The sincerest form of flattery

Surprisingly, I'm not really a jewelry-girl - it's hard for me to figure out what I like, and I usually have to see it on someone else first. That's why I'm such a big fan of Emitations - they're kind of like the accesories version of ABS. They create affordable imitations of the jewelry you see on your favorite celebrities.

Blue CZ Sapphire Oscar Drop Earrings, $174

Inspired by Eva Longoria during her 2007 wedding weekend

Elegant Faux Pearl and CZ Dangle Drop Earrings, $35

Inspired by Carrie Underwood at Fashion Rocks 2007

Valora's CZ Daisy Cuff Bracelet, $315.00
Inspired by Gwyneth Paltrow at 2005 Oscar Ceremony
Not a bad option if you still need to accecorize your wedding gown and you're on a budget. And today just happens to be the last day of their site-wide 20% off sale!

Cherry, baby!

Washingtonians: Did you get a chance to enjoy the fabulous weather yesterday? I certainly did in the afternoon, walking Desi. . .Spring is finally here! And if you still don't believe it, here's more proof. . .this weekend kicks off the National Cherry Blossom Festival.

When cherry blossom season comes around, I'm reminded of how lucky I feel to live in Washington. The city looks so beautiful. . . and cherry blossoms are a perfect way to put a uniquely-D.C. stamp on your wedding. Here are some ideas I love. . . .
Invitation, The White Aisle

Paper Parasol, Cultural Intrigue
Cherry blossom lighting, The Paper Place
Favor boxes, Beau Coup
Cherry blossom cupcakes by Hello Naomi

That's why I Bluefly

I've talked before about how I'm enamored of JCrew's bridal line. . .this is currently one of my favorites. But JCrew's not the only place to look for a less-expensive wedding gown. Try Bluefly.com for some alternate affordable options.

Nicole Miller antique white silk bead trim gown
retail value: $1,400.00
bluefly: $840.00
A.B.S. ivory sateen strapless ruffle dress
retail value: $575.00
bluefly: $345.00
Nicole Miller antique white silk cutout scoopneck gown
retail value: $1,100.00
bluefly: $660.00

Happy Monday

Browsing through the archives of Kim Hawthorne's blog over at Photos Unscripted I came across what has to be one of my favorite photos ever.
Now this is a WEDDING!

Puppy Love

Move over Jim. There's a new man in my life. . .

Meet Desi! He's a three year-old basset hound/beagle mix, we brought him home from a shelter a few weeks ago.
Here he is in the middle of one of his 75 naps a day. No, he's not lazy, not exactly anyway.Did I mention he's a chewer? So far he got his teeth on my favorite black leather handbag and all its contents, a thermos, a pizza box, J. D. Salinger's 9 Stories, and my earrings. But look at those eyes. . . I forgive you Desi.
He's also a sniffer. When he's not sleeping or chewing, his nose is to the ground.
And the only thing he likes more than sleeping, chewing and sniffing, is a good long belly rub - any time of the day.
Come on admit, he's a handsome guy.

But he looks the most adorable when he climbs down the stairs on his little short legs.

Sigh. I'm sorry what were we talking about? That's right, weddings. I have a point, I promise. Since bringing Desi home I've been thinking about couples who make their pets a part of their ceremony. It happens much more often than you'd think, and according to The Knot, it's not only completely acceptable it's a great way to personalize your wedding.

Rebecca Romijn and Jerry O'Connell making their way from ceremony to reception with their decked-out dog

Adam Sandler at his wedding reception with his dog Meatball.

If we had to do it again, I think we would have left Desi at home. He snores like you wouldn't believe.

Lovely

Browsing the latest over at InStyle Weddings I came across this gorgeous arrangement, and was surprised when I saw it was put together by one of our local favorite florists, Amaryllis.

(Photo by Monica Buck)

These are actually petals from more than three dozen Esperance roses, framed by monastera leaves, together creating the illusion of one large, lush flower. Gorgeous.

Not everyone wants a Vera Wang

Good news from Off the Rack. . .avant-garde fashion designer Erin Fetherston's next project is a bridal collection, for the "cool alternative bride".
(Photo from Teen Vogue)
I love Erin's clothes, and I certainly hope she chooses to design wedding gowns for the budget-conscious, like her line for Target. Looking at these images from her last few collections, I'm picturing gorgeous, minimalist and whimsical dresses for the modern gal. Can't wait to see what she comes up with!





(Runway photos from Style.com)

Piece of Cake

When I got married, I didn't have a videographer. Honestly didn't even think about it twice, I mean, I HATE sitting down for an hour or two to watch family movies, and by eliminating a videographer I was freeing up money in the budget that I could spend on more important things. For the most part, I think most wedding videos are too long and cheesy. I've never regretted it. . .that is, until now.

I just discovered Layer Cake Films and I'm experiencing total and complete remorse. Finally, someone has come along with a fresh take on wedding videography, and I'm going to have to convince my husband to renew our vows or something, just so I can use them. The team at Layer Cake works hard to create so much more than just the average wedding coverage. They craft fun films for our generation - stylistic, offbeat, and ultimately beautiful works catered to the personal tastes of every bride and groom. Get a preview of their 'deliciously sweet' style at their website and blog.

Look, it worked for Trista and Ryan

Happy St. Patrick's Day! When you're done with your pints of green beer and crawling home from the pub, remember that today is also important because it marks the season premiere of one of my favorite (and thanks to some subliminal messages, my husband's favorite) reality television shows: The Bachelor!
This season's bachelor is Matt Grant, a six-foot, five-inch blue-eyed 27-year-old "financier" from London. But is he ready to walk down the aisle? Well, he's apparently the youngest of five married brothers and is "ready to start a family", according to OK Magazine. Not a bad sign.

Call me a softie, but for some reason, past precedent has no affect on me, and instead, I just have incredible faith in this show. Sure, about 80% of the time the relationships don't work out, but you have to admit it's entertaining to watch regardless of the outcome. If people can find love on a blind date, newspaper personals, via speed dating or Match.com, then why can't they find it on a television show? Here's hoping that this season results in another on-air proposal, televised wedding, and well-publicized offspring, a la Trista Rehn and Ryan Sutter.

Something Blue

If you haven't figured out your 'something blue', check out Brides.com this week for a great selection.
Square-cut diamond ring by Lauren K

Austrian crystal hand­bag with pewter frame from Clara Kasavina, at handbagart.com.

White-satin slingbacks with vintage-style buckle (dyed glacier-blue), Badgley Mischka, at myglassslipper.com.

Hand-tied bouquet of white sweet pea with blue muscari, wrapped in striped duchess satin ribbon, Belle Fleur.

Here's hoping

If you read this blog on a regular or even some-what regular basis, then you know that I'm kind of into celebrity weddings. So it might not make sense that, after checking out US weekly, I'm taking the time to highlight a few celebrities who've made it clear they won't be getting married any time soon. Well let's just say celebrities don't always stick to their word. . .so here's hoping we see some wedding pictures in the future from. . .

Brad Pitt (who has said he "will consider tying the knot when everyone else in the country who wants to be married is legally able") and Angelina Jolie.

Halle Berry (who made it pretty clear when she said:"I will never marry again. I mean it with every bone in my body") and Gabriel Aubrey

m Carrey and Jenny McCarthy (I love the quote I heard recently from Jim: "We're never getting married. But we're never getting divorced".

Johnny Depp and Vanessa Paradis

Black and White

The black bridesmaid dress trend continues. I've seen them at the last 3 weddings I've been to, and here's Kate Bosworth in a beautiful version by Lisa Ho, at a wedding this Saturday.