the D R E S S

About two weeks ago I scheduled my first fitting for my bridal gown. I was overwhelmed with excitement... It has been 6 long months since I purchased (actually my mom purchased) and laid eyes on my dress. I was beginning to forget how it looked and how much I loved it.
During my hunt for the perfect "ivory" dress (not a fan of pure white)... I was absolutely sure about one things: A princess dress was not in the picture... I ♥ cupcakes but I don't want to look like one!!!LOL Other than that... I wasn't set on anything else. I've seen hundreds of dresses...many different from each other... many beyond gorgeous with price tags that agonizingly surpassed my budget.
As much as I ♥ to dream... I knew I had to be realistic with the dress I choose especially since mommy dearest was financing it and she definitely set a realistic budget that I had to stick to. I gave myself a little test... the first day I went to try on dresses, I picked out a bunch without first looking at the prices... I didn't want the price of a dress to discourage or limit my choices. That's also another reason why I didn't have my mom or sister there the first time because they have a huge influence on me... and with a colossal decision like this, I wanted to be the one to make the initial choice. I wanted a dress that ultimately reflects me and my style. The reaction I'm looking for from people other than the obvious "Your dress is beautiful"... I want people who see me to say "That dress is so YOU!!!" I honestly believe your wedding should reflect every aspect of who you are... especially your dress. So to make a long story short... shockingly the last 2 dresses I tried on were the 2 that I conclusively fell in ♥ with... and the best part was both fell perfectly within the price range =) This is when having my mommy , sissy and BFFs there became essential. With their valued opinions I was able to narrow it to THE ONE!!!
I would be lying if I said that I didn't have seconds thoughts after purchasing my dress. I don't know if it was beacause it was such a final decision and there was no turning back because it definitely was not refundable... or because I was still seeing and falling in ♥ with so many beautiful dresses around me... or because I could not show the dress to my fiance whom his opinion means the world to me... But whatever the reason was, the thought was sadly there = ( YIKES!!!
But rest assure... after seeing and having my dress on again after all these months, my mind was set at ease (gigantic EXHALE)... While looking in the mirror all doubts disappeared. I absolutely and unquestionably LOVE LOVE LOVE my dress!!! I wish I can post a picture of it... but that part will have to stay as a surprise for now=)
Just want to add a little note for the ladies: It's perfectly normal and ok to have doubts about your dress. Selecting the right one can be a stressful decision to make... that's why its important to have people you trust at your side to offer honest and constructive opinions without trying to sway your decision. Stay confident in yourself and your style.
Remember, choosing your dress should be the most enjoyable time because it is the only time in this whole wedding process that is completely and utterly all about YOU!!!
♥collection of some of my FAVs:
Miss Vera Wang
A M S A L E

Melissa Sweet

Monique Lhuillier Priscilla of B O S T O N

J I M Hjelm

classic & chic with a sprinkle of vintage

I always considered myself as someone with a colorful and vibrant personality. I ♥ bright colors! So surprisingly, when I chose the colors and theme for my wedding... I immediately knew my color palate would consist mainly of BLACK & WHITE. My inspiration came solely for my ♥ for C H A N E L. Without exception, I believe C H A N E L is the epitome of classic & chic with a sprinkle of vintage... which is precisely the picture I want to paint for my guest.

Dear David...

Last week while attending a bridal show with my BFF aka MOH @ The Roosevelt Hotel in NYC, I was literally inches away from meeting Mr. Tutera!!! Oh BTW... have I mentioned that I ♥ David Tutera!!! He is the ultimate wedding guru! It's unbelievable how he can transform the tackiest bride & wedding into the most breathtaking thing ever. Truly beyond impressive!!! but as I was saying "...inches away from meeting Mr. Tutera..." until I was stopped by one of the event workers and informed that he was no longer taking anymore pictures unless I had a copy of his book to be autographed. UUHHH...BOOK?!? what BOOK???...ME WANT NOW!!! but sadly the book was not being sold there...Waaaaaaaa... needless to say I was very disappointed! soooooo soo close :( But the sight of David was enough to keep me at bliss. Call me delusional, but I have an inkling that one day he and I will be working together... even possibly become BFFs!...keeping my fingers crossed!
p.s. I did not walk away from the bridal show empty handed... the next day I received a phone call from Laser Cosmetica informing me that I won a $450 gift card from one of the raffles I entered in!!! I knew David was lookin' out for me! *wink wink*

All Things J Crew

I've always loved how J Crew can make a girl feel like a girly girl. Their clothing brings out the femininity in every women, and adds a whimsical touch through their accessories. Their Wedding line is absolutely beautiful!!! It screams Garden Wedding!!! If I was having a day spring wedding, J Crew would definitely be my stomping ground. I'm gaga over their crystal jewelries... AaaHHHH too CUTE!!! But one major grudge I do hold against J Crew is their shoe line!!! Helllooo... there are many shoe loving gals out there like myself who are not your average shoe size 6-7... our little feet need love tooo!!!

All that Glitters

My immediate thought above all else when it comes to the topic of weddings is the Engagement Ring!!! After all, you simply can't carry out any wedding plans without having a proposal first.

When choosing my diamond, there was absolutely no question about it... My absolute favorite diamond shape is an Emerald Cut... it screams classic elegance!!! Unfortunately there are a few flaws in an emerald cut that I'm willing to bypass. For all you emerald cut lovers, here a few things to keep in mind: The emerald cut is a square, stepped shape with cropped corners. The way the elements work together, through facet shapes, angles, and sizes, creates a diamond with less brilliance and light dispersion than a round cut diamond. The emerald cut’s open table makes it easier for an observer to judge the clarity, color, and cut of the diamond. For this reason, when selecting an emerald cut diamond, it is important not to skip on these three qualities, especially clarity and color.

For complete guidance when purchasing a diamond visit: http://gia4cs.gia.edu/ Ladies you may want to keep this site handy for your significant other. I must say my fiance did a superb job (with guidance of course) on selecting my gorgeous engagement ring. But as beautiful as my ring was, I recently had an upgrade on my setting... but not because I didn't adore my initial ring, but because the setting would have created a gap between my engagement ring and wedding band when worn together... and that just was not the look I was going for. SO LISTEN UP LADIES!!! when choosing your setting... it is imperative that you know exactly how you want your rings to fit and adjust to each other. Definitely consult with a jeweler regarding the placement of the prongs and how high or low the diamond should be placed. With my new setting placed perfectly around my ring finger, I've fallen in ♥ with my ring and fiance all over again!!! Thank you for being the most loving and amazing man I ever met=)

The Tacori ring above is my absolute ideal ring and was used as an inspiration for my first setting... I love the micro pave around the emerald diamond... and the intricate details on the platinum band gives it a classic look with a vintage flair!!! One day...**sigh** Although I only give this book about 2 1/2 stars... I ♥ the cover!!! A Christian Louboutin heel with all three of my favorite cut diamonds... how can you possibly go wrong!

Something New...

My adoration of weddings and all thing pretty started long before I was engaged. Before my life became consumed with wedding planning... one of my favorite things I love to do is read. I can spend hours reading and indulging in a great book. I probably can spend days wondering through a Barnes & Noble store... all I need is a venti green tea latte or a white chocolate mocha and I'm good; ) During one of my many visits to Barnes & Nobles, I came across a book that attracted me mainly because of its cover. This was definitely a time where the saying " don't judge a book by its cover" literally did NOT apply lol!!! I immediately purchased the book assumingly it was a story based on a romantic comedy. After reading the first few pages... I was absolutely hooked!!! The story surprisingly did not focus on any actual wedding, but on friendship, love, change, and most of all on "lessons learned". Emily Giffen has become one of my favorite authors... her books are witty, funny, and thoughtful... she is what I consider a "girl's type" of author. I definitely recommend that you go out to your nearest bookstore and purchase her books if you're looking for a heartfelt but lighthearted story for your next read. Oh by the way... don't make the same mistake as I did... I did not know that her first two books are sort of part 1 and part 2, so foolishly I read the wrong one first. So be sure to read Something Borrowed first!!! Enjoy = )