WEDDING SHOES: FIVE MODERN WEDDING SHOE OPTIONS

Bridal Lovelies,
You know that I am so not traditional. I love having that pop of color someone in your wedding day ensemble. Why not your shoes? Here are five modern wedding shoe options that I know that you will love. Kirna Zabete is always a great place to shop for shoes.

Alexander Wang

Chrissie Morris

Giambattista Valli

Nicholas Kirkwood

Proenza Schouler

SPONSORED LOVE: FAIRYTALES & WEDDINGSFAVORS.ORG

Create Your Own Fairytale Wedding with These Fairytale Wedding Favor Ideas

Cinderella has nothing on you when you use these fairytale wedding favor ideas! Use any of these fairytale-inspired designs to create your own magical wonderland.

Some girls just dream of having that perfect fairytale wedding, and when the time finally comes to make it a reality, they are suddenly scrambling to find the ideal favors and decor to bring it all to life. Whatever you envision for your magical event, fairytale wedding favor ideas that match your reception theme can really enhance the look and feel of your event—and we have them for you.

Try any of these fairytale wedding favor ideas and you’ll easily take the princess crown as the fairest one of all!

Frog Prince Candle Favors

Cute and classic, these candle favors stand out and make great keepsakes for your guests. The bright green frog design immediately catches your attention, complete with a silver crown on top. They come packaged in clear boxes so you can get a good glimpse of the favors, and they’re topped off with matching green ribbons and stately crown “Thank You” tags.



Royal Coach Design Place Card Holder Favors

These white carriage place card holders are full of fairytale whimsy. If you’re looking for fairytale wedding favor ideas on a budget, then these wedding favors are just the ticket. For as little as $1.28 a pop, you can’t beat them. Oh, and did we mention how fabulous they look with rose, tulip, or lily floral arrangements? They’ll help you create a scene straight from Cinderella’s ballroom dance with the prince.


Once Upon a Time Fairytale Candle Favors

Aside from their fairytale essence, the nice thing about these candles is that they won’t clash with other themes you have going on throughout your reception. The castle design is subtle enough to blend with another decor theme, and the white, pearly colors make it easy to complement whichever color scheme you have in mind.



Use any of these fairytale wedding favor ideas for a big day that will go down in history as a classic.

As an exclusive discount for all readers of The Bridal WishList, you can save 15% off all favors at Wedding Favors. Use coupon code BWList on orders over $49 and save!

BRIDAL BARGAIN: JOIN THE AISLE NY, VIEW 2012 BRIDE'S HEAD REVISITED

Bride's Head Revisited will soon be unveiling their Spring 2012 collection, a fabulous selection of new crystal combs, silk flowers and veils. The collection has not been offered anywhere yet, but you have the opportunity at a sneak peak at their designs.

The Aisle New York is hosting a Bride's Head Revisited boutique that features seven designs from their Spring 2012 collection at a great price. Not only will you be able to purchase a brand new design unavailable anywhere else, but it is being offered on The Aisle New York at up to 60% off regular pricing. Join The Aisle New York for fabulous bridal sales.

DC BRIDES: Georgeous Jewelry @KoltonJ Trunk Show This Saturday @CarbonMSL

Come out on Carbon DC (2643 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC) on this Saturday to feast your eyes (and your wallets) on some of the most gorgeous repurposed vintage jewelry you have ever seen. Kolton J jewelry line is a mix of vintage-inspired pieces, as well as, one-of-a-kind pieces that have been repurposed with vintage jewelry. View the line at Kolton J online before the trunk show. You will definitely want to see these pieces in person and add to your accessories collection. A percentage of the proceeds from the show’s sales will benefit the Polaris Project, a DC-based organization committed to combating human trafficking and modern-day slavery since 2002.


About KOLTON.J
Founder and Designer Jenny Schretter – a native of the Washington area and current DC resident – will unveil her latest eco-luxurious collection made from recycled and reclaimed vintage materials. Schretter’s jewelry has been featured in publications such as InStyle Magazine, DailyCandy, Panache Mode Magazine, Worn Magazine, and will be featured in the October issue of Washingtonian Magazine.

The year-old label includes a vast repertoire of one-of-a-kind and limited edition designs. Named as a tribute to Schretter’s paternal grandmother and the origins of her business, King Street, NYC and Boston, MA, the Harriet Kingston collection combines premium high-end reclaimed vintage components to create timeless, whimsical creations while conserving materials and avoiding the use of newly minted natural resources.

BREAST CANCER AWARENESS: SUPPORT THE CAUSE WITH EMMA STINE

Bridal Lovelies,
As you know, this month is Breast Cancer Awareness month. It is such an important month considering the staggering statistics surrounding breast cancer. So remember to get out and get your mammograms. You can also support breast cancer research by purchasing goods from retailers that are donating proceeds from their sales to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure.

Purchase Emma Stine's Fuchsia Dina Chandelier Earrings ($48) or Blush Rosette Earrings ($56). Emma Stine is donating 30% of sales to Susan G. Komen for the Cure!

FROM THE RUNWAY TO THE AISLE: EMPORIO ARMANI SPRING 2012

Milan Fashion Week just ended but there was plenty to love. Emporio Armani has several looks that walked their runway show that make fabulous wedding dress. Especially if you are looking for a short dress with plenty of wow factor.

{images via Style.com)

CHICAGO BRIDES: THE WEDDING SALON IS TAKING OVER!

SPONSORED LOVE: Interflora, The Flower Experts, Loves Roses

Flowers Make Great Gifts

During times of great happiness and joy, flowers can be a remarkable symbol of celebration, especially with weddings where appropriate flower arrangements can take some of the pressure off and help facilitate stress-free planning. With any flower delivery UK florists can help to make the flower arrangements a seamless task and can lend their support to creating the perfect wedding flowers. As flowers represent everlasting love, adoration, and friendship, they need to be chosen carefully to ensure that any sentiment is done so eloquently.


During this special time, you are surrounded by people who love you. There is that one special person who needs a little extra attention. Your maid of honor has always been by your side. You have been through the good times and the bad times. On this happy occasion, let your maid of honor know just how special she is to you. Need gift ideas for her? Sending a beautiful orchid or sparkling wine & chocolates or maybe a tin of personalized biscuits could definitely be the perfect gifts for her.


If you chose flowers, beautiful flowers can be simple or elaborate, subtle or vibrant and bouquets can be custom designed or simple in their very essence. When considering the arrangements, roses are the natural choice as they are neither flamboyant nor insipid and simply know their place and allow the bride to take centre stage! They wrap their comforting arms around those celebrating, but never inhibit or intrude.

Whatever thank you gifts you choose, there are a host of florists who can assist in choosing the perfect gift, allowing you to relax and concentrate on your special day.

FROM THE RUNWAY TO THE AISLE: REED KRAKOFF SPRING 2012

Reed Krakoff was not satisfied with running one of the largest global brands in the world (Coach, Inc.) He had to branch off and do his own thing. I, for one, am very happy that he did. His bags are beyond fabulous. But he also designs ready-to-wear. He had a few looks at his runway show that could easily walk down the aisle (for you non-traditional brides, like myself).

{images via Style.com}

FROM THE RUNWAY TO THE AISLE: ZAC POSEN SPRING 2012

Our new series, From the Runway to the Aisle, will feature looks from Mercedes Benz Fashion Week that you could easily wear down the aisle. Our first installment takes a look at some of the gorgeous gowns presented by Zac Posen in his Spring 2012 collection.

{images via Style.com)

BRIDAL JEWELRY: THE VINTAGE LOOK & ERIN GALLAGHER

Erin Gallagher is one of the brands that always has something beautiful to offer. I really love the vintage look and feel of her pave button earring called "Amber."

WEDDING INVITATIONS: When A Man Loves A Woman

I love a man who can create something that tells a story about what he knows for sure in his heart. Jeremiah Shaw designed these wonderful invitations for his May 2009 wedding. So adorable. 

ZARA LAUNCHES ONLINE SHOPPING IN U.S. TOMORROW

The first time that I went into Zara I was in Barcelona, Spain. I wanted to buy everything. When I returned to the states, I kept thinking that I wanted to shop at this store but didn't think that there were stores here. When Zara opened stores in DC, I was over the moon with glee. It is absolutely one of my favorite stores. So when I found out that Zara was launching online shopping in the U.S., I almost lost it. All I can say is "someone please hide my credit cards!!!"

Fashion concept Zara is launching online shopping in the United States tomorrow, September 7, at Zara.com, offering free delivery to all 50 states. Zara’s online platform will sell the full range of women’s, men’s and children’s clothing that are also available in-store. All products retail online at same prices as in Zara’s stores

DELIVERY OPTIONS

Garment prices are identical online and in-store and there are two classes of delivery: standard and express. Shoppers opting for standard delivery will receive their orders at home for no charge within two to four days. Similarly, purchasers can opt to pick up their orders at the store of their choice, also free of charge, within a period of three to five days. The other option is express delivery: home delivery within 24-48 hours for a flat rate of $9.95. Regardless of the selected delivery option, product orders will be wrapped in purpose-designed eco-friendly packaging which keeps purchased garments in an optimal state until delivery.

Payments can be made using all the standard e-commerce payment methods such as PayPal plus all major credit cards, including Visa, Master Card and American Express.

FREE EXCHANGES AND RETURNS

The exchange and return policy is identical to that offered in-store: during a 30-day period and free of charge, unwanted items can be picked up at home or returned to Zara stores. Zara has hired a logistics operator with a proven track record in the field to handle nationwide distribution.

www.zara.com users can also call toll-free customer service (855-635-9272) or write to a dedicated e-mail address for help with order-related queries or problems.

INTERNET AND SOCIAL NETWORKS

The US online platform is Zara’s first outside Europe, where shoppers can already buy online in 16 countries. Zara recently celebrated the first anniversary of its online shopping launch on September 2. Zara is also very active in social networks. Of its over 10 million Facebook fans, more than 400,000 are located in the US. In conjunction with this launch, Zara has recently opened up a Twitter account, @ZARA_US, and the #DearAmerica and #ZARAShopOnline hashtags in order to keep its followers up to speed on all the breaking news in this market.

ZARA IN THE U.S.

Zara’s business presence in the United States dates back to 1989 when it opened a store in New York at 750 Lexington Avenue. Along with Paris (France) and Oporto (Portugal), New York was one of the Spanish group’s first international location choices when it began to expand abroad at the end of the 1980s. Today Zara operates stores in over 30 US cities, including New York, Miami, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Boston, Chicago and Houston, where it has flagship stores. In Manhattan, there are seven Zara stores, located along some of the Manhattan’s best shopping streets, such as Fifth Avenue, SoHo and Broadway. In Chicago, the Zara store is located on the city’s Magnificent Mile, Michigan Avenue, and is the retailer’s biggest store in the US, while the Boston store is located on Newbury Street.

BRIDAL GIFTS: Something Special For Your Groom

The thought of these lovely necklaces brought a few tears to my eyes. Such a simple way to say "I Love You." The "I've Found My Piece" necklaces would make a great gift for your groom. Find a quiet moment after your ceremony and give it to him. Available at BOiS.

DC-AREA BRIDES: WIN A DREAM WEDDING ON FASHION'S NIGHT OUT

"Get Hitched in Georgetown" Dream Wedding Being Given Away During Fashion's Night Out Georgetown Includes Wedding Dress, Reception, Invitations and More

As part of Fashion's Night Out Georgetown on 9/8, couples will face-off in a friendly yet fierce competition to win the ultimate dream wedding in Georgetown from 20+ merchants

Georgetown is DC's premier location to host a dream wedding, and for one lucky couple that dream will soon become a [free] reality. Fashion's Night Out Georgetown will offer 90+ neighborhood shopping celebrations and a whole night of excitement on September 8, 2011 from 6 p.m. - 11 p.m., but one of the evening's highlights will be the incredible "Get Hitched in Georgetown" wedding contest and giveaway, where DC-area couples will compete in several entertaining, must-watch activities, for a chance to win the ultimate Georgetown wedding.

More than 20 Georgetown merchants have teamed up to create the "Get Hitched in Georgetown" wedding package. The grand prize includes all the ingredients to a truly unforgettable wedding day such as a designer wedding gown, tiered cake, five-star wedding suite, custom invitations and even a waterfront reception. On Fashion's Night Out, one lucky engaged couple will walk away with the wedding of their dreams.

Of course, winning the dream wedding will not be that easy. The 'Get Hitched in Georgetown' contest is open to 50 sets of engaged couples*, who can enter the contest on the Fashion's Night Out Georgetown web site. Entrants must complete and submit the online application which will open on Friday, August 19 at noon and close on Friday, September 2 at noon. The Georgetown BID, who is coordinating the event with the 20 merchants, will then accept the first 50 completed applications (along with five alternates) that meet the eligibility requirements. The 50 semi-finalists will then participate in the "Get Hitched in Georgetown" event during Fashion's Night Out activities on September 8.

On September 8, the 50 couples will designate their "better halves" to participate in an unforgettable wedding-themed showdown featuring three fun rounds of competition which will be announced at the start of the event. Emceed by ABC Channel 7's Alison Starling, the competition will take place at 8:30 p.m. at TD Bank, which will be transformed for the evening by Syzygy Event Productions while local nine-year-old DJ sensation, DJ Beauty and the Beatz will be providing the tunes. And for those with no plans to walk down the aisle anytime soon, spectators are welcome to watch the participants vie for the wedding of their dreams.

Here is what the winning couple scores when they "Get Hitched in Georgetown":

Bridal Gown: Hitched Salon: DC's highly personal, full-service bridal boutique and wedding resource center is donating one custom designer gown for the bride's walk down the aisle. Tailored to meet the desires and tastes of today's brides, Hitched carries a unique selection of gowns for brides and bridesmaids as well as the many accessories that allow a bride to express herself on her wedding day.

Wedding Reception: Sequoia: One of Georgetown's most coveted wedding reception locations, Sequoia at Washington Harbour is generously offering up its gorgeous waterfront setting and offering a $15,000 daytime wedding reception for up to 100 people (subject to availability). Sequoia's panoramic view of the Potomac and Kennedy Center paired with an outdoor mesquite grill, eclectic cuisine, great drinks and the lively River Bar make Sequoia the premiere DC destination.

Wedding Cake: Patisserie Poupon: One of Georgetown's oldest and most delicious French bakeries, Patisserie Poupon, will provide a wedding cake for up to 100 people. The neighborhood gem serves up gourmet baked goods and innovative sandwiches and salads to its devoted clientele in a cozy and intimate atmosphere.

Wedding Suite: Four Seasons Hotel: Georgetown's Four Seasons Hotel is the only five-diamond, five-star hotel in the Capital region, and they are offering a one night wedding suite and complimentary parking for the newlyweds. Unequalled attentiveness and gracious service attract business and leisure guests, dignitaries and celebrities alike to this legendary Pennsylvania Avenue retreat in Georgetown.

Invitations: Dandelion Patch: DC's premier shop for wedding invitations, stationary and other printing and paper needs, Dandelion Patch is offering the lucky couple a $1,000 gift certificate toward their wedding invitations.

Attire for the Groom: Huge & Crye: Ensuring that the groom looks as stylish as possible on the big day, Huge & Crye is making sure "the shirt fits" and offering a $100 gift certificate towards menswear. Hugh & Crye is a men's apparel company based in Washington, DC, with a specific focus on the online sales of men's dress shirts. The shirts are designed to solve a common problem men have with the fit of most readymade shirts, by introducing a new sizing system designed for specific body types.

Wedding Day Up-Do: ILO Salon: L'Oreal Professional has collaborated with Salon ILO, DC's premier hair salon and day spa, to offer a full bridal beauty plan including consultation, cut, INOA color treatment, Kerastase treatments, up-do, nails, makeup, and waxing, to keep the bride looking flawless on her special day. In the Book Hill neighborhood of Georgetown, Salon ILO has been delivering sleek, sophisticated style to everyone from power brokers and media mavens to politicos and busy professionals for over 30 years.

Guest Favors: Fleurir Hand Grown Chocolates: The new Georgetown gourmet chocolate shop is sending guests home with a little something sweet, offering 4-piece boxes of its delicious chocolate for up to 100 guests. Fleurir makes each piece of chocolate by hand and uses only fresh, high-quality and natural ingredients to ensure a clean, balanced and awesomely delicious flavor with every piece.

Bridesmaid Gifts: The Phoenix: One of Georgetown's most treasured shops is offering an "after hours" visit to The Phoenix for the bride and bridal party to select custom designed earrings for up to five bridesmaids (total retail value up to $500). Since 1955, Washingtonians have looked to The Phoenix for the best in women's fashion and unique objects for the home.

Flower Girl Outfit: The Magic Wardrobe: One of DC's most adorable specialty children's boutiques, The Magic Wardrobe is providing a dress for the flower girl from their private collection. The Magic Wardrobe offers exquisite garments, designed according to their specifications, in a selection of superior fabrics. Combining luxury and tradition and crafted with attention to detail, The Magic Wardrobe's distinctive line of clothing is innovative and full of life.

Bridal Shower Cupcakes: Sprinkles Cupcakes: DC's newest cupcake shop, Sprinkles istreating bridal shower guests to some of their famed baked sweets, providing five dozen cupcakes along with two towers for the wedding shower. Sprinkles Cupcakes are handcrafted from the finest ingredients including sweet cream butter, bittersweet Belgian chocolate, pure Madagascar Bourbon vanilla, real, fresh fruits and natural citrus zests.

Bachelor/Bachelorette Party: Mie N Yu: Exotic Georgetown dining and drinks spot Mie N Yu is helping the bachelor or bachelorette celebrate their last night of singlehood with a round of drinks and appetizers for up to eight guests at their VIP table, The Birdcage.Mie N Yu is truly a unique experience, and a wonderful social experiment. Guests from all corners of the globe have been intrigued by the oasis of enjoyment in the heart of historic Georgetown.

"Something Old": TARI Boutique: Georgetown's newest, elegant vintage boutique is helping the bride fulfill her "something old" requirement with $100 in one-of-a-kind accessories. TARI offers something for all - everything from couture pieces to rare vintage finds that no one else owns, to a variety of everyday wear at an affordable price.

Wine Tasting for the Wedding Party: Bacchus Wine Cellar: There's no better way to celebrate a wedding than with a toast to the happy couple, and Bacchus Wine Cellar is offering a private in-store wine tasting for the bride and groom and their wedding party of up to 10 people. Bacchus is a warmly accented boutique in Georgetown, carrying wine and spirits ranging from artisanal, unknown estates to the most coveted chateaux - offering something for every budget and palate.

Rehearsal Dress: Urban Chic: It's just as important to look stylish at the rehearsal dinner as the wedding day, and luckily Urban Chic is offering a private shopping party for the winner and bridal party with champagne, treats, and storewide discount, plus a $50 gift card and gift bag for the bride.Urban Chic brings an edge to conservative DC, mixing in pieces from established brands with newer trends from up-and-coming designers.

Post-Wedding Brunch for the Bride & Groom: Clyde's of Georgetown: Brunch with great friends and family is the perfect way to recover after a long wedding night, and Clyde's of Georgetown is offering a post-wedding brunch for up to eight guests. Clyde's of Georgetown is the original, opening back in 1963 on M St. as an immediate sensation, and its distinctive signature style evokes "the good life" of a bygone era.

Honeymoon Lingerie: Jaryam: Georgetown's exclusive purveyor of fine lingerie, Jaryam is offering the bride a romantic honeymoon lingerie set for the special post-wedding getaway. The charming boutique also offers the finest selection of corsetry, hosiery, swimwear, sleepwear and clothing.

Tuxedo for the Groom: Lost Boys: The ultimate resource for men with style, Lost Boys will ensure that the groom is well-dressed for the big day. Owner and fashion expert Kelly Muccio will offer a classic tuxedo and private styling session for the groom-to-be.
Welcome Gifts for Guests: Georgetown Cupcake: Greet out-of-town guests in the sweetest way possible- with custom cupcakes from the famous Georgetown Cupcake. Georgetown Cupcake is providing 100 individually boxed cupcakes with custom fondant.

Honeymoon Wardrobe: J. Crew: Looking stylish doesn't just stop on the night of the wedding, so J. Crew is offering a $500 gift card for the bride to be styled for her honeymoon by J. Crew Wedding Specialist Shannon. J.Crew offers the highest quality men's and women's clothing as well as children's clothing including cashmere, sweaters, women's dresses and shoes, men's shirts and ties, accessories and much more.

Fashion's Night Out Georgetown will transform the neighborhood into a fashion playground as over 90 Georgetown stores, restaurants and salons come together to host an extraordinary evening of shopping, entertainment and neighborhood-wide fashion events during the global shopping celebration. From roaming dancers and a fashion flash mob, a stylish pop-up shoppers' lounge, the epic Georgetown wedding competition, an FNO hot air balloon, and even an old-school haberdashery for the gents, Georgetown's Fashion's Night Out promises shoppers the most memorable fashion industry celebration DC has ever seen for the second year in a row.

*Participating couples must also meet a set of criteria (be at least 21 years of age, live in DC/MD/VA, be engaged to be married, etc.) to be considered as a participant. The full list of rules and regulations can be found here: www.fashionsnightoutgeorgetowndc.com.

For more details about Fashion's Night Out Georgetown and the "Get Hitched in Georgetown" contest, please visit our website at www.fashionsnightoutgeorgetowndc.com, Facebook at FNO Georgetown (www.facebook.com/pages/Fashions-Night-Out-Georgetown-DC) and Georgetown, DC (www.facebook.com/OfficialGeorgetownDC) and Twitter at FNO Georgetown (www.twitter.com/fnogeorgetown - @FNOgeorgetown) and Georgetown, DC (www.twitter.com/GeorgetownDC - @georgetowndc).


About the Georgetown Business Improvement District
The Georgetown Business Improvement District (BID) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting and enhancing the accessibility, attractiveness and overall appeal of Georgetown. Established in 1999 by its property owners and merchants, the Georgetown BID has more than 1,000 members. The organization is located in the heart of Georgetown in Washington, D.C and sets a standard of excellence in preserving historic charm while meeting contemporary needs. From marketing and special events, to transportation and streetscape, the Georgetown BID contributes to the vitality and quality of life in Georgetown. For more information please visit georgetowndc.com. Also connect with Georgetown on Twitter: www.twitter.com/GeorgetownDC, Facebook: www.facebook.com/OfficialGeorgetownDC and YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/GeorgetownDCTV.

About Fashion's Night Out
Fashion's Night Out (FNO) is an unprecedented global initiative originally created in 2009 to celebrate fashion, restore consumer confidence, and boost the industry's economy during the recession. On September 8, 2011, in response to overwhelming demand, Fashion's Night Out will return to New York City and over 100 cities nationwide to highlight fashion and support retail with exciting events that include designer appearances, celebrity guests, fashion shows and musical performances. In the United States, the program is a collaboration between American Vogue, the Council of Fashion Designers of America, NYC & Company, and the City of New York. For more information visit www.fashionsnightout.com, or join us on Facebook and Twitter (@fnonyc, #FNO).

EDITOR'S NOTES: A LOVELY LUNCH WITH PRESTON BAILEY

You know that there are times in your life when you just can't believe that what is happening is really happening. You know, you pinch yourself just so that you know that you are not dreaming. You know that feeling, right?

Well, I met my fellow members of the B-List this week to sit down to an amazing lunch with the legendary event planner, Preston Bailey and his team. What a memorable experience. As I walked off the elevator, I was immediately greeted by the man himself. He was so welcoming and made me feel very comfortable. I tried very hard to hide my nervousness. But trust me, I was a wreck inside.

After the exchange of pleasantries with the group, we sat down for what would prove to be one fantastic meal. I am not exaggerating. But I will tell you why later. To kickoff our lunch, Preston asked us to put our creative sides to work by taking the gorgeous flowers in our napkins and creating a floral centerpiece for the table. We were to remove the petals and carefully place each one around the bowl of water until it was filled with petals. Once the bowl was full, we took one of the flowers (removed from its stem), pulled it open slightly and placed it in the center of the petals. What a fab idea! What a simple way to make a table look so elegant.

After a wonderful flower arrangement lesson, lunch was served. As the meals were being placed, Preston talked very candidly about how changing his diet to eating primarily raw foods had changed his life. He spoke about the increase in his energy levels and his overall feeling of wellness. I had never considered eating raw foods. Seriously, raw foods have an image problem. It just doesn't seem appetizing when you hear those words. But that could not be further from the truth.

Enter Jana Keith-Jennings, Bailey's personal chef and the one responsible for making sure that he adheres to his raw foods diet. Our plates were a mix of steamed and raw food combinations that I would have never thought to put together. Jana made a watermelon and tomato salad, a fresh summer corn salad and mini raw mushroom pizzas. So delish. Who knew?!? But the best was yet to come.

There was a pair of beautifully beaded drapes that withheld a lovely surprise. Behind the curtain was the quintessential Preston Bailey design on display. It was full of Jana's delectable desserts. The table was filled with cookies, brownies, tarts, and chocolate truffles. I had a chance to speak with Jana and I was totally inspired by her passion for raw foods. Jana does not use processed anything! No processed flours, processed sugars, gluten, animal or dairy products or genetically modified additives. When she does have to use heat, she prefers steaming as her low-heat cooking method as it ensures that vital nutrients are not burned off as it may happen during conventional cooking methods. She really moved me to reconsider my eating habits. If I can eat meals like this everyday, count me in on this movement.

I was very thankful to have attended this fabulous wedding blogger's luncheon with the man who can take an empty space and turn it into something spectacular and very memorable. Many thanks to Preston Bailey and the entire Preston Bailey team for your graciousness and kindness. It will be an experience that I will never forget.

What's New at Preston Bailey
Bridal lovelies, just so you know. Preston Bailey and his team have worked very hard to create some useful tools to help you with your wedding planning. You have the What's Your Story? Color Palette Picker which allows you to choose some signature colors, tell him a little about your event, and he will add the "Preston factor" to your palette to give you an idea of how that wow factor can be realized.

There's also the Design Your Tablecloth tool. With this tool, you can create your ideal tablecloth. It will help you to narrow down your choices so that you can really see its impact on your table design.

You can also check out his Bride Ideas blog where you can discover fab ideas and wedding inspiration that can help to make your day very special.

BRIDAL SHOES: SEEING RED WITH NICHOLAS KIRKWOOD

With all that white and off-white you will be wearing, you need a pop of color. Red is always a fab choice. Just in case you haven't heard, that are quite a few fab shoe designers besides Louboutin and Jimmy Choo. Nicholas Kirkwood is one of my favorite shoe designers. So head on over to Kirna Zabete and get this gorgeous pair of red peep-toe slingbacks. You will be happy that you did!

BRIDAL JEWELRY: Art Deco Meets Modern

This is a fabulous art deco style necklace by Roberta Chiarella. It is very elegant and would be perfect with your strapless dress. For a limited time, get 20% off with promo code SW82011.

RECEPTION DECOR: Sign Your Names & Lead The Way

Love, love, love this fabulous wedding sign by Sweet Wedding Details. So charming. It will totally add that unique touch to your wedding reception.

WEDDING DRESSES: Easy Breezy by Amour Sans Anguish

Amour Sans Anguish brings you the "Easy To Love You" dress. The top is made with elegantly disheveled chiffons, lace, and ruffles with bits. Totally something different for the bride who dances to the beat of her own little drummer.

WEDDING SHOES: Nina Brings You Wedges

I just love a wedge heel. Now you can have a wedge with your wedding dress. This would be the perfect option for shorter dresses. The Eterna by Nina Shoes.