Wednesday, February 24, 2010

It's Raining New Gowns in Gainesville!

We absolutely LOVE this time of year post-bridal market because we keep receiving FABULOUS gowns from our designers.
Today in particular knocked our socks off... we received a beautiful Jasmine Couture gown that brides keep calling us about!

This gown is perfect for the romantic bride, the beaded straps and bodice add jazz to the whimsical chiffon skirt.
Did I mention the va-va-voom low V back?

The first lucky bride that purchases this gown will get a special surprise!!
Curious aren't you?
Call the Gainesville salon today to schedule your appointment 352.367.0070

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Make Mine a Mimosa...

Breakfast in bed, spa treatments, photography session, AND a romantic dinner for 2 -um where can I sign up?

Wedding expert Susan Southerland, of Just Marry is hosting a fabulous Weekend Wedding Retreat! For $249 you and your fiance can enjoy a relaxing weekend at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress. You will start the morning off with breakfast in bed, informative workshops from planning your guest list, to budgeting, creating center pieces and of course honeymoon planing. But that's not all...my favorite part is you get to create a signature drink for your wedding! How fun!

For more information on Weekend Wedding Retreat call 407.239.3955

Just Marry will be here at the Winter Park Solutions for a fabulous Saturday Social!! They can give any advice on wedding planning and offer many packages worth checking out.


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Monday, February 22, 2010

what we call a "wow" reception....

Kelli was an adorable bride of ours with a vision for an amazing reception at the University Club of Jacksonville. The black colors with the amazing pops of color make this reception one the guests will never forget. The dress she is wearing is made by Jasmine and was customized for her to that beautiful sweetheart neckline you see in the pictures. We were thrilled to get these amazing pictures of a beautiful wedding. Enjoy!
-lb








Saturday, February 20, 2010

Counting down till her wedding...

This is one of my most cherished brides. She is a total sweetheart and I have gotten to know her mom as well, such a close precious family. Her wedding is a summertime wedding and her venue is the oldest house in St.Augustine. They are doing the horse drawn carriage and everything. Arin is such a sweetheart and one of those people you meet and felt like you have known for years. I can't wait to see her wedding pictures, but until then here is a great engagement session done by Lindsey Troph at Pure By Lindsey .
-lb







Stunning colors....

This beautiful bride is the perfect example of how bold colors can be used in a simple outdoor wedding. The pictures below are of Laura and her beautiful wedding shortly after thanksgiving with her family and close friends. The intimate outdoor setting was perfect for her flowy Watters dress and beautiful bold pinks, purples and blues.
Her pictures were done by the very creative Lindsey Tropf with Pure by Lindsey.
Enjoy!
-lb



Friday, February 19, 2010

Real Weddings

This is one of our fabulous brides, Whitney Carmichael, who shot her wedding with the awesome Kara Pennington. The wedding took place a view days after Christmas and was just darling. Here are a few shots we loved of her, she wore a Marisa gown and a NattyB necklace.





When brides look like models....

This is one of my brides, who happened to choose one of my favorite photographers to do her pre-wedding and wedding pictures. The wedding took place at the Cloister Sea Island Resort. The amazing photographer that I am speaking of is of course, La Dolce Vita Studios. I am always blown away by the duo, Melanie and Bradford Watson, who definitly rocked this shoot. (as usual)I can't wait to see their wedding album, they are truly a beautiful couple. The first shot here is of the venue, which is stunning! The rest are some of my favorite shots that were done around the resort.
-lb





Thursday, February 18, 2010

Looking for a new Bridal Consultant in Gainesville!

Interested in the wedding industry and bridal fashion? Do you have a sense of style? Most importantly, do you have an exuberant personality?! If the answers to these questions are yes then you would be a great candidate for a new Solutions Bridal consultant!


If you are interested in applying, please fax your resume to Marissa at 352-374-7293! Work hours are approximately 25-35 hours per week.

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Website Updates!

Be sure to check out some exciting updates to our website coming up soon! The fabulous Leslie Vega has been hard at work and we are so excited to show everyone the final product soon. Leslie is an amazing graphic designer, so for our vendors out there who need any help with their web sites, we would definitely recommend her. She also makes beautiful invitations, stationary, and business cards, so check out her web site!


Keep checking back soon for more details!

Monday, February 15, 2010

Solutions Bridal Meets America's Next Top Model Winner

Okay, so I have a slight America's Next Top Model obesssion... ( yes, I watch the marathons) so I was ecstatic to find out that season 10 winner - Whitney Thompson, would be doing a photo shoot wearing one of our very own!!!! How crazy is that???? Whitney, now a brunette bombshell, is wearing a gorgeous strapless champagne peau de soie ballgown by the talented designer Judd Waddell.






Wedding & Fashion Photographer- Scarlett Lillian
Stylist- Melanie Pace
Dress- Judd Waddell


For more fabulous pictures go to Scarlett Lillian's website

The Florida Bridal Expo

We would like to thank everyone who came out to the Florida Bridal Expo on January 31st! If you weren't able to make it, you missed a wonderful time! With over 50 vendors, brides and grooms from all over the North Central Florida area enjoyed wedding planning tips, cake tastings, honeymoon ideas, photography packages, and many other vendor treats! At the end of the expo, guests were able to view a fashion show featuring over 75 of Solutions Bridal's bridal, bridesmaid, and flower girl gowns! We hope to see all of our amazing vendors and guests at our next expo this September!

Photographs courtesy of Adore Events and Footstone Photography.

Tiers to you!

New Arrival at the Orlando store, "Tyler" by Watters & Watters has our brides mesmerized. Style Tyler, as I like to refer to her is a silk organza strapless fluted gown with tier layers.

Tyler can be dressed up with a satin ribbon with crystals to make the dress more formal or you can add a delicate flower sash designed by our own~ Kari Roy~ ( see bottom picture) Both give the dress the finishing touch!

Tyler is a perfect example how accessories can make a dress. If you would like to try on this gorgeous dress call now to make an appointment with one of our very own Bridal Stylists~407.647.8666

Saturday, February 13, 2010

Breaking News!!

We are so pleased to hear that JLM Couture just announced Lazaro as the new head designer of the Tara Keeley Collection! The company said that Perez Lazaro will still continue his duties as head designer of the upscale Lazaro collection while also designing for the company's mid-priced gown collection, Tara Keeley. Lazaro, pictured below, says that he is enthusiastic about the opportunity!
Although we don't currently carry Tara Keeley here at the Gainesville store, we are looking forward to market this upcoming Fall to see what the new collection has to offer!!

Friday, February 12, 2010

We had a little visitor today in the Gainesville store...



Stephanie Futch's Flowergirl, she was presh! :)
-lb

The Newest Bridal Stylist

Hello,

My name is Tanya Douglas, and I'm the newest stylist and bridal consultant here at Solutions Bridal. In joining the team, I bring a creative, designers' eye for style. I've recently graduated from the University of Florida with a degree in Landscape Architecture. I've painted for almost 14 years, and have worked in creative environments with clients and diverse design teams.

Upon coming into the shop, I would like to take a few minutes to talk and get to know you, and also to find out more about the type of wedding you are planning. This allows me to be able to choose a dress for you that fits your personality - something that you will feel great in on your wedding day. I'm happy to suggest any design changes that we can make to "a dress" to make it "The Dress". You may want to change the neckline, or you may want to add more beading or take beading away, and you might even want to consider shortening a dress to a "tea length". Accessories can also change the entire look and feel of your wedding ensemble. A different veil, hair piece, sash, or shoes can alter the character of a dress to fit your personality perfectly. There are so many options!

My favorite dress in the shop right now is a dress by Anne Barge. It's my favorite because it's a wedding gown with pockets! the pockets are part of the folds in the skirt and are formed with how the fabric is cut. It is unique, and it would even look great hemmed as a "tea length".

You can learn more about me and review my design portfolio at tanyaldouglas.com. If you go directly to tanyaldouglas.com/About, you can view my bibliography and some of my favorite personal photos.

I look forward to meeting you and helping choose "The Dress" for you. Come and see me at Solutions Bridal Designer House.

Tanya


Happy Valentine's Day!

{a special word from your photographer}

I am so fortunate to be in the business of capturing LOVE on film. From the silly moments and glances that a couple in love shares to the love that a woman and man share for their children. It is my life mission to not only love but to capture personal love stories.

Eight years back when I was first discovering my love and passion for photography while in Seattle, I attended what I thought was a silly corporate seminar. The message that was unveiled at the end of the two day seminar was that in life one should "LOVE, LEARN & LEAVE a LEGACY!"

Photography has been a LOVE for me because it has provided a haven for me to explore and take witness to moments that I may have overlooked. When searching for the perfect images through my lens, I feel really alive. My heart slows down as my eyes explore and take in all the visuals. When I have my camera in hand, I feel as though I am truly living in the moment. My LOVE of photography has guided me and my amazing clients constantly push me to see differently, explore the ordinary, and see the extraordinary!

I am so grateful to my many life teachers. From those who guide me everyday to those who have helped me to unleash my creative potential through their teachings. I enjoy photography so much because every day I am LEARNING. One can never know it all in this industry. Technology is constantly changing and pushing me to new heights with my art. In honor of those how have taught me, it is my goal this year to give back and teach those who are seeking to LEARN. Seminars will be launched in the second part of 2010.

Photography is my way to leave a LEGACY for many generations to share. An image can last forever. Generations upon generations will cherish their family history. There is nothing sweeter than when a client comes back several years later and tells me what it meant to them when their son or daughter was old enough to enjoy their wedding images.

I hope that you too can find a unique way to share with the world your amazing talents. It is my Valentine's Day wish that you too choose to LOVE, LEARN, & LEAVE a LEGACY.

Happy Valentine's Day - XOXO

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Mikaella Bridal Showcase

Come preview the latest designs by Mikaella and find your dream gown at the Gainesville location on February 19th - 21st!!

Enjoy cocktails and helpful tips from local vendors including The Flower Pot Bakery!

Appointments are recommended and will receive a special discount at the event!

Pictured above:
Wedding Gowns by Mikaella
Flowers and Cake by The Perfect Wedding Guide

Dream Designs

Danielle Evans from Dream Designs will be joining us at the Winter Park Salon for another fabulous Saturday Social. With over 20 years in the floral business, Danielle can help you create your dream wedding. One of Danielle's weddings was just featured in the spring issue of Central Florida Bride.

Dream Designs is an actual storefront that carries distinctive casual and fun Bridal apparel. From personalized attendants gifts, flower girl baskets, ring pillows, guest books, wedding albums, and wedding favors you will be impressed with the variety and quality of their offerings.

Whether you are searching for unique bridesmaids gifts, groomsmen gifts or even a gift for yourself, make sure to stop by this Saturday to see all of her work. Or you can contact Danielle yourself to schedule a consultation~

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Real Wedding: Nancy & Anthony


First look! Recently at the Kanapaha
Botanical Gardens in Gainesville Florida Nancy & Anthony tied the knot!
Nancy looked beautiful in her beaded and embroidered Jasmine Couture Gown.
The scalloped detail on her veil complemented perfectly to the edge of the dress.

Pictures courtesy of: Verve Studio






Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Real Wedding: Brittany & Tony

This lovely couple tied the knot December 12th at the Rosen Shingle Creek Hotel. Brittany's dream wedding all began with one stop into Solutions Bridal. Finding her Stunning Marisa silk satin dress with her Mother and her bridesmaid dresses all in one place was such a relief.



From veil, to shoes and dress, Brittany looked Stunning!






I could not just pick one picture from their wedding, they all were so great so I made a collage for Brittany & Tony.

Venue- Rosen Shingle Creek Hotel
Dress, Veil & Shoes- Solutions Bridal
Flowers- Petals by Design
Invitations-Jean M.
Cake- Party Flavors
Hair- Megan Nuciforo
Make Up- Maria Merchan



Congratulations Brittany & Tony Rodgers!!!

Top 10 Advice on finding the DRESS!

  • Number One Rule: Be open minded! What you think reminds you of your grandmother's dress on the hanger, may in fact be the dress of your dreams.
  • Bring someone that knows your style better than their own. I'm sure the groom doesn't want to see you in something that your bestfriend would wear on her wedding day
  • DON'T PURCHASE YOUR DRESS ONLINE! You miss out on the whole experience.
  • Don't worry what the groom will think. If he loves you, he will love what you pick.
  • Have fun! Remember that you have been dreaming of this day since you were five. Don't let the decision put a cloud over your head
  • If you hate the little bow on the dress, ask the consultant if you can order it without.it. Chances are you can. Keep in mind (contrary to what the magazines always say) there might be a charge for it. It won't lower the cost of the dress.
  • Price vs. Love: If you love the dress, GO FOR IT! Don't settle for less on what your wearing for your big day. You can always take some of the budget from the centerpieces and so on. No one will know and we won't tell.
  • Research designers online and make a scrap book of styles that you like. Do keep in mind, that it may all change when you start trying on.
  • Save the group shopping for the mall. This should be a personal experience that you should only share with one or two.
  • When you find it, you find it. Don't second guess yourself or you will pick your second favorite.