Video: 3rd Strand LLC
Go on, just let the tears out. And if you like the song featured in this engagement ring commercial as much as we do, check out another duet by Liz Fohl and Peter Hanna called "Can't Start a Fire" here.
—Phillip B. Crook
Watch: This is "How I Feel For You"
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Nautical Details at a Cape Cod Wedding
Photo: Charlotte Jenks Lewis
Andrew proposed to Kate one snowy February night in 2008 as the two strolled through New York City's Central Park. "Somehow, in the greatest, busiest city in the world, Andrew made time stand still," says Kate. Drawing on their shared love of music and food, the couple decided to marry at the Chatham Bars Inn on Cape Cod. The wedding's palette—navy, fuchsia, turquoise, and gold—was inspired by the surrounding landscape.
The bride wore a strapless Alfred Angelo gown from RK Bridal in New York. Kate's bridesmaids donned gold LulaKate dresses from Bella Bridesmaid and carried bouquets of pink dahlias.
The lantern-adorned ceremony, held on the inn's south lawn, was set against "a fabulous view of the shoreline," says Kate. Navy, fuschia and turquoise were also incorporated into other decorative elements, like the floral arrangements decorating the ceremony.
Following cocktail hour at the venue's boathouse, guests made their way to the inn's Beach House Grill for the reception. Guests found their seats via nautical escort cards by Scout Designs mounted on a burlap board. The blue-and-white reception room included monogrammed accent pillows and round tables topped with white floral arrangements, seashells, white stones, silver dollars, and votive candles. All flowers and decor were by Lilacs.
The restaurant catered the dinner, which included grilled filet of beef, shrimp skewers, butternut squash risotto, and mushroom ravioli. Cresting fondant waves decorated each tier of the buttercream-frosted cake made by the restaurant's pastry chef. Guests who craved even more sugar could sample the saltwater taffy bar.
Photos: Charlotte Jenks Lewis
Once the couple completed their first dance to an Adele cover of Bob Dylan's "Make You Feel My Love," guests moved to the dance floor, illuminated with small white paper lanterns . The DJ was Brian Delac for Murray Hill Talent. "Our wedding guests made it a rowdy night by dancing feverishly," says Andrew. "It felt like an old-fashioned sock hop!"
Photographer: Charlotte Jenks Lewis || Ceremony and Reception Site: Chatham Bars Inn || Bride's Gown: Alfred Angelo from RK Bridal || Bridesmaids' Dresess: LulaKate from Bella Bridesmaid || Escort Cards: Scout Designs || Floral Design: Lilacs Florals || Reception Music: Brian Delac for Murray Hill Talent
Visit our Real Weddings page to find more nautical style inspiration.
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Vanity Fair's Homage To Old Hollywood Glam
Photos: Fairchild Archives (runway), Courtesy of Vendors (products)
Vanity Fair's Hollywood issue hit newsstands this week to reveal its picks for the next wave of starlets, such as Jessica Chastain and Rooney Mara—both of whom have Oscar nods. The cover also confirmed that the Roaring 20s and Old Hollywood Glam are here to stay.
Between Midnight In Paris, My Week With Marilyn, and the highly anticipated The Great Gatsby, it's no surprise that pop culture is getting a full spoonful of this retro look. In addition to being big on the runway at shows like Ralph Lauren (center), bridal designers such as Pronovias (top left) and Reem Acra (top middle) are getting in on the action. With that, of course, comes accessories that channel the same spirit. We picked a few of our faves.
Necklace, Bijoux Heart; ring, Kenneth Jay Lane; Shoe, Calvin Klein Collection; Purse, Ralph Lauren
—Stephanie Davila
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Come Sunday, Gisele Has Her Husband's Back
Photo: Fairchild Archive
Supermodel maybe, but Gisele Bundchen is one thing for sure: super sweet. In an email obtained by the New York Post, Bundchen writes to friends and family asking for their prayers and thoughts this weekend as her husband, Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, steps into the Super Bowl arena.
"This Sunday will be a really important day in my husband's life," the model writes. "He and his team worked so hard to get to this point and now they need us more than ever to send them positive energy so they can fulfill their dream of winning this super bowl.
So I kindly ask all of you to join me on this positive chain and pray for him, so he can feel confident, healthy and strong. Envision him happy and fulfilled experiencing with his team a victory this Sunday. Thank you for your love and support. Love, G :)"
Which team will win Super Bowl XLVI remains to be seen, but Gisele, at least, wins our vote for Wife of the Day (you know, if such a thing existed).
—Phillip B. Crook
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Wedding Invitation of the Day: Nautical Watercolor
Photo: Courtesy of Swiss Cottage Designs
How elegant is this watercolor save-the-date card by Swiss Cottage Designs? Featuring featuring calligraphy by Love, Jenna, the save-the-date's sailboat illustration and hand-lettering on the envelope liner is a sweet nod to the wedding's waterside locale.
See more save-the-date designs in our Invites Gallery and find a stationer near you in our local vendor listings.
If you have a wedding invitation you'd like to submit for the blog, please email photos and a brief description to Heather Lee at contact@brides.com.
—Heather Lee
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Kristin Cavallari's Post-Baby Wedding Gown Picks
Photos: Conde Nast Digital Archive
It seems Kristin Cavallari opted for the Jessica Simpson approach to her engagement by postponing her wedding to Jay Culter until after their baby is born. The reality star and future football wife told Celeb Buzz: "I'm pregnant! I'm not going to go try on wedding dresses."
After an on-again-off-again courtship, Cavallari and her Chicago-Bears-quarterback fiancé announced in November their wedding was back on, thickening the plot yet again with the news last month that they're expecting.
While we originally picked three empire-waisted, chiffon and tulle gowns to give her (and her baby) a little wiggle room, now that Cavallari is steering clear of bridal salons until after she delivers, we lined up a second selection of dresses for the new mom.
Both on and off the red carpet, Cavallari epitomizes California cool-girl style—sporting a mix of effortless, sexy, and on-trend silhouettes from designers like Alice + Olivia, Helmut Lang, and Herve Leger. When her post-baby body bounces back, we expect Cavallari will choose a wedding dress to show it off.
To that end, Elizabeth Fillmore's coquettish blush gown (left) with an optional lace peplum offers the ultimate in sex appeal. But if the mom-to-be goes with a less formal affair, we like these short dresses from Tara Keely (center) and Hayley Paige (right) for their flirty proportions and graphic skirts.
—Phillip B. Crook
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Centerpiece of the Day: Bells of Ireland and Ivory Peonies
Photo: Corbin Gurkin
Browse more wedding centerpieces in our gallery or visit our local vendor listings to find a florist in your area.
—Rosie Purdy
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Super Bowl XLVI:Battle of the Groom's Cakes
Photos: Courtesy of Confectionery Designs (left); A Little Imagination Cakes (right)
In honor of Super Bowl Sunday, we've put together a little match-up pitting our favorite New York Giants and New England Patriots groom's cakes against each other.
Helmet-themed groom's cakes
Left: Patriots cake by Confectionery Designs
Right: Giants cake by A Little Imagination Cakes
See more Giants and Patriots groom's cakes and treats here.
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Ann Taylor Reveals Spring 2012 Wedding Dresses
Photo: Jackie Lebowitz
A working girl loves Ann Taylor for no-fuss work clothes that transition from the office to date night. For the same reason, we love Ann Taylor's five new wedding gowns from the Spring 2012 collection, which are equally unfussy and versatile.
The mini collection is great in range: an unadorned ivory silk chiffon shift dress with a matching sash, a beach-y peach gown with a handkerchief hem and sequin beaded bodice, a one-shoulder white chiffon gown with pin-tuck detailing, a sweet and simple short dress with a crochet overlay, and a strapless column dress with a lace overlay. The thing they all have in common is a phenomenal price tag: all under $1,200 (and starting at $550).
—Jackie Lebowitz
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Wedding Cake of the Day: Bold Nautical
Photo: Courtesy of Cake Occasions
Maybe this nautical-themed wedding cake is a little too literal, but I do love its boldness. The oversize anchor is totally in-your-face (in a good way!) and the gumpaste rope detail is the perfect touch (though I could probably do without the sugar flower). And I like how the white anchor is set against a backdrop of navy fondant—you don't see dark-colored fondant used very often and I happen to love the look!
Check out more wedding cakes in our Cakes Gallery and find a wedding cake designer near you in our local vendor listings.
If you have a wedding cake you'd like to submit for the blog, please email photos and a brief description to Heather Lee at contact@brides.com.
—Heather Lee
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"Andrew made time stand still..."
Photo: Charlotte Jenks Lewis
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Behind the Bridesmaids Costumes
Photos: Courtesy of Suzanne Hanover/Universal Pictures
The New York Times' awards season blog, Carpetbagger, featured a post in the lead-up to the Oscars on Leesa Evans, the costume designer for Bridesmaids. Although the Academy's costuming nods typically go to elaborate period pieces, the Times points out that contemporary films can be just as challenging to clothe as, say, 2007's Oscar winner, Marie Antoinette.
"As a designer, I start with who the actress is, combined with who the character is, and find something that feels authentic to both of those people," Evans said of her approach. For co-writer and female lead Kristen Wiig, that meant looking for quirky, style-on-a-budget pieces from retailers like Urban Outfitters and Forever 21.
Rose Byrne (who also starred in Marie Antoinette, by the way) was another matter. Both the actress and her character were inclined to a high-fashion aesthetic. "She wears it well, so it was easy and fun," Evans explained. "We almost had a problem deciding which of the many amazing outfits to use because we had so much."
Best Supporting Actress nominee Melissa McCarthy donned the film's most, uh, distinctive costumes for her pearl-necklace-and-golf-shirt-wearing character, Megan. And it was Megan, Evans decided, who would opt for the most formal bridesmaid dress during the movie's bridal salon scene. "We knew that there was going to be a lot of white and also a lot of pink," Evans said, describing the set. "Pink is a caricature of what you would expect a bridesmaid's dress to be, so we wanted to play with that a little bit."
But that caricature was nothing compared to the one-sleeved, ruffles-gone-wild wedding gown Evans designed for Maya Rudolph's character. Inspired by outlandish couture creations from the Paris runways, Evans expanded on ideas by Alexander McQueen and Elie Saab, creating "a comedic twist on it, so that it was just laughable," she said.
And laugh we did.
—Phillip B. Crook
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We're Counting Down the Days 'til Pippa Middleton's Wedding
But we could be counting for a while. Pippa Middleton is reportedly dating George Percy, the heir to the Duke of Northumberland—a title that just so happens to earn him a $500-million estate and Alnwick Castle (the set for Hogwarts in the Harry Potter franchise). The couple became friends while attending Edinburgh University and have been romantically linked before, during intermissions with former boyfriend Alex Loudon. Pippa and George allegedly picked their romance back up at the Middleton's New Year's Eve party.
—Phillip B. Crook
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Photo: Adam Barnes Fine Art Photography
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—Rosie Purdy
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A Lakeside Great Gatsby Wedding in Tahoe
Photo: Annie Robillard/Annie X Photographie
"We wanted our wedding to be 'Gatsby meets Tahoe,'" says Christina. She and Will met at the birthday party of a mutual friend and decided to host their wedding at Will's family home on Lake Tahoe. "We spend a lot of free time there, so it's become a special place for us as a couple," says Christina. "We couldn't think of a more beautiful or meaningful place for our wedding."
Christina wore an Anne Barge gown and an Oscar de la Renta necklace, both from Marina Morrison Bridal, and carried a bouquet of white roses. Her bridesmaids wore blue dresses by Two Birds and carried bouquets of roses, hydrangeas, and hypericum berries. Will sported a custom-made tux.
The ceremony was held in a wooded area near the house, and afterward, the wedding party took a lake cruise on a friend's boat.
The reception was held under a clear-top tent on the property's lawn. Tables were set with silver-rimmed china from Classic Party Rentals and adorned with arrangements of hydrangeas and roses by Stems by Diana.
The couple's 230 guests enjoyed a three-course family-style Italian meal that included pici pasta with wild mushrooms, pine nuts, and truffle oil, as well as pan-roasted chicken with oven-dried tomatoes and shallots. Dessert consisted of slices of tiramisu wedding cake. All of the food was provided by D'lish Catering.
Photos: Annie Robillard/Annie X Photographie
During dinner, the groom, the bride's father, the best man, and the maid of honor gave memorable toasts. "They were all wonderfully witty and heartfelt," says Christina. The couple's first dance was to "Caravan" by Van Morrison. "Will and I have sung the song many times during drives to and from Tahoe," says the bride. Live music was provided by the Robert Vickers Orchestra, who played Motown and classic rock throughout the night.
Photographer: Annie Robillard/Annie X Photographie || Bride's Gown: Anne Barge from Marina Morrison Bridal || Bride's Necklace: Oscar de la Renta from Marina Morrison Bridal || Bridesmaids' Dresses: Two Birds || Programs: Paper Source || China: Classic Party Rentals || Floral Design: Stems by Diana || Catering: D'lish Catering || Reception Music: Robert Vickers Orchestra
Visit our Real Weddings page to find more classic style inspiration, and see Christina and Will's full slideshow here.
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First Look: Christian Siriano Wedding Gown Collection
Photo: Courtesy of Nordstrom
Last month we got a glimpse of the first of three wedding gowns Christian Siriano is designing exclusively for Nordstrom. Here are two other wedding gowns from the collection, which will be out in March.
From the looks of it, Siriano didn't scrimp on the fabric, but instead skipped the beadwork to keep the price down. The tulle gown on the left retails for $1,920, while the one of the right is priced at $2,280. Plus, it provides the perfect blank canvas to accessorize it and make it all your own.
Check out the rest of Nordstrom's new wedding gown lookbook.
—Stephanie Davila
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Christian Louboutin Launches 20th Anniversary Capsule Collection
Photos: Courtesy of Christian Louboutin
To commemorate 20 years as the sultan of red soles, famed Parisian shoe designer Christian Louboutin has created a 26-piece Capsule Collection with plenty of eye popping shoes and bags for the most fashionable brides. The styles draw on various aspects of Louboutin's world, from his love for fine art and architecture to his fascination with showgirls to his passion for travel.
Brides attuned to Louboutin's taste for flare will find various wedding-appropriate styles within the collection, including a pair of black-and-white ankle-strap heels called The Armadillo Bride (top left). We also love his nude, patent leather flats (top right) with crystal embellishments for a modern, more relaxed look and his gold stilettos with clear, crystal-studded straps (bottom left) for a pair to match almost any wedding gown. One style that'll need just the right dress, however, is Louboutin's The Bow Bow—red heels with clear straps and a cascade of red bows (bottom right).
—Phillip B. Crook
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Can I Have My Wedding Reception at Giants Stadium?
Photo: Courtesy of MetLife Stadium
Aside from "Where can I get Madonna's Cleopatra halftime look?," we bet we know what you're wondering after the New York Giants took home the Super Bowl XLVI trophy last night: Can I have my wedding at Giants Stadium?
The answer is "Yes, yes you can."
As the home of the New York Giants and New York Jets, MetLife Stadium offers a variety of spaces for private events, including a fireside lounge, a ballroom, and even the field itself pending availability.
Photos: MetLife Stadium
The Commissioner's Club boasts the most luxurious amenities, with 10,700 square feet of dark wood, jewel-toned décor, marble fireplaces, and velvet and leather furniture—the sort of thing you might expect from one of NYC's exclusive old-money clubs. Identical spaces on opposite sides of the stadium, the Lexus and Touchdown Clubs can accommodate larger parties for ballroom-style receptions. Decorated in a martini bar fashion, the clubs utilize high Baltic ceilings and glass windows for lots of light.
Other spaces, such as the West Hall Club on the 50 yard line and the Coaches Club between the two locker rooms, offer more traditionally "sporty" aesthetics depending on your wedding style. But nothing compares to a celebration on the field itself, which is best suited for large parties but is also available to intimate gatherings. Fill out a Private Event Request Form to obtain more information.
Click here to see our favorite Super Bowl Sunday-themed groom's cakes.
—Phillip B. Crook
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Wedding Cake of the Day: The Great Outdoors
Photo: Courtesy of Vanilla Bake Shop
Today's featured couple Christina and Will held their wedding at the groom's family home near Lake Tahoe, Calif. If you're also planning an alfresco celebration, draw inspiration for the cake design from the venue's natural surroundings. This elegant confection by Vanilla Bake Shop would look right at home at a backyard or garden affair—the chocolate-and-banana-pudding cake tiers are covered in fondant pressed with a honeycomb pattern; the finished design is embellished with ruffly flowers and pearlized olive leaves, all fashioned from sugar.
Check out more wedding cakes in our Cakes Gallery , and find a wedding cake designer near you in our local vendor listings.
If you have a wedding cake you'd like to submit for the blog, please email photos and a brief description to Heather Lee at contact@brides.com.
—Heather Lee
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First Look: Charlotte Olympia's Bridal Shoe Collection
Photo: Courtesy of Charlotte Olympia
The collection dubbed "Runaway Bride," will feature a mute-yet-bridal appropriate version of her signature '50 inspired heels. The palette ranges from red, nude, powder blue, metallics, yellow, white, and a few leopard prints for the "wild at heart."
Similar to her ready-to-wear collection, the shoes range between $640 to $1280, and will be available at her flagship stores in London and New York, available on her website, and at select retailers come spring. We picked a few of our fave! Which one do you like best?
—Stephanie Davila
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