show presented a wide variety of interesting inspirations and genres this year, debuting senior work as well as individual pieces created by underclassmen. Check out former intern Kelsey's McClellan's senior collection!

"My collection is inspired by organic architecture. Whereas a building complements its environment, clothing too should augment our natural shape. The resulting form is fluid and supple, like the body. My design reflects the liberation of the bridal genre from some of its formality and structure, and instead encourages celebration through simplicity, comfort, and the use of sustainable materials."

"Shoe Love is True Love!"

Marilyn Monroe, a famous fan of the peep toe heel, once said "Give a girl the right shoes, and she can conquer the world!" The peep toe heel has long been regarded as a fashion-forward mix between an open and closed toe bridal shoe. With a reference to vintage styling, the peep toe adds a flair of old hollywood glamour to any wedding look. To update this style for your event, try incorporating floral or gemstone details to this classic shoe silhouette to create a fashionable, yet distinctly bridal look. Check out these peep toes by the Grace Footwear line carried by A Bride's Design!