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.

You might also like: Tea Party with Alice in Wonderland

Bridesmaids' Dresses. The Ultimate Glamour Girls.

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.

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.