I know, so cute!

A few quick notes before I get to the pretty stuff:

Today’s the last day to enter the free wedding photography giveaway by Gem Photo.  So, if you haven’t submitted your entry yet, I, uhh… I suggest you, uhh, get on that straight away.  Click here to find out more!

Vendor Love launched on Wednesday, and we couldn’t be more excited about it!  We’ve received incredible feedback about it, beyond-our-over-achieving-dreams-feedback, and we’re thrilled so many of you beautiful brides out there love it so much!  One could say that our goal is to be a bit like a dating site for brides and wedding vendors, creating ideal matches between brides and vendors, except without the high sex-on-the-first-date frequency.  So far, we’ve kept one-night-stands to a minimum, so we’re pretty thrilled about that! ;)  But seriously, we’re beyond glad everyone’s finding it so useful and easy to navigate, and just plain loving it so much (we do try to read all of your emails and tweets, we’re slowly but surely making our way through it all, so thank you EVERYONE for writing!).  Our vendors already started getting countless inquiries within the first 24 hours (!!!) of the launch, so we’re pretty freakin’ excited about that, obvs.

Brides: we’ll be continually adding vendors to the guide, so keep checking back for even more insane talent!

Ok, on to my holiday finds from around the interweb!

That adorable tray of cheery gingerbread cookies is from Ikea’s 140-page coffee table book, “Hembakat är Bäst” – which means “Homemade is Best.”  Styling by Evelina Bratellshot; photographed by Carl Kleiner; via Lushlee.

J’adore the sparkle factor below, ladies.  Smells like pretty.

Perfect for NYE, if you’re willing to freeze your nips off.

Asos

Really digging this felt ball garland project from Jordan Ferney’s Oh Happy Day!  I knew felt had its uses, but I didn’t know it could look this chic.

How CUTE is this DIY Holiday Paper Reindeer Postcard & Tag via Eat Drink Chic????!!!!!

Love it.  Go ahead and check it out if you want more of it.

Loooooving these hot cocoa ornament favors from Austin Wedding Blog.  Of course, I heart anything involving cocoa, so I’m biased.

Ok, that’s a wrap… for now.  Of course, there are approximately a LOT more of these awesome bits and pieces all over the web this time of year.  I just thought I’d gather up some of my absolute favorites for you guys to check out.  I’m dying to know what you think?  So, what think you?

Another thing I’m dying to know; what are your holiday plans?  Family, friends, parties… what are you guys up to this season?

Hope you’re having a happy Friday, friendlies!

xoxo!  – Alison

]]> http://theknottybride.com/16088/feed 14 http://theknottybride.com/13898 http://theknottybride.com/13898#comments Fri, 29 Oct 2010 15:00:11 +0000 theknottybride http://theknottybride.com/?p=13898

Last year I hinted at this…

My little brother (he’s 25) is going to be a guerrilla gorilla for Halloween.  This I believe will involve his trusty head-to-toe gorilla costume, fake guns, ammo rounds, and a deep, unshakable desire to overthrow his government resulting from the painful feeling of having been left behind by his country.

I have to mention that I’m, of course, kidding here.  I’m seasoned enough to know that sarcasm does not always come across properly through the written word.  No guns, no ammo, no social unrest.  But the guerrilla gorilla part is real.  He’s really going to be that.  I think it’s kind of funny.

He wants to be a male nurse gorilla next Halloween.  Just FYI.

Speaking of seasoned, I think I’ve hit a pivot-point in my life.  Being in my ahem later 20s, it’s definitely starting to feel like a transition is approaching.  It’s the transition from dresser-upper and collector of assorted prepackaged candies (we all know that the ones who give out loose bits are the pedophiles/trying to kill us.  At least that’s what the evening news always told me.), to dresser-downer, door-opener, and hander-outer of candy. The boy wants to give out healthy foods, by the way, this Halloween.  He’s really into the idea.  I think it involves fruits.  So it’s looking this will be the first and last time we get any visitors to our neck of the woods.

Are you guys going out?  I’m curious.  And I’d love to know if anyone’s attending a Halloween-themed wedding… if so, that should be *interesting.*  Many of you will remember I did a poll yesterday on Twitter asking how y’all felt about a wedding that celebrates the holiday.  I was met with a resounding NO on the Hallow’s Eve theme, and just a peppering of “if it was done tastefully, with minimal Halloween influence.”  So that’s that.  Thanks to everyone who shared his/her opinion!  I love Twitter polls.  They actually really help me determine content on here on occasion!  If I’m feeling generous.

Ok, let’s begin with the Finds!

Let’s start with what’s up top… it’s a White Blusher Veil with Ivory Alencon Lace, by Lovey Bridal out of San Diego, CA, and it can be found on Wedzu.  Isn’t it lovey?  :)

There’s also something about this Tulle Bridal Capelet with Ribbon Tie and Rosettes.

It’s not really my typical style, as I’m sure you all know, but I love delicate, and it’s delicate.  I’m also getting back into liking tulle a wee bit (I know, I know), and it’s got that, too.  And the fine rosettes are just the cutest accents for the girlier girl among us.  So yeah, it’s in the Finds.

* * *

The wedding dress you see below one of my all-time favorite gowns.  This baby’s by Christos; it pops up occasionally, like over on Style Me Pretty in this case, and each time I see it, it makes me smile ear to ear.

The beading, the fabric, the sheerness and gathering… the silhouette…

… le sigh.

Oh, and get a load of her bouquet. TO. DIE.

Photography: Nicole Hill Gerulat / Flowers and Day of Coordination: Megan Fickling of La Partie Events / Ceremony and Reception Location: The Parker Hotel, Palm Springs, CA / Shoes: J. Crew / Dress: Christos / Band: The Jason Parker Quartet

* * *

Check my official favorite hairpieces of the week via Green Wedding Shoes – sorry, babies, the bride herself designed every last one of them!  I know, I would have bought all of them right up, too.

And, of course, she made her own veil as well.  Because she’s superwoman (in my book).

By the way, check out what the second official pair of gloves of which I would approve for your wedding.  I take it you remember the first?

Aren’t they the cutest?!!  They are, like, MAXIMUM DAINTY.  Dainty on speed.  And I love it.  I really, really love speed dainty gloves.

Had to include these shots, as well.  This wedding freaking ROCKED!

P.S. – The bride and groom are wedding photographers, and they hired their friends Benj and Maddie Haisch to shoot their wedding.  Amazing job, EVERYONE!

Via Green Wedding Shoes / Photography: Benj Haisch / Venue: Ceremony: Queen Anne Baptist Church, Reception: 415 Westlake in Seattle, WA / Wedding Dress: Casablanca from The Elegant Bride Salon / Hairpieces: handmade by the bride

* * *

Getcha ruffled skirt love, right here:

But not the top.  Please, don’t buy that top.

* * *

Adore this white dress, for its simplicity and for its belt.  You’re either a belted dress fan, or you’re not.  My fiance is not.  Me?  It’s in the Finds, isn’t it?

Oohh, and while I’m at it, if you’re REALLY feeling like going a different route… how ’bout hats with embellishments for your bridal party?

No?  Ok, you’re right.

* * *

Welcome… to the dress of a thousand paper-cuts, as featured on the Wedding Chicks.

↑ OMGTHATDRESSISBANANAS.  B A N A N A S! ↑

And yes, those are pink paper plates.  If you were wondering.

* * *

Here’s one for my honey… because he loves peaches….

Peaches in a jar centerpieces!

* * *

There’s a pretty rad contest going on over at Design Sponge in collaboration with Veer, which involves crafting your own entire alphabet.  So, if you think you can handle it, then, by all means, go forth.  Check out how to enter, here.

* * *

By the way, OBSESSED with this couture loveliness, via Bri Emery’s Design Love Fest.  Except for the whipped cream topping that is her headpiece.  Headfail.

Photography: Harri Peccinotti

* * *

Finally, for the piece de resistance, an oldie but a goodie for you to rock out to in your office.  This song makes anyone within a 20 meter radius get up and boogie to the beat.  … Boogie to the boogity beat.

So, any favorites today?  And do you have any spooktacular plans for this weekend?

xoxo!  – Alison

P.S. – Happy Halloween, peoples!

P.P.S. – Happy Birthday, Nichole!  I love you, sweets! :)

Le sigh.  We’ll get to those in a bit…

It’s that time of year, ladies and gents… Bridal Market is here, and it feels like Christmas, all eight days of Chanukah, and every other gift-giving holiday, all wrapped into one.  I’m in heaven.  Go, dresses!  And don’t you worry, I’ll be bringing all my faves to your faces, tout suite.

… These, too… :)

Being in Maui last week (yes I’ve just reminded you of that again) made me feel all warm and gooey inside (… where it counts, and where it doesn’t.  I don’t know what that means either).  This has resulted in a seriously contented disposition and I swear, to the moon and the stars in the sky, that if it didn’t make me seem crazy, I’d greet everyone with “Aloha” henceforth.  Aloha means love, and that’s how they greet each other over yonder.  That’s somethin’ else.  It’s also completely not the way it is here in NY.  Methinks it should be, but whatevs, not gonna happen.

ANNNNYWAY… I was so worried that a week off was going to have an adverse effect on my bloggin’ skillz, but, as you can see, the skillz ain’t goin’ nowheres.  (Holy arrogance, Batman!)  Writing, for me anyhow, is really about the moment I put the petal to the metal, or fingertips to the keyboard, I should say.  I’m sure you followed the former without needing clarification in the latter, but I didn’t want you to think I need to drive a car before I can sit down to write… BUT I DIGRESS.

Let’s start over.

I worried a vacation might mess with my flow, but it didn’t.  WIN!

And now, for the finds!  Which, by the by, I believe you will love so much that you’ll want to book a one-way flight straight to my face and kiss it up.  That’s how inspiration-packed this post is today.

However, to change it up a little bit from the way we usually do things… I’m going to start you off (instead of end -WHOOOAAAA I know, so different!) with the video of the day.  I give you, Tina Turner’s “River Deep Mountain High” ……. as sung by… well, I bet you know already. ;)

* * *

I adore this approach to bridesmaid dresses (seen at the tippy top of this post), which I gawked over at Style Me Pretty.  All different styles (within reason) in multiple shades of a wisely selected palette or single color.  It screams elegance and playfulness simultaneously.  That’s only my FAVORITE THING EVER.  Highly recommended!

P.S. – This one below is from Anthro! ↓

Oh, and I couldn’t resist including these little babies.  Rustic chic goodness, to the fullest.

Also, this rules.  (We love this stuff.)

And so does this.

Ok I’m done. :)

Via Style Me Pretty / Photography: j. bird photography, jenny moloney / Flowers+ Event Design: Ella Bella Designs / Ceremony + Reception Location: Rose Sachs Garden / Invitations: Kelli Hurst (bride)  / Dress: Alta Moda Bridal, monique lhuillier / Catering: Culinary Crafts

* * *

A tweet from the ladies of Martha Stewart Weddings brought my attention to the bridal dress loveliness at the top of this post.  I’m quite the fan of Nicole Miller‘s Fall 2011 collection; her sleek, modern, simple designs are a dream for any bride on the search for modern simplicity.  Definitely recommended.  Here’s another peek I think you guys will love:

* * *

I wish these looks made sense for my life.  Alas, I am not hopelessly pastel-boho-chic.  But for those who are…

Curated by Amy of Eat Drink Chic / by Mrs. Press (Summer 2010/11 collection)

* * *

I heart everything about this.  Thank you, Melissa of The Loveliest Day, and all your stellar buddies, for crafting this sweet, sweet gorgeousness!

Event Design & Styling: Melissa of The Loveliest Day / Featured on Ruffled / Vintage Rentals: Jen of Found / Cakes and Pastries: Melody of My Sweet and Saucy / Paper Goods: Jane of Olive Hue/ Photography: Ashley Rose of Ashley Rose Photography

* * *

Umm.  Can one of you buy these for me? ↓

Adore these floral shoes!  Caught them on my girl Grace’s The Cinderella Project; she caught them on -where else – tumblr. :)  I heart tumblr!!!!!  Just wish it was more of a priority over there to credit where images were found, because I NEED TO OWN THOSE SHOES.

* * *

Succulents!!!!!!  Gets me every time.

Found: Maddy’s Somewhere Splendid / Images: Kellie Kano Photography / via Ruffled

* * *

Adore the grey/yellow/blue wedding inspo going on in this here wedding I spied over on the lovely Wedding Chicks bliggity blog.

Design and planning was handled by the crazy talented Jesi Haack of Jesi Haack Weddings – the same Jesi Haack who crafted this masterpiece!

Photography: Aaron Shintaku / Floral Design: JL Designs / Frozen Yogurt Bar: Fiji Yogurt / Birdcage Veil: Jesi Haack Weddings

* * *

Randomly obsessed with these red cigarette pants.  Wear these to your next wedding.  As a guest to a friend’s wedding, not to altar.  But, your choice.

Silver painted sweater-knit cape worn with red wool/silk cigarette pants.

Also adoring this little number!

Black tissue Chantilly lace cocktail dress with feather applique and pleated trim

Via Junebug Weddings / Clothing by: Madina Vadache / Hair Pieces by: Dyan Emery / Hair and Makeup by: Erin Skipley of Bellatrix Studio / Model: Amanda Wall of Mode Models / Locations: Paris and Chateau de St. Julien l’Ars / Photography by: Kim and Adam Bamberg of La Vie Photography

So, got any favorites?

xoxo!  – Alison

P.S. – I was playing around with our new site’s demo this morning… and I, well, uhh… I got a little distracted by HOW AWESOME IT IS.  Hence, the delayed post today.  So yeah… get excited.  Everyone to whom we’ve given a taste of it is completely obsessed.  Which, of course, has been our goal all along.  (Muhahahaha.)  We really can’t wait to share it with you guys, seriously.  It’s coming… I know you’re all dyyyyying to see it (believe me, we read pretty much all of your tweets… we know).

We ♥ all of you, and can’t wait for the moment everyone gets to play with our brand new wedding wonderland!!!

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The brand new The Knotty Bride launches soon; we can’t wait for you to see what we’ve got in store! ;)

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♥

Ruffles and sparkles, anyone?

SO!

Happy Friday, peoples!  How’s everyone doing?  Ok, that’s enough about you…

You guys.  YOU.  GUYS.  We’re essentially done with the blog redesign and it looks AMAZEBALLS.  I know, AAAAHHHHH!!!  You saw a hot bit of it in the sneak peek post from earlier today, but you better believe that’s like one half of a percent of what’s coming.  It’s so exciting.  I am feeling a mishmash of thrilled/scared/hungry/tired/flirty, but the feeling that trumps all of those is that of exhilaration!!!

I’m not sure you heard me.  The brand spanking new blog design has hit that stage.  That stage where pretty much everything seems to be in place, everyone is in agreement over color scheme, features and layout (← rough stuff), and all that’s left is the rest of the coding.  And we couldn’t be happier.  It’s that feeling you get, I’m sure, when you’ve been carrying a baby for what seems like forEVER (I haven’t been there, but I’ve heard that the last month or so is nightmarish), and finally – FINALLY – that little a-hole is ready to break free.  And s/he’s the healthiest, most gorgeous little thing, with a punim more precious than a Precious Moments figurine.

Then again, every woman thinks her baby is the cutest.  Sooooo… we’ll just wait until you see it.  Though we’re pretty confident YOU ARE GONNA LOVE.

Kidding, I realize there’s no comparison between designing a blog and carrying a child to term.  Designing a blog is so much harder. :)

There’s so much awesomeness coming your way, I feel like I don’t have enough room to put it all in this post.  But I’m trying.

Let’s start with the obvious.  Giveaways are soooo going to be a part of the upcoming launch.  Duh, I know.  You can’t have a launch without a giveaway-fest.  So don’t worry, ye shall have giveaways, and they shall be incrediballistic.  But here’s the news that’s fit to print:

You recognize those two lovely ladies above, don’t you…?  ;)  They’re the amazingly talented Vania and Christine of Simply Bloom Photography (!!!); they’ve teamed up with us to bring some EXQUISITENESS to your eyes, and we couldn’t be more touched, thrilled and in awe of the gorgeousness they’re going to bring to the brand new The Knotty Bride.  We adore special projects, and just knowing those two fantastic ladies are creating with us in mind makes me, personally, feel faint.  Also, as if that wasn’t enough, the brilliant Sofia and Andre, of Brancoprata, are working behind the scenes on something crazy special just for us, and we cannot wait for you to see it!  AAAAAND, we have a stellar new addition to The Knotty Bride team – just wait until you find out who she is and what she’s capable of – and she’s going to be bringing ridiculously creative, incredibly beautiful DIY projects to your eyes on a regular basis!!!!!  A REGULAR BASIS!!!!

ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED?  ARE. YOU. NOT. ENTERTAINED?  IS THIS NOT WHY YOU ARE HERE?

But wait.  There’s more.  The only thing that could possibly be any more exciting than bringing a brand new beautiful blog to our readers, is being able to call many of the most talented, innovative vendors in the industry – I’m shivering with glee as I write this – the newest members of The Knotty Bride’s Preferred Vendor Guide.  Eek!  We’ve partnered with quite a few brilliant people, and we are over the moon about each and every one of them.  And we just know you’re going to love them just as much as we do.

* * *

In other news, if you haven’t heard ’round these parts, Mr. Fancy Pants McGee (aka Fancy… also, F.P. McGee: nickname origins) and I are going to Maui next week, and we are so incredibly psyched about it!  We’re both really, really into our work, and find it difficult to let go of the laptop.  But we’re doing our best to go full out fancy free while we’re in paradise.

Let me tell you what’s getting me on that road to relaxation though: Guest Blogger Week!!!!  That’s right, I’ve handpicked a stellar group of ladies, all with amazing blogs of their own, who are going to be bringing you the pretty all week long while I’m away next week!  Get psyched; I’ve seen their guest posts, and you are SERIOUSLY going to want to get an eye-full of what they bring to your faces.  I guarantee it!

Back to Maui for a hot second: our flight’s tomorrow (Saturday) morning, BEYOND early, but whatevs we’ll deal.  We’ve got a stopover in LAX, so anyone want to have lunch in an airport with Knotty and Fancy?  We have 2 hours to kill, and I like BLTs.  Hint hint.  Speaking of food, THERE WON’T BE ANY on either leg of our trip, because that’s what happens when your economy is tanking, so I need some snack suggestions from you guys for the flight.  ‘Preciate it!  Ok, here we go with the Finds…

I am obsessed with the new Jenny Packham line, of which you saw a peek up top.  Thanks, Lou, for bringing it to my attention.  A few more hot picks…

The one on the right is called ‘Miley’ – remember when I featured this one ON Miley Cyrus?  I was slightly mean, but C’MON.  You’ll understand.

Gowns: Jenny Packham

* * *

LOVE this DIY.  Make your own floral container covers!!!  Easy peasy.

via the Wedding Chicks / Cori Cook Floral Design / Flourish Studio Photography

* * *

Adore this dress, and these images, by Max Wanger.  Gorgeous dress, gorgeous photos, gorgeousNESS.

There’s that necklace trend we discussed this week!  :)

Photography: Max Wanger

* * *

Goodness.  How freaking cute is this red apple ring box???

Seriously, how?  HOW??!!!

Amy Moss posted it on Eat Drink Chic, but not before she gave it her magic vintage photograph touch ;)  It’s from The Cherry Blossom Girl’s wedding (via 100 Layer Cake) /

Photography by Marianne Taylor

* * *

The gaudy girl I push down inside of me adooooores this:

Via Beyond Beyond / by Johanna Johnson

* * *

How ’bout some bridesmaid dress inspo?  IN YER FACE:

The Rare Ruffle Hem Dress

I also adore this fun floral number for your bmaids, if you’re planning a more laid-back affair:

Livia Floral Dress

Or maybe you need a little help underneath your gown?  CHECK IT:

Made By Niki ‘Slinkies’ Shaping Mini Dress

I don’t think she needs ‘a little help’ anywhere, but that’s another matter entirely.

* * *

Oh, hello adorableness!  Where have you been all my life?

“A tiny hat, glasses, mustache, and tie come together to make a funny little man” and they add up to equal MAXIMUM ADORABLENESS.

Crafted by Kristy Lin

* * *

So, two things: got any favorite Finds?  Aaaaaand… are you excited for what’s coming? ;)

Ok, I’m off to Maui!  Riiiight after I finish packing and cleaning and sorting and computering and emailing.  So, not so much.  Also, I practically freebase my email, so I’ll be connected, even while we’re in Maui.  Because I’m ridiculous!!!!!  That is all (for now).

Hope you heart The Knotty Bride’s guest bloggers during Guest Blogger Week next week!  Be sure to show ‘em some love, that is, if you like love-showing.

* * *

One more thing: since I’m going to be away for about a week, I thought it would be fun to leave you with this.  When I saw it, it kinda put a lot into perspective.

“Everything’s Amazing, and Nobody’s Happy”

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He’s got such a point, right? Alright, happy weekend, my lovelies! I am so gonna miss you, for serious, but I’ll be back before you can read three of these, cover to cover, by candlelight.

MWWAAAAAAA!

P.S. – Here’s how I honestly feel right now about Maui.  The excitement is bubbling up, and I wanna just go like:

Image: Nicole Cassano

Tee hee. :)

So… what do you think?  I know, it’s a lot to take in.  You can just say “safe trip” if you’d like.  I would totes appreciate it.  ;)

xoxo!  – Alison

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We’re still accepting applications for our Preferred Vendor Guide.  For more information on advertising, click here; for more information regarding our Preferred Vendor Guide, click here.  Or, write us at info.theknottybride@gmail.com

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