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We Survived the D Weddings Spring/Summer 2010 Gown Shoot

Photographer Max Helfman doing her magic.

Blossom models her wedding day duds.

Well, it took three days, 25 people, 40 dresses, thousands of dollars worth of accessories, hundreds and hundreds of photos and two Chihuahuas but we got the D Weddings gown shoot done – and if we do say so ourselves, it’s one of our best! I’d love to show you some shots here but you’ll have to wait until the issue comes out at the end of December. I know that seems far off but it will be worth it. You’ll see gorgeous designer dresses (some straight off the runway) from Vera Wang, Monique Lhuillier, Oscar de la Renta, St. Pucchi, Angel Sanchez, Romona Keveza and more. Until then, get your wedding gown fix by checking out my photo-filled Runway Reports from last week’s NYC Bridal Market here, here and here.  And the Chihuahuas? They kept us on our toes during the long days, and even got in on the act once or twice.

St. Pucchi Trunk Show at StarDust

Mark your calendars, ladies. StarDust Celebrations is hosting a St. Pucchi Trunk show all weekend long. I’m sure you’re all familiar with this stunning bridal brand, but in case you’re not, you won’t be let down. The detail on these gowns never ceases to amaze me. I can get carried away clicking through the online galleries for hours upon hours, but seeing them in person? Now that’s dangerous. Anyway, on to the important details of this event. Designer Rani Totman describes this line as, “gowns that reflect an Old World elegance melded with a trend-setting modern sensibility.” Special promotional pricing will be offered throughout the weekend, and appointments are required, so book now!

The times are Fri., Oct. 30 from 10 am-6 pm; Sat., Oct. 31 from 10 am-5 pm; and Sun., Nov. 1 from noon-4 pm.

StarDust Celebrations, 6464 W. Plano Pkwy., Plano. 972-781-1619.

Runway Report: NYC Bridal Market Day 2

With Day 1 behind me and a good night’s sleep I was ready to take on Day 2 where I would see shows by Reem Acra, Monique Lhuillier, Anne Barge, Douglas Hannant, Anna Maier~Ulla Maija and Junko Yoshioka. As luck would have it the weather was unseasonally cold. With pouring rain and gusty wind, it wasn’t the easiest day to navigate the city. It took what seemed like forever to find an empty cab. But I soldiered on. I was determined to hit every show. I didn’t want to miss one dress! Jump to see what made my day worthwhile…

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Carolina Herrera Sample Sale – Do NOT Miss It!

Ladies, mark your calendars for the Carolina Herrera bridal gown sample sale on Saturday, August 22. Go ahead, I’ll wait. Done? Ok. Carolina Herrera is one of my all-time favorite wedding gown designers and to have the chance to get one of her incredibly gorgeous pieces at a discount is a dream come true. Herrera incorporates beautiful detailing I’ve not seen elsewhere (see photo at left from our summer 2009 D Weddings issue) and uses only the finest, most luxurious fabrics. They not only look fantastic in photos but are even more lovely in person. Go see them yourself at this one-day only sale from 10am-6pm. You will be blown away, I promise.

Prashe Decor: Couture Indian Wedding & Event Planning

Indian weddings include many rituals and events leading up to the big day and although they are some of the most enjoyable affairs to attend, I am sure they can be quite laborious to plan. From the mendhi and sangeet to fashion, flowers, and reception decor, Prashe Decor founders, Pramel and Prashe (brother and sister duo) are here to assist with all of your needs to put together decadent and festive affairs to remember. Take a peek at the fashion designer (Prashe) turned party decorator’s own fabulous four-day affair that was featured in the Spring/Summer 2008 issue of D Weddings.

Behind-the-Scenes at the D Weddings Gown Shoot

If you haven’t already seen the gown feature in the new D Weddings be sure to check it out. It takes months and months of planning for such a huge photo shoot to take place. From dresses to shoes to the set design to catering for the staff, getting everything and everyone in the right place at the right time is no small endeavor—but somehow we did it. And with D Magazine’s fashion director, Stephanie Quadri, on board this time, I have to say this is our best yet. Her styling expertise and exquisite taste were just what we needed to outdo ourselves. To get in on the action check out the behind-the-scenes video.

Cathy Waterman’s “Love of My Life” Rings Now on Ylang23.com

Ylang 23, the Dallas-based luxury jewelry store, has debuted lead designer Cathy Waterman’s full collection on their web site. This “Love of My Life” collection includes some of her classic rings as well as new designs. She has countless celebrities as fans and one of her rings, called ”Perfect Murder” was named such after being featured in the Gwyneth Paltrow/Michael Douglas movie of the same name. Obvious from the gorgeous details, Waterman’s inspiraton comes from nature which translates beautifully into baubles that will make heads turn.

Coco Myles Offers Affordable, High-Quality Custom Wedding and Bridesmaid Dresses

On a budget? Worried about spending too much on your wedding gown but still want to look totally fabulous? Well, you can thank me now because I have found the answer at cocomyles.com. They make custom dresses that can be worn as wedding gowns, bridesmaid dresses or evening dresses. You can choose from styles inspired by celebrities (like the one on Cameron Diaz at left), or pick from their pre-designed silouettes. They have tons of colors available for each and also offer shawls, sashes and bows made-to-order. The best part is that none of them are over $150 so you can dress yourself AND your bridesmaids without having to skimp on quality! They have four fabric choices - satin, charmeuse, georgette and matte jersey, and the gowns are returnable if you contact them within 48 hours of receiving yours. If you’re worried about the material quality, or which fabric to choose, they will ship swatches out to you in no time.

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Essense of Australia Launches Hot New Couture Line, Martina Liana

If you haven’t heard of the 14-year-old Essense of Australia line from Down Under–available at the Lenz Boutique in Frisco–you need to remember it. The new reasonably priced couture line, Martina Liana, is unique and elegant. Ranging from $1,499 to $2,299, the gowns feature French lace, gorgeous beading, and luxurious fabrics such as silk satin, deluxe Dupioni, silk taffeta, angel satin, or soft Italian metallic. Beading is optional, so brides can opt for something simple.

Behind the Scenes at the D Weddings Gown Shoot

Last week we spent three days (after months and months of preparation) at Thom Jackon’s studio shooting the gown feature for the D Weddings fall/winter 2009 issue. We had dozens of gowns; more than a million dollars worth of jewelry; and hats, gloves, hair accessories, feathers and shoes galore. The set was a modern take on the opulent Marie Antoinette era, with soft colors and elaborate designs. We photographed the models in incredible gowns from Monique Lhuillier, Vera Wang, Oscar de la Renta, Carolina Herrera, Reem Acra, St. Pucchi, Watters, Claire Pettibone, Elizabeth Fillmore, Junko Yoshioka, Amsale, Badgley Mischka, Christos, Douglas Hannant, Elie Saab, Priscilla of Boston, Romona Keveza and many more. The photos were simply gorgeous, thanks to art director Jamie Laubhan-Oliver’s amazing set, stylist Stephanie Quadri’s gorgeous ensembles, make-up artist Lisa Williams’ angelic faces, and Shampoo Salon’s elegant updos. Thom Jackson’s beautiful photography pulled it all together for what promises to be a stunning story. See him in action (well, the back of his head) in the photo above with model Hollie Jagen in a Anna Maier-Ulla Maija gown. The issue hits newsstands July 2. You won’t be disappointed!