FREE Make-up Trial

Come join us on November 7th for your free make-up trial with Simone! She will be in the Winter Park store from 11:00-4pm by appointment only. Simone is the owner of Make-Over Station located in Orlando. She is our go to make-up and hair stylist when it comes to all of our fashion shoots. With over ten years of industry experience, she has developed unique techniques to give you that bridal glow. The magazines suggest coming into your bridal appointment with hair and make-up similar to what you would wear on your wedding day. This is a great opportunity to see your whole look come together.
Please call the Winter Park store today ~ 407.647.8666

Have a Funny Proposal or Honeymoon Story?

The WS Publishing Company is in the midst of producing a new book. Their books are sold in over 6,000 national locations. They are on the hunt of the funniest proposal and honeymoon stories. If you interested in getting your story published, please contact Brettan Bablove. Here are the details:

Name: Brettan Bablove
Email: brettan@weddingsolutions.com
Deadline: 05:10pm PACIFIC - 30 October

I am looking for crazy, funny or outrageous proposal or honeymoon stories.
Please send me the story as you would share it with a friend and I can edit
for clarity.

The submissions that are chosen will be featured, along
with your name, in a new book from WS Publishing Group, the leading
publisher of wedding planning titles in North America. Our books are sold
in more than 6,000 stores.

This particular title will come out in all
major stores next summer. This is a cool chance to be featured in a book
that will be read by thousands of brides, grooms and wedding
guests.

Please put HARO Proposal/Honeymoon stories in the subject line.
Thanks in advance!

Real Wedding: That makes you want an Invite!

Recently, our lovely bride Kiimberly dropped off her Kenneth Pool wedding gown to get it cleaned for an additional photo shoot. We took a peek at the gown to see the wedding day damage. We can always tell how much fun a bride has by the look of her wedding gown. Let's just say, she got her moneys worth of fun! After seeing this bridal gown, we had to keep an eye on her photographers blog. The pictures are up. Take a look at the Vue Photography for a full display of Kimberly's big day. The pictures say just as much as the dress does. We are so fortunate to have this amazing couple as one of our clients. She fell in love with her fiance in elementary school. Their story is quiet unique and special. Thanks Kimberly for sharing it with us!

Ways to Broach!

We just received new broaches to add to our collection. Checkout all the creative ways our team has come up with to add that unique touch to your wedding day. Make sure to comment if you have an idea of your own!

Make the Neckline into Sweetheart:

Add to a Sash:

Use as shoe jewelry:

Add more drama to the bustle:

Add more attention to the unique elements:

Create into a hair piece:

Use as bouquet jewelry:

New York City Bridal Market

This past week Alicia, Amy, Tali, and myself (Marissa) attended Bridal Market in New York City! It was an amazing experience to meet all of our designers and pick out all of the new dresses for next season for both the Winter Park and Gainesville stores. One of my favorite moments was when we got to meet Anne Barge! (She is the teeny tiny one in the middle in the picture below.) Her fashion show was incredible, and she is so incredibly sweet and humble.

We also got to attend the Martha Stewart Weddings party at The Plaza Hotel. It was a great opportunity to mingle with designers, speak to consultants from other stores across the country, and eat yummy food.


It wasn't all about the dresses at Market. We looked at some amazing bridal accessories as well. Some of my favorites were the fabulous shoes from Salon Shoes/Grace Footwear, and the belts and cage veils from Erin Cole Couture. Erin (on the right in the picture below) dressed her model up with some crazy accessories for us!

All of the collections that we saw while in New York were amazing, but there were definitely a few stand outs for me. The Rivini dress below was very simple, but the beaded belt at the waistline was gorgeous.
Marisa is one of my favorite collections that we carry at Solutions, and their new collection definitely didn't disappoint. We were all obsessed with the dress below. The top is satin and fitted, but the bottom is made out of romantic organza that swirls into a unique flower detail. I cant wait to see it in the store!
We saw a lot of tulle ball gowns on the runways, but this dress from Jasmine Couture is a must have for the bride who loves a little bling!

The Kenneth Pool shown below was quite the stunner. Any bride in this dress will definitely turn some heads!


It was hard to pick a favorite out of all of the dresses that we saw, but for me I think it was this amazing Kenneth Pool. It is hard to tell from the picture below, but the bead work on the skirt is incredible. The wrapping on the bodice was oh-so-flattering, and the way the organza skirt flowed was so romantic. I think I'm in love!

I cant wait for all of the new dresses! We should see them arriving in the stores at the beginning of 2010. I will be working on posting some of the other pictures on our Facebook page over the next week or so, so make sure to check them out. I would like to leave everyone with my list of the TOP 5 TRENDS that I saw on the runway:

#5: Details in the Fabric: We definitely saw less all over beading and full lace gowns. Most of the drama came from the volume of the fabric, and the way it was draped, folded, rouched, and molded.
#4: Showing off the Natural Waistline: Lazaro, Rivini and Kenneth Pool were among many of the designers who used beading or other details to accentuate a dress' natural waistline, which typically hits at the smallest part of a woman's torso.
#3: Beaded Belts: Watters, Lazaro, and Anne Barge showed of beautiful beaded belts to accessorize their dresses. Many of them came in an array of different colors and fabrics.
#2: Flower Power: Flower details were a huge trend on the runway. On one dress they were quarter sized and crystal beaded, and on another they were huge and swirling out of the skirt of the gown. Look out for them popping up in unexpected ways!
#1: The Ball Gown is Back!:(But it's not just for princesses!) We saw a ton of fuller skirts on the runway. Tulle was definitely a favorite fabric among the designers showing this shape, but they often added beading or belts to update the look. Many designers also used organza in their ball gowns to create a more airy, romantic look. Personally, I loved this trend and I cant wait to see what our brides think!

Glam Going Rebel

Rebel Glam photographer, Charity De Meer, scooped up our Torrean gown for a fashionista filled shoot. Since Sunday, the Solutions Bridal buying team has been at NYC Bridal Market. The shoot is filled with the same energy we have found here. Brides (including Southern belles) are starting to push the envelope. I just can't explain how excited we are about it! We have been running from one designer showroom to the next in search of the best of the best in bridal. The Spring collections are all about luxurious organzas, hand-crafted rosettes, natural waists, tulle skirts, and delicately placed beading. It was difficult to come across a full beaded gown. The designers are taking a more softer feminine approach, but adding drama by styling the gown with vintage inspired jewelry. After seeing Charity's photographs, I just got all excited again about the current bridal trends. Spring 2010 can only be described as nothing less than dreamy.

Trick or Treat!

This Halloween our Winter Park store is having a wonderful treat for our brides... we're having a sale so good it will scare you! Gowns over $2,500 will be $250 off and gowns over $4,000 will be $600 off from 10/30- 11/1. Now that's spooky.

We'll also be hosting a Saturday vendor meet and greet with Susie Weiss from Wonderful Weddings and Richard & Brian from Flourish. It's going to be a very Happy Halloween at Solutions!

Make sure you stop by, you'll sure be in for a treat!

Photo By: http://mixmingleglow.com/

Room Service: Organic Orlando

A few of us from Solutions Bridal attended Room Service's showcase event, Organic Orlando. The event was absolutely amazing & fun! There was live music, belly dancers, wine & beer & tons of food! Room Service is a furniture & event rental business that has become one of the largest rental companies in the United States. They do an amazing job putting events together & creating completely unique looks. We applaud Room Service for an incredible night & a job well done. -Brittany E.

Tears of Joy Seamstress Services

Everyone here at Solutions Bridal of Winter Park loves our in-house seamstress Holly Smith! Holly has been altering dresses for 16 years & owns her own alterations business called, Tears of Joy. Holly started altering wedding dresses 7 years ago & has loved every minute of it! She has told us seeing the Bride happy with the final outcome of her dress is the best part of her job! She does fittings at Solutions Bridal Wednesdays and Sundays; however, will alter any other brides dress with special requests on any other day. Holly works with all types of fabrics & bead work. Holly's advice is to give her 6 weeks till the wedding & to have your weight stable! Holly's contact information is (407) 760-4886 www.tearsofjoy.com. Here are some photos of Holly with one of our Brides, Marie Cicerelle getting her alterations done! -Brittany E.

A brand new dress!

A new Kenneth Pool dress, the Botticelli arrived today at our Winter Park store & it is stunning! The dress is a silk satin/tulle, with silver beading and curved neckline. We have many Kenneth Pool dresses in store & all of them are remarkable! Kenneth Pool is Amsale Aberra's collection that emphasizes couture & dramatic details. The dress will be here in store until next Friday! Please feel free to make an appointment with us & take a look at this beautiful gown as well as many others!

Re-wearing your bridesmaid dress.

This past weekend I stumbled upon the style guide for bridesmaids. As every soon-to-be bride knows, picking out the perfect bridesmaid dress can be a stressful event. Questions arise rather or not the girls you've selected will be able to re-wear their bridesmaids dresses. We say go for it! In Style Weddings Summer 2009 issue gave some great hints on how to re-wear and turn your bridesmaid dress into a hot new look for a party or date, and with the right accessories for the office too! Some ideas to re-wear your bridesmaid dress to the office are to match it with a short sleeved cardigan, heels and fun accessories such as a plated necklace. Re-wearing your bridesmaid dress to a date or party is less of a challenge then you might think. Matching the dress with a vintage belt, clutch, and a unique cuff is the perfect look to a semi-formal night out. Hope these ideas are insightful & valuable! -Brittany E.

The Vera Wang SALE!!

I have been talking about this for days now, and I am SO excited to finally announce it... we are selling one of the hottest Vera Wang gowns on SUPER SALE!!

Here's how this sale works... email me at kari@solutionsbridal.com to set up an appointment. This sale is first come, first served... so the first to email me gets the first shot at taking the gown home!!!

It is a sample size 10 in Light Ivory. This is VERA though, so this dress fits more like a size 6-8. The dress just went through a rigorous cleaning process, so it looks straight from the designer!

THE BEST PART: We usually sell this dress for $3,200, but we will be taking $2,000 off the price for a final price of: $1,200!!

Here are some pictures and details about the gown:

English netting... cross-over rouged bodice with beaded detailing... fit and flare, trumpet style skirt... sheer straps that can be worn off the shoulder... gathered back detail accentuating the natural waist... OH MY!


Email me for more details or to set-up an appointment to make this gown YOURS!
kari@solutionsbridal.com

Real Brides Go Editorial

Image by Rivini Bridal

With many thanks to Abby Liga Photography and our Solutions Bridal Stylist, Alicia, our Rivini gown "Thirteen" was transformed. The concept of the shoot was to showcase how a bride should celebrate her marriage by having unique, fashion-forward images taken of her days before her wedding. As Abby mentioned on her blog, everyone is looking for something different. These shoots represent who the bride is. Sometimes the bride gets suckered into wearing sister's early 90's veil down the aisle or the blusher over the face for her father. These are all great wedding traditions that are hard to do without, but may not necessarily represents the bride's personal style. The Couture Dress Sessions by Abby Liga gives the bride a chance to experience what its like to be on an editorial shoot adorn with accessories she loves. As consultants we have seen the same dress look completely different on two different brides. The dress really does become the brides after all the accessories, hair, and make-up styles are selected.

Vendors We Love: Posh Pastry!

It all started with a birthday cake...

Another vendor we absolutely love in the Gainesville area is Kristy from Posh Pastry! We recently got to spend time with Kristy when she participated in Denim & Diamonds Bridesmaid night at Solutions Bridal. Kristy wowed our brides and bridesmaids with DELICIOUS chocolate covered pretzels and DECADENT chocolate cake samples. We asked Kristy a few questions about Posh Pastry and how she got started in the biz.


"I wanted to make a cake for my son's first birthday, so I went to Michael's and took the cake decorating classes. I made his cake and it was a big success. Everything grew from that one little cake. I made more and more cakes for friends and family, learning lots along the way. I took all the classes that I could find, even attending professional classes at a pastry school. I was asked to make a very large alligator cake for UF and that's when Posh Pastry was born.
We built my cake studio, registered my business and got it licensed the week before the cake was due."

Posh Pastry offers the bride much more than a traditional wedding cake.

"I offer a new, fresh, approach to wedding cakes. Posh Pastry doesn't make
your grandma's style cakes. I specialize in modern cakes with a clean
contemporary edge. Each cake is completely custom designed just for the
bride and groom. We can do almost anything with cake. I've never said, 'I
don't think I can do that' and that has led to some pretty cool cakes! Our
sculpted cakes really set us apart from the rest. I've made a six foot
alligator, a life size guitar, a Porsche, and even a bag of Twizzlers!"

Posh Pastry also offers custom designed gourmet chocolate pretzels. They are
hand dipped and custom decorated to fit any color scheme, so they make great
favors. They look beautiful and taste amazing!!

It's All About the Moms!

With all of the hard work that goes into planning a wedding, mothers of the bride and groom often forget about taking the time to pick out something for themselves to wear. Don't let this happen to your mother!! During busy wedding seasons, we frequently have a influx of mothers coming in a couple weeks before the wedding to find their dresses. Then, they become a little overwhelmed when we tell them the dresses can take 3-4 months to be made and shipped in for them. Don't fret moms, we have a solution!

Introducing the Jade Trunk Show coming up in our Gainesville Store!

From October 9th -11th, the newest dresses from Jade's Mother of the Bride collection will be coming to our store, and we will even be offering an Exclusive Designer Discount!! Call in today to make your appointment! The spaces are filling up fast! {352.367.0070}

Pamper Yourself!

Over the months and months of planning for the big day, the stress and running around will start to take a toll on brides. The Ritz Carlton at Grande Lakes here in Orlando has a spectacular spa that can cater to all different needs and desires! One of their main focuses is to be at the cutting edge of therapeutic treatments, bringing in massage techniques from all over the world. With lots of different pampering packages and options, spending a full day at the spa won't be difficult at all! Their Girlfriends' Spa Diva Ritual Package is a perfect way for a bride and her bridesmaids to get together before the wedding. It includes the Ritz Carlton customized massage, signature tailored facial, a Girlfriend's martini, manicure and pedicure and lunch at their delicious cafe. Brides can even sign up for a spa membership and start facials and massages months before to make sure they have the perfect glow on their wedding day!


The 3 story, over 6,000 square foot spa is beautifully designed, and perfect for relaxing. You'll feel like it's your home away from home with an incredibly attentive staff and well appointed facilities. Enjoy!

A day at the Courtyard

This past Thursday afternoon at the Courtyard at Lake Lucerne an amazing photo shoot took place. Abby Liga an extremely talented photographer based out of Orlando shot the photos. Her unique & fresh taste brought the location to life. Abby has a true talent for capturing the right moments & emotions in her photos. Designer dresses from Solutions Bridal were provided for the shoot and looked stunning in the hints of outside lighting provided from the Courtyard. The beautiful veils, necklaces, earrings & broaches were provided by Paris. Also joining the fun was Simone from Makeover station, she used her unique skills to give our model the big gorgeous hair & beautiful bright eyes that sealed the deal for the perfect picture. -Brittany E.

Expert Styling

Last month we hosted the Rivini Fall Trunk Show featuring Rivini expert, Indira Rivera. A Trunk Show is a prime opportunity to find your dream dress. Most stores only carry around eight samples from a particular designer. During a trunk show the designer sends in the whole collection for the bride to view during her personal appointment. The designer expert works as your personal stylist to help complete your look for the big day. They know all the custom changes and tricks of the trade. It was such a pleasure having Indira in for the Rivini Trunk Show. After working for Vera Wang for years, she made the switch to Rivini. She takes great pride in the line and has provided us with additional insight on one of our exclusive lines.

Join us on October 9th-11th for the Anne Barge Trunk Show with expert Jennifer Weinburg. The event is taking place inside Solutions Bridal Winter Park. Jennifer worked with McCaffrey Haute Couture for several years before moving over to Anne Barge Bridal. We are excited for the opportunity to have Jennifer in. Please give us a call to make your personal bridal appointment.
407.647.8666

(Picture: Left to Right: Tali, Amy, Rivini Armane Gown, Molllye, Indira, Alicia)

Real Wedding: Lindsey and Bryn

One of our Winter Park brides, Lindsey, just got married in June and we were so excited to receive this amazing video of the big day!

http://www.brettculp.com/clients/lindsey_bryn.htm

It is always fun to see all of the incredible details come together to create such a beautiful wedding. Lindsey chose the gorgeous Anne Barge gown pictured above during a trunk show earlier this year and she looked absolutely stunning! Be sure to make your appointment soon to come and see the brand new collection from Anne Barge at our Winter Park Store this weekend, October 9th-11th! To see more fantastic images of Lindsey and Bryn's wedding visit John Unrue's website at www.unruephoto.com

Photographs: John Unrue
Video: Brett Culp