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I have my heart set on a Pronovias gown. I love them. They are simple, and elegant, and romantic. I can't really imagine having another dress.

I had tried on a few of their dresses over the summer and had thought I had decided on one. But being the indecisive me that I am and wanting to check out the 2010 collection, I decided that going in to try some more dresses would be a wise decision. WRONG! Now I am just plain confused, surprise surprise. So I want to put this out there to my blogger pals and see what you think. I will be posting the links to the pictures of the dresses, as Mr. Milk frequents this blog, and he is not to see the dress till its time.

1. First Dress

I love how romantic this dress is! My only concern is the way the material is bunched at on side. While it looks soft and flowy in the picture, it is more stiff in real life. The bodice of this dress is gorgeous!  

2. Second Dress

Again I love how romantic and elegant this dress is. I think the top is beautiful. If I were to buy this gown, I would have the pleated layer on the bottom removed, I think it doesn't suit the rest of the dress. I asked at the store and was told this can be done. Try to picture it without if you can. 

3. Third Dress

This is the dress I tried on in the summer and thought would be the one. Now looking at it, I think it is a little plain and also more expensive than the other two. 

Photo Credit: Pronovias, Google Images

Ok, is anyone with me on this or am I just a nut job?  I bought my dress about 10 months before my big day.  It arrived within 2 1/2 months and I absolutely love it.  Afterall, it took me 2 months, 7 salons between Orange County and LA and at least 30-40 different gown try-ons before finding the *ONE*. 

But now, whenever I see a gown posted on a blog, in a bridal magazine or on a tv show, I start to have buyer's remorse.  Seriously!  How is that possible?  Don't get me wrong...I love my gown for all the right reasons and family and friends all tell me it's gorgeous.  But with SO many bridal options, styles and new lines coming out constantly and a LOOONG engagement period, it is easy to see something else that has similar traits and yet a different look to it and for a brief moment wish that I could have a do-over.  :( 

I don't seriously want to buy another gown - do I?  (sigh) I still love my gown, no doubt...but I also love that gown, and this one and then there's that one.  What's a girl to do?  Does anyone else feel this way?  It's like I have to quickly turn the channel or turn my head if I open a blog post that has pictures of gowns in it for fear that I will want to sell mine and buy another!  I need to put blinders on - seriously!

I've decided to take a break from drooling over pieces I want or things I want to create to share a story with you.
It's about the man I'm going to marry.
This story is quite humorous to me, and I hope that you find it enjoyable as well.

My man recently got a job with an insurance company.
Not his ideal situation since he has an associate's degree in Sports Management and a BS in business management, but he's content.
Well, he's been in training for his job for the past three weeks, and today his department is celebrating Thanksgiving.
Everyone was asked to bring in a food item or donate money for the main portion of the meal.

My beau decided to bring monkey bread.

If you don't know what it is, essentially, it's biscuits covered in cinnamon, sugar, and butter.
[definitely "low carb"]

And, let me preface the rest of the story by saying two things.
One, my man does not fair well in the kitchen; he's much better microwaving things, of which he often informs me.
Two, I now know why men are not allowed in kitchens and understand why women typically do all the cooking.

Ahem.
Here we go.

Last night, he was prepping the biscuits and the oven started beeping to let him know it was preheated and ready.
My mother and I were in another room watching BONES when we heard him say in a whiny voice to the stove -
"All ready? But I'm not even ready!"
My mother and I looked at each other and began to snicker.
Silly boys.

After BONES was over, I took pity and went to help my failing man.
He was going super slow, but I totally rocked it.
I got those puppies in and out in no time!

After making two monkey breads, I helped clean up by putting the supplies away while he washed dishes.
Then, I went to bed.

I came downstairs this morning to find...
the oven still on
and
the bundt pan soaking in the sink.

Oh yes.
He left the oven on.
So, not only did he possibly rust the bundt pan because he left it soaking in water,
but he possibly could have burnt the house down.

And that is a great way to end a week...
with a little laugh.

Photo : The Prepared Pantry

I'm sorry to say I never inherited my grandfather's green thumb. Growing up, I was always the house-sitter who killed the plants, or the wannabe gardener who was better off sticking to weeding. And when it comes to choosing flowers for my wedding day, I need all the help I can get.

Luckily, Southern California wedding florist Jamie Mastright came to my rescue, and was happy to help set me on the right path. I hope her great advice, which I'll share in two parts, helps you out, too!

What are some of the hottest trends in wedding flowers right now?

Hand-tied bouquets are very popular, and a lot of florists are adding interesting textures, such as beads, crystals, pearls, and unique wrapping around the stems. Also, designers and brides are looking for different and unique ways to use inexpensive flowers and give the bride more for her dollar. For example, florists are using fewer flowers, but instead adding special touches like twisted and looped leaves or grasses. The different shapes are visually appealing, and the foliage is cheaper than most flowers.

Do you recommend that a bride try to "do it herself" to save money? Why or why not? What are your best DIY tips?

While a bride can, of course, try to do the flowers on her own, I always try to remind her that the hectic flower assembly must be completed right before the wedding, along with all the other activities filling her schedule. It's a very busy time, and there are usually hiccups in the design process for that very reason.

If a bride does decide to take the DIY route, my best tip is to not be afraid to experiment, because in terms of design, anything is possible. DIY brides should practice before the wedding. This will help calm their nerves and allow time to solve any design issues they might have. I recommend using an assembly line during the floral construction, and getting the bridesmaids and family members involved in the process.

What are some of your favorite unique bouquet, boutonnière and centerpiece ideas?

I love the look of twisted wire in corsages and boutonnières, as well as bouquets and arrangements. It helps add interest and is a fun design. I once had a bride who wanted to use fern fiddles - the newest unfurled growth on a fern - in the boutonnières, but was discouraged by the cost. So, I came up with the idea of using wire and floral tape to mimic the twisted design. I also love the use of fruit in arrangements, which can help add an interesting touch and give guests something new to look at.

A centerpiece idea I especially love right now is the use of everyday items, including cups and bowls, as containers for floral designs. It's fun to mix and match your favorite dishes, even those you might have found at discount stores and thrift shops. They can help create either a shabby-chic or elegant look, depending which containers you choose. And if you like a container that doesn't traditionally hold water, just add a plastic liner.

Which flowers, designs and trends are you tying into your celebration? Do you plan to DIY?

(Photo Credits: Jamie Mastright)

Not too long ago, Unique Designs asked me to be a part of a high fashion wedding photo shoot centered around a Twilight theme. He wanted me to create special, unique accessories just for the shoot because I am starting to design bridal accessories. With the release of Twilight's sequel {New Moon} just on the horizon, it's the perfect time to show off all of these hot photos!

Here's the story of how the shoot came to be:
Due to a slight obsession, {Unique Designs} wanted to create a Twilight wedding invitation, an idea which blossomed into a full concept design and shoot. The intent was not to replicate Bella & Edward's wedding, which was actually an Anne of Green Gables dress and was filled with white flowers, but to make another wedding style based on the mood and concept of Twilight. To acknowledge Edward's personality, we chose a dramatic look with bold flowers, strong reds, and splashes of black feathers. To incorporate Bella, we wanted to take a vintage twist which can be seen in the creams, vintage brooches, and antique lace.





 

The belt and necklace I made for the shoot:

I love the belt in this picture:

 And lastly, my favorite from the shoot:

Now for the best part...

Who were these amazing Florida wedding vendors?!?

 Concept & Event Stationery - Unique Designs
Photography - Pure: Photography by Lindsey Tropf
Concept Designer: Flowers & Tablescape - Event Divas
Cake - Posh Pastry
Hair - Stephanie & Lonie Carpenter from Mode Salon
Makeup - Sarah Hunter from Mode Salon
Accessories - Kari Roy Kari. {That's me!}
Female Model - Chanel Bird
Male Model - Bobby Swan
Wedding Dress - Solution's Bridal
Tux - Tuxedo Junction
Linen Rentals - Celebration's Catering 

Feathers are a fun trend I see everywhere in weddings now. I never thought they would make a comeback but they have! From down the runway at Fashion week, to celebrity weddings and everywhere in between this idea has really hit the ground running and I love it!

 Jenny Packham's Spring 2010 Fashion Show was full of feathery details

Photo: Jared Spencer

Reem Acra's gowns were adorned with texture and feathers.

Photo: Jared Spencer

Feathers are a unique substitute for flowers in bouquets and centerpieces.

Photo: Must Love Weddings

Photo: Flowers and Sparkle

Photo: Must Love Weddings

Photo: Weddings by Stephanie

They can also be a neat decor or topper for your wedding cake

Photo: Continental Cakes

Photo: Budget Dream Weddings

And don't forget the small details like hair pieces and boutineers

Photo: Nuptial Celebrations

Photo: DLSH Design

Although this isn't the actual start of the wedding dress search series (my various shopping experiences that i've posted about thus far include - Hitched Salon, Terri Lynn's Bridal, Carrine's Atelier, Filene's and David's Bridal and also my post about Ulla-Maija Designs), Now that I have ordered my dress ... I can start to share the various dresses that I fell in love with along the way to find "my perfect" dress.

One thing I learned through this process of dress shopping is this: There are sooooo many dresses out there. The reason? Because there are so many different tastes and different body types. I think the most important thing is how the bride feels in the dress. And this is so personal. Going through the various salons I went to and the dresses that I've tried on - the only reason I ended up with the dress I chose was not b/c something was "wrong" with any of the other dresses, but rather... I loved all these dresses, but i had to choose the one that made me feel the happiest!

So after my first dress shopping experience at the amazing Hitched Salon in Georgetown... the first two contendors on this journey were: 

Ulla Maija Anouk

A beautiful stunning dress that just draped perfectly. The material was just gorgeous and I felt beautiful in this dress.

Ulla Maija Cendrillon 

A little more romantic and flowey, but I loved the way it cinched my waist.

How was your first time out dress shopping?

So many brides share their thoughts of eloping and pose the question to us ladies as to whether or not we would ever consider this?

www.cartoonstock.com

I often read blogs or hear brides talk of their desire to just throw the wedding plans out the window and run off to some intimate, romantic getaway to elope - some even just think of the traditional Vegas wedding.

Thinking of you and your honey whizzing off (preferably in a convertible) with the wind in your hair and not a care in your head is a beautiful fantasy.  No invites to print, no music playlists to be determined, no frustrating gown alterations, no constant fights with the fiance over how much money this wedding is costing you...ah, wouldn't it be nice to just let Calgon take you away?  (Yes, I dated myself with that question.)

thatwoman.wordpress.com

It's totally understandable to want to avoid all your stress, tension, nerves, anxiety and frustrations that bubble over during the engagement phase.  Sometimes, it's the mere fear of having 'all eyes' on you that makes a shy, introverted bride just wish she could meet the local justice of the peace up close and personal and be heading for the airport on a honeymoon. I, unfortunately, feel really sad when I hear these desires from brides...mostly because it does seem to come out of their frustrations and not because the couple truly wants a small intimate little affair.  I completely relate to the stress and anxiety...

And I completely respect those couples who want that little ceremony on a beach with their parents and best friends and their little dog as their ring bearer.  But I know there is absolutely no way I could ever do the 'elopement' thing...and it's not just because I'm an extroverted, love to entertain, doesn't mind being the center of attention kinda girl. 

No, the reason I would never do this and feel sad when I hear other brides longing for this is because the truth of the matter is a wedding is meant to be a HUGE celebration.  Haven't you ever heard the phrase "I want to shout about our love from the mountaintops"?  Where do you think that comes from?  It's the excitement and joy of knowing that you have found that special someone who makes your toes curl, your heart melt and your giggles go silly whenever someone barely mentions their name! 

Why would you want to deny the opportunity for family and friends to wish you their blessings, shower you with gifts and most importantly, support you in your decision to unify your lives in love for all of eternity? 

As brides, we often give some thought, but not a ton to the ceremony details.  And then we spend months and months planning the attire, invitations and reception.  We look for photographers, shoes, place cards, flower choices and amazing menus.  And though our vows are important, we forget about what really matters at the ceremony: 

**  Who are those people sitting in the front row?  Your parents, who gave birth to you and raised you and tried to turn you into 'marriage material.'  Your father is in tears as he 'gives you away' because he recognizes the gravity of this momentous event.  Your grandparents gaze at you and long for great grandchildren.  They are most likely the patriarchs of your family and this is a blessing you cannot believe for them to watch the grandchild they got to spoil turn into a lovely young wife (and hopefully new mommy which never happens fast enough for them).

**  Who are those people standing beside you at the altar?  Your siblings, cousins, best friends, mentors...they have probably spent the better part of your life with you laughing, crying, burning memories into your mind.  They were there when that ex boyfriend broke your heart and were ready to curse him to the ends of the earth when he showed up to a party he knew you were going to be at with a new girl.  They were there when you had to pull all night study sessions to realize your dreams of working towards your goal (and possibly careers).  They know every nook and cranny of your past...good and bad.  And you know what?  Today, on your wedding day, they are not standing there beside you because you asked them to wear a dress and throw you a shower.  No, they are there because they know this man you have chosen and they watched him court you and grow to love you and they know that he is the man who will in fact, love and cherish and respect you til death do you part.  They stand next to you to affirm that yes, this is the man we believe you should marry.

**  Who are the guests sitting in those pews/chairs?  Your co-workers, alumni, neighbors, friends...they see you day in and day out.  They watch your favorite tv shows with you and celebrate Halloween parties with you.  They appreciate all you do for them and at one point or another in your life, they were a daily, necessary and major influence in your life.  And now, they get to sit here as you take your vows and promise your heart and soul to this man and they agree with your decision and support your marriage.  They sit here today with their own vows...vows that are necessary for any bride and groom embarking on the great unknown path of marriage.  They will vow to support you as a husband and wife and love and encourage you as you grow together.  They vow to not interfere in your relationship...to not ever lead either of you astray...to babysit your future children...to remind you (when you feel like running or are in the biggest fight of your lives) that you will get through this and need to humble yourself and truly remember to love one another.  They are your biggest fans...and will prove it by soon toasting you and partying down on the dance floor (even dancing those lame crowd dances like the chicken dance and electric slide if you ask them to).

Ladies...the next time you think you want to just run away and elope...try to remember what the day is really about...remember that it is always most importantly about people: not flowers, not gifts, not your venue.  It's about your parents, siblings, family, friends, and you and your groom.  Don't deny yourself this celebration and these vows...embrace them and try to grasp the emotion that lies in them.  It is beautiful, solemn, liberating and oh so lovely.