Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Wearing Tablecloths

I've never wanted to wear a table cloth more in my life. Last night at the Wildflower Linens Grand Opening celebration, the adorable founder, Youngsong Martin, draped the uber-gorgeous models only in linens and chair ties to create unbelievably fashionable frocks to strut down the runway. Aside from the awe-inspiring sexiness of the 5-inch heels they were wearing, I managed to fall in love with just about everything they wore. Her fashion show concept just goes to show how intimately related wedding decor trends are to the fashion world. And? I heart fantastic linens with ruffles and feathers and rhinestones. But you know that about me by now.

Oogle over these babies. And don't be shocked if you come over unannounced sometime and I'm wearing my cute kitchen table cloth. Just sayin.

Please excuse the quality of the photos - taken from my iphone - but you get the idea.













And my favorite of the night:

Friday, July 9, 2010

Trés Chic Published!

You can see not one, but two of my previous weddings published in the current Summer/Fall issue of the gorgeous Phoenix Bride & Groom magazine. Yay! Both of these brides were amazing to work with -- miss you lots, Brooke & Leigh! xoxo









Friday, June 18, 2010

Tiffany Inspired Destination Beach Wedding: Aaron and Rachelle


Gorgeous hues of aqua and chartreuse... starfish... cymbidium orchids... seaglass too... these are a few of my favorite things! Aaron & Rachelle's beach wedding on the soft sand of Mexico's Las Palomas resort was inspired by the bride's love of Tiffany Blue and Chocolate (not the color - the food!) Enjoy the gorgeous images from the ever-so-talented Christine Pinalto of Christine Kay Photography as I take you through the fabulous wedding...

This beautiful resort was the perfect destination for 70 family and friends. They were greeted at the front desk with Tiffany blue (aqua) Welcome Bags with a couple Coronas and a lime, along with a personal note and agenda for the wedding weekend. Then they enjoyed the Welcome Dinner with an authentic Mexican tacquiza buffet and incredible margaritas overlooking the ocean sunset.

Next up was wedding day. The beach ceremony was utterly gorgeous and yet purposely simple with the arbor covered in aqua chiffon to provide a breezy cover from the setting sun. Straw fans were set on each chair at the ceremony to ward off the heat.















Guests then proceeded to the cocktail hour on the Panoramic Terrace - an incredible negative edge pool and terrace with ocean view - it was stunning. White couches and seating vignettes were arranged with aqua pillows for comfort and color and seaglass and aqua votives embellished the uplit tables.



For the reception, guests found their escort cards attached to starfish buried in sand in the vintage sandbox. Tiffany blue (aqua) satin linens, green table runners and chair bands set the tone for the color palate which inspired the ocean side ambiance. Simple centerpieces were cymbidium orchids immersed in a water-filled cylinder, anchored by seaglass and topped off with floating candles.



A few fun details were the chocolate buffet with small Tiffany blue bags and the chocolate fountain - both HUGE hits. Also fun for the guests was the dice game Left, Right, Center which every table played and got everyone laughing and socializing right off the bat.


Friday, April 16, 2010

Monica's 2010-11 Bridal Gown Trends & Picks

Yay yay yay, how I looove this time of year when the designers spread their fashion love to those of us gaga about wedding dresses! I always like to post my faves and also let you know what trends I'm seeing so you can be up to speed on the hottest styles for your wedding!

First up - my absolute favorite dress (so far) by Jane Wang... which perfectly displays a big trend right now, which is dimensional floral embellishments that 'pop' off the dresses in a 3D fashion. The huge flowers are a big fashion trend in jewelry and accessories as well. Take a looksee...




More from Kelima K...Not necessarily my faves, but these demonstrate the floral trend... Designer Reem Acra...



Badgley Mischka combining the single shoulder strap trend from last year and the large floral...


Another trend is using feathers on the gowns. I love this. We've seen feathers surge in the wedding industry in last few years. Peacock feathers has been the biggest trend - could a designer please show me some gowns with the colorful peacock feathers on it? And even the gold-tinged ivory ones? Ugh that would be so gorgeous. But I digress...

Feathers have been a fabulous addition to the traditional wedding bouquet, invitations and even centerpieces. Now they're back in the fashion arena and they add such a rich textural look, although I will say it seems more appropriate in fall or winter seasons, but that's just my opinion.

Romona Keveza...
Isa Makino...
Justin Alexander

Also seen a lot on the runway right now is the use of black as accessories like sashes or headbands. Here's one from the fabulous Vera...


A few from Justin Alexander
LOVE this one.

This demonstrates the black and also the large floral accent. Sweetheart necklines are huge right now.


I always like to check out what J Crew has to offer in their wedding line, because with gowns starting at just over $300, they provide a much needed less expensive dress option for the more casual bride or for a beach wedding, etc. There's just something about the way they create neck lines that is so flattering and feminine. They're actually opening their first bridal store on Madison Avenue soon!

Here are a few faves from them:




And now, I'll leave you with a look at a few other gowns that I fell in love with...

Victoria Noelle


I'm in love with Justin Alexander's line this year! This makes me think of Sex and The City...

I don't love the actual dress as much, but do love the lace bolero jacket - would be gorgeous for a sophisticated older bride and a bolero is a great way to change up the look of your dress for the reception.


The brown super long sash and lace is interesting - very royal looking.


Continuing with the dramatic single shoulder strap look from last year's trends...


I know she looks a little pregnant, but the lace is so vintage looking and pretty!


This gown from Kenneth Pool reminds me of the most beautiful prima ballerina princess...




Love this Jane Wang - it's so simple and elegant...

Very cool take on a sheath dress from Something Blue

Now get out there and go shopping girls!