Fab * Blog by InvitationConsultants.com

{Fab*Bride} A Bridal Spotlight on Natasha!

This week's Fab*Bride exudes all of the qualities in a person that I wanted to showcase when I started this series of features.  I do not know Natasha personally, but throughout our e-mail correspondence and in answering all of this week's questions, she has proved herself to be truthful and a woman full of grace. Natasha was nominated by Lindsey Thorne of Lindsey Thorne Photography and The Jason Groupp.  Last week's contributor Sarah Rhoads Photography told me about Lindsey. I instantly loved her aesthetic and she happily nominated Natasha. The summer wedding took place at a beautiful park in Manhattan, with stunning views, beautiful gardens, and trees for days. When I asked Lindsey what made Natasha stand out enough to nominate, she had nothing but wonderful things to say; the story behind how she came to be Natasha's photographer is so interesting:

'My photography was a gift to Natasha from her friends; I had never met or spoken with her until the morning of her wedding. I walked in and saw the dress, the shoes, the bride -- amazing! Natasha is timeless, more graceful than I ever have been. I noticed how she carries herself, how she looks people in the eyes when she's speaking with them. Her friends and family love her very much, as was apparent in the first five minutes of my time there. As the day unfolded and I realized where her ceremony was taking place I was speechless. This wedding possessed so many qualities I would like to have at my own some day. I appreciated that Natasha is artistic and real, and it challenged me to photograph her in a way that would reflect that. Congrats you guys! I wish you all the best. xoxo."

Let's take a peek at the gorgeousness that is Natasha photographed by Lindsey Thorne!

And now for the grueling (aka fun!) ten questions:

The moment I saw your wedding photos, I instantly felt the love between you and Jeremy, and the happiness of everyone surrounding you both.  What does Jeremy inspire in you?  Jeremy and I are both artists. He is a painter and I am an actress. He understands the difficulties that come with a life where there is no day to day security. There sometimes are weeks where I don't have a single audition, or haven't booked a job and it's easy to feel listless, uninspired, and down on ones self. I often fall into that place, but Jeremy has a way of getting me out of those dark periods. He is the most disciplined person I have ever met. He wakes up every morning at 8 a.m. and paints no matter what his mood, no matter how tired he is. I've often said that that quality "turns me on" but all kidding aside it inspires me to get up every morning and pursue my dream.

Describe one of your happiest moments with Jeremy before your wedding day.  Now that you’ve tied the knot, share a happy moment you’ve had as newlyweds.  I'm going to cheat a little on this question and tell you about a moment that happened in a blurry area-- on our wedding day in between our ceremony and our reception. After our ceremony, Jeremy and I checked into our hotel room. We were both in complete shock to say the least and neither of us had eaten a thing all day because of nerves. So, still dressed in our wedding gear, we ordered room service: 2 cheeseburgers with fries and a bottle of champagne! It was the best meal I have ever had! We both ate our plates in record time and toasted our day. We were so happy to be married and having that hour alone with just the two of us after all the commotion was like heaven.

Your vintage wedding dress is so lovely – tell us about your search for the perfect piece and why you decided on ‘something old’ instead of ‘something new.’ How did you go about accessorizing to finalize your look?  I love the idea that things that I own have had a previous life and have seen other things. I wanted my dress to have a history so choosing a vintage dress was a no-brainer to me. You hear all these horror stories from brides about the quest to find their dress so I was anticipating a long and treacherous journey. I found my dress at the third store I went to! I made some alterations to it with the help of a tailor and my mom, which turned the already beautiful dress into something even my wildest dreams couldn't have conjured up. The dress is entirely made of lace thus making it completely sheer and the alterations had given it a unique shape making it impossible to find a slip. So my amazing mom fashioned me a custom one by deconstructing a store bought slip. As far as jewelry I too wanted it to be "something old and borrowed." I wore my grandmother’s wedding ring, my mother's pearl necklace and bracelet, and my good friend’s gold bangles. My friend who designed and made our wedding bands let me borrow a pair of earrings (which i eventually bought from her because I couldn't live without them and because I wanted something from my wedding that i could pass along to my kids). I opted not to go get my hair and make up done and chose to get ready at home with the help of some close friends, my sister, and mom. I knew I wanted fresh flowers in my hair-- but the final hair-do was a spur of the moment creation by my mom. In fact my whole look at the wedding was quite spur of the moment — I hadn't really planned the look; it just sort of came together as I was getting ready.

If you could label one song as the theme to your wedding, what would it be?  We asked our good friend Tania to officiate our wedding. As part of her ceremony she got the whole crowd to serenade us with the Bangles' "Eternal Flame" a classic 80's love ballad. It was amazing and I instantly burst into tears while simultaneously laughing my head off. That song and moment was the perfect theme to our wedding.

{I LOVE 80'S PARTIES!} Style Icons of a Fashionable Decade

Anyone who is a product of the 80's or lived through this memorable decade most likely has embarrassing photos of themselves in ostentatious clothing. Whether it be wild hair, flamboyant colors, or off the wall accessories, 80's trends were and still are a staple in fashion history. On the flip side of all of this, a lot of fabulous fashions were not just fads; they have either stayed wildly popular until the present or have resurfaced in modern, sophisticated ways. Let's take a peek at three of my totally bodacious and favorite fashion icons.

Madonna. Madonna first moved to NYC in hopes of a career in modern dance; boy did her life take a different turn. To me, Madonna epitomizes a style icon. She has reinvented herself countless times throughout the years and has managed to stay on top of her musical and fashionable game. Love her or not, you can't defend that she she hasn't made a stylish impact in pop culture. My favorite fashion technique that Madonna has used throughout the years is that she plays with different fabrics. From spandex leotards to leather jumpsuits, from jeans and a button down shirt to flowing saris, Madonna experiments with textiles in inventive ways that reflect where she is at in her life, whether it be young and 'material' to spiritual and sophisticated. Her look exemplifies what a performer should look like.

Michael Jackson. It's hard to believe that someone of such phenomenal fame and importance in musical history is no longer with us. He joins Elvis, Frank Sinatra, and so many other musical geniuses in a different realm, but his legacy has and will stay alive. A documentary about Michael Jackson called 'This Is It' is in theaters right now. It's two week span has been extended until Thanksgiving weekend, so I definitely plan to see that in theaters so I can experience his would have been last performance in as real of a setting as I can. Let us commemorate the style of MJ. Of course he is known for so many trends, most notably his cropped pants with white socks, but my favorite pieces that Michael sported so well throughout the years were fabulous jackets. He inspired millions to wear zipper-accented red jackets, slick leather suit jackets, sparkling moonwalk jackets, and military-inspired garb. He did not shy away from hats, embellishments, color, or arm bands. A true style icon in his own right, Michael paved the way for so many pop icons, celebrities, and normal everyday people to take risks with their clothing.

Molly Ringwald. She made her mark in 80's favorites such as The Breakfast Club, Sixteen Candles, and Pretty In Pink...to name just a few. Though she played the quintessential teen girl, she was always striving for individualism in her everyday life, which definitely reflected in her clothing choices. Ringwald has noted that Edie Sedgwick, Marilyn Monroe, Diane Keaton, Dianne Wiest and Brigitte Bardot as her fashion role models. Known as John Hughes' muse, her style reflected femininity and quirkiness. In my opinion, her most notable fashion techniques were pairing lots of things that didn't quite go together, but seemed to make sense at the same time. She defined youth and always managed to achieve that girl-next-door, school girl look. And who can forget her short red do? A refreshing staple in a world of blonde bombshells and brunette babes. She has a nostalgic quality about her, which undoubtedly makes her iconic.

All of these icons can inspire tons of looks for everyday life as many fashion designers such as Marc Jacobs and Betsy Johnson (to name a few) have done. Not only can you make 80's clothing wearable and very today, but they are always festive for Halloween or appropriate for a decade themed party. I must say that 80's parties are all over college campuses nationwide, and is the ideal theme for a birthday party because it's so easy to achieve and fun to do. Start with a Totally 80's Party Invitation that plays up the neon hues of the decade, or perhaps this Stylish 80's Invitation will inspire people to wear something fabulous. Take cues from these style gurus and individualize them! Be your own fashion icon or inspire others! Stay Fab*ulous!

Madonna Image Credits: Madonna photo and ankle boot, celebrations print, & Cameron Diaz as Madonna photo via Polyvore.com. 

Michael Jackson Image Credits: Black & White image,  embellished black jacket & red leather jacket via Polyvore.com

Molly Ringwald Image Credits: Pretty In Pink image and Tiered Skirt & Hat image via Polyvore.com.

{Fab*Bride} A Bridal Spotlight on Leda!

We're back with our third edition of Fab*Bride! This week's choice comes from a nomination by Sarah Rhoads Photographers, a husband and wife team based in Seattle, Washington. I adore each and every one of the photos I've seen them produce. They have such a freshness to them - truly unique! When they nominated Leda, I could not believe my eyes! The wedding is so artistic and stunning, and the bride is truly beautiful. I asked Sarah a few questions about Leda. She responded with willingness to chat about our lovely Fab*Bride!

What makes Leda fabulous?  What makes Leda fabulous is her heart for others. She is one of the most selfless and kindhearted brides I have had. She knows how to put her friends and family before herself and I really admire that in her. On another note she is extremely stylish and beats to the tune of her own drum!

What is it about her that makes her interesting?  Well Leda is naturally breathtaking. She has a very unique look to her that instantly draws you in. Beyond that, she has an extremely dynamic personality and charismatic style.

What was your favorite part about photographing her? What makes her stand out from other brides?  My favorite part about shooting her was she was completely natural in front of the camera. She let her guard down with me and we got fantastic photos because of that. What makes Leda stand out is her heart for others and her flawless sense of style ;)

Without further ado, let us introduce Leda!

Your wedding is stunningly modern. What is it about this aesthetic that you love so much? What advice do you have for other brides out there who want something clean, yet totally chic?  Like many brides, the style of our wedding evolved over the course of planning it.  I always wanted an outdoor wedding and 'tent' reception, but the logistics became difficult taking into account our budget and geography (Seattle...rain!).  We ended up choosing a hotel near the Museum of Glass and were really inspired by the beautiful glass art throughout the hotel.  The black-on-black look seen in our wedding just seemed really classic and modern.  I really liked the idea of using a lot of black but in different textures.  Usually the more simple and clean, the more impact.  We had black chairs, table cloths, runners, tall black vases and bright flowers really popped against all the black. 

How did you know that Jonathan was ‘the one?’ He was the one who could always make me laugh.  I think that's the key to a happy marriage.  Find the one that makes you laugh and you're set for life.

Your photographer told us that you are super stylish! When we saw these photographs, we could not agree more! Who is your fashion icon + why? Oh do I have to choose just one?  I'd have to say Sarah Jessica Parker, Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, Blake Lively and Diane Von Furstenberg not only because I love their style, but they're not afraid to be themselves.  I admire people who aren't afraid to step out of their comfort zone. 

If you could label one song as the theme to your wedding, what would it be? Definitely "First Day of My Life" by Bright Eyes.  We had it as the background to the slide show we played at our reception and it was one of my favorite moments of our wedding.

{Fabulous Flashback} It's a Jolly Holiday with a Mary Poppins Tea Party!

'Tis the season to snuggle up with your sweetie, cozy up by the fire, and watch classic movies that remind us of why it is so wonderful to be young at heart and imaginative. This week's post pulls from an old favorite of mine...Mary Poppins! A lot of my friends poke fun at me (and some join in my love) because I adore timeless musicals, Disney movies, and other classic flicks filmed before my time. My parents always exposed me to these films, which I'm certainly grateful for, but there are those that weren't acquainted with classics such as Mary Poppins. So if you're totally confused right now with my favorite-movie-rant, let me expand your imagination with a Mary Poppins Tea Party! If you already familiar with Disney's cinematic genius, you'll find this post "practically perfect in every way!"

A Mary Poppins Tea Party is ideal for a young girl's birthday party or a leisurely ladies day out. With the holidays just around the corner (can you believe it's already almost November?), we've tailored this party to have a festive flair. The caramel apple imagery and adorable tablescape seen above is courtesy of the Party Wishes blog. She has literally pinpointed every detail of the movie and incorporated them into the party's theme. Some favorite ideas are:

• have everyone wear Mary Poppins inspired hats: (perhaps the white tie around the neck number tickles your fancy, or you'd like to be a little more casual with a plain black one adorned with little flowers)
• provide artful activities such as kite decorating (to fly to the highest height of course) and sidewalk chalk (to jump into their drawings)
• play games such as "Tuppins Toss" or "A Spoon Full of Sugar" relay
• set up a photo shoot with a carousel horse

Some other ideas we came up with are:

{Fab*Bride} A Bridal Spotlight on Kerry-Ann!

Meet our newest Fab*Bride: Kerry-Ann! Kerry-Ann and Jason exchanged vows on Saturday, August 1, 2009 at a catholic church in Miami Beach, Florida. Family from around the world traveled to witness their special event that fused Kerry-Ann's Chinese-Jamaican culture with Jason's Filipino background.

Our nomination of Kerry-Ann for Fab*Bride comes from Agnes Lopez Photography, a top wedding photographer from Northeast Florida, whose photographs have been featured in Grace Ormond Wedding Style Magazine, The Knot Magazine, The Bride and Bloom Magazine, Southern Weddings Magazine, Jacksonville Magazine, and on the cover of Jacksonville Luxury Living Magazine. Aside from wedding photography, she also specializes in fashion and editorial photography. When asked why Kerry-Ann was an obvious choice for a Fab*Bride, Agnes was,

"so impressed by Kerry-Ann's ability to plan from afar and pull off such an extraordinary  event. The wedding was so beautiful and I loved how they were able to mix their cultures and traditions seamlessly. One of the unique things about her wedding was her beautifully custom designed dress. According to the article in the Jamaica Observer,  'after watching the 2008 MTV Video Music Awards, Kerry-Ann fell in love with a Pogah Couture dress worn by reality star Lauren Conrad and immediately tracked down the designer. That done, mother and daughter flew to Los Angeles for a consultation with the designer who agreed to turn the dress into a wedding gown for her special day.' Kerry-Ann and Jason also had a surprised choreographed first dance.  They kept it a secret from everyone including me.  It was so much fun to photograph their dance and everyone's reactions."

We at Fab*Blog cannot agree more! Kerry-Ann was a perfect candidate of what we consider a Fab*Bride! Not only is she gorgeous (her smile is so contagious, right?), but she has so much confidence! Without further ado, the ten grueling (aka fun!) Fab*Bride questions!

Preston Bailey Wedding Invitations | Let Color Inspire Your Wedding Story

We are on cloud nine at Invitation Consultants and it's all due to the fabulous new wedding invitations created and inspired by Preston Bailey!

An internationally renown event designer who has crafted beautiful events for so many A-list clients, Preston takes ordinary to extraordinary with his sumptuous and theatrical "art installations."

The purpose of these invitations is to allow the flowers to inspire your wedding and let the colors and bountiful centerpieces act as the basis for your wedding story. For those who dream in color (as I have always done), let these exquisite designs expand your imagination and help guide you through choosing the details of your wedding. We've taken four invitations and built a colorful wedding story around them. Let's take a peek!

The elegant 'Held Dearly' wedding invitation features a green floral background with multiple shades of sages and pops of periwinkle. Green can be translated so many ways from energetic and crisp, to soothing and natural. It is a symbol for growth and renewal, the perfect inspiration as you begin your new life together. Colorful candies, beautiful jewels, and a tropically modern cake are all ideas that we pulled from this wedding invitation.

The whimsical nature of Preston's 'Signature Sweetness' invitation shimmers and blossoms as every bride should do on her special day. She must feel royally special. Purple can be soft and feminine, or bold and noble. It is a color for all seasons - use lavenders for Spring and Summer and deep eggplants and fuchsias for Fall and Winter. We've paired this lovely invite with an extravagant tablescape and chic purple heels.

The sunny 'Sunflower Fantasy' invitation is vibrant and optimistic. You feel instant happiness from these sunflowers and you can't help but fall in love with the modern design. It's clean and refreshing, warm and pure. Parasols, coordinated tie+bout, and zingy lemon-tinis exude cheerfulness on your wedding day.

'Rose Bloom' is a romantic choice of invitation for the elegant bride and groom. It's sheer and simple aesthetic allows the over-sized flower to truly tell a love story. Creamy corals, espressos, pinks, and creams are all seamlessly represented in this unique design. Neapolitan ice cream and a stylishly-sweet creamy gown with coordinating brown sash make your heart skip a beat.

It is easy to see how the lavish and sophisticated designs of Preston Bailey inspired fabulous invitations. Planning a wedding is simple if you have a core idea. Choose your invitations first and let them create a statement for your wedding. It's the first glimpse your guests have at the style of your wedding. With these invitations, the first page of your wedding story will take you all the way to happily ever after. The End.

All wedding invitations are courtesy of Preston Bailey for Invitation Consultants. Inspiration imagery are courtesy of real weddings from Project Wedding and The Knot. 

{Fab*Bride} A Bridal Spotlight on Jennie!

Hi to all! I'm so thrilled to be bringing you the first of many Fab*Brides! I absolutely love pop culture, style, and current events, but I've been wanting to bring something a little more personal to the blog-o-sphere. At Fab*Blog, we're here to inspire brides, planners, designers, and photographers to be absolutely fab*ulous, and what a better way to do that than to feature real brides strutting their stuff on their big day? I could write for days on what I define a Fab*Bride to be, but quite honestly it's impossible to narrow it down to a few short sentences - it encompasses so many wonderful attributes. So let's dive right in! Meet Jennie, our first Fab*Bride!

 
When I started this process, I e-mailed lots of friends and photographers for nominations on perfect Fab*Bride candidates. Our e-friends, Jesse and Whit over at Our Labor of Love (OLOL) were the first to jump in on the fun! We're so glad they did. Meet their nominee: Jennie. She's a graphic designer in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Her personal style is written all over this wedding, and even though I don't know Jennie personally, I really connected with these photos. When I asked OLOL how it was to photograph Jennie and her now-hubby they said,

"Jennie was such a fabulous bride to work for especially as the photographer. She had thought through many moments prior to the wedding day and made sure they were 'photo proof,' so needless to say we had so much fun running around Milwaukee with these two."

I think that this is essential to preparing to be photographed for your big day. Know what you want and think through how to ask for it. Work with the photographers and get the look that you want to achieve. It's your big day and you deserve it. And now...drum roll please...let's ask the Fab*Bride herself some really grueling (aka fun) questions:

Style Inspiration | Boho*Chic

This morning felt different than most that I've woken up to lately. This is mostly due to the fact that usually when I walk outside to my car, I am pelted with a blanket of humidity and my hair instantly starts to frizz; However, today the temperature was about seventy-four degrees and there was not an ounce of humidity in the air. I went back inside to grab a scarf {don't you just love scarf season?} because I had the tingly feeling of Fall -- instant happiness.

As I drove to work with my sunroof down, I had this overwhelming sense of relaxation and excitement at the same time. I felt easy-breezy as my mind started to wander through one of my favorite topics: style.

I started to think about all the items of clothing that have been stale in my closet, waiting patiently to be worn when there is actually a reason to wear it. I thought about all of the weddings that I will be attending {and participating in} in the coming months and the fact that I will be dying my hair a color a more autumnal hue this Friday. I had an instant urge to display patterned throw pillows and blankets and sip a cup of tea. I felt rejuvenated.

So today's inspiration is all about the influence of bohemian chic style. It can be free-spirited and casual, or luxe and elegant. To me, it's a style that can be worn year-round, and for Fall you can make it all about leggings, patterns, hobo bags, and tunics. Beading, embroidery, cropped jackets, and flowy tops & skirts are also signature staples.

To throw a boho-chic party, it's all about gorgeous colors. Mix muted and soft pieces with bold colors and patterns. It's about being eclectic, so if something does match perfectly, don't worry -- it still goes. Do-it-yourself projects and homespun details are easy ways to personalize your party and make a folksy statement. If you're throwing a more luxurious soiree, incorporate posh fabrics and bling. Chandeliers, candles, and an abundance of flowers are all first-class details that can add instant elegance. Don't forget to send a festive invitation.

Image credits: Luxe Bohemian Bedroom via The Love List, Milly Spring 2010 dress, Moroccan Holiday by Invitation Consultants, Boho Bride, Wedding Signage via Max Wanger {Mindy + Nils}, Poms, programs, patterns, and wedding details via The Nichols Blog {quite possible the most adorable wedding ever}

Real Wedding: Julie + Jared | Real Photography: Anna Kuperberg

Today's mega-post features Julie and Jared's wedding, which took place at the Santa Lucia Preserve in Carmel Valley. This wedding exudes elegance: a neutral palette, gorgeous flowers, stunning event design, and fabulous photography. Today we will be chatting with Julie, the bride, and Anna Kuperberg, the mastermind behind these beautiful photographs.

M E E T   J U L I E.

How did you and Jared meet? Did you know he was ‘the one’ right away? Jared and I met over a game of pool at a local bar at Duke.  It took me quite a while to realize he was the one.  We became very good friends throughout our senior year of college, went on Birthright together after our graduation, and then both happened to move to New York.  Our friendship deepened and I slowly started to realize that he was my best friend and the one I would spend the rest of my life with.

How did you decide on a wedding venue? I grew up in the Bay Area and my parents have owned property at The Santa Lucia Preserve for about 10 years.  The Preserve is a very special place for my family and we've been going there for a very long time.  My parents ultimately hope to build a home there to retire in.  I have known for a long time that I wanted to get married there.  Jared loves it there too, so it was an easy choice. What was your favorite part of the wedding planning process? Researching vendors.  I have a passion for all things wedding, so when it came to researching vendors I definitely did my homework.  I really wanted to find exactly what I was looking for for each and every detail.  I also wanted it at the best possible price!

Did you know what you wanted the overall concept of your wedding to be? Or was it something that played out as you started planning? Well I had always dreamed of a very elegant black tie wedding.  The challenge was to create a black tie atmosphere in a barn.  I knew that I wanted a white wedding with a modern flair, but the concept definitely evolved as we started working with our brilliant event designers, Waterlily Pond.  The design of the barn was very hard for me to envision, but I trusted them and it came out better than I could have ever dreamed.

Homecoming Style | High-Class & High-Spirited ideas for a memorable night!

It's that time of year again that I remember so fondly: football games, school spirit weeks, and most importantly, the Homecoming dance. We've taken three ever-popular Homecoming themes and tailored them so you can look glamorous at each event (or plan them!)

a night in paris.

Going to the event? Wear something that is elegant and fashion forward. French style is always sophisticated and innovative. Stand out in a gorgeous ombre gown with baubles and pearls. Accessorize with a delicate floral headpiece. Tres chic. 

Planning the event? Decorate with everything Parisian. From a statue of the Eiffel Tower near the dance floor and lamp-posts near the entry way to bistro tables and wrought iron, you can incorporate many details into your decor. Flowing, luxurious fabric can also make your space look grand. Give away french berets as favors and serve yummy pastries to keep the crowds energized. Oui Oui!

midnight masquerade.

Going to the event? Bring your own taste of Mardi Gras with festive accessories: the perfect mask, a peacock fan, and chandelier earrings. Pair them with a jewel-toned satin party dress and you're set.

Planning the event? Turning your dance floor into the Big Easy will be a blast. Oversized masks, parade-sized floats, and feathers everywhere are some ideas that you can incorporate. Decorate your guests with Mardi Gras beads when they walk in the door. When in doubt, use gold, green, and purple in every detail. The colors are festive, recognizable, and fun!

a red carpet affair.

Going to the event? Old Hollywood glamour is always in style. Wear your glitziest ensemble with a pair of cute metallic heels. Accessorize with flowers in your hair or fashion jewelry. If your school is all about dressing with the theme, feather boas and black gloves can elevate your look.

Planning the event? A Red Carpet Affair needs a red carpet! Have your guests walk in just like celebrities. Hire 'paparazzi' to take snapshots that they can pick up when they leave. Inside, show movie clips on the big screen, play movie soundtracks, and decorate with cinematic details. Recreate your own Hollywood Stars Walk of Fame, display "Hollywood" in large letters in a high traffic area, and create spotlighting effects over the dance floor.