Now That's Cool! III

Although I post a number of "too cool" pics I have collected over the week from across the "weddingsphere," there are a couple that always stand out as "cooler than cool!" This week, let's just say, that I have way too many favorites! For example, check out the wedding cake that has a color gradient inside!? Like who thinks of that, and who took the artful time to bake it?! Or, how about the wedding rings that I think are stunning -- I certainly love my own ring, but that super thin COPPER band..how unique! As always, I HAVE to feature a fabulous pair of shoes, and these shoes with large ankle bows certainly fit the spot. And last, but certainly not least, I want to highlight the headband that looks straight up out of ancient Greece! Truly unique, truly creative, and truly TOO COOL! Enjoy!

Some fabulous photos by:

Justin & Mary

nancyrayphotography.com

Harwell Photography

stayforeverphotography.com

sarahmaren.com

Michael & Anna Costa Photographers Ltd.

charlottejenkslewis.com/

emmafreemanphotography.com

Ann Taylor Wedding's Fall Collection Debuts!

I was so excited when I checked my e-mail today to see that Ann Taylor just debuted their brand-spankin'-new wedding collection for FALL! I know this 100 degree weather makes it hard to fathom the hearty hues of fall, but their collection is definitely worth a look-see! If anything, the thoughts of a cool breeze may help you cool down these days.

My favorite things about the Ann Taylor Fall collection?..ahh where to begin. For starters, the line is really versatile. Although does not offer the assortment that competitors like J. Crew offers, each dress seems to have it's own specific style that is applicable to a number of different weddings. Furthermore, this line offers some unique colors that are seemingly hard to find, but absolutely perfect for a Fall event. Overall, the line offers a combination of chic-romantic stylizing that would make any bride look like she is up on her fashion sense. Most importantly, every dress is RE-WEARABLE! In my opinion, there is not single factor of utmost importance..especially when asking your bridesmaids to invest in a dress. Any of the bridesmaid's dress would be perfect for a night out on the town or a swanky cocktail party. 

Overall, Ann Taylor is offering a line the provides a classy look with a modern stylized flare. Whether you are dressing yourself or choosing the wedding party attire, Ann Taylor is certainly an approved way to go! Be sure to check out there AMAZING accessory line as well -- so major statement bling over there!

www.anntaylor.com 

Vendor Spotlight: J. Crew

When it comes to picking out the attire for your bridesmaid, the choices can become overwhelming. Lucky for you, J. Crew has made a big bang entrance into the wedding fashion industry - and their fashionable offerings are making things MUCH easier on the bride-to-be! 

J. Crew has been a popular stop for any shopper as it has emerged over the past 15 years. With it's high quality, chic-casual style, it is natural easily become a "Crew" fan. J. Crew stylists saw the opportunity to enter the wedding market and took it by storm; over the past three years, the company has been continually expanding it's "wedding day attire" empire and has literally created a one-stop-shop for future brides. Wedding dresses, bridesmaid dresses, men's ware, and accessories are all available to you on the J. Crew website, and most recently, J. Crew has opened up a wedding shop in select cities (Lenox Mall is the chosen Atlanta location).

So why do we truly love the new J. Crew wedding empire?:

(1) The dresses are all reusable! 

Finding a dress that your wedding party can wear again is so important, and your girls be more willing to spend money on something that won't sit in their closet indefinitely. With the comfy-chic style, these dresses are perfect for cocktail parties, date nights, and even another wedding!

(2) The vary in style

J. Crew offers most of their dresses in different styles, a large selection of colors, and an assortment of fabric - meaning: You can Mix-and Match! Lucky In Love Events featured a whole post of how to Mix-and-Match your bridesmaid's attire, click here if you missed it! Your girl's will love choosing which style fits them best!

(3) They are fun and comfortable

J. Crew stylists really took the time to make their dresses unique. From dress pockets, to figure-pleasing pleats, these dresses have a all great elements of any elegant party dress.

I could go one about why I am a fan, but I will leave the rest up to you to explore! Check out J.Crew's extensive wedding website and find the best look for your BIG day. Below are a couple of shots of real weddings that have chose J. Crew for their attire:

Fashion Photography By:

Shira Weinberger

Orchard Cove Photography

Vannessa Joy

Stephanie Cristalli

Kate Braman

The Nichols

Nicole Chatham

Fresh Idea Friday: Bridesmaid Mix Up!

I don't know about you, but boy am glad that it is FRIDAY! It has just been one of those l-o-n-g weeks...and to help get out of this d-r-a-g, I am excited to post a Fresh Idea and mix things up a little. 

Alright girls...I hate to say it, but sometimes we know how to work up the drama! Ha! And not to give us girls a bad rap (because I do think we all fabulous and it is our wedding after all!), but typically two of the biggest drama makers on a wedding day are either the Bride-zilla or an angry gang of bridesmaids. I'll address the infamous "bride-zilla" at a later date, but today's post is all about how to you can add a fresh spin to your wedding and alleviate some bridesmaid drama along the way - the idea: Bridesmaid Fashion Mix-and-Match.

We all know that we girls come in all shapes and sizes. Some tall, some short - some tan, some pale - some blonde, some brunette..yeah you get what I am saying. Being so, choosing one dress for your bridesmaids tends to be a difficult task! To avoid eye rolling, diva attitudes, and put-out girlfriends, allow your bridesmaids to CHOOSE what they want to wear. Now I am not telling you give them 100% free reign over there outfit (who knows what would be standing alongside you at the altar!), but I am saying, GIVE THEM OPTIONS! Your can do this three ways:

1. Same Dress, Different Style
Choose a dress that comes in several different styles such as halter, strapless, off-the-shoulder, or sleeveless, and let each girl choose which style fits her best. This option enables each girl to pick what they are most comfortable in, but also allows you to choose the exact color everyone is wearing. I would go with this option if you want to mix it up a little but still desire a traditional look at the altar.

2. Same Color Group and Length
Give your girls a color and length, such as "yellow" and "cocktail length" - then let each girl find a dress that meets your standards. The goal here is to allow each girl find the perfect dress for themselves, but still look like they coordinate with your wedding theme. This option is certainly a more modern trend, but it definitely is a great one - not only is each girl going to look her best, but the slightly different colors/styles really add a cool element to your wedding line up!

3. Different Colors
If there are several color combinations integrated through out your wedding, give each girl a different color dress. For example, if your color scheme consists of pastel purples, greens, and fuchsia - have each girl wear one of the colors. This option really sets the mood of your BIG DAY!

I am a serious fan of all three options, and when pulled off right, not only will you have a fresh spin for your wedding...but you will have a much more pleasant (and comfortable) gang of bridesmaids by your side. Tip: these options work best with 3-6 bridesmaids. It definitely can be done with larger parties...just make sure everyone has a "binding" element in their fashion! Some of my favorite bridesmaid fashions are from Ann Taylor and J.Crew - both places have mix-and-match options.

Check out some examples of Bridesmaid Fashion Mix-and-Match below! Remember, have fun with your style, and don't be afraid to steer from the "norm." Have a fabulous weekend, enjoy!

Photo Credits: JOS Photographers, Brooke Keegan, Abby Ross, Shanni Weilerst, Perez Photography, Mike Larson Inc., Christain Oth Studio, and Jessica Johnston.