Just so pretty...

Don't you think? It's from Gertrude and Mabel Photography. They've been featured in Martha Stewart Weddings, Town and Country, San Francisco Bride and more. Their work is relaxed and visually beautiful. We're just suckers for red shoes though...actually any great shoes.

Wedding Bling

No, we are not talking about the typical diamond engagement ring. We're talking about ways to add some personality to wedding dress without doing the predictable colored sash. We like the idea of using something you could wear everyday but when paired with your dress it really comes to life in a way that says "you". Don't think you have to do the traditional pearls or crystals. Where colored shoes are more popular today, so is colored jewelry. Wedding "jewelry" can mean a necklace, bracelet, pin or even hairpin/barrettes. And the beauty of it is that it doesn't even have to be expensive...just you.

Venues: The Weisman Art Museum

One of the coolest locations for a wedding ceremony and/or reception is the Weisman Art Museum at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. The interior is so striking that you won't need much in terms of decor (or it would take away from the space). They have several spaces to use, including one with river views. And the grounds and building lends itself to just spectacular pictures. The rental fees are pretty reasonable as well - though you may not think it would be for a Frank Gehry designed building. Worth considering...

Trend: Pale and Embellishments

Valentino's Spring Couture 2008 show brought with it some trends that have found their way into bridal fashion too. Some of the big ones are pale colors and embellishments. The dresses above show that range of pastel-inspired colors from pink to blue to yellow. Also, embellishments in all shapes and sizes are being shown - such as surface dimension in the yellow dress above or 3D rosettes or whirls. These influences can be seen in the spring collections for Vera Wang and Monique Lhuillier.

Headpieces: Toni Federici

We are clearly on a fashion roll this week. Here is Toni Federici, wedding headpiece designer. We are in love with his old-school wide mesh veils - whether it's a short over-the-face style like the first picture or a combination of wide mesh and tulle in the second picture (note: apparently on the married one of us can try on veils...). We also swoon for his feather hair combs. What a perfect accessory to a simple dress or for a sassy bride.

Wedding Dresses - Amy Kuschel

Check out wedding dress designer Amy Kuschel. Her collections, called "clever couture", are all created in her San Francisco salon. Amy pours her creative energies into designing a collection of wedding gowns that have a combination of modern elegance, sophisticated sex appeal, and a couture quality - like the bride who wears them. And they run $1500 to $3400. She believes in offering value - it is unique to find a gown that is well crafted using the finest fabrics and trims and also well priced. Yeah! Her wonders are also available at other exclusive salons across the country (at Macy's in Minneapolis).

Vera Wang Sashes

This past weekend we were at a Macy's Bridal event in Minneapolis (where it was so cold that they had a water main break and had to move some events up a level!). They had a great fashion show hosted by their trend correspondent, Laura Schara, (who's been featured in People and Cosmopolitan magazines). Here is one of our favorite finds. They are beautiful sashes from Vera Wang. They have flowers made from several types of fabric which are attached to either a velvet or silk ribbon. They also come in different neutral shades. Cost is $450-$595. While we are over the colored sash trend, this flower sash is beautiful subtle oomph. Match it with a simple low-cost dress for added interest - or to a more expensive dress to add a personal touch. Love, love, love this. (we actually want to buy one to wear with our jeans :)

Photography: Liz Banfield

Among an elite group of photographers that wedding photo editors call when they are looking for imagery, Liz Banfield specializes in creating the fresh, uncluttered style favored by her clients. Her work is regularly published in all the major wedding titles including Martha Stewart weddings, Town & Country Weddings, Elegant Bride, and BRIDE'S. Liz Banfield also juggles a full schedule commercial and editorial assignments for clients such as Target and Parenting. She has also shot several books, including Southern Weddings (Gibbs-Smith) and Itty-Bitty Hats (Artisan).

I was lucky enough to have Liz photograph my wedding (I smile every time I think about it!). I can say from personal experience that not only is her work stunning but she is so fun to be around and just an overall amazing person! We asked her what were some of the most creative ideas she's seen in the weddings she's shot. Here are her top four:


Wheat bouquet - "I love the out of box thinking of this bouquet choice and it looked very elegant. The bride got married in New York City but wheat was a nod to her Kansas roots."


Unusual ceremony seating -- "This was the brainchild of celebrated wedding planner Tara Guerard of Soiree (www.soireecharleston.com). The site was utterly simple and so elegant."


Different but coordinating bridesmaids dresses -- "If you want to have a big bridal party why not select different designs that still work as a group? The effect was stylishly grown up."


Vintage stamps that coordinate with your wedding theme -- "They don't cost all that much more (this bride got them off eBay) and they make a powerful first impression to your guests."

These examples show again that uniqueness is in the details, not the cost...

Cool Cufflinks

Here are some unique cufflinks found on etsy. Great idea for the groom or as gifts to groomsmen. The creativity of your wedding is all in the details...

2008 Trend: Fringe

That's right. The favorite of the 70's is back, but in a new way. No leather fringe vests here. Subtle uses of fringe can be found in lots of fashion lines for the spring and summer. A way to incorporate this into your wedding could be in a bridesmaids dress (a fun flirty skirt with fringe would be a blast) or a fun wrap for yourself (the bride). Or there could be small fringe elements used in your flowers. Be creative!

Centerpiece: vase

We love this vase by designer Yuri Fukuda. We saved this picture and wrote down the designer but now I can't remember where it was found! Ugh... Regardless, beautiful and a great inspiration piece.

Spring 08 Makeup Trends

The eyes still have it this spring. While the smoky colors of winter are traded in for more vibrant colors, the eyes are still the focus with nude lips a secondary accent. Clockwise from top left, Givenchy, Revlon, Chanel, Shisedo.

Candle holders galore...

Candles are always a great way to create an intimate feeling in a space. And are a cost effective centerpiece alternative.

DIY Wedding Centerpieces

Look at these cool organic/nature inspired centerpieces that you can make yourself! From DesignSponge ,where there are instructions on how to make them.

Wedding Jacket

Another find from the fashion show we were at: this super cool long jacket trimmed with ruffles all the way around. Even better - the price. $589! Can't you picture this worn at a beautiful winter wedding outside with some snowflakes coming down? From Emerald Bridal (and Dena Marie Bridal locally in MN).

We Heart Monique Lhuillier

We were lucky enough to see a fashion show of Monique Lhuillier's Spring 08 dresses (one of her flagship stores is in Minneapolis - yeah!) Here are a couple favorites. The top one has a skirt of tufted flowers which adds beautiful volume to the dress. The second is a simple sheath dress with a gorgeous tufted shrug. The bottom is a dresses built on layers of tulle and organza with small tufted flowers/dots.