April 2013 - Page 3 of 3 - Bridal Hot List

Wedding Florals and Design: Maret Designs

April 10, 2013 Leave a Comment

Nothing gets me excited for spring quite like gorgeous florals and pops of fresh pastels. So, you can imagine the joy I had when the happiest of hues of pinks, greens, purples, peaches, and yellows, landed in my inbox. I’m swooning big-time over the wildly gorgeous florals and creations by Maret Designs. By now, you probably have guessed that I have a huge love for vintage elements, and when they are combined with weddings, my heart is blissful. Maret Designs has won my heart over with their simple, elegant, and vintage style that pours into each design.

I am in love with the bouquets for this beautiful bride and her bridesmaids. Simple and soft. Compliments perfectly with the spring inspired dresses.

Here is a close up of the bride’s bouquet. Isn’t that the most gorgeous and stunning bouquet you have seen? This is why I love Spring.

A dinner reception set up with pops of lovely pink roses. As they say, less is more. It works! Simple, yet elegant and charming. How can you not be happy when you sit here for dinner? I know I would be pretty content.

How sweet is this? Florals in a jar and table number in one? This equals pure originality. Oh, and do you see the wood piece it is sitting on? So rustic and lovely!

A beautiful array of roses. Imagine this as your bridal party table. It is so chic and sophisticated.

The yellow tulips have caught my eyes. Did you see the cute green apples on each place setting? Oh my goodness, I can not handle this much cuteness!

Spring brings seriously gorgeous flowers to the table. Literally! I am in love with all the vibrant colors that pop everywhere on this elegant setting. If I was having dinner here, I would not eat. I would be way to distracted by the lovely florals. I could stare at this all day. All day.

Filed Under: General Tagged With: bride, Maret Designs, news, vintage, wedding, wedding florals, wedding flowers

Luxury Living for Your Wedding Day

April 9, 2013 Leave a Comment

Happy Trend Tuesday! We are always looking for the hottest trends in weddings. We are so excited because a fabulous trend has just arrived in Orange County, California. Yes, right in our hometown! Our wedding-loving hearts just got happier. Today’s weddings are more than a celebration of the bride and her groom. They are also a great time to bring out all the over-the-top wow-factors. The Lavish Cabana Collection offers more than just a simple cabana. If you want to upgrade your wedding with something unique and grand, then consider this beautiful cabana collection, which deserves a standing ovation. What is great is that each cabana is custom made with the finest fabrics, lush floorings, intricate details, and accent lighting. So, how can you incorporate these fabulous details into your big day? We can not wait to share!

You can add chic elegance to your wedding day by including some amazing cabanas for your wedding day activities. For pre-ceremony events, the groom and his men can have an exclusive lounge set up under a lavish and classy cabana where they can hang out, a place where any guy would feel like VIP. Why not feel like a rock star on one of the most important days of your life? Relaxing and chilling at your own personal swanky lounge sounds amazing, right?

Oh and ladies, imagine a luxurious and gorgeous cabana, where you can get all pampered and dolled up. You’re about to have one of the most biggest moments in your life, so why not be relaxed and have fun in luxury?

Imagine saying “I do,” under a grand and elegant cabana in front of all your friends and family. A special and intimate space created just for you while feeling like a queen and king. Go ahead and ” wow” your guests. If there was any day to do that, it would be this day!

Let’s continue the day with more ways that cabanas can add style and frill to your big day. For post ceremony events, cabanas are perfect for cocktail hour, reception, and lounges. For dining, you can have a special cabana set up for you and your wedding party. The options for dining can be sitting around a low-style table, or regular round table. Dine in the finest of ways, surrounded by beautiful fabrics, lovely details, and lighting. These stunning cabanas creates an ambiance which will make a lasting memory for you and your guests.

I can say from personal experience, that as soon as I saw one of these cabanas for the first time, it was so luxurious I did not feel like I deserved it. Oh, you can not get the full effect until you have been inside. Let me tell you, the moment my foot touched the soft, and lush flooring, and I was under all the gorgeous details, I felt like a million bucks. Not only did I feel special, I was very relaxed and could probably sit there for hours. Oh, did I tell you you can take your shoes off? That is the best part! You can see why we are so in love with this cabanas.

If you want an unforgettable wedding day for you and your guests, then consider The Lavish Cabana Collection.

For more information on how you can see these amazing cabanas in person, call The Lavish Cabana Collection for a special tour today!

Filed Under: General Tagged With: bride, cabana, ceremony, cocktail hour, groom, lavish, lounge, lush, moroccan, wedding

Unveiled Orange County: A Day of Wedding Inspiration

April 8, 2013 1 Comment

Happy Monday lovelies! It probably comes to no surprise that I am obsessed with all things wedding. I mean, I get to write about pretty wedding things all the time. Oh, how I love my job! Things really got better around here this weekend. I attended a fabulous wedding event right in my hometown of Orange County, California. Unveiled stopped by the South Coast Plaza Village on Sunday April 7, 2013, showing off the best of what Orange County offers for brides and their grooms. So when I laid eyes on the incredible collection of Orange County’s finest wedding products, my obsession went into overdrive. If that was not enough, the day got even better when a couple of fabulous TV stars stopped by. By this time, I could not stop smiling. I am literally smiling from cheek to cheek. Kelly Nishimoto and Sam Saboura from TLC’s hit show, “Something Borrowed, Something New” shared bridal trends with us. I was so impressed with what they were sharing, that many times I said to myself, “oh, I never knew that”, or “wow, that’s a really good idea!”. Stay tuned, because we will be sharing some of these bridal trends with you soon! So, now it is time to pour yourself a cup of coffee or tea, get real comfortable, and get ready to be inspired!

The highlight of my day was meeting Kelly and Sam! It has been so much fun covering their show on Bridal Hot List, and seeing these two find or create amazing bridal gowns for brides. To finally meet in person, was such a lovely touch, the cherry on top, and the icing on the cake. Every Friday we share a sneak peek of TLC’s, “Something Borrowed, Something New”, and this week is the finale, so make sure to check to tune in.

By the way, they are super sweet and such a delight to be around. Sam is easy going, and sweet. Kelly is real and honest, and so darn cute! I loved meeting them!

The Q/A session where they shared Bridal Trends. I was definitely inspired by what they shared. Thanks Kelly and Sam!

Gorgeous and stunning design! This was a “wow” factor for sure. (Allure Events Atelier) Do you see the paper flowers on the wall behind the chair? Oh my, simply amazing! (Paper Flowers from Revelry Designs)

Imagine this look for your escort card table. What a beautiful way to draw you in. You see the lovely laced covered vases? Every detail is just gorgeous. (Flowers and Vases from Celios Design)

I loved all the golds, white, and stunning mirrors. Elegant, whimsical, and romantic.

I love how there are different styled chairs around the farmer table. This look is perfect for a garden or rustic style wedding reception. (Classic Party Rentals)

I was really intrigued by these extraordinary boutonnieres. Succulents are the hot trend right now in wedding florals. (Briana Maxson Floral Design)

Cute idea! Hanging photos off a rustic cart. This is a great touch for a vintage romantic wedding.

Gorgeous bridal gowns (The White Dress).

Do you see that stunning headpiece? I love the intricate details. Beautiful!

Sexy and romantic all in one. Did you know that the train can be taken off, and transformed into a fabulous party dress? So, when the reception gets started, you can change into a fun dress and dance the night away!

Coppers, pinks, and peaches. What a fabulous combo for a sweet and romantic style wedding. (Megan Ondercin Event Design)

Gorgeous Cake (Christopher Garrens Cakes)

Look at the details on this cake, I love it!

Stopped off by the (Happy Photos) booth to see my friend, owner and photographer, Xuong. He is an incredible photographer!

Thank you Unveiled, for an incredible wedding inspired experience. I love weddings, and I love what I get to do everyday!

Stay tuned for more from some of these amazing wedding vendors right here on Bridal Hot List.

Filed Under: General Tagged With: bride, california bride, kelly Nishimoto, news, orange county, Sam Saboura, southern california, Southern Orange County, TLC, unveiled, unveiled orange county, unveiled2013, wedding

Malibu, California Engagement Session from Defining Moments by Sheri Marie

April 7, 2013 Leave a Comment

The best way to end the weekend is by treating yourself to the most romantic, sweet, and adorable engagement session from Defining Moments by Sheri Marie. As you are settling at your desk with your morning coffee, just prepare yourselves for the simple elegance that surrounds this soiree. I absolutely adore a couple who gets a little creative with their engagement session. I have a “thing” for picnics, and when you throw in a couple of love birds, and an amazing photographer to capture it all, I am just in love. This sweet combo is the perfect engagement session. What can be better? I am head over heels with this couple’s style, the romantic California setting, and their cute picnic. Ready to take a look in at this couple’s lovely picnic?

From Defining Moments by Sheri Marie…

Meet Vanessa Fontana & Ben Hanley. Vanessa is from Alaska and Ben is from Washington State. They met in High School when Vanessa moved to Washington State. This couple is very hip, elegant, and loves everything vintage. So they wanted their engagement session to represent every aspect of their personalities and what their wedding will be like. Vanessa and Ben wanted two different scenes. One for a vintage picnic and the other one for some fun sunset shots. Vanessa loves everything vintage, but yet she has this elegant side to her as well. So she wanted her picnic theme to reflect all the inspiration photos that she had been searching for on Pinterest. They also wanted a nice location that was close to the beach. We chose the Malibu State Park and El Matador Beach as the perfect locations.

From the moment Vanessa emailed me wanting me to do her engagement photos, we had an instant connection. She was very excited that I was available to do her photos and excited that we had the same style and vision for her session. So that made me even more excited to work with her and Ben because we were all on the same page. Spending the afternoon with these two was a ton of fun! You can definitely see the love these two share between the two of them, as it just radiates off. Their love is contagious! The whole shoot I was wishing my husband was there so I could just give him a big kiss, haha. Ben and Vanessa are very down to earth, chill and fun! We were all laughing and joking around all day, which made for a great time together!

They will be tying the knot on July 27, 2013 in Washington State.

Filed Under: General Tagged With: beach, bride, defining moment, engagement session, groom, Malibu, sheri Marie, vintage, wedding

Top Five Things To Do On Your Hawaiian Honeymoon

April 6, 2013 Leave a Comment

Waimea Canyon in Kauai, Hawaii

Every year there are tens of thousands of newlywed couples that travel to the Hawaiian islands on their honeymoon. With some of the most breathtaking views and landscapes a person can find anywhere in the world, the destination remains a favorite with couples. For many visiting the islands, it’ll be their first time there and they’ll need to know some good tips for things to do. Having visiting Hawaii about seven times in my life, I’ve been fortunate to visit all the islands (that you are allowed to visit!) and have this handy list of things you should consider doing … when not busy with other activities!

1. Avoid Maui

I love Maui and this might be a little hard to admit, but it’s not an island to visit if you’re a newlywed. Maui is known as the activity island but it’s also known as the family island. Plenty of moms and dads bring the kids on a trip to Hawaii and end up in Maui. For a newlywed couple this means dealing with screaming kids, children peeing in the pool and worst of all – hearing parents scream at/for their kids. Don’t get me wrong, I love kids and I love families but the prospect of spending a week overhearing moms shouting at their kids and dads shouting at everyone isn’t exactly romantic. Wait for Maui when you have the family!

2. Two Island Experience

If you can, try to split the trip between two islands. If you like isolationism and total romance, definitely include Kauai in that mix. Even if you decide to spend the entire time (a week, for example) in Honolulu, there’s still plenty of opportunity to take a cheap flight over to either the Big Island or Kauai and take a full day tour and take the last flight home. My wife and I did this exact adventure the last time we went to Hawaii. We spent a week in Honolulu but we took a Hawaiian Air flight (costing us about $80 each round trip) first thing in the morning to Kauai. From there we took a full island tour on a luxurious tour bus and it was totally worth it.

3. Waimea Canyon in Kauai

Known as the “Grand Canyon of Hawaii” the exotic and breathtaking view at Waimea Canyon State Park is a must see. It’s one of my favorite spots on Earth and will be a place you will fondly remember for the rest of your life. It makes the entire trek to Kauai worth it. The view is amazing and there’s often some fresh fruit vendors that are a MUST try – especially the pineapple and mangos. Missing out on Waimea Canyon will make your soul cry – so don’t miss it!

4. Hanauma Bay in Oahu

While many are put off by the hustle and bustle of Honolulu, it doesn’t mean there’s not some great places on the island of Oahu. Checking out the north shore is like being on a different island altogether, in fact! One must-experience location is Hanauma Bay which is known as one of the best snorkeling spots in the world. One reason for that is that it’s perfect for beginners and kids! It’s also isolated off from the ocean thanks to a natural barrier so there’s no risk of dangerous sea life creeping in. The fish (and turtles!) you will see will BLOW YOUR MIND. Be sure to take an underwater camera because these pictures will be the highlight of your trip.

5. Attend a Luau Party

Going to Hawaii for the first time, or while you are on a honeymoon, and not attending a Luau should be a crime. A Luau is a big party with cultural dancing and plenty of food. Every island has various Luaus to attend and the one done by the Hilton resort on Oahu was especially magical. There’ll be fire, there’ll be pretty ladies dancing and there will be warriors, plus the amazing feast for everyone in attendance.

Filed Under: General Tagged With: hawaii, honeymoon

Sneak Peek of TLC’s “Something Borrowed, Something New” Episode: April 5th

April 5, 2013 Leave a Comment

It is Friday, and what a better way to start the weekend than with a new episode TLC’s, “Something Borrowed, Something New”. We have the sneak peek right here! Have you been watching? It definitely a show to have marked as recording on your DVR! It is a fun show about a bride and her bridal gown. What can be better that this? If you have not been watching and want to learn more, then let us tell you. This show follows a bride’s journey to find the perfect wedding dress for her big day. However there is a twist! The bride will have to choose a new designer bridal gown, or a fashionably redesigned family heirloom. Who will help the bride find something new and something borrowed for her special day? Each episode is hosted by designer Kelly Nishimoto and stylist Sam Saboura, who will work with the bride to help choose between two dress options. Kelly will turn a special, previously worn gown into a gown which is for the time, venue, and personality of the bride. The bride will also have a chance to work with Sam in shopping at a bridal salon to find a brand new stylish dress. What happens next? The bride will have to make a very important decision and choose between a one-of-a kind dress and a newly fashionable piece. Will the bride choose her mother’s or grandmother’s wedding gown, or find something new and unique to her? Which one will the bride choose? How will she make her decision? It is a hard one!

Tonight’s episode features a bride who is looking for a dress which is romantic and classy for her modern vintage wedding. She has one request: A dress with sleeves! Her mother in-law to be has joined her in search of something new, but really like her to wear the gown she wore on her day. Yes, this bride and mother in-law to be, have a very loving and beautiful relationship. Very rare! But how wonderful is that?

The bride fell in love with the gown that her mother in-law to be wore on her big day, but there are some details she is not so crazy about. Kelly also loves this 1970s dress, and will redesign and create a dress which has all the elements that the bride is looking for. Will Sam find a dress which has sleeves for this bride? Sam always finds something fabulous! Which gown will the bride choose to wear on her big day? Will it be the dress that her groom’s mother wore on her wedding day? Or will she fall in love with a new dress which has everything she is looking for? Tune in tonight to find out.

TLC’s Something Borrowed, Something New airs Friday at 10/9c. So set your DVR’s, or watch it live tonight!

Filed Under: TV Shows Tagged With: bridal gown, bride, dress, kelly Nishimoto, Sam Saboura, sbsn, something borrowed, something new, TLC, wedding

West Georgia Engagement Session from Famous William Photography

April 4, 2013 Leave a Comment

Oh my goodness! I honestly don’t even know where to start with this one! I am having a hard time coming up with the right words to describe this truly amazing and romantic engagement session. I am in complete awe by the amount of love that is pouring out from each and every photo. I have seen some amazing sessions in my days…but nothing like this one. I thought I knew what true love looked like, until today. This couple is true love. You can see it through all the details. Simple, yet very meaningful details. I am starting to choke up just thinking about it. Two lovebirds, two dogs, and a tiny home surrounded by the woods utter joy and perfection. All they need is love, nothing less, nothing more. Add Famous William Photography and their well seasoned camera to that mix, and it is over. Over in a pretty haze of beautiful images. Are you ready to see what true love looks like? From Famous William Photography…

Meet Sebastienne and Maria. They were one of our more comfortable couples. A lot of couples aren’t sure or what to do during a shoot and we have to guide them. But with Sebastienne and Maria, they just stood in front of us and kissed a lot and played a lot. They’re really comfortable with each other and other people. I think that’s part of what makes them so beautiful. Their comfortability may also come from the fact that they put on backyard plays at a home in our town called “The Truth and Beauty Laboratory” and call it “Theatre on Cedar”. Either way, they were wonderful to photograph. Oh and did we mention they are building their tiny home? We photographed in a small spot for their soon home to be, surrounded by all the gorgeous woods. Here is what they told us.“We are two wives who are planning to build a Tiny House on wheels, as a way to live within our means, and to live lighter and freer, and with less negative impact on the environment. It will be on our land.”

Filed Under: General Tagged With: bride, engagement session, famous William photography, Georgia, woods

Weddings and Cotton Candy: Dolly’s Sweet Dreams Cotton Candy

April 3, 2013 Leave a Comment

Our Wedding Wednesday just wouldn’t be complete without an ultimate indulgence into some sweet goodness. After some days of looking through some of the most crazy mad bridal gowns and weddings, I am taking a break to enjoy a little something I like to call, a sweet nostalgia. I cannot describe the happiness that invades me. Candy buffets, ice cream bars, or cake? No, not today. Today, it is all about pure sugar spun in the most perfect and colorful way. Cotton candy is one of my all-time favorites from childhood. When I see a cotton candy machine, everything stops. All I feel is the sweet taste of sugar melting in my mouth, the little whiffs of pure happiness, and the fluffiness that makes my nose tickle with delight. MMM…oh so good.

Dolly’s Sweet Dreams Cotton Candy brings the fun of carnivals and county fairs to your wedding reception in the sweetest way possible. If cotton candy is not enough, (which by the way, I would be pretty happy with that), there are more carnival favorites to enjoy: popcorn, shave ice, and carmel apples. Want your guests to have some fun treats now, and also enjoy when they get home? Cotton candy makes for the sweetest wedding favors. Light as air, and full of savory fun, the puff of perfection goes great for any wedding event. Perfect for those outdoor and whimsical weddings!

Dolly’s Sweet Dreams Cotton Candy have been enjoyed by A-List celebrities and dedicated to personalized, service with a smile!

I know there is the little kid in you that would kill to have one of these fluffy and sweet treats!

Filed Under: General Tagged With: bride, celebrity, cotton candy, dolly's sweet dreams cotton candy, dollys cotton candy, sweet treats, wedding, wedding favors

A Little White Dress by Nordstrom Weddings

April 2, 2013 1 Comment

Spring is officially here, and right outside our window we see the blooming of flowers, the smells of sweet and fresh scents, and the melodious sounds of birds chirping away. Inside, we also have some amazing things happening here at BHL. Just when you thought our friends at Nordstrom Weddings couldn’t be more fabulous (I mean they have a dedicated wedding suite for you and all the bridal party), they top it off with a Little White Dress collection which deserves a grand applause. So, your wedding day does not have to be the only day where you get to show off a white dress. White is the new black, and at Nordstrom Weddings, they have a selection of the most perfect white frocks to wear to your engagement party, bridal shower, rehearsal, and reception. Wearing white just got a little more fabulous. Want to add some bold, and bright heels to pair your little white dress with? Yes, why not? Make a statement, it is your big day, so do it!

Brides-to-be, are you ready to get all dolled up with a little white dress for all the pre-wedding and wedding events? Just wait until you see the adorable white dresses that Nordstrom Weddings offers. Which look will you show off to friends and family?

Donna Morgan Embellished Ruffled Chiffon Dress together with bold and bright pumps.

Eliza J: Embellished V-Neck Lace Dress paired with fabulous metallic platforms.

Jill Stuart: Ruffled Chiffon Fit & Flare Dress paired with adorable floral printed heels.

ML Monique Lhuillier Strapless Ruched Cationic Dress gorgeously paired with hot pink heels

Embroidered Mesh Fit & Flare Dress paired with stunning blue heels.

For more fabulous Little White Dresses, check out more here.

Filed Under: General Tagged With: bridal gown, bridal shower, bride, little white dress, nordstrom, wedding, white dress

Couture Bridal Gowns by R-Mine Bridal

April 1, 2013 2 Comments

Happy April fool’s day! As much as we love a little joke here at BHL, we are most excited about another fabulous time of year. Yep you guessed it, the wedding season. The wedding season is no joke. It is a time for planning of your amazing wedding, and all the pretty details. The lovely details including finding the perfect bridal gown. Wait until you see the most stunning selection of bridal dresses that our eyes have ever seen. We’re talking pops of color in bold pinks, blues, plus blushes and tons of texture and pattern! R-Mine Bridal is a beautiful collection of unique and elegant gowns which are all handmade with the finest silk fabrics, lace, and beadings. Who is behind all this madly ridiculous designing? Arminé, a very talented designer who’s passion for art comes to life in each of her custom made dresses for each bride. We can not get over all the exquisite and luxurious details of each of the bridal gowns. Simply remarkable.

I think it’s obvious that we’re head-over-heels for the crazy-good selection of R-Mine Bridal and you’re about to fall in love too.