flower bouquet

So… Originally I wanted to have huge flower bouquets as centerpieces.  Very classic…Very classy. But then, I started to explore outside the box. What other types of centerpieces could I have that would weave into my old Hollywood theme? I turned to my trusty companion- google, and I began the hunt!

I came across these ostrich feather bouquets.  Gorrrgggeous.  Very glamorous.  I wouldn’t mind doing these but there are a few problems. The first of which is that they are hard to find.  Most likely I would have to order them online without getting to see them first…which means you can’t guarantee the quality of the feathers you receive.   Also, I’ve seen some ostrich feather bouquets very poorly done.  It could be a hit or miss.   And lastly, if I do these bouquets I can’t wear my feather wrap with my dress because that would just be no bueno. I vote for the wrap.  These ostrich feathers are beautiful..but I am just not quite sure if they are worth it.   What I MAY do is not use these ostrich feathers for centerpieces but just as decor for door entrances. At least that way I can still have them. What do you think?

ostrich feathers

So…the search continued. Googling and googling my merry way until I stumbled upon these crystal candelabras.  I really do loves these.  Glamor much? These are very unique and I haven’t found many weddings that have done this idea. With these centerpieces I would probably alternate the candelabras and some flower bouquets. A room FULL of these would just be too much.  These centerpieces would really create a romantic feel too with the lit candles. So far I’m leaning towards this idea. But I need to sleep on it some. What do you think?

crystal

candelabra

I know.. it’s a mess. I’ll have to do some super major thinking and planning to pull all of this together. Right now it’s really scattered (as I am scatter brained)…and the whole idea isn’t meshing well.  More on this when I solidify the plan.

Opinions please! I need them.

photo StillMotion

Alan + Marianne’s highlights video // Vancouver BC stillmotion

Watch it. This video is AMAZING… I’ve probably watched this video about 15 million times and I about cry each time. We know that photography is very important on your wedding day. After all, when the day is done and over with you’ll only have your photos and memories to review. Am I right? WRONG! I think having a good video of your moments is just as important! And, if done right it can be just as magical as the day itself.

Stillmotion is a team based in Canada…and they are really THE BEST in wedding cinematography. Your wedding turns into a miniature movie itself…starring you!  They get booked for only a handful of weddings every year and fly world wide to shoot them.   They do videos, photos, and even teach workshops. Seriously they are SO talented. Can I worship them?  If you watch the video I won’t have to explain any further. So watch it. watch it! Did I say watch it?!

They have various packages from the bare minimum to the full out shabaaang! I suggest if you’re going to spend the big bucks on Stillmotion at least get The Complete Package (which we opted for)  with the highlights, main feature edit, and speeches included. You want them to work their magic all day long and present it to you in a wonderful package.

I had to do quite a bit of convincing to Mr. M for us to book StillMotion. He was skeptical at first, but after me taping his eyelids open and putting him in front of the computer for about an hour.. he is now very pleased for them to be attending our wedding.  *tee hee* All of our lucky guests will be able to share in the experience with us! Horraaay!

Posted in video Tagged: cinema, stillmotion, video ]]> http://bellabride.wordpress.com/2009/11/30/ever-want-to-be-in-a-movie/feed/ 3 miss manolo still http://bellabride.wordpress.com/2009/11/13/feather-wraps-on-my-way-to-old-hollywood/ http://bellabride.wordpress.com/2009/11/13/feather-wraps-on-my-way-to-old-hollywood/#comments Fri, 13 Nov 2009 21:56:22 +0000 miss manolo http://bellabride.wordpress.com/?p=461 ]]> So…I’ve seen some photos of ladies wearing feather wraps and I looove them.  Seriously, I lurves them.  *snuggles with bolero wrap* They really feel like old vintage glam. No explanation necessary. Just take a look.

inspiration

I know what you’re thinking.  ”Of course it looks like vintage glam you idiot, the photo is taken in the 30′s or some ish.”

Ok ok, how about modern day boleros?

jenny packham

I love the grey; it’s very unexpected.  I’ve even seen black capelets- very dramatic. But, I fear that it may be a tad difficult to pull off depending on what color your dress is.  How about something a little more white.

white feather capelet

So in order to complete the look, ,let’s combine the ingredients.   Jenny Packham slinky gown + Ostrich feather wrap = Ultra Old Hollywood Glam.

Won’t know the final outcome until I actually try all the pieces together…so fingers crossed! I’ll probably go with the more understated wrap…not trying to have PETA on me.  :)

Posted in accessories Tagged: capelet, feather, wrap ]]> http://bellabride.wordpress.com/2009/11/13/feather-wraps-on-my-way-to-old-hollywood/feed/ 4 miss manolo jeanha jenny-packham Picture 5 Sabine bolero http://bellabride.wordpress.com/2009/11/10/the-venue/ http://bellabride.wordpress.com/2009/11/10/the-venue/#comments Wed, 11 Nov 2009 02:33:43 +0000 miss manolo http://bellabride.wordpress.com/?p=414 ]]>

One of the first things a couple should reserve is the venue. Whether it be a restaurant, antique mansion, hotel, or banquet hall be sure to book your place a year in advance to ensure you get the date that you want. Now, if you are highly obsessive and anxiety-prone like I am you’ll reserve you’re venue within 57 seconds of being engaged. Not that I suggest that to anyone, but do research and grab up your places quickly!

There were a couple places that Mr. M and I considered for the venue. We narrowed it down to two choices. It was either going to be at the Ritz Carlton or Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Washington, DC. After careful deliberation (two nights and a discussion after breakfast), we decided to go with the Mandarin Oriental Hotel for a number of reasons. First being, Mr. M and I had a few romantic dinners in the Mandarin so it was nostalgic for us. We loved the Asian-inspired decor and the atmosphere was very warm and inviting. There are walkways out to the garden where the river can be seen- muy romantico. Secondly, The Ritz -although lavish and luxurious it may be, can be cold and unwelcoming at times. We wanted all of our guests to feel at home. The Mandarin Oriental Hotel combined five star service with a warm and romantic environment all of our guests could relate to.

photo courtesy of mandarin oriental

The hotel has a number of ballrooms. Our ballroom is the Oriental Ballroom (the name choice is shocking, I know) … which is beautiful as it is. But of course, it will still be redecorated. The wedding coordinator Michael showed me photos of previous weddings they hosted. After the walls were draped in ivory sheer silk (which we opted for as well)….this magical wonderland emerged:

oriental ballroom

I won’t spoil ALLLL of the surprises…but hopefully with our color and decor changes the wedding will be just as beautiful as their previous events. Lord knows it will be just as special with Mr. M by my side.

I have a few suggestions on how to keep yourself organized as you reach out to different vendors. Aside from the obvious giant wedding planning book you can get at your local book store, here are a couple extra items you can get.

1) A media storage box to hold clippings from favorite magazines, photos, and other memorabilia. I found this box at the Container Store. As you start hunting for ideas and themes you can throw them in the box to refer back to them later. It really does help solidify all the different inspirations you’ll encounter along the way. I’ve thrown fabric swatches, ribbons, photos, and clippings in here. And, given my goldfish-like memory it’s proven to be very useful!

2) A notebook journal that you can carry with you to vendors. It is helpful to jot down bits of information during the meetings. Here you can scribble down contact information, draw out plans for projects, and write down questions you’ll need to ask while you’re at your meetings.

3) A binder for a master list of vendor payment tracking. I created this Excel document for tracking payments and due dates with all vendors I am working with. The tabs are for the original contracts that were signed. This way you can easily go back and see where you’re at as far as bookings.

4) An organizing accordion that you can create your own tabbed dividers in. This is one of the most useful items to have while planning a wedding. Here you can toss in miscellaneous papers, contract copies, brochures, and photos into each specific category. Go to your local Michaels or Staples and pick up an accordion that suits your style. Then pick up about 20 colorful folders. You can use a label maker or print out labels from your computer. To help you get started, I’ve made a list of the tabs that I used in my accordion.

Overall Planning, Budget, Bridal Party, Musicians- Ceremony, Ceremony, Rehearsal Dinner, Reception, Music- Reception, Caterer, Florist, Decorations, Videographer, Photographer, Cake, Paper Needs, Invites, Bride Attire, Groom Attire, Favors, Gifts, Guest Hotel, Dance Lessons, Travel, Honeymoon

I know.. I’m a liiiiiitle OCD when it comes to being organized. But, it proves to be very helpful! I didn’t figure out these things when I first started planning and I could have made my life so much easier! Now you have the tools you need to get started! And, more importantly you won’t pull out as much of your hair as I did!

Let me break it down for ya’ll. Exhibit A: my bridal changing timeline (*avatars may vary to actual gowns and colors available, additional restrictions apply*)

 

exhibit A

We’ve already reviewed the reception dress- the lovely Jenny Packham Sabine.  But there’s something a little more special…. something a little more important.   I skipped over THE BIG kahuna. Ya’ll know what I’m talking about- the ceremony gown. The gown that I’ll be walking down the aisle in.

*DRUM ROLL PLEASE* duhn duhn duh duh DAAa.. *CYMBAL*

May I present the french tulle ballgown designed by Vera Wang.

vera

The entire gown is made of french tulle, which is a tad lighter and flowy-er (sp?) than regular tulle. The sash of course can be changed into any color…but I think I may forgo the sash altogether.  The gown was ordered months ago and takes about 4-6 months to make. So, around February I’ll be expecting a large stork to bring my baby home to me.

As far as the sash goes, I am looking into Jennifer Behr.  She makes  gaa gaaa goOOORgeeeeous crystal encrusted belts. Although the sizes may be standard you may custom order their belts if need be.

encrusted crystal on satin belt

ten strand crystal belt

chunky crystal satin belt

Not sure which one I’m going to go with yet… they’re all so beautiful! But definitely will go for a black satin ribbon to tie in the old Hollywood Glam feel (again no pun intended).  Will update on the belt later.

I know.  Four dresses… times three fittings each.. times one psychotic crazy bride = one very stressed out Mr. M.

I also found that having to update six girls one by one is kinnnnda time consuming. I end up repeating the same convoluted story about how I found the perfect box in so and so color.. and this and that shape…and how I had to express ship that but it costed $5.67 more…

The solution? A newsletter! I created a wedding newsletter to mail out to my girls every month or so. The first issue contained each of their biographies and photos as an introduction. I put in future events.. recently planned details.. and lists of things I need their help on. I recommend this for all bride-to-bes out there. You can even create a notebook later and save all of your newsletters from first to last edition.

wedding newsletter

extra! extra!

And there you have it… a sure fire way to keep all your bridesmaids on the same page (no pun intended).

This is Miss Manolo.. signing off!

A Tuesday thought…popcakes. I came across this company that makes little cake lollipops; they’re called  IlovePopcakes. They are really cute and would make perfect favors or decorations at a reception. They come with different flavors and toppings. You can even customize the shape! The baker sent me a scrumptious box of sample popcakes, and they are bigger in person than they seem. They’re also very delicious and moist!

If you dig around…you’ll find other bakers out there who give you the recipe on how to make popcakes. Why purchase when you can DIY? Of course, that doesn’t work if you are baking-challenged like I am.  If you’re interested in trying it go to Bakerella.  She has lots of recipes on all different types of shapes including little chickens, turkeys, ghosts, and even Hello Kitty!

I was thinking of doing a popcake bouquet (coordinating colors of course) and setting it at the check-in table as a delightful welcome to the guests. But, I’m not sure yet… I might gobble them up before everyone else! What do you think?

Mr. M and I had been discussing marriage for some time. It wasn’t a surprise that he would propose. Actually, it was more like… “Oh.. you know I think its best we get married.”

Response: “Yeeah… I think we’re at that point.”

And, there you go! Mr. and Mrs. Manolo decide that they should take the next step in their relationship.  I had already given him the ideas on what stone I liked. My favorite stones were cushion, radiant, and asscher.  I liked them all for different reasons. I loved cushion because it was classic and elegant… radiant because of its divine sparkle..and asscher because of its royal history. I didn’t tell Mr. M exactly what setting I wanted or what size stone I would fancy. But, whatever stone he did chose had to be the best quality. He agreed.

See, I’m a sneaky little fellar. Mr. M can’t do anything without me knowing. And I mean anything. I practically have him on surveillance.*chuckles* All he would have to do is say “dinner” and I’d scream “PROPOSAL!!“

But, to my surprise it was one sunny May afternoon that I came home from work to find a giant heart made of red and ivory rose petals. Candles lit up the room.. and there with his guitar Mr. M was sitting.

After all the I love you’s..and reasons why he wanted to marry me.. Mr. M pulled out the ring.

In the end, he chose a wonderful radiant stone (tres carats may I add)…and I couldn’t be happier. I love it.  All of his studying Colors and Clarities and Cuts paid off.  The setting design is classic and unique. The stone is more than I could dream for. It floats magically inside four prongs covered in micro-pave diamonds.

classic

setting

Even though the stone is heavy, the entire ring surprisingly is not. The band is made with palladium metal which although has the strength of platinum is actually lighter in weight.  I never knew there was such a metal.

There you have it…Mr. and Mrs. M get hitched!

What’s your favorite stone?

Amsale is the only designer I know of that carries a line of just short dresses;  its called the Little White Dress Collection. Some ladies wear them for the entire evening and some just wear them for the reception.  Either way, that bride is going to look adorable.  Some people think that short dresses are going to be the next hot trend in weddings,  and I could totally see happening.

I’m not going to lie… I was very tempted to get a short dress. But with the advice of a few friends, I decided to go with the long dress.  I wanted it to resemble old Hollywood Glam.  And….*drum roll please*

Here she is- The Jenny Packham Sabine gown.  If you take a look at Jenny Packham’s line.. you’ll see that she really has the vintage Hollywood look DOWN. Seriously, she’s a genius.  But, if you’re looking for Jenny Packham gowns to try on, they’re sort of difficult to find. Not many boutiques carry her line and they’re aren’t that many samples floating around.  I ended up getting the dress from London. I’ll update you guys when it arrives.

swoooooning over sabine

But of course, the search is still on for the headpiece. It’s called Acacia III. There’s another version called Acacia II, and I’m still undecided. More on that later.

acacia III

acacia II

What do you think? III or II? I can’t decide! Maybe I’ll just wear a trash bag on my head and call it a day.

Posted in accessories, dresses, reception Tagged: dress, jenny packham, reception ]]> http://bellabride.wordpress.com/2009/11/03/ahhhh-the-reception-dress/feed/ 2 miss manolo sasha krista josie audrey 019_primary 019_sec01 (1) Acacia-II.m