the Dress {wardrobe dept}

(trying on the dress at the Priscilla of Boston store in New York)

When past Brides say the day goes by in a flash believe it, its so true! It seems like only yesterday that my boyfriend proposed, getting used to saying fiance was a bit strange but saying husband...whole new World! My friends ask, "how does it feel?" no different from before. Is it suppose to feel different? I married my best friend and its always felt great! Without further ado as everyone has been asking about THE dress! So, I don't have the final pictures from the photographer so you'll have to suffice with various images.

The final choice of dress was a Melissa Sweet gown from Priscilla of Boston, in style Felice. I fell in love with the dress immediately, I had it on at about the waist when I knew it was the ONE. I wore the ivory version with ivory belt.
Melissa Sweet Designer Bridal Gowns and Wedding Dresses by Priscilla of Boston

(image glamour.com)

Thank you everyone for the well wishes you sent me!

xo

the Mrs.!

party dress amor {Kirribilla}

With an upcoming wedding in Paris next month and my bridal shower in August I've been looking for party dresses. How pretty are Kirribilla dresses? Très chic.... Would also be the perfect dress for a gorgeous engagement photoshoot. Oh dear I have alot of dresses to buy this year.

 this mint shade is the perfect shade for my 1950's themed bridal shower

 did someone say wedding in Paris? yeah I know pretty right and did I mention the wedding venue is a chateau....Oui!

engagement photoshoot is in July, imagine a hot Summer day & me in this cutest frock 

So, its official my budget for the wedding has hit the fan....overtime at work here I come. :)
(images via Kirribilla)

Pronovias 2012 {Sneak Peak}

Although, I already have my wedding dress I have to say I'm drooling over the new collection by Manuel Mota for Pronovias 2012 Collection.

Love the ruffles! Style Puma

And for the love of makeup, watch...

(images: Pronovias, youtube)

the dress {Kate Middleton's wedding dress}

Photo: Pascal Le Segretain / Getty Images

The dress, the moment I was waiting for (and I'm sure many others). The gown was designed by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen, and for those expecting Runway well not happening. Tradition has to be kept and a classical style which was accomplished. Kate Middleton looked gorgeous! Within her expectations of appropriate style of dress, she nailed it. It is written that Kate worked closely with Sarah on the design process. The dress had some similarities with Grace Kelly's, a nice hybrid in my opinion. Loved the use of lace which is a traditional vintage classic look.

“The lace applique for the bodice and skirt was handmade by the Royal School of Needlework, with individual flowers hand-cut from lace (in shapes of roses, thistle, daffodils and shamrocks). The dress is made of ivory and white satin gazar with a skirt in the shape of an opening flower. The satin bodice, narrowed at the waist and padded at the hips in a McQueen signature, is based on Victorian corsetry. The back is finished with 58 gazar and organza covered buttons.
The veil, made of ivory silk tulle with a trim of hand-embroidered flowers, is held in place by a 1936 Cartier tiara, lent to Ms. Middleton by the Queen. (It was bought for her mother by the Duke of York and presented to Queen Elizabeth on her 18th birthday.) Ms. Middleton’s earrings—shaped like oak leaves with a pave set diamond acorn suspended in the center—are by Robinson Pelham. The shoes are also by McQueen.” (Clarence House release via style.com)

(image WENN.com)

What a happy beautiful couple! What did you think of the dress?

Maria Lucia Hohan: bridal gowns for the fashion lovers

For the fashion forward bride, Maria Lucia Hohan, aren't these dresses so pretty & feminine.

(images: mlh-shop.com)

So I bought the Dress!

Priscilla of Boston, NYC (2nd Floor)

Last week, or was it a bit longer than that?... I found the dress! So, last Wednesday I went back to New York City and actually purchased my dream Melissa Sweet dress. Not disclosing any details, you'll just have to wait like the groom-to-be. Now, the whole process of buying the wedding dress can be a bit emotional yes, I admit it its not as easy as I thought. Reason, your opinion of what looks good on you is not how others see you. So, my advice go with your gut feeling! For my second appointment I took the parents, let me just add that my winning dress was not their first choice. Brides-to-be your parents have a very specific ideal look that might not be your ideal vision. But that's ok we are all entitled to our opinion and I will emphasis DO NOT bring an entourage when shopping for your dress. Although, a few days later my parents agreed the dress looks fantastic! Dress should arrive in July, as I'm doing my alterations in Canada I don't have to add the two months it can take to do fittings. As for budget....so whatever you budget for the dress remember your going to break it so perhaps aim low. I went over by $1000, yeah I know but in my opinion well worth it as I've never seen any bride in my dress. Another suggestion, if you do go over your budget you can always re-sell your dress online or at a consignment shop after the big day. I was surprised at the quality of re-sell gowns that are available, really good however sizing can be an issue but nothing too major if you have a great seamstress.
Share your wedding dress stories? Or a friend's...
Priscilla of Boston
264 West 40th Street, 2nd Floor
New York, NY
(212) 997-3956
By Appointment

and the Winner is...{Melissa Sweet Collection}

After two months of pounding the pavement looking for the Dress, it only took a mini-getaway to New York city to find it. On this particular day I was feeling a bit optimistic, as the process of looking for a dress was already becoming tiresome. Off to Priscilla of Boston I went, it was my last appointment for the day.  Walking along West 40th Street I happened to look up and there on the 2nd floor was my oasis. Not being a New Yorker and looking for addresses can be a bit time consuming and thankfully my fiancé's map skills are superb. No he didn't see the dress, he stayed tucked away in the waiting area. The fitting rooms are very spacious so there was no need for me to do a runway walk. My consultant, Farizeh was the sweetest! I already had picked out a few styles I liked so it was just a matter of trying them on. What I really liked about Farizeh was that she was relaxed but excited too, so the whole process felt fresh and new. Remember, I had been looking for a dress for two months. So, I was a professional by this point and knew exactly what to expect. We laughed and joked about how we were forming, "a relationship".
And the winner...its so true that when you find the dress you just know. Without giving away too many details, the dress is from the Melissa Sweet Collection. The whole collection is feminine, romantic, and pretty. Now, I just have to crunch the numbers as I went over my budget. I haven't placed the order yet as I'm still trying to work out the logistics of having to travel back and forth to New York. And now I am on a time restraint as the wedding is six months away...these next couple of days I have alot to think about. Oh yeah where are the pictures right? With all the excitement I forgot to take pictures of the store front and of the dress, no pictures anyway its a surprise. Plus, no picture taking in the fitting rooms (which is the norm in alot of bridal boutiques).
Priscilla of Boston
264 West 40th Street, 2nd Floor
New York, NY
(212) 997-3956
By Appointment

Pronovias {NYC appointment}

After my last post I was a bit disappointed that I hadn't found anything yet in New York city. The next day I had two booked appointments, one which was at Pronovias. Nicole, the consultant was a pleasure to work with. She had such a cool, positive vibe, it was like going shopping with a friend. She grabbed the styles I requested and brought in a few she thought I'd like which turned out to be one of my runner-up choices, style Festin. Runner-up, because my second appointment at a different store turned out to be The Dress (more details to follow). Although, I didn't find the One at Pronovias I wanted to share my wonderful experience at the store as you should seriously consider Pronovias as one of your go-to-stores for bridal wear.

style Aranda

The Pronovias style Aranda, I had been carrying around a ripped sheet from the Pronovias catalogue of this style of dress since September 2010. I wasn't even engaged yet but fell in love with this dress. Well, we don't always look good in what we envision ourselves in. And this dress was a flop for me! Don't you hate when that happens?


Pronovias NYC
14 East 52 ND Street
NY, New York
(212) 897-6393

Alexander McQueen Fall 2011{Bridal wear Inspiration}

A little bridal wear inspiration from the runway, Alexander McQueen Fall 2011 Ready-to-Wear Collection. How fabulous! Brides to-be where do you get your inspiration from?

Photo: Yannis Vlamos / GoRunway.com via style.com

Claire La Faye {bridal dresses}

So I was browsing etsy (of course...my fave) & did a search for wedding gowns, glad that I did as I came across Claire La Faye. Portland based Claire La Faye officially entered the bridal gown realm in 2010, her designs have been worn by Dita Von Teese. Her bridal gowns are both feminine and romantic, in love with...

So pretty. So romantic. So bonita bride...
check out Claire La Faye's site & her etsy site

(images via Claire La Faye, photography by LavendaMemory, Brittney McChristy, Brandon Witzel, Angela Marklew)

David's Bridal coming to Canada!

This March, David's Bridal is opening two locations in the Toronto area. David's Bridal offers affordable Wedding dresses:

David's was founded on the belief that every bride should look and feel like a million dollars, regardless of her budget.

David's Bridal also outfits the rest of the family, its your one-stop Wedding shop. Can't wait to visit their new stores in March.

White by Vera Wang sold at David's Bridal

Two locations in the GTA;
Meadowvale Shopping Centre (Mississauga, ON)
SmartCentre Scarborough (Scarborough, ON)
(images Vera Wang)

The Wedding Show 2011 {recap}

The Wedding Show 2011 produced by The Wedding Co., took place this January 14-16 at the Carlu in Toronto. Its was an intimate showcase of Toronto and surrounding areas finest vendors in the wedding industry. A boutique-style wedding show that was small in size but big in style.The creme de la creme! Enjoy a few images from the event:

from top left-right

Oscar de la Renta gown from White Toronto

Ikonica Photography

Patricia's Cake Creations

Bobbette & Belle

from left-right

San Remo Florist & Design Studio

The Crane Chandelier Project 

Cake Opera Co.

Roxy Cakes

Patricia's Cake Creations 

So many more vendors to showcase but these were the best images I took, seriously need to invest in a camera. I've included a few other faves down below in the links section of my blog. Feel free to add a few of your favourite vendors in my comment section.

raindrops falling...

Gown by Venus, style #VN6662

Gown by Pronovias, style Fano

Gown by Romantic Bridals, style #4650

credits:

Photography: Maxime Bocken
Stylist: Rita Fiorucci, Judy Inc.
Hair & makeup: Diana Carreiro for TRÉSemme Hair Care, Page One Management

canadianbride.com Spring/Summer 2011