Blogs

Letter from the Editor: Our blogger Crista is enjoying those last few days before The Big One, so today, we'd like to share some iPhone photos and well wishes on her behalf. For those of you who are new to this blog, we've been following all of her wedding-planning ups and downs since last July. This Sunday, she's finally marrying Michael, the love of her life! After being there through it all, we have no doubt that her nuptials will be incredible. It's been such a pleasure to share her story with you all—thanks for the encouragement and advice you gave her along the way. Stay tuned for her complete wedding and honeymoon recap. Readers, show her some love and leave a comment with your congratulation wishes below!

Crista's wedding countdown clock, a gift she received after getting engaged. P.S. How gorgeous is her ring?!

Her final dress fitting at Amsale and a behind-the-scenes look at her beauty prep.

Let's take a look back at her journey down the aisle...

We love the elegant look of the blusher veil. You are sure to feel utterly dreamy walking down the aisle with this delicate, sheer veil that conceals your face and emotions—adding mystery to your big day. Designers certainly thought so, presenting blusher veils all over the bridal runways—notably at Oscar de la Renta, Carolina Herrera, and Romona Keveza.

This veil works best with a clean updo and seems most fitting in a more formal wedding ceremony. If you are opting for a less formal wedding,but still love a veil, consider a cage veil or possibly a shoulder-length veil.

This is your one chance to wear this illusive magical accessory; are you considering a veil for your wedding day?

—Naima DiFranco

It may not be your tropic island paradise, but Iceland’s picturesque terrain has so much to offer for a honeymoon getaway. Not only is the mid-Atlantic isle not as chilly as its name suggests, but Iceland also offers honeymooners the ultimate combination of adventure and relaxation.

You can experience the beauty of this geographically-fascinating island with a glacier exploration excursion. Or, take to the country’s various lakes and bodies of water with a water rafting, kayaking and wave-jetting (battery-powered surfboard) adventure. And don’t miss a visit to the Blue Lagoon, Iceland’s most famous geothermal sensation. Splash, swim or simply float in the bubbling lagoon that teems with mineral-rich, therapeutic waters, thanks to its location in the middle of a lava field.

More Iceland plusses: The island is the closest European country (it’s only a five-hour flight from New York), and the island is English-Speaking.

Most couples hope their guests will, at the very least, put away their cell phones long enough to witness the exchange of vows. But digital media strategist Caroline Waxler and lawyer Michael Levitt aren't like most couples. They encouraged their friends and family members to live-tweet the wedding day using a hashtag, #waxlevittwedding.  

The reason? Using a program called Chute, every photo tagged with the designated hashtag was pulled into their website. Friends and family tweeted throughout the entire day, from getting ready to dancing the hora with Joan Rivers, the bride's aunt. 

We think it's a great way to see your wedding through the eyes of your guests, and you can't beat the instant gratification. Take a look at some of the photos and tweets!

@Pfro: "The couple!!! GORGEOUS!!! #waxlevittwedding"

@brooke: "It soon begins. #waxlevittwedding @ Temple Emanu-El"

Hey! I’m Lisa. I’m beyond thrilled to share my wedding planning experiences with you guys.

I wanted to start by saying, "I’m not your typical bride," but let’s face it—who is? One of the most exciting aspects of wedding planning is that you’re creating a personal celebration for you and your groom that reflects who you are as a couple.

That being said, my situation is unique because I’m actually already married. I'm also an Army wife. My husband Michael and I met as teenagers, growing up on the same street. We got engaged in late September of 2011, soon after we found out that he would be leaving for a one-year tour in Afghanistan. After receiving our parents’ blessing and sealing the deal with a beautiful ring, we got married in a small civil ceremony at the home of a family friend, just five weeks after we got engaged.

Michael’s currently deployed in Afghanistan, but as soon as he gets back we’re kicking off our lives together with a proper celebration with friends and family in our hometown of San Diego. Our vintage-inspired fiesta wedding will incorporate all the best things about SoCal living: beaches, delicious Mexican food and laid-back fun. Because I’m currently finishing up graduate school in New York City, my dad has taken on most of the wedding planning duties in California. He’s a natural.

Recently, I was invited to participate on a panel of judges to select the winning dress design for the “Bride of the Future,” created by the super-talented students of the High School of Fashion Industries in New York City.

Mara Urshel and Robert di Mauro with the finalists' gowns.

The judging took place at the Kleinfeld Bridal Salon, where Mara Urshel and Robert di Mauro, who created the contest, presented the students and their designs. My fellow judges (designer Lazaro, and Kleinfeld’s Dorothy Silver and Jacques Vignault) and I were thrilled to see the level of creativity and skill exhibited by these high school students. This past semester, under the guidance of their instructors, Sandra Manning and Adrian Carranza, they sketched gowns and created inspiration boards for the “Bride of the Future.” From the 25 or 30 sketches we viewed in February, five finalists were chosen and the class was then divided into teams to bring the sketches to life.

Photo Credit: Ian Grant Photography

Your wedding vows are the most sacred and meaningful words you’ll ever speak. Some couples opt to use traditional vows, capped off with that memorable "I do," while others prefer to be wed in their own words. My fiancé Corey and I have decided to include both versions at our nuptials. Although we won't be sharing our personal vows with anyone until the day of our wedding (we don't want to give away the surprise!), here are some ways we're making them meaningful to us.

Plus, check out 30+ examples of wedding vows.

1. DO make it personal. The reason why many couples choose to write their own vows is because they want to convey their love for one another in a unique way that is specific to their relationship as a couple. Describe why you care about your partner and how much you value the fact that they've chosen to spend the rest of their life with you.

2. DON'T make it too personal. Remember, you have an audience… and that might include Grandma and Grandpa! Reference personal aspects of your relationship, but avoid mentioning how sexy you think your future husband/wife is or anything else that can be misconstrued as borderline inappropriate. It's probably best to tell them these things in private.

When we spotted this photo of a bride and groom holding up their shoes and having a blast, we had to get the story behind the photo:

Photo Credit: Katelyn James Photography

In the picture, photographer Rebekah Hoyt and her husband, Matt, are playing “The Shoe Game."

Never heard of it? Here’s how it works: During your reception, after you’ve enjoyed some dinner, dancing, and drinks, place two chairs back-to-back on the dance floor for the bride and groom. Remove both of your shoes, then trade a shoe with your new spouse so that you’re holding one of each. Then, have a designated person ask a series of questions about the two of you and your relationship (i.e.. “Who will be doing most of the cooking?” "Who said 'I love you' first?"). After each question, hold up the shoe of the person you think is the best answer to the question.

Photo Credit: Katelyn James Photography 

Rebekah describes how to game played out at her wedding:

Hello, my loves. You are all just going to die (in a Zoe way) over these brand new destination wedding packages by Sandals. For years, the luxury-included brand has partnered with big-name planners to bring you cool Big Day options. However, the packages themselves weren’t always as customizable as you savvy brides would have liked.

Enter stage left: The Your Wedding. Your Style. program that launched with loads of fanfare at NYC’s gorgeous Grand Central last week.

In addition to hobnobbing with Randy Fenoli (yes, girls, that Randy of Say Yes fame), I got a sneak peek at the totally customizable program. It’s so simple, so pretty, and so perfect for every bride, I’m afraid none of you will get your work done at the office. See, the program is streamlined online, so you can literally plan and re-plan your wedding all day long by choosing which Sandals property, what colors, flowers, décor option and even a DJ!

Personally, I prefer the Emerald Bay outpost, which has one of the Caribbean’s most challenging and gorgeous golf courses. I also like the idea of having bright pink flowers, or maybe peach or white and letting my guests boogie all night poolside. Or maybe they’d prefer being on one of the manicured lawns… See what I mean? Go to sandals.com and start customizing your wedding today.

Dessert tables can make any party look (and feel) more put-together. There's just something about a smorgasboard of treats that has the power to revert guests back to a simpler, sweeter moment in time. Plus, we believe that they make any bridal shower or wedding more fun.

But you don't have to be a pro planner to put one together — just pick up a copy of Amy Atlas' new manual, Sweet Designs: Bake It, Craft It, Style It. Amy, a sweets stylist, is credited with starting the dessert table trend and has designed parties for celebs including Brooke Shields, Kelly Ripa and Tori Spelling. Learn how to make this stunning Chanel-inspired dessert table from her new book!

Chanel-Inspired Dessert Table Tutorial

►Tweed Tablecloth

►Couture Vase Covers