Colorful Gowns!

Maybe it's because it's grey and rainy outside, or maybe it's because white never was my color (thanks to my pasty Scottish genes) but I had a hankering this morning to see some colorful wedding dresses! That green/blue Oscar de la Renta number would definitely be causing me some serious wedding dress envy if it weren't well out of my price range (dress crisis averted). See above for some of my recent favorites.

Top to Bottom: 1. Style VW351011, Organza Fit and Flare with Bias Flange Skirt, White by Vera Wang, Spring 2011 (available at www.davidsbridal.com); 2. Style 22E40, Silk Faille Strapless Gown with Embroidered Carnations and Silver Buillion Accents, Oscar de la Renta, Fall 2011 (http://www.oscardelarenta.com/?folderId=/bridal/); 3. "Dew Drop" Pale Pink Ombre Embroidered Bubble Skirt with Dew-Drop Covered Rose Bolero, Claire Pettibone, Spring 2011(http://bridal.clairepettibone.com); 4. "Freya" Asymmetrical V-neck Feather Faille Mermaid Gown with Draped Peplum Bodice and Exposed Organza Corset, Vera Wang, Spring 2011 (http://www.verawang.com/wedding/bridal-collections/)

Wedding Porn- The Royal Edition

Ok, ok, I promise to write more posts instead of once a week wedding porn! Planning for my own wedding has taken over the last week. Table overlays are clearly of the utmost importance and require hours upon hours of research and contemplation. But, keeping up with our Hump Day tradition here at NB, I bring you Wedding Porn: The Royal Edition! This is partly inspired by the royal wedding coming up in April. To be honest, it's not a topic that interests me very much (but I am super glad I'm not getting married April 29, 2011!). Nevertheless, all this royal wedding talk reminded me of this one particular set of china I looked at while I was registering for my wedding pattern. Royal Crown Derby is a company that has produced high quality bone china since the mid-eighteenth century. In 1890, Queen Victoria dubbed them the "manufacturers of porcelain to Her Majesty" hence the royal part of their name. I came across their Traditional Imari 2451 pattern while researching my registery and it was pure love at first sight! It kind of reminds me of something my grandmother has in her house. While the pattern is inspired by traditional Japanese imari patterns, its combination of floral and geometric motifs and its mix of dark blue, gold and red give it a modern appeal. Oh, and that gold color on the plates happens to be real gold, which only adds to its shiny-ness! The downside? A 5 piece place setting will set you (or rather your guests) back $850. Still, a girl can dream (although I'd feel pretty guilty eating take out on it...).

Top to Bottom: Traditional Imari 2451 Salad Bowl ($1,100); Traditional Imari 2451 Teapot ($1,100); Traditional Imari 2451 Dinner Plate ($250)- available in the States at Michael C. Fina (www.michaelcfina.com)

Wedding Porn- Honeymoon Edition!

Thanks to the never-ending cold weather and mountainous piles of gross, grey snow that frustrate any and all parking efforts, I've decided to dedicate this week's edition of wedding porn to the honeymoon. Not just any honeymoon- a Fiji honeymoon! Likuliku Lagoon almost sounds like something out of a Disney movie, and when you see the pictures on their website, you'll think it's too good to be true. Located 16 miles outside of Nadi (where the airport is located), you can reach the adults-only resort by catamaran, private speedboat, seaplane or helicopter (which makes for a pretty dramatic entrance). You have several different options for accomodations, with the most expensive being a bure (wood and straw cabin) situated out in the lagoon, over the water! You can literally snorkle from right off your deck! The deluxe beach front bure looks just as tempting with its own private plunge pool and location just steps away from the waves. Each bure is super private, has spectacular views and is decorated in traditional South Pacific designs. There's a spa for massages and treatments and plenty of diving, snorkeling and hiking options. Even if you've already booked your honeymoon, check out their website. Just staring at the pictures will make you feel happy! http://www.likulikulagoon.com/home.cfm

Amazeballs!

BHLDN- Anthropologie's bridal line has officially debuted, and it certainly did not disappoint! See above for some of our personal faves!

Top to Bottom: 1. Starburst Pleated Shift ($200); 2. Dotted Voile Veil ($160); 3. Gardenia Moto Gloves ($100); 4. Trumpeted Pavot Gown ($4,000); 5. Petal Panes Bolero ($180).

Let the Count-Down Begin!

Attention all NBs- BHLDN, Anthropologie's bridal line is premiering THIS MONDAY (Valentine's Day). Check out their website for a teaser of their line: http://www.bhldn.com/. In the meantime, if their stuff has anything in common with the pieces above, we'll be very happy (and facing potentially dangerous wedding dress envy).

From top to bottom: 1. Take Heart Necklace ($148); 2. Endless Lengths Dress ($138); 3. Byzantium Mosaic Necklace ($178); 4. Decade-by-Decade Skirt ($128); 5. Sloan Square Heels ($98)

Wedding Porn!

Happy Wedding Porn Day NBs- I can't believe another week has flown by so fast! This week's edition is inspired by the upcoming Valentine's Day and my on-going obsession with retro/antique jewelry. In poking around estate jewelry websites, I've found lots of fantastic statement necklaces- and what better place to show them off than your very own wedding?! When paired with a simpler styled wedding dress, they really shine. It's a great way to make your look unique (especially if you use an antique piece of jewelry) and add an eye-catching twist to a more conservative look. Nicole Miller makes beautifully tailored gowns that would be the perfect showcase for one of these retro necklaces, available online at Lang Antique and Estate Jewelry (http://www.langantiques.com/).

Top to Bottom: Nicole Miller Silk Stretch Gown with Twist (EP0010); Mid-Century Diamond Bib Necklace, $14,750; Nicole Miller Double Face Satin Halter Gown with Open Back (FA0031); 18K Yellow Gold 50 Inch Long Lariat Tassel Necklace, circa 1960s-early 70s ($8,850)

Saipua

In doing research for the floral portion of my wedding, I came across the magical aesthetic of Saipua! Located in Brooklyn, their arrangements are a little Mrs. Haversham-y with a healthy dose of Dutch Old Master painting thrown in for good measure. Needless to say, I'm head over heels in love with their work- and I certainly wouldn't mind a bouquet for a certain holiday that's coming up in the next few days (hint, hint). Check out their website for more drool-worthy pictures: http://www.saipua.com/.

N.B. They also make great soap! It would be a welcome addition to any bridesmaid gift bag.

Weekly Dose of Wedding Porn: Groundhog Day Edition

Happy Groundhog Day! FYI, Phil officially has declared an early spring this year- pretty hard to believe considering I skated to the bus stop this morning over a half inch layer of ice that is covering EVERYTHING! It proved to be a source of inspiration though for this week's dose of wedding porn! I am pleased to bring you: Okamoto Studio in Long Island City, an artist collective that redefines the medium of ice sculpture. These are not your run-of-the-mill ice sculptures (swans anyone?). I first saw Okamoto Studio at The Wedding Party hosted by The Wedding Library and Martha Stewart Weddings where they showcased their talent with a bar made entirely of ice. Check out their website (http://www.okamotostudionyc.com/) for even more gasp-inducing examples of their work. Some of my personal favorites are above (especially the last one!). Every piece is customized according to your ideas and inspiration (and budget). Trust me, if I went to a wedding with one of these on display, I'd be telling people about it for weeks after.