Project Wedding Blog

This past New York bridal market was really such a treat.  While strapless gowns have stolen the show year after year, this season was different.  We saw sleeves in all shapes and size… beautiful, feminine, sheer sleeves… short and long, beaded and simple, one shoulder sleeves, and off the shoulder sleeves! Whew!  It was a sleeve extravaganza that we enjoyed very much.  Here’s a peek at the sleeve trend with looks from our fave designers:

1. Elbow Length Sleeves

1. Marchesa 2. Rivini 3. Monique Lhuillier

2. Asymmetrical Sleeves

1. Douglas Hannant 2. Jenny Packham 3. Angel Sanchez

3. Flowing Sleeves

1. Angel Sanchez 2. Carolina Herrera 3. Nicole Miller

4. Puff Sleeves

Jenny Packham

5. Lace Sleeves

1. Monique Lhuillier 2. Carolina Herrera 3. Claire Pettibone

6. Tulle Sleeves

1. Monique Lhuillier 2. Reem Acra

7. Off the Shoulder Sleeves

1. Badgley Mischka 2. Marchesa 3. Romona Keveza

8. Beaded Sleeves

1. Reem Acra 2. Jenny Packham

We’re hoping sleeves are here to stay…

Happy Weekend!

Photos by Dan Lecca

Jenny Packham Photos Courtesy of Jenny Packham

Tags: Angel Sanchez, asymmetrical, Badgley Mischka, beaded, carolina herrera, Claire Pettibone, douglas hannant, elbow length sleeves, jenny packham, lace, Marchesa, Monique Lhuillier, puff sleeves, Reem Acra, rivini, Romona Keveza, sheer sleeves, tulle.

As we move into the 2012 bridal season, we couldn’t help but be swept back in time by style accents reminiscent of bygone eras.  So, for the second in a ‘Fashion Friday’ series inspired by the new season of gowns- here goes… some time travel back into the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s and 90’s in both subtle and not-so-subtle ways!

1.  60’s Flouncy Brigette Bardot-inspired Trapeze Dress by Ramona Keveza.  2. 60’s/70’s  Style Blue Embroidered Bohemian Chic Gown by Claire Pettibone 3. 70’s Fringe by Hayley Paige 4. 80’s King of Pop Pantsuit by Yumi Katsura 5. Neon Paint Splatters by Angel Sanchez 6. 90’s Refined Rosettes by Marchesa.

So.. would you partake in a little era flashback on your big day or is that something you save for costume parties?

Happy Halloween Weekend!

Tags: 70's, 80's, 90's, Angel Sanchez, bridal fashion 60's, Claire Pettibone, Hayley Paige, Marchesa, Ramona Keveza, Yumi Katsura.

The last ‘top ten’ of bridal market has arrived… and let us just say, the final day was just as exciting as the first!  We’ve got tons more fashion coverage coming your way.. but here’s a re-cap of fabulosity before you get to weekending!

no. 1

As we’ve come to expect, the St. Pucchi show was positively regal and majestic.  Our favorite look from the runway was this simple satin mermaid dress with a wow coque feather jacket!

no. 2

Jim Hjelm’s bridesmaid dresses were some of the most lovely from the weekend.  Asymmetrical peplums, scrunched hemlines, and ruffled fabrics fit our fancy.

no. 3

While we’re on the topic of Jim Hjelm, this sequenced party dress is at the top of our wish list!

no. 4

The Angel Sanchez collection brought us back to a time of structured garments and wide ruffles.  We found the backs to be just as noteworthy as the fronts!

no. 5

Yumi Katsura was larger than life!  After you get over the runway shock of the statuesque headpiece, don’t forget to check out the amazing detail of this slim fit gown.

no. 6

Over at Anaïs, we luxuriated in the textured fabric and styling of these sweetheart-necklined gowns.

no. 7

The always exciting Pnina Tornai show had us thinking about streamlined silhouettes, modified A-lines, and va-va-voom ballgowns.  There were dresses for every coveted silhouette in this sexy and inspiring presentation.

no. 8

As much as we love sexy and exciting, the timeless, understated elegance of Alvina Valenta bridesmaids certainly caught our eye.  From a stunning two-piece in white and black, to a metallic lace cocktail dress and an accentuated folded bodice in deep chocolate.. these are dresses maids will love!

no. 9

The addition of designer Hayley Paige to the JLM family was a big announcement this season!  Hayley’s debut collection is one not to be missed.  In previewing, we took note of her super unique stying; the textured peplum and fringe looks totally won us over!

no. 10

…And to send you off into your weekend with grace and elegance, here’s a peek at the high fashion, yet utterly wearable Marchesa gowns.  For us, one of the top collections of the season.

{All Photos by Dan Lecca}

Happy Weekend!

x’s + o’s

Tags: Alvina Valenta, Anais, Angel Sanchez, Fall 2012, Hayley Paige, Jim Hjelm, Marchesa, pnina tornai, St. Pucchi, Yumi Katsura.

Are you ready for another top ten?  Hope so! There was a little rock n’ roll, avant garde luxury, English sophistication and tons more on the runways this past Sunday…  These were the highlights of our day:

no. 1

The Badgley Mischka Bridal presentation was super fun- featuring dresses that reminded us of the music scene of bygone eras. It was sexy V-necks, bold embellishments, and head-to-toe patterned fabrics that stole our hearts.

no. 2

A stop to see Carolina Herrera’s newest collection had us totally smitten with her couture details, details, details. From a sweet two-toned ballerina ballgown to these sophisticated sleeved beauties, straight up, the gowns are gorg.

no. 3

We were bewitched but never bewildered, when we enjoyed Vera’s avante garde presentation of her latest season of pristinely designed bridals. There was no white to be found on this runway, only sexy shades of nude and black.  You can catch the full collection right {here}.  (All dresses do come in ivory).

no. 4

This three-tiered stunner stole the show at Ulla Maija Couture.

no. 5

The Rivini presentation was utterly impressive.  We were particularly taken with these shades of blush and lilac.

no. 6

Sunday wasn’t complete without a stop at Amy Kuschel’s showroom, where we took in shapely silhouettes, heirloom laces, and her collection of sweet 40’s inspired bridal fashion.

no. 7

It was love at first sight when we saw Lela Rose’s lovely necklines.  Pure bridal perfection.

no. 8

At Ines di Santo, we took in high octane glamour.. We adore those chic, wavy, asymmetrical hairstyles…!

no. 9

When we think of perfect-fit gowns and simple, elegant silhouettes, Nicole Miller always comes to mind. We got the full preview of dresses just right for an ‘understated elegance’ type of bride or for cutting the cake!

no. 10

One of our last stops of the day was a visit with Sassi Holford.  She is such a dazzling English woman, and her designs parallel this with a style of English sophistication.

{All photos by Dan Lecca with the exception of Nicole Miller, Amy Kuschel, and Sassi Holford dress images}

♥

Tags: Amy kuschel, Badgley Mischka, carolina herrera, Fall 2012, Ines di Santo, lela rose, New York Bridal Market, Nicole Miller, rivini, sassi holford, Spring 2012, Ulla-Maija Couture, vera wang.

Get ready for some pretties, because day two in New York was jam packed with gorgeous dresses, headpieces, and hairstyles from the best in bridal.  We’re sooo excited to share, so without further ado, here are the highlights (in no particular order) from NYC bridal market on Saturday, October 15th~

no. 1

This season, Amsale showed a super-contemporary collection of clean lines and precise construction.  Each piece, a work of modern art.

no. 2

The Monique Lhuillier collection is always one of the most highly anticipated.. and for good reason.  We saw bustier bodices, imprint fabrics, and high slits all with the classically feminine Monique touch.  It was light, ethereal, airy and alltogether gorgeous.

no. 3

Reem Acra accentuated a stunning bridal collection with feather-like petal and sparkle hair adornments.  Always inspiring, our imagination ran wild when we saw these designs.  See the full gown collection here.

no. 4

Claire Pettibone has this gift of creating a wonderland of Bohemian bliss wherever she goes… and most of all in her utterly unique and artistic bridal gowns.  It wouldn’t be enough to call her creations ‘dresses,’ the term ‘masterpiece’ seems more fitting.  This season’s collection was inspired by the French countryside, and we were enamored by the color, pattern and lace.

no. 5

There was color to be found at Romona Keveza’s Fall 2012 presentation, with dresses in the colors ’something blue,’ metallic gold, and blooming lilac.  Paired with Romona’s couture construction, it was an absolute highlight of the day.

no. 6

Think classic fabrics and silhouettes with subtle twists of contemporary design.  We enjoyed seeing the aisle-ready styles from Christos in traditional lace, chiffon, organza, and tulle.

no. 7

The new Jenny Packham collection is a healthy dose of sultry sophistication… each gown truly exquisite and extraordinary in its fabric, shape, and embellishment. Dare I say, to die for?  Exposed shoulders, deep V-necks and slim A-line silhouettes made us swoon!

no. 8

Besides a collection of beautiful bridals, there was lots to see at Maggie Sottero’s early morning runway presentation.  We took note of the loosely upswept hairstyles and stand-out back-of-dress styling.

no. 9

We hit up the Kenneth Pool runway show in the afternoon and came across these two beauties, designed by Amsale Aberra.  We loved the starburst sparkles (L) and dynamism of gathered fabric (R).

no. 10

And last, but certainly not least, we had to show you Jenny Packham’s collection of vintage-inspired headpieces.  With the look of an expensive antique heirloom, the pieces whisper glamour and luxury.  Bravo~

Stay tuned for more from NY International Bridal Week!

xo

{Photos by Dan Lecca}

{Jenny Packham collection images courtesy Jenny Packham}

Tags: Amsale, christos, Claire Pettibone, Fall 2012, jenny packham, kenneth pool, Monique Lhuillier, Reem Acra, Romona Keveza.

We’re in bustling NYC for the biggest bridal fashion event of the year: International Bridal Market!   Each day we’ll be rounding up the top ten sights and sounds from the marketplace.  Complete coverage of all of the collections are coming to you {here}. Here are the big hits for Friday, October 14th.. ~Enjoy!

no. 1

The first presentation of the morning was Theia: Fall 2012.  This season there was more structure and even more luxury than in the past.  Here- a cap-sleeved ball gown, a classic mini with a sheen, and a modern gown with wild silver brushstrokes.

no. 2

Douglas Hannant is always a favorite.  This one-sleeved stunner captured our attention and our hearts.

no. 3

An absolute highlight from the Noir by Lazaro runway was lace-embellished bridesmaid’s dresses!   The perfect juxtaposition of contemporary styling with classic fabrics gave us the warm and fuzzies.

no. 4

Our Friday morning was chock full of goodies… including a showing of the Monique Lhuillier Fall 2012 bridesmaid collection. Chiffon fabric alluded to the light and airy side of things.. and this moss pleated cocktail dress was a fave for us!  Monique also added two new colors for Fall- buttercup and french blue.

no. 5

Is the crimp looked back?   Douglas Hannant featured two crimped do’s.  A little retro, a little avant garde.. Either way, there were two Chantilly lace lovelies in the collection that made us swoon.

no. 6

We thought this Alencon lace mini/tulle overskirt combo from Tara Keely was an absolute knockout.  (And who wouldn’t love two looks for one?!)

no. 7

We made a stop at the Alfred Angelo runway show where we found beautiful new Royal Maidens from the Disney Fairy Tale Wedding collection and this ethereal empire waisted number from the classic Alfred collection…

no. 8

…But of course, the ‘Royal Blossoms’ really stole the show.

no. 9

Watching the Lazaro show was like falling in love over and over again.  Always dynamic and glamour-filled… here’s a peek at one intricately embellished beauty.

{All Photos Above by Dan Lecca}

no. 10

After that fashion extravaganza, a little R & R with a few very sweet and stylish bloggers was in order!  It was over to Dashing Diva for a mani and pedi party, hosted by Lover.ly.  We caught up with Kellee, Leila, Cathy, Amanda, Emily & Joy (and Linus.. the sweetest baby ever), Anne-Marie, & Jackie.

whew.. and then we fell fast asleep..

more tomorrow!

Tags: Douglas Hannant Fall 2012, Lazaro Spring 2012, lover.ly, Monique Lhuillier Fall 2012 bridesmaids, New York Bridal Market, Tara Keely Spring 2012, Theia Fall 2012.

A few seasons ago, Vera came out with a collection that was all about the black sash. Fortunately, that trend has stayed strong. The dynamic contrast and subtle avant garde styling has us tirelessly enjoying the elongated life span of this trend. In Chicago, we saw several black-sashed stunners that you can bet will turn a head or two.

Row One: 1- Watters, 2- Maggie Sottero, 3- Martina Liana

Row Two: 1- Maggie Sottero, 2- Watters, 3- Maggie Sottero

In case you’re anxiously anticipating the big bridal reveals in New York this weekend, check back here for live coverage of the runway shows!  Also, keep up with us on Twitter and Facebook for up-to-the minute chatter, news, and announcements as the weekend unfolds.

Tags: black sash bridal gown, Chicago Bridal Market, Maggie Sottero, Martina Liana, Spring 2012, Watters.

The fashion frenzy continues… We’re just giddy this time of year, when the collections for the following year are revealed.  Here is some more goodness from our jaunt to Chicago.. One of the highlights was scoping out the new styles from the good people at Dessy.  Between Lela Rose, After Six, Alfred Sung, and the Dessy Collection (all collections by the Dessy co.) we saw a little glitz, a little glamour, some things sweet, and some things sophisticated.

We’re lovin’ the soft mesh fabric and wide band of sparkle at the waist!

This one shoulder beauty is ultra glam, and the chiffon side ruching- looks sooo nice and flattering.

A few sweet cotton frocks were in the line-up.  The look is fresh and simple with a natural waist and scalloped pocket details.

This knee length stunner is a perfect blend of modern sophistication… Love love love.

… And we couldn’t help but show you the latest from Dessy’s Destination bridal collection.. the soft, movable leaf-cut fabric, dropped waist, and gathered bodice is one to pin/bookmark/share!

This weekend we’re off to New York to see and share more 2012 fashion!

Tags: Dessy, Spring 2012.

A few weeks ago we hopped a plane to get a first peek at the new dresses for the spring/fall 2012 seasons at Chicago Bridal Market.  We found lots of gorgeous dresses for brides on a budget.  Check out these ‘luxe for less’ looks from designer, Liz Fields:

The bridesmaid collection features distinct pops of color in silky fabrics and contemporary styles. We love that Liz’s bridal collection, Lo~Ve~La, showcases sophisticated styling like bustier bodices, blush tones, and chic tiered skirts- all for attainable prices.

Stay tuned for more looks from Chicago!

Tags: Liz Fields, Lo Ve La.

It’s been a whirlwind weekend in the windy city… Dozens of bridal fashion designers unveiled their newest collections for 2012 at the semiannual Chicago Bridal Market.  I was there getting in on all of this unveiling and here’s a first look at some of the highlights!

A patterned fabric gown by Steven Birnbaum.  Ladies, the photo just doesn’t do it justice, this fabric was sooo lovely and the cut, impeccable.  I think this is a nice look for a sophisticated bride who has a little boho-chic running in her blood.

Gorgeous, Green, and Glamorous by Enzoani.  This subtle green stunner stole my heart.  The color, for one, was endearing… the raw cut fabric, edgy.. and that skirt- unforgettable.

Of course not all styles featured that gorgeous trumpet skirt seen in the first two, I also saw a re-emergence of full A-line skirts and ballgowns. Here, a model shows off a two-toned Sophia Tolli number in pewter and white.

Watters and Watters stole the show with their contemporary trends that are utterly wearable.  Above, a silk sheath with a peplum at the waist, and below, a peek at their newest print for bridesmaids!

I thought this Justin Alexander beauty was terribly romantic, and just loved the asymmetrical cascade of organza roses.

And last but not least, layers of dusty violet fabric make for a fashion forward style by Wtoo.  Love, love, love…

Of course there is so much more to show you from this weekend fashion extravaganza!  These are just a few of the photos that I took with my handy dandy SLR.  More to come when we get photos back from our staff photographer!

x’s + o’s -kate

Tags: Chicago Bridal Market, Enzoani, justin alexanders, Mon Cheri, Sophia Tolli, Spring 2012 bridal, Steven Birnbaum, Watters and Watters, Wtoo.