- By jendayi
- Filed in: Bride's Best Friend
source: www.cartoonstock.com
During pre-marital sessions, my friend’s husband requested that his bride-to-be work out two to three times a week as fitness is/was an important part of his life. She said it was a deal. During one of our family worship nights, my husband and I agreed that we would go grocery shopping together unless there was something urgent that we needed from the supermarket. We signed and sealed the deal. Hilary Duff’s husband, whose family is worth $500 million, requested a different kind of contract. Yep. A prenuptial agreement.
I don’t think that contracts in marriage are a bad thing. We actually abide by non-verbal (and sometimes verbal) contracts everyday. At work, we agree to dress professionally in exchange for a paycheck. In friendships, we agree to avoid violating trust in exchange for friendly concern and care. My husband and I haphazardly agreed that he will collect and take out the trash and I will do the laundry. It works for us, and it actually fosters peace in the househould. Thinking about this a little further, I would go so far to say that contracts are an absolute necessity in marriage or any working relationship. If not for them, where would our bounderies be?
I read an article recently that discussed the very first contracts that you sign in marriage – your wedding vows, the marriage license and the “invisible contract”. It mentioned that we all enter into marriage with the assumption that the other person understands the rulesin the way that WE want them to. But of course, since those assumptions are never discussed or written down, hence invisible, issues arise. When you feel hurt by something that your mate did, it’s because they’re not fulfilling the contract in the way that you expected them to. So what do you do? Well, the article suggests that you play The Marriage Contract Game. Now I can’t vouch for the game itself being that I never played it, but what I like about it is that it encourages communication. Isn’t that the answer to everything? Communication.
So I’m interested. What contracts, formal or informal, have you discussed? Do you think that contracts are too hevty? Have you started to communicate your assumptions? And how about the all-controversial question, what do you think about prenups? I’d love to hear from you. Get at me!
Sunday night the stars hit the red carpet to celebrate the 2010 Prime-time Emmy Awards. I am constantly being inspired by red carpet fashion. The designer dresses seen on some of the biggest stars often inspire formal wear and bridal trends which is why red carpet fashion is a perfect way to get inspiration for your big day. This year, some of the trends we saw on Sunday can already be found in collections by some of our favorite bridal designers.
Lea Michelle looked stunning in her navy blue Oscar de la Renta gown. The sweetheart neckline on this dress is flattering on almost anyone. This August Jones dress (center) incorporates the same style neckline with a textured skirt creating a similar silhouette to Lea’s gown. If it is her ruffled skirt that you love, this Jim Hjelm gown has a beautiful skirt that creates a similar silhouette as well.
Eva Longoria wore a black Robert Rodriguez dress with a stunning textured rosette skirt. We have been seeing this trend a lot in bridal so it is not hard to find. I love this Michelle Roth dress, which also incorporates a rosette inspired texture skirt and a strapless neckline similar to Eva’s.
Kim Kardashian rocked her famous curves in this beautiful white Marchesa gown. The silhouette truly conveys the grecian goddess feel which is, of course, not hard at all to find in bridal. I love this Michelle Roth dress which may not have the same neckline, but certainly incorporates a similar feel and silhouette to Kim’s gown.
- By vmorris
- Filed in: DC Wedding Features
The Flowers
Floral Designer Alycia Goddard of Alycia Goddard Events did am amazing job on the flowers, which are an integral part of Indian weddings. On the Sangeet night, we did an Asian theme with mango, fuchsia and black hues. The flower design was also Asian-inspired, and incorporated the principles of Ichiban.
On the wedding day, we worked with red, turquoise and teal. For the ceremony, roses and peacock feathers (a symbol of good luck) were used for the bridal party arrangements. Red blossoms adorned the teal and turquoise Mandap (the ceremonial structure that frames the bride and groom). Varsha and Vikas also exchanged flower garlands, called Varmala, as a symbol of their love for one another.
The Reception
We transitioned from teal, turquoise and red from the wedding ceremony and cocktail hour to green, gold and red for the reception.. Glowing centerpieces with peacock feathers, Bells of Ireland and red Ranuncukus stood tall on tables covered with lamour linens from BBJ Linens and handmade overlays of green and gold. Under the tent 
washed in green light, nearly 500 guests were treated to authentic Indian cuisine and a night full of dancing and tradition.
The Photographs
Tony of Imijination Photography provided outstanding coverage of the event. From documenting the Baraat (the marriage procession where the groom’s family members, relatives and friends accompany him to the wedding) to the bride and groom’s final dance, he caught every moment. When you’re a part of such an exciting event, you may not be able to pause appreciate the little touches taking place all around you. A great photographer like Tony captures it all.
The Wedding Planner
Marcia Hart-Wise is a seasoned planner who specializes in upscale events and weddings. Originally named Wise Choice Productions, Merci BeauCoup Weddings and Events is recognized for high quality service and exceptional attention to detail. Marcia says, “I feel that if a client is entrusting Merci BeauCoup with their special day, they expect me to give it all the love and attention I would if it was my own.” Vikas and Varsha’s wedding is certainly proof of her dedication and imagination.
Marcia Hart-Wise, Merci BeauCoup Weddings and Events mercibeaucoupevent.com
240.346.8532
mercibeaucoupevent@gmail.com
Alycia Goddard, Alycia Goddard Events alyciagoddardevents.com
301.751.7129
admin@alyciagoddardevents
Tony Brown, Imijination Photography imijphoto.com
301.230.4545
tony@imijphoto.com
- By jendayi
- Filed in: Miscellaneous
First of all, I want to send a special shout out to my anonymous commenter on last week’s post! I’m so happy that I got the chance to interchange with a fellow reader. Call me a dork, but it was purely exciting! So thanks again.
Now down to business…I realize this topic may be a bit taboo, especially for a bridal site where cheeriness and happiness resides, but I’m hoping that you can keep an open mind with me. It’s a sobering topic, but some of you may relate. I know many of my friends do.
source: nappybrain.wordpress.com/2009/08/
Have you ever stopped short of walking down the aisle? About a year ago, I was having brunch with a group of friends. Seven to be exact. I’m not sure how we got on the topic, but out of those seven people, four of us had either cancelled a wedding or broken an engagement. Can you believe that? I’m not sure if it was our age group, race, or whatever else that could have spoke to this whopping 57% statistic, but I wasn’t quite sure what to make of it. Was I supposed to be shocked or just sad? Being one of those four, I can only believe that we all made one of the biggest and BEST decisions of our lives. I seriously applaud all individuals who bulldoze through the excitement of a wedding or the beauty of a diamond ring and put a halt to making a very bad mistake. So back to my original question. Exactly how many of us are there out there? I’m interested in all ages, but particularly in the young ones. The20 something to 30 something year olds. How did these ones get the guts to call it off after wedding invitations were sent? Do you think that there are a lot of broken engagements out there or are most people going through with weddings after knowing it’s a bad idea? Hmm… Speak on it!
An on an interesting note, the radio station I listen to in the mornings discussed today “Should you give the ring back if the engagement/wedding is called off?” You wouldn’t believe how many vindictive women called in and said no. Lol. I could never. But if you were once engaged and still have the ring, why did you decide to keep it? Isn’t it just a reminder of everything that went wrong? Again, speak on it!
- By Lydia
- Filed in: DC Wedding Features
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Finding bridal undergarments that fit you, suit your gown style, and aren’t so uncomfortable that they make you want to rip out your eyelashes just to focus the pain somewhere else, is… tricky. My own gown is, by all stretches of the imagination, very simple. But I still had a nightmare of a time trying to find a body shaper and the right bra for the dress.
And maybe you’d like to pick out some fancy new lacy lingerie to kick-start your marriage, or pick some out for an engaged pal’s lingerie shower. What’s a DC bride to do?
Skip the chain stores and the online retailers and go local, of course! Shopping for your bridal lingerie should be a special experience, and definitely one that requires your presence in person instead of ordering through a website. Here are three local specialty shops that are experienced at handling bridal undergarments, lingerie, and bra fittings — one in DC, one in Virginia, and one in Maryland. These ladies are experts, so use them! If you’re able to bring in your dress, or at least a photo of it, so much the better. They’ll solve your neckline/open back/body-skimming dress puzzles!
Coup de Foudre
1001 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
(Corner of 11th and E Street)
Washington, DC 20004
202-393-0878
They specialize in bra fittings, they carry sizes 32A through 40G, and they offer bridal fittings as well as a selection of lingerie. They also have a blog that features new collections, store events, and special offers. You can even make an appointment for a fitting online. Easy, peasy!
Trousseau
306 Maple Avenue West (
Vienna, VA 22180
703-255-3300
They specialize in bridal undergarments — in addition to shapewear, bras, and sleepwear, they also carry bridal accessories, jewelry, bath and body products, and even gourmet chocolates! Talk about one-stop shopping! They carry extended sizes, too — 30AA to 56K.
Bra La La
8180 Maple Lawn Boulevard
Fulton, MD 20759
301-776-6007
They carry a wide selection — bridal lingerie, accessories, shapewear, sleepwear, sports undergarments, maternity undergarments, even specialty bras for women who are post-mastectomy. Again, you’ll find extended sizes here, from 28AA to 50K. They even suggest making a day of your bridal outing by taking advantage of two day spas located in the Maple Lawn complex — The Pearl Spa, and Pura Vida. Sounds like a fab day to me!
August 27-29
Please call for an appointment, 410-484-4600.
1848 Reisterstown Road, Baltimore, Maryland.
August 27-29
Mazza Gallerie, Floor Two, 5300 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, Washington, DC. 202.363.9301
August 25 7 PM- 10PM
Enjoy an evening of private shopping, wine tasting, hors d’oeurves, and gift bags. Enter for the chance to win prizes from Vinifera Wine Bar and Bistro, Reston Limo, and Classic Wines.
The event is free, but space is limited so please RSVP to julia@simpleeleganceevents.com
11990 Market Street Suite D, Reston, VA.
If you are an online sample sale addict like I am, you are going to be one happy bride to find out that a new online sample sale specific to bridal wear is launching very soon. The Aisle New York is now allowing ladies to pre-register for their member’s only sample sale in preparation for their late September launch. Everything from gowns, costume jewelry, headwear, and shoes will be on sale from some of your favorite high end designers at an average discount of 50% off. Most designers have already signed 18 month exclusivity agreements in preparation for the launch meaning this discounts will only be found at The Aisle for at least the next year. Some of the designers include Oscar de la Renta, Elizabeth Fillmore, Alberta Ferretti, Angel Sanchez, Patt Kerr, and Notte by Marchesa. Most merchandise will be from past seasons and will run from sizes 2 to 12. The average price point seems to be around $5,000.
Ladies, this is the most exciting news for the brides everywhere. Your dreams of walking down the aisle in a designer gown are becoming closer to reach! Pre-register today!
- By vmorris
- Filed in: Miscellaneous
Autumn’s spectacular color spectrum isn’t limited to the trees — there are countless flowers that mark the season’s arrival. We encourage fall brides to embrace this upcoming wave of warm, earthy color!
Image by Martina Rathgens via Flickr
Image by John-Morgan via Flickr
SUNFLOWER [above left] Although the golden varieties of this late summer flower are a classic, don’t overlook their deep red and pale yellow relatives. Popular in “dwarf” size (4” heads), a cluster of sunflowers would accent an All-American wedding perfectly with their charm and simplicity.
BLACK EYED SUSAN [above right] The dark centers of these brilliantly colored blooms create contrast and warmth, making them an ideal arrangement for a fall wedding. They would work beautifully with a vintage lace dress – equally so tucked into the breast pocket of a khaki-clad groom.
Martha Stewart
MEALYCUP SAGE [left] This lovely purple-blue flower is often used as an accent in arrangements. An entire bouquet would create a straight-from-the-garden look, with bursts of color that mimic the soft hues of autumn skies.
DAHLIA [below] These long lasting cut flowers make for vibrant bouquets and centerpieces. Blossoms come in a range of shapes and densities, so whether you’ll be donning embroidered lace or sleek satin, there is a variety to match.
- Image by mira_foto via Flickr
source: www.pnyv.org/fairglobalcitizenship/
Hey Brides-To-Be! How have you been?! It’s been pretty quiet out there. What have you guys been up to? I’ve sorta lost the bridal fever, so I’m hoping you can help me by sharing your bridal happenings. I’m really really really interested in hearing about what you guys are going through and at what part of the planning stage you’re at.
Is everything peaceful out there in the land of brides? Or are you totally stressed out? Is this proving to be the happiest time of your life? Or is it more than you expected? How’s your fam handling everything? Are they super supportive? Have you been taking time for yourself?
The most important question of all: How are you and future hubby doing? As a matter of fact, I’d love to hear from the future hubbys too ladies, so please do me a favor and forward this post on to your fiance’ so we can talk, vent, dish or declare how perfect, crazy, scary, joyful, unbearable, exciting and calming things are. This is a community! Let’s share! We are the world! Lol.
No matter if you’ve just started planning or are near done, talk to me. I’m getting kind of lonely over here. I’m all up for a good story and I’d love to offer support if I can.
Can’t wait to read the comments!
Luxurious Peacock Pocket-Fold Wedding Invitation by Staccato Designs
A bride is never stationary. She is a whirlwind of excitement and activity. Which is why the ever-savvy and stylish bride needs wedding stationery to suit her perfectly thought-out wedding vision–without too much effort on her part.
One local and eco-friendly paper design company recognizes that. Staccato Stationary of Virginia not only offers up their own stunning designs, they search far and wide for other eco-friendly designers so that they can bring their brides collections of all kinds.
For your fall wedding, consider an invitation with total glam and cutting edge style. With a variety of color options, Staccato’s Luxurious Peacock Pocket-Fold Wedding Invitation or Embellished Peacock Feather Wedding Invitation add grace and fashion to the first look into your dream day.
Even better, they’re offering District Bride Guide readers the deal of the season!
10% off an order of one of the products above of $100 or more
This offer expires: August 25th, 2010
Coupon Code: DBGPeacock
