Buy your tickets now!

The bridal event hosted by The Wedding Salon is, in my opinion, one of the best events in the industry. The last time I attended, I was "oohing" and "aahing" over all of the fabulous table arrangements and elaborate floral designs. I also sipped on pretty, blue cocktails and sampled 3 delicious cakes (and met Sylvia Weinstock)! There was also an amazing display of gorgeous wedding gowns and accessories. Of course, I went snap happy with my camera the entire time, so check back to my old post from March (click here) to see the photos.

Monday, November 2nd from 4 - 9 PM
The Roosevelt Hotel
45 E. 45th Street @ Madison Ave

Buy tickets online ($50 for 2)

Fall Sample Sale

Junko Yoshioka is hosting a sample sale at their SoHo bridal salon on 580 Broadway, NYC. This 2-day event will take place October 1st and 2nd from 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM.

Get up to 70% off gorgeous, couture wedding gowns! Sample sale prices range from $700-3,000 (Originally $2,500-8,000).

Call for an appointment 212.206.9302

The Great Bridal Expo in NYC

Buy your tickets now
$7 online ($9 at the door)

Monday, October 5th starting at 5:30 PM
Marriott Marquis
1535 Broadway, NYC

An Invitation from Town&Country Weddings

St. Regis Hotel
2 E. 55th St. at Fifth Avenue
Louis XVI Room, 2nd floor

RSVP: 212.649.5005 or tcweddings@hearst.com

Say "I do" to J. Crew

Check out the J. Crew wedding trunk show for the upcoming fall/winter 2009 and spring 2010 collections at 30 Rockefeller Center, NYC. Sat 9/26 - Sun 9/27 from 8 - 11 AM.

RSVP to Ashley@jcrew.com

Blabber Bride is 1 year old!

Today marks the 1 year anniversary of when I started the Blabber Bride blog. My very first post was my "Spring Inspiration Board" on September 12, 2008. So, what better way to celebrate this day than to go to a WEDDING? Funny coincidence, I'm actually heading to a wedding... the wedding of my best friend... the same friend who I created the inspiration board for... exactly 1 year ago!!! It's really interesting how things come full circle...

I'm grabbing my blue bridesmaid dress and gold stiletto heels, and heading off to Long Island to get my hair and makeup done before the big event!

Ciao ladies~

Free Wedding Websites

Nowadays, having a wedding website for your guests to visit is a must. Here are some sites that offer free, personalized wedding websites.

Bridal Fever
MomentVille
eWedding
My Wedding
OneWed
The Knot
Wedding Channel

Facebook your wedding

If you're a Facebook fanatic, you can now share your wedding with your bridal party and guests through Weddingbook, "the most popular wedding destination on Facebook." I was impressed to find that Weddingbook currently has over 571,000 active users and over 8,000 fans already.

Through Weddingbook, you can do all the basics, like post links to your wedding website and gift registry, post engagement photos, and create a guest book for friends to sign. My favorite is that you can create a place for all of your guests to get to know each other on Facebook before the big day. There's also a countdown clock and the "wedding wall" where you can discuss your wedding plans and share updates. Another neat feature -- you can connect with other brides for advice through the Weddingbook Boards!

For the Tech-Savvy Bride

Here's a concept! Plan your wedding through your iPhone!


The Bride Guide was designed by a wedding planner and claims to offer "everything you need to plan a successful and stress-free wedding." You can download the Bride Guide from the iTunes app store.

The Bride Guide features:

• A countdown to your wedding date
• A complete (185) pre-populated to-do list items based on your wedding date
• The ability to add items to your to-do list
• Contact view that allows you to view and add wedding vendors
• A recommended budget based on industry standards
• A budget calculator that let’s you keep track of and add payments as you go
• A wedding planner that explains each facet of planning a wedding
• Topics include: Getting Started, Ceremony, Reception, Bride, Groom, Stationery, Flowers, Music, Photography & Videography, Wedding Party, Cake & Favors, Transportation, Honeymoon, Registry, Guests, Other Festivities
  

A Whole Other Kind of Crab Cake!

One of my coworkers shared these photos with me, and we both got such a kick out of it! Her aunt went to a wedding in Italy, and this cake (yup, cake!) was served at the rehearsal dinner. The entire cake is edible... the crabs, the corn, the Old Bay seasoning can, the bucket!... all made of white chocolate. Crazy, huh?

8 Fabulous Dresses!!!

Vera Wang

Vera Wang

Romona Keveza

Platinum for Priscilla of Boston

Lazaro

Junko Yoshioka

Giambattista Valli

Elie Saab

Sample Sale Alert

Thanks for letting me know about this event, CC!

Clara Kasavina

I first discovered Clara Kasavina handbags at the Wedding Salon Event I attended at the Roosevelt Hotel in NYC back in March of this year. I revisited her site today and found the most gorgeous handbag! It's handmade with Swarovski elements, genuine mink, and ostrich feathers! Absolutely fabulous.


Priced at $1875, but remember I shared a promo code with you back in March. Use code "WSalon09" and get 20% off your purchase. Just e-mail sales@clarakasavina.com to redeem.

i love yellow

Going for a fresh, summer look for your wedding day? Try a bright, citrus yellow!



Photos courtesy celebrity wedding florist, Kevin Lee.

I'm bringing Amanda1986 back~

I had to bring Amanda1986 from Etsy back!! She has such gorgeous and unique creations to offer ... I can't stop going back to see what else she's made! If you missed my earlier post in February, click here.

Look at these beautiful centerpieces in vintage tea tins!! Just $30 for the pair!! Think how lovely these would look sitting atop the table for your bridal shower or rehearsal dinner. Your guests will "ooh" and "aah" over them (like I do), and the best part is, they get to take them home and they won't wilt or die like real flowers!


This one is a bonus feature... how amazing is this boutonniere?! It's made of ostrich feathers! So glam, so fabulous. I just love it. Only $18.

Colette Malouf

My colleague could not stop gushing about the Colette Malouf hair accessories she found for her wedding and she urged me to share on Blabber Bride. She's right -- if you're not going for the princess tiara look, and you're not going for the ultra feminine, fresh flower look, what do you have left for your pretty little wedding head??! Well, CM's collection offers contemporary, chic hair pieces for the fashion-forward bride. Finally!

P.S. Congratulations, AB!!! I can't wait to see your wedding photos!! =)

Another great find from Etsy!

No more dust-collector guest favors! If you are a practical and eco-friendly bride, you'll want to check out these adorable soap favors from Primitive Earth on Etsy.com. Based in Charlottesville, VA, this Etsy member makes all-natural vegetable soaps using ingredients that are close to the earth. The soaps are scented with 100% essential oils, NO synthetic fragrances. You choose the scent from a variety of options!

Plus, provide a sample of your invitation or describe your wedding theme, and they will match the font and style on the soap labels. Label includes type of soap, name/date/event details, and ingredients. Soaps average 1.7 to 2 ounces each (about half the size of a regular bar), and are wrapped in adorable fabric, and topped off with your choice of grosgrain ribbon. $22.50 for a set of 10.

Featuring 3 new invitations from Paper a la Mode

Sorry ladies~ I completely forgot about the "Featured Invitation of the Month" posts for May, June, and July! To make up for this, I'd like to share three new invitations from Paper a la Mode...

Invitation #1 is from the Chloe B collection:
Sail away to your destination wedding with this bright white, tea-length invitation featuring nautical designs and navy pocket. Measures 9 1/2" x 4 1/4". Price $570 per 100.


Invitation #2 is from the Exclusive II collection:
A symbol of beauty, the peacock inspired this ecru, tea-length invitation. Two peacock feathers, in oceanside blue and espresso, encase the wording of your invitation to add a sophisticated touch. Measures 4" x 9 1/4". Price $212 per 100.


Invitation #3 is from the Tru collection:
A heavy, textured invitation in a nature-inspired wrap that opens to reveal your wording in the ink color of your choice. Wrap you invitation in a satin ribbon for the final touch. Measures 5 5/8" x 5 1/2". Price $460 per 100.


E-mail info@paperalamodeny.com with promo code "blabberbride" for 15% discount from now until Dec 31, 2009.

Congrats, Megan & Todd! Thanks for sharing your fabulous wedding video!

Megan & Todd's Wedding Movie Preview Trailer from tangerine media group on Vimeo.

Apothecary Jars

Hi Ladies~ I'm back!!!!!!!!

It's been nearly two months since I've been on BlabberBride, and about a month since I returned from Italy. I fell head-over-heels in love with the country, particularly Tuscany and Florence, and definitely needed some time to unravel and unwind from the trip before I could get back to my ordinary life.

Many people have been so kind in sending me material for BlabberBride, nudging me to start blogging again. The stuff that I've received is pretty awesome... some really cool deals, new and funky ideas, and even personal stories and photos of your own weddings. Thank you, everyone!! I hope no one is too disappointed that I didn't actually use the material here. Please know that I used everything as inspiration!

I guess I just needed to find my own thing... and I think I've found it!! I don't know if you'll love it as much as me, but here goes...

Apothecary jars!!! Look how beautiful this table looks!!! The jars are holding rose heads, nests, and birch... it just feels so warm and cozy, but also very feminine and natural. It kind of reminds me of the countryside... maybe Tuscany!!?? I just love it. It would be perfect for a garden wedding, don't you think?

You could buy high-quality, preserved rose heads which would last much longer than fresh rose heads. I just think it's so pretty~ Click on the photo to enlarge and get a closer look.

Losing steam...

Believe it or not, my husband was the one to suggest that I start this blog. You're probably wondering, why in the world would a man tell his wife to start a blog about WEDDINGS? Well, you have to understand... before I started BlabberBride, I was beyond obsessed with weddings. I would spend hours researching new trends, new gown designers, new color schemes, and devote my time to helping friends (and even strangers) plan their weddings, while at the same time, reading oodles of wedding magazines, and indulging in my favorite wedding TV shows (Who's Wedding is it Anyway?, Bridezillas, Platinum Weddings, Say Yes to the Dress, Amazing Wedding Cakes, Married Away, Rich Bride, Poor Bride -- oh yeah baby, there are tons of wedding shows out there!). If I wasn't obsessing, I was daydreaming. Daydreaming of one day becoming a high-profile wedding planner or opening up my own wedding dress shop. Yup.

So, my husband wisely suggested I start blogging so that I would have an outlet for this obsession of mine. And you know what? I think it worked!!! For the past few months, I've been furiously typing away on my computer, blogging about anything related to weddings. Whenever I came across something particularly beautiful or inspiring, I would blog. Every time a bride-to-be shared one of her creative ideas with me, I would blog. When a new line of weddings gowns were debuted, I blogged. I kept blogging. I blogged when I was sick and I blogged when I was tired. Blogging became my second obsession. Until now...

These days, I find myself losing steam. I don't have much to blog about. I don't feel the urge to buy wedding magazines. Last weekend, I went to Borders and found myself grabbing travel magazines, and NO wedding magazines. And when my wedding shows are on TV, I flip right through them. Gasp!

I never thought I'd say this, but I don't think I'm obsessed with weddings anymore. I still think they're beautiful and oh-so-special, and I'm always going to be the one to help friends, coworkers, and strangers with wedding advice and tips. But, the maniacal obsession is gone. It came and went so quickly -- a mere 5 years.

So what do I do? I have this blog set up... aren't I obligated to keep blogging? I dunno...

I think I'll take a hiatus for a while. My husband and I are going to Italy at the end of this month, so maybe I'll be inspired by some fabulous European style and come back with a vengeance. But right now, I can't imagine that.

What gives me joy these days is curling up in bed with a good book (right now, I'm reading "The Geography of Bliss" by Eric Weiner and highly recommend it), or planning our next vacation. I've always loved traveling and I'm sure I'll never stop loving it. Unfortunately, I don't think I can say the same for weddings.

But please don't give up on me! At some point, I'll have some great material to blog about ... maybe it'll be about weddings, maybe not. Either way, I know I'll find something else to obsess about. Stay tuned...

Amazing Wedding Destinations in the U.S.

Who says you have to leave the country to have a memorable, one-of-a-kind destination wedding? Not me!! I think there are plenty of amazing destinations right here within the US, and I've highlighted my top 5 picks below (in no particular order).

#1

The gorgeous red rock landscape you see in the photo above is the backdrop of the Enchantment Resort in Sedona, Arizona. This luxury resort offers everything you could imagine -- beautiful grounds, impeccable service, delicious food, great activities such as tennis, golf, pool, horseback riding, jeep tours, and a world-class spa. A major plus is the weather in Arizona! It's sunny, warm, and dry practically all year round. What more could you ask for? =)

#2

The Lodge and Spa at Cordillera in Colorado is a stunning resort inspired by a chateau in Belgium. It's nestled into the snow-capped mountains and overlooks the Rockies and Vail Valley. If you're looking for a destination to have a winter wonderland wedding, it just might not get any better than Cordillera! Your guests can spend their time taking in the beautiful views, soaking in an outdoor heated jacuzzi, or hitting the slopes to snowboard and ski. To top it off, Cordillera was ranked #1 hotel in Colorado for food and service by Conde Naste Traveler last year.

#3

The Grand Del Mar in San Diego, CA is a mediterranean-style resort with old world charm. It was inspired by architecture in Spain, Italy and France, and offers the feeling of a warm day in Tuscany. The resort boasts 5-star cuisine and an extensive wine list, as well as a beautiful, on-site church should you choose to have an indoor ceremony. If you're looking for a romantic destination with renaissance flair, but you don't want to go all the way to Europe, The Grand Del Mar just might be the perfect choice for you! Rated #3 among Top Ten Unforgettable Wedding Destinations in the U.S. on WeTV in 2009.

#4

The Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel in Dana Point, CA sits atop a massive 150-foot cliff overlooking the sun-kissed Pacific Ocean. The beautiful blue waters are often visited by whales and surfers -- a sight to see! Each guest room has a private patio or balcony and is well-appointed with all the comforts you need. Every detail at this resort exudes luxury -- from the silk walls to the heated swimming pools. Pamper your guests by having your wedding here.

#5

The Mohonk Mountain House in Hudson Valley, New York is a haven away from the city. This gem is hidden in the mountains and has its own lovely lakefront. Mohonk is particularly beautiful in the autumn with the fall foliage -- I highly recommend it! The activities here are endless. Your guests can enjoy a paddle on the lake or walk the hiking trails or play golf. There's also rock climbing and bike riding, and even horseback riding. In the winter, there's iceskating and snowtubing! For a day of pampering, visit the spa. Just imagine how amazing your wedding photos will look with the Mohonk Mountain House as your backdrop.

A Sketch of Your Wedding Dress

Okaaay, I know I've been slacking. It's been almost a month since my last post. Ugh. Sorry ladies~ I've been preoccupied. I accepted a new position within my company on April 1st, so that's been keeping me busy on the weekdays (meaning, I'm not in the mood to sit in front of a computer again when I get home from work -- can ya blame me?). During the weekends, I'm doing one of two things -- planning our next vacation (Italy, baby!!!) or sitting at home waiting for prospective buyers to come see our place. Right now, I'm having an open house, and I thought I'd squeeze in a post while I wait for the knock on our door. We're trying to sell our place and move to a bigger place this year. Anyway... take a look at the beautiful sketch below...


To make up for my slacking, I wanted to find something cool to share with you all and I think I found it! This website My Dream Lines.com was featured in the spring 2009 issue of InStyle Weddings Magazine. They offer custom sketches of your wedding gown by an artist who lives in the South of France *lucky bastard*. The sketch would be approx. 8 1/2 x 11 in size if you want to frame it, or you could order it as a set of thank you cards. Prices start at about $100 depending on how detailed you want your sketch to be. For example, if you want to include your veil and bouquet, it might cost extra.

I think this would make a great gift! A gift to yourself for all the planning you did for the big day. A gift from the groom to the bride on the wedding day. A gift from husband to wife on their 1st year anniversary (afterall, paper is the traditional 1 yr anniversary gift). A gift from a friend or sister to the bride. Or even, a gift from you to your bridesmaids -- because you can order sketches of the bridesmaids dresses too!I I just love it~

Real Wedding: Becky & Ryan April 11, 2009

Thanks Becky, for sharing your wedding photos on BlabberBride!

For those of you who don't know, Becky was one of my first clients for my company, Paper a la Mode. She ordered her wedding invitations from me, and then returned for her direction cards, dinner menus, and place cards! She was/is one of my favorite clients and I'm so excited to share her wedding photos with you all.

Rain or shine, photographer Gerard Tomko was able to capture beautiful photos of the bride and groom set against the gorgeous backdrop of Congress Hall in Cape May, New Jersey.

Let's wish Becky and Ryan a lifetime of love and happiness!

Invitation of the Month (April)

Available at Paper a la Mode from the Exclusive Collection II.

Fabulous brooches under $25!!!

I just stumbled upon this great website that has amazing brooches for under $25! Check out FashionJewelryforEveryone.com for some unbelievable finds. They specialize in handcrafted jewelry and they also accept custom order requests if you want something made in a particular material or style.

I say, if you're planning to dress up in a cute little number for your engagement party or your rehearsal dinner, why not add some sparkle to your ensemble with one of these gorgeous brooches? Or, be creative and even use one as a hairpiece! Some of my favorite finds are sampled below...