Sneak Peak

Last week I had the pleasure of making a bouquet for an old classmate and friend, Lindy. We shared several classes together back at APU. I was reading updated statuses on my facebook and found out that she was retaking her wedding photos with her husband. They wanted to take the time and invest in a good photographer for wedding photos they'd be proud of and one's to show their kids one day and adorn the walls of their home. So, I asked if I could give her the gift of making her wedding bouquet. So in the photo you see, the first one I have so far, is the bouquet I made and this is a sneak peak of what's to come and I'll post the other photos in a few days.

One thing I think is worth investing in is PHOTOS. Even if you don't have a big budget for a wedding, photos are worth a 1000+ words and since you're wedding day only happens once you should have it captured in the best light. If you're willing to shell out the big bucks you could go to Jasmine Star , Victor Sizemore, B & G Photo or Boutwell Studios. If you're still looking for beautiful photos but have a smaller budget you could go to Tira J (who did this photo), Epic Imagery, Drew B, or Heather Jagger.

Inspiration: Phantom of the Opera

One of my absolute favorite productions and movies and soundtracks is The Phantom of the Opera. So, in honor of one of my favorite movies I have designed an inspiration filled with deep crimson red roses, black crystals, damask patterns, and plenty of romance.

This engagement ring fairly similar to the one that Christine receives from Raul.

I found these diamond earrings while exploring Polyvore.com. They are almost like the one's Christine wears when she's on stage singing "Think of Me".

Here is a stunning and even DIY invitation you could use for this special event.

I love that Christine's gowns are off the shoulder, which is just enough to be sexy but still glamourous and romantic. This gown is by Anne Barge. Wow!!!

Here's a photo of Ashlee Simpson-Wentz and her now husband Pete Wentz at their wedding. One way to have a better chance of a bridesmaid wearing her dress again is to have her wear black. You can't go wrong with a classic black dress.

Or if you're really daring and love red, why not wear it. Who says you have to be in a white dress. Colored dresses are coming en vougue. This photo was taken by Sergio Photographer.

How cute is this flower girls dress? To add even more pop I would put a crimson red silk sash around the waste to add that punch of color.

As I mentioned before, you can't go wrong with a simple black dress and here's an example from Jim Hjelm.

I found a new love for Project Wedding where I stumbled across this stunning bouquet with calla lillies and roses wrapped in black satin ribbon, photographed by Erwin Photography.

You could find a location with a stunning chandalier either as a focal point on the ceiling above the ceremony, cocktail hour, or reception. This chandalier is at Paris Opera.

I would suggest making your grand entrance down the staircase of an old historic opera house like this one in the Paris Opera.

Here below is the ever so stunning Vibiana, located in downtown L.A., now a special events only location with a beautiful outdoor garden. This photo was taken by the ever so talented photographer Victor Sizemore.

Carnations aren't the insignificant inexpensive flower they used to be. The keep your budget down but keep the chicness high, you can create pomanders and cover them in red carnations or any color and they look just fabulous.
And what type of Phantom of the Opera wedding would it be if you didn't have a masquerade element to it. This photo was taken by the very talented Victor Sizemore, one of my favorite photographers.

And I just love this decor from my favorite floral designers Rene & Niki at R Jack Balthazar. They did this modern romantic goth decor for the wedding of the guitarist of Good Charlotte and his fiance.

Here's another closeup of the table decor at the same Good Charlotte wedding.

Here's a lovely and romantic centerpiece from Fleurs de France.

Now, I haven't had a chance to work this company yet, but their decor is fierce. This wedding decor below is what I would call "Pirate Chic" and it was created by An Elegant Touch.

I heart DAMASK. I really do. I love how classic and romantic it looks and it's just stunning next to a punch of color like the gorgeous red roses below. This photo was taken by Erwin Wijanto.

I love the idea of having a room with different table configurations and different centerpieces. This is from the same wedding as above where you saw a long banquet table and to add some dimension the room also has the traditional round tables.

And, to amp up the drama, lighting can do wonders...truly...it can make a blank space look absolutely fabulous.

I like this cake because it's simple and chic and incorporates the star crystals mimicing Christine's costume and accessories when she sings "Think of Me".

Now, if you have a bigger budget, and are looking for a cake that will be talked about for a while you could go with this dramatic number below from a local bakery, the Cake Divas.

Or, you could infuse that damask pattern beyond the stationary and linens and have your cake showcase the beautiful pattern as well. And you can't go wrong with a little added bling. Photo by the wonderful Victor Sizemore from the same wedding with the hand painted masks you saw above. And just in case you haven't seen enough cakes, here is one last gorgeous option from a cake artist who has commissioned me for cake jewelry before, and even created a cook that made Snoop Dogg Happy, the one, the only Nancy Kay.

Vendor Pick: Victor Sizemore Photography

I first met Victor at a wedding I assisted on with Mary Sushinski of Occasions. He's one of the first professional photographers to take photos of my bouquet jewelry and I absolutely love his work. I was looking at his blog recently and came across this amazing wedding. It is SO FUN!!! I love the inspiration. Who doesn't love a country fair???

Trend: The New Wedding Shoes

Who says your entire ensemble needs to be white just because your dress is? What better way to include your "something blue"? Or take a cue from your wedding colors and add a little sass and glamour to your white dress! I love all of these colorful wedding shoes, I hope you do to.
Top Row: Jessica Claire Photography
Second Row: Victor Sizemore Photography
Third Row: Jasmine Star Photography
Bottom Row: Drew B Photography