Go platinum!

No, we're not talking about the popular WE network show Platinum Weddings. We are, however, talking about this trend setting color option in wedding gowns!

About a month ago, I assigned my group of interns various story board projects. They were responsible for picking three inspirations and designing boards that would fit budget, moderate and affluent nuptial clients. Brittney's affluent board centered around a platinum designer wedding gown. Her ability to step out of the box is remarkable. She has a beautiful ability to touches on details that will make an impact. This, my friends, is exactly why we're so excited to make her a part of our team. Needless to say, her ideas have been well above expectations. Just a little hint: Brittney used a design pallet centered around platinum and the most perfect blue. It is absolutely gorgeous!

If you're looking for a non-traditional color option for your wedding gown, I'd like to offer you a few designers to peek at: Justin Alexander, Allure Bridals, Mia Solano, Maggie Sottero and Reem Acra. Many of these designers have other tempting color variations. My head is filled with wonderful design ideas centered around these dresses.

At any rate, I've decided to post a few images of designers who have platinum gown options. I tried to include various shades and textures. However, my personal favorites today are those designed with silk taffeta fabric. This is by no means a complete list, but its enough to feed you a little eye candy.

{Justin Alexander}




{Maggie Sottero--Jewel}




{Maggie Sottero--Jasmina}




{Justin Alexander}




{Maggie Sottero--Nouvel}




{Justin Alexander}




{Maggie Sottero--Emmanuelle}




{Justin Alexander}

Don't miss this month's issue of {FÊTE}ish!

She did again! Who? Terrica, the wedding diva! She's so much more than "diva." She's a beautiful wife, dedicated mother, and savvy wedding entrepreneur all wrapped in one. You see, Terrica's wedding business endeavors are always a step ahead of her rivals. {FÊTE}ish is only a small example of her wit. So go on... Sign up and take an instant peak at {FÊTE}ish, an uber remarkable newsletter in the form of an electronic magazine! I forgot to mention that you can also view archive copies as well. ENJOY! [cheers]

The Knot Sets the Stage for 2008 Wedding Trends!

Scheduled to hit the newsstands on January 28, 2008, The Knot's Spring/Summer 2008 issue will show you how creativity will be "THE KEY" in weddings this year! According to Carley Roney, editor-in-chief, "Brides want to be anything but boring this year... From resourceful ways to get the perfect look to decadent reception decor inspired by Sofia Coppola's fashion epic Marie Antoinette, surprising elements like '80s cover bands, and daring destinations, couples are going to new lengths to infuse their personalities into their big day."

Here's a summary of what The Knot predicts for 2008 weddings:

Beauty & Fashion

• Rental of big value jewelry items


• Wardrobe and hairstyle change (as many as three!)


• Heirloom wedding sets

Reception

• "Marie Antoinette" weddings -- top notch affairs fit for royalty!


• 80's cover bands and dancers


• Green weddings

Hi Tech

• Proposal and wedding videos on YouTube, Facebook, and personal blogs


• "Real World" Weddings -- video diaries of wedding events with ceremony highlights featured during the reception

Travel

• Evolve as new spots sprout--Scottish castles/African Safaris


• Longer, more distant locations of luxury

Get all the details when it hit stands on January 28, 2008! You can also read the online version on The Knot's website!!

A Glimpse Into Houston's 2008 Wedding Trends!

As we begin a new year, it's always exciting to take a look at the current wedding trends. Let's take a look at what Houston has in store for 2008 wedding trends!

BLING, BLING, and more BLING...
Count on seeing crystals of all kinds evolve into every little aspect of this year’s wedding décor. What begin as simple crystal accents in a bridal bouquet has come full circle into a total statement! Darryl Murchison and his team of designers do a remarkable job of pulling crystals into the overall décor design. Brides to be will notice a wonderful array of wedding designers who offer very trend complimenting gowns designed with Swarovski crystals. You'll notice bling everywhere: flowers, centerpieces, stationery, favor accents, attire, linens, and cake toppers and brooch accents!


Goodbye Chocolate... HELLO Noir!
We all know that for the past few years, chocolates and browns were a great mix with pastels. There's no doubt that chocolates are taking a back seat to black accents. Black will be the accent color of choice amongst many this year. There's a certain level of elegance that no other color can come close to. From simple additions to black bridesmaids’ dresses, black will be a canvas to allow color to POP! You will also see a trend of black and white paired with an accent color: green, red, purple or pink, almost any color of the rainbow will work! NOIR… it’s an unspoken elegance!



Speaking of color... Go BOLD
Couples will embrace the use of bold color schemes. Houston is a cultural melting pot, and many cultures use rich, bold colors as platforms for their wedding décor. This tradition has spilled into the trends of so many others. The proof is in the pudding. As couples step out of their traditional way of doing things, it's certain that there are little boundaries when developing color palates.


Textures and Feathers
Texture is popping up everywhere, what begin with fruit filled centerpieces is now growing to use of other elements, namely feathers. You will notice a wider use of feathers in centerpieces and floral arrangements. OHHH... I would so love to see this at a French inspired space such as Chateau Polonez! Totally YUMMY...!!



A Total Space Transformation!
Once upon a time, couples would shop for a reception location that's dressed and ready for a party! This meant that they would not have to invest as much into dressing the place up for their reception. Today, that couldn't be further from the truth. Couples are totally transforming blank space or tenting space and totally bringing it to life. Today's couple want their guest to live an experience, from over the top cakes, customized lighting, large centerpieces made up of more than flowers, plenty of candle light, customized lounge areas, coffee shops, cigar stations, and fabulous favors. Couples are making sure their guest truly enjoy their wedding and experience an event that's over the top and unique to their personalities.

Going Green
Couples embracing the green wedding concept and are doing what they can to help the environment by hosting a "green celebration." This doesn't mean that they will have a wedding based on the color green. Green weddings are weddings planned with while using environmentally friendly ideas. How can you have an elegant wedding that your guests will rave about for ages? Simple! There are so many resources and ideas available. Many vendors are ready to help you do your part in saving the environment. From plantable invitations to organic food items, the possibilities are endless. Our friend, Liene Stevens over at Blue Orchid Designs has begun a group on flicker that has member submitted pictures of green items to help you develop your overall green wedding elements. We have a list of other resources available to help you keep your wedding as green as possible. Contact us for details.

Let's Party... and party a little more!
So... you don't want the celebration to end? Well you're not alone. Many of today's couples are opting for additional reception hours and activities. It's not uncommon for a local wedding celebration to literally last all day and spill into the wee hours of the morning. More often we are seeing couples add hours to their reception timeline with plenty thought into their ultimate goal of keeping their party alive. You're not alone if you're planning a party like a rock star!

The Destination Wedding Trend Continues...
As Echo Boomers (offspring of baby boomers) reach their peak wed age, destination weddings continue to be a huge hit. As Baby Boomers were the first to truly step out of traditional way of doing things, their children will no doubt continue along this path and host non-tradition nuptials. Destination weddings remain to be the better option for various reasons. Couples who want to share their wedding experience on foreign ground often decide to plan a fête afar. Those who want to plan an excursion of island hopping may choose to wed in one location and immediately honeymoon on neighboring islands. The reasoning may vary, but the idea is still very much a trend that will spill into this year. Contact us to find out if a destination wedding is a right fit for you.



Did you say.... "Trash the Dress?"
I most certainly did! I have to credit the fabulous Marc Eric for introducing us to the idea of a trash the dress session. Many couples are deciding to end their festivities with a fun photo shoot in an untraditional setting. This idea is very fitting, but not limited to, a destination wedding. If you are planning a destination wedding, don't forget to book your photographer for a romantically fun and artistic trash the dress session. There something about a newly married couple laying in a puddle starring into each other's eyes that only the camera and a trained photographer can capture. Visit Marc’s website and Trash the Dress blog for a beautiful display of trash the dress sessions.



{photo credits: brides.com; bbjlinen.com; weddingbycolor.com; americanbridal.com; beau-coup.com; decoratemywedding.com; partysparkle.co.uk}

Fantasy Island

Welcome to Fantasy Island!

Today’s fantasy: Guana Island. Guana Island is a part of the Caribbean that remains untouched. Located in the British Islands, Guana has seven powder white sand beaches, miles of tropical forest, mountains, hills, and valleys that total 850 beautiful acres that houses 32 guests on one island. It’s located at the meeting point of the sparkling Caribbean waters and the Atlantic.


What’s the fantasy? One can rent out the entire island! To arrive on the island, you must fly into Beef Island, take a taxi and then you will be transported by boat to the Island. Known for its hidden luxury, each guest will enjoy acres of privacy. Each guest accommodation has an average of 30 acres of privacy. There are no public facilities of any kind. You won’t be totally excluded from the happenings, as Guana has WiFi access. It’s a perfect private get-away!


What’s included in this private island rental? Mean inclusions are three meals per day, with wine at lunch and dinner, prepared by your West Indian Chefs. By the way, these chefs are known for their excellent American, Continental, and Caribbean cuisine preparation. You’ll also enjoy afternoon tea and coffee, daily cocktail hour and hors d’ oeuvres. Standard bar and beverages, beach barbecues, three group round trip boat and taxi transfers to Beef Island, and wash and fold laundry service. Activities include tennis, sunfish, kayaking, pedal boats, windsurfing, kicking, crocket, ping pong, snorkeling, fishing, and more. All of these activities are included, but additional excursions are available.

To keep with the untouched feel, there are no guest room phones or televisions. You may use your own cell phones may be used out of sight and sound of other guest.

What does it cost to fulfill this fantasy? Rates start at $19,500 per night for up to 32 guests. That’s only $610.00 per night, per person. Yes, Guana is available for small intimate weddings!

What may be a fantasy to some, can be a reality to others? Absolutely!

{images from guana.com}
visit www.guana.com

Jewelry's a Girl's Best Friend, But What About the Cake?

Oh my goodness! I had to share this fabulous find. We girls love our jewelry and accessories. Any opportunity to spread the beauty is more than welcome. This leaves me no choice, but to label these creations as simply GENIUS!

Well beyond the antique bride and groom cake topper...
More than accent flowers on the cake...
Beyond the simple monogram...

It's CAKE JEWELRY!!

These vines are made of tiny rhinestones, flowers, and leaves. You have a choice of silver or gold. The set comes with the three vines you see here, and three smaller accents for the top layer.

This stepped up display of the original monogram cake topper is played up with metal garland, Swarovski stones, and accented with crystal flowers. This is a stunning display of monogramming your cake. HINT: All shades of purple are making a come back into the scheme of things.

Okay, I'm a fan of pink, but look at how these rhinestone flowers add beautiful drama to this cake! GORGEOUS!! The set comes with three small flowers and one large one. LOVE IT!

If you have a Princess theme, or maybe you just want to add a princess feel, this is the topper for you! This Princess Carriage topper is accented with rhinestones and tiny metal flowers. The inside of the carriage can hold a hanging flower decoration (as pictured), or you can add one hanging monogram.

Great news Houston: We have several suppliers in and around the city! Visit Expressions' website: http://www.cake-jewelry.com/ to view all the designs or to locate the nearest retailer. Your cake will be talked about for months, even years after, with these beautiful jewelry accents!

This has been a Precious Nuptials tip. Visit www.PreciousNuptials.com, and learn how you too can have your very own precious nuptial!