Thursday, January 26, 2012

A Few Questions for David Tutera!

We asked Celebrity Wedding Planner and Televison star David Tutera "How did he get started wedding planning, and how did he become such a powerhouse?" Want to hear his answer? Watch the video below, and don't forget to follow us on twitter @yourenchanted



Friday, January 13, 2012

::Going Green::

Over the years we have been hearing more and more about how to be good to our environment and how to become eco-friendly.  I recently discovered that on "each one of the 2.5 million weddings this year in the United States will produce an average of 63 tons of carbon dioxide and 400-600 lbs of garbage."  For what's supposed to be the most beautiful day of your life, that sure is a lot of ugly damage being done to our earth wouldn't you agree?  


Well, about a week ago while scouring my twitter timeline I came across a dress designer by the name of Chrissy Wai-Ching. I decided to click on the link to her website www.wai-ching.com  and my mouth fell to the floor when I saw her gowns.  I mean, these designs are fascinating and I have never seen any thing like them before.  They are not your typical bleached white wedding gown!  They are sexy, elegant, and they pop with color...LITERALLY.  With further research on her site I discovered that her dresses are eco-friendly as well, and you can't get any better than that.  This inclined me to call Chrissy personally just so I could learn more.  She was more than happy to talk to me and explained  how her dresses created  a tiny carbon footprint.  Her gowns are created from organic silk or hemp and are hand-dyed using all natural dyes.  The Zolotova dress (the gowns that are featured below) are a collaged style created from salvaged pieces of other dresses that would have otherwise been disposed.  And, while most gowns are are shipped across the globe these are created right at her design studio in Seattle.  Here's the kick, she doesn't only feature wedding gowns, but she also sells evening gowns and dresses (think about bridesmaids or a wardrobe switch during the reception), kimonos (staying true to her Chinese heritage), shawls, ring bearer pillows, and ties for the groom.  









These gowns are sure to wow your guests and will definitely have them talking well past the last dance.  I've been married for 2 and half years now, and if I would have found these gowns back then I think I would have been the bride who says "This is the dress!" and cried at my first fitting.


--Happy Gown Hunting....Go Green


Lauren  
statistics courtesy of: Green Bride Guide

Sunday, January 8, 2012

This left me BEYOND speechless. I'll let the pictures do all of the talking!

Oh my gosh....Talk about inspiration and beauty?! I had to reblog this post of Style Me Pretty's Best Weddings of 2011.  I am really speechless about all the details and beauty within.  If your getting married or know someone who is, do yourself a favor and click the link for some inspiration! You'll be happy that you did!

Friday, January 6, 2012

Top 25 Bridal Trend of 2012 pt. 4

19.  Food Trucks.  Yeah, I said it.  I know your thinking "What?! Thats ridiculous!"  Which is part of the reason why I save this trend towards the end of the list.  I really needed to figure out how to make this alluring to my reader in the best way possible.  It's not my job to question the trend...I'm just reporting it so that you can stay well informed.  Needless to say, food trucks are definitely buzzing around at weddings this year.  Now I'm not talking about a food truck that you see on your average neighborhood corner every day selling hot dogs and 3 hour old pretzels.  I'm talking about but gourmet ones.  A lot of couples will be using them for outdoor weddings simply because it's quite convenient for their guests.  How nice is it to just go up to a truck and order whatever you want whenever you want right?  I like this idea because it brings a more relaxed vibe to what can be an uptight event (think garden party).  And if you think I'm losing my marbles on this one, I just thought I'd let you know that Celebrity Chefs/Caterers Jose Garces, Stephen Starr, and David Chang are all getting into the food truck industry.
Check out this article I found: Emerging Philadelphia Restaurant Empires Large and Small


20.  Family Heirloom Furniture:  As I said earlier, I love vintage things but I think this takes it to a whole new level.  If your having a small family wedding indoors or outdoors, perhaps you grandmothers wooden chest freshly polished can hold the place cards and guestbook, or an old hutch can hold your specialty drinks.  Even if you don't have any heirlooms and this idea appeals to you, there is always thrift stores.  Take a look:




21.  Rustic-isms:  If your an outdoorsy person, this should appeal to you.  Think mason jars filled with floral arrangements,  wicker chairs, and wind chimes made of bottles hanging down from trees.


22. Old World Opulence:  This is another idea stolen from the Royal Wedding.  Colors like gold and ivory would be your theme, heavy card stock invitations with over the top hand written calligraphy and large hanging chandeliers.

23.  Custom Made Dance Floors:  This one is for the bride who wants it all, and can afford it all for that matter.  While the cheaper alternative suggests getting your monogram illuminated on your floor.  This idea can have your initials in your floor permanently.  If that's your style.

24.  A Different Type of Destination:  Again, this is for the bride who has a lot of money to play with.  Weddings are being taken to a new level and being held on top of Elephants in India, or at the Colosseum in Rome.  Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes did it!

25.  Last but not least....Making your wedding a personal brand.  It let's your guests know who you really are a couple.  Whether it's a royal theme, vintage-rustic, or full of vibrant colors.  Showing off what makes your event personal for you, and letting the charisma shine through is the best trend of all and one that I don't see going anywhere anytime soon.  Let everyone know what make you...YOU.

There it is; the Top 25 Bridal Trends....Happy Planning!

Monday, January 2, 2012

Top 25 Bridal Trends of 2012 pt. 3

13. Look for bright and flamboyant color combinations to turn heads and brighten the day. Think about eye popping oranges and yellows, electric fuchsias and reds, peacock palettes, bright royal blues and even brighter golds.

14. Chalkboards: I know your probably thinking "ummm, seriously?!" Yes, I'm serious and I for one am all for things that are different. As I said earlier, letting your guests know your personality really makes your wedding a memorable day. Especially when it comes out in the original, cute and quirky fashion. Details like seating, drinks that are in your bar, or the menu for the night can be written in beautiful calligraphy with a permanent pen. That way you don't have to worry about little hands touching it or it accidentally being rubbed off.

15. Diamonds, sparkle, and all things BLING! Need I say more? Shiny stones can be added to cakes, bouquets, table decor. I think it adds that special wow factor too...as long as you don't over do it.

16. Centerpieces...that hang from above. Flowers, lighting and yes... bling can be hung from centerpieces to add fancy flair to your event.

17.  Vintage, Vintage, Vintage:  I love nostalgic things.  Victorian dresses (see #1), brooches, birdcage veils, pearls.  Think of  fashion was from the Roaring 20's.  Or, if that's not your quite your style maybe you have an older relative who can't make it your wedding.  Perhaps you can honor them by incorporating their picture  in your bouquet.  You can't get anymore vintage than that.


18.  Couple Trivia:  Add an extra quirk of fun to your wedding by teaching your guests somethings about you as a couple that they never knew.  How did you meet? What's your favorite song?  Where did you get engaged?  Facts like these on beverage napkins are great for conversation during cocktail hour and keeps your guests interacting with each other.