2 day countdown until all the Details fall into place! For the true "princess brides" out there, you will be inspired by touches of the Royal Wedding. Here are a few ways to incorporate ROYAL details, without ROYAL price tags.

 

The Royal Slipper

 

Only a limited number are to be produced with the first pair being given to the princess-to-be herself, Catherine Middleton, making them the must-have shoes this wedding season. These really are a pair of shoes that money can't buy - due to their exclusivity, they are priceless, but you could be walking down the aisle in this pair!

The body of the shoe is made from Italian suede and lace whilst the heel is embellished with Swarovski crystals. Each shoe has been hand finished at Georgina's Mayfair studio, making each pair completely unique!

 

Your chance to win an EXCLUSIVE pair of these shoes - Click Here

 

(For the record, this shoe looks like a combination of my picks from yesterday's "Slipper" post. Peep toe with a flourish at the toe mashed with the lace bootie. I had a feeling "Lace" was going to be all over this...)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Gown for the Ball - You won't need a fairy godmother to get you ready for the ball, many designers are on the edge of their seats - ready to pounce on the opportunity to create a replica dress. Princess Diana is still inspiring dresses today (less the 25 foot train of course...), as before Diana, there weren't any "billowy" dresses in the $2 Billion wedding gown industry.

Don O’Neill, the creative director of Theia, a bridal house in Manhattan has already designed the "Kate". Slender and long-sleeved, its decorously scooped neckline encrusted with crystals and silver bullion thread, it will boast a five-foot train.  

“When that dress hits, we’ll be right on it,” said Jim Hjelm,  a bridal designer in New York.  “We’ll be on the computer that afternoon, sending a sketch.”  The company’s factory in China will return samples for approval within 24 hours, Mr. Hjelm said. Equipped, like its competitors, with high-tech computer programs, the factory can approximate a design from a sketch or a Web page, with no need to pull apart the seams of an actual garment.

“We’ll probably gamble and have a dress or even three styles out before October,” said Mr. Hjelm, for shipping to stores in February.

- exerpts from The New York Times

 I have also heard that discount bridal stores such as David's Bridal and Alfred Angelo plan to have their private label replica available as well.

 

A feather in your cap

Again, I defer to my friend Adrienne, she is pretty good at the accessories.... and believes that Kate will follow tradition with a long, detailed veil for the ceremony, and then a fun accessory in her hair for the reception. My vote has, and always will be - a fascinator. 

 

 

You can find a number of mass produced hair accessories in bridal boutiques around the country. I'm sure even an exact replica will be available. But I want every bride to be unique, and though you may want to follow trend, I suggest looking on Etsy for a unique, at least hand made accessory for your special day. 

 

Soon all the "whats" will be answered, and the trends will be set... What are your predictions?

The countdown is on. Local weather is trying to keep me preoccupied, with a few horrendous nights of sitting in the closet, but at least it's a distraction from the impending Royal Wedding. Everyone has a Royal Wedding twist, even the Disney Channel! Cinderella has always been my favorite of the princess stories, and though Kate is far from the "common" commoner... I can't help but wonder what fabulous "slipper" will be placed upon her feet.... My friend Adrienne over at Ruffles and Tweed put together an amazing design board for her Shoesday Tuesday blog... So I thought I would share:

 

 Which would YOU choose for Kate? I personally dig the Camuto Tstrap with an oversized jewel... or Ivanka's diamond stranded d'Orsay. I have a feeling that dear old Princess Catherine-to-be is going to end up in Ingelmo's lace bridal booties... Not a favorite of mine.... but I'd probably bet money on it. Laura says her money is on the T-strap with rosettes and diamonds by Ivanka....

Either way - Who knew Ivanka did shoes?

 

Thanks Adriene for the inspriation board! If you are in New York/New Jersey/Connecticut area - Check her out!

I am finding myself to be in a very lucky position these days. I first realized this blessing as I am sitting here, working on a rehearsal dinner that will take place in Hawaii this fall - We are deciding on a restaurant versus catering in the beautiful home rented for the groom's parents....

all while it is snowing and gross outside (here is a view of our office from the mailbox)  

 

The second part of my blessing? Well, that story starts with a homework assignment mini-me is working on. It is a presentation about the state of Nevada. She was telling me about all the cool stuff that is in the state she found online - Like Area 51, Las Vegas, Lake Tahoe and the Grand Canyon being a neighboring fascinating geographical site.

We started talking about my previous trips to Las Vegas, and to Lake Tahoe. I made a note to go through our vacation photos to see if any were useable for the presentation. Then I recalled a story that I can't believe I haven't told before!

 

I coordinated a wedding at 48,000 feet!

See, My better half and I were taking a romantic trip to Tahoe for Valentines Day. My very first ski trip! As we had been on this plane for what felt like 20 hours (it was actuallycloser to 12...) we were getting to know our seat neighbors very well, and had been sharing our Southwest Comp tickets. The couple in front of us were on their way to Vegas to renew their vows for their anniversary. How sweet! We shared our Vegas wedding stories - as MR. Details and I were tempted to re-enact a Friends episode and get hitched based on the outcome of a gamble early in our relationship many many years before. The flight attendant came on the overhead announcing facts about the Grand Canyon. Once the factoid about the depth of the Canyon (6,000 feet) and the altitude we were flying at (42,000 feet) rang throughout the cabin - a Lightbulb went off in my head. We were in the front rows of the plane, and therefore had direct earshot of the flight attendent. I leaned over and told the couple I had the most amazing idea! Asked the flight attendant if there was a minister on the flight - which there was... (Visions of "Is there a DOCTOR on the plane" shot through my head)

The Couple stood at the front of the plane, in front of the Southwest Logo - and renewed their vows at 48,000 feet! For the reception, guests were served complimentary pretzels and peanuts. The fellow-fliers all applauded as they sealed it with a kiss!

 

I meant to check into this when I returned, but of course Tahoe filled my memories, and until we discussed the trip with Amber, I had almost completely forgotten about it! That was February of 2008. I'm pretty sure that was the highest elevation a wedding has ever been performed at. I'm going to continue the google - but if High elevations is your thing - Try Mount Mitchell, North Carolina. They have an observation deck that has been used for weddings that is at 6,684 feet overlooking some Beautiful Mountains!

 

 

We are available for destination weddings - and I obviously don't have a fear of sand, snow, or heights! As someone who has personally been burned by the "on location" planner, know that when you are a tourist, sure to return home... you don't always get the personal touch of someone who is there for you, making sure your day is perfect. 

Priceline. Travelocity. Sandals. Beaches. Kayak. When you haven't "been there, done that"... how do you pick the perfect honeymoon destination? How do you know if the room you will get is the room you saw on the website? Have you ever checked into a hotel, walked into your room and thought OH NO! the air conditioner doesn't work.... the room smells horrible. Is that something you want to deal with when you are walking into the most romantic trip of your life?

What about the planning of it all? Aren't there enough decisions to make with the wedding planning? What if I told you that in just a few minutes of discussing your dream with me, I could come back with a few packages for you to chose from. Tell me your budget. Tell me if you want to go on an adventure, or just lie in a hammock. Do you want to surf or ski? What if you just had a few recommendations based on your PERFECT trip.... picked out exclusively with you in mind... from someone who has first hand reputable experience? Travel planning can be a breeze..... and totally free service provided by my team! 

 

Call me today. Lets talk trips!

 

 

Matamanoa Island is a small, intimate and secluded Fiji Resort set in the beautiful Mamanuca Islands approximately 30 kilometres West of Nadi International Airport.

The Island boasts a volcanic cone jutting out of the turquoise/aqua blue waters of this unspoilt area of the Fiji Islands. Clad with dense bush and palm trees, the brilliance of the vegetation contrasts magnificently with the white curved sandy beach and pristine coral reefs.

Created for those who want to forget the pressures of their business or busy lifestyle or for those who dream of peace and tranquillity. In an effort to achieve this special atmosphere, Matamanoa Island Resort has adopted a year round policy of not permitting children under the age of 16 years.

Matamanoa Island can offer you total relaxation or a wide range of leisure activities and cultural excursions.

Swim in the fresh water pool or in the beautiful Pacific Ocean, play tennis or sip a cocktail at the Bar as you watch the sun set and take all the time you need to discover the magic of this beautiful Island.

Garden View Hotel Room FJ$425.00 per Room per night (Single or double occupancy) - this is about $225 per night USD!

This is our first installment of Worldwide Wednesday, where we will discuss how to save, where to go, and all things honeymoon! All in the Details provides complimentary honeymoon planning, so why not take advantage of it. Do you only know that a warm beach with umbrella drinks is where you want to spend your first week as husband and wife? Why waste time planning and searching on travel websites, where you aren't garaunteed that the picture they show is ANYTHING like what you will see upon arrival? I have experienced travel experts who can put together the perfect trip for you... And it costs you NOTHING!

 

Just a few interesting facts about honeymoons:

 

• 81% of newly married couples take a honeymoon
• 15% of newly married couples chose a cruise as their primary accommodation of which, 47% use Carnival
• Most couples leave right away for their honeymoon
• On average, couples stay 7.6 days on their honeymoon
• On average, a single couple will spend $3,473 on their honeymoon
• Estimated Honeymoon market value is $5.91 billion
• Top honeymoon destination  -  The Caribbean
• Top activity  -  Sightseeing

 

So where do you want to go? I'm dreaming of this!

 

 

Today is our first Worldwide Wednesday post! On Wednesday, we will talk about ways to save, where to go, and some new ideas for the perfect honeymoon! We offer honeymoon planning at no cost, so why not tell me what you want and let me make it happen?

 For our introduction, let me just share some facts:  

•  
  • 81% of newly married couples take a honeymoon
  • 15% of newly married couples chose a cruise as their primary accommodation of which, 47% use Carnival
  • Most couples leave right away for their honeymoon
  • On average, couples stay 7.6 days on their honeymoon
  • On average, a single couple will spend $3,473 on their honeymoon
  • Estimated Honeymoon market value is $5.91 billion
  • Top honeymoon destinatio  -  The Caribbean

  • Top activity -  Sightseeing

So where do you want to go? I'm dreaming of this!