Country Strong

January 4, 2011

The first look of Shania Twain's New Year's Day Day wedding in Puerto Rico to dashing beau, Frédéric Thiébaud, courtesy of www.people.com. She looks lovely. A beautiful, blushing bride in a romantic, custom made gown, from a small boutique in Switzerland. I love the empire waist nipped in by the dark cummerbund which matches the groom. And the veil is to die for. Spring is coming and now I'm totally smitten by beach and destination weddings! Enjoy.



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The Princess Bride

January 6, 2011

It's almost time! Another royal wedding is just around the corner. The ceremony binding Prince William and Kate Middleton forever after will take place April 29, 2011 at Westminster Abbey. Until then, it's open season on all the details! What will she wear? Who will carry the esteemed honor of making her Royal Highness Princess William of Wales look and feel like a dream on her special day?
Well, whoever she chooses, it won't an overly difficult job. Á la Grace Kelly, she's a stunning woman who is already a fashion icon in her own right. I find her style a lovely mix of down-to-earth cool and classic sleek-and-sexy chic. That's right, she's sexy. She's not your mom's princess at all. She has great taste and never crosses the line, but I certainly wouldn't put it past her to sidle right up to it in a show stopping, cut-down-to-there gown. I love it! Heres a compilation of some looks that I think portray her personality:

At the moment, all bets are on British designer Bruce Oldfield. A favorite of Diana, princess of Wales, Oldfield has dressed many celebrities and royalty during his career. He is most well-known for couture occasion wear, debuting his self named label in 1975. He began making couture clothing for individual buyers in 1978 and, in 2009, opened a full-range bridal boutique at Beauchamp Place.
I have to admit that I didn't want to like him! I thought I was a diehard Lhuillier supporter and so I saved his site for last. However, I was so impressed by spring 2011 that I have to say my opinion has been swayed. I think he's her guy. It's elegant, it's romantic, it's sexy, it's cool, it's classy....it's the essence of style. Kate has to please not only herself, but an entire (judging) viewing world in April. I think Oldfield can accomplish both. Of course, I can't imagine Kate's dress is going to come right off the rack. I'm sure it will be custom made, but I think we will see something like these four from Oldfield:

While Oldfield seems to be the media speculation favorite, there are a few other British designers in the front runner group. David Fielden has thirty years of experience dressing some of the most glamorous women in the world. However, just because famous people buy you, doesn't mean you're a genius. I believe his designs stand for themselves. His aesthetic is clean, modern and classic all at the same time. The dresses are feminine and romantic without going overboard. While a royal wedding of this importance demands a certain amount of high drama, British royalty has also always been synonymous with practiced restraint. In Fielden you'll find all the classic details plus all of today's trending topics like bling, sheer layers, layers and detailed bodices/belts:

Relative newcomer Jenny Packham also lands at the top of the list. She has been honored as Hollywood's Designer of the Year and dubbed "First Lady of Partywear" by Vogue Magazine. Packham is your go-to girl if you want a look that is individual, glamorous and decadent. Three things that define femininity for me. Her approach is the essence of contemporary yet remains sensual, comfortable and wearable. I think that if Kate weren't getting married in front of the whole world and only wanted to please herself to the utmost, she'd wear one of these gowns by Packham:

Finally, of the British designers, I want to mention Alice Temperley for Temperley London bridal. I love her aesthetic, and I stand firmly behind her on almost every other issue, but I just can't stand behind her Spring 2011 bridal line for this event. It's chic, it's so very unique, I personally would wear it over and over again; but, it doesn't cut the mustard for a royal wedding. Actually, Kate wore Temperley during her first public outing with Prince William. The Daily Telegraph also reported recently that Temperley will become a Member of the Order of the British Empire, showing her majesty's support for the growth of this designer's career. Who knows, maybe a royal wedding can be low-key, bohemian cool? It is the future, I'll have you know:

Well, you may have already guessed that there is no way to cover every merit-worthy designer out there. I hope I haven't skipped any of your favorites. Do, please, keep in mind that I have restricted my selections to British designers as Kate will most certainly have to choose a fellow countryman. However, you don't! So in the next post I'm going to highlight a few dream designs from everywhere. What's the fun in planning a wedding for a future queen if you can't dream a bit?! Here's a sneak peek:


Wishing you all the best,

Bianca from Tasteful Weddings

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

The Winter Bouquet

December 29, 2010

Personally, I would love to get married in the wintertime. There is just something so gorgeous about the silence of the snow and the crispness of the cold air biting your throat as it goes down. The roaring of a fire in its hearth. It’s something vibrant and lively and beautiful that I can’t quite put my finger on, and that’s what’s so wonderful. The unidentifiable quality of mystique. The Thomasonesque, urgent and lusty hardiness of life at this time fills me with so much joy for life and perseverance that I can’t help but want to celebrate love and togetherness and eternity. Ruddy cheeks, infectious smiles, lots of dancing, a bit of cognac and an elegant and sentimental ceremony. Because I’m already so inspired by the season, I didn’t find it hard to make a selection of flowers I thought would fit perfectly with the theme.

Normally I’m a green girl, which is more in keeping with a spring wedding (coming soon!), but I went wholeheartedly for the reds, whites and ivories of Christmastime. In particular I was attracted this year by amaryllis, scarlet peony and magnolia flowers. So romantic I could just die! I like to be overwhelmed by an abundance of one clear note, a gigantic bushel of magnolias or red carnations would do me just fine. But, if you like to mix and match, it’s always lovely to add a few red roses and pussy willow or some winter accents like pine cones, holly leaves or berries. Or, consider a nontraditional bouquet completely of made of pine cones or deep wintergreen mixed with poinsettia. Oh I almost forgot about poinsettia! Don’t make that mistake. They make for a stunning bouquet.

Since summer and spring are so well suited for all bloom and pop nature can offer, I think metallics have found a welcome home in the colder months. You may want to consider adding a few notes of silver and/or gold to your wedding arrangements. However, if you just have to have flowers (like me), there are many winter blooming plants that are lovely and won’t break the bank as they are in season and shouldn’t be hard to find. You can take your pick from freesia, lilies, acacia, chrysanthemums, Gerber daisies, ginger, hellebores, narcissus, orchids, pansies, phlox, queen ann’s lace, african violet, poppies and primrose, just to name a few.

Something to remember, a fragrance flower can be beautiful but it can also be a disaster on your best day. Even if you’re not allergic or sensitive to smells, some of your guests may be.

Wishing you all the best,

Bianca from Tasteful Weddings

Amaryllis

Pride, timidity and splendid beauty. Photos from www.weddingbee.com.

Magnolia

Nobility, perseverance and love of nature. Photos from www.w- weddingflowers.com.

Holly

Defense, domestic happiness and forecast. The pointed leaves represent the crown of thorns and the red berries symbolize the drops of blood.

Christmas Rose Flower

Purported to have flowered on Christmas Day and associated with infant Jesus.

Carnation

Fascination, impulsiveness, joy and devoted love (don’t use white which is associated with disdain and refusal!). Photos from www.intimateweddings.com.

Iris

Faith, wisdom, cherished friendship, hope, valor and promise in love.

Orchid

Love, beauty, refinement, many children, thoughtfulness and mature charm. Photos from www.designsbyhemingway.com.

Pansy

Merriment, you occupy my thoughts.

Peony

Happy marriage, compassion and bashfulness. Photo from www.hollychappleflowers.typepad.com.

Poinsettia

Purity, christmas. Photo from www.sweetbeginningscakes.com.

Poppy

Beauty, magic, consolation, fertility and eternal life.

Violet

Modesty, virtue, affection, watchfulness, faithfulness, love and let’s take a chance on happiness.

Silver bouquet from www.acapecodbride.blogspot.com

Gold bouquet from www.marthastewart.com

Green bouquet from www.floralverde.com