Beyond French Manicure.

French manicure is surely the most popular wedding nail-style. And it has been for years. I’m sure it’ll stay there for many more.

However, with winter and its dark, lush colors and smoky-eyed vixens behind us, spring brings us natural polished look with classic nudes, playful pinks and sophisticated color palette.

So in the spirit of spring cleaning, let’s put those French tips in the back of the closet till winter and go for polished solids, elegant pastels and fresh shades to complement your bridal beauty. Suzy Weiss-Fischmann, co-founder of O.P.I., recommends going with short nails for a “chic and modern” look.

Princess Bride 

           

Wedding Gown by Atelier Aimee                                       Borghese Nail Lacquer in 'Bellini Peach'

Romantic Affair

                   Wedding Gown by Sophia Tolli                                               e.l.f. Nail Polish in 'Pearl Pink'

Garden Soiree

        Wedding Gown by Adele Wechsler                                         Nail Polish by ESSIE in 'Body Language'

Hollywood Glamour

    Wedding gown by Amy Michelson                                       Nail Polish by NARS in 'Orgasm'

Beach Escape 

      
Wedding Gown by Elie Saab for Pronovias                                              Nail Polish by O.P.I. in 'Sand in my Suit'

Modern Glitz

Wedding Gown by Alvina Valenta                                          
Zoya Nail Polish in 'Brizia'




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Wedding Inspiration. Carolyn Bessette Kennedy.

This striking blonde had the fashion world wrapped around her finger with constant scrutinizing of her hemlines, and coined phrase of “effortful effortless”. Her impeccably tailored, minimalist style made her a gold standard of modern beauty. Yes, of course, she didn’t achieve the ultimate fashion-icon status of her mother-in-law, Jackie, but rather defined a new line of subtle sexiness and chic.

In 1996, Bessette walked down the aisle, wearing a fluid, bias-cut dress of pearl-white crepe. Designed by Narciso Rodriguez, this body-skimming sheath was the apex of mystique and simple, sophisticated elegance. Wedding inspiration of American loyalty for the big ball gowns was defied and thrown out, making her an instant icon.

                Gown by Peter Langner                                                                                  Gown by Adele Wechsler

STEAL: Make this style yours by letting the dress’s streamline silhouette do the work without understating your bridal beauty but by complimenting it with its perfect cut. Steal this sleeveless silk chiffon wedding dress, with front and back cowl necklines over beaded lace, illusion lace back bodice and sweep train.

Gown: MonCheri Bridals. Featured in "Bride of the Year" editorial, Sept/Oct 2009 issue of Bridal Guide Magazine.

Elegance is in details that take a lot of thought. Choose your jewelry carefully, you don’t want to over-do the look by eclectic pile-up of multiple pieces. Opt for major “corner stone” piece and highlight it with understated accents. Bold chandelier earrings with single strand of pearls, statement necklace with simple headpiece, or elegant bracelet with exquisite single pendant.

                                               Bracelet by Galit Barak, $98.00;            Necklace by Carolee LUX, $34.00/day 

Necklace by Galit Barak, $45.00;                      Earrings by TZTUDIO, $45.00

To finish the look, opt for classic slingbacks with delicate detailing, elegant peep-toe, or satin sandals. The modern simplicity and ultimate quality are the defining points.

   Shoes by Coloriffics                                        Shoes by Victoria Allison

Color palette of crisp whites, fresh greens, and a lustrous mocha hue give a very natural, elegant and exquisite feel. A simple white tent accented with tiny lights, or terrace with a scenic view, understated white linen covered tables, and organically inspired centerpieces - all support the modern and sophisticated style.

Bridesmaids' dresses by Twobirds Bridesmaid.

Classic Champagne Cocktail

On the bottom of champagne flute soak sugar cube with a couple of good splashes of Angostura bitters. Fill slowly with champagne or sparkling wine. Garnish with a lemon twist.

Manuel Mota, 2010 Collection.

2010 Collection by Manuel Mota for Pronovias is not just gorgeous - it is far beyond it. The Greek style has been going through a major revival and 2010 is promising to be all about feminine lines, soft silhouettes, exquisite details and celestial simplicity worthy of a true goddess.

Here are some of our favorites.

Chablis - As if it came down from the pages of Iliad with its sensuality of soft fabric, accentuated waist and impeccable tailoring. Run a pearl thread down your back to complete the Aphrodite look.

Chalet - Floral appliqué on the shoulder and tightly gathered waist highlight the bride’s more feminine features. A sash from the shoulder to the floor is complemented by a loose bustle, and gathered skirt decorated with flowers puts a romantic Victorian spin.

Teatro - Classic silhouette amplified by softly gathered waist. Delicate embroidery overlaid with soft tulle and transparent neckline make this gown a redefined staple of Old World romance.

Talud - This modern one shoulder gown with oversized flower has beautiful architectural lines and precise structure. Yet soft, wavy back-cut of the skirt, embellished with flowers, gives this dress an elegant sensibility.

The entire collection can be viewed on Pronovias website.

Champagne Toast on a Budget.

The delicate, unique nature of Champagne has been an equivalent to romance, sophistication and effervescent beauty since the 17th century. It has become a staple for any celebration. A staple with a sizable price tag, I dare say. Rarely any wedding goes without champagne toast and you don’t have to skip on it just because it’s expensive.

As I was going through dozens of bottles compiling an exclusive “Sparkling Flight” Menu, I realized there are plenty of options, including the array of sparkling wines that will allure and fascinate you without breaking a budget.

Well, first let’s start with some basics. Sparkling wine can be made anywhere from Old World wine regions of Spain and Italy to New World vineyards of California, Australia and South Africa. Champagne must be made in its namesake region of France according to strict regulations. The common wisdom of “extra dry” is not in fact the driest. When choosing champagne or sparkling wine refer to this mini-guide:

 DOUX: sweetest

DEMI-SEC: sweet

SEC: slightly sweet

EXTRA DRY: medium dry

BRUT: dry

EXTRA BRUT (BRUT SAVAGE): driest

The best Champagne on a budget* (Prices may vary in dependence on sale region).

Cheap Champagne might sound like an oxymoron, since a bottle of prestigious bubbly can cost as much as hundreds of dollars (see below). These reasonably priced Champagnes will help you stay within your budget. Note that these are all true Champagnes, and not just sparkling wines.

1. Diebolt-Vallois Blanc de Blancs Brut, $32.00

2. Jacquart Brut Mosaïque,  $31.00

3. Paul Goerg Tradition Brut, $32.00

4. Moët & Chandon Impérial, $40.00

5. G.H. Mumm Cordon Rouge Brut, $35.00

6. Bonnaire Brut Grand Cru Blanc de Blancs, $37.00

The best sparkling wine on a budget* (Prices may vary in dependence on sale region).

Sparkling wine is produced all around the world and it’s both delicious and affordable. From Spanish Cava and Italian Prosecco to Californian Sparkling Wine.

1. Zonin Prosecco Special Cuvée Brut, Veneto, Italy, $12.00

2. Greg Norman Estates Sparkling Pinot Noir/Chardonnay, South Eastern Australia, $15.00

3. Lucien Albrecht Crémant d'Alsace Brut Rosé NV, Alsace, France, $19.00

4. Korbel Brut Rosé, California, $10.00

5. Torre Oria  Cava Brut, Spain, $13.00

6. Mumm Napa Valley Brut Prestige, California, $20.00

Prestige Cuvée for your wedding night.

Champagne Philipponnat, Clos des Goisses, 1999 Brut; $155.00

This prestigious vintage Champagne is made from mostly Pinot Noir, which is blended with a lesser amount of Chardonnay. What makes this label unique is that all the grapes used to make the wine were grown in a single walled-in vineyard: The Clos des Goisses. This amber-tinted Champagne exudes fruit jam scents with hints of rose petal, sandalwood and almonds. A fleshy palate displaying honey, aniseed, almond and old brandy flavors follows the aromatics.

"Twilight" Wedding. Legendary Romance.

From "Famous Love Stories" Series.

As we are entering new decade, we reminisce on things and events of the past one. I will not go into the repetition of Ryan Seacrest’s New Year Eve broadcast but rather single out one thing that became a new classic of love and relationships - the “Twilight” Saga. It boomed, banged and hauled billions of women into orgasmic screaming. The mystery of this haunted romance became legendary.

Hairband  by Jennifer Behr.  Veil by Alice Hart Couture Millinery.

New “twilight” style has emerged. Dressed in black slinky clothes, soft leather and fitted shirts, beautiful fitted coats and long sexy boots, thin knitted hoodies and hipster jeans - it eased itself in our closets and I love it. And then I got an e-mail with the subject line that read: “Twilight inspired wedding”. Hmm… Well, that’s worth exploring, don’t you think.

Wedding Dress by Frank Sarabia.

The Dress. Opt for soft fabrics like tulle, organza and silk, enhanced with ethereal point d’espirit and ricamo netting. Jeweled empire waists and timeless strapless with swirling skirts, to-die-for décolletage and Victorian romance.

Wedding Dress by St. Pucchi.

Make a true Edwardian gentleman of a groom by adding some drama with classic black long tuxedo jacket, overcoat or chesterfield. Vest is a must!

Tuxedo by Jean Yves, Paris.

As for the ladies, opt for classic black, elegant shimmer of grey, or muted shades of bronze and silver. Keep in mind though, while black is timeless, grey is trickier to work with. Avoid mousy, flat shades of grey – those are for cubicles, go with either lighter or darker spectrum. In combination with subtle sheen of satin, grey becomes truly elegant.

Bridesmaids by Jim Hjelm Occasions

Theme & Décor. First and foremost – this is NOT a Halloween wedding! “Twilight” style is clean, simplistic, elegant and very romantic. Combination of black with ivory, grey, silver, hints of violet and dark reds, lit up by candlelight is transparent and has a floating effect. If played correctly, your wedding will truly be breathtaking. Dim the overhead lights and rely on candles and floor lighting.

Signature Cocktail.

Passion Kiss

1/2 oz Pomegranate Liqueur
1 1/2 oz Alize Rose
3/4 oz Passoa Passion Fruit Liqueur
3 1/2 oz Passion Fruit Juice
Combine all ingredients in cocktail shaker over ice. Shake well. Serve in a cocktail glass.

Created especially for Hermitage Weddings’ Signature Cocktail Menu.

 

From top left clockwise: Filigree Design Favor Cards, $ 0.45 with personalization; Kissing Couple Cake Topper, $34.95; "Heart to Heart" Interlocking Salt & Pepper Shakers, $41.95 for 12; Flower of Love Guest Book, $29.95; "Hugs & Kisses" Votive Candle Holders, $13.95 for 4; Decorative Monogram Stickers, $0.35; Silver Plated Goblets, $50.00; Black & White Favor Box, $23.95/package of 6; Silver Plated Diamond Napkin Holders, $29.95/package of 4; Flower of LoveRing Pillow, $39.95.

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