NC Museum of Art is Auctioning off a Wedding
The beautiful North Carolina Museum of Art is hosting Art of the Auction 2013 on Saturday, June 8th at 7:00pm. The annual event is a benefit for the NC Museum of Art Foundation, with all proceeds going towards museum exhibitions and education programs.
Hors d’oeuvres, small plates, a full bar and a signature cocktail will be served to attendees, followed by a silent auction featuring over 75 works of art by local artists, as well as items and packages that reflect the museum’s collection and exhibitions (like a Porsche Boudoir Photography suite in honor of the Porsche by Design: Seducing Speed exhibition, a honeymoon getaway, and the grand prize — a turnkey wedding package!
Take advantage of this unique opportunity to win a custom wedding and reception at the award-winning NCMA. Stunning works of art, turnkey service and amenities in a crisp, modern atmosphere will make your special day stand out as a “matrimonial masterpiece!”
At a $24,000 value, the custom wedding auction package includes a day-of coordinator and full reception event-planning services, an outdoor ceremony in the beautifully manicured NCMA garden (or inside the East Building, if Mother Nature doesn’t cooperate!), an indoor reception in the West Building Grand Hall, a floral package from Watered Garden Florist, white folding chairs for the ceremony, and color-coordinated linen package for the reception by CE Rentals, catering by Iris restaurant, bar service, a custom hors d’oeuvres menu, wait staff, a custom 3-tier wedding cake from Cinda’s Creative Cakes, a dance floor, and a DJ from Joe Bunn DJ Company!
The bidding starts at $13,000…so you could potentially save over $10,000 on the wedding of your dreams! This is serious value, y’all! And SB&G is so excited to announce a huge giveaway for this event! We are giving away a pair of tickets — that’s a $500 value! To enter, all you have to do is write on SB&G’s Facebook wall that YOU want a pair of tickets to the NCMA event by Friday, May 31st! Serious inquires only please, we want to send a couple who will bid in the auction!
Trust us, y’all, this is going to be something you don’t want to miss! Buy your tickets today to reserve your spot!
Hors d’oeuvres, small plates, a full bar and a signature cocktail will be served to attendees, followed by a silent auction featuring over 75 works of art by local artists, as well as items and packages that reflect the museum’s collection and exhibitions (like a Porsche Boudoir Photography suite in honor of the Porsche by Design: Seducing Speed exhibition, a honeymoon getaway, and the grand prize — a turnkey wedding package!
Take advantage of this unique opportunity to win a custom wedding and reception at the award-winning NCMA. Stunning works of art, turnkey service and amenities in a crisp, modern atmosphere will make your special day stand out as a “matrimonial masterpiece!”
At a $24,000 value, the custom wedding auction package includes a day-of coordinator and full reception event-planning services, an outdoor ceremony in the beautifully manicured NCMA garden (or inside the East Building, if Mother Nature doesn’t cooperate!), an indoor reception in the West Building Grand Hall, a floral package from Watered Garden Florist, white folding chairs for the ceremony, and color-coordinated linen package for the reception by CE Rentals, catering by Iris restaurant, bar service, a custom hors d’oeuvres menu, wait staff, a custom 3-tier wedding cake from Cinda’s Creative Cakes, a dance floor, and a DJ from Joe Bunn DJ Company!
The bidding starts at $13,000…so you could potentially save over $10,000 on the wedding of your dreams! This is serious value, y’all! And SB&G is so excited to announce a huge giveaway for this event! We are giving away a pair of tickets — that’s a $500 value! To enter, all you have to do is write on SB&G’s Facebook wall that YOU want a pair of tickets to the NCMA event by Friday, May 31st! Serious inquires only please, we want to send a couple who will bid in the auction!
Trust us, y’all, this is going to be something you don’t want to miss! Buy your tickets today to reserve your spot!
New Real Wedding Feature — Sharon and Kevin
In honor of Wedding Wednesday, we have a beautiful wedding at Solas in Downtown Raleigh to share with y’all! Enjoy Sharon and Kevin’s sweet day, from the eye of photographer Christopher Ferrer from Dara Blakeley Photography.
Sharon and Kevin were friends long before they became a pair, but when they finally got together, they were inseparable! We’ve featured their beautiful, intimate wedding at Solas in Downtown Raleigh on our Real Weddings Page, so check out the full story of their love here!
Want to have your wedding featured on SB&G? Submit it here!
Sharon and Kevin were friends long before they became a pair, but when they finally got together, they were inseparable! We’ve featured their beautiful, intimate wedding at Solas in Downtown Raleigh on our Real Weddings Page, so check out the full story of their love here!
Want to have your wedding featured on SB&G? Submit it here!
NC Wedding Caterer — Rocky Top Catering
If you’re newly engaged, in the midst of wedding planning, or simply throwing a celebratory event, you need to get to know Rocky Top Catering!
Rocky Top is a multi-faceted business, with a full-service, off-site catering team, a free-standing wedding venue – 1705 Prime, and exclusive deals with the NC Museum of Natural Sciences and UNC’s Blue Zone at Kenan Stadium.
As a long-standing member of the SB&G Family, Rocky Top is a trusted vendor that will go above and beyond to make your event truly special and unique – from customizing your menu to meet every taste, culture and theme, to experienced staff and licensed bartenders who are well-versed in the service industry.
Rocky Top provides off-site catering to any location throughout the Triangle area of North Carolina – be it a rehearsal dinner, a wedding, a small celebration or a large corporate event. Since Rocky Top has been around for a while, their team has established excellent relationships with many of the area’s top venues, such as The Sutherland, The Grand Marquise Ballroom, Cobblestone Hall, Stockroom at 230 and The Museum of History, just to name a few!
Rocky Top also has an upscale wedding venue, 1705 Prime, located just outside of downtown Raleigh in a restored Southern home. The venue has a variety of rooms to fit your event’s needs – from intimate settings to grand spaces. There’s a built-in dance floor in the main room, in-house tables, chairs and chinaware, and an on-site kitchen for their team to create delicious delicacies. Rocky Top will even provide event design and vendor coordination upon request!
Rocky Top is the exclusive caterer at the NC Musuem of Natural Sciences and UNC’s Blue Zone at Kenan Stadium. The breathtaking Museum offers meeting and reception areas for 30-375 seated guests, and reception areas for up to 775 people! The Blue Zone is also ideal for anything from a small gathering to a grand event, with stunning views of UNC’s football field and surrounding campus. And with Rocky Top catering the event, you can guarantee the food will be out of this world!
So, if you’re planning a wedding or any type of get together, contact Rocky Top Catering to see what their talented team can do for you!
Image Credit (top to bottom): Photography by Walters & Walters, Lauren Mann Photography and f8 Photo Studios (2)
Upcoming NC Wedding Event — Jenny Packham Trunk Show at Tre Bella Bridal
Tre Bella Bridal, Durham’s premiere full-service bridal salon, is hosting a Jenny Packham trunk show this weekend, May 18th and 19th.
Jenny Packham is well known in the wedding world for her beautiful gowns with vintage flair, perfect for the bride who is looking for a little something “outside the box.” Her bridal gowns are a mixture of sophistication, elegance, sexiness and class.
At Tre Bella‘s Designer Days Trunk Show, you will have the chance to find the Jenny Packham gown of your dreams! Limited appointments are left, so call 919-323-7167 today to schedule yours. Don’t miss this opportunity to see Jenny Packham’s stunning collection at Tre Bella!
Jenny Packham is well known in the wedding world for her beautiful gowns with vintage flair, perfect for the bride who is looking for a little something “outside the box.” Her bridal gowns are a mixture of sophistication, elegance, sexiness and class.
At Tre Bella‘s Designer Days Trunk Show, you will have the chance to find the Jenny Packham gown of your dreams! Limited appointments are left, so call 919-323-7167 today to schedule yours. Don’t miss this opportunity to see Jenny Packham’s stunning collection at Tre Bella!
Durham University Club Whiskey Dinner Review
Durham’s University Club just took it up a notch. The private club that sits atop University Tower just welcomed in a new chef, who made his debut at a fantastic whiskey dinner for members.
Ian Sullivan graduated from the esteemed Culinary Institute of America in New York, and has worked in nationally renowned restaurants across the country. He moved to Raleigh in 2005, and worked with Urban Food Group. Now, he’s at the University Club applying his experience and creativity to their menu (in fact, today the Club is debuting a brand new menu – less than two weeks after Ian’s start date – so they have clearly been busy)!
I had the privilege of attending this very special introductory event at the University Club, which I think its safe to say blew everyone away! Guests arrived and were greeted by a fabulously decorated room in a country theme. Handkerchief napkins, linen table runners and wooden chargers from American Party Rentals, a mix of wildflowers designed by Tre Bella Flowers, and live music by Chapel Hill quartet, the Bloomsbury Boys, all added to the lighthearted atmosphere. As the sun set over Durham, we enjoyed hors d’oeuvres and cocktails, between trips to the photobooth – Shutterbooth. Two of my favorite appetizers were the gorgonzola & shortrib corndog, which melted off the stick, and the salmon croquette. I enjoyed a tasty Sazerac cocktail – rye perfectly blended with absinthe, bitters and a lemon rind garnish. I could have kept drinking Sazerac all night, but had to save room for the deliciousness I knew we were in store for at dinner!
We had a three-course meal, each round seamlessly paired with a different whiskey.
The first course was sweet breads with onion soubise, mushrooms, pickled radish and fried ginger, served with Crown Royal Black Blended Canadian Whiskey. Round two was Cocoa Nib and Coffee Quail with black barley, roasted beets and basil puree, served with Redbreast Irish Whisky, 12 year Expression. These are two very challenging meats to prepare, and they were done flawlessly. The pairings were perfect and easy to sip, complementing our palates.
The final course was Grilled Hanger Steak with Prune Braised Veal Cheeks and sweet Potato Gnocchi, paired with Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Booker’s 7 year small batch, Baker’s 7 year small batch, and Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey. Even though I was so full at this point I couldn’t finish it, this course was definitely my fave! Dessert was delicious as well – apple tart with cardamom ice cream and dulce de leche, paired with Oban Classic 14 year single malt scotch whiskey.
The dinner was jovial as Owner Kelly Santel talked us through each pairing, and members chimed in with questions and feedback. At the end of the meal, the new chef was introduced, and everyone gave him an enthusiastic round of applause – which he certainly deserved! Congrats to Ian and the entire University Club family on this exciting time!
Check out the University Club for a fine dining experience, or for any wedding event- from a bridesmaid luncheon, to a rehearsal dinner, to ceremony and reception! The view, the atmosphere, and the amazing new menu are all definitely worth checking out!
These photos by Brian Mullins Photography will give you a better feel for this special night! Brian is one of our preferred SB&G vendors as well, and does an amazing job with weddings!
Ian Sullivan graduated from the esteemed Culinary Institute of America in New York, and has worked in nationally renowned restaurants across the country. He moved to Raleigh in 2005, and worked with Urban Food Group. Now, he’s at the University Club applying his experience and creativity to their menu (in fact, today the Club is debuting a brand new menu – less than two weeks after Ian’s start date – so they have clearly been busy)!
I had the privilege of attending this very special introductory event at the University Club, which I think its safe to say blew everyone away! Guests arrived and were greeted by a fabulously decorated room in a country theme. Handkerchief napkins, linen table runners and wooden chargers from American Party Rentals, a mix of wildflowers designed by Tre Bella Flowers, and live music by Chapel Hill quartet, the Bloomsbury Boys, all added to the lighthearted atmosphere. As the sun set over Durham, we enjoyed hors d’oeuvres and cocktails, between trips to the photobooth – Shutterbooth. Two of my favorite appetizers were the gorgonzola & shortrib corndog, which melted off the stick, and the salmon croquette. I enjoyed a tasty Sazerac cocktail – rye perfectly blended with absinthe, bitters and a lemon rind garnish. I could have kept drinking Sazerac all night, but had to save room for the deliciousness I knew we were in store for at dinner!
We had a three-course meal, each round seamlessly paired with a different whiskey.
The first course was sweet breads with onion soubise, mushrooms, pickled radish and fried ginger, served with Crown Royal Black Blended Canadian Whiskey. Round two was Cocoa Nib and Coffee Quail with black barley, roasted beets and basil puree, served with Redbreast Irish Whisky, 12 year Expression. These are two very challenging meats to prepare, and they were done flawlessly. The pairings were perfect and easy to sip, complementing our palates.
The final course was Grilled Hanger Steak with Prune Braised Veal Cheeks and sweet Potato Gnocchi, paired with Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Booker’s 7 year small batch, Baker’s 7 year small batch, and Blanton’s Single Barrel Bourbon Whiskey. Even though I was so full at this point I couldn’t finish it, this course was definitely my fave! Dessert was delicious as well – apple tart with cardamom ice cream and dulce de leche, paired with Oban Classic 14 year single malt scotch whiskey.
The dinner was jovial as Owner Kelly Santel talked us through each pairing, and members chimed in with questions and feedback. At the end of the meal, the new chef was introduced, and everyone gave him an enthusiastic round of applause – which he certainly deserved! Congrats to Ian and the entire University Club family on this exciting time!
Check out the University Club for a fine dining experience, or for any wedding event- from a bridesmaid luncheon, to a rehearsal dinner, to ceremony and reception! The view, the atmosphere, and the amazing new menu are all definitely worth checking out!
These photos by Brian Mullins Photography will give you a better feel for this special night! Brian is one of our preferred SB&G vendors as well, and does an amazing job with weddings!
Real NC Engagement Session — Love in Durham’s West Village
In honor of Wedding Wednesday, we’ve got a truly stunning Real NC engagement session feature for y’all today! Amanda and Michael are tying the knot at Duke Gardens this weekend. Enjoy these beautiful photos from their e-session with Riley MacLean Photography!
Amanda and Michael kicked off their e-session with Riley MacLean in Durham’s West Village, listening to music (they both work in the music industry) and enjoying the absolutely perfect natural lighting. Then, they set up a makeshift photobooth for some of the cutest e-session photos we’ve ever seen! The couple and Riley later headed to a lake and an urban skate park.
This weekened, Amanda and Riley are getting ready at the Washington Duke Inn, and then heading to the beautiful Sarah P. Duke Gardens to get married! Congratulations, y’all, your photos are stunning!
Amanda and Michael kicked off their e-session with Riley MacLean in Durham’s West Village, listening to music (they both work in the music industry) and enjoying the absolutely perfect natural lighting. Then, they set up a makeshift photobooth for some of the cutest e-session photos we’ve ever seen! The couple and Riley later headed to a lake and an urban skate park.
This weekened, Amanda and Riley are getting ready at the Washington Duke Inn, and then heading to the beautiful Sarah P. Duke Gardens to get married! Congratulations, y’all, your photos are stunning!
Real NC Wedding — Fearrington Village
We have an absolutely stunning Real NC Wedding Feature for y’all today! Nicole and Jack tied the knot at the beautiful Fearrington Village in October.
With the help of the talented Angie Wright of Chic Details Wedding & Events, the duo, who met on an online dating site, transformed their ceremony and reception locations into truly amazing and unique event spaces. We adore the hues of pink and the textured linens! Thanks to Photography by Walters & Walters for the swoon-worthy photographs, and congratulations to Nicole and Jack!
With the help of the talented Angie Wright of Chic Details Wedding & Events, the duo, who met on an online dating site, transformed their ceremony and reception locations into truly amazing and unique event spaces. We adore the hues of pink and the textured linens! Thanks to Photography by Walters & Walters for the swoon-worthy photographs, and congratulations to Nicole and Jack!
Modern Trousseau Spring 2014 Collection Preview — New York Bridal Week
For the finale of our week-long New York Bridal Week recap series, we are thrilled to show you a preview of the 2014 collection from Modern Trousseau! Cynthia of Cyn Kain Photography and I were so excited to attend this appointment at the Modern Trousseau showroom with Rachael and Kate Price, owners of the Durham couture bridal salon, Tre Bella Bridal (these two and their third sister, Becky, also run a florist specializing in wedding flowers in Durham, Tre Bella Flowers).
It was such a thrill to be at a private appointment with the buyers — not only did we get a chance to meet and chat with the designer, Callie Tein — who was the sweetest, most humble and sincere lady — but we also got to view (and even touch!) the new line in an intimate setting.
Now, sit back and enjoy this preview of all 17 gowns from the new line — a creative and diverse collection tied together by an utterly romantic and whimsical feel. And be sure to check in with Tre Bella Bridal late summer to find out which gowns will be in their boutique!
On the left is the Laurel gown. A lovely ball gown with a sweetheart neckline and sash with a pink, rouched rose. This gown is ombre (love!), and the bottom fades into a soft blush pink. This dress is for the gal who wants a hint of color, but isn’t ready to go all the way pink. We think it’s the perfect combination of traditional and edgy!
This is the Finnley gown, a shell pink, lace stunner with a gorgeous illusion neckline and low, open back. This gown is the softest of blush hues, which we think is absolutely perfect for a spring wedding!
On the left is the Marena gown, a beautiful a-line gown with thick, off-the-shoulder straps, a blush belt, and, our favorite…pockets! On the right, the Cathryn gown is a sweet and subtle fit-and-flair gown with french lace over duck ivory. Complete with an amber belt and a keyhole back, this gown is the epitome of classic.
This is the Shana gown — a beautiful strapless ball gown with a beaded lace bodice. The full silk organza skirt is perfect for the bride who wants to feel like a princess. The blush ribbon belt goes with all of the gowns in the collection, and is the ideal pop of color.
The Ellis gown is a beautiful soft blush color. Its dropped waist and airy skirt are the perfect combination of sexy and light, making this dress completely romantic.
This is one of our favorite gowns in the collection! The Norah dress is a stunning blush color with a ruffled skirt that moves beautifully. The beaded neckline is the perfect amount of added bling.
On the right is the Peony gown, a beautiful, layered gown with Italian beading. The soft, blush pink layers are incredibly flattering on the classic shape.
The Renny gown is wonderful for curvy brides! The beautiful off-the-shoulder straps are stunning, and the lace is cut longer than the fabric so you can see all of the stunning detail. It’s pictured here with the Claudette belt.
The Yoko gown above is a beautiful ball gown shape with netted, crease poof organza. The clean bodice perfectly offsets the fabulous, textured skirt, and…it has pockets!
The Tanner gown is built beautifully. It perfectly combines soft and angular architecture with its asymmetrical waist, a design that would flatter every shape. Here, it is shown with the Brooklyn belt.
On the left is the Demi gown, a fully beaded, lace dress with a silk duchess lining. This is some gorgeous texture, y’all! On the right is the Swan gown. The beautiful fabric is all the way from London, and the feathers on the skirt are individually sewn!
The Lucy gown is a stunning ball gown with a beautiful full skirt! The sweetheart bodice is topped off with a skirt that has individual silk knots made of antique ribbon. This gown can also be made with a custom length waist!
That wraps our week-long series about New York Bridal Week! We hoped you enjoyed it as much as we did!
It was such a thrill to be at a private appointment with the buyers — not only did we get a chance to meet and chat with the designer, Callie Tein — who was the sweetest, most humble and sincere lady — but we also got to view (and even touch!) the new line in an intimate setting.
Now, sit back and enjoy this preview of all 17 gowns from the new line — a creative and diverse collection tied together by an utterly romantic and whimsical feel. And be sure to check in with Tre Bella Bridal late summer to find out which gowns will be in their boutique!
On the left is the Laurel gown. A lovely ball gown with a sweetheart neckline and sash with a pink, rouched rose. This gown is ombre (love!), and the bottom fades into a soft blush pink. This dress is for the gal who wants a hint of color, but isn’t ready to go all the way pink. We think it’s the perfect combination of traditional and edgy!This is the Finnley gown, a shell pink, lace stunner with a gorgeous illusion neckline and low, open back. This gown is the softest of blush hues, which we think is absolutely perfect for a spring wedding!On the left is the Marena gown, a beautiful a-line gown with thick, off-the-shoulder straps, a blush belt, and, our favorite…pockets! On the right, the Cathryn gown is a sweet and subtle fit-and-flair gown with french lace over duck ivory. Complete with an amber belt and a keyhole back, this gown is the epitome of classic.This is the Shana gown — a beautiful strapless ball gown with a beaded lace bodice. The full silk organza skirt is perfect for the bride who wants to feel like a princess. The blush ribbon belt goes with all of the gowns in the collection, and is the ideal pop of color.The Ellis gown is a beautiful soft blush color. Its dropped waist and airy skirt are the perfect combination of sexy and light, making this dress completely romantic.This is one of our favorite gowns in the collection! The Norah dress is a stunning blush color with a ruffled skirt that moves beautifully. The beaded neckline is the perfect amount of added bling.On the right is the Peony gown, a beautiful, layered gown with Italian beading. The soft, blush pink layers are incredibly flattering on the classic shape.The Renny gown is wonderful for curvy brides! The beautiful off-the-shoulder straps are stunning, and the lace is cut longer than the fabric so you can see all of the stunning detail. It’s pictured here with the Claudette belt.The Yoko gown above is a beautiful ball gown shape with netted, crease poof organza. The clean bodice perfectly offsets the fabulous, textured skirt, and…it has pockets!The Tanner gown is built beautifully. It perfectly combines soft and angular architecture with its asymmetrical waist, a design that would flatter every shape. Here, it is shown with the Brooklyn belt.On the left is the Demi gown, a fully beaded, lace dress with a silk duchess lining. This is some gorgeous texture, y’all! On the right is the Swan gown. The beautiful fabric is all the way from London, and the feathers on the skirt are individually sewn!The Lucy gown is a stunning ball gown with a beautiful full skirt! The sweetheart bodice is topped off with a skirt that has individual silk knots made of antique ribbon. This gown can also be made with a custom length waist!That wraps our week-long series about New York Bridal Week! We hoped you enjoyed it as much as we did!
New York Bridal Market Recap — Bridesmaids Dresses
Bridesmaids dresses are not what they used to be! Even over the past several years, they have really evolved into a variety of dresses, from funky to formal, that can be worn far beyond the wedding date. While at New York Bridal Market last week, Cynthia of Cyn Kain Photography and I made sure to peek at some of the new looks for your ‘maids in addition to all of the new wedding collections we saw!
Ivy & Aster not only has a lovely bridal collection, but also a fun and fresh collection just for your bridesmaids. Our local Bella Bridesmaid in Cary, NC, carries Ivy & Aster, so we wanted to be sure to check out some of their new looks!
The first is called “Open Arms” — this gown features a twist sweetheart bodice with lace shoulder sleeves and a mini skirt. Your bridesmaids would appreciate a dress like this, as it’s a style they’ll definitely get the chance to wear again and again!
Shown below at left is “All I Want,” a one shoulder gown with a goddess drape bodice and tiered knee skirt, in an almond color. (Ok, ok, so…the gown below at right is actually part of the bridal collection, but it’s just so fun that I had to show it here!) For the right wedding, this could make a fabulous bridesmaids gown or a rehearsal dinner look. It’s called “Still in Love,” and has a black starburst sweetheart bodice atop an ivory colored skirt of chiffon and tulle, all topped with feathers!
Sitting in on the in-booth runway show at Watters, we saw a few other bridesmaids styles we’d like to share, as they represent some of the trends we saw in bridal and bridesmaid fashion throughout the weekend.
The three dresses below are very different styles from the Fall 2013 collection, and each reflects the trend of lace over the decolletage area. The first is the most formal, and could be used for a bridesmaids gown or the mother of the bride. It features an illusion neckline and three-quarter length sleeves. Next, “Ash,” in a lovely charcoal color, features a flattering a-line skirt. Finally, “Hawthorne,” is a similar look with an interesting twist, making it more Jackie O!
Another formal look for the fall, seen below, is “Oak,” in Marine Blue. This gown is in a luminescent taffeta, which has a satin-like feel. The sweetheart bodice has nice, textured detailing, keeping with today’s trends!
A Special, Behind-the-Scenes Morning
One of the most unique parts of our experience at bridal market was being invited to tag along with several owners from Bella Bridesmaid stores all over the country to their appointment with Amsale. These two companies have a very close relationship, and in the meeting, the Amsale rep went over everything from sales reports to the top-selling lines that they recommend each Bella Bridesmaid store owner to keep in stock this season. The ladies even had the opportunity to converse with the rep in a very open and friendly setting — asking for advice on pairings, and even providing honest feedback.
I was so excited to meet Erin Casey Wolf. Erin (like me!) is part of a mother-daughter team; she and her mother, Kathleen Casey, opened the Chicago store in September of 2007 and a Milwaukee store in 2008, and are now the franchisors of the company! SB&G loves a fellow mother-daughter team!! Erin was as sweet as she could be, and it was fascinating to see this side of the business.
Be sure to visit our local Bella Bridesmaid salon in Cary for your favorite designs from Amsale, Ivy & Aster, and others like Dessy, Jim Hjelm, Two Birds, Alvina Valenta and more!
Ivy & Aster not only has a lovely bridal collection, but also a fun and fresh collection just for your bridesmaids. Our local Bella Bridesmaid in Cary, NC, carries Ivy & Aster, so we wanted to be sure to check out some of their new looks!
The first is called “Open Arms” — this gown features a twist sweetheart bodice with lace shoulder sleeves and a mini skirt. Your bridesmaids would appreciate a dress like this, as it’s a style they’ll definitely get the chance to wear again and again!
Shown below at left is “All I Want,” a one shoulder gown with a goddess drape bodice and tiered knee skirt, in an almond color. (Ok, ok, so…the gown below at right is actually part of the bridal collection, but it’s just so fun that I had to show it here!) For the right wedding, this could make a fabulous bridesmaids gown or a rehearsal dinner look. It’s called “Still in Love,” and has a black starburst sweetheart bodice atop an ivory colored skirt of chiffon and tulle, all topped with feathers!
Sitting in on the in-booth runway show at Watters, we saw a few other bridesmaids styles we’d like to share, as they represent some of the trends we saw in bridal and bridesmaid fashion throughout the weekend.
The three dresses below are very different styles from the Fall 2013 collection, and each reflects the trend of lace over the decolletage area. The first is the most formal, and could be used for a bridesmaids gown or the mother of the bride. It features an illusion neckline and three-quarter length sleeves. Next, “Ash,” in a lovely charcoal color, features a flattering a-line skirt. Finally, “Hawthorne,” is a similar look with an interesting twist, making it more Jackie O!
Another formal look for the fall, seen below, is “Oak,” in Marine Blue. This gown is in a luminescent taffeta, which has a satin-like feel. The sweetheart bodice has nice, textured detailing, keeping with today’s trends!
A Special, Behind-the-Scenes Morning
One of the most unique parts of our experience at bridal market was being invited to tag along with several owners from Bella Bridesmaid stores all over the country to their appointment with Amsale. These two companies have a very close relationship, and in the meeting, the Amsale rep went over everything from sales reports to the top-selling lines that they recommend each Bella Bridesmaid store owner to keep in stock this season. The ladies even had the opportunity to converse with the rep in a very open and friendly setting — asking for advice on pairings, and even providing honest feedback.
I was so excited to meet Erin Casey Wolf. Erin (like me!) is part of a mother-daughter team; she and her mother, Kathleen Casey, opened the Chicago store in September of 2007 and a Milwaukee store in 2008, and are now the franchisors of the company! SB&G loves a fellow mother-daughter team!! Erin was as sweet as she could be, and it was fascinating to see this side of the business.
Be sure to visit our local Bella Bridesmaid salon in Cary for your favorite designs from Amsale, Ivy & Aster, and others like Dessy, Jim Hjelm, Two Birds, Alvina Valenta and more!
Wedding Gift Ideas for Your Groom and His Groomsmen
So, if you’re looking for ideas for a gift to give your husband-to-be on your wedding day, or he’s searching for the perfect groomsmen gifts, Southern Bride & Groom has you covered!
1. Surprise your groom with a custom-designed groom’s cake. This long-standing Southern tradition is a wonderful way to show off one of your beau’s favorite things — be it football, food, or beer — and treat your wedding or rehearsal dinner guests to a darker, richer cake flavor, like German Chocolate!
2. If your new hubby’s groomsmen are beer aficionados, suggest personalized beer steins as the perfect gift for his guys. Make your gifts unique with the receiver’s initial or your wedding date!
3. A classic gift from you to your husband on your wedding day is also a great gift for the men in his life. Cufflinks can be personalized to reflect almost any interest — from the classic monogram to sports teams to his fraternity’s crest, this is one gift that will never go out of style.
4. You can’t go wrong with a nice looking watch paired with a preppy, striped band. Your fiancé can choose bands that match your wedding colors for his groomsmen, or you can start a tradition of giving him a classy timepiece on special occasions.
5. A leather or silver flask is one of the most popular groomsmen gifts. Pair it with a personalized monogram and a mini bottle of each guy’s favorite drink.
6. Pocket knives are a perfect gift idea for just about every type of guy — from the handyman to the serious hunter. You can personalize pocket knives as much or as little as you want, from engraving to selecting what type of blades or attachments it comes with, making it a wonderful gift to fit the personality of each groomsmen!
Remember these wedding gift ideas for your groom and his groomsmen to help make the selection and purchasing process quick and simple!