Hermitage Weddings

Beyond French Manicure.

2010-04-08T14:52:00.002-04:00

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'

You might also like: Wedding Ideas: Tea Party with "Alice in Wonderland"

Wedding Inspiration. Carolyn Bessette Kennedy.

2010-03-04T11:22:00.001-05:00

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.

2010-01-11T11:15:00.039-05:00

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.

2010-01-07T17:12:00.012-05:00

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.

2010-01-02T22:17:00.142-05:00

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.

You might also like: Tea Party with Alice in Wonderland

Bridesmaids' Dresses. The Ultimate Glamour Girls.

2009-12-31T12:56:00.004-05:00

These girls were there for you through good times and bad times, laughs and tears, ups and downs, and now they are a part of your big day. Believe it or not but choosing bridesmaids’ gowns is as important as choosing your own, because these glamour girls are on the front line of tying your wedding theme together in a harmonious transition. Bridal manufacturers have finally gotten the word that bridesmaids aren’t willing to spend money on dresses that can’t be worn again. Ladies are searching for dresses that are more versatile and looking like ready-to-wear.

Dress by Lazaro Bridesmaids

Keep in mind this is not a mall-trip with browsing from store-to-store and wining-and-dining afterwards. To avoid the confusion of choosing, screaming, fighting, crying, and driving the salesperson into a suicidal distress – you should break your shopping sessions in two parts. Part 1 – take your maid of honor or another trusted confidant to do the first review of possible gowns, limit the selection during this visit. Part 2 – take you bridesmaids; the decision-making can be done faster if your girls don’t feel like kids in the Toys-R-Us.

Dress by Jasmine Bridal, B2 Collection

The color of bridesmaids’ dresses is chosen based on you wedding colors and season. Spring and summer suggest pale pinks, soft greens, yellows; while fall will look the best in soft gold, emerald greens and the entire array of jewel colors. Your bridesmaids’ skin-tone should be considered also – you don’t want any blurred, washed-out figures on your wedding pictures. If that’s the case, opt for the same style dress in the graduated shades of the same color. Keep in mind the background of your wedding – light colors will stand out in the dark sites, while dark browns and grays will be too somber and funeral-like against a dark background.

Dress by Pronovias, 2010 Collection, Style "Beret"

The “Bump” factor. It happens! If one of your bridesmaids announced to you that she’d be wearing not only a dress but also a baby-bump for your wedding – don’t freak out! There is no need to change the entire bridal party’s wardrobe. Pregnancy is not a condition or sickness (well, some women will disagree, I can see that) but a beautiful thing! So, let her shine with this beauty. Empire waists, floating chiffon and soft fabrics are the way to go. Coordinate it in color with the rest of the bridesmaids and you sure will score some kudos with your friends!

Dress by Bari Jay

It is more than recommended to involve your wedding planner (if you have one) or wedding consultant (if shopping is included in his/her services). Your planner is the person who will ultimately design and tie together all the visual pieces of your wedding day, so it is useful to have his or her professional opinion while selecting your bridesmaids' gowns.

Dress by 2be, Tony B Spring 2010 Collection

And lastly, I can’t avoid talking about – they are called Bridezillas for a reason! You are a Bride and being a drill sergeant is not in your job description. So please be considerate! Remember, friends come first, bridesmaids – second.

Wedding Inspiration. Zenith Blue.

2009-12-30T21:44:00.002-05:00

Designing a wedding is like building a home. It starts with the corner stone. Whether it’s a flower, or chandelier, or heirloom brooch – you build around it!

In my case today it was a shoe.

According to my personal poll, pinks and whites are still the top choices for brides, greens and reds are holding up their positions as the second top choice, and Benjamin and Tiffany blues are creeping in third, widely popularized by Martha Stewart.

But there is something about vibrant richness of electric and cobalt blues that I couldn’t ignore. The dominating strength yet celestial peacefulness of zenith blue might sound like an oxymoron but it sure will turn your wedding into a truly unforgettable event!

So let the mesmerizing reign begin!

Shoes by Martinez Valero. Bridal Gown by Lazaro. Bouquet by Nicole Ha.

Slumber Party Gets a New (Adult) Meaning.

2009-03-30T19:03:00.000-04:00

My phone rang on Thursday at 9:00 p.m. and Jen, the Maid of Honor for an upcoming Saturday night wedding, was having a panic attack as I tried to figure out what it is exactly she was saying. The problem at hand was Bachelorette party. THE Bachelorette Party! Even though it was clearly decided a month ago not to have one, since members of the bridal party are out-of-town gals and won’t get here till the night before the wedding. After long negotiations between vanity and intoxication – vanity won, there is not enough Photoshop in the world to cover that hangover on the wedding pictures!
Well, it’s a new day and a new decision. Bachelorette party is tomorrow! So, what to do when you have less than a day to plan a party for 8 ladies and it must be fun?
Slumber Party! Genius! I needed help, so I called a couple of friends to the rescue. Roberta Pipito and Daniella Puccini are Slumber Parties coordinators. These two are always on the go, so short notice is not a problem. I was right.
Slumber Party! We all had them when we were kids, filled with toys, cupcakes and secrets. How much we loved to imagine the life, the glitz, and the excitement of being grown-up. Well, wish granted! We are adults and we must be ready to jump into the center of what moves the life, the glitz and the excitement - that would be between the sheets, and it’s about time to have a good Adult Slumber Party. We’ll add some chocolate and bubbly to our cupcakes, pull the toys out from nightstands (or toy-chests, if that’s the case) and prepare to share the kinky thoughts and secrets. Now, forget the Tupperware, this is a real Sex in the City rated ‘R’.
It started with blushing and “Oh my Gosh!” but somewhere in the middle of latex, vibration and edible underwear, this warm feeling of being among dear friends, the feeling of female bonding, the feeling of belonging together grew more intoxicating than champagne. Laughs and giggles shared and remembered, secrets cherished, thoughts expressed and listened to. From-top-of-the-head idea of XXX party became more than having good times. It was a blast!
Adult Slumber Party can be booked on a very short notice and can be held virtually anywhere. If your bridal party is out-of-town, think Bridal Suite the night before the wedding for all together fun. Party coordinators have tons of toys, oils, lotions, lingerie, and manuals to try and taste. And at the end you are more then welcome to purchase anything you liked. Try molding forms in different colors to make your own ‘pleasers’, snap a picture on your cell-phone and send to the ‘designated judge’ (I’m sure one of the groomsmen will gladly take the job) to decide who is the kinkiest girl in town. If you do decide to book Adult Slumber Party, make sure all the ladies are over 18 and open-minded about romance, sexuality and good old-fashioned… well, you know what I mean.

*To book Adult Slumber Party please contact Hermitage Weddings for information about coordinators in your area.

To read full article "Bachelorette Party Revisited".

Bed Sheets that Tell All

2008-04-18T10:04:00.000-04:00

“Show me your skin and I’ll tell you who you are” or better still what you did last night. Rise and Sigh is a collection of bed sheets that plays with incidents that usually take place behind closed doors, in bedrooms.
The sheets are embroidered with captions that leave an imprint on the sleepers’ body. The embroidery is strategically placed, so that different sleeping positions leave different imprints on the body. Not only do these imprints give a hint about the past night’s atmosphere, they suggest you what to do and tell things about you.
Created by Martina Carpelan, who has worked as a Junior Designer at Frostprodukt, these sheets manage to create temporary body art.
The words on the sheet are emblazoned in reverse so that they're printed legibly on the skin. The Rise and sigh series of bed sheets are available in three sets, for the bachelor, for the love affair and for the one night stand. Intriguing and innovative, the sheets should create a stir once they are available off the shelf.

Cocktail Hour, Anyone?

2008-03-11T00:12:00.000-04:00

As my friends set to get married and want a very small, inexpensive but yet meaningful celebration, I was thinking what can make it so... And then the words "It's 5 o'clock somewhere..." came to mind. Cocktail reception!

Cocktails and heavy Hors d'oeuvres receptions are gaining in popularity and are actually very common in the South. This type of reception is nice because it can be as formal or informal as you want it to be. If you have passed Hors d'oeuvres for 1-2 hours in addition to a passed or buffet-style dessert, your guests will not leave the party hungry. Or thirsty for that matter.

Some fun and creative ideas to bring a nice touch to your reception would be an assortment of different ethnic salads on white miso spoons, different cheese fondues with an assortment of vegetables, meats and breads for dipping and choices of satay served in mini to-go containers with chop-sticks.

Make up a creative "flight" menu for your guests to choose from. Creative martinis, champagne cocktails and wine tasting station are always good ideas.

If you are concerned that your guests will be expecting a meal, I would recommend either mentioning the Hors d'oeuvres Reception explicitly on your invitation, or starting the party a little later in the evening. It is not required to have a full sit-down meal - after all, it is your wedding and you should go with a reception style that will make you feel the most comfortable.

Trends in Videography.

2008-01-11T01:53:00.000-05:00

Wedding videos have grown in recent years to encompass a myriad of video production offerings. So what are the new trends in Wedding videography?
Robert and Natalie Neal of Glass Slipper Productions, who were named one of the top 25 videographers, certainly do know. Here are some solutions that they share with us.

Old school: Photo Montage a.k.a. Video Scrapbooks – all those pictures from your childhood and painful time in high-school gathered together for all you friends and future in-laws to see. Oh my…
Solution: Surprise your guests with Same Day Edit a.k.a. wedding day edit or wedding encore presentation - a short video produced from the footage of the wedding shot earlier in the day, usually only incorporating footage from pre-ceremony, ceremony and post ceremony that is then showed at the reception as a recap of the wedding.

Old school: Good old ‘Save-the-Date’ cards or magnets. How many times we’ve gotten them in the mail. So, here’s the big news – It is so last century!
Solution: Make your romance public! Engagement Video – a video documenting the groom asking the bride to marry (quite often filmed without the bride's knowledge) or Love Story - an interview of the bride and groom, inter-cut with romantic footage of the couple, about how they met, what they are like together and what their plans for the future are.

Old school: ‘Thank You’ notes. We’ve seen them come and we’ve seen them gone… right into the trash can. No offence.
Solution: Spice it up with your-dear-self! Bridal Elegance - a video shot in the style of a fashion shoot or music video that depicts the bride in her wedding gown. After all, that beautiful and extremely expensive wedding dress was made to wear twice. Or with Concept Video – a short film about the bride or groom or both and quite often not related to the couple's real life.

Old school: VHS! And pretty soon, let’s face it, standard DVD.
Solution: HD! Blue-Ray disks and Hi-Def television are just entering our lives it this point but… how long did it really take for DVDs to worm their way into our living-rooms?! Make sure your videographer is up-to-date with the technology and able to provide you with the top-notch product that meets nowadays standards!

Old school: Family gatherings (not that it’s bad) or sleepovers (not that it’s bad either) just to watch that precious Wedding video.
Solution: Think little! In this busy world we all have gadgets that take us through the day – blackberries, i-Pods, smart-phones – little things in our pockets we can’t live about. So put your video on it and take it with you. Ask your videographer about the possibility, if they say YES – you are in business!

You can watch fabulous videos by Glass Slipper Productions here.