Classy Couple

Amy and Terry are one classy couple.   From start to finish, their wedding was like watching a scene from a movie…. Our chapel limousine slowly pulled up in front of the building, their driver, Lorenzo gracefully walked around the car and opened the limo door and extended his arm to the bride to help her out of the car. Amy’s gown was a reflection of her personality: elegant and refined.  Lorenzo then handed the bride over to the groom and the couple made their way up the staircase to the chapel. They were so sophisticated, and I could sense how amazing they felt, as if they were royalty.  

They had a very romantic, simple ceremony.  Their eyes twinkled every time they spoke to each other.  The only thing missing was the red carpet.  Via’s photos showcased the bride’s dress beautifully, and you can see in their photos that they were very comfortable working with Via.  

I truly hope they had a memorable experience with Downtown Vegas Chapel.

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Calling all brides! 10 must-try wedding trends for 2017

8 Top Wedding Planners Predict 2017’s Biggest Trends

Trends and weddings usually don’t go together. Why? No bride wants to look back at her wedding pictures five years later and regret that bubble-hemmed gown. But once trend-related mistakes are avoided, there’s something to be said for embracing the spirit of the new—and having an affair that feels cutting edge. So as wedding planning revs up for many brides-to-be, we reached out to eight top event planners to hear their predictions for 2017. A return of color, and greenery especially, in lieu of the all-white wedding was noted virtually across the board. But to hear the experts elaborate further, and to learn a few more hypotheses, read the below.

“Guest don’t need to wait until midnight for the traditional rice-toss or sparkler moment. Brides and grooms are looking for the celebration to begin with the first kiss. Whether that is followed by a confetti blast, fireworks, or marching band, the celebration is starting at the ceremony. The other big one is large scale installations. For example, filling a ceiling with drapery, flowers or even floating orbs will add a sense of wonder, creating a beautiful and long-lasting memory.” —Bryan Rafanelli

“I think vivid and high-tech lighting techniques will become even more affordable weddings and therefore will be more utilized by designers. I also think more lounge seating will added around dance floors and on outer edges of the room to encourage guests not being stuck only at dinner tables.” —Marcy Blum

“Brides and grooms will recognize more that their ceremony is the sacred part of their celebration, but that the reception afterwards is a party. And like any party, it can be fun, theatrical, expressive, and whimsical. Traditions can be altered, personalized, or ignored altogether. Yes, many couples will still want to cut the cake, while others will opt to serve ice cream sundaes from a cart.” —Bronson van Wyck

“Trees! We’re seeing a huge interest in trees of all kinds—from olive to citrus, cypress to birch. I love the impact of their scale in a space, and whether rented or purchased and planted in the ground after the wedding, trees are a wonderful antidote to disposable wedding décor.

I also think we’ll see after-party transformations. It used to be that an after-party consisted of a DJ coming on to replace the band at the end of the night for an hour or two and ‘the young people’ would dance on. But 2017 will see fully developed after-party themes that stem directly from couples’ personal loves. Electronic music festivals? Your favorite cabaret hot spot in Paris? A beach party in Mykonos? This is the time for everyone to let loose in a new environment that has become a full-on focal point of the wedding night for the entire crowd.” —David Starkhttp

“People are moving away from stereotypical ‘wedding venues’ in exchange for locations that more special and rare. Think an alfresco meal at a long dinner table in front of a historic mansion, or tents on top of a cliff overlooking the ocean in Big Sur. These are the types of immersive experiences people now want their guests to have. It isn’t just about having a wedding, it’s about transporting guests to something magical, and allowing them to experience to something once in a lifetime.” —Alison Laesser-Keck and Bryan Keck

“We’re going to see a lot more greenery in place of abundant wedding flowers. Flowers will certainly never go out of style, but this year they may have to move over for bright and beautiful leaves. It doesn’t hurt that Pantone supported this movement by electing Greenery as the Color of the Year. Also, hiring an expert mixologist to make unforgettable artisanal cocktails for you and your guests will be the experiential cocktail hour every wedding in 2017 requires.” —Colin Cowie

“Nighttime ceremonies. So long to sunsets and welcome dusk. This means lighting and candles can become the focal décor element and not necessarily the florals.” —Yifat Oren

“As much as we love neutrals, a big splash of color is exactly what we’ve been wishing for the past few years. We’re very excited to be incorporating more color in every element of our weddings in 2017.” —Virginia Edelson

Source: www.vogue.com

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Why Are Wedding Rings Worn on the Left Hand?

For years, couples have dedicated a single “ring” finger to romance when any other digit would do. A case of left side, strong side? Not according to history.

In medieval times, getting caught scribbling with one’s left hand could earn accusations of being possessed and, during the Spanish Inquisition, lefties were more likely to be tortured or killed. In fact, the aversion touched many cultures, from the long-standing taboo in Islamic countries against eating and drinking with one’s left hand, to the expectation in ancient Japan that any wife who didn’t favor her right could be legally divorced on the spot, no questions asked. So why do we favor a finger on a cursed hand to symbolize lasting love?

Past perception wasn’t all bad. The union between marriage and the now-standard ring placement can be traced back to second-century Egyptians who falsely believed that “a certain most delicate nerve” began in the fourth left finger and stretched directly to the heart, according to the Greek scholar Appian. Centuries later, the Romans came to a similar conclusion. In place of a nerve, they were convinced that a vena amoris—or “lover’s vein”—connected this digit with the blood-pumping organ.

During the Roman engagement process, a well-off suitor who could afford a ring would slip it over his bride-to-be’s fourth finger. Thus, he’d always have a symbolic grip around her lover’s vein. The modern world may have adopted that practice from the Romans.

Still, others argue that reverence for the fourth finger begun as an early Christian ritual. While crossing themselves in an Orthodox Church, worshipers are expected to join the thumb with the index and middle fingers. Historians contend that the group represented the father, son, and Holy Ghost when placed together, while the “ring” finger signified earthly love, making it the perfect location for a spouse’s wedding ring.

Until the seventeenth century, Orthodox couples normally wore their rings on the right hand(an extremity that’s associated with strength) and most Europeans of all faiths followed suit. But during the Reformation in 1549, an English Bishop and Protestant reformer named Thomas Cranmer used wedding rings as a way to break from tradition. That year, he published The Book of Common Prayer, which instructs couples to ditch a centuries-oldpractice in favor of slipping their wedding rings over the left fourth finger. Before long, husbands and wives throughout the continent were doing so.

Source: www.mentalfloss.com

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12 Things to Remember when Buying your Wedding Shoes

When you’re choosing your dream pair of shoes to go with the dream gown, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. Follow these 12 steps and you’ll be splashing out on a super pair of shoes you’ll want to wear again and again!

You have to wear your shoes

You might have fallen in love with a pair of skyscraper heels but remember you’re going to have to walk down the aisle in them, stand for photographs in them, maybe dance in them and walk around all day. Wobbling around on heels that are too high isn’t a good look and you don’t want to catch a high spiky heel in your dress either.

Choose a special pair of shoes

Award-winning shoe designer Rachel Simpson says “Choose shoes that make you feel amazing! Even if your dress is floor length, giving your guests the occasional peek of an exquisite pair of shoes will make you feel like a true princess! Wedding shoes don’t have to be boring – combine classic style with fashionable detailing and you’ll love them for years.”

Get them worn in

Don’t wear your shoes for the first time on your wedding day. Make sure you have them a few weeks before the wedding and wear them around the house (on carpet) to get them worn in a bit before the big day so they’ve moulded to fit your feet and eased up.

Take some measurements

Remember your dressmaker will need to know the exact height of your shoes for your final fitting so she can adjust your dress accordingly. You’ll need to be wearing your shoes at this fitting so when you order them check how long it will take for them to be delivered so you don’t have any last minute panics.

Consider getting your shoes dyed

Don’t panic if you can’t find shoes in the exact colour you want. Rainbow Club offers an excellent service at $30 to dye your shoes in a variety of different shades (useful for bridesmaid shoes too).

Match your theme

Think about the type of wedding you’re having. If you’re planning a country garden wedding where you’ll spend a lot of time outdoors then wedges or flats would be a good option, or wear heel protectors.

Venue requirements

On the same note talk to you venue about your footwear, some historic venues ban stiletto heels to protect their wooden floors.

Wet weather plans

If you’re having a winter wedding or just generally getting married in the UK (where rain is likely!), consider a pair of ‘Weddington Boots’ so that you can walk through the snow and puddles and not spoil your shoes.

Match your shoes to your dress

Take a swatch of your dress fabric with you when you choose your shoes to make sure that it matches up and the colour doesn’t clash.

Statement shoes

If you’re wearing a very traditional wedding dress, remember you can make a statement with your shoes. You don’t have to wear white or ivory – you could make a visual splash with scarlet heels – or any colour you fancy.

Pamper your feet

Have a pedicure before your wedding day so that your feet are soft and nails in great condition. They’ll also be picture perfect for your honeymoon!

Practice walking in your shoes

Last but not least, practice, practice and practice walking in your shoes so that you’re really used to them by your big day.

Source: weddingideasmag.com

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7 Tips to Help You Savor Each Moment on Your Wedding Day

You spent a lot of time planning your wedding day. So it’s only reasonable that you want to actually enjoy it — especially in the moment. But stress and worry can take precedence over enjoying the fruits of your labor, warns Jaclyn Fisher, owner of Two Little Birds Planning, if you’re not careful to stay present.

“At the end of the day, the most important part of a wedding is the celebration of your love and beginning of your life together,” she says. “Brides need to remember that when they start to get distracted and stressed. If they don’t stay present, their wedding day will go by in a flash without the bride actually experiencing or enjoying it.”

With that in mind, here are seven expert-approved tips to help you stay in the moment.

1. Break in your shoes before the big day.

If you’re used to wearing flats, your wedding could be a real pain — and we mean that literally — making it tough to think about anything other than your aching feet. But beyond breaking in your shoes, Fisher recommends making sure you’ll feel comfortable from head-to-toe at your wedding. “It will be impossible to enjoy your first dance if you can’t stop thinking about your strapless bra that’s digging into your chest or the painful blister on the back of your foot,” she warns.

2. Don’t plan to do too much the week of your wedding.

There is so much to do in the days leading up to your wedding. But rather than leave them to the last minute, Fisher recommends tackling them as early as possible so that the stress of your last-minute DIY projects doesn’t linger on your wedding day. “Make sure your programs, escort cards, welcome bags, and DIY projects are done well before the week of your wedding,” she says. “Setting the tone with a calm, restful week will put you in the right mindset to be stress-free and present on your wedding day.”

3. No matter what, you must eat.

A wedding day is a very long day indeed. And you don’t want your growling stomach to steal the show. “Start the day with a good breakfast, and take a short break before you put on your dress to nosh on some protein and light carbs or fruit,” recommends Amy Nichols, owner of Amy Nichols Special Events and co-founder of The Poppy Group.

See More: How to Handle Wedding Planning Stress

4. Take time to yourselves after the ceremony.

You may be surprised to hear that you’ll have very little alone time with your spouse on your big day. So be sure to take a moment after the ceremony for some QT. “Retreat to the bridal suite or another private area with your groom to bask in the newlywed bliss,” Fisher recommends. “Enjoy calling him your husband for the first time, admire your new wedding bands, and steal a few smooches. And let your planner and caterer know about your plan ahead of time so they can have champagne, water, and a sampling of your hors d’oeuvres ready for you.”

5. Hug your parents.

Your mom has been by your side from the start of your wedding planning. So, “take a special moment with your mom to thank her,” recommends Nichols. After all, no one will keep you grounded like your mom. But don’t leave your dad in the dust, either. “Some brides even choose to do a first look with their dads, where the photographer captures the moment that a dad sees his daughter in a wedding dress for the first time,” she says.

6. Leave your phone in your purse, or give it to your maid of honor.

We all know that phones are a daily distraction, and it will be on your wedding day, too, if you don’t put it away. “On your wedding day, you definitely don’t need something else pulling your attention away,” says Fisher. Put it in your clutch, or ask a family member or friend to carry it for emergencies only. “You’ve hired a professional photographer, so you don’t need to take photos, and anyone you’d think to call or text will be there in person,” she says. “If there was ever a time to disconnect, your wedding day is it.”

7. Hire a great team.

If you really want to relax on your wedding day, then you must trust the team you’ve put in place to execute it. “Bringing on vendors that are reliable, experienced and talented will remove so much of the worry about what’s happening behind the scenes,” Nichols explains. “Your wedding planner will be handling all of the details and logistics of the wedding day with your vendors. This will allow you to walk into the ceremony and reception knowing that everything and everyone are in their place and ready to have a good time.”

Source: Brides.com

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A GUY’S (UNBIASED) ENGAGEMENT RING BUYING GUIDE

So you are in the market for an engagement ring, or think you might be—congratulations!  Although we don’t know your girlfriend, we’re pretty certain she’ll be overjoyed when you ask her to marry you.

Ideally she’ll also be giddy with excitement over the ring you’ve chosen, and that’s where we can help. Yes, Brilliant Earth sells engagement rings but we are setting aside our interests to give you an unbiased “just the facts” guide to choosing an engagement ring that your future fiancé will love, and that will get you the most value for your money.  Here are the decisions ahead of you, and our tips on how to make them:

CHOOSE A GEMSTONE

You know that the most classic engagement ring style features a center diamond, but you may not know whether your girlfriend craves that style or wants something more unique. We can tell you this: close to 90% of engagement rings feature a diamond, and sapphires are the second most common engagement ring gemstone. If your girlfriend’s taste runs to the unconventional, then she may prefer something other than a diamond or sapphire engagement ring—but based on the numbers, a diamond or sapphire is a very safe bet.

Diamonds and sapphires are also the hardest gemstones (Diamonds rank 10 and sapphires rank 9 on a 1-10 mineral grading scale called the Mohs scale of hardness) meaning that they’ll hold up well to the everyday wear required of engagement rings. Sapphires cost less than diamonds, so choosing a center sapphire allows you to get a bigger gem for your budget. Although you probably think of sapphires as being a deep blue, they also come in yellow, pink, and a variety of other colors.

SELECT A GEMSTONE SHAPE

Diamonds are cut into ten standard shapes, and round is by far the most common choice, making up 75% of all diamond purchases. In part because they’re so popular, round diamonds cost more than other shapes. In fact, you can save up to 40% by choosing a non-round diamond. Some non-round shapes that are also very popular, but less pricey, are the princess cut (which is square) and the cushion cut (somewhere in between a round and a square, featuring softly tapered edges).

CHOOSE A PRECIOUS METAL

The main choices for engagement ring metals are platinum, white gold, yellow gold, and rose gold. Platinum and white gold are the most popular choices. These two metals look very similar, but platinum is more durable and costs about 50% more. To get a sense of what type of precious metal your girlfriend would prefer, pay attention to the jewelry she currently wears.

CHOOSE A RING STYLE

Would she prefer something sleek and modern, or detailed and vintage in feel?  Dazzling with diamonds or more understated?  Selecting a setting and ring style may be the hardest part of buying an engagement ring. For guidance, think about the clothes she wears and the art and furniture she appreciates—that should give you some clues as to whether she’d prefer a ring that’s classic, modern, nature-inspired, glamorous, or some combination of those. To make the decision less stressful, we offer 30 day free returns, so if the style you choose doesn’t fit her vision you can always return or exchange it for one she’ll adore.

CONSIDER BUYING AN ANTIQUE

If your girlfriend loves vintage jewelry, clothing, and décor, or if she’s a history buff or a lover of movies and books set in decades or centuries past, then she’d likely adore a vintage or antique engagement ring. Rings from earlier eras are often one-of-a-kind, and come with a sense of romantic history that many women love. As an added bonus, they generally cost less than a new ring of similar quality.

CONSIDER WHETHER TO GO CUSTOM

If you’re an artistic type or if it’s important to you to propose with a ring that’s completely unique, consider collaborating with a jewelry designer to create a custom engagement ring. To learn more about the process, read about The Pros and Cons of Designing a Custom Engagement Ring.

DECIDE ON A BUDGET

There is no hard and fast rule about how much you “should” spend on an engagement ring, other than that you should spend what feels comfortable for you. We can assist you in finding a diamond or other gemstone that balances size with quality at a price that works within your budget, and can tell you about lab-created diamonds, which can be a budget-friendly option. You can also consider a variety of payment options, including bank wire, layaway, and financing.

FIGURE OUT HER RING SIZE

Determining her ring size without asking is tricky, but not impossible. The most common women’s ring size is 6-6.5, and you want to err on the large side. You could sneak a ring from her jewelry box and take it to a jeweler to have it sized, or trace one of her rings on a piece of paper. For more strategies, check out How to Find Out Her Ring Size Without Her Knowing. Most rings can be resized, so check your jeweler’s resize policy.

CONSIDER A SEMI-SURPRISE

If you know you want to surprise your girlfriend with a ring when you propose, but are daunted by having to determine the right ring style and size, consider purchasing a diamond or other gemstone and having it set in a temporary ring setting. You can then have the gemstone re-set into a setting of her choice once you’re engaged. We let people have a gemstone set into our classic 18k Gold 2mm Comfort Fit ring, then return it within 60 days to have the gem re-set into a ring that’s the perfect style and size.

For more extensive education about how to buy an engagement ring, including what “the 4 Cs” of diamonds are all about, and how to find a ring that has been ethically sourced, consult our comprehensive Engagement Ring Guide.

Source: brilliantearth.com

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How To Pick Your Wedding Manicure Look, According to a Celebrity Manicurist

Wedding dress? Check. Elegant updo? Tested and approved. Makeup? Your mood board says it all. But what about your nails? Although your wedding day manicure will likely take a backseat when deciding your beauty looks, it’s definitely one that should not be overlooked. Think about all of the things that you’ll be doing with your fingers on your wedding day — throwing your bouquet, holding your partner’s hands, wearing your new wedding band — the list goes on. Your nails need to look as good as ever, but don’t sweat it if you haven’t given your polish too much thought yet. BRIDES spoke with Essie celebrity nail artist, Michelle Saunders, to find out what you should consider when deciding on a wedding nail look. Here’s what she had to say.

1. Always Get a Trial Run

Just like you would for your makeup and hair, you should definitely consider a trial run for your nail look. This will give you the opportunity to test out different colors, lengths, and shapes. Saunders suggests scheduling your first trial appointment at least two months before the big day.

2. Take Inspiration From The Season

You don’t have to match your floral theme or paint your nails mauve for fall, but the time of year and the flowers that are in season could help you find inspiration when it comes to choosing a color. “Depending on the season or color scheme, a bride could either keep it classic with a neutral and sheer or go all out with a deep crimson or opaque greige,” says Saunders. If you’re undecided, go with a tried and true shade. “It’s always safe to go with a semi-sheer pink like Essie’s ‘Ballet Slippers’ or slight-opaque creme.”

3. Consider Gel Over Regular Nail Polish

The last thing you want to do the day before your wedding is worry about ruining your manicure. If you’re up for it, consider a gel to prevent any smudges or chips from happening. What’s more, it’ll last you at least two weeks after your wedding day. “Gel is a good option especially if there is an extended honeymoon after the wedding,” says Saunders.

4. Keep It Simple With The Nail Art

Nail art is all the rage right now, but it doesn’t always translate into a timeless wedding day look. That doesn’t mean you should skip it if you’re into fun designs and a little sparkle, however. “If you are a nail art fan, keep it simple on your wedding day by using a gold or silver metallic (to mimic jewelry) as an accent. I recommend using Essie’s ‘Good as Gold’ or ‘No Place Like Chrome.'”
See More: 5 Nail Polish and Bridesmaid Dress Color Combos You (and Your Girls!) Will Love

5. Don’t Forget Your Toes

Depending on your shoes or dress length, your toes might not even make an appearance on your wedding day. You should still definitely get them painted though. As for color? Saunders believes pedicures are the best place to wear your something blue.

6. Keep An Emergency Kit With You

Should anything disastrous happen to your manicure on the day of your wedding, it would be wise to arm yourself with a handy emergency kit. In it, keep a nail file, a cuticle clipper, hand cream, and of course, the nail polish of your wedding manicure. Essie’s new Gel Couture line is a great option for brides because you can reapply the polish without having to use a UV lamp in the event you have a mani emergency.

Source: Brides.com

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