'Tis the season ...

I have a fun little holiday series planned to start tomorrow! Hope you tune in and enjoy!

{Image: Via This is Glamorous}

Tweet

CB loves: Art-inspired cakes

How genius are these Martha Stewart wedding cakes, all inspired by delicious works of art?! You can see the entire series here but my two favorites are featured above. I do adore a good Damien Hirst lithograph and that wedding cake version has me swooning big time. I think I'll need to revisit The Tate ASAP to enjoy a little slice of  {calorie free} DH heaven. I've been missing London anyway. ;o)

{Images: Martha Stewart cakes; Original artworks, diptychs edited by myself}

Tweet

Monday Vintage Find: Nude 1960/70s style fishnets

I am so in love with these nude 1960/70s-esque fishnet stockings!! Gahhh ... I think they'd be lovely on a bride {with a streamlined slip gown or a short pixie number} but I'm really selfishly digging them for my personal taste! The colouring and style lends itself well to versatility, too ... winter, spring, fall ... dressy, casual ... I can see them played out in all! I need.

What do you think?

{Image: Anja Rubik in Vogue Mexico/Latin America October 2010, photo by Marcin Tyszka, via Smile}

Tweet

Greenhouse charm

I love this charming tablescape inside a greenhouse - wouldn't that be the best locale for an incredibly intimate wedding? Whether in the afternoon with bright cheery sunlight streaming in ... or at night with chandeliers overhead and the pale moonlight above ... so romantic! And those chippy bistro chairs have my heart all a flutter!

Hope you all had a lovely Thanksgiving! I'm headed down to Destin, Fla., for a quick holiday getaway with the family ... can't wait to enjoy the waves and sand again! It's been months since I've been on a beach and while I do love living in Europe, there's just something about a Southern seaside town ... :o)

{Image via A Mad Tea Party with Alis}

Tweet

Happy Thanksgiving!

I hope you all have a lovely day today! And to share a little spirit of the holiday here, I am ever so thankful to have each and every one of you as readers - you're the reason I continue to write and share my ideas and inspirations and without you, I would be lost! I'm also crazy thankful for my most amazing husband {miss you and see you soon!} and my fabulously wonderful family. I am blessed and full of thanks today and always ... and I hope you are, too! xoxox.

ps. How much do you love the idea of incorporating old family photos with the tablescape, shown above? Whether for a holiday meal or a wedding, I think it's lovely!

{Image: Country Living magazine}

Tweet

European shoot locale idea: Versailles

I know I just shared with you the idea of a shoot in Montmartre/Paris last week but I couldn't wait to share another idea with you that I spied on talented Dottie Brackett's blog, Dream Camera ... Versailles! Honestly, could there be a dreamier locale anywhere? How wonderfully romantic would it be to have your engagement shoot here? I think I have J&I's next travel adventure planned!

How absolutely maaahhvelous, no?

And on that note, I hope you all have a beautiful holiday tomorrow!!! xox.

See part one and part two of Dottie's visit to the palace.

Tweet

Chanel lollies!

Genius! I love Massimo Gammacurta's Chanel logo-pops! Even though they're currently only part of a conceptual still life project by the Italian-born photographer, I think they would be so much fun for a bachelorette party! You can check out his book here - there's Gucci lollies, too! ;o)

{Via A Mad Tea Party with Alis}

Tweet

Monday Vintage Find: Re-purposing Silver trays

Since moving, I've set things up differently and have a vanity set up outside my walk-in closet ... I love the idea of using a vintage silver tray {I have stacks of them in the kitchen not getting any love!} and antique milk glass {still have a load of that from our wedding!} as a way to display and organize perfumes and jewelry! Think I'm going to do a little re-arranging today! :o) Wouldn't that set-up make for a pretty wedding day getting-ready shot, too?

{Image: Found on The Alternative Wife via here}

Tweet

European Shoot locale idea: Montmartre in Paris

I love the series that photographer Dottie Brackett put together of the Montmartre neighborhood in Paris and I've long thought the area would lend itself fabulously to an engagement or couples shoot ... maybe mostly because I absolutely adore Amelie! What do you think?

Here's Dottie's take on why the area is grand {and click here to see more of her photos of the area}:
The Moulin Rouge, the Basilica, the best view of Paris: all of these are top reasons to visit the Montmartre neighborhood in Paris. Another reason is the home of Amelie. The first shot here is of the now-famous brasserie where Amelie worked.

Couldn't agree more!! Just lovely!

{All images by Dottie Brackett}

Tweet

Fashion find: Legwarmers

It's been years since I've seen snow but with the impending weather heading towards bitter cold and snowflakes not too far away in Germany, I've been trying to think of {fashionable} ways to stay warm and toasty ... I loooove the look of these cozy legwarmers! However, the last time I donned a pair was in ballet class while I was preparing for my bit role as a mouse in the Nutcracker ... I'm not sure how I would work them into my wardrobe these days ... Any advice??

Wedding twist: I'm also kind of liking the idea of translating them to a winter wedding ... maybe having all the bridesmaids don a muted grey pair and the bride have a winter white pair in cashmere hidden beneath her gown? ;o)

{Image: Found here, via here}

Tweet

Wednesday Nesting: Lulu photo books!

I'm currently working with Lulu and am busy making my own amazing wedding photo book ... while I have a special post coming up soon where I'll share a glimpse of the book I made plus a special opportunity for you to make your own, I wanted to pop in today and share a sweet deal Lulu is offering to only CB readers {and just in time for the holidays}!

If you use coupon code classicbride25 at checkout, you'll receive 25% off your next order at Lulu! So if you're wanting to make a wedding album, a family album, a book of any sort, a collection of family recipes, now is the time to start! You'll have enough time to complete it before the holidays and you'll save! Click here to get started!

Details from Lulu on code:
Sorry, but this offer is only valid in US dollars and cannot be applied to previous orders. You can only use this code once per account, and unfortunately you can't use this coupon in combination with other coupon codes. This offer expires on December 31st, 2010 at 11:59 PM EDT. While very unlikely, we do reserve the right to change or revoke this offer at any time, and of course we cannot offer this coupon where it is against the law to do so.

Tweet

CB featured in InStyle Weddings and on iVillage!

I love good surprises and that's just what one of my dear readers recently sent me! I had completely missed last winter's issue of InStyle Weddings and thus, missed the oh-so-kind mention of CB as one of "The Best in Blogspiration"! I'm thrilled and honored and even more thrilled that my sweet readers will keep me in the loop even when I've fallen out of it! :o) I hope you all have an equally good surprise in your day, too!

I'm also tickled to be featured in the Wedding Inspiration Gallery: Blogger Edition on iVillage.com! That's me and my hubby on our wedding day featured below along with a little write-up on CB! Thanks to Roxanne for including me! :o)

Tweet

Monday vintage find: old soul new heart

I'm currently on my way back to the States for an extended holiday and family celebration but don't worry, I have an incredibly fab find to share with you today and I've lined up some beautiful real weddings, inspiration shoots and other sublime wedding inspiration just for you over the next few weeks. :o)

Not too long ago, I heard word about the new Fall/Holiday line sheet from old soul new heart and quite pleasantly found myself browsing through the loveliest collection of bridal headpieces I had seen in a long time. They all seem to deliver a perfect blend of modern practicality and vintage whimsy:

You can shop the whole line right here. Also check out their holiday collection + free shipping on orders 'til Christmas!

Tweet

A love shoot, inspired by 1960s French films - ooh la la!

I love that Stephanie and Nick's NYC love shoot really mixes things up ... flirting between traditional and trendy and playful and sophisticated. A generous dash of romance brings both sides harmoniously together in this shoot inspired by a love of Paris and vintage French films. Enjoy:

From the shoot's stylist and planner, Amanda:
When I first spoke with Stephanie, she was adamant that her engagement shoot with Nick represent who they are as a couple – a look that is both playful and elegant. With their love of travelling, appreciation of good food and wine as well as their favorite city being Paris, I told their love story as if it was inspired by a film from the 1960s based in Paris and New York.

Stephanie’s ensemble, hair and makeup are all inspired by the style of Sophia Loren, Audrey Hepburn and Raquel Welch. Meanwhile Nick’s look was based on that of George Peppard.
I selected locations that were distinctly reminiscent of both New York and Paris. Just inside the Vanderbilt Gate in Central Park, Stephanie and Nick shared a picnic of French cheeses, grapes and wine while at a French café down in the West Village they enjoyed sipping their coffees and reading the paper.

 
 
 
 

Darling! I especially love the trench! And wait until you hear the adorable story of how Nick proposed - I think it may be a new favorite of mine! Read on for details ...

From Stephanie, on how she met Nick and how he creatively proposed:
Nick and I met during our college orientation. He was a student at Columbia Engineering School and I was a student at Barnard College. We met at an icebreaker event on the south lawn at campus. Two days later, I met him at another orientation event at Madison Square Garden and forgot his name when I introduced him to my roommates; I introduced him as Dan instead of Nick. Needless to say, he got offended and walked away. Hours later, I decided to return back to main campus. I was running down the stairs to the subway since I heard the train had just arrived. I swiped my card and ran into the subway car just as the doors were closing and Nick happened to be standing right there. We talked for the rest of the night and the rest is history.

Nick proposed five years later on the Columbia campus outside the library. I had a dental school exam the following week and he convinced me to go to the library to study since he had to “go into work for a few hours.” He promised he’d come pick me up from the library when he was done with work. Instead he was in our apartment planning our soon to be engagement party. I had numerous missed calls from a private number so I left the library to try to figure out who had called. Outside I found Nick waiting with a large shopping bag. He handed me a gift and when I opened the box, I found a pair of beautiful Christian Louboutin slingbacks. Before I knew it, Nick got down on one knee and I noticed there was a diamond ring tied to the bow on the shoe. Of course, I said yes and later that night he also surprised me with an engagement dinner with all of our closest friends. It was the best day of my life.

Gahh ... I love it! I can't imagine any girl denying a pair of Louboutins, especially with a gorgeous rock attached. ;o) Congrats Nick and Stephanie and thanks to Amanda, of Stellina Events, for sending over these sweet photos!

Credits:
Photo shoot Styling & Planning: Amanda Diamondstein-Cieplinska of Stellina Events
http://www.stellinaevents.com/
Photographer: 1. Art Beauty Life: Jenny Ebert Photography
http://www.1artbeautylife.com/index2.php
Dress: Samuelle Couture
http://www.samuellecouture.com/
Invitation: East Six
http://www.eastsix.com/
Bouquet: Kat flower
http://katflower.blogspot.com/
Makeup: Laura Pugliese from Ion Studio NYC
http://www.ionstudionyc.com/
Hair: Marcos Diaz from Ion Studio NYC
http://www.ionstudionyc.com/

Tweet

Designer Crush: Lauren Moffatt's 'The Honeymooner' Collection

I'm loving the romantic 1960s spin that's alive and kicking in Lauren Moffatt's Spring 2011 Collection, titled 'The Honeymooner.' For a nod to an era that was slightly obsessed with a fraying innocence, this collection seems to mirror the sentiment perfectly with the marriage of girlish ruffles and dangerously high hemlines ... Scandalously sweet!

Take a peek at the full lookbook here.

and ps. That top left look is calling my name loud and clear ... which is calling you? :o)

{Images: Lauren Moffatt}

Tweet

Wednesday Nesting: Inside designer Lizzie Carney's home

I love, love, love when I come across an interior that makes me scream 'yes, yes, yes!' inside my head! That was just the case when I discovered Lizzie Carney's deliciously decorated abode inside the pages of the current issue of Country Living magazine.

There's usually at least one or two details in home tours like these that just don't mesh with my personal taste but Lizzie may as well have designed this charming 1930s bungalow just for me. ;o) I'm smitten with the smoky greys and charcoals ... the stuffed peacock in the kitchen ... the make-shift wine cellar/dining room ... I'm ready to move in!

Lizzie is a stylist/designer for Euro Trash and the feature is all about how she implemented moody colors with eye-catching pieces to transform her small 1,000-square-foot home into a French-inspired space fit for an everyday princess.

After researching Euro Trash, I discovered that I had previously fallen in love with the owner's {Annie Brahler} house, too! I used an image of the exterior in this inspiration board and if you click here, you can have a 'private' tour of Annie's home. :o)

And, by the way, isn't that teal fridge {above} too amazing for words?

Lizzie constructed her own wine cellar by stacking Belgian grape-gathering crates - isn't that genius? Love the bust, too.

And what home isn't complete without a fabulous walk-in closet? Love the center ottoman.

See the full feature from Country Living here.

What do you think?

Tweet

Kelsi + Tyson's oh-so-classic wedding in Wisconsin

My favorite detail of this wedding has to be the bride's attire. Kelsi made her own wedding dress which completely blows me away ... isn't it beyond gooorgeous? At first glance, I thought it was from J. Crew's bridal line. I also adore her shorter cocktail number that she found at Nordstrom for later in the evening - perfectly flirty and festive. Enjoy the photos and scroll down for more details ...

So classic and delightfully polished! Thanks so much to Miranda and Adam, of Reminisce Studio photography, for sending these photos over!

Here's a bit about the wedding from the photographers' viewpoints:
Kelsi & Tyson’s wedding was so relaxed and fun ... They did the First Look option and all of their photos (and even a champagne toast) prior to the ceremony so that afterwards, they could go right into celebrating with everyone. They had a plentiful hors d’oeuvre and cocktail “hour” that blended into dinner- delicious station options. It was so fluid and open … guests could eat, mingle, sit at a table or booth or hang out at the bar. There was no designated time for guests to be seated or served cake and coffee, leaving it very relaxed and social.

Their location (Bacchus Restaurant in the historic Cudahy Tower) lent itself perfectly to providing spacious rooms for getting ready, a beautiful conservatory-like space for their ceremony and dancing, and of course the entire restaurant and bar for eating, drinking and mingling … not to mention photo ops everywhere, which we especially loved :) This came in handy since it was super cold out that day, so we did all of the photos inside the restaurant! It was also a destination wedding for them and most of their guests, as they’re both from Woodstock IL, went to college in Iowa, and currently live in Portland.

Tyson was blown away by his beautiful bride during their First Look. Kelsi actually made her own dress … and then scrapped it to start fresh just weeks before the wedding! She did an amazing job and in a very short amount of time!. And to the most important part of their day … their ceremony. One of their best friends married them. It was short and sweet, personal, and so touching ... we love the pure emotion in their photos!
Credits:
Ceremony, Reception & Caterer: Bacchus, a Bartolotta Restaurant
Wedding Dress: Bride made it
Bride's Cocktail Dress: purchased from Nordstrom
Cake: Eat Cake!
DJ: Sound by DesignFlorist: Impressions by Esther Fleming
Photography: Reminisce Studio

Tweet