Style Shoot: Woodland Escape

I had the privilege of being able to do outdoor shoots last year for Elegant Wedding Magazine. I shared the first one with you all, Spring Garden at the Toronto Botanical Gardens in Toronto.

This shoot was very different and I loved it for that reason. It was paramount that as many natural elements were included to maintain an organic feel. It’s not often an outdoor wedding can utilize most of the natural elements outside to contribute to the overall tone of the event style. But it can be done!

Here are some of our favorite shots of this simply stunning shoot!

To see more head on over to the Elegant Wedding Magazine blog post Moody Woodland Forest Wedding

Vendor Credits:

Venue: Fantasy Farms
Photographer: The Butterfly Photography
Florals: Divine Flowers Toronto
Dresses: Mona Lisa Bridal Gallery
Table Top Decor: Plate Occasions
Rentals: Chairman Mills
Decor and Props: Cre8ive Studios
Stationary: GM Calligraphy
Cake and Confections: Dolce Vita Cakes by Albina
HMUA: Makeup Couture/ Hair Couture

The Ultimate Guide to Sample Sales

A sample sale is not the same as a trunk show so let’s get that out of way! Trunk shows are special events where a bridal boutique will invite a designer (usually not located in the area) to show off their collection. It could be anywhere from a weekend or several days long. It’s a fantastic opportunity for brides to try on gowns from a visiting designer and appointments usually book up fast!

Samples sales however are first come, first serve for anyone who wants to get a designer dress at a large discount. The boutique allows you to try them on in the store and typically you don’t have a stylist who’s there assisting you. Sizes will range, and the dresses are usually well taken care of but you may not get something perfect since many women might be trying on the same dress. If it’s your first time trying on gowns it might not be a good idea to make a sample sale your first stop since you must decide to buy on the spot.

Tips

  1. Wear nude underwear…preferably a thong and a good strapless bra. You want to have as realistic idea as you can when you try each dress on.
  2. Know what your budget is. Usually the gowns will be organized by price range and this will help you stay within price range. Prices might be reduced from 20-80% but if you choose a newer style it may cost more.
  3. Bring a friend but not your entire crew. Too many opinions and different tastes will become overwhelming and won’t help you.
  4. Have an idea as to what style of dress you want. Keep in mind your body shape, areas you may or may not want to hide or accentuate. Knowing this in advance will help you sift through the dress styles you don’t want and save you time.
  5. Be sure to research the designer to make sure the styles they may offer will suit what you are looking for.
  6. Keep in mind that sample sale dresses can always be altered. Frays and lace can be trimmed and fixed up.
  7. Bring a pair of shoes as close to the height you plan to wear on your wedding day. Hems can be shortened not lengthened.
  8. Be aware of your timeline, while sample sale dresses are there and available, anything you may decide to order can take up to 8 months to be made and shipped
  9. Have cash ready, unlike regular wedding gowns where a deposit is made and the rest settled later- sample sale dresses are expected to be paid for up front.
  10. Have fun and be open to assorted styles of gowns. You may have your heart set on a certain style, but another might suit you just as well. I always say, never judge how a dress looks on the hanger, sometimes once you put it on it surprises you!

Ask your planner to keep an eye out on any sample sales in the area and to let you know so you can get prepped, primed and ready!

International bridal designers you may not know

In celebration of International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month we wanted to take a few minutes to recognize some incredible women who design some of the most stunning gowns in the weddings industry. Women are accomplishing wonderful things around the world every day and these ladies contribute to one of happiest moments in someone’s life by creating masterpieces for them to wear on the day they get married.

Alessandra Rinaudo- Italy

In the workshop in Saluzzo, Alessandra Rinaudo, watched the work of her grandmother and mother. There, she learned to appreciate the quality of a French lace, to identify the best Italian silk, to capture the value of embroidery to exalt the beauty and originality of a dress. In expanding the company she has been able to satisfy a variegated target creating six lines with a defined character: Nicole, Alessandra Rinaudo, Colet, Jolie, Romance, Aurora.

Lesia Gown Lilith Labella

Anna Campbell- Australia

From humble beginnings in Melbourne, Australia Anna Campbell‘s natural love for design, romance and all things that sparkle inspired the dream that is Anna Campbell. Inspired by the romantic decadence of times gone by, yet influenced by the relaxed, carefree elegance of modern weddings. From the beautiful collection of dresses that Anna designs each year, every incredible silk gown is completely customizable and unique to each bride.

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Celestina Agostino- Paris

At age 30, Celestina Agostina returned to her initial passion which was fashion, sewing and creating beautiful wedding dresses for women. Learning her skills from a costume designer, Celestina Agostino went onto open her own couture house in Paris in 1993. her intuitive approach to design, that starts with an interview so that Celestina can get to know her client inside-out and create a gown that matches her personality and her personal world. Grounded in design expertise, her instinctive methods have paid off with an international clientele whether they want to look like a Jane Austen heroine, a Hollywood icon or a natural, boho bride.

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Ersa Atlier- Romania

Two sisters, Gabriela and Cristina Antonescu graduate The National school of Fine Arts in Bucharest, Romania. They meet Doina Levința, the most famous Romanian designer and scenographer.  After spending more than 7 years in apprenticeship, they opened their own atelier in Bucharest, Romania. Soon after they start showcasing their craftsmanship and creativity internationally. In 2013, Ersa styles take America by storm, during the 4th Annual Bridal Show in Chicago.

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Celia Kritharioti- Greece

Designer Celia Kritharioti is a globally distinguished designer and owner of the oldest Greek fashion house, which was established in Athens in 1906. Her talent, vision and aesthetics reflect on all her creations. Her mission is to present the best image possible of every woman who chooses Celia Kritharioti creation.  Celia had the honor of designing the costumes for the Greek National Opera productions of “Romeo and Juliet” and “Swanlake” She presented her first ever show in Paris during Paris Fashion Week Haute Couture on January 25th 2017.

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2018 Bridal gown trends: Atelier Pronovias

New York Bridal Fashion week yet again brings us not only the best designers but the most striking and glamours bridal gown designs. 2018 Atelier Pronovias did not disappoint…here are just a few.

Risuena Dress
The Risuena Gown

Dress pronovias

The Rachel Gown

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The Roine Gown

The Runis Gown

The Runis Gown

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The Ronda Gown

Romeo gown

The Romeo Gown

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The Roxana Gown

Resal

The Resal Gown

Reinado gown
The Reinado Gown

Pronovias

Bridal nirvana comes to mind when looking at all the lace, mesh, sparkling embellishments, whimsical capes and sleek fabrics.

Photos via Love My Dress

 

Mona Lisa Bridal Gallery

While I was thinking about who I wanted to work with for my upcoming published shoot in Elegant Wedding Magazine it took seconds for me to know with a certainty that I wanted the dresses to be from Mona Lisa Bridal Gallery.

I had been trying for the better part of a year to go and visit Frances and her hubby over there and of course planning weddings and life in general got in the way so here was my chance!

Tucked away just north of Toronto in Woodbridge, this bridal studio is run by the one of the sweetest women in the industry. I value humility and a genuine caring spirit and Frances personifies all of it. When I arrived, she was finishing up with a client and I was more than happy to wait. I could overhear bits of the conversation and was able to hear the bride speaking with such confidence over her choice in dress.

Customer service is paramount in this industry rather than getting the sale and I have seen so many missed opportunities to bond with clients and create trusting relationships with them. It’s so much more than just the sale and at Mona Lisa Bridal, you are always going to get a very one on one, in-depth consultation- that isn’t rushed.

Once the studio was clear of brides, I went straight to the back happily anticipating the glitter, tulle, crystal embellishment and all things uber girly. They didn’t disappoint. Frances was at the tail end of her Naama & Anat trunk show. I had never heard of this designer, so she explained they were a Israeli mother daughter duo that custom designed bridal couture. Let me just start by saying wow! I was in awe of some of these gowns and my initial choice in gowns from a completely different designer quickly faded away.

She pulled out a few pieces (they were jaw dropping sort of gorgeous!) and we spent a good half hour going over the look I wanted.  Mona Lisa Bridal also has a stunning collection of designer gowns by Julie Vino, Alma Novia, A & J Designers, Liancarlo, Rosa Clara and Sareh Nouri.

Needless to say, I found the “dream dresses” for my shoot and I left a happy little planner! To my dear Frances and her amazing hubby, thank you both SO much for being a part of the shoot and I know we will be working together again sooner rather than later!

XO- Ash

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Designer Spotlight: Galia Lahav

“My favorite part about designing for a bride is bringing her childhood fantasy of her wedding to life. Every girl I work with shares how she has dreamed about this day her entire life, and it’s my absolute pleasure to make that dream come true.”- Galia Lahav

If there is any wedding dress designer who’s work I drool over and dream of and essentially need in my life, it’s Galia Lahav.

Her attention to intricate details and who custom designs her gowns to fit every inch of the body, every gown is one of a kind and created with the bride’s individual preferences in mind. (We were not trying to rhyme but hey…).

Born into a Russian family of seamstresses, she began not in designing but making custom lace appliques. It eventually evolved as brides started to reach out with requests for dresses with her custom laces and 2 years later, here she is.

Now creating her exceptional designs in Israel, here are a few of my absolute favorite gowns from each of her collections. I suggest you sit down, this is going to get intense!

La Dolce Vita Collection (Veneto & Florentina gowns)

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Les Reves Bohemians (Blossum & Belle gowns; Tiger Lily gown; Crystal gown)

Blossom and Belle.PNG  Tiger Lily.PNG  Crystal

Le Secret Royal (Lily rose gown; Guerlain gown; The New Suzanne gown; Gia gown)

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My final and absolute favorite collection…Victorian Affinity

(Charlie gown; Lia gown; Lizzy gown; Rayne gown; Sterling Cape; & my love Thelma)

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Lia  Lizzy

Rayne  Sterling Cape

Thelma

Images via www.galialahav.com

Designer Spotlight: Carolina Herrera

“I have a responsibility to the woman of today- to make her feel confident, modern and above all else beautiful”– Carolina Herrera

Before taking a quick sneak peak at her newest collection fresh off the runway, here are some interesting life facts about the incredible designer, Carolina Herrera:

  • She was born and raised Venezuela and traveled at a young age and was exposed to fashion very early.
  • 1987  she launched first bridal collection and year later her first fragrance
  • 1996 Carolina Herrera de Baez joins as creative director at Herrera’s House of Fragrances
  • 1999 She opened her first flagship boutique in NY on Madison Ave and 75th
  • 2004 she received the Council of Fashion Designers of America “Womenswear Designer of the year” and the Glamour “Woman of the Year award”
  • 2008 The Council of Fashion Designers of America honors Carolina Herrera with the Geoffrey Beene Lifetime Achievement Award
  • 2010 receives the distinguished “Mercedes-Benz Presents” title for her Spring collection
  • 2014 she received The Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology’s Couture Council Award for Artistry of Fashion

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To see the rest of her 2018 Spring bridal collection go to http://www.carolinaherrera.com/

Photography: Courtesy of Carolina Herrera

10 awful mistakes brides make

No wedding day is completely perfect (unless it is) and there are bound to be some flubs or forgotten details. Here are 10 common mistakes brides make leading up to and on their wedding day:

  1. Don’t carve out enough time for hair and makeup

It is imperative that you consider how large your bridal party is, this should include your mother and mother in law and any flower girls you may have. If you have more than 4 ladies to do hair and makeup for, you should consider hiring two makeup artists and two hair stylists. Make sure they have both met, have pictures of the makeup and hair looks so they can get everyone done on time!

  1.  Drink the night before

Monica drunkTry to refrain from excessive drinking the night before the wedding. Alcohol can make you puffy the next day, if you are sensitive you may even get a mild headache. Trade in a cocktail or glass of wine with some sparkling water and lemon, you’ll thank us.

  1. Rule out a wedding planner

Even if you have managed to plan everything yourself, the week before your wedding is the most stressful. If you had hired a planner for the week of you could have been spending time with your family and friends. Instead, you are left running around keeping track of final payments to vendors, confirming floral deliveries, giving directions…need I continue? Hire a planner.

  1. Don’t account for hidden costs

This is a big one that gets overlooked far too often. Tipping your vendors is a must unless it’s already included in their contract.  Also ensuring they are fed at dinner time if they are present is also important. Marriage license is another hidden cost, postage for “Thank you” cards, meals on wedding day and then there is the “other” category. This is for when the power goes out and you have to buy 200 candles, or the groom forgets to pack his shoes and needs to hail a cab!

  1. Take time with parentsbride with parents

The day of your wedding you are the center of attention and everyone wants to say a word or give a hug. Don’t forget to take a few quiet moments with your parents outside of pictures. It will be a welcome break from the hustle and bustle and it will give you some one on one time with them, they will appreciate it.

6. You forget to eat

Yes, we know you need to fit into your wedding dress as snug as a bug the day of, however, we don’t need a dramatic Scarlett O’Hara fainting moment because you didn’t eat anything. A light breakfast with a few carbs for energy is suffice, lots of water and some snacks while getting ready and during pictures.

  1. Sunless tanning

Anne's gone orange!

Have some practice sessions please! I can’t stress this enough. Sunless tanning can work if you find the right place to go. Be sure to go for a shade that isn’t so far off your natural skin tone, aim for a pre- wedding glow. If you overdo it or go too dark…you will be in your bathroom 2 days before your wedding with half a cup of lemon juice, a quarter cup of sugar…and a loofah sponge.

  1. Don’t feed vendors

Your vendors work hard and rightly so; this is what they do! However, if you have hired a band to entertain your guests, a planner running around behind the scenes, a photographer or videographer- they need to eat. This is customary and likely in the contract you signed when you hired them. Perhaps not what the guests are eating but feed them with something!

  1. Skimp on bridal party gifts

Take into consideration your bridal party (guys too) have spend a ton of money over the past year or so helping you plan your wedding. From wedding gifts, bachelor/bachelorette parties, outfits, dinners, to helping you solve problems, they’ve done so much. Be sure to budget a decent amount (consider how large your bridal party is) so they can feel the love and appreciation you have for all they have done.

  1. Mistreat Single friends

I’ve been one of the single gals at a table, where I don’t know anyone and most of the people I am sitting with are couples. Thankfully I have an outgoing personality and I can talk to anyone but not all your guests are going to find this situation ideal. To ease the pressure or even nerves, try to put them with at least one person at the same table that they know. Please, please have mercy!

AVPEvents on the worst marriage advice we’ve ever heard from real couples

I thought this would be an interesting blog post because most of us would expect our friends and loved ones to give us some helpful marriage counsel. Recently I asked a handful of my married friends, what was the absolute worst marriage advice they ever got.

At first I was shocked at some of it but then I realized it shouldn’t be so surprising since we live in a society that hardly values the sanctity of marriage. Here is what some of them said:

“To walk away when things get tough…but we made vows for a reason!”– Mariah & LeRon

“I’ve had some rough go’s and hard times but have also had some great times, worst thing I was ever told was to suck it up for the kids.” Jake & Ashley

“My husband got the advice: Tell your wife her cooking is good, even when it isn’t! I don’t know how many stir fry and quiches my husband choked down before he told me he didn’t like them. So frustrating, I want to make meals we like and improve on them!”– Jennifer & Andrew

Poor guy!

“Have babies, they will solve your problems and make your marriage happier…shouldn’t the marriage be happy first?” Leigha & Greg

“Happy wife, happy life. What about my husbands needs?! I want him to talk to me and tell me what makes him happy or what bothers him.”– Megan & Dustin

“Don’t get fat…”– Sarah & Zach

Hopefully that person got a big 2000 piece of cake in the face!

“Everything is 50/50…no its 100/100!  If you are only putting in half the work then expect a half-assed marriage.”– Erica & Scott

Here is our personal favorite:

“Don’t compromise most marriages end in divorce anyway.”– Pamela & Adam

Moral of the story: marriage is what you decide to make it, good or bad advice no one is in the relationship but you. It’s a good idea to keep as much of your marriage between just the two of you to ensure less people are involved in giving their opinion. While we appreciate our friends and family, we also want to remain keenly aware that their own experiences can bias the advice they give. Keep those who support your marriage close to you and remember to consider one another always.

How to find the perfect bridal gown to fit your body type

Every soon-to-be bride wants to look like a princess on the big day so knowing your body type is crucial. It’s important to keep in mind that you want a dress that will accentuate or conceal certain areas so that not only do you look great but you feel just as great. Here are some tips on how to find a dress that flatters your figure, no matter your shape!

Body Types

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The Hourglass

If you have the hourglass shape that means your shoulder and hips are relatively the same size and you have a defined waist. The best bridal gown silhouettes for this body type would be:

  • Ball Gown- The structured bodice will accentuate your waist and create an ultra feminine look.
  • Mermaid/ Trumpet- Fitted more so from the top to upper or mid thigh will highlight your jaw dropping curves.
  • Sheath-With a streamlined shape, this style will be sure to emphasize everything equally and in a modest way.

The Triangle

If your hips are wider than your shoulders, these are the go to dress shapes for you:

  • A-Line- As implied in the name, the “A” aspect of the dress angles gently away from the body to hide your hips slightly.
  • Ball Gown- Similar to the A-Line, you want to choose a ball gown that has a natural waist and a skirt that flow away from the hips so as not to draw undue attention to your hips.
  • Short Dresses- You have some flexibility here since it can either be a flowing sheath or a fitted bodice, a shorter hemline can help show off all the right areas.

The Inverted Triangle

This body type as suggested is when your shoulders are wider than you hips; the following are best suited for this figure:

  • Mermaid/Trumpet- will help to give you a little more in the hip area to balance out those strong and shapely shoulders.
  • Short Dresses- Paired with some fabulous heels, a shorter hemline will draw attention to your lower half (and legs) which will in turn level out your top half.
  • Ball Gown- Essentially this dress type seems to work for every figure thus far, but the ball gown here in this instance again can help you “fake” what you don’t have on the bottom.

The Rectangle

Women with shoulders, waist and hips being equal can choose from these options of dresses that will help to “create”:

  • Short Dresses- You can basically “create” curves with a fitted bodice or flowing sheath paired with the shorter hemline.
  • A-Line- Again, can “create” that hourglass waistline if it cinches slightly and then flows outward.
  • Sheath- If you aim for a more bias-cut in a very soft fabric that flows, it will also “create” curves in the right areas.

The Round and Curvy

Women who have a fuller, rounder figure do best to focus on the fit of the dress:

  • Ball gown- Although, avoid this if you are bit on the shorter side, you don’t want to appear as a cream puff!
  • Empire waist- Quite fitted in the bust area then flares out beautifully
  • Goddess/One shoulder- Another option that stay snug under the bust and flows out skimming the body nicely.

Tip: Asymmetrical ruching in the right areas can help give the appearance of a narrower waist if that is your goal.