Love the style of this…

one strap off the shoulder gown, style 19227 Dawn, from Mon Cheri Bridals.

{image credit: Mon Cheri Bridals}

Favorite Things are truly favorite things…trendsetting wedding is not paid to promote these items.

I don’t really post that much about wedding dresses but I love this trend this season…in lieu of strapless wedding gowns, more and more designers are creating gowns that are a little, well, more on the conservative side. Recently, the Chicago Tribune did a story on a this new trend as well. I have nothing against strapless wedding gowns but they just weren’t for me and my wedding day…especially since I was married in a Catholic Church and didn’t want myself or my bridesmaids having to do the “strapless dress pull up” while dancing that guys and my parents’ generation always comment on. But it is true, so you can’t blame ‘em …
Check out the following  dresses that are some of my faves for 2009…

{Photo credits left to right: 1 & 2 Maggie Sotero; 3 & 4 Priscilla of Boston; 5 Jim Hjelm }

Anyone who knows me knows I love handbags. For some girls it is shoes… for me, it is handbags that consume the walk- in-closet, the over-the-door holder, my suitcase when traveling, you name it.

I came across Dylan & Dillion and their Bridal Collection where they create custom silk screened clutch handbags…perfect for yourself or bridesmaids! What I do know is that I want to get myself one…what I don’t know is what color. If you are looking for a bridal handbag, check them out.

The new season of We TV's "Platinum Weddings" started tonight. New episode 1: Couple Joanna & Michael plan a wedding (with celeb wedding planner David Tutera's help) and wed in Philadelphia. New episode 2: Couple Amy & David plan a wedding and wed in Southern California. Get those Tivos or DVRs set if you haven't already.

Gone are the days of the tousled wedding updo (and long gone are tiaras if that ever interested you).  If brides are wearing their hair up, it is sleek and in a low bundle. For less formal wedding, a loose curled-pulled-back look looks great as well sans veil. Many brides are forgoing up dos all together and going with hair down or with the subtle sides back. Did I mention how much I like Katherine’s vintage looking short veil?
These photos, although not all of
weddings, of celebs we all know are good…their hairstyles? great.

No matter what the season, rain or other inclement weather does not have to ruin your wedding day. Although it may be hard to know more than a few days in advance what the weather will be, planning for the situation can make all of the difference.
I've recently attended two weddings on rainy days and what the bride & groom did added that extra touch (and made for some cute photos as well). The first wedding consisted of an outdoor ceremony. They had cute Asian style umbrellas at the entrance for all guests to use. The second wedding consisted of an indoor ceremony and reception. However, upon entering the church, the ushers stood with umbrellas to help shield the guests from rain at the drop off point.  The bride and groom also prepared for a rainy day by buying rain boots and a cute umbrella which equally made for an adorable photo and holiday card.

Prepare by:

1- Buying a cute and colorful pair of rain boots (for the bride only). I particularly like solid colored boots (easier to see in the photo than patterns) of the
Chinese Laundry variety shown below. You can also find boots in your wedding colors or colors to
complement the wedding scenery.
 .

2- Finding a big umbrella (has to be functional and cover both the bride and the groom). I like either solid black or  white personally.
If it does rain on your wedding day, go outside (or stay outside) and take advantage of it. The photos are always really fun and creative. Make sure to lift up the dress a little to see the boots and prevent the dress from getting dirty. Have the photographer take some kissing shots under the umbrella and some walking in the rain shots.

Adorable!

A great way to add color is to have cute and colorful wedding shoes. Doing just that is becoming a hot trend this season. I was a traditional bride and wanted off white shoes to match my dress. I loved my shoes with the little crystal corset-type back, but if I were getting married this year, I would definitely have shoes with color.

I love these Solitaire shoes from Stuart Weitzman and would definitely have them if my colors consisted of pink. Check out the Web site for more styles and colors.