bespoke by candy anthony (vintage-inspired)

Its popularity is increasing as more and more fashionista brides stray from the norm -- the bespoke dress. It can't be copied and can't be ordered out of a catalog because it's purely a custom tailored dress. You be the designer, and talents like Candy Anthony, will bring your vision to life. It's most probable that one will save money, but it's not the savings I take to concern, it's the originality that one walks away with. And with every b&w bride who dares to plan a wedding fit only for her, the bespoke dress screams original, creative, and haute.



I've been surfing, gathering inspiration for vintage-inspired art/dresses/shoes/weddings and came across London's Candy Anthony, a dress designer who philosophizes that "Beauty is a Feeling."

It is my philosophy to create a beautiful gown so that you, the wearer, would encompass a feeling of serenity and poise. A feeling of self-completeness. A quality gown. Its cut, its cloth, its purpose of being made for you, should create assurance...the beauty...from which this feeling springs. -- CA

I admire that none of the dresses are alike -- just like our approach to every b&w wedding.



Photo credit: CandyAnthony.com; WeddingMagazine.co.uk . . .(click for full post)

vintage + modern + apple green wedding invitations

As I mentioned earlier, we have a design+invitations+coordination wedding on Aug1509. It's in Orange County at the Heritage Museum, a place I've heard wonderful things about -- orange groves, lush gardens, vintage cars posted throughout the venue, the landmark vintage house. I just can't wait for this summer wedding! The colors are going to be black+white+apple green. We designed the coordinating invitation package -- 2 color letterpress printed invites with a vintage + modern feel. The bride found the coolest tandem bike to include and I had fun with the typography...check 'em out!


Above: custom invitation package; metallic white outer envelope with 1C printing, metallic black inner envelope, 2C letterpress main card w/ metallic black backing, metallic white tri-fold insert with 2C printing, 2C letterpress response card, metallic white response card envelope with 1C printing





I love how simple this invite package came out. The main card is adhered to a metallic black backing -- no folding jacket or pockets -- just a single card invitation.


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melon shoes by Christian Lacroix

I'm officially infatuated with summer...the colors, the weather, the dresses, the night time outings -- all of it. So here I am, putting up another summer lovin' post. I was first drawn to the color, thinking melon might be my 2009 summer color, but look at these heels! If I could only see these shoes in person. I LOVE these sexy Christian Lacroix heels and the color palette -- melon, gold, and black. Hmm..wedding color scheme? I'd say you're making a statement.



Photo credit: Zappos.com . . .(click for full post)

it's hot! summer bridesmaid dresses

Cool summer breeze, ocean blue waters, crisp sand between your toes, and the aroma of the salt water -- nature's elements to complete that romantic beach wedding. Even more wonderful is the fact that beach weddings can be a casual affair. I thought it'd be great, while enjoying Southern Cali's awesome weather, to showcase some BM dress options. Remember, you're entitled to step outside the box! What a better way to do just that by treating your BMs to a summer BM dress...no frillies, satin, and boning here -- just chic, tropical printed beauties that they will look lovely wearing. Check out some of Bloomingdale's hot summer dresses.


Photo credit: Bloomingdales.com . . .(click for full post)

anniversary trip to the happiest place on earth :: disneyland

I apologize for lagging on my posts! This week has been a hectic week -- I haven't been in the office this week, as I've been attending meetings and accommodating corporate clients for big projects I'm involved with. I'm doing a quick post, 'cause I've got to run off here to shop for fabric!

On Tuesday, Abe and I celebrated our two year wedding anniversary at the happiest place on Earth -- Disneyland! It's only 25 minutes away, and yet, this was our first time visiting the theme park as a couple. I can't believe we waited this long, 'cause we enjoyed every minute of it -- even bought the 3-day hopper ticket which is also good at California Adventure. Everything seemed smaller or shorter -- like the seats in the Haunted Mansion -- I swore the back of the seat rose five feet above my head..haha. Abram even managed to convince me to sit in the front of Splash Mountain. How'd he do that? Glad I brought a change of clothes.




Here are some photos I took of some wedding items. We did spot a lot of couples wearing the Minney veil and Mickey top hat. Wonder how many proposals were made that day! Couples, take a trip out to Disney. It's an awesome place to spend some quality time, have a nice dinner (mystery restaurant you see when touring Pirates of the Caribbean), feel youthful together, and cuddle up as you sit through the rides. Oh, and if you're thinking of a vintage-inspired wedding, this is a good place to get typography, music, and decor ideas -- I love it!





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7.7.07 :: it's our anniversary!

Two years ago, on this date, Abe and I tied the knot in Laguna Beach. And I still say I'd do it all over again! LOL. I will be out of the office today enjoying some QT together. Enjoy your Tuesday, and I'll be sure to come back with some fab posts! ;)

PS. We watched the entire Michael Jackson memorial service on TV this morning. We will miss you, MJ, and may you rest in peace. You have been an inspiration to many, young and old, and no one will ever do what you've done for us. . . .(click for full post)

happy 4th of july!

Honor the birthday of the United States of America, and celebrate our independence! Remember just how lucky we are here -- thanks to the fellas who signed the Declaration of Independence on this day, back in 1776. . . .(click for full post)

INTERIOR DEZIGN :: master of the intricate: Tord Boontje

Yes, swoon. I first saw this designer's work in 2006 at our wedding venue, 7-Degrees, and fell in love. I intended to make this one of my very first posts, but was trying to find the right time to do it. And since I've been talking about paper, I thought it'd be a great time.



Tord Boontje, a Dutch-born artist who is so versatile, he could be labeled a craftsman, interior designer, furniture designer, product designer, textiles tech, but to me, a master of the intricate -- more obviously, his elaborate laser-cut art. He's worked with Swarovski, Target, and CB2 (just posted!), has had installations all over the world, and has won prestigious awards for his art.* Just look at the photos. We were one lucky couple to have had several of his Midsummer lights and installations hanging throughout our venue during our wedding. Thinking about adding texture to the walls of your venue? Get inspired by Tord.


Above: Tord Boontje's laser-cut designed curtains


Above: Tord Boontje's laser-cut "Garland" and "Midsummer" lights


Above: Tord Boontje's Swarovski installation titled, "Winter Wonderland"

You've probably seen his art around. It's pretty neat to see it up close. The detail involved is well appreciated. Design Museum had the opportunity to interview Mr. Boontje. You can see the full interview here.

(Design Museum) Q. Similarly, what inspired you to work in lighting?

(Boontje) A. Darkness. Often we have too much light. Also light can be a very powerful tool to influence a space. I like the dappled light in forests, and the glitter and sparkle of ice, cities, crystals and parties.

Above: Tord Boontje's laser-cut "Wednesday" lights

Above: Tord Boontje's packaging for his "Wednesday" light


Above: Tord Boontje's "Fairy Tail" Card


Above: Tord Boontje's laser-cut metal vases

*Resources: TordBoontje.com, Artecnica
Images: TordBoontje.com, Modern Poverty, Style Hive, Toxiferous
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NEWS: b&w wedding in the works {8.15.09}

Excited as can be, we have another wedding coming up -- 08.15.2009 in Orange County! We've been working hard to create a spectacle filled with lots of vintage love and a touch of modern character. I'll be posting photos of the vintage inspired, letterpress printed invitations soon! As a matter of fact, we've been working on three custom invitation jobs. Busy time for us and couldn't be more grateful. Can't wait to show you what we've been up to in the recent months! -- B&W . . .(click for full post)

the art of the crease by Simon Schlubert

In speaking about paper, I found something truly amazing. Just when I thought the crease was my worst enemy…Simon Schlubert, a talented and innovative German artist, made it his friend. This is simply creativity at its finest.


Above: Schlubert's "Spiegelraum"


Above: Schlubert's "Spiegelungen"


Above: Schlubert's "Flur Mit Spiegel Zentral"
More of creasing and folding as an art.


Above: Schlubert's "Rundtreppe Und Raum"


Above: Schlubert's "Treppen" . . .(click for full post)

guest book pens

The guest book pen: a detail that I try not to leave unnoticed. Why? Well, I make custom guest books, and I want to make sure they don't lose their integrity by being ruined simply by the wrong choice of a pen. When I choose paper, I'm not only selecting paper that reflects the design of the wedding or matches the paper goods, but paper that will last over time, won't turn yellow or begin to spot. These brands of papers come with a price, but when a person is dealing with something she wants to keep over time, quality becomes a priority. Yes, paper ages, and though most of us have never bore any interest in how paper is made or what happens to paper over time, you want to make sure your guest book is doing ok as it sits untouched in storage or simply on a bookshelf. A guest book is something you plan to store away as a keepsake for years, and a small detail, like the pen that marks the pages, does impact what happens to your treasured guest book memento over time.


Above: Image of glass blown pens from Smart Bride International

When shopping around for your guest book pens, take note of the surface of the paper that your guests will be writing on. Is it glossy (coated) or matte (uncoated)? Colored? Textured? Hand made?

For a traditional guest book which uses typical text weight, uncoated sheets of paper similar in thickness to bond paper, I would suggest using a ball point pen. Ball point pens write pretty smoothly on flat surfaces, don't bleed over time, and are easy to find. I would try avoid using a roller ball pen (the inky kind) because it tends to bleed, smear, and gap if not held at the right angle. And over time, the bleeding will turn yellow. You're also looking at the aesthetic value of the stroke thickness -- a ball point pen has a medium thickness, but is usually governed by the pressure of the hand. For instance, a felt tip pen (made of a fiber tip) creates thick strokes. And after fifty or so entries, the felt tip will eventually give way and flatten during the reception, making for chunky names and addresses.

I know, picky as it may seem, a pen is a tiny detail that can maintain the health of your guest book. Note: You don't have to spend an arm and a leg on a guest book pen. From my experience doing weddings, it's common that few pens end up disappearing throughout the night, so unless you want to tie down your pen to the guest book, don't feel bad if you end up going to Staples to pick up a pack. I'd recommend putting several out and having your coordinator save a few to replenish should they go missing throughout the night.
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street inspired :: pop up card (Ito-Ya in Japan)

"Street Inspired" -- interesting things I've spotted on excursions here, there, and everywhere. These are things that fuel my creativity.

My first post is a pop up card I found in Ito-Ya, one of the largest stationery stores in Ginza, Japan -- 7 floors of art/paper/pens. The love for paper is BIG in Japan -- I even witnessed herds of people in line just to buy pens! I enjoyed seeing all the types of hand made paper -- felt like I was a kid in a candy store.

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cool finds at CB2

For the engaged couple looking for registry ideas OR the newlyweds focused on decorating the new abode, I've spotted some cool finds at CB2, a Crate & Barrel subsidiary. The lumiere candleholders are on sale, and they're a great alternative to using the standard candle holder for the ceremony.

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sassy, short gowns by melissa sweet

It's summer, and it's the perfect time to show some sass and style by rockin' a short couture bridal gown! I've kept an eye out for Melissa Sweet's dresses for some time now -- she also designs some of the most haute bridesmaid gowns. I love her style and choice of materials -- 2009 is all about texture. If you've got ideas for a themed wedding, love 50s style, or are simply that type of person who just wants to be different -- make a statement! Just dab on some luscious red or fuschia lipstick, and voila! -- instant sass.



Melissa Sweet attended Parsons School of Design in New York and Bauder College in Georgia, and in 1996, opened up her own bridal salon. She then sold her bridal company to Priscilla of Boston in 2005, and in 2008, she left to pursue another dream. Her designs are now being carried out by two phenomenal designers, Antonio Gual and Lia McNairy.*











Photo Credits: William Clark, Priscilla of Boston
*Resources: Priscilla of Boston . . .(click for full post)

wedding forecast by JM :: trunk show vs. sample sale

"TRUNK SHOW vs. SAMPLE SALE"
Designer devotees and fashionistas share a common love for trunk shows and sample sales. While I have explained the world of sample sales in my previous blog "Sample This," the following question pops up quite often: What exactly is the difference between the two? More specifically, what is a bridal trunk show?

Above: Photo of the infamous Kleinfield's bridal store in Manhattan; Photo credit: kleinfieldbridal.com

Bridal trunk shows are traveling collections of wedding dresses from a featured designer. A company representative or sometimes the designer will personally host this special event, giving brides the luxury of viewing an entire collection. Most bridal salons and boutique divisions in department stores do not have showrooms to display full collections. Because of space limitation, they only carry a selected amount of dresses from each designer. At a trunk show, brides have the opportunity to try on the latest designs. Some of the styles may not even be available to the general public as they are from an upcoming season. Others may be an exclusive sample as the designer is looking for consumer feedback prior to placing the gown in production. And many times, bridal salons will bring in designers not currently carried in their store giving them the chance to do a market analysis of their region.

Above: Photo of Donna Salyer's bridal store in Kentucky; Photo credit: fabulous-bridal.com

It’s an amazing perk to have a representative or the designer in attendance as you will be treated to a personal consultation. Make it a point to chat with them and utilize their expertise to get your questions answered. Unlike sample sales, dresses at a trunk show are not discounted. However, there are plenty of special services and incentives that you can take advantage of. Special accessories like veils, additional buttons, and lace may be thrown in. Or the rep may waive fees for removing sleeves, adding length to a train, re-designing a neckline, and other custom changes that you are considering. Some bridal salons may also offer a percentage discount for dresses ordered during the show.

With that in mind, why wouldn’t you want to partake in a fashion event like this? Trunk shows are always on the move so contact your local bridal boutiques and department stores to request their calendar of events. If you have a favorite designer, be sure to book your appointment early as space is limited. Be prepared to make that purchase as that unique find will make its exit in a couple of days only to enter into a new city for the next wide-eyed bride in the know.

Above: Photo of WED bridal salon; Photo credit: Brian Noppe

Below is a list of my personal picks of upcoming trunk shows at Here Comes the Bride in San Diego and Mon Amie in Orange County:

Here Comes the Bride
(619) 688-9201

• Rose Clara | June 26–28
• Rivini | July 17–19
• Lazaro | August 14–16

Mon Amie
(714) 546-5700

• Ines Di Santo | June 27–28
  - Meet designer Veronica Di Santo
  - Fashion show at 9:30am on June 17
  
• Jim Hjelm | July 31 – August 2
  - Meet designer Francesca Pitera
  - Fashion show at 9:30am on August 1
• Monique Lhuillier | August 14–16
  - Fashion show at 9:30am on August 15

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sharing your wedding plans via writing

I thought about how Claire Pettibone was inspired by wedding planning at the age of four and how Anne Hathaway and Kate Hudson's characters in Bride Wars were enthralled by attending a wedding at the early age of five. It hit me that the stories of children dreaming about their big day, especially young girls, do exist. Personally, I can't even recall attending a wedding as a child, but I'm sure I have -- guess my mind was fixed on finding kids my age to play with versus paying attention to the gorgeous white gown that approached the altar or bountiful flowers which were delicately arranged. My preface leads me to writing your wedding planning story. I wish I had done this, not that I didn't have a million other things to do while planning. But, I do regret not taking the time to write down what it was like to get proposed to, and to see the ring for the first time...to how we found our venue and the design directions Abe and I pondered. I thought about my daughter understanding personal decisions, like why I went dress shopping on my own, or what it was like to attend the Catholic Engaged Encounter for marital preparation. Wouldn't it be neat to share this with your daughter, the day she gets proposed to? It will be some time before your daughter is old enough, but I think there's something magical about planning one of the most important events of your life.


Above: photo of journals from SewRevived.com

I've seen it done through wedding blogs online -- it's another option, of course, but nothing can compare to your own hand written calligraphy in a journal you personally selected. Too, it won't get deleted by some HTML error, or hacked into, or seen by every pair of eyes -- including those who don't even know who you are. Share your story by writing your thoughts, sketches, inspiration, and challenges in a journal. . . .(click for full post)

vintage-inspired dresses by Claire Pettibone

Thinking of a vintage-inspired wedding theme? Full of frill and lace, embroidery and beading?


Illustration above is for sale on Etsy.com by KellyStreetVintage | $11.50

Then you've got to take a look at these gorgeous vintage-inspired gowns by Claire Pettibone, a Los Angeles gown designer, who took on a fascination for weddings at the age of 4! Read her story here.

These are dresses from her Rock 'n Roll collection for 2009.


Above: Pettibone's Twilight gown


Above: Pettibone's Stardust gown


Above: Pettibone's Noir gown


Above: Pettibone's Chakra gown
Pettibone uses European couture embroidery and laces to make her dreamy wedding gowns.


Above: Pettibone's Mystere gown


Above: Pettibone's Gothique gown


Above: Pettibone's Janis gown


Above: Pettibone's Demetra gown

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