Alfred Angelo

January is typically the month after the holidays that most people use to relax and regroup from all the spending and eating. However, it is also one of the busiest months for the wedding industry. Most new brides have recently become engaged during Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Years, and are eager to start planning as soon as possible. Typically after setting the date, the first stop for any newly engaged young lady is to try on wedding dresses. This is an experience that can evoke many different emotions not only in the bride herself, but family and friends as well.

To make sure finding a dream dress is a lovely experience, make sure to check out Alfred Angelo located at 1518 N Dale Mabry Hwy Tampa, FL. Alfred’s not only has gorgeous wedding gowns, but dresses that are also a part of the Disney inspired collection. How perfect does finding a wedding dress like a Disney princess sound? A bride can go to Alfred Angelo’s and leave with not only her dress, but also her accessories, bridesmaids dresses, her mother’s dress and even her invitations. In addition to all of the breathtaking wedding gowns (that range from petite to plus size, with a price range for just about everyone), the atmosphere of this boutique is warm and inviting, and the staff is so eager to help any and everyone. For a sneak peek at the gowns available at Alfred Angelo, go on over to the website (www.alfredangelo.com) or open any bridal magazine. 

Brides by Demetrios

            Many of us have heard that a bride’s wedding day is something she has been looking forward to, and planning, her entire life. Of course, a key part of this big day is the gown the woman in question gets to slip into and feel magical for an event. An event that has a sole purpose of joining the love of her life and herself forever in front of their family and friends. So, with all this being said, finding the perfect wedding dress can be a little emotional at times.

            One thing that is for sure when it comes to wedding gowns, every bride is different, with contrasting tastes. There for, it is essential for a bridal boutique to offer a diverse selection of merchandise. Brides by Demetrios boutique in Tampa offers a wide variety of gowns and accessories, in terms of style and price. Located on 1701 N. Westshore Blvd, Demetrios houses many different designer gowns, including their own bridal dress line.

In addition, there are many ways for a bride to get a hint of what she will be able to choose from by browsing the Demetrios website, www.demetriosbride.com. The associates at Brides by Demetrios are extremely patience and kind. They really make each customer feel special, which is exactly what each bride is looking for. To find out more information on Brides by Demetrios, check out their website, or head on over to their Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/demetriosbride).

BHLDN

Many of us have heard that a bride’s wedding day is something she has been looking forward to, and planning, her entire life. Of course, a key part of this big day is the gown the woman in question gets to slip into and feel magical for an event. An event that has a sole purpose of joining the love of her life and herself forever in front of their family and friends. So, with all this being said, finding the perfect wedding dress can be a little emotional at times. One thing is for sure when it comes to wedding gowns, every bride is different, with contrasting tastes. 

BHLDN is such a place that offers a variety of bridal and event gowns, and accessories. There's a little bit of everything for everyone. Created by the same people who brought you Anthropologie, BHLDN is an up-and-coming bridal retailer with lovely merchandise. Currently, there is only one store in Houston, Texas, but the possibility of a second store opening in Chicago, IL is on the rise. Prices for a BHLDN wedding gown range from $600 to $6,000. What I love most about BHLDN's website is that it offers so much more than just apparel. There are resources on the site for DIY decorations, tips on planning a wedding, and you can event meet the designers behind all of the creations. So, if you or anyone you know is in the market for a dress, whether it be bridal or just formal, check out BHLDN at www.bhldn.com, or you can go over to their Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/BHLDN. You can also check out some of my favorite stuff from their website on my bridal tumblr account (http://bridal-belles.tumblr.com/). 

Alexander McQueen: Resort 2010

            Always known for his bold colors and extravagant prints, Alexander McQueen has definitely outdone himself with his recent resort collection for 2010. Not one to just follow the latest trend, McQueen raises the bar for women’s wear when he sends his models down the runway in shocking but gorgeous fashions. The range of colors in his 2010 resort wear are anywhere from striking blues to deep reds to bright metallic. Models are showing off business to casual wear and each ensemble brings something different from McQueen.

            A favorite piece from the entire line is the long bone colored cardigan sweater, trimmed in light blue, paired with shiny silver metallic leggings that were also trimmed in light blue. The asymmetrical line of the buttons on the cardigan is a new take on the classical sweater. Much of young Hollywood will surely request this fun, yet sophisticated pair, along with the black patent leather pumps.

             Another fan favorite of the collection are the abstract metallic business suits and cocktail dresses. Only McQueen possesses the talent to bring these vibrant colors into the workforce. Much like the rest of these looks, McQueen is taking it back a little to the 80’s with suits that are wide in the shoulders and tailored at the waist. Some of these suits and dresses are even reminiscent of a wearable canvas with paint splatter, which McQueen pulls of with grace.

             Unquestionably, there is so much from Alexander McQueen’s new resort collection that it is extremely difficult to choose just one favorite look!  However, one piece that will for sure show up on the red carpet is the yellow heart shaped cocktail dress with the black lace overlay. The pairing of the fun and trendy yellow and the smart sexy black lace is sure to be a huge hit. Forever paying close attention to detail, the intricate pattern of the black lace pulls the entire look together. Hands down, Alexander McQueen continues to deliver the beauty, elegance, and watch-out-world-sexy with his 2010 resort collection. 

Nathe/McCarty Wedding

April 16, 2011

            The warm, beautiful summer day of April 16, 2011 created a gorgeous backdrop for the wedding of Jimmy McCarty and Kara Nathe. The ceremony, which took place at a friend’s country cabin in the middle of a large field, began around 4pm. Old fashioned church pews, and hay barrels with country quilts were provided for seating. Kara, the bride, along with her bridesmaids, entered by a horse carriage and was met by her father at the entrance of the isle. The bridesmaids were in strapless teal summer dresses, with yellow ribbon belts, and the groomsmen were dressed casually in khaki pants with white button up shirts. As for Kara’s wedding dress, it was a stunning strapless, fitted mermaid silhouette with subtle beading and rousing around the waist. In addition, the bride wore cowgirl boots with her grandmother’s wedding rings attached by a ribbon. Instead of the traditional bridal march, Kara walked down the isle to Travis Tritt’s, “Love of a Woman.” The ceremony itself was short, but very sweet.

            Since the reception area was under a large tent right next to where the ceremony had taken place, everyone just migrated there for cocktail hour while the bridal party had their pictures taken. One unique aspect of the reception was at every table, there were paper placemats with different questions about the bride and groom. Each person at the table was to fill out the already three-hole punched placemats and put them on a table in the front. At the end of the night, the placemats were put into a binder, which created their guestbook. The reception area itself was lovely, with the couple’s logo on the dance floor, and a cupcake tower that made up their wedding cake. What made this wedding so beautiful was the simple elegance, and natural surroundings. The love between the couple, and the love for them from their family could be felt all around the room.