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Eric Olschwanger Custom Jewelry Design

Looking for jewelry that not only stands out but is 100% original? Well, we have the jeweler for you –  native Dallasite and UT grad, Eric Olschwanger. A GIA certified diamond gemologist and custom jewelry designer with over 18 years of experience, Eric can create just about anything you can dream up. While most of his clients prefer traditional to modern pieces he has designed many original rings like one that was the silhouette of the Eiffel Tower and another, in the shape of a spider. Olschwanger is a strong believer in customer service so he only takes on a certain amount of clients at a time in order to provide them his undivided attention. In addition, he educates his clients not only on the 4 C’s (cut, clarity, color, carat) but also on depth and table percent, fluorescence, shape, certifications and buyer beware topics. Olschwanger designs his rings on the CAD (computer aided design) system instead of utilizing the hand-made process where glitches can occur. This ensures the ring is perfect in design. We’ve been told that “he sells his stones at competitive prices and beats retail jewelers hands down in cost.” While we can’t confirm that, we can say that it’s definitely worth checking out.

Missing China Pieces? We Know Who to Call

Let’s say grandmother decided to hand you down her beautiful, exquisite china as a heartfelt wedding gift. Lucky you. (One less thing to argue over while registering, right?) And then let’s say that somehow, during all those years of being a family heirloom, some of those china pieces were lost in translation. What’s a bride to do with seven plates and eight settings? Enter Replacements, Ltd. This warehouse has scoured countless flea markets to gather more than 13 million pieces of china and other fine collectables, with the sole purpose of reuniting them with the original owners. Replacements is actually located in North Carolina, but people from all over the world can submit photos of their missing patterns to see if they’ve discovered any lost pieces. Visit their website for more information. You can also call 1-800-REPLACE or email inquire@replacements.com. Happy hunting!

Financial Planning for Newlyweds

Ah, wedded bliss… The ceremony was sublime, the reception a riot, and the honeymoon simply divine, but now that all the partying is over, reality is going to hit. Not that that’s a bad thing. In fact, it’s this reality that teaches newlyweds how to be a team. And this teamwork renders some of the greatest rewards of matrimony – stability, loyalty and solidarity. But, as with any team, there are bound to be disagreements, differences of opinion and conflicting beliefs that must be sorted out in order to achieve success. With young couples this often occurs with the combining of finances. School doesn’t teach us how to solve the age-old question “Should we buy a new sofa or the ESPN satellite sports package?” Continue reading "Financial Planning for Newlyweds"

FaceLogic Bridal Packages

If you want to look your best for your wedding (and we know you do) then you might want to consider FaceLogic’s bridal packages. You may have read about this membership-based spa in D Beauty a while back. Well, now they are offering some great ways to help you get that special glow on your big day. Jump for the deets. Continue reading "FaceLogic Bridal Packages"

Just Engaged: Licci Ryu and Nicolas Beabeau

Nicolas Beabeau is our idea of a talented multitasker. While he was busy studying for a painfully difficult exam (known to some as the medical boards), he somehow managed to find enough time to plan a surprise proposal for his girlfriend, Licci Ryu. After the eight-hour test, Licci and Nicolas celebrated its completion with dinner at Tei Tei before calling it a night. When they arrived home, Licci was greeted by flowers, candles, and champagne. She was shocked that Nicolas found time to pull this off while cramming for the exam, but when a video montage of their photos began playing, she knew she was in for an even bigger surprise. Nicolas kneeled down and popped the question. The couple will be married at Marie Gabrielle in Uptown.

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Marchesa Trunk Show at Warren Barron Tomorrow

Remember this blog when I told you that Warren Barron is the only bridal salon in town carrying Marchesa gowns? Well, they’ll be having a Marchesa trunk show tomorrow through Saturday from 10am-6pm and sistahs, you’d be foolish not to go! For three days the boutique will house a whole slew of Marchesa wedding dresses, more than they usually have in stock, so get on it!

Looking for a Bridal Vendor? We Have Recommendations.

In addition to a beautiful magazine, Real Weddings photo galleries, and this blog, we have an excellent resource for brides planning their nuptials. In our weddings directory you’ll find 482 recommended vendors, from photographers to florists (and just about everything in between). Just a little reminder that we’re here to help plan the most important day of your life.

Carolina Herrera Valentine’s Bridal Promotion

Dear Boyfriend,
We know we usually freak out when you mention the “M” word, but we think we’re ready for you to ask us to marry you. What made us change our minds so suddenly? Well, you see, there’s going to be an amazing bridal promotion next weekend (Feb. 12-14th) at Carolina Herrera. They’re offering deals that we simply can not pass up, like various discounts on samples, 10 percent off of new orders, and one-of-a-kind samples from the Spring 2010 collection (that aren’t available for order). Anywho, go ahead and ask away! Oh, and if you need help picking out a ring, please let us know. There’s a Harry Winston right across the street from CH. xoxo

There’s a New Bridesmaid Dress Designer in Town and We Likey

In each issue of D Weddings, I am responsible for the bridesmaid page. This means that I scour the collections of all deisgners carried in the Dallas area for bridesmaid dresses that are actually pretty and don’t look like every other one you’ve seen.  (See the page from the most recent issue here.) Believe me, this is not a simple task. It is, however, getting easier. Designers are finally taking notice of the lack of attractive attendant dresses and creating their own lines. Thank goodness! To that end, a new label has emerged called Swoon. Available exclusively at Bella Bridesmaid until June 30, 2010 (and at other local retailers after that), the frocks, made of chiffon or silk charmeuse, are soft, feminine, elegant and, believe it or not, all under $300. Now when you tell your ‘maids they’ll be able to wear the dress again after the wedding you won’t be lying.

Just Engaged: Harriett Hardamon and Keith Henson

After eight months of dating, Army SSGT Keith Henson decided it was time to pop the question. Only one small problem. He was serving overseas in Afghanistan and his girlfriend, Harriett Hardamon, was in Dallas. Solution: a video proposal. On December 23, 2009, from thousands of miles away, Keith dropped to one knee during a military greeting message on Fox 4. Harriett, who was watching the early-morning newscast, jumped out of bed and rushed to the computer. She emailed her response, “Yes, I will marry you…hurry home soon so we can start planning this wedding!” The couple will be married on October 23, at the City Club in Dallas.

Want your engagement featured on BridalBuzz? Click here for details.