Get Inspired: Drama Is My Middle Name

Drama, drama and more drama. That is what today's inspiration board is all about. Whenever you select a deep and lovely shade like a dark red or burgundy, you must have the flair and gumption to pull it off. Burgundy is a beautiful color for your winter wedding because of the emotions it evokes. It's romantic, dramatic, and down right irresistible just like that handsome groom of yours. So if drama and romance are practically synonymous with your name, here's a board we know you'll love.

Theme: What's All The Drama About?
Colors: Deep burgundy and black


Top Row: Table card via Wedding Favors Emporium; Image of Anna Netrebko via Style;
Second Row: Bouquet via Southern Weddings; Bridesmaid dress by Jim Hjelm; Rosette by Pink Peppermint Design
Bottom Row: Burgundy pearl necklace by AMI Designs; Reception featured at Project Wedding

Simply Make It Anything You Want

Imagination and glass - two of the most creative forces come together to present just about anything you can think of. If you are looking for a spectacular centerpiece or something simple, this combination is all it really will take to start. Floral, shells, plants, rocks, colorful ornaments, sand, feathers, water and oil and the list goes anywhere you can imagine it. We found three great sources where you can begin. One of the all time favorites is Pottery Barn who each and every season brings you a new vessel to start the imagination process over again. Keep an eye on their sales - they are on-going and you can save big. If you are looking for possibly more traditional vessels and apothecary jars, English Creek Gardens is one of the best sources we found. Next, is Christmas World. This is not just for the holidays - this is where you really should think of looking first. Good luck, let that mind run and we would love to see what you create! Depending upon how you chose to fill your vessels, this is a very green option.

Our Picks for 7 Hot Bridesmaids Gifts

Sometimes picking out a unique gift that all your bridesmaids will love can be a difficult task. After all, you've chosen your bridesmaids based on their unique personal style and personalities. You want whatever gift you select to be loved by all your bridesmaids. So we've done some homework and found these fabulous gifts that any woman is sure to love. Plus, these gifts will fit your budget too. And anyone who's planning a wedding knows how great it is when you can actually find something to fit your budget.

Hope you enjoy!

1. Juicy Convertible Cosmetic Bag: $98
2. Dogeared Boxed Sentimental Pendant Necklace: $58
3. Archival Medallion Journal: $20
4. Satin kimono wrap: $42
5. UGG® Australia 'Ultra Long' Sheepskin Gloves: $145
6. HOBO wallet: $64-$128
7. Kodak - Pocket Video Camera with 2.4" LCD Screen: $159

Bring Out Your Inner Animal

We thought it was about time to help you bring out that inner animal. Animal print is one of those style statements that has been hanging around for awhile now and shows no signs of becoming endangered soon. Natural - well naturally we love to wear this look whether it's rayon, silk or wool. Starting with some of the major designers, it's time to drop a few names so starting at the top left: Prada, Dior, Marc Jacobs, LaPerla. Row 2: Gucci, Dior, Dolce and Gabbana. Bottom Row: Blumarine, Louis Vuitton, Balmain, and Marc Jacobs

Miss . . . could you make a statement please?

Talk about completing your look - statement necklaces, and bib-necklaces are all the rage. They are big, bold and beautiful. They are the one accessory that can complete a gown, a dress or just a top - to perfection, while framing your face for the perfect picture of fashion . . However, keep in mind, this is one item that will take over the entire outfit if not given room to be seen by itself. By this we mean - carefully chose the gown or dress you wear it with. Keep it simple or tone on tone - and everything will look incredible. With too much pattern or too much color variation, everything could start to look overdone. A bride will set herself apart with the possibilities. This is a strong statement that is beyond fabulous - done correctly.

Hollywood Hot!

It is the latest thing in nail wear - Minx Nails. If you can imagine it on your nails - Minx has thought of it before you. Minx is a a solid nail coating with a heat application process vs. liquid process. Minx nails are made of a flexible film that is a green alternative to polish. There are no hazardous chemicals and Minx requires no drying time. They don't chip or smudge and last around 10 - 14 days. Minx is a professional product and is sold only to licensed salons and spas. There is only one nail salon we know of in Seattle that is Minx trained & certified to provide Minx nails at this time: Nailtime in West Seattle. They are also available in many cities, so check your local area. Their number is:(206) 933-8475. Ask for Samantha.

Get Inspired! Purple Majesty

There is a reason why purple is the color of royalty. In all its various shades, purple just looks majestic. And when its paired with a simple shade of gray or platinum, an already regal color becomes the perfect pairing for your wedding. We suggest going with a shade of violet, a hot color trend for 2010. There are a ton of flower options for your bouquet (as seen in the bottom right example) and adding fun details in purple shades can add the extra special charm to your wedding that will keep your guests in awe.

Theme: Purple Majesty
Color: Violet, Grey


Top Row: Violet bridesmaid gown by Lazaro; Invitations by Dauphine Press; Ultra violet makeup by Maybelline
Second Row: Bouquet featured at Brides; Headband for flowergirl by Pretty Baby Bowtique; Pearl necklace by Erin Keys
Third Row: Cotton Candy dessert designed by Erin Borges; Earrings by Christie G; Bouquet with bride featured at Wedding By Color

We Think You'll Love...

How can anyone resist a beautiful baby girl? Especially when she is dressed to impress. For your adorable little flower girl, here is a great find to induce all the "ahh's" in the room. From the designer, Loveable Creations, comes these truly uniquely handcrafted gems that will only enhance the natural cuteness of the little one in your wedding. The best part is how affordable they are, averaging $12 each.

Now everyone all together now..."ahhhhhh".......

Hello Sunshine ! !

Yellow is the color of sunshine and who doesn't love that? If you're looking at a color theme for a Spring or Summer Wedding, consider lighting up your life and the room with a zesty feeling.
Top row: Orchid boutonniere, Daisy cake by CrazyWeddingCakes, a rather simple yellow tulip bouquet
Row 2: Layersoftime invitations, Joachim Mai Lady in Yellow, Bride Wore Yellow, Tie by Ralph Lauren,
Row 3: Table Center pieces green ceramic vases with lemon boxes with orchids, Linen Napkin in yellow,
Row 4: Vest from Pantone Weddings, Table setting from The Knot, Gown by Chado Ralph Rucci, Yellow and Diamond Wedding band by Harry Winston, Panton Chair in yellow, Signature lemon martini with Smirnoff's Lemon Vodka.

A Great Bridal Shower Gift

Is the bride a designer purse lover? Not to worry - this is one of those little designer bags you can all enjoy at the shower - and just eat it up! Each of the above purses are actually cakes. This is a hugely popular addition to showers and or birthdays over the past year. There are only about a handful of bakeries that can actually do a designer bag justice, so we wanted to share a few with you. Seattle has Mikes Amazing Cakes as one of their choices. Others include: PinkCakeBox, Petals & Pieces, 80 Cakes, DebbieDoesCakes, CartyCakes, CakeCentral and SweetIndulgences,

Get Inspired!: 24K Gold

Sometimes all a wedding theme needs is a little illumination. And what is possibly more radiant that the shimmer and radiance of gold. After all, your wedding day is one of the only times you get to act and feel like a true princess, and everyone knows that princesses love to wear gold. From gold leafed wedding invitations, to shimmering eye shadow, gold will make you feel like royalty. And on your wedding day, what could be more fitting than that?

Theme: 24K Gold
Colors: Gold Leaf and Bronze


Top Row: Wedding gown featured on Brides; Golden petal accessory by Pink Peppermint Designs; Custom monogram by Fox Glove Design
Second Row: Golden hue wedding invitation by Nelly Bean; Golden reception by Deanie Michelle Events
Third Row: Firethorn Napkin Rings from Z Gallerie; Gold Capiz Hanging Lamp from Z Gallerie; Cake from The Buttercream Studio
Bottom Row: Gold napkin and table menu via Project Wedding; Glam Box 24K eye shadow available at Sephora; Gold wedding band by Jesse Danger

Time For a Fun Engagement Party?

Just around the corner is the second most popular holiday we celebrate - Halloween. Interestingly enough it is also a great time for celebrating almost everything - the mood is energetic, people are in the mood for a good time and hey - why not? That is IF you are one of those people who live as you see it - maybe not others. If nothing else - this is a great year to celebrate and enjoy friends and fun. Consider creating your own haunted house - and maybe spring the news... Hey congratulations!

The Art of Jewelry

Something unique perhaps? These are options that can distinctively set your style statement, and if jewelry is not about that purpose, then why wear it . . All of the items above are from a great website we love to go through called the Artful Home. Don't be deceived as your first images will often be art for the home, we are just highlighting their art for your body. The artists show from top left to bottom right:
Dahlia 18k bracelet by Kanner (2200)
White Hot 18" necklace by Melissa Schmidt (635)
Green Bouquet necklace by Caitlin Johnston (430)
Crowded Square Top by Randi Chervitz (210)
Silver / Crystal necklace by Marna Clark (250)
Orbit 18k gold and diamond ring by Gabriel Ofiesh (7195)
Ginkgo necklace and earrings by Stephen LeBlanc (275-necklace) (245-ear)
Green amethyst necklace by Catherine L Skiew (1640)
Arch Ring by Louise Norrell (1000)
Flush set diamonds in 18k by Jim Dailing (1700)

Give The Gift Of A Better Future

Whenever we come across a new and novel idea for brides, we know it is our duty to share it with you. Traditionally, guests gave the wedding couple gifts along the line of household items to help them start their new lives. These items were essential to the young couple as they were very young and did not own any of the necessary household items to begin their new lives together. And in registering at any of the traditional retailers, the guests are subject to additional charges beyond the gift itself like the sales tax and shipping charges.

In the modern day, couples are getting married later in their lives which means they already have many if not all the things they need for a household - pots and pans, flatware, stemware, etc. Additionally, as the couples unite as a household, they will be consolidating many of their things, getting rid of the duplicate household items. So the last thing they may want is more "stuff" to have to manage and find a place to store more household items.

This is where Wedding Futures comes in. For the modern couple, matters like the down payment for their first home or tuition for their children far outweigh that of fine china or gravy boats. Or even paying off the cost of the wedding and honeymoon as more couples are paying for their own weddings! Wedding Futures allows you to set up a registry for all the securities you need. At registration couples select from one of five types of portfolio profiles - Conservative, Moderate, Aggressive, Green, or Socially Responsible. Stocks in each risk profile span a broad range of prices to fit every gifter’s budget.

Get Inspired! Royally Yours

There is nothing like a splash of color! No matter the season, no matter the shades, color can dress up any venue, theme or event. Today's inspiration board is all about the boldness of color. Sometimes it's easy to shy away from rich, vibrant hues, but that can be a mistake. Particularly if you've chosen a venue for your wedding that much more simple and subdued. And if you are having trouble selecting a theme for your wedding, always remember that color is a theme all on its own. So matter what shades you choose, go bold and be brave!

Theme: Royally Yours

Colors: Royal Blue and Gold

Top Row: New York wedding Save the Date via Brooklyn Bride; Blue and Gold tablesetting via P.S. I Love This; Single stem yellow bouquet via Martha Stewart
Second Row: Bridal gown by Sarah Seven, Yellow Bridesmaids gowns via Vrai; Trinity Nightclub, Seattle
Third Row: Table setting via In Style Weddings; Golden cyprus shoe from J Crew; Royal blue accents on a wedding cake via Project Wedding
Bottom Row: Evening setting at The Edgewater in Seattle, WA; Decorations at the Seattle Union Station by Prop Gallery West

Get Inspired: Spooktacular Wedding

Welcome to October! As a special introduction to the upcoming holidays, we are giving you an extra Halloween inspired wedding board this week. If you thought a Halloween themed wedding would be tacky, think again! Even Halloween, with the right simple touches can make for an elegant and spooktacular event.

Theme: Boo!
Colors: Black, White and Small details of Orange


Top Row: Masked bride from Halloween Wedding; Glass jars via Pottery Barn; Halloween Petit Fours from Williams Sonoma
Second Row: Invitation by Noteworthy Stationary and Invitations; Magnetic bats and pumpkins via Ballard Designs; Black wreath via Grand In Road
Third Row: Glittered chandeliers from Grand In Road; Martha Stewart's poison drinks via Grand In Road; R.I.P. scene via Pottery Barn
Bottom Row: Lanterns via Pottery Barn; Monogrammed pumpkin via Bliss Wedding Market; Halloween table setting via Bliss Wedding Market

Wedding Trend Alert: Thick Waist Bands

By the looks of the latest wedding gown designs by Vera Wang, one trend seems to making its way to the forefront of fashion: the thick waist band. The thick waist accessory is both feminine and flattering. Check out these gowns from Vera Wang's 2010 collection.