September 2014 - Page 2 of 3

Top Five Trendy Fall Wedding Menu Ideas

September 16, 2014 Leave a Comment

We could not be more happy for Fall to be here- it’s still over 100 degrees in Southern California and we’re ready for things to cool down! Fall technically starts on September 22nd, but we like to plan ahead. If you’re planning ahead for your wedding menu, we’ve got five awesome tips for picking out some Fall-friendly menu items for the big day.

In the Red

Fall and these warmer months are all about a more full flavor- if you’re in between wine selections, go red. Red wines tend to have a heavier more full flavor that compliments the seasons so well. If you’re afraid of staining your teeth, stick to champagne but be sure to offer a full flavored red wine. Complex notes in cabernets specifically will blend well with the crunchy leaves and warm Fall nights that are coming.

Berry-Good Salads

Adding in a tart fruit into something fresh screams Fall. If you’re undecided on a first course or want a second salad option for your guest, go for something that has cranberry or raisins included. A fresh mixed green salad with some diced almonds and cranberry vinaigrette is a safe bet for any Fall wedding. If you want to do something more adventurous, pair our favorite trendy veggie- kale- with diced cranberries for a more bold salad.

Walnut Breads

If you are doing bread to start for your guests, or want to do a simple appetizer for your guests, start with an artesian nut-infused bread. Walnuts are fantastic for Fall, so look for recipes that are wheaty and have a savory flavor. This will be perfect as an appetizer for your guests with a light, whipped butter or to pair with a cheese plate.

Pumpkin Spice

You know the seasons have changed when you start seeing those red coffee cups and smell that warm pumpkin spice in the air! If you’re having a reception outside, get a pumpkin spice tea or warm drink to pair for your guests to warm up to. If you want to do some light snacks, mini pumpkin spice muffins are something a little sweet that doesn’t spoil dinner (or dessert!).

Cheesecake Desserts

Instead of a light and fluffy cake, opt for something heartier like a cheesecake! It’s just heavy enough to really fill out a whole meal. Cheesecake is an unusual fun way to break out of the classic wedding cake and it’s universally liked. Look for one that is particularly fluffy and has a flavorful graham crust to have that true full-on Fall flavor.

Bon Apetit!

Filed Under: General Tagged With: Fall, fall 2014, food, menu, trendy, wedding

Steampunk Wedding Session at Calamigos Ranch

September 15, 2014 Leave a Comment

When you have a bride and groom as stylish and lovely as these two, I do not even know where to begin to describe their magical day. It is not even their wedding day I am talking about. This is all about their fabulous post wedding session with my favorite Australian duo, Fiona + Bobby Photography. So, imagine how beautifully crafted their wedding day was. Oh my! I was most excited for this feature because when you have brilliantly talented photographers like Fiona and Bobby, the images are beyond stunning. They capture the true love that this couple shares with each other. Besides all the crazy fantastic images, this session’s location is one of my favorites. It’s rustic and playful details are the perfect compliment to this gorgeous couple’s style and personality. Did you see the amazing wardrobe they both wear so elegantly? I am in LOVE. I can go on and on about this couple and their session, but that will take days. So, grab your morning coffee, and get ready to enter a magical place where all your wedding loving dreams will come true.

A few words from the bride…

Daniel and I met through mutual friends about seven years ago. We became friends and eventually realized our connection was stronger than a simple friendship. We truly complimented each other’s creativity and when we decided to get married, we knew we both wanted an “un-traditional” marriage celebration. We love the style and ingenuity of the Steampunk culture and wanted to incorporate this into our ceremony. There are slight variations to the Steampunk look, from gothic to Victorian, but always including brass, copper, gears, and futuristic sci-fi elements. We decided to stylize ourselves after the more Victorian look, and did a “set design” for our room decor. With the help of family and friends, we sewed, made, created, designed and built every piece of our wedding. We had a wonderful time.

From Fiona + Bobby Photography…

Miatta and Daniel had a day after session at Calamigos Ranch in the Malibu Hills. After such an amazingly vibrant Steam Punk themed wedding, the couple opted for a more nature filled session for this. The truth of the matter is, knowing the couple and how special they are as individuals and dynamic as a couple, I wanted to give them a gift that would hopefully be something that they would treasure for many more years to come. With the two of them being so down to earth and exquisitely open to the suggestions I threw at them, it really was the most perfect way to spend the few hours at the location. Their love shined through and they slipped into Steam Punk mode every now and then which filled the day with so many heartfelt laughs. Truly a beautiful couple.

Filed Under: General Tagged With: bride, Calamigos Ranch, California wedding, ferris wheel, Fiona + Bobby Photography, groom, Malibu hills, Malibu wedding, post wedding photos, Steampunk wedding, wedding

Top Five Trendy Bridal Lip Looks for Fall

September 11, 2014 Leave a Comment

We’re all about luscious lips here at BHL- they’re the most romantic part of your beautiful face! Check out our top five trendy lip colors for this season and your look will be hot, even if the weather’s cooling down.

Pale Coral Pinks

If coral was your summer shade, just start slowly by turning it down a notch. Look for a light coral or pink shade to transition into fall. You can even wear your summer coral by just putting on a dab and painting it out with a lip brush so the color isn’t as intense and pairing it with a lighter gloss. this look is lightweight, cute, and perfect for the sweet bridesmaid.

Warm Nudes

If you like a natural look but want to go even more lightweight than a pale coral, pick up a nude with warm undertones. It will pull whatever summer glow you had going on and keep you looking great all fall long. Neutrals are great for any dress that you’re wearing, and a warm one will give you a taste of that bridal glow.

Red Stains

No- not on your dress, just on your lips! Grab a light lip stain in red and pack it on to your liking. Lip stains are great if your skin is starting to get drier because they can be quite hydrating. Start subtle to pair with any look for any wedding situation and pack it on to match your mood.

Blushing Berries

Tones that are reminiscent of berries are fantastic this fall and sultry for weddings. You have the ability to go much deeper with berry tones to fit more romantic settings. If you’re packing on the pigment, be sure to use a waxy lip liner to keep your lip color from feathering.

Burning Red

If you’ve been liking pictures non-stop of leaves changing colors, an orange-based red is going to be perfect for you. this color can be a little more intense, so be sure to use a good lipliner with this look too. This look is so complimentary to the new season- you’ll look fantastic in any outdoor weddings.

Filed Under: General Tagged With: beauty, bridal, bride, bridemsaid, Fall, lip, married, trendy, wedding

New Jersey Country Club Wedding

September 10, 2014 Leave a Comment

I’ve got three words for this wedding. Exquisite, Sophisticated, and Chic. Obsessing over all the elegant details from the super stunning bridal gown, the over the top flower centerpieces, and a bride who looks absolutely beautiful and her groom very dapper. The kind of wedding that has us gasping at every single detail. Honestly, I can not get enough of the bridal dress. I have seen my share of bridal gowns, but nothing as gorgeous as this one. And one that looks so darn fabulous on this bride. She is totally owning this gown and all its sparkle and shine. Of course, you also have grasmere hills productions to capture all the beauty. Enjoy the images of this New Jersey wedding.

From grasmere hills productions…

Carissa and Mike’s Westmount Country Club wedding was simply amazing. The day started at House of Trends where the staff did a terrific job on hair and makeup. All of Carissa’s Bridesmaids and Family looked amazing. From there, we made our way to Carissa’s mothers house where Mike had a beautiful letter waiting for her. I didn’t get to read the letter but I was able to read Carissa’s face and I’m pretty sure Mike wrote something special. The ceremony was at Our Lady Queen of Peace Church in Staten Island. The ceremony went off without a hitch and Carissa and Mike couldn’t stop smiling. On the way to the Wesmount, we stopped at Lamberts Castle for a quick photo shoot with the bridal party and it was wild. I think at one point every one was in the fountain. After the craziness at the castle, we made a short trip to Westmount and thats where the party began. Atlas Floral did an amazing job and every table looked perfect. The feeling of love was radiating through everyone at the wedding. The entertainment was by Partners in Sound and they kept everyone on their feet all night long. We also got to work with the talented Rob Adams and can’t wait to see his film. Transportation was by Romantique. Her amazing dress was by Stephen Yearick and purchased at Castle Couture.

Filed Under: General, Real Weddings Tagged With: bridal gown, bride, Eastcoast wedding, grasmere hills productions., groom, New Jersey wedding, summer wedding, wedding, Westmount Country club

Top Five Fall Trendy Eyeliners for Bridesmaids

September 9, 2014 Leave a Comment

The color of the leaves is starting to change, it’s time for your makeup looks to change too! Use your makeup to add some personality to that bridesmaid’s dress you’re stuck with. You only get to control so much of your look on the big day- take advantage of it and have some fun! Put down the black pencil you’ve had rolling around in your makeup bag the last year and pick up any of these five hot shades!

Rich Purple

Pick a warmer purple with some chunky glitter to create some serious drama to your look. Lay this one on thick as a cat eye to light your eyes up and bring attention to your peepers. A rich purple will make brown and green eyes sparkle in particular. this tone also looks more and more natural the darker your skin tone is.

Electric Blue-aloo

Not big on glitter, but big on the statement look? Go for a sleek blue tone, but keep it thin and close to the natural lash line. That little flash of color could be all you need to bring your eyes out- especially if they’re blue too! Bright blues flatter cool tones- whether it be from your skin or your eyes it’s a hit.

Gritty Green

Fall is great for earthy tones so bust out those fun liners that have been gathering dust since St. Patty’s Day. Green tones are subtle but different and are very complimentary to warm tones. Go light along your lash line and follow the natural curve of your eye to create a soft, romantic look.

Copper Lining

A burnt orange or bronze can warm up your look and reflect the new season perfectly! Instead of lining your top lid, start on the inner corners of your eyes and work your way out without lining the entire eye. Bonus points if you line the bottom lash line with a beautiful bronze and pair it with another of our top five trending eyeliners on top!

Bold Burgundy Bridesmaid

This look is more statement but if you can pull it off it’s fantastic! Try out a red-toned eyeliner on top to create a bold and beautiful look. Deep tones like burgundy or raspberry are spontaneous and sultry. It’ll help you stand out from the lineup and make you look mysterious during the reception.

Filed Under: General Tagged With: beauty, bride, bridesmaid, color, eyeliner, fall 2014, trending, trendy

Arkansas Chapel Wedding

September 8, 2014 Leave a Comment

This my lovelies, is a wedding tradition perfection. I am not normally a tradition type of gal, but this wedding’s breathtaking ceremony location has me falling in love. When you have a stunning bride, a gorgeous bridal party, pretty pastel colors, and all set in the most beautiful rustic space, you’ve got yourself a classic elegant wedding. But I have to go back to the one fantastic wedding detail that has me swooning for days. The incredible and awe-inspiring chapel is beyond amazing with the most perfect wooden details. I can not get enough of it. You feel as if you are in the woods surrounded by nature and all its beauty. Then you have Elmer Escobar Photography to capture all its heavenly details, it is a wedding worth a thousand words. Kick off the week with the lovelies and most beautiful wedding.

From Elmer Escobar Photography…
Melissa and Etienne’s wedding could not have been any more fun to be at. You had a beautiful couple, a gorgeous setting and the friendliest group of French people I’ve ever been around. The day started at Garvan Woodland Gardens which is a location I’ve googled and had wanted to photograph but had never had the opportunity before. I made a point to arrive extra early to scout the grounds and map out where we would shoot and what angles would work best. After I had a pretty clear plan I went to the bridal cottage where Melissa was getting ready. As we had discussed she would finish getting ready while I took her dress/shoes to photograph them on their own. I found Anthony Chapel‘s architecture to be the perfect backdrop for her dress. And because we were in the woods I wanted that feel for her shoes as well. My thought process is that people choose venues, churches, and locations because they put thought into the look they wanted, so it’s always good to showcase that.

After the details were done I went back to the bridal room where Melissa was finishing up. Her girls and her mother helped her get in her dress and do all the finishing touches before we headed to the ceremony site where she would see Etienne for the very first time. One of the most precious moments of the day was when Melissa was walking through the doors, Etienne’s eyes watered up and he started getting that nervous excitement. He was rubbing his hands with the biggest smile on his face and you could see he wanted to run down and grab his bride. It was a beautiful ceremony that followed. After Melissa and Etienne exchanged vows we took them outside where all their guests were waiting for them with bubbles to greet the new Mr. and Mrs. Mirgaine.

We had a few moments to take some photos with their bridal party (who were all awesome, btw), and a few more with Melissa and Etienne before heading over to The Royal Ridge for their cocktail hour and reception. When we got there, everything was set out beautifully just as Melissa had described so while Melissa and Etienne cooled off and refreshed themselves I took a moment to photograph all the carefully displayed details. But of course with such a beautiful scenery, it would had been a shame not to do more photos there. We walked around the property while the sun was going down and on our way back to the reception room we caught the most beautiful sunset. It really was a wonderful way to end their photo session…until their night shot.

As far as the reception, there’s not much I could say but: I was warned. French people know how to party! This has got to be one of the funnest group I’ve had the pleasure of photographing. From impromptu dance numbers to games I had never heard of before, it was just one fun activity after another. The music was great, everyone was having a blast. Before I left I wanted to get a night photo of Melissa and Etienne. I had spotted a pool/deck area where I knew if it was dark enough I’d be able to get some stars in the shot. Only problem was that it was far too bright with all the lamps on. That’s where Darrell stepped in and shut off every lamp outside so Melissa and Etienne could have their night photo. Now that’s teamwork!

Melissa and Etienne: you deserve all the happiness in the world! You came all the way to Little Rock from France to find true love and it was an honor to be there with you guys. Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Mirgaine!!

Vendors:

Photographer:

Venue: Garvan Woodland Gardens

Filed Under: General Tagged With: Anthony Chapel, bridal, Chapel wedding, gardens, outdoor wedding, rustic wedding, whimsical wedding

Whimsical and Romantic Florida Wedding

September 5, 2014 Leave a Comment

Show me a flower crown, and I am done. I do not know what is is, but when I saw the first image of this bride and her flower crown, I could not resist. I wanted to see more of this bride and her wedding. Let me tell you, I was not disappointed. This bride is absolutely gorgeous and everything about her dress and the beautiful flower crown was made just for her. The bridesmaids and their pretty lace dresses compliment this bride and her wedding so perfectly. It all screams romantic and whimsical. Two words I love when combined into weddings. And this wedding has these details and more. Then you have Black & Hue Photography to capture all the lovely details, and it is even better. Enjoy this Friday morning with a little dose of bridal magic.

From Black & Hue Photography…

Whoa. I really don’t know where to begin with this one. Daniel & Tessa have been great friends of ours for years, and when they first asked us to shoot their wedding, we were thrilled. These two have impeccable taste and we knew it would be gorgeous, but I don’t think we fully understood how gorgeous until we arrived on their wedding day. Tessa is breathtaking and Daniel looked like a million bucks. They choose an old schoolhouse in Fellsmere, Florida for their ceremony, and the auditorium suited their Americana taste perfectly. Throw in a little Springsteen and Elvis to top it off, and you’ve got one of the most fun weddings we’ve ever been to. We’re so excited for these two to share their lives together and couldn’t be more thrilled for them. Here’s a huge thanks for Daniel & Tessa for allowing us to be there for one of the best days of their lives.

Filed Under: General, Real Weddings Tagged With: Black & Hue Photography, bride, Florida wedding, Flower crowns, groom, lace dress, real wedding, romantic, wedding, whimisical

Top Five Fall Bachelorette Party Ideas

September 4, 2014 Leave a Comment

It’s starting to get a little cooler out here and the seasons are finally changing! If you’ve got a bachelorette party coming up this Fall and you’re stuck in pool party mode, we’ve got some ideas for you. Embrace this season with our top five Fall bachelorette party ideas!

Bachelorette Bake Off

If you’re not big on going out, why not stay in and make some pies? Make some mini pies and get as house-wifey as you can. You can have everyone bring over cute aprons and play old music to make it fun. Turn it into a bake off between the bridesmaids and have a small prize for the winner. If you have extra pies left over, pass them off to the groomsmen as a surprise!

Park Day

Now that school’s back in, it’s a great time to hit up a theme park! Disneyland is a personal favorite here at Bridal Hot List, but most theme parks are much less crowded in the fall. Plan for a work/school ditch day with the bridesmaids and ride some rides. Try to go on a weekday to avoid any crowds. Since its also a non-peak season, some parks have lower pricing (like Magic Mountain/Six Flags). It’s a really fun way to bond and create new memories with your favorite ladies and get a chance to play in a theme park when it’s not packed. There are also apps and websites for most major theme parks that will let you know what days won’t be crowded.

Try a Tasting

Is it too cold to go from place to place for your bachelorette party? Look for local wine shops or breweries that do tastings. You’ll get the experience of trying out different flavors and new things without having to trudge through any Fall weather. If you’re not a big drinker, sometimes chocolate shops also hold tastings. Tastings can also be a great way to get package deals on a variety of goods, so it would also be a great way to save a little money.

Stay In

Not feeling like going out? Don’t feel pressured to! Grab your girlfriends, your matching PJs, and have a good old fashioned pajama party. Your bachelorette party doesn’t need to be crazy- if that’s not your style don’t do it! There’s nothing wrong with popping a few bottles of wine and watching as much Orange is the New Black as your heart desires. You can make it super old school and play board games and eat lots of candy. No shame in staying in, ladies!

Go Off Season

If you want to do something a little more daring, get out of your town and check out an off-season resort or spa! Pricing in Las Vegas, Palm Springs, and most beach towns are a little lower now that summer’s over. If you can swing getting a Friday off, try to head out on a Thursday night and make a long weekend of it. Of course, it’ll be cheaper to do mid-week if you can schedule that with all your bridesmaids! Your short vacation may not be as sunny as you may imagine, but if you pick a place that isn’t hit too hard by Fall weather it’ll actually be quite nice.

Filed Under: General Tagged With: bachelorette, bachelorette party, bridal party, bride, bridesmaids, fall 2014, Maid of Honor

Italian Elopement on the Amalfi Coast

September 3, 2014 Leave a Comment

How can I even begin with the proper introduction to a wedding which is a destination dream? This stunning Australian couple makes their way to the gorgeous Amalfi Coast of Italy to say “I Do”. I am totally head over heels in love with this couple and their Italian Elopement at one of the most romantic and prettiest places. Oh my goodness, and then you have fabulous photographer Oli Sansom on hand to capture all the romance. It took me so long to choose the images to feature. There are way to many amazing photographs. The images are breathtaking! I have to admit, this wedding kind of makes me want to pack my bags to head to Italy for a little getaway.

From the bride…

Fergus and I have been together for nine very happy years so we know each other back to front and inside out. When we first got engaged in July 2012 we started to plan a wedding in Melbourne for 100 people that quite quickly became everything that frightened us about weddings. All those people and all those details, we were flustered whenever we talked about it, being such very private people. In January 2013 we decided to shift gears completely and elope to our favourite place in the world- Italy. We had attended the most beautiful wedding of our very close aunt and uncle three years before in Positano on the Amalfi Coast, and had fallen in love with the country. So the choice of Italy made perfect sense in our hearts. We worked with a wedding planner Marry Me Abroad and it was as easy as choosing the place, sending through pictures of what we wanted, answering queries and booking our flights. All the dreaded ‘wedding drama’ that so many of our friends had warned us about seemed a million miles away. Added to that was the fact that I seemed to be missing the bride gene and didn’t feel stressed about anything to do with the wedding day, only excited to be marrying my best friend. Fergus chose Ravello, reputed as the most beautiful town on the Amalfi Coast, we booked our flights and on June 26 we jumped on a flight and off we went. A few exciting developments leading up to the wedding- Fergus’ mum, dad and brother asked if they could join us and suddenly the thought of Fergus’ very close family not being there seemed unthinkable. My mum, dad and brother were unable to make the flight but in stepped my best friend since I was 13 Lizzie, who screamed out “Yes!!!!!” before I even finished the question. Then, our favourite Melbourne photographer, the unbelievably talented Oli Sansom, suggested that he make the special trip and everything was suddenly perfect. As it turns out, the five people we shared the day with turned out to be the most perfect combination we could have ever dreamed of- everything was meant to be.

The day itself was a dream. Relaxed, easy, us. Ferg, Lizzie and I got ready together at the stunning Villa Cimbrone and walked the 15 minutes down the cobblestone streets to the piazza to meet Mandy, Roger and Lachie. Walking that 15 minutes was the happiest, most beautiful, joyous 15 minutes of my life. It was like a dream. Local Italians and tourists stopped and cheered, “Auguri” they all called, taking photos, watching us walk by like royalty and clapping. I have never smiled so much, felt so beautiful, or felt so much love from strangers and my husband-to-be as I did on that walk. The piazza broke out in applause as we met Ferg’s family and it is a moment I will never forget. Marrying my best friend was the most special, intimate and powerful thing I have ever done. The sun shone brightly as we approached the Ravello Mayor and he married us on the most beautiful cliff top, under a clear blue sky and mountains that seemed to whisper words of love to us also. I cannot imagine a more perfect day or a more perfect wedding. Thank you Ravello.

Vendors:

Photographer: Oli Sansom

Event Planner: Marry Me Abroad

Jewelry: Tejori

Venue: Villa Cimbrone

Tuxedo and Mens Attire: Armani

Shoes: Jimmy Choo

Dress Designer: Lisa Gowing

Filed Under: General, Real Weddings Tagged With: AMALFI COAST, Australian couple, bridal, bride, destination wedding, groom, Italian Elopement, Italian wedding, italy, VILLA CIMBRONE

Top Five Alternatives to the All White Wedding Dress

September 2, 2014 Leave a Comment

Happy Day-After-Labor Day! Did you have an awesome three day weekend? We sure did here at BHL. You may have heard of the old fashion rule to “not wear white after Labor Day”, haven’t you? It may seem a little silly, but it got us thinking about wearing white. Most brides wear white dresses to their weddings, but if that’s really not your style that’s totally fine! It’s your wedding, you shouldn’t have to wear anything you’re not 100% comfortable in. If you’re leaning against the white dress and Labor Day has nothing to do with it, don’t sweat it. We have our top five alternatives to the classic white dress right here!

Be the Bold Bride

Go forth and make a statement! You didn’t land your fiance by being boring, right? Look for a dress in a strong color, but keep it a classic color so you’ll look timeless. Aim for red, navy, or black, but keep the cut and fit formal. Look for long and elegant gowns. If you want to really stand out, put your bridesmaids in nude tones or earthy muted tones.

Lacy Lady

If you want to have a romantic dress but put a little white in there anyway, look for pieces that have white lace overlays. You could also find a dress that you love and go to a seamstress to have lace put over it. This creates the look of a romantic white bridal gown, but you get the added color palette to play with!

Down to Earth

If you like a classic tone but just aren’t into white, find a soft earthy tone that suits your skin and work with that. Keep your bridesmaids in a similar tone that is a little softer so your color looks that much more vibrant near them, while still being somewhat neutral. This is probably one of the easier ways to get away with not wearing white and still looking like a classic bride.

Pack a Punch

If you’re outgoing and fun, go for something LOUD. Wear a bold and bright color that looks great on you like a punchy pink or a fun fuchsia. Wear green if you want to- it’s your wedding! But break up that bold color with some white, like a white underlay or a white waist tie. Incorporate some elements of white into the dress as an homage to the classic all white wedding dress. It’s a cute twist on the white dress that’s fun and playful.

Crisp and Chic

Wear whatever dress makes you feel most beautiful and top it off with a crisp white blazer. Your dress can be whatever color or print you want- anything looks polished and put together with a white blazer over it! This may especially work for you if you’re planning on an outdoor wedding this fall or winter. Plus, if you invest in a beautiful fitted white blazer you’ll just have this amazing classic piece in your wardrobe!

Filed Under: General Tagged With: bridal, bride, dress, fashion, labor day, trendy, wedding, white