Posts Tagged: nc wedding trends
Wedding Gift Ideas for Your Groom and His Groomsmen
Just like you, brides, your groom has chosen his nearest and dearest friends and family members to stand at the altar next to him when you exchange ”I do”s. And, just like you and your bridesmaids, he wants to show his guys what they mean to him with a special gift on the big day! Whether your fiancé and his best buds are sentimental, practical jokesters, or sports fanatics, there is a wide variety of perfect gifts to suit them.
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!
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!
Real NC Wedding — Fearrington Village
We’ve got an absolutely stunning Real NC Wedding Feature for y’all today! Lauren and Darin tied the knot at Fearrington Village in March.
Lauren and Darin tied the knot at Fearrington in March. Thanks to Riley MacLean Photography for the truly amazing photos below!
Congratulations, Lauren and Darin — your wedding was absolutely stunning!
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!
Claire Pettibone 2014 Collection Preview — New York Bridal Market
For me, one of the most exciting moments of New York Bridal Market was meeting designer Claire Pettibone and previewing her 2014 wedding gown collection. Claire Pettibone is one of my all-time favorite bridal gown designers, and to all you fans (I know there are a LOT of you out there!), it should be no surprise that her new line is absolutely exquisite.
The following photos are all by Cyn Kain Photography, and are each of the gowns from the Claire Pettibone Spring 2014 Collection, featuring her Decoupage designs.
This is Claire Pettibone’s Antoinette gown, a stunning ivory Leaver’s lace dress with a striped cameo motif and floral silk ribbon lace-up back, all lined in platinum silk. The deep v-neck is off-set by sweet, wide-set straps. Pettibone’s entire collection did not have a single strapless dress — such a change from trends of year’s past.
The Abigail gown is a platinum silk, a-line dress with floral lace and applique flowers. Cameo insets and sweet lace cap sleeves make this gown a perfect mix of trendy and timeless while tying in the art deco feel that is becoming so popular.
On the left, Claire Pettibone’s Charlotte gown features ivory Chantilly lace, sheer long sleeves and an a-line silhouette. The dress is lined in pearl silk and finished with a demure vintage floral belt. On the right, Pettibone’s Gladys gown is a sheath style with a Chantilly lace peplum detail. The cameo sheer back is embellished with delicate organza flowers.
Claire Pettibone’s Estelle gown is so, so chic. Its long, linen sleeves top off a fitted bodice and platinum silk charmeuse skirt with a Leaver’s lace waist and back. The high neckline is balanced out by the open, detailed back for a look that’s all-around stunning.
This gown, dubbed Florentine, is a beautiful mashup of ivory Leaver’s lace and platinum silk charmeuse. Guipure lace insets and a tulle train finished with a silk flower complete the ethereal look.
Pettibone’s Wren gown features one of the most stunning and intricate necklines. Pearl Chantilly lace and silk charmeuse make up the body of the dress, while guipure lace cap sleeves and a detailed open back finish the design.
This gown, Delaney, is made of beautiful ivory linen. Vintage lace insets, a guipure lace neckline and the barely-there sleeves make this dress perfectly whimsical and romantic.
Claire Pettibone’s Primrose gown features vintage French embroidery with a guipure lace neckline and a stunning velvet waist. The detachable tulle train and platinum and rose color combination are the perfect details to round out her Decoupage collection.
Cyn and I had the pleasure of meeting Ms. Pettibone, who is just so sweet and genuine. We also got to snap a shot of Alexia Joyce alongside Claire. Alexia and her husband, Michael, own Alexia’s Bridal Boutique in Raleigh and Lana Addison Bridal in Cary, which carries Claire Pettibone. Look for some of these stunning new wedding gowns at Lana Addison Bridal later this summer and early this fall!
2013 Wedding Trends — Blush Inspiration
If you’re looking for a trendy and beautiful color scheme for your upcoming spring or summer wedding, look no further than blush! Blush is one of 2013′s hottest wedding trends, and for a reason!
Blush is the perfect soft and romantic pink hue that can be paired with almost any color on the spectrum, which is ideal for weddings, where everyone’s taste is vastly different. I love blush tones paired with a glittery gold metallic, soft peaches or champagnes, classic ivories, and even darker hues like charcoal or violet. This hot hue has been popping up in weddings all over the country — some brides are even going bold and donning pink dresses for their big day!
This color palette is so feminine and romantic, which makes it absolutely gorgeous for an outdoor warm weather ceremony and reception! Take a look at the inspiration board below to see how blush can be incorporated into everything from your wedding day stationary to your florals, and even your decor!
So, embrace blush y’all! It’s such a soft shade of pink that I bet you can even get your groom-to-be on board!
SB&G Does New York Bridal Fashion Week
New York Bridal Fashion Week just wrapped up, and Southern Bride & Groom was there to visit the shows by designers carried by our local bridal boutiques.
I attended with the fabulous photographer (and awesome roomie!), Cynthia of Cyn Kain Photography. There is no place like New York City in the springtime (although it got a little cold there by the end of the week, at least by NC standards), and we took the town — and the bridal market — by storm!
Although I lived in NYC for many years, it was quite the experience to get acquainted with this major event I had never had the chance to attend. It was such a treat to get a peek into the behind-the-scenes world of the wedding fashion industry! Bridal Market happens each spring and fall in NYC, when wedding gown designers from around the world converge upon the city to reveal their new lines for the upcoming season. There are a couple of large trade shows, and many private appointment showings for buyers. We were lucky that a couple of our local bridal boutiques were attending the market, so we got a chance to experience both the trade shows and private bookings.
We have such amazing bridal boutiques here in the Triangle Area of NC, and I now have a whole new appreciation for their business. Next week, we will release a bridal market blog series, sharing our experiences at the show, including some of the new trends and looks of next season! To tide you over, here’s a fun mix of photos that Cyn and I posted to Instagram over the weekend! Enjoy, and check the blog next week for more detailed behind-the-scenes bridal fashion week coverage!
Remember to check the SB&G blog each day next week for our New York Bridal Fashion Week blog series! Let’s get inspired, y’all!
Southern Bride & Groom Floral Inspiration — Flowers by Gary
This is the first installment in our Floral Series from the 2013 magazine! Today, we’re featuring the table and bouquet by Flowers by Gary, a Durham shop owned by Gary Corsi-OConnor. Gary is an award winning, North Carolina Certified Professional Florist through the North Carolina State Florist Association with over 25 years of experience. He is also a member of the Society of American Florists and President of the local Northern Piedmont Florist Association.
For the 2013 Floral Shoot, Flowers by Gary put together a sweet, quintessential Southern tabletop and bouquet, complete with blue seersucker (swoon!), magnolia leaves, and hydrangeas — it doesn’t get more Southern than that, y’all! We set up in Rose Hill Plantation‘s Blue Room, and took to the stunning front lawn of the historic estate house for some model shots (including our beautiful Summer/Fall cover!) If you’re seeking floral inspiration that’s soulfully Southern, look no further than this shoot!
Enjoy these beautiful photos — some never-before-seen! — all shot by the talented husband and wife duo, Photography by Walters & Walters.
Thanks to everyone who made this segment of the shoot so wonderful, including: American Party Rentals, Cute Buttons, Lana Addison Bridal, Bailey’s Fine Jewelry and Bella Trio Day Spa.
SB&G Is At Bridal Market in New York
This weekend, the 2013 New York International Bridal Week (also known as Bridal Market) will be held at Piers 92 and 94 in Manhattan. The weekend is a one-of-a-kind opportunity for retailers and manufacturers to experience a professional bridal trade show in New York City. All of the best names from the American and European bridal industry — from shocking couture to gorgeously modern — will be in attendance, debuting exciting new looks and trends.
Our very own Jenna from Team SB&G will be in attendance for all of the weekend’s festivities, from perusing designer booths to sitting in on couture fashion shows, and she’ll be reporting all of the important details! Jenna will be paying extra close attention to designers lines that are carried by our local Triangle NC bridal boutiques.
Cyn Kain Photography is accompanying Jenna to NYC to help cover all of the exciting events of the weekend, and when they return, we’ll let you in on the scoop.
For those of you who can’t wait for the recap (like me!), follow Southern Bride & Groom on Instagram and Twitter!
Southern Bride & Groom Summer/Fall 2013 Cover Reveal
All of the gals at Southern Bride & Groom are thrilled to reveal our second cover for 2013, and the 26th edition of our Triangle-based wedding planning magazine!
Our stunning Summer/Fall cover was captured by the amazing husband and wife photography team, Meridith and James of Photography by Walters & Walters, on a pleasantly-cool summer day during our floral shoot for this year’s magazine.
The shoot took place at the picturesque Rose Hill Plantation in Nashville, NC. Rose Hill is a quintessential Southern wedding venue complete with beautiful, well-manicured grounds, a stunning historic plantation home, and a lofty reception hall. Though the plantation lies only minutes outside of Raleigh, you feel as if you are entering another world as you make your way up the Crepe Myrtle-lined country lane leading up to the historic estate house.
The cover photo features a sweet bouquet designed by Flowers by Gary. This bouquet oozes Southern charm with its seersucker wrap, blue hydrangeas and magnolia leaves. Our lovely model is wearing a stunning gown from Lana Addison Bridal, a boutique located in Cary, NC, and is adorned with a David Yurman necklace and pair of earrings from Bailey’s Fine Jewelry. Her hair and makeup were done by the talented ladies at Bella Trio Day Spa.
Want more of the floral shoot? Grab a copy of this year’s Southern Bride & Groom, and check out our behind-the-scenes blog post, complete with never-before-seen photos of the shoot!
