Tori's Getting Maui'd

We are so thrilled to send our very best wishes to the sweet and darling Victoria Sharkey as she ties the knot in Hawaii with her sweetheart! Victoria, we wish you and John the absolute best on your big day and in life.

May you be happier and more in love each and every day.

Ho'omaika'i 'ana! Live Well. Laugh Often. Love Much. 

  Be sure to visit these lovely ladies to keep the love going!

Melissa Larson | Kat Hollander | Steph Killip | Claire Gallam | Alicia French | 

Jacin Fitzgerald | Jaime Dray |  Naomi V. Goodman 

 

Photo credits:

Wedding couple | Beach sunset | Hawaiian Bed |

White sand beaches: Valley & Co.

Plumeria | Flower Lei: Stock photo

Surf Board photo with woman + beach | Kissing couple

Tori & John on mountain: John's Facebook Photos

Missing credit for Rainbow photo

Royal Wedding: Queen Elizabeth to Prince Phillip

It's here. The Royal Wedding of Prince William to Kate Middleton has arrived. As royal tradition meets a modern couple, we also look back on Prince William's grandmother's wedding in 1947. This historic royal wedding set precedent for what some predict will take place at today's wedding.

Queen Elizabeth married Prince Phillip, Duke of  Edinburgh at Westminster Abbey in front of 2,000 guests in the first royal soirée of any sort since the end of World War II. The Queen's bouquet was made of white orchids and a sprig of myrtle grown from the bush of myrtle of Queen Victoria's own wedding bouquet.

Photo via Women in History

Her gown was adorned with 10,000 pearls imported from the United States and made of ivory duchess satin. Queen Elizabeth's gown train trailed fifteen feet behind her dress; do you think Kate's will be as dramatic?

 Photos via Women in History

The royal wedding cake stood nine feet tall and reportedly weighed 500 pounds. The traditional cake cutting took place using Prince Phillip's own sword. Per our post yesterday on traditions, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip paid homage to English tradition and  saved one tier until the christening of Prince Charles some years later.

 Image via Women in History | Cake photo via British Food | Facts via Hello Magazine

 Their wedding guests celebrated the nuptials at a daytime luncheon. What similarities do you hope to see at Prince William and Kate's wedding?

Royal Wedding: Old English Traditions

The world is eagerly waiting to watch Prince William and Kate Middleton walk down the aisle tomorrow. While we are prepping for a wedding tomorrow here in San Diego, we will be DVRing the day's festivities so that we can watch in awe. We're most looking forward to seeing how old and new traditions are mixed to create this celebration and if some of our most cherished traditions {that actually date back to centuries-old England} will be incorporated. Here are some English-started traditions that remain popular today.

A incredible tradition we spoke to last summer is that of the cake pull. Dating back to Victorian times, a bride would select her favorite ladies to pull a silver charm from her cake by a ribbon. Each charm represents something like good health, romance, stability, a new home, and the like. Our bride Jennifer brought this tradition to modern times to nod to her New Orleans roots. It's also a popular tradition there and sterling silver cake pulls are commonplace at most bakers. You can find cake pull charms here.

Photo by Llanes Weddings for Valley & Co.

The tradition of a flower girl tossing petals down the aisle is thought to have been started centuries ago to ward off evil spirits or evil thoughts one might wish upon the happy bride walking down the aisle. Flower petals are said to bring love and hope to the new bride and her husband.

Photo by Alex Studio for Valley & Co.

 
The top layer of a wedding cake has long been saved by English newlyweds as the christening cake to celebrate their first born child. English wedding cakes were by tradition fruitcake, able to be preserved for some time.

This has grown into today's tradition of the top tier of a cake to be frozen and enjoyed on the couple's first wedding anniversary.

Photo by Kate McElwee Photography for Valley & Co.

The tradition of the groom's cake dates back to Tudor times in England. He would choose his favorite cake to be served alongside the couple's fruitcake.

Did you {or will you} use any of these traditions in your own wedding? We'd love for you to share any other traditions you are fond of.

Royal Wedding: Prince Albert of Monaco

With the Royal Wedding this Friday, excitement is mounting across the world. While we are excited to see the details, to read about what royal and English traditions are incorporated, and to see the looks and styles, we're also looking forward to Prince Albert of Monaco's Royal Wedding this coming summer.

French magazine Point de Vue showcased possible wedding visions for this upcoming celebration.

Royal, regal details like a Grimaldi crest and ornate chandeliers are mixed with fresh splashes of color and textures from draping to climbing floral displays and a red carpet.

Images from French magazine Point de Vue via My Royals

 We have visited Monaco several times and are in awe of the Beaux Arts-inspired architecture, the extremely prestine and well-manicured gardens at each turn, and the detailing in restaurants, the Monte Carlo Casino, and in the deluxe hotels. What an incredible experience it would be to be an attendant at Prince Albert's wedidng.

What are you most looking forward to seeing at Prince William and Kate's wedding this Friday? Will you be counting down to Prince Albert's wedding?

 

Greening Your Registry with NewlyWish

We are thrilled to introduce our new wedding registry expert and monthly contributor Amanda Allen from NewlyWish in New York City. Amanda is well-versed in all things registry and lent some incredible tips for starting your registry in our spring ezine.

We hope you welcome her today and come back monthly to learn more about her registry tips!

From Amanda: With Earth Day having just passed, we’ve all been reminded about the importance of making conscious efforts to integrate eco-friendly habits and purchase decisions into our everyday lives. The wedding industry has already fully embraced the idea with a tremendous array of vendors, planners, and designers helping couples to make decisions that minimize the impact of their events on the planet. Even the Royal Couple are reportedly hosting a ‘low-carbon’ event, using recycled paper, decorating with seasonal flowers, and even commissioning an organic, fair-trade wedding cake. 

Bed, Bath, Home Décor:  ‘Morning Glory’ Bamboo Fiber Duvet Set by Inhabit Living; Organic Cotton Towels by Coyuchi; Recycled Glass Vases and Jugs by Shiraleah; ‘Home’ Pillow in Natural Linen by Rouge du Rhin; Recycled Metal Candle Holders by Shiraleah.

 And so I got to thinking about eco-friendly choices folks can make in their registry.  At NewlyWish we believe that your registry is all about creating a gift list that reflects your personal style, wants, and needs: a big part of the way that many people live today is to take into account the environmental impact of the products they use.  And, your registry is the perfect opportunity to add to, or start, your eco-friendly lifestyle. 

Eco-friendly products come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and strategies, from the use of recycled, repurposed, or sustainable materials (e.g. bamboo), eco-friendly manufacturing processes (harnessing wind/solar power), to reducing shipping and packaging (local suppliers, recycled/reduced packing materials.

What’s more, there’s no need to weigh a trade-off between earth-friendly, quality, or price. There’s a really wonderful array of top-quality and stylish products available today that look as good, work as well, and last as long as the traditional brands.

Kitchen and Dining (clockwise from top left):  Grand Classiques Dinner by Revol; Recycled Alabaster Glass Bowls by Shiraleah; Bamboo Utensils by Core; Repurposed Bicycle Chain Wine Rack by Shiraleah

And the options go beyond the registry to wedding party gifts and favors.  Think about giving tote bags as wedding party gifts or welcome bags.  You can stuff them full of goodies (and save on wrapping paper) or give them on their own, either way, your guests can reuse them for shopping or travel.  Also, you don’t have to give your bridesmaids or groomsmen tangible gifts, you could do spa treatments or tickets to sporting events.  While these can’t be monogrammed, they’re just as thoughtful, personal, and memorable.  And at your event, think about serving local or organic wine, or giving plantable favors your guests can enjoy long after the wedding.

Favors and Welcome Bags: Organic Fragrance Favors by MCMC; Jute Welcome Tote by Judy Paulen Designs; Please by Seeded Plantable Favors/Placecards from Navy and Lavender; Recycled Glass Votive Favors by Shiraleah; ‘To Have and To Hold’ Totes by Melangerie

Lastly, I’m a believer in ‘every little bit counts’, so even thinking about things like asking the stores you register with to hold items and ship them together or indicating that you don’t want gift wrapping can go a long way.

Thank you so much for your expertise and insight, Amanda! Stay tuned for more registry tips from NewlyWish next month!

Unveiled: Luly Yang Couture

There is something so magical and so dreamy about a Luly Yang wedding gown. When one of our Seattle brides wears one on her wedding day it brings a touch of whimsy and a total sense of style to her whole look. From Luly's chic 4th Avenue showroom in downtown Seattle to her impeccable artistry and stellar handiwork, each design is thoughtful and delicate. We invite you to peek at some of our favorite creations from Luly's amazing new lines this year. Enjoy!

Luly Yang began creating couture bridal and evening wear gowns in 2000.  Her creative and unique inspirations keep Seattle waiting in anticipation for her annual Couture runway collection, and her cheerful blue windows charm local and international visitors with her elegant displays.

 Audrey's Tea: French re-embroidered lace V-neck tea length ball with cap sleeves and silk crepe back satin bow at waist $5,200 | Spring Glow II Silk charmeuse strapless ball with ruched crisscross bodice and box pleated skirt $4,600

Blossom: Iridescent taffeta strapless fit and flare asymmetrically ruched and bodice with peak a boo ruffles on skirt $3,950 | Flora: Organza strapless A-line with ruched waist and floral garden detail on bust and skirt $2,500

 In January of 2011, Luly celebrated her 10th year in business by introducing two new bridal collections: Luly Yang Diamond and Luly Blue inspired by the Palace of Versailles. For this collection Luly drew her inspiration from both the textured interiors and beautiful gardens of the French landmark, utilizing hand made flowers, freshwater pearls, silk organza and other flowing fabrics to create volume and fluidity in the dresses.

Gardenia:  Strapless taffeta fit and flare gown with beaded floral detail on bodice and hem. $1,550 | Lily: Silk wool strapless trumpet gown with crystal buttons in back. $3,400

Luly wanted to expand her business by dressing more brides, offering gowns at a wider range of price points. She did not, however, compromise the couture quality she is known for. The gowns are still made of exquisite fabrics by master seamstresses, and many are engineered with her exceptionally flattering, signature Luly Fit. To further set her a part from other bridal designers, a Luly Yang Diamond or Luly Blue gown has a 3-month lead time!

 Rose Garden: Organza strapless A-line with asymmetrical ruffles and flower and petal detail on bodice and skirt. $3,200 | Spring Rain: Ruched satin cross over bust A-line with crystallized silk organza ruffles on bust and skirt. $1,900

Royale: Organza strapless ball with beaded bodice. Tulle and organza ruffle skirt. $1,700 

| Water Garden II: Silk crepe back satin fit and flares with silk organza cascading ruffles from shoulder $2,800

All photos by Alavekio's Photographic Essays

Which is your favorite Luly Yang confection?

Are you loving ruffles, ruched satin, or a sleek look for the spring and summer?



Easter in Germany

Happy Easter to you all! We are tickled to share this lovely Easter shoot with you sent to us from Gasoline Photography in Stadtgarten, Germany. It's just so cute and we thank mom and photographer Stefanie for sharing this afternoon of quality time with her adorable little girl.

Happy Easter!

Photography | Gasoline Photography

At Home with Aleah: Sweet as Honey

Happy Friday to you all! We hope you have a lovely Easter weekend planned. With Easter here and Mother's Day quickly approaching I wanted to share some sweet and simple favor ideas and effortless spring entertaining tips. This shoot was created for our spring ezine with outdoor entertaining in mind. What better way to spend a spring afternoon on Mother's Day than sitting beach side {or lakeside or in a wooded park} with your special mom? 

Creating a special setting for mom can be as simple as bringing a table and chairs {or finding a picnic area} and fresh linens and napkins. Dress up your table with vibrant plates, vintage serving pieces, and bright garden blooms. Serve fresh fruits, pastries, and fresh squeezed juices and let the quality time begin.

 We used this darling blue gingham fabric in two ways: we cut it into long strips and tied around our chivari chairs so that they flew in the sea breeze. We also used them to cinch our honey stick take-home favors.

 Feathery fronds accented our golden roses and brightened up our otherwise muted linen. Our feeling was that of fun, charm, and effortless entertaining.

What are your plans for Mother's Day? I'm actually quite excited as we are heading to Temecula for an amazing outdoor feast in a field with my amazing, sweet, inspiring, and wonderful mom. What other spring entertaining do you have planned?

Flowers + table top design | Valley & Co.

Photography | Llanes Weddings

Linens and chairs | Concepts Event Design

Fun & Games

Spring is here, which means warmer nights and longer days! As we're plotting away finishing touches for our spring weddings and events, we're encouraging our clients to have some fun and bring in games their guests can play. At San Diego's royal wedding next Friday our fun-loving couple Brad and Katie had the idea to turn a navy ping pong table into their guest book. Guest can sign away and play on the lawn overlooking the sea during cocktail hour; how fun!

Photo by Jeremy Leffel for Valley & Co.

Tell us about your favorite lawn games....

Details, Details: Fresh Line Ring Bearer Pillows

We always love new finds and sharing them with our readers. A few months ago we stumbled upon Fresh Line Illustration and Design. Artist Colleen Johnson designs charming ring bearer pillows , guest books, and funky art prints just perfect for newlyweds. We photographed some of her vibrant and fun ring bearer pillow for our spring ezine; they would make for the perfect finishing touch to a spring or summer wedding, wouldn't they?

Colleen has nearly two dozen ring bearer pillow to choose from {all $48} and dozens of fine art and kitchen prints. Be sure to check out her site! We bet you'll find a charming gift to give or print for your home or office!

Photography: Llanes Weddings for Valley & Co.

Ring Bearer Pillows: Fresh Line Illustration and Design

Engaged! A Breezy Rockport, Texas Shoot

Whenever Jonathan Ivy sends his work our way we get so excited. We love that his engagement shoots are just so natural, beautifully captured, and are always authentic. Give bride-to-be Kendra a chance to show off a dazzling sapphire dress and those killer heels and spend the day romancing with fiancé Oscar and you have a mighty fine engagement shoot!

 This set of images has to be our favorite. The happiness and goofiness is just as radiant as their love, and those chairs are so vibrant and fun!

Photography | Jonathan Ivy

How about that guitar session? What a fun shoot!

What did you do for your engagement shoot?