The Bridesmaid Blog
My dress pick this week is a dress by After Six (style #6583).
There is just something about this dress that draws me to it. I always get excited when someone tries it on. It looks great on a lot of different body-types and has some pretty fun colors.
You can see this dress @ the Chandler Twirl.
Happy Wedding Planning.
xoxo *ange
Simply Love Studio is featuring a Bride’s Night Out educational series that is completely FREE for brides!
Join them on Wednesday, June 2 from 6:30 – 8:30 pm to learn all about planning your dream wedding with details on budget, rentals, flowers, catering and photography!
You can RSVP to info@simplylovestudio.com! Don’t miss out on this great opportunity to learn from the best of the best professionals in Central Kentucky.
Simply Love Studio
With Sex and the City premiering this week, we couldn’t resist posting the uber-fabulous bridal shower thrown this past weekend for one of our Twirl Talk fans, Meagan, in New York City.
The event began with a mystery text instructing the bride to go home and look in her closet. There she found a little black dress, hot pink accessories, and instructions to await her transportation that would arrive at 5:30pm.
Photos courtesy of brides cousin, Katyln Wolfgang
What an amazing group of friends Meagan has – I think Carrie, Samantha, Miranda, and Charlotte would approve!
-Keri
Our guest blogger this week is Angela, from Angelina Rose Photography. We love how she is ‘going green’ with her photography!
Being an eco-friendly photographer takes a bit more than going digital, now today’s norm in wedding photography. Originally from the East Coast, I am an earthy crunchy photographer, putting a fresh spin on the ordinary West Coast landscape. Using the natural environment for lovely images often takes the photographer and bride on an adventure to find that ultimate spot where art and beauty merge into one.
Angelina Rose Photography is dedicated and committed to preserving and protecting the environment. The staff encourage brides to offset their wedding carbon footprint by providing an alternative route while personalizing their wedding day to be as unique as the individuals involved. That route begins when you decide to work with us.
When you book a wedding with Angelina Rose Photography, 10% of your initial deposit is donated to the Nature Conservancy to preserve Coral Reefs from around the world.
It was only natural to intertwine my earth-friendly lifestyle with my business etiquette and make a conscientious decision to put forth the effort in reducing, reusing, and recycling as much as possible. From the albums to the final packaging, we fuse creativity with simplicity while remaining elegantly chic.
As a wedding photographer, I see the details that go in to a wedding from floor runners, to table clothes, floral arrangements, and party favors. A lot of it goes into the trash bin at the end of the night.
Being eco-friendly is cost efficient. It requires a bit of research and family involvement, but no more than you would normally have to do to plan a wedding. It brings out more creativity and participation on the bride and groom’s part and just a bit of personalization makes ones wedding all the more unique.
Who needs a huge white cake when you could have many small cakes and intermingle them with cupcakes!
Often times, less is more and more is less. Simplicity is best!
- Angela Simpson
Owner, Angelina Rose Photography
This time next week I will by lying on the beach with a banana daiquiri in my hand and my HUSBAND by my side! I cannot believe this is the last time I am writing Tuesdays with Ty before the wedding. Time has certainly flown by and I am so excited for this weekend! I have enjoyed sharing my journey with everyone. Don’t worry…I’ll be back to update you with photos and wedding day do’s and don’ts after we get back from the honeymoon:)
I thought it would be fun to re-cap my fun wedding week attire with everyone! Brandon keeps asking just how many dresses I will wear because I keep parading out with more for him to critique. My excuse is that I will only get to be the BRIDE once and I want to make the most of it.
Beginning on Thursday I plan to start wearing white…because I can. We do not have any particular event on Thursday other than set up for the rehearsal dinner, but I plan to wear a super cute white sun dress my mom found for me in California!
Sun dress for Thursday
Friday I will have 2 wardrobe changes. At 11:30 that morning I will be surrounded by all the special ladies that are a part of the wedding for my bridesmaid luncheon at Circa 1840 in my hometown, Georgetown. For the occasion I will wear an ivory dress by Chloe & Reese sold at Twirl. Later that day, I will change for our rehearsal and dinner. Since we are doing a Fiesta theme, my dress is not white…but the festive Shiloh dress in fuchsia and ice blossom print by Thread, also sold at Twirl!!
Bridal Luncheon Dress by Chloe & Reese
Now, for the wedding day! 3 wardrobe changes total! The time before the wedding will be spent at ChaCha Salon and brunch at Josie’s. Every person that has been in a wedding before knows that you need to wear something that doesn’t go over your head when you are changing. So, while in Nashville on my bachelorette party I found the sweetest white strapless dress that is comfy and perfect for the wedding day.On to the wedding attire! As you may remember, I am wearing my mother’s gown (with new life and style breathed into it). I am giving you a sneak preview of mom in the original 1976 gown. Of course, I cannot post what it looks like now until after the wedding, but I love it and it is so special.
Ty's Mom in the original 1976 gown
For my final wardrobe change of the evening, I will change into a fun short, ivory reception dress by Lynn Lugo (also available at Twirl) after we cut the cake and do our first dance. I am seriously obsessed with this dress!
Reception dress by Lynn Lugo
On Sunday morning we leave bright and early for the honeymoon and again, I plan to wear white! Well this one is white and black and has fun flowers at the bottom, but still! I will be Mexico ready when I get on the plane!Happy Planning!
-Ty
Many times bridesmaids find themselves on a plane in order to get to the wedding destination. What would you do if the airlines lost your luggage with your bridesmaid dress in it? I know, this sounds like a very scary story. And it is!! In six years we have had this happen to only two girls. But it was their worst bridesmaid nightmare come true!
We recommend two different ways to get your dress there safely. First, you can bring your dress on the plane and ask the flight attendants to hang it up for you. There is usually a section in the front of the plane for jackets, etc. Just to make sure, I would suggest calling your airline ahead of time to check and see if they can accommodate you. That way your dress is safe and sound. Second, you can ship your dress to someone who lives where the wedding is taking place. Ask your bride if she can keep it at her house until you get there, or a trusted family member.
Back to my scary story. In the end, both of our girl’s were taken care of and ended up walking down the aisle in their bridesmaid dress – thank goodness! But not without a ton of stress and a lot of help to fix the problem. Pass on this advice to all of the bridesmaids who will be getting on a plane to get to your wedding so it doesn’t happen to them.
-Jenni
Join us at Twirl’s Scottsdale location starting TODAY!! Come to Twirl Scottsdale for a special event with the new Spring 2011 Priscilla of Boston and Melissa Sweet bridesmaid collections. Plus, the new Melissa Sweet Classics for bridesmaids will be here!
We’ll have special offers during the trunk show on the entire new collection – don’t miss this event! Call 480.221.1222 or email info@twirlscottsdale.com for your appointment, as the weekeend will fill up quickly.
Here is a preview – the new collection by Priscilla of Boston and Melissa Sweet look absolutely fabulous!
Emily and Matt were married at the elegant Los Angeles Athletic Club in LA, California. Kelly Bland, the venue’s catering manager was on hand to help the couple with their big day, and according to Emily “she was amazing” 
Their wonderful photographs were captured by Floataway Studios , who from the looks of their website, are totally fun!
The bridesmaids looked fabulous wearing Melissa Sweet style 110, which has a cotton lace bodice, and a crinkle chiffon skirt. The dresses seem to not only complement Emily’s gown but the theme of the entire wedding as well.
Originally Emily hadn’t planned on having the usual “something old, new, borrowed, and blue” since their wedding wasn’t very traditional, however in the end it all fell into place. Her dress was the “new”, she had a “borrowed” headband from her sister-in-law, and her childhood blanket served as the “old” and the “blue.”
According to Emily …
“I tore a little piece off of it and put it in between the stems of flowers in my bouquet. Although it was special for me to carry a piece of something that I’ve had my entire 28 years, it definitely was more of a homage to my grandma, who died three years ago. When I was younger, I carried my blanket everywhere, and my mom would complain to her that I would probably never give the blanket up. My grandma’s answer? “It’s not like shes going to walk down the aisle with it!” So hopefully she was watching me prove her wrong and laughing, as I did walk down the aisle with (part of) the blanky! ”
Emily and Matt, thank you for letting Twirl be a part of your special day, we wish you a lifetime of happiness!
- Lindley
I ate lots of jelly beans while working on my To-Do list!
The most important advice my best friend gave me is to enjoy the moment! Take the time to enjoy your last few days as an “engaged” couple…you will never be that again after the big day. We are also going to take some time to have dinner with each of our parents again to convey our thankfulness for their support and love throughout this time. My parents have been truly wonderful and I will never be able to repay them for all they have done. I want to be able to celebrate with them and celebrate!
A few other things that are topping my list:
There are a few fun things I am planning as well! This week my Matron of Honor, Nancy, and I are going to Happy Hour to go over everything to make sure I am not forgetting anything! It will also be fun to relax and take a moment to breathe.
Relax!
Next Monday I am getting a massage before I start getting everything together for the honeymoon! There is certainly a lot take care of, but just keep a list going and ask for help if you feel overwhelmed. This is a time you should be joyous and not stressed. Enjoy the moment.
Happy Planning!
-Ty
My dress pick this week is Lela Rose style #121.
As cute as I think this dress would be for a bridal party, I might love it even more for a rehearsal dinner or bridal shower dress. There are 11 fabulous colors this dress can come in (yes ivory is an option) – and there are 18 color options for the flower. You can get so creative with this dress… I just can’t get enough.
The fabric for this dress is faille. I don’t usually find faille to be too popular of a fabric… but it is absolutely perfect for this dress. It adds much desired structure and you can tell it is very well made.
This cocktail, strapless, empire dress (with pockets) can be seen at Twirl Chandler. It is so flirty and fun, you just have to see it in person.
Happy Wedding Planning.
xoxo *ange
{blueCorner} How to Survive Bridal Dress Shopping
Shopping may not be on your highest list of priorities in real life. However, your dream has come true and you’re getting married. Dress shopping now seems like something you must do and you might be feeling a bit stressed. A big relief is your new Twirl Chandler in Arizona now offers a bridal collection along with their already thriving bridesmaid dress and tuxedo business. This is your time to find the “perfect” dress, you know, the one that everyone says will speak to you once it’s on. Be choosy but be focused so to keep your eye on the prize, which is to find your princess for-a-day gown.
Plan of Attack
Begin your dress journey at least six months ahead with a plan to find your dress style, schedule your appointment and bring along a notepad with pen. You may have already subscribed to Brides magazine or one of countless bridal magazines in the store. If not, sign up or visit a bridal show to receive some subscriptions as free offers. Rip out pages of your favorite magazines and start to create a packet of your favorite picks and why. Bring these to your first bridal appointment to help the bridal dress consultant find your style. Try to jot down notes after each dress to narrow down the cut, material, and design you truly love. After awhile, every dress will blend together and so will the prices.
Floating on Clouds
A few weeks before your first appointment at Twirl, decide on your “Power Team”, the people who will join you during your appointment. Try to limit your choices to one or two people who will lovingly give you opinions (but be your biggest cheerleaders). This day should be all about you and not a sibling’s dilemma or a parent’s trouble with you. Keep your happiness in mind because you will need a clear head finding your perfect dress and everyone should be in high spirits.
Break Bread
Try to plan your dress shopping for mid-morning. This will give you a chance to make it a girl’s day by visiting your favorite lunch spot after your shopping experience. Use this time to talk about the notes you took about your dresses or about the fabulous new gown you ordered. You’ll know when you find your dress to marry Mr. Right. Now, you’ll need some amazing new accessories but I’m sure you’ve already started dreaming of the picture perfect look. Happy Planning! – - Val
Copyright © 2010 – Valerie Bolitho is the owner of Blueprint Affairs, Wedding & Event Planning. As a wedding planner, she can assist with everything from day-of-event coordination to full wedding planning. With attention to detail and never settling for anything short of your vision, Blueprint Affairs strives for excellence and will truly make your event one to remember. At Blueprint Affairs, Your Vision is Our Blueprint. Visit them online at www.blueprintaffairs.com
Beautiful family, friends and most of all LOVE!
Rene and Elizabeth were married at the Country Club at DC Ranch! The wedding was an absolute dream come true! Just look at how cute Elizabeth and her bridesmaid’s look! Stunning!
Heather Crabtree with Outstanding Occasions did a phenomenal job making the day unforgettable for both the bride and groom while photographer Ben Quillinan captured all the priceless moments!
Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Deubler on a fabulous wedding and the lasting memories to come
-Mo
18 days. That is how many days we have left before the wedding! I cannot believe how time flies and how quickly I know these next 18 days will go by. So, on Monday, Brandon and I headed downtown Lexington to get our marriage license!!
Having a marriage license is required in order to officially be married on your wedding day. Getting it does not mean you are married, just that you are legally allowed to be married. The license becomes official after the ceremony when both the bride and groom sign it with your witnesses and the officiant. After that it is filed and then you get your marriage certificate in the mail a few weeks later!
Getting our marriage license at the county clerk's office
So here are a few tips on what you need to know for getting a marriage license in Kentucky (you can search your city for local requirements):
Enjoy this day together and your last few weeks of being engaged! We went to stock up on honeymoon beach basics afterwards:)
Happy Planning!
-Ty
Does being more organized make planning your wedding easier when it comes to bridesmaid dresses? I really think this can be answered both yes and no.
The answer would be yes for the obvious reasons. I love when a bride walks into Twirl with a giant binder and begins flipping though the tabs to show me the different aspects of her wedding. The venue, the flowers, the colors of the linens, etc…etc. This is great because I get to experience the true vibe of her wedding. This makes my job easier when it comes to helping her find bridesmaid dresses because she has painted a picture of her wedding for me.
Now as wonderful as organization is, it can sometimes make the bride’s tasks become frustrating. Like many brides do before they come to Twirl, they spend a lot of time on-line and in magazines looking for their “perfect” bridesmaid dresses. This usually leads them down one of two roads.
*The first is they have found the “perfect dress” (on-line or in a magazine). The one they MUST have.
The trouble they sometimes run into is that there isn’t a boutique in Arizona that carries a sample for her to see in person. The brides and her girls then spend lots of time trying on other dresses, but the bride just cant get the “perfect dress” out of her head. Nine times out of ten when the bride does finally find a way to get her hands on the “perfect dress”, she ends up not even liking it in person. The fabric is not what she expected… or the color swatches looked different on-line… or it doesn’t flatter her bridesmaids. And because she didn’t really pay attention the first time around with the bridesmaid dresses because all she knew was the one she thought she really wanted wasn’t available, she is now back at square one. It is almost like a mini dream gets crushed… and when it comes her wedding, that is never good.
*The second path of organization that can bring un-needed stress into a bride’s life is when she finds a color she MUST have.
There are hundreds of color options when it comes to bridesmaid dresses, however, there are millions upon millions of colors and different shades of those colors in the world. When a bride comes into Twirl with a piece of fabric or a paint chip or a shoe and knows that come hell or high water this must be the color of her bridesmaid dresses, things can get a bit tricky. Not every color comes in every fabric. The bride will almost always find a fabric she loves and a card of color swatches that do match her must have color. She then has to decide if the dress is more important and should she slightly alter her shade of “teal”? Or is the must have color more important and should she go with a dress she likes less?
To some this may seem silly, but it happens all the time. The one piece of advice we can offer is never be 100% set on anything until you see it in person. Colors, dresses, fabrics, styles… they will always look different in person
: sometimes for the better and sometimes for the worse (depending on who you ask). We hate to see brides upset or frustrated. Choosing bridesmaid dresses should be yet another fun part of the wedding planning. Especially because it involves your closest girl friends. So perhaps starting with an open mind can help bring the stress level down a knotch or two. And as always, we are here to help in any way we can!
Happy Wedding Planning.
xoxo *ange
